Bashar al-Assad's government has been accused of carrying out torture, rape, summary executions and other abuses since since Syria's civil war started in 2011. UN investigators have said that accountability must be taken at the highest level after the downfall of the hardline ruler on Sunday. Here is what we know about the extent of the abuses committed: In 2013 a former Syrian army photographer known by the codename "Caesar" fled the country, taking with him some 55,000 graphic images taken between 2011 and 2013. The photos, authenticated by experts, show corpses tortured and starved to death in Syrian prisons. Some people had their eyes gouged out. The photos showed emaciated bodies, people with wounds on the back or stomach, and also a picture of hundreds of corpses in a shed surrounded by plastic bags used for burials. Assad's Syrian government said only that the pictures were "political". But Caesar testified to a US Congress committee and his photographs inspired a 2020 US law which imposed economic sanctions on Syria and judicial proceedings in Europe against Assad's entourage. In Germany and Sweden eight people suspected of crime against humanity were arrested in July in an operation codenamed "Caesar". Germany, the Netherlands and France have since 2022 convicted several top officials from the Syrian intelligence service and militias. UN investigators say they have lists with the names of 4,000 government officials and operatives responsible for abuses. Human Rights Watch (HRW) in 2012 spoke of a "torture archipelago" in which the "use of electricity, burning with car battery acid, sexual assault and humiliation, the pulling of fingernails, and mock execution" were practised in government prisons. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said in 2022 more than 100,000 people had died in the prisons since 2011. In 2023, the UN's top court, the International Court of Justice, ordered Syria to stop "inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment". In 2020, seven Syrian refugees filed a complaint in Germany saying that they had been victims of torture and sexual violence, including rape, electric shocks on the genitals, forced nudity or forced abortion between 2011 and 2013. The UN said in 2018 there had been systmatic rape and sexual violence against civilians by soldiers or pro-Assad militias. It said an investigation had found rebels had committed similar crimes, but fewer. On November 25, 2024, the Syrian Human Rights Network (SNHR) said there had been at least 11,553 incidents of sexual violence against women, including girls aged under 18, by the warring parties since March 2011. Some 8,024 could be blamed on the Assad government and the others mainly on the jihadist Islamic State. In 2016 UN investigators said Syrian authorities were responsible for acts which came down to "extermination" and could be compared to "crimes against humanity". It pointed to the Saydnaya prison outside Damascus, which was described in 2017 by Amnesty International as a human slaughter house carrying out a "policy of extermination". The United States said there was a "crematorium" at the prison which was used to dispose of the bodies of thousands of inmates. In 2022 the Syrian Observatory for Human Righs said around 30,000 people had been killed at Saydnaya, some of them after being tortured. In April 2020, the chemical weapons watchdog OPCW accused the Syrian army of chemical weapons attacks in Latamne in northern Syria in 2017. In November 2023 France issued international arrest warrants against Bashar al-Assad, his brother Maher and two generals on suspicion of complicity in the chemical attacks in August 2013 near Damascus, which according to US intelligence left 1,000 dead. Assad's forces have also been accused of using sarin gas on the rebel town of Khan Sheikhun in April 2017, and also of chlorine gas attacks. Assad's government denied using chemical weapons. Israel says it has staged strikes on some chemical weapons sites this week to stop supplies falling into the hands of extremists.best casino websites australia 。

Syria govt loses control of key city DaraaBryce Thompson scored 17 points and achieved a milestone as Oklahoma State defeated Miami 80-74 on Friday afternoon in a Charleston Classic consolation game in Charleston, S.C. Thompson made 6-of-14 shots from the floor, surpassing 1,000 points for his career at Oklahoma State (4-1), which also got 15 points from Marchelus Avery. The Cowboys won in large part thanks to their impressive 3-point shooting (10-for-22, 45.5 percent). Oklahoma State backup guard Arturo Dean, a Miami native, posted eight points and one steal. He led the nation in steals last season while playing for Florida International. Miami (3-2) has lost two straight games in Charleston, failing to take a lead at any point. They will play on Sunday against either Nevada or VCU. The Hurricanes on Friday were led by Nijel Pack, who had a game-high 20 points. Brandon Johnson had a double-double for Miami with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Matthew Cleveland scored 11 points and Lynn Kidd and Paul Djobet added 10 points apiece for Miami. Miami, which fell behind 7-0 in Thursday's loss to Drake, got behind 9-0 on Friday as Abou Ousmane scored six of his eight points. Oklahoma State stretched its lead to 18 before settling for a 43-27 advantage at the break. Pack led all first-half scorers with 10 points, but Miami shot just 29.6 percent from the floor, including 3-of-13 on 3-pointers (23.1). Oklahoma State shot 48.4 percent, including 8-for-15 on 3-pointers (53.3 percent) before intermission. The Cowboys also had a 14-8 edge in paint points. In the second half, Miami closed its 20-point deficit to 55-42 with 12:12 left. Miami got a bit closer as two straight short jumpers by Kidd, trimming the deficit to 73-62 with 3:25 to play. The Hurricanes cut it to 77-70 on Pack's 3-pointer with 34 seconds remaining, but the Cowboys hit their free throws to close out the win. --Field Level Media

