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kijiji nl French PM François Bayrou unveils new Government amid political turmoilSEATTLE (AP) — The Seattle Seahawks rode their dominant defense to a big win over a division rival to vault into first place in the NFC West. No, it isn’t 2013. These are the 2024 Seahawks, who, after struggling mightily against the run earlier this season, held the visiting Arizona Cardinals to 49 rushing yards in . The defensive line kept Kyler Murray under consistent pressure thanks to a dominant performance from Leonard Williams, the secondary flew around to smack away passes, and safety Coby Bryant scored on a 69-yard pick-6. Sunday's defensive performance was reminiscent of the Seahawks of a decade ago and a promising sign that first-year coach Mike Macdonald’s system is starting to click. Macdonald, who coordinated Baltimore's NFL-best defense last year, was leading one of the worst rush defenses in the league earlier this season. But Seattle consistently stuffed the Cardinals, who came in as the fifth-best running team in the league at 149.4 yards per game. “Three games in a row now we played pretty decent on defense,” Macdonald said. “There is an expectation and standard here throughout the course of our Seahawks history that we’re trying to live up to and build on. So that’s the idea.” At 6-5, the Seahawks drew even with the Cardinals in the tightly bunched division. The teams play each other again in two weeks at Arizona. What’s working Last month's trade for linebacker Ernest Jones IV has clearly paid off. Seattle hasn't allowed a running back to rush for more than 79 yards since its Week 8 loss to Buffalo, which was Jones' first game in a Seahawks uniform. He has led the team in tackles in every game he's played and has helped resurrect the run defense. What needs help The Seahawks' run game continues to underperform. Seattle got 65 yards on the ground Sunday, with the Cardinals holding Kenneth Walker III to 41 yards on 16 attempts. Zach Charbonnet had 22 yards on six carries. Walker hasn’t topped 100 yards since Week 1. Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb needs to think of something different to get the running backs involved. Stock up Williams single-handedly disrupted the Cardinals with 2 1/2 sacks, four quarterback hits, three tackles for loss and one pass defensed. “I thought he was dominant,” Macdonald said. “I knew he played great and then I looked at the stat line and he played out of his mind.” The Seahawks finished with five sacks, seven quarterback hits, five tackles for loss and six pass deflections against the Cardinals, shutting down a team that had averaged 29.3 points over its previous three games. Stock down Geno Smith finished with 254 yards passing and a touchdown, but he threw another momentum-stalling interception. Smith was picked off on a third-and-6 play on the Arizona 18-yard line at the start of the fourth quarter, ending an 11-play, 73-yard drive. Smith has an NFL-most 12 interceptions this season, more than in either of his previous two seasons as the Seahawks' full-time starter. “That was a huge drive for us. ... Obviously made a terrible mistake down there, something I got to clean up,” Smith said. “But it was a big drive. We wanted to put the game ahead at least two scores.” The offensive line has contributed to the problem. Guard Anthony Bradford left with an ankle injury, and the line struggled to protect Smith, who was sacked five times. Injuries Macdonald said Bradford is expected to miss next week's game. Key number 77 — Jaxon Smith-Njigba led the team with six catches for 77 yards and a touchdown, marking the fourth consecutive game that Smith-Njigba has led the team in receptions. He topped 100 yards receiving in the previous two games. “He’s getting open,” Smith said. “He’s catching the ball. He’s doing a great job in the screen game. All-around great player. I just think the way that teams are playing us coverage-wise, I feel like it’s the ultimate sign of respect.” Up next The Seahawks play at the struggling New York Jets on Sunday. ___ AP NFL: Shane Lantz, The Associated Press

A 9th telecoms firm has been hit by a massive Chinese espionage campaign, the White House saysTua Tagovailoa says he's had personal security since one of his cars was broken into"The Council of Autism Service Providers" And "ABA Centers" Partner to Ring Closing Bell at the New York Stock ExchangeThe Detroit Tigers are looking to build on their surprising 2024 postseason run, and they’re targeting a big-name free agent to help them do it. Specifically, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post , the Tigers have expressed interest in third baseman Alex Bregman , a key figure in the Houston Astros’ recent success. Notably, the Tigers’ pursuit of Bregman is intriguing, given the presence of A.J. Hinch , Bregman’s former manager in Houston, now at the helm in Detroit. Furthermore, the Tigers’ relatively clean slate of salary commitments empowers them to make a splash in free agency. Tigers Targeting Big-Name Addition in Alex Bregman Unsurprisingly, the Tigers are not the only suitor for Bregman’s services . Houston already extended an offer and made it clear that re-signing him is their top offseason priority. Other teams are also in the mix, with the Boston Red Sox reportedly inquiring about Bregman’s availability. A potential signing would likely involve shifting Rafael Devers to first base, a move that may have been on the horizon anyway. The Tigers are poised to be major players in free agency, seeking both pitching and positional upgrades. Their surprising 2024 postseason run, which eliminated the Astros, has set the stage for an aggressive offseason. Adding a prolific hitter like Bregman would be a significant boost to their lineup, providing a much-needed power bat in the middle of the order. Bregman’s impressive resume, which includes multiple All-Star appearances and two World Series championships, makes him an attractive target for any team looking to contend. His ability to hit for both power and average, combined with his strong defensive skills at third base, would make him an excellent fit for the Tigers. The Red Sox are pursuing top free agents aggressively, targeting Blake Snell , Max Fried , Corbin Burnes , and Bregman, among others. Their interest in Bregman is likely driven by their desire to add an impact bat to their lineup. Bregman’s versatility and production would make him an excellent addition . The Possible Favorite to Land Bregman The Astros are favored to re-sign Bregman, thanks to his strong relationships with the team. However, they face stiff competition. The Tigers and Red Sox are among the teams with interest in Bregman. Others will likely join the pursuit . As a top free agent, Bregman will be in high demand. To land Bregman, the Tigers must offer a competitive contract and sell him on Detroit as the ideal place to continue his career. The Tigers’ strong young core and aggressive approach to free agency make them an attractive destination for top free agents. The Tigers are all-in on contending, and they’re willing to make bold moves to achieve their goal. Now, they’ll need to execute and convince Bregman to join their roster. This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

