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Viral 'Superman' TikTok challenge sends children to hospitalSINGAPORE: Two undersea fibre-optic communications cables in the Baltic Sea were severed within 48 hours of each other in November. Europe is on alert, with suspicions surrounding Russia’s involvement. For many, this was a clarion call over the threat of hybrid warfare and a reminder of the vulnerability of undersea cable networks – something the Asia Pacific knows all too well, as home to one of the world’s greatest concentrations of undersea cables. But determining whether the Baltic Sea incidents are part of a wider Russian hybrid warfare campaign linked to the Ukraine war is less straightforward. This is not helped by the fact that there is much ambiguity about what hybrid warfare means. Hybrid strategies seek to combine individual tools that can be potent on their own but achieve exponentially greater effects when employed together. Ultimately, hybrid warfare is an amorphous term, and like cuisine, each actor’s version has its own unique flavour – and recipe. Western analysts often label Russia’s actions as hybrid warfare. However, it is not a term used by the Russians. Rather, it operates under the framework of New Generation Warfare, which blends various instruments, specifically of a non-military nature, to achieve objectives. GUILTY BEYOND ALL REASONABLE DOUBT? Regardless of what it is called, Russia has placed greater reliance on its unconventional toolkit to gain inroads in the Ukraine war. Despite recent territorial gains in east Ukraine, its military is far from achieving a decisive breakthrough, tying down a significant portion of its conventional fighting force. Indeed, when one considers the wider spate of sabotage and disinformation activities against NATO countries, and Russian efforts to gain influence in the Global South through information operations, the shades of a broader hybrid strategy begin to emerge, designed to erode Western cohesion and support for Ukraine. The result is a two-pronged assault in both the political and military spheres that could potentially cripple Ukraine’s war effort. Nonetheless, while it is clear that Russia is waging some form of hybrid warfare against Ukraine, and by extension its Western allies, it does not necessarily mean that the cable incidents were part of it. Russia is not even the only possible culprit, given the likelihood that the damage was caused by a Chinese vessel, the Yi Peng 3 , which tracking sites said had sailed over the cables around the time they were cut. A similar incident occurred in October 2023, when two undersea cables and a gas pipeline were damaged by the trailing anchor of a Chinese vessel. Despite initial denials of responsibility, Chinese authorities acknowledged 10 months later that Hong Kong-flagged ship NewNew Polar Bear caused the damage by accident. Unfortunately, without perpetual surveillance, it is difficult to establish intentionality, or even attribution, in such incidents. And given the stakes involved, states are unlikely to risk escalation unless guilt can be proven beyond all reasonable doubt. AN EMERGING VECTOR OF THREAT Given the vastness of the Earth’s oceans, and the sheer number of undersea cables, securing the global network in its entirety is impossible. Furthermore, many cables run through international waters, where there is no effective regime to hold potential culprits accountable. Undersea cables are vital to the functioning of the internet, and while it cannot be conclusively proven that the cable incidents in the Baltic Sea were malicious, they provide a glimpse of how similar acts of sabotage could be employed as part of a hybrid strategy. For example, in 2023, two undersea cables connecting Taiwan with its Matsu islands were cut by Chinese non-naval vessels, disconnecting 14,000 people from the internet for 50 days. While there was no evidence that this was a deliberate act on China’s part, it is not hard to see how such an incident might support military operations in the event of war. The Asia Pacific and its many cables is a fertile hunting ground for would-be hybrid actors. For example, the Straits of Malacca is a critical chokepoint for the region’s undersea cables, responsible for providing data connection between Asia, India, the Middle East and Europe, and with its relatively shallow waters, run a high risk of incidents. Should an incident occur there, the impact on regional connectivity would be significant. HOW TO FIGHT HYBRID WARFARE? While there are no easy solutions, several measures can be adopted to mitigate the threat. The first is for the international community to establish a working regime that governs responses to undersea cable sabotage, and to strengthen multilateral monitoring and repair capabilities. The undersea cable ecosystem is after all a shared global resource. The second is for states to build communications resilience, acquiring backup sources for internet services and essential communications networks, such as satellite-based and microwave systems, and local fibre-optic networks. While such options provide only a fraction of the connectivity afforded by undersea cables, they will help partially alleviate the impact of a communications blackout. Finally, borrowing from the hybrid warfare playbook, countermeasures can be adopted in other areas to deter potential sabotage – by addressing key vulnerabilities to strengthen overall resilience, a potential target becomes less attractive for hybrid actors to act against. For example, building social cohesion would allow a country to weather the effects of an incident, while a strong military provides an essential backstop against opportunistic attacks. After all, if hybrid warfare represents a holistic form of attack, the defence must be just as expansive. Ian Li is an Associate Research Fellow with the Military Studies Programme at the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies, S Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS).CHICAGO (AP) — Sam Darnold threw for 90 of his 330 yards in overtime to set up Parker Romo's game-ending 29-yard field goal , and the Minnesota Vikings outlasted the Chicago Bears 30-27 on Sunday after giving up 11 points in the final 22 seconds of regulation. Darnold threw two touchdown passes, Jordan Addison caught eight passes for a career-high 162 yards and a touchdown, and T.J. Hockenson had 114 yards receiving for the Vikings (9-2), who remained one game behind Detroit in the rugged NFC North. Caleb Williams threw for 340 yards and two touchdowns for the Bears (4-7), who lost their fifth straight and fell to 5-18 in one-possession games under coach Matt Eberflus, who is 14-31 in 2 1/2 seasons. Minnesota appeared to have the game in hand, leading 27-16 with 1:56 left after Romo kicked a 26-yard field goal. But the Bears weren’t finished. Deandre Carter made up for a muffed punt that led to a touchdown in the third quarter with a 55-yard kickoff return to the 40. Williams took it from there, capping an eight-play drive with a 1-yard touchdown pass to Keenan Allen. A 2-point conversion pass to DJ Moore made it 27-24 with 22 seconds remaining. The Bears recovered the onside kick and Williams hit Moore over the middle for a 27-yard gain to the 30 before spiking the ball. Cairo Santos made a 48-yard field goal as time expired. Chicago won the coin toss, but Williams was sacked for a 12-yard loss on second down, leading to a three-and-out. The Vikings took over at the 21, and Darnold led a 10-play drive, overcoming a sack and two penalties. Darnold connected with Hockenson for a 29-yard completion that put the ball on the 9. He took a knee and then Romo nailed the winner. Darnold surpassed his previous season high of 19 touchdown passes with a 2-yarder to Addison on the first play of the second quarter, and he made it 14-7 with a 5-yard score to Jalen Nailor late in the first half. He completed 22 of 34 passes. Aaron Jones ran for 106 yards and a score for the VIkings. Williams was 32 of 47 with a 103.1 passer rating in his second straight solid performance since Thomas Brown replaced the fired Shane Waldron as offensive coordinator. Moore caught seven passes for 106 yards and a touchdown, and Allen added 86 yards receiving and the late TD. Vikings: LB Ivan Pace Jr. (hamstring) and LT Cam Robinson (foot) left in the first quarter. ... Darnold missed two plays after he was hit by Gervon Dexter Sr. on a pass play with about 6 1/2 minutes. Vikings: Host Arizona next Sunday. Bears: Visit Detroit on Thanksgiving. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
