PM looks to ‘brighter future’ at Christmas and ‘wishes for peace in Middle East’
Ralph-Beyer puts up 20, Sacred Heart defeats Manhattanville 100-60
South Korea's president avoids an impeachment attempt over short-lived martial lawIndiana coach Mike Woodson is happy that his team has won three straight games but concerned that it's committing too many turnovers. Limiting miscues is at the top of his wish list for Monday night's Big Ten Conference opener against visiting Minnesota in Bloomington, Ind. While the Hoosiers (7-2) shot 53.8 percent and dominated Miami (Ohio) 46-29 on the glass during a 76-57 win at home Friday night, they also had more turnovers (16) than assists (15). Having played for Bob Knight at Indiana, Woodson is fanatical about his team executing its offense without making mistakes. "We were taking chances on passes that weren't there," Woodson said. "We have to fix it. If we start Big Ten play like that, it puts you in a hole." In between careless mistakes, the Hoosiers got a huge game out of Oumar Ballo, the Arizona transfer who had 14 points, 18 rebounds and six assists. It was his 35th career double-double but his first at Indiana. Ballo (12.7 points per game, 9.3 rebounds) is one of four players averaging double figures for the Hoosiers. They're led by Malik Reneau, who's hitting for 15.4 ppg on 58.9 percent shooting. While Indiana tries to fine-tune its game, the Golden Gophers (6-4, 0-1 Big Ten) aim to get to the .500 mark in conference play after absorbing a 90-72 beating Wednesday night against visiting Michigan State. There was good news for Minnesota in that game. Mike Mitchell Jr. returned to the lineup after missing seven games with a high ankle sprain and drilled 5 of 9 3-pointers in a 17-point performance. Mitchell's shooting should aid an attack that ranks 311th in Division I in 3-point percentage at 29.7 percent as of Sunday. "He's a difference-maker in terms of being able to space the floor," Gophers coach Ben Johnson said of Mitchell. "He provides offensive firepower and a guy who can make shots and take pressure off our offense." Dawson Garcia leads the team at 19 ppg, while Lu'Cye Patterson and Mitchell are scoring 10 ppg. The Hoosiers own a 109-69 lead in the all-time series. --Field Level Media
Jake Paul details rules for rematch as post-Mike Tyson plans take shape
Chase to break 96-year-old record in hands for India to win MCG TestWashington Commanders win in overtime to clinch play-off berthThe Industrial and Commercial Workers Union (ICU) has called on workers to lend their support to the incoming government in its efforts to achieve economic recovery, particularly through initiatives aimed at addressing unemployment and creating more job opportunities for Ghana’s youth. In a statement issued by the General Secretary of the ICU, Morgan Ayawine, the union stressed the importance of using lessons learned and experiences gained in the past year to propel the nation into 2025 with renewed commitment. Ayawine encouraged workers to focus on productivity within their respective organizations as a key component in supporting the government’s efforts to revive the economy. “As preparations are under way to usher in a new political administration in January 2025, we urge you, as workers who are the nation builders, to rededicate and redirect your efforts toward a speedy economic recovery,” Ayawine noted. The union reiterated its commitment to collaborating with employers to increase productivity and profitability while ensuring fair and optimal working conditions for workers. Ayawine also highlighted the need for workers to contribute to the government’s job creation agenda, which is expected to play a central role in the country’s economic revitalization. “To our social partners (employers), we wish to reassure you as a union of our continuous collaboration for increased productivity and profitability of your businesses, while at the same time anticipate your reciprocity in offering optimum conditions of service for workers within your work organization,” he said. In closing, Ayawine urged workers to remain resilient and continue to work towards the growth and sustainability of their respective institutions, despite the current economic challenges. “Finally, to the gallant workers of Ghana, we encourage you to continue holding high the flag of Ghana and work harder in your efforts at full recovery and sustainability of your employers’ institutions and organizations,” he added.
