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COLUMBUS, Ohio — Dominic Zvada kicked a 21-yard field goal with 45 seconds left and Michigan stunned No. 2 Ohio State 13-10 on Saturday, likely ending the Buckeyes ’ hopes of returning to the Big Ten title game. Kalel Mullings broke away for a 27-yard run, setting up the Wolverines (7-5, 5-4) at Ohio State's 17-yard line with two minutes remaining in the game. The drive stalled at the 3, and Zvada came on for the chip shot. Ohio State (10-2, 7-2, No. 2 CFP) got the ball back but couldn't move it, with Will Howard throwing incomplete on fourth down to seal the Wolverines' fourth straight win over their bitter rival. “You come to Michigan to play this game,” Zvada said. “So, it's the biggest one of the year. It's the one that everyone looks forward to, and to be able to come in here and take the win, it's amazing.” This Ohio State loss in the “The Game” might have been the toughest of the past four because Michigan was unranked and wrapping up a disappointing season. The Wolverines were also playing without a couple of top players: tight end Colston Loveland and cornerback Will Johnson. The Buckeyes were favored by 21 points, the widest point spread for this rivalry since 1978, according to ESPN Stats and Info. Records — and point spreads, for that matter — rarely mean much when these two teams meet. “Our defense played outstanding," Michigan coach Sherrone Moore said. "We held a high-powered offense to 10 points, 77 rushing yards.” The Buckeyes were off all afternoon. Howard was 19 for 33 for 175 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions and Jayden Fielding missed two field-goal attempts. The run game was hardly there. “It's hard, man,” an emotional Howard said. “I really don’t have much right now. I do know we're a two-loss team. We're going to get into the playoffs and make a run. But, I mean, this one hurts.” Mullings was Michigan's primary weapon. He rushed for 116 yards and the Wolverines only touchdown of the game in the first half as neither team could get much going offensively on the frigid afternoon. “They made plays, we made plays, so as the game wore on you could definitely, slowly feel them starting to lose confidence, lose that energy and lose that faith,” Mullings said. Howard was clunky all day. In the first half he threw an interception from deep in his own territory that led to Michigan's touchdown. He went out for a play in the second quarter to be checked for a head injury. After the game, he said he was fine. “We're very disappointed, and never thought this would happen right here,” Ohio State coach Ryan Day said. “We expected to win this game and go play in the Big Ten championship game.” After the game, Michigan players attempted to plant their flag at midfield and were confronted by Ohio State players. A skirmish ensued as both teams pushed and shoved before being separated. Michigan: Did just enough and caught Ohio State on an off day. Ohio State: It's inexplicable how badly the Buckeyes played in their biggest game of the season. They would need No. 4 Penn State and No. 10 Indiana to lose later Saturday in order to make it into the Big Ten title game next week. There has been talk all season about how many of the Ohio State team leaders, including receiver Emeka Egbuka, running back TreVeyon Henderson and defensive end Jack Sawyer, chose to return for another year instead of entering the NFL draft because they wanted to beat Michigan at least once. Those players were inconsolable after the game. One of them, linebacker Cody Simon, was asked how he felt. “I just can't speak that right now,” Simon said. “I feel like we let the whole Buckeye nation down.” Michigan will wait for a minor bowl game. Ohio State, assuming either Penn State or Indiana wins on Saturday, will see how the final College Football Playoff rankings shakeout on Dec. 8. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football . Sign up for the AP’s college football newsletter: https://apnews.com/cfbtop25
Grey Cup streaker fined $10,000 for naked runNEW YORK -- Police don't know who he is, where he is, or why he did it. As the frustrating search for UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s killer got underway for a fifth day Sunday, investigators reckoned with a tantalizing contradiction: They have troves of evidence, but the shooter remains an enigma. One conclusion they are confident of, however: It was a targeted attack , not a random one. They know he ambushed Thompson at 6:44 a.m. Wednesday as the executive arrived at the Hilton for his company’s annual investor conference, using a 9 mm pistol that resembled the guns farmers use to put down animals without causing a loud noise. They know ammunition found near Thompson’s body bore the words “delay,” “deny” and “depose,” mimicking a phrase used by insurance industry critics . The fact that the shooter knew UnitedHealthcare group was holding a conference at the hotel and what route Thompson might take to get there suggested that he could possibly be a disgruntled employee or client, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said. Police divers were seen searching a pond in Central Park, where the killer fled after the shooting. Officers have been scouring the park for days for any possible clues and found his backpack there Friday. They didn’t immediately reveal what, if anything, it contained but said it would be tested and analyzed. On Sunday morning, police declined to comment on the contents of the backpack, or on the results of the search in the pond, saying