Kathmandu, Dec. 8: “Due to an overwhelming number of attendees, we regret to inform you that entry to stadium for the match between Biratnagar Kings and Janakpur Bolts is no longer possible,” a notice from the Nepal Premier League on November 30 read. However, the notice was not for fans seeking tickets for the opening match of the inaugural edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL), it was to inform of the steps for a refund for the tickets as hundreds of fans were denied entry despite having tickets. Even those with seasonal tickets were denied entry. While the game between Biratnagar and Janakpur was underway, police officers and hired security guards were busy engaging with the angry cricket fans who were not allowed entry from five different gates of TU International Cricket Ground, home of Nepali cricket, when there was no space to accommodate them. When a crowd tried to enter the ground forcefully, around half a dozen fans were seriously injured in a stampede-like situation. Even policemen were injured and they had to be rushed to hospital “Around 15-20 people were muscled by the gate, fighting for their lives. Some were pulled out, but others were critically injured. Blood was flowing from their mouths, and a few were unconscious,” a fan who was present at the scene shared via Nepal’s Rhino Army, a fan group of Nepali cricket supporters. As per police officers deployed at TU Ground on that day, the sad incident occurred as fans, with tickets in their hand, were demanding entry and it would never have happened had tickets not been sold excessively. Three days before the opening match, Khalti, the ticketing partner for NPL, on November 27, posted a photo on its social media stating that ‘all tickets’ for Biratnagar Kings vs Janakpur Bolts were ‘sold out’. But, as per the enraged fans of November 30, tickets were being sold physically also on the game day. It was not the first time the TU Ground was packed to the fullest, and disputes arose between fans and security officials on its outer premises, but it was the first time in the NPL. The scenario has not been limited to Kirtipur, Tripureshwor’s Dasharath Rangasala, home of Nepali football, had also faced consequences of poor security management with the worst incident occurring in March 1988, when 70 football fans were killed in a stampede. Dasharath’s struggle continues Dasharath Rangasala, Nepal’s biggest stadium with a capacity to hold 15,000 fans, gets packed whenever a good football match, be it national team’s or club-level, is underway. Constructed in the 1950s, Dasharath Rangasala could accommodate as many as 27,000 spectators in the past. As per the records, Dasharath Rangasala, then 27,000-capacity, was packed with fans on March 12, 1988, for the finals of the Tribhuvan Challenge Shield between Nepal’s Janakpur Cigarette Factory and Bangladesh’s Mukti Joddha. However, the joyous environment turned into pandemonium after a powerful storm caused panic in the stadium. At the time, concrete structures worked as parapets that lacked roofs, proper pathways, and emergency corridors and exits. It was reported that winds began blowing at up to 80 km/hr coupled with hails. When the panicked crowd started fleeing, a stampede occurred at the southern gate where 70 fans lost their lives marking it as the ‘Black Day’ of Nepali sports. While an incident like in 1988 has not been repeated in Dasharath Rangasala, there have been a worrying number of close encounters. For instance, fans squeezed and forced through the northern gate of Dasharath Rangasala during the final of the 2nd Nepal Super League on December 30 last year in an unsafe fashion after a dispute broke between fans and security officials. The fans forced their way as many had tickets, but were denied entrance citing ‘Housefull’. Crowd can be managed An overly-packed TU Ground has had two matches every day except on December 1 due to local-level by-elections. And every match day, thousands of spectators arrive to watch the first game that begins at 9 am and the second at 1 pm. Thus, learning from the problems faced on Saturday, November 30, and how fans turned out even on office days, the NPL officials and stakeholders seemed well prepared for next weekend, i.e. December 6 to witness two major encounters: Sudurpaschim Royals vs Lumbini Lions and Karnali Yaks vs Biratnagar Kings. Led by the world’s No. 2 T20I all-rounder Dipendra Singh Airee, Sudurpashchim, with two in two wins, was facing Nepal’s skipper Rohit Kumar Paudel-led Lumbini Lions, which had two consecutive losses. Moreover, the second match between Karnali and Biratnagar was the chance for Nepal to witness a faceoff between two legends of the game: Shikhar Dhawan and Martin Guptill. Posting a photo suggesting tickets for December 6 were sold out, Paras Khadka, Nepal’s legend of the game, in the night of December 5 requested the fans to catch the thrilling action from the comfort of their homes or any convenient location. Khadka, secretary of CAN and coordinator for NPL, requested so as he was with the enraged fans last weekend and listened to their grievances. His post mostly suggested that fans without tickets should not flock to the stadium and create unnecessary hassle for those with tickets. For good, the scene at TU Ground was not like before on the second Saturday. Authorities had added more barriers to ensure a regulated flow of fans into designated zones for the past couple of days which came in handy on December 6. Social media was not buzzing with complaints against the NPL and its ticketing partner Khalti on December 6, it suggested that the management was far better than before. There were a whopping 14,000 spectators for the two games at TU Ground on Saturday. “Great improvement in management while entering ground this time than the opening game. More security personnel and better crowd management,” Bijay Uprety (@BijayOCT25), a regular follower of Nepali and international cricket, posted on X at 9:37 am on December 6. Not enough though The international governing body of football, FIFA, and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) strictly monitor the condition of stadiums before being allowed to host international matches. As a result, in February this year, a team from the AFC deemed Dasharath Rangasala unsafe and unfit for international matches; it led the Nepal men’s team to play their home matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifiers second round on foreign soil. However, the AFC reversed its decision and permitted the venue to host the AFC Challenge League playoff between Nepal's league champion Church Boys United and Bhutan's league champion Paro FC on August 13. Nevertheless, the suspension was not completely lifted. Suresh Shah, spokesperson for the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA), said, "Different tournaments have different stadium standards. Dasharath Rangasala was approved for the AFC Challenge League match after inspection by League officials. However, future tournaments will require separate inspections." The reasons for Dasharath Rangasala’s suspension include safety concerns of fans, inadequate emergency evacuation procedures and the floodlights’ condition among others. It shows that despite renovating the stadium multiple times, the results have not met the regularly updated standards of the AFC and FIFA. “Safety and security are the most important considerations for the operation of a stadium. Warranting the safety and well-being of all spectators, players, officials and staff should always have overriding priority,” FIFA states under its stadium guidelines. The Nepal Premier League is not even at the halfway stage until December 6 but the physical crowd engagement has been nothing like before in Nepal’s domestic tournament. Therefore, the excitement will build up by the time the playoffs begin on December 18 and the current preparation will not be enough then. Modern infrastructure required Cricket and football are not the only sports that suffer the issues of crowd management. Volleyball, Nepal’s national sport since May 2017, is also facing similar problems. There are several domestic volleyball tournaments organised throughout the country annually. They all attract a huge crowd and most of them are organised in open spaces. Only the major tournaments get the chance to play at the Covered Hall on Dasharath Rangasala premises. In 2024 alone, the Covered Hall, which is also used for basketball, wrestling and other sports events, has struggled with overcrowding during the weekend and final games of PM Cup, EWVL and CAVA events among others. The National Table Tennis Training Centre in Lainchaur was also struggling when the centre for training hosted the South Asian qualifiers for Paris Olympics in May. “We struggle during major games because Nepalis have unparalleled passion towards sports but the country lacks sufficient stadiums to accommodate a good number of fans,” Tanka Lal Ghising, member-secretary of the National Sports Council (NSC), told The Rising Nepal. “There has been management of live telecasts for tournaments within Nepal so that fans who did not get a spot in the venue can still see the games from a convenient place. We request fans to stay calm until Nepal thrives with sports infrastructure,” added Ghising.

