Israeli hospital says Netanyahu had successful prostate surgeryTALLINN, Estonia — Belarus’ authoritarian leader Alexander Lukashenko pardoned 20 more people that rights activists describe as political prisoners, a statement on the president's website said Saturday. The announcement came amid persistent oppression in the run-up to presidential elections next month that are likely to extend Lukashenko's decades-long rule. Belarusian officials did not provide the names of those released, but the statement posted on the website of the president said that all of them had been convicted of “crimes of an extremist nature." The statement said the group included 11 women and 14 of those pardoned suffered from chronic illnesses. “All of those released repented for their actions and appealed to the head of state to be pardoned,” the presidential administration said in a statement, using wording familiar from a series of previous group pardons in the past six months. Saturday’s announcement marks the eighth such pardon by Lukashenko since the summer of 2024. In all, 207 political prisoners have been freed, according to Belarus’ oldest and most established human rights group, Viasna. Most were jailed following mass anti-government protests in 2020, when Lukashenko secured his sixth term in a vote widely condemned as fraudulent. According to Viasna, over 1,250 political prisoners remain behind bars. No prominent opposition figures, many of whom have not been heard from for months on end, have been released. They include Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Viasna founder Ales Bialiatski; Siarhei Tsikhanouski, who planned to challenge Lukashenko at the ballot box in 2020 but was jailed before the vote; and Viktar Babaryka, who was also imprisoned after gaining popularity before the election. The mass pardons come amid a new wave of repression, said Viasna activist Pavel Sapelka, as Minsk prepares to hold new presidential elections in January 2025 that are likely to hand Lukashenko a seventh term in office. “Lukashenko is sending contradictory signals , pardoning some but jailing twice as many political prisoners in their place,” Sapelka said. “Repression is intensifying and authorities are trying to root out any signs of dissent before the January elections.” Belarusian authorities engineer harsh conditions for political prisoners, denying them meetings with lawyers and relatives, and depriving them of medical care. At least seven political prisoners have died behind bars since 2020, according to Viasna. Lukashenko, who has ruled Belarus with an iron fist for more than 30 years, is one of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s closest allies, allowing Russia to use his country’s territory to send troops into Ukraine in February 2022 and to deploy some of its tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.Peaky Blinders creator teases the upcoming film ‘won’t be the end’ for the drama

THE Ministry of Youth Development and Sports recently organised a series of exciting road races to assess the resilience and skills of young athletes in a mini marathon format. Over the course of one week, the athletes engaged in fun-filled competitions, showcasing friendly rivalry while navigating challenging routes. Here are some of the key results from the Inter-Secondary School’s Road Race Competitions 2024: 1st Place – Isabella Emilien – Saint Lucia Sports Academy (SLSA) 2nd Place – Keihanna St. Juste – Micoud Secondary School (MSS) 3rd Place – Alana Alex – Vieux Fort Comprehensive Secondary School (VFCSS) 4th Place – Talia Taylor – Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC) 1st Place – Jousha Lubin – SALCC 2nd Place – Darvin Joseph – MSS 3rd Place – Ryhime Montoute – MSS 4th Place – Jershawn Mitchel – SLSA 1st Place – Kerrina Monero – VFCSS 2nd Place – Mc Kaylla Olivier – SALCC 3rd Place – Abigail Herman – Saint Joseph’s Convent (SJC) 4th Place – Sherelle Etienne – SLSA 1st Place – Benique Mann – Anse Ger – Institute School of Innovation and Technology 2nd Place – Alex Devaux – Saint Mary’s College SMC) 3rd Place – Omarion Edwin – SMC 4th Place – Tafari Martin – MSS 1st Place – Sheldon Willie – SLSA 2nd Place – Joshua Charles – SMC 3rd Place – Elias Auguste – Anse Ger – Institute School of Innovation and Technology 4th Place – Keshawn Olice – MSS 1st Place – Maiya Landers – VFCSS 2nd Place – Angelle Joseph – Clendon Mason Memorial Secondary School 3rd Place – Seraphine Williams – Beanefield Comprehensive Secondary School 4th Place – Aria Andrew – SLSA 1st Place – Aniya George – SJC 2nd Place – Kayleigh Landers – VFCSS 3rd Place – Najma Melchoir – SJC 4th Place – Aria Anotole – Castries Comprehensive Secondary School (CCSS) 1st Place – Tai Joseph – SLSA 2nd Place – Diallo Albert – SMC 3rd Place – Jaylan Mc Donald – SMC 4th Place – Donavan Pascal – Soufriere Comprehensive Secondary SchoolSouth Korea stocks fall after downbeat industrial data, worsening political turmoil and Jeju Air crash

Eddie Howe says ‘a lot more to come’ from Newcastle striker Alexander IsakResults of a non-binding vote on the proposed Grassy Mountain coal mine in Crowsnest Pass were announced Monday, with more than 71 per cent of voters supporting the project. About 54 per cent of eligible voters participated in the plebiscite, which was held to gauge community sentiment specifically on metallurgical coal mining by Northback Holdings Corp. The ballot posed the question, “Do you support the development and operations of the metallurgical coal mine at Grassy Mountain?” An advance poll was conducted on Nov. 19, followed by the primary voting day on Monday. The results showed 71.7 per cent of voters in favour of the project, while 28.3 per cent opposed it. Crowsnest Pass Mayor Blair Painter expressed satisfaction with the strong voter turnout and called the result a “real strong message” from the community. “I’m very pleased that we had over 53 per cent of the eligible voters turn out to vote on this subject,” Painter told Shootin’ the Breeze. “This sends a very strong message to our council that our community is in favour of ethical metallurgical coal mining in our area.” Painter emphasized the importance of understanding community preferences regarding a project that could affect housing, infrastructure and employment in the region. “We are the community that this mine primarily will draw from. Therefore, it is important that we need to know where our community stands and they have told us,” he said. However, he acknowledged that the municipal council’s role is limited to advocacy and that the ultimate decision on the proposed mine is not in their hands. “We are not the decision-maker on this project; we are only one of the stakeholders,” he noted, adding that council will move forward and continue to advocate. The Grassy Mountain coal mine project has been the subject of significant debate. On Sept. 10, Crowsnest Pass council passed a motion to conduct a non-binding vote, seeking input from residents on their support for the development and operations of the proposed mine. Since then, a long-standing debate has grown heated at times regarding the consequences of mining. Supporters have cited its potential to drive economic growth and create jobs, while critics have voiced concerns over environmental risks, such as selenium contamination and air quality issues due to dust generation. Painter acknowledged these concerns, stating, “Clean water is very important. We get that. Now you must also remember that the area of this mine