Men lose 17 minutes of life with every cigarette they smoke while a woman’s life is cut short by 22 minutes with each cigarette, experts have estimated. This is more than previous estimates, which suggest that each cigarette shortens a smoker’s life by 11 minutes. The new estimates, which suggest that each cigarette leads to 20 minutes loss of live on average across both genders, are based on more up-to-date figures from long-term studies tracking the health of the population. Researchers from University College London said that the harm caused by smoking is “cumulative” and the sooner a person stops smoking, and the more cigarettes they avoid smoking, the longer they live. The new analysis, commissioned by the Department for Health and Social Care, suggests that if a 10-cigarettes-a-day smoker quits on January 1, then by January 8 they could “prevent loss of a full day of life”. By February 20, their lives could be extended by a whole week. And if their quitting is successful until August 5, they will likely live for a whole month longer than if they had continued to smoke. The authors added: “Studies suggest that smokers typically lose about the same number of healthy years as they do total years of life. Make 2025 the year you quit smoking for good. There’s lots of free support available to help you. Find out more 🔽 https://t.co/J0ehnoRM1D pic.twitter.com/LQpUp6HJBm — WHH 🏥 (@WHHNHS) December 27, 2024 “Thus smoking primarily eats into the relatively healthy middle years rather than shortening the period at the end of life, which is often marked by chronic illness or disability. “So a 60-year-old smoker will typically have the health profile of a 70-year-old non-smoker.” The analysis, to be published in the Journal of Addiction, concludes: “We estimate that on average, smokers in Britain who do not quit lose approximately 20 minutes of life expectancy for each cigarette they smoke. “This is time that would likely be spent in relatively good health. “Stopping smoking at every age is beneficial but the sooner smokers get off this escalator of death the longer and healthier they can expect their lives to be.” Dr Sarah Jackson, principal research fellow from the UCL Alcohol and Tobacco Research Group, said: “It is vital that people understand just how harmful smoking is and how much quitting can improve their health and life expectancy. “The evidence suggests people lose, on average, around 20 minutes of life for each cigarette they smoke. “The sooner a person stops smoking, the longer they live. “Quitting at any age substantially improves health and the benefits start almost immediately. “It’s never too late to make a positive change for your health and there are a range of effective products and treatments that can help smokers quit for good.” There are so many reasons to quit smoking this New Year – for your health, for more money, and for your family. Make a fresh quit for 2025 – find tips and support at https://t.co/GyLk65o8kS or https://t.co/iW6WLxTL00 pic.twitter.com/KxPZ5N378y — North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust (@NTeesHpoolNHSFT) December 27, 2024 Health officials have said that smokers can find advice, support and resources with the NHS Quit Smoking app, as well as the online Personal Quit Plan. Public health minister Andrew Gwynne said: “Smoking is an expensive and deadly habit and these findings reveal the shocking reality of this addiction, highlighting how important it is to quit. “The new year offers a perfect chance for smokers to make a new resolution and take that step.” Commenting on the paper, Professor Sanjay Agrawal, special adviser on tobacco at the Royal College of Physicians, said: “Every cigarette smoked costs precious minutes of life, and the cumulative impact is devastating, not only for individuals but also for our healthcare system and economy. “This research is a powerful reminder of the urgent need to address cigarette smoking as the leading preventable cause of death and disease in the UK.”
EUGENE, Ore. (AP) — JuJu Watkins scored 21 points to lead No. 6 Southern California to a 66-53 win over Oregon in the Big Ten opener for both teams on Saturday. Watkins was 6 for 15 from the field, including 3 of 9 on 3-pointers, in 28 minutes before fouling out. Kiki Iriafen added 17 points and 12 rebounds for the Trojans (8-1, 1-0 Big Ten). Deja Kelly scored 16 points and Peyton Scott added 13 to lead the Ducks (7-3, 0-1). Oregon led 13-12 after the first quarter, but USC scored the first 18 points of the second quarter and never trailed again. The Trojans built the lead to 40-19 at halftime with 15 points from Watkins. Scott opened the third quarter with four straight points, but USC scored five straight points right after and kept the lead in double digits the rest of the way. USC: The Trojans won their fourth straight since a loss to No. 10 Notre Dame. USC returns to nonconference play over the next three weeks, including a trip to No. 2 UConn. Oregon: The Ducks started the season 6-0 and moved up to No. 23 in the AP poll but have now lost three of four games. Kelly scored to put Oregon up 13-12 early, but USC held the Ducks scoreless for more than five minutes to start the second quarter while scoring 18 straight points. Watkins had a seven-point run of her own within that span. USC outrebounded Oregon 45-31, including 34 defensive rebounds. The Trojans are averaging nearly 12 more rebounds per game than their opponents on the season. USC hosts Fresno State on Tuesday night, and Oregon hosts Air Force on Dec. 17. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP women’s college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-womens-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/womens-college-basketball