Mensah, a redshirt freshman with three years of eligibility remaining, told ESPN on Wednesday he has transferred to Duke. He attended the Blue Devils men's basketball game against Incarnate Word on Tuesday night. The Blue Devils (9-3) will face Mississippi in the Gator Bowl, but without 2024 starting quarterback Maalik Murphy and backup Grayson Loftis, who also entered the portal. Mensah, viewed as one of the top players in the portal, threw for 2,723 yards and 22 touchdowns and completed 65.9% of his passes. He led the Green Wave to a 9-4 record and the American Athletic Conference championship game, where they lost 35-14 to Army. Tulane will play Florida in the Gasparilla Bowl on Sunday. Van Buren, Mendoza and Locke announced on social media they had entered the portal. Van Buren started eight games as a true freshmen for the Bulldogs. He threw for 1,886 yards on 55% passing with 16 total touchdowns and seven interceptions for the Bulldogs (2-10, 0-8 Southeastern Conference). He took over as the starter when Blake Shapen suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in a 45-28 loss to Florida on Sept. 21. Shapen has said he plans to return next season. Van Buren, a 6-foot-1, 200-pound passer from St. Frances Academy in Maryland, had two 300-yard performances for the Bulldogs, including 306 yards and three touchdown passes in a 41-31 road loss against Georgia. Mendoza threw for 3,004 yards in 2024 with 16 TDs, six interceptions and a 68.7 completion percentage. "For the sake of my football future this is the decision I have reached," he posted. Locke passed for 1,936 yards with 13 touchdowns and 10 interceptions for Wisconsin this season. He said he will have two years of eligibility remaining at his next school. ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan cornerback Will Johnson has joined defensive tackle Mason Graham in the NFL draft. Johnson declared for the draft on Wednesday, one day after Graham decided he would also skip his senior season with the Wolverines. Both preseason All-America players are expected to be first-round picks. Johnson was limited to six games this year due to an injury. He had two interceptions, returning them both for touchdowns to set a school record with three scores off interceptions. Johnson picked off nine passes in three seasons. Graham played in all 12 games this season, finishing with 3 1/2 sacks and seven tackles for losses. He had 18 tackles for losses, including nine sacks, in his three-year career. Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson is The Associated Press offensive player of the year in the Southeastern Conference and South Carolina defensive lineman Kyle Kennard is the top defensive player. Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia was voted the top newcomer on Wednesday while the Gamecocks' Shane Beamer is coach of the year in voting by the panel of 17 media members who cover the league. Sampson led the SEC and set school records by rushing for 1,485 yards and 22 touchdowns. He is tied for third nationally in rushing touchdowns, recording the league's fifth-most in a season. Sampson was chosen on all but two ballots. Mississippi wide receiver Tre Harris and his quarterback, Jaxson Dart, each got a vote. Kennard led the SEC with 11-1/2 sacks and 15-1/2 tackles for loss. He also had 10 quarterback hurries and forced three fumbles. Beamer led the Gamecocks to just their fifth nine-win season, including a school-record four wins over Top 25 opponents. They've won their last six games and ended the regular season with a win over eventual ACC champion Clemson. South Carolina plays Illinois on Dec. 31 in the Citrus Bowl. Pavia helped lead Vandy to its first bowl game since 2018 after transferring from New Mexico State. He passed for 2,133 yards and 17 touchdowns with four interceptions. He ran for another 716 yards and six touchdowns, directing an upset of Alabama. AMES, Iowa — Matt Campbell, who led Iowa State to its first 10-win season and became the program's all-time leader in coaching victories, has agreed to an eight-year contract that would keep him with the Cyclones through 2032. University president Wendy Wintersteen and athletic director Jamie Pollard made the announcement Wednesday, four days after the Cyclones lost to Arizona State in the Big 12 championship game. “Given all the uncertainty currently facing college athletics, it was critical that we moved quickly to solidify the future of our football program,” Pollard said. “Matt is the perfect fit for Iowa State University and I am thrilled he wants to continue to lead our program. Leadership continuity is essential to any organization’s long-term success." The Cyclones won their first seven games for their best start since 1938 and are 10-3 heading into their game against Miami in the Pop Tarts Bowl in Orlando, Florida, on Dec. 28. BRIEFLY FLAG PLANT: Ohio Republican state Rep. Josh Williams said Wednesday on social media he's introducing a bill to make flag planting in sports a felony in the state. His proposal comes after the Nov. 30 fight at the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry football game when the Wolverines beat the Buckeyes 13-10 and then attempted to plant their flag at midfield. MALZAHN: Gus Malzahn, who resigned as UCF’s coach last month to become Mike Norvell’s offensive coordinator at Florida State, said he chose to return to his coaching roots rather than remain a head coach distracted by a myriad of responsibilities.Three put on remand

A company described as “Atlassian for the built world” has raised nearly $30 million in venture capital, defying the ongoing funding slump that continues to leave Australian start-ups struggling to raise investment. Sitemate has drawn comparisons with Mike Cannon-Brookes and Scott Farquhar’s tech giant Atlassian for both its growth trajectory and its product, which aims to replace Word and Excel with workflow software tools. The latest funding round has valued the Sydney-based start-up at close to $200 million. Instead of being aimed at software engineers, however, Sitemate offers software for engineers working on the “built world”, including civil, structural, mechanical and electrical projects. Sitemate chief executive Hartley Pike is a former field engineer with Lendlease. Credit: The start-up is led by chief executive Hartley Pike, a former field engineer with Lendlease who found himself buried in paperwork before deciding to start a software company to fix that problem. “We see so many ‘built world’ companies struggle to adopt and use clunky all-in-one systems, which force many of them to move back to legacy formats like Word and Excel – and even paper – because at least paper, Word and Excel are flexible and familiar,” Pike said. He said Sitemate’s point of difference is its no-code “building blocks”, which can be configured and combined to meet the needs of thousands of different processes across industries, regions and compliance requirements. He said his company started booming when COVID hit, and industries moved to digitise most of their processes. “Since we launched Sitemate in August 2018, over six years ago, we have grown every single month consecutively, and our growth rate is still increasing year over year,” he said. Sitemate has closed a $27.5 million funding round led by Blackbird, with participation from existing investors Shearwater Capital and Marbruck. The company will use the money to fuel its international expansion, including opening an office in Austin, Texas that will join its offices in London, Vancouver and Toronto. The capital raising comes despite local start-up funding tanking in the third quarter of 2024. The most recent report from Cut Through Venture found investment for the sector fell to $695 million for the quarter, down from $1.5 billion in the prior quarter, with no deals exceeding $100 million and deals worth more than $50 million slumping to a multi-year low. Non-AI start-ups, especially, face challenges in securing investment. Blackbird Ventures partner Tom Humphrey. Credit: Dion Georgopoulos Tom Humphrey, a partner at Blackbird Ventures, said it was impressive that Sitemate had doubled its staff over the past 12 months to 140, with close to half female, despite operating in the construction industry. “The Atlassian comparisons abound – from Sitemate’s focus on embedding deeply into core customer workflows to address productivity to the [...] organic growth focus that has helped the