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kk happy hour Marta’s magic helped get the Pride to Saturday’s NWSL title game against the Washington SpiritHeart-Shaped Sea Creatures Hold the Key to Faster InternetAmazon delivery drivers and Starbucks baristas are on strike in a handful of U.S. cities as they seek to exert pressure on the two major companies to recognize them as unionized employees or to meet demands for an inaugural labor contract. The strikes that started Thursday and Friday followed other recent standoffs between corporate America and organized labor. Large and established labor unions secured meaningful employer concessions this year following strikes by Boeing factory workers, dockworkers at East and Gulf coast ports, video game performers, and hotel and casino workers on the Las Vegas Strip. But workers at Starbucks, Amazon and some other prominent consumer brands still are fighting for their first contracts. Amazon refuses to acknowledge the organizing efforts of drivers and warehouse workers — many of whom have voted to unionize — even though the powerful Teamsters union says it represents them. Starbucks long resisted the unionization of its stores, but had agreed to negotiate a contract by the end of the year. Why are the strikes happening now? Strikes — particularly ones that happen during the holidays, a time of high economic activity — can help unions exercise leverage during negotiations or flex their muscles by garnering support from workers and sympathetic consumers. Both Amazon and Starbucks saw a wave of organizing efforts following the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic focused attention on front-line workers and the impact of economic inequality on the lives of wage-earning Americans. Employees organized at bookstores, where unions are rare, and were successful with campaigns at some stores run by Apple, Trader Joe's and the outdoor equipment company REI. But turning those wins into contracts can be a challenge. At Amazon and Starbucks, which were not unionized before the pandemic, workers have yet to secure an agreement with the e-commerce and coffee giants, which both have their headquarters in Seattle. John Logan, director of labor and employment studies at San Francisco State University, said he thinks the Amazon and Starbucks workers are "desperate" to make progress before President-elect Donald Trump gets to appoint a Republican majority to the National Labor Relations Board, which is expected to be less friendly to unions during his administration. "The unions want to make these disputes public and bring political pressures on the companies," Logan said in a written statement. "If these disputes drag on until next year, and if they are fought largely through the labor board and the courts, the unions and workers will almost certainly lose. This might be their last, best chance to pressure the companies in public before Trump comes into office." However, Trump has also given some signs that he might be friendlier to labor during his second term compared to his first term. Last month, he picked Oregon Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer to lead the Department of Labor in his new administration, elevating a Republican congresswoman who has strong support from unions, including the Teamsters. Teamsters President Sean O'Brien also spoke at the Republican National Convention this past summer. Teamster-led strikes at Amazon The Teamsters say workers at Amazon are striking at seven delivery stations in Southern California, San Francisco, New York City, Atlanta and Skokie, Illinois, because the company ignored a Sunday deadline the union had set for contract negotiations. At midnight on Saturday, the Teamsters say workers will also strike at a prominent warehouse in New York, which voted to join the fledgling Amazon Labor Union in 2022 and have since elected to affiliate with the Teamsters. The prominent labor group says it's fighting for higher wages, better benefits and safer working conditions for Amazon employees, many of whom experience economic insecurity while working for a company worth $2.3 trillion. It has not said how many Amazon warehouse workers or drivers are joining the striking. The union has mainly focused on organizing delivery drivers, which the company says are not its workers because they are directly employed by contractors Amazon recruited to handle package deliveries. That type of setup gives the Amazon more cover from unionization attempts in an industry — transportation and trucking — that's dominated by the Teamsters. However, the union has argued before the National Labor Relations Board that the drivers, who wear Amazon's ubiquitous gray-blue vests and drive similarly colored vans, should be classified as company employees. Meanwhile, the online retailer has accused the union of pushing a "false narrative" about the thousands of workers it claims to represent. Amazon has also touted its pay, saying it provides warehouse and transportation employees a base wage of $22 per hour plus benefits. It also recently boosted hourly pay for the subcontracted delivery drivers. In September, the NLRB, which has taken a more pro-labor stance under President Joe Biden, filed a complaint that found the drivers to be joint employees of Amazon. The agency also accused Amazon of unlawfully failing to bargain with the Teamsters on a contract for drivers at a California delivery hub. The Teamsters union says it also represents Amazon warehouse workers, including thousands of employees at the major New York City fulfillment center who voted to be represented by the Amazon Labor Union. Amazon objected to the 2022 warehouse election results, alleging the Amazon Labor Union and the federal labor board had tainted the vote. A regional NLRB director issued a complaint last year that accused Amazon of violating the law by refusing to bargain with the union. Amazon, in turn, is challenging the constitutionality of the NLRB in federal court along with Elon Musk's SpaceX. In June, the Supreme Court made it harder for the agency to win court orders in labor disputes, siding with Starbucks in a case brought by the company. Contract negotiations at Starbucks Unlike Amazon, contract negotiation have been underway at Starbucks. But Starbucks Workers United, the union that has organized workers at 535 company-owned U.S. stores since 2021, said the company has failed to honor a commitment made in February to reach a labor agreement this year. The union also wants Starbucks to resolve outstanding legal issues, including hundreds of unfair labor practice charges that workers have filed with the National Labor Relations Board. The agency also has opened or settled hundreds of charges against Amazon. In launching the strikes that started Friday in Chicago, Los Angeles and Seattle, Workers United said Starbucks proposed an economic package with no new wage increases for unionized baristas now and a 1.5% increase in future years. Union leaders said the strikes expanded on Saturday to include stores in Denver, Pittsburgh and Columbus, Ohio. In a post Sunday on X, the union said that picket lines had expanded to Brooklyn and Long Island in New York, St. Louis and Pittsburgh. Without providing a specific number, labor leaders said dozens of Starbucks stores are now affected by the strike. "We were ready to bring the foundational framework home this year, but Starbucks wasn't," Lynne Fox, president of Workers United said in a statement. "After all Starbucks has said about how they value partners throughout the system, we refuse to accept zero immediate investment in baristas' wages and no resolution of the hundreds of outstanding unfair labor practices." Starbucks said Workers United prematurely ended a bargaining session this week. The company also says it already offers pay and benefits worth $30 per hour for baristas who work at least 20 hours per week. Starbucks workers walked off the job on two occasions last year. Workers United has said the latest strikes could spread to hundreds of stores across the country by Christmas Eve. Patricia Campos-Medina, who recently ran for the U.S. Senate as a Democrat in New Jersey and leads Cornell University's Worker Institute at the School of Industrial and Labor Relations, said she expects there to be more union activity before Trump takes office. Trump's reactions will give the public a chance to see what his "commitments are to the working class," Campos-Medina said. ___ Dee-Ann Durbin in Detroit contributed to this story.

