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MUNCIE — Ball State University is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Charles W. Brown Planetarium, the largest and most technologically advanced planetarium in Indiana. Since its opening in November 2014, the planetarium has inspired more than 180,000 visitors of all ages, offering a gateway to the wonders of space through innovative and educational programming. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.
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Broncos, left tackle Garett Bolles agree on 4-year extension to protect rookie quarterback Bo Nix
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — When the Chicago Bears were busy keeping Justin Jefferson quiet last month, the Minnesota Vikings put Jordan Addison to work. With the way Sam Darnold has been throwing the ball, the difficult task of defending this passing attack has become quite the chore. The Bears will be retesting on Monday night in Minnesota. “We always say that we’re the best duo in the entire league,” Jefferson said after he and his sidekick reached a new height in the rich history of Vikings receivers last week in a 42-21 victory over Atlanta that served as a breakthrough of sorts for an offense that hadn't yet hit its highest gear. Jefferson and Addison in that game became the first pair of players in the franchise's 64 seasons to each record at least 100 yards receiving and two touchdown catches. Addison scored three times, giving him 17 touchdowns in just 28 career games. Only Randy Moss (28), Rob Gronkowski (27), Ja'Marr Chase (22), Odell Beckham Jr. (19) and Larry Fitzgerald Jr. (18) scored more before turning 23. Addison, the team's first-round draft pick last year, has had a rocky start to his career off the field with a couple of driving incidents that could still lead to punishment from the NFL . After a contrite arrival at training camp and a slow start to this season as he worked through a severe ankle sprain to make the opener and then suffered another one on the opposite foot, Addison has caught stride along with Darnold as the revitalized quarterback keeps delivering game-winning performances for the Vikings (11-2). Addison has 23 catches for 410 yards and five scores over the last four games, helping the Vikings stretch their winning streak to six despite a constant effort by opponents to send safeties toward Jefferson for double or sometimes triple coverage. “Especially with how Justin gets defended, normally the player that’s defending Jordan or even if it’s within zone coverages, these guys know that they’re being told this guy will be wide open if you don’t get your hands on him, and that couldn’t be more true," Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said. “Now, he’s actually proven that he can play through that contact and play down the field through contact.” Addison's catch early in the third quarter at Chicago on Nov. 24 was a prime example of that ability to maintain balance and control despite his smaller stature at 5-foot-11 and 175 pounds. Darnold dropped a perfectly placed ball into the space in the zone coverage between linebacker T.J. Edwards and safety Jonathan Owens, whose shoulder-first attempt to knock Addison down near the sideline failed badly during a 69-yard catch and run . “That’s all part of what we projected with Jordan, knowing he had elite quickness, separation skills, fantastic hands and ball tracking,” O'Connell said. “As he’s gotten stronger, he’s put a lot of work in. It’s showing up with his play style.” Jefferson, who is five years into a spectacular career of rewriting the NFL receiving record books, had just two receptions for 27 yards in that 30-27 overtime win over the Bears in Week 12. But Addison had eight catches for 162 yards, tight end T.J. Hockenson had seven receptions for 114 yards and Aaron Jones rushed for a season-high 106 yards that afternoon. “We assume that they’re going to come out and try to stop Justin, but we could get there and it could be something completely different, so everybody just has to be ready to roll at all times,” Jones said. “I feel like we have one of the best skill groups in the league now.” Darnold was serenaded with some “MVP” chants late in the game last week as the Vikings pulled away with three fourth-quarter touchdowns. He has completed 68% of his passes over the last four games for 1,158 yards and 11 touchdowns without an interception. “I think the biggest thing for me is just continuing to make good decisions and being able to, when I do let the ball rip, let it rip with confidence,” Darnold said. Bears tight end Cole Kmet acknowledged the mental toll this season has taken on him, with the team on a seven-game losing streak. A recent pep talk from his father, Frank, who starred as a defensive lineman at Purdue, helped him find perspective. “He was saying he’d give anything to go back and just to play one more game, to be in the shape that I’m in right now and to go out and play football. I think that’s kind of the perspective that I want to have going forward," Kmet said. “It’s a hard deal, for sure. I just have to keep the type of mindset that this type of adversity will only make me stronger going forward.” The first game with defensive coordinator Eric Washington calling the plays instead of coach Matt Eberflus, who was fired on Nov. 29 , didn't go well. The Bears gave up a season-most 38 points and matched their second-worst total by allowing 452 yards in a loss to San Francisco. Interim coach Thomas Brown said communication issues contributed to breakdowns in coverage. “I wouldn’t say it’s anything with a new play caller because we still have the same defense. We’ve all been with each other since the spring. The plays are the same. It’s just different flows,” Owens said. "It just comes down to us communicating and us executing it. After playing last week in all purple, the Vikings will don their “ Winter Warrior ” look with not only white jerseys and pants but the first usage of a white helmet in franchise history. “The helmet’s already insane,” outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard said. “I feel like I might go to sleep in it. I’m excited to put it on.” AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFLPam Douglas, founder of Pam’s Wreath, stands beside bundles of balsam outside her Harpswell home studio on Nov. 22. Laura Sitterly / The Times Record Pam Douglas started making wreaths in the 1980s, and it’s still part of her patchwork of seasonal jobs. As she wire-wrapped handfuls of evergreen around metal rings at her home studio last month, she recalled her early days as a wreather. “Back then, I ran off coffee and holiday spirit,” she said. “I still can’t believe how far we’ve come today.” It started out in workshop filled with fragrant branches and bows — first in her grandparent’s old, somewhat-dilapidated barn (she would work through the night with a headlamp, snow freezing on her eyelashes), then in her parent’s basement and now in a home studio in Harpswell. The transitions, bumpy as they’ve been, were worth it to Douglas. Early on, she never considered the possibilities behind her grandmother Yovanna’s traditional Christmas wreaths, which she doled out as gifts to family and neighbors each year. When Douglas became pregnant with her oldest