company scale globally.” Sydney-based Atlassian began in 2002 as a small start-up and grew over two decades into a $100 billion behemoth serving 300,000 customers globally, making billionaires out of its founders Mike Cannon-Brookes and Scott Farquhar. The Market Recap newsletter is a wrap of the day’s trading. Get it each we e kday afternoon .By Vanessa G. Sánchez, KFF Health News (TNS) LOS ANGELES — President-elect Donald Trump’s promise of mass deportations and tougher immigration restrictions is deepening mistrust of the health care system among California’s immigrants and clouding the future for providers serving the state’s most impoverished residents. At the same time, immigrants living illegally in Southern California told KFF Health News they thought the economy would improve and their incomes might increase under Trump, and for some that outweighed concerns about health care. Community health workers say fear of deportation is already affecting participation in Medi-Cal, the state’s Medicaid program for low-income residents, which was expanded in phases to all immigrants regardless of residency status over the past several years. That could undercut the state’s progress in reducing the uninsured rate, which reached a record low of 6.4% last year. Immigrants lacking legal residency have long worried that participation in government programs could make them targets, and Trump’s election has compounded those concerns, community advocates say. The incoming Trump administration is also expected to target Medicaid with funding cuts and enrollment restrictions , which activists worry could threaten the Medi-Cal expansion and kneecap efforts to extend health insurance subsidies under Covered California to all immigrants. “The fear alone has so many consequences to the health of our communities,” said Mar Velez , director of policy with the Latino Coalition for a Healthy California. “This is, as they say, not their first rodeo. They understand how the system works. I think this machine is going to be, unfortunately, a lot more harmful to our communities.” Alongside such worries, though, is a strain of optimism that Trump might be a boon to the economy, according to interviews with immigrants in Los Angeles whom health care workers were soliciting to sign up for Medi-Cal. Since Election Day, community health worker Yanet Martinez said, people are more reluctant to hear her pitch for subsidized health insurance or cancer prevention screenings. “They think I’m going to share their information to deport them,” Martinez said. (Vanessa G. Sánchez/KFF Health News/TNS) Clinics and community health workers encourage immigrants to enroll for health coverage through Medi-Cal and Covered California. But workers have noticed that fear of deportation has chilled participation. (Vanessa G. Sánchez/KFF Health News/TNS) Community health workers like Yanet Martinez encourage people to enroll for health benefits. But many California immigrants fear that using subsidized services could hurt their chances of obtaining legal residency. (Vanessa G. Sánchez/KFF Health News/TNS) Since Election Day, community health worker Yanet Martinez said, people are more reluctant to hear her pitch for subsidized health insurance or cancer prevention screenings. “They think I’m going to share their information to deport them,” Martinez said. (Vanessa G. Sánchez/KFF Health News/TNS) Selvin, 39, who, like others interviewed for this article, asked to be identified by only his first name because he’s living here without legal permission, said that even though he believes Trump dislikes people like him, he thinks the new administration could help boost his hours at the food processing facility where he works packing noodles. “I do see how he could improve the economy. From that perspective, I think it’s good that he won.” He became eligible for Medi-Cal this year but decided not to enroll, worrying it could jeopardize his chances of changing his immigration status. “I’ve thought about it,” Selvin said, but “I feel like it could end up hurting me. I won’t deny that, obviously, I’d like to benefit — get my teeth fixed, a physical checkup.” But fear holds him back, he said, and he hasn’t seen a doctor in nine years. It’s not Trump’s mass deportation plan in particular that’s scaring him off, though. “If I’m not committing any crimes or getting a DUI, I think I won’t get deported,” Selvin said. Petrona, 55, came from El Salvador seeking asylum and enrolled in Medi-Cal last year. She said that if her health insurance benefits were cut, she wouldn’t be able to afford her visits to the dentist. A street food vendor, she hears often about Trump’s deportation plan, but she said it will be the criminals the new president pushes out. “I’ve heard people say he’s going to get rid of everyone who’s stealing.” Although she’s afraid she could be deported, she’s also hopeful about Trump. “He says he’s going to give a lot of work to Hispanics because Latinos are the ones who work the hardest,” she said. “That’s good, more work for us, the ones who came here to work.” Newly elected Republican Assembly member Jeff Gonzalez, who flipped a seat long held by Democrats in the Latino-heavy desert region in the southeastern part of the state, said his constituents were anxious to see a new economic direction. “They’re just really kind of fed up with the status quo in California,” Gonzalez said. “People on the ground are saying, ‘I’m hopeful,’ because now we have a different perspective. We have a businessperson who is looking at the very things that we are looking at, which is the price of eggs, the price of gas, the safety.” Related Articles National Politics | Mexico tests cellphone app allowing migrants to send alert if they are about to be detained in US National Politics | Trump wants mass deportations. For the agents removing immigrants, it’s a painstaking process National Politics | Immigration agency deports highest numbers since 2014, aided by more flights National Politics | Advocates train immigrants to ‘prepare to stay’ in the US under Trump National Politics | Immigration drives US population growth to highest rate in 23 years as residents pass 340 million Gonzalez said he’s not going to comment about potential Medicaid cuts, because Trump has not made any official announcement. Unlike most in his party, Gonzalez said he supports the extension of health care services to all residents regardless of immigration status . Health care providers said they are facing a twin challenge of hesitancy among those they are supposed to serve and the threat of major cuts to Medicaid, the federal program that provides over 60% of the funding for Medi-Cal. Health providers and policy researchers say a loss in federal contributions could lead the state to roll back or downsize some programs, including the expansion to cover those without legal authorization. California and Oregon are the only states that offer comprehensive health insurance to all income-eligible immigrants regardless of status. About 1.5 million people without authorization have enrolled in California, at a cost of over $6 billion a year to state taxpayers. “Everyone wants to put these types of services on the chopping block, which is really unfair,” said state Sen. Lena Gonzalez, a Democrat and chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus. “We will do everything we can to ensure that we prioritize this.” Sen. Gonzalez said it will be challenging to expand programs such as Covered California, the state’s health insurance marketplace, for which immigrants lacking permanent legal status are not eligible. A big concern for immigrants and their advocates is that Trump could reinstate changes to the public charge policy, which can deny green cards or visas based on the use of government benefits. “President Trump’s mass deportation plan will end the financial drain posed by illegal immigrants on our healthcare system, and ensure that our country can care for American citizens who rely on Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security,” Trump spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said in a statement to KFF Health News. During his first term, in 2019, Trump broadened the policy to include the use of Medicaid, as well as housing and nutrition subsidies. The Biden administration rescinded the change in 2021. KFF, a health information nonprofit that includes KFF Health News, found immigrants use less health care than people born