Grid Dynamics Holdings Set to Join S&P SmallCap 600Jalen Johnson scores 28 to lead the Hawks over the Heat 120-110 ATLANTA (AP) — Jalen Johnson scored 28 points and the Atlanta Hawks closed out a four-game homestand, winning a third straight contest, 120-110 over the Miami Heat on Saturday. Sean Holohan, The Associated Press Dec 28, 2024 3:29 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (1) shoots against Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) ATLANTA (AP) — Jalen Johnson scored 28 points and the Atlanta Hawks closed out a four-game homestand, winning a third straight contest, 120-110 over the Miami Heat on Saturday. Trae Young added his 22nd double-double of the season, with 11 point and 15 assist, and De'Andre Hunter scored 26 points in his 14th consecutive game with at least 15 points coming off the bench. Tyler Herro scored 28 points and dished out 10 assists and Bam Adebayo added 17 points and 10 rebounds. It was the Heat's fourth game in a row without star Jimmy Butler , who sat out for what the team called “return to competition reconditioning.” Takeaways Heat: Miami lost despite five players finishing with double-digit point totals. The Heat shot 44.4% from the field, but it wasn't enough to overcome a Hawks team that hit over half of its shots, 51.2% from the field. Hawks: Johnson has been on an offensive tear in his last two games. He finished two points shy of his single-game career high of 30 points, set in his last game, on Thursday against the Chicago Bulls. Hunter also finished just one point shy of his single-game career high of 27 points. Key moment After a close first half that featured nine lead changes, Atlanta seized control early in the second half. With five minutes to go in the third quarter, Atlanta’s Garrison Mathews and Hunter hit back-to-back 3s to give Atlanta an 81-72 lead, their biggest of the night, and forcing a Miami timeout. Key stat Young finished one assist shy of a franchise single-game record for assists against the Miami Heat, set by Mookie Blaylock in 1993. Up next The Hawks begin a six-game road trip in Toronto on Sunday, while the Heat visits the Rockets on Sunday. ___ AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA Sean Holohan, The Associated Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Get your daily Victoria news briefing Email Sign Up More Basketball Chicago Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu has a strained right calf Dec 28, 2024 2:48 PM Dallas' Naji Marshall gets 4-game suspension, Phoenix's Jusuf Nurkic is banned 3 games for fight Dec 28, 2024 1:22 PM Mavs star Luka Doncic is latest pro athlete whose home was burglarized, business manager says Dec 28, 2024 12:58 PMFaruqi & Faruqi, LLP Securities Litigation Partner James (Josh) Wilson Encourages Investors Who Suffered Losses Exceeding $50,000 In Match To Contact Him Directly To Discuss Their Options If you suffered losses exceeding $50,000 in Match between May 2, 2023 and November 6, 2024 and would like to discuss your legal rights, call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310) . [You may also click here for additional information] NEW YORK, Dec. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP , a leading national securities law firm, is investigating potential claims against Match Group, Inc. (“Match” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: MTCH) and reminds investors of the January 24, 2025 deadline to seek the role of lead plaintiff in a federal securities class action that has been filed against the Company. Faruqi & Faruqi is a leading national securities law firm with offices in New York, Pennsylvania, California and Georgia. The firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors since its founding in 1995. See www.faruqilaw.com . As detailed below, the complaint alleges that the Company and its executives violated federal securities laws by making false and/or misleading statements and/or failing to disclose that: (1) Match Group materially understated the challenges affecting Tinder and, as a result, understated the risk that Tinder’s monthly active user count would not recover by the time the Company reported its financial results for the third quarter of 2024; and (2) as a result, defendants’ statements about Match Group’s business, operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. On November 7, 2024, Investopedia published an article entitled “Match Group Stock Slips as Fourth Quarter Outlook Disappoints.” This article said that “[s]hares of online dating giant Match Group tumbled Thursday morning despite a third-quarter earnings beat released after the bell Wednesday. [. . .] Match said Tinder Direct revenue came in below its own expectations, as the app’s monthly active users (MAUs) declined 9% from the same time last year and its revenue per payer (RPP) grew less than expected. Some new features tested with Tinder users in the quarter negatively impacted subscription revenue, which the company said will likely also have an impact on fourth quarter revenue.” On this news, the price of Match Group stock fell by 17.8% to close at $31.11 per share on November 7, 2024. The court-appointed lead plaintiff is the investor with the largest financial interest in the relief sought by the class who is adequate and typical of class members who directs and oversees the litigation on behalf of the putative class. Any member of the putative class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision to serve as a lead plaintiff or not. Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP also encourages anyone with information regarding Match’s conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others. To learn more about the Match class action, go to www.faruqilaw.com/MTCH or call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310) . Follow us for updates on LinkedIn , on X , or on Facebook . Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP ( www.faruqilaw.com ). Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fdafeab3-e66c-4705-b292-211a18341546

Sleighing the Digital Divide with Black Friday Tech Deals

Hammond guides Brookfield, Kimpan leads Sharpsville to wins at Wilmington TourneySouth Carolina's highways remain some of the deadliest in the nation, despite post-COVID drops in 2023 and 2022, and even the 2023 number of traffic deaths was still up 34% , at 1,028, from a decade earlier. If we hope for real improvement, we need to try new and different things, or at least new and different for us. That's why state lawmakers need to give cities and counties more flexibility to use cameras to help reduce this danger, just as local governments do in most other states. Many already have the technology. North Charleston has installed cameras to capture images of vehicles along its highly traveled roads as a measure to reduce crime, and Beaufort County Council recently approved a $262,291 request from its sheriff to buy and install 26 cameras in high-crime areas. Columbia, Florence and many other jurisdictions have them as well. What they don't have — but should — is the ability to use the cameras to crack down on speeding, running red lights and other driving behavior that endangers us all in a way similar to a criminal on the loose. Behavior that essentially is a criminal on the loose — in a car. Nationally, more than 1,100 people were killed in 2022 by drivers running red lights . Technology won't replace police officers or sheriff's deputies or state troopers who patrol our roads, and the use of cameras to enforce speeding and other traffic laws should be implemented with caution, particularly since camera technology may identify a vehicle but not the driver. Given that, there's room to debate how steep the penalties should be for tickets based solely on license-plate readers, but "nothing" shouldn't be the answer. This is new territory, and the effectiveness of red-light camera programs is still a point of debate. But if South Carolina were to empower its municipalities and counties to begin experimenting with this technology, that would further expand our understanding of how effective it can be. And if it doesn't seem to be effective, the experiment can be ended. Surveys have found strong support for cameras that catch those running red lights — an infraction that puts others at risk. And indeed, one of the biggest values of such cameras might not be ticketing vehicle owners but discouraging drivers from