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30 jilibet Authored by George Citroner via The Epoch Times, Americans are dying from cold weather at more than twice the rate they did two decades ago. A total of 40,079 deaths were recorded from 1999 to 2022, with cold temperatures as either an underlying or contributing cause of death, according to a research letter published Dec. 19 in JAMA Network . The authors of the letter, affiliated with Boston’s Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, used data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to analyze death certificates. The letter highlights a long-term trend of increase in the rate of cold-related deaths, more than doubling from 0.44 per 100,000 people in 1999 to 0.92 per 100,000 people in 2022. Cold-related deaths were highest among U.S. adults aged 75 years and older. Older people are more susceptible to cold weather due to their limited ability to regulate their body temperature and a greater prevalence of chronic health conditions. While the elderly experience the most deaths overall, the middle-aged group is seeing the fastest rate of increase in cold-related fatalities. Men were more likely to die from cold-related causes than women. These findings are “striking” because these deaths are preventable, Michael Liu, a doctor of medicine student at Harvard Medical School and the study’s first author, told The Epoch Times. Data from the research letter also indicated that while American Indian, Alaska Native, and black people were more likely to die from cold-related deaths each year than any other racial or ethnic groups, Hispanic and white populations saw the most significant increases in the annual mortality rate attributed to cold weather. “There is also increasing evidence that social risk factors that predispose to cold-related deaths are rising in the U.S., including higher rates of social isolation and unsheltered homelessness,” Liu added. Liu noted that although he and his team cannot accurately predict trends going forward, “it is possible that deaths due to cold may increase over time.” “There is evidence that climate change has been associated with more extreme winter weather events,” he said. Another factor that may contribute to increasing deaths from cold in the United States over time is the aging population. “This population has a more limited thermoregulation capacity and a greater burden of underlying health conditions,” Liu said. Structural risk factors like not having sufficient home insulation or heating may also be contributing to cold-related deaths. American Indian, Alaska Native, and black populations, are particularly at risk due to living in homes with inadequate home insulation or heating. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, from July 2021 to May 2023, 36.4 percent of households facing energy insecurity were black. Additionally, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that winter months have seen death rates 8 to 12 percent higher than those in non-winter months across the United States for several years. Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times or ZeroHedge.Silicone additives specially developed for inks and coatings enhance scratch resistance of products to improve the final quality of productsOlivia Hussey, star of the 1968 film 'Romeo and Juliet,' dies at 73

Jimmy Carter: A brief bioNorth Platte Community College men dominate Golden Eagles at homeAP News Summary at 4:06 p.m. EST

In this article, DANIEL ADAJI explores the integration of smart technologies in odour management, focusing on their features, benefits, and best practices for effective implementation in modern poultry farms Odour management remains a significant challenge in poultry farming. The unpleasant smells emanating from manure, feed, and ammonia not only affect the health of workers and nearby residents but also influence the productivity and well-being of the birds. Modern poultry operations require innovative solutions to maintain a healthy and sustainable environment. Smart gadgets are emerging as advanced tools for monitoring, mitigating, and eliminating odours, offering a transformative approach to odour control in poultry farming. By leveraging technology, poultry farmers can effectively address this age-old challenge, improving air quality and productivity while ensuring compliance with environmental standards. Challenges of odour control in poultry farms Odours in poultry farms are caused by a combination of biological, chemical, and environmental factors. Understanding these challenges is essential to implementing effective solutions. Common sources of odours Manure serves as a primary contributor to odours. It contains high levels of ammonia and other volatile compounds that emit strong smells if improperly managed. The decomposition of organic matter in manure releases gases such as methane and hydrogen sulphide, further exacerbating the problem. Feed storage and spillage cause additional odour problems. Spoilt or spilt feed ferments, creating unpleasant smells and attracting pests. Poor feed management can lead to significant losses and increased environmental pollution. Ventilation issues also contribute to odour accumulation. Inadequate airflow causes odour buildup, adversely affecting the air quality in poultry houses. Poor ventilation can also lead to respiratory problems for birds and workers. Wastewater management is another critical issue. Inefficient disposal of water used in cleaning facilities results in stagnant water and associated odours. Wastewater often contains high levels of organic matter, which decomposes to produce unpleasant smells. Traditional odour control methods, such as manual cleaning and basic ventilation systems, often fall short of addressing these challenges effectively. The introduction of smart gadgets provides a paradigm shift, enabling poultry farms to tackle odour issues more efficiently. Smart gadgets for odour management in poultry farms Several smart gadgets are now available to help poultry farmers control odours effectively. These devices leverage advanced technology, including sensors, automation, and data analytics, to optimise odour management processes. Smart ammonia