son, Sterling, she remembered asking her grandmother, “Why don’t you sell those?” Douglas took 10 wreaths to Cook’s Lobster House, where she worked for 28 years, and sold them for $10 each — a $100 profit that brought tears to Yovanna’s eyes. While Douglas never considered herself “crafty,” she was drawn by the allure of extra cash during the holidays. Under the moonlight, Yovanna laid a sheet on the kitchen floor, with Sterling, now born, in the playpen, and spent three hours teaching her granddaughter the process — bending coat hangers and using carp thread to secure bundles of fir needles. At the time, Douglas was renting a log cabin by the water. She would practice during the quiet hours from sunset to sunrise, relaxed by the crackle of the fireplace and the sound of the waves, accompanied by the steady movement of her hands, attuning to the trade. Maine’s official state animal inspired Pam’s Moose Head Wreath. Laura Sitterly / The Times Record What began as a hobby translated into a part-time gig. S lowly but surely, corporate orders were secured, and everything snowballed. “One day, some customers told me they were moving to Russia and wanted to send 100 wreaths to their friends,” Pam said. “They asked if we could ship, and naively, I said, ‘Of course.’ The house was filled with boxes, and everyone in the family lent a hand to get those orders mailed.” Ambitious as she was, Sterling said his mother never forgot a sports game — even if that meant showing up with her hands covered in tree pitch. Pam kept her work almost secretive, tiptoeing around once the kids dozed off. This would go on from October, after closing down her ice cream shop (Pammy’s Ice Cream Parlor in Harpswell) through Christmas. “If we could start in August, that’d be great,” Douglas said. “But we can only make wreaths when the brush is ready, which forces our season into a few fast (and furious) weeks. I’m lucky if I get three hours of sleep each night.” Gradually, the work has become more modernized, with some shifts receiving more acceptance than others. As a junior in college, an alumna with her own web development company visited Sterling’s entrepreneurship class and handed out business cards. He kept them for some time, considering his mother’s trade options. Douglas vividly remembers when her son suggested that she take the business online. He proposed creating a website where she could share her story, customers could place orders and financial data could be entered into QuickBooks, eliminating the tedious hassle of pen-and-paper accounting. Sterling and Pam Douglas showcase a traditional wreath at their Harpswell studio on Nov. 22. The mom-and-son duo have created Maine-made wreaths together since 2009. Laura Sitterly / The Times Record “It felt natural to collaborate,” Sterling said. “In 2009, we filed the necessary paperwork and became partners. Our website and Facebook were launched, and we began wreath-making together.” Douglas often jokes that Sterling is stuck helping her because she cannot decipher, let alone manage technology on her own. Her comment is a tease but reveals a deeper fear: moving away from traditional values fosters a sense of dependency. “There’s more control taking things into your own hands,” she said. After much reluctance in the early-2000s, Douglas bought a wreath machine. Testing her sales at a roadside stand, she remembers holding up two wreaths, surprised that no one could tell which one was handmade. Slowly, she incorporated more technology to boost production. Due to high demand, Douglas makes larger wreaths by hand but can create traditional wreaths on the machine in about eight minutes. “It’s not the money that motivates me,” she said. “I love what I do. Working in the middle of the night, with no one bothering me, I can focus on making something that I know will bring joy to someone else.” Sterling agreed; his children enjoy helping out in the shop, too. His son can make a wreath in under 20 minutes, and his daughter recently had to be dragged to her birthday party as she was begging to play at the shop instead. While the aim is to keep the business family-run, Sterling is clear about his stance: He will only encourage his children to continue in the trade if they are genuinely passionate about it. He describes the work as a labor of love, noting, “It just feels good to serve others.” As Pam Douglas stated, every order is inspected before it is picked up. Quality is a top priority. Laura Sitterly / The Times Record For Downeast farmers, balsam-harvesting is a welcome change of pace at the end of a season’s crescendo. A bucket of homemade pinecone decorations Sterling and Pam Douglas made using materials found across the Midcoast landscape. Laura Sitterly / The Times Record When the last wildflowers turn golden, temperatures dip and fishermen pull their traps from the water, the time finally comes for “tipping,” or what others may call “brushing.” This is when folks head into the woods to gather the ends of evergreen branches for use in holiday wreaths. The work is physically demanding — hauling the weight of heavy branches and pulling ticks off at day’s end. However, a certain magic comes with noticing the soft patterns in the branches and keeping an eye out for barred owls living in the woodlot. Douglas and Sterling have found this to be true while foraging for supplies. “A lot of companies cut corners,” Sterling said. “That’s why needles fall off wreaths in department stores — they need three frosts before they’re ready to use.” Inside Pam’s Wreath studio in Harpswell. Pammy’s 2024 Tree Sale will be held at 1410 Harpswell Neck Road from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 7. Laura Sitterly / The Times Record Pam’s Wreaths receives its fir supply from Van Buren. In recent years, the temperatures in the Midcoast haven’t dropped low enough at the right time, so they rely on colder areas where the tipping starts earlier. The remaining materials, such as reindeer moss and pinecones, are gathered from Harpswell and nearby towns. Neighbors and friends contribute by collecting natural items from their properties and delivering them to the shop for decoration. Douglas values quality and will not compromise on it. To uphold these high standards, she checks every wreath before it leaves the shop and avoids wholesale commitments, such as those for hockey boosters or school fundraisers. That said, this year, there will be an exception. Pam’s Wreaths is hosting a tree sale at 1410 Harpswell Neck Road from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. Locals can grab supplies while they last; a percentage of the proceeds will benefit the Harpswell Santa Fund . The horse-themed design, as pictured, is another signature Pam’s Wreath item. Laura Sitterly / The Times Record Last season, the business sold 2,000 wreaths — a number Douglas and her son hope will continue to grow. By incentivizing early orders with a 10% discount, they already shipped over 400 orders before Thanksgiving. Themed designs highlight Maine classics like the state animal, a moose. Next year, a cat wreath will be available; the wire prototype is almost perfected. Shipments are still sent to established customers, but due to high demand, Pam’s Wreaths focuses on local pick-ups only. Orders must be placed before Dec. 15 to be ready before Christmas. Most purchases can be made online , but call 751-7870 for larger wreaths or bulk orders. “I don’t get a wreath up until after the holidays because things are so busy,” Douglas said. “But I wouldn’t have it any other way.” We invite you to add your comments. We encourage a thoughtful exchange of ideas and information on this website. By joining the conversation, you are agreeing to our commenting policy and terms of use . More information is found on our FAQs . You can modify your screen name here . Comments are managed by our staff during regular business hours Monday through Friday as well as limited hours on Saturday and Sunday. Comments held for moderation outside of those hours may take longer to approve. Please sign into your Press Herald account to participate in conversations below. If you do not have an account, you can register or subscribe . Questions? Please see our FAQs . Your commenting screen name has been updated. 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US to transform white elephant destroyers by fitting hypersonic weapons
