188jili vom

188jili vom ‘Out of our hands’: Hospo hell curses 2024 with mass closuresWhen Jennifer Ogg signed up an Ironman race in Cozumel, Mex., she had no idea that months later, she’d get the call to be inducted into the Canadian Boxing Hall of Fame. The retired officer with the London Police Service couldn’t attend the ceremony Saturday in Sarnia, Ont., but told CTV News she’s both sad and thrilled at the same time. “I wish I could be there, but to have my name alongside guys like Troy Ross, it's a definitely a huge honour and a celebration for those who helped me get there,” said Ogg. Ogg is one of Canada’s all-time great female boxers. She is a four-time national champion and finished her career with a 69-7 record, including 14-1 in international bouts. Ogg became the first female boxer in Ontario to win a World Amateur Championship when she captured the title in 2002 in Antalya, Tur. London boxer Jennifer Ogg celebrates a World Championship gold medal in 2002 in Antalya, Turkey (Source: Jennifer Ogg) “When they announced to the team (in 2002), I wasn't on the list at first which was devastating,” said Ogg. “But Tom Hennessey (Bluewater Boxing Club President) contacted Boxing Canada and made a deal with them. He said if I didn't medal, that he would foot the bill, but if I did medal, that they (Boxing Canada) would pay. I was accepted and I had five fights.” Hennessey recalls he road to the World title. “It was her will to win and her will to fight,” said Hennessey, who is a board member with Boxing Canada, was chair of the Boxing Canada elite and under-23 national championships in Sarnia. “She broke her hand just before the championships but that didn't hold her back. She trained with one hand. Once she healed, she went over there and had five bouts in six days and won the gold medal.” Ogg was among a star-studded class of inductees. She goes into the hall with seven former Olympians Jamie Pagendam, Raymond Downey, Howard Grant, Domenic Figliomeni, Egerton Marcus, Troy Ross and coach Colin MacPhail. Ogg recalled how she discovered the sport. “I was working one night, and I happened upon the All-Nations Boxing Club on Glebe Street,” said Ogg. “Frank Rodriguez had a club and that's how it all started.” She would train there, then started working with Darryl Walker in St. Thomas, before moving to Bluewater Boxing in Sarnia. “Jen was born and raised in the London area, but she came here to train,” said Hennessey. “She would come down here at 5 a.m. and train and go to work in London and then come back at 5 p.m. and train. She did that all the way through to the World Championships. She is a rare breed of an individual that comes along every now and then.” Ogg was also a top three finalist, alongside Catriona Le May Doan and Beckie Scott, for Canadian Female Athlete of the Year. “When I won the gold (in 2002) it was it was amazing,” said Ogg, who is now the president of Boxing Ontario. “We were rushed into drug testing, and I just wanted to get on the phone and call everybody. I remember calling mom and dad, and it was amazing. A lot of my friends met me at the airport when I went home, and it was the best moment of my life.” Olympic cousins inducted Among those in attendance for the ceremony were cousins Egerton Marcus and Troy Ross. Both of them were enshrined. Cousins Troy Ross (left) and Egerton Marcus were inducted into the Canadian Boxing Hall of Fame on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024 in Sarnia, Ont. (Brent Lale/CTV News London) “When I started, I was training with my uncle, and Troy was my little cousin behind me,” said Marcus, a silver medalist in 1988 in Seoul, South Korea. “He was one of the toughest ones because he had two brothers, and they were bigger than him. To be honoured like this and go into the hall of fame with him is amazing.” Ross is a two-time Olympian and Commonwealth Games silver medalist. Hall of Fame boxer Troy Ross signs a glove which was put up for auction (Brent Lale/CTV News London) “This is a legacy,” said Ross. “There are so many other fighters that paved the way for today. To be on a plaque with legends like Lennox Lewis, my cousin Egerton Marcus, guys that I've looked up to in the sport for so many years and trying to get to what they have done in the sport, and now being able to be inducted into the Canadian Boxing Hall of Fame, it’s just actually surreal.” Ross is also known for acting in several movies. He played opposite Russell Crowe in Cinderella Man in 2005, Resurrecting the Champ in 2007 with Samuel L. Jackson and in Phantom Punch in 2008. “The good thing about acting is that we're acting and it's not real hard punches,” said Ross. “There are punches being thrown and there's punches being landed, but they’re nothing like what's in the ring. Working with Russell Crowe, he is a great actor and just being able to work alongside him was amazing. He took us under his wing, and just being able to work with him and to see the other side of acting was amazing.” The induction ceremony took place Saturday night between championship fights. The inductees called it a “full circle moment” as they were being honoured, the next generation of fighters were battling in the ring. 2024 Canadian Olympic Bronze Medallist Wyatt Sanford was in Sarnia, Ont. supporting the young boxers competing in the National Championships (Source: Brent Lale/CTV News London) “it's an important event because it's a pathway and this is a new quadrennial,” said Hennessey. “We just had the Olympics in Paris, and now the next Olympics are in L.A. in 2028. This is the start of all these kids. Canadian champions today, maybe Olympic champions in four years.” London Top Stories World Champion Jennifer Ogg of London, Ont. among inductees in Canadian Boxing Hall of Fame Two displaced in $200,000 house fire Three people in hospital due to collision Sarnia police warning of scams Assault at Santa Claus parade leads to charges United Way’s living wage rises Easton Cowan needs a point Sunday to tie 55-game OHL point streak record CPKC Holiday Train to stop in Southwestern Ontario Sunday night CTVNews.ca Top Stories 'Still working full time on it:' One year later police continue to search for gunman in Caledon double murder linked to ex-Olympian One year after a couple was shot and killed in their Caledon home in what investigators have described as a case of mistaken identity, Ontario Provincial Police say they are still trying to figure out who pulled the trigger. ‘It’s pretty emotional:’ N.B. family escape fire, plan to rebuild home A family in Riverview, N.B., is making plans for Christmas and the future after escaping a fire in their home on November, 14. A man called 911 for help during a home invasion. Las Vegas police fatally shot him A Las Vegas man called for police help during a home invasion before an officer fatally shot him, according to authorities and 911 calls. Scurvy resurgence highlights issues of food insecurity in Canada's rural and remote areas A disease often thought to only affect 18th century sailors is reemerging in Canada. These royal residences are opening their doors this Christmas Not so long ago, if you wanted to spend Christmas with the royal family, the only way to get close was to press your nose up to the TV screen during the monarch’s Christmas speech. Cat caught in hunting snare rescued by BC SPCA Donations are ramping up for a BC SPCA cat with a mangled paw after being caught in a hunting snare, one of a rising number of pets to fall prey to the hunting device. Jannik Sinner leads Italy past the Netherlands for its second consecutive Davis Cup Jannik Sinner clinched Italy’s second consecutive Davis Cup title and capped his breakthrough season by beating Netherlands' Tallon Griekspoor. Lotto Max jackpot hits $80M for second time ever The Lotto Max jackpot has climbed to $80 million for just the second time in Canadian lottery history. Montreal police chief expects additional arrests following anti-NATO protest Montreal's police chief says he expects more arrests stemming from a Friday anti-NATO protest that turned violent, with smashed windows and burned cars in downtown Montreal. Shopping Trends The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us. Editor's Picks 24 Of The Best Host And Hostess Gifts You Can Find Online Right Now The Best Advent Calendars For Women In 2024 All The Best Beauty Stocking Stuffers That Ring In Under $25 Home Our Guide to the Best Jewellery Boxes You Can Find Online Right Now 16 Home Gadgets That'll Make Your Life Easier The 5 Best Drip Coffee Makers In Canada In 2024, Tested and Reviewed Gifts 23 Gifts, Add-Ons, And Stocking Stuffers For Anyone Who Spends A Lot Of Time In Their Car The Ultimate 2024 Holiday Gift Guide For Nature Lovers And Outdoor Adventurers 27 Of The Absolute Best Stocking Stuffers For Men Beauty 20 Anti-Aging Skincare Products That Reviewers Can’t Stop Talking About 12 Budget-Friendly Makeup Brushes And Tools Worth Adding To Your Kit If You Suffer From Dry Skin, You'll Want To Add At Least One Of These Hydrating Moisturizers To Your Cart Deals These Apple Products Are Majorly On Sale On Amazon Canada Right Now, So It Might Be Time To Upgrade Your Tech Black Friday Has Begun On Amazon Canada: Here Are The Best Deals Black Friday Is Almost Here, But These Deals On Mattresses And Bedding Are Already Live Kitchener Kitchener auto repair shop hosts fundraiser for children with disabilities, joined by hockey legend Wendel Clark Colleges and universities face job cuts, deficits amid international student cap Walking pneumonia is on the rise in Canada, but what about Ontario? Barrie Driver seriously injured after crashing into tree: OPP First snowfall hits region Local high school basketball team wins provincial championship Windsor How a senior's efforts to craft hats for students knitted his community together Increased police presence in Tecumseh CPKC Holiday Train coming to Chatham-Kent, Windsor-Essex Northern Ontario Northern Ont. First Nation files claim against Ontario and Newmont mining Senior killed in dog attack in northern Ont. More carrots pulled from grocery store shelves in expanded recall for E. coli: CFIA Sault Ste. Marie Hockey rivalry goes to the next level on both sides of the Sault border After a year of struggle, centre that helps Sault youth to move to a building with heat $3M donation to help repair arena in Elliot Lake Ottawa Ottawa police arrest 3 during pro-Palestinian demonstrations this weekend Here's how you can watch CTV News at Six on Sundays during the NFL season Sandy Hill apartment building evacuated for high levels of carbon monoxide Toronto Walking pneumonia is on the rise in Canada, but what about Ontario? 