The IHSA state football championships were played last weekend, and they were, once again, a complete mismatch. Private schools were featured in seven of the eight championship games . Guess how many of those seven games were won by public schools? That’s right: zero. The games weren’t even close. Six final scores were 57-14, 47-0, 49-8, 40-6, 55-34 and 35-14. The only close game all weekend? A 29-27 battle between two private schools, Nazareth and Joliet Catholic (Nazareth won). The games aren’t competitive, and they aren’t fun to watch because the Catholic and other private schools have an unfair advantage of being able to recruit talent for their all-star teams. If a public school has a player who lives a block outside its boundaries, he’s ruled ineligible, and the team must forfeit any game in which he plays. If all the teams in the tournament were playing by the same rules, I’d tip my hat to the private schools and say well done, but the present system isn’t fair, and the results show it. Loyola has won three straight state championships, as has Nazareth, whose coach has won 10 state championships (none at a public school). Those teams have Division I players all over the roster, while public schools are lucky to have one, maybe two in the larger classes. The head coach at Mount Carmel said : “Every kid at Mount Carmel is recruited to Mount Carmel.” Let the private schools have their own state tournament or make them play by the same rules. Right now, the IHSA has created a completely unfair system, and it’s not a competition; it’s a coronation. It has also made the state championship games a complete joke. Jim Rodgers, Bloomington Raise maximum income allowed under ‘senior freeze’ I appreciated the Sun-Times Watchdogs probe and follow-up editorial on the ineffective administration of the low-income senior citizens assessment freeze . I believe that there is another side of the issue that has been ignored. My wife and I are in our late 80s and have lived in our home in a senior community in Plainfield for 29 years. Our income comes from Social Security, mandated IRA withdrawals and some hours at a part-time job. Our gross income has increased over the last five years, but inflation and medical expenses have resulted in fewer spendable dollars. Illinois initiated a senior citizen assessment freeze homestead exemption as a way to help and encourage seniors to remain in their homes and not be forced out because of the increase in their property value. Low-income was added to the title in 2023 without fanfare. The current maximum allowable income is $65,000 and has been in place since 2017. I asked my state representatives, in person and email, for their review and support to raise the maximum, with little action and no results on House Bill 2529 . We enjoyed this senior benefit beginning in 2018. But our gross income in 2023 slightly exceeded the maximum, resulting in a property tax increase of $158 a month. We will need to dig into our already-limited monthly budget now and moving forward. It is clear that the current state legislature has no interest in helping seniors remain in their homes. Bob Bonomo, Plainfield ‘Senior freeze’ falls short The Illinois Legislature needs to take another look at the low-income senior citizens assessment freeze and change the $65,000 limit to taxable income of $100,000, especially the way the Cook County assessor operates. Give the seniors a break instead of letting them lose their homes because of the reassessments by Fritz Kaegi and Cook County. No politician seems to be moving on reducing property taxes and we seniors don’t bring in the big bucks like politicians do. Gerald Bernson, Tinley Park Channel ‘climate anxiety’ into advocacy work As an outcome of the election, I’ve noticed a spike in climate anxiety among the young people I encounter. Students and young adults who are experiencing it need to talk about it. But the most effective antidote for that anxiety is action, and seeing those actions translate into results. These kids need to get involved with organizations like Citizens’ Climate Lobby, the Sierra Club, or the Illinois Environmental Council. These organizations are effectively driving results but also are teaching young people effective advocacy techniques and how to manage stress. Students would do well to participate in marches, call and write Congress, meet with representatives, enroll other students in getting active and challenge their universities to co-sponsor effective climate legislation, as their time permits. They need to feel and be empowered as a change agent with the support of others in their group. When students come to know they are helping to create the political will for change and start seeing climate legislation pass, it will do wonders to alleviate their anxiety. Andrew Panelli, Homer Glen More emissions reductions, please, in Illinois The Sun-Times editorial board recently highlighted ways Illinois can defend and reaffirm existing climate protections in anticipation of federal rollbacks (“ Illinois must step up as Trump prepares to back away from protecting our environment ”). This defense will be critical but insufficient. An analysis released by Environment America Research and Policy Center found that Illinois reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 25% between 2005-2022, ahead of the national pace (national emissions went down 15%). Illinois’ most significant reductions came from the power sector, where emissions decreased 48% from 2005 levels. The editorial board is correct that it will be critical moving forward for Illinois to protect the existing climate and pollution regulations that helped the state make those cuts, and to double down on its commitment to an electric grid powered by 100% clean, green renewable energy. But as increasingly frequent and intense weather events make the urgency of climate action more apparent, we cannot hope to meet our national goal of cutting emissions by 50% from 2005 levels by 2030 if leading states like Illinois simply play defense. Further emissions reductions will require focusing new attention on the areas where we’re falling behind. Despite overall reductions, Illinois’ emissions from residential buildings increased 7% between 2005-2022. Emissions from the commercial sector — primarily from burning fossil fuels to heat commercial buildings and the water they use — increased 14%. Emissions from residential buildings alone make up nearly 12% of the state’s overall greenhouse gas emissions. Currently, more than 80% of Illinois homes rely on fossil fuels for home heating. Burning gas in our homes and buildings creates indoor air pollution that is bad for our health, and releases potent, planet-warming methane into the atmosphere. Just as state action has worked to drive down emissions from the electric sector, now it must do the same for our homes and buildings. The ongoing Illinois Commerce Commission Future of Gas investigation into how to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from the gas distribution system is an important first step. Regardless of who’s in the White House, state-level policy can continue to be an engine for climate action. Illinois legislators must prioritize making progress on emissions reductions, not just holding the line. We don’t have four years to wait. Theo Rosen, climate campaigns associate, Environment America Make Illinois a leader for Advanced Clean Trucks Illinois got an early start laying the groundwork for the jobs boom that will come with the electrification of the U.S. trucking industry. Two prime examples: the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act and the Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois Act have boosted the state’s clean energy economy and established the burgeoning electric vehicle and battery manufacturing industries here since their 2021 passage. It has never been more important for state leaders to take decisive action to fight climate change, safeguard our health and invest in cleaner transportation alternatives. Gov. Pritzker has made clear that he will seek environmental wins for Illinois regardless of what happens with the incoming administration. If we want to maximize all the benefits the electric vehicle transition will produce, Illinois needs to adopt the Advanced Clean Trucks rule. It is the most powerful tool to incentivize manufacturers in the state to sell their zero-emission trucks to Illinois businesses and fleets. The ACT addresses the supply side of the market by setting and gradually increasing sales targets of zero-emission vehicles for medium- and heavy-duty vehicle manufacturers in states that adopt it. Those sales targets create market certainty for truck manufacturers and fleets alike, and help local utilities plan grid improvements that will speed and smooth the transition. Without the ACT, we’ll export not just Illinois-made electric vehicles, but also the cleaner air and missed economic opportunity costs produced by every electric truck sale to the forward-thinking states that have already adopted it. The ACT will help keep more of the economic and environmental benefits of all of Illinois’ electric vehicle investments close to home. Illinois advocates have filed a citizen petition with the state’s Pollution Control Board to urge the Pritzker administration to adopt the ACT along with other tailpipe-pollution reduction programs. The first hearing on the clean-trucks standards was held recently and proceedings will continue through the spring, with more opportunities for Illinoisans to speak out in support of this vital program. By adopting the Advanced Clean Trucks rule, we can supercharge electric truck manufacturing in the state while keeping the benefits of cleaner air here for all Illinoisans instead of exporting it to the coasts. Neda Deylami, manager of vehicle electrification, Environmental Defense Fund Biden’s pardon of son pales in comparison to Trump’s actions For all of you who are Donald Trump supporters and are criticizing President Joe Biden for pardoning his son, take a look in the mirror. You elected a sexual predator and convicted felon (he was convicted of 34 felonies) to lead our country. He has promised to pardon his co-conspirators who attempted to overthrow our democracy and falsify our election. Black Friday deals will not hold a candle to the pardons that will be coming down the line. Unfortunately, this will become a cyber-sale presidency of insider deals and pardons in the future. By the way, take a look at the next ambassador to France. He already has received a pardon. The rotten apples don’t fall far from the rotten trees. How’s that reflection looking now? Tony Prevolos, Bonita Springs, Florida Nepo babies rule GOP Republicans rant and rave about DEI, but have nothing to say about nepotism. Warren Rodgers Jr., Orland Park Talking turkey I am writing regarding the article about the thoughtful person who, at Thanksgiving, drops frozen turkeys from a low and slow-moving plane to remote Alaskan homes. I started laughing, remembering the “ WKRP in Cincinnati” episode where a station dropped live turkeys from a helicopter! All we can hear is shrieking and screaming from below and a newsman whinging, “As God is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly!” Barbara Tomko, EdgewaterNone