India yesterrday accorded former premier Manmohan Singh, one of the architects of the country’s economic liberalisation in the early 1990s, a state funeral with full military honours, complete with a gun salute. Singh, who held office from 2004-2014, died at the age of 92 on Thursday, after which seven days of state mourning were declared. The honours were led by President Draupadi Murmu with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in attendance, along with the country’s top civilian and military officials. Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck also attended the ceremony. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, who called the former prime minister his mentor and guide, joined Singh’s family as they prayed before his cremation. Earlier, mourners gathered to pay their respects to Singh. His coffin, draped in garlands of flowers, was flanked by a guard of honour and carried to his Congress Party headquarters in New Delhi. It was then taken through the capital to the cremation grounds, accompanied by guards of soldiers and accorded full state honours. Modi called Singh one of India’s “most distinguished leaders”. US President Joe Biden called Singh a “true statesman”, saying that he “charted pathbreaking progress that will continue to strengthen our nations - and the world - for generations to come”. The former prime minister was an understated technocrat who was hailed for overseeing an economic boom in his first term. Singh’s second stint ended with a series of major corruption scandals, slowing growth and high inflation. Singh’s unpopularity in his second term, and lacklustre leadership by Nehru-Gandhi scion Rahul Gandhi, the current opposition leader in the lower house, led to Modi’s first landslide victory in 2014. Born in 1932 in the mud-house village of Gah in what is now Pakistan and was then British-ruled India, Singh studied economics to find a way to eradicate poverty in the vast nation. He won scholarships to attend both Cambridge, where he obtained a first in economics, and Oxford, where he completed his doctorate. Singh worked in a string of senior civil service posts, served as a central bank governor and also held various jobs with global agencies including the United Nations. He was tapped in 1991 by then Congress prime minister P V Narasimha Rao to serve as finance minister and reel India back from the worst financial crisis in its modern history. Though he had never held an elected post, he was declared the National Congress’ candidate for the highest office in 2004. In his first term, Singh steered the economy through a period of nine percent growth, lending India the international clout it had long sought. He also sealed a landmark nuclear deal with the United States that he said would help India meet its growing energy needs. President Murmu said Singh would “always be remembered for his service to the nation, his unblemished political life and his utmost humility”. Related Story Qatar participates in meeting of Global Alliance for Implementation of Two-State Solution MES conducts musical reality show amid anniversary celebrationsFILE - Vice President Kamala Harris and Taylor Swift (Photo by SAUL LOEBANDRE DIAS NOBRE/AFP via Getty Images) The most notable quotations of 2024 have something for everyone: entertainment, politics and even a side of conspiracy theory. With such a heated presidential election behind us , it’s no surprise that politics dominated the conversation this year. From Taylor Swift’s "Childless Cat Lady" signoff to "they’re eating the dogs" in Springfield, Ohio , the most notable quotations of 2024 have something for everyone: entertainment, politics and even a side of conspiracy theory. RELATED: Celebrity deaths of 2024: The influential people we lost this year Here are seven of the most notable quotes of 2024, as compiled by Fred Shapiro, an associate director at the Yale Law Library. RELATED: Top Google searches of 2024 "Please note that the items on this list are not necessarily eloquent or admirable quotations, rather they have been picked because they are famous or important or particularly revealing of the spirit of our times," Shapiro said, per the Associated Press. The city of Springfield, Ohio has fallen victim to internet rumors and conspiracy theories regarding immigrants eating peoples' pets. LiveNOW from FOX's Josh Breslow spoke to Springfield Mayor Rob Rue about the claims, which Rue says are false. "Taylor Swift Childless Cat Lady" — Taylor Swift , signing off on an Instagram post , Sept. 10, 2024 "Today, I signed a pardon for my son Hunter." — President Joe Biden , official statement, Dec. 1, 2024 "In Springfield, they’re eating the dogs, the people that came in. They’re eating the cats." — President-elect Donald Trump , presidential debate , Sept. 10, 2024, repeating a debunked conspiracy about Haitian immigrants in Ohio "I’ve become friends with school shooters." — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz , vice presidential debate, Oct. 1, 2024, misspeaking while referring to befriending shooting survivors "Fight! Fight! Fight!" — Trump after an assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania , on July 13, 2024 "Yes they can control the weather." — Georgia U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene , posting on the social media platform X, Oct. 2, 2024, endorsing a conspiracy theory that the government used weather control technology to aim Hurricane Helene at Republican voters. "Some of you (women) may go on to lead successful careers in the world, but I would venture to guess that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world." — Kansas City Chiefs football player Harrison Butker , commencement address at Benedictine College, Atchison, Kansas, May 11, 2024. Justin Timberlake appeared outside a New York courthouse and spoke to the press after he accepted a plea deal in connection to a DWI arrest that happened in June. Timberlake was pulled over and arrested in Long Island on June 18 after police say he ran a stop sign and was veering out of his lane. The officer at the scene also said that the 43-year-old smelled of alcohol and performed poorly on all standardized field sobriety tests. The singer/songwriter pleaded guilty to a lesser charge and was given community service consisting of 25 to 40 hours. "Give him my regards did you take Ozempic?" — Barbara Streisand, commenting on a photo of Melissa McCarthy and her husband on Instagram . Streisand later apologized and said she forgot Instagram comments were public. Observers assumed she had done voice to text to make the comment, thus the lack of a comma. "This is going to ruin the tour." — Justin Timberlake , speaking to a police officer who pulled him over for driving under the influence in the Hamptons . Reportedly, the officer responded, "What tour?" revealing he had no idea who Timberlake was. "kamala IS brat" — Charli XCX , in a reference to her album "brat" and its rabid summer following. The post accumulated over 35 million impressions on the app, and Harris’ campaign quickly set its X banner photo to the striking Shrek-green color of Charli’s "brat" album cover. This report includes information from the Associated Press, Vulture and previous LiveNow from FOX reporting.

