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It's safe to say Arnott's biscuits have lived rent-free in my brain for almost the entirety of 2024, if not longer. It was during my son's time in hospital six years ago that my family's love of these delicious treats was cemented. He'd broken his arm and needed surgery then additional care after he developed an infection. Sleeping by his bedside for nights on end, I was introduced to the parents' and carers' space, which included showering facilities and a kitchen with appliances and snacks including cereals, fruit and those little two-packs of Arnott's biscuits you normally find at work conferences. READ MORE: TV station under fire amid scandal, prime minister's office involved Fun fact: you can buy boxes of these two-packs of Arnott's biscuits at Officeworks. Mine and my son's favourite combo was the one with a Scotch Finger biscuit and a choc-chip cookie in it. There were also plenty of Nice biscuits at the hospital , which became my son's favourite. We'd both have cups of tea and biscuits whenever we were feeling tired and sad, and continue this shared activity to this day, through him leaving school, during his recent exams, and even just because. So earlier this year when Nice biscuits disappeared from shelves, we understandably panicked, and were so relieved when they returned. READ MORE: 'Worst moment of my life': Former child star hospitalised after accident Same with Raspberry Shortcake biscuits, which I had forgotten about but since their return to shelves have now become another staple. (And if you keep these in the fridge they become so delicious and chewy.) 9Honey readers have been equally invested in these incidents of missing Arnott's biscuits, with many reporting other 'missing' varieties on our social media accounts. It was after talking to a colleague that I was reminded of where many of these 'missing' biscuits may be. I used to work at Bankstown Airport as a traffic reporter for the Australian Traffic Network, and there was a Super IGA at George's Hall I'd stop at to get biscuits for me and my team to see us through long and busy shifts. I remember feeling so happy at the varieties they stocked – so many more than my local Coles and Woolies. I visited again this weekend, and found most of the 'missing' biscuits. Check them out in the gallery below! So exciting. There were some I didn't locate: Scalliwags (formerly Golliwogs), Morning Coffee, Lattice, Honey Jumbles and Custard Creams. Arnott's Australia offered 9Honey a comment on the Custard Creams but hasn't yet commented on the other varieties, but I will stay on the case. For a daily dose of 9honey, subscribe to our newsletter here . "For nearly 160 years, Arnott's has been baking some of Australia's most iconic biscuits and crackers," their statement read. "Sometimes we have to make the difficult decision with our retail partners on the products we continue to produce at our bakeries around Australia and sell on supermarket shelves. "With the changing tastes and preferences of our Australian consumers, we have retired the production of Arnott's Custard Creams." Super IGA stores are at select locations, but IGA also has some smaller stores in most locations and a great online store where I often stock up on products only IGA sells, such as my daughter's favourite gluten-free bread and Fantastic chicken-flavoured rice crackers. Nobody, and I mean nobody, can come between me and my family and our favourite biscuits. So, enjoy! With coffee or tea or whatever your favourite comforting beverage is. FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE : Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details. None
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Principal Financial Group Inc. Sells 15,800 Shares of iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:IWP)MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin public worker and teachers unions scored a major legal victory Monday with a ruling that restores collective bargaining rights they lost under a 2011 state law that sparked weeks of protests and made the state the center of the national battle over union rights. That law, known as Act 10, effectively ended the ability of most public employees to bargain for wage increases and other issues, and forced them to pay more for health insurance and retirement benefits. Under the ruling by Dane County Circuit Judge Jacob Frost, all public sector workers who lost their collective bargaining power would have it restored to what was in place prior to 2011. They would be treated the same as the police, firefighter and other public safety unions that were exempted under the law. Republicans vowed to immediately appeal the ruling, which ultimately is likely to go before the Wisconsin Supreme Court. That only amplifies the importance of the April election that will determine whether the court remains controlled 4-3 by liberal justices. Former Gov. Scott Walker, who proposed the law that catapulted him onto the national political stage, decried the ruling in a post on the social media platform X as “brazen political activism.” He said it makes the state Supreme Court election “that much more important.” Supporters of the law have said it provided local governments more control over workers and the powers they needed to cut costs. Repealing the law, which allowed schools and local governments to raise money through higher employee contributions for benefits, would bankrupt those entities, backers of Act 10 have argued. Democratic opponents argue that the law has hurt schools and other government agencies by taking away the ability of employees to collectively bargain for their pay and working conditions. The law was proposed by Walker and enacted by the Republican-controlled Legislature in spite of massive protests that went on for weeks and drew as many as 100,000 people to the Capitol. The law has withstood numerous legal challenges over the years, but this was the first brought since the Wisconsin Supreme Court flipped to liberal control in 2023. The seven unions and three union leaders that brought the lawsuit argued that the