By ERIC TUCKER WASHINGTON (AP) — A ninth U.S. telecoms firm has been confirmed to have been hacked as part of a sprawling Chinese espionage campaign that gave officials in Beijing access to private texts and phone conversations of an unknown number of Americans, a top White House official said Friday. Biden administration officials said this month that at least eight telecommunications companies , as well as dozens of nations, had been affected by the Chinese hacking blitz known as Salt Typhoon. But Anne Neuberger, the deputy national security adviser for cyber and emerging technologies, told reporters Friday that a ninth victim had been identified after the administration released guidance to companies about how to hunt for Chinese culprits in their networks. The update from Neuberger is the latest development in a massive hacking operation that has alarmed national security officials, exposed cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the private sector and laid bare China’s hacking sophistication. The hackers compromised the networks of telecommunications companies to obtain customer call records and gain access to the private communications of “a limited number of individuals.” Though the FBI has not publicly identified any of the victims, officials believe senior U.S. government officials and prominent political figures are among those whose whose communications were accessed. Related Articles National News | Court rules Georgia lawmakers can subpoena Fani Willis for information related to her Trump case National News | US homelessness up 18% as affordable housing remains out of reach for many people National News | Most Americans blame insurance profits and denials alongside the killer in UHC CEO death, poll finds National News | Another jackpot surpasses $1 billion. Is this the new normal? National News | Man indicted in burning death of woman inside a New York City subway train, prosecutors say Neuberger said officials did not yet have a precise sense how many Americans overall were affected by Salt Typhoon, in part because the Chinese were careful about their techniques, but a “large number” were in the Washington-Virginia area. Officials believe the goal of the hackers was to identify who owned the phones and, if they were “government targets of interest,” spy on their texts and phone calls, she said. The FBI said most of the people targeted by the hackers are “primarily involved in government or political activity.” Neuberger said the episode highlighted the need for required cybersecurity practices in the telecommunications industry, something the Federal Communications Commission is to take up at a meeting next month. “We know that voluntary cyber security practices are inadequate to protect against China, Russia and Iran hacking of our critical infrastructure,” she said. The Chinese government has denied responsibility for the hacking.Las Vegas Sands Corp. stock falls Wednesday, still outperforms market

Gophers QB Max Brosmer commits to play in bowl gamePrivate jet fuel suppliers have grown their sales at 63% this fiscal year compared to state-run companies' 5.5% and grabbed nearly 12% market share, aided by an aggressive marketing and supply network expansion. ET Year-end Special Reads Top 10 equity mutual funds of the year. Do you have any? How India flexed its global power muscles in 2024 2024 was the year India became the talk of America RIL-BP and Shell-MRPL , the two private sector JVs engaged in aviation fuel marketing , recorded sales growth of 76.6% and 41.6% respectively in April-November, according to industry data. RIL-BP's market share expanded to 7.7% in April-November from 4.8% a year earlier. Shell-MRPL's share expanded to 3.9% from 3%. Their combined share increased to 11.6% from 7.8%. As a result, the combined share of state-run companies has shrunk to 88.4% from 92.2%. Their combined sales have grown only 5.5% this fiscal year compared to the industry average of 10%. India exports half the jet fuel it produces in its refineries, with private refiners being the main exporters. Domestic markets are more attractive to serve than the export market, which encourages private players to push hard and challenge PSUs' dominance. Regulatory changes over the years have helped the private sector expand, an industry executive said. Open access at most airports allows private players to use infrastructure built by state firms for a fee. They use aggressive marketing techniques to attract airlines, he added. 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Both private operators are, however, present at all major airports in the country and have access to the most lucrative clients, the executive cited earlier said. RIL-BP network is supplied by RIL's refinery in Gujarat and Shell's network by the MRPL refinery in Karnataka. Nominations for ET MSME Awards are now open. The last day to apply is December 31, 2024. Click here to submit your entry for any one or more of the 22 categories and stand a chance to win a prestigious award. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )Information minister, Blueprint editor, others grace wedding Fatiha for NOA DG’s daughter

At least eight people were killed by Israeli military operations in the northern West Bank around the city of Tulkarem on Tuesday, the Palestinian Health Ministry said, including three people it said were killed by Israeli airstrikes. The Israeli military said it opened fire after militants attacked soldiers, and it was aware of some uninvolved civilians who were harmed in the raid. Elsewhere in the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian city of Bethlehem was marking a second somber Christmas Eve under the shadow of the war in Gaza, with most festivities cancelled and crowds of tourists absent. Israel's bombardment and ground invasion in Gaza has killed over 45,000 Palestinians, more than half of them women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between fighters and civilians in its count. Winter is hitting the Gaza Strip and many of the nearly 2 million Palestinians displaced by the devastating 15-month war with Israel are struggling to protect themselves from the wind, cold and rain. The war in Gaza was sparked by Hamas’s attack on southern Israel in October 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and 250 taken hostage by Palestinian militants. Around 100 hostages are still being held in Gaza , although only two thirds are believed to still be alive. Here’s the latest: NUR SHAMS REFUGEE CAMP, West Bank — The Palestinian Health Ministry said at least eight people were killed by Israeli military operations in and around the city of Tulkarem in the northern West Bank on Tuesday. The ministry reported three of the dead were killed by airstrikes. The Israeli military said it opened fire after militants attacked soldiers, and it was aware of some uninvolved civilians who were harmed in the raid. An Associated Press photojournalist captured images of Israeli forces detonating an explosive device planted by Palestinian militants during a raid in the Nur Shams refugee camp. Israel has carried out several large-scale raids in the West Bank since the start of the war in Gaza, ignited by Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel. While airstrikes were once rare in the West Bank, they have grown more common since the outbreak of war as Israeli forces clamp down, saying they aim to prevent attacks on their citizens. Israeli fire has killed at least 800 Palestinians in the occupied West Bank since October 2023, Palestinian health officials say. In that time, Palestinian militants have launched a number of attacks on soldiers at checkpoints and within Israel. SAYDNAYA, Syria — A large crowd of Syrians gathered near a historic monastery in Saydnaya on Christmas Eve to witness the lighting of a towering tree adorned with glowing green lights. Tuesday's celebration offered a rare moment of joy in a city scarred by over a decade of war and an infamous prison , where tens of thousands were held. Families and friends stood beneath the illuminated tree — some wearing Santa hats, others watching from rooftops — while a band played festive music and fireworks lit up the sky “This year is different, there’s happiness, victory and a new birth for Syria and a new birth for Christ,” said Houssam Saadeh, one attendee. Another, Joseph Khabbaz, expressed hope for unity across all sects and religions in Syria, dismissing recent Christmas tree vandalism as “isolated incidents.” Earlier in the afternoon, pilgrims visited the historic Our Lady of Saydnaya Monastery, one of the world’s oldest Christian monasteries, believed to be built in the sixth century. In Homs, a similarly grand Christmas tree was illuminated as security officers patrolled the area to ensure a safe and peaceful gathering, according to Syria’s state media. UNITED NATIONS -- Recent attacks on hospitals in North Gaza, where Israel is carrying out an offensive, are having a devastating impact on Palestinian civilians still in the area, the U.N. humanitarian office says. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs expressed deep concern at reports that the Israeli military entered the Indonesian Hospital on Tuesday, forcing its evacuation. The humanitarian office, known as OCHA, also expressed deep concern at attacks reported in recent days in and around the two other hospitals in North Gaza that are minimally functioning – Al Awda and Kamal Adwan. OCHA said the Israeli siege on Beit Hanoun, Beit Lahia and parts of Jaballiya in North Gaza continued for a 79th day on Tuesday, and while the U.N. and its partners have made 52 attempts to coordinate humanitarian access to besieged areas in December 48 were rejected by Israel. While four missions were approved, OCHA said the U.N. and its partners faced impediments as a result of Israeli military operations and “none of the U.N.