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ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistani security forces launched an operation Tuesday night to disperse supporters of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan who had gathered in the capital to demand his release from prison. The latest development came hours after thousands of Khan supporters, defying government warnings, broke through a barrier of shipping containers blocking off Islamabad and entered a high-security zone, where they clashed with security forces, facing tear gas shelling, mass detentions and gunfire. Tension has been high in Islamabad since Sunday when supporters of the former prime minister began a “long march” from the restive northwest to demand his release. Khan has been in a prison for over a year and faces more than 150 criminal cases that his party says are politically motivated. Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, led the protest, but she fled as police pushed back against demonstrators. Hundreds of Khan’s supporters are being arrested in the ongoing nighttime operation, and police are also seeking to arrest Bibi. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi told reporters that the Red Zone, which houses government buildings and embassies, and the surrounding areas have been cleared. Leaders from Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, or PTI, have also fled the protest site. Earlier Tuesday, Pakistan’s army took control of D-Chowk, a large square in the Red Zone, where visiting Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko is staying. Since Monday, Naqvi had threatened that security forces would use live fire if protesters fired weapons at them. “We have now authorized the police to respond as necessary,” Naqvi said Tuesday while visiting the square. Before the operation began, protester Shahzor Ali said people had taken to the streets because Khan had called for them. “We will stay here until Khan joins us. He will decide what to do next,” Ali said. “If they fire bullets again, we will respond with bullets,” he said. Protester Fareeda Bibi, who is not related to Khan’s wife, said people have suffered greatly for the last two years. “We have really suffered for the last two years, whether it is economically, politically or socially. We have been ruined. I have not seen such a Pakistan in my life,” she said. Authorities have struggled to contain the protest-related violence. Six people, including four members of the security services, were killed when a vehicle rammed them on a street overnight into Tuesday. A police officer died in a separate incident. Dozens of Khan supporters beat a videographer covering the protest for The Associated Press and took his camera. He sustained head injuries and was treated in a hospital. By Tuesday afternoon, fresh waves of protesters made their way unopposed to their final destination in the Red Zone. Most demonstrators had the flag of Khan’s party around their shoulders or wore its tricolors on accessories. Naqvi said Khan’s party had rejected a government offer to rally on the outskirts of the city. Information Minister Atta Tarar warned there would be a severe government reaction to the violence. He said the government did not want Bushra Bibi to achieve her goal of freeing Khan. “She wants bodies falling to the ground. She wants bloodshed,” he said. The government says only the courts can order Khan’s release. He was ousted in 2022 through a no-confidence vote in Parliament. In a bid to foil the unrest, police have arrested more than 4,000 Khan supporters since Friday and suspended mobile and internet services in some parts of the country. Messaging platforms were also experiencing severe disruption in the capital. Khan’s party relies heavily on social media and uses messaging platforms such as WhatsApp to share information, including details of events. The X platform, which is banned in Pakistan, is no longer accessible, even with a VPN. Last Thursday, a court prohibited rallies in the capital and Naqvi said anyone violating the ban would be arrested. Travel between Islamabad and other cities has become nearly impossible because of shipping containers blocking the roads. All education institutions remain closed. Pakistan's Stock Exchange lost more than $1.7 billion Tuesday due to rising political tensions, according to economist Mohammed Sohail from Topline Securities. Associated Press writers Munir Ahmed in Islamabad and Asim Tanveer in Multan, Pakistan, contributed to this report.By JOSH BOAK WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump loved to use tariffs on foreign goods during his first presidency. But their impact was barely noticeable in the overall economy, even if their aftershocks were clear in specific industries. The data show they never fully delivered on his promised factory jobs. Nor did they provoke the avalanche of inflation that critics feared. This time, though, his tariff threats might be different . The president-elect is talking about going much bigger — on a potential scale that creates more uncertainty about whether he’ll do what he says and what the consequences could be. “There’s going to be a lot more tariffs, I mean, he’s pretty clear,” said Michael Stumo, the CEO of Coalition for a Prosperous America, a group that has supported import taxes to help domestic manufacturing. The president-elect posted on social media Monday that on his first day in office he would impose 25% tariffs on all goods imported from Mexico and Canada until those countries satisfactorily stop illegal immigration and the flow of illegal drugs such as fentanyl into the United States. Those tariffs could essentially blow up the North American trade pact that Trump’s team negotiated during his initial term. Chinese imports would face additional tariffs of 10% until Beijing cracks down on the production of materials used in making fentanyl, Trump posted. Business groups were quick to warn about rapidly escalating inflation , while Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said she would counter the move with tariffs on U.S. products. House Democrats put together legislation to strip a president’s ability to unilaterally apply tariffs this drastic, warning that they would likely lead to higher prices for autos, shoes, housing and groceries. Sheinbaum said Wednesday that her administration is already working up a list of possible retaliatory tariffs “if the situation comes to that.” “The economy department is preparing it,” Sheinbaum said. “If there are tariffs, Mexico would increase tariffs, it is a technical task about what would also benefit Mexico,” she said, suggesting her country would impose targeted import duties on U.S. goods in sensitive areas. House Democrats on Tuesday introduced a bill that would require congressional approval for a president to impose tariffs due to claims of a national emergency, a largely symbolic action given Republicans’ coming control of both the House and Senate. “This legislation would enable Congress to limit this sweeping emergency authority and put in place the necessary Congressional oversight before any president – Democrat or Republican – could indiscriminately raise costs on the American people through tariffs,” said Rep. Suzan DelBene, D-Wash. But for Trump, tariffs are now a tested tool that seems less politically controversial even if the mandate he received in November’s election largely involved restraining inflation. The tariffs he imposed on China in his first term were continued by President Joe Biden, a Democrat who even expanded tariffs and restrictions on the world’s second largest economy. Biden administration officials looked at removing Trump’s tariffs in order to bring down inflationary pressures, only to find they were unlikely to help significantly. Tariffs were “so new and unique that it freaked everybody out in 2017,” said Stumo, but they were ultimately somewhat modest. Trump imposed tariffs on solar panels and washing machines at the start of 2018, moves that might have pushed up prices in those sectors even though they also overlapped with plans to open washing machine plants in Tennessee and South Carolina. His administration also levied tariffs on steel and