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TEMPLEGATE tackles Wednesday's racing hungry for winners. Read on for his selections. The only place to get Templegate's tips first - and at the best prices - is by joining Sun Racing's brilliant Members Enclosure. Sign up now for just £1* to be part of racing's best winning team and get... Four free racing tickets, four times a year - worth £300 Templegate’s daily tips at the BEST prices before anyone else Exclusive access to Templegate's daily NAP Tomorrow’s copy of The Favourite at 9pm today Exclusive insights from top trainer Ben Pauling VIP competitions from Racing Breaks each month New customer offer with Coral Become a member today for just £1* *For the first month then £3 per month thereafter. SIGN UP NOW 18+ Ts and Cs apply. First month membership £1, then £3 per month unless you cancel at least 7 days before your next billing date. For more information contact help@thesun.co.uk CULLIGRAN (3.07 Hereford, nap) Stormed to victory over course and distance last time, hitting the front a fair way out and not seeing a rival. She likes this decent ground and hasn’t been off the podium since going handicapping. This is no tougher than last time so another big run is on the cards. WILD NATURE (5.10 Kempton, nb) Enjoyed moving back up to this mile when going close here 21 days ago. This son of Kingman was bit unlucky not to win after meeting traffic turning for home. William Buick gets back on board today and can steer him to victory. BOYS OF WEXFORD (12.35 Hereford, treble) Tip is best going right-handed so did well to strike at Fontwell last time. He had plenty in hand crossing the line over a similar trip so a 5lb rise in the weights holds no fears. DUKE OF OXFORD (7.40 Kempton, Lucky 15) Got the job done nicely here last time and won this race 12 months ago. His C&D record now reads 1121 and he’ll be hard to beat again. Most read in Horse Racing Templegate's tips HEXHAM 12.20 Forest Blaze Did well to finish third over too short a trip last time out. 12.50 Fromheretoeternity Consistent and can go well again over ideal C&D. 1.20 Not A Light Been off a long time but this looks a pretty soft race. 1.50 Joecooker Solid third at Carlisle last time and capable of better. 2.20 Reagrove Lord Overdue a win but on fair weight and won’t be far away. 2.50 High Moon Good third last time and drop in trip can do the trick. 3.20 Fearless Action Just nabbed on the line at Carlisle last time out. HEREFORD 12.35 Boys Of Wexford (treble) Lots in hand when winning from 5lb lower at Fontwell. 1.05 Sayva Has won two of past three and has more to offer. 1.35 Secret Des Dieux Won at Fakenham last time with plenty left in the tank. 2.05 Gris Majeur Can figure upped in distance returning to hurdling. 2.35 Lime Drop Game win at Uttoxeter latest and can cope with 5lb rise. 3.07 Culligran (nap) Lots in hand when scoring over course and distance latest. 3.37 Just Golden Expensive buy who can make a winning start for Skeltons. KEMPTON 4.10 Sweet Couture Two decent runs and bit unlucky at Lingfield latest. 4.40 McKenna Finished well on debut and has a lot more to come. 5.10 Wild Nature (nb) Good second here last time and should get off the mark. 5.40 Jenubiyah Bred to be a star and can make a winning debut. 6.10 Exactly Right Cost £420,000 and yard can get them ready at home. 6.40 Ultramarine Goes well here and no luck in running at Chelmsford latest. 7.10 Champagne Prince Has an excellent record on the all-weather. READ MORE SUN STORIES 7.40 Duke Of Oxford Won this last year and excellent victory last time out. 8.10 Time Patrol Went close at Lingfield latest and right in the hunt again. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here .Truckloads of Cheer: Truck Master Warranty Donates Toy Trucks to Children's Hospitals for the Holidays
Faizon Love Argues That Comedians Shouldn’t Be Beefing Amid Katt Williams DramaFederal appeals court upholds law requiring sale or ban of TikTok in the US A federal appeals court panel on Friday unanimously upheld a law that could lead to a ban on TikTok as soon as next month, handing a resounding defeat to the popular social media platform as it fights for its survival in the U.S. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled that the law - which requires TikTok to break ties with its China-based parent company ByteDance or be banned by mid-January — is constitutional, rebuffing TikTok’s challenge that the statute ran afoul of the First Amendment and unfairly targeted the platform. TikTok and ByteDance — another plaintiff in the lawsuit — are expected to appeal to the Supreme Court. US added a strong 227,000 jobs in November in bounce-back from October slowdown WASHINGTON (AP) — America’s job market rebounded in November, adding 227,000 workers in a solid recovery from the previous month, when the effects of strikes and hurricanes had sharply diminished employers’ payrolls. Last month’s hiring growth was up considerably from a meager gain of 36,000 jobs in October. The government also revised up its estimate of job growth in September and October by a combined 56,000. Friday’s report also showed that the unemployment rate ticked up from 4.1% in October to a still-low 4.2%. The November data provided the latest evidence that the U.S. job market remains durable even though it has lost significant momentum from the 2021-2023 hiring boom, when the economy was rebounding from the pandemic recession. Stock market today: Wall Street hits more records following a just-right jobs report NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks rose to records after data suggested the job market remains solid enough to keep the economy going, but not so strong that it raises immediate worries about inflation. The S&P 500 climbed 0.2%, just enough top the all-time high set on Wednesday, as it closed a third straight winning week in what looks to be one of its best years since the 2000 dot-com bust. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 0.3%, while the Nasdaq composite climbed 0.8% to set its own record. Treasury yields eased after the jobs report showed stronger hiring than expected but also an uptick in the unemployment rate. Killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO spotlights complex challenge companies face in protecting top brass NEW YORK (AP) — In an era when online anger and social tensions are increasingly directed at the businesses consumers count on, Meta last year spent $24.4 million to surround CEO Mark Zuckerberg with security. But the fatal shooting this week of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson while walking alone on a New York City sidewalk has put a spotlight on the widely varied approaches companies take to protect their leaders against threats. And experts say the task of evaluating threats against executives and taking action to protect them is getting more difficult. One of the primary worries are loners whose rantings online are fed by others who are like-minded. It’s up to corporate security analysts to decide what represents a real threat. Days after gunman killed UnitedHealthcare's CEO, police push to ID him and FBI offers reward NEW YORK (AP) — Nearly four days after the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, police still do not know the gunman’s name or whereabouts or have a motive for the killing. But they have made some progress in their investigation into Wednesday's killing of the leader of the largest U.S. health insurer, including that the gunman likely left New York City on a bus soon after fleeing the scene. The also found that the gunman left something behind: a backpack that was discovered in Central Park. Police are working with the FBI, which on Friday night announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction. USDA orders nationwide testing of milk for bird flu to halt the virus The U.S. government has ordered testing of the nation’s milk supply for bird flu to better monitor the spread of the virus in dairy cows. The Agriculture Department on Friday said raw or unpasteurized milk from dairy farms and processors nationwide must be tested on request starting Dec. 16. Testing will begin in six states — California, Colorado, Michigan, Mississippi, Oregon and Pennsylvania. The move is aimed at eliminating the virus, which has infected more than 700 dairy herds in 15 states. Words on ammo in CEO shooting echo common phrase on insurer tactics: Delay, deny, defend A message left at the scene of an insurance executive’s fatal shooting echoes a phrase commonly used to describe insurer tactics to avoid paying claims. The words “deny,” “defend” and “depose” were written on the ammunition used to kill UnitedHealthcare's CEO. That's according to two officials who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Thursday. The words are similar to the phrase “delay, deny, defend.” That's how attorneys describe insurers denying services and payment, and the title