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online games with real money MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Joel Embiid sounded off after details from the 76ers’ lengthy team meeting Monday night — including that teammate Tyrese Maxey called out the 2023 NBA Most Valuable Player for tardiness — surfaced through multiple reports citing anonymous sources, saying “whoever leaked that is a real piece of [expletive].” “We talked about a lot of things [during the meeting],” Embiid said Wednesday after the Sixers’ 117-111 loss to the Grizzlies. “I don’t want to get into the details, but that whole thing [with Maxey] probably took 30 seconds. But then again, it’s Joel Embiid, so we’ve got to make everything blown out of proportion. “It’s whatever. I’ll take it all. I’m the reason for everything, so I’ll take the blame for everything.” Embiid’s answer was triggered by a question about why his relationship with Maxey — which has developed into a well-known close friendship during their four-plus seasons as teammates — is strong enough to have those difficult, candid conversations. For Wednesday’s game in Memphis, Embiid and Maxey were situated in the same corner of the visitors’ locker room, and spent the bulk of the postgame period open to the media chatting with no noticeable tension. Even in the immediate aftermath of Monday’s meeting, which followed the Sixers’ loss at the Miami Heat, Embiid walked over to Maxey for a quick talk during the period when reporters were present. “That’s the relationship we have — nothing malicious,” Embiid said. “I like when people are telling me what I’m not doing good, what I need to do better. Even though that part [the tardiness] maybe happened once or twice, when I wasn’t playing. ... “So I need to be better. I need to be perfect. I need to be on point, which I’m going to do. Which I’ve always done.” It was the second time in recent weeks that Embiid publicly expressed his displeasure about coverage of him or the Sixers, who on Wednesday dropped to 2-12 during a dreadful start to a season that opened with championship aspirations. After not holding a media session for more than a month while dealing with a knee condition stemming from meniscus surgery last February, Embiid said “I’ve done way too much for this [expletive] city” in firing back at outside criticism for missing the start of the season. Following a Nov. 2 game home game against the Grizzlies, Embiid shoved a Philadelphia Inquirer columnist during a locker-room altercation, which resulted in a three-game suspension by the NBA. “It’s kind of annoying having to deal with the same things over and over and over,” Embiid said Wednesday. “It’s been like that my whole career. All I try to do is focus on basketball, and trying to make the best living for my family, on and off the court. “But it’s unbelievable. It just feels like negativity keeps following us, which I don’t understand why. But it is a shame, but it doesn’t change the fact that we’ve still all got to be better.” Embiid’s comments Wednesday occurred after his best game of the season, as he finished with 35 points and 11 rebounds in 35 minutes. It was supposed to be the Sixers’ first game that their three All-Stars — Embiid, Maxey, and newcomer Paul George — played together, but George left early in the third quarter after hyperextending his left knee. “We talked about a bunch of stuff [in the meeting],” Embiid said. “At times, we executed what we talked about, and at times, we didn’t. Right now, we don’t have a lot of margin for error, so we need to be perfect in everything we do on both ends of the floor.” ©2024 The Philadelphia Inquirer. Visit inquirer.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Letters Dec. 26: One lane each way; watch the road, not the phone The Times Colonist Dec 26, 2024 11:00 AM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Douglas Street at Crystal Garden and the bus depot. TIMES COLONIST Listen to this article 00:09:56 Traffic nightmare a taste of the future This is the perfect time for a drive downtown on Blanshard Street to get a glimpse of the future for Victoria drivers. You will experience what one lane going each way feels like once the city has completed its insane plan to close two northbound lanes on Douglas Street by the current bus depot, re-routing that traffic to Blanshard which will be reduced to one lane each way in order to make room for bike lanes on both sides and trees in the middle of the street. Think Fort Street except probably worse. Even on light traffic days during the current construction, the snarled congestion on Blanshard is beyond the pale and when you add in the high volumes of ferry traffic every hour throughout the sumner, it will be a sheer delight. The logic behind closing/restricting the only two roads in and out of the city is a mystery but is certainly in keeping with the city’s irrational war on cars. I cannot help but wonder if there is an award for the city that creates the most pollution from vehicles idling as a result of poor road design. R.G. Persson Victoria Eyes on the road, please, not on your phone In addition to removing earbuds, whether jay walking or actually using the crossing lights, I would add that “phone folks” need to put their phones away — completely — while they are walking. Too many are running into other people and way too many, while on their phones, cross streets expecting vehicles to screech to a stop — and when they do, just in time — the “phone folks” do not even look up to acknowledge that they just missed getting run over. Most of us see this trend many times daily. It needs to stop, just like drivers stop in awe of the apparent invincibility of “phone folks.” Paul Crober North Saanich Making life tougher for those who drive Did the folks at Victoria City Hall get elected on a mandate to remove cars from downtown by making every