2883 bet365

Strictly Come Dancing viewers have called out the show’s judges for “unfair” scoring as they feel one contestant is receiving “softer” treatment than others. As the semi-final takes place, with only one week until one contestant is awarded the Glitterball Trophy, the competition has been tougher than ever with celebrities scoring highly. Tasha Ghouri was awarded a perfect score for her second performance of the night, a Waltz to “(You Make Me Feel) A Natural Woman” by Aretha Franklin. JB Gill received the same for his Salsa to “Red Alert” by Basement Jaxx, which marks the first time a Salsa performance has received a perfect score in six years on the show. But as Ghouri, Gill, Sarah Hadland, and Chris McCausland received technical critiques for their first performances of the night, fans claimed the panel takes a different approach with Towie ’s Wicks and his partner Jowita Przystal. Head judge Shirley Ballas gave the TV personality gushing praise as she said Wicks embodied the show, while usually critical Horwood told the star “I love you”. However, despite their compliments, the pair still received the lowest marks of the episode. “Craig is never as picky with Pete, who can see what he’s doing, as he is with Chris,” said one person of his critique of the comedian’s performance. “Tasha, Sarah, JB are definitely technically the best dancers,” wrote another. “The judges/producers definitely want a Chris/Pete dance-off and they will ensure they get it.” Another added, “They want JB and Pete in the final clearly. Putting Tasha and Sarah in the dance-off”. “The way the judges judge Chris and Sarah compared to Pete is wild,” commented another on X/Twitter. “What has Pete got on BBC producers?!” It comes as Wicks has received mounting backlash for making it so far in the competition, despite being at the bottom of the leaderboard on multiple occasions. The Towie star said he has received death threats for people unhappy with his progress . Wicks reached out to fans on social media for their support ahead of the semi-final. In a post on his Instagram, Wicks and Przystal are seen looking forlorn along with the caption: “Today is semi-finals day. It’s been 12 weeks of hard work, ups and downs...can we do the unthinkable? We would love your support tonight.”Putin apologizes for 'tragic incident' but stops short of saying Azerbaijani plane was shot down MOSCOW (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin has apologized to his Azerbaijani counterpart for what he called a “tragic incident” following the crash of an Azerbaijani airliner in Kazakhstan that killed 38 people. He stopped short of acknowledging that Moscow was responsible. The Kremlin said that air defense systems were firing near Grozny, the regional capital of the Russian republic of Chechnya, to deflect a Ukrainian drone strike as the plane attempted to land on Wednesday. Putin apologized to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev “for the fact that the tragic incident occurred in Russian airspace.” The Kremlin also says Russia, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are jointly investigating the crash site near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan. Israel detains the director of one of northern Gaza's last functioning hospitals during a raid DEIR AL BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Gaza's Health Ministry says Israel’s army has detained the director of one of northern Gaza's last functioning hospitals. The announcement on Saturday came after health officials said Israeli troops stormed the hospital and forced many staff and patients outside and told them to strip in winter weather. Israel’s military alleges the hospital director is a suspected Hamas operative and says it detained over 240 others. It acknowledges it ordered people outside and that special forces entered the hospital. It says it “eliminated” militants who fired at its forces. Kamal Adwan officials have denied that Hamas operates in the hospital. Abortions are up in the US. It's a complicated picture as women turn to pills, travel Even with abortion bans in place in most Republican-controlled states, the number of people obtaining them has grown slightly. That's part of a complicated picture of the impacts of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade two and a half years ago. Abortion pills are more common now. So is traveling to other states for care, often on journeys hundreds of miles long. Public support for the right to abortion has also increased since before the ruling. That's been reflected in most ballot measures to add the right to abortion to state constitutions being adopted. Drought, fires and deforestation battered Amazon rainforest in 2024 BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — The Amazon rainforest staggered through another difficult year in 2024. A second year of record drought contributed to wildfires that worsened deforestation