mnl777 com ph 。

Stanley Just Recalled 2.6 Million Mugs. Here's What You Need To Know

A warming climate fed drought that in turn fed the worst year for fires since 2005. And those fires contributed to deforestation, with authorities suspecting some fires were set to more easily clear land to run cattle. The Amazon is twice the size of India and sprawls across eight countries and one territory, storing vast amounts of carbon dioxide that would otherwise warm the planet. It has about 20% of the world’s fresh water and astounding biodiversity, including 16,000 known tree species. But governments have historically viewed it as an area to be exploited, with little regard for sustainability or the rights of its Indigenous peoples, and experts say exploitation by individuals and organized crime is rising at alarming rates. “The fires and drought experienced in 2024 across the Amazon rainforest could be ominous indicators that we are reaching the long-feared ecological tipping point,” said Andrew Miller, advocacy director at Amazon Watch, an organization that works to protect the rainforest. “Humanity’s window of opportunity to reverse this trend is shrinking, but still open.” There were some bright spots. The level of Amazonian forest loss fell in both Brazil and Colombia. And nations gathered for the annual United Nations conference on biodiversity agreed to give Indigenous peoples more say in nature conservation decisions. “If the Amazon rainforest is to avoid the tipping point, Indigenous people will have been a determinant factor," Miller said. Forest loss in Brazil’s Amazon — home to the largest swath of this rainforest — dropped 30.6% compared to the previous year, the lowest level of destruction in nine years. The improvement under leftist President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva contrasted with deforestation that hit a 15-year high under Lula's predecessor, far-right leader Jair Bolsonaro, who prioritized agribusiness expansion over forest protection and weakened environmental agencies. In July, Colombia reported historic lows in deforestation in 2023, driven by a drop in environmental destruction. The country's environment minister Susana Muhamad warned that 2024's figures may not be as promising as a significant rise in deforestation had already been recorded by July due to dry weather caused by El Nino, a weather phenomenon that warms the central Pacific. Illegal economies continue to drive deforestation in the Andean nation. “It’s impossible to overlook the threat posed by organized crime and the economies they control to Amazon conservation,” said Bram Ebus, a consultant for Crisis Group in Latin America. “Illegal gold mining is expanding rapidly, driven by soaring global prices, and the revenues of illicit economies often surpass state budgets allocated to combat them.” In Brazil, large swaths of the rainforest were draped in smoke in August from fires raging across the Amazon, Cerrado savannah, Pantanal wetland and the state of Sao Paulo. Fires are traditionally used for deforestation and for managing pastures, and those man-made blazes were largely responsible for igniting the wildfires. For a second year, the Amazon River fell to desperate lows , leading some countries to declare a state of emergency and distribute food and water to struggling residents. The situation was most critical in Brazil, where one of the Amazon River's main tributaries dropped to its lowest level ever recorded. Cesar Ipenza, an environmental lawyer who lives in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, said he believes people are becoming increasingly aware of the Amazon's fundamental role “for the survival of society as a whole." But, like Miller, he worries about a “point of no return of Amazon destruction.” It was the worst year for Amazon fires since 2005, according to nonprofit Rainforest Foundation US. Between January and October, an area larger than the state of Iowa — 37.42 million acres, or about 15.1 million hectares of Brazil’s Amazon — burned. Bolivia had a record number of fires in the first ten months of the year. “Forest fires have become a constant, especially in the summer months and require particular attention from the authorities who don't how to deal with or respond to them,” Ipenza said. Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and Guyana also saw a surge in fires this year. The United Nations conference on biodiversity — this year known as COP16 — was hosted by Colombia. The meetings put the Amazon in the spotlight and a historic agreement was made to give Indigenous groups more of a voice on nature conservation decisions , a development that builds on a growing movement to recognize Indigenous people's role in protecting land and combating climate change. Both Ebus and Miller saw promise in the appointment of Martin von Hildebrand as the new secretary general for the Amazon Treaty Cooperation Organization, announced during COP16. “As an expert on Amazon communities, he will need to align governments for joint conservation efforts. If the political will is there, international backers will step forward to finance new strategies to protect the world’s largest tropical rainforest,” Ebus said. Ebus said Amazon countries need to cooperate more, whether in law enforcement, deploying joint emergency teams to combat forest fires, or providing health care in remote Amazon borderlands. But they need help from the wider world, he said. “The well-being of the Amazon is a shared global responsibility, as consumer demand worldwide fuels the trade in commodities that finance violence and environmental destruction,” he said. Next year marks a critical moment for the Amazon, as Belém do Pará in northern Brazil hosts the first United Nations COP in the region that will focus on climate. “Leaders from Amazon countries have a chance to showcase strategies and demand tangible support," Ebus said. The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org .Robinhood Markets, Inc. ( NASDAQ:HOOD – Get Free Report ) insider Daniel Martin Gallagher, Jr. sold 300,000 shares of Robinhood Markets stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $37.51, for a total value of $11,253,000.00. Following the sale, the insider now owns 806,955 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $30,268,882.05. This trade represents a 27.10 % decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website . Robinhood Markets Trading Down 3.4 % HOOD stock opened at $39.02 on Friday. The firm’s 50-day moving average price is $34.36 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $26.21. The stock has a market capitalization of $34.49 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 66.14, a PEG ratio of 0.76 and a beta of 2.09. Robinhood Markets, Inc. has a 12-month low of $10.38 and a 12-month high of $43.83. Robinhood Markets ( NASDAQ:HOOD – Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 30th. The company reported $0.17 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.18 by ($0.01). The business had revenue of $637.00 million during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $660.53 million. Robinhood Markets had a return on equity of 7.52% and a net margin of 21.80%. The company’s quarterly revenue was up 36.