The Centre for Ageing Better said data analysed on its behalf suggested more than a fifth of people in this age group are living in a poor-quality home that could be making their existing health condition worse. It said people from black and minority ethnic backgrounds, those living in London and those who have a serious health condition or disability are more likely to be affected. Data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing covering 2022/23 was analysed by the National Centre for Social Research on behalf of the charity. It found an estimated 4.5 million people aged 50 or older in England with a health condition aggravated by the cold are living in a home with one or more serious problems. Some 2.8 million were aged between 50 and 70, while 1.7 million were aged 70 and older. Health conditions included respiratory diseases, congestive heart failure, heart disease and lung conditions, including asthma. Housing problems identified in the research included damp, water leaks, bad condensation, electrical or plumbing problems, rot and decay. While some 2.2 million people over 50 with health and housing problems owned their home outright, the biggest proportion of people (51%) with such issues lived in rented accommodation. The charity said older renters with a health condition were up to three times more likely to have five or more issues with their home than someone in the same age group who owns their home. Those with a health condition that can be affected by poor housing who had a significant issue in their homes were most likely to live in London (52%) followed by the North East (35%) and the North West (35%), the West Midlands and the East of England (both on 28%), and the South West (27%). Almost half (46%) of people aged 50 and above from black and minority ethnic backgrounds with one of the health conditions had at least one problem with their home, which the charity said amounted to almost 500,000 people. Among white people in this age group it was just under one in three (32%). The research also suggested people from black and minority ethnic backgrounds living with a health condition were also more than twice as likely to have five or more issues with their housing compared with their white counterparts – 15% compared with 6%. Dr Carole Easton, the charity’s chief executive, said not only does the research show the difficulties faced by those living in poor housing, but it is also “very bad news” for both the economy and the NHS. She said: “Our latest research shows that our poor-quality housing crisis is putting people with health conditions in their 50s, 60s and beyond, in harm’s way. “This is obviously terrible for those individuals who live in homes that carry a very real risk of making them sick, particularly when winter comes around. “But it is also very bad news for the country. Older workers living in homes that are making their health conditions worse are going to be less likely to be able to work and help grow the economy. “Older people whose serious health conditions are made worse by their homes will require treatment, putting additional winter pressures on our health system. “All could be averted if we tackled poor-quality housing with the urgency and priority it demands.” Holly Holder, deputy director for homes at the charity, said the Government must “fix this hidden housing crisis by delivering a national strategy to tackle poor quality housing across all tenures and committing to halving the number of non-decent homes over the next decade”. She added: “No-one should have to live in a home that damages their health, yet it is the norm for far too many people in England today. “By failing to address poor-quality homes we are limiting the lives of some of the country’s poorest and most vulnerable people. “Our new analysis shows that the combination of health and house problems are most likely to impact groups of people who are already disadvantaged by multiple health and wealth inequalities.” A Government spokesperson said: “Despite the challenging inheritance faced by this Government, through our Plan for Change we’re taking action to improve housing conditions across all tenures and ensure homes are decent, safe and warm – especially for the most vulnerable. “We’re consulting on reforms to the Decent Homes Standard next year to improve the quality of social and privately rented housing, and introducing Awaab’s Law to both sectors to tackle damp, dangerous and cold conditions for all renters in England. “Our warm homes plan will also help people find ways to save money on energy bills and deliver cleaner heating, with up to 300,000 households to benefit from upgrades next year.”
MC elections to follow 2023’s ward delimitation amid rowIt had been a wasteful night for Leeds United before Brenden Aaronson scored a goal-of-the-season contender. Derby County did their best to frustrate and deny the Championship leaders. They did it well until the 79th minute. But, as they have done all season, Leeds will pass and pass and pass again until they find a minuscule opening capable of hurting their opponents, and so they did with Aaronson’s winner eleven minutes from time. Leeds had other chances and it threatened to become a costly game in the title race, but the beauty of Aaronson’s goal — which takes his tally to seven for the season and earned him a man-of-the-match award — was worth enduring the frustration up to that point. It started with Ao Tanaka in the middle (shown below) as he spread the ball wide to Ethan Ampadu . The captain’s pass into the middle sparked the next string of passes, first to the feet of striker Joel Piroe and then on to Sam Byram wide on the left, completing a swing of possession from one flank to the other. The moment of incision, in a call back to some of the goals scored under Marcelo Bielsa, came with five clinical passes. Aaronson started the move from a deep position with five of his team-mates ahead of him in the box (shown as he receives a pass from Byram below). After drawing out two Derby players, Kenzo Goudmijn and Corey Blackett-Taylor , the U.S. international offloaded the ball to Ampadu ten yards behind him. Paired with Tanaka in central midfield for the game, Ampadu played the ball wide again to left-back Byram. Leeds have not been afraid to go back and recycle possession when needed this season, which is helped by creative defensive midfielders like Ampadu and Tanaka and two competent ball-playing centre-backs in Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon . When opponents regularly sit in and try to deny Leeds’ attacking threat, Struijk and Rodon step forward