Real Madrid's $200 million superstar returns after 15-day injury layoff for crucial Champions League showdown, determined to avoid third consecutive defeat

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In addition to increasing its gold reserves, the People's Bank of China has also seen a rise in its overall foreign exchange reserves. This increase in reserves indicates that the central bank continues to actively manage and diversify its foreign exchange holdings to protect against currency fluctuations and other external risks.Ultimately, the balance between passenger convenience and safety remains a crucial consideration for transportation authorities when formulating policies regarding the carriage of personal items on trains. While the allowance of small knives may serve practical purposes for certain passengers, it is essential to prioritize the overall safety and well-being of all individuals on board. By promoting a culture of security consciousness and implementing effective measures to prevent potential risks, railway operators can enhance passenger confidence and ensure a secure and comfortable travel experience for everyone.Xue Jia Ning, known for her versatility and charisma on screen, arrived at the set of Zhao Lusi's new drama with a big smile and a bouquet of flowers in hand. The moment Zhao saw her longtime friend, her face lit up with joy and excitement. The two actresses embraced each other warmly, exchanging words of encouragement and support.

The OpenAI Sora protest is just a taste of what’s coming in 2025 – here’s what needs to changeThe architects of Australia’s $230 billion Future Fund have skewered Labor’s changes to its investment mandate, warning the “disgraceful” shift could mean it “falls into despair”. Treasurer Jim Chalmers on Thursday made changes to the fund which would direct money into renewable energy, housing and infrastructure to strengthen Australia’s long-term economic resilience and address pressing national challenges. He stressed the fund, which was established in 2006 by the Howard government, would still adhere to its commercial focus while “maximising its role in delivering for Australians in the future”. The move has drawn intense criticism with Peter Costello, the treasurer when the Future Fund was established and its former chair, saying the fund was “never set up to be a political slush fund” while deputy opposition leader Sussan Ley said the mandate directed money to Labor’s “pet projects”. David Murray, the Future Fund’s inaugural chairman, said the government’s shift veered away from the original intention and “undoes all the work” which had been put into it since its inception. “It was never the subject of politicisation of its investments,” Mr Murray told Sky News on Thursday. “It allows the government to invest in its own public projects off the budget and that’s not a good thing for the transparency of the Future Fund. “It’s not a good thing for their long-term returns. It undoes all the work that we’ve put in since 2006 to get this set up with a fantastic international reputation.” Mr Murray said the government’s mandate was destined to result in lower returns for the fund as it tinkers with its dynamic asset allocation policy, which determines where the fund invests. “This (change) will distort the asset allocation and therefore must distort the returns,” he said. “So if you ask the Future Fund to do this but not change the return target – (it) just does not make sense.” Mr Murray continued to lament of the government’s intervention into the fund, which he claimed undermined its independence. “Once you start tinkering with (the Future Fund), the whole notion of its independence, of its performance falls into disrepair,” he said. Alongside Mr Murray, Howard-era foreign minister Alexander Downer drew a comparison between the government’s move and the high spending of the Whitlam government. “I think it's absolutely disgraceful,” Mr Downer said. “This is precisely the sort of mindset that the Whitlam government had all those decades ago, which came very close to destroying the Australian economy.” He argued Mr Chalmers’ move would mean the government was shifting its investments into assets which typically do not make such a profitable return. “We'll all pay the price for it,” Mr Downer said. “If these projects were profitable, then the private sector would already be investing in them.” Mr Downer echoed Mr Costello’s criticism of the mandate, even claiming the shift could mean the fund starts to lose value. “It's clearly a political slush fund because their plan is to divert resources away from areas which will generate high returns into areas that are not so profitable or would generate negative returns," he said. "The consequence of this is that gradually they'll start running down the Future Fund. “It is completely contrary to the vision of the Howard government where money had been saved.” Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce also set his sights on Mr Chalmers’ mandate, claiming it could leave many struggling Aussies worse off. “Sooner or later the epiphany has to have happened to all Australians, led by what’s happening in (Parliament House), to realise that we are destroying our economy, losing our savings, smashing our land, (and) driving pensioners into poverty for the sake of intermittent power and overseas multinationals and billionaires,” Mr Joyce told Andrew Bolt on Thursday. Many critics also questioned the Future Fund’s current chairman, Greg Combet, who was the climate change minister during Julia Gillard’s government and former chair of the Net Zero Economy Agency. Sky News business editor Ross Greenwood questioned whether the ex-Labor minister would push back against the mandate. “When (Mr Combet) comes out and says, ‘look, we think this is all absolutely fine’, what do you reckon he's talking about?” Greenwood said. “This is where a government agency that is supposed to be independent and is all of a sudden being pushed around by the government of the day.” Others pointed out Labor’s Future Fund overhaul was likely to be a key election issue as both parties look to earn public favour as voters prepare to hit the polls in 2025. Columnist Patrick Carlyon predicted the mandate would be “a massive election issue” on which the Coalition would capitalise in the lead up to the next election. “It fits into (the Coalition’s) narrative that Labor wants to take your money and wants to spend it badly and... spend a lot of it as well,” Mr Carolyn told Credlin on Thursday. The Future Fund was originally established to cover unfunded superannuation liabilities for federal employees. It aims for an annual return of at least 4-5 per cent above inflation “with an acceptable but not excessive level of risk”, its website states. Mr Chalmers on Thursday attempted to reassure the public this level of return would not be compromised, insisting it will “provide the same strong returns to the government’s balance sheet while supporting national priorities where it can”. The Future Fund’s assets are expected to grow to $380 billion by 2032-33, with no drawdowns from the Fund until at least that time.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — The New England Patriots are focused on the future following their 25-24 loss to the Indianapolis Colts . The Patriots (3-10) were officially eliminated from playoff contention with the loss Sunday, meaning that this week’s bye in many ways will begin the process of the coaching staff and front office evaluating the roster for 2025. The good news is that this group has shown plenty of grit this season, playing seven games that were decided by one score. The bad news is that the Patriots are just 2-5 in those games. Though New England’s bye comes late in the season, coach Jerod Mayo said the timing is perfect for a team that is feeling the effects of its shortcomings . “A much-needed bye week, not only physically for the players but also mentally, just being able to hit the reset button and come back, put some good games together and continue to build for the future,” Mayo said. “That has to be our goal.” Tight end Austin Hooper said the seed that needs to be planted over the final four games is finding a way to limit the mistakes — namely penalties and trouble finishing drives — that have hampered the offense throughout the season. “We’ve got to execute at a higher level. We can’t beat a team before you stop hurting yourself,” Hooper said. “It’s not for lack of effort, just things that happen out there that get you scars in this league.” This was the most balanced performance by the offense this season, with 222 passing yards and a season-high 200 yards rushing. It shows progress under new coordinator Alex Van Pelt, which is something to build on over the final four games. Red zone efficiency. It continues to be the most glaring deficiency for the Patriots’ offense. They were 2 of 6 on Sunday and rank 30th in the NFL, scoring a touchdown only 44.7% (17 of 38) of the time inside the 20-yard line. TE Hunter Henry. He finished with seven catches for 75 yards, which is his seventh game this season with five or more receptions. He leads the team this season with 58 catches for 610 yards and continues to be a dependable option for quarterback Drake May as he navigates his rookie season. K Joey Slye. He made 3 of his 5 field-goal attempts, including a 54-yarder in the second quarter. Most of the conversation following the game was about his NFL record-long 68-yard attempt that came up short as time expired. But because of the 1-point loss, he was lamenting the 25-yard attempt he missed wide left just before halftime. “I take full responsibility for this,” Slye said. “Every point for this team matters with how we play complementary football with offense, defense and special teams. So, whenever I am out there, I have got to score points.” Henry left the game in the first quarter after a helmet-to-helmet hit. He was able to return in the second quarter and finished the game. 7 — Number of penalties called on the Patriots, costing them 88 yards. Five penalties (four accepted) were called on the offensive line. That included one for holding on Mike Onwenu that nullified a touchdown run by Rhamondre Stevenson in the first quarter and forced New England to settle for a field goal. The Patriots have a bye this week. They visit the Arizona Cardinals on Dec. 15. AP NFL coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