law should be struck down because it creates unconstitutional exemptions for firefighters and other public safety workers. Attorneys for the Legislature and state agencies countered that the exemptions are legal, have already been upheld by other courts, and that the case should be dismissed. But Frost sided with the unions in July, saying the law violates equal protection guarantees in the Wisconsin Constitution by dividing public employees into “general” and “public safety” employees. He ruled that general employee unions, like those representing teachers, can not be treated differently from public safety unions that were exempt from the law. His ruling Monday delineated the dozens of specific provisions in the law that must be struck. Wisconsin Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said he looked forward to appealing the ruling. “This lawsuit came more than a decade after Act 10 became law and after many courts rejected the same meritless legal challenges,” Vos said in a statement. Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, the state's largest business lobbying organization, also decried the ruling. WMC President Kurt Bauer called Act 10 “a critical tool for policymakers and elected officials to balance budgets and find taxpayer savings." The Legislature said in court filings that arguments made in the current case were rejected in 2014 by the state Supreme Court. The only change since that ruling is the makeup of Wisconsin Supreme Court, attorneys for the Legislature argued. The Act 10 law effectively ended collective bargaining for most public unions by allowing them to bargain solely over base wage increases no greater than inflation. It also disallowed the automatic withdrawal of union dues, required annual recertification votes for unions, and forced public workers to pay more for health insurance and retirement benefits. The law was the signature legislative achievement of Walker, who was targeted for a recall election he won. Walker used his fights with unions to mount an unsuccessful presidential run in 2016. Frost, the judge who issued Monday's ruling, appeared to have signed the petition to recall Walker from office. None of the attorneys sought his removal from the case and he did not step down. Frost was appointed to the bench by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, who signed the Walker recall petition. The law has also led to a dramatic decrease in union membership across the state. The nonpartisan Wisconsin Policy Forum said in a 2022 analysis that since 2000, Wisconsin had the largest decline in the proportion of its workforce that is unionized. In 2015, the GOP-controlled Wisconsin Legislature approved a right-to-work law that limited the power of private-sector unions. Public sector unions that brought the lawsuit are the Abbotsford Education Association; the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Locals 47 and 1215; the Beaver Dam Education Association; SEIU Wisconsin; the Teaching Assistants’ Association Local 3220 and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 695. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. 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It’s rare to experience a perfect blend of traditional culture, ancient buildings and spirituality alongside towering skyscrapers, ultra modern technology and lightning-fast trains, but Japan is a country of wonderful contrast, one that should be on everyone’s travel wish list. After our wedding back in September, my husband and I jetted off to Japan for our honeymoon. Wrecked from the journey and the celebrations, we arrived in Narita International Airport, which is an hour outside Tokyo, a tad dazed and confused. At the airport, we bought a pocket wifi, which is a little portable box that ensures you’ve internet access. Read more: Harry Potter fans can stay at the real Hogwarts this Christmas from under €85 Read more: I went to Europe’s number one Christmas market and I wouldn’t recommend it We then got Suica cards, which act as a Leap card and rechargeable bank card all in one. The subway system is very complicated so I advise booking the Limousine Bus (don’t be fooled by the fancy name, it’s a coach) to the Tokyo City Air Terminal (T-CAT), which is a bus and train station in central Tokyo. Immediately we noticed how amazing the toilets are in Japan. Each one has a remote with various functions, from warming the seat, playing the sound of running water for privacy, to a bidet that shoots out water! After we emerged into the quiet part of Shinjuku, we were greeted by the sound of running water and relaxing music at our hotel, the Onsen Ryokan Yuen. Our room was small but cosy and afforded us an amazing view of the city’s skyscrapers. The hotel also offered a delicious traditional Japanese breakfast. For our first few days, we explored all of the glittering towers that made up Tokyo’s skyline. Shibuya Crossing is a must see, think Times Square except cleaner and less tacky. Flashing neon signs, glowing restaurants and the most amazing shops await tourists here. I recommend going to Uniqlo for some great basics and Don Quiote for souvenirs and Asian beauty products (it’s like Dealz on steroids). I also loved the Nintendo and Pokemon stores which are located in the Shibuya Parco shopping centre. Here they have an army of plushies, stickers and accessories, all exclusively available in Japan, so stock up! During our stay in Tokyo, we also visited the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka. It showcases the creative processes of the famous Japanese animation studio and the building is straight out of the films. Afterwards, we visited the Corn Barley restaurant in Kichijoji for a Ghibli-themed six-course meal. I consider myself a spiritual person and one of my favourite parts of my trip was visiting the Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. Shintoism is an ancient religion involving the belief in the natural world and kami (spirits). The entrance to Shinto shrines are marked by giant Torii gates, and usually worshippers purify themselves with sacred water before ringing a large bell in front