detectors are essential for monitoring harmful gases. Ammonia, one of the most common and harmful gases found in poultry farms, can negatively impact bird health, reduce productivity, and contribute to odour issues. Devices like the Aeroqual Series or EcoSensors provide real-time monitoring of ammonia levels, offering instant alerts when thresholds are exceeded. They continuously monitor ammonia and other harmful gases, integrate with mobile apps for remote alerts, and track historical data for trend analysis. Smart ventilation systems play a crucial role in maintaining air quality and controlling odours. Advanced systems, such as those from Munters or SKOV, automatically optimise airflow based on odour levels and other environmental parameters. These systems adjust airflow automatically, integrate with temperature and humidity controls, and allow remote monitoring and control via dedicated apps. Smart odour neutralisers deploy air-purifying agents like enzymes, biofilters, or activated carbon to mitigate odours effectively. Devices like the PureAiro Smart Ozone Generator are programmable and adjustable to suit specific farm needs. They come with programmable release schedules, adjustable intensity based on farm size and odour concentration, and low energy consumption for cost-effectiveness. IoT-enabled waste management systems enhance efficiency by automating manure and wastewater disposal processes. These systems include smart scrapers, separators, and composters, ensuring timely removal and treatment of waste. They feature automated manure removal systems, IoT sensors for monitoring waste levels, and integration with composting or biogas production units. Smart air quality monitors, such as the Awair Omni or uHoo, provide comprehensive assessments of air quality. These gadgets measure ammonia, methane, temperature, and humidity, helping to identify odour sources and monitor the overall environment. They offer real-time analysis of multiple parameters, integrate with ventilation and neutralisation systems, and use predictive analytics for proactive odour management. Smart feeding systems ensure precise feed distribution, minimising waste and associated smells. Systems like those by Big Dutchman deliver accurate feed tailored to bird size and growth stage, offer remote monitoring and adjustments, and reduce spoiled feed and resultant odours. Integrating smart gadgets for effective odour control Implementing smart gadgets in poultry farms requires a strategic and integrated approach to maximise their effectiveness. Data-driven decision-making is critical. Data collected by smart gadgets enables farm managers to identify trends and problem areas. For instance, consistent high ammonia readings may indicate inadequate ventilation or suboptimal manure management. Automation and synchronisation ensure seamless operations. Ammonia detectors can activate ventilation systems to address high gas levels. Similarly, air quality monitors can trigger odour neutralisers when certain thresholds are reached. Remote monitoring and alerts provide real-time updates via mobile apps, allowing farm managers to respond promptly to any issues, even from remote locations. Best practices for using smart gadgets in poultry farms As the poultry farming industry continues to embrace technological advancements, smart gadgets are increasingly becoming indispensable tools for improving efficiency and environmental management. To achieve optimal results and ensure the sustainability of operations, poultry farmers should adopt the following best practices: Related News TECNO unveils AI-powered gadgets How to protect your gadgets from power surge Strix promotes access to gadgets Strategic placement of smart gadgets Proper placement of smart gadgets is crucial for their effectiveness. Devices should be installed in areas where odour generation is most prevalent, such as near manure storage, feeding areas, and water stations. For instance, smart odour sensors placed at manure storage points can monitor ammonia levels in real time, while those installed around feeding areas can detect spoilage or waste buildup that may contribute to unpleasant smells. By placing these gadgets strategically, farmers can ensure timely detection and mitigation of potential hazards, improving the overall farm environment. Regular maintenance Maintenance is a non-negotiable aspect of ensuring that smart gadgets function optimally. Poultry farms are environments with high levels of dust, moisture, and organic materials, which can affect the accuracy and efficiency of devices. Farmers should establish a regular schedule for cleaning, inspecting, and calibrating these gadgets. For example, ammonia sensors should be cleaned and recalibrated periodically to maintain their accuracy. Similarly, smart feeders and water dispensers require regular checks to ensure they deliver the correct amounts without clogging or malfunctions. Proper maintenance extends the lifespan of gadgets and reduces the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns. Training farm workers Technology is only as effective as the people using it. Training farm workers on how to operate smart gadgets and interpret the data they generate is vital. Employees should understand how to respond to alerts, troubleshoot minor issues, and implement the recommended actions. For example, if a smart sensor detects high ammonia levels, trained staff should know how to adjust ventilation or remove manure promptly. Training fosters a sense of ownership and collaboration among workers, ensuring that technology integration becomes a seamless part of daily operations. Adopting a hybrid approach While smart technologies are revolutionary, they work best when combined with traditional farming methods. A hybrid approach that integrates technology with proven techniques like deep litter systems, composting, and natural ventilation creates a comprehensive strategy for odour control and farm management. For instance, using smart ventilation systems alongside natural airflow strategies can significantly enhance air quality in poultry houses. This approach not only optimises the benefits of technology but also ensures that traditional methods remain relevant and effective. Data