no updates were planned. Investigators have urged patience, saying the process of logging evidence that stands up in court isn’t as quick as it looks like on TV . Hundreds of detectives are combing through video recordings and social media, vetting tips from the public and interviewing people who might have information, including Thompson’s family and coworkers and the shooter’s randomly assigned roommates at the Manhattan hostel where he stayed. Investigators caught a break when they came across security camera images of an unguarded moment at the hostel in which he briefly showed his face. Retracing the gunman’s steps using surveillance video, police say, it appears he left the city by bus soon after the shooting outside the New York Hilton Midtown. He was seen on video at an uptown bus station about 45 minutes later, Kenny said. With the high-profile search expanding across state lines, the FBI announced late Friday that it was offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction, adding to a reward of up to $10,000 that the NYPD has offered. Police say they believe the suspect acted alone. Police distributed the images to news outlets and on social media but so far haven’t been able to ID him using facial recognition — possibly because of the angle of the images or limitations on how the NYPD is allowed to use that technology, Kenny said. Late Saturday, police released two additional photos of the suspected shooter that appeared to be from a camera mounted inside a taxi. The first shows him outside the vehicle and the second shows him looking through the partition between the back seat and the front of the cab. In both, his face is partially obscured by a blue, medical-style mask.Ohanaeze Ndigbo picks Umahi as 2024 Igbo Man of the Year
The Latest: Former President Jimmy Carter is Dead at age 100HOUSTON, TEXAS, Nov. 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Quanex Building Products Corporation (NYSE: NX) (“Quanex” or the “Company”) today announced plans to release its fourth quarter and full year 2024 results on Thursday, December 12, 2024 after trading closes on the New York Stock Exchange. The Company has also scheduled a conference call for Friday, December 13, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. ET (10:00 a.m. CT) to discuss the release. A link to the live audio webcast will be available on Quanex’s website at http://www.quanex.com in the Investors section under Presentations & Events. Participants can pre-register for the conference call using the following link: https://register.vevent.com/register/BIef39998f168c4cff8d9ed1561cb1cc48 Registered participants will receive an email containing conference call details for dial-in options. To avoid delays, it is recommended that participants dial into the conference call ten minutes ahead of the scheduled start time. A replay will be available for a limited time on the Company’s website at http://www.quanex.com in the Investors section under Presentations & Events. About Quanex Quanex is a global manufacturer with core capabilities and broad applications across various end markets. The Company currently collaborates and partners with leading OEMs to provide innovative solutions in the window, door, vinyl fencing, solar, refrigeration, custom mixing, building access and cabinetry markets. Looking ahead, Quanex plans to leverage its material science expertise and process engineering to expand into adjacent markets.
Kalel Mullings broke away for a 27-yard run, setting up the Wolverines (7-5, 5-4) at Ohio State's 17-yard line with two minutes remaining in the game. The drive stalled at the 3, and Zvada came on for the chip shot. Ohio State (10-2, 7-2, No. 2 CFP) got the ball back but couldn't move it, with Will Howard throwing incomplete on fourth down to seal the Wolverines' fourth straight win over their bitter rival. “You come to Michigan to play this game,” Zvada said. “So, it's the biggest one of the year. It's the one that everyone looks forward to, and to be able to come in here and take the win, it's amazing.” This Ohio State loss in the “The Game” might have been the toughest of the past four because Michigan was unranked and wrapping up a disappointing season. The Wolverines were also playing without a couple of top players: tight end Colston Loveland and cornerback Will Johnson. The Buckeyes were favored by 21 points, the widest point spread for this rivalry since 1978, according to ESPN Stats and Info. Records — and point spreads, for that matter — rarely mean much when these two teams meet. “Our defense played outstanding," Michigan coach Sherrone Moore said. "We held a high-powered offense to 10 points, 77 rushing yards.” The Buckeyes were off all afternoon. Howard was 19 for 33 for 175 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions and Jayden Fielding missed two field-goal attempts. The run game was hardly there. “It's hard, man,” an emotional Howard said. “I really don’t have much right now. I do know we're a two-loss team. We're going to get into the playoffs and make a run. But, I mean, this one hurts.” Mullings was Michigan's primary weapon. He rushed for 116 yards and the Wolverines only touchdown of the game in the first half as neither team could get much going offensively on the frigid afternoon. “They made plays, we made plays, so as the game wore on you could definitely, slowly feel them starting to lose confidence, lose that energy and lose that faith,” Mullings said. Howard was clunky all day. In the first half he threw an interception from deep in his own territory that led