Director of Arkansas Game and Fish Commission tenders resignation to devote more time to family

Ducks hope to snap 3-game skid in Ottawa or TorontoNEW YORK – There's no place like home for the holidays. And that may not necessarily be a good thing. In the wake of the very contentious and divisive 2024 presidential election, the upcoming celebration of Thanksgiving and the ramp-up of the winter holiday season could be a boon for some — a respite from the events of the larger world in the gathering of family and loved ones. Hours and even days spent with people who have played the largest roles in our lives. Another chapter in a lifetime of memories. Recommended Videos That's one scenario. For others, that same period — particularly because of the polarizing presidential campaign — is something to dread. There is the likelihood of disagreements, harsh words, hurt feelings and raised voices looming large. Those who make a study of people and their relationships to each other in an increasingly complex 21st-century say there are choices that those with potentially fraught personal situations can make — things to do and things to avoid — that could help them and their families get through this time with a minimum of open conflict and a chance at getting to the point of the holidays in the first place. DO assess honestly where you are with it all For those who feel strongly about the election's outcome, and know that the people they would be spending the holiday feel just as strongly in the other direction, take the time to honestly assess if you're ready to spend time together in THIS moment, barely a few weeks after Election Day — and a time when feelings are still running high. The answer might be that you're not, and it might be better to take a temporary break, says Justin Jones-Fosu, author of “I Respectfully Disagree: How to Have Difficult Conversations in a Divided World.” “You have to assess your own readiness,” he says, “Each person is going be very different in this.” He emphasizes that it's not about taking a permanent step back. “Right now is that moment that we’re talking about because it’s still so fresh. Christmas may be different.” DON’T miss the bigger picture of what the holiday is all about Keep focused on why why you decided to go in the first place, Jones-Fosu says. Maybe it’s because there’s a relative there you don’t get to see often, or a loved one is getting up in age, or your kids want to see their cousins. Keeping that reason in mind could help you get through the time. DO set boundaries If you decide getting together is the way to go, but you know politics is still a dicey subject, set a goal of making the holiday a politics-free zone and stick with it, says Karl Pillemer, a professor at Cornell University whose work includes research on family estrangement. “Will a political conversation change anyone’s mind?" he says. “If there is no possibility of changing anyone’s mind, then create a demilitarized zone and don’t talk about it.” DON’T take the bait Let’s be honest. Sometimes, despite best efforts and intentions to keep the holiday gathering politics- and drama-free, there’s someone who’s got something to say and is going to say it. In that case, avoid getting drawn into it, says Tracy Hutchinson, a professor in the graduate clinical mental health counseling program at the College of William & Mary in Virginia. “Not to take the hook is one of the most important things, and it is challenging,” she says. After all, you don’t have to go to every argument you’re invited to. DO think about what will happen after the holiday If you risk getting caught up in the moment, consider engaging in what Pillemer calls “forward mapping.” This involves thinking medium and long term rather than just about right now — strategy rather than tactics. Maybe imagine yourself six months from now looking back on the dinner and thinking about the memories you'd want to have. “Think about how you would like to remember this holiday,” he says. “Do you want to remember it with your brother and sister-in-law storming out and going home because you’ve had a two-hour argument?” DON'T feel you have to be there uninterrupted Things getting intense? Defuse the situation. Walk away. And it doesn't have to be in a huff. Sometimes a calm and collected time out is just what you — and the family — might need. Says Hutchinson: “If they do start to do something like that, you could say, `I’ve got to make this phone call. I’ve got to go to the bathroom. I’m going to take a walk around the block.'"

