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luckycola.vip agent On Wednesday, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel remarked that the reelection of U.S. President Donald Trump brings familiar challenges for Cuba, emphasizing that his government remains unfazed by its powerful neighbor. Speaking to state media in Cienfuegos province, Diaz-Canel dismissed the election outcome as unsurprising, reaffirming Cuba's readiness to move forward independently. Diaz-Canel's statement marks Cuba's initial official response to Trump's presidency, which has seen a reinforced trade embargo and heightened restrictions on the communist island. Under Trump, the U.S. reinstated Cuba on a list of terrorism sponsors, tightening financial sanctions and intensifying an already dire economic crisis characterized by severe shortages. Despite the congressional appointment of Marco Rubio, a known critic, as Secretary of State, Diaz-Canel signaled openness to negotiate with the U.S. but underscored the need for respectful dialogue that respects Cuba's sovereignty and independence. (With inputs from agencies.)

NASSAU, Bahamas (AP) — Justin Thomas was long off the tee and made a few long putts on the back nine to overtake Scottie Scheffler with a 6-under 66 and build a one-shot lead Saturday over golf's best player going into the final round of the Hero World Challenge. Thomas is trying out a 46-inch driver — a little more than an inch longer than normal — that he previously used for practice at home to gain speed and length. He blasted a 361-yard drive to 8 feet on the par-4 seventh hole and led the field in driving distance. But it was a few long putts that put him ahead of Scheffler, who had a 69. Thomas was on the verge of falling two shots behind when he made an 18-foot par putt on the par-3 12th hole. On the reachable par-4 14th, he was in a nasty spot in a sandy area and could only splash it out to nearly 50 feet. He made that one for a most unlikely birdie, while behind him Scheffler muffed a chip on the 13th hole and made his lone bogey of a windy day. Scheffler never caught up to him, missing birdie chances on the reachable 14th and the par-5 15th. Thomas hit his approach to 3 feet for birdie on the 16th after a 343-yard drive. Scheffler made an 18-foot birdie putt on the 16th to close within one. Scheffler missed birdie chances on the last two holes from the 10-foot and 15-foot range, while Thomas missed an 8-foot birdie attempt at the last. “I had a stretch at 13, 14, 15 where I felt like I lost a shot or two there, but outside of that I did a lot of really good things today,” Scheffler said. Thomas hasn't won since the 2022 PGA Championship at Southern Hills, and a victory at Albany Golf Club wouldn't count as an official win. But the two-time major champion has made steady progress toward getting his game back in order. “I'm driving it great. I've had a lot of confidence with it,” Thomas said of his longer driver. “I feel like I've been able to put myself in some pretty good spots going into the green. I’m still not taking advantage of some of them as much as I would like, but that’s golf and we're always going to say that.” Thomas was at 17-under 199 and will be in the final group Sunday with Scheffler, who is trying to end his spectacular season with a ninth title. Tom Kim put himself in the mix, which he might not have imagined Thursday when he was 3 over through six holes of the holiday tournament. Kim got back in the game with a 65 on Friday, and then followed with 12 birdies for a 62. He had a shot at the course record — Rickie Fowler shot 61 in the final round when he won at Albany in 2017 — until Kim found a bunker and took two shots to reach the green in making a double bogey on the par-3 17th. Even so, he was only two shots behind. Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley (68) was four back. “Feel like I’ve been seeing signs of improvement, which is what you want and that’s all I can do,” Thomas said. “I can’t control everybody else or what’s going on, I’ve just got to keep playing as good as I possibly can and hope that it’s enough come Sunday.” AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golfMarkets continue to hit new highs. As a result, dividend stocks are becoming increasingly attractive. When markets are at risk, there is no better way to reduce volatility and risk than to invest heavily in dividend stocks. This is because dividend payments regularly put money back in investors’ pockets, effectively recouping the investment little by little. So, if you want to lock in a solid dividend, here are three stocks to buy now. Labrador Iron Ore Royalty Corp : A 9.5% dividend yield The income of ( ) is entirely dependent on the Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC) – Canada’s largest iron ore producer. IOC owns mining leases and licenses covering 18,200 hectares of land near Labrador City, from which Labrador Iron Ore Royalty collects a 7% royalty. Today, the stock is yielding a very generous 9.5%. After years of strong iron ore prices and premiums, we are now seeing the opposite dynamic. In fact, the price of iron ore is significantly lower than in 2021, having fallen by approximately 50% since then. The fall has been driven by weakening steel demand in China as well as strong growth in iron ore supply. As a result of this, Labrador Iron Ore’s dividend was reduced. We are clearly of the iron ore market. Economic weakness and concerns for the future will continue to negatively affect the market in the short term. So now the question is whether Labrador Iron Ore’s dividend is safe. In the last 10 years, the company has easily paid its regular dividend plus special dividends when the business was doing well. In the first nine months of 2024, net income increased 6.1% to $143.1 million and adjusted cash flow increased 11% to $145.8 million. IOC has a strong position in its industry, with a strong quality product that commands a premium. Also, iron ore is used primarily in the production of steel, which is essential to industrial economies. It is for these reasons that we can view Labrador’s dividend as reliable. Freehold Royalties: Yielding 7.7% As another royalty company, ( ) also has a favourable position in that it’s also sheltered from rising costs. Freehold is currently yielding a very generous 7.7%. In the last three years, Freehold’s annual dividend has increased 500% to $0.36 per share. The dividend is paid monthly, and in fact, Freehold has been paying a dividend for two decades. The price of oil remains high, at approximately $70, and this bodes well for Freehold’s financial position. In fact, while revenue is being hit as oil prices are creeping lower, $70 is still a very profitable oil price. The company is easily covering its dividend payments, with a payout ratio of 73% in its latest quarter (Q3/2024). Telus stock: 7.4% Canada’s unique telecommunications giant, . ( ), is currently yielding 7.4%. It’s a dividend that’s been growing rapidly and that is easily covered by cash flows. Although the payout ratio is 150%, Telus stock’s dividend represents only 40% of cash flow. Since 2019, Telus has grown its annual revenue by 37% to more than $20 billion in 2023. This growth has also been accompanied by a healthy 38% dividend growth rate since 2019. In its latest quarter (Q3/24), Telus posted a 9.6% increase in its operating cash flow and a 12% increase in its adjusted earnings per share (EPS). This strong result was driven by the company’s drive to lower costs as well as a steady rise in revenue, reflecting strong demand. As a result of the strong quarter, Telus stock’s dividend increased by another 7%. It’s 38% higher than five years ago and 29% higher than three years ago. The dividend is backed by a and steady growth.

