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Share this Story : The Arena at TD Place, as it stands, is hosting its last big event - and that's good news for Ottawa Copy Link Email X Reddit Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Breadcrumb Trail Links Business Real Estate Entertainment Travel Ottawa Politics Sports Basketball Hockey Soccer The Arena at TD Place, as it stands, is hosting its last big event - and that's good news for Ottawa A celebration is in order, both for the storied building's 57-year past and the exciting future of its reincarnation a stone's throw from the current location. Author of the article: Don Brennan Published Dec 27, 2024 • Last updated 26 minutes ago • 8 minute read Join the conversation You can save this article by registering for free here . Or sign-in if you have an account. Renderings of Lansdowne 2.0, which will be the new home of the Ottawa 67's, Ottawa Charge and the Ottawa BlackJacks. It will also provide upgraded seating and added viewing points for the Ottawa Redblacks, as well as the Atletico Ottawa and the newly born Ottawa Rapid FC. Photo by Handout / Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group Article content Unless city council has a disappointing change of heart 10 months from now, the world junior hockey championship is the last hurrah, in terms of major events, for the Arena at TD Place formerly and originally known as the Civic Centre. Article content We apologize, but this video has failed to load. Try refreshing your browser, or tap here to see other videos from our team . The Arena at TD Place, as it stands, is hosting its last big event - and that's good news for Ottawa Back to video Article content Indeed, a celebration is in order, both for the storied building’s 57-year past and the exciting future of its reincarnation a stone’s throw from the current location. Advertisement 2 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles from Elizabeth Payne, David Pugliese, Andrew Duffy, Bruce Deachman and others. Plus, food reviews and event listings in the weekly newsletter, Ottawa, Out of Office. Unlimited online access to Ottawa Citizen and 15 news sites with one account. Ottawa Citizen ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles from Elizabeth Payne, David Pugliese, Andrew Duffy, Bruce Deachman and others. Plus, food reviews and event listings in the weekly newsletter, Ottawa, Out of Office. Unlimited online access to Ottawa Citizen and 15 news sites with one account. Ottawa Citizen ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Sign In or Create an Account Email Address Continue or View more offers If you are a Home delivery print subscriber, online access is included in your subscription. Activate your Online Access Now Article content Shed no tears over the old girl’s ultimate destruction. She’s had an incredible life. Everyone has cherished memories of games, concerts, and a variety of events they’ve attended at the building that was born in 1967 and had a serious makeover to become the home of the Ottawa Senators for the first 3.5 seasons of their existence. Everyone has stories to tell, whether they’re from classic moments provided by the Day 1 main tenants, the beloved Ottawa 67’s, or by seeing all-time greats like Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux display their dazzling skills, or being on the floor or field for one of the hundreds of top-level bands that have played Lansdowne Park, a Hall-of-Fame list that includes Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, Aerosmith, David Bowie, Bob Dylan, Elton John, Snoop, Bon Jovi and Willie Nelson and can be found in its entirety as wallpaper in a TD Place meeting room. Hundreds of top-level bands have played Lansdowne Park, a Hall-of-Fame list and can be found in its entirety as wallpaper in a TD Place meeting room. DON BRENNAN/POSTMEDIA Photo by Don Brennan / Postmedia But upcoming is also an important time in the history of the Bank St. facility. The fact of the matter is that council has to give final approval to a $420 million budget it has already delivered a green light for the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group to continue its role as a key player in this city’s flourishing tourism industry. Advertisement 3 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content When the grand plan is rubber-stamped on Oct. 22, 2025, the wheels will immediately be set in motion on Lansdowne 2.0, the construction of a spectacular new facility that will be a much-needed new home for the Ontario Hockey League’s 67’s, as well as the Ottawa Charge of the Professional Women’s Hockey League and the Ottawa BlackJacks of the Canadian Elite Basketball League, while providing upgraded seating and added viewing points for the Canadian Football League’s Ottawa Redblacks, as well as the Atletico Ottawa of the Canadian Premier League and the newly born Ottawa Rapid FC, a professional women’s soccer team in the fledgling Northern Superior League. It will also allow the nation’s capital to keep attracting tournaments that grab international attention like the world juniors, as well as shows too big for the NAC and too small for Canadian Tire Centre. Of the 9.8 million visitors that spend $2.6 billion in the capital – numbers reported by Ottawa Tourism in the 2024 Economic Impact Study – 187 events have attracted four million people and generated $400 million of economic activity this year at TD Place, which has also created 4,000 full and part-time jobs. Evening Update The Ottawa Citizen’s best journalism, delivered directly to your inbox by 7 p.m. on weekdays. There was an error, please provide a valid email address. Sign Up By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Thanks for signing up! A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Evening Update will soon be in your inbox. We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again Article content Advertisement 4 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content Most recently, the arena was jam-packed for WJC pre-tournament games Canada had against Switzerland and Sweden over the past few days, and thousands more will pour through the doors to watch battles that will help determine the participants in the gold medal showdown for global supremacy on Jan. 5 at CTC. In total, the two-week tournament is expected to be worth about $100 million to the city while filling Ottawa hotels that are usually suffering through a relatively dead period of the winter. Those are revenues that will be realized despite the arena showing age spots that had Ottawa’s bid for the world juniors looking very much like a longshot. “We don’t meet the specifications for international tournaments,” said Mark Goudie, OSEG’s president and CEO. “We don’t have enough dressing room space, enough storage space, enough media space, enough any space. And it rains in the rink and all of that stuff. “Hockey Canada just said, ‘one last time, let’s just go with it. They were anxious to get back to Ottawa, and a little bit to our surprise, they kind of just figured out how to make it work. Advertisement 5 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content “The early plan had them building a tent from this rink across the field so that teams could use the dressing rooms over on the (football stadium) side,” continued Goudie. “Between periods the teams would have to get on golf carts and get driven over. Now we figured it out. We built a dressing room down with the women’s team. We figured stuff out. And Hockey Canada was good about going ‘we’ll just do the best we can and kind of drive on.’ A tent was built and heaters were put in it so teams would have a place to warm up “It’s not world-class. It’s a makeshift,” said Goudie. “The facilities will be a problem going forward. We’ll never get another one of these.” At least not one that Ottawa wouldn’t have to share with a city that has a smaller arena to meet qualifications for games not involving Canada, like the Slush Puppy Centres in Kingston and Gatineau. Through the years, it’s been done much more often than not. Of the 17 world juniors played in Canada, 13 times there have been co-hosts. From 1978 in Montreal and Quebec City (260 km apart) to 2003 in Halifax and Sydney (400 km) to 2012 in Calgary and Edmonton (300 km) to 2015 in Montreal and Toronto (543 km) to 2019 in Vancouver and Victoria, which are only 115 km apart but with a travel time of over three hours because they’re separated by water unless you’re taking a 30-minute flight. Advertisement 6 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content On four occasions, three different Canadian cities have joined forces to host the WJC: 1986 (Hamilton, Toronto, London), 1995 (Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer), 1999 (Winnipeg Brandon, and Selkirk) and 2006 (Vancouver, Kelowna and Kamloops). In 1982, it was hosted by four cities in two different countries – Winnipeg and Kenora in Canada and Bloomington and Duluth, Minn, in the U.S. Edmonton was co-host of the WJC with Red Deer in 2022 because the cities were scheduled to have the 2021 tournament but instead had to be played behind closed doors only in Edmonton due to the COVID pandemic. In fact, only two other times was the tournament hosted by one Canadian city – 1991 in Saskatoon and 2009 in Ottawa, which was won by the home team and stands as the most profitable, memorable and dramatic of all world juniors. “The 2009 tournament was the change in the trajectory of the junior tournament,” said Goudie. “That’s when it became big scale. They set records here in 2009 in one market. It kind of changed the world juniors.” A Hockey Canada report said the WJC was “the largest single sport event ever held in Ontario” with the total economic activity generated for the province estimated at $80.5 million, while the total GDP (gross domestic product, the monetary measure of the market value of all the final goods and services produced and rendered in a specific time period) was $32.6 million in the province, with $18.4 million occurring in Ottawa. Advertisement 7 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content Fans not only supported the event in record numbers at the games, with 453,274 tickets issued for the 31 games, but more than 1,500 volunteers chipped in to make it “the best event ever for Hockey Canada”. This year’s world juniors promises to be even better. But Lansdowne 2.0 is an extensive project that goes well beyond hockey games. As you can see among the striking images accompanying this piece that were obtained by Postmedia before their release to the public, it also impacts the outdoor stadium. Along with the arena’s three-level viewing of the field, the decrepit north side stands will get a direly-needed renovation that will initially set the Ottawa Redblacks back a few steps but ultimately lead to them and the city hosting another Grey Cup. The step-by-step process starts with the building of the new arena – with luxury boxes that don’t currently exist – that will seat 6,200 fans. That will take two years, during which the stadium and arena will run business as usual until the end of 2027. The day after the beautiful new structure is finished, the north side stands and the arena under it will be demolished. Advertisement 8 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content It will then take two more years to rebuild the stands, the retail podium that’s behind it, and the extension of the parking. During Phase II the football stadium will require makeshift stands and have a reduced capacity, from 24,000 to approximately 14,000, which will be a costly hit for the Redblacks but should create a demand for tickets. All in all, it’s more than a worthwhile venture. It’s a necessity if Ottawa is to attract prestigious events, international and otherwise, that aren’t quite big enough for CTC. “We can’t risk going into the last day of an internationally televised event and having it canceled because there’s