across the massive forest, which spans Brazil, Peru, Colombia and other Latin American nations and is a critical counterweight to climate change. There were some bright spots. Both Brazil and Colombia reported lower levels of deforestation compared to prior years. Experts say Amazon countries need to do more to strengthen cross-border collaboration and that the global community who reap the benefits of commodities from the rainforest also need to pitch in. Bloodied Ukrainian troops risk losing more hard-won land in Kursk to Russia KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Five months after their shock offensive into Russia, Ukrainian troops are bloodied by daily combat losses and demoralized by the rising risk of defeat in Kursk. Some want to stay in the region at all costs. Others question the value of having gone in at all. Battles are so intense that commanders are unable to evacuate their dead. Lags in communication and poorly timed operations have cost lives and commanders say they have little way to counterattack. The overstretched Ukrainians have lost more than 40% of the territory they won in the lightning incursion that seized much of Kursk in August. Afghan forces target Pakistan in retaliation for deadly airstrikes Afghanistan's Defense Ministry says its forces hit several points inside Pakistan in retaliation for deadly airstrikes. Pakistan last Tuesday launched an operation to destroy a training facility and kill insurgents in Afghanistan's eastern Paktika province. The strikes killed dozens of people. The ministry said Saturday that its forces hit points “serving as centers and hideouts for malicious elements and their supporters who organized and coordinated attacks in Afghanistan.” Pakistan accuses the Taliban of not doing enough to combat cross-border militant activity, a charge the Taliban government denies. Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who instituted economic reforms, cremated in New Delhi NEW DELHI (AP) — Manmohan Singh, the former Indian prime minister widely regarded as the architect of the country’s economic reform program, has been cremated after a state funeral. The veteran leader, who was also credited for a landmark nuclear deal with the United States, died late Thursday at age 92. Singh’s body was taken Saturday to the headquarters of his Congress party in New Delhi, where party leaders and activists paid tributes to him and chanted “Manmohan Singh lives forever.” Later, his body was transported to a crematorium ground for his last rites as soldiers beat drums. A mild-mannered technocrat, Singh was prime minister for 10 years until 2014. Sweden embarks on a sober search for more cemetery space in case of war GOTHENBURG, Sweden (AP) — Burial associations in Sweden are looking to acquire enough land for something they hope they’ll never have to do. And that's to bury thousands of people in the event of war. The search follows new crisis preparedness guidelines from the country's civil defense agency and the military. The issue is seen in a new light after Russia's invasion of Ukraine led formerly neutral Sweden to join NATO. Sweden and Finland sent out updated civil preparedness guides in November with instructions on how to survive in war. The guides are similar to those in Denmark and Norway, though they don't mention Russia by name. Olivia Hussey, star of the 1968 film 'Romeo and Juliet,' dies at 73 LONDON (AP) — Olivia Hussey, the actor who starred as a teenage Juliet in the 1968 film “Romeo and Juliet,” has died, her family said on social media. She was 73. Hussey died on Friday, “peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones,” a statement posted to her Instagram account said. Hussey was 15 when director Franco Zeffirelli cast her in his adaptation of the William Shakespeare tragedy. “Romeo and Juliet” won two Oscars and Hussey won a Golden Globe for best new actress for her part as Juliet, opposite British actor Leonard Whiting. Decades later, the pair brought a lawsuit against Paramount Pictures over nude scenes in the film they said they were coerced to perform. The case was dismissed by a Los Angeles County judge in 2023. Winning ticket for $1.22 billion lottery jackpot sold in California, Mega Millions says At least one Mega Millions player has plenty of dough to ring in the New Year after drawing the winning number. After three months without anyone winning the top prize in the lottery, a ticket worth an estimated $1.22 billion was sold in California for the drawing Friday night. The California Lottery said the winning ticket was sold at Circle K (Sunshine Food and Gas) on Rhonda Rd. in Cottonwood. The winning ticket matched the white balls 3, 7, 37, 49, 55 and the gold Mega Ball 6. The identity of the winner or winners was not immediately known. The estimated jackpot was the fifth-highest ever for Mega Millions.Report: Former Nebraska coach Scott Frost returns to UCF as head coach2883 bet365 。