Swiss Oscar Entry ‘Queens’ Helped Director Klaudia Reynicke Reconnect With Her Native Peru: “I Guess Cinema Allows This, Right?” – Contenders InternationalTake a unique voyage into Newcastle and Tyneside’s modernist past by visiting Concrete Dreams at the Farrell Centre. Concrete Dreams puts into focus vast infrastructure projects like the Central Motorway and the Newcastle Civic Centre, as well as the everyday world of new schools, libraries and housing that were part of Newcastle’s radical transformation in the 1960s and 1970s. Across exhibitions, installations, events and an education programme, the project explores the ideals and aspirations behind the transformations and their lasting impact on the city today, asking how we can build on these legacies to remake Tyneside—and the world—amid current challenges. Get involved Exhibitions Brasília of the North - September 19, 2024–June 1, 2025 This evolving exhibition explores the social, cultural and political climate that shaped early aspirations of Newcastle becoming the “Brasília of the North”. It brings together objects, drawings, documents, and images relating to the city’s 1960s and 1970s transformations. Alison’s Room: An Extended Reality Archive by Paula Strunden - September 19–December 20, 2024 Artist and researcher Paula Strunden presents an immersive reality experience of architect Alison Smithson’s re-created workroom. Alison, with her husband Peter, became a key figure in post-war British architecture after studying at Newcastle in the 1940s. The installation combines Alison’s influential designs with objects, furniture, and a talking cat, reflecting Strunden’s research into immersive, history-based design. Education programme Concretopias Students from three local schools are exploring significant architectural sites from the 1960s and 1970s: Trinity Square in Gateshead, Felling Swimming Baths and the Byker Estate. Working with Newcastle University lecturers, artists and the theatre group Cap-a-Pie, they are discovering the roles of these architectural projects in shaping their local areas, creating maps, drawings and recording oral histories. Material Change—Masters Studio Concrete Dreams provides a backdrop for teaching at Newcastle University’s School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape. Inspired by the project, the postgraduate Architecture studio ‘Material Change,’ will allow students to explore how they can apply new themes and materials to reimagine spaces in Newcastle’s central and eastern fringes. Public talks See a series of events with expert speakers tackling the big questions and key issues around Tyneside’s 1960s and 1970s transformations.

