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80 jili casino Goon with 50k bounty killed in Rohtak encounterTim Walz accepts turkey presentation as he eases back into his duties as Minnesota's governorBy Dan Diamond, Olivia George and Annie GowenWashington Post BALTIMORE – Luigi Mangione was a young prince of this city, his family’s name emblazoned on the walls of buildings and civic institutions. Teachers at his elite prep school described him as a student leader, on his way to an Ivy League education. Classmates called the valedictorian, athlete and budding engineer an inspiration, someone focused on society’s future. More accolades followed at college in Philadelphia. Then came worsening back pain, time abroad and a period of discontent. Friends said they lost track of the 26-year-old this year, struggling to confirm his participation in a wedding; his mother filed a missing-person report. As Mangione’s once-charmed life seemed to be crumbling, Brian Thompson’s fortunes appeared to be climbing. The 50-year-old executive, from a small town in Iowa, was entering his fourth year as CEO of the nation’s largest health insurer, UnitedHealthcare, where he was well-liked by employees and respected in the industry – even as some patients complained about the company’s practice of denying care. “I feel really good,” Thompson told investors on a January call. “Very optimistic about UnitedHealthcare ... a lot to look forward to here in the year.” The two men’s paths collided on a Manhattan sidewalk early the morning of Dec. 4, according to police charging documents, with Mangione accused of standing in wait for Thompson in what authorities are calling a targeted shooting. Police who arrested Mangione on Monday in Pennsylvania found a handwritten manifesto that blamed “parasites” and that reportedly railed against UnitedHealth Group – the parent organization of UnitedHealthcare and the nation’s largest health-care company. Mangione appeared in court Tuesday as prosecutors sought to extradite him to New York to face five charges, including second-degree murder, in connection with Thompson’s death. Separately, he faces five counts in Pennsylvania, including presenting false identification to the police officers who arrested him. Ahead of Tuesday’s court hearing, Mangione appeared to struggle with officers and seemed to shout toward a throng of journalists about “an insult to the intelligence of the American people.” Mangione was denied bail. The extradition process to New York, which he is fighting, could take weeks. The developments have staggered people who watched Mangione’s early rise and are trying to reconcile the promising high school and college student with the man now sitting in a Pennsylvania prison cell. Many of them spoke on the condition of anonymity to avoid being publicly linked to Mangione or the shooting of Thompson. “That’s not the boy I know,” said one of Mangione’s former teachers at Gilman School, the all-boys private school in Baltimore where Mangione was the top graduate in 2016. Other teachers and students at Gilman discussed his humility, kindness and affability; classmates from the University of Pennsylvania similarly described a well-liked engineering student and fraternity brother who graduated from the school in 2020. What radicalized Mangione and fixated him on the health insurance industry is not fully known, though clues exist in his personal health history and in a trail he appears to have left online. Friends said Mangione struggled with years-long back problems, worsening his quality of life; he moved to Hawaii after college in pursuit of getting healthy. An X-ray he posted on social media appears to depict a person suffering from spondylolisthesis, a spinal condition in which a vertebra slips out of place and can cause chronic pain, physicians said. “When my spondy went bad on me last year (23M), it was completely devastating as a young athletic person,” read a post left by a Reddit account that had previously linked to Mangione’s personal programming site and offered personal details that match Mangione’s. Reddit declined to confirm whether the account, which was deactivated this week, belonged to Mangione. Friends said the pain hampered Mangione’s social life and culminated in major surgery last year. The X-ray posted by Mangione shows a “lumbar spine with posterior spinal instrumentation, possible fusion” – a procedure that involves screws or rods to stabilize the spine, said Zeeshan Sardar, an associate professor of orthopedic surgery at Columbia University Medical Center who reviewed the post at the request of The Washington Post. While patients are warned that spinal surgeries may worsen a person’s condition, the Reddit account linked to Mangione last year described the surgery as a success. Mangione also was long focused on what he saw as societal decay, posting commentary online that sometimes summarized his reading, including on the popular review website Goodreads. In his 2021 review of the Unabomber’s manifesto – written by an anonymous killer terrorizing the United States from the 1970s into the 1990s with meticulously crafted pipe bombs – Mangione awarded it four stars and shared a comment he attributed to another person: “When all other forms of communication fail, violence is necessary to survive. You may not like his methods, but to see things from his perspective, it’s not terrorism, it’s war and revolution.” Selections he made for a book club he started in Hawaii in 2023 began to alarm others, said Sarah Nehemiah, a 27-year-old producer and researcher who met Mangione the prior year and moved into his co-living space after Mangione had left. “Several members left due to discomfort in his book choices,” she said. “The Unabomber manifesto is what really pushed people over the edge.” Investigators are trying to piece together what led Mangione to allegedly fixate on Thompson. UnitedHealthcare, which provides coverage to roughly 1 in 7 Americans, declined to comment on whether Mangione or his family were customers of the health insurance company. UnitedHealth Group has been the focus of congressional oversight, watchdog groups and patient complaints that say the sprawling company’s subsidiaries have wrongly denied patients’ claims, sometimes