leaking happening onto the ice, right?” said Goudie. Totally on board are the restaurants, bars and stores both in the Glebe and the rest of the heart of the downtown area. “The business community rallies behind it,” said Janice Barresi, the senior vice president, brand and social impact, at OSEG. “They know this is an economic driver. From a tourism perspective, the local businesses are stoked. I sit on the Glee BIA (Business Improvement Area) and it knows this is a boom for business. Advertisement 9 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content “That’s what it’s all about. This place is vibrant when TD place is alive and attracting these events.” Ottawa wouldn’t be able to host mid-sized concerts and comedy shows without a functioning arena, which is just barely the case now. “We’re meeting a sweet spot in Ottawa’s venues (between the NAC and CTC),” said Barresi. “We’re able to attract these events. “We’ve talked to all of the international sporting events we can still attract (and the new facility) will be meeting all of their needs to be able to accommodate and continue delivering their product here.” The finish line is near. Last year, the plan was approved and the $420 million budget was approved. City staff was told to build a plan, do the architectural drawings, get the zoning and site plan approval, what goes where ... do all the costing and send it out to market to see who wants to build an arena and the north side stands. Come back with a quote, and then, if its within budget, the plan goes back to council for final approval next Oct. 22. “After that, we’re done,” said Goudie. “We start digging a hole.” It’s been a long wait already. Advertisement 10 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content An aerial view of Lansdowne at the turn of the century is a reminder of what the area looked like before the new football stadium and surrounding entertainment district were built. You almost expect to see a horse-drawn carriage going down Bank St. The reality is OSEG’s discussion with the new facility began in 2006, when it was thought that it would take two years of planning and two years to build. Instead, the stadium opened in 2014. “We started talking about Lansdowne 2.0 in 2017,” said Goudie. “And in 2024, we’re almost there.” But the plug could still be pulled. With council, there’s no sure thing. A ‘thumbs down’ now would be a shame. Ottawa deserves this. This is what Ottawa needs going forward. Lansdowne has been a success. While continuing to drive tourism and attract events like the world juniors to a centrally located venue, Lansdowne 2.0 can expect to be as well. Article content Share this article in your social network Share this Story : The Arena at TD Place, as it stands, is hosting its last big event - and that's good news for Ottawa Copy Link Email X Reddit Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Comments You must be logged in to join the discussion or read more comments. Create an Account Sign in Join the Conversation Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. 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ALTOONA, Pa. (AP) — The suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO struggled with deputies and shouted Tuesday while arriving for a court appearance in Pennsylvania, a day after he was arrested at a McDonald’s and charged with murder. Luigi Nicholas Mangione emerged from a patrol car, spun toward reporters and shouted something partly unintelligible referring to an “insult to the intelligence of the American people” while deputies pushed him inside. Prosecutors were beginning to take steps to bring Mangione back to New York while new details emerged about his life and how he was captured. The 26-year-old Ivy League graduate from a prominent Maryland real estate family was charged with murder hours after he was arrested in the Manhattan killing of Brian Thompson , who led the United States’ largest medical insurance company. At the brief hearing, defense lawyer Thomas Dickey informed the court that Mangione will not waive extradition to New York but instead wants a hearing on the issue. Mangione was denied bail after prosecutors said he was too dangerous to be released. Mangione, wearing an orange prison jumpsuit, mostly stared straight ahead at the hearing, occasionally consulting papers, rocking in his chair or looking back at the gallery. At one point, he began to speak to respond to the court discussion but was quieted by his lawyer. A law enforcement bulletin obtained by The Associated Press said that at the time of his arrest, Mangione was carrying a handwritten document expressing anger with what he called “parasitic” health insurance companies and a disdain for corporate greed and power. He wrote that the U.S. has the most expensive health care system in the world and that profits of major corporations continue to rise while “our life expectancy” does not, according to the bulletin. In social media posts, Mangione called “Unabomber” Ted Kaczynski a “political revolutionary," according to the police bulletin. Kaczynski carried out a series of bombings while railing against modern society and technology. Mangione remained jailed in Pennsylvania, where he was initially charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery and providing false identification to police. Manhattan prosecutors have obtained an arrest warrant, a step that could help expedite his extradition from Pennsylvania. Mangione was arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania — about 230 miles (about 370 kilometers) west of New York City — after a McDonald's customer recognized him and notified an employee, authorities said. Officers found him sitting at a back table, wearing a blue medical mask and looking at a laptop, according to a Pennsylvania police criminal complaint. He initially gave them a fake ID, but when an officer asked Mangione whether he’d been to New York recently, he “became quiet and started to shake,” the complaint says. When he pulled his mask down at officers' request, “we knew that was our guy,” rookie Officer Tyler Frye said. Images of Mangione released Tuesday by Pennsylvania State Police showed him pulling down his mask in the corner of the McDonald's while holding what appeared to be hash browns and wearing a winter jacket and beanie. In another photo from a holding cell, he stood unsmiling with rumpled hair. New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said Mangione was carrying a gun like the one used to kill Thompson and the same fake ID the shooter had used to check into a New York hostel, along with a passport and other fraudulent IDs. NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said Mangione also had a three-page, handwritten document that shows “some ill will toward corporate America." A law enforcement official who wasn’t authorized to discuss the investigation publicly and spoke with The Associated Press on condition of anonymity said the document included a line in which Mangione claimed to have acted alone. “To the Feds, I’ll keep this short, because I do respect what you do for our country. To save you a lengthy investigation, I state plainly that I wasn’t working with anyone,” the document said, according to the official. It also had a line that said, “I do apologize for any strife or traumas but it had to be done. Frankly, these parasites simply had it coming.” Thompson, 50, was killed last Wednesday as he walked alone to a Manhattan hotel for an investor conference. Police quickly came to see the shooting as a targeted attack by a gunman who appeared to wait for Thompson, came up behind him and fired a 9 mm pistol. Investigators have said “delay,” “deny” and “depose” were written on ammunition found near Thompson's body. The words mimic “delay, deny, defend,” a phrase used to criticize the insurance industry . From surveillance video, New York investigators determined the shooter quickly fled the city, likely by bus. A grandson of a wealthy, self-made real estate developer and philanthropist, Mangione is a cousin of a current Maryland state legislator. Valedictorian at his elite Baltimore prep school, he went on to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees in computer science in 2020 from the University of Pennsylvania, a spokesperson said. “Our family is shocked and devastated by Luigi’s arrest,” Mangione’s family said in a statement posted on social media late Monday by his cousin, Maryland Del. Nino Mangione. “We offer our prayers to the family of Brian Thompson and we ask people to pray for all involved.” From January to June 2022, Luigi Mangione lived at Surfbreak, a “co-living” space at the edge of touristy Waikiki in Honolulu. Like other residents of the shared penthouse catering to remote workers, Mangione underwent a background check, said Josiah Ryan, a spokesperson for owner and founder R.J. Martin. “Luigi was just widely considered to be a great guy. There were no complaints,” Ryan said. "There was no sign that might point to these alleged crimes they’re saying he committed.” At Surfbreak, Martin learned Mangione had severe back pain from childhood that interfered with many aspects of his life, from surfing to romance, Ryan said. Mangione left Surfbreak to get surgery on the mainland, Ryan said, then later returned to Honolulu and rented an apartment. Martin stopped hearing from Mangione six months to a year ago. ___ Scolforo reported from Altoona and Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. Contributing were Associated Press writers Cedar Attanasio and Jennifer Peltz in New York; Michael Rubinkam and Maryclaire Dale in Pennsylvania; Lea Skene in Baltimore; and Jennifer Sinco Kelleher in Honolulu. Michael R. Sisak And Mark Scolforo, The Associated Press

The decision by Tesco, Musgrave and the BWG Group came after a woman who said Mr McGregor raped her won a civil claim for damages against him. Nikita Hand, who accused the sportsman of raping her in a Dublin hotel in December 2018, won her claim against him for damages in a case at the High Court in the Irish capital. In a statement, a spokesman for Musgrave said: “Musgrave can confirm these products are no longer available to our store network.” The network includes SuperValu, Centra, Daybreak and Mace. A Tesco spokesperson said: “We can confirm that we are removing Proper No Twelve Whiskey from sale in Tesco stores and online.” A spokesperson for BWG Group said: “The products are no longer listed for distribution across our network of Spar, Eurospar, Mace, Londis and XL stores, including Appleby Westward which operates over 300 Spar stores in the south west of England.” It is understood that other retail outlets including Costcutter and Carry Out will also stop stocking products linked to Mr McGregor. He and some of his business partners sold their majority stake in the Proper Number Twelve Irish whiskey brand. He was reported to have been paid more than £103 million from the sale to Proximo Spirits in 2021. On Monday, a popular video game developer decided to pull content featuring the MMA fighter. The Irish athlete has featured in multiple video games, including voice-acting a character bearing his likeness in additional downloadable content in the Hitman series. Mr McGregor’s character featured as a target for the player-controlled assassin in the game. IO Interactive, the Danish developer and publisher of Hitman, said in a statement: “In light of the recent court ruling regarding Conor McGregor, IO Interactive has made the decision to cease its collaboration with the athlete, effective immediately. “We take this matter very seriously and cannot ignore its implications. “Consequently, we will begin removing all content featuring Mr McGregor from our storefronts starting today.” Last Friday, the High Court jury awarded damages amounting to 248,603.60 euros (around £206,000) to Ms Hand. Mr McGregor made no comment as he left court but later posted on social media that he intended to appeal against the decision.