Juan Soto buttoned up his Mets threads for the first time on Thursday afternoon and explained his reasons for changing sides of New York went beyond the 15-year, $765 million contract. "What they had done the last couple of years, they have shown all of the ability to keep winning, to keep growing a team to try to grow a dynasty," Soto said Thursday. "What you were seeing from the other side was unbelievable. The vibes and everything, the feel and future this team has had a lot to do with my decision." Seated at a table with agent Scott Boras at his left and Mets general manager David Stearns to his right between Soto and franchise owner Steve Cohen, the coveted free agent said he enjoyed the courtship of multiple teams but opted against returning to the Yankees or joining one of their American League East rivals. The Blue Jays and Red Sox also met with Soto. Since the free agency process started, Soto all but tuned out the Yankees. Asked if he talked to anyone with his former team on Thursday, Soto said "I haven't talked to any of those guys. We talked to them through the playoffs, at the end of the playoffs. After that, I made this process, I haven't talked to any of those (guys)." Cohen, a billionaire who made his riches in hedge funds, felt the Mets would lure Soto away from the Yankees if they were able to make the pitch more personal. He said he was persistent and made sure Soto knew the Mets meant business all the way to the finish line. A second meeting with Soto, when the Mets said they learned about the slugger as a person and family man, Cohen felt the Mets sealed the deal. "We want to show them we're not just an executive, show them who we were -- have a personal touch and act like you care about the person, which I do," he said. Soto, 26, joins the Mets -- his fourth team since breaking into MLB with the Nationals in 2018 -- after spending one season with the crosstown rival Yankees, who gave the outfielder a one-year, $21.05 million qualifying offer that was turned down back on Nov. 19. The New York Post reported that the Yankees were willing to fork out $760 million over 16 years to bring back Soto, but the Mets ended up outbidding them. Soto helped the Yankees reach the World Series in 2024 after hitting .288 with a career-high 41 home runs along with 109 RBIs in 157 regular-season games. In the Fall Classic, Soto posted a .313 average and blasted a solo shot to account for his only RBI of the series, a five-game set that the Los Angeles Dodgers took 4-1. The Dodgers made baseball's biggest splash last offseason, signing free agent Shohei Ohtani to a 10-year, $700 million contract. Shortly after the signing, however, reports surfaced that Ohtani was deferring $68 million of the $70 million he is due each season, with Los Angeles paying the two-way star through 2043. In 936 career games across seven major league seasons with the Nationals (2018-22), San Diego Padres (2022-23) and Yankees (2024), Soto has clubbed 201 homers, racked up 592 RBIs and is a .285 hitter. --Field Level MediaATLANTA , Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- KORE Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: KORE) ("KORE" or the "Company"), the global pure-play Internet of Things ("IoT") hyperscaler and provider of IoT Connectivity, Solutions, and Analytics, today announced it has received notification (the "Acceptance Letter") from the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") that the NYSE has accepted the Company's previously-submitted plan (the "Plan") to regain compliance with the NYSE's continued listing standards set forth in Section 802.01B of the NYSE Listed Company Manual relating to minimum market capitalization and stockholders' equity. In the Acceptance Letter, the NYSE granted the Company an 18-month period from September 12, 2024 (the "Plan Period") to regain compliance with the continued listing standards. As part of the Plan, the Company is required to provide the NYSE quarterly updates regarding its progress towards the goals and initiatives in the Plan. In the Plan, Kore included details regarding previously reported operational restructuring activities, as well as an outlook on the Company's business. The Company expects its common stock will continue to be listed on the NYSE during the Plan Period, subject to the Company adherence to the Plan and compliance with other applicable NYSE continued listing standards. The Company's receipt of such notification from the NYSE does not affect the Company's business, operations or reporting requirements with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes certain statements that are not historical facts but are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as "believe," "guidance," "project," "may," "will," "estimate," "continue," "anticipate," "intend," "expect," "should," "would," "plan," "predict," "potential," "seem," "seek," "future," "outlook," and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding expected progress with the Company's compliance plan submitted to the NYSE, expected compliance with continued listing standards of the NYSE and expected continued listing of the Company's common stock on the NYSE. These statements are based on various assumptions and on the current expectations of KORE's management. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as and must not be relied on by any investor or other person as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of KORE. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including general economic, financial, legal, political and business conditions and changes in domestic and foreign markets; the potential effects of COVID-19; risks related to the rollout of KORE's business and the timing of expected business milestones; risks relating to the integration of KORE's acquired companies, including the acquisition of Twilio's IoT business, changes in the assumptions underlying KORE's expectations regarding its future business; our ability to negotiate and sign a definitive contract with a customer in our sales funnel; our ability to realize some or all of estimates relating to customer contracts as revenue, including any contractual options available to customers or contractual periods that are subject to termination for convenience provisions; the effects of competition on KORE's future business; and the outcome of judicial proceedings to which KORE is, or may become a party. If the risks materialize or assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that KORE presently does not know or that KORE currently believes are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect KORE's expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this press release. KORE anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause these assessments to change. However, while KORE may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, KORE specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing KORE's assessments as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements. KORE Investor Contact: Vik Vijayvergiya Vice President, IR, Corporate Development and Strategy vvijayvergiya@korewireless.com (770) 280-0324 View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kore-announces-nyse-acceptance-of-plan-to-regain-listing-compliance-302338621.html SOURCE KORE Group Holdings, Inc.