'It's an optimistic space:' Inside Toronto's new drug withdrawal centre Routes to avoid during the 120th Santa Claus Parade on Sunday Montreal Second Cup closes Montreal franchise over hateful incident Two suspicious fires in Rawdon Montreal police chief expects additional arrests following anti-NATO protest Atlantic ‘It’s pretty emotional:’ N.B. family escape fire, plan to rebuild home Nova Scotia retirement community asks people to ‘Be a Santa to a Senior’ Man arrested in Saint John, N.B., for weapons offences Winnipeg Winnipeg postal workers still collecting letters to Santa amid ongoing strike Have you seen Bostyn? Winnipeg police search for missing teenager The Thriftmas Special: The benefits of second-hand holiday shopping Calgary Snowfall warning lifted but flurries remain in Sunday forecast Revival of Pospisil, power play fuels Flames to 4-3 shootout win over Wild Want to go out? Calgary stages jammed as holiday performing arts scene set to take flight Edmonton Electric cars a 'hot commodity' in Alberta despite misconceptions Podkolzin snaps scoring slump in Oilers win over Rangers Canada Post down eight million parcels amid strike as talks carry on over weekend Regina Regina slammed with second snowstorm inside a week Dinosaur discovery reveals more about ancient Saskatchewan Navy wife brings together local authors for inaugural book fair Saskatoon Saskatoon schools will be closed Monday following heavy snowfall Saskatoon digs out from another snowfall 'I'm excited to take it on': Saskatoon businesses weigh in on GST exemption Vancouver Vancouver Police Board member resigns over social media posts Cat caught in hunting snare rescued by BC SPCA Widow of Chinese businessman who was executed for murder can sell her Vancouver house, court rules Vancouver Island BC Hydro says power almost fully restored after B.C. windstorms Fall legislative sitting scrapped in B.C. as Speaker Chouhan confirmed to serve again Canada Post down eight million parcels amid strike as talks carry on over weekend Stay ConnectedNnadozie added three steals for the Eagles (1-12). Jonathan Dunn scored 13 points while going 4 of 13 from the floor, including 1 for 3 from 3-point range, and 4 for 6 from the line and added eight rebounds. Julius Ellerbe had 11 points and shot 3 for 9 (1 for 4 from 3-point range) and 4 of 6 from the free-throw line. The Eagles snapped a 12-game skid. The Midshipmen (3-9) were led in scoring by Austin Benigni, who finished with 23 points. Jinwoo Kim added 13 points and three steals for Navy. Jordan Pennick finished with 10 points. Coppin State took the lead with 3:38 to go in the first half and never looked back. The score was 28-22 at halftime, with Dunn racking up eight points. Coppin State outscored Navy in the second half by two points, with Nnadozie scoring a team-high 13 points after halftime. Coppin State plays Saturday against Georgetown on the road, and Navy visits William & Mary on Sunday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .PARIS — Notre Dame Cathedral , its air thick with the smell of incense, hosted its first Mass on Sunday since the catastrophic fire of 2019, a moment that transcended religious significance to become a powerful symbol of Paris’ resilience. Beneath the glow of traditional chandeliers and modern spotlights, which illuminated its intricately carved stonework , the cathedral emerged reborn, its grandeur restored after five years of reconstruction. For Catholics, it marks the revival of the city’s spiritual heart, a place where faith has been nurtured for centuries. For the world, it signals the rebirth of one of global heritage's most famous landmarks. The event was both solemn and historic. Archbishop Laurent Ulrich presided over the morning Mass, including the consecration of a new bronze altar. The liturgy was attended by 2,500 people, including French President Emmanuel Macron — enjoying a brief respite from France's political tumult and economic troubles — clergy, dignitaries and a few lucky members of the general public who stood in long lines to enter. Nearly 170 bishops from France and around the world took part, along with one priest from each of the 113 parishes in the Paris diocese, accompanied by worshippers from these communities. Macron, in line with France’s strict division of state and church, did not take communion. Notre Dame’s journey from ruin to resurrection was defined by extraordinary craftsmanship, nearly $1 billion in global donations and a collective, unyielding determination to rebuild. After the Mass, faithful attendees, priests, nuns, and other guests lingered in the cathedral, their awe evident. Many took pictures and selfies in front of the altar, the baptistery, and vibrant rose windows, their joy mingling with reverence. Others knelt to pray at chapels dedicated to saints, savoring a spiritual intimacy many had not experienced since the fire. Later Sunday, the cathedral opened its doors to members of the public who secured reservations last week for the first fully public Mass. The Associated Press learned that tickets for this service were claimed within 25 minutes, underscoring Notre Dame’s enduring appeal. What’s more extraordinary is that this is taking place in a country with a strong emphasis on secularism and a low rate of church attendance. The public watches on — from a distance Public viewing areas along the Seine on Sunday morning drew hundreds of people who wished to witness the historic moment from afar, although their numbers were likely subdued by rainy and miserably cold weather conditions. Retired engineer Claude Lancrenon, watching from a viewing area, expressed both awe and disappointment. “There is so much security,” he said, gesturing toward the barriers. “Yesterday, that seemed appropriate. But today, I had hoped it would be more open so we could approach the cathedral. I still hope we’ll be able to get closer.” Tight security — akin to that of the Paris Olympic Games — reflected the importance of the occasion, ensuring the safety of dignitaries and the public alike. Nathalie Martino, a retired event organizer visiting Paris, recalled the anguish of watching the cathedral burn. “I cried so much that day,” she said. “And now, here I am. I had to come. It was something I needed to do.” A sacred space reborn Sunday’s Masses follow Saturday evening’s ceremonies in which Ulrich symbolically reopened the cathedral’s massive wooden doors by striking them three times with a crosier crafted from charred beams salvaged from the fire. As the doors swung open, choirs filled the air with song and the cathedral’s great organ — silent since the fire — resounded with majestic melodies. Inside, the restoration reveals a cathedral transformed with now-gleaming limestone walls cleaned of centuries of grime. The restored stained-glass windows project dazzling patterns of color across the nave. “No one alive has seen the cathedral like this,” said the Rev. Olivier Ribadeau Dumas, Notre Dame’s rector. "It is more than restored — it is reborn.” The consecration of the new altar was a pivotal moment in Notre Dame’s return to full liturgical life. The altar houses relics of five saints tied to Paris, including St. Catherine Labouré and St. Charles de Foucauld, continuing a centuries-old tradition of embedding sacred artifacts at the heart of worship spaces. The consecration, involving holy water, chrism oil, incense and prayer, transforms the altar into a sacred centerpiece of the cathedral. That was the most moving moment of the day for Marie Capucine, 37, a consecrated virgin representing her Parisian parish of Saint Germain des Prés at the reopening. She recalled the day the fire raged, and the ‘’communion in prayer all over the world'' for the cathedral to be saved. “That shows that the Church gathers, no matter whether people are believers or not, it says something to the world, something beautiful,” she concluded. A moment of unity The reopening of Notre Dame is also a moment of cultural and national unity. Macron, who vowed to restore the cathedral within five years after the fire, called the project “a jolt of hope” for France, a nation often divided by political crises. The Sunday Masses underscore Notre Dame’s dual role as a place of worship and a symbol of communal resilience. They also ensure that members of the broader Catholic community can partake in the cathedral’s spiritual revival. Challenges overcome The path to restoration was fraught with challenges. Lead contamination forced work to pause, and the COVID-19 pandemic added delays. Yet the project, overseen by architect Philippe Villeneuve, has been hailed as a triumph of human ingenuity and collective resolve. Cutting-edge fire prevention systems, including thermal cameras and a misting system, have been installed to safeguard the cathedral’s future. Villeneuve described the effort as “restoring not just a building but the soul of a nation,” emphasizing the personal and national significance of the work. A sacred future and an ‘octave’ With its spire once again piercing the Parisian sky, Notre Dame is poised to reclaim its role as a global beacon of faith and art. The cathedral, which previously welcomed 12 million annual visitors, is expected to draw 15 million in its new chapter. This monumental revival is not confined to a single day. Ulrich has announced an “octave” of celebrations — eight days of special religious services, each with its own theme, running through Dec. 15. These daily liturgies, open to diverse groups from local parishioners to international pilgrims, emphasize Notre Dame’s role as a unifying spiritual hub. Stay Informed: Subscribe to Our Newsletter Today