Luigi Nicholas Mangione, the suspect in the fatal shooting of a healthcare executive in New York City, apparently was living a charmed life: the grandson of a wealthy real estate developer, valedictorian of his elite Baltimore prep school and with degrees from one of the nation's top private universities. Friends at an exclusive co-living space at the edge of touristy Waikiki in Hawaii where the 26-year-old Mangione once lived widely considered him a “great guy,” and pictures on his social media accounts show a fit, smiling, handsome young man on beaches and at parties. Now, investigators in New York and Pennsylvania are working to piece together why Mangione may have diverged from this path to make the violent and radical decision to gun down UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in a brazen attack on a Manhattan street. The killing sparked widespread discussions about corporate greed, unfairness in the medical insurance industry and even inspired folk-hero sentiment toward his killer. But Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro sharply refuted that perception after Mangione's arrest on Monday when a customer at a McDonald's restaurant in Pennsylvania spotted Mangione eating and noticed he resembled the shooting suspect in security-camera photos released by New York police. “In some dark corners, this killer is being hailed as a hero. Hear me on this, he is no hero,” Shapiro said. “The real hero in this story is the person who called 911 at McDonald’s this morning.” Mangione comes from a prominent Maryland family. His grandfather, Nick Mangione, who died in 2008, was a successful real estate developer. One of his best-known projects was Turf Valley Resort, a sprawling luxury retreat and conference center outside Baltimore that he purchased in 1978. The Mangione family also purchased Hayfields Country Club north of Baltimore in 1986. On Monday, Baltimore County police officers blocked off an entrance to the property, which public records link to Luigi Mangione’s parents. Reporters and photographers gathered outside the entrance. The father of 10 children, Nick Mangione prepared his five sons — including Luigi Mangione’s father, Louis Mangione — to help manage the family business, according to a 2003 Washington Post report. Nick Mangione had 37 grandchildren, including Luigi, according to the grandfather's obituary. Luigi Mangione’s grandparents donated to charities through the Mangione Family Foundation, according to a statement from Loyola University commemorating Nick Mangione’s wife’s death in 2023. They donated to various causes, including Catholic organizations, colleges and the arts. One of Luigi Mangione’s cousins is Republican Maryland state legislator Nino Mangione, a spokesman for the lawmaker’s office confirmed. “Our family is shocked and devastated by Luigi’s arrest,” Mangione’s family said in a statement posted on social media by Nino Mangione. “We offer our prayers to the family of Brian Thompson and we ask people to pray for all involved.” Mangione, who was valedictorian of his elite Maryland prep school, earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in computer science in 2020 from the University of Pennsylvania, a university spokesman told The Associated Press. He learned to code in high school and helped start a club at Penn for people interested in gaming and game design, according to a 2018 story in Penn Today, a campus publication. His social media posts suggest he belonged to the fraternity Phi Kappa Psi. They also show him taking part in a 2019 program at Stanford University, and in photos with family and friends at the Jersey Shore and in Hawaii, San Diego, Puerto Rico, and other destinations. The Gilman School, from which Mangione graduated in 2016, is one of Baltimore’s elite prep schools. The children of some of the city’s wealthiest and most prominent residents, including Orioles legend Cal Ripken Jr., have attended the school. Its alumni include sportswriter Frank Deford and former Arizona Gov. Fife Symington. In his valedictory speech, Luigi Mangione described his classmates’ “incredible courage to explore the unknown and try new things.” Mangione took a software programming internship after high school at Maryland-based video game studio Firaxis, where he fixed bugs on the hit strategy game Civilization 6, according to a LinkedIn profile. Firaxis' parent company, Take-Two Interactive, said it would not comment on former employees. He more recently worked at the car-buying website TrueCar, but has not worked there since 2023, the head of the Santa Monica, California-based company confirmed to the AP. From January to June 2022, Mangione lived at Surfbreak, a “co-living” space at the edge of touristy Waikiki in Honolulu. Like other residents of the shared penthouse catering to remote workers, Mangione underwent a background check, said Josiah Ryan, a spokesperson for owner and founder R.J. Martin. “Luigi was just widely considered to be a great guy. There were no complaints,” Ryan said. “There was no sign that might point to these alleged crimes they’re saying he committed.” At Surfbreak, Martin learned Mangione had severe back pain from childhood that interfered with many aspects of his life, including surfing, Ryan said. “He went surfing with R.J. once but it didn’t work out because of his back,” Ryan said, but noted that Mangione and Martin often went together to a rock-climbing gym. Mangione left Surfbreak to get surgery on the mainland, Ryan said, then later returned to Honolulu and rented an apartment. An image posted to a social media account linked to Mangione showed what appeared to be an X-ray of a metal rod and multiple screws inserted into someone's lower spine. Martin stopped hearing from Mangione six months to a year ago. An X account linked to Mangione includes recent posts about the negative impact of smartphones on children; healthy eating and exercise habits; psychological theories; and a quote from Indian philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti about the dangers of becoming “well-adjusted to a profoundly sick society.” Mangione likely was motivated by his anger at what he called “parasitic” health insurance companies and a disdain for corporate greed, according to a law enforcement bulletin obtained by AP. He wrote that the U.S. has the most expensive healthcare system in the world and that the profits of major corporations continue to rise while “our life expectancy” does not, according to the bulletin, based on a review of the suspect’s handwritten notes and social media posts. He appeared to view the targeted killing of the UnitedHealthcare CEO as a symbolic takedown, asserting in his note that he is the “first to face it with such brutal honesty,” the bulletin said. Mangione called “Unabomber” Ted Kaczynski a “political revolutionary” and may have found inspiration from the man who carried out a series of bombings while railing against modern society and technology, the document said. Associated Press reporters Lea Skene in Baltimore; Jennifer Sinco Kelleher in Honolulu; Maryclaire Dale in Philadelphia; John Seewer in Toledo, Ohio; and Michael Kunzelman in Washington, D.C., contributed to this report.St. John's bids to remain hot in clash vs. Delaware

Washington, Dec 27 (AP) The Biden administration has imposed sanctions on the founder of Georgia's ruling political party, which has steered the country away from a pro-Western stance and towards Russia, US officials said on Friday. The State and Treasury departments said they hit Georgian Dream party founder and honorary chairman Bidzina Ivanishvili with penalties “for undermining the democratic and Euro-Atlantic future of Georgia for the benefit of the Russian Federation", according to a statement. The designation of Ivanishvili is the latest in a series of sanctions the US has slapped on Georgian politicians, lawmakers and others this year. Those sanctions include freezes on assets and properties those targeted may have in US jurisdictions or that might enter US jurisdictions as well as travel bans on the targets and members of their families. “We strongly condemn Georgian Dream's actions under Ivanishvili's leadership, including its ongoing and violent repression of Georgian citizens, protestors, members of the media, human rights activists, and opposition figures,” the State Department said in a statement. “The United States is committed to promoting accountability for those undermining democracy and human rights in Georgia." Ivanishvili is a shadowy billionaire who made his fortune in Russia and served briefly as Georgia's prime minister. In 2012, he founded Georgian Dream, Georgia's longtime ruling party. Critics have accused Georgian Dream of becoming increasingly authoritarian and tilted toward Moscow. The party recently pushed through laws similar to those used by the Kremlin to crack down on freedom of speech and LGBTQ+ rights, prompting the European Union to suspend Georgia's membership application process indefinitely. In October, Georgian Dream won another term in a divisive parliamentary election that has led to more mass protests. Last month, the country's prime minister, Irakli Kobakhidze, announced a four-year suspension of talks on Georgia's bid to join the European Union, fuelling further public outrage. (AP) PY PY (This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)As the demand for high-resolution content, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), autonomous driving, and the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to rise, the