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Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co. stock underperforms Tuesday when compared to competitorsUnlike the seamless Thanksgiving miracles depicted on Hallmark TV programs, real life often involves frantic last-minute grocery runs, burnt turkeys and the juggling act of family tensions simmering just beneath the surface. But people can take steps now to limit the holiday stress, says University of Michigan psychology professor Stephanie Preston. "Give yourself and others grace," she said. "It's fine to laugh when things go awry. We've all seen the perfect Hallmark family gathering, but those are fictional. Real life is complicated and messy. We're all human and need to savor the moment." One way to keep the stress at bay is to set an intention for the day or week, said Preston, who admits that she tries to keep her expectations reasonable while hosting a Thanksgiving dinner for family. To keep things relaxed, each person contributes a dish (even the kids), the dress code is casual, the start time is flexible, and we end with a short walk and some games. "What do you most want to get out of the holiday? Most people want to be present and thankful while spending time with loved ones more than they want to craft the perfectly browned turkey or decorative tablescape," Preston said. Can you provide communication strategies that can be effective in dealing with difficult conversations or conflicts among family members? Family members who don't agree or get along—particularly in divisive political time—can be a major source of stress for everyone. In advance, consider what issues might arise and how you will deal with them. Aim to focus on sharing food and thanks above resolving long-held differences. Some families cannot talk about politics without a fight, so know your limits. Even if it seems satisfying to get off that snide remark, it's better to have a few phrases ready that can quickly deflect negativity while honoring your feelings. Have an ally at the event or someone you can text or call when your patience wears thin. Just knowing someone understands how you feel and has your back will extend your patience. Remember, we cannot control other people or how they view the world—and the Thanksgiving table might not be the place to try even if we could. But we can control our contribution to the holiday spirit How important is it to set boundaries during holiday gatherings, and what are some polite ways to establish them? Boundaries are essential for maintaining your sanity but can increase conflict if not done right. Consider any boundaries you need and alert people in advance so they know what to expect, e.g., you'll take a long walk each day or go to bed early. As long as you genuinely make time for the essentials (find out when dinner is before setting your schedule), people usually don't mind. No need to explain yourself. If pressed, just keep it simple with something like, "I just find it helps me feel like myself." For people who feel lonely or isolated during the holidays, what can they do to feel more connected? The important thing about a holiday is to rest, fill your soul and connect with people you care about. Not everyone has the picture-perfect family that gathers around a huge table though. People are often geographically displaced from family or do not have much family to speak of. Others use isolation as a way to deal with anxiety or stress and need to counter this instinct in order to enjoy the festivities. Remember that it really doesn't matter who you spend time with or how you connect. Friendsgivings are popular alternatives. If you are not invited to a meal, consider asking someone else who is isolated to join you. Even if you eat takeout alone on a holiday, try to plan another way to connect, like volunteering, attending a service or public event, going to a movie, or calling a friend. Research shows that loneliness damages our physical and mental health. It feels good to help and connect with people—even strangers. Push yourself a little bit to let some of that magic of human connection in, however you can. How can individuals balance the desire to spend time with family and friends with the need to have some personal downtime? It all comes down to balance, and each person is different. The key is to give enough space in your heart, mind and calendar to savor the togetherness of a holiday, without making yourself crazy or exhausted. Knowing your own body and mind, how much sleep, exercise or downtime do you need? It's not rude to step away or miss some things, as long as you let people know, express your appreciation, and are present when you are together. It's easier to set a plan early than to wiggle out of something in the moment. How can people avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms? Unhealthy coping mechanisms are trouble even in good times, but can spiral during holidays. People are pushed out of their comfort zones, set high expectations, and interact with many more people. Drinking excessively is a common one, as people rely on the social lubricant, give themselves something to do during uncertain moments and recover from stress. Avoiding people is another coping strategy. Most coping mechanisms are fine in moderation and may provide some benefits. But when your desire to drink, take drugs, shop, eat or avoid people undermines your own goal of enjoying the holiday , it's time to adjust. Find a friend or relative who gets your issue and let them help you navigate your choices. If you need, call a crisis hotline to tell someone how you feel or ask for help.

NonePublished 3:31 pm Tuesday, December 24, 2024 By Data Skrive The NBA lineup today, which includes the Denver Nuggets versus the Phoenix Suns, is sure to please. Read our betting odds preview below for a breakdown of all the important games in the NBA today. Get the latest news sent to your inbox Sign up for NBA League Pass to get access to games, live and on-demand, and more for the entire season and offseason. Watch ESPN originals, The Last Dance and more NBA content on ESPN+. Use our link to sign up for ESPN+ or the Disney bundle. Not all offers available in all states, please visit BetMGM for the latest promotions for your area. Must be 21+ to gamble, please wager responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER .Revelers at a Christmas fair in Mexico were left horrified as they witnessed a fair ride collapse and injured two riders. Video from the festival, which was held at Acapulco Golf Club Monda, showed the ride — which was shaped like the Eiffel Tower and featured cable cars — tilting before it ultimately crashed to the ground . In a video obtained by The Daily Mail , one of the cars can be seen snapping off the line as the structure fell. The resulting crash injured Aldo Maldonado, a 35-year-old who was in town visiting from Mexico City, and Iván Gómez, also 35 and a resident of Acapulco, who were promptly treated at the scene by emergency services. According to officials, both men sustained non-life-threatening injuries but were rushed to Acqua Acapulco Hospital. Both are reportedly in stable condition . The outlet stated that shortly after the crash, Guerrero State Integral Risk Management Department and Civil Protection dispatched investigators to the scene to discover the cause of the accident. Heart-stopping moment falling drones injure boy during Orlando Christmas light show City to launch trial sending drones to 911 calls ahead of first responders It was reported that the investigators discovered that the tower was not anchored properly to the ground and that it was set up without a support mechanism. Investigators also reportedly found that the tower and other machine rides were not operating in accordance with guidelines that were instituted by the government. The outlet reported that despite the knowledge of lax safety measures, ride operators continued to run the machines normally. Many social media users who had seen the video, stated that they were not surprised that the structure had fallen over. "Strange? No. They never inspect those games and even less give them permission after a bribe," one person commented on the video. "Stop using mechanical rides," a second person added. "I think that governments and municipalities should certify (just as they close down a business) and put a seal on each ride (name and signature). There is no seal. It is not safe. And if it fails, we know who to complain to," they added. The incident comes after another holiday-related activity resulted in a seven-year-old being injured by a drone during a holiday light show. Alexander Edgerton, just seven years old, was rushed to the hospital for emergency heart surgery after getting hit with a falling drone at Saturday's Lake Eola Park show in Orlando. During the 6:30 pm show, "several small drones collided and fell into a crowd," according to a release by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which is investigating the incident. Adriana Edgerton, the boy's mom, said her family was watching the show before Alexander was hit in the chest and the lip. "Everyone’s natural instinct was to duck and scatter, and right when we knew it, my daughter found my son on the floor unconscious, blood coming out of his face," Edgerton told WESH 2 . "I feel so bad, it's three days before Christmas," she added as her son continues to recover in the hospital. Alexander was the only person injured at the show, the Orlando Fire Department said. DAILY NEWSLETTER: Sign up here to get the latest news and updates from the Mirror US straight to your inbox with our FREE newsletter.