Jammu and Kashmir has received a total of Rs 69.58 lakhs for the development of wildlife habitats over the last two years, an official data reveals. According to data accessed, Rs 69.58 lakh were allocated to J&K in 2023 and 2024 under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme for the development of wildlife habitats. An official said that this initiative aims to strengthen the conservation and management of J&K’s diverse and ecologically significant wildlife habitats. “By providing financial support, the scheme seeks to promote biodiversity, protect endangered species, and improve the overall health of natural ecosystems in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said, as per news agency KNO. The Ministry’s scheme, Development of Wildlife Habitats, also focuses on holistic habitat management, including measures to mitigate human-animal conflicts. “It provides funding for various interventions such as animal-proof fencing, anti-depredation squads, rapid response teams, ex-gratia relief, and technology-based animal tracking systems,” the official said
I Loved Playing For Man Utd - But Fergusons Treatment Made Me Join Arch-RivalsSam Darnold leads game-winning drive in OT and Vikings beat Bears 30-27 after blowing late lead
Stock market today: Wall Street inches higher to set more recordsNEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks tiptoed to more records amid a mixed Tuesday of trading, tacking a touch more onto what’s already been a stellar year so far. The S&P 500 edged up by 2 points, or less than 0.1%, to set an all-time high for the 55th time this year. It’s climbed in 10 of the last 11 days and is on track for one of its best years since the turn of the millennium. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 76 points, or 0.2%, while the Nasdaq composite added 0.4% to its own record set a day earlier. AT&T rose 4.6% after it boosted its profit forecast for the year. It also announced a $10 billion plan to send cash to its investors by buying back its own stock, while saying it expects to authorize another $10 billion of repurchases in 2027. On the losing end of Wall Street was U.S. Steel, which fell 8%. President-elect Donald Trump reiterated on social media that he would not let Japan’s Nippon Steel take over the iconic Pennsylvania steelmaker. Nippon Steel announced plans last December to buy the Pittsburgh-based steel producer for $14.1 billion in cash, raising concerns about what the transaction could mean for unionized workers, supply chains and U.S. national security. Earlier this year, President Joe Biden also came out against the acquisition. Tesla sank 1.6% after a judge in Delaware reaffirmed a previous ruling that the electric car maker must revoke Elon Musk’s multibillion-dollar pay package. The judge denied a request by attorneys for Musk and Tesla’s corporate directors to vacate her ruling earlier this year requiring the company to rescind the unprecedented pay package. All told, the S&P 500 rose 2.73 points to 6,049.88. The Dow fell 76.47 to 44,705.53, and the Nasdaq composite gained 76.96 to 19,480.91. In the bond market, Treasury yields held relatively steady after a report showed U.S. employers were advertising slightly more job openings at the end of October than a month earlier. Continued strength there would raise optimism that the economy could remain out of a recession that many investors had earlier worried was inevitable. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.23% from 4.20% from late Monday. Yields have seesawed since Election Day amid worries that Trump’s preferences for lower tax rates and bigger tariffs could spur higher inflation along with economic growth. But traders are still confident the Federal Reserve will cut its main interest rate again at its next meeting in two weeks. They’re betting on a nearly three-in-four chance of that, according to data from CME Group. Lower rates can give the economy more juice, but they can also give inflation more fuel. The key report this week that could guide the Fed’s next move will arrive on Friday. It’s the monthly jobs report , which will show how many workers U.S. employers hired and fired during November. It could be difficult to parse given how much storms and strikes distorted figures in October. Based on trading in the options market, Friday’s jobs report appears to be the biggest potential market mover until the Fed announces its next decision on interest rates Dec. 18, according to strategists at Barclays Capital. In financial markets abroad, the value of South Korea’s currency fell 1.1% against the U.S. dollar following a frenetic night where President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law and then later said he’d lift it after lawmakers voted to reject military rule. Stocks of Korean companies that trade in the United States also fell, including a 1.6% drop for SK Telecom. Japan’s Nikkei 225 jumped 1.9% to help lead global markets. Some analysts think Japanese stocks could end up benefiting from Trump’s threats to raise tariffs , including for goods coming from China . Trade relations between the U.S. and China took another step backward after China said it is banning exports to the U.S. of gallium, germanium, antimony and other key high-tech materials with potential military applications. The counterpunch came swiftly after the U.S. Commerce Department expanded the list of Chinese technology companies subject to export controls to include many that make equipment used to make computer chips, chipmaking tools and software. The 140 companies newly included in the so-called “entity list” are nearly all based in China. In China, stock indexes rose 1% in Hong Kong and 0.4% in Shanghai amid unconfirmed reports that Chinese leaders would meet next week to discuss planning for the coming year. Investors are hoping it may bring fresh stimulus to help spur growth in the world’s second-largest economy. In France, the CAC 40 rose 0.3% amid continued worries about politics in Paris , where the government is battling over the budget. AP Business Writers Yuri Kageyama and Matt Ott contributed.A projected dip in state tax collections appears not to have dimmed Republican leaders’ eagerness to again cut Kentucky’s income tax. Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers on Saturday said continuing to reduce the individual income tax rate — this time from 4% to 3.5% — remains the Republican supermajority’s No. 1 priority in the upcoming legislative session, reports WHAS11 News in Louisville, where Stivers spoke to the Kentucky Farm Bureau’ s annual meeting. Recently revised forecasts predict that Kentucky’s general fund revenue will decline by $213 million or 1.4% in fiscal year 2025. The projections were released Nov. 21 by the state budget director’s office in its quarterly report to state officials. This would be only the fourth time in 50 years that general fund revenue has declined year over year, said Jason Bailey, executive director of the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy. The other times were in 2001 and twice during the post-2008 Great Recession. The turnaround follows several years of booming state revenues across the country fueled by the federal government’s pandemic aid. Kentucky is among many states that have cut taxes or are experiencing declines in revenue as the stimulus spending ends. The surge in state revenues began to reverse a couple of years ago, according to a Pew research brief. “Annual inflation-adjusted state tax revenue fell in fiscal year 2023 from the prior year — the only time in at least 40 years that real revenue has declined outside of a recession. More than three dozen states saw their revenue shrink, including a steep decline in California that drove the breaking of the (revenue) wave, and in fiscal 2024, at least five states reported shortfalls .” Policymakers prepared for the coming revenue declines by “prioritizing non-recurring expenditures and one-time tax cuts over long-term commitments,” says the issues brief from The Pew Charitable Trusts. In Kentucky, however, lawmakers enacted permanent cuts in the individual income tax, first in 2022 and again in 2023. The state budget director’s report attributes the largest reduction in the revenue forecast to tax credits due in 2025 that are part of a new pass-through tax that was paid in 2024. “This asynchronized timing inflated FY24 collections in the individual income tax and will reduce expected FY25 receipts,” the report says. Kentucky in fiscal year 2024 collected $15.571 billion in general fund revenue and is projected to collect $15.358 billion in the current fiscal year. Revenue now expected in 2025 is also below the estimates on which the state budget is built. “General Fund revenue collections grew 1.3 percent in first quarter,” says the Kentucky budget director’s report. “Of the $49.3 million increase in revenues, the majority came from the corporation income tax, which rose by $266.6 million. A nearly equal decline in individual income tax revenue erased almost all of those gains. In the case of the individual income