site, Grassy Mountain, is not pristine mountaintops. It’s previously mined land with no reclamation.” He added that mining operations have made strides in addressing environmental concerns, citing global investments in clean-water technology by other mining companies. “Our mining neighbours to the west of us, Glencore, is spending billions of dollars on clean water technology. They are leaders globally in clean water,” he said. The mayor clarified that council’s next steps would involve internal deliberations, with no influence over the regulatory process or the mining company’s decisions. “We cannot control what they are going to do. They’re bound by the rules and regulations of our country. We cannot influence that,” he said. Northback Holdings, the company behind the Grassy Mountain project, welcomed the vote’s outcome, calling it a step forward for “responsible resource development.” In a statement issued on social media, the company expressed gratitude for the community’s support and reiterated its commitment to balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship. “Exciting news from Crowsnest Pass! Residents have voted in favour of the Grassy Mountain project! Thank you for your overwhelming support for responsible resource development and economic growth,” the company said. “Together, we’re creating well-paying jobs and a brighter future for the region. At Northback, we are committed to modern mining practices that protect the environment while revitalizing the local economy. Let’s move forward together!” Northback representatives were unavailable to comment on the voting results.

Giddey's triple-double sends Bulls to 116-111 win over Bucks

SpaDeX Mission: ISRO's Historic Space Docking Experiment Set For Launch On Monday

Mayor Eric Adams on Tuesday incorrectly asserted that undocumented immigrants are not entitled the right to due process under the U.S. Constitution, aligning himself with a notion previously expressed by President-elect Donald Trump. “The Constitution is for Americans,” Adams told reporters at his weekly City Hall press conference. “I’m not a person that snuck into this country. My ancestors have been here for a long time.” Legal experts disputed Adams’ statement. “The mayor’s claim has no basis in law,” said Elora Mukherjee, the director of the Immigrant Rights Clinic at Columbia Law School. “The laws set forth in the Constitution generally apply to everyone present in U.S. soil whether or not they are a citizen and regardless of their immigration status.” At his weekly City Hall press conference, the mayor had asserted that undocumented people who had committed crimes should be deported, suggesting that immigration authorities should not wait for them to stand trial. He was then asked to explain his position on due process, especially given his own legal circumstances. The mayor has pleaded not guilty to federal corruption charges, which he has claimed were politically motivated. Trump has expressed sympathy for Adams, suggesting that he could offer the mayor a pardon. “Mayor Adams is wrong,” Murad Awawdeh, president of the New York Immigration Coalition, said of Adams' statement. “He is ripping a page from Trump’s playbook, stoking fear and spreading disinformation. We should be able to expect that the mayor of New York City has a basic understanding of the constitutional rights of the people he serves.” Adams also repeated his desire to scale back the city’s sanctuary rules, which restrict city officials from cooperating with federal immigration agents. New York City mayors going back to Ed Koch, who was in office from 1978 to 1989, have pointed to sanctuary policies to encourage immigrants to use city services, such as hospitals, schools and police without fear of deportation. In 2014, the city passed a law that ensured undocumented individuals accused of crimes would be given due process prior to deportation proceedings. City officials may turn over only those undocumented individuals who have been convicted of one of a list of 170 serious crimes within the last five years — and only when a judge has signed a warrant authorizing federal authorities to detain them. On Tuesday, Adams said the changes “went too far.” “We should be able to address and coordinate with any entity when you're dealing with those who commit crimes in our city,” he added. The mayor’s comments come as Trump threatens to carry out mass deportations of undocumented immigrants. Adams, who has been critical of how the Biden administration handled the migrant crisis, has in recent weeks emphasized that he is interested in working with the incoming White House. On Tuesday, Adams told reporters he had reached out to meet with Tom Homan, Trump’s appointed “border czar” who favors an aggressive crackdown. He has said he would use the military to assist with the deportation program and order workplace raids. Research has shown that immigrant communities are responsible for lower rates of crime than U.S.-born citizens. Adams himself has said immigrants are largely law-abiding. But in his rhetoric, the mayor has at times blamed migrant communities for the city's ills. On Tuesday, he presented a slide that showed the sum of money the city spent in caring for migrants in recent years, which came to $6.4 billion as of October. “They hurt the future of New York City,” Adams said. “We didn’t invest in seniors the way we should have, in young people the way we should have.” The mayor has faced heavy criticism for his spending priorities amid an influx of migrants. When he made unpopular cuts last year, some of which he later restored, councilmembers accused Adams of overestimating the cost of the migrant crisis. Immigrants have long been considered an integral part of the city’s economy, as well as that of the United States. Earlier this year, economists said a rise in immigration aided the United States' post-pandemic recovery. Prior to leaving the Adams administration, former Schools Chancellor David Banks credited migrant children with helping boost city schools that have experienced declining enrollment since the pandemic's onset. “For some of the schools, the migrants coming here has been a godsend because we’ve lost so many other kids,” he told the New York Times in September.How co-writing a book threatened the Carters’ marriage

The education sector should be prioritized to develop the capacities of people with disabilities, said Vice-Senior General Soe Win. At the ceremony to mark the 2024 International Day of Persons with Disabilities held at the Myanmar International Convention Centre II in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday morning, Chairman of the National Committee on the Rights of the Persons with Disabilities Vice-Chairman of the State Administration Council Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Senior General Soe Win delivered a speech on the rights of the persons with disabilities. Speaking on the occasion, the Vice-Senior General noted that there are about 23,000 children with disabilities according to a 2016 study, and two in three children do not attend school and only 36 per cent can read and write. Therefore, special emphasis should be placed on the education sector for disabled people in the future. The government also arranges proper measures like creating opportunities at basic education schools for the disabled, vocational schools, adopting inclusive curricula and practices for disabled persons, teacher training for special education and providing required technologies