The Labour government has announced a comprehensive plan to address the country's growing unemployment crisis, with a focus on revamping Jobcentres and tackling long-term sickness among workers. According to recent figures, the UK is the only major economy to have experienced a decline in its employment rate over the past five years. More than nine million people are economically inactive, with nearly three million unable to work due to long-term health issues. The proposed £55 million overhaul of the Jobcentre system is central to the government's "Get Britain Working" initiative. This plan also includes significant investments in the NHS and targeted support for young people at risk of falling out of education and employment. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall described the current Jobcentre system as outdated, with its methods reminiscent of the 1980s and 1990s. She outlined plans to modernise the service using cutting-edge digital technologies. Kendall emphasised the importance of leveraging technology to make Jobcentres more accessible and efficient. "We will trial a radically improved digital offer using the latest technologies and AI to provide up-to-date information on jobs, skills, and other support. This will free up work coach time and allow for video and phone support as well," she said. Kendall added, "In the 2020s, you shouldn't only have to go into the Jobcentre every week or fortnight when you can have a Jobcentre in your pocket." The government's proposal includes merging Jobcentres with the National Careers Service in England, creating a unified platform to streamline job searches, skills training, and career advice. Recognising the link between poor health and long-term unemployment, the government has committed an additional £125 million in funding for England and Wales to support areas with high levels of health-related joblessness. This funding will provide work, health, and skills support, with the aim of addressing barriers that prevent people from returning to the workforce. Health-related unemployment has been identified as a significant contributor to the UK's economic inactivity rates. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between healthcare and employment services, ensuring that individuals receive the necessary support to re-enter the labour market. Youth unemployment is another critical area of focus in the government's proposals. A total of £45 million has been allocated to eight regions in the UK to identify and assist young people at risk of falling out of education or the workforce. As part of this initiative, the government plans to provide all 18–21-year-olds with opportunities in employment, education, or apprenticeships. Partnerships with private organisations, including the Premier League and the Royal Shakespeare Company, are expected to deliver tailored programmes to engage and support young people. While the proposals have received praise for their innovative approach, concerns remain about the effectiveness of Jobcentres in meeting employers' needs. Peter Cheese, CEO of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), welcomed the government's move to modernise Jobcentres, stating , "The new digital offer stands to be a significant development, helping jobseekers access services wherever they are." However, Cheese noted that fewer than 10% of employers view Jobcentres as effective recruitment platforms, underscoring the need for substantial reform to restore confidence among businesses. Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Helen Whately criticised the plan, describing it as underwhelming. "This appears to be little more than a pot of money for local councils, some disparaging language about the work of Jobcentres, and a consultation which will be launched in the spring," she said. The government's £55 million investment in Jobcentre reform, alongside funding for health and youth unemployment, represents a bold attempt to address the country's employment challenges. By integrating technology and forging partnerships with private organisations, the initiative aims to make Jobcentres more relevant and accessible in a changing labour market. However, the success of these reforms will ultimately depend on their implementation and the ability to address long-standing concerns about the effectiveness of Jobcentres. As millions of Britons remain out of work, the stakes for the government's plan could not be higher.It’s a new year, and to help celebrate the month of January 2025, we have a bunch of stellar games, including a remaster of a beloved Vita game and the next entry of a popular action franchise. You’ll also blow heads off in excessive detail as you fire your powerful weaponry in Sniper Elite: Resistance. Dynasty Warriors Origins (PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC) Publisher: Koei Tecmo Developer: Koei Tecmo Price: $69.99 Release Date: January 17 Trailer The Dynasty Warriors series looks as epic as ever in this next entry. As a nameless hero protagonist, you’re stepping into the field of hundreds of warriors. You’ll be utilizing fast-paced combos and abilities called arts to take down these foes. There’s also a strategic element to the visual madness on screen as you command your allies to advance or cavalry charge to victory (or failure). You’ll also have to manage the morale of your forces, which should be quite the challenge. Hopefully, you’ll still be able to enjoy the breakneck action despite the strategic elements of this new entry. “Omega Force and Koei Tecmo have taken a lot of the staples from the franchise like massive-scale battles and expanded them while also improving the overall game through better storytelling, more interesting combat, and a player character-driven focus,” said our preview . It will be launched on consoles and PC systems on January 17 . Those who purchase the Digital Deluxe Edition can start on January 14. Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist (PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox Series X|S, PC) Publisher: Binary Haze Interactive Developer: Adglobe, Live Wire Price: $19.99 Release Date: January 22 Trailer An indie highlight from the January 2025 games lineup is Ender Magnolia: Bloom in the Mist . It’s a sequel to the critically acclaimed Metroidvania Ender Lilies : Quietus of the Knights. The sequel was previously launched through Steam Early Access and has an impressive Overwhelmingly Positive 97% rating on Steam . In this entry, you play as an attuner named Lilac, who can summon the power of the Homunculi. In this journey, you wake up from a laboratory, try to find your lost memories and save “precious friends in the Land of Fumes,” according to the Steam page. You’ll come across pretty 2D art and 30 different unique skills from the companions you meet as you explore this post-apocalyptic world. There’s also a lot of equipment, relics, and items to find on your adventure. Freedom Wars Remastered (PS4, PS5, Switch, PC) Publisher: Bandai Namco Developer: Dimps Price: Unannounced (as of the time of writing) Release Date: January 10 Trailer The PlayStation Vita hidden gem Freedom Wars finally gets a remaster on modern platforms on January 10. It has a unique scenario for this co-op action game. You begin your life as a criminal for just being born, and you’re fighting enemies and finishing missions to reduce your sentence. Bandai Namco says the game supports a 4K resolution and 60 frames per second on all current-gen platforms. Additionally, the game has upgraded textures, but to be honest, from the screenshots and footage so far, you can still tell it was originally a Vita game. The game has an overhauled weapon crafting system, new difficulty options, and more gameplay upgrades in Freedom Wars Remastered. As you play through the game, you’ll be given Thorn weapons to help you traverse each level and take down enemies. These weapons let you set traps, provide healing, and more benefits to your team. The materials you gather from fallen enemies will let you upgrade your weapons, similar to the Monster Hunter series. The original Vita release of Freedom Wars received an 8/10 score from our review , so the remaster may be worth checking out. Sniper Elite: Resistance (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC) Publisher: Rebellion Developer: Rebellion Price: $49.99 Release Date: January 30 Trailer Sniper Elite: Resistance takes us back to World War 2 as we snipe Nazis in a hidden war amongst occupied France. We play as Harry Hawker, an operative tasked with eliminating the Wunderwaffe, a weapon that would guarantee the Nazis victory in the war. Sniper Elite ‘s X-ray kill cam is back in this game as it gives us the visceral details of a bullet entering the noggin (and other body parts) of your enemies. You’ll need to consider gravity, wind, and even your heart rate to get the perfect shot. As you play through Sniper Elite: Resistance, you’ll be able to customize and upgrade your weapons with all manner of scopes, stocks, barrels, magazines and other attachments. You’ll also get the ability to use armor-piercing shells to finish your task when the game drops onto physical and digital store shelves on January 30. Tales of Graces f Remastered (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, PC) Publisher: Bandai Namco Developer: TOSE CO. LTD Price: $49.99 Release Date: January 17 Trailer Asbel’s adventures return in Tales of Graces f Remastered when Bandai Namco releases this JRPG for modern platforms on January 17. This new version of the adventure includes graphical improvements, auto-save functionality, the ability to turn off enemy encounters, and the addition of dashing rather than the slower running. You can also skip cutscenes with this release, and icons have been added to the UI to make the experience clearer. Most of the original DLC from the PS3 version is included in the package. The story revolves around three kingdoms vying for control of the world. Our heroes, such as Asbel, Richard, and Sophie, must work together to save the beautiful world Ephinea. While playing this on the PS3, my teenage self loved the probably corny storyline, which focused on the friendship between the characters that grow from childhood; hopefully, it ages well. Honorable Mentions The January 2025 games lineup has many remasters and ports. They include the Wii platformer Donkey Kong Country Returns HD , and the new remaster of the PS1 classic Star Wars Episode 1: Jedi Power Battles . Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 also finally arrives on PC in January. Airborne Empire Early Access (PC) – January 13 Assetto Corsa EVO Early Access (PC) – January 16 Donkey Kong Country Returns HD (Switch) – January 16 Border Town Early Access(PC) – January 23 Star Wars Episode 1: Jedi Power Battles (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, PC) – January 23 Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap (PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S) – January 28 Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. (PC) – January 28 Cuisineer (PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC) – January 29 Hello Kitty Island Adventure (Switch, PC) – January 30 Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 (PC) – January 30 Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero (PS4, PS5, Switch) – January 30
OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — Fresh off one of its best showings of the season, the Baltimore defense now has another problem to worry about. Roquan Smith missed practice again Friday because of a hamstring injury. Although the Ravens didn't officially rule him or anyone else out — they don't play until Monday night — the All-Pro linebacker's status seems dicey. “Definitely it will be a challenge if Roquan can’t go,” defensive coordinator Zach Orr said. “We’re holding out hope and everything like that. I think it’ll just be by committee. Not one person is going to replace Roquan. Roquan’s an every-down linebacker.” Although the Ravens lost 18-16 last weekend, Baltimore didn't allow a touchdown. That was an encouraging sign for a team that ranks 26th in the league in total defense. Baltimore is on the road Monday against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Ravens appear to have dodged one potential nightmare. Star safety Kyle Hamilton injured an ankle against Cincinnati on Nov. 7, but he was able to play almost every defensive snap the following week against Pittsburgh. But Smith was injured in that game and didn't practice Thursday or Friday. Linebacker Malik Harrison had a season high in tackles last weekend and figures to have a significant role if Smith can't go. “We tell these guys, ‘You’re one play away to going in there — you never know, so you got to stay ready.’ Malik — he was ready,” Orr said. “I thought he went in there and did a good job, especially after the first series, he settled down. That’s what we expect from him.” It's hard to tell whether last week can be a significant turning point for Baltimore's defense. The Ravens allowed only 10 points in a dominant win over Buffalo in Week 4, then yielded 38 against Cincinnati the following game. After allowing 10 against Denver, the Ravens were picked apart by the Bengals again a few days later. So they still haven't shown they can play a good game defensively and then build on it. “I think it’s easier said than done. It’s something that we kind of got caught up saying against Buffalo and then coming up the next week and not doing," Hamilton said. "We’re aware of it now and know that we played a good game, but I think we can get a lot better, and I think that’s kind of the mindset everybody on defense has right now.” Hamilton's ability to make a difference all over the field is part of what makes him valuable, but positioning him deep is one way the Ravens can try to guard against big passing plays. Pittsburgh's Russell Wilson threw for only 205 yards against Baltimore. That's after Joe Burrow passed for 428 and four touchdowns in the Ravens' previous game. “I’ve always seen myself as a safety. A versatile one, but at the end of the day, I think I play safety,” Hamilton said. “If I’m asked to go play safety, I feel like that’s not an issue for me to play safety if I’m a safety.” NOTES: In addition to Smith, WR Rashod Bateman (knee), DT Travis Jones (ankle), S Sanoussi Kane (ankle) C Tyler Linderbaum (back) and CB Arthur Maulet (calf) missed practice Friday. WR Nelson Agholor (illness) returned to full participation after missing Thursday's practice. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
No. 7 Tennessee outscored UT Martin by 28 points in the second half in routing the visiting Skyhawks 78-35 on Friday afternoon in Knoxville. Chaz Lanier scored a game-high 18 points for the Volunteers (7-0), who expanded on a 35-20 halftime lead with a 43-15 second half. Felix Okpara had 10 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks, helping Tennessee command the paint along with Igor Milicic, who added nine points and 13 rebounds. Zakai Zeigler nearly had a double-double with 11 points and nine assists. The Volunteers used their size to their advantage, outscoring UT Martin 36-10 in the paint and out rebounding the Skyhawks 49-24. That included 20 offensive rebounds for Tennessee, which led to 19 second-chance points. UT Martin (2-5) was cold coming out of the locker room after halftime, missing its first eight shots. Conversely, the Vols started the second half with a nine-point run to extend their lead to 24 points. The Vols never let the Skyhawks score consecutive baskets in the first half, holding UT Martin to 25 percent shooting (4 of 16) from beyond the arc and allowing a total of only three points from the starting five. For the game, guard Josue Grullon led UT Martin with 15 points. The leading scorer in the Ohio Valley Conference entering Friday at 18.2 points per game, Grullon has not started any game for head coach Jeremy Shulman. Most of the Skyhawks' points -- 28 of 35 -- came from their reserves. The starting five combined to score seven points -- six points from Matija Zuzic and a free throw for Lamine Niag. The starters went a combined 2 of 18 from the floor, while UT Martin as a team shot 22.6 percent (12 of 53) from the field. The Skyhawks made 5 of 7 free-throw attempts and made 18 turnovers. The Volunteers, who got 23 points off the bench, were 8-for-10 and had 11 turnovers. Tennessee improved to 6-0 all-time against UT Martin since 1993. --Field Level MediaAccording to Mike Klis , the Broncos are cutting CB Levi Wallace today. The veteran had seen some playing time due to injuries this year but struggled on the field. Denver evidently is ready to try its luck with other options. The Broncos also designated RB Tyler Badie to return from injured reserve, per Tom Pelissero , and promoted RB Blake Watson to the active roster, per HC Sean Payton via Chris Tomasson . Wallace, 29, wound up going undrafted out of Alabama back in 2018. He later signed a three-year contract with the Bills. However, Buffalo waived him at the start of the 2018 season and later signed him to their practice squad. He returned to the Bills on one-year contracts each of the past two years before signing on with the Steelers to a two-year deal in 2022. He concluded his contract with Pittsburgh and was testing the market as an unrestricted free agent when he signed with the Broncos this past offseason. In 2024, Wallace appeared in 13 games for the Broncos and recorded 28 total tackles and two pass deflections. This article first appeared on NFLTradeRumors.co and was syndicated with permission.