Notre Dame re-opens five years after fireThis story was originally published on Nov. 26 and misreported fee changes related to renting SD 27 facilities, stating they had doubled when in fact they have been cut in half. Several organizers of events raising funds for student programs were surprised this year with a hefty bill in order to operate in School District 27 (SD 27) facilities. The annual Cariboo Hobby Con and Craft Fair was scheduled to run on Nov. 23 this year at Columneetza Jr. Secondary in Williams Lake, but with less than two weeks before the day organizers announced they would cancel the fair. “It is with great sadness we have to announce that this year’s Cariboo Hobby Con has been cancelled,” wrote the organizers on their Facebook page. They credited the cancellation to policy changes which led to “uncertain financial constraints that would be detrimental to our fundraiser.” The annual fair event raises funds for a volleyball club run by SD 27 employee Tim Hurley. The funds are used to buy equipment such as a referee stand and uniforms, as well as to help out students in need with travel and accommodation. Last year Hobby Con raised about $2,000 for the club, but Hurley told Black Press Media it’s more than just the money, as Hobby Con provides a space for other clubs to run their own fundraisers and for young entrepreneurs to set up their own vendors. He added that his volleyball club has served as a “turning point” for vulnerable students whose interest in the sport has kept them in school and safe. SD 27 updated its policy 730 – Community use of School Facilities – in August of this year. Changes to the policy include “more robust vetting” of events such as craft fairs, large sporting tournaments and Parent Advisory Council (PAC) events. In a statement sent to Black Press Media, SD 27 secretary-treasurer Brenda Hooker provided reasons for the policy updates. “The District updated AP730 to clarify our process and publish the applicable fees when applying for facilities use. In most cases, the cost to rent a space in our various facilities was decreased.” She wrote that fees were not always applied consistently in the past, such as whether or not the use of school equipment would be charged. When asked if the district took into account what impact the changes could have on events which benefit students, Hooker wrote the district recognized there were changes in fees “by applying our policy consistently and fairly.” “Some organizers have chosen to cancel instead of moving forward, which is their choice...The district recognizes that access to our schools is important to the community and we are striving to balance the demand while covering the associated costs and conducting our due diligence for all involved,” she wrote. Hobby Con is not the only event which has been impacted by the changes. The annual Chilcotin Road Elementary School PAC Ladies Night, which raises money for the school to buy things like books, projectors and playground equipment, operated in SD 27 facilities for 11 years without cost. This year’s event, which was in April, the organizers found out they would have to pay $600 to run the Ladies Night at the school. Even the lakecity’s beloved Medieval Market, which raises money for student programs and also equips participating students with work experience, has seen quite the impact. Without any real change to the event’s layout, which as previous years was hosted at Lake City Secondary School, the total cost to run the market increased by more than $4,000 from 2019 until now. While in 2019 the market operated at a total cost of about $800, this year’s market came to a total of just under $5,000. Even in 2023, prior to SD 27’s policy changes, organizer Kirstin Lauren said custodial charges had doubled from the previous year. This was despite few, if any, changes being made to the market which would result in further custodial requirements. Custodial hours, organizers said, doubled from 24 to 48 hours without explanation. In fact, Lauren said it’s been difficult to get any clear answers from the district, and while she is hoping to maintain a relationship with the district and see the market thrive in its traditional location of several years, there needs to be better communication. Hooker told Black Press Media organizers are made aware of requirements and risks associated to holding their event before their application is approved. The biggest change the Medieval Market saw this year was in insurance fees. While costs going specifically to the district amounted to about $4,000, the market had to pay an extra $800 for third party liability insurance. Organizers were told they had to purchase the insurance this year, while in previous years this was not a concern. Lauren told Black Press Media students were still able to benefit from this year’s market, which attracted about 3,500 guests, 100 vendors and 100 student workers. “But the more money we have to pay out, the less money we have to give to students,” she said, adding all she wants is to figure out what’s going on and continue having a positive working relationship with the district. In her statement to Black Press Media, Hooker said insurance requirements have always existed. “The district is now clarifying these requirements with users and consistently ensuring the appropriate insurance is obtained. The cost to obtain liability insurance is minimal and is needed to cover both the organizers and the volunteers working any event that is not directly related to education. The district values all of our employees and volunteers and is simply trying to make sure organizers have appropriate insurance coverage in place in the case of an unexpected event,” Hooker wrote. She later clarified with Black Press that these events were simply not being insured previously, a fact which was overlooked, and the policy change was to ensure everyone’s safety. Lauren said she and other organizers are planning to meet with the district to understand why their costs have seen such an increase and what can be done to mitigate the impact on students for which the event is being hosted. Most of the fees related to renting SD 27 facilities have been cut in half, with some additional fees being added to the