Lindsey Vonn competes in a pair of downhills, another step on her comeback trail at the age of 40 COPPER MOUNTAIN, Colo. (AP) — For a pair of lower-level downhill events, this sure had plenty of Olympic medal-capturing and World Cup-winning ski racers. Pat Graham, The Associated Press Dec 7, 2024 11:54 AM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Lindsey Vonn reacts after her run at a downhill skiing race at Copper Mountain Ski Resort, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, in Copper Mountain, Colo. (AP Photo/John Locher) COPPER MOUNTAIN, Colo. (AP) — For a pair of lower-level downhill events, this sure had plenty of Olympic medal-capturing and World Cup-winning ski racers. The stage belonged to Lindsey Vonn , the 40-year-old who took another step on her comeback trail Saturday with her first races in nearly six years. Vonn wasn't particularly speedy and finished in the middle of the pack on a cold but sunny day at Copper Mountain. Times and places weren't the mission, though, as much as getting used to the speed again and gaining the necessary points to compete on the World Cup circuit this season. Vonn accomplished both, finishing 24th in the first downhill race of the day and 27th in the second. She posted on social media after the FIS races that she had enough points to enter World Cup events. The timing couldn't be more perfect — the next stop on the women's circuit is Beaver Creek, Colorado, in a week. Vonn, who used to own a home in nearby Vail, hasn't committed to any sort of timetable for a World Cup return. “Today was a solid start and I had a blast being in start with my teammates again!” Vonn wrote on X . “While I’m sure people will speculate and say I’m not in top form because of the results, I disagree. This was training for me. I’m still testing equipment and getting back in the groove.” Her competition — a veritable who's who of high-profile ski racers — applauded her efforts. “I don't expect her to come back and win — just that she comes back and she has fun,” said Federica Brignone of Italy, a former overall World Cup champion and three-time Olympic medalist. “She's having fun, and she’s doing what she loves. That’s the best thing that she could do.” In the first race on a frigid morning, Vonn wound up 1.44 seconds behind the winning time of 1 minute, 5.79 seconds posted by Mirjam Puchner of Austria. In her second race through the course later in the morning, Vonn was 1.53 seconds behind Cornelia Huetter of Austria, who finished in 1:05.99. Huetter is the reigning season-long World Cup downhill champion. “It’s really nice to compare with her again, and nice to have her (racing) again,” Huetter said. “For sure, for the skiing World Cup, we have a lot of more attention. It's generally good for all racers because everyone is looking.” Also in the field were Nadia Delago of Italy, who won a bronze medal in downhill at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, and Puchner, the Olympic silver winner in super-G in Beijing. In addition, there was Marta Bassino of Italy, a winner of the super-G at the 2023 world championships, and two-time Olympic champion Michelle Gisin of Switzerland. “For me, it was really a training, but it was fun to have a World Cup race level right here,” Gisin said. “It was a crazy race.” Vonn remains a popular figure and took the time after each run to sign autographs for young fans along with posing for photos. When she left the sport, Vonn had 82 World Cup race victories, which stood as the record for a woman and within reach of the all-time Alpine record of 86 held by Swedish standout Ingemar Stenmark. The women’s mark held by Vonn was surpassed in January 2023 by Mikaela Shiffrin, who now has 99 wins — more than any Alpine ski racer in the history of the sport. Shiffrin is currently sidelined after a crash in a giant slalom event in Killington, Vermont , last weekend. Vonn’s last major race was in February 2019, when she finished third in a downhill during the world championships in Sweden. The three-time Olympic medalist left the circuit still near the top of her game. But all the broken arms and legs, concussions and torn knee ligaments took too big a toll and sent her into retirement. She had a partial knee replacement last April and felt good enough to give racing another shot. “It's very impressive to see all the passion that Lindsey still has,” Gisin said. Also racing Saturday was 45-year-old Sarah Schleper, who once competed for the United States but now represents Mexico. Schleper was the next racer behind Vonn and they got a chance to share a moment between a pair of 40-somethings still racing. “I was like, ‘Give me some tips, Lindsey,’” Schleper said. “She’s like, ‘Oh, it’s a highway tuck, the whole thing.’ Then she’s like, ‘It’s just like the good old days.’" ___ AP skiing: https://apnews.com/hub/alpine-skiing Pat Graham, The Associated Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Get your daily Victoria news briefing Email Sign Up More Skiing Murisier claims 1st World Cup win by taking men's downhill, Canada's Crawford fourth Dec 6, 2024 3:40 PM American ski racer Lindsey Vonn is picking up speed in her comeback bid at 40 years old Dec 6, 2024 1:37 PM Ski champ Lindsey Vonn poised to join pro athletes who've shown they still have it at 40+ Dec 6, 2024 9:46 AM