of a 2010 book critical of the industry. Police haven’t officially commented on the words. But Thompson’s shooting and the messages on the ammunition have sparked outrage on social media and elsewhere, reflecting frustration Americans have over the cost and complexity of getting care. Michigan Democrats move to protect reproductive health data before GOP takes control of House LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Democrats in Michigan are pressing to pass reproductive health care legislation before the party loses its majority with the new legislative session next year. A bill to protect digital reproductive health data including data logged on menstrual cycle tracking apps is a Democratic priority as lawmakers meet this month. Democratic women and supporters of the legislation say they are acting with new urgency before President-elect Donald Trump takes office because they don't believe his campaign promise to leave abortion to the states. The rush is also a reaction to Republicans taking control of the state House in January. Democrats kept control of the state Senate in the November election. Japan's Nippon Steel sets sights on a growing overseas market in its bid to acquire US Steel KASHIMA, Japan (AP) — The signs at Nippon Steel read: “The world through steel,” underlining why Japan’s top steelmaker is pursuing its $15 billion bid to acquire U.S. Steel. Japan's domestic market isn't growing, so Nippon Steel has its eyes on India, Southeast Asia and the United States, where populations are still growing. Nippon Steel gave reporters a tour of one of its plants in Japan on Friday. The bid for U.S. Steet is opposed by President-elect Donald Trump, President Joe Biden and American steelworkers. If the deal goes through, U.S. Steel will keep its name and its headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but become subsidiary of Nippon Steel. China's ban on key high-tech materials could have broad impact on industries, economy BANGKOK (AP) — China has banned exports of key materials used for a wide range of products, including smartphones, electric vehicles, radar systems and CT scanners, swiping back at Washington after it expanded export controls to include dozens of Chinese companies that make equipment used to produce computer chips. Both sides say the controls are justified by national security concerns. Analysts say they could have a much wider impact on manufacturing in many industries and supply chains, depending on the ability of each side to compensate for loss of access to strategically important materials, equipment and components. Here's why this could be a tipping point in trade conflict between the two biggest economies.
Tank Dell injury update: Texans WR suffered dislocated knee, torn ACL among other extensive damage to knee
S&P/TSX composite up on shorter Christmas Eve session, U.S. markets also riseA convergence of innovation and leadership
Israeli strikes on a Gaza tent camp kill at least 21 people, hospital saysSecular and Hindu nationalist historians are furiously fighting over the ideology and actions of Tipu Sultan, an 19th century Indian Muslim ruler of the South Indian State of Mysore. The fight has wide political significance given the rise of aggressive Hindu nationalism in India since 2014, when the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power, and the Opposition Congress party retaliated by putting up arguments in favour of secularism and Hindu-Muslim unity rather than Hindu-Muslim division. Tipu Sultan (1751-1799) is glowingly described by his admirers as the “Tiger of Mysore” because he died bravely fighting the British on the battlefield in Srirangapatnam on May 4, 1799. In fact, Tipu was the first Indian ruler to die fighting the British. The only other Indian ruler to die fighting the British was the 19th century ruler Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi in North India. She was slain on the battlefield near Gwalior in Central India in 1858 during the first Indian war of Independence. But in the eyes of British colonial and Hindu nationalist historians, Tipu was a “furious Muslim fanatic” who indulged in the forcible conversion of Hindus to Islam. Hindu nationalist historians are presently on a vigorous campaign to remove Tipu from the pantheon of Indian freedom fighters. They have already stopped the celebration of his birthday (Tipu Jayanthi) in Karnataka State where Mysore is located. Between 2016 and 2018, the secular Congress Government in Karnataka had celebrated Tipu Jayanthi with a grand procession on November 10 every year. But since the BJP saw Tipu as a ‘tyrannical, anti-Hindu ruler’, the observance of Tipu Jayanthi was stopped in 2019 after it came to power. Hindu Nationalist view In his recently-released book entitled: Tipu Sultan: The Saga of Mysore’s Interregnum (1760–1799), Banglaore-based historian Vikram Sampath said that in 1761, Tipu’s father, the “Machiavellian” Haidar Ali, overthrew his employer and benefactor, the Hindu Maha rajah of Mysore, and assumed power. “In a war-scarred life, the father and son led Mysore through four momentous battles against the British, termed the Anglo-Mysore wars. The first two, led by Haidar Ali, brought the English East India Company to its knees. Chasing the enemy to the very gates of Madras, Haidar Ali made the British sign such humiliating treaties that sent shockwaves back to London,” Sampath said. “In a diabolical war thirst, after he succeeded his father, Tipu launched lethal attacks on Malabar, Mangalore, Travancore, Coorg, and left behind a trail of death, destruction and worse, mass-conversions and the desecration of religious places of worship,” Sampath added. “While he was an astute administrator and a brave soldier, the strategic tact with opponents and the diplomatic balance that Haidar Ali had sought to maintain with the Hindu majority were both dangerously upset by Tipu’s foolhardiness on matters of faith.” “The social report card of this eighteenth-century ruler was anything but clean. And yet, one simply cannot deny his position as a renowned military warrior and one of the most powerful rulers of Southern India,” Sampath said. Mohibbul Hasan’s contrary view However, Sampth’s assessment of Tipu contrasts sharply with that of Prof. Mohibbul Hasan, who had taught history in the Calcutta University and the Jamia Millia University in Delhi. Citing original sources, Prof.Hasan shows that Tipu was in fact a secular and progressive ruler who made Mysore the most prosperous principality in 18th century India. According to him, the derision of Tipu now is actually based on “malicious propaganda” carried out by British chroniclers and historians. Those observations are now being regurgitated by Hindu nationalist historians as part of a larger campaign to demolish Marxist/ Nehruvian and secularist Indian historiography. Prof. Hasan recalls that in his 1811 publication Select Letters of Tippoo Sultan, W. Kirkpatrick, describes Tipu as an “intolerant bigot and a furious fanatic” who indulged in forcible conversions, mass circumcisions, destruction of temples and confiscation of temple lands. Kirkpatric’s views were later echoed by M. Wilks (1864), and H. H. Dodwell in his Cambridge History of India (1929). According to Prof.Hasan, if the British chroniclers painted Tipu in dark colours, it was because he had refused to pay tribute; tried to set the Nizam of Hyderabad and the Marathas against them; and sought an alliance with their European rivals, the French. Non-communal That Tipu was non-communal is evident in the fact that a number of top officials in his Government were Hindus. Purnaiya was the Mir Asaf (in charge of Revenue and Finance). Krishna Rao was his Treasurer. Shamaiya Iyengar was Minister of Police and Postal Department. Subba Rao was his chief Peshkar (Chief Secretary). Srinivas Rao and Appaji Ram were his close confidantes. His agents in the Moghul Court in Delhi were Mool Chand and Sujan Rai. The Faujdar of Coorg was Nagappayya, a Brahmin. The Asafs (revenue officers) at Coimbatore and Palghat were Brahmins. The chief of Tipu’s irregular cavalry was Hari Singh. Rama Rao and Sivaji, a Maratha, commanded his regular cavalry. Tipu sent one of his Hindu Generals, Sripat Rao, to quell the Nair rebellion in Malabar. Aided Hindu temples In 1916, the Mysore Government’s Director of Archaeology, K. Narasimhachar, discovered a bunch of letters in the Sringeri Sankara Math (monastery), which showed that Tipu had greatly helped the monastery and its head the Sringeri Sankaracharya. In 1791, the monastery was raided and pillaged by a Maratha chieftain, Raghunath Rao Patwardan, and the Sankaracharya had asked Tipu for help to restore it. Deeply grieved, Tipu wrote back saying: “People who have sinned against such a holy place are sure to suffer the consequences of their misdeeds at no distant date” and asked his officials to send cash and grain so that the idol of Goddess Sarada could be consecrated. He also donated a palanquin to the Sankaracharya and requested him to pray for the prosperity of his domain. Tipu had contributed to the Lakshmikanta Temple at Kalale in Nanjangud taluk; the Narayanaswami Temple at Melkote; the Srikantheswara Temple at Nanjangud and to the Ranganathaswami temple at Srirangapatnam all in Karnataka. The greenish Shivalinga at the Nanjandeswara temple is known as Padshalinga because it was donated by Tipu, the Padshah or ‘ruler’. According to a Sanad, Tipu “ordered” the continuation of worship at the Tirupathi Venkatachalapathi temple. Biographer Hasan wonders if Tipu would have allowed the Ranganatha, Narasimha and Gangadhareswara temples to function in the Srirangapatnam Fort if he was an Islamic bigot. Tipu was also an ardent believer in astrology and consulted astrologers daily, first thing in the morning. Tipu is widely accused of indulging in forcible conversions in Kerala and Coorg. But according to Prof. Hasan, Tipu told his French General, Cossigny, that he ordered the forcible conversion of Nairs and Coorgis because these communities had staged rebellions repeatedly. It was reported that 70,000 were converted in