European markets head for negative open after France's government loses confidence voteSince November 28, large-scale protests have rocked Georgia following the government’s decision to freeze negotiations for the country’s EU accession until 2028. Despite attempts by police to block off Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi, the strife has continued with demonstrators erecting barricades, lighting fires, and shooting fireworks at law enforcement. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has insisted that Georgia will not allow itself to be “Ukrainized,” as his Western-backed opponents encouraged a mass mobilization. The political fallout has been enormous. Outgoing President Salome Zourabichvili, who hails from France, rejected the legitimacy of the new parliament, insisting she would remain in office despite the fact that elections are scheduled for December. In response, the ruling Georgian Dream party, which comfortably won the parliamentary elections, announced that new presidential elections would proceed as planned. The protests are not just about internal politics—they also signal a broader geopolitical struggle, with Georgia at the crossroads of the Russian-Western rivalry. Election Results and Protests A few weeks after the Georgian Dream party’s victory in the October elections, Kobakhidze announced a freeze on EU accession negotiations until 2028, fueling protests across the country. Critics immediately accused the ruling party, which they label as “pro-Russian,” of undermining Georgia’s European future. This accusation has been leveled against the government, even though many of the opposition parties, funded by Western NGOs, have long pushed for Georgia to fall in line with Western powers. Both President Zourabichvili and former President Mikhail Saakashvili, staunch pro-Western figures, quickly led the charge against the election results, calling them fraudulent and part of a “Russian special operation.” Zourabichvili stated, “Recognizing these elections is the same as accepting Russia’s entry here and Georgia’s subordination to Russia.” Such rhetoric has been repeated by others in the opposition, who insist that Georgia’s future is tied to Western Europe, not Russia. Despite the claims of fraud, the international community did not back up the opposition’s accusations. Western governments have called for investigations into alleged electoral violations but have stopped short of formally rejecting the results. In fact, the European Parliament – which is relatively toothless – was the only entity to refuse to recognize the elections, even calling for sanctions on Georgia’s leadership. Meanwhile Azerbaijan, Armenia, Hungary, Türkiye, and China congratulated the ruling party on their victory. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized that Russia does not interfere in its neighbor’s internal affairs and urged others similarly. “[This is ] the choice of the Georgian people – it’s crucial that no third parties interfere in the results of this election,” he said. Overall, according to OSCE observers, the voting process went smoothly, with media reports indicating only a few major incidents. However, following the outcry from the election losers, the Central Election Commission decided to recount the ballots from five precincts in each electoral district for data verification. The recount confirmed the initial results. But this did not stop the opposition. Protests and Violent Clashes The protests reached a new intensity over the week. Some 20,000 demonstrators gathered in Tbilisi on the evening of the announcement, and the rallies have spread to other cities, including Poti, Rustavi, Telavi, and Kutaisi. Despite Kobakhidze’s firm stance against ‘Ukrainization,’ the opposition remains steadfast, demanding new elections with international supervision. “The only negotiations we will hold with the government will be about conducting new elections with the assistance of international observers,” said opposition MP Giorgi Vashadze. However, under Georgian law, a repeat election can only be called if the original vote is invalidated or if no party receives at least 5% of the votes. The opposition’s call for new elections is therefore unlikely to succeed. The opposition has little means to influence the government, due to a lack of power and administrative resources, Dr Stanislav Pritchin, head of the Central Asia sector at the Institute of World Economy and International Relations (IMEMO) of the Russian Academy of Sciences, has told RT. “Firstly, the opposition does not hold a majority in parliament and can only block initiatives that require a constitutional majority. Therefore, they have very limited ability to influence government decisions. Secondly, regarding public influence, the protests have proven ineffective. The opposition lacks supporters, energy, and substantial backing from the West,” Pritchin claimed. Even with active support from the EU and US, the opposition would still struggle to alter the situation in the country or influence public sentiment, Pritchin believes, since the October election results are convincing and have been recognized by international observers. The Future of Georgia’s Geopolitical Alignment Prime Minister Kobakhidze has repeatedly emphasized that Georgia’s future lies in Euro-Atlantic integration, but recent statements suggest that the country’s path is far more complicated. He has voiced the hope that it will be ready for EU membership by 2030, but his government also sees strategic partnerships with Russia and China as important parts of Georgia’s future. “We have very important foreign policy priorities, and the main one is of course, Euro-Atlantic integration,” he said, although this is tempered with a desire for improved relations with Russia. The conflict between Georgia’s domestic political forces and the West over EU membership is exacerbated by the pressure from Western powers, particularly the EU and the US, to align more closely with them against Moscow. While Georgia has made moves to engage with Russia diplomatically, tensions remain high over Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which Georgia aims to reintegrate. They are recognized as independent states by Russia. In contrast, the opposition, backed