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The Bank of Scotland’s business barometer poll showed 73% of Scottish businesses expect to see turnover increase in 2025, up from 60% polled in 2023. Almost a quarter (23%) of businesses expect to see their revenue rise by between six and 10% over the next 12 months, with just over a fifth (21%) expecting it to grow by even more. The poll found that 70% of businesses were confident they would become more profitable in 2025, a two per cent increase when compared with the previous year. Revenue and profitability growth was firms’ top priority at 52%, though 40% said they will be targeting improved productivity, and the same proportion said they will be aiming to enhance their technology – such as automation or AI – or upskill their staff (both 29%). More than one in five (22%) want to improve their environmental sustainability. Other areas businesses are hoping to build upon AI-assisted technology (19%), and 24% will be investing in expanding into new UK markets and 23% plan to invest in staff training. The business barometer has surveyed 1,200 businesses every month since 2002, providing early signals about UK economic trends. Martyn Kendrick, Scotland director at Bank of Scotland commercial banking, said: “Scottish businesses are looking ahead to 2025 with stronger growth expectations, and setting out clear plans to drive this expansion through investments in new technology, new markets and their own teams. “As we enter the new year, we’ll continue to by their side to help them pursue their ambitions and seize all opportunities that lie ahead.”Almost three quarters of Scottish businesses are confident about their prospects next year, a survey has suggested. The Bank of Scotland’s business barometer poll showed 73% of Scottish businesses expect to see turnover increase in 2025, up from 60% polled in 2023. Almost a quarter (23%) of businesses expect to see their revenue rise by between six and 10% over the next 12 months, with just over a fifth (21%) expecting it to grow by even more. The poll found that 70% of businesses were confident they would become more profitable in 2025, a two per cent increase when compared with the previous year. Revenue and profitability growth was firms’ top priority at 52%, though 40% said they will be targeting improved productivity, and the same proportion said they will be aiming to enhance their technology – such as automation or AI – or upskill their staff (both 29%). More than one in five (22%) want to improve their environmental sustainability. Other areas businesses are hoping to build upon AI-assisted technology (19%), and 24% will be investing in expanding into new UK markets and 23% plan to invest in staff training. The business barometer has surveyed 1,200 businesses every month since 2002, providing early signals about UK economic trends. Martyn Kendrick, Scotland director at Bank of Scotland commercial banking, said: “Scottish businesses are looking ahead to 2025 with stronger growth expectations, and setting out clear plans to drive this expansion through investments in new technology, new markets and their own teams. “As we enter the new year, we’ll continue to by their side to help them pursue their ambitions and seize all opportunities that lie ahead.”

Taoiseach Simon Harris said he also wanted to tell Nikita Hand, a hair colourist from Drimnagh, that her case had prompted an increase in women coming forward to ask for support. Ms Hand, who accused the sportsman of raping her in a Dublin hotel in December 2018, won her claim against him for damages in a civil case at the High Court in the Irish capital on Friday. The total amount of damages awarded to Ms Hand by the jury was 248,603.60 euro (£206,714.31). Mr McGregor said in a post on social media on Friday that he intends to appeal against the decision. That post has since been deleted. Speaking to the media on Saturday, Mr Harris said he told Ms Hand of the support she has from people across Ireland. “I spoke with Nikita today and I wanted to thank her for her incredible bravery and her courage,” he said. “I wanted to make sure that she knew how much solidarity and support there was across this country for her bravery. “I also wanted to make sure she knew of what the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre had said yesterday – that so many other women have now come forward in relation to their own experiences of sexual abuse as a result of Nikita’s bravery.” The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre said the case has had a “profound effect” on the people the charity supports, and that over the first 10 days of the High Court case, calls to its national helpline increased by almost 20%. It said that first-time callers increased by 50% compared to the same period last year, and were largely from people who had experienced sexual violence who were distressed and anxious from the details of case and the views people had to it. Mr