list. New fees include $200 for wireless access, which is available only to weekend sports tournaments and craft fairs. A small fee was added for access to the entire sports equipment room and $85 has been added for intruder alarm activation. Fees which have seen no change include non-profit adult sport groups’ use of multi-purpose spaces such as libraries and cafes, as well as field use by any type of group. Fees marked as “local delivery” and “out of town delivery” haven’t changed, nor have weekend custodial charges seen any changes. However, general custodial charges have seen a change. Non-profit groups used to be charged $30 per hour for custodial services, a custodian’s regular hourly pay, and now pay $30 per use. Other groups, such as private craft fairs and political parties, used to pay $30 per hour for custodial services and now pay $67.75 per hour. A $200 key deposit was also removed, replaced by a $30 charge to replace a fob or get an extra one. Hooker also told Black Press Media that the district does not profit from the fees. “The fees collected are applied to the direct staffing costs associated with approving the request. We are not charging rates that provide any funds towards repairs and maintenance of our facilities nor capital replacement costs,” she wrote. Tammy Woodcock Banks was one of more than 40 vendors registered to sell their crafts at Hobby Con. She told Black Press Media Hobby Con is one of the most important markets where she sells her wind chimes and Christmas cards which she makes under the name Tammy’s Creations. “I had loads of stock that I had worked on this year for the show,” she said. Banks said she was grateful to be welcomed as a vendor at the Cariboo Corner market instead, but only made about one third of what she would normally make at Hobby Con. However, she said the market’s cancellation is also a big loss for the students who benefit from Hobby Con. “It’s not only us that got let down, it was the kids,” she said. When they heard the news that Hobby Con was being cancelled, Bewitching Market organizers Wanda Sheppard and Sunny Dyck decided something needed to be done. They quickly organized a new market without using SD 27 facilities so local crafters and business owners can still benefit from the holiday season. “They’re quite happy with it, they’re excited,” Sheppard told the Tribune about the almost 40 vendors who have registered for the new market called A Misfits and Mistletoe Christmas Market. The market, which will be taking place on Dec. 15 at the Ramada Convention Centre, is open to everyone and any kind of item being sold. “If you want to do goth you can do goth, if you want to do Christmas you can do Christmas,” Sheppard said. She said all she wants is to be fair to the vendors, promote their works and have fun.

They were all exceptional – Mikel Arteta loved seeing Arsenal run riot in Lisbon

Dana Hull | (TNS) Bloomberg News Jared Birchall, Elon Musk’s money manager and the head of his family office, is listed as the chief executive officer. Jehn Balajadia, a longtime Musk aide who has worked at SpaceX and the Boring Co., is named as an official contact. Related Articles National Politics | Biden will decide on US Steel acquisition after influential panel fails to reach consensus National Politics | Biden vetoes once-bipartisan effort to add 66 federal judgeships, citing ‘hurried’ House action National Politics | A history of the Panama Canal — and why Trump can’t take it back on his own National Politics | President-elect Trump wants to again rename North America’s tallest peak National Politics | Inside the Gaetz ethics report, a trove of new details alleging payments for sex and drug use But they’re not connected to Musk’s new technology venture, or the political operation that’s endeared him to Donald Trump. Instead, they’re tied to the billionaire’s new Montessori school outside Bastrop, Texas, called Ad Astra, according to documents filed with state authorities and obtained via a Texas Public Information Act request. The world’s richest person oversees an overlapping empire of six companies — or seven, if you include his political action committee. Alongside rockets, electric cars, brain implants, social media and the next Trump administration, he is increasingly focused on education, spanning preschool to college. One part of his endeavor was revealed last year, when Bloomberg News reported that his foundation had set aside roughly $100 million to create a technology-focused primary and secondary school in Austin, with eventual plans for a university. An additional $137 million in cash and stock was allotted last year, according to the most recent tax filing for the Musk Foundation. Ad Astra is closer to fruition. The state documents show Texas authorities issued an initial permit last month, clearing the way for the center to operate with as many as 21 pupils. Ad Astra’s website says it’s “currently open to all children ages 3 to 9.” The school’s account on X includes job postings for an assistant teacher for preschool and kindergarten and an assistant teacher for students ages 6 to 9. To run the school, Ad Astra is partnering with a company that has experience with billionaires: Xplor Education, which developed Hala Kahiki Montessori school in Lanai, Hawaii, the island 98% owned by Oracle Corp. founder Larry Ellison. Ad Astra sits on a highway outside Bastrop, a bedroom community about 30 miles from Austin and part of a region that’s home to several of Musk’s businesses. On a visit during a recent weekday morning, there was a single Toyota Prius in the parking lot and no one answered the door at the white building with a gray metal roof. The school’s main entrance was blocked by a gate, and there was no sign of any children on the grounds. But what information there is about Ad Astra makes it sound like a fairly typical, if high-end, Montessori preschool. The proposed schedule includes “thematic, STEM-based activities and projects” as well as outdoor play and nap time. A sample snack calendar features carrots and hummus. While Birchall’s and Balajadia’s names appear in the application, it isn’t clear that they’ll have substantive roles at the school once it’s operational. Musk, Birchall and Balajadia didn’t