General Mills To Gain Strength From Rebound In Pet Segment And Stabilizing Retail Growth, Analyst Upgrades StockPHILADELPHIA (AP) — Saquon Barkley knew the Eagles season rushing record could be his on Sunday with the type of stellar performance that has become the standard during his first season in Philadelphia. As for the exact moment Barkley hit the milestone, he wasn't sure — until the “MVP!” chants echoed throughout the Linc after a 9-yard run in the fourth quarter . “The records are great, they put a smile on your face,” Barkley said, “but the season is far from over.” Needing 109 yards to break LeSean McCoy's record, Barkley rushed for 124 yards and pushed his season total to 1,623 in a 22-16 victory over Carolina . Barkley needed just 13 games to pass McCoy, who rushed for 1,607 yards in 2013. He also overtook Wilbert Montgomery, who had 1,512 yards in 1978. “I never wrote the goal down to break it,” Barkley said. “You're always aware of it. That's how I train. That's how I operate in the offseason. I want to be great.” Barkley also maintained his pace to break Eric Dickerson’s NFL single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards, set in 1984 with the Los Angeles Rams. “That would be extremely cool to do,” Barkley said. “If it happens, it happens, and not with the mindset of, I'm scared to go try to do it. Whatever it takes to win football games.” Barkley is averaging 124.8 yards per game. At that pace and with one more game to play than Dickerson, he would become the top single-season rusher in NFL history. He needs 483 yards yards over the final four games to top Dickerson’s 40-year-old record. He averaged 6.2 yards on 20 carries against the Panthers to help the Eagles win their ninth straight game. McCoy, who was inducted into the team's Hall of Fame this season, remains the franchise’s rushing leader with 6,792 yards. Referencing his old uniform number, McCoy congratulated Barkley on social media with “a lot of love, coming from 2-5." “Being a fan of Shady's growing up, and seeing the spectacular things he was able to do with the ball in his hand, to be able to have my name mentioned with him definitely means a lot,” Barkley said. Barkley left the New York Giants in the offseason and signed a three-year deal worth $26 million guaranteed to join the Eagles, who made him the highest-paid running back in franchise history. The 27-year-old has been worth every dollar. Barkley is among the favorites for league MVP, according to BetMGM Sportsbook. Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen was the only player with better MVP odds entering Sunday. Barkley has a franchise-record nine 100-yard rushing games in a season. Although he was held out of the end zone Sunday, he began the day leading the league with four rushing touchdowns of 25-plus yards. Barkley, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft, topped 1,000 yards three times in his six seasons with the Giants. He finished with 1,312 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns in 2022 and rushed for 1,307 yards and 11 scores as a rookie. Eagles general manager Howie Roseman, who had been unwilling to spend on elite running backs, pounced on Barkley and the decision was celebrated as a success in Philly from the first game of the season. Barkley rushed for two scores and caught a TD pass in the opener against Green Bay. His three touchdowns were the most by an Eagles player in his debut since Terrell Owens in 2004. Barkley only soared in production and popularity from there, his highlight reel stamped by a reverse leap over the head of a Jacksonville defender last month. He's since vaulted over every running back ahead of him on the Eagles rushing list — and has a chance at NFL history. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL

Trying to fit in routines around work can be tricky, especially for women. New research from Vitality’s ‘Active women, healthy lives’ report finds that eight in 10 women under 50 say their demanding work schedules are holding them back from being active. As a result, a quarter of women exercise less than once a week (25%), and over half of women exercise less than they used to (52%). Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, in partnership with Vitality, is launching Walk Out to Work Out, a new initiative encouraging women to reclaim time during their busy working days to stay active. Jessica Ennis-Hill has shared a few tips to help women fit in exercise around their working day (Image: Vitality) Additionally, she has shared some top tips on how to fit some exercise in during the working day. The full ‘Active women, healthy lives’ report can be found on the website here . Jessica shared: "As a busy mum and business owner, I know how challenging it can be to fit in long workouts. That’s why I swear by short bursts of activity—what I call "exercise snacks." "Whether it’s a 5-minute stretch between meetings or a quick walk to clear your mind, these small moments can really add up and keep you feeling active without disrupting your day. Jessica explained: "When I need to take calls or brainstorm ideas, I often head out for a walk with my dog while doing it – ticking off two things I have to do. I find it not only helps me stay active but also boosts my creativity and focus. "Turn phone calls or virtual meetings into walking meetings where possible. It’s a simple way to add movement while staying productive." (function (d, s, n) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; js = d.createElement(s); js.className = n; js.src = "//player.ex.co/player/e581678b-798b-4990-96f0-b5cdd52a81fd"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); js.setAttribute('programmatic', 'true'); js.onload = function () { const playerApi233613 = ExCoPlayer.connect('e581678b-798b-4990-96f0-b5cdd52a81fd'); playerApi233613.init({ "autoPlay": false, "mute": true, "showAds": true, "playbackMode": "play-in-view", "content": { "playFirst": [ { "title": "How much water should you drink daily?", "src": "https://large-cdn.ex.co/transformations/production/41f11a67-8a1f-4249-8ae7-12b95862b6e3/720p.mp4" } ], "playlistId": "649d3cb479e0a90012b54cc2" }, "sticky": { "mode": "persistent", "closeButton": true, "pauseOnClose": true, "desktop": { "enabled": false, "position": "bottom-right" }, "mobile": { "enabled": false, "position": "upper-small" } }}); }; }(document, 