Harris said: “I wanted to speak with her and I wanted to wish her and her daughter, Freya, all the very best night, and I was very grateful to talk with Nikita today. “Her bravery, her courage, her voice has made a real difference in a country in which we must continue to work to get to zero tolerance when it comes to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. “I don’t want to say too much more, because conscious there could be further legal processes, but I absolutely want to commend Nikita for her bravery, for her courage, for using her voice.” Justice Minister Helen McEntee praised Ms Hand’s bravery and said she had shown “there is light at the end of the tunnel”. She said: “I just want to commend Nikita for her bravery, for her determination and the leadership that she has shown in what has been – I’ve no doubt – a very, very difficult time for her and indeed, for her family. She added: “Because of wonderful people like Nikita, I hope that it shows that there is light at the end of the tunnel, that there are supports available to people, and that there is justice at the end of the day.” Ms Hand said in a statement outside court on Friday that she hoped her case would remind victims of assault to keep “pushing forward for justice”. Describing the past six years as “a nightmare”, she said: “I want to show (my daughter) Freya and every other girl and boy that you can stand up for yourself if something happens to you, no matter who the person is, and justice will be served.” During the case, Ms Hand said she was “disappointed and upset” when the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) decided not to prosecute the case after she made a complaint to the Irish police. In a letter to her in August 2020, the DPP said there was “insufficient evidence” and there was not a reasonable prospect of conviction. Ms Hand asked the DPP to review the decision, saying she felt she was being treated differently because one of the suspects was famous. Asked about the DPP’s decision not to prosecute, Mr Harris and Ms McEntee stressed the importance of the DPP’s independence on whether to prosecute. “There are obviously structures in place where the DPP can meet a victim and can outline to them their reasons for not taking the case,” Mr Harris said. “But there’s also always an opportunity for the DPP in any situation – and I speak broadly in relation to this – to review a decision, to consider any new information that may come to light, and I don’t want to say anything that may ever cut across the ongoing work of the DPP.” Ms McEntee stressed that there should “never be any political interference” in the independence of the DPP’s decisions. “I have, since becoming minister, given priority to and enabled a new office within the DPP to open specifically focused on sexual offences, so that this issue can be given the focus and the priority that it needs,” she said.LUKE LITTLER has pleaded for David de Gea to return to Manchester United after Andre Onana's howler against Viktoria Plzen. The Cameroonian was at fault as the Czechs took the lead at the Doosan Arena before the Red Devils fought back to win . Onana , 28, was trying to pass out from the back, but his ball to Matthijs de Ligt was too short. Pavel Sulc collected the ball and squared it to former Watford and Burnley ace Matej Vydra to score. The mistake left Man United fan Littler seething as he reacted on social media. The darts star posted a picture of his television showing the match with the caption: "Bring back Dave". READ MORE ON MAN UTD Littler, 17, is referring to goalkeeper David de Gea , who left at the end of his contract in 2023. The Spaniard was out of football for a whole season but is now playing in Italy for Fiorentina . Stats have even suggested that the De Gea is performing as one of the best stoppers in Europe . It is the latest error in Onana's catalogue since joining Manchester United to replace De Gea. Most read in Football CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS Earlier in the same game, he clattered into Casemiro, leaving the Brazilian in pain on the ground. In the Red Devils, defeat to Nottingham Forest , Onana was beaten by an effort from Morgan Gibbs-White despite it being down the middle of the goal. Fortunately, Onana was bailed out by his teammates on this occasion. Substitute Rasmus Hojlund netted twice in order to turn the match on its head . The striker benefitted after good work from Amad Diallo as he tapped into an empty net to score the equaliser. He then latched onto a clever pass from Bruno Fernandes to fire home the winner in the 88th minute. After the win, Fernandes came out in defence of Onana and insisted his error should not be "focused on". He told TNT Sports: "We want to play from the back. Everyone knows we have to make the right decision. "Andre missed the pass, but there is nothing we should focus on. It’s not about Andre [Onana] making a mistake, we don’t look at individuals here. "It’s