of the shrine (so the spirits are alerted to the worshipper’s presence), bowing twice, clapping twice, making their silent prayer, and bowing again. Tokyo’s Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, was one of my favourites. This shrine was like a peaceful forest in the middle of the city. I also enjoyed the Gotokuji Temple, the birthplace of the lucky beckoning cat. Temples and shrines sell omamori, which are amulets promising various kinds of good luck, along with omikuji (fortune-telling slips), and original stamps known as goshuin. I purchased a goshuin book and got stamps at the majority of the temples and shrines I visited in Japan. The kannushi (priests) and monks also do calligraphy over the stamp and each one is unique, making my goshuin book a perfect memento of my honeymoon. After the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, we took a bullet train (which can be booked the night before) to the mountainous region of Hakone. This beautiful forested area was so peaceful and our hotel, which was a traditional Japanese inn called Hakone Onsen Guesthouse Tsutaya, was embedded into the mountain beside a gushing waterfall. We were instructed to take our shoes off at the door and were provided with slippers. Our bedroom boasted incredible views and traditional tatami flooring. Here, I enjoyed an onsen, which is a communal hot spring bath that is segregated by gender. A stipulation of using an onsen is getting completely naked, which I was a little shy about, but there was no one in the outdoor or indoor onsen when I used it, so I enjoyed a relaxing few minutes alone in the hot spring water. The best way of seeing Hakone is purchasing the Hakone Free Pass and doing the loop, which consists of bus journeys, trains, a funicular, cable cars and a pirate ship across Lake Ashinoko. On this journey, we saw the volcano Mount Hakone, Hakone Shrine with its famous red Torii gate that overlooks the lake, and on clear days you can see Mount Fuji. Traditional wooden Japanese architecture (minka) and some of the country’s finest temples and shrines are in Japan’s former capital. It’s well worth doing a walking tour to understand the city’s ties to the samurai and the history behind geishas. Our hotel, Gionkoh, was located in the historical Gion area and was complete with a koi pond, tatami flooring and futon beds. The city is famed for its many temples and shrines, and the Chion-in Temple with its massive front gate is worth seeing, as is the inside of the temple where you can see Buddhist monks chanting. My husband and I also went to the Kodaiji Temple, where newly-married couples can write a wish or a prayer on a wooden sign. This temple encompasses beautiful gardens and a bamboo forest. One of the most beautiful sites we visited while in Kyoto was the Fushimi Inari Shrine, which had a walkway of thousands of red Torii gates circling up a wooded mountain. While in Kyoto, we also enjoyed an amazing nine-course meal in Korin in the Higashiyama area. The owner of the restaurant correctly guessed we were honeymooners and gave us a little charm to wish us well. Arcades are still massive in Japan and Round 1 in Kyoto was filled with tourists as well as professional arcaders. They have hours of entertainment here, from karaoke, bowling, snooker, UFO (claw) machines, casinos and arcade games. After blowing our money on Dance Dance Revolution and Mario Kart Arcade, we got a bite to eat in a conveyor belt sushi restaurant. While in Japan, we did a short one-night trip to Hiroshima to pay our respects to the victims of the atomic bomb. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum was hard-hitting but necessary to understand the devastation caused by nuclear weapons and why they must never be used again, and the surrounding Peace Park offers a quiet place for reflection.
NEW BRITAIN, Conn. (AP) — Elijah Howard ran for 110 yards and scored two touchdowns, the Central Connecticut defense made seven interceptions, and the Blue Devils beat Duquesne 21-14 on Saturday to claim the Northeast Conference's automatic bid to the FCS playoffs. Howard provided the game-winning score by running it in from the 6, then threw the 2-point conversion to quarterback Brady Olson to cap the scoring with 13:44 left in the fourth quarter. The defense for the Blue Devils (7-5, 5-1) sealed the game when it stymied the Dukes (8-3, 5-1) on their final three possessions. Following Central Connecticut's last touchdown, Jalen Howard sacked Darius Perrantes on Duquesne’s first play and forced a fumble which the Blue Devils recovered. Central Connecticut failed to add to the lead when Jack Barnum missed a 40-yard field, but Duquesne turned it back over when Perrantes threw an end zone pick. The Blue Devils punted after six plays, but again, Duquesne saw another drive end with a Perrantes interception. Perrantes threw seven interceptions with three going to Christopher Jean, a pair to Davone Walden Jr. and one each to Deon McLean and Vincent Thomas. Duquesne secured at least a share of the NEC title for a conference record seventh time in program history with last week's win over Wagner. It was the second straight year the Dukes played a winner-take-all game for the NEC automatic bid on the road in the final week of the regular season. Last year they beat Merrimack 26-14 to win the NEC title outright. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP collegebasketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketballHallsville student finds his footing in TSTC industrial systems programB.C. Premier David Eby says his party has reached an agreement in principle with the B.C. Greens to ensure "stable governance" for the next four years. The agreement, subject to annual reviews, spells out the basis on which B.C. Greens provide "confidence" to the B.C. NDP and areas where the parties will work together. They include healthcare, where the B.C. NDP will support the growth of Community Health Centres, a key proposal of the B.C. Greens during the election campaign. Other key elements include housing with the government actively supporting efforts by various groups to "protect, purchase and build 30,000 units of non-market housing" over the next four years with 7,500 units as a goal by the end of 2025. Electoral reform also makes a return with the establishment of a special commitment to "review and consider preferred methods of proportional representation" as part of deliberations designed to "increase democratic engagement, address increasing political polarization, and improve the representativeness of government." The agreement does "not lay out the full program" of government "nor does it presume support" for "initiatives and other matters not addressed within this agreement" but gives Eby's government more stability once the legislature returns next year. The agreement echoes without replicating the confidence-and-supply agreement of 2017 that allowed the B.C NDP to return after 16 years in opposition as a minority government with the help of three B.C. Greens. The B.C. NDP currently holds 47 seats, enough for a bare majority, while the B.C. Greens hold two seats. More to come...
Taylor Swift concert suite sells for $290,000 at Vancouver auction Four B.C. charities combined raised more than one million dollars by auctioning off four suites to see Swift Glen Korstrom Dec 2, 2024 1:15 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Taylor Swift is currently working her way through the U.S. leg of her Eras tour which she promises will have international dates, will Vancouver be included? @taylorswift/Instagram Listen to this article 00:04:36 Taylor Swift's concerts at Vancouver's BC Place Dec. 6, 7 and 8 are continuing to help local charities. The BC Children's Hospital Foundation on Saturday night (Nov. 30) auctioned 15 tickets to a private suite at one of the Taylor Swift Vancouver concerts for $290,000 – an impressive amount of money but it was not the most that a B.C. charity has garnered for a suite during one of Swift's concerts. The VGH UBC Hospital Foundation on Oct. 19 raised a staggering $320,000 from a winning bid at its Vitality Gala live auction for 15 private suite tickets to see Swift sing in Vancouver. The BC Children's Hospital Foundation's weekend windfall at its Crystal Ball gala did, however, better some other B.C. charities that auctioned off tickets at suites to see Taylor Swift. The Victoria Hospitals Foundation at its Visions Gala Nov. 16 netted $260,000 by auctioning off a 15-person suite to see Swift. The BC Cancer Society was the first local charity to auction off a 15-person suite to see Swift. It raised $125,000 for that suite during an action at its Daffodil Ball in April. Combined, those four suites generated more than $1 million for the charities. PavCo, which operates BC Place, gifted the suites to be auctioned off, PavCo senior manager of marketing and communications Jenny McKenzie told BIV. “For every concert that comes through, we have a certain number of suites and tickets that [we get as] part of our partnership with that tour,” she explained. PavCo sometimes gives tickets and suites to what she called “stakeholders” related to PavCo, but the organization also donates access to suites and tickets to charities, she said. McKenzie said that PavCo has long had an informal system in place to provide suites and tickets to charities, and this year formalized what it is calling its BC Place Community Benefit Program. “By donating tickets, BC Place enables charities to raise critical funds while offering unforgettable experiences to their supporters,” she said. She added that the program reinforces PavCo’s role as a catalyst for positive change and social impact. The Canuck Place Children’s Hospice is another charity that has cashed in on excitement about Taylor Swift. It sold two sets of tickets—eight in total—to a Taylor Swift Vancouver concert for $46,000 at its November 2 Gift of Time Gala auction, which raised more than $1.63 million in support of Canuck Place. Toronto-based telecom Rogers Communications Inc. (TSX:RCI-B) is a presenting sponsor of the Canadian leg of Swift’s Eras tour, which includes six shows in Toronto and three in Vancouver. Because it is a presenting sponsor, it has access to many tickets for internal use. Some of those tickets are being given away to forge customer loyalty while others are being given to charities, Rogers’ senior manager of communication in Western Canada, Leann Yutuc, told BIV. Rogers has been giving away 35 pairs of tickets each week to different Rogers customers who enter draws, she said. “Specific to charities, we have given tickets to BGC Canada, Jays Care, Big Brothers Big Sisters Toronto and Canucks for Kids to distribute to their beneficiaries,” she said. Canucks for Kids received 40 tickets with those going to deserving families to attend a Taylor Swift concert, Yutuc said. Swift has been a vocal supporter of food banks and that has spurred fan Heidi Van Schaik to launch a Canada-wide initiative dubbed Tay It Forward. Waterloo, Ont.-based Schaik has set a goal to raise $1.3 million for Canadian food banks, with that amount chosen because 13 is said to be Swift’s favourite number, and it is one she has reportedly drawn on her hand before performances. Schaik is encouraging fans to make $13 donations, with the campaign slated to end December 13. A wide range of businesses in Vancouver are also cashing in on the Taylor Swift concerts . [email protected] @GlenKorstrom glenkorstrom.bsky.social See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Get your daily Victoria news briefing Email Sign Up Related Vancouver charities cashing in on Taylor Swift concert craze Nov 14, 2024 4:00 PM Vancouver fans will enjoy 5G network upgrades at BC Place Nov 22, 2024 2:04 PM Taylor Swift mania an economic gift for Vancouver businesses Nov 12, 2024 4:30 PMCHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Ten yards into a scramble, Patrick Mahomes could have easily slid for a first down or simply ducked out of bounds and moved on to the next play. Instead, the three-time Super Bowl MVP cut back inside and raced another 23 yards up the field, helping to set up Spencer Schrader's 31-yard field goal as time expired as the Chiefs held on to beat the Carolina Panthers 30-27 on