The Electoral Reform Commission is likely to recommend an investigation into irregularities during the last three national polls held under ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina. It is also of the opinion that the election commissioners who oversaw those polls breached their oath of office to preserve the constitution, according to commission Chairman Badiul Alam Majumdar. The reform commission may recommend appointing election commissioners through a search committee with representatives from the government, the opposition, and the third-largest party in parliament. Besides the restoration of the caretaker government system, capping the tenures of a prime minister at two terms and a proportional representation system, the reform commission is likely to recommend giving more powers to the Election Commission (EC). While discussing the updates on the reform commission's work with The Daily Star recently, Badiul said the other points under consideration include increasing women's seats in parliament, the reintroduction of "no vote" on ballot papers, and allowing Bangladeshi migrants to cast their votes from abroad. PUNISHMENT 'A MUST' The last general election in January had been at the centre of controversy as it was not competitive and inclusive due to a boycott by the major opposition parties, including the BNP. The AL had to field dummy independent candidates, many of whom were leaders of the party, to make the polls appear participatory. The 2018 election became controversial with opposition parties alleging ballot-box stuffing the night before election day. In January 2019, the Jatiya Oikya Front alleged before the EC that between 30 and 60 percent of the votes were cast the night before. The same month, Transparency International, Bangladesh in a study found that stamping of ballots took place the night before election day in more than one centre in 33 of the 50 surveyed constituencies. The 2014 election was one-sided, in which 153 lawmakers out of 300 were elected unopposed as most of the opposition, including the BNP, boycotted the election. The AL-led alliance won more than two-thirds majorities in all three national elections held under the Hasina government. A section of police officials on Tuesday admitted that they were under pressure from higher authorities while performing duties during the last three national elections. In a meeting with the reform commission, they also alleged that there were "financial transactions" during the polls. The reform commission members believe that the election commissioners, by overseeing the "controversial" elections in 2014, 2018 and 2024, breached their "oath to preserve, protect, and defend the constitution." Its chief Badiul said everyone is aware of how those elections were conducted. "We are considering these issues so that no one can get the scope to evade accountability for their wrongdoing. Those responsible should be brought to justice and punished. These elections need to be investigated. If the question of justice arises, the matter must be investigated first. These are our considerations while preparing the recommendations," he said. He emphasised the EC's role as a constitutional body and said that the election commissioners took an oath to uphold the constitution and ensure the democratic system will be effective through free, fair, and neutral elections. "By failing to do so [hold fair polls], they have violated the constitution on one hand and breached their oath on the other," Badiul added. The reform commission is also thinking about how to hold the election commissioners accountable if they are involved in irregularities. The reform commission is considering proposing legal provisions to take action against the commissioners through investigation in such cases, said a member of the reform commission, who wished not to be named. MEANINGFUL CHANGES Badiul said that they are considering a recommendation to change the law under which the chief election commissioner and other election commissioners are appointed. The government can appoint its desired people as CEC and election commissioners under the law, he said. "There is weakness in the law, which is not befitting this era". To avoid manipulation of the system, the reform commission chief said, representatives from the opposition and the third-largest party in parliament, along with the treasury bench, should be included in the search committee responsible for selecting nominees for the CEC and other election commissioners' posts. The commission is likely to recommend restoring the provision of the Representation of the People Order, 1972 (RPO) that empowered the EC to postpone elections at any stage after announcing the schedule. After an amendment in July 2023, the EC now can postpone elections only on the polling day. He noted that the RPO includes provisions for taking action against election offenders, but no significant action was seen in the past. Asked about his thoughts on empowering the EC, Badiul said, "We will try to increase the powers of the independent Election Commission. It is under our consideration." He said, "It is also important to mention that we cannot make any individual independent. According to the constitution, the Election Commission is already independent. However, we cannot force someone to act independently if they have a subservient attitude. "That is why we are advocating for a law to ensure the appointment of neutral individuals as the CEC and ECs. If this happens, meaningful changes can take place." PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION Badiul said the reform commission would keep the issue of introduction of a proportional representation system "under serious consideration", along with the restoration of a caretaker government to oversee national elections; and limiting the tenures of the prime minister to two terms. He noted that these issues, as well as the introduction of bicameral legislation, and direct elections to women's seats, are related to constitutional amendments. The government formed a separate commission for constitutional reforms. "Members of the two commissions are discussing ways to ensure coordination between their proposals on such matters," Badiul said. Proportional representation is an electoral system in which seats in parliament are allocated to political parties based on the proportion of votes they receive in an election. About the caretaker government system, Badiul said, "Recently, the High Court issued a verdict regarding the restoration of the caretaker government. This is now a reality, and we are considering it in our recommendations." Asked about increasing the women seats and direct election to these seats, Badiul said that this will ensure women's "true representation" in parliament. The commission is thinking about a rotational voting system for women's seats, he said. If these seats are increased to 100, the total number of parliamentary seats will rise to 400. "These 100 seats would rotate across constituencies over three election cycles, with women competing alongside men for other seats," he said. He said that they are thinking about the reintroduction of "no vote" option on the ballot paper so that none get the chance of being elected unopposed. "No vote" was on the ballot papers in the 2008 polls, and none was elected unopposed in the election. Around 3,82,000 people cast "no vote" in that election, said EC officials. The reform commission is also likely to propose some other changes, including the requirement for candidates to disclose their foreign assets in their affidavits. The interim government constituted the electoral reform commission on October 3 and sought its report within 90 days. Since then, the commission has taken proposals from stakeholders, including political parties, former CECs, members of different citizen platforms, and general people. "We are at the final stage of our work and hopeful that will be able to submit the report within the stipulated time," Badiul said. The Electoral Reform Commission is likely to recommend an investigation into irregularities during the last three national polls held under ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina. It is also of the opinion that the election commissioners who oversaw those polls breached their oath of office to preserve the constitution, according to commission Chairman Badiul Alam Majumdar. The reform commission may recommend appointing election commissioners through a search committee with representatives from the government, the opposition, and the third-largest party in parliament. Besides the restoration of the caretaker government system, capping the tenures of a prime minister at two terms and a proportional representation system, the reform commission is likely to recommend giving more powers to the Election Commission (EC). While discussing the updates on the reform commission's work with The Daily Star recently, Badiul said the other points under consideration include increasing women's seats in parliament, the reintroduction of "no vote" on ballot papers, and allowing Bangladeshi migrants to cast their votes from abroad. PUNISHMENT 'A MUST' The last general election in January had been at the centre of controversy as it was not competitive and inclusive due to a boycott by the major opposition parties, including the BNP. The AL had to field dummy independent candidates, many of whom were leaders of the party, to make the polls appear participatory. The 2018 election became