to Michigan's touchdown. He went out for a play in the second quarter to be checked for a head injury. After the game, he said he was fine. “We're very disappointed, and never thought this would happen right here,” Ohio State coach Ryan Day said. “We expected to win this game and go play in the Big Ten championship game.” After the game, Michigan players attempted to plant their flag at midfield and were confronted by Ohio State players. A skirmish ensued as both teams pushed and shoved before being separated. Michigan: Did just enough and caught Ohio State on an off day. Ohio State: It's inexplicable how badly the Buckeyes played in their biggest game of the season. They would need No. 4 Penn State and No. 10 Indiana to lose later Saturday in order to make it into the Big Ten title game next week. There has been talk all season about how many of the Ohio State team leaders, including receiver Emeka Egbuka, running back TreVeyon Henderson and defensive end Jack Sawyer, chose to return for another year instead of entering the NFL draft because they wanted to beat Michigan at least once. Those players were inconsolable after the game. One of them, linebacker Cody Simon, was asked how he felt. “I just can't speak that right now,” Simon said. “I feel like we let the whole Buckeye nation down.” Michigan will wait for a minor bowl game. Ohio State, assuming either Penn State or Indiana wins on Saturday, will see how the final College Football Playoff rankings shakeout on Dec. 8. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football . Sign up for the AP’s college football newsletter: https://apnews.com/cfbtop251 2 Bahraich: To ensure safe journeys, faster deliveries, and a superior travel experience, the proposed 101-km, four-lane highway between Barabanki and Bahraich is set to become Uttar Pradesh's first digital highway , offering state-of-the-art facilities. This ambitious project will feature groundbreaking innovations. Optical fiber cables will be laid along the road, eliminating the need for future excavations. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has initiated surveys, and construction is expected to begin by March 2025. Equipped with modern technology and enhanced connectivity, the highway will include 24/7 network availability, National Permit Register (NPR) cameras, and efficient lighting systems. Safety remains a top priority, with features designed to reduce accidents and ensure secure travel. Ample lighting during nighttime will make driving easier and safer, while the digital highway will facilitate higher vehicle speeds and enhance the overall travel experience. NHAI has launched an ambitious plan to build 10,000 kilometres of digital highways across the country. The initiative began with the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway and Hyderabad-Bengaluru Corridor, and now the Barabanki-Bahraich highway has received approval from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. The highway, part of NH-927, will span 101.54 kilometres and connect key locations, including Lucknow, Shravasti airport, NH-27, and the India-Nepal border. This development will significantly enhance regional connectivity and promote economic growth in the area. A three-metre-wide duct along the highway will house optical fiber cables, providing excellent mobile and internet services. Companies will be able to lease land along the highway for a nominal fee to facilitate this connectivity. NHAI project director Saurabh Kanaujia said that the Barabanki-Bahraich highway would be transformed into a digital highway. The road from Barabanki to Rupaidiha border in Bahraich will soon be expanded to a four-lane highway. The NHAI and the revenue department have started the process of marking the area for the widening project. This expansion comes in response to the increased traffic and pressure caused by the construction of the Mahadeva Corridor. Due to heavy traffic and frequent diversions, road accidents have also risen, prompting NHAI to begin the four-lane highway project. The new highway will bring significant relief to the millions of people living in Barabanki, Bahraich, Gonda, and Balrampur districts, as well as those travelling from Nepal. Currently, around 25,000 vehicles use this highway daily. The heavy traffic load has led to frequent damage to the Sanjay Setu bridge. To alleviate this, a new 1.3-kilometre-long bridge will be constructed between the Sanjay Setu and the railway bridge, reducing pressure on both bridges. Traffic on both bridges will be directed in a one-way system. Additionally, a flyover will be built from Chapula to connect the Ayodhya Highway with the old two-lane highway to Bahraich, near the new mandi and railway crossing area.WASHINGTON -- Republican Mariannette Miller-Meeks wins reelection to U.S. House in Iowa's 1st Congressional District.