How COVID backlash helped shape Trump’s health picks

OLEAN, N.Y. (AP) — Lajae Jones and Chance Moore scored 16 points each in Saint Bonaventure's 71-52 victory over Niagara on Saturday. Jones had eight rebounds for the Bonnies (12-1) and Moore five. Melvin Council Jr. shot 5 for 11, including 4 for 7 from beyond the arc to finish with 14 points. The Bonnies picked up their sixth straight victory. Olumide Adelodun finished with 19 points for the Purple Eagles (5-7). Zion Russell added 11 points for Niagara. Jaeden Marshall finished with 10 points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

3 ASX growth stocks I want in my Christmas stocking this yearBlinken hails 'hope' for Syrians after Assad’s fall; UN meet on Syria expected tomorrow Blinken reiterated US support for peaceful transition of power to an accountable, Syrian-led government US Secretary of State Antony Blinken Sunday expressed optimism for the Syrian people following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad, stating that Syrians now have "hope," Al Jazeera reported. Blinken reiterated US support for a peaceful transition of power to an accountable, Syrian-led government, with an emphasis on preserving state institutions, resuming essential services, and protecting vulnerable communities. He also noted that the US would be closely monitoring developments, highlighting that while it had taken note of recent statements by rebel leaders, it would assess their actions moving forward. Blinken underscored the US's commitment to an inclusive and transparent political process in Syria. Earlier, President Joe Biden delivered a statement, effectively taking credit for Assad’s regime collapse, pointing to the weakening of key allies like Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah during his time in office. Biden suggested that US pressure on these forces played a significant role in the Syrian president’s downfall. Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with his Turkish counterpart about the situation in Syria. Both agreed on the importance of opposition groups upholding international humanitarian norms and protecting civilians. Austin stressed continued US-Turkey cooperation to ensure that Syria’s instability does not jeopardize their joint mission to defeat ISIS and secure regional allies. Reports indicate that the United Nations Security Council will meet soon to discuss the ongoing situation in Syria, following a request from Russia, with diplomatic sources suggesting it could be a pivotal moment in the international response to the crisis. Syria's holy sites and embassy will be safeguarded: Iranian FM US to work with allies in Syria post-Assad: Biden 'Bashar al-Assad, family in Moscow' after ouster from power Syria's insurgency led by former al Qaeda chief Abu Mohammed al-Golani topples Assad’s regimeDonald Trump will be crowned king of America and the uncrowned king of the world, in 2025. All eyes and ears will be on him. He loves astonishing everyone. However, America and the world, will be in a volatile churn. The biggest challenge before Trump will be to end the Ukraine and Gaza wars. There is too much casual talk about World War 3, without realising its perils. Never before, post-World War 2, have we been so close to another global conflagration. In 1962, during the Cuban crisis, there were two nuclear powers, America and Russia. Today, there are myriad players like China, North Korea, India, Pakistan and possibly Iran and Saudi Arabia. Ending wars Nukes are not marbles to play with. A nuclear war could pulverise this planet. Trump must play peacemaker. He may kiss, hug or scold Putin and Zelensky. But, he must make them holster their guns, to win global credibility. Yet, hopes should be pragmatic. Trump has to manage the quartet of Russia, China, Iran and North Korea. Perhaps Dale Carnegie’s axiom may work, “Win friends and influence people.” Wars will devour moneys. America will spend $ 895 billion on defence. NATO will spend $ 1.47 trillion on armaments. Russia has allocated $ 125 billion on defence. Sadly, wars boost business. Companies manufacturing armaments grew between 18% to 49% in Russia, Japan, Turkey and Israel. The world has ample money to fight. What it lacks is the leadership to stop the fights. France, Great Britain and Germany will wobble with unstable governments, weak growth and immigration. The Middle East will balance adroitly between American security and Chinese infrastructure investments. Sudan has 10 million displaced citizens. A brutal famine awaits. Syria will be unstable. Modi needs a vibrant agenda after his Parliamentary losses. Pakistan will struggle. Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand will prosper, away from global conflicts. Bangladesh will fester. Gargantuan task: Inflation Taming inflation will be the gargantuan task for global leaders. Prices of flour, rice, oil and sugar, have spiralled 7% to 15% in grocery shops in Asia and Africa. The poor eat less. If inflation is tamed, interest rates may fall. Then consumers may spend in restaurants and buy cars. Wars will strangle global GDP growth to about three%. America’s could grow by about 2.5%, Europe will struggle with about 1.5%. Britain will crawl at 1.2%. Many western economies are mired in a 2% to 3% growth-trap. They should innovate. America will tighten its borders to choke immigration. Trump may fly some immigrants back home. However, protectionist policies may backfire due to resultant higher local labour costs. Then, American products will become uncompetitive. Trump’s planned tariff-wars, to sideline China may flounder. China is the world’s factory. It invests in technologies, ports and railways in Middle East and Africa. Developing nations should create more jobs. They suffer 10% -15% unemployment. Hence, the desperate attempts to migrate. A happy man does not leave home. India will shine with 6%. Oil prices will hover at $ 75 per barrel. Prices may rise if the wars end. Gold prices will stabilise around $ 2,900 per ounce if political sanity prevails. Stock markets will be volatile. Electric vehicles (EVs) will get traction, but high prices may depress demand. Corporations will debate how to harness artificial intelligence (AI). Digitisation will gallop. It will also reduce jobs and kill customer service. If you have a complaint about your refrigerator or bank, you press buttons, hear recorded messages. But no salesperson talks. Wind and solar energy will contribute to around 17% of electricity consumed. Deforestation of the Brazilian Amazon rainforest, is lowering production of maize and soya. Astronauts may talk on 4G phones, on the next mission to the moon. Drones will carry waste down, from Mount Everest. Marvellous! Expect to pay more for OTT streaming or accept commercial breaks. Tom Cruise will enthral in a new Mission Impossible sequel. Scientists may discover a one-jab Corona viruse vaccine and even a cancer vaccine. In 2025, our best hopes are to avoid a world war end the infernos in Ukraine and Gaza, tame inflation and create jobs. These are humble expectations. Hunger, poverty and inequalities continue; we can tackle them, only if we remove the Damocles’ sword of a world war. My soulmate Patricia says we will not celebrate New Year. She is commiserating with the families of over one million soldiers and civilians perished in the Ukraine and Gaza wars. “Hopefully, we will celebrate the cease-fires in 2025,” says Patricia. Good girl. That’s why I adore her. rkaneja@anejamanagement.com (The author was the managing director of Unilever Tanzania.)

WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. (AP) — Abdi Bashir Jr. had 27 points in Monmouth's 88-74 victory against Fairfield on Saturday. Bashir shot 9 of 21 from the field, including 5 for 10 from 3-point range, and went 4 for 5 from the line for the Hawks (2-10). Jack Collins scored 13 points while going 5 of 8 (3 for 6 from 3-point range) and added five assists. Madison Durr shot 4 of 6 from the field and 4 for 5 from the line to finish with 12 points. Prophet Johnson finished with 19 points and 15 rebounds for the Stags (5-7, 1-1 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference). Braden Sparks added 16 points and two steals for Fairfield. Deon Perry finished with 12 points, six assists and three steals. Monmouth took the lead with 16:32 left in the first half and did not give it up. The score was 43-33 at halftime, with Bashir racking up 11 points. Monmouth outscored Fairfield by four points in the second half, and Bashir scored a team-high 16 points in the second half to help their team secure the victory. Monmouth plays Auburn on the road on Monday, and Fairfield visits Columbia on Saturday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Russian air defences may have shot down passenger jet after misidentifying it, US intelligence suggests