by Western powers, wants Georgia to lean decisively toward the EU and NATO, even at the risk of souring relations with Moscow. With a fragmented electorate and deeply polarized political factions, the current protests are unlikely to end without a significant political shift—either through reform or a potential collapse of the Georgian Dream government. On November 30, the US suspended its strategic partnership with Georgia, citing “anti-democratic” actions by the ruling party. The State Department claimed that by halting the EU accession process, Georgian Dream has made the country more vulnerable to Russia. The following day, on December 1, the new EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, the former Prime Minister of Estonia, indicated that the EU might impose sanctions on Georgia due to the harsh crackdown on protests.. Follwing the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, the Georgian authorities asserted that a “global war party” wanted to open a “second front” against Russia in Georgia. Former Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili claimed this was the goal of the opposition and its “ideological allies from the Ukrainian government” . As the election campaign progressed, this rhetoric intensified. Officials didn’t mention the EU or US, although a few days before the elections, former Georgian PM Bidzina Ivanishvili stated that a senior official from “one of the countries” had suggested to Garibashvili that he should start a war against Russia. Improving relations with Russia—strained since the 2008 war over Abkhazia and South Ossetia—became a key theme of the election campaign. Kobakhidze identified the normalization of bilateral relations as a key priority for the coming years, while Ivanishvili expressed confidence that Georgia would “find the strength to apologize” to Abkhazia and South Ossetia, territories it lost following the 2008 conflict begun by the UMP's Saakashvili. Georgia’s ultimate goal is to reintegrate the unrecognized republics. However, after the elections, the moderately pro-Russian rhetoric in Georgia gave way to a colder tone. Kobakhidze stated that the country doesn’t plan to restore diplomatic relations with Russia, citing that “10% of our territory is occupied” . “We have very important foreign policy priorities, and the main one is of course, Euro-Atlantic integration,” he said, noting that relations with the EU will be reset in “intensive mode” starting in 2025. Ivanishvili, one of Georgia's richest men, elaborated on the matter and said that ties with the West would improve once the conflict in Ukraine concludes, which he believes could happen soon. However, until then, Georgia will staunchly defend its interests and avoid confrontation with Russia, even at the potential cost of its relationship with the EU. Stanislav Pritchin told RT that Georgian authorities will pursue a balanced approach in international relations. They will strive to build pragmatic ties with Russia while keeping the door open for negotiations with Western nations. “Russia-Georgia relations are likely to proceed along the same lines as they do now. Indeed, there may be attempts to deepen bilateral ties and establish more regular political contacts. But for now, Georgia isn’t ready to resume diplomatic relations or fully cooperate in economics and other fields. A lot will depend on the ability of Western countries to adjust [their position] and offer something in light of the new conditions, such as unfreezing EU membership talks with Georgia,” the expert noted. It is unlikely that Western countries consider a change in the situation in Georgia as a realistic scenario from the outside. Georgian Dream has not backed down on any fundamental issues, has confidently won the elections and continues to maintain its position even under threat of being removed from the list of EU candidate countries and likely mass protests. A Country at a Crossroads Georgia’s future remains uncertain, caught between the competing interests of Russia and the West. The ongoing protests reflect a deep division within the country: one side sees Georgia’s path tied to Russia, while the other pushes for integration with the EU. The ruling Georgian Dream party may have won the elections, but the opposition, though lacking significant public support, is fighting to keep Georgia on the path of its backers. This political crisis has become a critical juncture in the country's history. The ultimate direction Georgia takes will not only determine the future of its sovereignty but also shape its role in the broader geopolitical struggle between Russia and the West. Will Tbilisi fully embrace a Western future, or will it forge a path of pragmatism that acknowledges Moscow’s influence? The outcome remains uncertain, and the consequences will resonate far beyond Georgia.
The 50 best advent calendars to shop last minute for December 2024A WIFE revealed how the truth about her husband's infidelity was even worse than she had expected. The woman noticed love bites on her partner's chest that she hadn't given him, and was shocked when she found out who did. In her Reddit post , the unnamed user detailed the events that led up to the shocking revelation. She described the time since she learned about her husband's disgusting behaviour as "pure hell." The poster explained that she and her husband had been together for a total of eight years, and married for five. One day, while she was visiting her sick mother, the woman left her husband at home. Read More On Relationships She pointed out that the timing of the visit lined up well as her husband was planning to celebrate his brother's birthday while she was away. "I wished them a happy time and hoped they'd have fun," she said, adding that she "didn't think much of it." However, she decided to come back a day earlier than she had originally planned, hoping to surprise her husband. "I entered our house, and I heard noises, sex noises," the Reddit user wrote. Most read in Fabulous "I kind of brushed it off, thinking it was just him pleasuring himself and watching porn." However, 20 to 30 minutes later he husband came downstairs and went "white as a ghost" at the sight of her. "He stares at me, stammers, and looks guilty," the woman recalled. "Not two minutes later his brother comes downstairs, and he has a hickey on his neck. "He greets me stiffly [and] says that he's got to run back home to his girlfriend." The poster noticed that her husband and his brother acted odd, not even saying goodbye. When she confronted him about the strange interaction, she described his reaction as "very evasive." Private Investigator Aaron Bond from BondRees revealed four warning signs your partner might be cheating. They start to take their phone everywhere with them In close relationships, it's normal to know each other's passwords and use each other's phones, if their phone habits change then they may be hiding something. Aaron says: "If your partner starts changing their passwords, starts taking their phone everywhere with them, even around the house or they become defensive when you ask to use their phone it could be a sign of them not being faithful." "You should also look at how they place their phone down when not in use. If they face the phone with the screen facing down, then they could be hiding