taking the risk in the first place, since many — especially the local ones — will understand they're risking a fine. Half of the states allow communities to use cameras to crack down on running red lights, including Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety . And at least 341 communities have opted to do so since New York led the way in 1992. This is no surprise, as camera technology has gotten better and less expensive. Only six states prohibit both red-light and speeding cameras: Our ban took effect more than a decade ago, when the Legislature passed a law prohibiting direct camera enforcement of traffic laws in response to the town of Ridgeland's use of cameras in 2010 to ticket speeders along Interstate 95. Revisiting this and giving local governments more flexibility to experiment with camera enforcement could save lives. Click here for more opinion content from The Post and Courier.Aaron Cohen, Brooke Goldstein and Rabbi Chaim Mentz discuss the ICC arrest warrants against Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. President-elect Trump will take office just as Iran has the potential to become the world’s 10th nuclear-armed state, and it’s unclear if either side knows how it will approach the other. Judging by Trump’s last time in office, it would suggest he would come out the gate with a combative tone — having instituted a "maximum pressure" campaign to "bankrupt" the regime. His secretary of state pick , Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., has been an unyielding Iran hawk in the Senate. After the regime fired 200 missiles toward Tel Aviv last month, Rubio said: " Only threatening the survival of the regime through maximum pressure and direct and disproportionate measures has a chance to influence and alter their criminal activities." That could reinstate — and eliminate — any waivers for oil sanctions. It could mean threatening not to conduct business with countries that buy Iranian fuel products. Rep. Michael Waltz, R-Fla., Trump’s pick for national security adviser, is of a similar mind. Last month, when the Biden administration urged Israel to keep its counterstrikes "proportional," Waltz slammed President Biden for pressuring Israel "once again to do less than it should." A big banner depicting Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is placed next to a ballistic missile in Baharestan Square in Tehran, Iran. (Hossein Beris/Middle East Images/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images) He suggested Israel strike oil facilities on Kharg Island and Iran’s nuclear plants in Natanz, a move the Biden team feared Iran would deem escalatory. Last month, Trump appeared to rule out the U.S. getting involved in any effort to take out Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khameini and his government. "We can’t get totally involved in all that. We can’t run ourselves, let’s face it," he said. "I would like to see Iran be very successful. The only thing is, they can't have a nuclear weapon." Trump has said he does not want Iran to have nuclear weapons , but has not laid out how he would stop it from doing so. "I'm not looking to be bad to Iran, we're going to be friendly, I hope, with Iran, maybe, but maybe not. But we're going to be friendly, I hope, we're going to be friendly, but they can't have a nuclear weapon," he said at a New Jersey press conference in August. Last month, Trump suggested Israel strike Iran’s nuclear facilities. Following the Iranian missile attacks, he suggested Israel should "hit the nuclear first and worry about the rest later." On Thursday, Iran said it was activating "advanced" centrifuges after the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) board of governors censured it for failing to cooperate with the U.N. nuclear watchdog. Without cooperation, the world is in the dark about how quickly Iran is advancing its technological capabilities to use its uranium fuel for a bomb. "We will significantly increase enrichment capacity," Behrouz Kamalvandi, Iran's atomic energy organization spokesman, said after the censure. IRAN HIDING MISSILE, DRONE PROGRAMS UNDER GUISE OF COMMERCIAL FRONT TO EVADE SANCTIONS What’s standing between Iran and a fully formed nuclear weapon is both a political and a technological question. While the nation has enough fissile material for a nuclear weapon, the process of turning that into a warhead could take anywhere from six to 12 months, according to Nicole Grajewski, nuclear policy expert at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. "That’s when Iran would be most vulnerable to attack," she said. "Iran could probably make a dirty bomb from its current stockpile." Over the years, Iran’s nuclear progress has been set back by international sanctions, COVID-19, high-profile assassinations of its nuclear scientists and attacks and sabotage on its nuclear facilities led by Israel’s intelligence agency Mossad. And announcing they have a nuclear weapon could threaten Iran’s longtime goal of regional hegemony. "Iran is less isolated than it was four years ago, but it’s still pretty isolated. Announcing they are nuclear would trigger an arms race in the Middle Eas t," predicted Simone Leeden, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East. "Saudi Arabia and the UAE would decide they will pursue nuclear weapons the minute Iran declares it has its own. Another action they could and would take is deepening ties with Israel." IRAN VASTLY INCREASED NUCLEAR FUEL STOCKPILE AHEAD OF TRUMP RETURN, UN AGENCY FINDS Iran also understands that producing a nuclear bomb would likely evoke a military response from Israel and the U.S. under Trump. Heavy weapons, including ballistic missiles, air defense systems and unmanned aerial vehicles, are displayed at Baharestan Square in Tehran, Iran on Sept. 26, during the 44th anniversary of the eight-year war with Iraq. (Fatemeh Bahrami/Anadolu via Getty Images) After years of trying to assassinate Trump, the Iranians don’t seem to have figured out whether to approach the U.S. relationship under Trump with a combative or diplomatic tone. Just last month, they told President Biden they would not make any efforts to kill the president-elect going forward. "I think that there's been a lot of mixed signaling from the kind of Trump transition team is, you know, you see Brian Hook being appointed, who was behind this maximum pressure and sanctions," said Grajewski. But then, on the other hand, Trump envoy Elon Musk reportedly met with Iranian officials to discuss how the two nations could dial back tensions. "I think that he is being opaque on purpose," said Leeden. "I don't think he wants to show his cards as a negotiator." "In all likelihood, maximum pressure is going to be restored," said Behnam Taleblu, Iran expert at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. "U.S. partners are asking now, to what end? Is it towards regime collapse? Is it towards a deal? What if the Iranians don't negotiate in good faith?" Former Israeli officials have suggested Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might be emboldened to strike Iranian nuclear facilities with the go-ahead from the Trump administration. But a lot of Iran’s centrifuge and enrichment facilities are deep underground, complicating a bombing campaign against them. Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. (Atta Kenare/AFP via Getty Image) To get to them, Israel would need the U.S.' Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOP), or "bunkbuster bombs." "It would require U.S. involvement — either the direct transfer of this, which is currently not really discussed — that would be pretty escalatory — or Israel getting the United States to also conduct this mission," said Grajewski. The Trump team will also place a high priority on bringing Saudi Arabia into the Abraham Accords, solidifying the Sunni Muslim alliance against Iran. But the Saudis have insisted the U.S. and Israel must recognize a Palestinian state for such a deal to get done. "The incoming administration wants to quiet down this kinetic energy in the Middle East quickly, because we have bigger fish to fry as a country," said Leeden. CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP The U.S. has long looked to pivot its military focus away from the Middle East and toward the Indo-Pacific . The outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas after Oct. 7 tore that focus back to the Arab world.