SEOUL, South Korea — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vowed to implement the “toughest” anti-U.S. policy, state media reported Sunday, less than a month before Donald Trump takes office as U.S. president. Trump’s return to the White House raises prospects for high-profile diplomacy with North Korea. During his first term, Trump met Kim three times for talks on the North's nuclear program. Many experts however say a quick resumption of Kim-Trump summitry is unlikely as Trump would first focus on conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. North Korea's support for Russia's war against Ukraine also poses a challenge to efforts to revive diplomacy, experts say. During a five-day plenary meeting of the ruling Workers’ Party that ended Friday, Kim called the U.S. “the most reactionary state that regards anti-communism as its invariable state policy.” Kim said that the U.S.-South Korea-Japan security partnership is expanding into “a nuclear military bloc for aggression." “This reality clearly shows to which direction we should advance and what we should do and how,” Kim said, according to the official Korean Central News Agency. It said Kim's speech “clarified the strategy for the toughest anti-U.S. counteraction to be launched aggressively” by North Korea for its long-term national interests and security. KCNA didn't elaborate on the anti-U.S. strategy. But it said Kim set forth tasks to bolster military capability through defense technology advancements and stressed the need to improve the mental toughness of North Korean soldiers. The previous meetings between Trump and Kim had not only put an end to their exchanges of fiery rhetoric and threats of destruction, but they developed personal connections. Trump once famously said he and Kim “fell in love.” But their talks eventually collapsed in 2019, as they wrangled over U.S.-led sanctions on the North. North Korea has since sharply increased the pace of its weapons testing activities to build more reliable nuclear missiles targeting the U.S. and its allies. The U.S. and South Korea have responded by expanding their military bilateral drills and also trilateral ones involving Japan, drawing strong rebukes from the North, which views such U.S.-led exercises as invasion rehearsals. Further complicating efforts to convince North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons in return for economic and political benefits is its deepening military cooperation with Russia. According to U.S., Ukrainian and South Korean assessments, North Korea has sent more than 10,000 troops and conventional weapons systems to support Moscow's war against Ukraine. There are concerns that Russia could give North Korea advanced weapons technology in return, including help to build more powerful nuclear missiles. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said last week that 3,000 North Korean troops have been killed and wounded in the fighting in Russia's Kursk region. It was the first significant estimate by Ukraine of North Korean casualties since the North Korean troop deployment to Russia began in October. Russia and China, locked in separate disputes with the U.S., have repeatedly blocked U.S.-led pushes to levy more U.N. sanctions on North Korea despite its repeated missile tests in defiance of U.N. Security Council resolutions. Last month, Kim said that his past negotiations with the United States only confirmed Washington’s “unchangeable” hostility toward his country and described his nuclear buildup as the only way to counter external threats.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture ‘s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has just issued a national call to action. The hunt is on for experts, innovators, and advocates to serve on the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods (NACMCF), a specialized force shaping the safety of what lands on your family’s dinner table. With 30 committee seats opening for the 2025 term, the USDA is extending an invitation to industry experts and public representatives alike to join this high-stakes mission. This isn’t just a panel of talking heads. For over 36 years, NACMCF has been the unsung hero behind America’s food safety systems, offering cutting-edge scientific guidance and retooling standards to tackle the most dangerous microbiological threats in our food supply. Now, as new threats emerge and existing strategies evolve, the USDA is doubling down on securing the nation’s food safety future. “Our approach to food safety must continually evolve, and those selected to serve on this committee will help us strengthen our regulatory frameworks and programs, to best safeguard the health and well-being of American families,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. Listeria monocytogenes. Cronobacter spp. Aged raw milk cheese. If these phrases don’t grab your attention, they should. Whether it’s preventing deadly bacteria in powdered infant formula, tackling contamination in cheese production, or revolutionizing pathogen tracking using genomic technology, NACMCF is the guiding light behind how we confront these challenges. Its recommendations don’t just influence the USDA’s FSIS programs; they ripple through the FDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and even the Department of Defense. Working behind the scenes, the committee’s insights ensure that America’s food safety protocols remain rigorous, research-driven, and ahead of the curve. The USDA wants the best and brightest—but that doesn’t mean nominees need to hail exclusively from labs or university research desks. Of course, expertise in microbiology, epidemiology, risk assessment, and public health is critical, but the USDA is also casting a wide net. Academic leaders, industry trailblazers, state officials, consumer group advocates—even self-nominations are fair game. For consumer nominees, scientific credentials aren’t required. Public participation ensures the committee reflects diverse voices and perspectives from across the food safety ecosystem. This blend of expertise fosters robust, balanced decisions capable of addressing the full complexity of food protection challenges. Here’s what’s really driving this urgency. Foodborne illness claims lives, burdens healthcare