Election Commission vs Congress: Poll body dismisses claims on Maharashtra Assembly Election irregularities

NILS KOPPEN teased the return of old faces to Rangers in his first interview as new Ibrox technical director. The Belgian's appointment met a mixed reaction when he was revealed as Ross Wilson and Creag Robertson's successor last week. Advertisement 6 Nils Koppen accepted a promotion at Rangers last week Credit: Willie Vass 6 There are still vacancies behind the scenes with John Gilligan (right) only temporary chairman Credit: Willie Vass 6 Si Ferry threw names at James McFadden - but the Scotland hero couldn't see it Credit: OPEN GOAL But his move from head of football recruitment to the top job created another vacancy behind the scenes - and his cryptic line about former faces being back in the fold intrigued a section of the fans and beyond. Already the likes of Kevin Thomson and Steven Davis - former players and Academy coaches in their own right - have been mentioned by fans. Alex Rae of course, is already there as part of Philippe Clement 's backroom staff. But the option of appointing an ex-Ger as head of recruitment has now been raised. Advertisement Read More Rangers stories STAT'S LIFE Statues of ex-Ger & Hibs icon leaked but fans ask 'was it Ronaldo's sculptor?' 'GOT TO BE A WIND-UP' Rangers fan's pick for next Gers manager leaves pundits stunned And according to podcast host Si Ferry there's only one man for the job . Speaking on Open Goal show 'Right in the Coupon' he discussed the Gers situation with former players Gordon Dalziel and Derek Ferguson, as well as James McFadden. They discussed the shock links for Philippe Clement to the Belgian national job as well as Nils Koppen's appointment and the ex-players who could help the club And Ferry tipped Faddy's old Everton and Scotland team-mate as director of football . Advertisement Most read in Football Exclusive HAMPDEN SNUB I made £25m raising youths like Lewis Ferguson - but SFA didn't want to know 'GOT TO BE A WIND-UP' Rangers fan's pick for next Gers manager leaves pundits stunned STAT'S LIFE Statues of ex-Ger & Hibs icon leaked but fans ask 'was it Ronaldo's sculptor?' TO THE MEX Scottish Premiership club reveal partnership with one of Mexico's biggest teams He said: "What about this - Davie Weir. "I know he's at Brighton and it's a big club but he obviously loves Rangers . Si Ferry on almost ruining Celtic's Nike sponsorship deal "See the director of football role is that not perfect for Davie Weir? "Just give him full control? Advertisement "If that's your club I probably would. Got enough money , that's your club, the opportunity to turn around Rangers ? I probably would." But McFadden knocked it on the head. He scoffed and said: "No chance. It is perfect for him, but... no. "At the minute they're in a rebuild trying to get rid of players who were on a fortune and bring in young players to kick-start the player trading model . Advertisement "That's a great way of looking at it as a great chance to make it good, but it's also a great chance to come in and not affect the change you want to change and you taint how the club feels about you and how you feel about the club. "But if it is a possibility - aye, all day long - go for Davie Weir without doubt. "I played with him. Unbelievable guy who has worked his way to a great position at Brighton. "But I can't see him leaving the place he's at in Brighton to go to Rangers." Advertisement Derek Ferguson threw another name into the ex-players mix too. One who could aid in the coaching role and broke through the ranks during one of the club's most storied eras - Charlie Miller. The 90s starlet runs his own kids coaching courses on the south side of Glasgow with teams entered into the Glasgow youth amateur leagues across the city . 6 Charlie Miller now runs a coaching school on the southside of Glasgow Credit: Alan MacGregor Ewing - The Sun Glasgow 6 James McFadden and Davie Weir (left) played 95 times together for Everton and Scotland Credit: Keith Campbell - The Sun Glasgow Advertisement 6 But his pal reckons he'll stay where he is at the Seagulls Credit: Alamy He added: "I've been saying that for a number of years. "There are a lot of guys - Kevin Thomson at the minute but wee Charlie, I've said that before. He's gone down another route. Read more on the Scottish Sun DISHING IT OUT I reviewed Scotland's 'most expensive restaurant' - it's a 9 out of 10 SHOCK THEFT Scot Prem top scorer's car FOUND after being stolen from drive "These guys are not going to be any better than the existing coaches already in the club. They're all very good. Advertisement "But it's the DNA of having Rangers players there and parents seeing the ex-players there and having the link with the Academy." Keep up to date with ALL t h e latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page