'script', 'exco-player')); "As someone who’s juggled intense schedules, I’ve learned the importance of protecting my lunch break," Jessica said. "I use part of it for physical activity, whether it’s a quick workout, a jog, or a calming walk. "If you feel like your lunch break has disappeared into your workday, speak to your employer about how you can reclaim that time — it’s yours to use for your well-being. I suggest putting it in the diary as a meeting – this will ring-fence the time for you." Jessica explained: "I have worked with a lot of different sponsors and their teams and I’ve seen the difference it makes when workplaces support physical activity. "If you’re struggling to stay active, don’t hesitate to share your thoughts with your employer. Suggest ideas like walking meetings, group exercise activities, or even flexible working hours to make staying active more achievable. "Remember, these changes benefit everyone, from employees to the company itself. Recommended reading: Jessica said: "I rely on technology to keep me on track. Fitness trackers or simple alarms can remind you to stand, stretch, or take a short walk every hour. "Even small movements like this can make a huge difference to your energy levels and focus throughout the day."Ryan Strome's goal late in 3rd period helps Ducks rally for 5-3 victory over OilersNone

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Brian Callahan insisted Monday he's busy preparing to coach the Tennessee Titans against the Jacksonville Jaguars, not what controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk thinks of his first season. “It’s a bottom line business and we’ve got to show progress and we haven’t shown enough,” Callahan said. “I would like to see more and we got two more opportunities to do it." The Titans have lost four straight after a 38-30 defeat in Indianapolis , dropping the season series to their AFC South foe. They also have lost six of seven to drop to 3-12, putting the franchise two losses from matching the most in a season set in 2014 when the NFL played a 16-game schedule. Asked if he thinks he will have to make a case to keep his job when this season ends, Callahan said he has no idea. “My job is to coach the football team and get ready to go play Jacksonville,” Callahan said. “That’s the only thing that I focus on. And anything other than that, is out of my control.” What’s working The Titans played a season-high 10 rookies in Indianapolis. Even with all that youth, they were flagged only four times matching their second-lowest total of the season. That was a huge improvement from the week before when Tennessee was penalized 12 times for 110 yards. What needs help Callahan said every time they try to fix one thing, another issue pops up. Against Indianapolis, t he run defense simply disappeared . They gave up 335 yards rushing, the most in franchise history since Oct. 1, 1961. They gave up touchdown runs of 65 and 70 yards to Jonathan Taylor. A defense that entered Week 16 ranked 12th allowed Taylor to average 7.5 yards per carry and meant Anthony Richardson needed to throw just 11 passes. The Titans gave up 38 consecutive points — the third most allowed in a game all season just a week after giving up 37 in a loss to Cincinnati. Stock up TE Chig Okonkwo. He led the Titans with nine catches and 81 yards receiving — both career highs. He also scored his the second 2-point conversion of his career. He became the first tight end with nine or more receptions in a game since Delanie Walker had nine Nov. 13, 2016, against Green Bay. Stock down Mason Rudolph. Callahan defended the veteran's three interceptions with one going off running back Tony Pollard's hands and the third a last-gasp play to end the game and said he thought Rudolph had a good performance. That said, Rudolph's numbers are almost a mirror image of the quarterback he replaced. Rudolph has eight touchdown passes and eight interceptions. He's completing 63.8% of his passes and has a 78.8 passer rating. That's nearly the same as Will Levis completing 63.7% of his passes with 12 TD passes and 12 interceptions. Callahan said turnovers from the quarterback spot has sort of been “our Achilles' heel” swinging games. But he also hasn't made a decision yet on who starts Sunday, saying stats don't always paint the full picture. “My goal is to try to put the best chance to win on the field for us and we’ll see what that looks like,” Callahan said. Injuries Callahan said K Nick Folk might have a chance to be back after an abdominal injury sidelined the veteran in Indianapolis. The Titans are practicing with a walk-through Tuesday and taking Wednesday off for Christmas so the coach said he'll have a better handle on injuries Thursday. Folk's replacement Brayden Narveson missed a 53-yard field goal that would have given Tennessee a 10-0 lead. Folk is 21 of 22 on field goals this season. Key num ber 121 — Number of points allowed off turnovers this season. It's the most in a season for the Titans since at least 2000, topping the 108 given up in 2015. The Titans lead the NFL with 32 turnovers, which Callahan called their biggest issue. “That’s insanity,” Callahan said. Next steps The Titans visit Jacksonville on Sunday for their final road trip, trying to avoid being swept by their division rival. Then it's back home for the regular-season finale, hosting Houston before more changes this offseason in some form. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Teresa M. Walker, The Associated Press