utilisation for continuous improvement Smart gadgets generate valuable data that can guide decision-making. Farmers should analyse trends and patterns from collected data to identify areas for improvement. For example, data from temperature and humidity sensors can help fine-tune environmental conditions, ensuring better bird health and productivity. By adopting these best practices, poultry farmers can maximise the benefits of smart gadgets while promoting sustainability, productivity, and environmental stewardship on their farms. As technology continues to evolve, integrating these innovations with traditional practices will be key to the future of poultry farming. Benefits of smart gadgets for odour control The adoption of smart gadgets offers numerous benefits. Improved air quality ensures a healthier environment for workers and birds, reducing respiratory issues and stress. Enhanced productivity results from better air quality, translating to healthier birds, improved growth rates, and higher egg production. Environmental compliance helps farms meet regulatory standards, avoiding fines and enhancing sustainability. Cost efficiency arises from automation, which reduces labour costs and optimises resource usage, contributing to better profitability. Challenges and solutions While smart gadgets offer significant advantages, some challenges must be addressed. High initial investment can be mitigated by beginning with essential gadgets like ammonia detectors and expanding gradually as resources allow. Technical complexity requires investing in user-friendly devices and providing thorough training for farm staff. Connectivity issues can be resolved by using gadgets with offline functionality or investing in reliable internet coverage across the farm. Future trends in smart odour control As technology evolves, new trends are shaping the future of odour control in poultry farming. AI-driven odour management will optimise gadget performance by predicting odour patterns based on historical data and environmental conditions. Renewable energy integration, such as solar-powered odour control systems, will enhance sustainability while reducing energy costs. Regulatory compliance automation will simplify audits and documentation processes through real-time compliance reports generated by future gadgets. Smart gadgets represent a game-changing approach to odour control in poultry farms. By leveraging real-time monitoring, automation, and advanced mitigation technologies, poultry farmers can create healthier environments for their birds and workers while ensuring regulatory compliance and sustainability. As technology continues to evolve, integrating these innovations will become an essential aspect of modern poultry farming, addressing the challenges of odour control and setting new standards for efficiency and environmental stewardship.Big Ten slate features Indiana-Ohio State showdown and Penn State-Minnesota matchup Things to watch this week in the Big Ten Conference: No. 5 Indiana (10-0, 7-0 Big Ten, No. 5 CFP ) at No. 2 Ohio State (9-1, 6-1, No. 2 CFP), Saturday, noon ET (Fox) This marks the 98th matchup between these two teams, but it's only the fourth time both teams have been ranked. Although Indiana is unbeaten, its soft schedule means the Hoosiers aren't assured of making the 12-team field if they lose this game. The only team with a winning record that Indiana has beaten is Washington (6-5). Ohio State needs a win to have a realistic shot at a rematch with top-ranked Oregon in the Big Ten championship game. Ohio State has beaten Indiana 28 straight times since the Hoosiers posted back-to-back victories in 1987-88. No. 4 Penn State (9-1, 6-1, No. 4 CFP) at Minnesota (6-4, 4-3), Saturday, 3:30 p.m. (CBS) This is likely Penn State's biggest obstacle on its way to a potential playoff berth. The Nittany Lions' lone remaining regular-season game is a Nov. 30 home matchup with Maryland (4-6, 1-6). Minnesota has had an extra week to prepare this game since its 26-19 loss at Rutgers on Nov. 9, which snapped a four-game winning streak. Penn State and Minnesota have split their last four meetings, with the home team winning each time. Penn State DE Abdul Carter has multiple tackles for loss in each of his last three games. He ranks second among all Bowl Subdivision players in tackles for loss (17 1⁄2). Southern California RB Woody Marks rushed for a career-high 146 yards in a 28-20 win over Nebraska. Marks has six 100-yard rushing performances this season. Rutgers RB Kyle Monangai is the first Scarlet Knight to rush for 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons since Ray Rice did it three straight years from 2005-07. Monangai has run for 1,028 yards this season and rushed for 1,262 yards last year. Oregon OLB Matayo Uiagalelei recorded a sack and had a game-clinching interception as the top-ranked Ducks won 16-13 at Wisconsin last week. He has 8 1⁄2 sacks this season to rank second in the Big Ten. Four of the top seven Bowl Subdivision quarterbacks in passer rating are from the Big Ten. Indiana's Kurtis Rourke is second, Ohio State's Will Howard is third, Penn State's Drew Allar is fifth and Oregon's Dillon Gabriel is seventh. ... Illinois QB Luke Altmyer has thrown 18 touchdown passes with only three interceptions. The only Power Four quarterback with a better touchdown/interception ratio while throwing at least 10 touchdown passes is Clemson's Cade Klubnik, who has 26 touchdowns and four interceptions. ... Rutgers' three Big Ten wins matches its largest total since joining the league in 2014. Rutgers also had three conference wins in 2014, 2017, 2020 and 2023. A victory Saturday over No. 24 Illinois would give Rutgers three straight Big Ten wins for the first time. ... Washington's 31-19 win over UCLA was its 20th straight home victory, representing its second-longest such streak in school history. The Huskies won 45 straight home games from 1908-17. ... Wisconsin heads to Nebraska this week having won its last 10 matchups with the Cornhuskers. Penn State justifiably is favored on the road against Minnesota, but Bet MGM's 12 1⁄2-point spread seems way too big. Expect this game to have a single-digit margin. Get local news delivered to your inbox!