-coordinated attempts to access the area have been fully facilitated.” Throughout the Gaza Strip, OCHA said that Israeli authorities facilitated just 40% of requests for humanitarian movements requiring their approval in December. WASHINGTON — A leading global food crisis monitor says deaths from starvation will likely pass famine levels in north Gaza as soon as next month. The U.S.-created Famine Early Warning System Network says that’s because of a near-total Israeli blockade of food and other aid in that part of Gaza. The finding, however, appears to have exposed a rift within the Biden administration over the extent of starvation in northern Gaza. The U.S. ambassador to Israel, Jacob Lew, disputes part of the data used in reaching the conclusion and calls the intensified famine warning “irresponsible.” Northern Gaza has been one of the areas hardest-hit by fighting and Israel’s restrictions on aid throughout its 14-month war with Hamas militants. UNITED NATIONS — Israel’s foreign minister has requested an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council to condemn recent missile and drone attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, and to condemn the group's Iranian allies for allegedly providing the group with weapons. Gideon Saar said in a letter Tuesday to Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield of the United States, which holds the council presidency this month, that the Houthis are violating international law and council resolutions. “This Iranian-backed terrorist group continues to endanger Israel’s and other nations’ security, as well as the freedom of maritime navigation, in flagrant violation of international law,” Saar said. “All of this malign activity is done as part of a broader strategy to destabilize the region.” The U.S. Mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to an email asking when the council meeting will be held. The Houthis have said they launched attacks on shipping in the Red Sea – and on Israel -- with the aim of ending Israel’s devastating air and ground offensive in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli war in Gaza followed Hamas’ deadly October 2023 attacks in southern Israel. TEL AVIV, Israel — An Israeli military investigation has concluded that the presence of troops inadvertently contributed to the deaths of six hostages killed by their Hamas captors in Gaza. The hostages' bodies were discovered in a tunnel in late August, an event that shook Israel and sparked some of the largest anti-war protests since the war began. The investigation found that the six hostages were killed by multiple gunshots from their captors after surviving for nearly 330 days. The Israeli military’s “ground activities in the area, although gradual and cautious, had a circumstantial influence on the terrorists’ decision to murder the six hostages,” the report found. According to the investigation, the Israeli military began operating in the area where the hostages were being held in southern Gaza about two weeks before their discovery, under the assumption that the chances of hostages in the area was medium to low. On August 27, hostage Qaid Farhan Alkadi was found alone in a tunnel , causing the Israeli military to halt operations for 24 hours to determine if there could be other hostages in the area. The military discovered the opening leading to the tunnel where the bodies of the six hostages were located on August 30. A pathological report estimated the six hostages were killed on August 29. The six hostages killed were Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi, Ori Danino, and Hersh Goldberg-Polin , whose American-Israeli parents became some of the most recognized spokespeople pleading for the hostages’ release, including addressing the Democratic National Convention days before their son’s killing. “The investigation published tonight proves once again that the return of all hostages will only be possible through a deal,” the Hostages Families Forum said in response to the investigation. “Every passing moment puts the hostages’ lives in immediate danger.” JERUSALEM — The Israeli negotiating team working on a ceasefire returned from Qatar to Israel on Tuesday, the prime minister’s office said, after what it called “a significant week” of talks. After months of deadlock, the U.S., Qatar and Egypt resumed their mediation efforts in recent weeks and reported greater willingness by the warring sides to reach a deal. According to Egyptian and Hamas officials, the proposed agreement would take place in phases and include a halt in fighting, an exchange of captive Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, and a surge in aid to the besieged Gaza Strip. Israel says Hamas is holding 100 hostages, over one-third of whom are believed to be dead. On Monday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there was “some progress” in efforts to reach a deal, but added he did not know how long it would take. CAIRO — Israeli soldiers took control of a hospital in isolated northern Gaza after forcing all the patients and most of the doctors to leave, the Palestinian Health Ministry said Tuesday. Some of the patients had to walk to another hospital while others were driven by paramedics, according to Health Ministry spokesperson Zaher al-Wahidi. He did not specify how many patients had evacuated. The Israeli military confirmed its troops had entered the Indonesian Hospital in the town of Jabaliya as part of an operation searching for Hamas fighters. The army later said its soldiers had left the hospital. The military said it had assisted with evacuating the patients and had not ordered the hospital closed. However, al-Wahidi said only one doctor and maintenance person were left behind. The Indonesian Hospital is one of three hospitals left largely inaccessible in the northernmost part of Gaza because Israel has imposed a tight siege there since launching an offensive in early October. The Israeli army said Tuesday’s operation at the Indonesian Hospital came after militants carried out attacks from the hospital for the past month, including launching anti-tank missiles and planting explosive devices in the surrounding area. The Health Ministry accused Israel of “besieging and directly targeting” the three hospitals in northern Gaza. Hussam Abu Safiya, the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, said Israeli drones detonated explosives near the hospital and that 20 people were wounded, including five medical staff. The Israeli military declined to comment on the operation around the hospital. DAMASCUS — Scores of Syrian Christians protested in the capital Damascus on Tuesday, demanding greater protections for their religious minority after a Christmas tree was set on fire in the city of Hama a day earlier. Many of the insurgents who now rule Syria are jihadis, although Ahmad al-Sharaa, the leader of the main rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, has renounced longtime ties to al-Qaida and spent years depicting himself as a champion of pluralism and tolerance. It remains unclear who set the Christmas tree on fire Monday, which was condemned by a representative of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham who visited the town and addressed the community. “This act was committed by people who are not Syrian, and they will be punished beyond your expectations," the HTS representative said in a video widely shared on social media. "The Christmas tree will be fully restored by this evening.” On Tuesday, protesters marched through the streets of Bab Touma in Damascus, shouting slogans against foreign fighters and carrying large wooden crosses. “We demand that Syria be for all Syrians. We want a voice in the future of our country,” said Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II of the Syriac Orthodox Church as he addressed the crowd in a church courtyard, assuring them of Christians’ rights in Syria. Since HTS led a swift offensive that overthrew President Bashar Assad earlier this month, Syria’s minority communities have been on edge, uncertain of how they will be treated under the emerging rebel-led government. “We are here to demand a democratic and free government for one people and one nation,” another protester