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business posted ($0.09) EPS. Equities analysts predict that Robinhood Markets, Inc. will post 0.8 EPS for the current year. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on HOOD Institutional Investors Weigh In On Robinhood Markets Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Robinhood Markets by 1,211,858.7% during the 3rd quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 3,817,670 shares of the company’s stock valued at $89,410,000 after buying an additional 3,817,355 shares in the last quarter. Azora Capital LP purchased a new stake in Robinhood Markets in the third quarter worth approximately $79,780,000. FMR LLC lifted its holdings in Robinhood Markets by 31.3% in the third quarter. FMR LLC now owns 14,129,544 shares of the company’s stock valued at $330,914,000 after acquiring an additional 3,368,118 shares during the period. Renaissance Technologies LLC increased its stake in shares of Robinhood Markets by 37.7% in the 2nd quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 7,651,700 shares of the company’s stock worth $173,770,000 after purchasing an additional 2,094,800 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC increased its position in Robinhood Markets by 19.5% in the third quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 11,620,673 shares of the company’s stock worth $271,708,000 after buying an additional 1,895,427 shares in the last quarter. 93.27% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Robinhood Markets Company Profile ( Get Free Report ) Robinhood Markets, Inc operates financial services platform in the United States. Its platform allows users to invest in stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), American depository receipts, options, gold, and cryptocurrencies. The company offers fractional trading, recurring investments, fully-paid securities lending, access to investing on margin, cash sweep, instant withdrawals, retirement program, around-the-clock trading, and initial public offerings participation services. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Robinhood Markets Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Robinhood Markets and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .In 2023, the global arms trade has reached an unprecedented level. Incomes and profits from the sale of weapons and military services have surged to US $632 billion, or nearly Rs 22 Lakh crore, an increase of 4.2% from the previous year, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). Today in this modern world, we have several international treaties that are supposed to reduce the effect of arms and lethal weapons, still, the world is witnessing an unstoppable arms race amid increasing geopolitical tensions, regional conflicts, and unchecked militarisation of weapons. This unwanted growth in weapons is a direct threat to future of the humanity, as even the smallest arms can spread fear, chaos, and destruction. On the other hand, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous weapons systems equally is adding a dangerous new dimension to the global arms race. These new technologies can operate with minimal or no human intervention. Self-directed drones, for example, can select and engage targets without direct human oversight. it increases the risk of miscalculation or unintended escalation in conflict zones. Additionally, AI-driven cyber weapons have the potential to disrupt critical infrastructure, further destabilising regions already inundated by war and conflict. There is hardly any strong international regulation to yet control autonomous or AI-driven weapons as the majority of them are in the development stage. These advancements without any global check are challenging to existing treaties and make conflicts more unpredictable and shocking. A World Overflowing with Weapons From the wars in Ukraine and Gaza to escalating tensions in West and East Asia, and some parts of the African continent, conflict is driving demand for arms. The global arms industry has become a juggernaut, thriving on the instability of international politics and conflict. According to SIPRI, nearly three-quarters of the top 100 arms companies increased their revenues in 2023. This surge is not limited to traditional powers like the United States and Europe, South Korea, Japan, and Middle Eastern nations have also emerged as weighty players. While some argue this is a response to legitimate security concerns, the proliferation of arms often aggravates the very conflicts it means to address. Smaller arms producers, particularly those in Russia and the Middle East, are ramping up production to record levels to meet the growing demands. In one of the latest examples , t he United States supplied controversial weapons such as landmines to Ukraine amid its war with Russia a month ago. Reports also suggest that cluster munitions were also supplied. This decision drew widespread criticism due to the indiscriminate harm these weapons can caus e . The use of landmines has been condemned globally, yet the U.S. justified their supply to Ukraine as a measure to bolster defence capabilities and stop the advancing Russian soldiers in Ukraine’s territory. Similarly, Cluster Munitions are also banned under the Convention on Cluster Munitions by over 120 plus countries. They have a history of causing civilian casualties long after conflicts end. Several political pundits say this sets a dangerous precedent and undermines international norms against such weapons forcing many countries to rethink the international treaties. International treaties as we all know are meant to impose order on the misuse of weapons and regulate the chaos of the arms trade. The Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), ratified by nearly 120 plus states, aims to regulate the sale of conventional weapons to reduce human suffering. Similarly, the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) attempts to prevent the spread of nuclear arms and promote disarmament. In addition, some other international treaties like the Ottawa Treaty banning landmines and the Chemical Weapons Convention, are also attempting to ban some of the indiscriminate categories of weaponry. Yet these treaties are violated many