ATLANTA (AP) — Quarterback Carson Beck's status for No. 2 Georgia's Sugar Bowl College Football Playoff quarterfinal is uncertain after he suffered an elbow injury in Saturday's Southeastern Conference championship game win over Texas. Georgia announced Monday there is no timetable on Beck's return as he and his family explore treatment options. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get updates and player profiles ahead of Friday's high school games, plus a recap Saturday with stories, photos, video Frequency: Seasonal Twice a weekYorubacentric accusation against Tinubu mischievous – Omokri

KyKy Tandy scored a season-high 21 points that included a key 3-pointer in a late second-half surge as Florida Atlantic roared back to beat Oklahoma State 86-78 on Thursday in the opening round of the Charleston Classic in Charleston, S.C. Florida Atlantic (4-2) advances to play Drake in the semifinal round on Friday while the Cowboys square off against Miami in the consolation semifinal contest, also Friday. Oklahoma State led by as many as 10 points in the first half before securing a five-point advantage at halftime. The Owls surged back and moved in front with four and a half minutes to play. It was part of an 11-1 run, capped by a 3-pointer from Tandy that made it 75-68 with 2:41 remaining. Ken Evans added 14 points for Florida Atlantic, with Leland Walker hitting for 13 and Tre Carroll scoring 11. The Owls went 35-of-49 from the free throw line as the teams combined for 56 fouls in the game, 33 by Oklahoma State. Khalil Brantley led Oklahoma State (3-1) with 16 points while Robert Jennings added 14 points and 11 rebounds for the Cowboys, who hit one field goal over a 10-minute stretch of the second half while having three players foul out. The Owls were up by as many as seven points in the early minutes and by 13-10 after a layup by Carroll at the 11:32 mark of the first half. Oklahoma State leapfrogged to the front on Abou Ousmane's layup off a Brantley steal, fell behind again on a 3-pointer by Evans and then responded on a 3-pointer by Jennings to take a 17-16 lead. From there, the Cowboys stoked their advantage to double digits when Jamyron Keller canned a shot from beyond the arc with five minutes to play in the half. Florida Atlantic got a layup and a monster dunk from Matas Vokietaitis and a pair of free throws from Walker in a 6-2 run to end the half to pull within 39-34 at the break. Jennings and Ousmane tallied seven points apiece for Oklahoma State over the first 20 minutes, as the Cowboys led despite shooting just 33.3 percent from the floor in the half. Carroll and Vokietaitis scored seven points apiece to pace the Owls, who committed 11 turnovers that translated to seven points for Oklahoma State before halftime. --Field Level MediaInside the 'swat team' -- how insects react to virtual reality gaming

NoneUS stocks climbed Thursday after market superstar Nvidia and another round of companies said they're making even fatter profits than expected. Nvidia rose just 0.5% after beating analysts' estimates for profit and revenue again, but it was still the strongest force pulling the S&P 500 up, the reports. It also gave a forecast for revenue in the current quarter that topped most analysts' expectations due to voracious demand for its chips used in artificial-intelligence technology. How Nvidia's stock performs has more impact than any other because it's grown into Wall Street's most valuable company at roughly $3.6 trillion. The frenzy around AI is sweeping up other stocks, and Snowflake jumped 32.7% after reporting stronger results for the latest quarter than analysts expected. The company, whose platform helps customers get a better view of all their silos of data and use AI, also reported stronger revenue growth than expected. BJ'S Wholesale Club rose 8.3% after likewise delivering a bigger profit than expected. That may help calm worries about how resilient US shoppers can remain, given high prices across the economy and still-high interest rates. Nearly 90% of the stocks in the S&P 500 ended up rising Thursday, and the gains were even bigger among smaller companies. The Russell 2000 index of smaller stocks jumped a market-leading 1.7%. Google's parent company, Alphabet, helped keep indexes in check. It fell 4.7% after US regulators asked a judge to break up the tech giant by forcing it to sell its industry-leading . (More stories.)Lawyer says ex-Temple basketball standout Hysier Miller met with NCAA for hours amid gambling probe

VIEW FROM THE GALLERY BY MAHMUD JEGA We all thought, with the impending withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger Republic from ECOWAS at the end of January 2025 and the unlikelihood that they will utilise the six months period offered by ECOWAS leaders for them to have a rethink, “All will be quiet on the Northern Front,” to paraphrase from the title of Erich Maria Remarque’s 1928 novel about a German soldier’s life in World War One. Not so. Much like the German dictator Adolf Hitler, who opened a second, Eastern Front against the Soviet Union when his war against France and UK was not yet won, Nigerien military ruler General Abdourahmane Tchiani opened a Southern Front against Nigeria even when his battle to banish the French and Americans from his country was not yet won. Luckily this is not a shooting war; it is a political, diplomatic, economic, cultural, psychological and propaganda war that could however easily spin out of the Nigerien ruler’s control, much as Adolf Hitler lost control of events after launching Operation Barbarossa in June 1941. Last week, Tchiani gave a wide-ranging televised interview to a fawning journalist. Not only did the reporter not interrogate the soldier’s claims or demand for evidence, but he bent over backwards to nod in agreement at every one of Tchiani’s claims. On many occasions, he even completed his sentences for him. Critically, the interview was conducted in Hausa language. To some extent that is understandable because Tchiani probably speaks no English, only French, while most people of Niger Republic speak Hausa either as first or as second language, including Tchiani himself, who is an ethnic Zarma. But there was a more important reason. Hausa is the dominant language spoken in northern Nigeria, by tens of millions of people as first language and by some more millions as second language. Tchiani’s message is directed at them as well as at his countrymen, for two different but related reasons. Until the recent misunderstanding arose following last year’s coup in Niger Republic, the peoples of Northern Nigeria and Niger