Prepping for Alamo Bowl, CU Buffs begin work in San AntonioKANSAS CITY, Mo. — Taylor Swift once raved about the sweet potato casserole served at a New York City restaurant and now that recipe pops up every now and again at Thanksgiving. The holidays encourage many of us to try new recipes. Social media right now is flooded with recipes for appetizers, side dishes and desserts. Anyone making that cornbread casserole from TikTok? While we might not get to share a Thanksgiving feast with Swift — is your name Blake Lively? — or other celebrities beloved by Kansas City, we can eat like them. So here’s the recipe for that casserole Swift loved so much, and favorite family side dish recipes from Donna Kelce and Eric Stonestreet. Enjoy. Travis Kelce's mother, Donna Kelce, seen here last year at her son's music festival, dined on a cheesesteak made by actor Bradley Cooper at QVC festivities in Las Vegas this week. (Emily Curiel/Kansas City Star/TNS) Donna Kelce’s dinner rolls If we tried to guess how many holiday dinner rolls Travis Kelce and his brother, Jason Kelce, have scarfed over the years, would it be in the hundreds? Thousands? Their mom has spoken often about the batches of holiday crescent rolls she has baked over the years. Based on the recipe that won the 1969 Pillsbury Bake-Off, Pillsbury’s Magic Marshmallow Crescent Puffs , they’re now known as Mama Kelce’s Dinner Rolls. They blend the crescent roll pastry with marshmallows, cinnamon and sugar. Dinner roll or dessert? We bet they didn’t last long enough in front of Travis and Jason for that debate. Ingredients Rolls •1/4 cup granulated sugar •2 tablespoons Pillsbury Best all-purpose flour •1 teaspoon ground cinnamon •2 (8-ounce) cans refrigerated Pillsbury Original Crescent Rolls (8 Count) •16 large marshmallows •1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted Glaze •1/2 cup powdered sugar •1/2 teaspoon vanilla •2-3 teaspoons milk •1/4 cup chopped nuts Directions Make the rolls 1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray 16 medium muffin cups with nonstick baking spray. 2. In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar, flour and cinnamon. 3. Separate the dough into 16 triangles. For each roll, dip 1 marshmallow into melted butter; roll in the sugar mixture. Place marshmallow on the shortest side of a triangle. Roll up, starting at shortest side and rolling to opposite point. Completely cover the marshmallow with the dough; firmly pinch edges to seal. Dip 1 end in remaining butter; place butter side down in muffin cup. 4. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. 5. When done, remove from the oven and let the puffs cool in the pan for 1 minute. Remove rolls from muffin cups; place on cooling racks set over waxed paper. Make the glaze and assemble In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar, vanilla and enough milk for desired drizzling consistency. Drizzle glaze over warm rolls. Sprinkle with nuts. Serve warm. Eric Stonestreet attends 'Eric Stonestreet visits The SiriusXM Hollywood Studios in Los Angeles' at SiriusXM Studios on Oct. 8, 2019, in Los Angeles. (Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for SiriusXM/TNS) Eric Stonestreet’s Roasted Brussels Sprouts Thanksgiving is one of the “Modern Family” star’s favorite holidays. Three years ago, as part of a campaign honoring hometown heroes , he shared one of his favorite recipe with McCormick Spices: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Butternut Squash . This recipe serves eight. Ingredients •1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved •1 pound butternut squash, peeled and cut into bite-size cubes •1 tablespoon olive oil •1/2 teaspoon garlic powder •1/2 teaspoon thyme leaves •1/2 teaspoon salt •1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper •5 slices bacon, chopped •1 shallot, finely chopped •1/2 cup dried cranberries •1/4 cup balsamic vinegar •1 teaspoon whole grain mustard •1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted (optional) •1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese, (optional) Directions 1. Preheat oven to 475°F. Spray large shallow baking pan with no stick cooking spray; set aside. Place Brussels sprouts and squash in large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, thyme, salt and pepper; toss to coat evenly. Spread in single layer on prepared pan. 2. Roast 16 to 18 minutes or until tender and lightly browned, stirring halfway through cooking. 3. Meanwhile, cook bacon in medium skillet on medium heat about 6 minutes or until crispy. Remove using slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain. Add shallot to same skillet; cook and stir 2 minutes until softened and lightly browned. Stir in cranberries, vinegar and mustard until well blended. Transfer mixture to small bowl; set aside. 