NEW YORK — There's a Christmas Day basketball game at Walt Disney World, featuring Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Wemby. An animated game, anyway. The real game takes place at Madison Square Garden, where Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs face the New York Knicks in a game televised on ABC and ESPN and streamed on Disney+ and ESPN+. The special alt-cast, the first animated presentation of an NBA game, will be shown on ESPN2 and also stream on Disney+ and ESPN+. Madison Square Garden is a staple of the NBA's Christmas schedule. Now it merges with a bigger home of the holidays, because the "Dunk the Halls" game will be staged at Disney, on a court set up right smack in the middle of where countless families have posed for vacation photos. Why that location? Because it was Mickey Mouse's Christmas wish. "Basketball courts often have the ability to make a normal environment look special, but in Disney it can only turn out incredible," Wembanyama said in an ESPN video promoting his Christmas debut. The story — this is Disney, after all — begins with Mickey penning a letter to Santa Claus, asking if he and his pals can host a basketball game. They'll not only get to watch one with NBA players, but some of them will even get to play. Goofy and Donald Duck will sub in for a couple Knicks players, while Mickey and Minnie Mouse will come on to play for the Spurs. "It looks to me like Goofy and Jalen Brunson have a really good pick-and-roll at the elite level," said Phil Orlins, an ESPN vice president of production. Walt Disney World hosted real NBA games in 2020, when the league set up there to complete its season that had been suspended by the COVID-19 pandemic. Those games were played at the ESPN Wide World of Sports. The setting for the Christmas game will be Main Street USA, at the entrance of the Magic Kingdom. Viewers will recognize Cinderella's castle behind one baseline and the train station at the other end, and perhaps some shops they have visited in between. Previous alternate animated broadcasts included an NFL game taking place in Andy's room from "Toy Story;" the "NHL Big City Greens Classic" during a game between the Washington Capitals and New York Rangers; and earlier this month, another NFL matchup between the Cincinnati Bengals and Dallas Cowboys also taking place at Springfield's Atoms Stadium as part of "The Simpsons Funday Football." Unlike basketball, the players are helmeted in those sports. So, this telecast required an extra level of detail and cooperation with players and teams to create accurate appearances of their faces and hairstyles. "So, this is a level of detail that we've never gone, that we've never done on any other broadcast," said David Sparrgrove, the senior director of creative animation for ESPN. Wembanyama, the 7-foot-3 phenom from France who was last season's NBA Rookie of the Year, looks huge even among most NBA players. The creators of the alternate telecast had to design how he'd look not only among his teammates and rivals, but among mice, ducks and chipmunks. "Like, Victor Wembanyama, seeing him in person is insane. It's like seeing an alien descend on a basketball court, and I think we kind of captured that in his animated character," said Drew Carter, who will again handle play-by-play duties, as he had in the previous animated telecasts, and will get an assist from sideline reporter Daisy Duck. Wembanyama's presence is one reason the Spurs-Knicks matchup, the leadoff to the NBA's five-game Christmas slate, was the obvious choice to do the animated telecast. The noon EST start means it will begin in the early evening in France and should draw well there. Also, it comes after ABC televises the "Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade" for the previous two hours, providing more time to hype the broadcast. Recognizing that some viewers who then switch over to the animated game may be Disney experts but NBA novices, there will be 10 educational explainers to help with basketball lingo and rules. Beyond Sports' visualization technology and Sony's Hawk-Eye tracking allow the animated players to make the same movements and plays made moments earlier by the real ones at MSG. Carter and analyst Monica McNutt will be animated in the style of the telecast, donning VR headsets to experience the game from Main Street, USA. Other animated faces recognizable to some viewers include NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, who will judge a halftime dunk contest among Mickey and his friends, and Santa himself, who will operate ESPN's "SkyCam" during the game. The players are curious how the production — and themselves — will look. "It's going to be so crazy to see the game animated," Spurs veteran Chris Paul said. "I think what's dope about it is it will give kids another opportunity to watch a game and to see us, basically, as characters." Get local news delivered to your inbox!At TOI World Desk, our dedicated team of seasoned journalists and passionate writers tirelessly sifts through the vast tapestry of global events to bring you the latest news and diverse perspectives round the clock. With an unwavering commitment to accuracy, depth, and timeliness, we strive to keep you informed about the ever-evolving world, delivering a nuanced understanding of international affairs to our readers. Join us on a journey across continents as we unravel the stories that shape our interconnected world. Read More ​How to make Masala Chicken Curry at home​ 10 beautiful animals that are pink in colour 10 easy-to-care-for beautiful freshwater fish for home aquariums 9 vegetarian dishes shine in the ‘100 Best Dishes in the World’ list ​10 rare animals found only in Asia​ In pics: Sai Pallavi's vacation to Australia 8 books that will help develop discipline and good habits in 2025 Sanskrit names for baby boy that sound modern 18 stews and soups shine among the '100 Best Dishes in the World' 9 foods that provide over 30 grams of protein when cooked