Republic see themselves as one due to deep historical ties and socio-cultural similarities. The response of ECOWAS and Nigerian government to the events in that country, especially the initial threat of military action to depose the coupists, was not well received in Northern Nigeria, where many people thought a war with Niger Republic is unthinkable. Many people in Nigeria do not really think that restoring democracy to a friendly neighbouring country is worth a war, or even sanctions that could disrupt their lives and also hurt our own border communities. ECOWAS has since backtracked from those threats, but Tchiani is intent on whipping up sentiment in the North, using the agency of Hausa language, to further upstage President Tinubu and if possible, win the support of millions of other Africans in his fight against France. And for a good reason. The soldiers who overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum, in a desperate search for legitimacy, found, whipped up and rode on anti-French sentiment like an Argentine polo pony. Sure, French colonial and post-colonial record in Africa is sordid, hence the relative ease with which it was easy to whip up feelings against it and chase its troops and military bases out of a long swathe of West Africa all the way from Chad, Niger Republic, Burkina Faso, Mali and most recently, Senegal. However, Tchiani and the soldiers did not just promise to oust the French and Americans. They also promised that their country will oust terrorists, enjoy peace and security and also experience an economic boom, allegedly because France will no longer be stealing its resources. To boot, they sought to bring in the Russians to assist with both security and economic prosperity. A year down the road, neither prospect is on the cards. Trade with Nigeria, not to mention smuggling of petrol and food, has always been a major factor in Niger Republic’s economy. Even without ECOWAS sanctions, Nigeria’s government is trying to stem the flow of subsidised petrol to our neighbours, hence Niger will feel the heat. Expected Russian help on the security front was not forthcoming either. Tchiani must have wished it was the old Soviet Union, which had global reach and power, and deep commitment in those days to strategic alliances as well as the “Brezhnev Doctrine,” which the Communist Party defined as “defending the gains of socialism worldwide.” Matters were not helped by the mysterious death of Wagner Group boss Yevgeny Prigozhin, the arrow head of Russian military intervention in Africa. He was killed in a plane crash in August last year, immediately after he returned to Russia from a visit to Niger Republic. Russia itself is so mired in its war in Ukraine that it needs help from Iran, China and North Korea. That Russia couldn’t render help recently when its most prized strategic Middle East ally, Syrian President Hafiz al-Assad, was overthrown by rebels was the best pointer yet that a Sahelian African ally should hardly rely on it to help pull any chestnuts out of a domestic fire. Most probably, it was the recent bombing of the Niger-Benin Republic oil pipeline, allegedly by the Lakurawa terrorist group, that drove General Tchiani to desperation and he began his frantic search for a scapegoat. Nigeria came in handy. Not the whole of Nigeria, but specifically the Tinubu Administration, which he hopes to destabilise by inciting the Hausa speaking section of Nigeria’s population against it. How that will bring either security or economic prosperity to his country, I am yet to figure out. The most important allegations that Tchiani made are that the Nigerian government is working to destabilise Niger Republic, that it created and sponsors the Lakurawa terrorist group, and that there are French military bases in Nigeria. With respect to the first allegation, since I am not a government official in Nigeria, I have no access to secret planning files. However, three people who have access to those files and will be privy to any such plans if they exist, namely National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu, Information Minister Mohammed Idris and Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, have all denied that there is such a plot. I believe them. Why because, what can Nigeria possibly gain by destabilising Niger Republic? Last year, the initially stated goal of both Nigeria and ECOWAS in adopting a hostile attitude towards Tchiani and the coupists was to restore democratic rule, and if possible, restore President Bazoum to power. Those aims are all but abandoned now because neither Nigerians nor Nigeriens have exhibited a hunger for restoring democratic rule in that country. A possible reason for the Nigerian government’s initial response was the fear that a successful military coup in Niger Republic could have a contagious effect in neighbouring countries, including Nigeria. I don’t think there is a good reason for that fear now. Besides, if chaos were to envelop Niger Republic, millions of its citizens could flee to Nigeria, as happened during the 1973-74 Sahelian drought. Luckily General Yakubu Gowon is still around; we only have to ask him how he grappled with the mass inflow. Nigeria created Lakurawa terrorist group in order to destabilise Niger Republic? To begin with, all the Lakurawa men are of Nigerien and possibly Burkinabe and Malian origin, as attested to by people of northern and western Sokoto and Kebbi states who encountered them. These people know a Nigerien when they see one, from his looks, dress, accent, tribal marks, manners and ways of speaking, greeting and praying. We have 200 million plus people in Nigeria, many of them in desperate search for employment and adventure, including a lot of ex-servicemen and veteran Boko Haramists, ISWAPists and bandits. We don’t have to go very far in a search for recruits. More seriously, if Nigerian security agents created the Lakurawa army, why was it unleashed against communities in Nigeria, why is it causing so much mayhem, such that Nigerian Air Force has to drop bombs on its suspected camps, with image-damaging collateral damage on hapless villagers? Tchiani’s most specific allegation was that there are French military camps in Nigeria. He even mentioned a place, Banga, which he said is in Silame Local Government of Sokoto State, and another place in Borno State. Well, there were reports in the newspapers yesterday where communities in northern Sokoto State denied that there were any foreign military bases in the area. If there are, they will know. Even a Nigerian Army Forward Operating Base will be very visible in a local