aluminum, including against allies. He then increased tariffs on China, leading to a trade conflict and a limited 2020 agreement that failed to produce the promised Chinese purchases of U.S. goods. Still, the dispute changed relations with China as more U.S. companies looked for alternative suppliers in other countries. Economic research also found the United States may have sacrificed some of its “soft power” as the Chinese population began to watch fewer American movies. The Federal Reserve kept inflation roughly on target, but factory construction spending never jumped in a way that suggested a lasting gain in manufacturing jobs. Separate economic research found the tariff war with China did nothing economically for the communities hurt by offshoring, but it did help Trump and Republicans in those communities politically. When Trump first became president in 2017, the federal government collected $34.6 billion in customs, duties and fees. That sum more than doubled under Trump to $70.8 billion in 2019, according to Office of Management and Budget records. While that sum might seem meaningful, it was relatively small compared to the overall economy. America’s gross domestic product is now $29.3 trillion, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. The total tariffs collected in the United States would equal less than 0.3% of GDP. The new tariffs being floated by Trump now are dramatically larger and there could be far more significant impacts. If Mexico, Canada, and China faced the additional tariffs proposed by Trump on all goods imported to the United States, that could be roughly equal to $266 billion in tax collections, a number that does not assume any disruptions in trade or retaliatory moves by other countries. The cost of those taxes would likely be borne by U.S. families, importers and domestic and foreign companies in the form of higher prices or lower profits. Former Biden administration officials said they worried that companies could piggyback on Trump’s tariffs — if they’re imposed — as a rationale to raise their prices, just as many companies after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 boosted food and energy costs and gave several major companies the space to raise prices, according to their own earnings calls with investors. But what Trump didn’t really spell out is what might cause him to back down on tariffs and declare a victory. What he is creating instead with his tariff threats is a sense of uncertainty as companies and countries await the details to figure out what all of this could mean. “We know the key economic policy priorities of the incoming Trump administration, but we don’t know how or when they will be addressed,” said Greg Daco, chief U.S. economist at EY-Parthenon. AP writer Mark Stevenson contributed to this report from Mexico City.

Black Kos: The Congressional Black Caucus has expanded. They will need our support more than ever.

Power Up and Cool Down, Chill Bucket brings a new portable cooling solution for outdoor adventures 11-22-2024 11:44 PM CET | Politics, Law & Society Press release from: Getnews / PR Agency: MediaGroupNYC Image: https://www.getnews.info/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/1732308599.jpg Chill Bucket, a game-changer in portable evaporative cooling, has officially launched its Kickstarter campaign, promising an innovative way to beat the heat anytime, anywhere. Designed for outdoor enthusiasts, campers, and home users needing a cost-effective cooling solution, Chill Bucket offers a rugged and energy-efficient cooling solution that fits any standard 5-gallon bucket, transforming it into a personal cooling station. Chill Bucket aims to disrupt the portable cooling market by addressing the short-comings of existing products, such as high prices and bulky designs. With a minimal power consumption of only 20 watts, the Chill Bucket offers up to 8 hours of cooling per charge that ensures maximum comfort for extended outdoor adventures or at-home use, depending on the power source. Image: https://www.getnews.info/uploads/0a9f35c6e2f833176337d0dd03ef583f.jpg Chill Bucket's Key Features: * Universal Compatibility: Fits any standard 5-gallon bucket, allowing for maximum portability and ease of transport, and compatible with most portable power stations available. * Energy Efficiency: Consumes only 20 watts, making it a low-energy device compared to portable air-conditioning units and evaporative coolers. * Rugged Design: Built to endure harsh outdoor conditions, it is ideal for campers, festival-goers, and event attendees. * Ease of Use: Simple to setup-just add water to a 5-gallon bucket, place Chill Bucket on top, and enjoy immediate cooling. "Chill Bucket was born from the need for a portable and reliable cooling system that didn't require an expensive setup," said Anthony Garduno, Founder of Chill Bucket. "Unlike traditional portable air conditioners that are very effective but consume a lot of energy, or evaporative coolers whose effectiveness will vary depending on the climate, our product combines affordability and efficiency in a user-friendly design. We believe it's the perfect solution for anyone looking to stay cool outdoors without the hassle." Image: https://www.getnews.info/uploads/b5922d7581e098ac8ab5109d61a246db.jpg Chill Bucket is dedicated to providing accessible and effective cooling solutions for outdoor lovers, adventurers, and everyday users. By focusing on portability, efficiency, and affordability, the company seeks to redefine how people stay comfortable in various environments, whether at home or during outdoor events. Early backers of the campaign will receive exclusive rewards, including discounted pricing and bundled accessories such as power stations and replacement filters, offering long-term value to the community of supporters. For more information or to support the Chill Bucket campaign, visit https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1058499170/chill-bucket [ https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1058499170/chill-bucket?ref=bea2ax ] Media Contact Company Name: Chill Bucket City: New York State: New York Country: United States Website: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1058499170/chill-bucket?ref=bea2ax This release was published on openPR.It’s "Feast Week" in college basketball, which means fans across the nation are treated to thrilling matchups all week long, culminating in some high-stakes tournaments across the country. It's lived up to the hype so far as the drama has certainly reached a boiling point at the Maui Invitational, where the No. 2 Connecticut Huskies have found themselves in uncharted territory once again. After suffering an overtime loss to the Memphis Tigers on Monday, the Huskies' struggles continued on Tuesday. Despite leading late in the game, Connecticut blew a crucial advantage and fell to the Colorado Buffaloes , 73-72, marking their second loss in just 24 hours. It’s a shocking turn of events for a Connecticut team that came into the tournament as one of the nation’s elite, but now faces questions as they look to rebound from back-to-back heartbreaking defeats. The loss moved UConn into unfortunate history in college basketball as they became just the second AP Top-2 team to lose to unranked opponents on consecutive days. COLORADO UPSETS NO. 2 UCONN IN A THRILLER!!️ The Huskies are just the second AP top-2 team in history to lose to unranked opponents on consecutive days 😳 pic.twitter.com/PoH4phb0nc This is unprecedented for Dan Hurley's Huskies. They entered the season with a lot of new faces and a rejuvenated roster after losing much of their core from last season, but they still have plenty of talent, as the first few weeks of the season have showed. © Marco Garcia-Imagn Images However, coming off back-to-back national championships, the expectations were high, but it may be time to dial them back a bit, as this current team still has a long way to go before reaching its peak. Related: Jay Bilas Highlights ‘Underrated’ Star Who’s Making Waves in College Basketball