tax, all four of the major components of the tax receipts: withholding, net returns, estimated payments and the pass-through entity tax (PTET); declined by a combined $266.4 million.” The corporate income tax is volatile, and the gains in revenue from it are not projected to continue at the first-quarter rate. Meanwhile, revenue from the state sales tax grew 1.3% to $1.5 billion in the first quarter of fiscal 2025. The legislature in 2022 expanded the sales tax to cover more services in order to partially offset the income tax cut. Kentucky Senate budget committee Chair Chris McDaniel R-Ryland Heights, last week said he’s keeping an eye on the projected revenue decline and called it manageable. He said the legislature remains “fully committed” to enabling “Kentuckians to retain more of their hard-earned income” by approving a bill early in the 2025 session lowering the individual income tax rate to 3.5%. “We will closely monitor the latest revenue projections, but the figure is manageable within our current budget, even with the planned income tax reduction factored in,” McDaniel said in a statement. “We crafted a conservative budget to prepare for scenarios like this. The enacted budget includes a significant buffer for the reduction, which would take effect in January 2026, ensuring it does not impact FY 2025 or the first half of FY 2026.” McDaniel also said, “Guided by 2022’s House Bill 8, we are dedicated to a cautious, responsible income tax reduction and disciplined long-term budgeting.” Stivers in an interview with WHAS11 News also cited the “guardrails” in the 2022 law that established two fiscal benchmarks that the state must meet before the legislature can enact another half percent cut in the income tax. In the current state budget, Bailey says, the legislature got around the guardrails by changing the rules to exclude billions of dollars in one-time spending from the calculation of whether the state had met the fiscal benchmarks. Bailey’s nonprofit organization has opposed cutting Kentucky’s income tax, a change it describes as skewed to benefit the affluent while reducing money to pay for education, health care, public worker salaries and benefits among other services. “When you reduce the largest most productive revenue source, you’re going to have less money,” Bailey said of the expected decline in general fund revenue. “No one has explained how they’re going to make up for the decline in revenue,” Bailey said. The Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and some Republicans have said the goal should be to gradually eliminate the state individual income tax but earlier this year Republican House Speaker David Osborne said doing away with the income tax altogether is not a realistic goal. Osborne told the Lexington Herald-Leader that reducing the individual income tax rate below 3% would require dramatic increases in the state sales tax. Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear vetoed the bill cutting the income tax in 2022. In 2023, campaigning for reelection, Beshear signed the measure although he said the legislature could have helped more Kentuckians by instead lowering the sales tax. This story originally appeared at kentuckylantern.com.
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The new FIFA deal “reflects the streamer’s aim to make live sports a major part of its brand strategy,” Jacqueline Corbelli, chief executive of BrightLine, a technology company that specializes in television advertising, told MarketWatch.LONDON (AP) — An artist whose work exploring her Scottish Sikh identity includes a vintage Ford car draped in a crocheted doily won the U.K.’s prestigious Turner Prize on Tuesday, during a ceremony picketed by pro-Palestinian demonstrators. Jasleen Kaur was awarded the 25,000-pound ($32,000) prize by actor James Norton at the Tate Britain gallery in London. Kaur used her acceptance speech to express support for scores of demonstrators outside. She is among signatories to a letter demanding Tate, which runs several major British art museums, cut ties with donors who are linked to Israel over its war in Gaza. “This is not a radical demand,” Kaur said. “This should not risk an artist’s career or safety. “We need a proper ceasefire now,” she said. The Israel-Hamas war has killed more than 43,000 Palestinians, according to Hamas health officials in Gaza. Israel launched the war in response to the militant group's Oct. 7, 2023 cross-border attack that killed some 1,200 Israelis and took more than 250 hostage. A jury led by Tate Britain director Alex Farquhar praised the way 38-year-old Kaur “weaves together the personal, political and spiritual” through “unexpected and playful combinations of material.” Her winning exhibition mixes sculpture, print, everyday items — including family photos, a Ford Escort car and the popular Scottish soda Irn Bru — and immersive music to reflect on her upbringing in Glasgow’s Sikh community. Three other finalists – Pio Abad, Claudette Johnson and Delaine Le Bas – received 10,000 pounds ($12,670) each. Named for 19th-century landscape painter J.M.W. Turner and founded in 1984 to reward young artists, the prize helped make stars of shark-pickling artist Damien Hirst, potter Grayson Perry, sculptor Anish Kapoor and filmmaker Steve McQueen . But it has also been criticized for rewarding impenetrable conceptual work and often sparks debate about the value of modern art, with winners such as Hirst’s "Mother and Child Divided,” which consists of two cows, bisected and preserved in formaldehyde, and Martin Creed’s “Lights On and Off” -- a room with a light blinking on and off – drawing scorn from sections of the media. In 2019, all four finalists were declared winners after they refused to compete against one another, “to make a collective statement in the name of commonality, multiplicity and solidarity.” In 2021, all five finalists were collectives rather than individual artists. The award was initially open to artists under 50 but now has no upper age limit. Works by the four finalists are on display until Feb. 16. Jill Lawless, The Associated PressJackson leads but Barkley closes gap in NFL Pro Bowl voting
Marta's magic helped get the Pride to Saturday's NWSL title game against the Washington Spirit
COMMUNITY CALENDAR: Langley in mid-December
Audi has been around for quite a while. The German manufacturer started over a century ago and is now known for its iconic 4-ring logo, which sells millions of units worldwide. Audi earned popularity in the automotive market thanks to its reputation and commitment to luxury . The brand has solidified its place as a leader in technology, cutting-edge features, and groundbreaking designs. While this approach has resulted in its premium price point, its position among competitors in terms of durability is not as impressive. Reliability rankings show that the brand constantly falls below average, indicating it has a shorter lifespan than competitors. So, while your Audi vehicle is likely to come with top-grade materials and a sleek interior, it's not going to match the ruggedness of a Toyota or Honda. Still, like with any car brand, some models always perform better than others, recording little to no complaints or recalls. Combining reports from the NHTSA and other reliability metrics like J.D. Power and RepairPal, we identified the models that have stood out for quality and reliability. These options are likely to give you a good blend of luxury while not sacrificing performance or quality. With that said, here are 10 of the most reliable Audi models ever built. The Audi A8 essentially evolved from the V8 sedan, which, although a notable contribution to the company's growth, did not meet expectations in terms of sales. The A8, on the other hand, debuted with groundbreaking developments in nearly all aspects and was revered as an engineering marvel. This luxury sedan has now gone through four generations of production, offering a blend of quality and performance. The 2010 Audi A8 has a lot of great features. It houses a 4.2-liter V8 gas engine and comes with a 6-speed automatic transmission system that provides excellent performance on the road. Audi offers it in two trims: the standard and the long wheelbase version, but its all-wheel drivetrain supports easy maneuverability regardless of the size. Essentially, this car is a good option, especially if you're looking for an older yet practical vehicle. It has all you'd expect from a luxurious model, from its handsome cabin to its refined road performance. Although RepairPal gives it a reliability score of 2 out of 5, it has minimal complaints recorded by NHTSA and just one recall. The Audi Q5, introduced in 2009, is one of the most popular Audi models today. This compact luxury crossover blends the features of an SUV and a sedan — having more cargo space than the average