times. Some of the leading global powers like the United States, Russia, and China, have refused to ratify key international treaties. The Ottawa Treaty of banning landmines for example has not been signed by countries like the U.S., Russia, India, and Pakistan. These countries continue to manufacture and stockpile landmines. The NPT, for example, has been unable to halt the modernisation of nuclear arsenals by existing nuclear powers, which collectively possess over 13,000 warheads. Countries like India, Pakistan, and Israel remain outside the treaty’s framework. Meanwhile, the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), which aims to prohibit all nuclear explosions, has yet to come into force due to the refusal of key nations to ratify it. Profiting out of Conflicts Arms production is big business, deeply entrenched in the economies of many nations. In the United States, arms revenues reached $317 billion in 2023, accounting for half of the global sales. American firms like Lockheed Martin and RTX dominate the industry, driven by domestic and international demand. Europe remains a critical player. Companies like Germany’s Rheinmetall have increased production of ammunition and tanks, responding to the war in Ukraine and other regional conflicts. However, Europe’s reliance on complex, long-term contracts has slowed its ability to adapt to immediate shifts in demand. Asia and the Middle East are also emerging as key arms markets as said by SIPRI. South Korean and Japanese companies have recorded substantial revenue growth, fuelled by military build-ups and regional tensions as reported by the research of SIPRI. In West Asia, Israel and Turkey have seen unprecedented demand for their weaponry, particularly in response to the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. Presently, the arms race is not confined to traditional weaponry. It has gone beyond it. Drones, cyber weapons, and autonomous systems are rapidly reshaping the battlefield and modern weapons with most armies. Nations are investing heavily in these new technologies, often bypassing traditional regulatory frameworks that worry those who are fighting to regulate these weapons. Another current example is Turkey’s Baykar. The company has become a global leader in armed drones, which have been extensively used in Ukraine and other conflicts. These drones are known for their precision and also raise ethical and legal questions about accountability in warfare. The development of fully autonomous weapons capable of selecting and engaging targets without human intervention is even more controversial, with many calling for a pre-emptive ban. Space militarization is another frontier. The Outer Space Treaty of 1967 prohibits placing weapons of mass destruction in space, but it does not address conventional or emerging weapons. As tensions between the U.S., China, and Russia spill into space, the lack of comprehensive regulation could have catastrophic consequences. The human cost of these deadly weapons cannot be ignored. We all have seen in the last two years how from the trenches of Ukraine to the streets of Gaza, the proliferation of weapons has done more collateral damage in cities where civilians have been living. They have suffered the most. Civilian casualties, destruction of their houses, hospitals, schools massive displacements are heart-rending shocking consequences of a world awash in arms. In Yemen, for example, the Saudi-led coalition has used U.S.-supplied weapons, including cluster munitions, killing hundreds of civilians. In Syria, the use of chemical weapons has been documented despite the Chemical Weapons Convention’s prohibitions. Non-State Actors Non-state groups, from militias to terrorist organisations, often gain access to weapons through black markets, looted stockpiles, or state sponsorship. The black and dark market of illegal sales of weapons is equally flourishing. The proliferation of small arms and light weapons has fuelled conflicts in regions like Africa and the West and East Asia, where weak governance and porous borders exacerbate the problem. In Somalia, arms intended for government forces have ended up in the hands of al-Shabaab militants. Similarly, weapons supplied to Syrian rebels have often found their way to extremist groups, complicating efforts to resolve the conflict. In South Asia, we have seen the consequences in Afghanistan and now in Pakistan. The unchecked growth of the arms industry needs to be arrested. An urgent need for stronger international cooperation and regulation is the need of the hour. Existing treaties must be reinforced and made accountable with forceful enforcement mechanisms to check the menace of these weapons including control of emerging new technologies. Diplomacy and dialogue are the first steps to control the growing race of arms manufacturing. Equally, public awareness is necessary. Civil society organisations, from grassroots activists to global NGOs and international organisations have been instrumental in pushing for bans on landmines, cluster munitions, and other inhumane weapons but still, it needs more effort. We have seen how some of the weapons like laser guns that would blind soldiers were banned before their use or all those chemicals that once were used in World War I and II were banned. One example is the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL), which played a pivotal role in the adoption of the Ottawa Treaty by mobilising public opinion. The world stands at a crossroads without much action to stop the arms race. In return, the modernisation of lethal weapons and war machines continues to threaten humanity leading to cycles of violence and suffering. By confronting the forces that drive the arms trade and committing ourselves to a vision of shared security and peace, the global community can chart a different course. A cooperative campaign and action can do wonders to stop the indiscriminate proliferation of weapons for economic growth. As we all many times keep discussing the arms race is just an outcome or a symptom of deeper geopolitical and economic imbalances. Addressing these root causes may help in curbing inequality, resource competition, and ideological divisions. It requires a strategic effort by the business tycoons, tech giants and individuals rather than the governments to support the implementation of the rules of war. It is time we all invest in conflict prevention and peacebuilding that can save nature, and human life and much-needed attention to climate change and the future of our planet. The time to act is now, before the balance tips toward destruction. The arms race is not just a battle for dominance but a test of humanity’s capacity to choose peace over profit. Author is National Editor, Greater Kashmir