respond to emailed questions. A phone call and email to the school went unanswered. Access to high quality, affordable childcare is a huge issue for working parents across the country, and tends to be an especially vexing problem in rural areas like Bastrop. Many families live in “childcare deserts” where there is either not a facility or there isn’t an available slot. Opening Ad Astra gives Musk a chance to showcase his vision for education, and his support for the hands-on learning and problem solving that are a hallmark of his industrial companies. His public comments about learning frequently overlap with cultural concerns popular among conservatives and the Make America Great Again crowd, often focusing on what he sees as young minds being indoctrinated by teachers spewing left-wing propaganda. He has railed against diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, and in August posted that “a lot of schools are teaching white boys to hate themselves.” Musk’s educational interests dovetail with his new role as Trump’s “first buddy.” The billionaire has pitched a role for himself that he — and now the incoming Trump administration — call “DOGE,” or the Department of Government Efficiency. Though it’s not an actual department, DOGE now posts on X, the social media platform that Musk owns. “The Department of Education spent over $1 billion promoting DEI in America’s schools,” the account posted Dec. 12. Back in Texas, Bastrop is quickly becoming a key Musk point of interest. The Boring Co., his tunneling venture, is based in an unincorporated area there. Across the road, SpaceX produces Starlink satellites at a 500,000-square-foot (46,000-square-meter) facility. Nearby, X is constructing a building for trust and safety workers. Musk employees, as well as the general public, can grab snacks at the Boring Bodega, a convenience store housed within Musk’s Hyperloop Plaza, which also contains a bar, candy shop and hair salon. Ad Astra is just a five-minute drive away. It seems to have been designed with the children of Musk’s employees — if not Musk’s own offspring — in mind. Musk has fathered at least 12 children, six of them in the last five years. “Ad Astra’s mission is to foster curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking in the next generation of problem solvers and builders,” reads the school’s website. A job posting on the website of the Montessori Institute of North Texas says “While their parents support the breakthroughs that expand the realm of human possibility, their children will grow into the next generation of innovators in a way that only authentic Montessori can provide.” The school has hired an executive director, according to documents Bloomberg obtained from Texas Health and Human Services. Ad Astra is located on 40 acres of land, according to the documents, which said a 4,000-square-foot house would be remodeled for the preschool. It isn’t uncommon for entrepreneurs to take an interest in education, according to Bill Gormley, a professor emeritus at the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University who studies early childhood education. Charles Butt, the chairman of the Texas-based H-E-B grocery chain, has made public education a focus of his philanthropy. Along with other business and community leaders, Butt founded “Raise Your Hand Texas,” which advocates on school funding, teacher workforce and retention issues and fully funding pre-kindergarten. “Musk is not the only entrepreneur to recognize the value of preschool for Texas workers,” Gormley said. “A lot of politicians and business people get enthusiastic about education in general — and preschool in particular — because they salivate at the prospect of a better workforce.” Musk spent much of October actively campaigning for Trump’s presidential effort, becoming the most prolific donor of the election cycle. He poured at least $274 million into political groups in 2024, including $238 million to America PAC, the political action committee he founded. While the vast majority of money raised by America PAC came from Musk himself, it also had support from other donors. Betsy DeVos, who served as education secretary in Trump’s first term, donated $250,000, federal filings show. The Department of Education is already in the new administration’s cross hairs. Trump campaigned on the idea of disbanding the department and dismantling diversity initiatives, and he has also taken aim at transgender rights. “Rather than indoctrinating young people with inappropriate racial, sexual, and political material, which is what we’re doing now, our schools must be totally refocused to prepare our children to succeed in the world of work,” Trump wrote in Agenda 47, his campaign platform. Musk has three children with the musician Grimes and three with Shivon Zilis, who in the past was actively involved at Neuralink, his brain machine interface company. All are under the age of five. Musk took X, his son with Grimes, with him on a recent trip to Capitol Hill. After his visit, he shared a graphic that showed the growth of administrators in America’s public schools since 2000. Musk is a fan of hands-on education. During a Tesla earnings call in 2018, he talked about the need for more electricians as the electric-car maker scaled up the energy side of its business. On the Joe Rogan podcast in 2020, Musk said that “too many smart people go into finance and law.” “I have a lot of respect for people who work with their hands and we need electricians and plumbers and carpenters,” Musk said while campaigning for Trump in Pennsylvania in October. “That’s a lot more important than having incremental political science majors.” Ad Astra’s website says the cost of tuition will be initially subsidized, but in future years “tuition will be in line with local private schools that include an extended day program.” “I do think we need significant reform in education,” Musk said at a separate Trump campaign event. “The priority should be to teach kids skills that they will find useful later in life, and to leave any sort of social propaganda out of the classroom.” With assistance from Sophie Alexander and Kara Carlson. ©2024 Bloomberg News. Visit at bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Nets Rising Star Expected to Miss 3-4 Weeks