by using artificial intelligence. The company and its largest subsidiary, UnitedHealthcare, have become proxies for many Americans’ broader complaints about health care, a phenomenon crystallized by the outpouring of complaints and mockery since Thompson’s shooting. UnitedHealth Group has defended its practices. In Baltimore on Tuesday, as fog blanketed the city, residents said they were still wrestling with the revelation that Thompson’s alleged killer is a member of the well-respected Mangione family, which is prominent in the region and has long-standing ties to Little Italy, the neighborhood just east of the Inner Harbor. The family owns Lorien Health Systems, a network of skilled nursing and assisted-living facilities, where Luigi Mangione volunteered in high school, and has founded or acquired golf and country clubs that attract top local players. A Baltimore art museum, university and a now-defunct opera company have been among the civic institutions that have benefited from Mangione philanthropy. Greater Baltimore Medical Center, a hospital long affiliated with the Mangione family, boasts a “Mangione Family Center” in the soaring atrium where obstetrics patients enter the building; a placard in another part of the hospital thanks the Mangione Family Foundation for donating more than $1 million. “You would not truly think that a member of the Mangione family would be accused of this,” said Thomas J. Maronick Jr., a criminal-defense attorney in Maryland who knows several of the suspect’s relatives. The family released a statement Monday night saying they were “shocked and devastated by Luigi’s arrest.” “We offer our prayers to the family of Brian Thompson and we ask people to pray for all involved. We are devastated by this news,” the Mangione family said in its statement. – – – A star student and engineer The Luigi Mangione whom teachers saw growing up was a builder. A video posted by Gilman in 2016 shows him at the center of a robotics competition, manipulating a robot and helping lead the school’s team to success in a tournament. The prep school charges nearly $38,000 for a year of high school tuition, according to its website, and many students come from some degree of wealth. But far from bragging about his family’s local prominence, Mangione was viewed as self-effacing and accessible – a volunteer who coached other students on their essays in the school’s writing center. Then came Penn, the Ivy League university, where again Mangione found himself in leadership roles, such as helping to found a video game development club. A Penn-affiliated news outlet in December 2018 reported that the club had grown to 60 members. “Passion is what we’re looking for,” Mangione said in an interview, adding that the club didn’t turn away people who lacked programming experience. Mangione graduated from Penn with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in four years. He went to work as an engineer for TrueCar, a web platform for people to shop for automobiles. The company, which instituted broad layoffs in 2023, has said Mangione has not been employed by it since that year. Mangione spent early 2022 at Surfbreak HNL, a shared living space tucked along Oahu’s south shore and about a mile from Waikiki Beach, a former resident told The Post. Mangione arrived in January 2022 and left by mid-April, said Nehemiah, who has remained close with other residents, some of whom were hesitant to speak publicly about their interactions with Mangione but authorized her to speak on their behalf. Surfbreak, which sits on the 40th floor of a Honolulu high-rise, boasts floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the water and bills itself as the “the first co-living and co-working penthouse for remote workers in Hawaii” on its website. Monthly rent for a twin bedroom starts at $1,605, while “king corner” rooms command up to $3,305, according to the Surfbreak website. Nehemiah and her friends at Surfbreak believed Mangione had left “due to a lifelong back injury that was exacerbated by surfing and hiking,” she told The Post. “To our knowledge, nearly all members of Surfbreak from his tenure lost contact with him after he left.” Posts circulating on social media and conversations with those who knew him indicate Mangione withdrew and dropped out of touch with friends this year. In since-deleted posts this July on X, one person tagged an account that appears to be Mangione’s and said he hadn’t heard from Mangione in months. “Hey man I need you to call me ... [You] made commitments to me for my wedding and if you can’t honor them I need to know so I can plan accordingly,” the person wrote. In another post from the same account, posted in November, just two weeks before Mangione was taken into custody, the person wrote: “Thinking of you and prayers every day in your name. Know you are missed and loved.” It appears that Mangione spent time in Japan this year. In a post Monday on X, Japanese professional poker player Jun Obara recounted a chance encounter with him in a Tokyo restaurant after a photo of them posted to the platform in February circulated online. Former classmates said they couldn’t square this new, darker portrait of Mangione with the person who was once so optimistic. “I can’t help but feel sorry for Luigi and really the American people – that he had so much to offer, to innovate and create for the world and wound up so damaged that he did the unthinkable instead,” said a former Gilman student, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. “As I knew him, he was a creator, not a taker of life.” On social media, Mangione in 2022 posted excerpts from a speech he delivered to high school classmates – part of a tradition in which Gilman seniors have long been allowed to deliver a speech to the assembled high school on any topic of their choosing. Mangione chose to discuss the arc of human progress, warning that the audience might think he was “crazy.” “We may have been born into one of the most exciting times on earth,” Mangione said in his prepared remarks, talking about the arrival of artificial intelligence and other technological breakthroughs that could even lead to immortality. “We might not recognize it in our day-to-day lives, but the world is changing fast.”