Politicians seldom keep their promises but Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State is of a different cut. On May 29, 2023, he promised to be ‘’Governor for all’’ but many people didn’t believe him because past governors had made similar promises which they observed in the breach. Interestingly, so far he has disappointed sceptics not only by the spread of his projects in Kaduna State but also by the way he is carrying everybody and disparate socio-political blocs along. During the last administration, Southern Kaduna was marginalised in terms of projects. The government treated the people with disdain and when they complained (in the exercise of their freedom of expression), they were threatened. Sometimes, the immediate past administration went beyond threats and detained those who spoke out against its policies. For example, in 2019, the president of Adara Development Association, Mr. Aweni Dio Maisamari, along with a few elders were illegally arrested and detained for about three months without investigation. The court dismissed the case afterwards because nothing was found against them. Senator Uba Sani has proven to be a different governor by the way he has been conducting the affairs of the state. In October 2023, he set up and all-embracing Kaduna Elders/Senior Citizens Forum comprising senior citizens, retired generals, civil servants, accomplished businessmen and seasoned politicians from all parties across the state. Retired General Zamani Lekwot and Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha, former Head of Service, were appointed Co-chairmen of the forum. The governor has also set up an Inter Religious Harmony Committee to advise on how the past can be redressed with a view of addressing present challenges. Furthermore, Governor Uba Sani is matching his words with action by reaching out and extending a hand of fellowship to Southern Kaduna. For the second time, he attended the Southern Kaduna Festival which held at Kafanchan Township Stadium last Saturday. During the occassion, the governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to build a state where no person or area is left behind. He also thanked the people for being peaceful and for cooperating with his administration. In addition, Governor Uba Sani enumerated the number of completed projects and those being executed in Southern Kaduna. He specifically recalled the dilapidated township roads in Kafanchan which had been abandoned for many years, thereby bringing untold hardship on the residents, which are now receiving attention. The good news is that the contract sum has been reviewed downwards to N9.3 billion and the government has advanced the contractor the sum of N4 billion. Right now, work is on-going. Also, the Senator Uba Sani administration is constructing a 22.5km road from Gwantu through Kibam to Godogodo; another 21.95km road from Madauchi to Kafanchan through Madakiya, including a branch to Matsirga Waterfalls, linking Jema’a to Zangon Kataf LGAs. Governor Uba Sani disclosed that the project has reached 70% and will be completed in the next two months. In addition, he has reached out to both Minister of Works and President Bola Tinubu for the construction of Kwoi-Jema’a road, promising that it will be awarded in the second quarter of 2026. Similarly, the Governor disclosed that Sir Patrick Yakowa General Hospital, Kafanchan, will be converted to a Federal Medical Center to serve the diverse population spanning several Local Government Areas and the neighbouring states of Plateau, Nassarawa, Niger and the FCT. According to him, this ‘’will greatly improve healthcare accessibility, strengthen tertiary healthcare delivery, and provide opportunities for advanced medical training and research in the area.’’ A day after he returned from the festival, Governor Uba Sani attended a Christmas Carol of Six Lessons organized by the Kaduna State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) at ECWA Good News, Narayi Highcost. He was accompanied by his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Sani Liman Kila, Senior Honorary Advisor Yusuf Hamisu Abubakar and the Secretary of Jama’atu Nasir Islam. At that event, he reiterated the need for peaceful coexistence and advised well-meaning residents of Kaduna State to checkmate the antics of ethnic chauvinists and religious bigots by living in peace, love and unity for overall progress and development. According to the governor, there can be no development without peace and harmony. Furthermore, the governor expressed his joy that people of Kaduna State are now living freely without intimidation because of their faith or ethnic affiliations. Governor Uba Sani rightly asserted that the challenge before every resident is to help in repositioning Kaduna State to bring back its lost glory, adding that Muslims and Christians must live together. He expressed dismay at the present situation where Kaduna—the capital city—is segmented along religious lines: Christians and Muslims living in segregated sections, instead of dwelling harmoniously together. The Governor has set the ball rolling. It is important that citizens of Kaduna State should complement his efforts by being their neighbours’ keepers, especially in this period of Yuletide. Fadason is a former Chairman of Kaduna State Council of the NUJ