said. “We stand united — Muslims and Christians. No to sectarianism.” DOHA — Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said that ceasefire negotiations to end the war in Gaza were ongoing in Doha in cooperation with Egyptian, Qatari, and American mediators. “We will not leave any door unopened in pursuit of reaching an agreement,” said Majid al-Ansari, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Tuesday. Al Ansari added that rumors the ceasefire would be reached before Christmas are “speculation.” The ceasefire negotiations come at a time when winter is hitting the Gaza Strip and many of the nearly 2 million Palestinians displaced by the devastating 15-month war with Israel are struggling to protect themselves from the wind, cold and rain. Families of the approximately 100 hostages who have been held for 445 days in Gaza are also worried their loved ones will not survive another winter. In a press conference, al-Ansari also called on the international community to lift sanctions on Syria as quickly as possible on Tuesday. “The reason was the crimes of the previous regime, and that regime, with all of its authority, is no longer in place, therefor the causes for these sanctions no longer exist today,” he said. DAMASCUS, Syria — American journalist Austin Tice is believed to be still alive, according to the head of an international aid group. Nizar Zakka, who runs the Hostage Aid Worldwide organization, said there has never been any proof that Tice, who has been missing since 2012, is dead. Zakka told reporters in Damascus on Tuesday that Tice was alive in January and being held by the authorities of ousted Syrian President Bashar Assad. He added that U.S. President Joe Biden said in August that Tice was alive. Zakka said he believes Tice was transferred between security agencies over the past 12 years, including in an area where Iranian-backed fighters were operating. Asked if it was possible Tice had been taken out of the country, Zakka said Assad most likely kept him in Syria as a potential bargaining chip. Biden said Dec. 8 that his administration believed Tice was alive and was committed to bringing him home, although he also acknowledged that “we have no direct evidence” of his status. TEL AVIV, Israel — Hannah Katzir, an Israeli woman who was taken hostage on Oct. 7, 2023, and freed in a brief ceasefire last year, has died. She was 78. The Hostages Families Forum, a group representing the families of people taken captive, confirmed the death Tuesday but did not disclose the cause. Her daughter, Carmit Palty Katzir, said in a statement that her mother’s “heart could not withstand the terrible suffering since Oct. 7.” Katzir’s husband, Rami, was killed during the attack by militants who raided their home in Kibbutz Nir Oz. Her son Elad was also kidnapped and his body was recovered in April by the Israeli military, who said he had been killed in captivity. She spent 49 days in captivity and was freed in late November 2023. Shortly after Katzir was freed, her daughter told Israeli media that she had been hospitalized with heart issues attributed to “difficult conditions and starvation” while she was held captive. TEL AVIV, Israel — Israel's military said the projectile was intercepted before crossing into Israeli territory, but it set off air raid sirens overnight in the country's populous central area, sending residents looking for cover. Israel’s rescue service Magen David Adom said a 60-year-old woman was seriously wounded after being hurt on her way to a protected space. There was no immediate comment from Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthi rebels. It was the third time in a week that fire from Yemen set off sirens in Israel. On Saturday, a missile slammed into a playground in Tel Aviv, injuring 16, after Israel’s air defense system failed to intercept it. Earlier last week, Israeli jets struck Yemen’s rebel-held capital and a port city, killing nine. Israel said the strikes were in response to previous Houthi attacks.

Nanalysis Announces Third Quarter 2024 ResultsIf you’re new to snowboarding, you may not realize the importance of a solid pair of snowboard bindings. In reality, this piece of gear does more than just secure your boots to the snowboard. Bindings are responsible for transferring the power from your legs to the board, allowing improved control and comfort. A quality pair of bindings could last for years, so the decision to buy is a big one. For snowboard bindings that are durable, lightweight and comfortable, check out the BURTON Malavita Snowboard Bindings . Some snowboard bindings are better suited for certain riding styles. Consider how you plan to use your snowboard before settling on a specific pair of bindings. If you’re not sure, try renting some gear for a day and see how the bindings feel on the slopes. Many snowboard manufacturers include a 1 to 10 flexibility rating with their bindings. A high number indicates stiff bindings, while a low number is assigned to bindings that are particularly soft and flexible. Most snowboard bindings have straps that secure the ankle and toe sections of your boots to the board. The ankle straps keep you in a flexible yet fixed position when you lean forward onto your toes, while the toe straps keep your feet in place when you lean back. Padding is used on snowboard bindings to absorb some of the shock caused by bumpy runs. Think about your riding style when deciding how much padding you need. Mounts secure the bindings to the board. You can use mounting screws to attach the bindings and adjust the foot positioning to your preference. Just like a snowboard, snowboard bindings come in a wide variety of different colors and patterns. If you want a cohesive look, pick out bindings that match the rest of your gear. When shopping for snowboard gear online, try to purchase from well-known brands like Burton, Salomon or Rossignol. Cheap snowboard bindings from an obscure manufacturer might be tempting, but you could find yourself with an inferior product once you hit the slopes. The cost of snowboard bindings can vary depending on the brand name and the quality of the parts. Beginner and intermediate snowboarders can expect to pay around $100-$250 for a quality pair of bindings, while advanced snowboard bindings regularly exceed $300. A. Most snowboard bindings are sold in two to five size options. Look at the model’s sizing chart and compare it with your boot size to find bindings that fit you. A. Yes. Although there are women’s snowboard bindings that advertise particular design features, snowboard bindings are universal. This means you can choose any pair you want, as long as they’re the right size. BURTON Malavita Snowboard Bindings What you need to know: Despite being advertised as men’s snowboard bindings, these bindings use advanced technology to deliver quality support and performance for any rider. What you’ll love: Backed by Burton’s legendary reputation, these snowboard bindings offer an advanced level of performance, control and comfort in a stylish package. The padding has a gel to absorb extra shock, and the bindings come in five color options. What you should consider: These bindings might be too expensive for beginner and intermediate riders. Salomon Pact Snowboard Bindings What you need to know: These versatile bindings are durable and affordable enough for almost any rider. What you’ll love: A solid choice for beginners, these snowboard bindings have a rear-entry design with high-quality straps for fine adjustments. Many users note their durability and comfort during long days of riding. What you should consider: These bindings have a limited number of size options, and the mounting discs may not attach to every board type. BURTON Grom Snowboard Bindings What you need to know: Designed for kids and small snowboarders, these popular bindings have a solid construction and reasonable price tag. What you’ll love: Perfect for young riders hitting the slopes for the first time, these beginner bindings are compatible with most snowboard mounting systems and feature a single-component baseplate for consistent control and responsiveness. They’re also available in two sleek color options, black and white. What you should consider: Some users questioned the quality and longevity of the bindings’ highback. Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change. Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales. BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.