sedan but with a similar fuel economy. Despite its success as America's best-selling Audi model, the Q5 has generally not built a reputation for reliability . However, some model years, like the 2019 Q5, have stood out better than others. This car offers great practicality and comfort. Equipped with an all-wheel drive system and a 2.0-liter inline-4 gas engine, it is well-rated for its performance, which improves a lot from previous years. One of its most standard features is its array of in-built technology options, which features one of the best MMI infotainment systems of its time. J.D. Power scores it 79/100 overall, with a 76/100 score in reliability and quality. Although some complaints have been recorded by NHTSA regarding this model, particularly regarding its electrical components and the speed control system, recalls have been issued addressing some of these faults. For instance, a recall issued in 2019 was to fix the vehicle's problematic brakes. According to RepairPal, this vehicle scores a 3 out of 5 for reliability. In 2020, the Q7's second generation received a facelift. However, the vehicle is not just notable for its refined look; it also has impressive performance and excellent handling, especially for an SUV. Although it is not rated on J.D. Power, other consumer ratings generally give good feedback for this vehicle. It's also one of the most reliable model years of the Q7 so far. Overall, this Audi Q7 is a great car, not just in terms of features but also for its value. Powered by a 2.0-liter turbo inline-4 gas and an optional 3.0-liter turbocharged engine, this car proves to be a quiet beast. The sophisticated design perfectly complements its smooth feel. It's also an affordable model that improves on a lot of shortcomings of previous years. The one issue you might encounter is that it can be prone to electrical issues. That said, if you're looking to get a Q7, the 2020 model is definitely one of the most reliable you'll find, especially among recent model years. RepairPal gives this vehicle a 2.5 out of 5 rating for reliability. Audi debuted the RS7 in 2014, and it quickly became known for its impressive performance. Even after earning its reputation as the most powerful four-door vehicle ever produced by the company upon release, Audi continued to build on the power and efficiency of the RS7. The 2017 model came with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 gas paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Its speed and performance proved able to rival even some sports cars, yet it did not sacrifice power for interior style and comfort. This sedan is available in two trim levels and several optional packages. Among these is the Driver Assistance Plus, which offers additional tech features like adaptive cruise control and a corner-view parking camera system. The driving experience is also great — it's a quiet car despite running on large, high-performance tires. Although three recalls have been made for this car, the NHTSA has no recorded complaints about the 2017 RS7. The most recent recall in 2022 was to remedy the turbocharger oil strainer. The fuel economy isn't all that impressive, but this may be an expected trade-off for its performance. [Image by Paul Frederickson via Wikimedia Commons | Cropped and scaled | CC BY-SA 2.0 ] The Audi TT is one of the company's most iconic models. Audi's vision for this sports car was first revealed as a concept in 1995, and its radical approach to a unique design caught a lot of attention. The TT looked like nothing else on the market, drawing influence from all kinds of arts and design. Today, the model is not just known for its looks but also for its combination of power and practicality. For a sports car, the Audi TT has a seamless and comfortable driving feel. The infotainment system is also refined, incorporating some high-quality modern features. The 2018 model came with its own improvements like the front parking sensors and, of course, the new Audi TT RS , a higher performance variant powered by a 400-hp turbocharged inline-5. Generally, the Audi TT has not had too many reported complaints, but not all model years are reliable. Reports show that the 2018 model should not cause many headaches. It has only one recall and two complaints on NHTSA, one of which was a seat belt issue. RepairPal gives the vehicle a 2.5 over 5 reliability rating, which is factored in metrics like repair costs and maintenance frequency. When it debuted, the Q3 was one of the smallest SUVs in Audi's lineup. Similar to the Q5, the car had a muscular, sporty design, and for the first time among Audi's crossovers, it came with the option of a two-wheel drivetrain. The 2017 model years adopted the new, dynamic look of the 2016 model. In terms of reliability, the vehicle has proved to be a strong contender among competitors. According to J.D. Power, the SUV has an average score of 77/100 on reliability, ranking ahead of the BMW X1 and INFINITI QX30. In addition, it scores a 3 out of 5 reliability rating from RepairPal, and has been ranked the least problematic model year for the Audi Q3. From NHTSA reports, complaints on the 2017 Q3 are minimal, and only three recalls have been issued so far, involving the electrical system, forward collision, and exterior lighting. Overall, this SUV is a good option if you want a practical ride with a good build. The interior is a bit dated, but it makes up for this by offering high-quality materials and a smooth driving experience. Even at high speeds and on rough roads, it performs pretty seamlessly. [Image by Vauxford via Wikimedia Commons | Cropped and scaled | CC BY-SA 4.0 ] Another 2017 model that ranks amongst the most reliable Audis ever is the A6. The model year came with a fresh new look as Audi added some design tweaks to the luxury mid-level sedan. There were three engine options, but the standard offering was the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 252 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. Reliability metrics show this vehicle is one of the best options for an Audi model, especially among the A6. It has a RepairPal reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5, which is well above average. Also, according to J.D. Power, it scores 85/100 on quality and reliability, placing third overall among midsize premium cars released that same year. The car has some reported complaints, but the most common issue reported involves its airbag. However, a recall was issued for this in 2018, so that might not be a problem you'll encounter with this vehicle. That aside, the 2017 Audi A6 is a great vehicle in terms of both performance and looks, boasting an impressive interior layout crafted with quality materials. The Audi A5 is relatively new to the North American shores, arriving with the 2018 model year . However, the company had been producing the model as far back as 2007 as a two-door luxury coupe with a sporty design. The 2017 Audi came with new packages but only offered in one trim and still maintained the signature look of the A5. Under the hood, the sedan is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and features a standard all-wheel-drive system. The interior falls short with a limited cargo space but makes up for it with the high-quality, sophisticated cabin design. The only thing you'll be really missing out on in this car is the lack of some modern tech features, which can be hard to notice given its timeless and elegant design. This vehicle has a few recalls and just two complaints recorded by NHTSA. Both complaints suggested that the vehicle may be prone to some engine faults, but the recalls issued by Audi have specifically targeted this issue. RepairPal gives the vehicle 3 out of 5 rating for reliability, which ranks above average compared to competitors. In addition, it is scored 86/100 by J.D. Power for quality and reliability. The Audi A3 is a compact premium vehicle that has been around since 1996. The 2019 model marked the end of its third generation and remains one of its best model years so far. Powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine and an all-wheel drivetrain, the car is packed with plenty of power and a steady but impressive acceleration system. In the 2019 model year, Audi introduced a new transmission and increased horsepower for the Quattro version, boosting performance even further. Still, this did not take away from the interior comfort and refined design. It feels just like a sporty ride, designed with a ton of cool technology and excellent handling. When it comes to reliability, the 2019 A3 holds up very well, with reviews showing that it continues to excel as a functional and quality vehicle over time. It's not rated on J.D. Power, but RepairPal gives it a 3.5 out of 5 rating for reliability. Moreover, Audi paid attention to the few owner complaints