and teaching aids for the disabled persons to get learning opportunities like others. He added that the theme of this year is “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future”. Among 8,200 million of world population, 16 per cent, over 1,300 million, are with disabilities. The 2019 interim census of Myanmar shows 5.9 million representing 12.8 per cent of the country’s population are with disabilities. The government ratified the UNCRPD on 7 December 2011 and also enacted the Right of Persons with Disabilities Law (2015) and Rules (2017). Moreover, the country organized the National Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and nine working committees and subcommittees to implement the rights of persons with disabilities. Similarly, the government also creates a non-obstacle environment for people with disabilities in public buildings and transport and adopts sign language in news broadcasting. Moreover, the honorary awards are also being presented for accessible tourism for people with disabilities every year in ceremonies marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. He continued that although the body of disabled people is not strong enough like others, proper measures must be arranged for them to participate in different sectors using their healthy body parts. Such actions can end the depression and feeling of insecurity of disabled people and can empower them to become reliable persons bringing benefits to the country. When disabled people can operate their vocational industries, they can receive integration in social and economic sectors, and become independent. Therefore, all should understand and accept them as they can do something even though they are disabled persons, and allow them to participate in organizations, servicing duties in making policies and decisions. Moreover, the classification of disabilities and registration process is being conducted in 21 townships, and 5,937 are registered to date. He then stressed the need to conduct rehearsals and education programmes for disabled persons regarding natural disasters, carry out actions under the laws, rules and regulations, and work together in line with the theme of this year. Then, the Vice-Senior General awarded the winners of article competitions marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Moreover, the SAC members and Vice-Chair 1 of the National Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities presented awards to the winners of different levels in different competitions. Next, the Vice-Senior General and party enjoyed the performance of the members of the Myanmar Federation of Persons with Disabilities and students of Kyimyindine School For the Blind and School For the Deaf (Yangon). The Vice-Senior General presented cash awards to the dance troupes. The Vice-Senior General also posed for a photo together with the attendees and observed the displayed books, handmade products and photo records. — MNA/KTZHMark Gurman Points to Foldable iPhone in 2026 at Earliest

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has pledged to enforce the “toughest” anti-U.S. policy, according to state media reports, in anticipation of Donald Trump assuming the U.S. presidency. Kim’s declaration comes amid uncertainties regarding a swift return to high-level diplomacy between Pyongyang and Washington upon Trump’s return to the White House. During his first term, Trump engaged in multiple summits with Kim, but experts predict Trump will initially address other international conflicts before revisiting nuclear diplomacy with North Korea. Kim made his stance clear during a Workers’ Party plenary meeting, denouncing the U.S. as a state committed to anti-communism. He condemned the growing U.S.-South Korea-Japan security collaborations as forming a “nuclear military bloc for aggression.” The Korean Central News Agency reported that Kim outlined a strategy for aggressive counteraction against the U.S., emphasizing the enhancement of North Korea’s military and the strengthening of its soldiers’ mental resilience. The previous period of diplomacy between Trump and Kim reduced belligerent exchanges and led to historic meetings. However, talks broke down in 2019 over disagreements on sanctions, and North Korea has advanced its weapons testing since. The U.S. and South Korea have consequently increased military exercises, which North Korea perceives as invasion rehearsals. Further complicating diplomatic efforts is North Korea’s military cooperation with Russia, including the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia’s conflict in Ukraine. This has raised concerns about the potential exchange of advanced weapons technology between Moscow and Pyongyang. North Korea’s military support for Russia and ongoing missile tests have made it challenging for international bodies, hindered by Russia and China’s vetoes, to impose additional sanctions. Kim recently reiterated his belief that his country’s nuclear armament is essential for countering perceived threats from the U.S.luchezar Analog Devices ( NASDAQ: ADI ) is a leading semiconductor company offering high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing technologies. I believe Analog Devices’s business has already passed the bottom of end-market cycles, and automotive and industrial markets are anticipated to recover in FY25. I Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.By Nate Raymond BOSTON (Reuters) -U.S. prosecutors on Monday charged two men with illegally exporting sensitive technology to Iran that was used in a drone attack carried out by Iran-backed militants in Jordan in January that killed three U.S. service members and injured 47 others. Federal prosecutors in Boston charged Mohammad Abedini, the co-founder of an Iranian-based company, and Mahdi Sadeghi, an employee of Massachusetts-based semiconductor manufacturer Analog Devices, with conspiring to violate U.S. export laws. Prosecutors also charged Abedini, also known as Mohammad Abedininajafabadi, with providing material support to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps that resulted in death. The U.S. designates the Revolutionary Guards a foreign terrorist organization. Abedini, a resident of both Switzerland and Iran, was arrested in Milan, Italy, at the request of the U.S. government, which will seek his extradition. Sadeghi, an Iranian-born naturalized U.S. citizen living in Natick, Massachusetts, was also arrested. "We often cite hypothetical risk when we talk about the dangers of American technologies getting into dangerous hands," U.S. Attorney Joshua Levy in Massachusetts said. "Unfortunately, in this situation, we are not speculating." The Jan. 28 drone attack on a U.S. outpost in Jordan called Tower 22, near the Syrian border, was first deadly strike against U.S. forces since the Israel-Hamas war erupted in October 2023. The three Army Reserve soldiers killed in the attack were all from Georgia. They were Sergeant William Jerome Rivers; Specialist Kennedy Ladon Sanders; and Specialist Breonna Alexsondria Moffett. The White House later said the attack was facilitated by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella organization of hardline Iran-backed militant groups. Iran has denied involvement in the attack. At a press conference in Boston, Levy said the FBI had been able to trace sophisticated navigation equipment used in the drone to Abedini's Iranian company, SDRA, which manufactured the navigation system. Levy said Abedini had used a company in Switzerland as a front to procure American technologies from Sadeghi's employer including accelerometers and gyroscopes that were then sent to Iran. During a brief court hearing, Sadeghi was ordered detained pending a further hearing after a prosecutor called him a flight risk. His court-appointed lawyer did not respond to request for comment. A lawyer for Abedini could not be identified. Court papers do not identify Sadeghi's employer by name, but Analog Devices in a statement confirmed he worked for the company. Analog Devices said it was cooperating with law enforcement and was "committed to preventing unauthorized access to and misuse of our products and technology." (Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston, Editing by Franklin Paul, David Gregorio and Lincoln Feast)