systems, and costs the economy billions annually. Diseases caused by pathogens like Listeria and Cronobacter are often preventable, but only with comprehensive, research-backed strategies. That’s exactly where NACMCF steps in—its work doesn’t just stop outbreaks; it rewrites the rules to stop them before they begin. One key focus area for the 2025-2027 term is Listeria monocytogenes, a deadly foodborne pathogen linked to processed meats and cheeses. Listeria thrives in cold temperatures and can rear its head even in rigorous refrigeration processes, making it a formidable enemy for food processors and regulators. NACMCF’s task will involve reassessing FSIS policies to ensure these threats are tackled head-on while rejecting outdated practices that no longer serve public safety. Additionally, powdered infant formula—a staple for millions of families—will remain under the microscope. Cronobacter spp., a bacterium with life-threatening implications for infants, presents a direct and pressing concern. The committee’s work in this area is not just advisory; it provides lifelines to parents who entrust manufacturers and regulators with their child’s health. NACMCF isn’t just reactive. With the acceleration of genomic pathogen characterization technology, the committee will explore high-tech solutions to track outbreaks faster and more precisely than ever before. Laying the groundwork now means saving lives later. Want to be involved? The process is straightforward. Nominations require a cover letter addressed to Secretary Vilsack, detailing the nominee’s qualifications, along with a resume or curriculum vitae. Candidates must also complete USDA’s Advisory Committee Membership Background Information form ( AD-755 ). Submissions are open and can be emailed to NACMCF@usda.gov , or mailed to: The Honorable Thomas Vilsack, Secretary, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Room 1128 South Building, Attn: Kristal Southern, Designated Federal Officer, FSIS\OPHS\National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods, Washington, DC 20250.. But be warned—this is no honorary position for the fainthearted. Serving on this committee means grappling with some of the most urgent and complex microbiological dilemmas in public health. It requires expertise, passion, and an unwavering commitment to protect consumers from coast to coast. Why does any of this matter? Because food safety isn’t just about science—it’s about trust. And that trust has been shaken more times than we’d like to admit. From high-profile recalls to global supply chain vulnerabilities exposed by the pandemic, Americans are demanding smarter, science-backed safeguards on their dinner plates. NACMCF brings that trust to life. Its committees push boundaries, ask the tough questions, and develop actionable solutions that ripple through legislation, industry standards, and public health responses. This isn’t just an opportunity for scientists and public health professionals—it’s a chance for everyday Americans to ensure the food on their table is safe, nutritious, and fit for the future. For 36 years, NACMCF has worked without fanfare, but its contributions are woven into the fabric of America’s food safety system. Now, the USDA is once again assembling its next team of heroes in food science. The clock is ticking, and nominations are open. If you have the expertise or perspective to make a difference, this is the time to act. Whether it’s serving on the committee or encouraging the right candidate to apply, this is your chance to safeguard the plates and lives of millions. Food isn’t an option—it’s a necessity. And keeping it safe? That’s a mission for us all. For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN .Some quotations from Jimmy Carter: We have a tendency to exalt ourselves and to dwell on the weaknesses and mistakes of others. I have come to realize that in every person there is something fine and pure and noble, along with a desire for self-fulfillment. Political and religious leaders must attempt to provide a society within which these human attributes can be nurtured and enhanced. — from 1975 book “Why Not the Best?” Our government can express the highest common ideals of human beings — if we demand of government true standards of excellence. At this Bicentennial time of introspection and concern, we must demand such standards. — “Why Not the Best?” I am a Southerner and an American, I am a farmer, an engineer, a father and husband, a Christian, a politician and former governor, a planner, a businessman, a nuclear physicist, a naval officer, a canoeist, and among other things a lover of Bob Dylan’s songs and Dylan Thomas’s poetry. — “Why Not the Best?” Christ said, “I tell you that anyone who looks on a woman with lust has in his heart already committed adultery.” I’ve looked on a lot of women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times. This is something that God recognizes I will do — and I have done it — and God forgives me for it. But that doesn’t mean that I condemn someone who not only looks on a woman with lust but who leaves his wife and shacks up with somebody out of wedlock. — Interview, November 1976 Playboy. This inauguration ceremony marks a new beginning, a new dedication within our Government, and a new spirit among us all. A President may sense and proclaim that new spirit, but only a people can provide it. — Inaugural address, January 1977. It’s clear that the true problems of our nation are much deeper — deeper than gasoline lines or energy shortages, deeper even than inflation and