controversial with opposition parties alleging ballot-box stuffing the night before election day. In January 2019, the Jatiya Oikya Front alleged before the EC that between 30 and 60 percent of the votes were cast the night before. The same month, Transparency International, Bangladesh in a study found that stamping of ballots took place the night before election day in more than one centre in 33 of the 50 surveyed constituencies. The 2014 election was one-sided, in which 153 lawmakers out of 300 were elected unopposed as most of the opposition, including the BNP, boycotted the election. The AL-led alliance won more than two-thirds majorities in all three national elections held under the Hasina government. A section of police officials on Tuesday admitted that they were under pressure from higher authorities while performing duties during the last three national elections. In a meeting with the reform commission, they also alleged that there were "financial transactions" during the polls. The reform commission members believe that the election commissioners, by overseeing the "controversial" elections in 2014, 2018 and 2024, breached their "oath to preserve, protect, and defend the constitution." Its chief Badiul said everyone is aware of how those elections were conducted. "We are considering these issues so that no one can get the scope to evade accountability for their wrongdoing. Those responsible should be brought to justice and punished. These elections need to be investigated. If the question of justice arises, the matter must be investigated first. These are our considerations while preparing the recommendations," he said. He emphasised the EC's role as a constitutional body and said that the election commissioners took an oath to uphold the constitution and ensure the democratic system will be effective through free, fair, and neutral elections. "By failing to do so [hold fair polls], they have violated the constitution on one hand and breached their oath on the other," Badiul added. The reform commission is also thinking about how to hold the election commissioners accountable if they are involved in irregularities. The reform commission is considering proposing legal provisions to take action against the commissioners through investigation in such cases, said a member of the reform commission, who wished not to be named. MEANINGFUL CHANGES Badiul said that they are considering a recommendation to change the law under which the chief election commissioner and other election commissioners are appointed. The government can appoint its desired people as CEC and election commissioners under the law, he said. "There is weakness in the law, which is not befitting this era". To avoid manipulation of the system, the reform commission chief said, representatives from the opposition and the third-largest party in parliament, along with the treasury bench, should be included in the search committee responsible for selecting nominees for the CEC and other election commissioners' posts. The commission is likely to recommend restoring the provision of the Representation of the People Order, 1972 (RPO) that empowered the EC to postpone elections at any stage after announcing the schedule. After an amendment in July 2023, the EC now can postpone elections only on the polling day. He noted that the RPO includes provisions for taking action against election offenders, but no significant action was seen in the past. Asked about his thoughts on empowering the EC, Badiul said, "We will try to increase the powers of the independent Election Commission. It is under our consideration." He said, "It is also important to mention that we cannot make any individual independent. According to the constitution, the Election Commission is already independent. However, we cannot force someone to act independently if they have a subservient attitude. "That is why we are advocating for a law to ensure the appointment of neutral individuals as the CEC and ECs. If this happens, meaningful changes can take place." PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION Badiul said the reform commission would keep the issue of introduction of a proportional representation system "under serious consideration", along with the restoration of a caretaker government to oversee national elections; and limiting the tenures of the prime minister to two terms. He noted that these issues, as well as the introduction of bicameral legislation, and direct elections to women's seats, are related to constitutional amendments. The government formed a separate commission for constitutional reforms. "Members of the two commissions are discussing ways to ensure coordination between their proposals on such matters," Badiul said. Proportional representation is an electoral system in which seats in parliament are allocated to political parties based on the proportion of votes they receive in an election. About the caretaker government system, Badiul said, "Recently, the High Court issued a verdict regarding the restoration of the caretaker government. This is now a reality, and we are considering it in our recommendations." Asked about increasing the women seats and direct election to these seats, Badiul said that this will ensure women's "true representation" in parliament. The commission is thinking about a rotational voting system for women's seats, he said. If these seats are increased to 100, the total number of parliamentary seats will rise to 400. "These 100 seats would rotate across constituencies over three election cycles, with women competing alongside men for other seats," he said. He said that they are thinking about the reintroduction of "no vote" option on the ballot paper so that none get the chance of being elected unopposed. "No vote" was on the ballot papers in the 2008 polls, and none was elected unopposed in the election. Around 3,82,000 people cast "no vote" in that election, said EC officials. The reform commission is also likely to propose some other changes, including the requirement for candidates to disclose their foreign assets in their affidavits. The interim government constituted the electoral reform commission on October 3 and sought its report within 90 days. Since then, the commission has taken proposals from stakeholders, including political parties, former CECs, members of different citizen platforms, and general people. "We are at the final stage of our work and hopeful that will be able to submit the report within the stipulated time," Badiul said.Nebraska defensive lineman Kai Wallin enters the transfer portal9jili 。

When 2025 arrives, so will the end of the amateur athlete in college sports

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel approved a ceasefire agreement with Lebanon's Hezbollah militants on Tuesday that would end nearly 14 months of fighting linked to the war in the Gaza Strip. The ceasefire, starting at 4 a.m. local time Wednesday, would mark the first major step toward ending the regionwide unrest triggered by Hamas’ attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. But it does not address the devastating war in Gaza , where Hamas is still holding dozens of hostages and the conflict is more intractable. Hours before the ceasefire with Hezbollah was to take effect, Israel carried out the most intense wave of strikes in Beirut and its southern suburbs since the start of the conflict and issued a record number of evacuation warnings. At least 42 people were killed in strikes across the country, according to local authorities. Another huge airstrike shook Beirut shortly after the ceasefire was announced. There appeared to be lingering disagreement over whether Israel would have the right to strike Hezbollah if it believed the militants had violated the agreement, something Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted was part of the deal but which Lebanese and Hezbollah officials have rejected. Israel's security Cabinet approved the U.S.-France-brokered ceasefire agreement after Netanyahu presented it, his office said. U.S. President Joe Biden, speaking in Washington, called the agreement “good news” and said his administration would make a renewed push for a ceasefire in Gaza. The Biden administration spent much of this year trying to broker a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza but the talks repeatedly sputtered to a halt . President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to bring peace to the Middle East without saying how. Still, any halt to the fighting in Lebanon is expected to reduce the likelihood of war between Israel and Iran, which backs both Hezbollah and Hamas and exchanged direct fire with Israel on two occasions earlier this year. Netanyahu presented the ceasefire proposal to Cabinet ministers after a televised address in which he listed accomplishments against Israel’s enemies across the region. He said a ceasefire with Hezbollah would further isolate Hamas in Gaza and allow Israel to focus on its main enemy, Iran. “If Hezbollah breaks the agreement and tries to rearm, we will attack,” he said. “For every violation, we will attack with might.” The ceasefire deal calls for a two-month initial halt in fighting and would require Hezbollah to end its armed presence in a broad swath of southern Lebanon, while Israeli troops would return to their side of the border. Thousands of additional Lebanese troops and U.N. peacekeepers would deploy in the south, and an international panel headed by the United States would monitor compliance. Biden said Israel reserved the right to quickly resume operations in Lebanon if Hezbollah breaks the terms of the truce, but that the deal "was designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities.” Netanyahu’s office said Israel appreciated the U.S. efforts in securing the deal but “reserves the right to act against every threat to its security.” Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati welcomed the ceasefire and described it as a crucial step toward stability and the return of displaced people. Hezbollah has said it accepts the proposal, but a senior official with the group said Tuesday it had not seen the agreement in its final form. “After reviewing the agreement signed by the enemy government, we will see if there is a match between what we stated and what was agreed upon by the Lebanese officials,” Mahmoud Qamati, deputy chair of Hezbollah’s political council, told the Al Jazeera news network. “We want an end to the aggression, of course, but not at the expense of the sovereignty of the state," he said, referring to Israel's demand for freedom of action. “Any violation of sovereignty is refused.” Even as ceasefire efforts gained momentum in recent days, Israel continued to strike what it called Hezbollah targets across Lebanon while the militants fired rockets, missiles and drones across the border. An Israeli strike on Tuesday leveled a residential building in central Beirut — the second time in recent days warplanes have hit the crowded area near downtown. At least seven people were killed and 37 wounded, according to Lebanon's Health Ministry. Israel also struck a building in Beirut's bustling commercial district of Hamra for the first time, hitting a site around 400 meters (yards) from Lebanon’s Central Bank. There were no reports of casualties. The Israeli military said it struck targets linked to Hezbollah's financial arm. The evacuation warnings covered many areas, including parts of Beirut that previously were not targeted. The warnings sent residents fleeing. Traffic was gridlocked, with mattresses tied to some cars. Dozens of people, some wearing pajamas, gathered in a central square, huddling under blankets or standing around fires as Israeli drones buzzed overhead. Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee issued evacuation warnings for 20 buildings in Beirut's southern suburbs, where Hezbollah has a major presence, as well as a warning for the southern town of Naqoura where the U.N. peacekeeping mission, UNIFIL, is headquartered. UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti said peacekeepers will not evacuate. The Israeli military also said its ground troops clashed with Hezbollah forces and destroyed rocket launchers in the Slouqi area on the eastern end of the Litani River, a few kilometers (miles) from the Israeli border. Under the ceasefire deal, Hezbollah would be required to move its forces north of the Litani, which in some places is about 30 kilometers (20 miles) north of the border. Hezbollah began firing into northern Israel on Oct. 8, 2023, saying it was showing support for the Palestinians, a day after Hamas carried out its attack on southern Israel, triggering the Gaza war. Israel returned fire on Hezbollah, and the two sides have exchanged barrages ever since. Israel escalated its bombardment in mid-September and later sent troops into Lebanon, vowing to put an end to Hezbollah fire so tens of thousands of evacuated Israelis could return to their homes. More than 3,760 people have been killed by Israeli fire in Lebanon the past 13 months, many of them civilians, according to Lebanese health officials. The bombardment has driven 1.2 million people from their homes. Israel says it has killed more than 2,000 Hezbollah members. Hezbollah fire has forced some 50,000 Israelis to evacuate in the country’s north, and its rockets have reached as far south in Israel as Tel Aviv. At least 75 people have been killed, more than half of them civilians. More than 50 Israeli soldiers have died in the ground offensive in Lebanon. Chehayeb and Mroue reported from Beirut and Federman from Jerusalem. Associated Press reporters Lujain Jo and Sally Abou AlJoud in Beirut and Aamer Madhani in Washington contributed. Find more of AP’s war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-warA new Beef + Lamb New Zealand report confirms earlier estimates for fewer lambs in spring 2024, compared with last year, due to a declining ewe flock, and a moderate decrease in ewe lambing percentage. The Beef + Lamb NZ 2024 Lamb Crop Report indicates a decrease in lambs tailed/docked by 1.1 million head, or 5.2%, compared to 2023, bringing the total lamb crop to an estimated 19.2 million. This is a preliminary figure, with final figures for the South Island expected closer to Christmas. Beef + Lamb NZ said the report aimed to inform early processing decisions, particularly in the North Island , and offer insights into the current state of the sector. The decline in lamb crop is slightly greater than what Beef + Lamb NZ originally forecasted in the June Stock Number Survey.A killer whale that gained international sympathy after carrying her dead calf 1,000 miles for over two weeks in 2018 has given birth again, researchers announced. The new baby orca was recently seen off the coast of Washington state, and was determined to belong to the whale known as J35, or “Tahlequah,” according to the Center for Whale Research (CWR): The Center for Whale Research has received additional information on the new calf born into J pod. On Monday, 12/23, a... Posted by Center for Whale Research on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 The researchers also said they think the new calf is a female, and assigned her the label of J61 because she has been traveling with her mother in the “J pod” of orcas. While the center’s team has “expressed concern about the calf’s health based on the behavior of both J35 and J61,” they noted that early life for killer whales typically has a high risk of mortality and they “hope” that Tahlequah is able to keep J61 alive “through these difficult early days.” “CWR, along with the rest of the research community, is eager to conduct follow-up observations of the calves’ behavior and physical condition when possible,” the center added. Seattle-area agency Sealife Response, Rehab, and Research, which conducts photogrammetry and body measurements of the whales, stated they believe that the calf was born prematurely, according to a Facebook post from the Orca Conservancy: Update on New Calf J61 We have learned of some new updates on the newest calf born into J Pod! The @centerforwhaleresearch has confirmed J35 Tahlequah as the mother and has officially designated the calf as J61!Reaearchers are not without concern in regards to the new calf. @sealifer3 , the agency that conducts photogrammetry and body measurements have stated they believe the calf to be premature, and added that J35 appeared in subnormal body condition in October. Ideally mothers need to be robust with ample fat storage to help with the demands of lactation.Researchers with @noaafisherieswestcoast were able to spend time on the water with J61 and stated they observed the calf remaining underwater for extended amounts of time indicating nursing or attempts to nurse. The calf had also been observed being pushed around on J35’s head and was not looking lively, which is a concern, but also added calf behavior is not fully understood.All of this serves as a reminder that in order for new calves, salmon stocks need to be recovered to levels that will help support population growth. Posted by Orca Conservancy on Tuesday, December 24, 2024 The nonprofit added that Tahlequah appeared to be in “subnormal body condition” when she was pregnant in October. “Ideally mothers need to be robust with ample fat storage to help with the demands of lactation,” the conservancy said. They also noted that researchers with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) West Coast Fisheries Management and Marine Life Protection agency observed the calf “remaining underwater for extended amounts of time indicating nursing or attempts to nurse.” “The calf had also been observed being pushed around on J35’s head and was not looking lively, which is a concern,” the Orca Conservancy added, but explained that “calf behavior is not fully understood.” Tahlequah made headlines in August 2018 after she carried her baby, who died soon after birth, on her head for at least 17 days, “in an image of grief that struck an emotional chord worldwide,” according to CBS News. Ken Balcomb of the CWR said she carried the calf’s body for 1,000 miles: “She literally is pushing her baby to connect with it and, hope against hope — hoping that it will take a breath, which it will never do,” biologist and wildlife conservationist Jeff Corwin told CBS at the time. “I can imagine this [mourning period] could take a very, very long time.” According to Corwin, grief in some orca whales has to “take its course,” just like in humans. It would have been “stressful” for the grieving mother if anyone had intervened in her mourning, he added. “The world isn’t ready for another heartbreaking loss of a calf, especially this calf to this mother,” one Facebook commenter wrote on the CWR’s announcement post. “I hope she’s able to, my heart broke last time watching her mourn for so long. She’s the reason I fell in love with orcas. I hope with all my heart that this little one survives,” another orca fan wrote.