LETHBRIDGE, Alta. — Alberta's Opposition NDP says a decision not to mail out voter registration cards due to the Canada Post strike could hurt turnout in a provincial byelection that is set for a week before Christmas. The NDP’s executive director, in a letter to chief electoral officer Gordon McClure, says the registration cards are "one of the few remaining supports provided by Elections Alberta to promote access to democracy." The cards let voters know when and how they can vote. Premier Danielle Smith announced last week that the byelection for Lethbridge-West would be held Dec. 18, to fill the vacancy that opened when former NDP legislature member Shannon Phillips resigned July 1. NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi had urged Smith to call the byelection earlier, as both NDP and the governing United Conservative Party candidates have been in place since September. Alberta Elections notes on its website that due to the Canada Post strike, "Where to Vote" cards will not be mailed to electors, and it warns that in the event of a continuing strike electors choosing to vote by special ballot may have to use other ways to send them in, such as a courier. NDP executive director Garett Spelliscy, in the letter, says that’s not good enough. He says the NDP wants Elections Alberta to conduct "robust voter outreach," which could include billboards, road signs, radio ads and a phone and text campaign. "Byelections tend to have lower voter turnout. The premier’s cynical decision for a winter election so close to Christmas and Hanukkah risks an even lower than typical turnout," Spelliscy said in the letter posted on social media late Monday. Spelliscy said a plan by Elections Alberta to issue social media posts and ads through the Lethbridge Herald newspaper "is constructive, but woefully inadequate." He noted seniors are less likely to access information through social media. The outcome of the byelection won’t affect the government, as the UCP currently has 49 seats in the 87-seat legislature compared with 37 for the NDP. The NDP candidate is Rob Miyashiro, while the UCP banner is carried by John Middleton-Hope. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 25, 2024. The Canadian PressChewy's largest shareholder to sell $500 million in sharesSaquon Barkley has become the Shohei Ohtani of the NFL. There's no better home run hitter playing football right now. Barkley had touchdown runs of 72 and 70 yards for the Philadelphia Eagles in a 37-20 victory over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday night. He now has five runs of 50-plus yards this season and is on pace to break Eric Dickerson's single-season record of 2,105 yards set in 1984. Barkley's historic performance against the Rams — his 255 yards set a team record — captivated a national audience and turned him into a fan favorite for the AP NFL MVP award. He's not the betting favorite, however. Josh Allen has the best odds at plus-150, according to Bet MGM Sportsbook. Two-time MVP Lamar Jackson is next at plus-250 followed by Barkley at plus-400. Running backs have won the award 18 times, including three-time winner Jim Brown, who was the AP's first NFL MVP in 1957. Quarterbacks have dominated the award, winning it 45 times. Only three players who weren't QBs or RBs have been MVP. It takes a special season for a non-QB to win it mainly because the offense goes through the signal caller. Quarterbacks handle the ball every offensive snap, run the show and get the credit when things go well and the blame when it doesn't. Adrian Peterson was the most recent non-QB to win it when he ran for 2,097 yards and 12 touchdowns for the Minnesota Vikings in 2012. Playing for a winning team matters, too. Nine of the past 11 winners played for a No. 1 seed with the other two winners on a No. 2 seed. The Vikings earned the sixth seed when Pederson was MVP. Barkley is a major reason why the Eagles (9-2) are leading the NFC East and only trail Detroit (10-1) by one game for the top spot in the conference. Does he have a realistic chance to win the MVP award? Kicker Mark Moseley was the MVP in the strike-shortened 1982 season when he made 20 of 21 field goals and 16 of 19 extra points in nine games for Washington. If voters once selected a kicker, everyone has a chance, especially a game-changer such as Barkley. Defensive tackle Alan Page was the MVP in 1971 and linebacker Lawrence Taylor won it in 1986. Running back Christian McCaffrey finished third in voting last year and wide receiver Justin Jefferson placed fifth in 2022. The Offensive Player of the Year award and Defensive Player of the Year award recognize the best all-around players on both sides of the ball, allowing voters to recognize non-QBs if they choose. Wide receivers and running backs have won the AP OPOY award seven times over the past 11 seasons. McCaffrey was the 2023 winner. The AP's new voting format introduced in 2022 also gives non-QBs a better opportunity to get MVP recognition. Voter submit their top five picks for each award, with a weighted point system. Previously, voters made one choice for each award. A nationwide panel of 50 media members who regularly cover the league vote for MVP and seven other awards. The awards are based on regular-season performance. The Chiefs (10-1) and Bills (9-2) already are in position to lock up postseason berths right after Thanksgiving. Kansas City clinches a playoff berth with a win over Las Vegas on Black Friday and a loss by Miami on Thursday night, or a win plus a loss by Denver on Monday night. Buffalo can wrap up a fifth straight AFC East title with a victory over San Francisco on Sunday and a loss by the Dolphins. It's not a given that the Dallas Cowboys will be looking for a new head coach after this season. Owner Jerry Jones said Tuesday on local radio that Mike McCarthy could end up getting a contract extension. "I don't think that's crazy at all. This is a Super Bowl-winning coach. Mike McCarthy has been there and done that. He has great ideas. We got a lot of football left," Jones said. McCarthy led the Cowboys (4-7) to three straight 12-win seasons, but they went 1-3 in the playoffs and haven't reached the NFC championship game since winning the Super Bowl 29 years ago. Injuries have contributed to the team's struggles this season, but Dallas was just 3-5 before Dak Prescott was lost for the rest of the season. The Cowboys upset Washington last week and their next four games are against teams that currently have losing records. If they somehow end up 9-8 or even 8-9, Jones could make a case for keeping McCarthy. Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Blake Snell reportedly has joined his former team's biggest rival. After opting out of his Giants contract and entering MLB free agency this offseason, Snell has agreed to a five-year, $182 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers pending a physical, ESPN's Jeff Passan and Jorge Castillo reported Tuesday, citing sources. Philadelphia news 24/7: Watch NBC10 free wherever you are Left-hander Blake Snell and the Los Angeles Dodgers are in agreement on a five-year, $182 million contract, pending physical, sources tell me and @jorgecastillo . The World Series champions get the two-time Cy Young winner in the first nine-figure deal of the winter. Snell seemingly confirmed the news with a post on his Instagram account. A post shared by Blake Snell (@snellzilla4) It's no surprise Los Angeles landed the two-time Cy Young Award winner. The Dodgers have shattered free-agency expectations in recent offseasons, inflating their payroll and even deferring millions of dollars to future years so they can sign stars including Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman -- the list goes on. It paid off for San Francisco's NL West rivals in 2024, as Los Angeles won its eighth World Series title last month when it defeated the New York Yankees in five games. And the Dodgers appear to be taking the deferred money route with Snell, as they did when they signed Ohtani last winter. Dodgers’ deal with Blake Snell includes some deferred money, source tells The Athletic. https://t.co/ZO6X9C4b1k Snell's lone Giants campaign started off rocky after the ace endured an offseason without spring training while searching for a home in free agency. But after a rough first half to the 2024 MLB season, Snell quickly rounded into Cy Young form, even pitching a no-hitter for San Francisco on Aug. 2 against the Cincinnati Reds. His hot second half led Snell to opt out of the remaining year on his Giants contract, making him the best available pitcher on the open market. This time, negotiations with MLB teams didn't last as long. Because the Dodgers, as usual, swooped in. Download and follow the Giants Talk PodcastChargers’ leading rusher J.K. Dobbins sidelined by sprained kneeGermany pledges security inquest into Christmas market attackWildcat DX, LLC acquires full ownership stake in Navis Clinical Laboratories, Inc and retains interim CEO, Damon Borg , to bring new Strengthened Commitment to Growth . CLEVELAND , Dec. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Wildcat DX, LLC is thrilled to announce its acquisition of Navis Clinical Laboratories, Inc., a leading provider of diagnostic lab testing services. Navis has long been dedicated to excellence, innovation, and delivering exceptional value to its clients. The new ownership group shares these core values, and their involvement will further enhance our ability to expand and improve our products and services. As part of this transition, Dr. Damon Borg has been appointed as interim CEO. Navis is an exciting addition to the already impressive portfolio of Health Care companies owned and operated by the Wildcat DX, LLC management team. Some of the companies in this portfolio include; Encore Wound Care is one of the largest mobile wound care practices in the country, servicing long term care facilities in Ohio , Kentucky , Tennessee , and Pennsylvania , with Indiana expected to launch in early 2025. Encore Surgical Supplies is a rapidly growing post operative surgical dressing company. The Encore Surgical program drives the post operative conservative therapy for Ortho, Derm, Plastics, and General Surgery practices across the country. In just a year's time, physician groups across the country have adopted the Encore Surgical platform. MedArbor Diagnostics is a Clinical Molecular Laboratory located in Bristol, PA. They service a full line of molecular based infectious diseases testing including UTI, Respiratory, Wound, Women's Health and Gastrointestinal panels. Novo Health Care Services is a technology and billing company that has developed several software platforms including but not limited to – Novo LIMs, Encore Wound Tracker, and Novo Rx. Another division of the company performs billing services for pharmacies, laboratories, and medical practices throughout the country. The combined healthcare entities are to exceed $200m in yearly revenue, with 100% year over year growth. "We are extremely excited to add and synergize Navis into our expanding health care network. Navis has a long-standing reputation of being one of the top toxicology laboratories in the country. We will work to continue building upon their excellent reputation while bringing additional value to company through our business network and relationships," said Miro Kesic , Managing Partner of Wildcat DX, LLC. Navis remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance and transparency. The entire team is energized by this new chapter and the opportunities it brings for growth and continued success. For additional information, please contact: Craig Waters , CFO [email protected] (440)652-8748 SOURCE Wildcat DX, LLC

Strictly Come Dancing's Craig Revel Horwood has admitted to softening his famously prickly critiques, fearing they might now be construed as bullying. Chatting with Radio Times, the Australian dance professional and television personality reflected on his stern approach in earlier seasons. "I have changed my style of judging," he confessed, adding that his comments from 20 years ago were particularly severe: "I was really harsh 20 years ago. When I look back, I think, 'Ooh, that's cutting.'" He expressed concern over today's reception of such blunt remarks, saying, "It would now be classed as bullying, and then I'd be cancelled." However, he clarified his adjusted stance isn't due to the "fear of being cancelled" but rather a change in perspective, now adopting an approach that is "more like a teacher than a judge". His new method involves delivering critiques more gently, revealing, "I used to be very direct" but now Horwood ensures to "wrap the truth in a nice way." Horwood's change in judgment style comes against a backdrop of various stars recounting negative experiences on the BBC One hit series. Actress Amanda Abbington, participating in 2023, previously lodged complaints about her dance partner on the show, Giovanni Pernice, reports OK! . Following an investigation into these complaints, the BBC extended an apology to Abbington, substantiating some, though not all, of the raised concerns. The most series allegations of physical aggression were not upheld, however, and Pernice denies wrongdoing, claiming the investigation did not find him to be a bully. Since the allegations, the show introduced new measures such as introducing chaperones during rehearsals. "Things have to change," Craig declared, recognising the necessity for evolution during the cherished show's 20th-anniversary festivities. "These dancers are world champions they've been taught properly to win, and the only way you're going to achieve that is by someone driving you. That's embedded in their DNA, you can't just change that overnight." "That's very different to a celebrity who's a novice coming in. Celebrities are sensitive because they're in the public domain. They've got reputations to protect and don't want to be seen looking stupid." "So it's about having someone there in the room and guarding both the celebrity and the professional, and also encouraging the fact that it should be fun. They still need to be pushed because we can't get away from the fact that dancing is hard, but it's a light entertainment programme as well." Craig went on to disclose his intention to compile all the negative remarks and alleged death threats he has received over the years into a forthcoming book, aiming to "shame them". Strictly Come Dancing is available to watch on BBC Iplayer.Nutrition Sri Lanka program launched by Akshata to combat malnutrition in Sri Lanka

Older adults in the U.S. skip needed medical care at much higher rates compared to other developed countries, according recent survey conducted by The Commonwealth Fund . The study said 8% to 9% of older Americans skip necessary treatment compared to just 2% of seniors in countries like Sweden, the Netherlands, the U.K. and Germany. The survey said nearly all Americans aged 65 or older are covered by Medicare and have access to most basic health services. Yet they pay more for health care and are more likely to postpone or skip needed care because of the cost. RELATED STORY | Medicare enrollment is complicated, but saving money doesn't have to be Nearly a quarter of older adults in the U.S. spent at least $2,000 over the past year on out-of-pocket expenses, compared to less than 5% in France and the Netherlands who spent the same amount, the survey said. The survey results are similar for dental and mental health care, The Commonwealth Fund said. One in five older adults in the U.S., Australia and Canada reported skipping needed dental care, compared to 5% or less of older adults in the Netherlands and Germany. The survey said less than 5% of older adults in all countries reported skipping mental health services over the past year because of the cost. RELATED STORY | Medicare premiums will rise yet again in 2025. Here's what you need to knowStorm dumps record rain and heavy snow on Northern California. Many in Seattle still without power

EXTENSION NEWS: Making family traditionsLAS VEGAS — Kansas center Hunter Dickinson was ejected midway through the second half of the top-ranked Jayhawks' game against No. 11 Duke on Tuesday night for kicking the Blue Devils' Maliq Brown in the head. Brown was assessed a personal foul for backing into Dickinson while both were going for a rebound. Dickinson was given a flagrant-2 for the kick, leading to the ejection. He initially remained in the bench area with his teammates before being escorted off the floor. Dickinson entered the game averaging 17.8 points and 10.4 rebounds. Kansas led 57-55 at the time of his ejection.