Coorg, but this could not be true because the total population of Coorg was not that much, Hasan said. Punganuri Ramachandra Rao, in his Memoirs of Hyder and Tippoo (1849) states that only 500 were converted in Coorg. Hasan said that Catholics in Kanara were converted forcibly, but this was because they had helped the British defeat Tipu at Mangalore. Tipu never tried to convert loyal subjects, Hasan asserts. Administrative innovations Hasan said that Tipu gave Mysore a progressive administration and added that J. Mill in his History of British India (1848), acknowledged that as a ruler, Tipu sustained an “advantageous comparison with the greatest princes of the East”. Tipu’s country was “the best cultivated and the most flourishing in India,” Mill said. Tipu rationalised the administrative system; got rid of private middlemen; encouraged local industries; sought French industrial technology and tried to send one of his sons to France for a modern education. He set up a rocket regiment in his Army. After his defeat in 1799, the British discovered 600 launchers, 700 serviceable rockets and 9,000 empty rockets at Tipu’s fort, some of which were shipped to Britain to replicate them. The Royal Artillery Museum in Woolwich in the UK houses some of them. Tipu sought military aid from Afghanistan and Iran to fight the British in South India. He was also the first Indian ruler in the 18th century to promote international trade, having sent trade delegations to Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey and Myanmar.
NEW YORK (AP) — A slide for market superstar Nvidia on Monday knocked Wall Street off its big rally and helped drag U.S. stock indexes down from their records. The S&P 500 fell 0.6%, coming off its 57th all-time high of the year so far. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 240 points, or 0.5%, and the Nasdaq composite pulled back 0.6% from its own record. Nvidia’s fall of 2.5% was by far the heaviest weight on the S&P 500 after China said it’s investigating the company over suspected violations of Chinese anti-monopoly laws. Nvidia has skyrocketed to become one of Wall Street’s most valuable companies because its chips are driving much of the world’s move into artificial-intelligence technology. That gives its stock’s movements more sway on the S&P 500 than nearly every other. Nvidia’s drop overshadowed gains in Hong Kong and for Chinese stocks trading in the United States on hopes that China will deliver more stimulus for the world’s second-largest economy. Roughly three in seven of the stocks in the S&P 500 also rose. The week’s highlight for Wall Street will arrive midweek when the latest updates on inflation arrive. Economists expect Wednesday’s report to show the inflation that U.S. consumers are feeling remained stuck at close to the same level last month. A separate report on Thursday, meanwhile, could show an acceleration in inflation at the wholesale level. They’re the last big pieces of data the Federal Reserve will get before its meeting next week on interest rates. The widespread expectation is still that the central bank will cut its main interest rate for the third time this year. The Fed has been easing its main interest rate from a two-decade high since September to offer more help for the slowing job market, after bringing inflation nearly all the way down to its 2% target. Lower interest rates can ease the brakes off the economy, but they can also offer more fuel for inflation. Expectations for a series of cuts from the Fed have been a major reason the S&P 500 has set so many all-time highs this year. “Investors should enjoy this rally while it lasts—there’s little on the horizon to disrupt the momentum through year-end,” according to Mark Hackett, chief of investment research at Nationwide, though he warns stocks could stumble soon because of how overheated they’ve gotten. On Wall Street, Interpublic Group rose 3.6% after rival Omnicom said it would buy the marketing and communications firm in an all-stock deal. The pair had a combined revenue of $25.6 billion last year. Omnicom, meanwhile, sank 10.2%. Macy’s climbed 1.8% after an activist investor, Barington Capital Group, called on the retailer to buy back at least $2 billion of its own stock over the next three years and make other moves to help boost its stock price. Super Micro Computer rose 0.5% after saying it got an extension that will keep its stock listed on the Nasdaq through Feb. 25, as it works to file its delayed annual report and other required financial statements. Earlier this month, the maker of servers used in artificial-intelligence technology said an investigation found no evidence of misconduct by its management or by the company’s board following the resignation of its public auditor . All told, the S&P 500 fell 37.42 points to 6,052.85. The Dow dipped 240.59 to 4,401.93, and the Nasdaq composite lost 123.08 to 19,736.69. In the oil market, a barrel of benchmark U.S. crude rallied 1.7% to settle at $68.37 following the overthrow of Syrian leader Bashar Assad, who sought asylum in Moscow after rebels. Brent crude, the international standard, added 1.4% to $72.14 per barrel. The price of gold also rose 1% to $2,685.80 per ounce amid the uncertainty created by the end of the Assad family’s 50 years of iron rule. In stock markets abroad, the Hang Seng jumped 2.8% in Hong Kong after top Chinese leaders agreed on a “moderately loose” monetary policy for the world’s second-largest economy. That’s a shift away from a more cautious, “prudent” stance for the first time in 10 years. A major planning meeting later this week could also bring more stimulus for the Chinese economy. U.S.-listed stocks of several Chinese companies climbed, including a 12.4% jump for electric-vehicle company Nio and a 7.4% rise for Alibaba Group. Stocks in Shanghai, though, were roughly flat. In Seoul, South Korea’s Kospi slumped 2.8% as the fallout continues from President Yoon Suk Yeol ’s brief declaration of martial law last week in the midst of a budget dispute. In the bond market, the yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.19% from 4.15% late Friday. AP Business Writers Matt Ott and Elaine Kurtenbach contributed. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Get local news delivered to your inbox!Wilmington, Del., Dec. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH) announced today that it has signed a definitive agreement to sell its Avoca business to Mane. The transaction is expected to close in the calendar first quarter 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. Ashland's Avoca business supplies Sclareolide, a fragrance fixative, and a range of contract manufacturing capabilities from two production facilities in North Carolina and Wisconsin. The Avoca business line represents the last entity from Ashland’s previous acquisition of Pharmachem. “The Avoca business is a strong player in the fragrance fixative space with a dedicated team and attractive manufacturing capabilities to meet customer needs,” said Guillermo Novo, chair and chief executive officer, Ashland. “I want to thank the Avoca employees for their dedication and commitment to Ashland and to our customers.” Squire Patton Boggs is acting as legal advisor to Ashland. Update Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Ashland has identified some of these forward-looking statements with words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “estimates,” “is likely,” “predicts,” “projects,” “forecasts,” “objectives,” “may,” “will,” should,” “plans” and “intends” and the negative of these words or other comparable terminology. In addition, Ashland may from time to time make forward-looking statements in its annual report to shareholders, quarterly reports and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), news releases and other written and oral communications. These forward-looking statements are based on Ashland’s expectations and assumptions, as of the date such statements are made, regarding Ashland’s future operating performance, financial condition, operating cash flow and liquidity, as well as the economy and other future events or circumstances. These statements include, but may not be limited to, statements about the sale of the Avoca business, including the expected timing for closing of the sale. Various risks and uncertainties may cause actual results to differ materially from those stated, projected or implied by any forward-looking statements, including any delay in the satisfaction of customary closing conditions for the sale of the Avoca business. Factors that will influence the impact on our business and operations include, without limitation, risks and uncertainties affecting Ashland that are described in its most recent Form 10-K (including Item 1A Risk Factors) filed with the SEC, which is available on Ashland’s website at http://investor.ashland.com or on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov . Ashland believes its expectations and assumptions are reasonable, but there can be no assurance that the expectations reflected herein will be achieved. Unless legally required, Ashland undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements made in this news release whether because of new information, future events or otherwise. Information on Ashland’s website is not incorporated into or a part of this news release. About Ashland Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH) is a global additives and specialty ingredients company with a conscious and proactive mindset for environmental, social and governance (ESG). The company serves customers in a wide range of consumer and industrial markets, including architectural coatings, construction, energy, food and beverage, personal care and pharmaceutical. Approximately 3,200 passionate, tenacious solvers thrive on developing practical, innovative and elegant solutions to complex problems for customers in more than 100 countries. Visit ashland.com and ashland.com/ESG to learn more. About Mane Founded in 1871 by Victor Mane, MANE is one of the leading producers and suppliers of fragrances and flavours globally. Since inception, the company has been owned and managed by five successive generations of the Mane family. MANE is a global group, operating 29 production facilities worldwide and more than 79 sites in more than 40 countries and employing over 8,000 collaborators. The first French company and the fifth largest fragrances and flavours producer in the world and are recognised as the fastest growing major company within the industry. TM Trademark, Ashland or its subsidiaries, registered in various countries. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Attachment