recession. ... All the legislation in the world can’t fix what’s wrong with America. ... It is a crisis of confidence. — So-called “malaise” speech, July 1979. But we know that democracy is always an unfinished creation. Each generation must renew its foundations. Each generation must rediscover the meaning of this hallowed vision in the light of its own modern challenges. For this generation, ours, life is nuclear survival; liberty is human rights; the pursuit of happiness is a planet whose resources are devoted to the physical and spiritual nourishment of its inhabitants. — Farewell Address, January 1981. We appreciate the past. We are grateful for the present and we’re looking forward to the future with great anticipation and commitment. — October 1986, at the dedication of the Carter Presidential Library and Museum. War may sometimes be a necessary evil. But no matter how necessary, it is always an evil, never a good. We will not learn to live together in peace by killing each other’s children. — December 2002, Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech. Fundamentalists have become increasingly influential in both religion and government, and have managed to change the nuances and subtleties of historic debate into black-and-white rigidities and the personal derogation of those who dare to disagree. ... The influence of these various trends poses a threat to many of our nation’s historic customs and moral commitments, both in government and in houses of worship. — From 2005 book “Our Endangered Values.” I think that this breakthrough by Barack Obama has been remarkable. When he made his speech (on race) a few months ago in Philadelphia, I wept. I sat in front of the television and cried, because I saw that as the most enlightening and transforming analysis of racism and a potential end of it that I ever saw in my life. — August 2008, commenting on then-Sen. Barack Obama’s candidacy. I think it’s based on racism. There is an inherent feeling among many in this country that an African-American should not be president. ... No matter who he is or how much we disagree with his policies, the president should be treated with respect. — September 2009, reacting to Rep. Joe Wilson’s shout of “You lie!” during a speech to Congress by President Barack Obama. I’m still determined to outlive the last guinea worm. — 2010, on The Carter Center’s work to eradicate guinea worm disease. You know how much I raised to run against Gerald Ford? Zero. You know how much I raised to run against Ronald Reagan? Zero. You know how much will be raised this year by all presidential, Senate and House campaigns? $6 billion. That’s 6,000 millions. — September 2012, reacting to the 2010 “Citizens United” U.S. Supreme Court decision permitting unlimited third-party political spending. I have become convinced that the most serious and unaddressed worldwide challenge is the deprivation and abuse of women and girls, largely caused by a false interpretation of carefully selected religious texts and a growing tolerance of violence and warfare, unfortunately following the example set during my lifetime by the United States. — From 2014 book “A Call to Action.” I don’t think there’s any doubt now that the NSA or other agencies monitor or record almost every telephone call made in the United States, including cellphones, and I presume email as well. We’ve gone a long way down the road of violating Americans’ basic civil rights, as far as privacy is concerned. — March 2014, commenting on U.S. intelligence monitoring after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks We accept self-congratulations about the wonderful 50th anniversary – which is wonderful – but we feel like Lyndon Johnson did it and we don’t have to do anything anymore. — April 2014, commenting on racial inequality during a celebration of the Civil Rights Act’s 40th anniversary. I had a very challenging question at Emory (University) the other night: “How would you describe the United States of America today in one word?” And I didn’t know what to say for a few moments, but I finally said, “Searching.” I think the country in which we live is still searching for what it ought to be, and what it can be, and I’m not sure we’re making much progress right at this moment. — October 2014 during a celebration of his 90th birthday. The life we have now is the best of all. We have an expanding and harmonious family, a rich life in our church and the Plains community, and a diversity of projects at The Carter Center that is adventurous and exciting. Rosalynn and I have visited more than 145 countries, and both of us are as active as we have ever been. We are blessed with good health and look to the future with eagerness and confidence, but are prepared for inevitable adversity when it comes. — From 2015 book, “A Full Life.”