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1 2 Lucknow: As part of its extensive organisational overhaul, the BJP is keeping a close check on the promotion of functionaries who defected from the opposition camp to the saffron outfit in recent times. Highly placed sources in the BJP said that the party decided to anoint only those functionaries to the post of mandal and district level presidents who were "loyal" and "active" within the party not only in 2024 but also in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. A senior BJP leader and an observer overseeing organisational elections confirmed that the party seeks to promote "committed workers" with a proven track record of being "active" for at least six years, dating back to 2019. The elections for mandal and district-level presidents are scheduled to be completed by the month's end. He emphasised that these criteria would be strictly enforced, especially when electing district presidents, inarguably one of the most important functionaries in the organisational network of any party. "The functionary must also necessarily belong to the ‘Vichar Parivar' (having an RSS background)," he said, adding that the party intends to foster leaders capable of effectively managing ground-level operations. The move has once again turned the spotlight on the BJP's cautious approach following its debacle in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where its seat tally plummeted from 62 to just 33. The defeat triggered an intense internal debate about the party's organisational efficacy. Sources said that the BJP's poor performance in the Lok Sabha elections was also rooted in resentment among loyal and committed workers, who were allegedly sidelined while the party leadership promoted defectors from the opposition camp. Political analysts said that this triggered a crisis for the BJP, enabling the opposition, particularly the Samajwadi Party and its ally Congress — two key constituents of the INDIA bloc — to make significant electoral gains in politically crucial Uttar Pradesh. Analysts recalled how soon after the BJP faced a setback in Lok Sabha elections, party candidates complained of an alleged "bhitarghat" (sabotage) by the workers, in what was perceived as a covert showdown between the BJP's old guards and those who switched over to the party in recent times. Unsurprisingly, the party's latest approach toward its organisational revamp could reassure loyal and trusted workers, who have grown apprehensive amid the BJP's increasing tendency to accommodate turncoats in key roles. Experts see the BJP's decision as an effort to restore internal balance and correct past missteps that alienated its grassroots workers. By emphasising loyalty, activism, and RSS affiliation, the party hopes to build a more ideologically cohesive and effective leadership structure at the ground level. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , and Mini Crossword .American Air Says Holiday Delays Caused by Vendor Tech Glitch

BEAVER CREEK, Colo. (AP) — As the situation stands, Ester Ledecka has two Olympic races on the same day in 2026, at nearly the same time and in Italian mountain towns hours apart. The Czech Republic standout simply can’t make both starting gates. So she may have a big decision to make on Feb. 8, 2026 — race in the women's downhill at the Milan-Cortina Games or go for a three-peat in snowboarding’s parallel giant slalom. Unless, of course, her lobbying efforts pay off. Ledecka said she's going through her country's Olympic committee to reach out and see if one of the events can be switched. The Winter Games released. “It’s like someone has broken your dream,” said after a training run in Beaver Creek as she prepares for a World Cup downhill and super-G this weekend. “So please change it. Please, please, please. It’s my biggest dream to do both. I can create a great show for people.” Ledecka is the rare athlete to do both winter sports at such a gold medal-winning level. Nearly seven years ago, Ledecka was a surprise winner in the super-G at the Pyeongchang Games — from bib No. 26, no less. A week later, she captured gold in the parallel GS (PGS). At the 2022 Beijing Winter Games, she defended her PGS crown along with finishing fifth in the super-G, 27th in the downhill and fourth in the Alpine combined. To amend an Olympic schedule would not be unprecedented. Before the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games, the International Olympic Committee and the governing body for track and field accommodated a request from Allyson Felix to go for a 200-400 double. She earned a silver in the 400. In 1996, the schedule was shifted so American sprinter Michael Johnson could run in the 200 and 400 at the Atlanta Games. He won gold in both. “I would appreciate it,” said Ledecka, who started skiing at 2 years old and snowboarding three years later. “They’re fighting (for it) right now.” The current schedule has snowboarding parallel giant slalom holding a qualifying round from 9 a.m. to 11 on Feb. 8 in Livigno, Italy. The final is set for 1 p.m. Meanwhile, the women's downhill is set to take place in Cortina at 11:30 a.m. It's about a 4-hour drive between the two events. For now, she's leaning toward snowboarding. Only because a few days later she could ski race in a super-G. “I was quite sad about that fact,” Ledecka said of the conflict between events. "We'll see. It’s still quite far away.” Ledecka has 88 World Cup starts in skiing, with 10 podium finishes and four wins. She has 63 World Cup starts in snowboarding, featuring 39 podium finishes and 25 wins. “I don’t know how she does it,” said American ski racer Jacqueline Wiles, who dabbled in snowboarding as a kid. “It’s absolutely insane.” Ledecka enjoys both sports for different reasons. In skiing, it's for the speed. For snowboarding, it's the execution of a turn. It's not always