LEDUC COUNTY, ALTA. — Alberta’s government says it will invest up to $50 million to support the creation of a first-in-Canada drilling test site to support technology development in the oil, gas, geothermal and lithium industries. The Alberta Drilling Accelerator is intended to be an open-access, industry-led site where companies can test drilling technologies at deep depths, high temperatures and varying rock types. A location for the hub site has yet to be determined. While no binding contracts have been signed, the province says several companies have expressed strong interest in serving as anchor tenants, including Calgary-based geothermal company Eavor Technologies, Tourmaline Oil Corp. and international oilfield service supermajor Halliburton. The money the province is providing will come from the industry-funded Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) program, which Alberta's heavy emitters are required to pay into as part of the province's industrial carbon pricing system. The provincial government says the Alberta Drilling Accelerator could start drilling in 2026. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 25, 2024. Companies in this story: (TSX:TOU) The Canadian Press

EXCLUSIVE My husband was beaten and killed by a teenage thug... when will the SNP stop this hideous lawlessness on our buses? As driver’s killer is jailed for just four years, wife condemns soft-touch sentences for teens... and SNP’s ‘chaotic’ free bus scheme Click here to visit the Scotland home page for the latest news and sport By GEORGIA EDKINS SCOTTISH POLITICAL EDITOR FOR THE MAIL ON SUNDAY Published: 19:11 GMT, 30 November 2024 | Updated: 19:11 GMT, 30 November 2024 e-mail View comments The heartbroken widow of a bus driver killed by a violent teenager has slammed the SNP ’s soft-touch sentencing rules and ‘chaotic’ bus fare free-for-all for under-22s. Former RAF electrical engineer Keith Rollinson, 58, died in hospital following a brutal assault by a drunken lout at a bus station in Elgin in February. Yet due to SNP sentencing guidelines the now 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been given a prison sentence of four years and four months for culpable homicide. Now, in an exclusive interview, Mr Rollinson’s wife Susan, 62, has expressed her fury at the ruling made last month – and demanded the SNP revise its sentencing guidelines. The mother of two said the Scottish Government’s free bus scheme for under-22s should be limited to weekdays up to 7pm, with permanent bans imposed on people who abuse drivers. Bus driver, Keith Rollinson, 58, died in hospital following a brutal assault by a drunken lout Elgin bus station was taped off by police after the thug attacked Mr Rollinson on February 2 Bus operators have told how unruly teenagers are now using the services as if they are free ‘hang-out zones’ or youth centres, leading to increased rates of antisocial behaviour. Mrs Rollinson last night called for the removal of the anonymity order protecting her husband’s killer from being named. And she spoke for the first time about the turmoil she has suffered at the hands of the thug who shattered her loving family – and the pain inflicted by Scotland’s soft-touch justice system. The grieving widow said: ‘The night that Keith died, half of me died with him. ‘That boy didn’t just kill one person. He’s nearly killed me too. Keith was my world, he always has been. And now he’s gone.’ ‘He was given six and a half years, and then the judge knocked two years off for him pleading guilty early. So he is doing four years, four months. That’s his sentence. ‘Yet our sentences are for the rest of our lives. How is that justice? Who is the victim here? Him or us? Right now, I feel that we’re the guilty ones. ‘He killed somebody. Me and our daughters have got a lifetime without Keith, that’s our punishment. It is an absolute disgrace.’ Tributes for Mr Rollinson were left outside St Giles Church, Elgin, Moray, on February 10 Mourners gathered at a vigil for Mr Rollinson outside the church in Elgin, Moray Speaking from her cottage in Elgin, Mrs Rollinson told how her ‘gentle’ husband started his day on February 2 like any other, preparing for an afternoon shift working for Stagecoach buses. And in a cruel twist, she said she had only that morning, over a cup of coffee, begged him not to take on any extra evening shifts owing to a rise in drunken violence. She said: ‘He used to come home and nearly every time say something had happened. He had a brick thrown at his window, his windscreen, and experienced verbal abuse. He said the bus station on a Friday and Saturday night is absolute carnage. It was stressful for him because he never knew what he was going to get. I wanted him to change his job. I used to say just keep looking for other jobs. I told him, you don’t need this at your time, the stress from teenagers.’ According to a Unite survey of Scottish bus drivers, 84 per cent have experienced increased abuse at work in the past year. MSPs last week discussed the serious impact of abuse against bus drivers and backed calls to better protect them. But ever-conscientious, even in the face of growing aggression from passengers, Mr Rollinson continued to serve his community as a bus driver to the end – including that day in early February when he finished drinking his coffee with his wife of 33 years, shaved and went off to work as normal. Yet that night was to be his last, after a heavily intoxicated youth who had been partying in Elgin town centre attempted to board Mr Rollinson’s bus. The High Court in Edinburgh heard how an argument broke out after Mr Rollinson refused to allow the drunken teen on. Mr Rollinson is said to have turned off his engine and told his passengers he would not be leaving until the lout got off. While on the concourse, the boy, who was 15, is said to have pointed his phone at Mr Rollinson, apparently filming him. Mr Rollinson grabbed the phone, which prompted the youth to headbutt him. When Mr Rollinson threw the phone to the floor and stamped on it, the boy is said to have ‘completely lost control’ and began to rain punches down onto him. Although the Thurso-born bus driver at first appeared unharmed by the brutal attack, he collapsed after bending down to pick his hat off the ground and was taken to Dr Gray’s Hospital. He died in the early hours of February 3. Last night, in poignant reflection, Mrs Rollinson told of the moment police arrived at her home just after midnight to blue-light her to A&E to see her husband. ‘I was in shock,’ she said. Tears streaming down her cheeks and her voice hoarse with emotion, she added: ‘If I had known that earlier in the day that was the last conversation I would have with him, I would have given him the biggest hug ever and told him how much I loved him.’ She continued: ‘When we got to the hospital – and this breaks my heart – I just wanted to see Keith. And they said to me, you can’t touch him, you can’t because we need the evidence. ‘So me and my daughters, we watched him die. I couldn’t give him a hug, I couldn’t hold his hand. That was taken away from us because of that yob. That is something I will never get over.’ The teenager was initially charged with murder but pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of culpable homicide. Yet despite the enormity of his crime, he was sentenced to four years and four months at the High Court in Inverness last month. The short sentence was imposed because he had submitted an early guilty plea, but also because he was aged under 25 at the time of his conviction, in line with controversial guidelines brought in by the Scottish Sentencing Council on the instruction of the SNP Government in 2022. But last night Mrs Rollinson demanded they be withdrawn. She said: ‘The Scottish Government brought in sentencing guidelines for the under-25s, saying if they do anything wrong, they don’t understand what they’re doing. ‘Yet they’re contradicting themselves, because they can sign up to fight for the country at 16. So if under-25s don’t know what they’re doing, why are they letting them sign up to fight for the country? Of course they know what they’re doing. He certainly did.’ Mrs Rollinson said: ‘Four years and four months for taking someone’s life is an absolute disgrace, and this is because the government put in these guidelines.’ The widow has also blasted the SNP-Green free bus travel scheme introduced two years ago, which allows under-22s to travel on all of the country’s buses for an unlimited period of time without paying. Bus operators have consistently told how unruly teenagers are using the services as places to hang out for free. The Confederation of Passenger Transport has urged the government to consider where action could be taken against offenders, such as the suspension of their right to free travel. MSPs last week agreed to consider this but in an amendment backed by a number of parliamentarians, the Scottish Greens removed mention of the bus scheme specifically, amid claims it was not to blame for a rise in thuggery. However, Mrs Rollinson believes that if drivers could impose a lifetime ban on antisocial youths using the scheme, her husband might still be alive. Locals place candles and flowers next to a portrait of Mr Rollinson in tribute For, just a week before Mr Rollinson’s killer struck, he was serving a supervision order for a previous attack on another driver. Mrs Rollinson said: ‘He’d already attacked a bus driver. ‘He had a supervision order that finished, and then he went out and killed a bus driver. He’s a thug. ‘Why are the bus passes free? It’s because the SNP wanted people to vote for them. But it has caused more problems all over Scotland.’ Owing to the killer’s age, he has been given legal anonymity, meaning that once he is released from prison he will be free to live his life as normal. However, Mrs Rollinson wants his identity to be revealed. She said: ‘I just don’t think he should be protected. He has done wrong and he should be named.’ SNP Share or comment on this article: My husband was beaten and killed by a teenage thug... when will the SNP stop this hideous lawlessness on our buses? e-mail Add comment