in its single recall for this vehicle so that purchasers have little to no issues with this car. [Image by Kevauto via Wikimedia Commons | Cropped and scaled | CC BY-SA 4.0 ] Topping the list for reliability is the 2018 Audi A4. The luxury SUV truly delivers across the board, from its design to tech to performance and reliability. SlashGear has also ranked it among the best model years of the Audi A4. From the start, the Audi A4 established itself as an elegant, high-quality vehicle and quickly became a brand bestseller. Decades later, it has evolved with a sportier look and a more modern edge, larger but lighter than its predecessors. Although it might not be Audi's most reliable model overall, the 2018 model year has stood out much better than the others. It's also feature-packed with advanced driving aids and other quality amenities — truly embodying Audi's luxurious style. NHTSA has no recorded complaints or recalls for this vehicle at all, a good indication that its quality stands the test of time. According to J.D. Power ratings, the vehicle scores 85/100 on quality and reliability. In addition, RepairPal gives it a 3.5 out of 5 rating for reliability, placing it above several other vehicles in its class. [Image by Vauxford via Wikimedia Commons | Cropped and scaled | CC BY-SA 4.0 ] In ranking vehicles for their reliability, there are a number of factors to consider, all of which give some insight into their dependability. To build this list, we looked into reports from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which outline the complaints and recalls amassed for these vehicles. We considered the nature of complaints and whether, as in a number of cases, they had been recalled and duly addressed. We also looked at other metrics developed by notable sources, such as RepairPal, which factors in the cost of repairs and frequency of unscheduled maintenance. Also relevant was the reliability rating by J.D. Power and a number of professional reviews, including our collection of Audi reviews here at SlashGear.ATLANTA (AP) — Even when grappling with a four-game losing streak and the uncertainty generated by quarterback Kirk Cousins’ eight interceptions and no touchdown passes in that span, there is some solace for the Atlanta Falcons. They play in the NFC South. There is more good news: The Falcons’ next two opponents, the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants, are tied for the NFL’s worst record at 2-11. Coach Raheem Morris says he is sticking with Cousins for next Monday night’s game at Las Vegas. Sunday’s at Minnesota dropped Atlanta to 6-7, one game behind Tampa Bay in the NFC South. The Falcons hold the tiebreaker advantage over the Buccaneers, so if they can take advantage of their cushy closing stretch of games that also includes Washington and Carolina, they could salvage their season. “We’re right in this thing,” right guard Chris Lindstrom said Monday before acknowledging he is “obviously not happy or satisfied with where we’re at.” Lindstrom said he maintains “the ultimate belief in what we’re doing and everything that we have going on and everything is still in front of us.” Cousins and the Falcons must solve their red-zone woes to maintain hopes of the team’s first playoff appearance since 2017. The Falcons rank eighth in the NFL with 371 yards per game but only 19th with their average of 21.4 points thanks to their persistent problems inside the 20. Even the forgiving NFC South can’t make up for the scoring problems caused by penalties, turnovers and other persistent breakdowns. “You can’t live with it at all,” Morris said Monday when asked about Cousins’ recent streak of interceptions. Even so, Cousins remains the starter as awaits his opportunity. “It’s for sure Kirk is our quarterback but I have no hesitations about what our young man has been doing and how he has been preparing and the things he is ready to do,” Morris said. “So if that time ever came I would have a lot of confidence in what Mike is able to do, but Kirk is our quarterback. Kirk is the guy who is going to lead us.” What’s working With four sacks against the Vikings, the Falcons may have finally solved their longtime pass-rush woes. Atlanta had five sacks in a to the Los Angeles Chargers on Dec. 1, giving the team back-to-back games with at least four sacks for the first time since 2019. Outside linebacker Arnold Ebiketie had one of Sunday’s sacks, giving him four for the season. With nine sacks in the last two games, the Falcons have almost doubled their NFL-low total of 10 through their first 11 games. What needs help Even as the pass rush was productive, the Falcons’ defense showed a sudden inability to prevent big plays through the air. Atlanta allowed four completions of more than 40 yards as Vikings receivers Jordan Addison and Justin Jefferson combined to catch five scoring passes from Sam Darnold, who did not throw an interception. Morris said the Vikings’ strategy was to avoid cornerback A.J. Terrell, “making other people make plays, and we didn’t go out there and make them.” Stock up Running back Tyler Allgeier had nine carries for 63 yards and a touchdown. Even while Bijan Robinson continued to produce with 22 carries for 92 yards and a score, Allgeier re-emerged as a strong complement with his second-highest rushing total of the season. Stock down Cousins has an unhealthy ratio of 17 touchdown passes to 15 interceptions. “Kirk was the guy who led us to the 6-3 record,” Morris said. “We’ve got to find a way to get out of the funk. ... For us, it’s going to be his opportunity to go out and right the ship and he has earned it.” Key number 142: Wide receiver Darnell Mooney set a career high with 142 yards on six catches. It was the third game this season Mooney has led the Falcons in receiving yards. Next steps Former Atlanta quarterback Desmond Ridder is expected to start for the Raiders on Monday night after Aidan O’Connell’s knee injury in Sunday’s at Tampa Bay. ___ AP NFL:Giant Off-The-Road OTR Tyre Market Overview with Key Drivers, Challenges and Opportunities
NEW YORK — Melinda French Gates is offering to match up to $1 million in gifts to two nonprofit organizations to help spur donations on GivingTuesday, which has become a major annual fundraising day for nonprofits. For more than a decade, on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, charitable organizations have asked for donations or other support from their networks. “It’s a great time to remind people that we’re better off when we give something back and we all have something to give back,” said French Gates in an interview, speaking about her enthusiasm for GivingTuesday. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation was an early supporter of GivingTuesday, which started as a hashtag and a project at the 92nd Street Y in New York and has since become its own organization. Last year, donors gave an estimated $3.1 billion on GivingTuesday, but the overall number of people who participated declined. Asha Curran, CEO of the nonprofit GivingTuesday, who calculated that estimate, said matches like French Gates' help catalyze people to give. “We really share a commitment to the idea also that philanthropy is not just in the hands of the ultra wealthy," she said. "That it really takes everyone to contribute to a healthy society through generosity.” Una Osili, associate dean at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, says that even if fewer households are giving, donations may be holding steady because those who donate are giving more. “The optimist in me would certainly say there are lots of reasons to think that giving will at least hold steady," Osili said. "But what we’ve seen in the past few years is that inflation especially, even though it’s moderated, is a concern for many everyday households.” French Gates, through her organization Pivotal, plans to match up to $500,000 in donations to two organizations — Vote Mama Foundation, which supports mothers running for political office, and the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers, which advocates for people caring for others. The organizations have 10 days to raise the funds and will direct donors to give through the nonprofit crowdfunding platform Every.org, which will track the donations that will be matched. “This was Melinda. This was a complete surprise to us,” said Liuba Grechen Shirley, founder and CEO of Vote Mama Foundation. Her organization wants to make it easier for mothers to hold political office, from local school boards to the Senate. She founded the organization after running for Congress in 2018 when she successfully petitioned the Federal Election Commission to use campaign funds to pay for childcare. Now, all federal candidates can pay for childcare with campaign funds and many states have passed similar laws. “It’s used by men. It’s used by