community. A foreign military base will be known to everyone. For one, white French soldiers will stand out in a local Nigerian community like an archbishop in a brothel, to borrow a French saying. Tanks, armoured vehicles, huge radars and even aircraft will be all over such a base. Tchiani knows best what a foreign military base looks like because there were several of them in his country during his 13-year stint as Head of the Presidential Guard. As NSA Nuhu Ribadu stated, we never had foreign military bases in Nigeria, but during my primary and secondary school days, I read much about the American Clark Air Base and Subic Naval Base both in the Philippines, before they were closed down in the 1990s. We also read much about America’s strategic bomber base in Diego Garcia, its Andersen Air Force Base in Guam, its naval base in Guantanamo, Cuba, as well as bases in Munich, South Korea and its Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan. A foreign military base cannot be innocuous. Tchiani alleged there are such bases in Nigeria and locals say there are none. A judge who is judging over this case will invoke the legal principle of falsus in uno, falsus in omnibus. That is, “False in one, false in all.” If you tell one lie, all your other testimony is thrown out. How times change. In the 1960s, Nigerian university students staged protests against French testing of nuclear weapons in the Sahara Desert in southern Algeria, slightly to the north of Niger Republic. Prime Minister Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa even went to London to protest. Did Niger Republic lodge a protest? See who is now accusing the other of acquiescing in French military machinations.OTTAWA — Canada's financial intelligence agency says it is modernizing with the aim of providing valuable information to police and security officials in real time — or as close to that goal as it can get. In its newly released annual report, the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada says it is working with businesses and federal partners to move more quickly in the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing. The agency, known as Fintrac, identifies money linked to illicit activities by electronically sifting millions of pieces of information each year from banks, insurance companies, money services businesses, real-estate brokers, casinos and others. In turn, it discloses intelligence to police and security agencies about the suspected cases. In 2023-24, Fintrac produced more than 4,600 financial intelligence disclosure packages for recipients including the RCMP, municipal and provincial police, the Canada Border Services Agency and the Canada Revenue Agency. In a message in the report, Fintrac director Sarah Paquet says the agency aims to harness modern skills, tools and technologies to analyze data and produce intelligence in real time. Paquet said such swiftness could be a game-changer, for example, in the agency's efforts to track financial transactions related to human trafficking for sexual exploitation. "It will allow us to proactively identify and assist law enforcement in disrupting networks much quicker," she said. "This will mean rescuing victims sooner, saving them from prolonged abuse. It will mean supporting survivors sooner, getting them the assistance they need in a more timely fashion. And it will help law enforcement target, arrest and charge the traffickers sooner, preventing the abuse of new victims." Fintrac's digital strategy includes advancing automation, analytics and the use of artificial intelligence, Paquet said. In a bid to "stay ahead of the bad actors," Fintrac has created a digital acceleration and modernization team "to experiment with, and exploit, the latest technologies." Transnational organized crime groups and professional money launderers are the most prominent threats to Canada when it comes to illicit cash transactions, the report said. "At the same time, while the threat of terrorist financing is not as pronounced in Canada as it is in other regions of the world, there are networks operating in our country that are suspected of raising, collecting and transmitting funds abroad to various terrorist groups." This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 26, 2024. Jim Bronskill, The Canadian Press

Geoff Molson: Even with bad results, the Habs will stick to their plan

FIREFIGHTERS were called to a unit block at Adamstown after reports a "petrol bomb" had been thrown at a front door. Login or signup to continue reading Fire and Rescue NSW crews rushed to Brunker Road just before 6pm on Monday, December 9, after calls for help were made to emergency services. It's understood initial reports indicated a fire had been deliberately lit when a "petrol bomb" had been thrown at a unit doorway on the third floor. Four Fire and Rescue NSW tankers were tasked to the scene, along with a rehabilitation van to extinguish the blaze. An automated sprinkler head was activated and caused water damage from the third floor down to the ground. Firefighters contained the blaze to the exterior of the unit and the hallway and carried out "salvage work" across the three levels. Fire and Rescue NSW crews handed the scene over to police just before 8pm on Monday for investigations to continue. Newcastle Herald has reached out to NSW Police for comment. More details to come. Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Police and crime reporter at the Newcastle Herald. Email: afalkenmire@austcommunitymedia.com.au Police and crime reporter at the Newcastle Herald. Email: afalkenmire@austcommunitymedia.com.au DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Get the latest property and development news here. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. WEEKLY Follow the Newcastle Knights in the NRL? Don't miss your weekly Knights update. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily!Unpaid entry fees: PAC to decide on cab aggregatorsKidman, Pearce and Watts lead Australia's charge at the Golden Globe Awards

Flag football scours nation with talent camps to uncover next wave of starsScouted: J.Crew Factory Is Offering Up to 70% Off Sitewide for Black FridayThe key to preventing spindly seedlings is adequate light