For the past combined 60 years, the two of us have embarked on a project that is still ongoing today. Our premise was simple. Our mission was to improve neighborhoods through various methods, grants and resources. The most prolific measure that changed thousands of lives is housing workcamps for habitable affordable housing. Many people know workcamps by their signature names such as World Changers, Appalachian Service Project, Humanitarian XP, Group Mission Trips and Mission Serve. Workcamp groups have changed communities nationally and internationally. They enlist residents to journey to various areas across the United States and abroad to work on owner-occupied homes for free. What many people don’t understand is that workcamp groups come typically for one week over the summer and bring 250-300 workers. They reside in West Virginia for a week and sleep on classroom floors while working on dilapidated houses when the temperature is 100 degrees or higher. Workcamp workers also pay a fee of $300 or more to work for a week. This helps cover food, insurance, residency, utilities and some building materials. This is an inspiring notion for workers to miss time from their family, pay to work, endure high temperatures and help someone else. In essence, most programs start in June and some programs end the first week of August to ensure students get home in time for school. Many organizations are involved in this process including cities, counties, the West Virginia Affordable Housing Trust Fund, Rebuilding Together, West Virginia National Guard, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Benedum Foundation, churches and non-profits such as the Southern Appalachian Labor School (SALS). Over the years, camps that we have served include Clendenin, St. Albans, Upper Kanawha Valley, Charleston, Huntington, Hurricane, Fayette County and Putnam County. It’s estimated that workcamps have rehabilitated over 4,000 homes over the years. For each camp, approximately $500,000 is invested in the local economy, which includes building materials, food, rentals, labor, equipment and much more. This is a significant investment for local businesses. One of the areas that was mentioned in our last article was the ability to provide tools and training for our children. Developing their ability to build porches, decks, ADA fixtures, gutters/downspouts, siding, roofing and other projects provides them the hands-on experience to tackle projects at their home or someone’s home. Workcamps are not easy to assemble. Sometimes funding is difficult to obtain due to various circumstances. Sometimes schools and other large buildings are not easily accessible due to their scheduling. Access to showers, large meeting rooms and other required space is not available in smaller schools. Churches typically do not have this type of square footage to accommodate sizeable groups. Workcamp groups often do not receive the praise they deserve. Envision a loved one who can no longer work on the family home. Visualize any other program that could assist a family member who may not have many family members or resources to help. Community Action Partnership (CAP) organizations help hundreds of residents each year with weatherization and deserve much credit for their work. As should Habitat for Humanity for its hard work to ensure families have homes. If there’s been a time to refocus on needs in West Virginia, it’s now. Our housing stock is in poor shape. We’re on the bad side of the housing curve with many homes built in the 19th century and not meeting fire, building or ADA codes. Our current motivation is to resell, resell and resell homes without addressing habitable health and safety issues. And there are no initiatives or enforcement measures to remedy deficiencies. Housing workcamps can only do so much. Many structures are slum and blight situations with few legal agencies and resources to address home owners to rectify before someone gets injured. Blighted structures often sit around for years while some families fight over their inheritance. Over the years, we couldn’t have been more appreciative of the work by workcamp groups that may travel from as far away as Alaska, Utah or California to be in West Virginia. They visit West Virginia and tell us they’ve been missing out of such an experience for years. One of the best offsets of workcamps is our ability to bring in thousands from all 50 states and visit Marshall University, West Virginia University, University of Charleston, West Virginia State University, West Virginia University Institute of Technology, BridgeValley, Mountwest, and community and technical colleges, which makes us one of the largest college recruiters in the state. To consider moving forward with this project, more help is needed. And the help that is needed is due to our increasing median age in the state. There’s always more need for local labor, assistance and funding. More local housing hubs are needed to focus and strategize how to serve our communities with weatherization, housing rehab, demolition, credit counseling, first-time home buyer programs, housing maintenance, refinancing and much more. Hubs could be constructed with neighborhood alliances, associations, residents and housing groups to focus on the needs of the community. Now is the time to prioritize funding, labor and/or assistance with all government agencies, churches, non-profits and neighborhood organizations toward housing revitalization. More often than not, limited or no funds are placed in budgets for housing rehabilitation. One day, we’ll all be senior citizens. It’s inevitable. West Virginia has the second oldest population in the country. We should actively support the workcamps programs as part of our effort to provide habitable shelter to all residents. Wouldn’t workcamps be a useful component in the future?Texas A&M signed the nation’s top-ranked recruiting class three years ago believing it had built a potential national title contender. Plenty of players from that heralded 2022 class could indeed be participating in the first 12-team College Football Playoff this month. They just won’t be doing it for the Aggies, who no longer have nearly half their 2022 signees. The list of 2022 recruits now with playoff contenders elsewhere includes Mississippi defensive lineman Walter Nolen, Oregon wide receiver Evan Stewart, Alabama defensive lineman LT Overton, SMU offensive tackle PJ Williams and injured Boise State receiver Chris Marshall. Texas A&M has done all right without them, going 8-4 as transfers filled about half the starting roles. Texas A&M represents perhaps the clearest example of how recruiting and roster construction have changed in the era of