EXCLUSIVE Danish 'Cinderella' who left her golden stiletto at future king's birthday bash bags her very own Prince Charming By RICHARD EDEN FOR THE DAILY MAIL and RYAN PROSSER Published: 23:00, 27 December 2024 | Updated: 23:09, 27 December 2024 e-mail 5 View comments A Danish student who was dubbed a ‘real-life Cinderella’ after leaving one of her golden stilettos at the future king's birthday bash has found her very own 'Prince Charming'. Anne-Sofie Tornso Olesen left one of her high heels at the end of Prince Christian of Denmark’s 18th birthday party in October last year. Unlike in the fairy tale, Anne-Sofie's missing shoe was returned not by the Prince but by a postman, after a picture of the heel was posted by the royal family on social media. However, Anne-Sofie has since found love in 20-year-old Nikolas Kolding, who works at Tivoli Gardens amusement park in the Danish capital Copenhagen. ‘We met in Tivoli,’ she said. ‘I was out with my friend. I thought he looked cute, so I went up to him and asked for his socials. 'He took me on the most adorable date a few days later’ – a picnic in the forest. The 19-year-old actress added: ‘To me, he is like royalty.’ Anne-Sofie meeting the then Danish Queen Margrethe II at Prince Christian's 18th birthday party. She left her golden stiletto at the palace - although it was not returned to her by the Prince The Danish student has now found her own Prince Charming in Nikolas Kolding who works at Tivoli Gardens amusement park in Copenhagen Anne-Sofie's golden high heel was returned to her after the royal family published an Instagram photo of the shoe found at Christiansborg Palace in October last year Actress Anne-Sofie (pictured left), joked leaving the shoe at the party 'was meant to be a fairytale ending à la Cinderella.' Pictured right: Prince Christian Anne-Sofie was invited to Prince Christian's party to represent the area where she lives outside the Danish capital, having won the invitation in a tombola. She sported a sheer black dress at the reception and even greeted Denmark’s then Queen Margrethe II, her son, Crown Prince Frederik and his son Prince Christian, who were all oblivious to her 'funny' attempt to steal the show. The actress said at the time: 'I thought it was a bit funny myself, and I talked to my family and friends about it before, and they agreed that I should do it. It's a chance you won't get again. 'It's not because I think that now I'm going to marry him, but I kind of hoped that someone would think it was funny, and then it also creates attention for the royal house.' The student did speak to the Prince at his celebration, although she couldn't remember the exact conversation. 'I don't really remember what I asked about, because I was so confused, but I think it had something to do with what he thought about the whole thing - and about having invited all those people into the castle,' she said. Share or comment on this article: Danish 'Cinderella' who left her golden stiletto at future king's birthday bash bags her very own Prince Charming e-mail Add commentWALLACE & Gromit master-mind Nick Park describes his new film as “Cape Fear with penguins” – and only created it so he could share a fun joke about artificial intelligence. His much-loved animation movie series about the loveable Plasticine pair makes an eagerly awaited Christmas Day return on BBC One after a 16-year hiatus. Sixth film Vengeance Most Fowl will include fun nods to 1991 psychological thriller Cape Fear, starring Robert De Niro , as well as the release from captivity of a former Wallace & Gromit penguin baddie now hell-bent on revenge. But Nick, 66, reveals the inspiration for his festive comeback — featuring eccentric inventor Wallace’s latest creation, AI -generated robotic gnome Norbot — began with a two-word gag. The whole film beganwith a joke...the AI robot was an excuse to have Wallace saying ‘AI, lad!’ to him He explained: “I’ve got too many ideas, although the idea for this one came about accidentally. “It often starts with a joke, a doodle or a sketch — and this time was no different. Creating an AI-generated robot was an excuse to have Wallace saying, ‘AI, lad!’ and we built the whole film around that.” READ MORE FILM NEWS It is 35 years since his movie saga’s first instalment, 1989 short Wallace & Gromit: A Grand Day Out , and Nick added of the latest film: “It is also a kind of love letter to the fans and to the legacy of Wallace and Gromit.” Viewers will see Wallace and Norbot become prime suspects for a crimewave and, while Wallace pleads his innocence, it is up to his loyal beagle Gromit to battle their dastardly penguin nemesis Feathers McGraw. Eureka moment Feathers, confined behind zoo bars for 30 years after Wallace and Gromit turned him over to police in the 1993 Oscar-winning short Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers, is now free and plotting to settle a score with the popular pair. Most read in Film Nick revealed Feathers — another of his Plasticine figures, who disguises himself as a chicken by wearing a red rubber glove on his head — was brought back in a eureka moment as the film’s creative aces brainstormed for a new storyline. He said: “It sounds crazy, but it was a lightning strike — there was Feathers McGraw on the shelf. We had a wonderfully motivated villain, someone who was put away by Wallace and Gromit. So it became like Cape Fear with penguins.” “I could never find a good reason or context to bring Feathers back before.” Nick added: “He’s been in the zoo plotting his revenge for years — that’s what made him such a good villain. There’s a real personal edge to it. “You’ve got to love your villains, otherwise you can’t tell their story. “Feathers is that silent, cold, sinister character. I guess it’s the art of minimalism and nuance, and achieving a lot by doing very little. “You just believe in what he’s thinking, that he’s a totally alive, sinister, enigmatic, mysterious villain. “Feathers is perfect for what we needed, he answers all the story problems. That’s what we’ve played on big-time with this film.” Nick also tells how he wanted to bring to kids his own childhood experience of being thrilled watching TV shows such as Doctor Who while hiding nervously behind the sofa. But he added: “Feathers is a fun villain. We never go to very dark places — it’s cartoon level. I used to love being scared as a child, watching Doctor Who while hiding behind the sofa, so this film is a bit scary but hopefully in a way that’s fun.” No character has ever died in the Wallace & Gromit films. Nick said: “We have thought about killing characters off but I try not to go there, so there’s always a chance of redemption.” And the genius movie-maker does not shy away from the issues of the day, including AI. Nick said of his introduction of Norbot: “Wallace and Gromit are still quaintly old-fashioned, with the modern thread of up-to-date tech, but they won’t get totally up to date, ever. “If it’s got any kind of serious message it’s really just a question of, ‘Is technology actually taking something away from our human experience or is it enhancing?’.” Following a hugely successful promotional tour of the US, globally renowned Nick has returned home to Preston, Lancs , where he was born to a seamstress mum and architectural photographer dad. He insists he has never forgotten his roots nor been seduced by the glitz and glamour of Hollywood . Nick said: “I never thought playing with Plasticine would lead to going to Tinseltown.” And he added of his animation characters: “I sometimes have to pinch myself when I hear people on TV reeling off their names, thinking, ‘I just thought of those as a stupid idea as a student, but now they’re like a household name and people quote them all the time’. The warmth for these characters is incredible.” Nick will watch the Christmas Day special at home with his family in Preston, over a glass of wine and a hot mince pie with cream — like so many of us. He said: “It’s very much part of my Christmas tradition. I’ll be with my wife and stepson, and we’ll be sitting down to watch it. After that, I’ll have a long lie down.” He cannot wait to see on screen the results of an 18-month labour of love for him and a team that includes 35 animators. He said: “People often say, ‘You must need a lot of patience for animation’ . . . which is true. ‘Sad loss of Peter’ “If we had a good week, we’d film about a minute of the film. “I always think it’s more your loved ones and your friends that need the patience, because they kind of lose you for a while.” He added of the sure-fire ratings sensation: “Watching when it’s going out live, you feel like you’re watching along with everyone else. “It’s important, going back to the days when we all watched the same things on telly and talked about them. Wallace & Gromit appeals to such an age range. Grandparents and children can watch it together. I love the idea that it brings families together.” But it will not be the only TV he will look out for this Christmas. Nick said: “I’ll also be watching Gavin & Stacey , Doctor Who, and Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing — one of my favourite programmes, as I love the banter.” Poignantly, the new film will also feature the new voice of cheese-loving Wallace, Ben Whitehead, as he replaces veteran actor Peter Sallis who died in 2017 aged 96. Peter had played the role since Nick wrote to him while a student in 1983, and the star agreed to work on A Grand Day Out in return for a £50 charity donation. He went on to appear in all the other Wallace & Gromit films — The Wrong Trousers, 1995’s A Close Shave, 2005’s The Curse of The Were-Rabbit and 2008’s A Matter Of Loaf And Death, as well as video games and ads. But when Peter’s eyesight began to make it hard to read his words, he sometimes asked Ben to step in. Nick said: “We’ve been so blessed, since the sad loss of Peter, that the character can live on. It’s very much a tribute — and his were very big shoes to step into. “We’ve known Ben for years — he started off playing a background villager in The Curse Of The Were-Rabbit, and we discovered he could do a fantastic mimic of Wallace.” He added of filming the latest movie: “Ben is so attentive to the way Peter did everything, so it was the most eerie feeling, as he would start chatting in character, just the way Peter did. “He’d studied him so much and has it down to a tee. I wonder if audiences will tell the difference.” Nick also hopes fans will enjoy new creations including Norbot, voiced by Reece Shearsmith. Nick also persuaded Peter Kay to reprise the part he played in Curse Of The Were-Rabbit, as PC Albert Mackintosh. Laughing, Nick said of Peter’s screen character, “He’s been promoted, he’s Chief Inspector now,” and added: “Peter has been brilliant He’s a comic legend and to have him say yes is such an honour.” The film also features cameos from Philomena Cunk comic Diane Morgan and Sir Lenny Henry , and Nick said: “At the end of the day I just want to entertain people, make people laugh and to feel they’ve had a really great time with the characters.” So can we also expect another film after Vengeance Most Fowl? Well, Nick has no plans to call time. He said: “If you’ve got that creative impulse you can’t just put your feet up. READ MORE SUN STORIES “You want to keep trying new things, and Wallace and Gromit keep offering new opportunities so I’ve got no intention of retiring just yet.” Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl is on Christmas Day at 6.10pm, BBC OneBy 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 | 3 people detained by Aurora police after Edge of Lowry home invasion, kidnapping released National Politics | Advocates train immigrants to ‘prepare to stay’ in the US under Trump 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.

