bookmaker en français
bookmaker en français

By BEN FINLEY The Christmas tradition has become nearly global in scope: Children from around the world track Santa Claus as he sweeps across the earth, delivering presents and defying time. Related Articles National News | Heavy travel day off to a rough start after American Airlines briefly grounds all flights National News | Prosecutors withdraw appeal of dismissed case against Alec Baldwin in fatal movie set shooting National News | Today in History: December 24, former defense secretary pardoned in Iran-Contra scandal National News | NJ pharmaceutical exec in $38M stock scam: DoJ National News | Aaron Rodgers dating someone named Brittani Each year, at least 100,000 kids call into the North American Aerospace Defense Command to inquire about Santa’s location. Millions more follow online in nine languages , from English to Japanese. On any other night, NORAD is scanning the heavens for potential threats , such as last year’s Chinese spy balloon . But on Christmas Eve, volunteers in Colorado Springs are fielding questions like, “When is Santa coming to my house?” and, “Am I on the naughty or nice list?” “There are screams and giggles and laughter,” said Bob Sommers, 63, a civilian contractor and NORAD volunteer. Sommers often says on the call that everyone must be asleep before Santa arrives, prompting parents to say, “Do you hear what he said? We got to go to bed early.” NORAD’s annual tracking of Santa has endured since the Cold War , predating ugly sweater parties and Mariah Carey classics . The tradition continues regardless of government shutdowns, such as the one in 2018 , and this year . Here’s how it began and why the phones keep ringing. It started with a child’s accidental phone call in 1955. The Colorado Springs newspaper printed a Sears advertisement that encouraged children to call Santa, listing a phone number. A boy called. But he reached the Continental Air Defense Command, now NORAD, a joint U.S. and Canadian effort to spot potential enemy attacks. Tensions were growing with the Soviet Union, along with anxieties about nuclear war. Air Force Col. Harry W. Shoup picked up an emergency-only “red phone” and was greeted by a tiny voice that began to recite a Christmas wish list. “He went on a little bit, and he takes a breath, then says, ‘Hey, you’re not Santa,’” Shoup told The Associated Press in 1999. Realizing an explanation would be lost on the youngster, Shoup summoned a deep, jolly voice and replied, “Ho, ho, ho! Yes, I am Santa Claus. Have you been a good boy?” Shoup said he learned from the boy’s mother that Sears mistakenly printed the top-secret number. He hung up, but the phone soon rang again with a young girl reciting her Christmas list. Fifty calls a day followed, he said. In the pre-digital age, the agency used a 60-by-80 foot (18-by-24 meter) plexiglass map of North America to track unidentified objects. A staff member jokingly drew Santa and his sleigh over the North Pole. The tradition was born. “Note to the kiddies,” began an AP story from Colorado Springs on Dec. 23, 1955. “Santa Claus Friday was assured safe passage into the United States by the Continental Air Defense Command.” In a likely reference to the Soviets, the article noted that Santa was guarded against possible attack from “those who do not believe in Christmas.” Some grinchy journalists have nitpicked Shoup’s story, questioning whether a misprint or a misdial prompted the boy’s call. In 2014, tech news site Gizmodo cited an International News Service story from Dec. 1, 1955, about a child’s call to Shoup. Published in the Pasadena Independent, the article said the child reversed two digits in the Sears number. “When a childish voice asked COC commander Col. Harry Shoup, if there was a Santa Claus at the North Pole, he answered much more roughly than he should — considering the season: ‘There may be a guy called Santa Claus at the North Pole, but he’s not the one I worry about coming from that direction,’” Shoup said in the brief piece. In 2015, The Atlantic magazine doubted the flood of calls to the secret line, while noting that Shoup had a flair for public relations. Phone calls aside, Shoup was indeed media savvy. In 1986, he told the Scripps Howard News Service that he recognized an opportunity when a staff member drew Santa on the glass map in 1955. A lieutenant colonel promised to have it erased. But Shoup said, “You leave it right there,” and summoned public affairs. Shoup wanted to boost morale for the troops and public alike. “Why, it made the military look good — like we’re not all a bunch of snobs who don’t care about Santa Claus,” he said. Shoup died in 2009. His children told the StoryCorps podcast in 2014 that it was a misprinted Sears ad that prompted the phone calls. “And later in life he got letters from all over the world,” said Terri Van Keuren, a daughter. “People saying ‘Thank you, Colonel, for having, you know, this sense of humor.’” NORAD’s tradition is one of the few modern additions to the centuries-old Santa story that have endured, according to Gerry Bowler, a Canadian historian who spoke to the AP in 2010. Ad campaigns or movies try to “kidnap” Santa for commercial purposes, said Bowler, who wrote “Santa Claus: A Biography.” NORAD, by contrast, takes an essential element of Santa’s story and views it through a technological lens. In a recent interview with the AP, Air Force Lt. Gen. Case Cunningham explained that NORAD radars in Alaska and Canada —- known as the northern warning system — are the first to detect Santa. He leaves the North Pole and typically heads for the international dateline in the Pacific Ocean. From there he moves west, following the night. “That’s when the satellite systems we use to track and identify targets of interest every single day start to kick in,” Cunningham said. “A probably little-known fact is that Rudolph’s nose that glows red emanates a lot of heat. And so those satellites track (Santa) through that heat source.” NORAD has an app and website, www.noradsanta.org , that will track Santa on Christmas Eve from 4 a.m. to midnight, mountain standard time. People can call 1-877-HI-NORAD to ask live operators about Santa’s location from 6 a.m. to midnight, mountain time.AP Trending SummaryBrief at 2:21 p.m. EST