Influencer Dominique Brown dies at 34 as shocking claim emerges10 fast-growing software stocks to watch in 2025, including the runaway Palantir

NoneDALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks are set to host the Minnesota Timberwolves Wednesday on WFAA as part of the NBA's Christmas quintuple header. Game time is 1:30 p.m. in Dallas, and that means it'll be 8:30 p.m. in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Prime time, Christmas night in Luka Doncic's homeland. The Mavericks star couldn't be happier with how that worked out. “It’s special,” said Doncic, who had a 50-point game on Christmas last year. “You have a lot of people from Europe want to watch the NBA. ... It’s a big thing. It’s going to be a special game.” Dallas beat Minnesota 4-1 in last year's West finals. For Timberwolves guard Mike Conley, this is season No. 18 — and his second Christmas game. “It was 14 years before I got to play on it in Utah,” Conley said. “I looked forward to the opportunity. Not many people get the opportunity to play. When people are celebrating the holidays, they turn on the TV and are watching the NBA." Mavs injury report Luka Doncic: Probable (left heel contusion Kessler Edwards, Out (G League-Two Way) Dante Exum: Out (right wrist surgery) Jaden Hardy: Questionable (right ankle sprain) Brandon Williams: Out (right thumb sprain) T-Wolves injury report This section will be updated when the injury report becomes available. What's next Following the Mavs' Christmas Day matchup with Minnesota, they will travel to Phoenix to take on the Suns on Friday. Friday, Dec. 27 | at Phoenix Suns - 8 p.m. on KFAA Saturday, Dec. 28 | at Portland Trailblazers - 9 p.m. on KFAA Monday, Dec. 30 | at Sacramento Kings - 9 p.m. on KFAA/NBA TV This article was created with contributions from Tim Reynolds, an Associated Press basketball writer.

Luigi Mangione, 26, was charged with murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Following his arrest, various claims about him circulated online, including speculation about an online manifesto that allegedly explained his motive for the killing. The post, attributed to "LM" on the blog site Substack, is titled “The Allopathic Complex and Its Consequences" and has been shared in various social media posts crediting Mangione as the author. This is allegedly Luigi Mangione’s manifesto. pic.twitter.com/uOFsGA6Nki VERIFY reader Tony texted us asking if the manifesto published to Substack is real. THE QUESTION Is the viral online post on Substack appearing to be written by Luigi Mangione real? THE SOURCES THE ANSWER No, the viral online post published to Substack appearing to be written by Luigi Mangione isn’t real. WHAT WE FOUND Luigi Mangione had a three-page document with him when he was arrested that police say speaks to his alleged motive at the time of the killing, but claims the manifesto posted online was authored by Mangione are false. VERIFY analyzed excerpts of the handwritten document and found it doesn't match any of the language in the fake online manifesto. Substack also said it removed the account because it violates the platform’s content guidelines, “which prohibit impersonation.” During a Dec. 9 press conference , New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the handwritten document Mangione had on his person when arrested “speaks to both his motivation and mindset.” When asked if the handwritten document was posted online, the New York Police Department’s Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said, “Don’t know if it's online. As of right now, it's a handwritten three-page document.” While police haven’t publicly released the handwritten document, excerpts have been reported by various news outlets such as the Associated Press , The New York Times and CBS . According to these reports, the document was either independently reviewed or described to reporters by sources close to the investigation. The New York Times summarized the excerpts they reviewed, saying the handwritten document called Thompson’s killing a “symbolic takedown” of the healthcare industry and also referenced corruption and “power games.” CBS reported Mangione criticized the disparity between U.S. healthcare costs and life expectancy rates. We compared the quoted excerpts from the reports to the Substack manifesto posted online and found none of the language from the handwritten document appears in the manifesto. The fake manifesto also lacks any reference to healthcare costs or life expectancy rates. Substack didn’t provide details on when the account was removed from the platform, but VERIFY was able to use archived pages captured on The Wayback Machine to determine the account was likely created while Mangione was in police custody. The Wayback Machine allows users to view and access snapshots, or screenshots, of websites. This screenshot archive from The Wayback Machine of the Substack account attributed to Mangione was captured at 9:43 p.m. ET on Dec. 9. Text on the Substack page archived indicates it was created about two hours earlier, during the time Mangione would have been in custody. At around 1:45 p.m. on Dec. 9 , the NYPD announced Mangione had been arrested as a person of interest in Thompson’s murder. He was arraigned on Dec. 9 around 6:30 p.m., according to court records. Related Articles The VERIFY team works to separate fact from fiction so that you can understand what is true and false. Please consider subscribing to our daily newsletter , text alerts and our YouTube channel . You can also follow us on Snapchat , Instagram , Facebook and TikTok . Learn More » Follow Us Want something VERIFIED? Text: 202-410-8808Tawfiq Abbasi gets look-after charge of PSQCA DG for fourth time Period of first charge expired on October 20, his new three-month look-after charge has been issued from back date ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Science and Technology has given the look-after charge of the post of Director General PSQCA MP One Scale to Grade 20 officer Deputy Director General Finance Tawfiq Abbasi for the fourth time. The period of his first charge expired on October 20, so his new three-month look-after charge has been issued from back date.Gauteng Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to over 48,000 emergency calls in the province since 1 December. The EMS responses have surpassed the 43 000 recorded during the same period last year. Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, revealed this information on Tuesday during an oversight visit to the EMS Operation Centre. EMS preparedness for festive season Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko assessed the effectiveness of medical emergency responses during the festive season, especially with Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve approaching, during her visit to the centre. According to the incident analysis report, over 23 000 of the calls were medical-related, followed by 13 941 interfacility transfers, 7 533 trauma cases, 2 791 accidents, and 963 suicide cases. ALSO READ: Gauteng health adjusts procedures after 9 000 serious adverse events reported in 21 months The MEC attributed the EMS response increases to improvements made in call response times. Nkomo-Ralehoko said the newly launched Provincial Health Operation Centre has enhanced the EMS’s operational capabilities. This includes establishing the institutional and technical capacities for efficient resource management and deployment, monitoring and assessing the district’s strengths for managing hospital diverts and identifying red zones, and putting the EMS Surveillance Programs and the District Health Information System (DHIS) into place for real-time data monitoring. Improvements in call response times With the expected increase in emergency cases for the remainder of the festive season, the MEC voiced confidence in the EMS team’s preparedness. She also highlighted the positive impact of the newly hired interns, who have contributed to the overall efficiency of the EMS operations. ALSO READ: Lesufi promises capacity boost to cancer patients “The call centre department is fully resourced to handle the expected surge in cases. I am happy to see our interns making a meaningful difference in ensuring that we are prepared to provide timely and effective medical assistance to those in need,” Nkomo-Ralehoko said. The MEC also praised recent advancements made by the Provincial Health Operation Centre, which functions as Gauteng EMS’ nerve hub. “Leveraging technological innovation to develop a comprehensive dashboard has proven to improve service delivery and emergency response rate,” she said. Improve service delivery “The PHOC monitors the incoming calls and dispatching of ambulances, monitors major incidents and alerts, hospital diversions, vehicle tracking, and capacity of the human response to ensure smooth operation.” Meanwhile, Wednesday marks the second anniversary since the tragic Boksburg gas explosion. ALSO READ: Gauteng Health sued over unused R784 million cancer treatment funds The MEC paid tribute to the lives of health workers who died during the incident, saying the department’s safer festive season campaign theme, “Beyond The Call Of Duty—Responding to Emergencies, Preserving Lives,” signals their preparedness to minimise casualties when responding to emergencies.