The City boss is enduring the worst run of his glittering managerial career after a six-game winless streak featuring five successive defeats and a calamitous 3-3 draw in a match his side had led 3-0. The 53-year-old, who has won 18 trophies since taking charge at the Etihad Stadium in 2016, signed a contract extension through to the summer of 2027 just over a week ago. Yet, despite his remarkable successes, he still considers himself vulnerable to the sack and has pleaded with the club to keep faith. “I don’t want to stay in the place if I feel like I’m a problem,” said the Spaniard, who watched in obvious frustration as City conceded three times in the last 15 minutes in a dramatic capitulation against Feyenoord in midweek. “I don’t want to stay here just because the contract is there. “My chairman knows it. I said to him, ‘Give me the chance to try come back’, and especially when everybody comes back (from injury) and see what happens. “After, if I’m not able to do it, we have to change because, of course, (the past) nine years are dead. “More than ever I ask to my hierarchy, give me the chance. “Will it be easy for me now? No. I have the feeling that still I have a job to do and I want to do it.” City have been hampered by a raft of injuries this term, most pertinently to midfield talisman and Ballon d’Or winner Rodri. The Euro 2024 winner is expected to miss the remainder of the season and his absence has been keenly felt over the past two months. Playmaker Kevin De Bruyne has also not started a match since September. The pressure continues to build with champions City facing a crucial trip to title rivals and Premier League leaders Liverpool on Sunday. Defeat would leave City trailing Arne Slot’s side by 11 points. “I don’t enjoy it at all, I don’t like it,” said Guardiola of his side’s current situation. “I sleep not as good as I slept when I won every game. “The sound, the smell, the perfume is not good enough right now. “But I’m the same person who won the four Premier Leagues in a row. I was happier because I ate better, lived better, but I was not thinking differently from who I am.” Guardiola is confident his side will not stop battling as they bid to get back on track. He said: “The people say, ‘Yeah, it’s the end of that’. Maybe, but we are in November. We will see what happens until the end. “What can you do? Cry for that? You don’t stay long – many, many years without fighting. That is what you try to look for, this is the best (way). “Why should we not believe? Why should it not happen with us?”

Ipswich Investment Management Co. Inc. increased its position in shares of Alphabet Inc. ( NASDAQ:GOOGL – Free Report ) by 0.3% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 60,794 shares of the information services provider’s stock after buying an additional 165 shares during the quarter. Alphabet accounts for 2.3% of Ipswich Investment Management Co. Inc.’s portfolio, making the stock its 6th biggest holding. Ipswich Investment Management Co. Inc.’s holdings in Alphabet were worth $10,083,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Bank of New York Mellon Corp lifted its stake in Alphabet by 0.5% during the second quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 49,472,478 shares of the information services provider’s stock worth $9,011,412,000 after purchasing an additional 238,403 shares during the period. American Century Companies Inc. lifted its stake in Alphabet by 1.8% during the second quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 23,465,190 shares of the information services provider’s stock worth $4,274,184,000 after purchasing an additional 418,204 shares during the period. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board lifted its stake in Alphabet by 9.1% during the second quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board now owns 23,263,385 shares of the information services provider’s stock worth $4,237,426,000 after purchasing an additional 1,949,476 shares during the period. International Assets Investment Management LLC lifted its stake in Alphabet by 43,005.6% during the third quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC now owns 18,743,594 shares of the information services provider’s stock worth $31,086,250,000 after purchasing an additional 18,700,111 shares during the period. Finally, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP lifted its stake in Alphabet by 6.7% during the second quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 17,520,067 shares of the information services provider’s stock worth $3,191,561,000 after purchasing an additional 1,102,269 shares during the period. 