something." They start telling you less about their day When partners cheat they can start to avoid you, this could be down to them feeling guilty or because it makes it easier for them to lie to you. "If you feel like your partner has suddenly begun to avoid you and they don't want to do things with you any more or they stop telling you about their day then this is another red flag." "Partners often avoid their spouses or tell them less about their day because cheating can be tough, remembering all of your lies is impossible and it's an easy way to get caught out," says Aaron. Their libido changes Your partner's libido can change for a range of reasons so it may not be a sure sign of cheating but it can be a red flag according to Aaron. Aaron says: "Cheaters often have less sex at home because they are cheating, but on occasions, they may also have more sex at home, this is because they feel guilty and use this increase in sex to hide their cheating. You may also find that your partner will start to introduce new things into your sex life that weren't there before." They become negative towards you Cheaters know that cheating is wrong and to them, it will feel good, this can cause tension and anxiety within themselves which they will need to justify. "To get rid of the tension they feel inside they will try to convince themselves that you are the problem and they will become critical of you out of nowhere. Maybe you haven't walked the dog that day, put the dishes away or read a book to your children before bedtime. A small problem like this can now feel like a big deal and if you experience this your partner could be cheating," warns Aaron. Her husband said that he and his brother had an argument but she continued to press him for details. "He finally relents, saying that Marcus cheated on his girlfriend and that the woman he cheated with escaped via window when they heard my car," she said. The woman said she was still suspicious but also felt concerned about Marcus' girlfriend, who was a good friend of hers. She also shared her confusion as to why Marcus, who lives alone, was inviting a woman over to their house. The woman then noticed that her husband was beginning to act "very quiet, reserved, and nervous." "When my husband took a shower, I went after him to wash my face and noticed that he too had hickeys on his chest that he tried to cover up when he saw me," she said. "I feel sick to my stomach, and decided to go through his phone." However, the messages that she discovered on her partner's phone were far worse than any affair she could've imagined. "I am still reading the conversations between him and his brother when my husband comes from shower," she said. "The conversations are explicit, the reality hit me like a ton of bricks." Her husband tried to explain away the flirty messages as "just joking between brothers." However, that night her husband broke down and revealed "everything" to her. "He has a on-off relationship with his brother, they started having sex over ten years ago," she explained. READ MORE SUN STORIES The woman shared his suspicions that her estranged in-laws had disowned their sons over their inappropriate relationship. "I haven't slept since the night and I don't know what to do, I can't look at my husband, and I don't know if I should tell Marcus' girlfriend about all this," she said.
AP Business SummaryBrief at 4:50 p.m. ESTNoneHOUSTON (AP) — An elaborate parody appears to be behind an effort to resurrect Enron, the Houston-based energy company that exemplified the worst in American corporate fraud and greed after it went bankrupt in 2001. If its return is comedic, some former employees who lost everything in Enron’s collapse aren’t laughing. “It’s a pretty sick joke and it disparages the people that did work there. And why would you want to even bring it back up again?” said former Enron employee Diana Peters, who represented workers in the company’s bankruptcy proceedings. Here’s what to know about the history of Enron and the purported effort to bring it back. What happened at Enron? Once the nation’s seventh-largest company, Enron filed for bankruptcy protection on Dec. 2, 2001, after years of accounting tricks could no longer hide billions of dollars in debt or make failing ventures appear profitable. The energy company's collapse put more than 5,000 people out of work, wiped out more than $2 billion in employee pensions and rendered $60 billion in Enron stock worthless. Its aftershocks were felt throughout the energy sector. Twenty-four Enron executives , including former CEO Jeffrey Skilling , were eventually convicted for their roles in the fraud. Enron founder Ken Lay’s convictions were vacated after he died of heart disease following his 2006 trial. Is Enron coming back? On Monday — the 23rd anniversary of the bankruptcy filing — a company representing itself as Enron announced in a news release that it was relaunching as a “company dedicated to solving the global energy crisis.” It also posted a video on social media, advertised on at least one Houston billboard and a took out a full-page ad in the Houston Chronicle In the minute-long video that was full of generic corporate jargon, the company talks about “growth” and “rebirth.” It ends with the words, “We’re back. Can we talk?” Enron's new website features a company store, where various items featuring the brand's tilted “E” logo are for sale, including a $118 hoodie. In an email, company spokesperson Will Chabot said the new Enron was not doing any interviews yet, but that "We’ll have more to share soon.” Signs point to the comeback being a joke. In the “terms of use and conditions of sale” on the company's website, it says “the information on the website about Enron is First Amendment protected parody, represents performance art, and is for entertainment purposes only.” Documents filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office show that College Company, an Arkansas-based LLC, owns the Enron trademark. The co-founder of College Company is Connor Gaydos, who helped create a joke conspiracy theory that claims all birds are actually surveillance drones for the government. What do former Enron employees think of the company’s return? Peters said that since learning about the “relaunch” of Enron, she has spoken with several other former employees and they are also upset by it. She said the apparent stunt was “in poor taste.” “If it’s a joke, it’s rude, extremely rude. And I hope that they realize it and apologize to all of the Enron employees,” Peters said. Peters, who is 74 years old, said she is still working in information technology because “I lost everything in Enron, and so my Social Security doesn’t always take care of things I need done.” “Enron’s downfall taught us critical lessons about corporate ethics, accountability, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. Enron’s legacy was the employees in the trenches. Leave Enron buried,” she said. This story was corrected to fix the spelling of Ken Lay’s first name, which had been misspelled “Key.” Follow Juan A. Lozano on X at https://x.com/juanlozano70Gary O’Neil accepts criticism from Wolves fans after heavy defeat at Everton