American Airlines has recently taken delivery of a new Boeing 737 MAX 8 , registered as N315UA —a tail number once used by United Airlines . The aircraft, which arrived in the airline's fleet on December 24, 2024, marks an interesting chapter in American’s fleet expansion, particularly given the significance of its tail number’s previous ownership. FlightAware data shows that on December 24, the aircraft was ferried from Boeing Field in Seattle (BFI) to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), where it officially entered service with American Airlines. The flight, AA9825, took off from Boeing Field at 12:35 local time and landed in Dallas at 18:05 local time. What are the possible reasons? While the aircraft is undeniably new, its registration number—N315UA—has raised eyebrows, as it was once worn by a United Airlines Boeing 737-300 , according to the data on planespotters.net . This earlier iteration of the aircraft first flew for United in December 1987, where it operated for over two decades before being retired and ultimately scrapped in late 2009. For aviation enthusiasts and industry observers, the decision by American Airlines to register its new aircraft with the old United tail number is notable for a few reasons. JonNYC, a well-known aviation watchdog, speculated that American might have opted for this specific registration because of the limitations in its existing number pool following the merger. He explained on social media that the airline likely wanted to maintain a certain nose number on the registration, but the options were limited, leading to the reuse of a number from United’s former aircraft. The N number seen on the aircraft is assigned to aircraft registered in the United States . The United States was given the designation "N" as its nationality under the 1919 International Air Navigation Convention. In general aviation aircraft, the nationality is indicated by a single letter, followed by four or five identity letters and a hyphen. American's new Boeing 737 MAX 8: The aircraft, now part of American’s growing 737 MAX fleet, is the airline’s 66th MAX delivery, further solidifying its commitment to modernizing its fleet with more fuel-efficient and technologically advanced aircraft. Passengers may enjoy a contemporary and cozy experience in the Boeing 737 MAX 8 cabin operated by American Airlines. According to the company's website , it features 172 seats in total and is separated into three sections: Main Cabin, Main Cabin Extra, and First Class. The 16 seats in First Class have a roomy 37-inch pitch and 21-inch seat width, providing plenty of legroom and entertainment for personal devices. The main Cabin Extra, which has 24 seats with a 33-inch pitch and slightly larger seats (16.6–17.8 inches), is in the bulkhead and exit rows. With a 30-inch pitch and seat widths varying from 16.6 to 17.8 inches, the Main Cabin can accommodate 132 passengers. Wi-Fi and entertainment for personal devices are available in every area, ensuring a connected and pleasurable flying experience. Furthermore, there are power outlets all around the cabin, enabling travelers to charge their electronics while traveling. The Oneworld Alliance member, commands second overall total capacity at the Arizona airport. Fleet expansion and future deliveries As of the end of 2024, American Airlines has a total of 66 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft in its fleet. Of these, 64 are currently in service, while 2 are parked, planespotters.net information shows . The airline expects to take delivery of an additional 6 MAX 8s in the near future, continuing its fleet modernization efforts. With an average age of just 4.2 years, the 737 MAX 8s are relatively new additions to American’s fleet, offering improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and enhanced passenger comfort compared to older models. These aircraft are a central part of the airline's strategy to modernize its narrowbody fleet and improve overall operational efficiency. In March 2024, American ordered 260 new narrowbody planes , including 85 of Boeing’s long-delayed 737 Max 10. The carrier also said that it would also convert orders for 30 Boeing 737 Max 8 planes, a model that is already in its fleet, into the larger variant Boeing 737 MAX 10 s.

Israel strikes Houthi rebels in Yemen's capital while WHO chief says he was meters awayLife can be hectic, and often, there isn’t a lot of time to cook tasty, nutritious meals from scratch— especially on busy week days. But, that’s where batch-cooking comes in. Here’s why meal prepping can be the ultimate time-saver, plus a few of our favorite vegan recipes to try out. Jump to the recipes What are the benefits of batch cooking? Batch cooking can save your life. Well, perhaps not to that extreme, but it can definitely save you time and money. Plus, it can even help you eat healthier, too. It’s nothing new, and there’s a reason this “trend” isn’t going away—it works. With pre-made meals in the fridge or freezer that you can reheat and eat throughout the week, batch-cooking simplifies your life when the workday has left you in a state of serious decision fatigue. From roasted vegetables to marinated vegan proteins , stock up on a Sunday so you can give the Uber Eats app a rest. 12 recipes to make now and eat all week Batch prep these easy-to-make vegan recipes and enjoy fuss-free meals all week long. RELATED: How to Make a Meaty Bolognese Without Using Any Meat 1 Roasted vegetables Not every vegan swoons at the idea of fresh vegetables, but a sheet pan of thoughtfully seasoned, tender roasted veggies has much more appeal. Suitable for whatever is in season, a medley of veg can be used to add bulk and nutrition to any meal. Roll them into a wrap with beans or hummus, pile them on toast, spoon over grain bowls, toss with pasta, or mound them into a giant bowl, drizzle with tahini dressing, and dive in, fork-first! Try this recipe: Garlicky Herb-Roasted Whole Cauliflower Patricia Granek 2 Marinated tofu Flavorful and simple, this staple plant-based protein complements virtually every meal. Tofu will keep in the fridge for at least five days if sealed in an air-tight container. Pair it with those roasted veggies and grains, toss with salads, or add a flavorful protein boost to wraps and sandwiches. Try this recipe: Sticky Orange Sesame Tofu Brianna Claxton 3 Baked pasta The beauty of baked pasta is that it keeps both in the fridge and the freezer, so even those who live alone can follow a recipe that feeds a vegan army without fear of food waste . Load up that casserole dish with your favorite noodles, a generous amount of sauce to prevent dryness and hearty amounts of vegan sausage and mozzarella. Throw in a handful or two of frozen spinach to satisfy your greens quota. Try this recipe: Sausage and Ricotta Stuffed Shells With Vodka Sauce Charity Morgan 4 Vegan chili When you have a big batch of vegan chili at the ready, your options are limitless. Cuddle up to a large bowl topped with all the fixings and a side of cornbread, or ladle on top of baked sweet potatoes, oven fries, spaghetti squash, or nachos. Give leftovers a makeover later in the week by using chili as a stuffing in burritos. Like we said—the possibilities are endless. Try this recipe: Meaty Vegan Lentil Chili Con Chili 5 Vegan bolognese sauce Don’t settle for buttered noodles and nooch (unless that’s your thing, then go for it). When there’s nothing left in the fridge, a box of dried pasta and homemade sauce from the freezer will be your savior. A robust bolognese conveniently captures everything you need in a meal—veggies, texture, flavor, and comfort. Thaw your pre-made bolognese sauce while your pasta is boiling and cure the hangries