Russia: US using Taiwan to incite crisis in AsiaThis season has gone exceedingly well for the Minnesota Vikings . Despite incredibly lackluster projections, they have surpassed those feelings just halfway through the year. Kevin O’Connell could have his team picking up their ninth win of the season Sunday against Chicago. That doesn’t mean everyone believes in them, and Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio has had enough. Minnesota Vikings can’t convince Mike Florio they are good Although Mike Florio is a prominent national voice, he’s also a Minnesota Vikings fan. He routinely appears on KFAN to talk with Paul Allen , and there will always be a level of fandom to his assessment of the team. That means he has also experienced plenty of heartbreak over the years. It seems pretty evident that is holding back his feelings regarding this current iteration. “The past two games, the past three games have been so fricken boring. There’s no excitement in watching the Vikings play. There’s something missing. I think it’s because they’re playing teams that they should be kicking the sh-t out of and they’re not. It makes me wonder what happens when they come up against a really good team. I mean, look at the Jaguars. 12-7. They the go to Detroit and it was the worst attack by a lions since Montecore. 52-6. Worst loss in franchise history for the Jaguars. Biggest win in franchise history for the Lions. They don’t screw around. I feel like the Vikings can’t deliver the knockout blow. It’s just hang on, and hang on, and hang on. It’s just not fun to watch games like that where there’s never that uprising. It’s just like, there’s a lead, can they hold it?” There are plenty of times where Florio’s opinions can be dismissed as overblown, but it’s hard to suggest he’s wrong here. This isn’t like when he was calling for Minnesota to trade Sam Darnold for Matthew Stafford . This isn’t an overreaction. The Vikings have played two bottom-feeders in recent weeks, and they largely failed to put them away. 98 YARDS TO THE HOUSE!!!!!!! : Watch #MINvsTEN on @NFLonCBS stream on NFL+ pic.twitter.com/y8RseU8zPy When Minnesota goes to Chicago this weekend, they have another chance to make a statement. This Bears team isn’t good, and even in making coaching changes, Caleb Williams still has yet to prove anything. The offensive line gives up sacks in bunches, and Brian Flores should put him on his back often. Ultimately though, Florio doesn’t see that happening either. “This feels like a Chicago win. They’re better than 4-6, and the Vikings don’t deserve to be 9-2. The Bears’ offense has improved, and Sam Darnold can be counted on to make a mistake or two.” #Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell says despite an 8-2 record, “I still believe a total, complete team performance is out there for us. That’s what we’re trying to work towards.” @FOX9 pic.twitter.com/7CL9OLrAek There’s always something to happen at Soldier Field. The playing surface is a mess and the Vikings have struggled to complete season sweeps. They did win on the road last season , and they need to grab another divisional victory on Sunday. Maybe if Minnesota can put up the all around performance that O’Connell Minnesota is closing in on the end of their three-game road stretch. It would be great to seem them make a statement before they return home against the Arizona Cardinals. This article first appeared on Minnesota Sports Fan and was syndicated with permission.

Northwestern women blank Saint Joseph's 5-0 to win second national championship in field hockeyWhen Patrick Troughton’s time as the second Doctor was coming to an end, so much of both the nature of the Doctor’s ability to cheat death and change faces, as well as their relationship to their people, the mysterious Time Lords, was still unwritten . We’d only seen regeneration once, and “The War Games”—which the BBC recently announced as its next colorization project after last year’s anniversary release of “The Daleks”—would also mark the very first time we saw other Time Lords at all. But alongside that introduction, Doctor Who explored an idea it would only rarely return to across the next half-century: what if regeneration itself didn’t occur naturally? The Second Doctor’s Forced Regeneration The second Doctor’s regeneration at the climax of “The War Games” is unique in several ways. Trapped and placed on trial by his own people, the Doctor is given a sentence for his crimes of violating the Time Lord’s sacred policy of non-interference: firstly, that he’ll be exiled to Earth without use of the TARDIS, and secondly, that he will be regenerated into a new identity as part of that exile. It’s the first time we ever see the process considered less as a natural reaction to death, and instead as something that can be actively triggered in some way by the Time Lords themselves, and even more interestingly, it’s the first time we ever see regeneration treated as a selective process. The Time Lords offer the Doctor a series of potential faces for his next incarnation, all of which he refuses out of protest—only for his captors to then decide that they’ll force a new identity on him without the luxury of choice, suggesting that not only is there the capacity for a Time Lord to have regeneration triggered by force through non-fatal means, but also that at least upper echelons of Time Lord society had devised ways to decide what future incarnations of any given Time Lord could be in that process. It’s also clear in “The War Games” that the act of a forced regeneration is deeply traumatic and painful, even compared to the usual traumatic scenario that triggers the process. There still really hasn’t been a regeneration presented to us in Doctor Who quite like it: the Doctor begins convulsing mid-sentence as he assails his people for their judgement of his actions, his face contorting as we see floating versions of Patrick