Fair or not, relatability is an important trait for a politician. At the highest levels — say, mayor of a huge city like Chicago — it’s helpful to the politician if most voters find them likable. If a high-level political figure becomes perceived as something of a jerk, to use the technical term, they at the very least will have to be regarded as hypercompetent if they hope to further their agenda. When it comes to Brandon Johnson, Chicago’s current mayor, very few outside his immediate orbit regard him as hypercompetent. A mayoral approval rating hovering in the midteens attests to that fact. Likability, then, absolutely is a must for this mayor if he harbors any hopes of reelection in 2027, which he repeatedly has said he does. So it’s a puzzle to us that if you watch Johnson in his dealings with the local press, or in public settings other than the most ceremonial (ribbon cuttings and the like), he too often comes across as a gaslighting bully. That’s not a good look for a mayor of whom more than two-thirds of Chicagoans professionally disapprove, at least judging by polls. Perhaps the most obvious example of this dynamic was Johnson’s abhorrent treatment Monday of a reporter who had the temerity to ask him if he still wanted Pedro Martinez removed as CEO of Chicago Public Schools. For an excruciating 90 seconds, Johnson jousted with the reporter on whether she could even ask that question — a perfectly legitimate one given Johnson’s clumsy and obvious efforts over many months to oust Martinez, whom he blames for refusing to cave to the unaffordable contract demands of the Chicago Teachers Union, Johnson’s former employer and primary political benefactor. “You’ve heard me ask him to resign?” Johnson asked the reporter when she said her outlets (and others, of course, including this one) had reported so months ago. She reiterated the assertion. “So you’ve heard me ask him to resign?” Johnson retorted again. Excruciating. Johnson’s apparent “point” in his stubborn pushback to this straightforward query was that he has a policy of not talking publicly about personnel matters. (As an aside, Johnson has appeared at times in the past to challenge this reporting by hinting that someone else in the mayor’s office asked Martinez to resign, as if that distinction means anything.) The reporter he forced into this torturous exercise, Mariah Woelfel of WBEZ, to her credit stood her ground, repeating her question several times before finally giving up and simply asking Johnson when he last spoke to Martinez. Of course, every sentient being in Chicago knows that Johnson is doing his utmost to replace Martinez with a CPS boss who will do the mayor’s bidding — and by extension the bidding of the teachers union. The Tribune reported Wednesday that the Board of Education — all of whom were appointed by Johnson in October after he pressured the previous board to resign en masse (again, because they weren’t giving CTU what it wanted) — earlier this week made an offer to buy Martinez out of his employment contract. That contract’s requirement that Martinez be given six months’ notice unless he’s fired for cause has greatly complicated Johnson’s desire to replace him. Martinez rejected the offer, according to the report, and he remains CPS CEO. For now. In other words, while Johnson was needlessly obstructing Woelfel and the rest of the City Hall press corps with his sophomoric parsing on Monday, his handpicked board was taking the first concrete steps to rid the mayor of his troublesome CPS CEO. Johnson would do himself and fellow Chicagoans who must endure another two-plus years of his mayoralty some good if he’d stop playing semantic games and just offer honest answers to straightforward questions. Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com .HOUSTON (AP) — An elaborate parody appears to be behind an effort to resurrect Enron, the Houston-based energy company that exemplified the worst in American corporate fraud and greed after it went bankrupt in 2001. If its return is comedic, some former employees who lost everything in Enron’s collapse aren’t laughing. “It’s a pretty sick joke and it disparages the people that did work there. And why would you want to even bring it back up again?” said former Enron employee Diana Peters, who represented workers in the company’s bankruptcy proceedings. Here’s what to know about the history of Enron and the purported effort to bring it back. Once the nation’s seventh-largest company, Enron filed for bankruptcy protection on Dec. 2, 2001, after years of accounting tricks could no longer hide billions of dollars in debt or make failing ventures appear profitable. The energy company's collapse put more than 5,000 people out of work, wiped out more than $2 billion in employee pensions and rendered $60 billion in Enron stock worthless. Its aftershocks were felt throughout the energy sector. Twenty-four Enron executives , including former CEO Jeffrey Skilling , were eventually convicted for their roles in the fraud. Enron founder Ken Lay’s convictions were vacated after he died of heart disease following his 2006 trial. On Monday — the 23rd anniversary of the bankruptcy filing — a company representing itself as Enron announced in a news release that it was relaunching as a “company dedicated to solving the global energy crisis.” It also posted a video on social media, advertised on at least one Houston billboard and a took out a full-page ad in the Houston Chronicle In the minute-long video that was full of generic corporate jargon, the company talks about “growth” and “rebirth.” It ends with the words, “We’re back. Can we talk?” Enron's new website features a company store, where various items featuring the brand's tilted “E” logo are for sale, including a $118 hoodie. In an email, company spokesperson Will Chabot said the new Enron was not doing any interviews yet, but that "We’ll have more to share soon.” Signs point to the comeback being a joke. In the “terms of use and conditions of sale” on the company's website, it says “the information on the website about Enron is First Amendment protected parody, represents performance art, and is for entertainment purposes only.” Documents filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office show that College Company, an Arkansas-based LLC, owns the Enron trademark. The co-founder of College Company is Connor Gaydos, who helped create a joke conspiracy theory that claims all birds are actually surveillance drones for the government. Peters said that since learning about the “relaunch” of Enron, she has spoken with several other former employees and they are also upset by it. She said the apparent stunt was “in poor taste.” “If it’s a joke, it’s rude, extremely rude. And I hope that they realize it and apologize to all of the Enron employees,” Peters said. Peters, who is 74 years old, said she is still working in information technology because “I lost everything in Enron, and so my Social Security doesn’t always take care of things I need done.” “Enron’s downfall taught us critical lessons about corporate ethics, accountability, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. Enron’s legacy was the employees in the trenches. Leave Enron buried,” she said. This story was corrected to fix the spelling of Ken Lay’s first name, which had been misspelled “Key.” Follow Juan A. Lozano on X at https://x.com/juanlozano70