production and consumption of data are soaring. To effectively share and transmit this data, high-frequency waves are employed, particularly the 28GHz band used in 5G communication. These high-frequency waves can quickly transfer large amounts of data due to their short wavelengths. However, the right materials and equipment are crucial to utilize them effectively, as these waves are sensitive to obstacles. Think of high-frequency waves like water flowing through a pipe. At low speeds, the water isn’t much affected by the thickness or any protrusions in the pipe. But at high velocities, those same obstacles can significantly hinder the flow. Similarly, high-frequency waves struggle to propagate efficiently when encountering barriers, often resulting in signal loss. In response to these challenges, a South Korean startup named Copper Innovation Technologies (CIT) is making significant strides with its next-generation flexible copper-clad laminated film (FCCL). This innovative material minimizes signal loss in high-frequency applications, enabling faster and more reliable data transmission. CEO Jeong Seung shared insights about the groundbreaking product at the CES 2025 Global Media Meetup organized by AVING News in Seoul. Copper usage He explained that his journey with copper began with studies in dielectric and magnetic materials, evolving into a deep dive into the properties of copper itself. Jeong highlighted that while copper is a common material, creating it as a single crystal can dramatically alter its properties. Single crystals are characterized by atoms aligned in a perfect direction, greatly enhancing electrical performance. To achieve this, CIT uses substrates like sapphire or magnesium oxide, allowing the film’s structure to reflect that of the substrate. This process is intricate, but CIT’s new technology allows for the development of single crystal structures without compromising the integrity of the substrate. The result? Single crystal wires that offer noise-free signal transmission, eliminating grain boundary scattering that typically disrupts signals. Jeong emphasized that with this understanding of single crystals, CIT is committed to integrating this technology into all aspects of their business. The focus now lies on producing electronic circuits on Teflon, which will apply to flexible printed circuit boards (PCBs) and flexible FCCL. These advancements will pave the way for flexible PCBs that can be integrated into devices like iPhones and Galaxy smartphones. The unique properties of CIT’s material feature low dielectric constants and losses, leading to more efficient signal transmission and reduced power consumption. Antenna CIT’s flexible materials offer wide-ranging applications. They can enhance audio devices and various measurement systems, making them ideal for extensive facilities such as MRI machines and other observation systems. The flexibility of these materials not only saves space but also allows for innovative design possibilities. CIT has recently published a paper in the renowned scientific journal *Nature*, highlighting their unique technology. Traditional methods for film deposition often involve costly sputtering techniques, but CIT’s approach allows for larger-scale, more affordable deposition systems. The challenge CIT faced was managing atom clusters during sputtering, which typically resulted in poor adhesion to substrates. However, their refined technique deposits individual atoms one at a time, significantly enhancing the adhesion quality and reducing noise during the process. As the telecommunications landscape rapidly evolves, the groundbreaking achievements of CIT in developing flexible copper-clad laminate materials and innovative atomic sputtering epitaxy technology position the company as a leading force in high-speed communication. With a focus on sustainability, CIT is harnessing recycled copper in their production, blending impressive performance with environmental responsibility. As millimeter-wave technology evolves, CIT is strategically positioned to play a crucial role in the future of wireless communication. The company will showcase its product at CES 2025 in Las Vegas in January.

When the 2024 NFL schedule was released, Sunday’s matchup between the Raiders and Saints appeared to be an intriguing revenge game for former Raiders quarterback Derek Carr. Now, with Carr ruled out for New Orleans after missing the past two games with a hand injury and a concussion, the only intrigue is whether the Raiders will slide further down the 2025 NFL draft order with their second straight win. The Raiders (3-12) beat the Jaguars 19-14 last week to snap a 10-game losing streak and plummet from a top-two pick with the 2-13 Giants to the No. 6 pick. “In the Raiders’ case, another win here really presents draft problems,” Red Rock Resort sportsbook director Chuck Esposito said. “It takes them out of the sweepstakes for one of those guys at the top, if it’s (Miami quarterback) Cam Ward or (Colorado quarterback) Shedeur Sanders. “But you still play to win, and we know (coach Antonio) Pierce wants to win.” The favorite flipped in this game from the Saints -21⁄2 to the Raiders -11⁄2 after New Orleans’ 34-0 loss at Green Bay on “Monday Night Football.” “It got adjusted after that all-time inept performance by New Orleans on Monday,” Westgate vice president of risk Ed Salmons said. “It just feels like the Saints are more built to lose this game than the Raiders are. The Saints are really banged up. “With all that being said, I would never bet the Raiders in a game like that because you can’t trust the Raiders on the road laying points.” Salmons noted that the Saints (5-10, 6-9 ATS), who also will be without injured running back Alvin Kamara, almost beat the Commanders at home two weeks ago with the same group of backups in a 20-19 loss. At Station Sports, 58 percent of the tickets are on the Raiders, who have covered three of their last four games. The total is the lowest on the board at 371⁄2. “Which speaks volumes of the lack of offense between these two teams,” Esposito said. “These two teams just aren’t very good.” The Saints and Raiders are each on 4-0 under runs, though 64 percent of the tickets at Station are on the over. New Orleans topped 40 points in each of its first two games this season, but has scored a total of only 47 points in its last four games. The Saints have lost and failed to cover all four games started this season by quarterback Spencer Rattler. “I don’t like the game,” pro sports bettor Jeff Whitelaw said. “But it looks like the Raiders are at least still trying, and the Saints look like they’re in disarray right now.” NFL Challenge picks Here are the Review-Journal NFL Challenge picks for Saturday’s games: Bengals -31⁄2: Doug Fitz, Jay Kornegay Broncos +31⁄2: Lou Finocchiaro, Brent Musburger, Dave Tuley Cardinals +61⁄2: Tuley Rams -61⁄2: Fitz, Musburger Chargers -41⁄2: Musburger Patriots +41⁄2: Fitz, Kelly Stewart Contact reporter Todd Dewey at tdewey@reviewjournal.com. Follow @tdewey33 on X. First touchdown scorer At Caesars Sportsbook Up to 29-1 Alexander Mattison 5-1 Brock Bowers +650 Kendre Miller +650 Jakobi Meyers +750 Ameer Abdullah 11-1 Tre Tucker 11-1 Chris Olave 16-1 Michael Mayer 18-1 Juwan Johnson 20-1 Marquez Valdes-Scantling 21-1 Foster Moreau 23-1 Terrace Marshall Jr. 25-1 Aidan O'Connell 29-1Susan Shelley: We’re all-in to Make America Healthy Again

Minor league pitchers Luis Moreno, Alejandro Crisostomo suspended after positive drug tests

Nijar na son tunzura Arewacin Najeriya ta tsani Tinubu – BwalaThousands of Syrians gathered in Damascus’ main square and a historic mosque for the first Muslim Friday prayers since former President Bashar Assad was overthrown , a major symbolic moment for the country’s dramatic change of power. The rebels are now working to establish security and start a political transition after seizing the capital on Sunday. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken made an unannounced visit to Iraq on Friday, pressing ahead with efforts to unify Middle East nations in support of a peaceful political transition in Syria. It’s part of Blinken’s 12th trip to the Mideast since the Israel-Hamas war erupted last year in Gaza but his first after Assad was ousted. The U.S. is also making a renewed push for an ceasefire in Gaza, where the war has plunged more than 2 million Palestinians into a severe humanitarian crisis. Israel’s war against Hamas has killed over 44,800 Palestinians in Gaza, more than half of them women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not say how many were combatants. The Israeli military says it has killed over 17,000 militants, without providing evidence. The October 2023 Hamas attack that sparked the war killed some 1,200 people in Israel, mostly civilians, and around 250 others were taken hostage. Some 100 hostages are still inside Gaza, at least a third of whom are believed to be dead. Here's the latest: ANKARA, Turkey — Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Friday that eliminating a U.S.