Best I can tell, he’s staying put. For 2025, and maybe beyond. To his angry fan base and incredulous pockets of the New England Patriots’ media corps, remember Mayo’s future doesn’t hinge on winning this season. It’s not about what you want, or what I think. It’s about the Krafts, who hand-picked Mayo to succeed Bill Belichick four and a half years before he actually did, believing in him, and finding reasons to maintain that belief. In the eyes of someone who wants to believe, Sunday supplied enough reason. The Patriots led at halftime, then lost by three as 14-point underdogs. They became the first team since mid-October to hold the Bills under 30 points. Drake Maye outplayed the next MVP of the league for most of the game and took another step toward his destiny as a franchise quarterback, If that sounds like a low bar, that’s because it is. Such is life in Year 1 of a rebuild, a multi-year process ownership has committed to seeing through to the end with their organizational pillars now in place: Mayo, Maye and de facto GM Eliot Wolf. As frustrating as this 3-12 campaign has been, there are always nuggets of optimism amid the rubble of a losing season; particularly if you want to find them. The Krafts do, and so does Maye, who loves his head coach, by the way; calling questions about Mayo’s job security “BS.” “We’ve got his back,” Maye said post-game. Maye’s voice matters. Certainly more than any number of fans or media members. Ever since media-fueled speculation that Mayo could get canned at the end of his first season began rising, the caveat has always been the same: if, a Gillette Stadium-sized “if,” the Patriots bomb atomically down the stretch, ownership could pull the plug on Mayo. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport became the latest to join that chorus Sunday with this pregame report: “The Krafts want to keep Jerod Mayo,” he said. “They believe he is the leader for the organization for the future, and they knew it would be a multi-year process to get this thing right. Now if things go off the rails, if they really start to struggle and he loses the locker room the last couple games of the season, we’ve seen this thing turn. “But as of now, the Patriots believe Jerod Mayo is their leader for the future.” Well, Mayo hasn’t lost the locker room. That’s a fact. Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Feed | SoundStack | All Of Our Podcasts To a man, both in public and from those I’ve spoken to in private, Patriots players believe in their head coach. Mayo might be a players’ coach, yes, in the best and worst senses. But the Patriots were a few plays away Sunday from pulling off their largest upset since Super Bowl XXXVI. “I think we’re building something good,” Maye said. The Patriots also played their best half of football this season against their toughest opponent yet. Another fact. Now, to the frustrated, I am with you. To the shocked, I understand. But to the trigger-happy, lay down your arms. Mayo, by all accounts, is returning in 2025. Alex Van Pelt, however, is another story. In the same vein that the Krafts could have viewed Sunday’s performance as a reason to save Mayo — despite his pathetic punt at midfield, down 10 with just eight and a half minutes left — they could have convinced themselves their offensive coordinator is the real problem. After all, team president Jonathan Kraft was visibly exasperated over Van Pelt’s play-calling during the Pats’ loss at Arizona a week earlier. Four days later, Van Pelt told reporters he had yet to hear from his boss. Well, that time may be coming. Trailing by three in the fourth quarter Sunday, Van Pelt called a pass that resulted in an unnecessary lateral and game-winning touchdown for Buffalo. His offense later operated like it was taking a Sunday drive with the game on the line, using up 3:16 of the final 4:19 en route to its final touchdown. Van Pelt, finally, weaponized Maye’s legs in critical situations, something that arguably should have been done weeks ago. Not to mention, Van Pelt’s top running back can’t stop fumbling, and the offensive line remains a hot mess. Call him Alex Van Fall Guy. Because Van Pelt’s offense, for the first time in a while, under-performed relative to Mayo’s defense. On merit, he deserves to stay; a case that’s harder to make for defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington. But it’s not about merit this season. It’s not about what you want. It’s not about what I think. It’s about the Krafts; what they see, what they want, what they believe. Even in defeat. ____NASHVILLE, Tenn (AP) — Nico Iamaleava threw for 257 yards and four touchdowns rallying No. 7 Tennessee from a 14-point deficit within the first five minutes to rout in-state rival Vanderbilt 36-23 Saturday. “Man, it couldn't have started any worse,” Tennessee coach Josh Heupel told his Vols postgame . “And you know what? Competitive composure ... You just kept coming. That's what elite people, champions do. You just keep coming.” The Volunteers (10-2, 6-2 Southeastern Conference; No. 8 CFP) needed a big victory to impress the College Football Playoff committee enough to earn a home playoff game in December. They beat Vanderbilt (6-6, 3-5) for a sixth straight season leaving the Commodores needing to win their bowl game to post their first winning record since 2013. Better yet, the Vols rebounded from a nightmare start giving up the first 14 points by scoring 29 straight points. They led 24-17 at halftime on Iamaleava's first three TD passes. “Once they took the momentum, we kind of allowed them to have it for the rest of the game," Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea said. "And you got to credit Tennessee. I mean, obviously, they were playing for the playoffs and credit coach Heupel and his team for their winning performance.” Junior Sherrill returned the opening kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown for Vanderbilt to stun a mostly orange crowd. Dylan Sampson fumbled on the Vols’ second play from scrimmage, and Sedrick Alexanader's 4-yard TD run on a 26-yard drive put Vandy up 14-0 quickly. Then Iamaleava got Tennessee going with a 28-yard TD pass to Dont’e Thornton Jr. Tennessee got a break when Max Gilbert's 50-yard field goal bounced off the crossbar and over. Iamaleava found Thornton again on an 86-yard catch-and-run TD, then he tossed an 18-yard TD pass to Miles Kitselman just before halftime. Iamaleava capped the opening drive of the third quarter hitting Mike Matthews with a 14-yard TD pass for a 31-17 lead. The Vols added a safety by Tyre West and another Gilbert field goal. Diego Pavia threw a 31-yard TD pass to Richie Hoskins late with Vandy's 2-point conversion failing for the final margin. Tennessee didn't make a good early impression with yet another slow start. The Vols need to hope for some help to have a chance at moving up a spot or two . The big question is whether the Vols get to host a playoff game in December at Neyland Stadium where they went undefeated this season. Tennessee put together TD drives of 91 and 96 yards in the first half alone. The Vols then beat Vandy at its own game of keepaway after not even managing 10 minutes of possession in the first half. They finished with the edge in that stat outgaining Vandy 538-212. Vanderbilt had some of the best offensive success against Tennessee of any opponent this season. The Commodores had 114 yards rushing and 17 points by halftime against a defense that came in ranked sixth nationally allowing just 98.8 yards a game. The Vols had been fourth in the country giving up just 13.1 points a game having held 10 of 11 opponents under 20 points this season. But Lea said the Commodores ran just 11 plays to Tennessee's 44 after halftime. The Tennessee running back, who set the program record with 22 rushing TDs this season, didn't reach the end zone for the first time this season. Sampson finished with 178 yards rushing to reach 1,485 yards for the season, topping the school mark of 1,464 set by Travis Stephens in 2001. Tennessee waits to hear its spot in the CFP field, while Vanderbilt learns its bowl destination Dec. 8. 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-football.We’ve got our Chelsea back – Enzo Maresca loving chants from fans after win
Donald Trump has more than a month and a half to go before he's sworn in for a second term. But the Republican president-elect is already moving aggressively not just to fill his Cabinet and outline policy goals, but to achieve those priorities . Trump has threatened to impose a 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico, prompting emergency calls and a visit from Canada's prime minister that resulted in what Trump claimed were commitments from both U.S. allies on new border security measures. The incoming president has warned there will be “ALL HELL TO PAY" if, before his inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025, Hamas does not release the hostages being held in Gaza . He has threatened to block the purchase of U.S. Steel by a Japanese company, warning "Buyer Beware!!!” And this weekend, Trump was returning to the global stage, joining a host of other foreign leaders for the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral five years after it was ravaged by a fire. On Saturday, he met with French President Emmanuel Macron — joined at the last minute by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy — and had plans to see Britain's Prince William also in Paris. Absent in Paris: lame duck President Joe Biden, who has largely disappeared from headlines, except when he issued a pardon of his son , Hunter, who was facing sentencing for gun crimes and tax evasion. First lady Jill Biden is attending in his place. “I think you have seen more happen in the last two weeks than you’ve seen in the last four years. And we’re not even there yet,” Trump said in an over-the-top boast at an awards ceremony Thursday night . For all of Trump's bold talk, though, it is unclear how many of his efforts will bear fruit. The pre-inauguration threats and deal-making are highly unusual, like so much of what Trump does, said Julian Zelizer, a political historian at Princeton University. “Transitions are always a little complicated in this way. Even though we talk about one president at a time," he said, “the reality is one president plus. And that plus can act assertively sometimes." Zelizer said that is particularly true of Trump, who was president previously and already has relationships with many foreign leaders such as Macron, who invited both Trump and Biden to Paris this weekend as part of the Notre Dame celebration. “Right now he’s sort of governing even though he’s not the president yet. He’s having these public meetings with foreign leaders, which aren't simply introductions. He's staking out policy and negotiating things from drug trafficking to tariffs," Zelizer said. Trump already has met with several foreign leaders, in addition to a long list of calls. He hosted Argentinian President Javier Milei in Florida at his Mar-a-Lago club in November. After the tariff threat, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a pilgrimage to Mar-a-Lago for a three-hour dinner meeting. Canadian officials later said the country is ready to make new investments in border security, with plans for more helicopters, drones and law enforcement officers. Last Sunday, Trump dined with Sara Netanyahu, wife of the Israeli prime minister. Incoming Trump aides have also been meeting with their future foreign counterparts. On Wednesday, several members of Trump's