President-elect Donald Trump announced Wednesday that he intends to nominate cryptocurrency advocate Paul Atkins to chair the Securities and Exchange Commission. Trump said Atkins, the CEO of Patomak Partners and a former SEC commissioner, was a “proven leader for common sense regulations.” In the years since leaving the SEC, Atkins has made the case against too much market regulation. “He believes in the promise of robust, innovative capital markets that are responsive to the needs of Investors, & that provide capital to make our Economy the best in the World. He also recognizes that digital assets & other innovations are crucial to Making America Greater than Ever Before,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. The commission oversees U.S. securities markets and investments and is currently led by Gary Gensler, who has been leading the U.S. government’s crackdown on the crypto industry. The poor performance of General Motors’ Chinese joint ventures is forcing the company to write down assets and take a restructuring charge totaling more than $5 billion in the fourth quarter of this year. The Detroit automaker said in a filing Wednesday that it will cut the value of its equity stake in the ventures by $2.6 billion to $2.9 billion when it reports its results early next year. In addition, GM will take $2.7 billion worth of restructuring charges, most of it during the fourth quarter. The noncash charges will reduce the company’s net income, but they will not affect adjusted pretax earnings, GM said in the filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.Bailey scores 19 as Incarnate Word beats East Texas A&M 65-53
Horse racing tips: Templegate’s NAP has been a revelation in handicaps and devours track and tripStock market today: Wall Street rises at the start of a holiday-shortened weekBy WILL WEISSERT, JUAN ZAMORANO and GARY FIELDS PANAMA CITY (AP) — Teddy Roosevelt once declared the Panama Canal “one of the feats to which the people of this republic will look back with the highest pride.” More than a century later, Donald Trump is threatening to take back the waterway for the same republic. Related Articles National Politics | Inside the Gaetz ethics report, a trove of new details alleging payments for sex and drug use 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 National Politics | House Ethics Committee accuses Gaetz of ‘regularly’ paying for sex, including with 17-year-old girl National Politics | Trump wants mass deportations. For the agents removing immigrants, it’s a painstaking process The president-elect is decrying increased fees Panama has imposed to use the waterway linking the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. He says if things don’t change after he takes office next month, “We will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to the United States of America, in full, quickly and without question.” Trump has long threatened allies with punitive action in hopes of winning concessions. But experts in both countries are clear: Unless he goes to war with Panama, Trump can’t reassert control over a canal the U.S. agreed to cede in the 1970s. Here’s a look at how we got here: It is a man-made waterway that uses a series of locks and reservoirs over 51 miles (82 kilometers) to cut through the middle of Panama and connect the Atlantic and Pacific. It spares ships having to go an additional roughly 7,000 miles (more than 11,000 kilometers) to sail around Cape Horn at South America’s southern tip. The U.S. International Trade Administration says the canal saves American business interests “considerable time and fuel costs” and enables faster delivery of goods, which is “particularly significant for time sensitive cargoes, perishable goods, and industries with just-in-time supply chains.” An effort to establish a canal through Panama led by Ferdinand de Lesseps, who built Egypt’s Suez Canal, began in 1880 but progressed little over nine years before going bankrupt. Malaria, yellow fever and other tropical diseases devastated a workforce already struggling with especially dangerous terrain and harsh working conditions in the jungle, eventually costing more than 20,000 lives, by some estimates. Panama was then a province of Colombia, which refused to ratify a subsequent 1901 treaty licensing U.S. interests to build the canal. Roosevelt responded by dispatching U.S. warships to Panama’s Atlantic and Pacific coasts. The U.S. also prewrote a constitution that would be ready after Panamanian independence, giving American forces “the right to intervene in any part of Panama, to re-establish public peace and constitutional order.” In part because Colombian troops were unable to traverse harsh jungles, Panama declared an effectively bloodless independence within hours in November 1903. It soon signed a treaty allowing a U.S.-led team to begin construction . Some 5,600 workers died later during the U.S.-led construction project, according to one study. The waterway opened in 1914, but almost immediately some Panamanians began questioning the validity of U.S. control, leading to what became known in the country as the “generational struggle” to take it over. The U.S. abrogated its right to intervene in Panama in the 1930s. By the 1970s, with its administrative costs sharply increasing, Washington spent years negotiating with Panama to cede control of the waterway. The Carter administration worked with the government of Omar Torrijos. The two sides eventually decided that their best chance for ratification was to submit two treaties to the U.S. Senate, the “Permanent Neutrality Treaty” and the “Panama Canal Treaty.” The first, which continues in perpetuity, gives the U.S. the right to act to ensure the canal remains open and secure. The second stated that the U.S. would turn over the canal to Panama on Dec. 31, 1999, and was terminated then. Both were signed in 1977 and ratified the following year. The agreements held even after 1989, when President George H.W. Bush invaded Panama to remove Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega. In the late 1970s, as the handover treaties were being discussed and ratified, polls found that about half of Americans opposed the decision to cede canal control to Panama. However, by the time ownership actually changed in 1999, public opinion had shifted, with about half of Americans in favor. Administration of the canal has been more efficient under Panama than during the U.S. era, with traffic increasing 17% between fiscal years 1999 and 2004 . Panama’s voters approved a 2006 referendum authorizing a major expansion of the canal to accommodate larger modern cargo ships. The expansion took until 2016 and cost more than $5.2 billion. Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino said in a video Sunday that “every square meter of the canal belongs to Panama and will continue to.” He added that, while his country’s people are divided on some key issues, “when it comes to our canal, and our sovereignty, we will all unite under our Panamanian flag.” Shipping prices have increased because of droughts last year affecting the canal locks, forcing Panama to drastically cut shipping traffic through the canal and raise rates to use it. Though the rains have mostly returned, Panama says future fee increases might be necessary as it undertakes improvements to accommodate modern shipping needs. Mulino said fees to use the canal are “not set on a whim.” Jorge Luis Quijano, who served as the waterway’s administrator from 2014 to 2019, said all canal users are subject to the same fees, though they vary by ship size and other factors. “I can accept that the canal’s customers may complain about any price increase,” Quijano said. “But that does not give them reason to consider taking it back.” The president-elect says the U.S. is getting “ripped off” and “I’m not going to stand for it.” “It was given to Panama and to the people of Panama, but it has provisions — you’ve got to treat us fairly. And they haven’t treated us fairly,” Trump said of the 1977 treaty that he said “foolishly” gave the canal away. The neutrality treaty does give the U.S. the right to act if the canal’s operation is threatened due to military conflict — but not to reassert control. “There’s no clause of any kind in the neutrality agreement that allows for the taking back of the canal,” Quijano said. “Legally, there’s no way, under normal circumstances, to recover territory that was used previously.” Trump, meanwhile, hasn’t said how he might make good on his threat. “There’s very little wiggle room, absent a second U.S. invasion of Panama, to retake control of the Panama Canal in practical terms,” said Benjamin Gedan, director of the Latin America Program at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington. Gedan said Trump’s stance is especially baffling given that Mulino is a pro-business conservative who has “made lots of other overtures to show that he would prefer a special relationship with the United States.” He also noted that Panama in recent years has moved closer to China, meaning the U.S. has strategic reasons to keep its relationship with the Central American nation friendly. Panama is also a U.S. partner on stopping illegal immigration from South America — perhaps Trump’s biggest policy priority. “If you’re going to pick a fight with Panama on an issue,” Gedan said, “you could not find a worse one than the canal.” Weissert reported from West Palm Beach, Florida, and Fields from Washington. Amelia Thomson-Deveaux contributed to this report from Washington.