The champions for 2024 will be officially crowned on Sunday as take on the in this year’s final. It has been a memorable finals week in Malaga so far, with the Dutch team proving their composure to topple hosts Spain in the opener and in the process. Botic van de Zandschulp has been an integral figure for Paul Haarhuis’ side, beating Nadal and then teaming up with the retiring Wesley Koolhof to defeat Carlos Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers to secure progress into the last four. He then toppled Daniel Altmaier in a third-set decider in the opening singles rubber of the semi-final showdown with Germany, before Tallon Griekspoor fought back to thwart Jan-Lennard Struff and first-ever berth. They will need to be at their very best to topple Italy, with the defending champions looking to retain their title after beating Australia last year and watching their compatriots lift the Billie Jean King Cup in the same city this week. Filippo Volandri’s team needed Matteo Berrettini and reigning men’s world No1 Jannik Sinner to team up and see off Argentina in the quarter-finals after Sinner had kept the tie alive following defeat for Lorenzo Musetti, with that duo seeing off Thanasi Kokkinakis and Alex De Minaur respectively to in Saturday’s last-four tie without the need for a tense doubles decider. When is the the Davis Cup final? The 2024 Davis Cup final takes place on Sunday, November 24 at the Palacio de Deportes Jose Maria Martin Carpena in Malaga, Spain. What time is the Davis Cup final? The final begins at 4pm CET, which is 3pm GMT in the UK. Davis Cup final teams The respective captains have up until an hour before play begins to name their teams for the tie, though Italy have so far played Sinner in their second singles match with Berrettini likely to open again in place of Musetti after his success against Germany. Haarhuis must therefore decide whether to play Van de Zandschulp first once more, or rather to match him up against Sinner and throw out Griekspoor first. The Netherlands would surely likely pair Van de Zandschulp and Koolhof together again if the final goes down to a doubles decider, likewise Italy with Berrettini and Sinner - although they also have a talented doubles pair eager for their chance in Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori. Italy team Matteo Berrettini Jannik Sinner Lorenzo Musetti Simone Bolelli Andrea Vavassori Netherlands team Tallon Griekspoor Botic van de Zandschulp Wesley Koolhof Jesper de Jong How to watch Davis Cup final Sunday’s final is being broadcast live on the Channel, which costs £2.49 a month in the UK with a seven-day free trial available. Live coverage is also being shown online for free via the BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport website. The shortened best-of-three format seen in the Davis Cup finals continues in Sunday’s showpiece. The two singles matches are played first, with a doubles rubber then deciding the tie if necessary. All matches - both singles and doubles - are best-of-three sets. Davis Cup final odds Italy to win: 1/8 Netherlands to win: 5/1Black Friday is among the most awaited shopping events of the year. Retailers roll out big discounts, special promotions, and doorbuster deals to draw in crowds both online and in stores. Still, many shoppers ask the question: are Black Friday discounts worth it, or just some clever marketing schemes? The article explores the truth behind Black Friday discounts and tips on how to wade through the frenzy and secure real savings. Black Friday is attractive because it is popularized as a day to save on things that do only come around once in every year. It has transcended from being purely the American phenomenon to encompass different retailers across the world, which have joined in their participation. The anticipation from the event is created through thorough advertisements, countdown to purchases, and limited-period purchase. While some of them are indeed true, others are only the fruit of increased consumer excitement. Retailers understand that urgency around Black Friday will always make people rush to shop because they will be convinced to buy stuff on the spot before discounts are gone. Black Friday discounts often fit into a couple of categories: Doorbusters: These are the very deeply discounted items that exist in limited quantities. They are usually designed to attract people to stores or onto websites fast. However, after they are sold out, other merchandise may not provide as much savings. Percentage-off sales: Some retailers have blanket percentage off of an entire category or store, like "30% off all electronics" or "buy one, get one 50% off." Bundle deals: These offers give a discount on bundles. For instance, when purchasing a laptop , there can be a discounted bundle of the accessories. Flash sales: These are time-bound offers available for only a few hours or even minutes, pushing the urgency to buy right now. While some Black Friday deals are real value, not all discounts look as impressive as they do. Retailers sometimes inflate prices in the weeks leading up to Black Friday, so the discounts seem more significant than they do. Others create "exclusive" deals that seem to be unique to Black Friday but have been available all year in other forms. A popular technique is to sell old models or items whose product cycle is ending at discounted prices. Even though these offers seem to be a bargain, the value they bring might not last long, especially with gadgets or appliances in technology that could soon be overtaken by newer models. Price tracking tools and comparison websites are so important in helping to ensure whether a deal is the real bargain or not. Advanced price monitoring helps keep one from being misled to false discounts, ensuring shopper value for their money in purchasing. To avoid traps of impulsive spending over Black Friday, follow some of these tips: Research the prices beforehand: Use price tracking tools to see the average cost of items before Black Friday. This helps identify real deals versus inflated discounts. Make a list and stick to it: Plan ahead by listing the items needed and their regular prices. This will help focus on genuine savings and avoid impulse buys. Shop early or late: Doorbuster deals are often available only for a short