Biden signs Sen. Amy Klobuchar’s bipartisan bill to prevent hazing on college campuses into lawGAVI OFFICIAL APPLAUDS QATAR FOR PLAYINGPIONEERING ROLE IN GLOBAL IMMUNISATION

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.” 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.

Surgical Navigation System Market to Hit USD1.700 Million by 2030 with 6.2% CAGR 12-27-2024 04:54 PM CET | Health & Medicine Press release from: Future Market Insights Surgical Navigation System Market The global surgical navigation system market is on track for significant expansion, with its value projected to increase from US$ 940 million in 2020 to US$ 1,700 million by 2030, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2% over the forecast period. This upward trajectory reflects the growing reliance on precision-based surgical technologies in healthcare facilities worldwide. Surgical navigation systems play a critical role in enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of complex surgical procedures, including orthopedic, neurosurgery, and ENT (ear, nose, and throat) operations. The growing demand for minimally invasive surgeries and the rising adoption of image-guided surgical techniques are key drivers of market growth. As hospitals and surgical centers seek to improve patient outcomes and reduce procedural risks, the adoption of surgical navigation systems continues to rise. Technological advancements in augmented reality (AR), robotics, and AI-driven navigation systems are revolutionizing modern surgery. These innovations enable surgeons to visualize critical anatomical structures in real-time, improving precision and reducing the likelihood of surgical errors. The growing preference for robot-assisted surgeries is also contributing to the rise in demand for surgical navigation solutions. Request a Sample of this Report Now: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-977 With the expansion of healthcare infrastructure and increased investment in advanced medical devices, the surgical navigation system market is set to witness sustained growth. The shift toward outpatient procedures and same-day surgeries is further expected to fuel the adoption of navigation systems, as they support faster recovery times and reduced hospital stays. Key Takeaways: The global surgical navigation system market is forecasted to grow from US$ 940 million in 2020 to US$ 1,700 million by 2030, reflecting a 6.2% CAGR. Rising demand for minimally invasive and image-guided surgeries is driving market growth. Technological advancements in AI, robotics, and augmented reality are enhancing the precision and efficiency of surgical procedures. Increasing healthcare investments and the growing shift toward outpatient and same-day surgeries are supporting the adoption of surgical navigation systems. Regional Insights North America: Expected to dominate the market due to advanced healthcare infrastructure, high adoption rates of new technologies, and a significant number of surgical procedures performed annually. Asia-Pacific: Anticipated to exhibit the fastest growth rate owing to rising healthcare investments, improving medical facilities, and increasing awareness about advanced surgical technologies. Challenges High Costs of Navigation Systems: The initial investment required for surgical navigation systems can be a barrier for some healthcare facilities, particularly in developing regions. Complexity of Use: The need for specialized training to operate advanced navigation systems may limit their adoption in some settings Key companies profiled GE Healthcare Ltd.; Medtronic Inc.; Siemens Healthcare Corporation; Stryker Corporation; B. Braun Melsungen AG; Bausch & Lomb Incorporated; CAScination AG and Brainlab AG. Key Segments By Technology: Electromagnetic Navigation Systems Hybrid Navigation Systems Optical Navigation Systems Fluoroscopy-based Navigation Systems CT-based Navigation System Others By Application: Neurosurgery Orthopedic Surgery ENT surgery Cardiac surgery Others By End Use: Hospitals and Physician Practices Ambulatory Surgery By Region: North America Latin America Asia Pacific MEA Europe Explore FMI's Related Ongoing Coverage on Healthcare Market Insights Domain: New Born Eye Imaging Systems Market - https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/new-born-eye-imaging-systems-market Next Generation Infusion Pump Market - https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/next-generation-infusion-pump-market Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy (PRRT) Market - https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/peptide-receptor-radionuclide-therapy-prrt-market About Future Market Insights (FMI) Future Market Insights, Inc. (ESOMAR certified, recipient of the Stevie Award, and a member of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce) offers profound insights into the driving factors that are boosting demand in the market. FMI stands as the leading global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, consulting, and events for the Packaging, Food and Beverage, Consumer Technology, Healthcare, Industrial, and Chemicals markets. With a vast team of over 400 analysts worldwide, FMI provides global, regional, and local expertise on diverse domains and industry trends across more than 110 countries. Contact Us: Future Market Insights Inc. Christiana Corporate, 200 Continental Drive, Suite 401, Newark, Delaware - 19713, USA T: +1-347-918-3531 For Sales Enquiries: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Website: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com LinkedIn| Twitter| Blogs | YouTube This release was published on openPR.For the past three decades, Maharashtra has seen continuous fragmentation of various caste groups, but notably the Maratha-Kunbi caste cluster. The idea of ‘vote bank’ is always employed in discussing the close connection between the Maratha community and the Congress. That vote bank was practically dissolved in the 1995 Assembly election. As the Congress in the State went on declining, its base among Other Backward Classes (OBCs) too became invisible. Since then, the BJP and the Shiv Sena together and separately kept trying to win a larger share of both the Maratha and the OBC vote. In 2014, the BJP emerged as a major player in State politics and began attracting both the Marathas and the OBCs. In the latest election, the process of coming together of the Marathas and OBCs as supporters of the BJP has gone one step further. In the Lokniti survey, almost three of every 10 Marathas (including the Kunbis) and a little less than four of every 10 OBCs have indicated their preference for the BJP. The rest of the Marathas and OBCs were divided among the Congress, and the Shiv Sena and NCP factions. With one-fourth of the Adivasi respondents and one-fifth of the Scheduled Caste (SC) respondents supporting the BJP, the party has managed to craft an invincible Hindu umbrella. In the process, these social sections have also supported the other two partners of the Mahayuti, making its community-based support quite wide — except among Muslims and somewhat among the SCs and Adivasis (Table 1). With most social sections turning to the Mahayuti, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) was left with only skeletal support across social sections. Even among SCs, the larger share went to ‘Others’ rather than the MVA. In particular, almost half of the Buddhists and former Mahar respondents among SCs vote non-MVA and non-Mahayuti parties. Trends of caste-community voting in this election are in a sense a continuation of the process that started with the election of 2014 — a consolidation of upper castes, Marathas, and OBCs behind BJP, and a somewhat divided political support of SCs, Adivasis and Muslims, who vote less for the BJP but do not necessarily operate as a vote bank supporting any single party. Suhas Palshikar taught political science and is chief editor of Studies in Indian Politics; Nitin Birmal is Lokniti’s State Coordinator, Maharashtra and a retired professor of Political Science based in Pune Published - November 25, 2024 02:51 am IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024 / Maharashtra

Johnson 0-1 0-0 0, Lampkin 7-13 3-3 17, Deck 5-7 2-3 13, Hardaway 3-5 2-4 9, Wooten 9-13 3-6 23, Talley 3-5 0-0 7, Brackens 0-0 0-0 0, Brannon 0-0 0-0 0, McGrew 0-2 0-0 0, Moore 0-1 0-0 0, Price 0-1 0-0 0, Totals 27-48 10-16 69 Augmon 1-2 0-0 2, McFarland 0-1 0-0 0, Blair 4-12 7-7 18, Cooke 2-8 1-2 5, Love 6-16 6-6 19, Bostock 0-4 0-0 0, Chevalier 1-2 0-0 2, Merchant 3-11 1-4 7, Totals 17-56 15-19 53 3-Point Goals_North Texas 5-13 (Deck 1-2, Hardaway 1-2, Wooten 2-5, Talley 1-1, McGrew 0-2, Price 0-1), Houston 4-20 (Blair 3-6, Cooke 0-2, Love 1-6, Bostock 0-2, Chevalier 0-1, Merchant 0-3). Assists_North Texas 17 (Hardaway 5), Houston 3 (Love 2). Fouled Out_None. Rebounds_North Texas 38 (Lampkin 10), Houston 26 (Love 8). Total Fouls_North Texas 18, Houston 18. Technical Fouls_None. A_864.