about all the players involved, and we have huge belief in Andre. "He knows he made a mistake, he’s a clever guy, we don’t need to tell him. He’s going to help us when playing out from the back – we trust his qualities on the ball. ANDRE ONANA had his blushes spared by Rasmus Hojlund as Manchester United fought back to win against Viktoria Plzen. Here’s how SunSport's Henry Tomlinson rated the Red Devils stars... Andre Onana - 4 It was a very shaky start to the game in which Onana hurt Casemiro and failed to deal with the host's crosses convincingly. He made a massive error that led to Plzen taking the lead with his poor pass, leaving his defenders with no chance of bailing him out. Diogo Dalot – 6 Dalot made some decent runs forward to join in with the attacks. Defensively was fairly solid and was not often caught out. Noussair Mazraoui - 6 Playing a bit more central, Mazraoui used his pace well to help out at the back. Matthijs de Ligt - 6 He was sold short by Onana's pass that led to the opener but otherwise was fine during the 90 minutes. Lisandro Martinez - 6 Made himself available when Man United got forward but struggled with the physicality of the Plzen attackers. Tyrell Malacia - 6 He offered very little going forward in the wing-back role as he struggled to combine with Marcus Rashford. Casemiro - 6 He moved the ball forward when he could and recovered from an early blow from Onana. Bruno Fernandes - 7 He was lucky to have escaped an early yellow card. Stung the goalkeeper's gloves in the first half with a good effort. His quick thinking set up Rasmus Hojlund to fire in a late winner. Amad Diallo - 8 Diallo was a rare bright spark in Man United's attack against Plzen. It was his run that led to the equaliser, and he used his pace and skill to get past his defender. Marcus Rashford - 4 Rashford was often loose on the ball and surrendered possession in the attacking third. He received the first booking of the game for a needless foul and was lucky not to be sent off in the second half before being hooked by Ruben Amorim. Joshua Zirkzee - 6 Took on the centre-forward role well, held the ball up and linked up play well enough. Subs Rasmus Hojlund 55' – 8 Hojlund showed his striker instincts by being in the right position to grab Man United's equaliser. He then latched onto Fernandes' clever pass to score the winner. Antony 60' - 6 He was involved in the equaliser by linking up with Diallo. Mason Mount 60' - 7 Made a positive impact after coming on and was unlucky not to score as he was denied twice by the goalkeeper after coming into the action. Alejandro Garnacho 80' - N/A Failed to make a positive impact on his short spell on the pitch. Manuel Ugarte 80' - N/A He slotted into the midfield as he replaced Casemiro late on. "The most important thing is we had the resilience and fight to come back. "It's something we’ve been doing for a long time. We know the goalkeepers are good on the ball, they can play. "We normally do it. It didn’t work this time but on many occasions it works. "We trust Andre to keep doing the things he thinks are best. Mistakes happen, and if mistakes happen, goals can happen." READ MORE SUN STORIES Onana's questionable form has even seen Man United be linked with potential replacements. AC Milan's Mike Maignan has been tipped to be a target, but he is also liked by rivals Manchester City.

Nigeria is expected to earn N4.2 trillion ($2.64 billion) from cashew nut export from its major buyers, India and Vietnam in 2025. This is due to a new price, which has increased by 80.1 per cent. Additional key markets for cashew exports from the country are United States, United Arab Emirates, Belgium, China, Turkey and Norfolk Islands. Findings revealed that price of the nuts rose from $1,300 to $6,560 per tonnes within one year, leading to 80.1 per cent price increase as the country’s production capacity reached 400,000 tonnes in 2024. Also, prices for Indian cashews, which was $7,990/tonne Freight on Board (FoB) at the beginning of the month, have already risen to $8,015/ tonne FoB. Vietnam Cashew Association (VINACAS) explained that there were many reasons for the latest price increases, saying that the decline in Vietnamese imports of raw cashew nuts by 10 per cent was the major contribution. It complained that the shortage of supply was partly due to poorer crops in some West African growing countries, adding that strong competition was also driving up prices. Also, it stressed that to make matters worse, exchange rate fluctuations and unfavourable weather conditions had driven up production costs considerably and made them difficult to predict. However, in a move to boost Africa’s cashew production, the African Cashew Alliance (ACA) has partnered with Cambodia on cashew growth and development across the continent. Also, the National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN) said that the country was making moves to increase production to one million tonnes in the coming