Vibration Table Market Outlook and Future Projections for 2030

As New York City prosecutors worked Thursday to bring murder charges against Luigi Mangione in the brazen killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson , supporters of the suspect are donating tens of thousands of dollars for a defense fund established for him, leaving law enforcement officials worried Mangione is being turned into a martyr. Several online defense funds have been created for Mangione by anonymous people, including one on the crowdfunding website GiveSendGo that as of Thursday afternoon had raised over $50,000. The GiveSendGo defense fund for the 26-year-old Mangione was established by an anonymous group calling itself "The December 4th Legal Committee," apparently in reference to the day Mangione allegedly ambushed and gunned down Thompson in Midtown Manhattan as the executive walked to his company's shareholders conference at the New York Hilton hotel. "We are not here to celebrate violence, but we do believe in the constitutional right to fair legal representation," the anonymous group said in a statement. The crowdfunding campaign prompted donations from more than 1,500 anonymous donors across the country, many of them leaving messages of support for Mangione, including one person who called themselves "A frustrated citizen" and thanked Mangione for "sparking the awareness and thought across this sleeping nation." The GiveSendGo fund for Mangione appeared to be briefly taken down before it was restored on Thursday. GiveSendGo did not immediately respond to ABC News' requests for comment. Other crowdfunding sites such as GoFundMe have also taken down campaigns soliciting donations for Mangione's defense. "GoFundMe's Terms of Service prohibit fundraisers for the legal defense of violent crimes," the crowdfunding website said in a statement. "The fundraisers have been removed from our platform and all donors have been refunded." Amazon and Etsy have removed from their websites merchandise featuring Mangione, including T-shirts and tote bags reading "Free Luigi" and the phrase "Deny, Defend, Depose," words police said were etched in the shell casings discovered at the scene of Thompson's homicide. "Celebrating this conduct is abhorrent to me. It's deeply disturbing," Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg told ABC News senior investigative reporter Aaron Katersky in an interview Wednesday night. "And what I would say to members of the public, people who as you described are celebrating this and maybe contemplating other action, that we will be vigilant and we will hold people accountable. We are at the ready." Prosecutors at the Manhattan district attorney's office have begun presenting evidence to a grand jury as they work to try to secure an indictment against Mangione, sources told ABC News on Thursday. Mangione's attorney, Thomas Dickey of Altoona, Pennsylvania, where Mangione was arrested Monday following a five-day manhunt, said his client is presumed innocent and will plead not guilty to any charges filed against him. Mangione is contesting extradition to New York. Asked about people contributing to Mangione defense funds that have popped up, Dickey said, "People are entitled to their opinion and, like I said, if you're an American and you believe in the American criminal justice system, you have to presume him to be innocent and none of us would want anything other than that if that were us in their shoes. So, I'm glad he had some support." But law enforcement officials have expressed concern that Mangione is being turned into a martyr. Someone this week pasted "wanted posters" outside the New York Stock Exchange naming other executives. A bulletin released Wednesday by the Delaware Valley Intelligence Center, a multi-agency law enforcement intelligence-sharing network based in Philadelphia, included a photo of a banner hanging from an overpass reading, "Deny, Defend, Depose." "Many social media users have outright advocated for the continued killings of CEOs with some aiming to spread fear by posting 'hit lists,'" the bulletin, obtained by ABC News, reads. Meanwhile, New York Police Department investigators continue to build a murder case against Mangione, who is being held in Pennsylvania on charges stemming from his arrest there, including illegal possession of ghost gun and fraudulent identification. Mangione has pleaded not guilty to the charges in Pennsylvania. On Wednesday, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said that the three shell casings recovered at the scene of Thompson's shooting matched the gun found in Mangione possession when he was arrested. She also confirmed that Mangione's fingerprints were recovered from a water bottle and the wrapper of a granola bar found near the crime scene.