in seven to nine minutes. Try this recipe: Lentil Bolognese Spaghetti Squash Boats Ricki Heller 6 Taco filling With a stellar taco filling, you’ll crave Taco Tuesday every night of the week. From breakfast burritos to enchiladas to taco salads, a batch-cooked taco filling can be so much more than its name implies. Try this recipe: Soy-Free Vegan Ground Beef Jackie Sobon 7 Vegan casserole There are few things that can satisfy like a cheesy, creamy casserole. It brings leftovers back to life and serves as a reliable leftover in its own right. Revive produce that is on its way out by drenching it in a cashew-based sauce, mixing it with a grain or noodles, and baking the five-pound dish to golden perfection. Try this recipe: Lemon Rosemary Chickpea Pasta Casserole Rachel Ama 8 One-pot soup or stew Even those who cringe at meal prep can conquer a one-pot wonder. Bust out your largest soup pot and make a batch to last you the week. Still have leftovers? Soups and stews can keep for months in the freezer. Try this recipe: Vegan Brazilian Moqueca Hannah Kaminsky 9 Tofu scramble Yes, this keeps! If you’re tired of plant milk and cereal or basic overnight oats, make a skillet full of scramble to last you for days. This dish doesn’t freeze well, but it can definitely get you past hump day when stored in an air-tight container. Not an early-morning eater? Breakfast for dinner is something to look forward to during any hectic workday. Try this recipe: Tofu Scramble With Mixed Veggies Jackie Sobon 10 Waffles Whether you prefer them for breakfast or dessert, waffles are a great option for batch-cooking. This is because they freeze well (as long as they haven’t been smothered with toppings first!). So you can treat yourself to a lavish breakfast whenever you like, without all the prep. Try this recipe: Vegan Blood Orange Waffles With Berry Compote Jackie Sobon 11 Smoothies Smoothies are an easy, tasty way to start your day with a boost of nutrition. While they don’t take long if you make them from scratch, you can cut down on even more time by meal-prepping them at the start of the week. This means you can be fueled up and out the door in no time at all. Try this recipe: Tropical Vegan Blueberry Smoothie Linda Soper-Kolton 12 Burritos Burritos are a great meal prep choice—they can be popped in the freezer for a few months and then defrosted quickly on those days when you’re in a rush. Load them up with beans and vegetables so you can have a nutritious, delicious lunch on hand whenever you need. Try this recipe: Black Bean Breakfast Burritos Stephanie Dreyer is a plant-based meal planning expert. DON'T MISS OUT : Get breaking news, recipes, and our weekly vegan deal by signing up for our FREE VegNewsletter 11 Easy Meals for Vegan Beginners 10 Delicious, Protein-Packed Pasta Recipes to Cook Tonight How to Create a Vegan Meal Plan JUMP TO ... Latest News | Recipes | Guides | Health | Subscribe

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BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Tens of thousands of Spaniards marched in downtown Barcelona on Saturday to protest the skyrocketing cost of renting an apartment in the popular tourist destination. Protesters cut off traffic on main avenues in the city center, holding up homemade signs in Spanish reading “Fewer apartments for investing and more homes for living" and “The people without homes uphold their rights.” The lack of affordable housing has become one of the leading concerns for the southern European Union country, mirroring the housing crunch across many parts of the world, including the United States . Organizers said that over 100,000 had turned out, while Barcelona’s police said they estimated some 22,000 marched. Either way, the throngs of people clogging the streets recalled the massive separatist rallies at the heigh of the previous decade’s Catalan independence movement. Now, social concerns led by housing have displaced political crusades. That is because the average rent for Spain has doubled in last 10 years. The price per square meter has risen from 7.2 euros ($7.5) in 2014 to 13 euros this year, according to the popular online real estate website Idealista. The growth is even more acute in cities like Barcelona and Madrid. Incomes meanwhile have failed to keep up, especially for younger people in a country with chronically high unemployment. Protestor Samuel Saintot said he is “frustrated and scared” after being told by the owners of the apartment he has rented for the past 15 years in Barcelona’s city center that he must vacate the premises. He suspects that the owners want him out so they can renovate it and boost the price. “Even looking in a 20- or 30-kilometer radius outside town, I can’t even find anything within the price range I can afford,” he told The Associated Press. “And I consider myself a very fortunate person, because I earn a decent salary. And even in my case, I may be forced to leave town.” A report by the Bank of Spain indicates that nearly 40% of Spaniards who rent dedicate an average of 40% of their income to paying rents and utilities, compared to the European Union average of 27% of renters who do so. “We are talking about a housing emergency. It means people having many difficulties both in accessing and staying in their homes,” said Ignasi Martí, professor for Esade business school and head of its Dignified Housing Observatory. The rise in rents is causing significant pain in Spain, where traditionally people seek to own their homes. Rental prices have also been driven up by short-term renters including tourists. Many migrants to Spain are also disproportionately hit by the high rents because they often do not have enough savings. Spain is near the bottom end of OECD countries with under 2% of all housing available being public housing for rent. The OECD average is 7%. Spain is far behind France, with 14%, Britain with 16%, and the Netherlands with 34%. Carme Arcarazo, spokesperson for Barcelona’s Tenants Union which helped organize the protest, said that renters should consider a “rent strike” and cease paying their monthly rents in a mass protest movement. “I think we the tenants have understood that this depends on us. That we can’t keep asking and making demands to the authorities and waiting for an answer. We must take the reins of the situation,” Arcarazo told the AP. “So, if they (the owners) won’t lower the rent, then we will force them to do it." The Barcelona protest came a month after tens of thousands rallied against high rents in Madrid. The rising discontent over housing is putting pressure on Spain’s governing Socialist party, which leads a coalition on the national level and is in charge of Catalonia’s regional government and Barcelona’s city hall. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez presided over what the government termed a “housing summit” including government officials and real estate developers last month. But the Barcelona’s Tenants Union boycotted the event, saying it was like calling a summit for curing cancer and inviting tobacco companies to participate. The leading government measure has been a rent cap mechanism that the central government has offered to regional authorities based on a price index established by the housing ministry. Rent controls can be applied to areas deemed to be “highly stressed” by high rental prices. Catalonia was the first region to apply those caps, which are in place in downtown Barcelona. Many locals blame the million of tourists who visit Barcelona, and the rest of Spain, each year for the high prices. Barcelona’s town hall has pledged to completely eliminate the city’s 10,000 so called “tourist apartments,” or dwellings with permits for short-term rents, by 2028.