Holiday shopping doesn't have to be stressful

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel approved a ceasefire agreement with Lebanon's Hezbollah militants on Tuesday that would end nearly 14 months of fighting linked to the war in the Gaza Strip. The ceasefire, starting at 4 a.m. local time Wednesday, would mark the first major step toward ending the regionwide unrest triggered by Hamas’ attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. But it does not address the devastating war in Gaza , where Hamas is still holding dozens of hostages and the conflict is more intractable. Hours before the ceasefire with Hezbollah was to take effect, Israel carried out the most intense wave of strikes in Beirut and its southern suburbs since the start of the conflict and issued a record number of evacuation warnings. At least 42 people were killed in strikes across the country, according to local authorities. Another huge airstrike shook Beirut shortly after the ceasefire was announced. There appeared to be lingering disagreement over whether Israel would have the right to strike Hezbollah if it believed the militants had violated the agreement, something Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted was part of the deal but which Lebanese and Hezbollah officials have rejected. Israel's security Cabinet approved the U.S.-France-brokered ceasefire agreement after Netanyahu presented it, his office said. U.S. President Joe Biden, speaking in Washington, called the agreement “good news” and said his administration would make a renewed push for a ceasefire in Gaza. The Biden administration spent much of this year trying to broker a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza but the talks repeatedly sputtered to a halt . President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to bring peace to the Middle East without saying how. Still, any halt to the fighting in Lebanon is expected to reduce the likelihood of war between Israel and Iran, which backs both Hezbollah and Hamas and exchanged direct fire with Israel on two occasions earlier this year. Netanyahu presented the ceasefire proposal to Cabinet ministers after a televised address in which he listed accomplishments against Israel’s enemies across the region. He said a ceasefire with Hezbollah would further isolate Hamas in Gaza and allow Israel to focus on its main enemy, Iran. “If Hezbollah breaks the agreement and tries to rearm, we will attack,” he said. “For every violation, we will attack with might.” The ceasefire deal calls for a two-month initial halt in fighting and would require Hezbollah to end its armed presence in a broad swath of southern Lebanon, while Israeli troops would return to their side of the border. Thousands of additional Lebanese troops and U.N. peacekeepers would deploy in the south, and an international panel headed by the United States would monitor compliance. Biden said Israel reserved the right to quickly resume operations in Lebanon if Hezbollah breaks the terms of the truce, but that the deal "was designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities.” Netanyahu’s office said Israel appreciated the U.S. efforts in securing the deal but “reserves the right to act against every threat to its security.” Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati welcomed the ceasefire and described it as a crucial step toward stability and the return of displaced people. Hezbollah has said it accepts the proposal, but a senior official with the group said Tuesday it had not seen the agreement in its final form. “After reviewing the agreement signed by the enemy government, we will see if there is a match between what we stated and what was agreed upon by the Lebanese officials,” Mahmoud Qamati, deputy chair of Hezbollah’s political council, told the Al Jazeera news network. “We want an end to the aggression, of course, but not at the expense of the sovereignty of the state," he said, referring to Israel's demand for freedom of action. “Any violation of sovereignty is refused.” Even as ceasefire efforts gained momentum in recent days, Israel continued to strike what it called Hezbollah targets across Lebanon while the militants fired rockets, missiles and drones across the border. An Israeli strike on Tuesday leveled a residential building in central Beirut — the second time in recent days warplanes have hit the crowded area near downtown. At least seven people were killed and 37 wounded, according to Lebanon's Health Ministry. Israel also struck a building in Beirut's bustling commercial district of Hamra for the first time, hitting a site around 400 meters (yards) from Lebanon’s Central Bank. There were no reports of casualties. The Israeli military said it struck targets linked to Hezbollah's financial arm. The evacuation warnings covered many areas, including parts of Beirut that previously were not targeted. The warnings sent residents fleeing. Traffic was gridlocked, with mattresses tied to some cars. Dozens of people, some wearing pajamas, gathered in a central square, huddling under blankets or standing around fires as Israeli drones buzzed overhead. Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee issued evacuation warnings for 20 buildings in Beirut's southern suburbs, where Hezbollah has a major presence, as well as a warning for the southern town of Naqoura where the U.N. peacekeeping mission, UNIFIL, is headquartered. UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti said peacekeepers will not evacuate. The Israeli military also said its ground troops clashed with Hezbollah forces and destroyed rocket launchers in the Slouqi area on the eastern end of the Litani River, a few kilometers (miles) from the Israeli border. Under the ceasefire deal, Hezbollah would be required to move its forces north of the Litani, which in some places is about 30 kilometers (20 miles) north of the border. Hezbollah began firing into northern Israel on Oct. 8, 2023, saying it was showing support for the Palestinians, a day after Hamas carried out its attack on southern Israel, triggering the Gaza war. Israel returned fire on Hezbollah, and the two sides have exchanged barrages ever since. Israel escalated its bombardment in mid-September and later sent troops into Lebanon, vowing to put an end to Hezbollah fire so tens of thousands of evacuated Israelis could return to their homes. More than 3,760 people have been killed by Israeli fire in Lebanon the past 13 months, many of them civilians, according to Lebanese health officials. The bombardment has driven 1.2 million people from their homes. Israel says it has killed more than 2,000 Hezbollah members. Hezbollah fire has forced some 50,000 Israelis to evacuate in the country’s north, and its rockets have reached as far south in Israel as Tel Aviv. At least 75 people have been killed, more than half of them civilians. More than 50 Israeli soldiers have died in the ground offensive in Lebanon. Chehayeb and Mroue reported from Beirut and Federman from Jerusalem. Associated Press reporters Lujain Jo and Sally Abou AlJoud in Beirut and Aamer Madhani in Washington contributed. Find more of AP’s war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-warChargers rule out RB Gus Edwards (ankle) vs. PatriotsIsrael and Lebanon's Hezbollah agree to a ceasefire after nearly 14 months of fightingFacebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Lea en español For many people, this time of year is all about the shopping. And there's a fair chance many feel less than joyful about the prospect. If fulfilling your lengthy list feels overwhelming, learning what brain science and evolutionary psychology say about shopping and gift-giving might help you understand exactly why you're stressed – and even point you toward a healthier, happier holiday season. Our reactions are encoded into our nervous system, said Dr. Beth Frates, a part-time associate professor in the department of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Harvard Medical School in Boston. "By understanding these brain responses, people can develop strategies to manage stress better, such as setting realistic expectations, focusing on mindfulness and simplifying holiday preparations," said Frates, who also is the immediate past president of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. What does Spirit Airlines' bankruptcy mean for Atlantic City International Airport? Galloway Township gymnastics center co-owner charged with