in the United States. And about 1 in 4 likely undocumented immigrant adults said they have avoided applying for assistance with health care, food, and housing because of immigration-related fears, according to a 2023 survey . Another uncertainty is the fate of the Affordable Care Act, which was opened in November to immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children and are protected by the Deferred Action Childhood Arrivals program. If DACA eligibility for the act’s plans, or even the act itself, were to be reversed under Trump, that would leave roughly 40,000 California DACA recipients, and about 100,000 nationwide , without access to subsidized health insurance. On Dec. 9, a federal court in North Dakota issued an order blocking DACA recipients from accessing Affordable Care Act health plans in 19 states that had challenged the Biden administration’s rule. Clinics and community health workers are encouraging people to continue enrolling in health benefits. But amid the push to spread the message, the chilling effects are already apparent up and down the state. “¿Ya tiene Medi-Cal?” community health worker Yanet Martinez said, asking residents whether they had Medi-Cal as she walked down Pico Boulevard recently in a Los Angeles neighborhood with many Salvadorans. “¡Nosotros podemos ayudarle a solicitar Medi-Cal! ¡Todo gratuito!” she shouted, offering help to sign up, free of charge. “Gracias, pero no,” said one young woman, responding with a no thanks. She shrugged her shoulders and averted her eyes under a cap that covered her from the late-morning sun. Since Election Day, Martinez said, people have been more reluctant to hear her pitch for subsidized health insurance or cancer prevention screenings. “They think I’m going to share their information to deport them,” she said. “They don’t want anything to do with it.” This article was produced by KFF Health News , which publishes California Healthline , an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation . ©2024 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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BlockDAG Unveils 5 Exciting Bonuses – Sparks Trader Interest – Updates on SUI & CardanoSunday, December 8, 2024 Facebook Instagram Twitter WhatsApp Youtube Personal Finance Education Entertainment Jobs Alert Sports Hindi Technology Complaint Redressal. Fact-Checking Policy Correction policy Authors and Team DNPA Code of Ethics Onwership and Funding Cookie Policy Terms of Service Disclaimer Contact US About Us More Search Home India IMD Rainfall Alert: There will be rain in these states including UP;... India IMD Rainfall Alert: There will be rain in these states including UP; cold will increase difficulties By Shyamu Maurya December 8, 2024 0 3 Share Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp Telegram IMD Rainfall Alert: There will be rain in these states including UP; cold will increase difficulties Rain Alert: Due to Western Disturbance, rain/snowfall will occur in Western Himalayan regions and plains of North India like Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Western Uttar Pradesh will also receive rain on 8th and 9th December. IMD Rainfall Alert: Amidst the cold in North India, the mood of the weather will change from Sunday. Rain alert has been issued in many states including UP, Punjab. This rain for two days is happening due to Western Disturbance. The Meteorological Department said, “Due to Western Disturbance, light rain/snowfall will occur in the western Himalayan regions and the plains of North India like Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Western Uttar Pradesh will also receive light rain on 8 and 9 December. Apart from this, a low pressure area is formed in the Bay of Bengal, due to which heavy rain is going to occur in South India between 10-13 December. The Meteorological Department has forecast that Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit Baltistan, Himachal Pradesh will receive rain on December 8, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh on December 8 and 9, Western Uttar Pradesh on December 9, Uttarakhand on December 9 and 10. At the same time, in South India, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal will receive light to moderate rain on December 10-13, while there is an alert of heavy to very heavy rain on December 11 and 12. At the same time, a heavy rain warning has been issued for coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam and Rayalaseema on December 11 and 12. At the same time, there is a rain alert for Kerala, Mahe and South Interior Karnataka on December 12 and 13. There will be heavy rain in coastal Karnataka areas on December 13. Fishermen have been asked not to go to the Bay of Bengal during this period. Talking about North India, the Meteorological Department has said that there will be no major change in the temperature for the next two days. After that the minimum temperature will fall by two to three degrees Celsius. At the same time, there will be no change in Central India in the next 24 hours and then it will fall by two to three degrees Celsius. Talking about the weather of Eastern India, the minimum temperature will increase by two to three degrees Celsius in the next two days. At the same time, it will then fall by two to four degrees Celsius. In Western India too, the minimum temperature is going to decrease by two to four degrees Celsius during the next three days. The Meteorological Department has said that there will be severe cold in Western Rajasthan from 8-14 December, Eastern Rajasthan from 10-14 December, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Western Uttar Pradesh from 11-14 December. During this time, a cold wave warning has also been issued. Join Informal Newz Tags IMD Rainfall Alert Share Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp Telegram Previous article Rainfall Alert: Rain alert today in entire North India including Delhi-NCR, severe cold will knock Shyamu Maurya Shyamu has done Degree in Fine Arts and has knowledge about bollywood industry. He started writing in 2018. Since then he has been associated with Informalnewz. 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In the winter, our outdoor spaces can feel quiet, empty, and gray, and incorporating plants for wildlife is a great way to combat this. Not only will you be helping your local ecosystem survive the tougher months, but birds and other creatures are a joy to spot. Many suitable planting options will add aesthetic appeal to your yard, too. There are lots of choices perfect for a winter wildlife garden , from berrying shrubs that birds adore to an evergreen fern that provides a home for moth larvae. Even herbaceous perennials can be beneficial if you leave some of their stalks as shelter. For advice, I turned to the experts, who share their plant recommendations below. You'll also find handy growing tips for each. Snowberries are pretty shrubs that provide food for birds Rather than picking just one variety, aim for a few. Mary Phillips of the National Wildlife Federation says layering a combination of native shrubs, grasses, and trees provides essential cover and food for wildlife. 'Use the National Wildlife Federation’s Native Plant Finder to find species appropriate for your region,' she adds. Mary Phillips is an ambassador for native plants. Her work ensures all habitat programs and resources are rooted in sustainable practices and the latest science. 1. Golden Ragwort Ragworts lose their flowers before winter, but their semi-evergreen foliage will provide valuable shelter Leah Brooks , an expert from the Mt. Cuba Center, recommends golden ragwort, which is a low-growing semi-evergreen. It is a wonderful replacement for non-native ground covers like English ivy, Japanese pachysandra, and lesser periwinkle, she says. 'Golden ragwort provides winter cover for wildlife and beautiful yellow flowers for early spring pollinators.' She suggests planting specimens four to six inches apart and allowing them to fill in the space. 'Seeds are fluffy and easily spread by the wind,' she says; ' Deadhead flowers to limit spread, or collect seeds and disperse elsewhere in your landscape.' Golden ragwort plants are available from Amazon . Leah Brooks's passion is sharing the joy of nature and native gardening with others. She has dual bachelor's degrees from the University of Delaware in Environmental Science and Wildlife Ecology. Leah is a Delaware Master Naturalist and Vice Chair of the Delaware Invasive Species Council. 