Alexander Mashinsky, 58, of Manhattan, entered the plea in New York federal court to commodities and securities fraud.None

Disability ministers will ‘champion’ inclusion and accessibility, says TimmsThe Intelligent Real Estate ETF (NASDAQ:REAI) Announces Dividend of $0.12None

What to know about a Wisconsin man who faked his own death and fled to Eastern EuropeFree tax filing with IRS Direct File: What you need to know

Work and pensions minister Sir Stephen Timms said the move aims to drive “real improvements” for disabled people, whom the ministers will be encouraged to engage with on a regular basis. He told the Commons: “I am very pleased to be able to announce today the appointment of new lead ministers for disability in each Government department, they will represent the interests of disabled people, champion disability inclusion and accessibility within their departments. “I’m going to chair regular meetings with them and will encourage them to engage directly with disabled people and their representative organisations, as they take forward their departmental priorities. “And I look forward to this new group of lead ministers for disability together driving real improvements across Government for disabled people.” This came during an adjournment debate on International Day of Persons with Disabilities, where Liberal Democrat MP Steve Darling raised concerns about “floating bus stops”, which have a cycle lane between the stop and the pavement. Intervening, the MP for Torbay, who is registered blind, said: “The Government needs to ban floating bus stops.” Sir Stephen said: “I do think this issue about floating bus stops is an important issue which we need to work across Government to reflect on.” Labour MP Debbie Abrahams, who led the debate, had earlier criticised the lack of accessibility for disabled people on trains. The Oldham East and Saddleworth MP said: “Our train network does not have level access, and we heard Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson from the other place make this plea back in the summer, absolutely outrageous what she was put through. “But I was absolutely shocked to find, when I had a presentation of the TransPennine route upgrade, that the rolling stock yet to be commissioned is not going to provide that level access. “It’s absolute nonsense, it’s not even in the design of that procurement, so we must do better than this.”NEW YORK , Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- GenNx360 Capital Partners ("GenNx360"), a New York -based private equity firm, is pleased to announce the final sale of its portfolio company, ITsavvy LLC ("ITsavvy" or "the Company"), a provider of end-to-end IT infrastructure solutions, to Xerox Holdings Corporation ("Xerox") for $400 million . This transaction marks a significant milestone for GenNx360, as its first investment in the technology services sector. ITsavvy is an Oak Brook, Illinois -based technology solutions and services provider that delivers frictionless IT experiences by designing, developing and delivering technology infrastructure solutions and services that accelerate business outcomes on behalf of its clients. During GenNx360's investment, the Company experienced impressive organic growth, completed an acquisition of a highly strategic AIOps-enabled managed services provider ("MSP") and significantly increased overall profitability through several well-executed margin enhancement initiatives. A committed focus to the Company's services strategy further fueled organic growth and strengthened the Company's overall value proposition. Through the support of GenNx360, the Company also successfully launched an AI and Intelligent Automation strategy. This strategy included commercializing an AI offering to better serve the Company's clients, as well as optimizing the Company's internal operations. "The completion of this transaction marks a significant milestone for ITsavvy and for GenNx360. Over the past two years, ITsavvy has undergone exceptional growth and transformation under the leadership of Munu Gandhi and his team. Their dedication and collaboration with our firm have been critical to the company's success. We are proud of ITsavvy's achievements and confident it will continue to thrive as part of Xerox," said Ron Blaylock , GenNx360 Founder and Managing Partner, and Chairman of the ITsavvy Board of Directors. "We appreciate GenNx360's support and strategic insights over the past two years. They have been an outstanding partner to work with to enhance and evolve our platform," said ITsavvy CEO, Munu Gandhi. "We are excited to join forces with a longstanding company in Xerox, one of the great global brands, and we look forward to supporting their next stage of growth." "As part of our Reinvention, we have created a greater organizational focus on our emerging IT Services capabilities," said John Bruno , President and Chief Operating Officer at Xerox. "ITsavvy's complementary offerings, combined with our reputation, position us to accelerate growth across key markets and unlock new opportunities to help clients transform the way they work." "It has been a privilege to work with Munu and the ITsavvy team over the past two years. We are incredibly proud of the Company's growth and look forward to following their success in the future," said Peter White , Principal at GenNx360 and ITsavvy Board Member. This transaction underscores GenNx360's focus on driving operational excellence and delivering strong outcomes for our investors. Loeb & Loeb and Greenberg Traurig served as legal advisors to ITsavvy and GenNx360. About ITsavvy LLC ITsavvy is an industry-leading IT infrastructure solutions provider with comprehensive value added resell capabilities. Founded in 2004 in suburban Chicago , ITsavvy provides frictionless client experiences through the deployment of holistic solutions that deliver client business outcomes. For more information on ITsavvy, please visit www.itsavvy.com . About GenNx360 Capital Partners GenNx360 Capital Partners is a private equity firm focused on acquiring middle market business services and industrial companies. GenNx360 partners with companies having proven and sustainable business models in expanding industries with the objective of implementing and supporting value-enhancing organic and inorganic initiatives to accelerate growth, deliver cost efficiencies, and generate strong financial returns. GenNx360 was founded in 2006 and is headquartered in New York City . For more information on GenNx360, please visit www.gennx360.com . For media inquiries about this press release, please contact: Alicia Francis , Head of Investor Communications investorrelations@gennx360.com Phone: 929.287.6107 View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gennx360-capital-partners-finalizes-the-sale-of-itsavvy-to-xerox-holdings-corporation-302314576.html SOURCE GenNx360 Capital Partners