World Series vision that got Nathan Eovaldi to the Rangers is the same one that got him to re-sign

WINNIPEG — Kyle Walters doesn’t believe losing a third consecutive Grey Cup means the Winnipeg Blue Bombers’ roster should be blown up. The CFL club’s general manager told reporters at his year-end availability Tuesday that reaching a fifth straight championship game by overcoming lots of injuries was a big accomplishment. Even before Winnipeg’s recent 41-24 Grey Cup loss to the Toronto Argonauts, Walters said he was looking forward to next season. “I was excited for next year based on what I'm looking at, compared to years past, where we've got more young guys that have contributed that are under contract," he said. "We've got more young players in the building. So, the idea of, ‘This is the end of the road. The team is in a free-for-all downward,’ I don’t think is accurate. "We have a good group of guys and we were in a one-point (Grey Cup) game with 10 minutes left ... before things went downhill.” The Blue Bombers started the season 0-4, moved to 2-6 and finished 11-7 to claim the West Division title. Star receiver Dalton Schoen, veteran linebacker Adam Bighill and backup quarterback Chris Streveler all suffered season-ending injuries and are pending free agents. Negotiating with the team’s 27 unsigned players could be impacted by moves across the league among coaches, personnel staff and players such as quarterbacks, Walters said. The Bombers have given permission for offensive coordinator Buck Pierce to speak to the B.C. Lions and Edmonton Elks about those teams’ vacant head-coaching jobs, he said. Walters also revealed the Ottawa Redblacks were given the go-ahead to talk to Richie Hall about their defensive coordinator vacancy. Hall was a Winnipeg defensive assistant this season after Jordan Younger took over from him as defensive coordinator. Walters said the Bombers received permission to speak to Lions offensive coordinator Jordan Maksymic in case Pierce leaves. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have already been given the OK to talk to Winnipeg assistant general managers Danny McManus and Ted Goveia about the Ticats’ GM opening. “You're hesitant to have too much conversation with people who may not be in the organization next year, so it's just been me and (head coach) Mike (O’Shea) in this moment huddled together and talking about next year,” Walters said. He said an NFL team had asked Tuesday morning to work out one Blue Bomber, but he didn’t reveal the player’s name in case he wasn’t aware of the request yet. The Blue Bombers won the Grey Cup in 2019 and ’21, but lost 28-24 to the Montreal Alouettes last year and 24-23 to Toronto in 2022. Winnipeg re-signed placekicker Sergio Castillo last week. Walters said he’d like to have deals done with three or four main players before the end of the year. The team has some up-and-coming young players inked for next year, and injuries gave others valuable experience on both sides of the ball, Walters said. Receivers such as rookie Ontaria Wilson (1,026 yards receiving in 18 games) and Keric Wheatfall (273 yards in seven games) are signed through next season. “The experience that they got was invaluable,” Walters said. Re-signing players who missed time because of injuries can get tricky. “Organizationally, can we approach (their agents) and say, 'Well, your guy was hurt, he should come back for less money?’” Walters said. “Generally, they don't view it like that. They view that they'll be back 100 per cent.” One question mark is the backup to starting quarterback Zach Collaros, who suffered a deep cut to the index finger of his throwing hand late in the third quarter of the Grey Cup. Collaros got five stitches and numbing agent applied to his finger. He returned with a bandage on it, but admitted he had a hard time gripping the ball. “We'll have to find out who our offensive coordinator is first,” Walters said when asked who might be Collaros’s backup. Terry Wilson, who briefly replaced Collaros in the Grey Cup, and Jake Dolegala are signed for next year. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 26, 2024. Judy Owen, The Canadian PressUN General Assembly demands immediate Gaza ceasefireThe former Tory chancellor, now chairman of the British Museum, suggested Sir Keir Starmer had contributed to a warmer spirit of the negotiations over the famous ancient artworks. Greece has long called for the return of the Marbles, also known as the Parthenon sculptures, and maintains they were illegally removed from Athens’ acropolis during a period of foreign occupation. The British Museum – where they are currently on display – is forbidden by law from giving away any of its artefacts, and the Government has no plans to change the law to permit a permanent move. But under Mr Osborne’s leadership, the museum is negotiating the possibility of a long-term loan of the sculptures, in exchange for rolling exhibitions of famous artworks. No 10 has indicated the Prime Minister is unlikely to stand in the way of such a deal. Speaking on Political Currency, the podcast he hosts alongside former Labour politician Ed Balls, Mr Osborne said the museum was “looking to see if we can come to some arrangement where at some point some of the sculptures are in Athens, where, of course, they were originally sited”. He added: “And in return, Greece lends us some of its treasures, and we made a lot of progress on that, but we’re still some distance from any kind of agreement.” The Greek government has suggested negotiations with the museum have taken a warmer tone since Labour came to power in the summer. Mr Osborne appeared to concur with this view and praised Sir Keir’s hands-off approach, adding: “It is not the same as Rishi Sunak, who refused to see the Greek prime minister, if you remember, he sort of stood him up. “So it seems to me a more sensible and diplomatic way to proceed.” Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the Greek premier, discussed the Elgin Marbles with Sir Keir when they met on Tuesday morning at Downing Street, he said after returning to Athens. Mr Mitsotakis has signalled his government is awaiting developments on the negotiations. A diplomatic spat between the Greek leader and Mr Sunak emerged last year when the then-prime minister refused to meet his counterpart. Mr Mitsotakis had compared splitting the Elgin Marbles from those still in Athens to cutting the Mona Lisa in half. The marble statues came from friezes on the 2,500-year-old Parthenon temple and have been displayed at the British Museum for more than 200 years. They were removed by Lord Elgin in the early 19th century when he was British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire. Some of the remaining temple statues are on display in the purpose-built Acropolis Museum in Athens, and Greece has called for the collections to be reunited.Goldman Sachs says these ASX 200 stocks are buys