sexually assaulting minor Galloway man gets 3 years in Ocean City fatal crash Ocean City introduces new fees on rentals Jake Blum's 2-point conversion in OT propels Mainland Regional to second straight state final Prosecutor still determined to find whoever is responsible for West Atlantic City killings Atlantic City police say power restored after daylong outages High school football scoreboard: Friday's semifinal winners, plus Saturday updates Chicken Bone Beach foundation to purchase Atlantic City's Dante Hall with NJEDA grant Want a piece of Gillian's Wonderland? This Burlington County antique shop has tons of them. Offshore wind company to buy vacant 1.5-acre Atlantic City lot for $1 million South Jersey first grader assaulted by teacher during bus trip, lawsuit alleges Jersey Shore restaurants shift gears to survive in offseason Not too late! Voting closes at noon for The Press Football Player of the Week South Jersey student talks about her yearlong suspension as others adjust to school elsewhere: 'It was a hard lesson' The idea of exchanging gifts at this time of year can be traced back to pagan solstice celebrations. But the drive to share with another is as old as humanity itself, said Dr. Diego Guevara Beltran, a postdoctoral fellow in psychology at the University of Arizona in Tucson who studies cooperation and generosity. The science of generosity is more about survival than stocking stuffers, Guevara Beltran said. Sharing food gave early humans an evolutionary advantage. "Generosity is just one of the ways by which we can accumulate resources, be it wealth itself or friendships or work partners or more attractive, more intelligent mates," he said. Sharing with other people, Guevara Beltran said, is "a signal that communicates how much you value them, their welfare, your relationship with them." Research has shown that helping people makes us feel good. Part of that, he said, is because when someone is part of a community, they feel protected. One way this manifests is through the act of giving gifts. But to derive happiness from gift-giving, the giver needs to feel both that it was not an obligation and that it was effective, according to the 2019 World Happiness Report . That means it could be stressful to be in a culture where gift-giving feels mandatory, or if we can't see that a gift helped someone, Guevara Beltran speculated. It also might be stressful if gift-giving becomes a competition to show that you care about somebody more than the others around them. Our brains on shopping Stressful shopping can cause several physiological responses to kick in, Frates said. First is the "fight or flight" reaction that comes with stress. The release of chemicals that increase our heart rate, raise our blood pressure and intensify our breathing evolved to give us bursts of energy to escape danger. Frates said that while holiday stressors are not life-threatening, they can still trigger the stress response. The pressure to stay within budget could create a sense of scarcity, she said. "This taps into an evolutionary response, where the fear of losing resources like money can feel urgent and distressing." The holiday season also involves a lot of choices. "The brain has limited capacity for decision-making, and making multiple decisions can lead to decision fatigue," Frates said. "This fatigue reduces the ability to self-regulate and cope, which can lead to heightened stress responses when confronted with even minor setbacks, like a long line or out-of-stock item." The stress of needing to complete tasks within a limited time can intensify the fight-or-flight response, she said, as the brain interprets the ticking clock as a sense of urgency or threat. Meanwhile, Frates said, holiday shopping can also trigger brain chemicals that affect our feelings. "Dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, is released when we anticipate something exciting or enjoyable, like finding a great gift or finding a good deal," she said. "This anticipation can feel rewarding even before any actual purchase is made." For some people, this dopamine boost can make shopping a relaxing experience. "It provides a temporary distraction from other stressors and allows them to focus on something positive, creating a 'holiday high,'" Frates said. For some people, that can be problematic. "When shopping becomes a way to chase that next dopamine hit, it can lead to excessive spending or impulsive purchases," she said. "This can become a trap, particularly during the holidays, when deals, sales and gift-giving pressures are everywhere." Understanding how all these processes work can help people recognize why they feel the way they do and adopt strategies to cope, Frates said. Here are some of her suggestions. 1. Start with self-care before shopping Prioritizing self-care means people can be their best selves and make good decisions, Frates said. So, "eat food that is delicious and nutritious. Get seven to nine hours of sleep. Make sure to enjoy physical activity. Take walks when you can and invite friends along. Practice stress reduction like meditation or yoga to help you calm your body and mind." Before going shopping, try taking deep breaths using stress-relieving techniques such as 4-7-8 breathing (inhale through your nose for four counts, hold for seven counts, and exhale through your mouth for eight) or box breathing (inhale through the nose for four counts, hold your breath for four, exhale for four, then hold for four). 2. Be strategic Don't shop when you're hungry, tired, lonely or stressed, Frates said. And don't start shopping 15 minutes before a store closes or a website's online deals end, she said. That's setting yourself up for triggering the fight-or-flight response. 3. Be mindful Before making a purchase, take a moment to consider whether it's truly needed or whether it's an impulsive choice. To avoid overindulging, set a specific budget or limit yourself to a couple of hours or specific shopping days. "This keeps dopamine-driven spending in check while still allowing for the enjoyable aspects of holiday shopping," Frates said. Look for post-shopping activities that provide rewards without the financial cost. That can satisfy your brain's desire for more dopamine in a healthier way. "Plan enjoyable, stress-relieving activities after shopping, like going for a walk, spending time with friends or indulging in a hobby," she said. 4. Bring a friend Not only does this support healthy social connections, Frates said, but if things start feeling stressful, "you have a buddy, and you have a support system right there for you." 5. Rethink the focus of the season "With gift-giving, we need to change mindsets in order to be able to manage the stress," Frates said. The holidays could be used to emphasize social connections, she said. "Thinking about the connection with the person and making gift-giving more about deepening the connection than anything else, I think, will really help to reduce the stress around the process," she said. So instead of scouring shops and websites for the "perfect" gift, think about making a meaningful and personal one, she suggested. It could be a poem, a painting, a song or a framed photograph that captured a special time. 6. Lessons for children It's easy to get caught up in the hunt for a hard-to-get item, Frates said. But ask yourself what the holiday means in your family's traditions. "Is it about getting that perfect gift for the child? Or is it about celebrating the meaning of that holiday?" So instead of having children ask for one specific toy, or a specific brand of clothing, teach them to leave a little leeway on their lists. "It is a good reminder to express to children that this season is about giving and sharing what we can in the best way that we can," she said, "and sometimes the exact gift is not available." Encouraging such an attitude can be a tall order, Frates said, but it's a place to start. "A simple mindset shift could be the difference between a stressful holiday shopping season or a joyful journey to find meaningful gifts for people you care about." American Heart Association News covers heart and brain health. Not all views expressed in this story reflect the official position of the American Heart Association. Copyright is owned or held by the American Heart Association, Inc., and all rights are reserved. Build your health & fitness knowledge Sign up here to get the latest health & fitness updates in your inbox every week!