easy splitting her time between the two sports, fitting in training around events. She won a PGS race on Nov. 30 in China before arriving in Beaver Creek. After this, it's off to St. Moritz, Switzerland, for more ski racing. She's currently traveling with eight snowboards and 20 pairs of skis. “You cannot believe how stacked the ski room is right now,” Ledecka cracked. “I really admire my tech guy and how he's handling it all. I’m very happy to have my team help me do this, my dream, of going from the snowboard World Cup to the ski World Cup. I'm having a lot of fun.” Notes: Lara Gut-Behrami of Switzerland had the fastest time in the second training run Thursday. Italians racers Sofia Goggia and Federica Brignone were both within a second. ... Lindsey Vonn is not expected to forerun before the third and final training session Friday. The 40-year-old Vonn still plans on testing out the course before this weekend's races on the Birds of Prey course. AP skiing:Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and WembyMickey, Minnie, Goofy and Wemby

In the midst of Government formation negotiations for the Social Democrats, newly elected TD Eoin Hayes has been suspended from the party – Gary Gannon explain where the party is at. On The Hard Shoulder , Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon said the parliamentary party “took a kicking” this week . “I suppose we have to get ourselves up off the mat, and we have done that, we regrouped fairly quickly,” he said. “I think the decision we made with the parliamentary party was swift, it was in accordance with our values to stand for accountability. “We haven't shied away from it, we've met the press every single day since, we've stood over ourselves. “So I think we've in terms of how we reacted, I'm quite proud of that, but it was a tough day for us.” Speaking about an article in The Irish Independent discussing political accountability , Deputy Gannon said that he was mentioned several times “rightfully so” as he “didn’t meet standards last week”. “We never claimed to be pure,” he said. “We say our foundational sounds are transparency and accountability, we have standards that if we don't meet, that we will treat ourselves as we treat those who haven't met them too.” Deputy Gannon doesn’t know if he can see Eoin Hayes back in the party. “This has been an absolute whirlwind of a week,” he said. “I think time will tell its own tale - there's a lot of lessons to be learned for all of us here.” On Government negotiations, Deputy Gannon said the Soc Dems don’t want to be in Government “just to make up numbers”. “We made a commitment before the election to the electorate that we would meet with every single party,” he said. “We met with Labour, we met with Sinn Féin and yesterday we met with Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, which was very interesting. “Today, the parliamentary party decided to go a little bit deeper and meet and actually have another meeting with all the other parties again. “I mean, this is what an effective political party should be doing after an election like I don't want to sit in perennial opposition, I want to have my policies on the table, and this is how that starts.” Deputy Gannon added that the party will "drive a hard bargain" throughout negotiations. Listen back here: Soc Dem's Gary Gannon. 28/11/2024 Photo: Leah Farrell/© RollingNews.ie

The NFL (National Football League) is the most important sport in the United States and, every year, it manages to gather fans all over the world, especially during the Super Bowl. And for Christmas this year, the organization has prepared two musical shows by two well-known stars of the American scene: Mariah Carey and Beyoncé , both of whom were chosen to liven up the Christmas day at the Steelers-Chiefs and Texans-Ravens games , respectively. Here you will find all the schedules you need to know for both events that will be broadcast exclusively on the Netflix online platform. What time does Mariah Carey’s show start and where to watch it on the NFL Christmas Gameday? With her famous song “All I want for Christmas is You,” Mariah Carey will offer a (pre-recorded) concert during the pregame between Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs, which starts at 1pm ET (10am PT), this Wednesday, December 25 at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The NFL game will be broadcast on the Netflix streaming service in the United States and other countries around the world. In addition, there will be special coverage from NFL+, KCTV, KDKA, CBS Sports and NFL+. Times around the world to watch Mariah Carey’s show at the Steelers vs. Chiefs What time does Beyoncé's show start and where to watch it on NFL Christmas Gameday? Halftime show schedule On that same day, Beyoncé is also preparing the best of her repertoire to captivate her loyal fans who will go to Houston’s NRG Stadium to watch the game between the Texans and the Baltimore Ravens, which starts at 4:30 p.m. ET (1:30 p.m. PT). In the case of the 43-year-old artist, the concert will take place around 6 p.m. ET (3 p.m. PT) during the halftime. Netflix will also offer coverage of the game in the United States and other countries. KHOU, WJZ, CBS Sports and NFL+ will also provide coverage. Times around the world to watch Beyoncé's NFL halftime show How to watch Netflix in the United States? Streaming plans and prices Periodista y analista SEO del Núcleo de Audiencias del Grupo El Comercio. Hice mis estudios en ISIL de Lima, Perú. Once años de experiencia en noticias de fútbol internacional (Champions League, Eliminatorias, entre otros), UFC, WWE, Boxeo, NBA, NFL, béisbol, F1 y deportes olímpicos. Escribo artículos de interés en Estados Unidos, México y España.