2. Snowberry Snowberries can hold onto their berries well into winter Mary notes how the white berries on these shrubs provide nutrition for songbirds and small mammals during harsh winter conditions. Not only this, but she highlights how the dense, thicket-forming branches offer shelter and protection from both inclement weather and predators. These shrubs continue to benefit wildlife as the weather warms, too – Mary points out how the late-spring flowers provide nectar for native bees and other pollinators. In terms of care, she recommends planting them in full sun to part shade. 'Established plantings are drought-tolerant ,' she adds. Snowberries are available to shop from Nature Hills . 3. Little Bluestem This grass has a coppery tone in the fall and winter months Mary also recommends little bluestem, which is an ornamental grass that grows to around 3ft. The seedheads provide nutrition in winter for songbirds, she says, plus the 'dense clumps of foliage provide habitat for many beneficial insects in winter, such as skipper butterflies.' What's more, it's a larval host plant for several species of butterflies and moths, she adds. Mary recommends planting it in full sun. It 'will tolerate most soil types if they are well-drained. 'Prune down to eight inches in early spring,' she advises – 'pruning to the crown may interrupt the life cycle of overwintering beneficial insects.' Little bluestems are available from Nature Hills . 4. Hollow-stem Joe-Pye Weed Also known as Eutrochium fistulosum, this plant benefits wildlife throughout the year 'This tall perennial flower is a buffet for butterflies in the summer and a refuge for insects in the winter,' says Leah. 'The hollow stems are very sturdy and thick, making them an attractive nesting habitat for native solitary bees. 'Stem-nesting bees create nest chambers in plant stems, depositing an egg on a provision of pollen,' she explains. 'Once the egg hatches, the larval bee will spend months developing and overwintering in the stem before emerging the following year as an adult.' To create a habitat for stem nesting bees in your landscape, Leah recommends cutting back any sturdy, herbaceous stems to 8-24 inches at the end of the growing season. 'Next season’s new growth will hide the stem stubble, which should be left undisturbed and allowed to break down naturally over time.' These plants do best in moist soil and full sun. Position them at the back of borders due to their height. 5. Christmas fern Polystichum acrostichoides hosts the larvae of a type of moth 'This evergreen fern is a wonderful addition to shady areas, and is tolerant of dry, rocky soils,' says Leah. 'It provides winter cover for wildlife and is the host plant of the fern leaftier Herpetogramma spingealis . 'The larval form of this moth species constructs globe-shaped shelters by rolling the tips of the fronds inward and securing them with silk,' she explains. 'Inside the shelter, the larva feeds on the fern leaves. As it grows, the larva abandons existing shelters and creates larger ones, usually on the same plant. These structures don’t cause lasting damage to the plants, and other insects take shelter in the empty globes.' Leah recommends trimming back brown or dried fronds throughout the season for a more formal look. Evergreens offer shelter for birds and other wildlife – and can block winter winds for us humans, too, as Jeff Rugg , a gardening expert and National Garden Bureau member, points out. 'Yews and boxwoods are often pruned into hedges, creating a thick layer of branches and leaves around the top and edges while having an open branching framework on the interior,' he says. 'Snow will catch on the leaves forming a blanket that adds to the sheltering effect.' There are also shrub varieties of spruces that act the same as the yews and boxwoods, he continues. 'Spruce trees are better than pine trees for winter shelter as they have a denser layer of branches and needles. During sunny days in the winter, you will see birds like mourning doves sitting on the sunny side of spruce trees where they can sit out of the wind while warming up.' Jeff is an educator at heart. He has written the Greener View newspaper column that has been syndicated nationwide for over 33 years. He taught the University of Illinois Master Gardener and Master Naturalist programs. He now teaches via the Greener View YouTube channel which has almost 400 videos. Many of the videos match the playlists of the chapters in his Greener View Gardening book, available on Amazon . Be sure to feed birds throughout winter and prevent bird baths from freezing to give visiting wildlife an extra helping hand. To welcome plenty of wildlife throughout the warmer months, too, don't forget to incorporate plants for pollinators and other plants for birds into your backyard.CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (AP) — Garry Clark scored 15 points as Texas A&M-Corpus Christi beat Stephen F. Austin 67-48 on Saturday night. Clark had 12 rebounds for the Islanders (6-4, 1-1 Southland Conference). Owen Dease went 3 of 3 from the field to add 10 points. Jordan Roberts had 10 points and shot 4 for 9. Nana Antwi-Boasiako led the Lumberjacks (5-5, 0-2) in scoring, finishing with 13 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks. Clayton Southwick added 10 points and two steals. Myles Jenkins had five points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

Former Tulane quarterback Darian Mensah has already found a new program in Duke, while Mississippi State's Michael Van Buren Jr., Wisconsin's Braedyn Locke and Cal's Fernando Mendoza are exploring changes of their own in the transfer portal. Mensah, a redshirt freshman with three years of eligibility remaining, told ESPN on Wednesday he has transferred to Duke. He attended the Blue Devils men's basketball game against Incarnate Word on Tuesday night. The Blue Devils (9-3) will face Mississippi in the Gator Bowl, but without 2024 starting quarterback Maalik Murphy and backup Grayson Loftis, who also entered the portal. Mensah, viewed as one of the top players in the portal, threw for 2,723 yards and 22 touchdowns and completed 65.9% of his passes. He led the Green Wave to a 9-4 record and the American Athletic Conference championship game, where they lost 35-14 to Army. Tulane will play Florida in the Gasparilla Bowl on Sunday. Van Buren, Mendoza and Locke announced on social media they had entered the portal. Van Buren started eight games as a true freshmen for the Bulldogs. He threw for 1,886 yards on 55% passing with 16 total touchdowns and seven interceptions for the Bulldogs (2-10, 0-8 Southeastern Conference). He took over as the starter when Blake Shapen suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in a 45-28 loss to Florida on Sept. 21. Shapen has said he plans to return next season. Van Buren, a 6-foot-1, 200-pound passer from St. Frances Academy in Maryland, had two 300-yard performances for the Bulldogs, including 306 yards and three touchdown passes in a 41-31 road loss against Georgia. Mendoza threw for 3,004 yards in 2024 with 16 TDs, six interceptions and a 68.7 completion percentage. "For the sake of my football future this is the decision I have reached," he posted. Locke passed for 1,936 yards with 13 touchdowns and 10 interceptions for Wisconsin this season. He said he will have two years of eligibility remaining at his next school. ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan cornerback Will Johnson has joined defensive tackle Mason Graham in the NFL draft. Johnson declared for the draft on Wednesday, one day after Graham decided he would also skip his senior season with the Wolverines. Both preseason All-America players are expected to be first-round picks. Johnson was limited to six games this year due to an injury. He had two interceptions, returning them both for touchdowns to set a school record with three scores off interceptions. Johnson picked off nine passes in three seasons. Graham played in all 12 games this season, finishing with 3 1/2 sacks and seven tackles for losses. He had 18 tackles for losses, including nine sacks, in his three-year career. Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson is The Associated Press offensive player of the year in the Southeastern Conference and South Carolina defensive lineman Kyle Kennard is the top defensive player. Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia was voted the top newcomer on Wednesday while the Gamecocks' Shane Beamer is coach of the year in voting by the panel of 17 media members who cover the league. Sampson led the SEC and set school records by rushing for 1,485 yards and 22 touchdowns. He is tied for third nationally in rushing touchdowns, recording the league's fifth-most in a season. Sampson was chosen on all but two ballots. Mississippi wide receiver Tre Harris and his quarterback, Jaxson Dart, each got a vote. Kennard led the SEC with 11-1/2 sacks and 15-1/2 tackles for loss. He also had 10 quarterback hurries and forced three fumbles. Beamer led the Gamecocks to just their fifth nine-win season, including a school-record four wins over Top 25 opponents. They've won their last six games and ended the regular season with a win over eventual ACC champion Clemson. South Carolina plays Illinois on Dec. 31 in the Citrus Bowl. Pavia helped lead Vandy to its first bowl game since 2018 after transferring from New Mexico State. He passed for 2,133 yards and 17 touchdowns with four interceptions. He ran for another 716 yards and six touchdowns, directing an upset of Alabama. AMES, Iowa — Matt Campbell, who led Iowa State to its first 10-win season and became the program's all-time leader in coaching victories, has agreed to an eight-year contract that would keep him with the Cyclones through 2032. University president Wendy Wintersteen and athletic director Jamie Pollard made the announcement Wednesday, four days after the Cyclones lost to Arizona State in the Big 12 championship game. “Given all the uncertainty currently facing college athletics, it was critical that we moved quickly to solidify the future of our football program,” Pollard said. “Matt is the perfect fit for Iowa State University and I am thrilled he wants to continue to lead our program. Leadership continuity is essential to any organization’s long-term success." The Cyclones won their first seven games for their best start since 1938 and are 10-3 heading into their game against Miami in the Pop Tarts Bowl in Orlando, Florida, on Dec. 28. BRIEFLY FLAG PLANT: Ohio Republican state Rep. Josh Williams said Wednesday on social media he's introducing a bill to make flag planting in sports a felony in the state. His proposal comes after the Nov. 30 fight at the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry football game when the Wolverines beat the Buckeyes 13-10 and then attempted to plant their flag at midfield. MALZAHN: Gus Malzahn, who resigned as UCF’s coach last month to become Mike Norvell’s offensive coordinator at Florida State, said he chose to return to his coaching roots rather than remain a head coach distracted by a myriad of responsibilities. Get local news delivered to your inbox!

When Andrew Westphal's Costa Rica honeymoon was over last May, you could say the honeymoon was really over. "Traveler's trots. Let's just say again, gastrointestinal distress," Westphal said. He and his new bride were experiencing the same stomach symptoms and decided to go to an urgent care near them. "And it ended up being a $4 antibiotic that solved the issue completely in a day," Westphal recalled. But then, Westphal said, the real pain began when he received his first bill: $1,888. What really stood out, though, was the difference between what his insurance covered compared to his wife's insurance for the medical testing. "So mine ended up being just about $1,700 to $1,800, and she paid $21 for those labs," Westphal said. "I'm trying to just wrap my head around how I could get such a large bill for such a simple service." His insurance carrier is Anthem while hers is Cigna. They both have high-deductible plans, and neither has met their deductibles. RELATED STORY | Murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO ignites online fury over health insurance industry "I, unfortunately, am not surprised," said Adam Fox, the deputy director of the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative. Fox said Westphal's story underscores the idea that insurance plans are not negotiating better costs for the people they are serving, putting consumers at risk of unpredictably high bills. Additionally, Fox said, there is a larger issue with the rates being charged at so-called "Hospital Outpatient Departments." In a letter to Westphal regarding his urgent care bill, UC Health stated that he had "received these services within a Hospital Outpatient Department." Fox said Medicare charges about $440 for the same tests Westphal was billed $1,840. "They're basically charging four times what Medicare does," said Fox. "I think those services can be provided at a much lower cost. And I think what we are seeing is as hospitals acquire more facilities and doctors offices, they are charging higher costs for the same level of service to patients. And that puts Coloradans at financial risk." A UCHealth spokesperson clarified that its urgent care centers are not Hospital Outpatient Departments, but the labs in certain cases are at the hospital. UCHealth and Anthem declined our requests for interviews, but in an email, a UCHealth spokesman pointed to high-deductible health insurance plans, stating, "This shifts more of the burden of paying medical bills onto patients." UCHealth said it offers billing estimates for anyone who wants to know individual responsibility for a service. An Anthem statement also references high-deductible plans, stating that Westphal's "claim was therefore processed correctly." Anthem said, "We are transparent with Anthem members about the price of health care services." Westphal said he had no idea that what he thought was a simple doctor's visit for antibiotics could cost so much. After his appeals were denied, he said he is learning a frustrating lesson. "You need to find out how much your services are going to cost, even if you think it's something that should be very simple, cost so little," Westphal said. "And yet this insurance company or this provider can really do whatever they want." Full statement from Anthem: This story was originally published by Jaclyn Allen at Scripps News Denver .Frame Scaffolding Market Current Status and Future Prospects | Layher, PERI, Altrad 12-08-2024 05:00 PM CET | Advertising, Media Consulting, Marketing Research Press release from: HTF Market Intelligence Consulting Pvt. Ltd. Frame Scaffolding Market HTF MI recently introduced Global Frame Scaffolding Market study with 143+ pages in-depth overview, describing about the Product / Industry Scope and elaborates market outlook and status (2024-2032). The market Study is segmented by key regions which is accelerating the marketization. At present, the market is developing its presence. Some key players from the complete study are Layher, PERI, Altrad, Safway, ULMA Construction, Waco. Download Sample Report PDF (Including Full TOC, Table & Figures) 👉 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/sample-report/2971760-global-frame-scaffolding-market-report-2020-by-key-players-types-applications-countries-market-size-forecast-to-2026?utm_source=Tarusha_OpenPR&utm_id=Tarusha According to HTF Market Intelligence, the Global Frame Scaffolding market is expected to grow from 6.8 USD in 2024 to Global Frame Scaffolding Market by Key and Emerging Players, Types, Applications, Countries to 2031 USD by 2032, with a CAGR of 0.073% from 2024 to 2032. The Frame Scaffolding market is segmented by Types (Tube & Clamp, Modular, H-Frame, K-Frame), Application (Construction, Repair, Renovation, Event Setup) and by Geography (North America, LATAM, West Europe, Central & Eastern Europe, Northern Europe, Southern Europe, East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, Oceania, MEA). Definition: Temporary frameworks used in construction for supporting workers and materials while building or repairing structures. Dominating Region: • Europe Fastest-Growing Region: • Asia-Pacific Have a query? Market an enquiry before purchase 👉 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/enquiry-before-buy/2971760-global-frame-scaffolding-market-report-2020-by-key-players-types-applications-countries-market-size-forecast-to-2026?utm_source=Tarusha_OpenPR&utm_id=Tarusha The titled segments and sub-section of the market are illuminated below: In-depth analysis of Frame Scaffolding market segments by Types: Tube & Clamp, Modular, H-Frame, K-Frame Detailed analysis of Tank Container Shipping market segments