team, including incoming national security adviser Mike Waltz, met with Andriy Yermak, a top aide to Zelenskyy, in Washington, as Ukraine tries to win support for its ongoing efforts to defend itself from Russian invasion, according to a person familiar with the meeting. Yermak also met with Trump officials in Florida, he wrote on X . That comes after Trump's incoming Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, traveled to Qatar and Israel for high-level talks about a cease-fire and hostage deal in Gaza, according to a U.S familiar with the efforts, meeting with the prime ministers of both countries. There is no prohibition on incoming officials or nominees meeting with foreign officials, and it is common and fine for them to do so — unless those meetings are designed to subvert or otherwise impact current U.S. policy. Trump aides were said to be especially cognizant of potential conflicts given their experience in 2016, when interactions between Trump allies and Russian officials came under scrutiny. That included a phone call in which Trump's incoming national security adviser, Michael Flynn, discussed new sanctions with Russia’s ambassador to the United States, suggesting things would improve after Trump became president. Flynn was later charged with lying to the FBI about the conversation. Trump’s incoming press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that, “All transition officials have followed applicable laws in their interactions with foreign nationals.” She added: “World leaders recognize that President Trump is returning to power and will lead with strength to put the best interests of the United States of America first again. That is why many foreign leaders and officials have reached out to correspond with President Trump and his incoming team.” Such efforts can nonetheless cause complications. If, say, Biden is having productive conversations on a thorny foreign policy issue and Trump weighs in, that could make it harder for Biden “because people are hearing two different voices” that may be in conflict, Zelizer said. Leaders like Russia's Vladimir Putin and Netanyahu may also anticipate a more favorable incoming administration and wait Biden out, hoping for more a better deal. It also remains unclear how extensively the Biden administration has been kept apprised of Trump transition efforts. Although there is no requirement that an incoming administration coordinate calls and meetings with foreign officials with the State Department or National Security Council, that has long been considered standard practice. That is, in part, because transition teams, particularly in their early days and weeks, do not always have the latest information about the state of relations with foreign nations and may not have the resources, including interpretation and logistical ability, to handle such meetings efficiently. Still, the Biden and Trump teams have been talking, particularly on the Middle East, with the incoming and outgoing administrations having agreed to work together on efforts to free hostages who remain in held in Gaza, according to a U.S. official, who, like others, was not authorized to comment publicly about the sensitive talks and spoke on condition of anonymity. That includes conversations between Witkoff and Biden’s foreign policy team as well as Waltz and Biden national security adviser Jake Sullivan. Last month, Biden administration officials said they had kept Trump’s team closely apprised of efforts to broker a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hezbollah on the Israel-Lebanon border. “I just want to be clear to all of our adversaries, they can’t play the incoming Trump administration off of the Biden administration. I’m regularly talking to the Biden people. And so, this is not a moment of opportunity or wedges for them," Waltz said Friday in a Fox Business interview. But when it comes to immigration, Biden administration officials haven’t been entirely in the loop on discussions around how to execute on Trump’s pledge to deport millions of migrants, according to four administration officials with knowledge of the transition who spoke on condition of anonymity. That’s not terribly surprising given how differently the teams view migration. Trump’s team, meanwhile, is already claiming credit for everything from gains in the stock and cryptocurrency markets to a decision by Walmart to roll back diversity, equity and inclusion policies Trump opposes. “Promises Kept — And President Trump Hasn’t Even Been Inaugurated Yet,” read one press release that claimed, in part, that both Canada and Mexico have already pledged "immediate action” to help “stem the flow of illegal immigration, human trafficking, and deadly drugs entering the United States." Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has stopped short of saying Trump mischaracterized their call in late November. But she said Friday that Trump “has his own way of communicating, like when we had the phone call and he wrote that we were going to close the border. That was never talked about in the phone call.” Earlier this week, Mexico carried out what it claimed was its largest seizure of fentanyl pills ever. Seizures over the summer had been as little as 50 grams per week, and after the Trump call, they seized more than a ton. Security analyst David Saucedo said that "under the pressure by Donald Trump, it appears President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration is willing to increase the capture of drug traffickers and drug seizures that Washington is demanding.” Biden, too, tried to take credit for the seizure in a statement Friday night. ___ Associated Press writers Matthew Lee, Aamer Madhani, Colleen Long and Ellen Knickmeyer in Washington and Mark Stevenson in Mexico City contributed to this report.Al Jazeera Media Institute to hold AI conference in Jan