Sunday. “At that point, yards are more important than getting out of bounds,” Mahomes said. “With three timeouts, I just tried to just cut through and Justin Watson had a great block and was able to get down the field and get out of bounds.” The game-winning drive was the 21st of Mahomes' career, and the Chiefs won a game decided in the final seconds for the fifth time this season. Eight of the Chiefs' wins have come by one-score margins. “You always want to have some blowouts and be a little calmer in the fourth quarter, but I've always said it could be a good thing when you get to the playoffs later in the season knowing that you have been in those moments before, and knowing how to attack it play by play not making it too big of a moment,” Mahomes said. Then he smiled and said: “But I would say this more than anybody, I would love to win a game not by the very last play.” Mahomes completed 27 of 37 passes for 269 yards and three touchdowns in his first game at Bank of America Stadium and ran for 60 yards — including 33 on that last-minute play — as the Chiefs (10-1) scored on six of their eight possessions. Noah Gray caught four passes for 66 yards and scored two touchdowns for the second straight week, and DeAndre Hopkins also found the end zone for the two-time defending Super Bowl champions. Kareem Hunt ran for 68 yards on 16 carries and caught three passes for 19 yards. Bryce Young played well for Carolina (3-8), finishing 21 of 35 for 262 yards and a touchdown while leading the Panthers back from an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter to tie the game on Chuba Hubbard's 1-yard touchdown run and 2-point conversion with 1:46 remaining. Panthers coach Dave Canales, who benched Young earlier this season for veteran Andy Dalton, said last year's No. 1 overall draft pick “absolutely” will remain the team's starting QB next week. That's a break from Canales' recent pattern of waiting a few days to name a starter. “Bryce is certainly making the most of his opportunities,” Canales said. “And he is making a statement to all of us. Showing us he can make plays in critical areas. He did a great job extending today.” Said Young: “For me, I just want to focus on what I can control. Regardless, I always have the same mindset and preparation, wanting to be better throughout the week. I am definitely grateful for confidence.” Still, there is room for improvement. The Panthers moved the ball well but struggled in the red zone, resulting in field goals of 30, 32, 29 and 33 yards for Eddy Pineiro, the most accurate kicker in NFL history. The Chiefs wasted no time setting the tone as Samaje Perine returned the opening kickoff 56 yards and Mahomes found Gray for a 35-yard touchdown strike on the third play of scrimmage for a 7-0 lead. Gray went nine games without a TD catch before hauling in two last week against Buffalo. His 11-yard score late in the second quarter gave him two more against the Panthers . Chiefs coach Andy Reid praised Mahomes' poise but said he was concerned about his team's nine penalties for 90 yards. Kansas City's Travis Kelce had six catches for 62 yards and moved into third place in career yards receiving by a tight end. He ranks behind only Tony Gonzalez and Jason Witten. However, Kelce failed to find the end zone for the ninth time in 11 games this season. Running back Jonathan Brooks made his NFL debut for Carolina, but the second-round pick was limited to 7 yards on two carries. Panthers: Rookie TE Ja'Tavion Sanders was taken to a hospital, where he was evaluated for a neck injury and released . He landed awkwardly on his head after making a catch near the end of the second quarter. Chiefs: Host Las Vegas on Friday. Panthers: Host Tampa Bay next Sunday. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
(BPT) - Tech gifts are consistently some of the most popular presents to give and receive during the holidays. In fact, according to the annual Consumer Technology Holiday Purchase Patterns report , a record 233 million U.S. adults (89%) will buy tech products during the 2024 holiday season. But with so many devices out there, it can be hard to decide on the perfect option for the loved one on your list. A tablet like the new Fire HD 8 from Amazon offers the versatility of an all-in-one device, with access to streaming, gaming, video chatting, reading or writing all at your fingertips. Fire HD 8 also features a vibrant 8-inch HD display and lightweight, portable design, for high-quality entertainment on the go. Plus, Fire HD 8 comes with three new AI features that can help you get the most out of your tablet experience. Check them out below and learn how they can help you with daily tasks this holiday season and beyond. 1. Meet your personal writing assistant Do you struggle with writing a heartfelt message or finessing a tricky email? Fear not! Writing Assist is here to help. Writing Assist works as part of your Fire tablet's device keyboard and compatible apps, including email, Word documents and social media. In just a few taps, you can transform your writing from good to great. Try Writing Assist's pre-set styles to turn a simple email into a professionally written note. Or, you can ask Writing Assist for grammar suggestions to make your writing more concise, or elaborate on your ideas. You can even "emojify" your writing to add more fun and personality. 2. Learn more in less time Say goodbye to scrolling through pages of information. The new Webpage Summaries feature allows you to learn pertinent information as quickly as possible. Available on the Silk browser on Fire tablets, Webpage Summaries provides quick insights on web articles. In a matter of seconds, this feature will distill the key points in an article or on a webpage into a clear, concise summary of what you need to know. 3. Get creative with your device wallpaper With Wallpaper Creator, you can easily add a touch of creative flair and customization to your tablet's home screen. You can choose from one of the curated prompts to get started on creating a unique background. Or, if you're ready to let your imagination run wild, type a description of what you'd like to see. For example, you can ask for an image of a tiger swimming underwater or a watercolor-style image of a desert landscape in space. Wallpaper Creator will then turn your vision into a reality, delivering a high-resolution image that you can use as your tablet's wallpaper. Celebrate an AI-powered holiday season Writing Assist, Webpage Summaries, and Wallpaper Creator are now available on Amazon's new Fire HD 8 and other compatible Fire tablet devices, including the latest Fire HD 10 and Fire Max 11 tablets. To learn more, or to order a new Fire tablet this gift-giving season, visit Amazon.com .AP Sports SummaryBrief at 4:38 a.m. EST