Black Friday is inching closer, but shoppers may want to lower their expectations for the biggest shopping day of the year. Personal finance website WalletHub said that 41% of products offer no greater savings on Black Friday compared to prices in the days and weeks before. That isn't to say you won't find great deals on Black Friday, but it can vary depending on where you look. WalletHub said jewelry had the best savings at 37% off, followed by apparel and accessories at 31%. Discounts on toys are generally about 23%. Consumer electronics generally have discounts of less than 20%. “WalletHub found that around 41% of Black Friday items offer no real savings for consumers compared to their usual prices, but the items that are on sale are an average of 24% off, with the highest markdown at 89%," Chip Lupo, a WalletHub analyst said in the report. RELATED STORY | Forget about Black Friday; plumbers are getting ready for Brown Friday Last year, a record 200.4 million consumers shopped over the five-day holiday weekend from Thanksgiving Day through Cyber Monday, according to the National Retail Federation. On Black Friday itself, over 76 million Americans shopped in person while more than 90 million people shopped online. Of those who shopped during Thanksgiving weekend last year, 49% purchased clothing and accessories. The National Retail Federation expects Black Friday to be quite busy again this year with 131.7 million people to shop online, in-person or both the day after Thanksgiving. RELATED STORY | Thanksgiving meals expected to be cheaper in 2024 as turkey prices drop Retailers say it's not just deals that attracts customers. There is a social aspect involved with shopping on days like Black Friday. “Younger shoppers are most likely to take advantage of Thanksgiving weekend deals this year, with 89% of young adults between 18-24 planning to shop over the weekend,” Prosper Insights & Analytics Executive Vice President of Strategy Phil Rist said. “The social aspect of holiday shopping is also enticing to this age group, and they are most likely to shop because it’s a group activity that can be enjoyed with friends and family (20%).”