Troughton’s head spin and blur around a dark space, before seeing the Doctor himself plummet into the metaphorical abyss. But what’s interesting is that it’s also the only time we’ve ever not actually seen the Doctor’s moment of regeneration into a new incarnation occur on screen: “The War Games” ends with the Doctor trapped in that black abyss, having to wait another six months until “Spearhead From Space” opened with Jon Pertwee’s freshly regenerated Time Lord tumbling out of the TARDIS onto earth, and into Doctor Who ‘s first story broadcast in color. Forced Regeneration In Other Doctor Who Media That doesn’t mean that the Second Doctor’s actual regeneration went unseen, though. Six weeks before “Spearhead From Space” aired, TV Comic published “The Night Walkers,” the last of its comics to feature Troughton’s Doctor. That story established that “The War Games” didn’t actually begin the Doctor’s regeneration, but instead simply whisked him away to start his exile on Earth, with the second Doctor becoming something of a celebrity in his time on the planet. However, while investigating a case of mysterious walking scarecrows, the Doctor discovers that the animated beings are actually agents of the Time Lords sent to surreptitiously draw the Doctor away from the limelight so they can... well, essentially execute him. It’s still technically a forced regeneration, brought on by the Time Lord’s edict, but it’s still a scarecrow firing squad fatally zapping the Doctor and dragging him back to his TARDIS as his regeneration begins! While the canonicity of the early TV Comics stories has never been all too important, this is at least one thing we might see being changed in the upcoming colorization. The trailer released by the BBC featured a brief glimpse of a scene with Troughton’s Doctor standing in the TARDIS, glowing with the regenerative energy effect that has become a staple of regeneration in Doctor Who in its modern era, potentially suggesting that we’ll actually get some version of the second Doctor’s regeneration depicted in the new version of “The War Games.” But “The Night Walkers” isn’t the only ancillary Doctor Who material to deal with the idea of forced regeneration—it became a major worldbuilding aspect of the “War in Heaven,” a catastrophic temporal conflict between the Time Lords and a mysterious opponent known only as the Enemy in later Eighth Doctor novels and the unaffiliated “spinoff” novel and audio drama series, Faction Paradox . Occasionally conflated with what would become the Last Great Time War in contemporary Doctor Who continuity, the War in Heaven saw soldiers in the Gallifreyan military (referred to in Faction Paradox simply as the House Military, the allied forces of the Great Houses of the Homeworld) eventually bioengineered to have larger regeneration cycles to keep them fighting across generations of conflict, and eventually constructed with artificial biodata to regenerate into increasingly less-humanoid organic weapons of war. Part of that forced genetic evolution would involve missions of forced regeneration that would prime troops to be regenerated into new bodies better suited for upcoming engagements. Forced Regeneration In Modern Doctor Who While forced regeneration is quite rare in Doctor Who , our most prominent examples of it after “The War Games” come from after the series’ revival in 2005. “The Night of the Doctor,” the 2013 short film that finally portrayed the Eighth Doctor’s regeneration, featured a somewhat similar regenerative process, when the grievously wounded Doctor was given an elixir by the Sisterhood of Karn that both triggered his regeneration and allowed him to select an identity and personality to participate in the Last Great Time War in: the incarnation eventually known simply as the “War Doctor.” But while elements of the regeneration had parallels to the process seen in “The War Games,” it wasn’t a direct comparison. We see something much more akin to that process during Jodie Whittaker’s tenure as the Thirteenth Doctor. Initially first glimpsed in the controversial revelation of the Doctor’s true origins in “The Timeless Children” , the young being that will be known as the Doctor is seen as the template for the transformation of Gallifrey’s native people, the Shobogans, into the Time Lords, after a Shobogan scientist, Tecteun, discovers the Doctor’s natural regenerative capabilities and experiments on them in an attempt to splice that ability into her own people—a process that sees the Doctor’s young self forcibly regenerated through multiple identities, before being forcefully regenerated with their memories lost when Tecteun and the now-Time Lords decided to make the origins of regeneration secret. It appears again in Whittaker’s final story, “The Power of the Doctor,” where the Master not only manages to forcibly trigger the Doctor’s regeneration, but hijacks the process so that she is regenerated into the Master’s own form and psyche, trapping the Doctor’s true consciousness in a splinter of their own mind. Again, while there are definitely parallels to the regeneration glimpsed in “The War Games” here, it’s not wholly similar: the Doctor managed to reverse the effects of the Master’s forced regeneration upon her, ousting his consciousness from her form with seemingly few side-effects... until the Master managed to mortally wound her during their conflict anyway, triggering a more traditional regeneration into a new incarnation.