PML: A Buy Case Is Emerging For This Muni CEF (Rating Upgrade)COLUMBIA, South Carolina (AP) — Victims' families and others affected by crimes that resulted in federal death row convictions shared a range of emotions on Monday, from relief to anger, after President Joe Biden commuted dozens of the sentences . Biden converted the sentences of 37 federal death row inmates to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. The inmates include people who were convicted in the slayings of police, military officers and federal prisoners and guards. Others were involved in deadly robberies and drug deals. Three inmates will remain on federal death row: Dylann Roof , convicted of the 2015 racist slayings of nine Black members of Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina; the 2013 Boston Marathon Bomber, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev , and Robert Bowers, who fatally shot 11 congregants at Pittsburgh’s Tree of life Synagogue in 2018 , the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S history. Opponents of the death penalty lauded Biden for a decision they'd long sought. Supporters of Donald Trump , a vocal advocate of expanding capital punishment, criticized the move as an assault to common decency just weeks before the president-elect takes office. Victims' families and former colleagues share relief and anger Donnie Oliverio, a retired Ohio police officer whose partner was killed by an inmate whose death sentence was commuted, said the execution of “the person who killed my police partner and best friend would have brought me no peace.” “The president has done what is right here,” Oliverio said in a statement also issued by the White House, “and what is consistent with the faith he and I share.” Heather Turner, whose mother, Donna Major, was killed in a bank robbery in South Carolina in 2017, called Biden's commutation of the killer's sentence a “clear gross abuse of power” in a Facebook post, adding that the weeks she spent in court with the hope of justice were now “just a waste of time.” “At no point did the president consider the victims,” Turner wrote. “He, and his supporters, have blood on their hands.” Decision to leave Roof on death row met with conflicting emotions There has always been a broad range of opinions on what punishment Roof should face from the families of the nine people killed and the survivors of the massacre at the Mother Emanuel AME Church. Many forgave him, but some say they can’t forget and their forgiveness doesn’t mean they don’t want to see him put to death for what he did. Felicia Sanders survived the shooting shielding her granddaughter while watching Roof kill her son, Tywanza, and her aunt, Susie Jackson. Sanders brought her bullet-torn bloodstained Bible to his sentencing and said then she can’t even close her eyes to pray because Roof started firing during the closing prayer of Bible study that night. In a text message to her lawyer, Andy Savage, Sanders called Biden’s decision to not spare Roof’s life a wonderful Christmas gift. Michael Graham, whose sister, Cynthia Hurd, was killed, told The Associated Press that Roof’s lack of remorse and simmering white nationalism in the country means he is the kind of dangerous and evil person the death penalty is intended for. “This was a crime against a race of people," Graham said. “It didn’t matter who was there, only that they were Black.” But the Rev. Sharon Richer, who was Tywanza Sanders’ cousin and whose mother, Ethel Lance, was killed, criticized Biden for not sparing Roof and clearing out all of death row. She said every time Roof’s case comes up through numerous appeals it is like reliving the massacre all over again. “I need the President to understand that when you put a killer on death row, you also put their victims' families in limbo with the false promise that we must wait until there is an execution before we can begin to heal,” Richer said in a statement. Richer, a board member of Death Penalty Action, which seeks to abolish capital punishment, was driven to tears by conflicting emotions during a Zoom news conference Monday. “The families are left to be hostages for the years and years of appeals that are to come,” Richer said. “I’ve got to stay away from the news today. I’ve got to turn the TV off — because whose face am I going to see?” Biden is giving more attention to the three inmates he chose not to spare, something they all wanted as a part of what drove them to kill, said Abraham Bonowitz, Death Penalty Action’s executive director. “These three racists and terrorists who have been left on death row came to their crimes from political motivations. When Donald Trump gets to execute them what will really be happening is they will be given a global platform for their agenda of hatred,” Bonowitz said. Politicians and advocacy groups speak up Biden had faced pressure from advocacy organizations to commute federal death sentences, and several praised him for taking action in his final month in office. Anthony D. Romero, executive director of the ACLU, said in a statement that Biden “has shown our country — and the rest of the world — that the brutal and inhumane policies of our past do not belong in our future.” Republicans, including Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas, on the other hand, criticized the move — and argued its moral ground was shaky given the three exceptions. “Once again, Democrats side with depraved criminals over their victims, public order, and common decency,” Cotton wrote on X. “Democrats can’t even defend Biden’s outrageous decision as some kind of principled, across-the-board opposition to the death penalty since he didn’t commute the three most politically toxic cases.” Liz Murrill, Louisiana's Republican attorney general, criticized the commuted sentence of Len Davis, a former New Orleans policeman convicted of orchestrating the killing of a woman who had filed a complaint against him. “We can’t trust the Feds to get justice for victims of heinous crimes, so it’s long past time for the state to get it done,” the tough-on-crime Republican said in a written statement to the AP. One inmate's attorney expresses thanks — and his remorse Two men whose sentences were commuted were Norris Holder and Billie Jerome Allen, on death row for opening fire with assault rifles during a 1997 bank robbery in St. Louis, killing a guard, 46-year-old Richard Heflin. Holder’s attorney, Madeline Cohen, said in an email that Holder, who is Black, was sentenced to death by an all-white jury. She said his case “reflects many of the system’s flaws,” and thanked Biden for commuting his sentence. “Norris’ case exemplifies the racial bias and arbitrariness that led the President to commute federal death sentences,” Cohen said. “Norris has always been deeply remorseful for the pain his actions caused, and we hope this decision brings some measure of closure to Richard Heflin’s family.” Swenson reported from Seattle. Associated Press writers Jim Salter in O'Fallon, Missouri, and Sara Cline in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, contributed to this report.