Falmouth Rugby Club has issued a polite request to find the ball which was taken some time on Boxing Day following the local derby match between arch rivals Penryn which they lost 10-37. The ball had been placed behind the bar for safekeeping when it disappeared Posting on its Facebook page, the club says it appreciated the enthusiasm and excitement that comes with holding such a special shaped ball but they would like it returned as it was meant to be auctioned for Cornish children's charities. They said in the ball can be returned in confidence and appealed to parents whose children might suddenly have acquired a rugby ball. "Regarding a missing Signed Rugby Ball We hope this message finds you well," the appeal said. "We are reaching out regarding a signed ball that was taken from behind the clubhouse bar on Boxing Day. We truly appreciate the enthusiasm and excitement that comes with wanting to hold such a special shaped ball. "However, we would like to kindly ask that the ball be returned to us in confidence. It was intended to be auctioned to raise funds for Cornish children's charities, and your understanding in this matter would be greatly appreciated. "So if your child has acquired an unknown ball on boxing day please return it. "Thank you for your cooperation, and please feel free to contact us via DM or by emailing theclubhouse@falmouthrugbyclub.co.uk"

Syrian rebels announced on Sunday that they have gained full control over the crucial city of Homs after a day of fierce fighting. This victory significantly threatens President Bashar al-Assad's 24-year rule, as insurgents advance towards the capital, Damascus. After the army's withdrawal, thousands of Homs' residents took to the streets in celebration, dismantling symbols of Assad's regime. The fall of Homs grants rebels critical control over Syria's strategic heartland, cutting off Damascus from the Alawite-dominated coast where Assad's key allies have military bases. The capture of Homs represents a powerful resurgence for the rebel movement. The capture of Homs poses an immediate threat to Assad's control and regional stability, as foreign officials warn of the Syrian government's potential collapse. (With inputs from agencies.)