-backed Syrian Kurdish militia is his country’s “strategic goal,” and called on members of the group to leave Syria or lay down arms. In an interview with Turkey’s NTV television, Fidan also suggested that Syria’s new rulers — the rebels who swept into Damascus and who are backed by Ankara — would not recognize the militia, known as the People’s Protection Units, or YPG. The group is allied with the United States in the fight against the Islamic State group but Turkey views it as a terrorist organization and a security threat. “The non-Syrian YPG members must leave the country as soon as possible. The entire command level of the YPG must also leave the country,” Fidan said. “After that, those who remain must put down their weapons and continue with their lives.” Fidan said that as the Syrian insurgents advanced toward Damascus and Syria's Bashar Assad was toppled, Turkey in talks that were underway in Qatar at the time asked Iran and Russia not to intervene militarily. “At some point they (Russians and Iranians) made phone calls. That evening, Assad left,” Fidan said. UNITED NATIONS —– The situation in Gaza is rapidly deteriorating with scores of reported fatalities from multiple Israeli airstrikes in recent days and insecurity hampering aid deliveries, the United Nations said Friday. U.N. humanitarian coordinator Muhannad Hadi urged respect for the principles of “distinction, proportionality and precautions” and called on the parties to ensure the protection of civilians and safe and unimpeded passage of humanitarian aid. Hadi cited the looting of a 70-truck convoy that was traveling at the Kerem Shalom crossing on Wednesday and the looting of four out of five trucks leaving the Kissufim crossing that same day. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs known as OCHA reported that Israel denied more than 90% of the 137 missions the U.N. and its partners wanted to send to besieged northern Gaza since Oct. 6. BEIRUT — Israeli warplanes launched airstrikes on Friday against sites in several cities in Syria, an opposition war monitor reported. Associated Press journalists heard loud explosions throughout the Syrian capital Damascus. There were no immediate reports of casualties. The strikes hit the summit of Mount Qasioun in Damascus, Khalkhala Airport in the countryside of Sweida and the Defense and Research Laboratories in Masyaf, located in the western countryside of Hama, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights Earlier on Friday, Israeli strikes targeted six military sites in the countryside of Damascus and Sweida, the observatory said. Israel has conducted hundreds of airstrikes since the toppling of the Syrian regime, saying it seeks to neutralize potential threats following the ouster of Bashar Assad. The strikes have targeted weapons production sites, anti-aircraft batteries and airfields. Israel has also moved troops to occupy a buffer zone in the Golan Heights on its border with Syria. DAMASCUS, Syria — Russian forces and military vehicles were seen withdrawing from southern Syria on Friday toward their primary base in in the coastal city of Latakia. The Russian troop movement comes amid questions about whether Moscow will still be able to project power in the Middle East after the fall of Syrian President Bashar Assad. His rule was supported by Russia and he received asylum in Russia after being toppled Sunday. There are also questions about what a Russian pullback in Syria could mean for the war in Ukraine. Significant Russian military convoys were seen on the Damascus-Homs highway near Shinshar village heading north. The military vehicles, bearing Russian flags, included tanks and armored personnel carriers. The military equipment had been previously stationed in southern regions such as Daraa and Damascus. On Thursday, the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that Russian forces were leaving bases in Ain Issa and Tel Al-Samn in the Al-Raqqah countryside. Satellite images released by Maxar Technologies on Friday show what appear to be cargo planes at a Russian military airfield in Syria with their nose cones opened to receive heavy equipment, along with helicopters being dismantled and prepared for transport. Earlier this week, all Russian naval ships departed the Syrian port of Tartus, according to a U.S. official. ANKARA, Turkey — Turkey's embassy in the Syrian capital of Damascus will reopen on Saturday for the first time since 2012, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Friday. In an interview with Turkey’s NTV television Fidan said a newly appointed interim charge d’affaires had left for Damascus on Friday together with his delegation. “It will be operational as of tomorrow,” he said. The embassy in Damascus had suspended operations in 2012 due to the escalating security conditions during the Syrian civil war. All embassy staff and their families were recalled to Turkey. The Syrian insurgents who overthrew Syrian President Bashar Assad on Sunday did so with vital help from Turkey. WASHINGTON — The U.S. military has transported out of Syria an American who disappeared seven months ago into former President Bashar Assad’s notorious prison system and was among the thousands released this week by rebels, a U.S. official said Friday. Travis Timmerman was flown out of Syria on a U.S. military helicopter, according to a U.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss an ongoing operation. Timmerman, 29, told The Associated Press he had gone to Syria on a Christian pilgrimage and was not ill-treated while in Palestine Branch, a notorious detention facility operated by Syrian intelligence. He said he was freed by “the liberators who came into the prison and knocked the door down (of his cell) with a hammer.” Timmerman said he was released Monday morning alongside a young Syrian man and 70 female prisoners, some of whom had their children with them. He had been held separately from Syrian and other Arab prisoners and said he didn’t know of any other Americans held in the facility. — By Lolita C. Baldor THE HAGUE, Netherlands — A Dutch court on Friday rejected a bid from human rights groups to block weapons exports to Israel and trading with the occupied territories, after finding there were sufficient checks already in place to comply with international law. The ten organizations told The Hague District Court last month that they thought the Netherlands was in violation of the 1948 Genocide Convention, drawn up following World War II, by continuing to sell weapons to Israel more than a year into the conflict in Gaza. “The government uses my own tax money, that I pay, to kill my own family. I’ve lost 18 members of my own family,” Ahmed Abofoul, a legal adviser for the pro-Palestinian organization Al-Haq, one of the groups involved in the lawsuit, told the court during a hearing in November . The court ruling said that “it is not up to the interim relief judge to order the state to reconsider government policy. That is primarily a political responsibility.” Lawyers for the government argued it wasn’t up to a judge to decide foreign policy for the Netherlands. The activist groups pointed to several emergency orders from another court, the International Court of Justice, as confirming the obligation to stop weapons sales. In January, the top U.N. court said it was plausible Palestinians were being deprived of some rights protected under the Genocide Convention. The coalition said it will review the court’s ruling and is considering an appeal. CAIRO — Israeli attacks in and around a hospital in northern Gaza wounded three medical staff overnight into Friday and caused damage to the isolated medical facility, according to its director. Dr. Hossam Abu Safiya said Israeli quadcopter drones carrying explosives deliberately targeted the emergency and reception area of Kamal Adwan Hospital, where one doctor was wounded for a third time. Abu Safiya said “relentless” drone and artillery strikes throughout the night exploded “alarmingly close” to the hospital, heavily damaging nearby buildings and destroying most of the water tanks on the hospital’s roof and blowing out doors and windows. Kamal Adwan Hospital in the town of Beit Lahiya has been hit multiple times over the past two months since Israel launched a fierce military operation against Hamas in northern Gaza. The Israeli military did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the strikes. “We demand international protection for the hospital and its staff,” Abu Safiya said in a statement released via the U.K.-based aid group Medical Aid for Palestinians, “as well as the entry of delegations with surgical expertise, medical supplies, and essential medications to ensure we can adequately serve the people we are treating.” Abu Safiya said there were 72 wounded patients at the hospital, one of the few medical facilities left in northern Gaza. He said he expected Israeli forces would allow a World Health Organization aid convoy to bring supplies to the hospital on Friday or Saturday, as well as a team of doctors from Indonesia. Israel has allowed almost no humanitarian or medical aid to enter the three besieged communities in northern Gaza — Beit Lahiya, Beit Hanoun and the urban Jabaliya refugee camp — and ordered tens of thousands to flee to nearby Gaza City. Israeli officials have said the three communities are mostly deserted, but the United Nations humanitarian office said Tuesday it believes around 65,000 to 75,000 people are still there, with little access to food, water, electricity or health care. Experts have warned that the north may be experiencing famine . BAGHDAD — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken made an unannounced stop in Iraq on Friday on his latest visit to the Middle East aimed at stabilizing the situation in Syria to prevent further regional turmoil. Blinken met in Baghdad with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani as part of the hastily arranged trip, his 12th to the region since the Israel-Hamas war erupted last year but his first since the weekend ouster of Syrian strongman Bashar Assad. Blinken has already been to Jordan and Turkey on his current tour and will return to the Jordanian city of Aqaba for meetings on Saturday with Arab foreign ministers, Turkey’s foreign minister and the United Nations special envoy for Syria, the U.N. said. Blinken will try to unify support for an inclusive post-Assad transition that does not allow the Islamic State group to take advantage of the political vacuum in Syria and secures suspected chemical weapons stocks. In Baghdad, Blinken underscored “U.S. commitment to the U.S.