car owner in the area go raving mad? I don’t remember such a mandate. The evidence: Major traffic routes narrowed for bike lanes instead of designating secondary roads for cyclists where possible. Curved corners at intersections removed to form strictly square corners, so an entire lane of traffic has to wait for one car turning right from that lane. Traffic lights co-ordinated to stop traffic at every intersection – stopping the efficient flow of traffic. Parking spots diminished dramatically due to bike lanes on major shopping streets, discouraging downtown shopping, and resulting in business heading to malls. Condo towers going up everywhere one looks. Each of those towers represents another 80 to 100 or more cars coming to our already plugged roads. Effective through streets like Vancouver and Richardson blocked off for bicycles. I’m sure there is more. Victoria used to be a lovely gentle city, easy to get around to the interesting downtown shopping area. It is no longer. So many of us avoid it whenever possible. Congratulations ideologues at City Hall. You should leave so someone with a brain and a heart can fix the mess you have made of our beautiful city. Theresa Moylan Victoria End complacency behind the wheel It seems to me that a substantial percentage of drivers these days are guilty of DWI — driving while indifferent, that is. Stop signs and centre lines are mere suggestions, especially if there are no vehicles coming. Traffic lights that have the audacity to turn amber are not anticipated and are often ignored. It’s not uncommon to see three or more vehicles (drivers) choosing to accelerate through a single intersection rather than safely brake. (Always think “stale green,” unless you see it’s a “fresh green.”) Far too many vehicles’ headlights and taillights are only used in the dark of night, though they are your vehicle’s cheapest and most effective safety feature. Day or night, they not only help you see, but to be seen. They also allow other drivers to better judge both your speed and distance. Turn signals have apparently become optional, or are used only when the light turns green. (I love a surprise!) And speeding through school zones has become rampant, with vehicles hundreds of metres behind ending up in my rear-view mirror if I’m doing the limit. I’m sure many of these speeding drivers have children and would be devastated if their child was hit by a vehicle while at school. It’s disturbing to witness these driving behaviours on a daily basis. A proper stop takes only a second longer than lurching around a corner or past a stop sign or bar. Running an amber or red or crossing the centre line can and does have deadly consequences. End this complacency behind the wheel and to be more respectful of the rules of the road, and more considerate of other road users. Dave Kirk Nanaimo There is an ideal speed for urban streets Re: “ Lower speed limits don’t make any sense ,” letter, Dec. 12. I would respectfully suggest that it is the letter that doesn’t make any sense. It begins by saying “most vehicles barely move at 30 km/h.” If that were the case, it logically follows that, after the lowering, nothing will change from the way it is now. So what is the problem? It follows with his second point “... most people will not follow this.” This is a direct contradiction to the first point. The letter then asks: “... how totally stupid are the people who decide this?” Well, while I generally agree that politicians often make decisions based on their own political agenda, in this particular case, we should applaud them for deciding based on provable scientific fact. I would encourage readers to search online for “The power model of the relationship between speed and road safety. Update and new analyses,” by Rune Elvik. Elvik is a highly respected expert in the field of traffic safety. His paper explains in great detail why 30 km/h is the ideal speed for urban streets. I am astounded why so many people don’t get the facts before passing judgment. Bob Etheridge Brentwood Bay Canada as a state, and Donald Trump Two suggestions here... 1. We should really encourage the 13 per cent of us who would like Canada to be the 51st state to pack up and move south. The vacant homes that would be left behind could just be the thing to solve our housing affordability crises. Sounds like a win-win scenario to me! 2. Since Donald Trump thinks it’s hilarious to call our prime minister “the Governor of the great state of Canada,” we should start calling him “the vice president (elect) of the USA — as we all know the person really calling all the shots down there is “President (unelected)” Elon Musk. Phil Smith View Royal What will replace the energy revenue One minor technical difficulty is always ignored in discussions about climate change: The effect on the economy, and nation overall, if no one comes up with a replacement for the $150 billion, or so, in net energy exports that enable us to maintain our standard of living. If we lose those exports, we also lose the ability to pay for the imports that we need. So, what is the substitution plan? No one seems to have thought about it. Roger Love Saanich Knowledge of economics needed in tariff talk Donald Trump claims that the United States is subsidizing Canada to the tune of one billion dollars, or $100 million, depending on which of his tweets you want to take notice of. His claim is based on the size of the trade deficit, the difference between the value of our exports and imports with the U.S. Trump likes simple headline-grabbing solutions, so why don’t we let him know that we can eliminate this imbalance overnight by imposing an appropriate level of tariff on exports from here to the U.S.? Makes as much sense as the U.S. trying to harm its trading partners by imposing import tariffs which anyone with a little knowledge of economics knows will impact consumers in the