40.03% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of brokerages have commented on GOOGL. Piper Sandler restated an “overweight” rating and set a $210.00 price target (up previously from $200.00) on shares of Alphabet in a research note on Wednesday, October 30th. Bank of America raised their price target on shares of Alphabet from $206.00 to $210.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 30th. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their target price on shares of Alphabet from $182.00 to $187.00 and gave the company an “equal weight” rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 30th. DA Davidson began coverage on shares of Alphabet in a research note on Tuesday, September 10th. They issued a “neutral” rating and a $170.00 target price for the company. Finally, Phillip Securities upgraded shares of Alphabet to a “strong-buy” rating in a research note on Friday, November 1st. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, thirty-one have assigned a buy rating and five have assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average target price of $205.90. Insider Activity at Alphabet In related news, CAO Amie Thuener O’toole sold 2,835 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction on Tuesday, September 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $151.53, for a total value of $429,587.55. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer now directly owns 29,182 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $4,421,948.46. The trade was a 8.85 % decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink . Also, CEO Sundar Pichai sold 22,500 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction on Wednesday, September 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $158.68, for a total transaction of $3,570,300.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 2,137,385 shares in the company, valued at $339,160,251.80. This represents a 1.04 % decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . In the last ninety days, insiders have sold 206,795 shares of company stock valued at $34,673,866. 11.55% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Alphabet Price Performance Shares of GOOGL stock opened at $168.95 on Friday. Alphabet Inc. has a 12-month low of $127.90 and a 12-month high of $191.75. The firm has a market capitalization of $2.07 trillion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.41, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.20 and a beta of 1.03. The company has a quick ratio of 1.95, a current ratio of 1.95 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.04. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $168.47 and a 200-day moving average of $170.33. Alphabet ( NASDAQ:GOOGL – Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 29th. The information services provider reported $2.12 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.83 by $0.29. Alphabet had a net margin of 27.74% and a return on equity of 31.66%. The company had revenue of $88.27 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $72.85 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $1.55 EPS. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Alphabet Inc. will post 8.01 earnings per share for the current year. Alphabet Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 16th. Investors of record on Monday, December 9th will be given a $0.20 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 9th. This represents a $0.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.47%. Alphabet’s dividend payout ratio is currently 10.61%. About Alphabet ( Free Report ) Alphabet Inc offers various products and platforms in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia-Pacific, Canada, and Latin America. It operates through Google Services, Google Cloud, and Other Bets segments. The Google Services segment provides products and services, including ads, Android, Chrome, devices, Gmail, Google Drive, Google Maps, Google Photos, Google Play, Search, and YouTube. See Also Five stocks we like better than Alphabet There Are Different Types of Stock To Invest In The Latest 13F Filings Are In: See Where Big Money Is Flowing 3 Best Fintech Stocks for a Portfolio Boost 3 Penny Stocks Ready to Break Out in 2025 Best ESG Stocks: 11 Best Stocks for ESG Investing FMC, Mosaic, Nutrien: Top Agricultural Stocks With Big Potential Receive News & Ratings for Alphabet Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Alphabet and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .BofA sees potential for snow accumulation to decline by 20-30% across U.S. resorts by 2050