-Iraq strategic partnership and to Iraq’s security, stability, and sovereignty,” the State Department said. “He will also discuss regional security opportunities and challenges, as well as enduring U.S. support for engagement with all communities in Syria to establish an inclusive transition,” it said in a statement. His trip comes as the Biden administration winds down with just over a month left before President-elect Donald Trump takes office. Trump has been highly critical of Biden’s approach to the Middle East and skeptical of the U.S. military presence in both Iraq and Syria. The U.S. and Iraq agreed in September to wrap up U.S.-led military operations against the Islamic State group in Iraq next year, although Assad’s ouster and the potential for the group taking advantage of a political vacuum in Syria could complicate the timing of the withdrawal, according to American officials. DAMASCUS — The kingdom of Bahrain sent a message Friday to Ahmad al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the leader of the insurgency that toppled Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. It said Bahrain is “fully prepared to consult with you continuously and to provide support in regional and international organizations to achieve what is in the interest of the brotherly Syrian people.” It added, “We look forward to Syria regaining its authentic role in the Arab League.” Bahrain is the current head of the Arab summit. Syria was readmitted to the Arab League last year after 12 years of ostracization. It is still unclear how the international community will deal officially with the new interim government in Syria. JERUSALEM - Israel’s defense minister told troops to prepare to remain through the winter months on the peak of Mount Hermon, Syria’s highest point, located in a swath of southern Syria that Israeli troops moved into after the fall of Damascus to insurgents. The comments by Defense Minister Israel Katz signaled that the military will extend its occupation of the zone along the border, which Israel says it seized to create a buffer zone. In a statement Friday, Katz said that holding the peak was of major importance for Israel’s security and that it would be necessary to build facilities there to sustain troops through the winter. The summit of Mount Hermon, the highest peak on the eastern Mediterranean coast at 2,814 meters (9,232 feet), gives a commanding view over the plains of southern Syria. It also positions Israeli troops about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the center of Damascus. The mount is divided between the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, Lebanon and Syria. Only the United States recognizes Israel’s control of the Golan Heights. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that Israeli troops would remain in the zone until another force across the border in Syria could guarantee security. Israeli troops moved into the zone -– set as a demilitarized area inside Syrian territory under truce deals that ended the 1973 Mideast war -- after the regime of Bashar al-Assad fell last weekend. ANKARA, Turkey -- U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Friday there was “broad agreement” between Turkey and the United States on what they would like to see in Syria following the ouster of President Bashar Assad. “There’s broad agreement on what we would like to see going forward, starting with the interim government in Syria, one that is inclusive and non-sectarian and one that protects the rights of minorities and women” and does not “pose any kind of threat to any of Syria’s neighbors,” Blinken said in joint statements with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. The insurgent groups that toppled Assad in Syria have not made clear their policy or stance on Israel, whose military in recent days has bombed sites all over the country, saying it is trying to prevent weapons from falling into extremist hands. Blinken also said it was crucial to keep the Islamic State group under control. “We also discussed the imperative of continuing the efforts to keep ISIS down. Our countries worked very hard and gave a lot over many years to ensure the elimination of the territorial caliphate of ISIS to ensure that that threat doesn’t rear its head again,” Blinken said. The Turkish foreign minister said the two discussed ways of establishing prosperity in Syria and ending terrorism in the country. “Our priority is establishing stability in Syria as soon as possible, preventing terrorism from gaining ground, and ensuring that IS and the PKK aren’t dominant,” Fidan said, in a reference to the banned Kurdistan Workers Party. Blinken said: “We’re very focused on Syria, very focused on the opportunity that now is before us and before the Syrian people to move from out from under the shackles of Bashar al-Assad to a different and better future for the Syrian people, one that the Syrian people decide for themselves.” Blinken and Fidan said they had also discussed a ceasefire for Gaza. “We’ve seen in the last couple of weeks more encouraging signs that (a ceasefire) is possible,” Blinken said. Blinken, who is making his 12th trip to the Mideast since the Israel-Hamas war erupted last year but first since the weekend ouster of Assad, met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan late Thursday. The outgoing Biden administration is particularly concerned that a power vacuum in Syria could exacerbate already heightened tensions in the region, which is already wracked by multiple conflicts, and create conditions for the Islamic State group to regain territory and influence. Later Friday, Blinken is to return to Jordan for meetings on Saturday with Arab foreign ministers and senior officials from the European Union, the Arab League and the United Nations. ANKARA, Turkey -- Turkey has appointed a temporary charge d’affaires to reopen its embassy in Syria, Turkey’s state-run news agency reported. The Turkish Embassy in Damascus had suspended operations in 2012 due to the escalating security problems during the Syrian civil war and embassy staff and their families were recalled to Turkey. The Anadolu Agency said late Thursday that Turkey appointed Burhan Koroglu, its ambassador in Mauritania, to the post.Gabriel mimics Gyokeres in cheeky goal celebration in Arsenal win over Sporting in Champions LeagueNone

Dion Brown, BC bid to extend Fairleigh Dickinson's road woes

Most children look up to NFL players as role models and heroes, simply because they play the game they love so much. It's not often these psuedo heroes become actual heroes. That was the case for Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton, who leaped into action during Sunday's game with the Carolina Panthers. More news: Chiefs' Hollywood Brown Posts New Workout Video Indicating His Return Following the big win, Wharton was seen walking to the tunnel, when a child was yelling out to him. A scary situation then followed, where the child fell from the stands and went rocketing to the ground. Wharton immediately stepped into action and prevented the child from being hurt. Now, Wharton joined "The Pat McAfee Show" to break down the moment, and also reveal he wants to invite the child to a game so they can formally meet. The video shows the exact moment that the child is seen yelling for Wharton and leaning too far over the railing. He begins to fall, leading to Wharton running to catch him. Wharton then explains how he caught the child from presumably being hurt by striking the ground. "I would like to reach out to him, get him out to a game." Chiefs DL Tershawn Wharton caught a kid who fell from the stands on Sunday and wants the chance to meet him 👏 (via @PatMcAfeeShow , @T__Russ ) pic.twitter.com/mBunC7cZk0 "Honestly it was a natural reaction," Wharton said on the "Pat McAfee Show " on Tuesday. "I kind of grabbed him right by the back of his back and kind of pushed him into the stands a little bit more." McAfee then asks if Wharton has had the chance to see the child following this scary situation. "I haven't, but I would like to reach out to him, get him out to a game. Reflect him with a little bit more, if I could," Wharton stated. Not only does the child in question get saved by presumably one of his heroes on the Chiefs, but he now will have a chance to meet Wharton and be invited to a game. Though the young Kansas City fan might be a bit shaken by the event, the video showcased him being hoisted back into the stands followed by security telling everyone to back up. The Chiefs ended up beating the Panthers on Sunday, extending their record to 10-1 on the season. Wharton finished the day with two total tackles. Through the 2024 season, the young defensive lineman has 2.5 sacks and 11 total tackles. Despite his solid stats, Wharton can now put hero on his resume after his "natural" reaction led to saving this child's life or at the very least, preventing the child from being injured in any way. For more on the Chiefs, head to Newsweek Sports .