Gregory L. Coleman: Ravens 35 - Eagles 32 The Ravens and Eagles will have a high-scoring affair ending in a 35-32 win for Baltimore. Derrick Henry will continue getting the rock, building off the momentum from Monday night. Lamar Jackson and Jalen Hurts will utilize their weapons to put on a show. Prediction Record: 3-1 DJ Harding: Ravens 28 - Eagles 24 In a battle of MVP and OPOY candidates, I believe this is the game of the week that will showcase the two best rushing attacks in the league. Baltimore should win this, given Lamar's record against NFC teams and Henry having to play catch-up in the bout for the rushing title. Prediction Record: 6-3 Christian Marshall: Ravens 31 - Eagles 28 It'll definitely be a high-scoring affair with two explosive offenses battling. The Ravens' defense has looked its best the last three weeks, and I feel like they can force a pivotal turnover to give the Ravens the win. Prediction Record: 5-4 Bryce Parker: Ravens 31 - Eagles 28 With Brandon Graham out for the year, the biggest question is whether the Eagles' D-line will step up and stop the run. I think, eventually, the answer is no. We will see a great ground game from both teams, but it will be a close matchup, with Baltimore on top. Super Bowl preview? Prediction Record: 3-3 Kyle Alexander: Ravens 38 - Eagles 30 In a matchup of two offensive titans, the defense will be the crucial X-factor. Both teams boast the best rushing attacks in football and deadly passing attacks that keep defenses on their toes. Both teams have top-five run defenses, but the Eagles lost Brandon Graham for the year due to injury. Even with Baltimore and Philadelphia matching up almost evenly across the board, the Eagles have only beaten three .500+ teams all season, compared to Baltimore's five. The Ravens will get a more-needed victory as MVP Jackson will guide them to victory. Both sides face their toughest test yet. Prediction Record: 6-3After 23 races, Formula 1 has reached the season finale in Abu Dhabi. The constructors' championship has gone down to the wire, with the outcome of Sunday's grand prix set to crown either McLaren or Ferrari as the winners who will take away an estimated $140 million (£106m) in prize money. The weekend will see an emotional finale for Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes before his move to Ferrari for 2025. Similarly, Carlos Sainz will celebrate his last race with Ferrari before he joins Williams in 2025. Esteban Ocon unknowingly took part in his last race for Alpine in Qatar as he is replaced by rookie Jack Doohan this weekend. Finally, a handful of drivers are departing F1 at the end of the season, including Kevin Magnussen at Haas, Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu at Sauber, while that Sergio Pérez will leave Red Bull at the end of the season. The forecast at Yas Marina is set to be hot and settled with high temperatures of 29°C and lows of 16°C. Who will win the constructors championship? As current leaders of the championship by 21 points, With a maximum of 44 points on offer on Sunday (first, second and fastest lap), for Ferrari to win the title they must take a race one-two and hope McLaren either fail to score or finish with at least one car sixth or below. Latest news Pérez is at the end of the 2024 season, sources have told ESPN. F1 could expand to 12 teams now that has been accepted to join the grid from 2026, according to the FIA president. Alpine's Ocon has been for Abu Dhabi. Ocon insisted Hamilton's struggles at Mercedes are not giving his , according to team boss Fred Vasseur. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has told drivers to after they asked where money from race fines was going and why senior figures had left the governing body. Circuit stats and history In 2006, Yas Island, next to the city of Abu Dhabi, was developed from a blank canvas, with the ambition of having a racing circuit firmly on the roadmap. Three years later, at a reported cost of $1.32 billion, Yas Marina Circuit joined the F1 calendar and has hosted grands prix every year since. The circuit has hosted more season finales than any other in F1 history, with tense championship showdowns in 2010, 2014, 2016 and 2021, and it is contracted to continue as the final race until 2030. 58 laps of 5.2km. Total distance 306km. 1:26.103, Verstappen (2021) Hamilton with six (2011, 2014, 2016, 2018-2019). Of the current grid, Valtteri Bottas (2017), and Verstappen (2020-2023) have won here. Hamilton with five (2009, 2012, 2016, 2018-2019). Of the current grid, Bottas (2017), and Verstappen (2020-2023) have taken pole here. What happened last year? Verstappen secured his at the season finale, capping the most dominant season by any driver in the sport's history. George Russell finished runner-up with Charles Leclerc rounding off the podium as Mercedes kept Ferrari three points at bay to secure second place in the constructors' championship. Who's going to win? Strange things happen at the final race of a season when a title is on the line, and cases could be made for McLaren, Ferrari, Red Bull or Mercedes coming out victorious in Abu Dhabi. Although Red Bull and Mercedes have shared victories at the last three races, their performances from session to session have been sporadic, whereas Ferrari and McLaren have been more stable and have cars that should be better suited to the Yas Marina layout. However, the pressure of the title fight for Ferrari and McLaren could lead to mistakes, meaning Verstappen is our pick to take advantage of the tension in the constructors' championship and secure his tenth victory of his championship-winning season. How to watch the GP Watch on ESPNEWS and (U.S. only) -- view the schedule. Live broadcast coverage in the U.K. is on Sky Sports F1 and BBC Radio 5 Live. For news, analysis and updates, with Nate Saunders and Laurence Edmondson at Yas Marina and on social media. Free practice one: 09:30-10:30 GMT Free practice two: 13:00-14:00 GMT Free practice three: 10:30-11:30 GMT Qualifying: 14:00-15:00 GMT Race starts: 13:00 GMT.