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DALLAS — The Dallas Cowboys roller coaster season continues as the team announced Thursday that they will be without star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb for the final two games of the regular season. According to the team, additional examinations and scans determined that Lamb's shoulder injury has progressed to the point where they feel he should not play. Lamb, who has been fighting through the injury he suffered in Week 9 against the Falcons, has been a key contributor to the Cowboys' success this season. He surpassed 1,000 receiving yards against the Carolina Panthers, becoming the first player in Cowboys history to achieve that milestone in four of his first five seasons with the team. The team said Lamb will undergo a process of treatment and rehabilitation for his shoulder, which is currently not expected to require any surgery. The Cowboys expect Lamb to make a full recovery. So, that means Cooper Rush will be without the Cowboys' best offensive weapon for the final two, tough games against Philadelphia and Washington. However, with no playoffs on the horizon, the main goal of these remaining contests may not be to win, but to survive.Do Sarah Michelle Gellar and Jennifer Love Hewitt have beef? Cruel Intentions star Gellar set tongues wagging this week when she spoke at the Dexter: Original Sin premiere about the upcoming I Know What You Did Last Summer reboot. While the actress, 47, was excited to talk about the project’s “incredible cast” and “fun script,” the interview took an awkward turn when the Extra reporter asked about Hewitt. “I know Jennifer Love Hewitt said that she’s possibly returning,” the journalist said. “You can’t tell [us]?” Gellar silently shrugged before stepping back and saying she has “nothing to do with that.” Social media users had a heyday with the red carpet clip, with many believing the Buffy the Vampire Slayer star was “definitely throwing shade” at the 45-year-old. Sarah Michelle Gellar on the red carpet. “Look at that face! She hates her so bad,” one person speculated via X, while another wrote, “This seems so shady LOL.” A third joked, “I thought she was an actress? Girl ... act.” Gellar and Hewitt’s reps have yet to respond to Page Six’s requests for comment. The previous day, Hewitt appeared on the I’ve Never Said This Before With Tommy DiDario podcast and spoke about Gellar. Hewitt brought up the alleged “fighting” on her own, saying, “I root for her and [husband] Freddie [Prinze Jr.] and think it’s the cutest thing in the world that they’ve been married for 100 years and have kids. “It’s adorable,” she continued. “So it’s been really funny to see all this [negative] stuff that people think.” Hewitt and Gellar co-starred in I Know What You Did Last Summer in 1997, playing Julie James and Helen Shivers, respectively. They appeared together in 1997’s I Know What You Did Last Summer. Love Hewitt was full of praise for SGM in another interview this week. Picture: Getty News broke that a reboot was in the works when Gellar posted an Instagram photo from the set in November, which she admittedly got “in a little bit of trouble” for. In a recent interview with Page Six, Hewitt told us she was interested in being part of the project and confirmed they were “in talks,” but it was a matter of making the shooting schedule work. “Fingers crossed right now,” she said, adding, “I do want it to happen. It was a fun it was a fun thing for me. And I feel like at, you know, 45, it would be really cool to go back to something. I started when I was 18, which is crazy to think about, but I think it would be fun.” She confirmed the reprised role in a Friday Instagram post, with Gellar sharing the announcement to her Story. This story originally appeared on Page Six and is republished here with permission. More Coverage Yellowstone star’s savage Costner comments Janelle Ash – Fox News Star of huge Netflix hit now unrecognisable Tilly Pearce – The Sun Originally published as Sarah Michelle Gellar sparks feud rumours with very awkward red carpet encounter Celebrity Life Don't miss out on the headlines from Celebrity Life. Followed categories will be added to My News. Join the conversation Add your comment to this story To join the conversation, please log in. Don't have an account? Register Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout More related stories Entertainment US actress unrecognisable in shocking photos One of the stars of the massive Netflix hit Orange is the New Black has been spotted this week looking virtually unrecognisable. Read more Royals New Andrew scandal engulfs royal family A friend of the Duke of York has been outed as an alleged spy – and the blowback from the crisis could have brutal consequences. Read more

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Sam Prendergast led the way as Leinster eased to a bonus-point win over a disappointing Munster side at Thomond Park. With Jack Crowley rested, Munster had no answer to Leinster’s class, and the visitors were 21-7 ahead when Prendergast made way for Ross Byrne with 16 minutes remaining. The win extends Leinster’s lead at the top of the URC and marks their eighth victory in the last nine meetings in what has become a one-sided derby clash. “It was my first time playing against Munster in a senior game and playing down here. Some atmosphere, and we fought through the hard moments well to get a good bonus-point win,” said Prendergast after Leinster’s sixth successive victory over Munster at Thomond Park. Leinster delivered a masterclass in efficiency during the opening half, heading into the break with a 14-0 lead. While questions surrounded their lineout coming into the match, it was Munster’s set-piece that faltered, with the hosts losing four throws, including some in promising positions inside Leinster’s 22. Even when Munster retained possession, Leinster’s top-class defense ensured no way through. Leinster capitalized on their opportunities early, opening the scoring in the ninth minute. A few phases off a lineout allowed Luke McGrath to snipe over for the first try, with Prendergast adding the conversion. The young out-half displayed his full array of skills, dictating the game with precision both in hand and with the boot. Munster’s pressure led to a yellow card for Tommy O’Brien for offside, but Garry Ringrose’s superb defense denied Munster skipper Tadhg Beirne from grounding the ball over the line. Despite the extra man, Munster couldn’t capitalise, and it was Leinster who increased their lead before O’Brien returned. A fumbled Munster lineout five meters from their own line, following an excellent touch from Prendergast, gifted Leinster another scoring opportunity. After several phases were held up, McGrath fed Prendergast, who powered between Tom Farrell and Shane Daly to score a try he converted himself, giving Leinster a 14-0 lead after 32 minutes. Munster introduced John Hodnett at the break and shifted Tom Ahern to the second row, changes that paid off immediately. Ahern won a crucial lineout, and after a series of tapped penalties, he charged through to score. Billy Burns added the conversion to cut the deficit to 14-7 just five minutes into the second half. The home crowd, a capacity of 26,267, came alive, but Leinster responded superbly. Joe McCarthy set up Josh van der Flier, who marked his 150th Leinster appearance with a try converted by Prendergast to restore a 21-7 lead after 55 minutes. Leinster wrapped up the bonus point six minutes from time when captain Caelan Doris powered over following a tapped penalty. Ross Byrne added the extras to complete a commanding 28-7 victory. Scorers: Munster: Try: T Ahern. Con: B Burns. Leinster: Tries: L McGrath, S Prendergast, J van der Flier, C Doris. Cons: S Prendergast (3), R Byrne. Munster: M Haley (B O’Connor 74); C Nash, T Farrell, R Scannell, S Daly; B Burns (T Butler 65), E Coughlan (P Patterson 51); D Bleuler (K Ryan 74), N Scannell (E Clarke 23-36, 74), O Jager (J Ryan 55); F Wycherley (J Hodnett 41), T Beirne (c); T Ahern, A Kendellen (B Gleeson 65), G Coombes. Leinster: J Osborne; T O’Brien, G Ringrose (J Larmour 74), R Henshaw, J O’Brien; S Prendergast (R Byrne 64), L McGrath (F Gunne 53); J Boyle (A Porter 23), R Kelleher (L Barron 64), R Slimani (C Healy 53); J McCarthy, J Ryan (B Deeny 74); R Baird, J van der Flier (S Penny 74), C Doris (c). Referee: Sam Grove-White (Scotland).Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister of India and the chief architect behind the country's pivotal economic reforms of 1991, passed away on Thursday night at the age of 92. His death was confirmed by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Delhi, where Singh was admitted after a sudden decline in his health. The AIIMS bulletin revealed that Singh was receiving treatment for age-related conditions and lost consciousness at his home on December 26. Despite immediate resuscitative efforts both at home and at the hospital, Singh was declared dead at 9.51 PM. Singh served as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014 and significantly impacted India's economic trajectory. Known for pulling India back from the brink of bankruptcy, his policies ushered in an era of economic liberalization. Congress leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Sonia Gandhi, rushed to the hospital upon hearing of his hospitalisation. Party chiefs are now en route to Delhi following his death. (With inputs from agencies.)Pep Guardiola’s side avoided the indignity of a sixth successive defeat in all competitions and looked on course for a welcome victory thanks to a double from Erling Haaland – the first from the penalty spot – and a deflected effort from Ilkay Gundogan. Yet Guardiola was left with his head in hands as Feyenoord roared back in the last 15 minutes with goals from Anis Hadj Moussa, Sergio Gimenez and David Hancko, two of them after Josko Gvardiol errors. FULL-TIME | A point apiece. 🩵 3-3 ⚫️ | — Manchester City (@ManCity) Arsenal delivered the statement Champions League win Mikel Arteta had demanded as they swept aside Sporting Lisbon 5-1. Arteta wanted his team to prove their European credentials, and goals from Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Gabriel, Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard got their continental campaign back on track in style following the 1-0 defeat at Inter Milan last time out. A memorable victory also ended Sporting’s unbeaten start to the season, a streak of 17 wins and one draw, the vast majority of which prompted Manchester United to prise away head coach Ruben Amorim. Putting on a show at Sporting 🌟 — Arsenal (@Arsenal) Paris St Germain were left in serious of danger of failing to progress in the Champions League as they fell to a 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena. Kim Min-jae’s header late in the first half was enough to send PSG to a third defeat in the competition this season, leaving them six points off the automatic qualification places for the last 16 with three games to play. Luis Enrique’s side, who had Ousmane Dembele sent off, were deservedly beaten by Bayern who dominated chances and possession. 🔔 FULL TIME – Victory at home! +3 in the 👏❤️ | — FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) Elsewhere, Atletico Madrid were 6-0 winners away to Sparta Prague, Julian Alvarez and Angel Correa each scoring twice whilst there were also goals from Marcos Llorente and Antoine Griezmann. Barcelona ended tournament debutants Brest’s unbeaten start with a 3-0 victory courtesy of two goals from Robert Lewandowski – one a penalty – and Dani Olmo. Lewandowski’s first was his 100th Champions League goal, only the third man to reach the mark after Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. A Castello Lukeba own goal saw Inter Milan go top of the standings with a narrow 1-0 win over RB Leipzig at San Siro, whilst Bayer Leverkusen were emphatic victors against Red Bull Salzburg, Florian Wirtz scoring twice to move Xabi Alonso’s side into the automatic qualification places. Atalanta continued their strong start, albeit whilst conceding a first goal in Europe this season in a 6-1 win away to Young Boys, whilst Tammy Abraham scored the decisive goal as AC Milan beat Slovan Bratislava 3-2.Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb (shoulder) done for year

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If you’re a Hallmarkie, you know that Andrew Walker is one of the faces of the channel. And what a face it is. It’s like The CW used an AI lab to create a leading man made of the best parts of Glen Powell , Ryan Eggold , and a young Clint Eastwood . It’s insulting really, how he just walks around with that thing out in the open, making the rest of us normies look like something out of Middle Earth. Thankfully, Walker is one of the authentically good ones. Humble, engaging, totally Canadian, and a dang workhorse. The Montreal-born actor-producer has shot six movies for Hallmark this year, including Countdown to Christmas’s Jingle Bell Run and Three Wiser Men and a Boy ! On top of that, he’s also a husband, father of two sons, and an entrepreneur, having co-founded the SkinMason skincare line ... which is clearly working, since there are zero signs of fatigue on his matinee-idol mug. “Obviously I use skincare on a daily basis, and when I wrap from set, I’m always washing my face off,” he explains of the inspiration behind SkinMason. “I have used very abrasive products that have given me skin [issues], I’ve broken out, I’ve had rashes. I used to have these little alcohol wipes to take the rest of my makeup off.” During a dinner with his friend Dr. Hussein Kanji, a heart and lung surgeon who’s “always working with different types of products for [organ] detoxification and antioxidants,” the two agreed to partner on a product line. “He had an idea for a very simple yet effective skincare brand, ideally targeted to men to start with, because the women’s space is so massive...but women and men can use the same skincare,” Walker continues. “And I said I’d love to venture into this, first off, because my wife [Cassandra] always scolded me for using way too much of her expensive skincare products—I don’t know what to use! It’s like, there’s so many products out there.” Two years later, Walker and Kanji had the first two core products of the line, exfoliating wipes and a serum, which were soon followed by their new moisturizer. “We don’t even call it a moisturizer. It’s a bioactive cream.” Noting that Jean Carruthers, the co-innovator of Botox, has endorsed all of their products, Walker explains that their formula boasts retinoid, Vitamins C, and phospholipids that rebuild collagen. The SkinMason site is having a 40 percent off Black Friday sale and you can order each item individually or as a set, with a VIP subscription for regular refill orders at a 10 percent discount. Better yet, he laughs, “My wife has now turned on to using my products!” Speaking of his wife, how do the Walkers plan to spend the holidays? “With family,” he immediately offers. “We moved up to Vancouver for a year and it’s been amazing. It’s been quiet because we live next to a forest. So the holidays this year are just going to be family and trying to take a moment to put away the phones, put away technology, and just focus my time on my kids and my wife and each other.” Now that is a good look for everyone. Three Wiser Men and a Boy & Jingle Bell Run , Streaming Now, Hallmark+ More Headlines:

LPGA, USGA to require players to be assigned female at birth or transition before puberty