Nebraska woman among those pardoned by Joe BidenA new PC or Mac is a major purchase. Buying a high-quality device that's built to perform well and last for years can easily cost you $1,500 or more. How much more? Well, Microsoft's most expensive business laptop costs roughly $3,000, and a fully loaded MacBook Pro tops out at a cool $4,000. But you don't have to pay those sticker prices. With a little preparation and some patience, you can save up to 50% off those high price tags without sacrificing quality. Also: The best laptops under $1,000: Expert tested and reviewed Over the years, I've bought dozens of PCs and have learned a few tricks that I share in this article. I'm partial to Dell PCs and Surface devices, and I always have at least one Mac in my office, but the information here should apply to any vendor. 1. Do your homework early If you wait until your old PC or Mac is dead or dying, your money-saving options are limited. Your selection (and price) will be whatever's available at that time. A better strategy? Give yourself a few months to do some research while your aging PC is still useful. That gives you time to check specs and read reviews so you can assemble a short list of devices you might want to buy as a replacement. Armed with that short list, you can then begin watching prices to see when deals appear. Also: How to upgrade an 'incompatible' Windows 10 PC to Windows 11 Apple rarely marks its merchandise down, but you can occasionally get a discount from a third-party seller. The AppleInsider Price Guides are a good resource for tracking those bargains. If you're looking for a Windows PC, on the other hand, you have a much better chance of finding discounts on all but the newest, most supply-constrained devices. Resellers, including the Microsoft Store Online , also have frequent sales. After watching prices for a month or two, you should have a good idea of what the best available discount is likely to be and can pull the trigger when you find an irresistible deal. 2. Check your credit card for discounts and rebates These days, credit card issuers regularly offer rebates, usually in the form of statement credits or bonus points that can be redeemed for cash, airline miles, or travel. If you're buying a Mac, using an Apple Card gets you an immediate 3% statement credit, for example. Also: I tested the cheapest Surface Pro 11 model: 3 main takeaways as a Windows expert Earlier this year, I bought a Surface Pro from Microsoft . Using my American Express Business card qualified me for a rebate of $175 on that $1,000 purchase; that hefty discount is still available through the end of this year. If I use that card to buy products from Dell , I qualify for a 10% statement credit. Purchases directly from HP , available through various Amex products, qualify for $100 off a $1,000 purchase or $250 off if the transaction is $1,500 or more. Chase cards offer smaller offers, although a $50 credit or 5% cash back is nothing to sneeze at. Tracking those offers down is easy with the help of the amazing CardPointers+ mobile app and browser extension. I pay $6 a month, and it's easily earned back 10 times that amount over the past year on all sorts of purchases. 3. Last year's model is often this year's best buy Early adopters get to be the first to try out new technology, which means they pay a premium price and are also the first to run into bugs and production problems with new components. Also: I found a laptop for creators that rivals the 16-inch MacBook Pro, but it costs half the price I recommend waiting six months to a year after a new model is introduced. That gives the hardware and OS makers an opportunity to work out driver issues, and it gives you a chance to read reviews and look for reliability issues in support forums. And, of course, waiting typically means a price drop, especially as manufacturers and third-party sellers try to move last year's models to make room for newer products. 4. Check the return/restocking policy Personally, I won't buy a product online unless the seller offers a no-questions-asked return policy. When you buy online, you don't have an opportunity to actually try the model you're considering. Does the keyboard suit your preferences? Are the CPU and graphics processor sufficiently responsive? Is the particular model you received defective in any way? If there's something that bugs you in the first week or two, chances are you won't get used to it later. So take advantage of return privileges. But pay attention to the restrictions! Also: The ultimate Windows 11 upgrade guide: Everything you need to know Apple's return window for Macs you purchase directly from the company is 14 days, with a major exception for products purchased in the holiday season (this year, that's November 8 through December 25); those purchases qualify for returns until January 8. Dell offers a 30-day return/refund window for new and refurbished products. If you're buying from a third-party seller, pay special attention to restocking fees, which can be painful if you return an item that isn't defective. CDW, for example, charges a minimum 15 percent restocking fee for returns of "non-defective" products that you send back within their 30-day return window, and other products are completely ineligible for return. 5. Look for refurbs Some of the very best deals in the PC marketplace are found in the refurbished section. Refurbs are products that were returned after purchase. They've been cleaned up and repackaged so that they're almost indistinguishable from new merchandise (one exception is Dell's "scratch and dent" category, which offers even deeper discounts if you're willing to accept minor cosmetic flaws). Also: The best laptops: Expert tested and reviewed You won't usually find just-released models in the refurb stores, but it's easy to find last year's model, at deep, deep discounts. Typically, refurbs have the same warranty as new merchandise and qualify for extended warranties as well. Apple makes the refurb section difficult to find. Here's a direct link: Apple Certified Refurbished . Dell refurbs are available in the Dell Outlet , which has separate sections for Home and Business. Even if you're looking for a business PC, it's worth checking out the Home selection. HP and Lenovo also have refurb outlets, as do some third-party sellers, including Amazon's Woot . With third-party sellers, be sure to check the warranty and return policies carefully. 6. Consider an extended warranty, especially for laptops Most new PCs and Macs include a basic warranty that covers defects in the first year. While that warranty is in effect, you can typically purchase an extended warranty that covers you for a second or third year. For laptops, the cost of a screen repair or a battery replacement, especially in a sealed unit, can be exorbitant, making a warranty worth considering. Also: MacBook Pro vs. MacBook Air: How to decide which Apple laptop is best for you For a Mac, the basic AppleCare warranty covers defects but not accidental damage for one year. You can pay extra for an AppleCare+ plan , which extends the warranty and includes coverage against many forms of accidental damage. PC makers typically offer a range of warranty options. For a Microsoft Surface, for example, you can get a two-year Microsoft Complete warranty that includes accidental damage coverage, even from drops and spills, for $149. Dell offers similar accidental damage coverage that covers liquid spills, drops, and falls (including a damaged or broken LCD), and any damage caused by a power surge. The best time to buy this coverage is with the original purchase or shortly after. In most cases, that's the only time you can buy it. 7. Do your own upgrades if possible It's no secret that hardware makers squeeze their very highest margins out of hardware upgrades on custom configurations. If you can do the upgrade yourself, you can sometimes save hundreds of dollars, even if you have to replace the manufacturer-supplied parts. Your best DIY upgrade opportunities are available in desktop PCs , which usually have easily accessible slots for RAM and video upgrades and drive bays and slots for adding fast storage. Also: The best all-in-one computers: Expert tested and reviewed On modern laptops, expanding or replacing memory is usually impossible after the initial purchase, as those memory modules are soldered onto the motherboards. Storage, on the other hand, can sometimes be easier to expand . Every Surface device, for example, includes an easily accessible drawer where you can replace the built-in NVMe storage at a fraction of the official upgrade cost. Dell makes you work a little harder to upgrade laptop storage, but with the right tools and a bit of patience, it's not a difficult job, especially if you search YouTube for videos that walk you through the process. On a MacBook, however, forget about it; that SSD is soldered onto the motherboard. One expansion option that works well on high-end hardware is to use external storage devices connected via USB-C. With a Thunderbolt or SuperSpeed+ 10 Gbps connection, the added storage is fast enough for just about any task, although it's awkward for portable devices. The best photography drones: Capture stunning aerial footage Our favorite robot mowers: Hands-free lawn care The top 5 home batteries: Backup systems to keep you charged The best cheap vacuum cleaners: Affordable and reliable vacs

Maryland is suing the company that produces the waterproof material Gore-Tex often used for raincoats and other outdoor gear, alleging its leaders kept using “forever chemicals” long after learning about serious health risks associated with them. The complaint, which was filed last week in federal court, focuses on a cluster of 13 facilities in northeastern Maryland operated by Delaware-based W.L. Gore & Associates. It alleges the company polluted the air and water around its facilities with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances , jeopardizing the health of surrounding communities while raking in profits. The lawsuit adds to other claims filed in recent years, including a class action on behalf of Cecil County residents in 2023 demanding Gore foot the bill for water filtration systems, medical bills and other damages associated with decades of harmful pollution in the largely rural community. “PFAS are linked to cancer, weakened immune systems, and can even harm the ability to bear children,” Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown said in a statement. “It is unacceptable for any company to knowingly contaminate our drinking water with these toxins, putting Marylanders at risk of severe health conditions.” Gore spokesperson Donna Leinwand Leger said the company is “surprised by the Maryland Attorney General’s decision to initiate legal action, particularly in light of our proactive and intensive engagement with state regulators over the past two years.” “We have been working with Maryland, employing the most current, reliable science and technology to assess the potential impact of our operations and guide our ongoing, collaborative efforts to protect the environment,” the company said in a statement, noting a Dec. 18 report that contains nearly two years of groundwater testing results. But attorney Philip Federico, who represents plaintiffs in the class action and other lawsuits against Gore, called the company’s efforts “too little, much too late.” In the meantime, he said, residents are continuing to suffer — one of his clients was recently diagnosed with kidney cancer. “It’s typical corporate environmental contamination,” he said. “They’re in no hurry to fix the problem.” The synthetic