First dog-friendly cruise scheduled for 2025. Organizers hope it turns into a recurring event.On December 1, the Mexican actress Marcela Alcaraz known for her participation in productions of Televisa as ‘ Three Miracles’ and ‘As the saying goes ‘, died at the age of 33 after an incident that occurred during a spiritual retreat in the Moyocoyani Center, located in the state of Durango. The tragic event has shocked his followers and the artistic community, while authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of his death. Actress Marcela Alcaraz dies after being part of a spiritual retreat Marcela Alcaraz He attended the spiritual retreat with the objective of seeking well-being and purification, as part of the activities offered at the center. During the event, a ritual was carried out in which Kambo a substance derived from the venom of frogs or toads. This highly toxic compound is promoted in some circles as an element of spiritual and physical cleansing, although its consumption is prohibited in several countries due to the health risks it entails. According to Mexican media reports, the actress ingested Kambó as part of the ritual. Shortly after consuming the substance, he began to experience serious symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and general malaise that quickly worsened. The assistants tried to help her immediately and took her to the Red Cross, but medical efforts failed to save her. The actress died hours later in the same place where the ritual took place. The Attorney General’s Office of the State of Durango is carrying out an investigation to clarify the circumstances of the death of Marcela Alcaraz . So far, authorities have confirmed that the event took place at the Moyocoyani Center, known for offering spiritual retreats that include practices related to the use of natural substances for supposedly therapeutic purposes. Versions are spread on digital platforms indicating that the actress did not drink the substance, but rather that, during a ritual, her skin was burned and then ‘Kambó’ was applied to the wound. Furthermore, it is maintained that they were not on a “retreat”, but that the person in charge of the place made them believe that they would attend a “diploma course.” Shaman who performed ritual would have fled the center after complications with the actress After consuming ‘Kambo’, a drink made with poison from toads and frogs, the actress began to feel unwell, presenting symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting. Despite the situation, Jonathan “N”, the alleged shaman in charge, rejected the idea of ​​taking her to a medical center, arguing that her symptoms were normal. She was a friend of Marcela Alcaraz who took her to the hospital, but unfortunately, when they arrived, the Mexican interpreter had already died. On Monday afternoon, the Durango Attorney General’s Office went to a house in the Villa de Guadalupe neighborhood to investigate the spiritual retreat, but were unable to locate the leader of the ritual, Jonathan “N.” What is ‘Kambó’, the drink that Marcela Alcaraz drank during a spiritual retreat? The drink ‘Kambó’, made from the venom of certain species of frogs, has become popular in spiritual retreats as a “therapeutic” treatment. However, experts warn about the risks involved in its use, since this poisonous substance can represent a considerable danger to health and must be administered under the supervision of professionals. Frog venom is recognized for its ability to detoxify the body, strengthen the immune system, and promote physical and emotional well-being. In addition, alternative medicine specialists suggest that it is also used in the treatment of burn wounds. During these rituals, the shamans, in charge of the practice, cause small lesions on the skin of the participants, leaving marks in the form of dots. They then apply the poison extracted from the frogs to these areas, as part of an ancient tradition. It is still not known with certainty whether Marcela Alcaraz ingested the substance or if it was applied directly to a wound. ‘Kambo’ is banned in Brazil Although this practice originated in Brazil, the authorities of that country have prohibited it due to the serious risks it represents, including cases of death. Since 2004, the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) has issued two resolutions prohibiting the sale and promotion of this product, known as a “miracle poison.” However, in countries like Chile and Mexico, this drink has not yet been banned, allowing it to continue being used in spiritual retreats, such as the one Marcela Alcaraz attended. After the death of the actress, it is expected that the authorities will consider restricting its consumption and marketing. Join our entertainment channel

, /PRNewswire/ -- Daiso, the renowned global retail chain offering a wide range of affordable and unique products, is thrilled to announce the grand opening at Independence Square in on December 14th. "We are thrilled to open our store at Independence Square," said , Chief Retail Operations Officer for Daiso . "This achievement reflects the dedication and support of our customers who have embraced Daiso's unique concept and diverse product range. We are excited to provide an exceptional shopping experience to the vibrant community and look forward to serving our customers with the utmost care and dedication." The new Daiso store at Independence Square encompasses 8,400 square feet and promises to be a haven for shoppers seeking quality merchandise at affordable prices. With its extensive range of products spanning various categories, including Japanese inspired home decor, stationery, food, and more, Daiso has become synonymous with accessible and innovative offerings. , Chief Development Officer for Daiso says, " based Daiso customers have shown us through our online business and social media their desire for us to have more stores within the state, influencing our immediate growth strategy in this region. We currently operate 164 units in 8 states with more states opening in 2025." On both and , the first 100 customers to shop at the Independence Square location and make a minimum purchase of will receive an exclusive goodie bag. These special offerings are Daiso's way of expressing gratitude to its loyal customers and welcoming new shoppers to the Daiso community. Daiso invites customers to join in the celebration. The Independence Square Daiso, at 3100 Independence Pkwy Ste 314, is by neighboring tenant Little Caesars and is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m to 9 p.m and Sunday from 10 a.m to About Daiso: Daiso is a global retail chain founded in , known for its vast array of unique and affordable products across various categories such as household goods, stationery, beauty, and more. Daiso entered the US market in 2005 and continues to expand its global footprint while maintaining its commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. The Daiso US headquarters is located in View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Daiso