4. Arrange roasted Brussels sprouts and squash on serving platter. Drizzle with cranberry balsamic glaze and toss gently to coat. Sprinkle with cooked bacon, toasted pecans, and crumbled blue cheese, if desired. Serve immediately. Donna Kelce, left, mother of Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce watched the game with pop superstar Taylor Swift, center, during the first-half on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. (Tammy Ljungblad/Kansas City Star/TNS) Taylor Swift’s favorite sweet potato casserole Swift gushed about the sweet potato casserole served at Del Frisco’s Grille in New York City, a dish crowned with a crunchy candied pecan and oatmeal crumble. “I’ve never enjoyed anything with the word casserole in it ever before, but it’s basically sweet potatoes with this brown sugary crust,” she told InStyle. ”Oh my God, it’s amazing.” The media rushed to find the recipe, which Parade has published this Thanksgiving season . “Similar to T. Swift herself, we think this recipe is a mastermind, especially if you’ve been asked to bring the sweet potato side dish to this year’s Thanksgiving feast. It seriously begs the question: who needs pumpkin pie?” the magazine writes. Ingredients •4 lbs sweet potatoes •1⁄3 cup oats •12 oz unsalted butter, divided •1⁄2 cup packed brown sugar •1⁄2 cup toasted pecans •1⁄2 cup granulated sugar •1 tsp kosher salt •2 tsp vanilla extract •4 large eggs, beaten Directions Preheat oven to 375°F. 1. Scrub sweet potatoes. Pierce each several times with a fork and wrap tightly in foil. Place on a sheet pan. Bake 90 minutes or until tender. Set aside until cool enough to handle. 2. Meanwhile, place oats in a food processor; process 1 minute. Add 4 oz butter, brown sugar and pecans; pulse five times to combine. Spread mixture on a baking sheet; bake 10 minutes. Remove from oven, crumble. Bake 5 minutes or until golden brown. 3. Melt remaining 8 oz butter. Remove skin from cooled sweet potatoes. In a large bowl, whisk sweet potatoes, melted butter, granulated sugar and remaining ingredients until slightly lumpy. Transfer to a greased baking dish, smoothing surface evenly. Top with oat mixture. Bake 12 minutes or until heated through. Make-ahead tips •Sweet potato filling can be made up to 2 days in advance. Prepare the sweet potato filling, cool, place in a casserole dish and keep refrigerated. •Oat-pecan crust can also be made up to 2 days ahead. Make the crust according to recipe directions, cool and store in an airtight container at room temperature. Sprinkle over the sweet potato filling just before baking. More Thanksgiving recipes Satisfy your cravings With our weekly newsletter packed with the latest in everything food.
Candace Cameron Bure said she landed herself in hot water with her kids after making a steamy confession about her marriage to Valeri Bure. “The kids are going to get mad at me,” the “Full House” alum joked before revealing what her ideal date night is during the Not-So-Newlywed Game with Us Weekly published Wednesday. “I put great restaurant, wine, walk, sex.” Meanwhile, Valeri — who Candace has been married to since 1996 — said that his idea of a romantic evening includes a “walk and dinner with nice wine.” Moments after Candace made the confession, Valerie couldn’t help but scold the mother of their three children. “Who does this?” he asked before adding, “This is why — you cannot say that!” The 48-year-old then playfully admitted that “this is why I annoy my children!” before she also asked Valeri “why” she’s not allowed to say that. During the same segment with the outlet, the duo also recalled the early days of their courtship which began after they met in 1994. They had their first date in Santa Monica, Calif., at the Broadway Deli and Valeri quickly followed up after they had lunch together. “You called me the next morning at 10 am,” Candace shared, before revealing that Lori Loughlin and Valeri’s brother chaperoned the date. “I was too scared to go by myself so I called Lori Loughlin,” she said of their first meeting while referencing her “Full House” co-star. “So the four of us went to lunch on our first date.” The former professional ice hockey player went on to share that he “wanted to move fast” once he met Candace. “I always kind of wanted to move fast with everything that we did. I always wanted a family,” he shared. “It was not right off the bat, we got to know each other over the phone.” He noted that they didn’t meet in person again for a few months as they continued to build their relationship over phone calls. “We talked on the phone for I think three or four months before we saw each other again,” Valeri added. “But I remember I had that special feeling in