The New York Times published its first crossword puzzle on February 15, 1942, in the Sunday Magazine, created by Charles Erlenkotter and edited by Margaret Farrar. It was the first major newspaper to introduce a crossword puzzle at the time. Since then, the NYT has launched several popular games, including the Mini Crossword in 2014, followed by Spelling Bee, Letter Boxed, and Tiles. In 2022, the NYT released the highly popular Wordle, followed by Connections and Strands. NYT Strands is the newest addition to the NYT puzzle lineup. This daily game features fresh themes each day, where players are tasked with uncovering all the words on the grid, including a special Spangram that spans two sides of the board. NYT Strands December 24, 2024 – Hints, answers, Spangram Having trouble solving today’s NYT Strands puzzle? We’re here to help with some easy hints to fuel your curiosity even more. Plus, we’ve got today’s answer waiting for you – just keep reading. Today's NYT Strands puzzle theme The theme for today’s Strands is “Who on earth ...?''. Hints for today’s Strands Below, we’ve shared the hints, answers, and Spangram for today ’s NYT Strands puzzle. The hints may give away part or all of the Strands, so proceed with caution. Scroll down to continue: Hints The first word is the cheerful foliage adorning the holiday spaces. The second word is the elegant tree that moves like a dancer in the breeze. The third word is the serene stream that murmurs as it winds through the forest. The fourth word is the verdant crown, perfect for a poetic victor. The fifth word is the powerful current that shapes the earth beneath. The sixth word is the sweet, tangy pop of sunshine encased in a small rind. NYT Strands December 24, 2024 – Hints, answers, Spangram Spangram for today ‘Naturenames’ is the Spangram for today’s NYT Strands puzzle. Today's Strands’ answers: The first word is holly. The second word is willow. The third word is brook. The fourth word is laurel. The fifth word is river. The sixth word is clementine. What are NYT Strands and how to play the game? Strands is a puzzle game that blends elements of Connections, Spelling Bee, and classic crossword puzzles. Players are given 48 letters arranged on a 6 x 8-inch grid, along with a daily theme. The goal is to solve the Spangram and uncover all the theme-related words. To play, connect letters on the grid to form words by dragging your mouse or fingers (on a touchscreen) in horizontal, vertical, or diagonal directions. Start by identifying the central theme word or Spangram, which will help you understand the puzzle’s theme. In addition to the Spangram, you must also find other words related to the theme hidden in the grid. Once you’ve uncovered them all, the puzzle is complete. Tips for solving NYT Strands puzzle Identify the theme words: Fill in the grid with the theme words. Once found, they will be highlighted in blue and won't overlap with each other. Find the Spangram: Identify the Spangram, a key part of the puzzle that connects two opposite sides of the grid. It encapsulates the theme and may consist of two words. The Spangram will be highlighted in yellow once you’ve located it. Take advantage of hints: Pay attention to off-topic words for clues. For every three non-theme words you uncover, letters will be highlighted to give you a hint toward finding a theme word, without directly revealing it. Also Read: Wordle today: Clues and hints for December 24 2024

Crossing the Uncanny Valley: Breakthrough in technology for lifelike facial expressions in androidsFacebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save ATLANTIC CITY — The city's police and fire departments promoted 10 first responders to supervisory positions Monday during a ceremony at City Hall. Michael Logan was promoted to captain in the Fire Department. Avette Harper, Craig Mulhern, Thomas Moynihan and James Herbert were promoted to lieutenant in the Police Department. George Mancuso, James Barrett, Brian Hambrecht, Timothy Richvalsky and Ann McGlynn were promoted to sergeant in the Police Department. Mayor Marty Small Sr. administered the oath of office. Contact Nicholas Huba: 609-272-7046 nhuba@pressofac.com Twitter @acpresshuba Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Digital Editor Author facebook Author twitter Author email {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.AnonCasino.com is quickly becoming a standout name in the crypto gambling scene with its bold approach to privacy, transparency, and user freedom. With no borders and no limits, Anon Casino welcomes players from every corner of the globe, removing identity checks and bypassing regional restrictions. This platform breaks away from traditional barriers, offering a seamless experience where players can focus on what truly matters: enjoying their favorite games and securing their winnings without compromise. What Makes Anon Casino Unique? A Transparent and Trustworthy Ecosystem AnonCasino doesn’t follow traditional licensing models but instead relies on blockchain-backed provably fair technology . Every spin, deal, or prediction can be independently verified, ensuring players have full confidence in the platform’s integrity. Limitless Gaming Experience AnonCasino boasts an extensive library of over 7,000 games , including slots, live casino tables, and prediction markets. Its exclusive Anon Originals stand out as in-house games where every outcome can be verified for fairness. Crypto Predictions: A Unique Gaming Experience Among the highlights of AnonCasino is the Crypto Predictions game—a thrilling blend of financial markets and casino excitement. Here’s how it works: This feature combines market strategy with quick casino-style results, offering something truly different from traditional betting options. Seamless Financial Transactions Payment Methods: Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Top Cryptocurrencies AnonCasino supports over 300 cryptocurrencies , catering to the diverse needs of crypto users: These options make AnonCasino a leader in flexibility and security for crypto payments. Enhanced Privacy with VPN Support Privacy is more than just a buzzword at AnonCasino. VPN support ensures not only anonymity but also unrestricted access to all 7,000+ games . If a game provider has regional restrictions, simply connect via a VPN, and you’re back in the action. Whether you’re spinning slots, trying your hand at live casino games, or diving into Anon Originals , VPN access keeps your experience seamless. A Fresh Take on Online Gaming AnonCasino.com isn’t here to follow the rules—it’s here to rewrite them . With its commitment to privacy , fairness , and open access , this platform brings together the best of blockchain technology and classic casino excitement. Whether you’re cashing out in Bitcoin , testing your market instincts in the Crypto Predictions game, or unlocking restricted content with a VPN , every moment at AnonCasino feels like it’s tailored just for you. Stay updated with the latest news, updates, and announcements from AnonCasino by checking out their official blog: 👉 Visit the AnonCasino Blog for Announcements