period, so shopping early increases the chance of getting the best bargains. Alternatively, late sales, like Cyber Monday, sometimes offer better deals as retailers try to clear remaining stock. Set a budget: Determine how much to spend and stick to it, even when tempted by seemingly great deals. See if the items purchased can be returned or exchanged easily. Some retailers have a stricter return policy when having holiday sales. Black Friday discounts are worth the hustle and bustle only if approached cautiously and with a well-thought-out strategy. While many deals do indeed offer big savings, others may not be as worthwhile as they seem. If one takes the time to research and set limits and avoids making impulsive purchases, shoppers will be able to navigate the Black Friday frenzy better and make sure that the deals they score are worth it.
The Philippines, a biodiversity hotspot, has grappled with an ecological deficit for over six decades, worsening the country’s environmental and sustainability challenges, according to National Scientist Lourdes Cruz. Cruz linked the rising ecological deficit to increasing problems, such as resource scarcity, environmental degradation, and biodiversity loss, which have profound implications for sustainable development. In her keynote lecture at the recent 2024 Philippine Textile Congress at a Makati City hotel that had the theme “Fostering Transdisciplinary Textile Knowledge Generation and Translation,” the National Scientist highlighting the importance of integrating sustainable practices into various industries, especially in the textile sector. She noted that the Philippine textile industry, which has faced significant challenges in the past, is now experiencing a resurgence with a focus on natural fibers and sustainable materials. She further pointed out the potential of local industries, such as those producing fabrics from natural fibers like “kapok,” to contribute to both economic growth and environmental preservation. “I am happy to see the rise in the philippine textile industry. With this focus on natural fibers and the trend in looking for more sustainable materials,” she said. The ecological deficit, Cruz explained, occurs when a country’s demand for ecological resources exceeds the environment’s ability to regenerate those resources, leading to a depletion of natural capital. “Our biocapacity is still going down. The data is up to 2016 and the ecological footprint is rising. It was last balanced in the year 1963 and then the deficit has been continuously growing,” Cruz said. PHL struggling in SDG In the global Sustainable Development Goals, the Philippines ranked 92nd out of 166 nations, with many of the SDGs in a stagnating state. The country only excels in SDG 12, which focuses on responsible consumption and production. But in other areas, such as biodiversity and poverty alleviation, the nation is struggling to make sufficient progress. According to the World Population Review, the Philippines faces a severe ecological deficit of negative 210 percent, with its ecological footprint at 142 million global hectares—more than triple its total biocapacity of 45.9 million hectares. This indicates that each person uses an average of 1.3 hectares while only 0.4 hectares per capita is available. From knowledge to action Cruz pointed out the importance of bridging the gap between academic research and real-world solutions, particularly in the field of sustainability. “Many of the works done in universities are just inbound theses filed in libraries and never used again,” she said. “We want to ensure that this knowledge is put into action for the benefit of the people.” As part of her commitment to sustainability, Cruz co-founded the Future Earth Philippines Program, launched in 2018, and is an affiliate of the Future Earth Global Program, which brings together scientists and researchers to address issues related to environmental sustainability and resilience. The initiative aims to engage all sectors of society in a collective effort to reverse the ecological deficit and build a more sustainable and resilient future for the Philippines. “Our urgent mission is to advocate and work for the participation of all sectors in a national effort to balance the ecological deficit of the Philippines. The vision is a progressive and resilient Philippines sustained by inclusive science and technology innovation and culture of integrity, equity, and Filipino values,” she explained. Sust(AI)nability Cruz also highlighted the role of new technologies in advancing sustainability efforts, particularly the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in optimizing resource management and production processes. However, she cautioned that AI’s potential benefits must be carefully balanced with ethical considerations and the risk of reinforcing existing inequalities. “There’s a risk of reinforcing existing inequalities with respect to AI because of lack of or very limited use of AI in developing countries and there are environmental concerns and then ethical concerns particularly surrounding privacy and surveillance that arise with respect to AI,” Cruz warned. To address these challenges, Cruz called for a more collaborative and interdisciplinary approach, emphasizing the need for both natural scientists and social scientists to work together. “So from the productions to the end, to the consumption of materials that we need to be concerned with,” she said. “We have all the SDGs around us but we cannot attain this if we don’t collaborate or we don’t partner for the goals.”