Moderate Libs blame voters for their own failings

NEW YORK — There's a Christmas Day basketball game at Walt Disney World, featuring Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Wemby. An animated game, anyway. The real game takes place at Madison Square Garden, where Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs face the New York Knicks in a game televised on ABC and ESPN and streamed on Disney+ and ESPN+. The special alt-cast, the first animated presentation of an NBA game, will be shown on ESPN2 and also stream on Disney+ and ESPN+. Madison Square Garden is a staple of the NBA's Christmas schedule. Now it merges with a bigger home of the holidays, because the "Dunk the Halls" game will be staged at Disney, on a court set up right smack in the middle of where countless families have posed for vacation photos. Why that location? Because it was Mickey Mouse's Christmas wish. "Basketball courts often have the ability to make a normal environment look special, but in Disney it can only turn out incredible," Wembanyama said in an ESPN video promoting his Christmas debut. The story — this is Disney, after all — begins with Mickey penning a letter to Santa Claus, asking if he and his pals can host a basketball game. They'll not only get to watch one with NBA players, but some of them will even get to play. Goofy and Donald Duck will sub in for a couple Knicks players, while Mickey and Minnie Mouse will come on to play for the Spurs. "It looks to me like Goofy and Jalen Brunson have a really good pick-and-roll at the elite level," said Phil Orlins, an ESPN vice president of production. Walt Disney World hosted real NBA games in 2020, when the league set up there to complete its season that had been suspended by the COVID-19 pandemic. Those games were played at the ESPN Wide World of Sports. The setting for the Christmas game will be Main Street USA, at the entrance of the Magic Kingdom. Viewers will recognize Cinderella's castle behind one baseline and the train station at the other end, and perhaps some shops they have visited in between. Previous alternate animated broadcasts included an NFL game taking place in Andy's room from "Toy Story;" the "NHL Big City Greens Classic" during a game between the Washington Capitals and New York Rangers; and earlier this month, another NFL matchup between the Cincinnati Bengals and Dallas Cowboys also taking place at Springfield's Atoms Stadium as part of "The Simpsons Funday Football." Unlike basketball, the players are helmeted in those sports. So, this telecast required an extra level of detail and cooperation with players and teams to create accurate appearances of their faces and hairstyles. "So, this is a level of detail that we've never gone, that we've never done on any other broadcast," said David Sparrgrove, the senior director of creative animation for ESPN. Wembanyama, the 7-foot-3 phenom from France who was last season's NBA Rookie of the Year, looks huge even among most NBA players. The creators of the alternate telecast had to design how he'd look not only among his teammates and rivals, but among mice, ducks and chipmunks. "Like, Victor Wembanyama, seeing him in person is insane. It's like seeing an alien descend on a basketball court, and I think we kind of captured that in his animated character," said Drew Carter, who will again handle play-by-play duties, as he had in the previous animated telecasts, and will get an assist from sideline reporter Daisy Duck. Wembanyama's presence is one reason the Spurs-Knicks matchup, the leadoff to the NBA's five-game Christmas slate, was the obvious choice to do the animated telecast. The noon EST start means it will begin in the early evening in France and should draw well there. Also, it comes after ABC televises the "Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade" for the previous two hours, providing more time to hype the broadcast. Recognizing that some viewers who then switch over to the animated game may be Disney experts but NBA novices, there will be 10 educational explainers to help with basketball lingo and rules. Beyond Sports' visualization technology and Sony's Hawk-Eye tracking allow the animated players to make the same movements and plays made moments earlier by the real ones at MSG. Carter and analyst Monica McNutt will be animated in the style of the telecast, donning VR headsets to experience the game from Main Street, USA. Other animated faces recognizable to some viewers include NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, who will judge a halftime dunk contest among Mickey and his friends, and Santa himself, who will operate ESPN's "SkyCam" during the game. The players are curious how the production — and themselves — will look. "It's going to be so crazy to see the game animated," Spurs veteran Chris Paul said. "I think what's dope about it is it will give kids another opportunity to watch a game and to see us, basically, as characters." Get local news delivered to your inbox!Patriots coach Jerod Mayo believes narrow loss to Bills shows potential of his young team