With the wedding season loaded with events, fatigue is bound to catch up to guests and hosts alike. The experience has been no different for star couple Zara Noor Abbas and Asad Siddiqui. In a video clip shared by Zara on Instagram Stories, Asad could be seen nuzzling up on his wife's shoulder to take a quick nap while standing. Zara, who seemed unfazed by the gesture, went about her hosting duties without a sound of protest. "Pookie when sleep deprived," she adorably wrote. The couple's playful shenanigans have been taking over hearts as of late. Their banter on social media earlier this month over their disparate photography skills is one that every other couple can relate to. Although they're both adroit at performing in front of the camera, it seems that only Zara is adept at taking photos. Asad, who doesn't shy away from that fact, posted his spouse's clicks on his Instagram handle. "Asked my wife to take pictures of me and she did a good job," he wrote in the caption. While he distracted his followers with chic semi-formal wear and a fetching couple capture, Zara swiftly dodged the romantic show with a candid "Thanks, Asad" comment—her husband's name in all capitals. It seems Asad's damage control—an enthusiastic "Yes, thank you!" reply—didn't suffice, for his better half had more to say on the matter. Taking to her own Instagram handle, Zara posted Asad's captures of the night, and she was hardly in focus in any of them. The 33-year-old actor filed her complaints in the caption. "Okay so, I asked my husband to take my photos and... It looks like he focused on the bag. Not me. The bag," she emphasised. "Four pictures with the same technique?" The two continue to remind us that even they are prone to light-hearted couple squabbles on social media. However, it is clear that there isn't a lack of romance in their lives, and they aren't afraid to flaunt it either. COMMENTS Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive. For more information, please see ourNone

Republicans gain temporary control of Minnesota House after Democrat decides not to appeal ruling

Uber Stock Slides Again. Investors' Robotaxi Fears Grow After GM Shuts Down Cruise.

Sheriff office assistance grants awarded

Macron, Trump, Zelenskyy discuss 'crazy' world in ParisRisk of North Korea's miscalculation rises after South's martial law declaration