chemicals are especially harmful because they’re nearly indestructible and can build up in various environments, including the human body. In addition to cancers and immune system problems, exposure to certain levels of PFAS has been linked to increased cholesterol levels, reproductive health issues and developmental delays in children, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Gore leaders failed to warn people living near its Maryland facilities about the potential impacts, hoping to protect their corporate image and avoid liability, according to the state’s lawsuit. The result has been “a toxic legacy for generations to come,” the lawsuit alleges. Since the chemicals are already in the local environment, protecting residents now often means installing complex and expensive water filtration systems. People with private wells have found highly elevated levels of dangerous chemicals in their water, according to the class action lawsuit. The Maryland facilities are located in a rural area just across the border from Delaware, where Gore has become a longtime fixture in the community. The company, which today employs more than 13,000 people, was founded in 1958 after Wilbert Gore left the chemical giant DuPont to start his own business. Its profile rose with the development of Gore-Tex , a lightweight waterproof material created by stretching polytetrafluoroethylene, which is better known by the brand name Teflon that’s used to coat nonstick pans. The membrane within Gore-Tex fabric has billions of pores that are smaller than water droplets, making it especially effective for outdoor gear. The state’s complaint traces Gore’s longstanding relationship with DuPont , arguing that information about the chemicals' dangers was long known within both companies as they sought to keep things quiet and boost profits. It alleges that as early as 1961, DuPont scientists knew the chemical caused adverse liver reactions in rats and dogs. DuPont has faced widespread litigation in recent years. Along with two spinoff companies, it announced a $1.18 billion deal last year to resolve complaints of polluting many U.S. drinking water systems with forever chemicals. The Maryland lawsuit seeks to hold Gore responsible for costs associated with the state’s ongoing investigations and cleanup efforts, among other damages. State oversight has ramped up following litigation from residents alleging their drinking water was contaminated. Until then, the company operated in Cecil County with little scrutiny. Gore announced in 2014 that it had eliminated perfluorooctanoic acid from the raw materials used to create Gore-Tex. But it’s still causing long-term impacts because it persists for so long in the environment, attorneys say. Over the past two years, Gore has hired an environmental consulting firm to conduct testing in the area and provided bottled water and water filtration systems to residents near certain Maryland facilities, according to a webpage describing its efforts. Recent testing of drinking water at residences near certain Gore sites revealed perfluorooctanoic acid levels well above what the EPA considers safe, according to state officials. Attorneys for the state acknowledged Gore’s ongoing efforts to investigate and address the problem but said the company needs to step up and be a better neighbor. “While we appreciate Gore’s limited investigation to ascertain the extent of PFAS contamination around its facilities, much more needs to be done to protect the community and the health of residents,” Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain said in a statement. “We must remove these forever chemicals from our natural resources urgently, and we expect responsible parties to pay for this remediation.”The Washington Commanders ' trade for Marshon Lattimore has had mixed results thus far. He's been productive in his two appearances, but he's also missed four of a possible six contests. Now he will be back on the shelf as the Commanders seek to clinch a playoff berth against the Atlanta Falcons . #Commanders CB Marshon Lattimore is out for Sunday night vs. Atlanta because of his chronic hamstring issue. WR Terry McLaurin (ankle) is good to go. Lattimore appears to have aggravated the same hamstring injury that sidelined him up through Washington's bye week, and at this point it's uncertain how big of a role he'll be able to play when he's needed most. In his Commanders debut against the New Orleans Saints -- his former team -- Lattimore was invisible in the best possible way, not receiving a single target on his side of the field. He was a bit more involved against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, where he defended three passes and made four tackles. His absence will be felt, just as it was during the games he missed. The Commanders will need to rely on rookie Mike Sainristil and much-maligned veteran Benjamin St-Juste as their likely starters against the Falcons. On the bright side for Washington, Terry McLaurin was a full participant in Friday's practice and will be good to go for Sunday night. Jonathan Allen was also a full participant for the second-straight day, but is listed as questionable. Injuries to key players are unfortunate, but they happen to everyone and can't be used as excuses. If the Commanders are going to solidify their postseason bid this weekend, they'll need to get it done without their trade deadline prize.Real Madrid secured a huge win against Atalanta in the Champions League , with goals from Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham ensuring three points. The result sees Los Blancos climb to 18th in the league table after a slow start to the competition. The away side started the match brilliantly, with Brahim Diaz and Mbappe in particular looking really up for it. Madrid's positive start saw them take the lead on the 10-minute mark when Mbappe received the ball on the edge of the box and, with a perfect touch, breezed past Marten De Roon and slotted an excellent finish into the bottom left corner which the Atalanta goalkeeper had no chance of stopping. Despite Madrid taking the early lead, it seemed the goal benefitted Atalanta as it was them who took control of the game afterwards. Ademola Lookman was causing big problems down the left wing, with his energy and skill piling the pressure on Aurelien Tchouameni and Lucas Vazquez, who were struggling to deal with him. The Spanish giants were dealt a huge blow after 35 minutes when Mbappe went down untouched and was forced off due to an injury with Rodrygo taking his place up front. Just minutes after the substitution, Madrid went close to making it 2-0 when Bellingham put a great lofted ball across the box to Antonio Rudiger, who failed to head it home. A Mohamed Salah penalty was all Liverpool needed to secure all three points against Girona in the Champions League. In the last attack of the half, Sead Kolasinac was brought down by Tchouameni in the box and a penalty was awarded to the home side, which Charles De Ketelaere calmly put into the top corner to equalise right on half-time. Atalanta came out strong in the second half but were sucker punched by two quick goals from Vinicius and Bellingham. The Italian side were unlucky for the second goal, but the third goal from Bellingham was difficult to avoid after a sensational ball over the top from Vinicius played him through. A powerful, low-driven shot from Lookman beat Thibaut Courtois at his near post just six minutes after Madrid put themselves two goals ahead to bring life back into the game for the home side. Despite pressure from the Italian side towards the end of the game, 'Los Blancos' managed to see the game out to secure themselves a vital three points. Atalanta vs Real Madrid - Match Statistics Atalanta Statistic Real Madrid 56 Possession (%) 44 20 Shots 10 9 Shots on Target 6 5 Corners 2 3 Saves 7 1 Yellow Cards 2 Match Highlights Atalanta Player Ratings Didn't have much to do in terms of strenuous saves and couldn't have really done much more to stop Real Madrid's three goals. Was extremely energetic up and down the right-hand side but couldn't offer much in terms of his final product, in particular his crosses into the box. Didn't really put a foot wrong in defence but did slow down the play sometimes when having the ball at his feet. Atalanta's best defender this evening. Hien's relentless pressing of the Madrid forwards and midfield made it difficult to break through and his distribution and runs out from defence were excellent too. Made some excellent runs out of defence and got into some good attacking positions and was also solid in defence. Ruggeri saw a lot of the ball down his left-hand side and managed to create a lot of chances which probably should have been finished off by his teammates. Calm on the ball but didn't have any significant moments in the match. His dribbling ability in midfield helped the home side create chances. A solid performance from him on the night. Did not see that much of the ball and did not have much of an impact. Was substituted after 58 minutes. His physicality was problematic for Francisco Garcia when he drifted out to the left. He added to his solid performance by excellently slotting home his penalty. Lookman was Atalanta's best player. His relentless running at the Madrid defence had them terrified and he scored an excellent goal. Unlucky to be on the losing side. Created multiple chances and was a bright spark off the bench. Didn't have much to do after being brought on. Missed a sitter at the end of the game. Other than that, didn't do much after being introduced. Didn't do anything of any note after being brought on. Didn't do anything of any note after being brought on. Real Madrid Player Ratings Made some vital saves and was excellent with the ball at his feet. Vazquez had a really tough night up against Lookman and looked out on his feet. Gave away a penalty for Madrid but aside from that, was calm and composed in defence. Made some good runs out of defence and used his physicality to deal with De Ketelaere well. Battled well against De Ketelaere but did struggle at times. His calming presence in midfield helped Madrid move forward and he was also vital in breaking up the play at times to limit Atalanta's attacks. Did not have much of an impact but battled well in midfield. Took his goal brilliantly and worked tirelessly towards the end of the game to help his teammates see out the game. Started the game well with his energy and skill, but did not see much of the ball in the second half. Started the game brilliantly which saw him get on the scoresheet with a brilliant touch and finish after just 10 minutes. Unfortunately, his time on the pitch came to an end after 35 minutes due to an injury. A goal and an assist to his name and he deserved exactly that. Vinicius Junior was phenomenal on the ball and took his goal brilliantly. Struggled to fill Mbappe's void up front and did not have that much of the ball. Didn't do anything of any note after being brought on. Didn't do anything of any note after being brought on. Didn't do anything of any note after being brought on. Man of the Match The Brazilian superstar shone in the second half after a quiet first 45 minutes. He took his goal brilliantly and provided an excellent assist for Bellingham's goal as well. He needed to step up following Mbappe's injury and he did exactly that. 100% of his dribbles completed, and three out of five duels won, he was equally combative with the ball and without it. Madrid need to step things up if they want to make it to the knockout stages, but if Vinicius continues to play as well as this, then Los Blancos shouldn't worry too much.