Need for the High Court to sign off on every assisted death 'could be dropped amid fears of lengthy court backlogs'
Alvin Bragg trying to 'strong-arm' Daniel Penny jury into deciding on negligent homicide: Andy McCarthy
MINNEAPOLIS — Two prospective marijuana business owners who were barred from participating in a license lottery are suing Minnesota cannabis regulators. The Office of Cannabis Management announced Friday, Nov. 22, that it will hold a drawing on Tuesday to determine who will operate the state’s first legal marijuana businesses. The OCM turned to a lottery because more than 1,800 applicants had sought 282 licenses. The first to apply are those considered social equity applicants under the law. They include people who live in high-poverty areas, those harmed by the war on drugs, and military veterans. This week, regulators disqualified two-thirds of the applicants for a variety of reasons. In a lawsuit, Jodi Connolly alleges that OCM gave no reason for denying her application. Connolly’s co-plaintiff, Cristina Aranguiz, said she received only a cursory explanation. The two call the rejections “arbitrary and capricious,” and they want a judge to stop the lottery while their lawsuit is pending. In an email to MPR News on Friday, a spokesperson for the Office of Cannabis Management said he cannot comment on the litigation, but OCM and still plans to move ahead with the scheduled lottery. This story was originally published on MPRNews.orgSenior General Min Aung Hlaing noted that the successful sports achievements that have the potential to raise Myanmar’s State flag to the top in international competitions significantly enhance the nation’s pride and dignity while elevating the country’s status. State Administration Council Chairman Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing delivered a speech at the opening ceremony of the Fifth National Sports Festival 2024 at Wunna Theikdi Stadium in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday evening. In his speech, the Senior General underscored the notion that ‘promoting sports is akin to defending and safeguarding the nation’ represents the highest principle. He highlighted that it is necessary for the entire population, including students, youth, and persons with disabilities, to actively participate in the process of implementing programmes that transition from mass sports to excellent sports, aiming to nurture outstanding athletes. He emphasized that the successful sports achievements that have the potential to raise Myanmar’s State flag to the top in international competitions significantly enhance the nation’s pride and dignity while elevating the country’s status. Hence, it is emphasized that all citizens should actively collaborate in promoting the sports sector. He continued to say that the government is making efforts to appropriately enhance the recognition and rewards, including cash awards, for national athletes who have won prestigious prizes in international competitions. Moreover, the Senior General disclosed that the government is providing monthly allowances and honorary titles to veteran athletes who have once brought glory to the nation. As such, he urged athletes participating in the sports festival to strive for success, and aim to become nationally selected players in order to bring pride to the country. By including sports in the scoring system, he added, the government manages to facilitate outstanding student-athletes to attend sports and physical education institutes, and awarding sports scholarships. The Senior General stressed that the Ministry of Education should implement plans to encourage every student and youth to participate in various sports, organize a sports calendar, and systematically arrange annual competitions from the basic education level to college and university levels. He pointed out that only then will the integration of sports and education-related activities become smoother, leading to the emergence of a new generation of athletes and supporting the continuous development of sustainable sports development of the nation. He urged entire people including student youths and people with disabilities to join the process of upgrading the mass sports level to an excellent sports level. In Myanmar, he explained that it is necessary to organize sports competitions for students and youth in the coming years, as well as inter-ministerial competitions and advanced sports events. These should be included in the sports calendar, and efforts must be made to enhance the level of Myanmar’s sports. The Senior General stressed the need to systematically train and prepare outstanding athletes who emerge from various competitions, in order to develop Myanmar’s top athletes capable of competing in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games and international competitions. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and his wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla planted a Gangaw sapling (Mesua ferrea) to mark the opening of the 2024 National Sports Festival. After the Senior General delivered a speech, fireworks were displayed to mark the festival’s opening ceremony. At the opening ceremony, paratroopers from the free-fall squad, carrying the flag of the National Sports Festival along with regional and state flags, landed on the ground and saluted the Senior General. The renowned singer Htoo L Linn sang the song “Our Myanmar, a modern nation”. A lighting show was presented to accompany a traditional Myanmar orchestra and musical instruments, with music played in a lively and rhythmic fashion. The event continued with a grand opening, during which fireworks were launched. The Fine Arts Department under the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture, in collaboration with the Department of Basic Education under the Ministry of Education, presented the song “Beautiful, Beloved Golden Myanmar”, with a performance. After the State Military Band took the position in the stadium, the sports contingents from ministries, regions and states led by the flag bearers took the positions in the stadium. They hoisted the State flag and saluted it. Veteran selection athletes conveyed the flag of the National Sports Festival into the stadium. Chairman of the National Sports Festival U Than Tun Oo ignited the torch to mark the festival and handed it over to Myanmar’s selected player Police Major Aung Cho Myint. The decorated float bearing the torch flanked by ethnic national people headed from the City Hall to Wunna Theikdi Stadium. Selected athletes relayed the torch along the designated route and ignited it at the dais in front of the grandstand. At that moment, the commemorative torch, positioned at the southeast corner of the stadium, was also ignited. On behalf of athletes and referees, an athlete and a referee took Sports oaths and the flag bearers and athletes left the stadium. The Senior General and his wife, and dignitaries enjoyed choral dances representing six eras of Myanmar performed by artistes from the Fine Arts Department, demonstrated entertainment and songs by members from the Myanmar Paralympic Sports Federation, students from Nay Pyi Taw State Technical High School, Myanmar Motion Pictures Organization, Myanmar Chinlone Federation, Myanmar Theatrical Association, Myanmar Comedians’ Association, students from University for Development of National Races, and Nationalities Youth Resource Development Degree College, performances of students from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Science and Technology. The fireworks were displayed to mark the successful completion of the opening ceremony of the National Sports Festival. The Senior General and his wife waved to the attendees and cordially greeted the veteran athletes and artistes. Also present at the ceremony were SAC Vice-Chairman Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Senior General Soe Win and his wife Daw Than Than Nwe, Council Secretary General Aung Lin Dwe and his wife, Joint Secretary General Ye Win Oo and his wife, council members and their wives, union ministers, union-level dignitaries and their wives, senior Tatmadaw officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief, the commander of the Nay Pyi Taw Command, deputy ministers, Olympic Committee members, presidents and officials of sports federations, guests, athletes and sports fans. The first National Sports Festival was held in Yangon from 3 to 16 May 1992 with 22 sports events, the second in Yangon from 25 January to 6 February 1994 with 24 sports events, the third in Yangon from 11 to 24 January 1997 with 29 sports events, and the fourth in Nay Pyi Taw from 13 to 28 February 2015 with 27 sports events. In 2024, the Fifth National Sports Festival is being held on a grand scale to aim at enhancing the nation’s sports standards, achieving success in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games and other international competitions, and turning out outstanding athletes and new-generation athletes who can bring national honour, fostering greater collaboration and unity between regions, states, and ministries in order to further promote sports activities and stipulating public interest in sports to join in sports activities. The festival is in progress with six sports at the ministerial level and 23 sports at the regional and state level as well as four sports for athletes with disabilities, totalling 33, starting from early December. The para-sports events were held from 5 to 8 December. And, ministerial and regional and state level sports competitions are being held. — MNA/TTANone