UN General Assembly demands immediate Gaza ceasefire

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WASHINGTON (AP) — Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has been hospitalized after she “sustained an injury” during an official engagement in Luxembourg, according to a spokesman. Pelosi, 84, was in Europe with a bipartisan congressional delegation to mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge in World War II . Her spokesman, Ian Krager, said in a statement that she is “currently receiving excellent treatment from doctors and medical professionals” and is unable to attend the remainder of events on her trip. He did not describe the nature of her injury or give any additional details, but a person familiar with the incident said that Pelosi tripped and fell while at an event with the other members of Congress. The person requested anonymity to discuss the fall because they were not authorized to speak about it publicly. Krager said that Pelosi “looks forward to returning home to the U.S. soon." Among the members on the trip was Rep. Michael McCaul , R-Texas, who posted on social media that he was “praying for a speedy recovery,” for Pelosi. The two lawmakers were captured holding hands in a group photo Friday at the U.S. Embassy in Luxembourg. “I’m disappointed Speaker Emerita Pelosi won’t be able to join the rest of our delegation’s events this weekend as I know how much she looked forward to honoring our veterans,” McCaul wrote on X. “But she is strong, and I am confident she will be back on her feet in no time.” The former leader's fall comes two years after her husband Paul was attacked by a man with a hammer at their San Francisco home. The man, who was sentenced in October to 30 years in federal prison, broke into their home looking for Pelosi. Pelosi, who was first elected in 1987 and served as speaker twice, stepped down from her leadership post two years ago but remained in Congress and was re-elected to represent her San Francisco district in November. She has remained active in the two years since she left the top job, working with Democrats in private and in public and attending official events. Last summer, she was instrumental in her party's behind the scenes push to urge President Joe Biden to leave the presidential ticket. She attended the Kennedy Center Honors in Washington last weekend and was on the Senate floor Monday to attend the swearing in of her former Democratic House colleagues, Adam Schiff of California and Andy Kim of New Jersey. Earlier this week, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell , 82, tripped and fell in the Senate , spraining his wrist and cutting his face. McConnell, who is stepping down from his leadership post at the end of the year, missed Senate votes on Thursday after experiencing some stiffness in his leg from the fall, his office said. Mary Clare Jalonick And Farnoush Amiri, The Associated Press

Hegseth meets with moderate Sen. Collins as he lobbies for key votes in the SenateProposed W.R. Grace plastics recycling facility in Columbia prompts months-long fight from community membersDETROIT (AP) — Detroit and Green Bay , longtime rivals and current contenders, will have much at stake when they meet Thursday night in the Motor City. The NFC-leading Lions (11-1) are aiming to stay ahead of Philadelphia (10-2) in the race for the conference's best record and Minnesota (10-2) in the NFC North with a win against the Packers. Detroit can also clinch a spot in the playoffs with an 11th straight victory that would set a franchise record. “We’re in playoff football right now,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said. “This is the type of stuff that you live for and it’s also the type of stuff that gets you ready for the tournament.” Green Bay (9-3) also has a lot to play for because it can pull within a game of the Lions if it can split the season series with a slight upset as 3 1/2-point underdogs, according to BetMGM. “This game is going to be important for us moving forward toward the end of this thing and we’re going to treat it as such,” Packers safety Xavier McKinney said. Green Bay’s ability to slow down Detroit’s run game might be pivotal. Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, the first teammates in league history to run for at least 10 touchdowns in consecutive seasons, have combined to average more than 140 yards on the ground per game. The Packers limited San Francisco's Christian McCaffrey to 31 yards on 11 attempts and held Miami to 39 yards rushing in their past two games. It was the first time since 1995, and just the second time since 1950, that they gave up fewer than 45 yards rushing in two straight weeks. Montgomery ran 17 times for 73 yards and Gibbs had 65 yards rushing and a touchdown on 11 carries last month at Green Bay. “They played Montgomery the whole first half and then the second half they came with Gibbs,” McKinney recalled. “They got a good 1-2 punch.” Home field has not been an advantage in the series lately. The road team has won four straight games, going back to Detroit closing the 2022 regular season and Aaron Rodgers' career with the Packers in a 20-16 win at Lambeau Field. Green Bay has won five straight NFC North road games, including last year at Detroit on Thanksgiving. McKinney and Lions safety Kerby Joseph each have an NFL -high seven interceptions, leading the rest of the league by at least two. Joseph had a pick-6 in the most recent meeting against Green Bay and has picked off four passes in four games against the Packers. “He’s a ballhawk,” Packers quarterback Jordan Love said. “He’s going to make the plays when the ball’s in the air, so he’s definitely a guy you’ve got to know where he’s at.” Lions coach Dan Campbell was taken aback at a news conference recently when a reporter informed him Gibbs had a post on social media showing some of the team's strategy. “I'd rather our stuff not be out there,” Campbell said. Green Bay coach Matt LaFleur feels the same way, though he said it doesn't provide a competitive edge to see another team's terminology on a whiteboard. “Guys understand that nobody wants their information out there for the whole world to see, so we try to keep everything in house here,” LaFleur said. “But I don’t think it’s like the end of the world, either.” Both teams will play a third game in 12 days. “How the whole organization has handled this has been really impressive,” said Packers defensive lineman Lukas Van Ness, who had a sack in each of his past two games. After the game, each team will get a break. The Lions will host the AFC East champion Buffalo Bills on Dec. 15 and Green Bay plays at Seattle later that night. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota Vikings linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. has been placed on injured reserve after hurting his hamstring Sunday in a 30-27 overtime victory over the Chicago Bears. The move announced Tuesday means that Pace must miss at least the Vikings next four games. The Vikings also activated outside linebacker Gabriel Murphy from injured reserve and signed linebacker Jamin Davis off the Green Bay Packers practice squad. Pace, 23, had started each of the Vikings nine games this season. The 2023 undrafted free agent from Cincinnati had 56 tackles — including six for loss — and three sacks. Murphy, 24, signed with the Vikings as an undrafted free agent this spring. He was placed on injured reserve Aug. 27. Davis had joined the Packers practice squad Oct. 29 after getting released by the Washington Commanders a week earlier. Washington selected him out of Kentucky with the 19th overall pick in the 2021 draft. The 25-year-old Davis has 282 tackles, seven sacks, one interception, two forced fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles in his NFL career. He led the Commanders with a career-high 104 tackles in 2022. The Vikings (9-2) host the Arizona Cardinals (6-5) on Sunday. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFLWith impending removal of restrictions on vehicle imports early next year, industry experts have urged the Government to prioritise the importation of new vehicles over used ones, warning of significant environment, economic, and technological repercussions if outdated vehicles flood the market. The potential reintroduction of used vehicles has drawn criticism from experts, who highlighted challenges posed by older commercial vehicles in particular. “Given their extensive usage, a five-year-old vehicle could have clocked over 500,000 kilometres, making it prone to costly repairs of critical components such as engines, transformations, drive trains, and suspension systems. Although these expenses may not seem immediately apparent, the frequent need for maintenance and replacement parts results in a substantial foreign currency outflow, spread over multiple shipments,” they explained. The experts listed out four key arguments against the importation of older vehicles, emphasising concerns over environmental impact, technological stagnation, economic efficiency, and Sri Lanka’s international image. Vehicle emissions, they argued, remain a pressing global issue. “Newer models run on more refined fuels and incorporate better emissions control technologies, while older vehicles contribute to higher pollution levels, negatively impacting the environment,” they said. Additionally, they noted the rapid evolution of technology in the automotive industry means newer vehicles offer superior safety features, fuel efficiency, and performance. “Encouraging the import of cheap, old vehicles stifles access to modern, technologically advanced vehicles in Sri Lanka,” they opined, noting that importers often prioritise low-cost, outdated vehicles, limiting options for Sri Lankan consumers and preventing them from benefitting from the latest innovations in safety, fuel efficiency, and performance. The industry experts also raised a reputational concern, warning that Sri Lanka risks becoming a dumping ground for outdated and inefficient vehicles from developed nations. Similar patterns have been observed in parts of Africa and India, where a lack of stringent regulations has turned these regions into repositories for vehicles no longer desired in wealthier markets. “By continuing to import outdated vehicles, we risk turning our country into a repository for unwanted, inefficient, and environmentally harmful cars. Should Sri Lanka really accept the role of a junkyard for obsolete vehicles?” one expert questioned. From an economic perspective, the appeal of used vehicles lies in their lower upfront cost. However, experts cautioned that their long-term maintenance and repair expenses, coupled with a lack of warranties, often outweigh these initial savings. “In contrast, new vehicles come with comprehensive warranties (typically for two years), minimising unexpected expenses during the initial years of ownership. Although the upfront price of new vehicles may be higher, the long-term maintenance and repair costs of used vehicles result in greater foreign currency outflows,” they pointed out. To address these challenges, the experts proposed a series of measures to regulate vehicle imports. They suggested setting stringent standards for emissions and safety features, ensuring only vehicles that meet modern benchmarks are allowed into the country. Furthermore, they recommended restricting used vehicle imports to models manufactured within the past two years, a move they argued would maintain environmental integrity and ensure access to newer technologies. HS Code Existing Description Proposed Description 8704.22.61 Trucks GVW exceeding 5 Tons but not exceeding 20 Tons less than 5 years Trucks GVW exceeding 5 Tons but not exceeding 20 Tons less than 2 years 8704.23.71 Trucks GVW exceeding 20 Tons but not exceeding 20 Tons less than 5 years Trucks GVW exceeding 20 Tons but not exceeding 20 Tons less than 2 years 8701.20.10 Road Tractors for semi-trailers less than 5 years Road Tractors for semi-trailers less than 2 years 8702.10.55 Motor Vehicles for the transport of 25 or more persons (adults) but less than 35 (adults) including the driver not more than 5 years Motor Vehicles for the transport of 25 or more persons (adults) but less than 35 (adults) including the driver not more than 2 years These proposals, they said, would not only protect Sri Lanka from becoming a repository for outdated vehicles, but also elevate consumer safety and improve the quality of the country’s vehicle fleet.