Deforestation, drought and fires battered Amazon rainforest in 2024

Fair Isaac Co. (NYSE:FICO) Stake Increased by PNC Financial Services Group Inc.Kaitlin Olson stands by Blake Lively amid sexual harassment lawsuit against Justin Baldoni( MENAFN - The Peninsula) AFP Damascus: A senior official from Libya's UN-recognised government met Syria's new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus on Saturday and discussed issues including diplomatic relations, energy and migration. "We expressed our full support for the Syrian authorities in the success of the important transitional phase," Libyan Minister of State for Communication and Political Affairs Walid Ellafi told reporters after the meeting. "We emphasised the importance of coordination and cooperation... particularly on security and military issues," he said, while they also discussed cooperation "related to energy and trade" and "illegal immigration". Syrians fleeing civil war since 2011 and seeking a better life have often travelled to Libya in search of work or passage across the Mediterranean on flimsy boats towards Europe. Ellafi said they also discussed "the importance of raising diplomatic representation between the two countries". "Today the charge d'affaires attended the meeting with me and we are seeking a permanent ambassador," he added. Power in Libya is divided between the UN-recognised government based in the capital Tripoli and a rival administration in the east, backed by military strongman Khalifa Haftar who also controls the south. Representatives of Haftar's rival administration in March 2020 opened a diplomatic mission in Damascus. Before that, Libya had not had any representation in Damascus since 2012, the year after the fall and killing of longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi in a NATO-backed uprising. It was not immediately clear whether the charge d'affaires had been appointed since Sharaa's Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and allied factions toppled president Bashar al-Assad on December 8 after a lightning offensive. Damascus's new authorities have received envoys from across the Middle East and beyond since taking control as countries look to establish contact with Sharaa's administration. MENAFN28122024000063011010ID1109037915 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.

Drought, fires and deforestation battered Amazon rainforest in 2024

Adaxum Expands Strategic Partnerships and Unveils Key Features for its Decentralized E-Commerce Payment EcosystemFred Warner among three 49ers hit with significant bad news ahead of playoff rematch with Lions

Iowa turns to former walk-on QB to start against Maryland3 Takeaways from Iowa men’s loss to Michigan: Hawkeyes dig too deep a deficitJMA Wireless wins $44 million CHIPS Act grant for Syracuse expansion, Schumer says

Jackie McFadden, the driving force and founder of the local charity 'All Disabilities Matter', was honoured on December 11 with the 'Community Recognition Award' from Great Aycliffe Town Council. The award is to recognise and celebrate Jackie's unwavering commitment to improving the lives of people with disabilities and her efforts to create inclusive opportunities for all. Jackie McFadden second left with the team from ADM (Image: contributor) Jackie's journey began with a personal mission, to provide better social opportunities for her disabled daughter and others with disabilities. Jackie said: "Despite my daughter being disabled, she wanted to do normal things that any other child wants to do at school. "Unfortunately, there was a lack of opportunities for disabled children to engage in activities like discos and meet up in safe environments. "I set out to do something to fill the void for adults and children with learning difficulties, plus physical and mental disabilities." L-R Jackie's partner Gary Lewis, Mayoress Mrs Bernadette Clark, Jackie McFadden and Mayor Mr John Clarke (image: Tony Beddard) With this vision in mind, Jackie founded her charity All Disabilities Matter (ADM) which started by organising monthly disco events in Newton Aycliffe for disabled people. Originally hosted at a local club, the discos have grown in popularity over the years and are now held at the Phoenix Club on MacMillan Road in Newton Aycliffe. These events offer a safe, welcoming space for individuals with disabilities to socialise and have fun. Jackie's passion and dedication have not only made these events possible but also inspired others to join her cause. Read More: Get more local stories, reviews and exclusive content from The Northern Echo and join our growing digital family with a subscription. One such supporter is Tony Beddard, whose son greatly benefitted from the discos. Tony Beddard, second right at the back, with the team of ADM as they welcomed visitors to their disability friendly winter wonderland. (Image: contributor) Tony, now chairman of ADM, explained how the group's impact expanded after achieving charity status earlier this year. He said: "Our charity has the ambition to reach, support and provide opportunities for more disabled individuals and their carers in Newton Aycliffe and across County Durham." The charity is spreading holiday cheer this December with a special Santa’s Grotto and winter wonderland in a formerly vacant town centre unit in Newton Aycliffe. Open to all disability groups and charities, the grotto is also available for private group bookings. On the next two Saturdays, the grotto will welcome everyone in the community to share in the festive spirit. Jackie has called Newton Aycliffe home for many years, and her work exemplifies the best of community spirit.

Flick sent off for protesting penalty in Barcelona draw and Real Madrid closes on leaderThis AI Stock Is Up 360% So Far in 2024. Here Is Why It Could Be a Bust in 2025.Commerce Bank Cuts Stock Position in Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:ZBH)