Olivia Hussey, star of 'Romeo and Juliet', dies at 73 after battling breast cancerBuy Lemon Tree Hotels, target price Rs 164: ICICI SecuritiesTrump’s trade threat runs into inconvenient dollar truth

Trump says he can't guarantee tariffs won't raise US prices and won't rule out revenge prosecutionsTORONTO (AP) — Two Canadian Cabinet ministers met with President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for commerce secretary at Mar-a-Lago on Friday as Canada tries to when Trump takes office. Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc and Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly met with Howard Lutnick, Trump’s nominee for commerce secretary, as well as North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, Trump’s pick to lead the Interior Department. Trump has threatened to impose 25% tariffs on all Canadian products if Canada does not stem what he calls a flow of migrants and fentanyl into the United States — even though far fewer of each cross into the U.S. from Canada than from Mexico, which Trump has also threatened. “Minister LeBlanc and Minister Joly had a positive, productive meeting at Mar-a-Lago with Howard Lutnick and Doug Burgum, as a between the Prime Minister and President Trump last month,” said Jean-Sébastien Comeau, a spokesman for LeBlanc. Comeau said both ministers outlined the measures in Canada's billion-dollar plan to increase security at the border and reiterated “the shared commitment to strengthen border security as well as combat the harm caused by fentanyl to save Canadian and American lives.” Comeau said Lutnick and Burgum agreed to relay the information to Trump. Further discussions are expected in the coming weeks. Joly will also have dinner with U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham on Friday. Trump has been on social media in recent weeks by calling him the Governor of the 51st state. Flows of migrants and seizures of drugs are vastly different at the U.S.’s two land borders. U.S. customs agents seized 43 pounds of fentanyl at the Canadian border during the last fiscal year, compared with 21,100 pounds at the Mexican border. Most of the fentanyl reaching the U.S. — where it causes about 70,000 overdose deaths annually — is using precursor chemicals smuggled from Asia. On immigration, the U.S. Border Patrol reported 1.53 million encounters with migrants at the southwest border with Mexico between October 2023 and September 2024. That compares to 23,721 encounters at the Canadian border during that time. Trump has also made an issue of the U.S. trade deficit with Canada, erroneously calling it a subsidy. Canada’s ambassador to Washington, Kirsten Hillman, has said the U.S. had a $75 billion trade deficit with Canada last year. But she noted a third of what Canada sells into the U.S. are energy exports and said there is a deficit when oil prices are high. About 60% of U.S. crude oil imports and 85% of U.S. electricity imports are from Canada. Alberta alone s of oil per day to the U.S which tends to consume about 20 million barrels a day. Nearly $3.6 billion Canadian dollars ($2.7 billion) worth of goods and services cross the border each day. Canada is the top export destination for 36 U.S. states. Trudeau has told that Americans would also suffer if the president-elect follows through on a .Spend some time in the comedy world and you will hear complaints about Netflix , which has established itself as the most important home for stand-up for nearly a decade, as per a report. Among them: The streaming service oversaturated the market with specials. Its algorithm favors the famous more than the funny. It platforms transphobia. It pays women less than men. Its promotion and marketing don't do enough. It refuses to share information about audiences with comedians. After tossing around big contracts to superstars, it's getting increasingly stingy with other artists. There's more. But the kvetching always ends with a simple question: What's the better alternative? Amazon dipped its toe into streaming stand-up specials, but not much more than that. Apple has sat it out. Peacock has a modest slate, as does the new streaming site Dropout, which released specials this year by Adam Conover and Courtney Pauroso. HBO Max has done the best job lately of positioning itself as the cool alternative with hours from Jerrod Carmichael, Alex Edelman and Ramy Youssef, NYT News Service reported. But no large competitor has mounted a serious challenge to Netflix. Until now. Web Development Java 21 Essentials for Beginners: Build Strong Programming Foundations By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital marketing - Wordpress Website Development By - Shraddha Somani, Digital Marketing Trainer, Consultant, Strategiest and Subject Matter expert View Program Marketing Marketing & Sales Strategies for Startups: From Concept to Conversion By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Data Science SQL Server Bootcamp 2024: Transform from Beginner to Pro By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Basics of Generative AI: Unveiling Tomorrow's Innovations By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Intermediate Java Mastery: Method, Collections, and Beyond By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Mastering Full Stack Development: From Frontend to Backend Excellence By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance AI and Generative AI for Finance By - Hariom Tatsat, Vice President- Quantitative Analytics at Barclays View Program Office Productivity Mastering Google Sheets: Unleash the Power of Excel and Advance Analysis By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Tabnine AI Masterclass: Optimize Your Coding Efficiency By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Pam Moore By - Pam Moore, Digital Transformation and Social Media Expert View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI for Everyone: Understanding and Applying the Basics on Artificial Intelligence By - Ritesh Vajariya, Generative AI Expert View Program Web Development Master RESTful APIs with Python and Django REST Framework: Web API Development By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Office Productivity Mastering Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and 365 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance Financial Literacy for Non-Finance Executives By - CA Raja, Chartered Accountant | Financial Management Educator | Former AVP - Credit, SBI View Program Web Development Django & PostgreSQL Mastery: Build Professional Web Applications By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Office Productivity Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Advanced Java Mastery: Object-Oriented Programming Techniques By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Advanced C++ Mastery: OOPs and Template Techniques By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Future of Marketing & Branding Masterclass By - Dr. David Aaker, Professor Emeritus at the Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley, Author | Speaker | Thought Leader | Branding Consultant View Program Strategy Succession Planning Masterclass By - Nigel Penny, Global Strategy Advisor: NSP Strategy Facilitation Ltd. View Program Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Neil Patel By - Neil Patel, Co-Founder and Author at Neil Patel Digital Digital Marketing Guru View Program The Walt Disney Co. now enters the stand-up game in a big way right after its streaming business reported making a profit for the first time. Along with considerable resources, Disney, under the Hulu banner, has ordered up more than a dozen specials -- some from comics who recently worked for Netflix, including major stars (Bill Burr, Sebastian Maniscalco) and rising ones (Ralph Barbosa). And most important, they have a coherent vision, a counterprogramming strategy. Hulu will roll out one special every month. The aim is to turn each one into an event, leaning on the considerable marketing resources of Disney. Jim Gaffigan kicked off the slate with his new hour called "The Skinny," a characteristically funny, family-friendly set of jokes griping about, among other subjects, religion and kids. Perhaps the biggest surprise of the hour is that Gaffigan, who has long specialized in jokes about overeating, has lost a significant amount of weight, thanks to an appetite suppressant. He says he's open to sharing viewership data with comedians, something that Netflix has hesitated to do. This frustrated some comics who were hoping to understand their audiences, for the purposes of where to tour or how to negotiate their next deal. He also promises to use old-fashioned marketing muscle. "We don't believe that it's just up to, you know, the algorithm to kind of get you at the right time in the right place," he said. The last time a major player tried to compete with Netflix was in 2019, when Amazon Prime rolled out a plan for specials. As it happens, it also started with Gaffigan. The comic says this effort feels different. "From a promotional standpoint, there's no comparison," he said over Zoom. "I was grateful for the opportunity, but it felt more like an experiment, whereas Hulu has a 12-month to two-year plan." The lineup at Hulu is heavy on popular club and theater acts like Zarna Garg, Andrew Santino, Atsuko Okatsuka and Matteo Lane. Asked for his dream get, Erwich points to the duo of Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, who had been touring a live comedy show. Hulu's challenge is getting consumers to develop new habits. But there is also skepticism about the marriage between the family-friendly brand of Disney and the sometimes controversial art of stand-up. When asked if he would program Dave Chappelle's "The Closer," in which transgender people were the primary focus, Erwich said: "It's probably not what we would want to do." More broadly, he added that he would approach controversial comedy this way: "What we would consider is, 'Does it feel gratuitous and purposefully hateful or provocative? Or purposely controversial?' No, we'd probably stay away from that." Netflix doesn't seem to mind controversy. And it has drawn huge audiences for live events like the comedy roast of Tom Brady and a Chris Rock special addressing being slapped by Will Smith. But as the platform has become more established, it often appears to be competing with the vast output of YouTube more than with any traditional producer. Several years ago, Netflix started licensing completed specials from comics. This kept costs down (comedians still paid for production and marketing) but allowed Netflix to keep its volume high. Comic Chris Distefano, who has gained a big following in recent years, did one of those deals with Netflix. But for his next hour, "It's Just Unfortunate," he signed with Hulu for a February release, as per a report on NYT News Service. FAQs Q1. Where can we watch new shows? A1. New shows can be watched on Netflix, Amazon, Peacock. Q2. Where can we watch comedy? A2. Comedy can be watched on Netflix. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )

The AP Top 25 men’s college basketball poll is back every week throughout the season! Get the poll delivered straight to your inbox with AP Top 25 Poll Alerts. Sign up here . BALTIMORE (AP) — Wayne Bristol Jr. scored 21 points as Hampton beat Loyola (MD) 76-68 on Saturday. Bristol added 10 rebounds for the Pirates (7-5, 1-0 Coastal Athletic Association). Etienne Strothers shot 4 for 10 (1 for 3 from 3-point range) and 5 of 6 from the free-throw line to add 14 points. Richard Goods had 13 points and shot 2 of 3 from the field and 9 for 10 from the line. The Greyhounds (5-5) were led in scoring by Milos Ilic, who finished with 22 points and eight rebounds. Jordan Stiemke added 12 points for Loyola. Jacob Theodosiou also had nine points. Hampton took the lead with 7:30 to go in the first half and did not relinquish it. The score was 32-26 at halftime, with Goods racking up nine points. Hampton outscored Loyola (MD) in the second half by two points, with Bristol scoring a team-high 13 points after the break. These two teams both play Saturday. Hampton hosts Howard and Loyola visits DePaul. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Chesapeake native Brandon Osmundson scored the winning goal 3:22 into the extra period off assists from Darick Louis-Jean and Ben Zloty. The Admirals will be at Scope for their next six games. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Click to share on X (Opens in new window) Most Popular Cause of underground fire at Williamsburg Premium Outlets still unknown — and may stay that way, fire chief says Cause of underground fire at Williamsburg Premium Outlets still unknown — and may stay that way, fire chief says Hampton’s superintendent just got a massive raise. Here’s how it compares. Hampton’s superintendent just got a massive raise. Here’s how it compares. Man taken into custody after shooting at Suffolk church staff member Man taken into custody after shooting at Suffolk church staff member Colonial Williamsburg’s Grand Illumination has echoes across the US Colonial Williamsburg's Grand Illumination has echoes across the US John Hinckley Jr. nixes plans to open Williamsburg music store John Hinckley Jr. nixes plans to open Williamsburg music store Disney influencer Dominique Brown dies at 34 after allergic reaction at food event, report says Disney influencer Dominique Brown dies at 34 after allergic reaction at food event, report says VHSL state semifinal scoreboard: Oscar Smith, Maury, Phoebus advance to championship games VHSL state semifinal scoreboard: Oscar Smith, Maury, Phoebus advance to championship games Williamsburg-area Democrats announce candidacy for House seats Williamsburg-area Democrats announce candidacy for House seats Hokies will play in Duke’s Mayo Bowl against Minnesota in Charlotte Hokies will play in Duke’s Mayo Bowl against Minnesota in Charlotte Hampton Roads native’s acting career grows with role on NBC’s ‘Brilliant Minds,’ airing Monday Hampton Roads native’s acting career grows with role on NBC’s ‘Brilliant Minds,’ airing Monday Trending Nationally Killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO spotlights complex challenge companies face in protecting top brass MAGA influencer Nick Fuentes charged with battery of woman he maced: report ‘America’s Got Talent’ comedian Kabir ‘Kabeezy’ Singh dead at 39 Police may search a vehicle based on the smell of raw cannabis, Illinois Supreme Court rules ‘Oppenheimer’ actor Emma Dumont comes out as transmasculine, changes name

Middlesbrough and Sheffield Wednesday are locking horns in the race for Australian teen sensation Thomas Waddingham, talkSPORT understands. It is also understood striker Waddingham's transfer will net A-League club Brisbane Roar a six-figure fee, with the deal also poised to be completed in the early weeks of the January transfer window. Although Waddingham only made his debut for the Roar in August 2023, he has wasted little time in cementing himself as a serious goal threat in the A-League. The 19-year-old has scored 15 goals in 37 games across all competitions for Brisbane, with 11 of those coming in the Australian top flight. Waddingham's 11 league goals also places him second in A-League history for the most goals scored before the age of 20, with Nestory Irankunda's tally of 16 the record to beat. However, the advanced interest of Middlesbrough and Sheffield Wednesday may mean Waddingham misses out on the chance to surpass Irankunda's record. Waddingham's rapid rise to prominence hasn't just caught the eye of Middlesbrough and Sheffield Wednesday either. talkSPORT understands German giants Bayern Munich have also been monitoring the player but are unlikely to pursue a deal at this stage of his career. Bayern have taken a keen eye to Australian teenagers in recent years, with Irankunda and goalkeeper Anthony Pavlesic both now on the Bavarians' books. Waddingham's form this season, which has seen him score four goals in eight league games for Brisbane, has also earned him comparisons with legendary Australian striker Mark Viduka. Viduka, who enjoyed stints at Leeds United , Middlesbrough and Newcastle, smashed home 92 goals in 240 Premier League appearances. Affectionately known as 'Dukes', the 49-year-old is widely regarded as one of Australia's greatest footballers. However, Brisbane manager Ruben Zadkovich was quick to pump the brakes on the Viduka comparisons and insisted Waddingham has lots more to do before he gets anywhere near the Aussie icon's level. But Zadkovich felt the widespread praise for Waddingham was clear evidence he is ticking plenty of boxes, especially at such a young age. "When the comparisons to Mark Viduka came out, it's funny because I think of 'Dukes' like a god," Zadkovich said. "Back in my era, watching him play, he was just something from a different planet. Tommy's got a long way to go before he gets anywhere near the big fella, but it's nice that people draw those comparisons. "That's a compliment to the way he's playing. People are talking about him and with good reason, because he's out there and he's leading the line for a club at 19 years old." Should Waddingham join Middlesbrough, he would add to a lengthy list of Australians who have called the Riverside Stadium home. Mark Schwarzer and Viduka are arguably the two most high-profile Australians to have played for Middlesbrough. Middlesbrough also boast three Australians on their books at present in the form of Riley McGree and Tom Glover along with Sammy Silvera who is on loan at Portsmouth , so Waddingham will have plenty of help when it comes to settling in if he moves to Teesside. Sheffield Wednesday's history with Australians is far shorter, with only four appearing for the Owls in their history. The two sides played out an enthralling contest on Boxing Day as the Owls came back from a 3-0 deficit to secure a 3-3 draw. Middlesbrough sit seventh in the Championship on 36 points while Sheffield Wednesday lay in ninth on 33 points.

NoneJOHOR BAHRU – All autogates at the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) customs, immigration and quarantine (CIQ) complex are now operational and huge crowds at the bus halls have started to disperse. At press time, about 46 autogates at the bus arrival and exit halls and KTM station have been reactivated in stages on late Dec 8. “The situation is slowly returning to normal, and we expect everything to be back to normal soon,” a security official said, adding that the autogates have been down since noon on Dec 8 due to a massive technical glitch. The official said the cause of the widespread failures of all autogates at the bus halls and the KTM station leading to Singapore has yet to be identified. At the height of the outage, tens of thousands of people were stuck at BSI for up to four hours while immigration officers had to manually clear people for travel. Immigration had also activated contra lanes to divert travellers at the entry and exit bus halls. However, all immigration clearance for cars, motorcycles and heavy vehicles were spared from the glitch. Other government agencies were also functioning without any issues at the complex. “This has never happened before at the JB CIQ, and it comes at the worst time, especially on a Sunday with a huge number of people, including Singaporeans, coming in for the long school holidays. “Some of them have been stuck for hours due to the long lines at the bus arrival and exit halls,” the official said, adding that additional security was brought in to ensure order at the complex. Singapore’s Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) also issued a travel advisory asking people to delay their journey to Johor Baru to help ease the situation. Earlier, many members of the public took to social media to express their frustration about the long delays. – THE STAR/ ASIA NEWS NETWORK