years. The President of the association, Dr Ojo Joseph Ajanaku, explained that NCAN was building a national cashew policy to increase production, saying that currently the youth and women had been trained in the value chain as well. He explained: “We have a projection and that is why we are building cashew nurseries, our target is to hit 1 million tonnes annually and we are looking at spreading Ogbomosho Variety in Oyo State across because it is widely accepted. “Also in Kwara because it is high yield and we want to spread it round the country so in one hectare of land, you can harvest as high as 800-1,000 kilogrammes. “We are to use the arable land and plant cashew, and by the time we produce cashew to two million metric tonnes which we can do in the country we would have generated enough foreign exchange for the country. “This is our projection and if we are able to hit it we are making another 500kg, we will make it 1,500kg, and in no time we will be able to get to two million metric tonnes which is our full target.” Meanwhile, it was revealed that more than 50 per cent of Nigerian cashew nuts were being smuggled to Benin, Togo and Cote d’Ivoire as prices spiked in Vietnam for raw cashew nuts. Recall that in 2023, Nigeria produced an estimated 300,000 tonnes of raw cashew nuts (RCN), however, this year, the country has seen significant growth in cashew production by 25 per cent, becoming the second largest producer in West Africa after Cote d’ Ivoire. Also, data from the VINACAS revealed that Nigeria exported 273,143 tonnes of raw cashew nuts to Vietnam in the first 10 months of 2023, compared to 124,044 tonnes exported in the same period in 2022, while India imported 80,000 tonne from Nigeria in the period. The President of the association, Tola Faseru, who led a delegation to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Cashew nut Association of Cambodia in February 2024 for collaboration and cooperation on Cashew growth and development, covering areas of research, science and technology sharing and transfer, training and exchange of scientists said that the step taken was to enable Africa to double its production and productivity in five years. According to ACA, price started to increase in the last two week of May 2024 to N950 and N1,000/kg or $624 and $656.82 per tonne for raw cashew nuts in some states as farm gate is causing demand to exceed supply, leading to increase in price as shipment for export ranges between $1,150 to $1,300 tonne. It said: “Though there are fewer crops at the farm gate, our analysts in Nigeria are anticipating more raw cashew nuts trading in warehouses in the coming weeks.” Also, Volza’s data obtained by New Telegraph indicated that 369 Nigerian exporters made 4,056 shipments of cashew between March 2023 and February 2024 to 380 buyers, marking a growth rate of 21 per cent compared to the preceding twelve months. It noted: “Within this period, in February 2024 alone, 122 cashew export shipments were made from Nigeria. This marks a year-on-year growth of 408 per cent compared to February 2023 and a -20 per cent sequential growth from January 2024. Most of the cashew exports from Nigeria go to the Vietnam and India. “Cashew is exported globally to over 203 countries from Nigeria. We have detailed information on over 40,662 active global Cashew buyers, with 1,109 buyers importing from Nigeria.”Washington Trust Announces Stock Offering

The Bank of Scotland’s business barometer poll showed 73% of Scottish businesses expect to see turnover increase in 2025, up from 60% polled in 2023. Almost a quarter (23%) of businesses expect to see their revenue rise by between six and 10% over the next 12 months, with just over a fifth (21%) expecting it to grow by even more. The poll found that 70% of businesses were confident they would become more profitable in 2025, a two per cent increase when compared with the previous year. Revenue and profitability growth was firms’ top priority at 52%, though 40% said they will be targeting improved productivity, and the same proportion said they will be aiming to enhance their technology – such as automation or AI – or upskill their staff (both 29%). More than one in five (22%) want to improve their environmental sustainability. Other areas businesses are hoping to build upon AI-assisted technology (19%), and 24% will be investing in expanding into new UK markets and 23% plan to invest in staff training. The business barometer has surveyed 1,200 businesses every month since 2002, providing early signals about UK economic trends. Martyn Kendrick, Scotland director at Bank of Scotland commercial banking, said: “Scottish businesses are looking ahead to 2025 with stronger growth expectations, and setting out clear plans to drive this expansion through investments in new technology, new markets and their own teams. “As we enter the new year, we’ll continue to by their side to help them pursue their ambitions and seize all opportunities that lie ahead.”