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — Thirty locators were recognized during the annual Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Mabuhay Business Awards 2024 held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) on Dec. 13, 2024. SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose Aliño said the 30 awardees out of the 1,909 locators were recognized for their exceptional contribution to the business growth of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone this year. Register to read this story and more for free . Signing up for an account helps us improve your browsing experience. OR See our subscription options.

AN ICONIC American muscle car with right-hand drive has gone for sale in the UK for the first time. For the same price as a BMW M4, passionate drivers can now officially buy the classic Chevrolet Corvette Stingray without having to import it from the United States. 3 A Chevrolet Corvette Z06 car is displayed during the 5th China International Import Expo Credit: Getty 3 The car has officially made its UK debut Credit: Getty 3 The rear-wheel-drive muscle car costs the same as a BMW M4 Credit: Getty Leading car dealership Lumen Automotive has become the first car outlet to offer right-hand Corvettes to motorists. The two models on offer are the standard Corvette Stringray and the sportier Corvette Z06 which is more track-focused. Brits will no longer have to import the iconic muscle car from the US which can cost significantly more money due to taxes. The rear-wheel-drive muscle car costs less than £95,000, which is about the same price you would pay for a BMW M4. read more motor stories VROOM VROOM Scientists create world’s most perfect car after using AI to pore over designs CHANGE IT UP Thousands of drivers brace for huge DVLA change to MOT and registration rules But the all-out American sprinter can reach 60mph quicker than the BMW racer. Under the hood comes a roaring 6.2-litre V8 naturally aspirated engine that can produce a whopping 475bhp while churning out 637lb-ft of torque output. And to make the driving experience even better, the engine comes paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission system that makes the driving Filippo Caracciolo, European distribution manager for Corvette, said: “Bringing the C8 Corvette Stingray and Z06 in a right-hand-drive configuration to the UK is a defining moment for the brand. Most read in Motors ROUND THE BEND We're furious at council wasting £90k on eyesore roundabout outside our home CAUGHT OUT Moment McLaren driver tears by cops doing 130mph... before lame excuse when caught CYBER-STUCK I imported a Cybertruck to the UK for first time - but I can’t take it on road DRIVEN MAD 'It's a cash grab': Major parking shakeup for idyllic Scots seaside town “As a global icon of performance and innovation, the Corvette represents the pinnacle of automotive excellence. "Our affiliation with Lumen Automotive will offer a seamless entry into the UK market, and we’re excited to deliver the Corvette’s unparalleled engineering and exhilarating driving experience to British enthusiasts and collectors.” Ashley Passant, managing director of the Greenhouse Group, which owns Lumen Automotive, told Autoexpress: "With its rich legacy of innovation and performance, the Corvette is a great match for us and our customers. "We’re proud to represent this globally iconic marque and bring its extraordinary driving experience to the UK.” Ford's new Mustang crowned fastest American road car ever as it shatters record at infamous track ahead of 2025 debut Meanwhile, a first-edition 1973 Ford Escort Mk1 RS2000, restored to its original glory, is set to go under the hammer. The iconic classic, a symbol of 70s motoring, has undergone a £130,000 transformation, making it one of the finest examples of its kind to hit the auction block. Known for its striking Diamond White finish with Olympic Blue detailing on the doors and bonnet, the motor will now go to auction with an estimated price of £80,000. The Ford has undergone a no-expense-spared restoration over the past four years, aimed at bringing the car as close to its original form as possible, using authentic parts and techniques. The interior is a testament to the car’s heritage, featuring an all-black design with fabric seats and a steering wheel proudly bearing the RS logo. This attention to detail is matched by the extensive mechanical work performed during the restoration. The arduous facelift began in 2019 with a full disassembly and meticulous inspection of the car’s bodyshell. The shell was dipped and repaired before being sent to a specialist e-coating facility to ensure long-lasting protection. Original parts and NOS (New Old Stock) components were sourced throughout the process to maintain authenticity. The 2-litre engine, which distinguished the RS2000 from its more high-strung RS1600 sibling, was rebuilt by David Moore Engineering, while the gearbox and rear axle were restored by Copthorne Classics. The auction, scheduled for December at the Warwickshire Event Centre, is being handled by Iconic Auctioneers. Read more on the Scottish Sun SNOW JOKE Snow maps reveal the Scotland areas forecast to have a white Christmas OFF THE AIR 'Gutted to hear this', fans cry as BBC Scotland series axed after 19 years According to the auction listing, the car’s restoration is "one of the most exacting restorations witnessed and surely the best available." It comes after an ultra-rare iconic car with a high speed of 250mph and a hydraulic spoiler hit the market for £840,000 .Minnesota U.S. Attorney Andy Luger to step down ahead of Trump transition

David Cameron has become the first former prime minister to come out in support of the assisted dying bill. The former Tory leader has written a piece in The Times explaining his decision, and saying that in the past he opposed moves to introduce measures allowing terminally ill people to end their own life. Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton wrote: "My main concern and reason for not supporting proposals before now has always been the worry that vulnerable people could be pressured into hastening their own deaths." However, he says he has now been reassured by those arguing in favour of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. Labour MP Kim Leadbeater will put the bill forward for a vote in the House of Commons on Friday. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player "As campaigners have convincingly argued, this proposal is not about ending life, it is about shortening death," Lord Cameron wrote in The Times . His intervention comes after Gordon Brown , Theresa May, Boris Johnson and Liz Truss all came out in opposition to the bill. None of Sir John Major, Sir Tony Blair or Rishi Sunak have made their positions public. In his article, Lord Cameron says he asked four questions before reaching his conclusion - whether there are sufficient safeguards to protect vulnerable people, whether this is a "slippery slope", whether it would put unnecessary pressure on the NHS and will the proposed law lead to a meaningful reduction in human suffering? On the first point, Lord Cameron says protections like two doctors needing to give approval as well as a judge, alongside the requirement of self-administration of the fatal drugs, are enough. He also highlights the criminalisation of coercing someone to end their own life. Follow our channel and never miss an update On whether the bill is a "slippery slope" - as Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood claimed - he says such an argument can be made for any social change. The former prime minister writes that the bill is in "a sensible and practical resting place for public policy in this area", and is explicitly only for the terminally