by Applications: Construction, Repair, Renovation, Event Setup Geographically, the detailed analysis of consumption, revenue, market share, and growth rate of the following regions: • The Middle East and Africa (South Africa, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Israel, Egypt, etc.) • North America (United States, Mexico & Canada) • South America (Brazil, Venezuela, Argentina, Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, etc.) • Europe (Turkey, Spain, Turkey, Netherlands Denmark, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Russia UK, Italy, France, etc.) • Asia-Pacific (Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam, China, Malaysia, Japan, Philippines, Korea, Thailand, India, Indonesia, and Australia). Buy Now Latest Edition of Frame Scaffolding Market Report 👉 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/buy-now?format=1&report=2971760?utm_source=Tarusha_OpenPR&utm_id=Tarusha Frame Scaffolding Market Research Objectives: - Focuses on the key manufacturers, to define, pronounce and examine the value, sales volume, market share, market competition landscape, SWOT analysis, and development plans in the next few years. - To share comprehensive information about the key factors influencing the growth of the market (opportunities, drivers, growth potential, industry-specific challenges and risks). - To analyze the with respect to individual future prospects, growth trends and their involvement to the total market. - To analyze reasonable developments such as agreements, expansions new product launches, and acquisitions in the market. - To deliberately profile the key players and systematically examine their growth strategies. FIVE FORCES & PESTLE ANALYSIS: In order to better understand market conditions five forces analysis is conducted that includes the Bargaining power of buyers, Bargaining power of suppliers, Threat of new entrants, Threat of substitutes, and Threat of rivalry. • Political (Political policy and stability as well as trade, fiscal, and taxation policies) • Economical (Interest rates, employment or unemployment rates, raw material costs, and foreign exchange rates) • Social (Changing family demographics, education levels, cultural trends, attitude changes, and changes in lifestyles) • Technological (Changes in digital or mobile technology, automation, research, and development) • Legal (Employment legislation, consumer law, health, and safety, international as well as trade regulation and restrictions) • Environmental (Climate, recycling procedures, carbon footprint, waste disposal, and sustainability) Get 10-25% Discount on Immediate purchase 👉 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/request-discount/2971760-global-frame-scaffolding-market-report-2020-by-key-players-types-applications-countries-market-size-forecast-to-2026?utm_source=Tarusha_OpenPR&utm_id=Tarusha Points Covered in Table of Content of Global Frame Scaffolding Market: Chapter 01 - Frame Scaffolding Executive Summary Chapter 02 - Market Overview Chapter 03 - Key Success Factors Chapter 04 - Global Frame Scaffolding Market - Pricing Analysis Chapter 05 - Global Frame Scaffolding Market Background or History Chapter 06 - Global Frame Scaffolding Market Segmentation (e.g. Type, Application) Chapter 07 - Key and Emerging Countries Analysis Worldwide Frame Scaffolding Market Chapter 08 - Global Frame Scaffolding Market Structure & worth Analysis Chapter 09 - Global Frame Scaffolding Market Competitive Analysis & Challenges Chapter 10 - Assumptions and Acronyms Chapter 11 - Frame Scaffolding Market Research Methodology Key questions answered • How Global Frame Scaffolding Market growth & size is changing in next few years? • Who are the Leading players and what are their futuristic plans in the Global Frame Scaffolding market? • What are the key concerns of the 5-forces analysis of the Global Frame Scaffolding market? • What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors? • What are the different prospects and threats faced by the dealers in the Global Frame Scaffolding market? Thanks for reading this article; you can also get individual chapter-wise sections or region-wise report versions like North America, LATAM, Europe, Japan, Australia or Southeast Asia. Contact Us: Nidhi Bhawsar (PR & Marketing Manager) HTF Market Intelligence Consulting Private Limited Phone: +15075562445 sales@htfmarketintelligence.com Connect with us on LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter About Author: HTF Market Intelligence Consulting is uniquely positioned to empower and inspire with research and consulting services to empower businesses with growth strategies. We offer services with extraordinary depth and breadth of thought leadership, research, tools, events, and experience that assist in decision-making. This release was published on openPR.

CARSON, Calif. — The LA Galaxy finished 26th in the 29-team Major League Soccer standings just one season ago, and their biggest supporters boycotted certain matches to protest a decade of poor performance. The most successful club in league history seemed light years away from its luminous prime. When the Galaxy raised the MLS Cup again Saturday amid confetti and fireworks, their spectacular transformation was complete. In only one year, a team that was profoundly lost had rediscovered its peerless championship pedigree. "We won this trophy, and it's finally back where it belongs," striker Dejan Joveljic said. Joseph Paintsil and Joveljic scored in the first half, and the Galaxy won their record sixth MLS Cup championship with a 2-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls. After striking twice in the first 13 minutes of the final, the Galaxy nursed their lead through a scoreless second half to raise their league's biggest trophy for the first time since 2014. People are also reading... MLS' most successful franchise struggled through most of the ensuing years, but everything changed after LA spent smartly in the offseason to build a high-scoring new lineup topped by Paintsil, Joveljic and Gabriel Pec. The Galaxy finished second in the Western Conference and streaked through the postseason with an MLS playoff-record 18 goals in five games to win another crown. "I'm just so proud of this group after the challenges that we (had) and the way they bounced back and competed as a group," Galaxy coach Greg Vanney said. "We spent a lot of energy at the start, but I'm just so proud of these guys. They've cemented themselves as legends in this club." The Galaxy even won this title without perhaps their most important player. Riqui Puig, the playmaking midfielder from Barcelona who ran their offense impressively all season long, tore a ligament in his knee last week in the conference final. Puig watched this game in a suit, but the Catalan catalyst's teammates hadn't forgotten him: After his replacement, Gastón Brugman, set up LA's opening goal with a superb pass in the ninth minute, Paintsil held up Puig's jersey to their roaring fans during the celebration. "I was really waiting for this moment," said Paintsil, who scored his 14th goal of an impressive season. "I'm much more, 10 times faster than them, and Gaston saw the space. ... It was really a good thing. We did it for Riqui, and we did it for our family that came, and our supporters." Just four minutes later, Joveljic sprinted past four New York defenders and chipped home his 21st goal. Brugman was named the MLS Cup MVP after a commanding performance in midfield. The Uruguayan hadn't started a match for the Galaxy since Oct. 5 after an injury-slowed season, playing only as a postseason substitute before the final. "I dreamed of that yesterday, of something I could give to the team," Brugman said of his pass to Paintsil. "Today, it happened." Sean Nealis scored for the seventh-seeded Red Bulls, whose improbable postseason charge ended one win shy of their first Cup championship. With the league's youngest roster, New York fell just short of becoming the lowest-seeded team to win the tournament under first-year German coach Sandro Schwarz. "I love these guys," Schwarz said. "Some guys, they are crying. In the big picture, that's a start. Sometimes when you lose the final, it's tough, but you use this experience to create the next energy, the next intensity." Galaxy goalkeeper John McCarthy made four saves to win his second MLS title in three seasons, but Nealis beat the 2022 MLS Cup MVP in the 28th minute when he