to form a crucial part of attacking moves. United had 61 per cent of the ball against Derby and have only had less than 50 per cent twice this season — in the 0-0 draw with West Bromwich Albion in August and the 4-3 away win at Swansea City in November. Advertisement They have become so used to having the ball, more than 70 per cent of it in seven of their 24 league games this season, that unlocking opponents in new ways demands the best of Farke’s attacking players. At times it looks like it will never happen, as was the case against a stubborn Derby, but quality counts and Leeds have it running through their squad. Substitutes Piroe and Manor Solomon were both involved in the goal. Though he has faced criticism for his subs in the past, Farke has said that “fortune favours the brave” when it comes to calling on his benched players to make an impact. It paid off at Derby. When Byram received the ball from Ampadu, a quick adjustment of his feet allowed him to play inside to Solomon. The winger’s deft roll to turn inside and ensure he was facing goal as Aaronson began his run into the penalty area was a key trigger in turning the move into a precise attacking moment. Timing is key here and Aaronson’s movement was proof of his development in the No 10 role in being able to make entries into the area at the right moment. As Aaronson made his run, Solomon’s square pass to Piroe drew three Derby players out of shape to allow the Dutchman to poke the ball through for the assist. There was still work to be done when Aaronson picked up the ball on the edge of the six-yard box but his calm finish past Jacob Widell Zetterstrom capped off a “perfect team move” in the eyes of his manager. “In the second half, my feeling was we missed too many chances to win such an away game,” Farke said after the game. “Even before the goal we had situations with Mateo, Largie, Brenden, Joe Rodon with a free header. But then we scored for me the goal of the season, unbelievable. I put it straight away into my poetry album and on such a difficult pitch. A perfect team move, Brenden with a perfect calm finish.” Patience, quick thinking and a clinical finish made Aaronson’s goal perfect as an isolated move and as a way of wrapping up 2024. Leeds end the year top of the Championship on a high of back-to-back away wins. Poetry indeed. (Top photo: Barrington Coombs/PA Images via Getty Images)
Mutual of America Capital Management LLC Lowers Stock Holdings in UGI Co. (NYSE:UGI)The Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Mrs. Esther Walson-Jack has charged workers in public service to be committed to professionalism, meritocracy, and accountability through the fast-tracking of reform initiatives to reposition the Federal Civil Service. This came as she hosted the maiden service-wide virtual meeting tagged “Public Service Live” yesterday. The Live meeting was a concerted effort to ensure that public servants across the country interact, share insights, and collectively participate in moving the Service forward. According to a release by the Director of Information and Public Relations of the Service, Mrs Eno Olotu, the virtual engagement was part of activities to mark the HCSF’s 100 days of Stewardship in office. The event, she maintained, would subsequently be held quarterly to enable civil servants to collectively commit to progress, innovation, and excellence in service delivery. In her maiden address, Walson-Jack described the Civil Service as the nation’s engine room of governance, with a pivotal role in delivering government policies and programmes to the citizenry. Stressing the imperativeness of a dynamic civil service, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation stated, “These reforms are not mere buzzwords; they are a roadmap to building a Civil Service that efficiently serves people, innovates continuously, and operates with integrity. “I assure you that we are committed to the path of creating a workforce that embodies our aspirations for a new Nigeria to be respected globally and trusted locally.” she declared. She also described the establishment of the seven (7) War Rooms dedicated to accelerating the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2022-2025 (FCSSIP 25) as a game changer designed to focus on each strategic pillar of the reforms and measure outcomes and progress through coordinated efforts. Walson-Jack enjoined all civil servants to familiarize and align themselves with the six pillars of FCSSIP 25 to enhance productivity and efficiency in every Ministry, Department, and Agency (MDA) and take advantage of the expanded Leadership Enhancement and Development Programme (Lead-P) and the Structured Mandatory Assessment-Based Programme (Smart-P) to improve themselves. The HCSF further reiterated her commitment to drive the transformative journey of marching the Service to greatness with technology while highlighting that some of the newly introduced technologies such as the Service-wise GPT, GovMall, and Online Compendium of Circulars were products of digitalization that would enhance the capabilities of civil servants. Walson-Jack also emphasized rewards and recognition of excellence for deserving and outstanding officers. According to her, “In line with our efforts to foster a culture of excellence, we introduced initiatives to recognize and celebrate outstanding performance. “Today, I want to acknowledge the newly promoted directors. Your achievements are a testament to your hard work and dedication and I encourage you to lead by example as we continue this transformation journey,” she declared. The live event was robust and engaging with over 700 registered civil servants participating online. It was a unique opportunity for officers to ask the HCSF questions and seek clarifications on issues affecting their work, welfare, and areas of exploring mutual benefit and commitment to the service.
Cryptocurrencies Pose High Risk to 401(k) Portfolios, Government Watchdog WarnsEx-cabinet minister Louise Haigh was moved from Shadow NI sec role after growing close to nationalist MPClaro Enterprise Solutions Expands Technology Service Offerings to Accelerate Mergers and Acquisitions Integrations