Too early to celebrate – Arne Slot keeps leaders Liverpool focusedTrump Taps Far-Right Commentator Sebastian Gorka To White House

FARGO — Qualifying for the North Dakota Class B volleyball state tournament for the very first time was a dream for Medina-Pingree/Buchanan. But to come out and dominate three sets was beyond anything it imagined. ADVERTISEMENT That's exactly what the Thunder did, upending Central McLean 3-0 in the state quarterfinals Thursday at the Fargodome. Set scores were 25-15, 25-9 and 25-17. The match was highlighted by M-P/B roaring out to a 17-1 lead in the middle frame, including what was an 11-0 start to the set. "It was so much fun to be at the state tournament and be able to have a score like that," said Thunder head coach Jacie Connell. "We just never let down. I just said we need to eliminate our errors in the second set, and they did a great job of that." With the win, No. 3 seed M-P/B (31-6) advanced to Friday's state semis where they'll take on No. 2 South Prairie-Max (33-6) with first serve set for 5 p.m. Connell said as state tourney newcomers, nerves came naturally. At least whatever nerves were left after downing Class B No. 1-ranked Linton/HMB in the Region 3 championship last week. "Lots of emotions," Connell said. "But beating the No. 1 team in the state in the (region) championship, I think a lot of our nerves were out right there. They were just excited to be here and play." ADVERTISEMENT Maddie Gefroh finished with a match-leading 14 kills for M-P/B, including the final one to secure match point in Set 3. "It felt great knowing we're closer to the finals now," said Gefroh, senior captain and middle hitter for the Thunder. "You could tell there were some nerves, but as soon as we got onto the court, we were ready to go right away." Gefroh said the dominant second set gave M-P/B all the momentum it needed to finish things off in Set 3. "That was crazy," Gefroh said. "That gave us so much energy to go into the third set. We knew we could do it right away." Central McLean (31-4-1) drops into the consolation semifinals, where it'll face Kenmare/Bowbells (35-7) at 1 p.m. Friday. Reagan Kjelstrup paced the Cougars offensively with eight kills while Morgan Snyder had six. Daphne Lauer finished with 25 assists. Behind Gefroh in the Thunder kills department was Brynn Sorenson with nine and Jorgen Tripp with eight, including set point in the opening frame. ADVERTISEMENT Gefroh added three aces and three blocks while Violet Bohl recorded 34 assists. Cierra Mack finished with a match-leading 15 digs. "If we play our game, that's been huge for us just eliminating our errors," Connell said. "We're going to talk about what we need to adjust a little bit on defense and we'll be ready to go. "It's been a great journey so far and we're happy to be here."

12 Easy Vegan Recipes Ideal For Batch-Cooking:Save Time and MoneyJustin Herbert tosses 3 TDs, Chargers clinch a playoff spot with a 40-7 rout of Patriots FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Justin Herbert threw three touchdown passes and the Los Angeles Chargers clinched their second playoff appearance in three seasons with a 40-7 victory over the New England Patriots. The win also secured the fourth postseason appearance in Jim Harbaugh’s five seasons as an NFL coach, adding to the three he made during his stint with the San Francisco 49ers. Herbert finished 26 of 38 for 281 yards to become the third player in NFL history with at least 3,000 passing yards and 20 touchdown passes in each of his first five seasons. The Patriots have lost six straight games, their second such losing streak of the season. They are now 2-14 the last two seasons at home. Dallas' Naji Marshall gets 4-game suspension, Phoenix's Jusuf Nurkic is banned 3 games for fight The NBA has suspended Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall for four games and Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic for three games for their roles in an on-court fight during Friday night’s game. Dallas forward P.J. Washington was suspended for one game. All of the suspensions are without pay. Nurkic was called for an offensive foul while being guarded by Daniel Gafford with 9:02 left in the third quarter before the altercation quickly escalated. Nurkic confronted Marshall before taking an open-handed swing at his head and then Marshall responded with a punch. Washington quickly shoved Nurkic to the ground before the teams were separated. The NBA said Marshall “attempted to further engage Nurkic in a hostile manner in the corridor outside the locker rooms.” Eli Manning and Antonio Gates are among the finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Two-time Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning, former Defensive Players of the Year Luke Kuechly and Terrell Suggs, and prolific tight end Antonio Gates are among the finalists for the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame class. The Hall on Saturday announced the names of the 15 modern-era finalists who advanced from a group of 25 to the final stage of voting. The selection committee will vote next month to pick the class of between three and five modern-era players that will be announced the week of the Super Bowl. Georgia QB Carson Beck announces plan to enter NFL draft after season-ending elbow injury Georgia quarterback Carson Beck has announced his plans to enter the NFL draft, five days after having season-ending elbow surgery. The fifth-year senior made his NFL plans official on social media. Beck suffered a right elbow injury in the first half of the Bulldogs’ 22-19 overtime win over Texas in the Southeastern Conference championship game on Dec. 7. Beck had surgery on Monday to repair his ulnar collateral ligament in the elbow. He is expected to begin throwing next spring. Backup Gunner Stockton will make his first start in the Sugar Bowl against Notre Dame on Wednesday. Victor Wembanyama plays 1-on-1 chess with fans in New York Victor Wembanyama went to a park in New York City and played 1-on-1 with fans on Saturday. He even lost a couple of games. Not in basketball, though. Wemby was playing chess. Before the San Antonio Spurs left New York for a flight to Minnesota, Wembanyama put out the call on social media: “Who wants to meet me at the SW corner of Washington Square park to play chess? Im there,” Wembanyama wrote. It was 9:36 a.m. And people began showing up almost immediately. Mavs star Luka Doncic is latest pro athlete whose home was burglarized, business manager says DALLAS (AP) — Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks is the latest professional athlete whose home has been burglarized. The star guard’s business manager tells multiple media outlets there was a break-in at Doncic’s home Friday night. Lara Beth Seager says nobody was home, and Doncic filed a police report. The Dallas Morning News reports that jewelry valued at about $30,000 was stolen. Doncic is the sixth known pro athlete in the U.S. whose home was burglarized since October. Star NFL quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes of Kansas City and Joe Burrow of Cincinnati are among them. The NFL and NBA have issued security alerts to players over the break-ins. Panthers place 1,000-yard rusher Chuba Hubbard on IR for final 2 games with strained calf CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Carolina Panthers have shut down leading rusher Chuba Hubbard for the final two games of the season because of a strained calf. He was placed on injured reserve Saturday. Hubbard was limited in practice Friday with a knee injury and was listed as questionable to play Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After practice, Hubbard complained of pain and had an MRI, which revealed a grade two calf strain, according to the team. Hubbard ran for 1,195 yards and 10 touchdowns this season. He becomes the third Panthers running back to be placed on injured reserve this season, joining Miles Sanders and rookie Jonathan Brooks. Patriots QB Drake Maye returns to game after evaluation for head injury vs. Chargers FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye has returned