my heart that I do want to say that I love you. And I did.” The “Fuller House” actress and Valeri tied the knot two years after they met and went on to welcome their daughter , Natasha, 26, and sons, Lev, 24, and Maksim, 22.Pakistan was haunted by political uncertainty, economic instability, a deteriorating security situation and troubled relations with neighbours in 2024. But what defined the year were not just these perennial ills but the country’s inability to tackle incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan. Amid political turbulence, Pakistan hosted a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) conclave, which was also attended by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar — the first high-ranking Indian minister in nearly a decade to visit Islamabad amid frosty ties between the two neighbours. The last Indian foreign minister to visit Pakistan was Sushma Swaraj. She had travelled to Islamabad to attend the 'Heart of Asia' conference on Afghanistan in December 2015. In his address at the SCO event, Jaishankar said, "If friendship has fallen short and good neighbourliness is missing somewhere, there are surely reasons to introspect and causes to address." He also said if activities across borders are "characterised" by terrorism, extremism and separatism, they are hardly likely to encourage trade, energy flows and connectivity in parallel. His remarks were seen as directed towards Pakistan, which has troubled relations with all its neighbours. If the year began with Iran conducting missile strikes within Pakistan in January, targeting Baloch militants, it ended with Pakistan carrying out airstrikes in Afghanistan, killing at least 46 people, including women and children, according to Afghanistan’s Taliban government. Pakistan says the target was militants. Pakistan witnessed a series of terror attacks, particularly in troubled Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa provinces in 2024, among the toughest years for its security forces. According to the details shared with Parliament by the interior ministry, 924 people were killed and 2,121 injured in 1,566 terrorism incidents in the first 10 months of the year. At least 573 dead and 1,353 injured belonged to law enforcement agencies, including the army. On the economic front, Pakistan was on the verge of default in 2022 and only averted it due to the timely intervention by the International Monetary Fund. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif takes credit for pulling the country back from the brink of bankruptcy and turning around the economy. In 2024 inflation came down to single digits, policy rates reduced from 22.5 to 15 per cent, foreign exchange reserves improved, and the stock market made record gains. But it was jailed former prime minister Imran Khan who often hogged the headlines. In the elections in February, independent candidates backed by Khan's party surprised everyone by winning more than 100 out of the 226 seats in a hung parliament. And then the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz threw in a surprise, nominating Shehbaz Sharif as the prime ministerial candidate instead of the party supremo and three-time former premier Nawaz Sharif. As the PML-N and the Pakistan Peoples Party struck a power-sharing deal to form a coalition government led by Shehbaz, Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf: decided to sit in the Opposition. Khan was arrested in August 2023 after his conviction in a case of corruption and has remained behind bars since then. Contrary to expectations, his popularity swelled in 2024, proving right his words — uttered before he was ousted as PM in 2022 after losing a trust vote in Parliament — that he would be “more dangerous when out of power.” Recently, after his party workers staged a march to Islamabad – triggering a crackdown on them by the authorities — the former cricketer threatened mass ‘civil disobedience’ by his supporters if his major demands were not met. These include the “restoration” of the “mandate” he believes he got in the February parliamentary elections to run the country. His supporters see 2024 as a disaster for electoral politics and democracy, pointing at the “blatant disregard” of popular opinion reflected on the ballots. Some in power also concede this. In a recent interview with Dunya News, senior PML-N leader Mian Javed Latif accepted that “we had lost the elections”. Talks began recently between PTI and the government, but few believe that Khan’s demand to restore his “stolen mandate” will be met. Consequently, the country could continue to face strong political headwinds in 2025. With the traditional challenges still intact, the government now faces another: how to tame a ‘cornered tiger’.