women. It’s used by moms and dads and Democrats and Republicans,” Grechen Shirley said. “But the majority of funds are used by women, and a majority of those funds are used by women of color. So it really does have the ability to transform the political landscape.” Through her giving and advocacy, French Gates has championed paid family leave, support for caregivers and making child care less expensive. She endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris in the presidential race but said that Harris' defeat won't stop her from continuing her work. The Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers is one of the first organizations to speak out about the work of caregiving, French Gates said. Paurvi Bhatt, who leads the institute, said French Gates had a long and cherished relationship with former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, who passed away last year. “It is based on a hand-in-glove relationship we’ve had for a number of years,” Bhatt said of the matching gift. This public match on GivingTuesday is the latest commitment French Gates has made since stepping down from the Gates Foundation in May. (French Gates and Bill Gates, her ex-husband and the billionaire co-founder of Microsoft, announced their divorce in 2021.) She pledged $1 billion to support women and families over two years. That included $250 million to support improving women's health globally and she gave 12 leaders each $20 million to distribute to nonprofit organizations of their choice before the end of 2026. “The reason I’ve come out so strongly saying, ‘This is what I am doing next,’ is because I wanted people to know I’m not going away,” said French Gates. “My values are still here. And this work around ‘How do we make a more equitable society?’ There is so much work to be done in the United States.”NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks tiptoed to more records amid a mixed Tuesday of trading, tacking a touch more onto what’s already been a stellar year so far. The S&P 500 edged up by 2 points, or less than 0.1%, to set an all-time high for the 55th time this year. It’s climbed in 10 of the last 11 days and is on track for one of its best years since the turn of the millennium. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 76 points, or 0.2%, while the Nasdaq composite added 0.4% to its own record set a day earlier. AT&T rose 4.6% after it boosted its profit forecast for the year. It also announced a $10 billion plan to send cash to its investors by buying back its own stock, while saying it expects to authorize another $10 billion of repurchases in 2027. On the losing end of Wall Street was U.S. Steel, which fell 8%. President-elect Donald Trump reiterated on social media that he would not let Japan’s Nippon Steel take over the iconic Pennsylvania steelmaker. Nippon Steel announced plans last December to buy the Pittsburgh-based steel producer for $14.1 billion in cash, raising concerns about what the transaction could mean for unionized workers, supply chains and U.S. national security. Earlier this year, President Joe Biden also came out against the acquisition. Tesla sank 1.6% after a judge in Delaware reaffirmed a previous ruling that the electric car maker must revoke Elon Musk’s multibillion-dollar pay package. The judge denied a request by attorneys for Musk and Tesla’s corporate directors to vacate her ruling earlier this year requiring the company to rescind the unprecedented pay package. All told, the S&P 500 rose 2.73 points to 6,049.88. The Dow fell 76.47 to 44,705.53, and the Nasdaq composite gained 76.96 to 19,480.91. In the bond market, Treasury yields held relatively steady after a report showed U.S. employers were advertising slightly more job openings at the end of October than a month earlier. Continued strength there would raise optimism that the economy could remain out of a recession that many investors had earlier worried was inevitable. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.23% from 4.20% from late Monday. Yields have seesawed since Election Day amid worries that Trump’s preferences for lower tax rates and bigger tariffs could spur higher inflation along with economic growth. But traders are still confident the Federal Reserve will cut its main interest rate again at its next meeting in two weeks. They’re betting on a nearly three-in-four chance of that, according to data from CME Group. Lower rates can give the economy more juice, but they can also give inflation more fuel. The key report this week that could guide the Fed’s next move will arrive on Friday. It’s the monthly jobs report , which will show how many workers U.S. employers hired and fired during November. It could be difficult to parse given how much storms and strikes distorted figures in October. Based on trading in the options market, Friday’s jobs report appears to be the biggest potential market mover until the Fed announces its next decision on interest rates Dec. 18, according to strategists at Barclays Capital. In financial markets abroad, the value of South Korea’s currency fell 1.1% against the U.S. dollar following a frenetic night where President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law and then later said he’d lift it after lawmakers voted to reject military rule. Stocks of Korean companies that trade in the United States also fell, including a 1.6% drop for SK Telecom. Japan’s Nikkei 225 jumped 1.9% to help lead global markets. Some analysts think Japanese stocks could end up benefiting from Trump’s threats to raise tariffs , including for goods coming from China . Trade relations between the U.S. and China took another step backward after China said it is banning exports to the U.S. of gallium, germanium, antimony and other key high-tech materials with potential military applications. The counterpunch came swiftly after the U.S. Commerce Department expanded the list of Chinese technology companies subject to export controls to include many that make equipment used to make computer chips, chipmaking tools and software. The 140 companies newly included in the so-called “entity list” are nearly all based in China. In China, stock indexes rose 1% in Hong Kong and 0.4% in Shanghai amid unconfirmed reports that Chinese leaders would meet next week to discuss planning for the coming year. Investors are hoping it may bring fresh stimulus to help spur growth in the world’s second-largest economy. In France, the CAC 40 rose 0.3% amid continued worries about politics in Paris , where the government is battling over the budget. AP Business Writers Yuri Kageyama and Matt Ott contributed.NoneA psychoeducational intervention to empower teenage girls
Empty Stocking Fund: Rogers Sugar employees have a tradition of giving - The ProvinceTech billionaire and X owner Elon Musk added his voice of support for child safety legislation championed by the bipartisan duo of Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT). The two lawmakers worked with X to release an updated version of the Kids Online Safety Act over the weekend after House Republican leadership was critical of the bill's potential First Amendment infringement. However, House GOP leadership has not yet signaled it would bring a House floor vote before Congress wraps up for the year. "Led by X, the new changes made to the Kids Online Safety Act strengthen the bill while safeguarding free speech online and ensuring it is not used to stifle expression,” the senators said in a joint statement. "These changes should eliminate once and for all the false narrative that this bill would be weaponized by unelected bureaucrats to censor Americans." MEET THE NEW CONGRESS: THE HOUSE AND SENATE FRESHMEN ELECTED TO SERVE NEXT YEAR "After working with the bill authors, I’m proud to share that we’ve made progress to further protect freedom of speech while maintaining safety for minors online," Linda Yaccarino, the CEO of X, said. In response, Musk said, "Protecting kids should always be priority #1." Musk is set to have a powerful perch in President-elect Donald Trump's second administration as the co-chairman of the Department of Government Efficiency. His support for certain legislation may have some sway over Republicans eager to appease Trump. Other high-profile conservatives have weighed in support of the new legislation, including Donald Trump Jr., who has growing influence over his father's new administration. "We can protect free speech and our kids at the same time from Big Tech. It's time for House Republicans to pass the Kids Online Safety Act ASAP," he wrote on X. The Senate version of KOSA and the Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act both sailed through the upper chamber in a 91-3 vote at the end of July, but House GOP leadership criticized KOSA as violating free speech and First Amendment rights. In October, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) told Punchbowl News, “I love the principle, but the details of that are very problematic." House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) has also signaled opposition against the legislation. Although the Senate nearly passed the bill unanimously, Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) came out vehemently against the latest version of the legislation after it was announced on Saturday. "KOSA poses such a dire threat to our First Amendment rights that House and Senate leadership must not agree to add it at the last minute to larger pieces of legislation, like the Defense or government spending bills," he wrote on X. The updated version of KOSA would not allow the FTC or any state attorney general the ability to file lawsuits challenging content on social media websites, a change from the previous version of the bill. The legislation largely focuses on requiring social media and tech companies to protect children and teenagers from dangerous content and addictive features. It would also legally require a “duty of care” for companies to prevent and mitigate against the promotion of suicide, sexual exploitation, eating disorders, substance abuse, and advertisements for illegal products. Several mental health and children advocacy groups have supported the bill, along with the American Psychological Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics. WHAT IS THE DEBATE OVER FLUORIDE IN DRINKING WATER Blackburn and Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), a champion of the House KOSA bill, are leading a press conference Tuesday morning, along with advocates, at the Capitol to pressure the House to pass KOSA. "Congressman Bilirakis is optimistic that Elon Musk, Donald Trump Jr., and the CEO of X’s recent public statements in support of KOSA will help build the momentum that is needed to propel this critical legislation to protect children across the finish line this term," spokeswoman Summer Blevins told the Washington Examiner. "The congressman is committed to continuing to work with all stakeholders to get this done." The House Energy and Commerce Committee advanced KOSA out of committee in September, but whether it will be added to the end-of-year spending bills remains to be seen. Last month, the Institute of Family Studies was among the conservative groups that sent a letter to House leadership pushing for the passage of KOSA. The group is pleased by X's support for the bill. "It is encouraging to see that Yaccarino and Musk remain fully supportive of this measure. We applaud them for this courageous stance and hope their peers will step forward and do the same," Michael Toscano, the executive director of the Institute for Family Studies, told the Washington Examiner. If the House does take up KOSA and it passes, this would be the first time since 1998 that the federal government has enacted a law to protect children on the internet. President Joe Biden has indicated support of the bill and would likely sign it into law, but whether Republicans are willing to hand the president a last-minute victory before leaving office is unclear. “Every day that goes by without KOSA passing, more children are dying," Blackburn said in a statement to the Washington Examiner. "The endorsement by free speech champions Elon Musk and Donald Trump Jr., along with the revised text, reflects the truth that this bill will protect kids online and protect freedom of speech. It’s time to stop playing politics and pass KOSA.”Travel Credit Card: These travel credit cards will double the fun of your holidays, you will get huge cashback
In today’s dynamic industrial landscape, managing risks effectively is paramount to ensuring the safety of employees, assets, and the environment. As organizations strive for efficiency and compliance, leveraging advanced tools like has become essential. This article explores the concept of risk management, the hazards it addresses, and how software solutions are revolutionizing safety practices across industries. Risk management involves identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks that could disrupt operations or compromise safety. Hazards—ranging from physical injuries to environmental damage—pose serious challenges, especially in sectors like manufacturing, construction, and healthcare. Proactively managing these hazards is crucial for regulatory compliance, financial stability, and the well-being of workers. Slips, falls, or exposure to harmful machinery. Handling toxic substances without proper precautions. Exposure to harmful microorganisms or diseases. Improper workstation setups leading to strain injuries. Noise, heat, or poor air quality affecting health. Risk management hazard software is a cutting-edge solution designed to streamline the identification, evaluation, and mitigation of workplace risks. It provides organizations with a centralized platform to monitor hazards, implement preventive measures, and ensure compliance with safety standards. The software helps users pinpoint risks through automated checklists, incident tracking, and real-time hazard reporting. Advanced analytics prioritize risks based on their severity and likelihood, enabling focused mitigation efforts. Many software platforms integrate compliance requirements, ensuring that organizations meet local and international safety standards. Streamlined workflows allow for quick reporting and root-cause analysis of workplace incidents. Some solutions offer employee training features to promote hazard awareness and preventive practices. Organizations can monitor safety performance metrics and generate detailed reports tailored to their needs. By proactively identifying and addressing risks, organizations reduce the likelihood of accidents and injuries. Preventing incidents minimizes downtime, legal liabilities, and medical costs. Automated updates on regulations ensure businesses stay compliant, avoiding fines and reputational damage. Access to real-time data helps leaders make informed safety decisions and prioritize critical risks. Tools that involve employees in hazard reporting foster a culture of safety and accountability. Not all solutions are created equal. When selecting the right , consider: Intuitive interfaces encourage adoption across teams. The ability to tailor features to industry-specific requirements. Compatibility with existing systems like HR or asset management software. Adaptability to grow with organizational needs. Access to training, troubleshooting, and regular updates. Mitigating machinery-related risks and ensuring compliance with OSHA standards. Monitoring dynamic project sites for fall risks and equipment safety. Addressing biological hazards and maintaining patient safety. Managing risks in high-stakes environments like oil rigs and power plants. Ensuring safety protocols in logistics and fleet management. In an era where workplace safety is a top priority, investing in risk management hazard software is no longer optional—it’s a necessity. These advanced tools empower organizations to take a proactive approach to hazard management, ensuring safer environments, better compliance, and operational efficiency. By adopting the right software, businesses not only protect their workforce but also enhance their reputation as safety-focused organizations. For those ready to transform their approach to hazard management, now is the time to explore the benefits of these innovative solutions. Research Snipers is currently covering all technology news including Google, Apple, Android, Xiaomi, Huawei, Samsung News, and More. Research Snipers has decade of experience in breaking technology news, covering latest trends in tech news, and recent developments.New Maha cabinet: Fadnavis retains home, Shinde gets urban development, Ajit Pawar takes finance