to the game after being evaluated for a head injury following a blow to the helmet in the first quarter of New England’s matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers. Maye was scrambling near the sideline on third down of the Patriots’ first possession of the game when he was hit by Chargers cornerback Cam Hart. Maye stayed down on the turf for several seconds before eventually getting up and jogging off the field on his own power. He briefly sat on the bench before going to the medical tent and then the locker room. He was replaced by backup Jacoby Brissett in the next series. But Maye returned at the 10:15 mark of the second quarter. Corbin Burnes and Arizona Diamondbacks agree to $210 million, 6-year deal, AP source says PHOENIX (AP) — Corbin Burnes and the Arizona Diamondbacks have agreed to a $210 million, six-year contract, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal was pending a successful physical. The 30-year-old Burnes was perhaps the top free agent pitcher on the market after going 15-9 with a 2.92 ERA for Baltimore last season. The Orioles acquired the right-hander in a February trade after he spent his first six major league seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers. Miami's Cam Ward sets NCAA's Division I record with 156th career touchdown pass ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Cam Ward has made NCAA history in his final college game. The Miami quarterback has thrown a record-setting 156th touchdown pass of his college career, connecting with Jacolby George for a 4-yard score with 4:12 left in the first quarter of the Pop-Tarts Bowl. That’s the Division I — FBS and FCS — record, one more than Houston’s Case Keenum threw for from 2007 through 2011.

Israel strikes Houthi rebels in Yemen's capital while the WHO chief says he was meters away JERUSALEM (AP) — A new round of Israeli airstrikes in Yemen have targeted the Houthi rebel-held capital of Sanaa and multiple ports. The World Health Organization’s director-general said the bombardment on Thursday took place just “meters away” as he was about to board a flight in Sanaa. He says a crew member was hurt. The strikes followed several days of Houthi attacks and launches setting off sirens in Israel. Israel's military says it attacked infrastructure used by the Houthis at the international airport in Sanaa, power stations and ports. The Israeli military later said it wasn’t aware that the WHO chief was at the location in Yemen. An uneasy calm settles over Syrian city of Homs after outbreak of sectarian violence HOMS, Syria (AP) — Syria’s new security forces checked IDs and searched cars in the central city of Homs a day after protests by members of the Alawite minority erupted in gunfire and stirred fears that the country’s fragile peace could break down. A tense calm prevailed Thursday after checkpoints were set up throughout the country’s third-largest city, which has a mixed population of Sunni and Shia Muslims, Alawites and Christians. The security forces are controlled by the former insurgent group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which led the charge that unseated former President Bashar Assad. The US says it pushed retraction of a famine warning for north Gaza. Aid groups express concern. WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. officials say they asked for — and got — the retraction of an independent monitor's warning of imminent famine in north Gaza. The internationally Famine Early Warning System Network issued the warning this week. The new report had warned that starvation deaths in north Gaza could reach famine levels as soon as next month. It cited what it called Israel's “near-total blockade” of food and water. The U.S. ambassador to Israel, Jacob Lew, criticized the finding as inaccurate and irresponsible. The U.S. Agency for International Development, which funds the famine-monitoring group, told the AP it had asked for and gotten the report's retraction. USAID officials tell The Associated Press that it had asked the group for greater review of discrepancies in some of the data. Powerful thunderstorms rumble across Texas, delaying holiday travel DALLAS (AP) — Severe thunderstorms are firing up in parts of Texas and could trigger high winds, hail and potential tornadoes. More than 100 flights were delayed and dozens more were canceled Thursday at airports in Dallas and Houston. The National Weather Service says the greatest weather risk stretched from just east of Dallas, and between Houston and portions of southern Arkansas and western Louisiana. The risk includes the possibility of tornadoes, wind gusts between 60 and 80 miles per hour and large hail. The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch for several counties in southeast Texas, including the Houston area. Trump has pressed for voting changes. GOP majorities in Congress will try to make that happen ATLANTA (AP) — Republicans in Congress plan to move quickly in their effort to overhaul the nation’s voting procedures, seeing an opportunity with control of the White House and both chambers of Congress. They want to push through long-sought changes such as voter ID and proof-of-citizenship requirements. They say the measures are needed to restore public confidence in elections. That's after an erosion of trust that Democrats note has been fueled by false claims from Donald Trump and his allies of widespread fraud in the 2020 election. Democrats say they are willing to work with the GOP but want any changes to make it easier, not harder, to vote. Americans are exhausted by political news. TV ratings and a new AP-NORC poll show they're tuning out NEW YORK (AP) — A lot of Americans, after an intense presidential election campaign, are looking for a break in political news. That's evident in cable television news ratings and a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. The poll found nearly two-thirds of Americans saying they've found the need recently to cut down on their consumption of political and government news. That's particularly true among Democrats following President-elect Donald Trump's victory, although a significant number of Republicans and independents feel the same way. Cable networks MSNBC and CNN are really seeing a slump. That's also happened in years past for networks that particularly appeal to supporters of one candidate. Aviation experts say Russia's air defense fire likely caused Azerbaijan plane crash as nation mourns Aviation experts say that Russian air defense fire was likely responsible for the Azerbaijani plane crash the day before that killed 38 people and left all 29 survivors injured. Azerbaijan is observing a nationwide day of mourning on Thursday for the victims of the crash. Azerbaijan Airlines’ Embraer 190 was en route from Azerbaijan’s capital of Baku to the Russian city of Grozny in the North Caucasus on Wednesday when it was diverted for reasons yet unclear and crashed while making an attempt to land in Aktau in Kazakhstan. Cellphone footage circulating online appeared to show the aircraft making a steep descent before smashing into the ground in a fireball. Ukraine's military intelligence says North Korean troops are suffering heavy battlefield losses KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine's military intelligence says North Korean troops are suffering heavy losses in Russia's Kursk region and face logistical difficulties as a result of Ukrainian attacks. The intelligence agency said Thursday that Ukrainian strikes near Novoivanovka inflicted heavy casualties on North Korean units. Ukraine's president said earlier this week that 3,000 North Korean troops have been killed and wounded in the fighting in the Kursk region. It marked the first significant estimate by Ukraine of North Korean casualties several weeks after Kyiv announced that North Korea had sent 10,000 to 12,000 troops to Russia to help it in the almost 3-year war. Ex-Sen. Bob Menendez, citing 'emotional toll,' seeks sentencing delay in wake of wife's trial NEW YORK (AP) — Former U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez is asking a federal judge to delay his