It's holiday season, but that doesn't have to mean waiting in long lines for big sales to buy the hottest toy or newest game system. Whether you're a parent, relative, teacher, librarian or just a friend to a young person, consider a book that you can enjoy together. 'I Like Your Chutzpah And Other Yiddish Words You'll Like' Written and illustrated by Suzy Ultman “I Like Your Chutzpah and Other Yiddish Words You’ll Like," written and illustrated by Suzy Ultman Sweet, funny and infinitely readable, this board book contains 12 Yiddish words and their meanings, each accompanied by a simple, colorful illustration that will inspire fun reading voices. Recommended ages: 1 to 3. $9.99, RISE x Penguin Workshop ___ 'The 13 Days of Swiftness: A Christmas Celebration' People are also reading... Written by Tiffany Garland, illustrated by Brooke O'Neill "The 13 Days of Swiftness: A Christmas Celebration," written by Tiffany Garland, illustrated by Brooke O’Neill For the littlest Swifties, a play on the classic Christmas song — except instead of 12 days there are 13. Each page has bright illustrations and lots of Easter eggs for the fandom. Recommended ages: 3 and up. $10.99, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers 'Into the Uncut Grass' Written by Trevor Noah, illustrated by Sabina Hahn "Into the Uncut Grass" by Trevor Noah and illustrated by Sabina Hahn Trevor Noah tells a story of a boy and his teddy bear who venture into the uncut grass, picking up bits of wisdom along the way. Long and quotable, with humor and gentle watercolor illustrations. Per the intro, "it's a picture book, but it's not a children's book. Rather, it is a book for kids to share with parents and for parents to share with kids." All ages. $26, One World ___ 'Proper Badger Would Never' Written by Lauren Glattly, illustrated by Rob Sayegh "Proper Badger Would Never" by Lauren Glattly and illustrated by Rob Sayegh Badger was determined to be a perfectly proper guest at his first party, but his instincts may have gotten the better of him. Shred the gift wrapping paper? Never. Dig into the cake before it's served? Of course not. A colorful, texture-rich picture book that leans into joyful chaos. Recommended ages: 4 to 8. $18.99, Flamingo Books ___ 'Attack of the Scones' Written by Josh Funk, illustrated by Brendan Kearney "Attack of the Scones: Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast" by Josh Funk and illustrated by Brendan Kearney In the sixth installment of the series, Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast take on an alien invasion with the help of their fridge friends. Told in rhyming couplets with whimsical, expressive full-page illustrations. Recommended ages: 5 to 8. $8.99 paperback, $18.99 hardcover; Union Square Kids __ 'Bog Myrtle' Written and illustrated by Sid Sharp "Bog Myrtle" by Sid Sharp One sister loves the forest and its splendors; the other is more interested in money. Sharp uses literary devices from irony to alliteration to puns, taking on topics like worker rights and environmental sustainability. "This graphic novel is perfect for the quirky, goofy child in your life who loves deadpan humor and 'The Skull' by Jon Klassen," says Sarah Bradley, lead bookseller at Powell's Books. Recommended ages: 6 to 11. $22.99, Annick Press ___ 'My UnderSlumberBumbleBeast' Written by Zoje Stage and illustrated by J.E. Larson "My UnderSlumberBumbleBeast" by Zoje Stage and pictures by J. E. Larson Stage's book reimagines the monster under the bed as something far cuter and weirder. One day while cleaning her room, Pru finds a shy little creature called an UnderSlumberBumbleBeast. Includes crosshatch drawings and a glossary of the trickier vocabulary. Recommended ages: 7 to 10. $15.99, Bad Hand Books 'Otto Normal's Monsterton: The Disappearance of White Pine Beach' Written by Danielle McKechnie, illustrated by Simon Estrada "Otto Normal's Monsterton: The Disappearance of White Pine Beach" Otto moves with his mom from his normal California town to Monsterton, where they're the only humans among zombies, ghosts and sirens. Otto soon finds himself on a quick-paced adventure. With chunks of text broken up by beautiful digital color illustrations, blurring the line between chapter book and graphic novel, this glossy volume feels special to hold. Recommended ages: 8 to 12. $22.99, Simon & Schuster ___ 'The Wild Robot' Written and illustrated by Peter Brown "The Wild Robot" by Peter Brown Roz the robot is the sole survivor of a shipment gone overboard and has to adapt to the wild. She becomes the de facto mother of Brightbill the gosling, and the forest animals that shunned her otherness begin to form a community around her. Short chapters are punctuated by black-and-white illustrations. The trilogy saw a theatrical adaptation this year, and a special edition of the first volume features full-color inserts from the movie. Recommended ages: 8 to 12. $8.99 single paperback, $54 box set, Hatchette Book Group ___ 'The Young Green Witch's Guide to Plant Magic' Written by Robin Rose Bennett, illustrated by Rachel Grant "The Young Green Witch’s Guide to Plant Magic: Rituals and Recipes from Nature" by Robin Rose Bennett and illustrated by Rachel Grant This herbalist's chapter book with watercolor illustrations imparts how to use different plants, along with lessons of appreciation and self-acceptance and breathing meditations. There are also recipes for handy concoctions kids can make with minimal adult supervision, such as oatmeal scrub, lavender honey and dandelion pesto. Recommended ages: 8 to 12. $16.99, Running Press Kids ___ 'The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science' Written by Kate McKinnon, illustrated by Alfredo Cáceres "The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science" by Kate McKinnon Kate McKinnon of "Saturday Night Live" and "Barbie" fame tells the story of three adopted sisters who, having zero interest in perfecting the 85 ways to properly sit on a velvet fainting couch, find themselves expelled from etiquette school. Their new, extremely uncouth school puts them at the heart of a mystery in which the town is at stake. With fun fonts and the occasional illustration, the novel is a wildly imaginative celebration of strangeness with humor a la Lemony Snicket. Recommended ages: 8 to 12. $17.99, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers ___ 'Plain Jane and the Mermaid' Written and illustrated by Vera Brosgol "Plain Jane and the Mermaid" by Vera Brosgol The recently orphaned Jane has a week to get married and get her dowry before she'll be kicked to the streets. Handsome Peter might have accepted Jane's proposal if he hadn't been kidnapped by a mermaid. This full-color graphic novel challenges gender roles and beauty standards through an underwater adventure full of snark and hilarious characters, rivaling Jeff Smith's "Bone." Recommended ages: 10 to 14. $14.99, First Second 'A Good Girl's Guide to Murder' A trilogy by Holly Jackson "A Good Girl's Guide to Murder" by Holly Jackson Pip investigates a murder that she thinks another student was wrongly accused of. It's an ambitious project for a high school capstone, but Pip's an ambitious student. A TV adaptation of this true-crime-style story was produced by the BBC and released on Netflix over the summer. . Recommended ages: 14 and up. $14.99 single paperback, $47.97 box set, Ember ___ 'The Calculation of You and Me' By Serena Kaylor “The Calculation of You and Me" by Serena Kaylor Marlowe has great grades and a loving family, two best friends who understand her and all her autistic quirks, and a romantic boyfriend — until he breaks up with her, sending her perfectly categorized world into a tailspin. This sweet, funny, page-turning novel celebrates romance as an act and a genre. Recommended ages: 13 and up. $14 paperback, $24 hardcover, Wednesday Books ___ 'Lunar New Year Love Story' Written by Gene Luen Yang, illustrated by LeUyen Pham "Lunar New Year Love Story" by Gene Luen Yang and Leuyen Pham Valentina has one year to prove she doesn't share her