Only four players have netted more goals than Wolves' Matheus Cunha in the first 18 matches of this Premier League season. Alexander Isak is the only player to have achieved this feat without the aid of a single penalty. When you factor in Cunha's assists (four), he ranks sixth in the league for overall contributions. This achievement is even more impressive considering Wolves are currently languishing in 17th place, teetering just above the relegation zone. The next player from a higher-placed team on this list is Bryan Mbeumo of Brentford, who sits in 12th place. He is followed by Jarrod Bowen of West Ham, who is 13th in the league and 17th in the contribution chart. Such statistics are significant indicators of a player's worth, value, and performance. It's no surprise then that Liverpool are reportedly interested in Wolves' star player. As we head into 2025, Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Newcastle are all said to be vying for Cunha. Despite the interest and his impressive form, Cunha is not reported to be seeking a move away next month, reports the Liverpool Echo . However, he is certainly one to watch in the upcoming winter and summer transfer windows. After finishing last season with 12 goals and seven assists - only one of which was a penalty - Cunha's consistent performances are demanding attention. Having shown promise at Hertha Berlin and Atletico Madrid, he is now emerging as a standout player in the Premier League. Despite his tender years, the Brazilian international has always commanded hefty transfer fees. RB Leipzig shelled out over £10million to secure him as a teenager before nearly doubling their investment two years later in a Bundesliga switch. Fast forward 18 months and it was Diego Simeone again forking out almost twice as much with Atleti. Wolves were swayed by his six-month loan stint and splashed out over £45million to bring him to Molineux. It's rumoured that at least the same amount will be needed to prise Cunha away from Wolves in 2025. Given his current form, it's a price tag that's hard to dispute. If anything, considering the current market rates, it's probably less than might have been anticipated. Wolves aren't under any pressure to sell at the moment, and their fortunes have started to improve under Vitor Pereira. If they manage to avoid relegation, it will only strengthen their resolve to retain him. Such has been Cunha's meteoric rise, his estimated value has skyrocketed along with his reputation in the game. Shortly after his loan move to Wolves, Transfermarkt valued him at just over £25million. That figure has steadily increased, reflecting his significant influence on the pitch. This time last year, his price tag was pegged at just under £30million, ending last season at over £40million - a valuation in line with Wolves' assessment of him as a player. Now, it sits even higher at nearly £45million. The CIES Football Observatory concurs, valuing him at £43million earlier this season. Liverpool will have to dig deep to lure him away from the Midlands, and it's a bitter pill to swallow considering how his stock has risen and how readily available he might have been in the past. However, when you're competing at the top of the table, there's little room for manoeuvre and waiting for Cunha to hit his stride isn't much of an option either. The fact that he was snapped up for £25million just over three years ago and is now worth significantly more is a tough blow. But that's the nature of the game at the highest level, and Liverpool may well see it as a fair price to pay now.

Putin apologizes for 'tragic incident' but stops short of saying Azerbaijani plane was shot down MOSCOW (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin has apologized to his Azerbaijani counterpart for what he called a “tragic incident” following the crash of an Azerbaijani airliner in Kazakhstan that killed 38 people. He stopped short of acknowledging that Moscow was responsible. The Kremlin said that air defense systems were firing near Grozny, the regional capital of the Russian republic of Chechnya, to deflect a Ukrainian drone strike as the plane attempted to land on Wednesday. Putin apologized to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev “for the fact that the tragic incident occurred in Russian airspace.” The Kremlin also says Russia, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are jointly investigating the crash site near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan. Israel detains the director of one of northern Gaza's last functioning hospitals during a raid DEIR AL BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Gaza's Health Ministry says Israel’s army has detained the director of one of northern Gaza's last functioning hospitals. The announcement on Saturday came after health officials said Israeli troops stormed the hospital and forced many staff and patients outside and told them to strip in winter weather. Israel’s military alleges the hospital director is a suspected Hamas operative and says it detained over 240 others. It acknowledges it ordered people outside and that special forces entered the hospital. It says it “eliminated” militants who fired at its forces. Kamal Adwan officials have denied that Hamas operates in the hospital. Abortions are up in the US. It's a complicated picture as women turn to pills, travel Even with abortion bans in place in most Republican-controlled states, the number of people obtaining them has grown slightly. That's part of a complicated picture of the impacts of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade two and a half years ago. Abortion pills are more common now. So is traveling to other states for care, often on journeys hundreds of miles long. Public support for the right to abortion has also increased since before the ruling. That's been reflected in most ballot measures to add the right to abortion to state constitutions being adopted. Drought, fires and deforestation battered Amazon rainforest in 2024 BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — The Amazon rainforest staggered through another difficult year in 2024. A second year of record drought contributed to wildfires that worsened deforestation across the massive forest, which spans Brazil, Peru, Colombia and other Latin American nations and is a critical counterweight to climate change. There were some bright spots. Both Brazil and Colombia reported lower levels of deforestation compared to prior years. Experts say Amazon countries need to do more to strengthen cross-border collaboration and that the global community who reap the benefits of commodities from the rainforest also need to pitch in. Bloodied Ukrainian troops risk losing more hard-won land in Kursk to Russia KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Five months after their shock offensive into Russia, Ukrainian troops are bloodied by daily combat losses and demoralized by the rising risk of defeat in Kursk. Some want to