Justice is supposed to be blind. But in the case of Luigi Mangione – the 26-year-old American who allegedly shot dead health insurance company CEO Brian Thompson in New York last week – it had its eyes wide open. Wide open and ogling: not long after Mangione’s arrest (in the appropriately American environs of a McDonald’s) the internet exploded with memes about how good-looking he is. The eyes have it: Images from Pennsylvania State Police showing Luigi Mangione at a McDonald’s in Altoona on December 9, where he was arrested and later charged with murder. Credit: AP It really is the (alleged) murder for the moment – executed on a midtown Manhattan street and instantly transformed into viral internet fodder, with the alleged perpetrator’s social media footprint mined to feed the relentless content beast. Mangione is an all-American princeling: Ivy League-educated, brawny and brainy. It was his distinctive full eyebrows that did him in – security camera footage of the suspect shows a pair of fine eyes and strong brows, framed by a COVID mask and a black hoodie. Days later, as he ate his hash brown in a Pennsylvania McDonald’s, his eyes helped a member of the public to identify him and phone him in. On social media, Jonathan Ness from the Queer Eye for a Straight Guy TV show joked that their next season could be devoted to Mangione, for a straight-guy makeover. But, Ness said, don’t worry – “the brows, [I] would never touch”. Memes proliferated about his hotness, with “If he’s fit, you must acquit” being just one example of the kind of thing being posted. There were shirtless photos, verbal accounts from his friends (who say he is lovely) and reports that he had suffered from terrible back pain, for which he had endured a spinal operation in June. The bullets that killed Thompson on December 4 were inscribed with the words “Deny”, “Defend” and “Depose”. This seems to be a reference to the reported behind-doors strategy of US health insurers, who use these tactics to not pay out insurance claims to patients, thereby maximising their profits. The “manifesto” reportedly found in Mangione’s backpack was a soup of anti-capitalist vigilantism and motherhood-statement morality about corporate America. It is shocking that an alleged murderer should be celebrated in this way, but not at all surprising. Gun violence in America is quotidian. It is a country with a long history of vigilantism. It also has a history of public fascination with killers possessing (alleged) sex appeal, from Charles Manson to the more recent case of the Menendez brothers . The lawlessness and moral glibness of the internet is the flipside to the United States’ culture of individual freedom. In a perfectly American twist, the anti-capitalist crusader has been exploited for merchandising opportunities. T-shirts, hoodies, tote bags and mugs bearing Mangione’s image are available online. But we can’t blame the internet – we must look at why there is a market for Mangione merch, and why ordinary people, including those who presumably don’t have homicidal tendencies themselves, would cheer on a murderer. It doesn’t hurt that he’s beautiful. There is also the widespread rage many share over his cause. The US health insurance industry is a multibillion-dollar profit giant, funded by the sickness of the American people. Stories of its institutional cruelty are legion. Just this week it was reported that a different health insurer, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, had quietly announced it would impose time limits on anaesthesia during certain surgeries, in certain states . The company later backed down in the face of a public outcry. A paper by the Commonwealth Fund (an American research body dedicated to promoting “a high-performing, equitable healthcare system”) states that healthcare spending in the US, both per person and as a share of GDP, is “far higher” than other high-income countries. A poster depicting Mangione outside the Hilton Midtown Hotel in New York. Credit: AP But Americans are getting sicker. According to the Commonwealth Fund, “people in the United States experience the worst health outcomes overall of any high-income nation”. They are more likely to die younger, from avoidable causes, than people in peer countries. They have higher maternal and infant mortality rates, the highest rate of people with multiple chronic conditions among peer countries, and an obesity rate nearly twice the OECD average. Another Commonwealth Fund paper reported that “media investigations have found that insurers are becoming increasingly adept in using technology to deny payment of medical claims and pressure their company physicians to deny care during prior authorisation reviews”. It has been reported that UnitedHealthcare has the highest claim-denial rate (32 per cent) of all the private insurance companies. The Manhattan shooting can be read as a cautionary tale illustrating the far-reaching consequences of economic inequality (not to mention a moment to give quiet thanks for the taxpayer-funded universal healthcare we enjoy in Australia). But the tasteless cheering over the assassination – a defenceless man shot in the back with no warning – is something more than that. It is a nihilistic expression of the hopelessness of American politics as a remedy for anything, not even something so fundamental as access to healthcare. President-elect Donald Trump has at least named the problem of America’s bad-health epidemic. But his tonic is his nominee to head the federal Department of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr – an anti-vaxxer who advocates cooking in beef tallow (a heart disease-inducing saturated fat) because he says the seed-oil industry is poisoning us. Trump told Time magazine this week that he and RFK Jr will discuss ending some child vaccination programs . Trump suggested vaccines might be responsible for autism, a dangerous myth that has been widely debunked. In the embittered, conspiracy-laced realm of online radicalisation, there are no crucial distinctions between left and right. Instead, there is bipartisan agreement that politicians won’t help, and that democracy is an inefficient vehicle for generating social solutions. In the face of such nihilism, it doesn’t matter that violence only breeds more violence, and that Luigi Mangione will soon be last month’s meme, just another pretty person to scroll past. Jacqueline Maley is a columnist.3 key megatrends to shape investing

The Warren County Police Chiefs Association has challenged the FBI 's assertion that there is "no known threat" associated with multiple drone sightings in New Jersey. The mystery drones have been spotted over various locations over the Garden State, including near the Picatinny Arsenal , a U.S. military facility, and over President-elect Donald Trump 's golf course in Bedminster. The sightings have sparked fears about security, particularly regarding potential interference with commercial air traffic. "We are shocked by the lack of response or update from Federal and State officials," Chief Scott D. Robb, president of the Warren County Police Chiefs Association, wrote on Facebook on Wednesday. "We do not agree with their response that there is no known threat to the public at this time. It is our stance that just the unidentified drone flying over us is a threat in itself." The association said that multiple unidentified drones have been spotted flying over infrastructure, homes and businesses in Warren County since November. "Police have taken your calls for concerns and honesty have not been able to provide a sufficient answer to ease your minds," Robb wrote. "We assure you that the police community is just as frustrated with the lack of transparency from the federal and state officials." Residents in multiple New Jersey counties began reporting unidentified drones last