loosened transfer restrictions. Coaches must assemble high school classes without always knowing which of their own players are transferring and what players from other schools could be available through the portal. “It used to be you lost 20 seniors, you signed 20 incoming freshmen,” Duke coach Manny Diaz said. “You just had your numbers right. Now you might lose 20 seniors, but you might lose 20 underclassmen. You just don’t know.” Is high school recruiting losing value? Coaches emphasize that high school recruiting remains critical, but recent results suggest it isn’t as vital as before. The last two College Football Playoff runners-up – TCU in 2022 and Washington in 2023 – didn’t sign a single top-15 class in any of the four years leading up their postseason runs, according to composite rankings of recruiting sites compiled by 247Sports. This year’s contenders have shown there’s more than one way to build a championship-caliber roster. About half of No. 1 Oregon’s usual starters began their college careers elsewhere. No. 5 Georgia, which annually signs one of the nation’s top high school classes, has only a few transfers making major contributions. Colorado’s rise under Deion Sanders exemplifies how a team can win without elite high school recruiting. None of Colorado’s last four classes have ranked higher than 30th in the 247Sports Composite. Three ranked 47th or lower. “If anybody ever did the homework and the statistics of these young men – people have a class that they say is the No. 1 class in the nation – then five of those guys play, or four of those guys play, then the rest go through the spring and then they jump in the portal,” Sanders said. “Don’t give me the number of where you rank (in recruiting standings), because it’s like an NFL team," he added. "You always say who won the draft, then the team gets killed all year (and) you don’t say nothing else about it. Who won the draft last year in the NFL? Nobody cares right now, right?” Wisconsin's Christian Alliegro tries to stop Oregon's Evan Stewart, right, during the first half of a Nov. 16 game in Madison, Wis. The busy transfer portal Star quarterback Shedeur Sanders followed his father from Jackson State to Colorado in 2023, and Heisman Trophy front-runner Travis Hunter accompanied them. According to Colorado, this year’s Buffaloes team has 50 transfer newcomers, trailing only North Texas’ 54 among Bowl Subdivision programs. Relying on transfers comes with caveats. Consider Florida State's rise and fall. Florida State posted an unbeaten regular-season record last year with transfers playing leading roles. When those transfers departed and Florida State's portal additions this year didn't work out, the Seminoles went 2-10. “There has to be some type of balance between the transfer portal and high school recruiting,” said Andrew Ivins, the director of scouting for 247Sports. “I compare it to the NFL. The players from the transfer portal are your free agents and high school recruiting is your NFL draft picks.” A look at the composite rankings of recruiting sites compiled by 247Sports for the 2020-22 classes shows at least 40 of the top 100 prospects each of those years ended up leaving their original school. Coaches must decide which positions they’re better off building with high school prospects and which spots might be easier to fill through the portal. “The ones that have a ton of learning to do - tight end, quarterback, interior offensive line, inside linebacker, safety, where they are the communicators - they are the guys that are processing a lot of information,” Florida’s Billy Napier said. “Those are the ones in a perfect world you have around for a while. “It’s easier to play defensive line, edge, corner, receiver, running back, tackle, specialists. Those are a little bit more plug-and-play I’d say, in my opinion," Napier said. "Either way, it’s not necessarily about that. It’s just about we need a certain number at each spot, and we do the best we can to fill those roles.” Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, right, congratulates place kicker Cristiano Palazzo after he kicked an extra point during the second half of Friday's game against Oklahoma Stat in Boulder, Colo. Transfer portal ripple effects Power Four programs aren’t the only ones facing a balancing act between recruiting high schools and mining the transfer portal. Group of Five schools encounter similar challenges. “We’re recruiting every position and bringing in a high school class,” Eastern Michigan coach Chris Creighton said. “That’s not going to be maybe 24 scholarship guys like it used to be. It might be more like 16. It’s not four d-linemen necessarily, right? It might be three. It might not be three receivers. It might be two. And it might not be five offensive linemen. It’s two to three.” The extra hurdle Group of Five schools face is the possibility their top performers might leave for a power-conference program with more lucrative name, image and likeness financial opportunities. They sometimes don’t know which players they’ll lose. “We know who they’re trying to steal,” Miami (Ohio) coach Chuck Martin quipped. “We just don’t know who they’re going to steal.” The obstacles facing coaches are only getting steeper as FBS teams prepare for a 105-man roster limit as part of the fallout from a pending $2.8 billion NCAA antitrust settlement. While having 105 players on scholarship seems like an upgrade from the current 85-man scholarship limit, many rosters have about 125 players once walk-ons are included. Nebraska coach Matt Rhule said last week his program would probably end up with about 30-50 players in the portal due to the new roster restrictions. Is there college free agency? All the added dimensions to roster construction in the college game have drawn parallels to the NFL, but Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck believes those comparisons are misleading. “When people talk about college football right now, they’re saying, ‘Oh, we have an NFL model,’ or it’s kind of moving toward the NFL,” Fleck said. “First of all, it’s nothing like the NFL. There’s a collective bargaining agreement (in the NFL). There’s a true salary cap for everybody. It’s designed for all 32 fan bases to win the Super Bowl maybe once every 32 years – and I know other people are winning that a lot more than others – but that’s how it’s designed. In college football, it’s not that way.” There does seem to be a bit more competitive balance than before. The emergence of TCU and Washington the last couple of postseasons indicates this new era of college football has produced more unpredictability. Yet it’s also created many more challenges as coaches try to figure out how to put together their rosters. “It’s difficult because we’re just kind of inventing it on the fly, right?” Diaz said. Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, foreground right, dives toward the end zone to score past San Francisco 49ers defensive end Robert Beal Jr. (51) and linebacker Dee Winters during the second half of an NFL football game in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus) Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green goes up for a dunk during the second half of an Emirates NBA cup basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) South Carolina guard Maddy McDaniel (1) drives to the basket against UCLA forward Janiah Barker (0) and center Lauren Betts (51) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer) Mari Fukada of Japan falls as she competes in the women's Snowboard Big Air qualifying round during the FIS Snowboard & Freeski World Cup 2024 at the Shougang Park in Beijing, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma misses a catch during the fourth day of the first Test cricket match between South Africa and Sri Lanka, at Kingsmead stadium in Durban, South Africa, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) Los Angeles Kings left wing Warren Foegele, left, trips San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini, center, during the third period of an NHL hockey game Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, in San Jose, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez) Olympiacos' Francisco Ortega, right, challenges for the ball with FCSB's David Miculescu during the Europa League league phase soccer match between FCSB and Olympiacos at the National Arena stadium, in Bucharest, Romania, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru) Brazil's Botafogo soccer fans react during the Copa Libertadores title match against Atletico Mineiro in Argentina, during a watch party at Nilton Santos Stadium, in Rio de Janeiro, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado) Jiyai Shin of Korea watches her shot on the 10th hole during the final round of the Australian Open golf championship at the Kingston Heath Golf Club in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake) Mathilde Gremaud of Switzerland competes in the women's Freeski Big Air qualifying round during the FIS Snowboard & Freeski World Cup 2024 at the Shougang Park in Beijing, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) Lara Gut-Behrami, of Switzerland, competes during a women's World Cup giant slalom skiing race, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Killington, Vt. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin cools off during first period of an NHL hockey game against the Boston Bruins, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Elmont, N.Y. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Brazil's Amanda Gutierres, second right, is congratulated by teammate Yasmin, right, after scoring her team's first goal during a soccer international between Brazil and Australia in Brisbane, Australia, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Pat Hoelscher) Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) tries to leap over Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Joshua Williams (2) during the first half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga) Luiz Henrique of Brazil's Botafogo, right. is fouled by goalkeeper Everson of Brazil's Atletico Mineiro inside the penalty area during a Copa Libertadores final soccer match at Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko) England's Alessia Russo, left, and United States' Naomi Girma challenge for the ball during the International friendly women soccer match between England and United States at Wembley stadium in London, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) Gold medalists Team Netherlands competes in the Team Sprint Women race of the ISU World Cup Speed Skating Beijing 2024 held at the National Speed Skating Oval in Beijing, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (33) reaches for an incomplete pass ahead of Arizona Cardinals linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. (2) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) Melanie Meillard, center, of Switzerland, competes during the second run in a women's World Cup slalom skiing race, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Killington, Vt. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) LSU punter Peyton Todd (38) kneels in prayer before an NCAA college football game against Oklahoma in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. LSU won 37-17. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, left, is hit by Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey, center, as Eagles wide receiver Parris Campbell (80) looks on during a touchdown run by Barkley in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) Seattle Kraken fans react after a goal by center Matty Beniers against the San Jose Sharks was disallowed due to goaltender interference during the third period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Seattle. The Sharks won 4-2. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson) New York Islanders left wing Anders Lee (27), center, fight for the puck with Boston Bruins defensemen Parker Wotherspoon (29), left, and Brandon Carlo (25), right during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Elmont, N.Y. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Melvin Odoom was the latest celebrity to be voted out of the jungle on I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here on Tuesday 3 December. However, fans who turned over to ITV2 to watch spin-off show Unpacked were more surprised that Monday’s evictee, Tulisa Contostavlos , was not there to share her own experience of the jungle. Tulisa left the camp on Monday night and was expected to return to chat to Unpacked hosts Joel Dommett, Kemi Rodgers and Sam Thompson on Tuesday. However, at the start of the show, Joel announced that Tulisa would not be there, and eagle eyed fans have also noticed that the N-Dubz singer has deleted all references to I’m a Celeb from her social media. Fans were quick to query Tulisa’s absence from Unpacked, with one writing: “#imaceleb Oh I wonder what’s happened with Tulisa not on itv2 and the posts deleted about the jungle.” Another wrote: "Where’s Tulisa? Exclusive interview elsewhere?" while a third shared: "Is no one is watching the extra show? We are all trying to find out why #Tulisa isn't there, and has deleted everything to do with it." A fourth added: "What's happening? No Tulisa on Unpacked, also she's deleted her social media, hoping she's ok because she did great; shame she went so soon, I thought she did herself proud #ImACeleb." Another fan said: "What's going on with Tulisa? She's deleted all traces of I'm a celeb from her IG and now she's not on unpacked?" and one other said: "I'm so confused with what's going on with Tulisa, she seemed to come across well in the jungle." When she left the camp, a source commented to the Mirror that: "She wasn't in a great mood for her post-show interviews and appears to be already distancing herself from the programme. It's all a bit of a mystery at the moment.” During her exit interview, Tulisa shared: "You're just going to be more grateful for everything. The food you eat, the people that you love... you don't realise how good you've got it." She also discussed the jungle on the Lorraine show on Tuesday morning, and hinted all may not have been well in her relationships with some of the campmates. "I feel like I have [a bond] with some of them. I think they will be friends for life. But a lot of people for the cameras were being very pally pally but the real test will be when everyone is out. Will they make the effort to send texts in the group chat? Will they do the four hour drives to see each other? We'll see..." Probed by Lorraine on who should win, Tulisa promptly endorsed Oti Mabuse and mentioned she was particularly close to Alan Halsall, Maura Higgins , and Melvin Odoom, expressing her desire to see them make it to the final four along with Oti. Sadly, Melvin has now been voted out, leaving eight celebrities left in the camp and, according to Ant and Dec, no eviction on Wednesday night.