ill, rather than those with mental illnesses and disabilities. Read more: What is in the assisted dying legislation? Lawyer says Canada's assisted dying has gone too far Chief political correspondent Former prime ministers David Cameron and Gordon Brown both lost a child in tragic circumstances. But they've now come to a different conclusion about assisted dying. Lord Cameron lost son Ivan, aged six, who was severely disabled and suffered from epilepsy and cerebral palsy, in February 2009. Mr Brown, the then prime minister, cancelled PMQs out of respect. When assisted dying was last debated in the Commons in 2015 - when he was prime minister - Mr Cameron voted against it. But now, in a major and potentially influential intervention, he's changed his mind. "When we know that there's no cure, when we know death is imminent, when patients enter a final and acute period of agony, then surely, if they can prevent it and – crucially - want to prevent it, we should let them make that choice," Lord Cameron writes in The Times. But the former premier is in a minority of Conservatives who back the bill and most senior Tory MPs, including Kemi Badenoch, Priti Patel and former leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith, are opposed. Lord Cameron is also the first of all the UK's living former prime ministers to back Kim Leadbeater's controversial bill, which is being debated in the Commons on Friday. This week three former Conservative PMs – Theresa May, Boris Johnson and Liz Truss – let it be known that they oppose the bill. Baroness May, like Lord Cameron, will have a vote if the bill reaches the Lords. Mr Brown's daughter Jennifer, born seven weeks prematurely weighing 2lb 4oz, died after just 11 days in January 2002 following a brain haemorrhage on day four of her short life. A son of the manse who was strongly influenced by his father, a Church of Scotland minister, Mr Brown says the tragedy convinced him of the value and imperative of good end-of-life care, not the case for assisted dying. On whether it put undue pressure on the NHS, Lord Cameron dismisses the argument. "It's not just that the bill would be applicable in only a very small number of cases, it is that the NHS exists to serve patients and the public, not the other way around," he writes. On the fourth point - whether it will reduce human suffering - the former prime minister says: "I find it very hard to argue that the answer to this question is anything other than 'yes'." 👉 Listen to Sky News Daily on your podcast app 👈 Be the first to get Breaking News Install the Sky News app for free Lord Cameron adds that, as a member of the House of Lords, he gets letters from terminally ill patients and that poses questions. He wrote: "When we know that there's no cure, when we know death is imminent, when patients enter a final and acute period of agony, then surely, if they can prevent it and - crucially - want to prevent it, we should let them make that choice. "It's right that MPs are having a free vote on this issue - and our tradition of free votes on such moral issues should be maintained. "The fact it is a free vote gives legislators the chance to think afresh and, if the evidence convinces them, to change their mind. That's what I have done. And, if this bill makes it to the House of Lords, I will be voting for it."ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistani security forces launched an operation Tuesday night to disperse supporters of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan who had gathered in the capital to demand his release from prison. The latest development came hours after thousands of Khan supporters, defying government warnings, broke through a barrier of shipping containers blocking off Islamabad and entered a high-security zone, where they clashed with security forces, facing tear gas shelling, mass detentions and gunfire. Tension has been high in Islamabad since Sunday when supporters of the former prime minister began a “long march” from the restive northwest to demand his release. Khan has been in a prison for over a year and faces more than 150 criminal cases that his party says are politically motivated. Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, led the protest, but she fled as police pushed back against demonstrators. Hundreds of Khan’s supporters are being arrested in the ongoing nighttime operation, and police are also seeking to arrest Bibi. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi told reporters that the Red Zone, which houses government buildings and embassies, and the surrounding areas have been cleared. Leaders from Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, or PTI, have also fled the protest site. Earlier Tuesday, Pakistan’s army took control of D-Chowk, a large square in the Red Zone, where visiting Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko is staying. Since Monday, Naqvi had threatened that security forces would use live fire if protesters fired weapons at them. “We have now authorized the police to respond as necessary,” Naqvi said Tuesday while visiting the square. Before the operation began, protester Shahzor Ali said people had taken to the streets because Khan had called for them. “We will stay here until Khan joins us. He will decide what to do next,” Ali said. “If they fire bullets again, we will respond with bullets,” he said. Protester Fareeda Bibi, who is not related to Khan’s wife, said people have suffered greatly for the last two years. “We have really suffered for the last two years, whether it is economically, politically or socially. We have been ruined. I have not seen such a Pakistan in my life,” she said. Authorities have struggled to contain the protest-related violence. Six people, including four members of the security services, were killed when a vehicle rammed them on a street overnight into Tuesday. A police officer died in a separate incident. Dozens of Khan supporters beat a videographer covering the protest for The Associated Press and took his camera. He sustained head injuries and was treated in a hospital. By Tuesday afternoon, fresh waves of protesters made their way unopposed to their final destination in the Red Zone. Most demonstrators had the flag of Khan’s party around their shoulders or wore its tricolors on accessories. Naqvi said Khan’s party had rejected a government offer to rally on the outskirts of the city. Information Minister Atta Tarar warned there would be a severe government reaction to the violence. He said the government did not want Bushra Bibi to achieve her goal of freeing Khan. “She wants bodies falling to the ground. She wants bloodshed,” he said. The government says only the courts can order Khan’s release. He was ousted in 2022 through a no-confidence vote in Parliament. In a bid to foil the unrest, police have arrested more than 4,000 Khan supporters since Friday and suspended mobile and internet services in some parts of the country. Messaging platforms were also experiencing severe disruption in the capital. Khan’s party relies heavily on social media and uses messaging platforms such as WhatsApp to share information, including details of events. The X platform, which is banned in Pakistan, is no longer accessible, even with a VPN. Last Thursday, a court prohibited rallies in the capital and Naqvi said anyone violating the ban would be arrested. Travel between Islamabad and other cities has become nearly impossible because of shipping containers blocking the roads. All education institutions remain closed. Pakistan's Stock Exchange lost more than $1.7 billion Tuesday due to rising political tensions, according to economist Mohammed Sohail from Topline Securities. Associated Press writers Munir Ahmed in Islamabad and Asim Tanveer in Multan, Pakistan, contributed to this report.