The ISWAN Seminar 2024 in India, hosted at the Maritime Training Institute (SCI) in Mumbai, brought together key maritime stakeholders to address pressing challenges affecting seafarers and their families. Over 150 participants, including maritime leaders, policymakers, shipping executives, welfare organizations, seafarers, their families and academics, convened to explore topics ranging from discussions on family support, fraudulent crewing agents, and the impact of decarbonization on seafarers’ well-being, alongside key launches and collaborative announcements. The seminar started with a welcome address by Mr. Deepak Shetty, IRS (Retd.), Former Secretary to the Government of India, Director General of Shipping, and ISWAN Trustee, who emphasized the significance of industry collaboration in enhancing welfare initiatives. This was followed by addresses from distinguished guests: Prof. (Dr.) Tanuja Kaushik, Dean of Academic Affairs, Gujarat Maritime University (GMU), emphasized the importance of addressing legal complexities in the maritime sector, particularly those concerning fraudulent crewing practices. She highlighted GMU’s pivotal role in advancing maritime welfare research through initiatives like the GMU-ISWAN survey on fraudulent crewing agents. Prof. Kaushik also underscored the university’s commitment to fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and welfare organizations to create robust legal frameworks and promote ethical practices in the maritime domain. Capt. J. C. Anand, Chairman Emeritus, the Indian Register of Shipping, and the senior-most member of the Indian maritime industry at 103 years of age, captivated the audience with his address. He stressed the importance of training seafarers and upholding ethical practices in maritime operations and reflected on the industry’s evolving landscape over the decades. Mr. Rene Anderson, CEO, Sea Health and Welfare, spoke about the significance of holistic welfare approaches for seafarers. He highlighted the parallels between ISWAN’s work and Sea Health’s initiatives, emphasizing collaboration for the well-being of maritime professionals. Mr. Shyam Jagannathan, IAS, Director General of Shipping, India, delivered the Chief Guest’s address, focusing on regulatory measures designed to support seafarers. He spoke about the Directorate’s commitment to digitizing grievance redressal mechanisms and simplifying processes to ensure timely assistance for seafarers in need. He also mentioned the MOU with ISWAN as a testament to this effort. Capt. Daniel Joseph, Nautical Surveyor-cum-DDG (Tech), Directorate General of Shipping, reinforced the Director General’s vision, commending ISWAN for its welfare programs. He emphasized India’s proactive approach to ensuring maritime safety and support for its seafarers. Commander Abeer Sharma, representing the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (Indian Navy), provided an operational perspective on maritime security. He addressed geopolitical challenges in West Asia, maritime threats, and the importance of collaborative knowledge sharing between the Navy and the maritime industry. The session concluded with an engaging Q&A, offering deeper insights into India’s maritime preparedness. Panel Discussions- Family Support in Seafaring This panel explored the importance of families in bolstering seafarers’ mental well-being and resilience. Moderated by Mr. Simon Grainge, Chief Executive at ISWAN, the discussion covered strategies to strengthen family systems and the industry’s role in addressing challenges faced by seafarers’ loved ones. Panellists: Dr. Harish Shetty, Senior Psychiatrist Ms. Saleha Shaikh, Founder & Head, MUI Women’s Wing Capt. Karan Kochhar, Managing Director, Maersk Capt. Sharad Kishore, Master Mariner The Impact of Recruitment Fraud on Indian Seafarers Based on the GMU-ISWAN survey findings, this panel focused on the prevalence and consequences of fraudulent recruitment practices, featuring the testimony of Sumeet Vishwakarma, who shared his experience as a victim of such practices. Moderated by Mr. Alexander Held, Head of Commercial Turtle, the session highlighted legal, regulatory, and educational interventions to protect seafarers from exploitation. Panellists: Capt. Manish Kumar, Nautical Surveyor, Directorate General of Shipping Dr. Mohit Gupta, Assistant Professor, Gujarat Maritime University Mr. Marville Espago, Regional Manager, ISWAN Philippines Mr. Sumeet Vishwakarma, Seafarer The Impact of Decarbonisation on the Welfare of Seafarers This discussion addressed the complex challenges posed by the industry’s shift towards decarbonization. Moderated by Mr. Rajeev Nayyer, President of the Institute of Marine Engineers (India), panellists reflected on the balance between achieving environmental goals and ensuring the well-being and preparedness of seafarers. Panellists: Ms. Louise Hall, Director of Loss Prevention, Corporate Responsibility, and Marketing, The Shipowners’ Club Mr. Kaushik Seal, Director, Slabs Consultancy Pvt Ltd Mr. Karan Ahuja, Chief Engineer Mr. Chirag Bahri, International Operations Manager, ISWAN Launches and Partnerships- Family Outreach Programme (FOP): ISWAN marked a milestone with the launch of the FOP in India, building on its success in the Philippines. After a trial phase in September 2024, the program is now officially live and forms an integral part of ISWAN’s Seafarers’ Education and Awareness Session (SEAS) project. The FOP aims to provide comprehensive support to seafarers’ families, recognizing their critical role in the seafaring community. GMU-ISWAN Research Report: In collaboration with Gujarat Maritime University, ISWAN launched a research report addressing the pressing issue of fraudulent crewing agents in India. The report provides actionable insights and recommendations to protect seafarers from exploitation, spotlighting the importance of ethical recruitment practices in the maritime industry. MoU Signing with Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS): ISWAN and TISS formalized a significant partnership aimed at enhancing the mental well-being of seafarers and their families. The collaboration leverages TISS’s expertise, including its iCall helpline—a free mental health support service available to all. This MoU underscores a commitment to creating meaningful mental health interventions for the maritime community. Concluding Remarks by Mr. Simon Grainge Mr. Simon Grainge, Chief Executive at ISWAN, delivered the closing remarks, summarizing the seminar’s impactful discussions. He highlighted key takeaways from the day, including the focus on mental health, maritime security, decarbonization’s impact on welfare, and the urgent need to address fraudulent recruitment practices. He appreciated the contributions of esteemed speakers for providing actionable insights. Mr. Grainge reiterated ISWAN’s commitment to working collaboratively with industry leaders, government bodies, and academic institutions to drive meaningful changes for seafarers and their families. Vote of Thanks by Mr. Chirag Bahri In his vote of thanks, Mr. Chirag Bahri, International Operations Manager at ISWAN, expressed gratitude to all participants, including esteemed guests for their invaluable contributions. He acknowledged the efforts of moderators and panellists from the day’s sessions for fostering constructive dialogue. Mr. Bahri also extended heartfelt thanks to the sponsors and supporting