Pope Francis kicks off a yearlong Jubilee that will test his stamina and Rome's patience VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis has opened the great Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica. The ceremony kicks off the 2025 Holy Year. It's a celebration of the Catholic Church that is expected to draw some 32 million pilgrims to Rome. And it will test the pope’s stamina and the ability of the Eternal City to welcome them. This begins the Christmas Eve Mass. The ceremony inaugurates the once-every-25-year tradition of a Jubilee. Francis has dedicated the 2025 Jubilee to the theme of hope. Bethlehem marks a second subdued Christmas Eve during the war in Gaza BETHLEHEM, West Bank (AP) — Bethlehem is marking another somber Christmas Eve under the shadow of war in Gaza. Manger Square lacked its usual festive lights and crowds of tourists on Tuesday. Instead, the area outside the Nativity Church was quiet. The church was built atop the spot where Jesus is believed to have been born. The war, the violence in the occupied West Bank it has spurred and the lack of festivities has deeply hurt Bethlehem's economy. The town relies heavily on Christmas tourism. The economy in the West Bank was already reeling because of restrictions placed on laborers preventing them from entering Israel during the war. Heavy travel day starts with brief grounding of all American Airlines flights WASHINGTON (AP) — American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide due to a technical problem just as the Christmas travel season kicked into overdrive and winter weather threatened more potential problems for those planning to fly or drive. Government regulators cleared American flights to get airborne Tuesday about one hour after the Federal Aviation Administration ordered a national ground stop, which prevented planes from taking off. American said in an email that the problem was caused by an issue with a vendor technology that maintains its flight operating system. Aviation analytics company Cirium said flights were delayed across American’s major hubs, with only 37% leaving on time. Nineteen flights were cancelled. Middle East latest: Israeli raid and airstrikes in West Bank kill at least 8 Palestinians The Palestinian Health Ministry says at least eight people were killed by Israeli military operations in the northern West Bank. The ministry said three of the dead were killed by Israeli airstrikes. The attacks took place around the city of Tulkarem and nearby refugee camps. The Israeli military said it opened fire after militants attacked soldiers, and it was aware of some uninvolved civilians who were harmed in the raid. Elsewhere in the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian city of Bethlehem was marking a somber Christmas Eve under the shadow of the war in Gaza. Most festivities were cancelled and crowds of tourists were absent. Caitlin Clark honored as AP Female Athlete of the Year following her impact on women's sports Caitlin Clark has been named the AP Female Athlete of the Year after raising the profile of women’s basketball to unprecedented levels in both college and the WNBA. She led Iowa to the national championship game, was the top pick in the WNBA draft and captured rookie of the year honors in the league. Fans packed sold-out arenas and millions of television viewers followed her journey on and off the court. Clark's exploits also put other women's sports leagues in the spotlight. A group of 74 sports journalists from AP and its members voted on the award. Other athletes who received votes included Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles and boxer Imane Khelif. Clark’s only the fourth women’s basketball player to win the award since it was first given in 1931. NFL players who use platform to share their faith say it's their duty to spread their love of Jesus ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) — Jake Bates was standing on the turf in his hometown of Houston when asked to reflect on an unlikely journey from learning how to sell bricks to making game-winning kicks for the Detroit Lions. Bates used his platform as an NFL player to spread his love of Jesus. A month later, Bates told The Associated Press it is a duty to share his faith. The NFL is filled with players and coaches who feel the same way, such as Houston's C.J. Stroud, Atlanta's Kirk Cousins, and Lamar Jackson and John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens. Major storm pounds California's central coast, blamed for man's death and partially collapsing pier SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (AP) — A major storm has pounded California’s central coast bringing flooding and high surf that was blamed for fatally trapping a man beneath debris on a beach and later partially collapsing a pier, tossing three people into the Pacific Ocean. The storm was expected to bring hurricane-force winds and waves up to 60 feet Monday as it gained strength from California to the Pacific Northwest. Some California cities have ordered beachfront homes and hotels to evacuate early Monday afternoon. Forecasters have warned that storm swells would continue to increase throughout the day. Medellin Cartel victims demand truth and justice as cartel boss Fabio Ochoa walks free in Colombia BOGOTÁ, Colombia (AP) — The return of the notorious drug trafficker Fabio Ochoa to Colombia, following his deportation from the United States, has reopened old wounds among the victims of the Medellin cartel, with some expressing their dismay at the decision of Colombian authorities to let the former mafia boss walk free.Some of the cartel victims said on Tuesday that they are hoping the former drug lord will at least cooperate with ongoing efforts by human rights groups to investigate one of the most violent periods of Colombia’s history, and demanded that Colombian prosecutors also take Ochoa in for questioning. Man arraigned on murder charges in NYC subway death fanned flames with a shirt, prosecutors say NEW YORK (AP) — Prosecutors say a man accused of burning a woman to death inside a New York City subway train used a shirt to fan the flames, causing her to become engulfed. The