MADRID (AP) — Spanish King Felipe VI used his traditional Christmas Eve speech to remember the victims of the catastrophic Valencia flash floods , and urged the country to remain calm while addressing hot-button issues such as immigration and housing affordability. In a pre-recorded speech that usually reviews the year’s most relevant issues, Felipe said Spain “must never forget the pain and sadness” the floods caused. The Oct. 29 floods killed more than 225 people in eastern Spain, damaging countless homes and leaving graveyards of cars piled on top of each other. In some towns, the heavy downpours that caused the floods dropped as much as a year’s worth of rain in just eight hours. In early November, as Spaniards’ shock at the wreckage turned into frustration, a political blame game began, directed especially at regional authorities who failed to send timely emergency alerts to cell phones on the day of the floods. The frustration of residents in hard-hit Paiporta near Valencia was on display when people tossed mud and shouted insults at the king and government officials in early November when they made their first visit to the town. RELATED COVERAGE California residents on edge as high surf and flooding threats persist on Christmas Eve As flooding becomes a yearly disaster in South Sudan, thousands survive on the edge of a canal Flood gates are dropped from a plan to protect the Jersey Shore’s back bays from catastrophic storms “We have seen — and understood — the frustration, the pain, the impatience, the demands for greater and more effective coordination,” Felipe said about how the disaster was managed. He also addressed the country’s housing crunch and high rents, which have become a leading concern in the southern European country that is the eurozone’s fourth-largest economy. Fast-rising rents are especially acute in cities like Barcelona and Madrid, where incomes have failed to keep up, especially for younger people in a country with chronically high unemployment. Felipe urged that “all the actors involved reflect” and “listen to each other” so that they facilitate bringing access to housing under “affordable conditions.” Spain’s immigration debate should keep in mind the country’s European partners and immigrants’ countries of origin, Felipe said, warning that “the way in which we are able to address immigration ... will say a lot in the future about our principles and the quality of our democracy.” Felipe said Spain needed to remain calm in the public sphere, even in the face of a “sometimes thunderous” contest in its politics.

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Copy link Copied Copy link Copied Subscribe to gift this article Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe. Already a subscriber? Login Sydney’s harbourside New Year’s Eve fireworks appeared safe from cancellation on Tuesday after the NSW train staff union backed down on what had been escalating threats of industrial action. The Minns government and the Rail Tram and Bus Union NSW were headed for the Fair Work Commission on Tuesday seeking orders on the dispute that had disrupted Christmas preparations across the state. AAP Copy link Copied Copy link Copied Subscribe to gift this article Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe. Already a subscriber? Login Introducing your Newsfeed Follow the topics, people and companies that matter to you. Latest In Federal Fetching latest articles Most Viewed In PoliticsSkier/snowboarder Ester Ledecka has 2 Olympic races on same day in 2026, hoping for schedule changeThe Green Bay Packers have made a surprising decision regarding the status of cornerback Jaire Alexander for Monday night’s game against the New Orleans Saints. Alexander will be inactive for the Packers once again on Monday, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Pelissero added that while Alexander was a full participant in practice during the week, the Packers felt he simply did not look like himself and chose to hold him back for another week. Sources: #Packers CB Jaire Alexander will be inactive tonight against the #Saints . He’s played just 10 snaps since October with what the team has called a knee injury. He was listed as a full participant this week in practice. But he’s not himself. They’ll reevaluate next week. pic.twitter.com/y6R67EP5yN — Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 23, 2024 This is not necessarily cause for concern, but it does come as a surprise given Alexander’s practice status, as there seemed to be real optimism that he would be back for this game. The standout cornerback has been dealing with a torn PCL in his knee, which he re-injured earlier in the season . Obviously, the team does not want to risk anything like that happening again. A two-time Pro Bowl selection, Alexander has only played in 14 games since the start of the 2023 season due to various injuries. The knee problem has limited him to seven appearances in 2024, including just 10 snaps since Week 8. This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.