Barite Market to Grow by USD 353.88 Million (2024-2028), Report on AI Redefining Market Landscape and Boost from Oil & Gas Drilling - Technavio

NEW YORK , Dec. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Agriculture & Natural Solutions Acquisition Corporation, a special purpose acquisition company ("ANSC"), announced today that the Treasurer of Australia (the "Treasurer") on December 12, 2024 (Australian Eastern Daylight Time) confirmed that the Commonwealth Government of Australia has no objection to ANSC's previously announced proposed business combination with Australian Food & Agriculture Company Limited ("AFA") and the other parties to the Business Combination Agreement dated August 28, 2024 (the "Business Combination") (known colloquially as "FIRB Approval" as the Treasurer is advised on such matters by the Foreign Investment Review Board). FIRB Approval is one of the conditions to closing of the Business Combination. ABOUT AFA AFA is a large-scale, diversified agricultural business established by the late Colin Bell in 1993 with the acquisition of the historic 'Burrabogie' station. AFA now operates one of the largest agricultural portfolios in New South Wales, Australia consisting of three major freehold title land aggregations within the Deniliquin, Hay and Coonamble districts, which total approximately 550,000 acres, and a water portfolio of approximately 45,000 acre-feet. AFA's portfolio includes some of Australia's most iconic properties, including 'Boonoke', 'Burrabogie', 'Wanganella' and 'Wingadee'. The company has total livestock carrying capacity of approximately 247,000 dry sheep equivalent across its sheep wool and meat and cattle operations (excluding the Conargo feedlot). AFA also operates the historic Wanganella and Poll Boonoke merino sheep studs, amongst the most highly regarded studs in Australia . AFA's cropping operations are characterized by flexibility amongst crop types, geographies and seasons. Key crops include irrigated cotton, irrigated rice, wheat, barley, canola, corn, chick peas and faba beans. More recently, the company has developed the state-of-the-art Conargo feedlot with a licensed capacity of 12,000 standard cattle units. ABOUT ANSC ANSC was formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, amalgamation, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination. ANSC represents a further expansion of its sponsors' 18-year franchise in low-carbon investments, having established industry leading, scaled companies with more than $6 billion of equity invested in renewables. FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS This document includes certain statements that may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions. The words "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intends," "may," "might," "plan," "possible," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "would" and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, conditions, or results, and involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other important factors, many of which are outside of ANSC, Agriculture & Natural Solutions Company Limited ACN 680 144 085 ("NewCo") or AFA's management's control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing ANSC's, AFA's or NewCo's views as of any subsequent date, and none of ANSC, AFA or NewCo undertakes any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date they were made, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. None of NewCo, ANSC or AFA gives any assurance that any of NewCo, ANSC or AFA will achieve its expectations. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. As a result of a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, NewCo's actual results or performance may be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Some factors that could cause actual results to differ include: (i) the ability of the parties to complete the Business Combination by ANSC's business combination deadline and the potential failure to obtain an extension of the business combination deadline if sought by ANSC; (ii) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the definitive agreements relating to the Business Combination; (iii) the outcome of any legal, regulatory or governmental proceedings that may be instituted against NewCo, ANSC or AFA or any investigation or inquiry following announcement of the Business Combination, including in connection with the Business Combination; (iv) the inability to complete the Business Combination due to the failure to obtain approval of ANSC's shareholders; (v) AFA's and NewCo's success in retaining or recruiting, or changes required in, their officers, key employees or directors following the Business Combination; (vi) the ability of the parties to obtain the listing of the ordinary shares in the capital of NewCo ("NewCo Ordinary Shares") and warrants to purchase NewCo Ordinary Shares on the New York Stock Exchange or another national securities exchange upon the closing of the Business Combination; (vii) the risk that the Business Combination disrupts current plans and operations of AFA as a result of the announcement and consummation of the transactions described herein; (viii) the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the Business Combination; (ix) unexpected costs related to the Business Combination, which may be affected by, among other things, competition and the ability of AFA to grow and manage growth profitably, maintain relationships with customers and suppliers and retain its key employees; (x) the ability of the parties to consummate one or more private placements of securities of NewCo to be consummated in connection with the Business Combination (the "Private Placements") on the stated timeline; (xi) the use of proceeds from the Private Placements by the combined company; (xii) the risk that there will be insufficient cash raised through the Private Placements, or that the amount of redemptions by ANSC's public shareholders is greater than expected; (xiii) the management and board composition of NewCo following completion of the Business Combination; (xiv) limited liquidity and trading of NewCo's securities; (xv) geopolitical risk and changes in applicable laws or regulations, including legal or regulatory developments (including, without limitation, accounting considerations) which could result in the need for AFA to restate its historical financial statements and cause unforeseen delays in the timing of the Business Combination and negatively impact the trading price of NewCo's securities and the attractiveness of the Business Combination to investors; (xvi) the possibility that AFA may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; (xvii) operational risks; (xviii) the possibility that a pandemic or major disease disrupts AFA's business; (xix) litigation and regulatory enforcement risks, including the diversion of management time and attention and the additional costs and demands on AFA's resources; (xx) the risks that the consummation of the Business Combination is substantially delayed or does not occur including the risk that the transaction may not be completed by ANSC's business combination deadline and the potential failure to obtain extensions of the business combination deadline if sought by ANSC; and (xxi) other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in the proxy statement/prospectus relating to the Business Combination, including those under "Risk Factors" therein, and in ANSC's, AFA's and NewCo's other filings with the SEC. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. No Offer or Solicitation This communication relates to a proposed business combination between AFA and ANSC. This document shall not constitute a "solicitation" of a proxy, consent, or authorization, as defined in Section 14 of the Exchange Act, with respect to any securities or in respect of the Business Combination. This document also does not constitute an offer, or a solicitation of an offer, to buy, sell, or exchange any securities, investment or other specific product, or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any offer, sale or exchange of securities, investment or other specific product in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale or exchange would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities will be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act or an exemption therefrom. Additional Information About the Business Combination and Where To Find It In connection with the Business Combination, ANSC, NewCo and AFA intend to file a registration statement on Form F-4 relating to the Business Combination (the "Registration Statement") with the SEC, which will include a proxy statement of ANSC in connection with ANSC's extraordinary general meeting of its shareholders (the "ANSC Shareholders' Meeting") and certain other related matters described in the Registration Statement. The Registration Statement, including the proxy statement/prospectus contained therein, will contain important information about the Business Combination and the other matters to be voted upon at the ANSC Shareholders' Meeting. This communication does not contain all the information that should be considered concerning the Business Combination and other matters and is not intended to provide the basis for any investment decision or any other decision in respect of such matters. ANSC, AFA and NewCo may also file other documents with the SEC regarding the Business Combination. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF ANSC AND OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS ARE URGED TO READ, WHEN AVAILABLE, THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT, INCLUDING THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS INCLUDED THEREIN, ANY AMENDMENTS THERETO AND DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE, AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS THAT WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC IN CONNECTION WITH THE BUSINESS COMBINATION CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY BECAUSE THESE DOCUMENTS WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT ANSC, NEWCO, AFA, AND THE BUSINESS COMBINATION. After the Registration Statement is declared effective by the SEC, ANSC will mail the definitive proxy statement/prospectus relating to the Business Combination to its shareholders as of the record date established for voting on the Business Combination. Shareholders will also be able to obtain copies of the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus, the definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant materials in connection with the Business Combination without charge, once available, at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov or by directing a request to: Agriculture & Natural Solutions Acquisition Corporation, 712 Fifth Avenue, 36 th Floor, New York, NY 10019. Participants in the Solicitation ANSC, NewCo, AFA and their respective directors and executive officers and related persons may be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies from ANSC's shareholders in connection with the Business Combination. ANSC's shareholders and other interested persons may obtain, without charge, more detailed information regarding the directors and officers of ANSC and their direct or indirect interests therein in ANSC's Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 28, 2024 (File No. 001-41861), including, without limitation, "Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance", "Item 11. Executive Compensation", "Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters" and "Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence". Information regarding the persons who may, under SEC rules, be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies to ANSC's shareholders in connection with the Business Combination and other matters to be voted upon at the ANSC Shareholders' Meeting will be set forth in the proxy statement/prospectus for the Business Combination when available. You may obtain free copies of these documents as described above. Media Contact Daniel Yunger / Emma Cloyd Kekst CNC daniel.yunger@kekstcnc.com / emma.cloyd@kekstcnc.com View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/agriculture--natural-solutions-acquisition-corporation-receives-firb-approval-in-connection-with-previously-announced-business-combination-302331743.html SOURCE Agriculture & Natural Solutions Acquisition Corporation

Thanksgiving is my favorite American holiday. Let me count some of the ways I love Thanksgiving: Because it isn’t very commercialized. Because it doesn’t leave out the lovelorn and the lonely. Because it has an intrinsic honesty: It’s about being grateful. Because it’s about as much extended family as most of us can take: just one day of them. Because the political class generally shuts up. It doesn’t feel necessary to make long atavistic speeches with dubious grandiloquence that no one believes, least of all the speakers. Because you don’t have to receive presents and lie to your close friends and family, “I always wanted a toy pig that burps,” or “Thank you for the lovely necktie. I’m sure they will come back into fashion in a few decades.” Because no flags or bunting appear, and most houses aren’t turned into glaring neon performance art, nor are skeletons hanging from swing sets. Because you don’t have to wear a funny hat and red or green or any other color that signals that you are in the spirit of the event. Because when I worked on the newspapers, I could volunteer and get paid double or better in overtime for a shift on Thanksgiving Day. From my arrival at New York’s Idlewild Airport in 1963, I have been able to luxuriate in America’s bounty and give thanks. It wasn’t always easy being an immigrant, even one of favored language and provenance (British), and it didn’t spare me and my English wife, Doreen, from hard times. We had those. But America remained the mansion on the high ground where, if we were lucky, we could be let in to enjoy the riches of acceptance. My first experience of the United States — and I give thanks for it — was the taxi driver who, when he learned I had hardly any money, gave me a free guided tour of Manhattan, Bronx and Brooklyn. Finally, he deposited me at an uncompromising address on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn, where I was to stay while I found work and before I sent for Doreen, my cherished first wife. It was a walk-up with no air conditioning. My hosts were an English couple in their 70s: Doreen’s aunt and her husband. She helped with newborns in wealthier people’s homes well into her old age. He had worked rather unsuccessfully as an industrial jeweler. They were palpably short of money and hadn’t enjoyed an easy life since arriving in America in 1918. Their story had a fairytale, extraordinary last volume. Out on Long Island, their grandson and granddaughter were growing up with a single mother, also in straitened circumstances. She worked with seedlings in a plant nursery. The grandson was to climb to the apex of achievement, to stun his family and, in time, the world with his talent. This young man and I would swim in Long Island Sound, where we would head for anchored yachts with people partying on board. A decade older than my companion, I always believed that when they looked down on the swimmers, the partiers would invite us aboard for food and drink. It never happened, but we enjoyed our aquatic adventures and social failure. If they had only known! As I said, that young man was destined to win all that his mother and grandparents didn’t have. His name is Billy Joel, the “Piano Man.” He is someone for all in America to be thankful for — proof that in the United States, the last can be first.