stay in the region at all costs. Others question the value of having gone in at all. Battles are so intense that commanders are unable to evacuate their dead. Lags in communication and poorly timed operations have cost lives and commanders say they have little way to counterattack. The overstretched Ukrainians have lost more than 40% of the territory they won in the lightning incursion that seized much of Kursk in August. Afghan forces target Pakistan in retaliation for deadly airstrikes Afghanistan's Defense Ministry says its forces hit several points inside Pakistan in retaliation for deadly airstrikes. Pakistan last Tuesday launched an operation to destroy a training facility and kill insurgents in Afghanistan's eastern Paktika province. The strikes killed dozens of people. The ministry said Saturday that its forces hit points “serving as centers and hideouts for malicious elements and their supporters who organized and coordinated attacks in Afghanistan.” Pakistan accuses the Taliban of not doing enough to combat cross-border militant activity, a charge the Taliban government denies. Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who instituted economic reforms, cremated in New Delhi NEW DELHI (AP) — Manmohan Singh, the former Indian prime minister widely regarded as the architect of the country’s economic reform program, has been cremated after a state funeral. The veteran leader, who was also credited for a landmark nuclear deal with the United States, died late Thursday at age 92. Singh’s body was taken Saturday to the headquarters of his Congress party in New Delhi, where party leaders and activists paid tributes to him and chanted “Manmohan Singh lives forever.” Later, his body was transported to a crematorium ground for his last rites as soldiers beat drums. A mild-mannered technocrat, Singh was prime minister for 10 years until 2014. Sweden embarks on a sober search for more cemetery space in case of war GOTHENBURG, Sweden (AP) — Burial associations in Sweden are looking to acquire enough land for something they hope they’ll never have to do. And that's to bury thousands of people in the event of war. The search follows new crisis preparedness guidelines from the country's civil defense agency and the military. The issue is seen in a new light after Russia's invasion of Ukraine led formerly neutral Sweden to join NATO. Sweden and Finland sent out updated civil preparedness guides in November with instructions on how to survive in war. The guides are similar to those in Denmark and Norway, though they don't mention Russia by name. Olivia Hussey, star of the 1968 film 'Romeo and Juliet,' dies at 73 LONDON (AP) — Olivia Hussey, the actor who starred as a teenage Juliet in the 1968 film “Romeo and Juliet,” has died, her family said on social media. She was 73. Hussey died on Friday, “peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones,” a statement posted to her Instagram account said. Hussey was 15 when director Franco Zeffirelli cast her in his adaptation of the William Shakespeare tragedy. “Romeo and Juliet” won two Oscars and Hussey won a Golden Globe for best new actress for her part as Juliet, opposite British actor Leonard Whiting. Decades later, the pair brought a lawsuit against Paramount Pictures over nude scenes in the film they said they were coerced to perform. The case was dismissed by a Los Angeles County judge in 2023. Winning ticket for $1.22 billion lottery jackpot sold in California, Mega Millions says At least one Mega Millions player has plenty of dough to ring in the New Year after drawing the winning number. After three months without anyone winning the top prize in the lottery, a ticket worth an estimated $1.22 billion was sold in California for the drawing Friday night. The California Lottery said the winning ticket was sold at Circle K (Sunshine Food and Gas) on Rhonda Rd. in Cottonwood. The winning ticket matched the white balls 3, 7, 37, 49, 55 and the gold Mega Ball 6. The identity of the winner or winners was not immediately known. The estimated jackpot was the fifth-highest ever for Mega Millions.

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The delegation led by Head of the Republic of Kalmykia Mr Batu Sergeyevich Khassikov of the Russian Federation, together with Yangon Region Chief Minister U Soe Thein and officials, paid homage to Shwedagon Pagoda yesterday morning. The delegation visited religious edifices, the Buddhological Museum and Photo Gallery, viewed the historical data and pilgrimage guide at the pagoda and offered flowers, water, oil lights and joss sticks to the Buddha Image at the prayer hall. They also visited the National Museum to view round the Thihathana throne, Yadanabon era exhibit, and royal accessories. They also toured significant venues in Yangon City such as the City Hall, the Ministers’ Office, Kandawgyi Lake and Karaweik Hall as well as the jewellery shops of the Myanmar Gems Museum. In the afternoon, the Head of the Republic of Kalmykia and the party paid homage to members of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee led by Chairman Sayadaw Aggamaha Pandita Aggamaha Saddhammajotikadhaja Dr Bhaddanta Candima Bhivamsa at the hall on Kaba Aye Hill. At the ceremony, the Chairman Sayadaw said that he had known the flourishing of culture, literature and fine arts of the Russian Federation. He is pleased with the cultural and social relations of Russia with Myanmar. He expressed his delightedness for better diplomatic relations between the two countries in the time of the State Administration Council. And, the Sayadaw said he was also pleased with the bilateral relations between the two countries to allow the building of Buddha Images and pagodas of Theravada Buddhism in Russia. The Head of the Republic of Kalmykia supplicated that the Republic of Kalmykia is striving for the propagation of Buddhism. He invited the Chairman Sayadaw to attend the Buddhism Forum to be held in 2025. He expressed his belief that his republic will propagate Buddhism like Myanmar and he expects the cooperation of the SSMNC in propagation of the Buddhism. The guests offered Dhamma gifts and alms to the Chairman Sayadaw who returned a picture of the Bagan Ancient Cultural Heritage Zone as a Dhamma gift. Also present at the ceremony were Russian Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Islander Azizov and officials from the Department of Religious Affairs. In the evening, Yangon Region Chief Minister U Soe Thein hosted a dinner in honour of the Head of the Republic of Kalmykia and the delegation. — MNA/TTANETGEAR stock soars to 52-week high, hits $25.07