San Francisco names street for Associated Press photographer who captured the iconic Iwo Jima photoIreland’s premier has spoken to the Dublin woman who won a civil case against mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor to praise her courage. Taoiseach Simon Harris said he also wanted to tell Nikita Hand, a hair colourist from Drimnagh, that her case had prompted an increase in women coming forward to ask for support. Ms Hand, who accused the sportsman of raping her in a Dublin hotel in December 2018, won her claim against him for damages in a civil case at the High Court in the Irish capital on Friday. The total amount of damages awarded to Ms Hand by the jury was 248,603.60 euro (£206,714.31). Mr McGregor said in a post on social media on Friday that he intends to appeal against the decision. That post has since been deleted. Speaking to the media on Saturday, Mr Harris said he told Ms Hand of the support she has from people across Ireland. “I spoke with Nikita today and I wanted to thank her for her incredible bravery and her courage,” he said. “I wanted to make sure that she knew how much solidarity and support there was across this country for her bravery. “I also wanted to make sure she knew of what the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre had said yesterday – that so many other women have now come forward in relation to their own experiences of sexual abuse as a result of Nikita’s bravery.” The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre said the case has had a “profound effect” on the people the charity supports, and that over the first 10 days of the High Court case, calls to its national helpline increased by almost 20%. It said that first-time callers increased by 50% compared to the same period last year, and were largely from people who had experienced sexual violence who were distressed and anxious from the details of case and the views people had to it. Mr Harris said: “I wanted to speak with her and I wanted to wish her and her daughter, Freya, all the very best night, and I was very grateful to talk with Nikita today. “Her bravery, her courage, her voice has made a real difference in a country in which we must continue to work to get to zero tolerance when it comes to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. “I don’t want to say too much more, because conscious there could be further legal processes, but I absolutely want to commend Nikita for her bravery, for her courage, for using her voice.” Justice Minister Helen McEntee praised Ms Hand’s bravery and said she had shown “there is light at the end of the tunnel”. She said: “I just want to commend Nikita for her bravery, for her determination and the leadership that she has shown in what has been – I’ve no doubt – a very, very difficult time for her and indeed, for her family. She added: “Because of wonderful people like Nikita, I hope that it shows that there is light at the end of the tunnel, that there are supports available to people, and that there is justice at the end of the day.” Ms Hand said in a statement outside court on Friday that she hoped her case would remind victims of assault to keep “pushing forward for justice”. Describing the past six years as “a nightmare”, she said: “I want to show (my daughter) Freya and every other girl and boy that you can stand up for yourself if something happens to you, no matter who the person is, and justice will be served.” During the case, Ms Hand said she was “disappointed and upset” when the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) decided not to prosecute the case after she made a complaint to the Irish police. In a letter to her in August 2020, the DPP said there was “insufficient evidence” and there was not a reasonable prospect of conviction. Ms Hand asked the DPP to review the decision, saying she felt she was being treated differently because one of the suspects was famous. Asked about the DPP’s decision not to prosecute, Mr Harris and Ms McEntee stressed the importance of the DPP’s independence on whether to prosecute. “There are obviously structures in place where the DPP can meet a victim and can outline to them their reasons for not taking the case,” Mr Harris said. “But there’s also always an opportunity for the DPP in any situation – and I speak broadly in relation to this – to review a decision, to consider any new information that may come to light, and I don’t want to say anything that may ever cut across the ongoing work of the DPP.” Ms McEntee stressed that there should “never be any political interference” in the independence of the DPP’s decisions. “I have, since becoming minister, given priority to and enabled a new office within the DPP to open specifically focused on sexual offences, so that this issue can be given the focus and the priority that it needs,” she said.Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com. Chad "Ochocino" Johnson missed just 10 games in his illustrious 11-year career, and now he's spilling his secrets. The six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver revealed on the "7PM in Brooklyn" podcast an odd way of keeping his ankles healthy. Johnson would soak his ankles in his teammates' warm urine. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Wide receiver Chad Johnson of the Cincinnati Bengals celebrates during a game against the Houston Texans at Paul Brown Stadium Nov. 9, 2003, in Cincinnati. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images) The podcast brought up a video of Johnson discussing the remedy from a podcast in 2016. "You know what I did for ankle sprains?" the former wide receiver said at the time. "I would collect warm urine from my teammates, heat it up and put my ankle in it for 30 minutes." "Yeah, that worked," he nonchalantly recalled to the podcast this week. Johnson would soak his ankles for 30 minutes. "There's a reason I never been injured — home remedies," he said, admitting there was no "science" behind it. I'm sitting here living proof." Chad Ochocinco of the Cincinnati Bengals hauls in a one-handed catch for a first quarter touchdown against the Cleveland Browns during a game at Cleveland Browns Stadium Oct. 4, 2009, in Cleveland. (Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) Johnson said his grandmother told him about the secret sauce, and, apparently, it was pretty easy to convince his teammates to help. "It's a good thing. This is how I was able to collect it all at one time, right? You got team meetings in the morning, right? Everybody. 'Hey y'all, boy, do me a favor, boy. My ankle kind of f---ed up, I need you to all y'all to drink water at one time. So, when we break meeting, if y'all pee it's a bucket in the bathroom.' Boom. Y'all all peeing that bucket for me." Chad Ochocinco of the Cincinnati Bengals during a game against the New York Jets at Metlife Stadium Nov. 25, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (Benjamin Solomon/Getty Images) CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP "Ochocinco" was a six-time Pro Bowler and had seven 1,000-yard seasons. He retired with 766 catches (41st all-time), 11,059 yards (38th) and 67 touchdowns (T-56th). The 46-year-old has been eligible for Canton since 2017 but has yet to receive the call. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X , and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter .

Looking for the most recent regular Connections answers? Click here for today's Connections hints , as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle and Strands puzzles. Connections: Sports Edition is often tricky for those who don't have deep knowledge in numerous sports. I didn't find today's terribly tough, but it helps if you know the teams from a certain Georgia city. Read on for hints and answers for today's Connections: Sports Edition puzzle. For now, the game is in beta, which means the Times is testing it out to see if it's popular before adding it to the site's Games app. You can play it daily for now for free — and then we'll have to see if it sticks around. Read more: NYT Has a Connections Game for Sports Fans. I Tried It Hints for today's Connections: Sports Edition groups Here are four hints for the groupings in today's Connections: Sports Edition puzzle, ranked from the easiest yellow group to the tough (and sometimes bizarre) purple group. Yellow group hint: Join the club! Green group hint: Home of Coca-Cola. Blue group hint: They did it! Purple group hint: Hut one, hut two. Answers for today's Connections: Sports Edition groups Yellow group: Ways to add someone to a team. Green group: Atlanta teams. Blue group: Last four World Series winners. Purple group: ____ football. Read more: Wordle Cheat Sheet: Here Are the Most Popular Letters Used in English Words What are today's Connections: Sports Edition answers? The completed NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle for Dec. 30, 2024. The theme is ways to add someone to a team. The four answers are draft, free agency, trade and waivers. The theme is Atlanta teams. The four answers are Dream, Falcons, Hawks and United. The theme is last four World Series winners. The four answers are Astros, Braves, Dodgers and Rangers. The theme is ____ football. The four answers are American, Australian rules, fantasy and flag.Man United's Amorim says he can be ruthless when requiredISTANBUL Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan late Thursday received US Secretary of State Antony Blinken at Esenboga Airport in the Turkish capital Ankara. Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan receives US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Turkish capital Ankara https://t.co/rOy3w2Pty2 pic.twitter.com/Z2Gk8LaU0a — Anadolu English (@anadoluagency) December 12, 2024 During the meeting, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, the president’s Chief Advisor Akif Cagatay Kilic, Communications Director Fahrettin Altun were also present. No further information about the closed-door meeting was provided by officials. Blinken arrived in Ankara on Thursday to meet with Hakan Fidan. Blinken was greeted at the airport by Ambassador Ahmet Cemil Miroglu, director general of the Turkish Foreign Ministry's Protocol Department; Michael Goldman, charge d'affaires of the US Embassy in Ankara; and several other officials. Blinken, who visited Jordan before arriving in Türkiye, is expected to meet with Fidan on Friday. Blinken's visit is expected to focus on the transition process following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria and the country’s political process, as well as a possible cease-fire agreement in Gaza, according to a statement from the US Department of State. Fidan and Blinken discussed the latest developments in Syria over the phone on Dec. 7 and 10.

Emily Crose on the government’s long history with hackersDonald Trump Jr. sparked an social media exchange involving Joe Rogan and Elon Musk as the trio discussed the latter potentially buying MSNBC. UFC commentator and podcast host Rogan even queried whether he could take over from Rachael Maddow as an anchor on the network if the world's richest man was to stage a shock takeover . The firm has been embroiled in turmoil recently, with staffers described as in "a panic" after it was revealed that NBC parent Comcast may spin off the channel. It was reported by the New York Post that MSNBC mainstays including Maddow, Chris Jansing and Katy Tur were involved in a meeting at MSNBC headquarters at 30 Rock this week as they discussed plans. Sources informed the publication that a change in "name, logos and headquarters" could be in the offing, with confusion over ensuing over how plans may be brought to fruition. Now, Trump Jr. has prompted tech billionaire Musk to consider bidding to buy the entity during a conversation between the pair on X after it was claimed that MSNBC could be up for sale. Jon Jones clarifies retirement plan at UFC 309 with Tom Aspinall watching on Jon Jones paid tribute to Donald Trump after UFC 309 win in front of President-elect After reading the speculation that Comcast will put MSNBC up for sale, Trump Jr. fired a message the way of Musk , saying: "Hey @elonmusk I have the funniest idea ever!!!", prompting the Tesla tycoon to reply "How much does it cost?" before the son of the U.S president elect added: "I mean it can’t be much. Look at the ratings." Following on from this, Musk flirted with the idea of a bid for the firm in a separate post, saying: "The most entertaining outcome, especially if ironic, is most likely," to which UFC commentator Rogan