Canadians warned to use caution in South Korea after martial law declared then liftedBathinda: By the eighth day of prominent farmer unionist Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s fast-unto-death at Punjab-Haryana’s Khanauri border, the scope of his protest has widened to water pollution, unfair compensation, and overdue appointments, while his union readies for a Dec-6 foot march to Delhi. Dallewal, addressing the protesters, vowed to continue the struggle until their demands were met. He condemned police crackdowns on demonstrators in Ludhiana who opposed the discharge of polluted water into the Buddha Nullah, while he expressed solidarity with assistant professors and librarians who await appointments. Three candidates now sit on a fast outside the Sangrur residence of Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann. Farmers’ forum Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) criticised the way Greater Noida police had used force to evict farmers from protest sites despite prior agreements with Uttar Pradesh officials. The SKM said suppressing protests would not address the grievances of farmers who had lost land and livelihoods due to “insufficient compensation and aggressive land acquisition policies”. Farmer unionist Sarvan Singh Pandher said he had talked with Ambala’s superintendent of police on Monday evening to seek permission for the Delhi march, and now awaited response. An online page went active for the interested participants. The farmers of the region are in an 18-year fight for their land rights, enduring police violence that claimed six comrades between 2008 and 2012. As subsequent policies undermine the 2013 Land Acquisition Act (called RFCTLARR) that was designed to ensure fair compensation and rehabilitation, the farmers are left without adequate restitution. We also published the following articles recently 'Don't cause inconvenience': Supreme Court asks farmer leader Dallewal to ensure peaceful protests The Supreme Court has urged farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal to ensure protests do not hinder highways or public convenience, emphasizing that peaceful protests are a democratic right but must be conducted responsibly. Dallewal, after being allegedly detained and released from a hospital, vowed to continue his hunger strike demanding legal backing for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for farmers. Nashik farmers demand higher land compensation for Kikvi dam project Farmers from nine villages in Nashik are refusing to give up their land for the proposed 2.1 TMC Kikvi dam until the government offers a fair and uniform compensation rate. The land, crucial for meeting Nashik's drinking water demand, is valued inconsistently. Negotiations are ongoing to align the rates with those given for the Samruddhi Expressway project. Farmers to protest at Sangrur house of CM, complain to mom Farm groups Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha plan to protest at Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann's residence on Dec 1, alleging anti-farmer actions. They accuse the Mann-led government of acting on directions from Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Meanwhile, Sukhjit Singh Hardojhande continues his fast unto death, advocating for the detained farm leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal.

NASA recently released several new documents as part of an , a roadmap meant to guide the space agency in its efforts to explore the surface of the Moon under the Artemis campaign and eventually send crewed missions to Mars. Table of Contents Revised Architecture Definition Document The latest update to the architecture includes a revision of the Architecture Definition Document, which covers exploration plan processes and technical approaches, NASA said Friday. The revised document now offers more information concerning the agency’s decision road-mapping process. The revised document now also lists opportunities that will help technology developers determine what research to prioritize to help enable the Moon to Mars architecture. Nuclear Fission, Lunar Cargo Lander & Initial Habitat The architecture update also includes 12 new white papers, with one highlighting the intent to use nuclear fission as the primary power source to sustain personnel on the surface of Mars. The update also adds two new elements to the architecture. The first is a lunar surface cargo lander, which will deliver various payloads, including those for logistics, communications and science and technology. The second is an initial surface habitat to house astronauts on the lunar surface. Architecture Concept Review The changes come on the heels of an Architecture Concept Review, which NASA Associate Administrator said is “critical to getting us on a path to mount a human mission to Mars.” “We’re taking a methodical approach to mapping out the decisions we need to make, understanding resource and technological trades, and ensuring we are listening to feedback from stakeholders,” Free added.TOPEKA, Kan. — Republicans made claims about illegal voting by noncitizens a centerpiece of their 2024 campaign messaging and plan to push legislation in the new Congress requiring voters to provide proof of U.S. citizenship. Yet there’s one place with a GOP supermajority where linking voting to citizenship appears to be a nonstarter: Kansas. That’s because the state has been there, done that, and all but a few Republicans would prefer not to go there again. Kansas imposed a proof-of-citizenship requirement more than a decade ago that grew into one of the biggest political fiascos in the state in recent memory. The law, passed by the state Legislature in 2011 and implemented two years later, ended up blocking the voter registrations of more than 31,000 U.S. citizens who were otherwise eligible to vote. That was 12% of everyone seeking to register in Kansas for the first time. Federal courts ultimately declared the law an unconstitutional burden on voting rights, and it hasn’t been enforced since 2018. Kansas provides a cautionary tale about how pursuing an election concern that in fact is extremely rare risks disenfranchising a far greater number of people who are legally entitled to vote. The state’s top elections official, Secretary of State Scott Schwab, championed the idea as a legislator and now says states and the federal government shouldn’t touch it. “Kansas did that 10 years ago,” said Schwab, a Republican. “It didn’t work out so well.” Steven Fish, a 45-year-old warehouse worker in eastern Kansas, said he understands the motivation behind the law. In his thinking, the state was like a store owner who