LAS VEGAS — Formula 1 on Monday at last said it will expand its grid in 2026 to make room for an American team that is partnered with General Motors. "As the pinnacle of motorsports, F1 demands boundary-pushing innovation and excellence. It's an honor for General Motors and Cadillac to join the world's premier racing series, and we're committed to competing with passion and integrity to elevate the sport for race fans around the world," GM President Mark Reuss said. "This is a global stage for us to demonstrate GM's engineering expertise and technology leadership at an entirely new level." The approval ends years of wrangling that launched a U.S. Justice Department investigation into why Colorado-based Liberty Media, the commercial rights holder of F1, would not approve the team initially started by Michael Andretti. Andretti in September stepped aside from leading his namesake organization, so the 11th team will be called Cadillac F1 and be run by new Andretti Global majority owners Dan Towriss and Mark Walter. The team will use Ferrari engines its first two years until GM has a Cadillac engine built for competition in time for the 2028 season. Towriss is the the CEO and president of Group 1001 and entered motorsports via Andretti's IndyCar team when he signed on financial savings platform Gainbridge as a sponsor. Towriss is now a major part of the motorsports scene with ownership stakes in both Spire Motorsports' NASCAR team and Wayne Taylor Racing's sports car team. Walter is the chief executive of financial services firm Guggenheim Partners and the controlling owner of both the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers and Premier League club Chelsea. "We're excited to partner with General Motors in bringing a dynamic presence to Formula 1," Towriss said. "Together, we're assembling a world-class team that will embody American innovation and deliver unforgettable moments to race fans around the world." Mario Andretti, the 1978 F1 world champion, will have an ambassador role with Cadillac F1. But his son, Michael, will have no official position with the organization now that he has scaled back his involvement with Andretti Global. "The Cadillac F1 Team is made up of a strong group of people that have worked tirelessly to build an American works team," Michael Andretti posted on social media. "I'm very proud of the hard work they have put in and congratulate all involved on this momentous next step. I will be cheering for you!" The approval has been in works for weeks but was held until after last weekend's Las Vegas Grand Prix to not overshadow the showcase event of the Liberty Media portfolio. Max Verstappen won his fourth consecutive championship in Saturday night's race, the third and final stop in the United States for the top motorsports series in the world. Grid expansion in F1 is both infrequent and often unsuccessful. Four teams were granted entries in 2010 that should have pushed the grid to 13 teams and 26 cars for the first time since 1995. One team never made it to the grid and the other three had vanished by 2017. There is only one American team on the current F1 grid — owned by California businessman Gene Haas — but it is not particularly competitive and does not field American drivers. Andretti's dream was to field a truly American team with American drivers. The fight to add this team has been going on for three-plus years, and F1 initially denied the application despite approval from F1 sanctioning body FIA. The existing 10 teams, who have no voice in the matter, also largely opposed expansion because of the dilution in prize money and the billions of dollars they've already invested in the series. Andretti in 2020 tried and failed to buy the existing Sauber team. From there, he applied for grid expansion and partnered with GM, the top-selling manufacturer in the United States. The inclusion of GM was championed by the FIA and president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who said Michael Andretti's application was the only one of seven applicants to meet all required criteria to expand F1's current grid. "General Motors is a huge global brand and powerhouse in the OEM world and is working with impressive partners," Ben Sulayem said Monday. "I am fully supportive of the efforts made by the FIA, Formula 1, GM and the team to maintain dialogue and work towards this outcome of an agreement in principle to progress this application." Despite the FIA's acceptance of Andretti and General Motors from the start, F1 wasn't interested in Andretti — but did want GM. At one point, F1 asked GM to find another team to partner with besides Andretti. GM refused and F1 said it would revisit the Andretti application if and when Cadillac had an engine ready to compete. "Formula 1 has maintained a dialogue with General Motors, and its partners at TWG Global, regarding the viability of an entry following the commercial assessment and decision made by Formula 1 in January 2024," F1 said in a statement. "Over the course of this year, they have achieved operational milestones and made clear their commitment to brand the 11th team GM/Cadillac, and that GM will enter as an engine supplier at a later time. Formula 1 is therefore pleased to move forward with this application process." Yet another major shift in the debate over grid expansion occurred earlier this month with the announced resignation of Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei, who was largely believed to be one of the biggest opponents of the Andretti entry. "With Formula 1's continued growth plans in the US, we have always believed that welcoming an impressive US brand like GM/Cadillac to the grid and GM as a future power unit supplier could bring additional value and interest to the sport," Maffei said. "We credit the leadership of General Motors and their partners with significant progress in their readiness to enter Formula 1." Get local news delivered to your inbox!