WEST FARGO — When Happy, a sweet but oblivious-to-danger 9-year-old mare scraped up her back leg once again, owner Alicia Severson was able to call on Casselton Veterinary Service to visit her Gandin, N.D., farm and patch up Happy. But when it comes to a recurring ligament injury Happy sustained while competing in a barrel competition, Severson and many other horse and farm animal owners are finding it more difficult every year to find big animal veterinarians, and especially ones that specialize in certain care. ADVERTISEMENT "There is absolutely a shortage," Severson said. For decades, ranchers have been sounding the alarm about a shortage of rural veterinarians and new big animal vets, and especially those who specialize in caring for horses, cows, pigs and sheep. The problem persists despite land grant universities such as North Dakota State University, who often send undergraduates interested in the profession to far-away schools for continuing education. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture , 500 counties across 46 states reported critical shortages of big animal vets. And while large animal veterinarians have long been a challenge to find in rural areas, where they are most needed, veterinarians who specialize in horses are also waning. That's despite the increasing popularity and availability in North Dakota and Minnesota for younger generations to compete in equine activities. According to an online database, about 43,200 horses call North Dakota home, which is about one horse per 18 people in the state. Leon Glasser, president of the North Dakota Quarter Horse Racing Association, has been breeding, raising and racing horses for more than 40 years, working to improve the quality of racehorses born in North Dakota. Over the years, he's watched the number of veterinarians willing to work with horses dwindle quickly. "Are we short of equine vets in this area? Absolutely, we are," Glasser said. He said a veterinary clinic in New Salem, N.D., will now only provide simple paperwork needed for owners to transport horses across state lines for care and Missouri Valley Vet Clinic in Bismarck has also limited equine services in the same way. Most newer veterinarians prefer to work on dogs and cats exclusively, he said. ADVERTISEMENT Severson agreed, noting it is also difficult to find a veterinarian who has experience treating goats, as the Seversons have two goats at their farm along with the horses and a cat. For Happy's ligament issue, of which she's had recurring surgeries and needs sporadic treatment, Severson worked with an equine sports medicine specialist based in the Twin Cities but would travel into western Minnesota. However, that veterinarian recently retired, leaving Severson on the hunt to find another specialist within a few hundred miles of the Red River Valley. "Nothing takes the place of a seasoned veterinarian," Severson said. "Thankfully, Casselton [Veterinary Service] is fabulous when it comes to when my horse is injured. But when it comes to long-term stuff that she's dealing with, it's difficult." Dr. Alexa Weyer at Casselton Veterinary grew up in Snohomish, Wash., a farm town north of Seattle, and graduated with a bachelor's degree in biology from the University of North Dakota before finishing her doctorate in Veterinary Medicine at Auburn University in Alabama. Following graduation, she began working at Casselton Veterinary in early 2021. "There is definitely a shortage of people interested in large animal practice, and we would love to see more interest," Weyer said. To be a veterinarian requires a doctorate degree from a veterinary school or program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association and passing the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam, which is an extensive 360-question exam on all species (dogs, cats, horses, cows, goats, pigs, birds, reptiles, rabbits, fish and more) and all aspects of veterinary medicine. ADVERTISEMENT Veterinarians can choose to either go straight into general practice after graduation or they can seek further education to become a specialist. To be a veterinarian technician requires a two- or four-year veterinary technology degree, depending on the program. Derine Winning, a veterinarian at Valley Veterinary Hospital in Fargo and public policy adviser for the North Dakota Veterinary Medical Association, said the vast majority — about 70% — of new graduate veterinarians became companion animal practitioners in 2023. Almost 10% became mixed animal practitioners and only 6% became equine practitioners. The data comes from the American Veterinary Medical Association's 2024 Economic State of the Profession Report. "There are a lot of different areas in which veterinarians can become board certified through advanced education and training," Winning said. Animal specialists of any kind can be difficult to find locally, although Winning said the Red River Animal and Emergency Hospital and Referral Center in Fargo does have some specialists in oncology, surgery, internal medicine and emergency and critical care. Casselton Veterinary provides many large animal services from emergency on-call care to posting a doctor and technician for nights and weekends. In addition to their vets traveling to farms, the clinic has a large treatment area with two stocks and stalls for hospitalization and breeding care. The clinic also has several portable imaging tools. Weyer said the trend of vets moving away from rural areas can be seen in the growing need for referrals. "Unfortunately, most referral facilities across the country for large and small animals are in areas of high population density. For large animals, there are even fewer facilities and they tend to be at universities with veterinary schools or in areas of high equine concentration," she said. ADVERTISEMENT While the Casselton doctors work with a variety of places for specialty referrals, Sturgis Equine in western South Dakota and the University of Minnesota are probably most used by the clinic. Still, the closest drive is about four hours. Weyer said referrals are typically needed for colic surgery, arthroscopic surgery, advanced imaging or advanced hospitalizations. "In general practice like we are, there are always times to refer. For our clients, it would be nice to have a closer option, but a lot of areas in the country are even farther from referral than we are," Weyer said. Beth Carlson, deputy veterinarian with the North Dakota Department of Agriculture, said rural areas most in need of large animal veterinarians may not attract college graduates with those abilities. "The ratio of large animal veterinarians has shifted quite a bit," Carlson said. "Certainly there are areas of the state where it is difficult to hire veterinarians for a variety of reasons. In some cases it's challenging to hire veterinarians even in urban areas as well." One challenge is the cost of becoming a veterinarian. The USDA offers a program that provides up to $75,000 in veterinary school loan repayment to graduates who agree to work in underserved rural communities a minimum of three years. While some in Congress have recently proposed increasing that amount, it can still be daunting as new veterinarians, on average, face about $190,000 in school debt over the eight years needed to become a veterinarian. ADVERTISEMENT According to the American Veterinary Medicine Association, the mean starting salary for a veterinarian working predominantly in the treatment of food animals is about $85,000, but it was more than $100,000 for those who specialize in pet care. The North Dakota Department of Agriculture does work with residents interested in attending veterinary school. Carlson said her office assists with applications for veterinary loan repayment programs. "There are a few different ways that the state and federal government has approached that issue," Carlson said. While NDSU has a veterinarian technician program, there are currently no veterinary schools in North Dakota. In fact, there are only about 30 veterinary schools nationwide. The closest to North Dakota and some of the most renowned veterinary medicine schools are the University of Minnesota, University of Iowa and Kansas State. "NDSU is a great agricultural school and has a great veterinary technician program," Weyer said. "It might be nice to have a veterinary doctorate program at NDSU, but I am not sure that the population is there yet to support one."Martin A. Makary, MD, a surgeon and public policy researcher at Johns Hopkins University who has taken public positions at odds with public health leaders on vaccination schedules and measures promulgated to limit the spread of COVID-19, has been named by President-Elect Donald Trump as his nominee for commissioner of the FDA. “FDA has lost the trust of Americans, and has lost sight of its primary goal as a regulator,” Trump . “The agency needs Dr. Marty Makary, a highly respected Johns Hopkins surgical oncologist and health policy expert to course-correct and refocus the agency.” Makary would report to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS)—a position to which Trump has said he will appoint Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has targeted the FDA for drastic changes on a host of biopharma and broader healthcare concerns. on “ ,” a radio talk show hosted by a co-host of the Fox News Channel morning show “Fox & Friends” and syndicated through Fox News Radio, Makary said he was less worried about Kennedy’s nomination than what he called the medical establishment that Kennedy has also long criticized. “I’m worried about all the medical leaders who misled us in so many ways. That’s what should be raising deep concerns, not RFK Jr., who’s now talking about the root causes of our chronic disease epidemic,” Makary asserted. “He’s actually talking about the health of the population. Up until this point, politicians have only talked about different ways to finance the broken healthcare system. Now he’s actually talking about how to fix it by addressing health.” Asked if everyone needed to receive vaccines, Makary replied: “Look, vaccines save lives. And I know Bobby Kennedy believes that. Now whether or not you follow the rigid recommendations that are out there now, or say, for example, you use the Japanese schedule or one of the accepted schedules in Europe, like the U.K. schedule, where they may not give the hepatitis B vaccine on the day of birth.” According to the , as of September 1, doses of the hepatitis B vaccine are routinely administered to babies at 8 weeks, 12 weeks, and 16 weeks. However, the U.K. directs that babies born to mothers infected with hepatitis B receive the vaccine “at birth, 4 weeks, and 12 months old.” “Hepatitis B is a sexually transmitted infection, and you get it from IV drug use. Do you need it on the day of birth? If somebody wants to make a personal decision to modify that and postpone it till later in childhood, we live in a free country, and so I think sometimes, questions are good,” Makary asserted. “This is the same establishment that lost so much trust over the last four years, and that’s why we’re seeing less compliance,” Makary contended. “It’s not because of Bobby Kennedy. It’s because of vaccine mandates and cloth masks on toddlers and shutting schools down, and ‘opioids are not addictive.’ For 20 years we heard that. And the food pyramid. That’s all dogma from the government. That’s why people are skeptical. Not because of Bobby Kennedy.” As commissioner, Makary would run an agency that now has , and which decides on applications for some 50 new drugs and biologic products each year. The FDA is now led by commissioner Robert M. Califf, MD, who was appointed by President Joe Biden to return to the position he first held during the administration of Barack Obama; Califf left office the day Trump was sworn in to his first term. Makary is the chief of islet transplant surgery at Johns Hopkins, and the author of two bestselling books— (2012) which faulted doctors and hospitals for high costs and a lack of transparency and (2019), an examination of issues he contended were responsible for the nation’s sky-high medical care costs. A visiting professor at over 25 medical schools, Makary has received the Nobility in Science Award from the National Pancreas Foundation, has published over 250 peer-reviewed scientific articles, and has served on several editorial boards. Among COVID-19 pandemic public health measures Makary has criticized are mandatory masking of children and mandatory vaccinations of young adults. In a paper , he and a research team took issue with the mandates of numerous universities forcing students to receive third-dose booster shots, contending the mandates: The boosters “may result in wider social harms,” Makary and colleagues asserted. “Policymakers should repeal COVID-19 vaccine mandates for young adults immediately and ensure pathways to compensation to those who have suffered negative consequences from these policies. Regulatory agencies should facilitate independent scientific analysis through open access to participant-level clinical trial data to allow risk-stratified and age-stratified risk-benefit analyses of any new vaccines prior to issuing recommendations,” Makary and colleagues added. “This is needed to begin what will be a long process of rebuilding trust in public health.” While Kennedy has emerged in recent years as a sharp critic of the COVID-19 vaccines, and has been quoted as calling it “criminal medical malpractice to give a child one of these,” he the day after Election Day: “Of course, we’re not going to take vaccines away from anybody,” adding: “We are going to make sure that Americans have good information about vaccines and vaccine safety.” However, Kennedy has called for overhauling the FDA’s oversight of food, contending that the agency needed to reduce the prevalence of ultra-processed foods in order to reduce the burden of chronic disease: “In some categories, there are entire departments, like the nutrition departments at FDA, that have to go, that are not doing their job. They’re not protecting our kids,” he . In addition to Makary, Trump also named Dave Weldon, MD, a physician and former Republican Congressman from Florida, as his nominee for director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).