Officials have positively identified the remains of a girl whose body was found hidden in brush under a plastic tarp in 1973, Pennsylvania authorities said this week, according to NBC News . The remains belong to Ruth Elizabeth Brenneman, 14, Pennsylvania State Police Sgt. Josh Lacey told reporters at a news conference Wednesday. Two game wardens found the decomposed remains of a young girl in a wooded area of Lebanon County on Oct. 10, 1973, approximately 47 miles from Brenneman's home in York County, Lacey said. It couldn't be determined how she died. Officials have spent the last 50 years attempting to identify the girl, Lacey said. In another effort to identify her, officials, with the help of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, exhumed the girl's body from Mount Lebanon Cemetery in May 2016. Finally, the positive identification was made last month after her remains were examined at Lehigh Valley Hospital. Lacey said she was identified using genealogy. "As a result of their efforts, this young female will no longer be known as Jane Doe," Lacey said. Identifying the body is a "huge step in this investigation," State Trooper Ian Keck said. "We have to know about the victim and their everyday life, who they associated with and their different activities." Brenneman was last seen "after she left for school and never returned home," Lacey said. Officials are looking into whether she made it to school that day. They are also trying to determine whether Brenneman was considered missing and on what day she went missing, Keck said. "Just because we identified her today that doesn't end our investigation," Keck said. "We're going to do our best and put our best foot forward here to come to a conclusion." Anyone who knew Brenneman or knows anything about her is asked to contact Pennsylvania State Police. Lacey declined to say whether there is a person of interest in the case and couldn't say for sure whether it was a homicide, as that is still "pending" with the coroner's office. He did say there was "some level of suspicion" to Brenneman's death "given the fact she was found underneath a tarp in some brush." Brenneman's family, in a statement read by Lacey, said her identification "has provided us with some closure on questions that have lingered for the past 51 years." This story originally appeared on NBCNews.com. Read more from NBC News:Enhancing Workplace Safety with Risk Management Hazard Software
Ancient meets modern as a new subway in Greece showcases archaeological treasures THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP) — Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, is opening a new subway system, blending ancient archaeological treasures with modern transit technology like driverless trains and platform screen doors. The project, which began in 2003, uncovered over 300,000 artifacts, including a Roman-era thoroughfare and Byzantine relics, many of which are now displayed in its 13 stations. Despite delays caused by preserving these findings, the inaugural line has been completed, with a second line set to open next year. Conor McGregor must pay $250K to woman who says he raped her, civil jury rules LONDON (AP) — A civil jury in Ireland has awarded more than $250,000 to a woman who says she was raped by mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor in a Dublin hotel penthouse after a night of heavy partying. The jury on Friday awarded Nikita Hand in her lawsuit that claimed McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her in 2018. The lawsuit says the assault left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor testified that he never forced her to do anything and that Hand fabricated her allegations after the two had consensual sex. McGregor says he will appeal the verdict. At least 19 people are sick in Minnesota from ground beef tied to E. coli recall U.S. health officials say at least 19 people in Minnesota have been sickened by E. coli poisoning tied to a national recall of more than 167,000 pounds of potentially tainted ground beef. Detroit-based Wolverine Packing Co. recalled the meat this week after Minnesota state agriculture officials reported multiple illnesses and found that a sample of the product tested positive for E. coli O157:H7, which can cause life-threatening infections. Symptoms of E. coli poisoning include fever, vomiting, diarrhea and signs of dehydration. Kendrick Lamar surprises with new album 'GNX' LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kendrick Lamar gave music listeners an early holiday present with a new album. The Grammy winner released his sixth studio album “GNX” on Friday. The 12-track project is the rapper’s first release since 2022’s “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.” Lamar’s new album comes just months after his rap battle with Drake. The rap megastar will headline February's Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans. The 37-year-old has experienced massive success since his debut album “good kid, m.A.A.d city” in 2012. Since then, he’s accumulated 17 Grammy wins and became the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to win a Pulitzer Prize. Actor Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend drops assault and defamation lawsuit against once-rising star NEW YORK (AP) — Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend has dropped her assault and defamation lawsuit against the once-rising Hollywood star after reaching a settlement. Lawyers for Majors and Grace Jabbari agreed to dismiss the case with prejudice Thursday. Jabbari is a British dancer who had accused Majors of subjecting her to escalating incidents of physical and verbal abuse during their relationship. Representatives for Majors didn’t respond to emails seeking comment Friday. Jabbari’s lawyer said the suit was “favorably settled” and her client is moving on with “her head held high.” Majors was convicted of misdemeanor assault and harassment last December and sentenced to a yearlong counseling program. Hyundai, Kia recall over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix problem that can cause loss of power DETROIT (AP) — Hyundai and Kia are recalling over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix a pesky problem that can cause loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. The recalls cover more than 145,000 Hyundai and Genesis vehicles including the 2022 through 2024 Ioniq 5, the 2023 through 2025 Ioniq 6, GV60 and GV70, and the 2023 and 2024 G80. Also included are nearly 63,000 Kia EV 6 vehicles from 2022 through 2024. The affiliated Korean automakers say in government documents that a transistor in a charging control unit can be damaged and stop charging the 12-volt battery. Dealers will inspect and replace the control unit and a fuse if needed. They also will update software. Christmas TV movies are in their Taylor Swift era, with two Swift-inspired films airing this year Two of the new holiday movies coming to TV this season have a Taylor Swift connection that her fans would have no problem decoding. “Christmas in the Spotlight” debuts Saturday on Lifetime. It stars Jessica Lord as the world’s biggest pop star and Laith Wallschleger, playing a pro football player, who meet and fall in love, not unlike Swift and her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. On Nov. 30, Hallmark will air “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story.” Instead of a nod to Swift, it’s an ode to family traditions and bonding, like rooting for a sports team. Hallmark’s headquarters is also in Kansas City. Top football recruit Bryce Underwood changes commitment to Michigan instead of LSU, AP source says ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Top football recruit Bryce Underwood has flipped to Michigan after pledging to play at LSU. That's according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to share the recruit’s plans to join the Wolverines. Underwood pinned a post on his Instagram account, showing a post in which On3.com reported that he has committed to Michigan. The 6-foot-3 quarterback played at Belleville High School about 15 miles east of Michigan's campus, and told LSU nearly a year ago he intended to enroll there. Emperor penguin released at sea 20 days after waddling onto Australian beach MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The only emperor penguin known to have swum from Antarctica to Australia has been released at sea 20 days after he waddled ashore on a popular tourist beach. The adult male was found on Nov. 1 on sand dunes in temperate southwest Australia about 2,200 miles north of the Antarctic coast. He was released Wednesday from a boat that traveled several hours from Western Australia state's most southerly city of Albany. His caregiver Carol Biddulph wasn't sure at first if the penguin would live. She said a mirror was important to his rehabilitation because they provide a sense of company. Biddulph said: “They’re social birds and he stands next to the mirror most of the time.” Shohei Ohtani wins third MVP award, first in NL. Aaron Judge earns second AL honor in 3 seasons NEW YORK (AP) — Shohei Ohtani won his third Most Valuable Player Award and first in the National League, and Aaron Judge earned his second American League honor on Thursday. Ohtani was a unanimous MVP for the third time, receiving all 30 first-place votes and 420 points in voting by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor was second with 263 points and Arizona second baseman Ketel Marte third with 229. Judge was a unanimous pick for the first time. Kansas City shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. got all 30 second-place votes for 270 points, and Yankees outfielder Juan Soto was third with 21 third-place votes and 229 points.Stock market today: Wall Street inches higher to set more records