suspect, identified by police as Sebastian Zapeta, was arraigned in Brooklyn criminal court on Tuesday. He faces murder charges that could put him in prison for life. Federal immigration officials say 33-year-old Zapeta is a Guatemalan citizen who entered the U.S. illegally after being deported in 2018. The apparently random attack occurred Sunday morning on a stationary F train at the Coney Island station in Brooklyn. Amsterdam court sentences 5 men over violence linked to Ajax-Maccabi soccer game THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — An Amsterdam District Court has issued sentences of up to six months in jail against 5 men who were involved in violent disorder after a soccer match between the Dutch club Ajax and Israel’s Maccabi Tel Aviv in November. The riots caused an international outcry and accusations of deliberate anti-Semitic attacks. The violence following a UEFA Europa League match left 5 people in hospital. More than 60 suspects were detained. The court on Tuesday sentenced one man to 6 months in prison, another to 2 1/2 months, two to 1 month and one to 100 hours of community service.Spurred on by a New York Post story about Pope Francis opening "five sacred portals" this Christmas, the goofier corners of the social media world are breathlessly sharing warnings that the Pope is planning to open the "Tomb of Lucifer," or the Devil's Tomb this holiday season. The TikTok video below, from GraceXDigital, has been viewed more than 2 million times and explains the whole conspiracy theory. Grace is asking the Pope important questions, like "Why are you doing this this year, in this economy?" While The Pope is opening five portals to close out 2024, I regret to inform you that His Holiness is not planning to open the Tomb of Lucifer—nothing that awesome ever happens. There is a tomb of Lucifer under the Vatican, but it's not as cool as you'd hope. Nothing in this story is not as cool as you'd hope. What are these portals the Pope is opening? The Pope is actually going to be opening five sacred portals as part of a ritual this year, but "portal" just means "door," and four of the five doors lead to well known basilicas. Despite what some internet cranks are saying, it's not the first time this has happened either: The ritual happens every 25 years, and is meant to usher in a year “renewed in hope” for Catholics. So basically, it's the Pope doing Pope junk. The only never-happened-before part of the story is Pope Francis putting his own spin on the ritual by opening a fifth door inside the Roman prison Rebibbia on Dec. 26. It's meant to offer prisoners a sign to "look to the future with hope and a renewed sense of confidence." The door opening is symbolic, so the prisoners will not be freed to run rampant in Rome. The Tomb of Lucifer and the Vatican Necropolis The one slightly cool part of the story: There is a city of the dead under the Vatican that has a tomb of Lucifer, and you can visit it . The Vatican Necropolis lies 15 to 24 feet below Saint Peter's Basilica, near the site of the Circus of Caligula . Originally an open-air cemetery, the necropolis dates back to the Roman Empire and supposedly contains the remains of the Apostle Peter along with the skeletons of various Popes and other prominent early Catholics. Also found here: the Tomb of Lucifer. But it's not the Lucifer, the Morning Star, the fallen angel who became the head of the demons. That Lucifer's ultimate fate is murky. Maybe he's still alive, subtly convincing people to cheat at Monopoly, or maybe he's in Heaven because he found redemption, or maybe he's in Newark. (According to Dante, Lucifer is in the deepest circle of the abyss, frozen in ice and forced to beat his wings for eternity to power Hell, so I'll go with that.) In any case, the angelic Lucifer isn't a person, so he doesn't have a tomb. According to the Vatican's own Necropolis map , Tomb U is labeled "Lucifer." The Vatican says: "The entrance to the tomb has been reduced because of a fault in the architrave. It is possible, however, to glimpse some of the niches with their characteristic red background and several arcosoli." Red backgrounds? It's gotta be Satan. But nah: The construction of this tomb pre-dates the association of the name "Lucifer" with the devil. We don't actually know why it's called the Lucifer tomb. It might be a reference to some graffiti found around there , or a reference to an important Catholic with that name. It's not referring to the devil, though. Why are there so many Catholic conspiracy theories anyway? Why the Pope opening some doors in Vatican City became a conspiracy theory on TikTok is a complex question. America's history of anti-Catholicism dates back to before the United States was even a thing . While those deep cultural and historical biases are probably part of it, I think the main reason people traffic in this sort of conspiratorial thinking is more innocent: the Catholic Church is really old and really weird, and people like a little spice in their Christmas eggnog. People also like putting together puzzles, and the Catholic Church gives you a lot of pieces to play with. The Vatican is an ancient city full of tunnels, crumbling Roman ruins, and a Necropolis under a basilica. The Pope controls a city-state, can speak with God's voice, and wears some very impressive hats. It's the kind of set-up where anything seems like it could be happening at any time, including the Pope digging up Satan's grave, maybe so they can fight. Like many conspiracy theorists, the author Dan Brown, and the developers of the Assassin's Creed video games, I want the awesome things to be real too. I want a flashy showdown in Vatican City between angels and demons ( and aliens ). But good and evil don't work that way in real life. Even if you dress up the "good guys" in elaborate headgear, they're still fallible old men—51% good on a good day. Evil doesn't reside in a tomb and come at you with flaming swords. It would be cool if the Pope could call on the power of his big buddy God to smite those who need smiting, but despite the hats, scepters, and symbolic authority, the best the Pope can do is throw open some old doors in the papal palace and maybe try to get people to maybe think about the plight of prisoners.