end-of-January sentencing on bribery charges, saying his family would suffer a “tremendous emotional toll” if the New Jersey Democrat was sentenced during his wife's trial. His lawyers told Judge Sidney H. Stein in a letter that Nadine Menendez would face a jury that might find it impossible not to hear about her husband's sentencing if it occurred eight days into her trial. The 70-year-old Menendez was convicted in July of 16 charges, including bribery. His wife, whose trial was postponed when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, faces much of the same evidence as her husband. How the stock market defied expectations again this year, by the numbers NEW YORK (AP) — What a wonderful year 2024 has been for investors. U.S. stocks ripped higher and carried the S&P 500 to records as the economy kept growing and the Federal Reserve began cutting interest rates. The benchmark index posted its first back-to-back annual gains of more than 20% since 1998. The year featured many familiar winners, such as Big Tech, which got even bigger as their stock prices kept growing. But it wasn’t just Apple, Nvidia and the like. Bitcoin and gold surged and “Roaring Kitty” reappeared to briefly reignite the meme stock craze.Liverpool manager Arne Slot celebrates victory over Leicester (Peter Byrne/PA) Liverpool head coach Arne Slot continued to play down the significance of their place at the top of the Premier League despite it being strengthened by their 3-1 win over Leicester. Chelsea’s surprise defeat by Fulham meant victory over the Foxes stretched their lead to seven points, with a match in hand, with the halfway point of the campaign fast approaching. But Slot is maintaining his level-headed approach despite the clamour growing around their chances of adding another title to the one won in 2020. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. “If you are in this game for a long time like the players and I am then 20 games before the end you don’t look at it as there are so many challenges ahead of you,” he said after Cody Gakpo, Curtis Jones and Mohamed Salah scored to turn around an early deficit following Jordan Ayew’s strike. “Injuries and and a bit of bad luck can happen to any team, it is far too early to be already celebrating – but it is nice for us to be where we are. “I don’t think there was any easy win for us in any of these games; it could have been an easy win against Tottenham but we conceded two and it was then 5-2 – that tells you how difficult it is to win even when you have all your players available. “That is why we have to take it one game at a time. The league table is something of course we are aware of but we always understand how many games there are to go.” Ruud van Nistelrooy’s team led early on against Liverpool (Peter Byrne/PA) Leicester boss Ruud van Nistelrooy felt his side held their own until Salah scored in the 82nd minute. “I think we were in the contest for a result for a long time,” he said. “Three-one was the turning point in the sense the game was done there to get a result. “I think the 60th minute I remember a chanced for Daka to score the equaliser so we were in the game to get a surprising result. “We did well, we did what we could: a good start with the goal but if you speak of a turning point, 3-1 with Salah, the game was done.” Van Nistelrooy left goalkeeper Danny Ward out of the squad after he struggled in the defeat to Wolves and was jeered by his own fans. Danny Ward was left out by Leicester (Mike Egerton/PA) “The change in goal was one to make and the conversation with Wardy was impressive, the way he was thinking of the team and the club,” added the Dutchman. “I insisted on a conversation and of course it is a private conversation but what I want to share is the person and the professional he is. “I was impressed with that and his willingness for the team and the club to do well. “Really tough what happened for him. We are professionals but human beings as well, when frustration is being directed towards one person that is difficult.”

High school girls volleyball: Mount Academy advances to Class C title matchSecurity First Insurance partners with Embark MGA to enter the New Home Builder insurance channel with the launch of an innovative HO5 Product in Florida

Broadcom’s Meteoric Rise: A Game-Changer for AI? Or Just Smoke and Mirrors?Bengaluru, Nov 23 (IANS): Commenting on his party’s victory in the bypolls, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated on Saturday that it was a triumph of performance and the ideology of the Congress party. Addressing the media on Saturday in Bengaluru, CM Siddaramaiah stated that Congress candidates had emerged victorious in the bye-elections held for three Assembly constituencies in Karnataka. “This is a triumph of the state government’s performance, the Congress’ ideology, and the relentless efforts of our workers. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the voters of Shiggaon, Sandur, and Channapatna seats for blessing and supporting Congress candidates. Congratulations to our victorious candidates Yasir Ahmed Khan Pathan, Annapurna Tukaram, and C.P. Yogeshwara for their resounding victories and entry into the Legislative Assembly," the CM stated. “This election was between the truth of the Congress party and the lies of the BJP and JD(S). Truth has won. Despite the Opposition's relentless false propaganda and baseless allegations, we have achieved a decisive victory,” CM Siddaramaiah said. “The beneficiaries of our guarantee schemes are happy, even as the BJP and JD(S) leaders tried to spread falsehoods about them. The Maharashtra government published misleading advertisements. The people have given them a fitting reply," CM Siddaramaiah asserted. “More than anything, these bye-election results are significant because, since I became Chief Minister, BJP and JD(S) leaders have been targeting me and my government with baseless accusations and character assassination attempts,” he maintained. “These parties colluded, misused the Governor’s office and central investigative agencies, and fabricated scandals to tarnish my image and that of my family. BJP leaders even made false allegations against me and my wife to politically corner us,” CM Siddaramaiah charged. He added, “The BJP and JD(S) also tried to incite communal tensions and create divisions based on caste and religion to weaken the Congress. But Karnataka’s secular and peace-loving citizens have rejected their efforts and supported us.” “In the recent Assembly elections, voters gave us a historic mandate with 136 seats. From the very next day, BJP and JD(S) joined forces to destabilise our government, spending crores to buy our MLAs. The people of Karnataka have not tolerated such anti-democratic actions, as reflected in this result,” the CM opined. “Some Opposition voices expressed concern when we gave a ticket to a Muslim candidate in Shiggaon, fearing Hindu vote polarisation. There was pressure on me to change our decision, but we stood firm,” CM Siddaramaiah stated. "We asked voters to support a capable candidate without considering caste or religion, and the people of Shiggaon have responded positively by electing our candidate. This is a rebuttal to BJP’s communal politics," CM Siddaramaiah stated. "I was deeply hurt by former Prime Minister Deve Gowda’s comments against me. I have worked closely with him for years, yet he accused me of arrogance and was aiming to destroy the Congress government," he said. "I have been a minister for 40 years and Chief Minister twice. I have never shown arrogance. When given an opportunity, I have governed responsibly; when defeated, I have fought back," he said. "I also congratulate Priyanka Gandhi for her emphatic victory in Wayanad, Kerala, with a margin of over 4 lakh votes, and the people of Kerala for their support," CM Siddaramaiah stated. He added, “In Jharkhand, BJP falsely implicated Chief Minister Hemant Soren in a case and sent him to jail using the Enforcement Directorate (ED). Despite this, the people of Jharkhand delivered justice at the ballot box. I congratulate the people of Jharkhand for their decisive mandate.”