TYSONS, Va. , Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Permuta Technologies proudly celebrates its 25th anniversary, a milestone that underscores its continued commitment to delivering mission-critical technology solutions for defense, government, and public sector organizations. Since 1999, Permuta has been at the forefront of technological innovation, providing tools that empower agencies to enhance operational readiness, streamline processes, and drive mission success. Over the past quarter-century, Permuta has earned the trust of organizations such as the U.S. Department of Defense, federal agencies, and military branches. By continuously evolving to meet the needs of modern government operations, Permuta has introduced advanced solutions like DefenseReady Cloud , with integrated AI capabilities to support the ever-growing demand for operational excellence and readiness in dynamic environments. Reflecting on this achievement, Permuta CEO Sig Behrens shared his thoughts on the company's journey and future vision: "As we celebrate 25 years of service, we take immense pride in the impact Permuta has made on the defense and government sectors," said Behrens. "Our longevity is a testament to our team's dedication and ability to consistently deliver innovative solutions that address the unique challenges our customers face. The embrace of cloud and AI technology has been pivotal in ensuring our software stays ahead of the curve, allowing us to provide solutions that enhance national security and competitiveness. Our commitment to delivering the right resources to the right place at the right time remains unwavering, making our nation stronger and more resilient." Permuta continues to deliver solutions that improve decision-making, automate operations, and drive readiness for modern military operations. The 25th-anniversary celebrations will include community outreach initiatives, customer engagement events, and employee recognition programs to honor those who have contributed to the company's success. About Permuta Technologies Permuta Technologies is a leading provider of cloud-based and AI-enhanced software solutions for defense, government, and public sector organizations. Known for its flagship product, Defense Ready , Permuta equips agencies with the tools needed to enhance operational efficiency, readiness, and mission success. With a focus on technological innovation and customer excellence, Permuta remains at the forefront of delivering impactful solutions to those who serve. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/permuta-technologies-marks-25-years-of-innovation-in-government-and-defense-technology-solutions-302338608.html SOURCE Permuta Technologies, Inc.High school scores for Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024
CARROLLTON, Ga. (AP) — Shelton Williams-Dryden had 19 points in West Georgia's 78-73 win against Tennessee Tech on Saturday. Williams-Dryden also contributed six assists for the Wolves (1-10). Malcolm Noel scored 13 points while shooting 4 for 6 (2 for 3 from 3-point range) and 3 of 4 from the free-throw line and added five assists. Rickey Ballard shot 5 for 11, including 2 for 8 from beyond the arc to finish with 12 points. The Wolves broke a 10-game losing streak. Rodney Johnson Jr. finished with 17 points and seven rebounds for the Golden Eagles (4-6). Mekhi Cameron added 15 points and three steals for Tennessee Tech. Jaylon Johnson also had 12 points, six assists and two steals. NEXT UP Both teams play again on Tuesday. West Georgia visits Charlotte and Tennessee Tech travels to play Western Illinois. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP) — Kosovo’s main ethnic Serb party on Tuesday said its ban from the upcoming general election is “institutional and political violence” against the ethnic minority. Zlatan Elek of Srpska Lista, or Serb List, said the move was “done on the orders of Albin in order to gain some easy political points,” adding they would appeal the decision. Elek was referring to Kosovo’s prime minister, Albin Kurti. The Central Election Commission declined to certify Srpska Lista, justifying the move by pointing to its nationalist stance and close ties to Serbia. The Srspka Lista party has nine out of the 10 lawmakers the ethnic Serb minority currently has in the 120-seat parliament. Kosovo holds a parliamentary election on Feb. 9 , which is expected to be a key test for Kurti, whose governing party won in a landslide in 2021. European Union-facilitated negotiations to normalize ties with neighboring Serbia are a top priority for any Cabinet in power after the polls. Western powers also expressed concern about the move, fearing it may further aggravate the already tense ties between Kosovo and Serbia. Kosovo was a Serbian province until a war broke out between Serbian government forces and ethnic Albanian separatists in Kosovo, which left about 11,400 dead, mainly ethnic Albanians. NATO’s 78-day bombing campaign in 1999 ended the war and pushed Serbian forces out. Kosovo proclaimed independence in 2008, which Serbia doesn’t recognize. Belgrade still considers Kosovo as its province and has a major influence on the ethnic Serb minority living there. Serb President Aleksandar Vučić criticized the move to ban the party, saying “Kurti is trying to root out the Serb people from (our) southern province.” Kurti considers the Srpska Lista as the “political branch of Milan Radoicic and of Serb state terrorism.” Radoicic, a politician and wealthy businessman with ties to Serbia’s ruling populist party and Vučić, was among 45 people charged in Kosovo in connection with a gunfight last year in which a Kosovar police officer was killed following an incursion by heavily armed Serb gunmen. He is free and under investigation in