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Israel cracks down on Palestinian citizens who speak out against the war in Gaza UMM AL-FAHM, Israel (AP) — In the year since the war in Gaza broke out, Israel's government has been cracking down on dissent among its Palestinian citizens. Authorities have charged Palestinians with “supporting terrorism” because of posts online or for demonstrating against the war. Activists and rights watchdogs say Palestinians have also lost jobs, been suspended from schools and faced police interrogations. Palestinians make up about 20% of Israel's population. Many feel forced to self-censor out of fear of being jailed and further marginalized in society. Others still find ways to dissent, but carefully. Israel's National Security Ministry counters that, “Freedom of speech is not the freedom to incite.” Israel says rabbi who went missing in the UAE was killed TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israel says the body of an Israeli-Moldovan rabbi who went missing in the United Arab Emirates has been found, citing Emirati authorities. The statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office on Sunday said Zvi Kogan was killed, calling it a “heinous antisemitic terror incident.” It said: “The state of Israel will act with all means to seek justice with the criminals responsible for his death." Kogan went missing on Thursday, and there were suspicions he had been kidnapped. His disappearance comes as Iran has been threatening to retaliate against Israel after the two countries traded fire in October. Israeli strike kills Lebanese soldier and wounds 18 as Hezbollah fires rockets at Israel BEIRUT (AP) — An Israeli strike on a Lebanese army center has killed one soldier and wounded 18 others. The Hezbollah militant group meanwhile fired around 160 rockets and other projectiles into northern and central Israel on Sunday, wounding at least five people. Israeli strikes have killed over 40 Lebanese troops since the start of the war between Israel and Hezbollah, even as Lebanon's military has largely kept to the sidelines. The Israeli military expressed regret over the strike, saying it occurred in an area of ongoing combat operations against Hezbollah. It said it does not target the Lebanese armed forces and that the strike is under review. The rising price of paying the national debt is a risk for Trump's promises on growth and inflation WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump has big plans for the economy. He also has big debt problem that'll be a hurdle to delivering on those plan. Trump has bold ambitions on tax cuts, tariffs and other programs. But high interest rates and the price of repaying the federal government’s existing debt could limit what he’s able to do. The federal debt stands at roughly $36 trillion, and the spike in inflation after the pandemic has pushed up the government’s borrowing costs such that debt service next year will easily exceed spending on national security. After Trump's Project 2025 denials, he is tapping its authors and influencers for key roles WASHINGTON (AP) — During the campaign, President-elect Donald Trump had hailed what would become Project 2025 as a conservative roadmap for “exactly what our movement will do." Trump pulled an about-face when Project 2025 became a political liability. He denied knowing anything about the “ridiculous and abysmal” plans, even though some were written by his former aides and many allies. Now, after winning the 2024 election, Trump is stocking his second administration with key players in the effort he temporarily shunned. Trump has tapped Russell Vought for an encore as director of the Office of Management and Budget; Tom Homan, his former immigration chief, as “border czar;” and immigration hardliner Stephen Miller as deputy chief of policy. Forecasts warn of possible winter storms across US during Thanksgiving week WINDSOR, Calif. (AP) — Forecasters in the U.S. have warned of another round of winter weather that could complicate travel leading up to Thanksgiving. California is bracing for more snow and rain this weekend while still grappling with some flooding and small landslides from a previous storm. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for California's Sierra Nevada through Tuesday, with heavy snow expected at high elevations. Thousands remained without power in the Seattle area on Saturday after a “bomb cyclone” storm system hit the West Coast earlier in the week, killing two people. Parts of the Northeast and Appalachia also began the weekend with heavy precipitation. Pakistan partially stops mobile and internet services ahead of pro-Imran Khan protest ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan has suspended mobile and internet services “in areas with security concerns” as supporters of imprisoned former premier Imran Khan gear up for a protest in the capital. The government and Interior Ministry made the announcement on X, which is banned in Pakistan. Sunday's protest is to demand Khan's release. He has been in prison for more than a year but remains popular. His supporters rely heavily on social media and messaging apps to coordinate with each other. Pakistan has already sealed off Islamabad and shut down major roads and highways connecting the city with Khan's power bases. Here's what to know about the new funding deal that countries agreed to at UN climate talks BAKU, Azerbaijan (AP) — In the wee hours Sunday at the United Nations climate talks, countries from around