By Trevor Hass It’s official. Bill Belichick is the head coach of the University of North Carolina football team. Yes, that Bill Belichick. He spoke glowingly about the program and expressed immense gratitude at his introductory press conference Thursday. Now that it’s a done deal, here’s a look at what experts have to say about his surprising move to the college ranks. Jason Gay referred to Belichick coaching North Carolina as “great theater.” He believes he’ll “have to be careful,” noting that college coaches are expected to hide, or at least dampen, their ruthlessness. The game has “long been a cold, cruel business,” yet the public still thinks of college athletes as kids, Gay wrote. Here’s a passage from his recent article , in which he noted that he still doesn’t quite believe it. “How a coach not known for soothing small talk or public finesse can sand down the edges for a mayoral role like college football coach. Does Belichick have the patience for local media, boosters, sponsors and other front-facing aspects of his new role at a public university? Can he recruit (or does he even need to?) Does a terse slogan like “Do Your Job” close a deal in a high schooler’s living room? Or will that job be outsourced as somebody else’s job ?” Bill Belichick on developing younger players: "Tom Brady was a 4th string QB his rookie year ... [Rob] Gronkowski didn't do too much his rookie year ... [Julian] Edelman played QB in college ... developing players is something we believe strongly in" pic.twitter.com/f1785Zq4GE With Belichick joining the Tar Heels, Ryan McGee believes “something’s gotta give” in the unexpected meeting of the GOAT and the Ram. “The Chapel Hill hiring that no one saw coming is the football equivalent to one of those old black-and-white films of two locomotives crashing head on. Or some reality stretching experiment set up by scientists, the immovable object and irresistible force pitted against one another to peek into the total unknown. When Lt. Gen. Leslie Groves asks Robert Oppenheimer, ‘Are we saying there’s a chance that when we push that button, we destroy the world?'” McGee noted the “very opposite football pasts” between the two parties and wonders which will prevail. He said that while North Carolina is a global brand in large part because of Michael Jordan, the football program hasn’t exactly been ultra successful. "I didn't come here to leave." 🔥👀 – Bill Belichick on what he would say to people who fear, if he does succeed at @UNCFootball , he'd leave for the NFL again pic.twitter.com/mLFwzdWLcz Jeff Howe said that while the move “drew plenty of double takes,” a source told him it came down to one simple fact. “He’s a football coach. He’s going to coach somewhere.” A high-ranking team executive told Howe that Belichick “burned a lot of bridges over his career,” yet he still wanted to coach. He pointed out that Belichick will have unilateral control over the program, which he may not have gotten in the NFL. “Belichick, the most prepared figure in the NFL for so long, had to recognize a chilling reality: He’d once again be a long shot to get a job in the league’s upcoming hiring cycle.” Dan Wolken highlighted how Belichick “struck a different tone” at his press conference than his typical stoic “We’re on to Cincinnati” vibe. “He sounded like something we don’t usually see in college athletics during these days when coaches and fans are riding the sugar high of a new marriage. Belichick, quite simply, came off like an adult.” Wolken called Belichick expressing his desire to help students and players “downright refreshing,” adding that Belichick “wasn’t waving the pom-poms or talking like a used car salesman.” He pointed out that Belichick didn’t make any promises about success beyond the effort he’s going to put into the job. The Tar Heels, Wolken wrote , are now being run by a realist, rather than a televangelist. UNC AD Bubba Cunningham brought out the sleeveless suit in honor of Bill Belichick 😅 pic.twitter.com/t8GM2w3BOm Seth Wickersham noted that Belichick and a handful of his former assistants meet weekly to discuss NFL games, trends, and more. They concluded that the Chicago Bears would be the most attractive job, but that Bears brass would be unlikely to consider Belichick. The Jets were a nonstarter, and the Giants, Cowboys, and Jaguars all had questions marks. “Belichick’s feelings toward the NFL have shifted he has told confidants. Look at the past year. Robert Kraft, whose life and legacy was forever altered by Belichick, fired him in January. Only one out of seven teams with openings showed interested in hiring him. The Falcons interviewed him twice, but when it came time for the team’s brass to rank choices, Belichick failed to land in anyone’s top three candidates.” “ A few months ago, Belichick started to bring up college programs on the Zooms. He was spending a lot of time at Washington, where his son Stephen is in his first year as the Huskies’ defensive coordinator. His former offensive coordinator in New England, Bill O’Brien, and longtime assistant, Berj Najarian, are at Boston College. Another former assistant, Joe Judge, served as a senior analyst at Ole Miss.” Wickersham said that initially, the image of him coaching in college “made no sense.” But a confidant told Wickersham that this is a “big f— you” to the NFL, because he’s disgusted with what the league has become. Sign up for Patriots updates🏈 Get breaking news and analysis delivered to your inbox during football season. Be civil. Be kind.