then replied: "If you buy MSNBC, I would like Rachael Maddow’s job. I will wear the same outfit and glasses, and I will tell the same lies," as the billionaire remarked: "Deal." Following on from this, Trump Jr. piped up once more as he said of Musk and Rogan's remarks: "This is getting really interesting. It has to happen," before adding: "Ok @elonmusk & @joerogan. Since this is getting interesting I’ll throw my hat in the ring as well. I’ll mimic Lawrence O’Donnell... minus the castration of course. That’s a bridge too far." These comments come in the wake of the ratings downturn that the trio were referring to in the wake of the result of this month's U.S presidential election. According to The Daily Beast , MSNBC has purportedly seen a drop in ratings of 40 percent based on last year's figures. Putting the decrease in viewership down to the political climate, an insider told that report: "We were so Harris propaganda that when she lost, viewers were shocked. It turned into one giant circle j--- and echo chamber. If MSNBC wants to be of service to its viewers, they can’t keep them in fantasy land." Follow us on X for the best and latest in sports news DON'T MISS Joe Rogan issues three-word response to Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul to sum up sad fight Stipe Miocic told Joe Rogan why he still worked as firefighter while UFC champion Joe Rogan reels off Kamala Harris' banned subjects for podcast appearance Following this drop in ratings, anchor Maddow has signed a new deal with the MSNBC network, taking a paycut from her usual $30 million to a lesser $25 million pay-packet, as per The Ankler . Meanwhile, a source told the report: "This is a difficult time and they needed to keep her. No one else can do what she does. You can’t build a brand like it overnight.2 In addition, the unrest within the broadcast media landscape was also shown as Chris Wallace announced his intentions to leave CNN. The veteran figure said of the call: "It doesn’t matter what was or wasn’t said in that meeting because I had already decided with my wife six months ago to leave CNN. Any further speculation is irrelevant."

New labor reform protects rideshare and other platform gig workers

Naked: A Legacy Unveiled - Derrick Solano’s Final Book and Song ReleaseIrish premier praises Dublin woman who won civil case against Conor McGregorWhen Kimia Ravangar started streaming herself playing video games in her native Persian tongue nearly eight years ago, there was no promise that her content would ever be a meaningful source of income, let alone a career. Now, she’s a full-time YouTuber with more than 630,000 subscribers on her channel, which has racked up around 340 million total views. And things are only going up. Ravangar, along with her creator teammates Kourosh Zarandooz and Iman Dastpak, have launched a new custom studio in North Vancouver, where their empire of lifestyle and food videos, podcasting and music making is growing by the second. Ravangar’s “Mia Plays” channel, as well as Zarandooz and Dastpak’s “Kouman” account, are not merely one-hit wonders of the internet age of virality. With the eyes of their dedicated audience, each new video draws in hundreds of thousands of views immediately following release. For example, a trivia-style video titled میا باهوش‌تره یا ما؟؟ (translation: Is Mia smarter or us?) has more than a million views after going live on Dec. 13. That post, where the three friends face off in a quiz competition to win the Kouman championship belt, has also generated 39,000 likes and 8,164 comments since release. When you put up numbers like that, YouTube partners Ravangar, Zarandooz and Dastpak can put numbers in their bank accounts. According to research from Oxford Economics, YouTube’s creative ecosystem contributed more than $2 billion to Canada’s GDP in 2023, and supported more than 35,000 full-time-equivalent jobs. At their studio in late November, the trio hosted a mixer with other well-known Canadian YouTubers including food vlogger Tim Lee, van-life expert and builder Morley Kert, and West Van DIY home renovator Jenna Phipps. What does it take to make it in the YouTube biz? One of the most important ingredients is consistency, Zarandooz said. “We always try to upload on a certain day at a certain time, and we haven’t missed it for years now,” he said. Another key to success is always trying to level up their content. “We see what people like, what our audience likes, and we try to do it better and better each time. So we never say, ‘OK, it’s good enough,’” Zarandooz said. “We always try to upgrade, from our equipment to our videos to ourselves.” The crew didn’t arrive at their current style of content creation overnight. While her career started with online multiplayer video games like Overwatch, now most of her videos tackle day-to-day topics like what she normally eats in a week, or trying novel activities like doing yoga with goats. Much of the content on the Kouman channel is related to food, by way of either food-related challenges or review content. A lot of what they choose to feature are cultural items related to their Iranian heritage. “We have a rough formula for what content we like and what we don’t, but