Serbia, which refuses to extradite him to Kosovo. The prime minister accused the Serb party of being behind all the incidents in the four northern municipalities, where most of the ethnic Serb minority lives. “Srpska Lista unfortunately represents Serbia's widest and the highest level of intervention into Kosovo’s internal affairs and in our democratic elections,” he said at a news conference. Kurti accused Belgrade of being behind two terrorist groups on their “planning, financing and offering logistics” to commit terror attacks in Kosovo. Vučić has planned other attacks in Kosovo during the new year festivities and Orthodox Christmas to deflect attention from the “internal tensions in Serbia, the continuous opposing protests ,” according to Kurti. Semini reported from Tirana, Albania. Follow Llazar Semini at https://x.com/lseminiPORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Suspected gang members opened fire on journalists in Haiti's capital on Tuesday as they covered the attempted reopening of the country's largest hospital, according to a local radio station. Radio Télé Métronome said seven journalists and two police officers were wounded. Police did not immediately respond to calls. have taken over much of Port-au-Prince. They forced the closure of the General Hospital early this year during violence that also targeted the main international airport and Haiti’s two largest prisons. Authorities had pledged to reopen the facility Tuesday. But as journalists gathered to cover the event, suspected gang members opened fire. Video posted online showed reporters inside the building and at least three lying on the floor, apparently wounded. The video could not be immediately verified. Johnson “Izo” André, a local gang leader and part of a gang coalition known as Viv Ansanm that has taken control of much of , posted a video on social media claiming responsibility for the attack. The video said the gang coalition had not authorized the hospital's reopening. Former visited the Hospital of the State University of Haiti, more widely known as the General Hospital, in July after authorities regained control of it from gangs. The hospital had been left ravaged and strewn with debris. Walls and nearby buildings were riddled with bullet holes, signaling fights between police and gangs. The hospital is across the street from the national palace, the scene of several battles in recent months. . Gangs have been looting, burning and destroying medical institutions and pharmacies in the capital. The health system faces additional challenges from the rainy season, which is likely to worsen conditions and increase the risk of water-borne diseases. Poor hygiene conditions in camps and makeshift settlements have heightened the risk of diseases like cholera. ___ Follow AP’s coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at Evens Sanon, The Associated Press
Drexel beats Pennsylvania 60-47
Which women’s snow pants are best? Snow pants are highly technical pieces of apparel. They’re designed more for practical outdoor use than they are for earning style points. For those who like to get out and about in the winter season, you’ll need a quality pair to keep you warm. They use waterproof exteriors along with insulated interiors to protect your legs from wet snow and cool temperatures. The best pair is the THE NORTH FACE Sally Pants . Their thick exterior protects you from the wind and snow and their DryVent ventilation system releases excess body heat. What to know before you buy women’s snow pants There are three types of snow pants . The most common type resembles your everyday pair of pants. Aside from the technical materials, the main difference is that they have a looser fit than normal pants. Snow pants are ideal for maximum mobility when skiing or snowboarding. Some bibs resemble overalls. They have an upper body portion connected to the pants and use straps to go over the shoulders. This gives you more protection from the elements, but it slightly restricts your movement. Then there are one-piece snowsuits, which have a coat and pants in a single slip-on piece. The best material used to make snow pants is polyester. It’s durable, water-resistant and inexpensive. Polyester is the material that makes up the bulk of a pair of snow pants. Many manufacturers will add nylon for even more long-term strength. There’s also elastic, which is used in ankle gaiters and some waistbands. Gore-Tex is another material used in many outdoor products like snow pants because it’s completely water-resistant. Snow pants are sized differently than normal pants. Instead of using numbers, they use small to large distinctions. This makes it easier because they’re sized more generally than your everyday pair of pants. Most brands go from XS to XXL, but some include more variations, such as large long and large short. This way, you can customize your fit based on your body type. Other brands will use inseam measurements if you know exactly how long you’d prefer the pants to be. What to look for in quality women’s snow pants Boot gaiters are sections of fabric that provide more security around the ankle. Walking through snow can cause your socks to get wet. This is not only uncomfortable but can also affect your body’s temperature. Gaiters use elastic to wrap tightly around your ankle while the exterior of your pants goes over your boots. Some pants have a reinforced seam and patches on the pant leg to prevent wear and tear around the ankle. This will also protect your ankles from bumps and bruises while on the slopes. Baggy snow pants are the best choice if you’re snowboarding or skiing. With more room between your legs and the exterior fabric, you can comfortably wear a pair of insulated tights underneath. Baggy pants also allow for more freedom