University of Idaho students travel across the campus during a change in classes. (Courtesy of University of Idaho) Originally posted on IdahoEdNews.org on December 11, 2024 Soon after the State Board of Education began talking about restricting diversity, equity and inclusion programs on campuses, Nick Koenig and other University of Idaho students began fanning out. They started collecting student testimonials about the U of I’s Office of Equity and Diversity — and its programs for women, Black and Latino students and LGBTQ students. “I had sexual trauma resurface causing me to have a panic attack,” wrote one student. “Going to the women’s center, the staff supported me and lent me a shoulder to cry on.” “These offices were the one place I could be my authentic self. No need to ‘fix’ the way I spoke or to ‘hide’ my accent,” wrote a second student. “If it were not for the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Black/African American Cultural Center, I don’t know if I would have graduated, let alone be pursuing a master’s degree.” The testimonials aligned with Koenig’s own experience. A doctoral student who teaches climate science and sociology, Koenig moved from Kentucky to Moscow in 2022, after a Zoom call with the former head of the U of I’s LGBTQA office. “It was absolutely the reason I came,” Koenig said last week. “My story is just one of the numerous stories of these kinds of support services and how they operate day to day.” Koenig has forwarded the 66 student testimonials to the State Board — and to a legislative task force scrutinizing DEI programs. But the State Board is likely to vote next Wednesday on a resolution to limit DEI on campus. And while the U of I says it is waiting to see what the State Board does, Boise State University and Idaho State University have already reined in their own DEI initiatives. By design, or by coincidence, the two universities are backing away from a showdown with the State Board and the Legislature. The heart of the DEI resolution reads as follows: “Institutions shall ensure that no central office, policy, procedure, or initiative is dedicated to diversity, equity and inclusion.” The State Board would carve out a series of exceptions — covering federal research grants, accreditation or NCAA rules, among other items. Exceptions aside, the State Board resolution would shut down campus centers that have a DEI component. “Institutions shall ensure that all student success centers are dedicated to all students ... regardless of personal identity characteristics.” The proposal has Gov. Brad Little’s blessing. “Little has long supported the idea that all Idahoans be given the same opportunities to succeed,” spokeswoman Joan Varsek said this week. And while the State Board is taking online comments from students through Friday , that doesn’t change the fact that its resolution has political momentum behind it. If the State Board votes next week, at its last scheduled meeting of the year, the board’s resolution could get out ahead of the Legislature. The Legislature’s DEI task force hasn’t offered any specific proposals yet, and it won’t meet again until the week of Jan. 6, the opening week of the 2025 session. Meanwhile, Boise State and Idaho State have moved first. Months before the Legislature’s task force began its work — and months before the State Board unveiled its DEI resolution — Boise State administrators began talking about closing its Gender Equity Center and its Student Equity Center. It’s unclear exactly when Boise State decided to close the centers. But in a Sept. 24 memo to legislative staff, the university’s government affairs team said the closure was a done deal. (The Legislature’s DEI task force held its first meeting on Oct. 23.) “We’ve been aware of the conversations happening at the state board level and the legislative level,” Jeremiah Shinn, Boise State’s vice president for student affairs and enrollment management, said in an interview Tuesday. “We wanted to be as proactive as we can.” The two equity centers — with nine staffers and a combined budget of about $700,000 — closed on Nov. 29. The money will stay in student support programs, but some of the employees are leaving Boise State. “It won’t be the same staff to a person,” Shinn said. The centerpiece in Boise State’s shift is pretty much what the State Board has in mind: a one-stop shop, the newly opened Student Connections and Success Center. In their Sept. 24 memo to legislative staff, Boise State said it would gear the new center toward a variety of demographic groups that struggle to stay in school: first-generation students, rural students, low-income students eligible for federal Pell grants, Hispanic students, and male students. It’s going to look different, but Shinn says he believes Boise State will be able to serve the different needs of all student groups under one roof. “This is new territory for us and certainly we’ll learn a lot in the coming weeks and semesters,” he said. On Nov. 14 — one week before the State Board’s first hearing on the DEI resolution — Idaho State President Robert Wagner announced said his university would close its Diversity Resource Center and its Gender Resource Center. Both had operated on campus for 20 years or longer, and had a combined budget of close to $150,000. The centers’ programs will move into Idaho State’s own one-stop shop, dubbed the Bengal Student Success Center. Wagner is promising what he calls “a hub for academic growth.” But compliance is at least part of the equation. “This shift allows us to consolidate efforts and provide more streamlined, impactful support for all students while adhering to state guidelines,” Wagner said in a memo to students and staff . For the time being, the U of I’s Office of Equity and Diversity is still intact. That also goes for the programs under its bailiwick: the College Assistance Migrant Program , the Black/African American Cultural Center , the LGBTQA Office , the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Women’s Center . The office has close to 11 full-time staffers and an annual budget exceeding $1.3 million. The Legislature has banned all colleges and universities from using taxpayer funding for DEI programs, so almost all of this $1.3 million comes from student fees. That status quo is certain to change if the State Board resolution passes. The U of I has a “rough idea” of how it would put all of its student support programs under one umbrella, spokeswoman Jodi Walker said Tuesday. But the U of I wants to wait to see what comes from the State Board, to avoid the upheaval that could come from closing and reopening student centers. “We want to align,” she said. “We don’t have to do this twice.” But at the same time, the U of I has been trying to assure the university community that the student programs will not go away. “Maybe we are going to serve them and support them in ways that look different than what we’ve done in the past, maybe it’s from a different office, maybe it’s from different units, but still trying to meet the needs of students and employees as well,” Provost Torrey Lawrence said at a recent Faculty Senate meeting, according to the Lewiston Tribune . Koenig expects the U of I to give in eventually, in order to appease a Legislature that has cut past higher education budgets over DEI. “It sucks that it’s always the most marginalized that are thrown out first ... to save the bottom line,” Koenig said. And that might affect Koenig’s future. Koenig, who uses the pronouns they and them, studies tree rings to gauge climate change. Koenig loves Idaho and its limitless