Protesters against South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law on the street outside the National Assembly in Seoul, on Dec 4. WASHINGTON - South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s brief imposition of martial law marks a new warning for the worldwide fragility of democracy, even in a country hailed as a model of political transformation. Mr Yoon’s overnight attempt to shut down political activity, censor media and lock out opposition lawmakers stunned South Korea’s longtime ally, the United States, which said it had no advance warning and issued a statement of concern. South Korea’s transition to elected rule since a mass uprising in 1987 had been seen as so thorough that the United States increasingly spoke of its ally as a global partner. Meanwhile, Seoul billed itself as a new, ideal hub for international media as China clamped down on Hong Kong. President Joe Biden had even chosen Mr Yoon as the host in March of his final Summit for Democracy – a signature initiative of the outgoing US leader, who sought to champion liberal values globally, in an unstated repudiation of Donald Trump, who returns to the White House in January. But observers, while stunned by Mr Yoon, said there were warning signs. Mr Danny Russel, a top US diplomat for Asia under former president Barack Obama and who earlier served in South Korea, pointed to the deadlock in parliament where the opposition repeatedly sought impeachments against Mr Yoon’s administration. Mr Yoon’s move “was a complete surprise to me (but) yes, there were very obvious structural forces at work,” he said. “There is a radically polarized political scene in Korea. The opposition has been pursuing scorched-earth political obstruction tactics,” he said. But he pointed to the quick, large-scale protests that erupted after Mr Yoon’s declaration as a sign of a vibrant civil society ready to defend democracy. “One certainly would hope that this would serve as a wake-up call to both the ruling conservative party and the progressive opposition that both sides have gone too far and that there needs to be some process of reconciliation, of dealing with legitimate differences and grievances.” Authoritarian tendencies Mr Yoon himself had earlier shown signs of authoritarianism. In a national address in 2023, Mr Yoon raged against supposed communists who have “disguised themselves as democracy activists, human rights advocates or progressive activists”. A prosecutor, Mr Yoon narrowly won the 2022 election on a platform of economic reform and advocated close ties with the United States as well as historic rival Japan. But his popularity swiftly slid and the opposition won the National Assembly. Professor Celeste Arrington, a Korea expert at George Washington University, noted that Mr Yoon had never held elected office before and had become increasingly frustrated. “This is really an extreme move that may signal, I think, the president’s lack of political experience,” she said. She said that martial law showed “some cracks in democracy” but that the quick reversal “gives me hope in the health and strength and vibrancy of democracy in South Korea”. Mr Bruce Klingner, a senior research fellow at the conservative Heritage Foundation, expected Mr Yoon’s career to be over after attempting martial law, which constitutionally can only be imposed for wars or other emergencies. “Yoon’s action is a damning reversal to decades of South Korean efforts to put its authoritarian past behind it,” he said. Democracy stronger? The number of democracies worldwide soared starting in the late 1980s as the Soviet Union collapsed and student-led uprisings brought reforms elsewhere. But globally, democracy has been in retreat for the last 18 straight years, according to the Washington-based group Freedom House, which promotes political liberty. Democratically elected leaders have taken increasingly authoritarian steps in countries as diverse as India, Turkey and Hungary. V-Dem, another closely watched democracy index, had most recently ranked South Korea third in Asia after Taiwan and Japan. In the United States, Trump has rejected long-held norms, refusing to accept he lost to Mr Biden four years ago – culminating in his supporters violently rampaging through the US Capitol. Trump’s rejection of democracy ultimately worked out for him: campaigning on the rage of 2020, he won the November election. But experts said Mr Yoon’s power play – and its reversal – could in fact show a victory for democratic values. “Yoon is a deeply unpopular and ineffectual leader, but there was nothing I saw of people being dissatisfied with the way government runs,” Mr Alan Yu, a senior vice-president at the left-leaning Centre for American Progress, said after a recent trip to Seoul. Professor Darcie Draudt-Vejares of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said that with the swift response to Mr Yoon, “this crisis may ultimately strengthen Korean democracy by reaffirming civilian control and demonstrating institutional resilience”. AFP Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you. Read 3 articles and stand to win rewards Spin the wheel nowOlivia Hussey, the actor who starred as a teenage Juliet in the 1968 film “Romeo and Juliet,” has died, her family said on social media Saturday. She was 73. Hussey died on Friday, “peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones,” a statement posted to her Instagram account said. Hussey was 15 when director Franco Zeffirelli cast her in his adaptation of the William Shakespeare tragedy after spotting her onstage in the play “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie," which also starred Vanessa Redgrave. “Romeo and Juliet” won two Oscars and Hussey won a Golden Globe for best new actress for her part as Juliet, opposite British actor Leonard Whiting, who was 16 at the time. Decades later Hussey and Whiting brought a lawsuit against Paramount Pictures alleging sexual abuse, sexual harassment and fraud over nude scenes in the film. They alleged that they were initially told they would wear flesh-colored undergarments in a bedroom scene, but on the day of the shoot Zeffirelli told the pair they would wear only body makeup and that the camera would be positioned in a way that would not show nudity. They alleged they were filmed in the nude without their knowledge. The case was dismissed by a Los Angeles County judge in 2023, who found their depiction could not be considered child pornography and the pair filed their claim too late. Whiting was among those paying tribute to Hussey on Saturday. “Rest now my beautiful Juliet no injustices can hurt you now. And the world will remember your beauty inside and out forever," he wrote. Hussey was born on April 17, 1951, in Bueno Aires, Argentina, and moved to London as a child. She studied at the Italia Conti Academy drama school. She also starred as Mary, the mother of Jesus, in the 1977 television series “Jesus of Nazareth," as well as the 1978 adaptation of Agatha Christie’s “Death on the Nile" and horror movies “Black Christmas” and “Psycho IV: The Beginning.” She is survived by her husband, David Glen Eisley, her three children and a grandson.