When Brighton produced a stirring comeback to defeat Manchester City here at the start of November and move into the top four, Fabian Hürzeler could have been forgiven for thinking that being a Premier League manager is a pretty straightforward business. But after another disappointing performance from his side that made it six matches without a victory and allowed Brentford to pick up only their second away point of the season, the 31-year-old may have a different opinion now. Despite creating a plethora of chances, Brighton could not find a way past Thomas Frank’s battling side, who lost their goalkeeper Mark Flekken to injury in the first half and handed a Premier League debut to Hákon Valdimarsson. In the absence of their top scorer, Danny Welbeck, who has been sidelined with an ankle injury, and for all their positivity and possession under Hürzeler, Brighton lack a cutting edge in attack that was exposed again by Brentford. They have not won at home since beating City and it was the travelling supporters who finally had something to celebrate at the final whistle. Brighton announced plans this week to move away supporters in an attempt to boost their fortunes here, with Russ Wood – the club’s head of commercial – admitting that their prominent position behind the goal is “not ideal”. But with that not due to take place until 2027 as part of a £40m development of their home, Hürzeler has acknowledged that performances need to improve quickly in the short term after their slide down the table. Ever the optimist, Frank said beforehand that this game offered another opportunity to end Brentford’s dismal run on the road. But while their owner, Matthew Benham, would have loved to get one over his Brighton counterpart, Tony Boom, given their feud that dates back more than 20 years to when they worked together, there seemed like only being one winner in the first half as the hosts tore out of the blocks. Defending the goal where Brentford’s fans sang tributes to Benham, Flekken was almost embarrassed when he passed straight to Carlos Baleba but Julio Enciso’s shot came off a post after he was expertly set up by João Pedro. But the Brentford goalkeeper came to his side’s rescue with saves from Baleba and then a point-blank header from Enciso after he was set up Kaoru Mitoma. The ball was in the net 30 seconds later when Yoane Wissa finished off a cross for Mads Roerslev in a rare foray forward for Brentford, only for VAR to rule it out for offside. Brighton’s onslaught continued as Brajan Gruda was next to test Flekken with a powerful free-kick before Matt O’Riley’s shot was tipped around a post by the Dutchman. He needed treatment on his groin after awkwardly clearing a cross from Mitoma and he was unable to continue. That meant a baptism of fire for his replacement, Valdimarsson, whose only previous appearances for Brentford have been in the Carabao Cup. But despite the relentless pressure, the Iceland goalkeeper and his defence somehow stood firm until the break as – much to Hürzeler’s frustration –too many of Brighton’s attacks broke down without any end product. Some nifty footwork from Valdimarsson even helped to create Brentford’s best chance of the half when he picked out Roerslev but Bryan Mbeumo was wasteful with the finish. Sign up to Football Daily Kick off your evenings with the Guardian's take on the world of football after newsletter promotion Increasingly misty conditions in the second half made things tricky for both sides and Frank could not believe his luck when the referee, Andy Madley, got in the way of another promising Brentford attack. The visitors were much more of a match for Brighton after the break and it needed a block from Jan Paul van Hecke to deny Wissa inside the area. Brighton continued to press forward but João Pedro should have done much better with a shot that dribbled harmlessly into Valdimarsson’s arms. Yet the longer they waited for a breakthrough the more anxious the home crowd became and Brentford grew in confidence and an acrobatic volley from Christian Nørgaard was deflected wide for a corner. Hürzeler threw on Simon Adingra, Yankuba Minteh and Yasin Ayari in an attempt to wrestle back the initiative but it was Brentford who almost found a way through after a mistake from Baleba allowed Mbeumo to set up Wissa on the break. João Pedro was fortunate to escape punishment after VAR looked at his attempted elbow on the Brentford substitute Yehor Yarmoliuk that didn’t make contact before Ayari blazed over from close range. There was a warm reception for Solly March as the forward made his first appearance since October 2023 after injury but his wayward effort in injury time summed up Brighton’s fortunes in front of goal.TOKYO, Dec. 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MEDIROM Healthcare Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ: MRM), "MEDIROM”, a holistic healthcare company that operates over 300 wellness salons across Japan and provides healthcare services, today announced the closing of its public offering of 2,860,000 American Depositary Shares at a public offering price of $1.75 per share, for gross proceeds of approximately $5,000,000 before deducting underwriting discounts and offering expenses. In addition, MEDIROM has granted the underwriters a 45-day option to purchase up to an additional 429,000 American Depositary Shares to cover over-allotments at the public offering price, less the underwriting discount. MEDIROM intends to use the proceeds for working capital and general corporate purposes, which may include investments, acquisitions, or strategic collaborations to expand its customer base, as well as marketing of new services. ThinkEquity is acting as sole book-running manager for the offering. A registration statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-281771) relating to the shares was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC”) and became effective on December 9, 2024. This offering is being made only by means of a prospectus. Copies of the final prospectus may be obtained from ThinkEquity, 17 State Street, 41 st Floor, New York, New York 10004. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. About MEDIROM Healthcare Technologies Inc. MEDIROM, a holistic healthcare company, operates over 300 wellness salons across Japan, Re.Ra.Ku® being its leading brand, and provides healthcare services. In 2015, MEDIROM entered the health tech business and launched new healthcare programs using an on-demand training app called "Lav®”, which is developed by MEDIROM. MEDIROM also entered the device business in 2020 and has developed a smart tracker "MOTHER Bracelet®”. In 2023, MEDIROM launched REMONY, a remote monitoring system for corporate clients, and has received orders from a broad range of industries, including nursing care, transportation, construction, and manufacturing, among others. MEDIROM hopes that its diverse health-related product and service offerings will help it collect and manage healthcare data from users and customers and enable it to become a leader in big data in the healthcare industry. For more information, visit https://medirom.co.jp/en . Forward-Looking Statements Regarding MEDIROM Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may include estimates or expectations about MEDIROM's possible or assumed operational results, financial condition, business strategies and plans, market opportunities, competitive position, industry environment, and potential growth opportunities. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terms such as "may,” "will,” "should,” "design,” "target,” "aim,” "hope,” "expect,” "could,” "intend,” "plan,” "anticipate,” "estimate,” "believe,” "continue,” "predict,” "project,” "potential,” "goal,” or other words that convey the uncertainty of future events or outcomes. These statements relate to future events or to MEDIROM's future financial performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause MEDIROM's actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond MEDIROM's control and which could, and likely will, affect actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Any forward-looking statement reflects MEDIROM's current views with respect to future events and is subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to MEDIROM's operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity. Contact: Investor Relations Team E-mail: [email protected]