organisations for their support and emphasized the importance of collective efforts in advancing seafarer welfare initiatives. The seminar also featured an interactive app-based contest, with the winner receiving a Marshall Kilburn II Bluetooth speaker sponsored by Sailor Today Radio. Acknowledgements ISWAN extends its heartfelt gratitude to the sponsors, whose generous support made the ISWAN Seminar 2024 a resounding success: Platinum Sponsor: Gujarat Maritime University Gold Sponsors: Fleet Management, Kandla Seafarers Welfare Association, Maersk Silver Sponsors: Anglo-Eastern Ship Management, Bahri Ship Management, Campbell Shipping, Emarat Maritime LLC, Mayfair We Care, OSM Thome Bronze Sponsors: Teekay, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), Marlow Navigation Crew & Ship Management, MMS Maritime (India), Sea Bird Medicare, Equitas Small Finance Bank Radio Sponsor: Sailor Today Radio Media Sponsor: Marex Media Additionally, ISWAN acknowledges the contributions of the Supporting Organizations, which included: The Company of Master Mariners of India, NAUGHTICA-Offing Group, FOSMA, Institute of Marine Engineers (India), INSA, MASSA, Maritime Training Institute (SCI), TURTLE, and The Shipowners’ Club. This collective effort demonstrates the maritime community’s shared commitment to enhancing the welfare of seafarers and their families. Looking Ahead The ISWAN Seminar 2024 offered valuable insights into enhancing welfare programs amidst the ongoing challenges faced by the industry. Source: International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN)
Congressional bicameral team pushes for insurance, pharmaceutical reformLabor plays down Greens' push for power-sharing deal
On Dec. 11, President-elect Donald Trump announced in a Truth Social post that he has tapped Kari Lake to serve as the next director of Voice of America. Lake was a television news anchor in Phoenix for nearly three decades until she left in 2021 after making a series of controversial statements on social media, including sharing COVID-19 misinformation during the pandemic. She launched her political career a short time later, quickly building a following and national profile as she sparred with journalists and echoed Trump in her sharp criticism of what she called the “fake news.” She ran unsuccessfully as a Republican for Arizona governor in 2022 and Arizona Senator in 2024. After Trump’s announcement, many people on social media claimed they’d never heard of Voice of America before. Others asked if Trump created a new organization and position just for Lake. Recent search trends also show that “What is Voice of America?” is spiking online. Is Voice of America a new government organization? No, Voice of America is not a new government organization. Sign up for the VERIFY Fast Facts daily Newsletter! Voice of America is not new. It’s a U.S. government-funded international multimedia news organization that was founded in the 1940s. Voice of America started in 1942 as a radio broadcaster to “combat Nazi propaganda with accurate and unbiased news and information.” Congress funds the organization through the U.S. Agency for Global Media, which is a federal agency that oversees all non-military U.S. international broadcasting. Congress passed a law establishing the organization in 1976. According to Voice of America’s congressional charter , the organization is required to present objective, independent news and information to international audiences. These are the principles that govern all Voice of America broadcasts: Since it was founded more than 80 years ago, Voice of America has expanded to online, social and television platforms to share U.S. policy-centric content around the world. The organization currently broadcasts to an estimated weekly global audience of more than 354 million people in nearly 50 languages. Although Trump says he wants Lake to lead Voice of America, that role is actually appointed by the head of the U.S. Agency for Global Media, which is a position appointed by the president that requires congressional confirmation. Trump said on Dec. 11 that he plans to announce his nomination for the head of the U.S. Agency for Global Media soon. The Associated Press contributed to this report .Fianna Fail and Fine Gael eye independent TDs as option to secure Dail majorityPercentages: FG .381, FT .727. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.
It was the fourth time this season they had conceded four or more and the performance showed why they have the Premier League’s worst defence. When O’Neil and the players went over to acknowledge the visiting supporters there were boos for a run of two wins in 14 league matches. “Whatever the fans think of me, there is definitely no-none working harder than me and I will continue to do so until someone tells me not to,” said O’Neil, who is under increasing pressure with his side second bottom of the table. “I go over there to see them because I appreciate every one of the Wolves fans. They have given me unbelievable support since I arrived at the football club,” he said. “We managed to produce some unbelievable stuff last season with a team that was heavily tipped by most of the nation for relegation. We managed to enjoy it together. “Now it is tough. I was happy to go over there and look them right in the face and take any criticism they want to throw at me. “I accept responsibility for my part in that. Whatever criticism they want to throw at me will not change how I feel about them. “Everyone at this football club needs to do more. We will get back to be ready to fight again on Monday (another crucial game against West Ham, whose manager Julen Lopetegui’s tenure is hanging by a thread). “I will work with everything I have. I will back myself to get the most out of the group. I understand the drive for change (but) you never know how much of a percentage of supporters it is.” Veteran Ashley Young ended Everton’s 370-minute wait for a goal with a 10th-minute free-kick, his first league goal for more than two years, and on-loan Lyon midfielder Orel Mangala blasted home his first for the club to establish a 2-0 half-time lead. Two Craig Dawson own goals secured Everton’s biggest home league win since April 2019, but manager Sean Dyche insisted their issues up front were far from sorted. He said: “It’s our fifth clean sheet in the last eight so the consistency has been there in one degree, we just haven’t been scoring goals. That’s been the hardest thing to find consistently and we haven’t solved it yet. “Goals change everything, they change opinions. That’s what football is like.” The victory was hugely important in a month in which, having been hammered 4-0 at Manchester United, they face top-six sides Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Nottingham Forest and undoubtedly eased some of the pressure on Dyche and his players. “I’ve told them how proud I am of them,” he added. “The challenges come thick and fast on and off the pitch and they just keep going. “It’s only a step and there are many more to go but it’s a good step and a positive step. “It’s a temporary moment in time because the next one is a big one (Saturday’s Merseyside derby).”Aussie applauded for 'brilliant' act with dolphin at beach – but there's just one problem
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