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Love Island's Molly Mae Hague has been tuning in to watch her pal Maura Higgins on I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! - and let her feelings be known with just a four-word sentence. The social media star took to Instagram on Thursday, sharing that she was eagerly watching Maura enter the jungle. Yet despite the show having started on Sunday, Molly Mae wrote: "The series has begun," alongside a photo of Maura on her TV. The pair rose to fame on Love Island's 2019 series together, where they initially competed for the affections of boxer Tommy Fury . While Maura came in fourth place with Curtis Pritchard , Molly Mae came second with Tommy - and the popular couple went on to welcome baby Bambi into the world last year. After five years together, the pair ended their relationship in August. Molly released a statement via Instagram saying their relationship was over and has since told fans she won't be discussing the split. Tommy was originally rumoured to be taking part in this year's series of I'm A Celebrity...Get Me out of Here! - however, he reportedly pulled out to accept a lucrative boxing offer. An insider expressed their surprise at his last-minute withdrawal and told The Sun: "Bosses are surprised Tommy has pulled out of I'm A Celebrity at this late stage as it would have been a great opportunity for him." Ever hopeful, they added: "Thankfully, execs already had some great names waiting in the wings so they'll be looking at which ones fit best into the line-up already booked so they can deliver a truly great series." Maura made her I'm A Celebrity debut on Thursday night's show, entering the Jungle Junkyard with Strictly star Reverend Richard Coles. She's set for an awkward reunion in camp however when she sees Barry McGuigan - with the Love Island star having dated his son Shane McGuigan in the past. Before her ITV fame, Maura dated Shane for a year after meeting while she worked as a ring girl and he was commentating on a match. Following in his dad's footsteps, 36 year old Shane is now a boxing coach and owns a gym in South West London where he trains rising stars like Chantelle Cameron, George Groves, Carl Frampton and Lee McGregor. According to an insider speaking to The Sun: "Maura has brains and beauty, and she quickly caught Shane's eye." "They went on a few dates and had fun, but Maura lives in Ireland, Shane is running his successful boxing gym in London, and then she was travelling for work so it wasn't easy to pull off," reports the Express . The source revealed: "There were no hard feelings when it ended. It turned out to be short lived and the spark fizzled out."What did you Google in 2024? From the elections to Copa América, here's what search trends show

Inconsistent rainfall across much of Iowa, Illinois and Missouri did not inhibit overall strong soybean production based on the 2024 Farmer’s Independent Research of Seed Technologies trials. For top soybean honors in the three-state area, a Winterset, Iowa, plot hit 85.6 bu./acre, FIRST reports showed. Soybeans emerged well with excellent soil conditions at planting in Winterset, said Randy Meinsma, a FIRST manager who oversees plots in southern and central Iowa. “The plot received some good rains in June, July and August, which helped plants grow to 30 to 43 inches with very tight pod sets, filled well,” Meinsma said. “Plants matured and shelling was easy. This area like others had a quick dry down which made pods dry and caused a slight head shatter. There was no weed pressure, and the plants stood strong with very little lodging.” The Iowa South Region did quite well at nearly 80 bu./acre average, Meinsma said. The area arrived at that bountiful mark with Washington (81.2 bu./acre) and Oakland (81.7 bu./acre) plots close behind Winterset’s top mark and Cambria averaging 61.8 bu./acre, he said. The Iowa South Central Region averaged about 80 bu./acre, a spike from a 66.52 average yield over 21 years, FIRST reported. That came from the 80.6 bu./acre yield in Central City, 72.2 at Hamlin and 78.1 bu./acre in Victor. The Slater plot had issues that caused it to not be included in the regional bushels per acre report. “The plot had a very wet start and ponding was seen in the area which affected emergence. Then the plot was mistakenly sprayed with Enlist and damaged the Xtendflex soybeans,” Meinsma said. The Iowa North Central Region report showed Moorland at 67.8 bu./acre, Laurens hit 62.1 bu./acre, Iowa Falls produced 56 bu./acre, and Waterloo knocked at the door of 50, with a 49.7 bu./acre average. The North Iowa Region had the low-end of soybean yield averages with a 63.5 bu./acre. Area plots showed a 68.1 bu./acre average in LuVerne, 52.8 in New Hampton and 69.8 in Osage, area FIRST manager Corey Rozenboom said. Britt was marked a loss because of excessive rain with poor stands, he said. Frequent rainfall in April and May delayed planting there, then planting done in