fears getting robbed and installs locks. But in 2014, after the birth of his now 11-year-old son inspired him to be “a little more responsible” and follow politics, he didn’t have an acceptable copy of his birth certificate to get registered to vote in Kansas. “The locks didn’t work,” said Fish, one of nine Kansas residents who sued the state over the law. “You caught a bunch of people who didn’t do anything wrong.” A small problem, but wide support for a fix Kansas’ experience appeared to receive little if any attention outside the state as Republicans elsewhere pursued proof-of-citizenship requirements this year. Arizona enacted a requirement this year, applying it to voting for state and local elections but not for Congress or president. The Republican-led U.S. House passed a proof-of-citizenship requirement in the summer and plans to bring back similar legislation after the GOP won control of the Senate in November. In Ohio, the Republican secretary of state revised the form that poll workers use for voter eligibility challenges to require those not born in the U.S. to show naturalization papers to cast a regular ballot. A federal judge declined to block the practice days before the election. Also, sizable majorities of voters in Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina and the presidential swing states of North Carolina and Wisconsin were inspired to amend their state constitutions’ provisions on voting even though the changes were only symbolic. Provisions that previously declared that all U.S. citizens could vote now say that only U.S. citizens can vote — a meaningless distinction with no practical effect on who is eligible. To be clear, voters already must attest to being U.S. citizens when they register to vote and noncitizens can face fines, prison and deportation if they lie and are caught. “There is nothing unconstitutional about ensuring that only American citizens can vote in American elections,” U.S. Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), the leading sponsor of the congressional proposal, said in an email statement to the Associated Press. Why the courts rejected the Kansas citizenship rule After Kansas residents challenged their state’s law, both a federal judge and federal appeals court concluded that it violated a law limiting states to collecting only the minimum information needed to determine whether someone is eligible to vote. That’s an issue Congress could resolve. The courts ruled that with “scant” evidence of an actual problem, Kansas couldn’t justify a law that kept hundreds of eligible citizens from registering for every noncitizen who was improperly registered. A federal judge concluded that the state’s evidence showed that only 39 noncitizens had registered to vote from 1999 through 2012 — an average of just three a year. In 2013, then-Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, a Republican who had built a national reputation advocating tough immigration laws, described the possibility of voting by immigrants living in the U.S. illegally as a serious threat. He was elected attorney general in 2022 and still strongly backs the idea, arguing that federal court rulings in the Kansas case “almost certainly got it wrong.” Kobach also said a key issue in the legal challenge — people being unable to fix problems with their registrations within a 90-day window — has probably been solved. “The technological challenge of how quickly can you verify someone’s citizenship is getting easier,” Kobach said. “As time goes on, it will get even easier.” Would the Kansas law stand today? The U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear the Kansas case in 2020. But in August, it split 5-4 in allowing Arizona to continue enforcing its law for voting in state and local elections while a legal challenge goes forward. Seeing the possibility of a different Supreme Court decision in the future, U.S. Rep.-elect Derek Schmidt says states and Congress should pursue proof-of-citizenship requirements. Schmidt was the Kansas attorney general when his state’s law was challenged. “If the same matter arose now and was litigated, the facts would be different,” he said in an interview. But voting rights advocates dismiss the idea that a legal challenge would turn out differently. Mark Johnson, one of the attorneys who fought the Kansas law, said opponents now have a template for a successful court fight. “We know the people we can call,” Johnson said. “We know that we’ve got the expert witnesses. We know how to try things like this.” He predicted “a flurry — a landslide — of litigation against this.” Born in Illinois but unable to register in Kansas Initially, the Kansas requirement’s impacts seemed to fall most heavily on politically unaffiliated and young voters. As of fall 2013, 57% of the voters blocked from registering were unaffiliated and 40% were under 30. But Fish was in his mid-30s, and six of the nine residents who sued over the Kansas law were 35 or older. Three even produced citizenship documents and still didn’t get registered, according to court documents. “There wasn’t a single one of us that was actually an illegal or had misinterpreted or misrepresented any information or had done anything wrong,” Fish said. He was supposed to produce his birth certificate when he sought to register in 2014 while renewing his Kansas driver’s license at an office in a strip mall in Lawrence. A clerk wouldn’t accept the copy Fish had of his birth certificate. He still doesn’t know where to find the original, having been born on an Air Force base in Illinois that closed in the 1990s. Several of the people joining Fish in the lawsuit were veterans, all born in the U.S., and Fish said he was stunned that they could be prevented from registering. Liz Azore, a senior advisor to the nonpartisan Voting Rights Lab, said millions of Americans haven’t traveled outside the U.S. and don’t have passports that might act as proof of citizenship, or don’t have ready access to their birth certificates. She and other voting rights advocates are skeptical that there are administrative fixes that will make a proof-of-citizenship law run more smoothly today than it did in Kansas a decade ago. “It’s going to cover a lot of people from all walks of life,” Avore said. “It’s going to be disenfranchising large swaths of the country.” Hanna writes for the Associated Press. AP writer Julie Carr Smyth in Columbus, Ohio, contributed to this report.

Victor Wembanyama plays 1-on-1 chess with fans in New YorkTulisa sparks concern as she snubs I'm A Celeb spin-off after deleting jungle Instagram postsLake Michigan waves could be a clean power source for remote spots like Beaver Island