volleyed from the penalty area. The second half was lively: Red Bulls captain Emil Forsberg hit the outside of the post in the 72nd minute, while Pec and Galaxy substitute Marco Reus nearly converted chances a few moments later. The ball got loose in the Galaxy's penalty area in the third minute of extra time, but two Red Bulls couldn't finish. After Galaxy owner Phil Anschutz received the MLS Cup that bears his name because of his steady financial support of the league during its shaky years, Galaxy captain Maya Yoshida carried the trophy to his teammates for the celebration. The Galaxy extended their lead over DC United (4) for the most MLS Cup championships in league history. The Red Bulls remain one of three original MLS franchises never to win the title, along with FC Dallas and the New England Revolution. The Galaxy finished 17-0-3 this season at their frequently renamed suburban stadium, where the sellout crowd of 26,812 for the final included several robust cheering sections of Red Bulls supporters hoping to see their New Jersey-based club's breakthrough. But this season was about the Galaxy's rebirth. The club famous for employing global stars from David Beckham and Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Robbie Keane and Javier "Chicharito" Hernández swiftly turned itself into a contender again by acquiring young talents without international fame. The Galaxy signed Pec from Brazil and grabbed Paintsil, a Ghanaian playing in Belgium. The duo combined with Joveljic to form a potent attack with orchestration from Puig, one of MLS' best players. "Losing a guy like Riqui after the performance he put in all season was devastating," McCarthy said. "Even if he wasn't on the field, we did it for him." Be the first to knowUS homelessness up 18% as affordable housing remains out of reach for many people Federal officials say the United States saw an 18.1% increase in homelessness, a dramatic rise driven mostly by a lack of affordable housing as well as devastating natural disasters and a surge of migrants in several parts of the country. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development said that federally required tallies taken across the country in January found that more than 770,000 people were counted as homeless. That increase comes on top of a 12% increase in 2023, which HUD blamed on soaring rents and the end of pandemic assistance. Among the most concerning trends was a nearly 40% rise in family homelessness. A 9th telecoms firm has been hit by a massive Chinese espionage campaign, the White House says WASHINGTON (AP) — A top White House official says 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. 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, a deputy national security adviser, said 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. Israeli troops burn northern Gaza hospital after forcibly removing staff and patients, officials say DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Gaza's Health Ministry says Israeli troops have stormed one of the last hospitals operating in the territory's north on Friday and forced many of the staff and patients outside. Then they had to remove their clothes in winter weather. It was the latest assault on Kamal Adwan Hospital. Parts of it were set on fire. Staff say it has been hit multiple times in the past three months by Israeli troops waging an offensive against Hamas fighters in surrounding neighborhoods. Israel's military says Hamas uses the hospital as a base. It did not provide evidence, and hospital officials have denied it. Azerbaijani and U.S. officials suggest plane that crashed may have been hit by weapons fire U.S. and Azerbaijani officials have said weapons fire may have brought down an Azerbaijani airliner that crashed on Wednesday, killing 38 people. The statements from Rashad Nabiyev and White House national security spokesman John Kirby on Friday raised pressure on Russia. Officials in Moscow have said a drone attack was underway in the region that the Azerbaijan Airlines flight was destined for but have not addressed statements from aviation experts who blamed the crash on Russian air defenses responding to a Ukrainian attack. The plane was flying from Azerbaijan’s capital of Baku to Chechnya on Wednesday when it crashed, killing 38 people and leaving all 29 survivors injured. New 2025 laws hit hot topics from AI in movies to rapid-fire guns New laws taking effect with the new year will affect Hollywood actors, social media stars and chatty motorists. In many states, minimum wage workers will see a pay raise in January. New laws in California will provide protections to actors against unauthorized use of artificial intelligence and require parents to set aside social media earnings generated by children. In Florida and Tennessee, new laws restricting social media use by minors face legal challenges. In Missouri, drivers holding their cellphones could face new fines. Other new laws will restrict certain guns in Minnesota, allow medical marijuana in Kentucky and outlaw drug use on public transit in Oregon. In states that ban abortion, social safety net programs often fail families MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee has a nearly total abortion ban and a porous safety net for mothers and young children. GOP state leaders in Tennessee and other states that banned abortion after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022 argue that they are bolstering services for families. Recent research and an analysis by The Associated Press has found that from the time a Tennessee woman gets pregnant, she faces greater obstacles to a healthy pregnancy, a healthy child and a financially stable family life than the average American mom. Maryland sues maker of Gore-Tex over pollution from toxic 'forever chemicals' Maryland is suing the company that produces the waterproof material Gore-Tex. State officials say the company's leaders kept using so-called “forever chemicals” long after learning about serious health risks. The federal complaint alleges Delaware-based W.L. Gore & Associates polluted the air and water around 13 facilities in northeastern Maryland with chemicals that have been linked to certain cancers, reproductive issues and high cholesterol. They’re nearly indestructible and can build up in various environments, including the human body. The company stopped using the harmful chemicals in 2014 and says it’s working with state regulators on testing and cleanup efforts. Man indicted in burning death of woman inside a New York City subway train, prosecutors say NEW YORK (AP) — The man accused of burning a woman to death inside a New York City subway train has been indicted on state charges. A prosecutor announced Sebastian Zapeta’s indictment at a court hearing Friday. The development comes days after Zapeta’s arrest and subsequent police questioning in which they say he identified himself in photos and surveillance video showing the fire being lit. The indictment will be under seal until Jan. 7. He remains jailed. Federal immigration officials say the 33-year-old Zapeta is from Guatemala and entered the U.S. illegally. Authorities are continuing to work to identify the victim. Father of Raiders star Malcolm Koonce has 1983 conviction tossed after DA says it was tainted NEW YORK (AP) — Years before Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce was born, his father spent time in prison for an armed robbery conviction that prosecutors now say was tainted by a detective’s lies and “highly suggestive” photo identification techniques. Jeffrey Koonce, now 67, had his conviction vacated and his indictment dismissed by New York judge Friday. Koonce spent nearly eight years in prison for a 1981 robbery at Vernon Stars Rod and Gun Club in Mount Vernon, where three people were struck by shotgun pellets as patrons were looted of cash and jewelry. He has always maintained his innocence. Alex Ovechkin is on track to break Wayne Gretzky's NHL career goals record Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals is chasing the NHL career goals record of 894 held by Wayne Gretzky. Ovechkin entered the season 42 goals short of breaking a record that long seemed unapproachable. He is set to play again Saturday at the Toronto Maple Leafs after missing more than a month with a broken left fibula. Ovechkin was on pace to get to 895 sometime in February before getting injured. At 868, he his 27 goals away from passing Gretzky.