In the backdrop of a new exhibition ‘Fonseca: An Indic Lexicon’ at the Xavier Institute Historical Research, Porvorim, NT NETWORK examines how the late Goan artist Angelo da Fonseca is gradually finding more ground in his homeland KALYANI JHA | NT NETWORK Goa has been the birthplace of many artists, some of whom have gained world prominence. Yet, not all of them were fully accepted by their community in their homeland. Among these was the great modernist painter late Angelo da Fonseca. Indeed, the St. Estevam-born artist, faced ire from the Portuguese administration in Goa at that time, the church, and his village, for his portrayal of Christian icons in Indian settings, which went against the then popular European version of Christianity. This led the Shantiniketan School of Art artist to leave Goa and settle in Pune where he produced most of his works at the Anglican Christa Prema Seva Ashram. His works went on to feature in major exhibitions, including in Rome. In fact, he also received a knighthood from the pope and two medals from Pope Pius XII. And now, over 50 years since his passing away in 1967, this forgotten artist in Goa with over 1,000 paintings exploring Christian art themes in the Indian context and colours is being reviewed, studied, and slowly getting his due recognition. Leading this revival of interest in his art is writer and artist Savia Viegas who has been studying Fonseca’s works since 2009. In fact, after presenting a paper on his work in Gujarat at the MS University, Baroda, Viegas received a one-year grant from the India Foundation for the Arts in 2010 to do further research. She has since curated a number of exhibitions on Fonseca at the Xavier Centre of Historical Research (XCHR), Porvorim. “I found his ideas very fascinating. Very few people looked at it that way. They just think he is an iconic painter. But when I saw the connection between development of the nation and polity and the kind of icons Fonseca was painting, it was fascinating,” she shares. She further explains that Fonseca started painting in 1931 and continued till 1967. These were the years of the freedom movement in India with major developments in the process of de-colonisation. “So, there are a lot of ideas about freedom struggle, Indian-ness, about having God look like Indian and not European which are embedded in his ideas,” says Viegas. Dwelling on the unkindness that Fonseca received for his works back in the day, Viegas states that this can be observed in some of his correspondence that she has access to. “It didn’t affect his painting but it definitely made him very despondent. He said, ‘I paint for the public but the public doesn’t accept my images’,” shares Viegas. “At one point of time he says, ‘How does it matter who I paint, who I don’t paint? What matters is that looking at a painting you are inspired by the ideas I am trying to convey’.” Viegas says that when she shared her ideas with the Jesuits at XCHR, they were helpful in allowing her to have a freehand in curating the exhibitions. In fact, the XCHR are the custodians of a collection of Fonseca’s original artworks which have been gifted to the centre by his widow Ivy. The Centre has been making these accessible for public viewing through these various exhibitions like ‘A Christmas Story’ which showed his paintings on Christmas and nativity, ‘The Power and The Glory’ which dwelt on the Lenten period, and ‘Maiden, Muse and Madonna’. Recently, a new exhibition ‘Fonseca: An Indic Lexicon’ opened at the centre. “This year, we decided to look at some paintings that were made during the year that India as a nation was being born after a colonial period,” says Viegas. She adds that this art exhibition has gotten a better response from people. “An artist collection is not to be kept in archive. It is to be shown to people because it was painted for people. The Jesuits are doing a fantastic job in this respect,” says Viegas. In fact, director of XCHR Fr. Rinald D’ Souza admits to learning more about Fonseca through the last three exhibitions he curated with Viegas. “Every time I look at Fonseca, I discover something more about him and something more about myself,” he says. Talking about the deep connection of the Jesuits and Fonseca, Fr. D’Souza explains that Fonseca had a deep association with Fr. Matthew Lederle who was also writing a lot on Indian Christian art. “Lederle was also instrumental in Fonseca’s travel to Nuremberg, Germany where a substantial portion of his collection resides. A lot of work was done for the Jesuits at that time,” he shares. He adds that Fonseca was one of the most important artists of the 20th century not just from the Goan and Christian perspective. “One of the things was that he made this change that moved the face of Christian iconography,” he says, adding that as a cultural institution, the XCHR has to do their best to promote Fonseca. But this journey to get this master artist his due, is an ongoing struggle, reveals Viegas. “I don’t think it is easy for an artist, especially in Goa, to make a mark, no matter how good he is. People are a little apathetic to art. We have good infrastructure now. But cultural appreciation and critique has to come from people. It is only then Fonseca and other forgotten artists will be redeemed,” says the curator. In fact, with the goal of throwing more light on Fonseca, two years ago, Fr. Délio Mendonça, while working at the XCHR, published a coffee table book titled ‘Fonseca’. “I had access to some literature on Fonseca from our library and to his many originals. But there was no book or relatively complete monograph on the artist. There were brief essays about this artist but not easily accessible. This lacuna is one of the reasons that led me to write the book,” he shares. Since the XCHR was the custodian of the Fonseca artworks and with plans for an art gallery for his large legacy, Fr. Mendonca thought that a book dedicated to the magnum opus of Fonseca was necessary to showcase Fonseca’s art and his thoughts to a larger public in India and in the Church; and to prevent Fonseca from falling into total oblivion. Architect Gerard Da Cunha who published the book adds that it was done for the simple reason that everybody had forgotten Fonseca. “I suppose books and exhibitions have popularised him now and he is getting into the mainstream as being one of Goa’s main artists. He was an artist beyond his time. And it takes time to bring a man back to his history,” he says. Fr. Mendonca too opines that books and exhibitions are a sign of recognition of the artist. But more needs to be done. “His works, his thoughts and the motivation for creating a new Christian iconography for India and the world can inspire religious, social and political life,” says Fr. Mendonca. “It is not easy to acknowledge the works of persons when these disturb our holy traditions and question our cherished assumptions. But art should also disturb, provoke and renew our commitments.” He adds that there is a need for an art gallery to bring out Fonseca’s art. “His universal thoughts and spirituality are important for contemporary India,” says Fr. Mendonca, adding that Fonseca’s work reflected human and divine representations emanating peace, devotion, tenderness and serenity. To take the interest in Fonseca’s artworks further, Viegas will soon be coming out with her monograph titled ‘Angelo da Fonseca: An Artist of His Time’with six chapters dealing with different facets of Fonseca’s life and art. “It looks at his early life, at his Bengal school influence of other artists. It also looks at the kind of technique he used and the kind of colours he made. The book also examines all the images he created. There is a special chapter on Our Lady and then the last chapter deals with how people responded to his work,” she shares. The XCHR is also looking at further plans to bring Fonseca into mainstream art discussion. “A lot more has to be done. This includes an extensive website to get Fonseca to the public and to make the collection known. We also would like to start educational programmes for school children and public and invite lecturers,” shares Fr. D’Souza. “But in terms of him getting his due, that depends on the public and how they accept Fonseca as their own.”