the world reached an agreement on how rich countries can cough up the funds to support poor countries in the face of climate change. But it’s a far-from-perfect arrangement, with many parties still unsatisfied but hopeful that the deal will be a step in the right direction. Japan holds Sado mines memorial despite South Korean boycott amid lingering historical tensions SADO, Japan (AP) — Japan has held a memorial ceremony near the Sado Island Gold Mines despite a last-minute boycott of the event by South Korea that highlighted tensions between the neighbors over the brutal wartime use of Korean laborers. South Korea’s absence at Sunday’s memorial, to which Seoul government officials and Korean victims’ families were invited, is a major setback in the rapidly improving ties between the countries. The Sado mines were listed in July as a UNESCO World Heritage Site after Japan moved past years of disputes with South Korea and reluctantly acknowledged the mines’ dark history. Chuck Woolery, smooth-talking game show host of 'Love Connection' and 'Scrabble,' dies at 83 NEW YORK (AP) — Chuck Woolery, the affable, smooth-talking game show host of “Wheel of Fortune,” “Love Connection” and “Scrabble” who later became a right-wing podcaster, skewering liberals and accusing the government of lying about COVID-19, has died. He was 83. Mark Young, Woolery’s podcast co-host and friend, said in an email early Sunday that Woolery died at his home in Texas with his wife, Kristen, present. Woolery, with his matinee idol looks, coiffed hair and ease with witty banter, was inducted into the American TV Game Show Hall of Fame in 2007 and earned a daytime Emmy nomination in 1978. He teamed up with Young for the podcast “Blunt Force Truth” and became a full supporter Donald Trump.'Wicked' and 'Gladiator' make gravity-defying theater debuts NEW YORK (AP) — “Wicked” and “Gladiator II” have debuted in theaters with a combined $270 million in ticket sales. Their worldwide performance breathed fresh life into global box office results that have struggled lately. Together the films turned the moviegoing weekend into one of the busiest of the year. Jon M. Chu’s lavish big-budget musical “Wicked,” starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, debuted with $114 million domestically and $164.2 million globally. Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator II” is a sequel to his 2000 best picture-winning original and launched with $55.5 million in ticket sales. “Moana 2” is being released Wednesday, so it looks like Hollywood might be looking at historic sales over the Thanksgiving holiday. Verstappen captures 4th F1 championship after Mercedes sweep of Las Vegas Grand Prix LAS VEGAS (AP) — Max Verstappen cruised to a fourth consecutive Formula 1 championship Saturday night by finishing fifth in the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Verstappen needed only to finish ahead of Lando Norris of McLaren to give Red Bull a fourth straight driver championship. The Dutchman started fifth but was already up to second by the 10th lap around the street circuit that includes the famed Las Vegas Strip. Norris, who had to score at least three points more than Verstappen to extend the championship fight, finished sixth. The race was won by George Russell who was followed by Lewis Hamilton in the first 1-2 sweep for the Mercedes drivers since 2022. Dartmouth sorority, two members of fraternity face charges after student who attended party drowned HANOVER, N.H. (AP) — A sorority at Dartmouth College and two members of a fraternity faces charges related to the death of a student who drowned after attending an off-campus party. The Hanover, New Hampshire police department, where Dartmouth is located, said Friday that Alpha Phi was charged with one count of facilitating an underage alcohol house. Two members of the Beta Alpha Omega face a charge of providing alcohol to a person under 21. Won Jang, 20, of Middletown, Delaware, had attended an off-campus party in July hosted by Alpha Phi sorority. Police said the alcohol was provided by Beta Alpha Omega. Tens of thousands of Spaniards protest housing crunch and high rents in Barcelona BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Tens of thousands of Spaniards are marching in downtown Barcelona to protest the skyrocketing cost of renting an apartment in the popular tourist destination. Protesters cut off traffic on main avenues in the city center, holding up homemade signs in Spanish reading “Fewer apartments for investing and more homes for living." The lack of affordable housing has become one of the leading concerns for the southern European Union country, mirroring the housing crunch across many parts of the world, including the United States. The average rent for Spain has doubled in the last decade. In cities like Barcelona, rental prices have also been driven up by short-term renters including tourists. Jason Kelce's wife announces she is pregnant with the couple's fourth child Former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce's wife is announcing she's pregnant with the couple's fourth child. Kylie Kelce posted a photo on Instagram on Friday of the couple's three young daughters reacting to the news. The oldest daughter, Wyatt, appears to be cupping her head in shock. The middle daughter, Ellioette, is smiling. The youngest, Bennett, is in tears. A caption attached to the photo reads: “I feel like we captured a very accurate representation of how each of the girls feel about getting another sister. At least Ellie, mom and dad are on the same page!” Israeli-Moldovan rabbi living in UAE is missing. Israeli officials fear he may have been kidnapped DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — An Israeli-Moldovan rabbi living in the United Arab Emirates has gone missing, with Israeli authorities raising the suspicion he may have been kidnapped as tensions remain high with Iran. The Israeli prime minister’s office said that Zvi Kogan has been missing since noon Thursday. It said that against the backdrop of information that this was a terrorist incident, an extensive investigation has been opened in the