it’s not super narrow,” Zarandooz said. “It just has to be entertaining.” But often it’s the characters, not the content, that viewers tune in for, Dastpak said. “Sometimes they want to know what Kourosh thinks about this food, or what Mia thinks about a challenge that we doing,” he said. Unlike traditional media like television, YouTube allows the crew to film in North Van and immediately reach a worldwide audience. Most members of their audience are Persian speakers living internationally and in their native Iran. But the global nature of YouTube content isn’t unique to them. More than 90 per cent of watch time for content made by Canadian creators comes from outside the country, according to the platform. Ravangar, who would be prohibited from making most of her content if she still lived in her hometown of Tehran, said she has some mixed feelings about her current home and career. “I feel very fortunate to be here and to be able to do what I do, which is something that I could not have done freely back in Iran,” she said. “But at the same time, you feel really close to home at the end of the day.” While living in Canada, they’re separated from friends and family back in Iran, but their channel allows them to connect with Persian speakers around the globe. “We try to engage with the people back in [Iran] as well with polls ... like, what do we want to test?” Zarandooz said. “We get snacks and food shipped from there, so we can try them – stuff that right now people are eating in Iran, so it’s more relatable.” As their online content business grows larger, more opportunities are opening up for Ravangar, Zarandooz and Dastpak. Andrew Peterson, head of Canada at YouTube, said the trio are at the top of their game in what he calls “the new Hollywood.” “They’ve grown to a scale where they have a partner manager at YouTube, which helps them to evolve their channel strategy to build a thriving business,” he said. Having their North Vancouver studio gives them more flexibility to film a range of content with high-quality production value. “Here we have the opportunity to do whatever you want,” Zarandooz said. “Being here has been a big opportunity for us, and we’re really grateful for it. “The beauty of the North Shore, North Vancouver and Canada – it’s so nice that every time we just take a camera and whichever way you would point the camera, it’s so beautiful,” he said. “We can make the nicest blogs here and nicest content here, so it’s amazing.” [email protected] twitter.com/nick_laba @nicklaba.bsky.social‬

NoneI’ve worn then returned 100 glitzy party dresses as a serial ‘wardrober’ – I get a kick out of it & don’t spend a pennyCowboys shutting down CeeDee Lamb with 2 games to go over receiver's shoulder issueMurray – who retired after the summer Olympics at the age of 37 after finally admitting defeat in his battle against his body – will join the Serbian’s team in the off-season and coach him through the opening grand slam of 2025. It will see the Scot surprisingly join forces with the man who was his biggest nemesis during his long career, especially in Australia where he lost to Djokovic in four finals. Murray, who beat Djokovic to win the US Open in 2012 and Wimbledon in 2013, says he wants to help the 24-time grand slam champion achieve his goals. “I’m going to be joining Novak’s team in the off-season, helping him to prepare for the Australian Open, he said. “I’m really excited for it and looking forward to spending time on the same side of the net as Novak for a change, helping him to achieve his goals.” Djokovic, a week younger than his new coach, added: “I am excited to have one of my greatest rivals on the same side of the net, as my coach. “Looking forward to start of the season and competing in Australia alongside Andy with whom I have shared many exceptional moments on the Australian soil.” In posting a teaser about the appointment on social media, Djokovic said: “He never liked retirement anyway.” He then added: “We played each other since we were boys, 25 years of pushing each other to our limits. We had some of the most epic battles in in our sport. They called us gamechangers, risk takers, history makers. “I thought our story may be over. Turns out it has one final chapter. It’s time for one of my toughest opponents to step into my corner. Welcome aboard coach, Andy Murray.” Djokovic beat Murray in the 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2016 Australian Open finals while also losing in the French Open final in 2016. It was his pursuit of toppling Djokovic at the top of the rankings in 2016 which was a precursor to his 2017 hip injury which derailed Murray’s career. Djokovic, who split with coach Goran Ivanisevic earlier this year, hopes that adding Murray to his team will help him get back to the top of the game as he went through a calendar year without winning a grand slam for the first time since 2017. Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have developed a stranglehold at the top of the men’s game and Djokovic, who has seen Murray, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal all retire in recent years, is still hoping to move clear of the record 24 grand slams he shares with Margaret Court.