The Philippines VP publicly threatens to have the president assassinated
Will Fagg was waiting for a Christmas miracle. The owner of Federal Hill pizzeria, TinyBrickOven, Fagg was getting ready to close his shop on Christmas Day after being unable to secure a liquor license. But now, the family-run pizza business is set to remain open for another year after Dave Portnoy, the founder of Barstool Sports, said he would give the shop $60,000. Portnoy visited Tinybrickoven earlier this month to review its pizza and met Fagg, who said the pizzeria would close unless it obtained a liquor license. In a video posted to social media Monday, Portnoy praised the pizza, describing it as “thin, New York kind of style” with a “good undercarriage.” “There’s no way this place should be going out of business, none,” Portnoy said in the video. When Fagg came outside to shake Portnoy’s hand, the social media personality had one question for the pizza shop owner: how much would he need to stay open for another year? “I think we could probably get our liquor license and continue to stay open if we had $60,000,” Fagg said in the video. “Done,” Portnoy said, reaching out for a handshake. Fagg was in disbelief. “Wow,” he said. “I’m gonna cry, man, I’m gonna cry.” The slice of cheese pizza earned a 7.9 out of 10 on Portnoy’s scale. The review posted to YouTube has racked up more than 220,000 views in less than 24 hours. The pizza shop has asked the community to write to Senate President Bill Ferguson and Del. Luke Clippinger, both Baltimore Democrats, to voice support for the business. Portnoy’s review has also spurred an outpouring of support on social media. Bill Ackman, founder of Pershing Square Capital Management, a hedge fund, called on Gov. Wes Moore to help in a post on X, formerly Twitter . “How about fast-tracking Tiny Brick Oven’s liquor license so they can stay in business and serve customers?” he wrote on the social media site Tuesday morning. “It would be a wonderful holiday gift and a good demonstration of efficient and responsive government.” A GoFundMe created by Fagg to support the shop’s pay it forward program, an effort to provide free pizza to people in need, had raised nearly $60,000 as of Tuesday afternoon. Have a news tip? Contact Natalie Jones at najones@baltsun.com , 443-679-7818 and x.com/nataliemjones.None
Dana Hull | (TNS) Bloomberg News Jared Birchall, Elon Musk’s money manager and the head of his family office, is listed as the chief executive officer. Jehn Balajadia, a longtime Musk aide who has worked at SpaceX and the Boring Co., is named as an official contact. Related Articles National Politics | Trump’s picks for top health jobs not just team of rivals but ‘team of opponents’ National Politics | Biden will decide on US Steel acquisition after influential panel fails to reach consensus National Politics | Biden vetoes once-bipartisan effort to add 66 federal judgeships, citing ‘hurried’ House action National Politics | An analyst looks ahead to how the US economy might fare under Trump National Politics | Trump again calls to buy Greenland after eyeing Canada and the Panama Canal But they’re not connected to Musk’s new technology venture, or the political operation that’s endeared him to Donald Trump. Instead, they’re tied to the billionaire’s new Montessori school outside Bastrop, Texas, called Ad Astra, according to documents filed with state authorities and obtained via a Texas Public Information Act request. The world’s richest person oversees an overlapping empire of six companies — or seven, if you include his political action committee. Alongside rockets, electric cars, brain implants, social media and the next Trump administration, he is increasingly focused on education, spanning preschool to college. One part of his endeavor was revealed last year, when Bloomberg News reported that his foundation had set aside roughly $100 million to create a technology-focused primary and secondary school in Austin, with eventual plans for a university. An additional $137 million in cash and stock was allotted last year, according to the most recent tax filing for the Musk Foundation. Ad Astra is closer to fruition. The state documents show Texas authorities issued an initial permit last month, clearing the way for the center to operate with as many as 21 pupils. Ad Astra’s website says it’s “currently open to all children ages 3 to 9.” The school’s account on X includes job postings for an assistant teacher for preschool and kindergarten and an assistant teacher for students ages 6 to 9. To run the school, Ad Astra is partnering with a company that has experience with billionaires: Xplor Education, which developed Hala Kahiki Montessori school in Lanai, Hawaii, the island 98% owned by Oracle Corp. founder Larry Ellison. Ad Astra sits on a highway outside Bastrop, a bedroom community about 30 miles from Austin and part of a region that’s home to several of Musk’s businesses. On a visit during a recent weekday morning, there was a single Toyota Prius in the parking lot and no one answered the door at the white building with a gray metal roof. The school’s main entrance was blocked by a gate, and there was no sign of any children on the grounds. But what information there is about Ad Astra makes it sound like a fairly typical, if high-end, Montessori preschool. The proposed schedule includes “thematic, STEM-based activities and projects” as well as outdoor play and nap time. A sample snack calendar features carrots and hummus. While Birchall’s and Balajadia’s names appear in the application, it isn’t clear that they’ll have substantive roles at the school once it’s operational. Musk, Birchall and Balajadia didn’t respond to emailed questions. A phone call and email to the school went unanswered. Access to high quality, affordable childcare is a huge issue for working parents across the country, and tends to be an especially vexing problem in rural areas like Bastrop. Many families live in “childcare