mid-May was followed by storms that left soil saturated for weeks. More rain in June exacerbated the situation. It was the most water the field had ever sustained, Rozenboom reported. Sioux Center brought top yields of 74 bu./acre average in the Iowa Northwest Region, FIRST area manager Nick Hoffman said. Other plots included Kingsley at 66.2 bu./acre average, Hartley at 52.3 bu./acre and Webb at 65.5 bu./acre. The region averaged 64.5 bu./acre, Hoffman said. The Webb site had good emergence and stronger stands despite heavy early spring rainfall, Hoffman said. The Hartley plot challenges included unprecedented rainfall, saturated soils, thin stands and washed or crushed sections spread out through the fields, he said. Illinois In Illinois, FIRST manager Jason Beyers reported Winnebago as the north central region leader at 78.6 bu./acre. Janesville and Monroe plots were close at 67.3 bu./acre and 70.8 bu./acre, Beyers said. Winnebago was planted with an excellent soil situation on May 16, he said. “Emergence during stand counts looked good considering the little rain this plot received until then. Rainfall picked up in mid-July to early September when it began to taper off,” Beyers said. “During harvest, there was no sign of disease and beans stood tall. The pods were full resulting in a wonderful yield.” Plot farmer Eric Swanson told Beyers it was “the best yield he’s had on that land.” Beyers marked the Lanark plot in the area as a loss because of an herbicide misapplication. The Illinois South Region featured Belleville at 58.3 bu./acre, Nashville at 77 bu./acre, Flora at 62.4 bu./acre and Effingham at 68.3 bu./acre, just shy of the area 66.5 bu./acre average, FIRST area manager Klint Tucker reported. Tucker said Nashville experienced perfect seedbed conditions with a mid-May planting. “Plant heights were normal to above normal. No lodging was witnessed in the trial, even though some varieties were very tall,” he said. “Yields were excellent. A great location with a great cooperator.” The Illinois South Central Region report showed numbers going up with Forysthe at 82.7 bu./acre, Tuscola at 75 bu./acre, and Williamsville and Virden at 74.8 and 73.2 bu./acre, respectively, area FIRST manager Nathan Roux reported. “The (Forysthe) plot was planted in ideal soil conditions and had almost perfect emergence — nearly every seed planted came up. Good vegetative growth and an excellent reproductive cycle happened here,” Roux said. “An extremely gorgeous plot!” Further north, FIRST Field Manager Nathan Roux noted a mixed result at the Henry plot. Despite an herbicide misapplication, surviving plants performed well and had strong yields, he said. Henry hit an 85.4 bu./acre average, although the spot did not get included in the regional summary because of the herbicide damage, he said. “This location was planted later and had good emergence,” he said. For the north-central Illinois region, the Henry plot was followed by Macomb with 77.6 bu./acre, Gridley’s 75.5 bu./acre and Dwight at 60 bu./acre, Roux said. The Illinois Northern Region showed yield at Dixon with an 82.1 bu./acre average, Seneca at 78 bu./acre, Thomson at 75 bu./acre and Malta averaged 69.5. Missouri Two FIRST plots in the Missouri Northern Region, Greentop and St. Joseph, were rejected from inclusion. A spraying mistake damaged Xtendflex seed soybeans in the Greentop plot, FIRST Regional Field Manager Bill Schelp said. “Plants were short with no lodging at harvest. This trial location and these soil types are not a garden spot — especially when not receiving rainfall,” Schelp said in his report. “Yet it is uniform and representative of many tough Missouri acres being farmed. This specific site rotation has provided tough, real-world Missouri data for years.” The St. Joseph plot was a new field for the FIRST soybean tests. It had a 59.08 bu./acre historical yield in seven previous years. “The plot was planted in a tilled seedbed and had even emergence. ... Height observations did vary from one end of the trial to the other,” Schelp said. “Unfortunately, the hot and dry weather in mid- and late-season exaggerated slight soil differences across the trial area.” Test results were rejected because yield variability led to no significant differences in yield among varieties. The two remaining plots were Cairo and Trenton. Cairo hit a 64.9 bu./acre average and Trenton harvested 71.1 bu./acre average. “It rained when the crop needed it. It was an especially dry fall that dried grain quickly. Great trial,” Schelp said. Elsewhere in Missouri, New Franklin brought in a 73.9 bu./acre average, which contrasted the 55 bu./acre average in the Central East at Concordia, he said. Full results can be found online at first seedtests.com/reports/soybeans .AI in Credit Ratings: From Human Bias to Data-Driven DecisionsAl-Mashat highlights IFC partnership, $600m investment in Egyptian economy