country. Emirati officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment Saturday. State-run media in the UAE, an autocratic federation of seven sheikhdoms on the Arabian Peninsula and home to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, did not immediately report the incident. Alyssa Nakken, first full-time female coach in MLB history, leaving Giants to join Guardians CLEVELAND (AP) — Alyssa Nakken, the first woman to coach in an MLB game, is leaving the San Francisco Giants to join the Cleveland Guardians. Nakken made history in 2022 when she took over as first-base coach following an ejection. A former college softball star at Sacramento State, Nakken joined the Giants in 2014 and was promoted to a spot on manager Gabe Kapler’s staff in 2020, becoming the majors’ first full-time female coach. Nakken has been hired as an assistant director within player development for the Guardians, who won the AL Central last season under first-year manager Stephen Vogt. Nakken, 34, will work with former Giants coaches Craig Albernaz and Kai Correa. Officer kills pet dog mistaken for a coyote in Massachusetts town. The owner says it was unnecessary An animal control officer shot and killed a pet dog in a Massachusetts town after mistaking it for a coyote in an incident local police are describing as a sad mix-up. Police in Northbridge, Massachusetts, say the shooting happened on Tuesday after police received a call of a report of a coyote in a residential backyard. Police say the animal control officer went into the woods to look for the coyote and found what they thought was the animal in a threatening position and shot it. The incident happened as communities around Massachusetts and the country have dealt with an uptick in interactions between coyotes and people. Kendrick Lamar surprises with new album 'GNX' LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kendrick Lamar gave music listeners an early holiday present with a new album. The Grammy winner released his sixth studio album “GNX” on Friday. The 12-track project is the rapper’s first release since 2022’s “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.” Lamar’s new album comes just months after his rap battle with Drake. The rap megastar will headline February's Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans. The 37-year-old has experienced massive success since his debut album “good kid, m.A.A.d city” in 2012. Since then, he’s accumulated 17 Grammy wins and became the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to win a Pulitzer Prize. NBA memo to players urges increased vigilance regarding home security following break-ins MIAMI (AP) — The NBA is urging its players to take additional precautions to secure their homes following reports of recent high-profile burglaries of dwellings owned by Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis and Kansas City Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. In a memo sent to team officials, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, the NBA revealed that the FBI has connected some burglaries to “transnational South American Theft Groups” that are “reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices.”Equities researchers at StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Surmodics ( NASDAQ:SRDX – Get Free Report ) in a report issued on Saturday. The firm set a “hold” rating on the stock. Separately, Needham & Company LLC restated a “hold” rating on shares of Surmodics in a research report on Thursday, November 7th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of “Hold” and a consensus price target of $50.00. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Surmodics Surmodics Price Performance Surmodics ( NASDAQ:SRDX – Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, November 6th. The company reported ($0.13) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($0.27) by $0.14. The business had revenue of $33.23 million for the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $30.69 million. Surmodics had a negative net margin of 9.15% and a negative return on equity of 3.77%. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Surmodics will post 0.17 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Institutional Trading of Surmodics Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. SG Americas Securities LLC grew its position in Surmodics by 14.7% in the first quarter. SG Americas Securities LLC now owns 5,138 shares of the company’s stock worth $151,000 after acquiring an additional 660 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its position in Surmodics by 0.7% during the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 865,214 shares of the company’s stock valued at $25,385,000 after purchasing an additional 5,927 shares in the last quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC lifted its stake in Surmodics by 13.4% during the first quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 5,679 shares of the company’s stock worth $166,000 after purchasing an additional 673 shares during the last quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Surmodics by 4,722.3% in the 2nd quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC now owns 68,429 shares of the company’s stock worth $2,877,000 after purchasing an additional 67,010 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Bank of New York Mellon Corp increased its position in shares of Surmodics by 16.3% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 58,610 shares of the company’s stock valued at $2,464,000 after purchasing an additional 8,220 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 96.63% of the company’s stock. Surmodics Company Profile ( Get Free Report ) Surmodics, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides performance coating technologies for intravascular medical devices, and chemical and biological components for in vitro diagnostic immunoassay tests and microarrays in the United States and internationally. It operates through two segments, Medical Device and In Vitro Diagnostics (IVD). 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