Players must be assigned female at birth or have transitioned to female before going through male puberty to compete in LPGA tournaments or the eight USGA championships for females under new gender policies published Wednesday. The policies, which begin in 2025, follow more than a year of study involving medicine, science, sport physiology and gender policy law. The updated policies would rule out eligibility for Hailey Davidson, who missed qualifying for the U.S. Women's Open this year by one shot and came up short in LPGA Q-school. Davidson, who turned 32 on Tuesday, began hormone treatments when she was in her early 20s in 2015 and in 2021 underwent gender-affirming surgery, which was required under the LPGA's previous gender policy. She had won this year on a Florida mini-tour called NXXT Golf until the circuit announced in March that players had to be assigned female at birth. “Can't say I didn't see this coming,” Davidson wrote Wednesday on an Instagram story. “Banned from the Epson and the LPGA. All the silence and people wanting to stay ‘neutral’ thanks for absolutely nothing. This happened because of all your silence.” LPGA commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan, who is resigning in January, said the new gender policy "is reflective of an extensive, science-based and inclusive approach." By making it to the second stage of Q-school, Davidson would have had very limited status on the Epson Tour, the pathway to the LPGA. The LPGA and USGA say their policies were geared toward being inclusive of gender identities and expression while striving for equity in competition. The LPGA said its working group of experts advised that the effects of male puberty allowed for competitive advantages in golf compared with players who had not gone through puberty. “Our policy is reflective of an extensive, science-based and inclusive approach,” said LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan, who announced Monday that she is resigning in January. "The policy represents our continued commitment to ensuring that all feel welcome within our organization, while preserving the fairness and competitive equity of our elite competitions.” Mike Whan, the former LPGA commissioner and now CEO of the USGA, said it developed the updated policy independently and later discovered it was similar to those used by swimming, track and field, and other sports. United States Golf Association CEO Mike Whan said the new policy will prevent anyone from having "a competitive advantage based on their gender." “It starts with competitive fairness as the North star,” Whan said in a telephone interview. “We tried not to get into politics, or state by state or any of that stuff. We just simply said, ‘Where would somebody — at least medically today — where do we believe somebody would have a competitive advantage in the field?’ And we needed to draw a line. “We needed to be able to walk into any women's event and say with confidence that nobody here has a competitive advantage based on their gender. And this policy delivers that.” The “Competitive Fairness Gender Policy” for the USGA takes effect for the 2025 championship season that starts with the U.S. Women's Amateur Four-Ball on May 10-14. Qualifying began late this year, though there were no transgender players who took part. “Will that change in the years to come as medicine changes? Probably,” Whan said. “But I think today this stacks up.” The LPGA “Gender Policy for Competition Eligibility” would apply to the LPGA Tour, Epson Tour, Ladies European Tour and qualifying for the tours. Players assigned male at birth must prove they have not experienced any part of puberty beyond the first stage or after age 12, whichever comes first, and then meet limitation standards for testosterone levels. The LPGA begins its 75th season on Jan. 30 with the Tournament of Champions in Orlando, Florida. Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, foreground right, dives toward the end zone to score past San Francisco 49ers defensive end Robert Beal Jr. (51) and linebacker Dee Winters during the second half of an NFL football game in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus) Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green goes up for a dunk during the second half of an Emirates NBA cup basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) South Carolina guard Maddy McDaniel (1) drives to the basket against UCLA forward Janiah Barker (0) and center Lauren Betts (51) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer) Mari Fukada of Japan falls as she competes in the women's Snowboard Big Air qualifying round during the FIS Snowboard & Freeski World Cup 2024 at the Shougang Park in Beijing, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) LSU punter Peyton Todd (38) kneels in prayer before an NCAA college football game against Oklahoma in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. LSU won 37-17. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, left, is hit by Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey, center, as Eagles wide receiver Parris Campbell (80) looks on during a touchdown run by Barkley in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) Los Angeles Kings left wing Warren Foegele, left, trips San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini, center, during the third period of an NHL hockey game Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, in San Jose, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez) Olympiacos' Francisco Ortega, right, challenges for the ball with FCSB's David Miculescu during the Europa League league phase soccer match between FCSB and Olympiacos at the National Arena stadium, in Bucharest, Romania, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru) Brazil's Botafogo soccer fans react during the Copa Libertadores title match against Atletico Mineiro in Argentina, during a watch party at Nilton Santos Stadium, in Rio de Janeiro, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado) Jiyai Shin of Korea watches her shot on the 10th hole during the final round of the Australian Open golf championship at the Kingston Heath Golf Club in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake) Lara Gut-Behrami, of Switzerland, competes during a women's World Cup giant slalom skiing race, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Killington, Vt. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin cools off during first period of an NHL hockey game against the Boston Bruins, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Elmont, N.Y. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Brazil's Amanda Gutierres, second right, is congratulated by teammate Yasmin, right, after scoring her team's first goal during a soccer international between Brazil and Australia in Brisbane, Australia, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Pat Hoelscher) Luiz Henrique of Brazil's Botafogo, right. is fouled by goalkeeper Everson of Brazil's Atletico Mineiro inside the penalty area during a Copa Libertadores final soccer match at Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko) Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (33) reaches for an incomplete pass ahead of Arizona Cardinals linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. (2) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) Melanie Meillard, center, of Switzerland, competes during the second run in a women's World Cup slalom skiing race, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Killington, Vt. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma misses a catch during the fourth day of the first Test cricket match between South Africa and Sri Lanka, at Kingsmead stadium in Durban, South Africa, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) Seattle Kraken fans react after a goal by center Matty Beniers against the San Jose Sharks was disallowed due to goaltender interference during the third period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Seattle. The Sharks won 4-2. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson) New York Islanders left wing Anders Lee (27), center, fight for the puck with Boston Bruins defensemen Parker Wotherspoon (29), left, and Brandon Carlo (25), right during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Elmont, N.Y. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Mathilde Gremaud of Switzerland competes in the women's Freeski Big Air qualifying round during the FIS Snowboard & Freeski World Cup 2024 at the Shougang Park in Beijing, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) tries to leap over Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Joshua Williams (2) during the first half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga) England's Alessia Russo, left, and United States' Naomi Girma challenge for the ball during the International friendly women soccer match between England and United States at Wembley stadium in London, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) Gold medalists Team Netherlands competes in the Team Sprint Women race of the ISU World Cup Speed Skating Beijing 2024 held at the National Speed Skating Oval in Beijing, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) Sent weekly directly to your inbox!