month, with reports of sightings recently expanding to New York and Pennsylvania as well. The FBI and Department of Homeland Security addressed the drone activity in a joint statement on Thursday. "We have no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or public safety threat or have a foreign nexus," their statement said, adding that they will work with the New Jersey State Police to continue investigating these sightings. Senator Andy Kim, a New Jersey Democrat, also voiced frustrations with the FBI's response to the issue in an X, formerly Twitter , post. "Any images or video footage people get, the police urge them to submit to the FBI, but I haven't gotten any follow up yet from the FBI on their investigation and what they've compiled," Kim wrote Friday morning. He added these sightings have been going on for weeks, but there are still a lot of questions left unanswered. "It's hard to understand how with the technology we have we aren't able to track these devices to determine origin and this makes me much more concerned about our capabilities more broadly when it comes to drone detection and counter measures," Kim wrote. Meanwhile, Senator Cory Booker, a New Jersey Democrat, sent a letter to federal agencies on Tuesday calling for "transparency" with the public and New Jersey officials. "It is our shared responsibility to ensure that our airspace is safe and secure, and I am committed to giving New Jerseyans peace of mind about these activities," the senator wrote. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy shared a letter on Friday he sent to President Joe Biden that requested more federal resources to investigate unexplained drone sightings in his state. "The continued reporting of UAS [unmanned aircraft systems] activity has raised more questions than answers and prompted an outcropping of conspiracy theories across social media and other platforms," the Democratic governor wrote in the letter, which he shared on X. Senator Richard Blumenthal , a Connecticut Democrat, voiced concerns about the drones on Thursday, calling for urgent intelligence analysis to identify and, if necessary, eliminate the drones from the skies, especially over airports and military bases. The senator criticized the Biden administration's response, demanding more aggressive efforts to address the situation. "The lack of information is absolutely unacceptable. The American people deserve to know who owns them, who is flying them, and what their purpose is," Blumenthal said. Newsweek reached out to the White House for comment via email on Friday afternoon. In addition to Blumenthal, several Republican New Jersey lawmakers, including Representatives Chris Smith and Jeff Van Drew, have called for the military to intervene and shoot down the drones. Smith cited an incident in which a dozen drones were reported to have followed a U.S. Coast Guard lifeboat near Barnegat Light and Island Beach State Park in Ocean County. The Coast Guard confirmed the sighting, noting that multiple low-altitude aircraft were observed in the area near the Coast Guard vessel. Do you have a story Newsweek should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story? Contact LiveNews@newsweek.com.Nigeria, Niger need each other to fight insecurity – NIIA DG

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Joseph Pinion had 22 points and eight rebounds, Dyondre Dominguez added 19 points and Arkansas State built a double-digit first-half lead to beat No. 16 Memphis 85-72 on Sunday. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Joseph Pinion had 22 points and eight rebounds, Dyondre Dominguez added 19 points and Arkansas State built a double-digit first-half lead to beat No. 16 Memphis 85-72 on Sunday. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Joseph Pinion had 22 points and eight rebounds, Dyondre Dominguez added 19 points and Arkansas State built a double-digit first-half lead to beat No. 16 Memphis 85-72 on Sunday. Pinion was 7 of 13 from the floor and 5 of 11 from outside the arc, giving the Red Wolves their second straight win and their first over a ranked team since 1991. Taryn Todd finished with 17 points for Arkansas State (7-3). PJ Haggerty led Memphis (7-2) with 29 points, and Dain Dainja finished with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Arkansas State held a double-digit lead for most of the game and led 68-57 with 8 minutes left. That was enough for the Red Wolves to defeat the Tigers, snapping a seven-game losing streak to Memphis. Takeaways Arkansas State: The Red Wolves certainly got the nationally ranked Tigers’ attention in the first half after they shot 7 of 18 from 3-point range and built an 18-point lead. The lead got to single digits a couple of times in the second half, but Arkansas State answered the pressure. Memphis: The Tigers suffered through a miserable first half, shooting under 20% late in the half. They turned up their defensive pressure, which cut into the lead, but Memphis never made a serious threat. Key moment Memphis got within 60-53 with 11 minutes left, but Arkansas State went on a 12-6 run that included 3-pointers from Pinion, Todd and Kobe Julien to stretch the Red Wolves’ lead to 75-60 with 6:29 left in the game. Key stat Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Arkansas State’s last win over a ranked team was when it defeated then-No. 21 New Orleans 76-65 in 1991. Up next Arkansas State hosts UT-Arlington on Thursday, and Memphis travels to Clemson on Saturday. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball Advertisement Advertisement

Students and community members in Kelowna joined the Pro-Palestine movement unfolding at universities across Canada and the U.S. and have set up an encampment at the UBC Okanagan campus in May 2024. The group in Kelowna called UBCO 4 Palestine, gathered at 5 a.m. on May 13 in the UBCO Courtyard and set up tents, tables and signs. The group is calling on the University of British Columbia to divest from Israel’s “occupation and genocide” of Palestinians and to publicly condemn the ongoing violence. The protests began after Israel’s response to an attack on civilians by a terrorist organization called Hamas on Oct 7. The assault by Hamas killed approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians in Israel and took more as captives. In response, Israel’s military has killed over 34,500 Palestinians living in Gaza. Members of UBCO 4 Palestine requested to remain anonymous for fear of repercussions from the public, the university and law enforcement. The group includes students, members of the public, and people from diverse backgrounds including people of Jewish heritage, Palestinian descent, immigrants, international students and Indigenous people. On UBC President Benoit-Antoine Bacon issued an saying “We hope for a ceasefire and a lasting peaceful resolution in the Middle East.” He furthered the statement by explaining that to remain respectful of the broad range of opinions held by students and faculty of the university, the academic institution must remain neutral. Bacon also said that the UBC Endowment Fund does not directly own any stocks in the companies identified by However, he said a small percentage of university funds managed by external investment managers have been invested in companies that were named as being “complicit in Israel’s numerous violations of Palestinian human right,” by the People’s University for Gaza. After 46 days of protest, the encampment at UBC Okanagan concluded.