deserts” where there is either not a facility or there isn’t an available slot. Opening Ad Astra gives Musk a chance to showcase his vision for education, and his support for the hands-on learning and problem solving that are a hallmark of his industrial companies. His public comments about learning frequently overlap with cultural concerns popular among conservatives and the Make America Great Again crowd, often focusing on what he sees as young minds being indoctrinated by teachers spewing left-wing propaganda. He has railed against diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, and in August posted that “a lot of schools are teaching white boys to hate themselves.” Musk’s educational interests dovetail with his new role as Trump’s “first buddy.” The billionaire has pitched a role for himself that he — and now the incoming Trump administration — call “DOGE,” or the Department of Government Efficiency. Though it’s not an actual department, DOGE now posts on X, the social media platform that Musk owns. “The Department of Education spent over $1 billion promoting DEI in America’s schools,” the account posted Dec. 12. Back in Texas, Bastrop is quickly becoming a key Musk point of interest. The Boring Co., his tunneling venture, is based in an unincorporated area there. Across the road, SpaceX produces Starlink satellites at a 500,000-square-foot (46,000-square-meter) facility. Nearby, X is constructing a building for trust and safety workers. Musk employees, as well as the general public, can grab snacks at the Boring Bodega, a convenience store housed within Musk’s Hyperloop Plaza, which also contains a bar, candy shop and hair salon. Ad Astra is just a five-minute drive away. It seems to have been designed with the children of Musk’s employees — if not Musk’s own offspring — in mind. Musk has fathered at least 12 children, six of them in the last five years. “Ad Astra’s mission is to foster curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking in the next generation of problem solvers and builders,” reads the school’s website. A job posting on the website of the Montessori Institute of North Texas says “While their parents support the breakthroughs that expand the realm of human possibility, their children will grow into the next generation of innovators in a way that only authentic Montessori can provide.” The school has hired an executive director, according to documents Bloomberg obtained from Texas Health and Human Services. Ad Astra is located on 40 acres of land, according to the documents, which said a 4,000-square-foot house would be remodeled for the preschool. It isn’t uncommon for entrepreneurs to take an interest in education, according to Bill Gormley, a professor emeritus at the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University who studies early childhood education. Charles Butt, the chairman of the Texas-based H-E-B grocery chain, has made public education a focus of his philanthropy. Along with other business and community leaders, Butt founded “Raise Your Hand Texas,” which advocates on school funding, teacher workforce and retention issues and fully funding pre-kindergarten. “Musk is not the only entrepreneur to recognize the value of preschool for Texas workers,” Gormley said. “A lot of politicians and business people get enthusiastic about education in general — and preschool in particular — because they salivate at the prospect of a better workforce.” Musk spent much of October actively campaigning for Trump’s presidential effort, becoming the most prolific donor of the election cycle. He poured at least $274 million into political groups in 2024, including $238 million to America PAC, the political action committee he founded. While the vast majority of money raised by America PAC came from Musk himself, it also had support from other donors. Betsy DeVos, who served as education secretary in Trump’s first term, donated $250,000, federal filings show. The Department of Education is already in the new administration’s cross hairs. Trump campaigned on the idea of disbanding the department and dismantling diversity initiatives, and he has also taken aim at transgender rights. “Rather than indoctrinating young people with inappropriate racial, sexual, and political material, which is what we’re doing now, our schools must be totally refocused to prepare our children to succeed in the world of work,” Trump wrote in Agenda 47, his campaign platform. Musk has three children with the musician Grimes and three with Shivon Zilis, who in the past was actively involved at Neuralink, his brain machine interface company. All are under the age of five. Musk took X, his son with Grimes, with him on a recent trip to Capitol Hill. After his visit, he shared a graphic that showed the growth of administrators in America’s public schools since 2000. Musk is a fan of hands-on education. During a Tesla earnings call in 2018, he talked about the need for more electricians as the electric-car maker scaled up the energy side of its business. On the Joe Rogan podcast in 2020, Musk said that “too many smart people go into finance and law.” “I have a lot of respect for people who work with their hands and we need electricians and plumbers and carpenters,” Musk said while campaigning for Trump in Pennsylvania in October. “That’s a lot more important than having incremental political science majors.” Ad Astra’s website says the cost of tuition will be initially subsidized, but in future years “tuition will be in line with local private schools that include an extended day program.” “I do think we need significant reform in education,” Musk said at a separate Trump campaign event. “The priority should be to teach kids skills that they will find useful later in life, and to leave any sort of social propaganda out of the classroom.” With assistance from Sophie Alexander and Kara Carlson. ©2024 Bloomberg News. Visit at bloomberg.com. 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