Chelsea’s surprise defeat by Fulham meant victory over the Foxes stretched their lead to seven points, with a match in hand, with the halfway point of the campaign fast approaching. But Slot is maintaining his level-headed approach despite the clamour growing around their chances of adding another title to the one won in 2020. Tonight's goalscorers 💪 pic.twitter.com/xn9sfZbVow — Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 26, 2024 “If you are in this game for a long time like the players and I am then 20 games before the end you don’t look at it as there are so many challenges ahead of you,” he said after Cody Gakpo, Curtis Jones and Mohamed Salah scored to turn around an early deficit following Jordan Ayew’s strike. “Injuries and and a bit of bad luck can happen to any team, it is far too early to be already celebrating – but it is nice for us to be where we are. “I don’t think there was any easy win for us in any of these games; it could have been an easy win against Tottenham but we conceded two and it was then 5-2 – that tells you how difficult it is to win even when you have all your players available. “That is why we have to take it one game at a time. The league table is something of course we are aware of but we always understand how many games there are to go.” Leicester boss Ruud van Nistelrooy felt his side held their own until Salah scored in the 82nd minute. “I think we were in the contest for a result for a long time,” he said. “Three-one was the turning point in the sense the game was done there to get a result. “I think the 60th minute I remember a chanced for Daka to score the equaliser so we were in the game to get a surprising result. “We did well, we did what we could: a good start with the goal but if you speak of a turning point, 3-1 with Salah, the game was done.” Van Nistelrooy left goalkeeper Danny Ward out of the squad after he struggled in the defeat to Wolves and was jeered by his own fans. “The change in goal was one to make and the conversation with Wardy was impressive, the way he was thinking of the team and the club,” added the Dutchman. “I insisted on a conversation and of course it is a private conversation but what I want to share is the person and the professional he is. “I was impressed with that and his willingness for the team and the club to do well. “Really tough what happened for him. We are professionals but human beings as well, when frustration is being directed towards one person that is difficult.”DULUTH — Friends and colleagues took to social media to remember Mary Murphy upon the news of her death on Wednesday. Murphy was the longest-serving female legislator and second-longest-serving member of the Minnesota House. Murphy died at the age of 85 on Christmas Day, just days after suffering a stroke . ADVERTISEMENT House Speaker Melissa Hortman (DFL-Fridley) announced Murphy’s death in a post on Facebook, which read: “She was a wonderful state representative and human being. So many people will miss her, and remember her and her accomplishments fondly.” “Mary was in so many ways ahead of her time and was often the only woman at the table in northern Minnesota,” said U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar in a statement. “That’s changed now thanks to her trailblazing legacy.” Murphy was first elected to serve House District 14B from 1977-1982, and went on to serve District 8A from 1983-2002, District 6B from 2003-2012, and District 3B from 2013-2022. In 2022, Murphy lost the District 3B race against Republican Natalie Zeleznikar by a mere 33 votes. Zeleznikar, who retained the seat in the 2024 election, expressed condolences in a Facebook post, writing, “Mary worked hard for northern Minnesota, a place she called home her entire lifetime. Her dedication, service and hard work can be witnessed in multiple projects across the communities she served. I was honored to know her, and work with her on senior care issues during my nursing home administrator years.” A Hermantown High School graduate, Murphy earned a bachelor's degree in history and economics from the College of St. Scholastica, and attended graduate school at multiple universities. Before retiring from the classroom in 1997, Murphy also served as a history and social studies teacher at Central High School in Duluth for more than three decades, a career Klobuchar cited in her tribute. ADVERTISEMENT “As a former teacher, she was a strong advocate for improving education for our children and she also fought to protect victims of domestic violence and stalking,” Klobuchar’s statement said. Murphy had championed programs like Head Start and DARE, as well as initiating legislation to fund statewide juvenile correction facilities. Last January, St. Louis County commissioners honored Murphy by renaming the Environmental Trust Fund in her honor. Having worked alongside Murphy during the redistricting process in 2010, Deputy Mayor of St. Paul Jaime Tincher commented, “Mary didn’t raise her voice, she didn’t engage in political sparring. Instead, she led with the quiet power of earned trust and deep credibility. Her effectiveness was rooted in the respect she had built over decades of service, and her ability to bring people together in ways that made them feel heard and valued, no matter their political affiliation.” During Murphy’s time in the House, she chaired multiple committees, including the judiciary finance, ethics, energy, and state government and veterans affairs committees. “As chair of bonding and later the Ways and Means Committee, she demonstrated an unwavering dedication to institutional support, always willing to offer her wisdom and advice on how best to approach the financial needs of our zoos,” State Rep. John Huot (DFL-Rosemount) posted on Facebook. “Mary was a remarkable legislator and a compassionate friend and mentor to many,” State Rep. Jay Xiong (DFL-St. Paul) said in a Facebook post. “Her unwavering commitment to her community and tireless advocacy for those in need have left an indelible mark on our state. Mary's legacy will continue to inspire us all as we strive to uphold the values she championed.” ADVERTISEMENT Murphy left a legacy of advocacy for women’s rights, health care, criminal justice, and labor and advocacy issues. Gov. Tim Walz spoke of Murphy as a “true champion for the Northland” in his post on Facebook and said "Gwen (his wife) and I are sending our love to her family."