of movement. With skiing, especially, you’ll need all the flexibility your legs can get. Loose-fitting pants will prevent seams from ripping too easily as well. Professional snowboarders and skiers who focus on tricks will exclusively wear baggy snow pants to give them more mobility. While snow pants are designed to keep you warm, sometimes, the heat can cause sweat to build up around your legs. For this reason, some pants come with built-in ventilation systems. These specially designed vents are woven into the pants and release excess heat. The vent is usually on the rear waist area. This positioning makes it discreet to the naked eye. Also, your coat will cover it most of the time, which prevents any cold air from entering from the outside. How much you can expect to spend on women’s snow pants Women’s snow pants cost $30-$260. Women’s snow pants FAQ A. GORE-TEX is known for its waterproofing, but the ultra-tight weaves and thick fabric make it windproof as well. A. Most snow pants have two sets of pockets on either hip. They are usually sealed using zippers to keep your belongings protected. What are the best women’s snow pants to buy? THE NORTH FACE Sally Pants What you need to know: These high-quality snow pants from North Face use thick materials to keep you dry. What you’ll love: The pants have a snug fit around the knees with a slight flare at the ankles. There’s a DryVent to prevent your legs from sweating and Heatseeker Eco insulation to protect you from the elements. There are zippered pockets, a belt loop around the waist and boot gaiters near the ankles. What you should consider: The waistband is not as adjustable as other pants. Arctix Insulated Cargo Snow Pants What you need to know: Arctix has the most customizable snow pants with a large selection of colors and sizes. What you’ll love: Key features include boot zippers, three pockets, an adjustable waistline and an O-ring for keys. There are 20 color options, such as Blue Night, Rose, Green Camo and Plum, alongside 45 size options. There are tall, long, short and inseam measurement size types. What you should consider: With all the sizing choices, finding the right one will be more difficult. Columbia Arctic Omni Heat Snow Pants What you need to know: The Omni Heat snow pants are highly insulated to offer the most warmth. What you’ll love: These pants use nylon for excellent durability on the outside. The interior has reflective Omni Heat technology that keeps the heat from leaving the pants. There’s an adjustable waist strap on the inside, zippered pockets at the hips and near the leg, plus a double snap closure at the waist. What you should consider: Some reviewers recommend buying a size up. Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change. Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales. BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.Upcoming IPO: WestBridge Capital-backed IndiQube Spaces files DRHP with SEBI to raise ₹850 crore via IPO
Stock market today: Wall Street inches higher to set more records
Daily Post Nigeria N500b unclaimed funds abandoned in TETFUND — House of Reps Committee Home News Politics Metro Entertainment Sport News N500b unclaimed funds abandoned in TETFUND — House of Reps Committee Published on November 30, 2024 By Daniel Chibuike The House of Representatives Committee on TETFUND and other Services has disclosed that more than five hundred billion naira allocated to various benefitting institutions have remained unclaimed with the Fund. This disclosure was made by the Chairman of the Committee, Miriam Odinakachukwu Onuoha when she led lawmakers on a courtesy call to the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti in Umuahia. Onuoha explained that the House has created a separate Standing Committee on TETFUND to ensure better accountability and for judicious utilization of the amounts released. She said the House has relaxed some of the stringent conditions causing the delay, providing an opportunity for the committee to speak with benefitting institutions. “The committee paid a courtesy call and oversight visit to TETFUND on 30/5/2024 and discovered that the funds yet to be utilized were over 500 billion that had been allocated to beneficiary Tertiary institutions and we probed further and found out that there were divergent reasons for this stalemate and accumulation of funds. Onuoha said they were consulting with the affected states and institutions to find out the reasons for the accumulation. She noted that Abia is one of the states with accumulated unclaimed TETFUND resources for tertiary education but promised that her committee will work with the Abia State government and Tertiary institutions to ensure that the State gets the right slice of the TETFUND intervention. Responding to the Committee, Governor Alex Otti said his administration would do everything possible to reclaim funds belonging to Abia State which have not been assessed, saying that the money is needed to fix the ruins in the state’s education sector. Otti said his quest to bring education to an acceptable standard in the state made his administration allocate 20% of the 2024 Abia budget to education alone. Related Topics: Reps tetfund Don't Miss Shun violence, vices that can tarnish your family image – Mogaji of Okugbaja You may like Reps to hold national dialogue on LG autonomy next week Reps to hold special session on Tinubu’s tax bills Reps confirm Oluyede as Army Chief Unfreeze NSIPA account for payment of N81bn stipends to N-Power beneficiaries — Reps to FG MTEF: Reps to probe non-remittance of N8.8trn, $2bn by NNPC Ltd under petroleum subsidy scheme Chief of Army Staff: Reps Committee grills Oluyede behind closed door Advertise About Us Contact Us Privacy-Policy Terms Copyright © Daily Post Media Ltd