family's fate of all romances ending in misery. If she doesn't find lasting love by then, she will give her heart to Saint Valentine and be forever protected from heartbreak. The graphic novel celebrates Asian culture alongside the ups and downs of love. Recommended ages: 14 and up. $17.99 paperback, $25.99 hardcover, First Second Small, luxury foods are great as stocking stuffers or other gifts. Ideas for under $50 Game-changing holiday gifts for building fires, printing photos, watching birds and more More consumers hope to cut out self-gifting this year. They may be making a mistake. More consumers hope to cut out self-gifting this year. They may be making a mistake. Americans are heading into the first holiday season in years where buying less may be the first thing on their minds. And this year, gift lists may exclude one important person: you. Stacker dug into Deloitte's 2024 holiday retail survey to explore the psychology behind Americans' reluctance to self-gift this year. In the modern era, holiday gifting includes a practice that may seem rooted in consumerism—giving ourselves gifts. However, "self-gifting," psychologists say, carries its own importance. It's one consumers intend to cut back on or eliminate entirely this holiday shopping season, according to Deloitte's 2024 holiday retail survey of over 4,000 U.S. consumers. We've all done it. With hard-to-resist Black Friday deals and hypertargeted advertising, it can be difficult to resist shopping for yourself when doing so for others. Meanwhile, the cost of goods and services has risen faster than usual every year since 2021, when post-COVID-19 pandemic inflation took root in the U.S. economy and altered how we consume. Even so, Americans expect to spend more on gifts this holiday than in the previous five years. Deloitte found that the average person anticipates spending $1,778 this year, a 19% increase from 2019, when the average expected spend was $1,496. Baked into that figure are consumers' expectations of higher prices this season, according to Deloitte. In response, some Americans are signaling they may do less for themselves. About 1 in 3 consumers intend to self-gift this year, down from almost half of all consumers last year, Deloitte found. At least 2 in 5 (43%) won't spend on themselves at all, up from 25% last year. Today, the appeal of giving gifts around winter holidays is nearly universal. The holidays have long been an occasion to show our love for others in the exchange of gifts. Though giving gifts may have emerged from the biblical story of the three wise men, Christmas celebrations were among the first to lean into a commercialized version of the winter holidays. Other religious traditions like the Jewish celebration of Hanukkah have evolved to include gifting as a part of its observance over the winter holiday. Even workplace culture has adopted gifting as a way to foster connections and lift moods with traditions like Secret Santa. This holiday season, though, our modern treat-yourself-culture could be on pause for many Americans. You may also like: How to increase your credit limit and keep a good credit score More Americans prepared to remove themselves from holiday gift lists Dr. Steve Westberg, a professor of marketing and consumer psychology at the University of Southern California, suggests that the uptick in surveyed adults who say they hope to scale back self-gifting this year may be due to consumer pessimism and financial concern. Faced with more limited options during the pandemic years, Americans bestowed themselves with material goods—some out of practical necessity, others not. Over the 2020 and 2021 holiday seasons, Americans hunkered down at home to avoid catching or spreading the latest COVID-19 variant. They bought lots of furniture, electronics, and other items in lieu of spending on travel, outings, and live events. In 2022 and 2023, consumers embarked on so-called " revenge travel " to catch up on international and domestic trips. They attended the live music and sporting events they had missed out on. Today, there are signs that all of that spending is beginning to cause stress for the typical American consumer as prices remain painfully high . Americans' total amount of credit card debt is at an all-time high, and default rates for vehicle loans and credit cards are rising. In almost every major poll leading up to the 2024 presidential election, the economy and inflation were consistently the top issues driving voters to the polls. However, as consumers pull back, there's evidence that self-gifting can positively impact personal well-being . Jacqueline Rifkin, an assistant marketing and management communications professor at Cornell University, describes the practice as a way to self-regulate emotions. Self-gifting can express positive emotions in a way we may recognize as a celebration. "You just got a promotion, or you won some big award, you're feeling good, and you want to extend or amplify those good feelings. You can use self-gifting to achieve that," Rifkin told Stacker. Self-gifting can also be a way to deal with negative emotions. Rifkin published research in the Journal of Consumer Research on self-gifting, which revealed that people were least likely to gift things to themselves when under stress or feeling constrained—even though self-gifting can help us regulate during stressful moments. "If you're going through a rough time ... you can use self-gifting to pick yourself back up. One of the colloquial ways we think about this is 'retail therapy,'" Rifkin said. Can self-gifting and retail therapy veer into wasteful self-indulgence? Potentially, according to Westberg, who says the reasons we self-gift are similar to those that drive compulsive shopping habits. The act generates a positive emotional response. There's an important distinction, however, that experts draw between the two. Westberg and Rifkin agree that self-gifting stands out from other forms of shopping in that it incorporates intentionality. "You could define self-gifting as being a little more thoughtful in your choice," Westberg explained. Consumer advocates suggest that shoppers looking to cut back on spending create guardrails to help them shop more intentionally. Removing credit card information from our web browser's autofill function or delaying the impulse to "buy now" and creating a wish list instead can elongate the purchase process. Putting space between the initial urge to buy and the purchase can be revealing, too: It clarifies what's really meaningful and worthy enough to justify buying. For others, like Westberg, shopping satisfaction is derived from researching items to self-gift in the future. Westberg's initial inclination when it comes to self-gifting, like many of us, is to reward himself with some kind of "big ticket" item. "On the other hand, I don't know that I'll ever actually do that because once I have it, the anticipation aspect is going to go away," Westberg said. "So while I do think about self-gifting myself a car ... I get a lot of enjoyment [from] doing the research. ... [It's] the thoughtfulness that I can put into it rather than having the physical thing." According to Rifkin, our reluctance to give ourselves gifts isn't always born of financial constraints but also a belief that giving ourselves something won't actually make us feel better, even though it can. She advises consumers to remember that gifts can take on different forms this holiday season, and many of them don't cost a thing. "It's this intentional behavior that we engage in. It's something you do, you do it on purpose, and you do it for yourself," Rifkin said. "Could it be going for a walk around the block? Absolutely. Could it be dusting off a book that you hadn't read in a while and spending an hour reading it? Yes." Story editing by Alizah Salario. Copy editing by Paris Close. Photo selection by Kristen Wegrzyn. Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly.
Christmas encourages everyone to build a society that values all people with the same dignity, Opposition leader Bernard Grech said in a message on Tuesday. The leader of the Nationalist Party paid tribute to various members of society who have distinguished themselves by being of service to others. He said he wanted to convey a message of hope at what should be a time of peace, but, he said, this should not be a time of silence in the face of hardship endured by many, such as the homeless, those who suffer discrimination, and migrants. Grech reiterated his best wishes, along with those of his wife AnneMarie and their children, as well as those of the PN. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. We use as our marketing platform. By subscribing, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing.Winners of 3 straight, UTEP takes aim at short-handed Louisville