forests. But depending on what happens next legislative session, Koenig said they might leave the state. At this point, the defense of DEI isn’t coming from university leaders — who say they are committed to supporting students of all backgrounds, but who also have to work with the State Board and the Legislature. Instead, that support is bubbling up from the grass roots level. In the days leading up to their most recent meeting on Dec. 2, members of the legislative task force received a flurry of more than three dozen emails from Idahoans, urging the lawmakers to leave DEI programs alone. The emails — obtained by Idaho Education News, through a public records request — came from current and former U of I students, retired educators and a woman who called herself “a concerned grandmother” of a U of I student. “There are certain programs that benefit my granddaughter, such as the Women’s Center,” she wrote. “These are safe places of support and community.” The 66 U of I testimonials — collected by Koenig and fellow students — represent a sliver of an enrollment of nearly 12,300. But one pattern emerged from this small sample. If the U of I’s DEI programs go away, three-fourths of the respondents said they would reconsider attending the U of I or supporting their university. “I definitely wouldn’t want to support a university that doesn’t care for its students and isn’t willing to fight for them,” said one student. “If the university isn’t willing to protect academia then what is it willing to do at all? Why even exist as an institution?” Kevin Richert writes a weekly analysis on education policy and education politics. Look for his stories each Thursday. Due to the timeliness of the topic, this week’s analysis was published on Wednesday, Dec. 11. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOXCanada’s Jonathan David scores milestone goal in Lille win over Brest in France

( MENAFN - The Conversation) We are well and truly in cricket season. The Australian men's cricket team is taking centre stage against India in the Border Gavaskar Trophy series while the Big Bash League is underway, as is the Sheffield Shield. It is a packed summer schedule, with the Australian women's cricket team competing in an Ashes series against England that will culminate in a historic Test at the MCG on January 30: the first women's Test played at the venue since 1948–49. That match will also be the 90th anniversary of the first ever women's Ashes series, when England toured Australia in the summer of 1934–35. It's an exciting schedule for fans and one Cricket Australia will be looking to capitalise on. But is all this cricket driving participation? Like most sports, cricket faces a challenge to retain junior players in an oversaturated sports market. It is also competing with other entertainment offerings, increased screen time, financial pressures, and parent and guardian unavailability. Read more: No cash, no play? Have cost-of-living pressures impacted sports participation in Australia? Ahead of the 2024–25 summer, Cricket Australia released its annual report , which included 2023–24 participation numbers. On the whole, things are looking somewhat positive, with growth in junior cricket (ages 5-12) increasing 5%. For women and girls, the numbers are even more encouraging, with Cricket Australia reporting 18% growth for the 2023–24 season, attributed to a 44% rise in school competitions, 6% growth in social competitions and a record-breaking year of youth girls' participation (ages 5–12). But Cricket Australia highlighted challenges in that next phase – the teenage years, with the governing body reporting an overall 5% drop in teenage participation . There has been reflection recently about the decline of junior participation in some demographics and a changing cricketing landscape . A query that often arises in these conversations is whether the sport's traditional breeding ground, backyard cricket, is under threat. What is interesting is the nostalgia many cricket fans hold for the days of the iconic pastime and how it is central to a person's, and maybe even our national, identity. Backyard cricket has long been a staple for many Australian families (and those in cricketing countries). It has attracted a certain rose-coloured nostalgia that fills the memories of generations – the sounds of a ball bouncing off a wheelie bin, the shouts of“car!” in quiet suburban streets and maybe sometimes, of smashed glass and the cries of angry parents to not play near the windows. Cricket fans can connect to stories of backyard cricket, reflecting on simpler times, mates made in the streets and maybe even how they perfected their action in narrow driveways, to avoid trees or to not lose the ball over the neighbour's fence. Cricket lovers can not only recall their childhood and growing cricket fandom, but also imagine how their cricketing heroes were likely doing the exact same thing. In 2009, Steve Cannane wrote the book First Tests – Great Australian Cricketers and The Backyards That Made Them . The book is a testament to the romance of backyard cricket and how we can relate as fans to the icons of the game, who also experienced modest beginnings in similar streets. They were just like us. But recreation looks different to today's teens, with the rise of technology and other entertainment options, as well as changing social patterns where organic interactions are less likely or not encouraged . This can make it hard to find fielders for those long cover drives down the driveway. I recently discussed this on ABC Radio's The Conversation Hour . We discussed how children might be less likely to approach other children to play today , which might be a result of COVID restrictions or general concerns about children's safety. Australia's changing housing market is also affecting backyard cricket. Apartment living and smaller homes in urban areas with limited outdoor space make the activity not only very difficult but not visible to invite others in. Modern city planning appears focused on making cities more compact and experts note the loss of outdoor space could increase the risks of physical and mental health problems among city residents. It appears for many, the days of walking down a street, seeing kids playing a game and joining in until your parents called out“dinner” (or“tea” in the rural neighbourhood I grew up in) are long gone. Kerry Packer's 1977 World Series Cricket is what inspired CEO of Softball Australia Sarah Loh to pick up a cricket bat when her family migrated to Australia when she was six years old. She told ABC Radio Melbourne : While traditional cricket fans often bemoan new formats, flashy tournaments and increased commercialisation of cricket, for many, these innovations also offer entry points, drive interest and allow their fandom to grow. Cricket Australia's chief of cricket James Allsopp has spoken of the need for more social forms of cricket to keep kids interested in the game and prevent the drop-off in teen years. A balance must be achieved in our rapidly changing society – the challenge for cricket's administrators will now be to connect with kids, women, and diverse communities in ways that respond to their needs and bring them to the sport on their terms. They must also do this in a way that protects the history that has already brought so many people together every summer in front of televisions, in stadiums and in backyards across the country. MENAFN22122024000199003603ID1109021829 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.Showdown: CU Buffs set to host rivalry battle against CSU Rams