U.S. the most. When duties on Chinese goods were introduced, it was made to sound as if the U.S. would receive big bags of cash from China to pay the tariffs. In reality it is the consumer in the U.S. who has ended up paying! Paul Laraman Mill Bay SEND US YOUR LETTERS • Email: [email protected] • Mail: Letters to the editor, Times Colonist, 201-655 Tyee Rd., Victoria, B.C. V9A 6X5 • Submissions should be no more than 250 words; subject to editing for length and clarity. Provide your contact information; it will not be published. Avoid sending your letter as an email attachment. See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message More Opinion Comment: Victoria school board debacle should prompt genuine education reform Dec 26, 2024 11:10 AM Editorial: Christmas 1924 was a tough time for many, but there was light ahead Dec 25, 2024 4:15 AM Adrian Raeside cartoon: Remembering to donate to the food bank Dec 25, 2024 4:00 AM Featured Flyer

Israeli air strikes on Yemen airport ‘were metres from WHO chief’AP Trending SummaryBrief at 4:51 p.m. EST

Aminé Drops Off '.mp3s' EPWASHINGTON (AP) — FBI Director Christopher Wray told bureau workers Wednesday he plans to resign at the end of President Joe Biden's term in January, an announcement that came a week and a half after President-elect Donald Trump said he would nominate loyalist Kash Patel for the job. Wray said at a town hall meeting that he would be stepping down “after weeks of careful thought,” roughly three years short of the completion of a 10-year term during which he tried to keep the FBI out of politics even as the bureau found itself entangled in a string of explosive investigations, including two that led to separate indictments of Trump last year. Wray’s intended resignation was not unexpected considering that Trump had settled on Patel to be director and had repeatedly aired his ire at Wray, including in a television interview broadcast Sunday. But his departure is nonetheless a reflection of how Trump's norm-breaking style has reshaped Washington, with the president-elect yet again flouting tradition by moving to replace an FBI director before his term was up and Wray — by resigning before he could be fired — opting to avert a collision with the incoming Trump administration that he said would have plunged the FBI into political fighting. “My goal is to keep the focus on our mission — the indispensable work you’re doing on behalf of the American people every day,” Wray told agency employees. "In my view, this is the best way to avoid dragging the bureau deeper into the fray, while reinforcing the values and principles that are so important to how we do our work.” The resignation would clear the way for Patel's ascension, assuming he is confirmed by the Senate. A White House staffer during Trump's first term, Patel has insisted that the federal government should be rid of “conspirators” against Trump. The comments have stirred alarm that he could seek to use the FBI for retribution against perceived enemies despite longstanding guardrails meant to ensure investigations have a proper basis. It's extremely rare for FBI directors to be ousted from their jobs before the completion of their 10-year terms, a length meant to insulate the agency from the political influence of changing administrations. But Trump has done it twice, placing Wray in the job in 2017 after firing Director James Comey amid an investigation into ties between Russia and the Republican president’s campaign. Despite having appointed Wray, Trump had telegraphed his anger with the FBI director on multiple occasions. Trump said in the recent interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press” that “I can’t say I’m thrilled with him. He invaded my home,” a reference to the FBI search of his Florida property , Mar-a-Lago, two years ago for classified documents from Trump’s first term as president. That search, and the recovery of boxes of sensitive government records, paved the way for one of two federal indictments against Trump. The case, and another one charging him with plotting to overturn the 2020 election, have both been dismissed. Trump applauded the resignation news on social media, calling it “a great day for America as it will end the Weaponization of what has become known as the United States Department of Injustice.” and complaining anew about the Mar-a-Lago search. Attorney General Merrick Garland, meanwhile, praised Wray for having “served our country honorably and with integrity for decades.” He said: “Under Director Wray’s principled leadership, the FBI has worked to fulfill the Justice Department’s mission to keep our country safe, protect civil rights, and uphold the rule of law.” Natalie Bara, the president of the FBI Agents Association. said in a statement Wray had led the FBI “through challenging times with a steady focus on doing the work that keeps our country safe. ” Throughout his seven years on the job, Wray brought a workmanlike approach to the job, repeatedly preaching a “keep calm and tackle hard” mantra to bureau personnel despite a steady drumbeat of attacks from Trump and his supporters. In fact, Wray was quick to distance himself and his leadership team from the FBI’s Russia investigation that was well underway when he took office. On the same day of a harshly critical inspector general report on that inquiry, Wray announced more than 40 corrective actions to the FBI’s process for applying for warrants for secret national security surveillance. He said mistakes made during the Russia inquiry were unacceptable and he helped tighten controls for investigations into candidates for federal office. FBI officials actively trumpeted those changes to make clear that Wray’s leadership had ushered in a different era at the bureau. Even then, though, Wray’s criticism of the investigation was occasionally measured — he did not agree, for instance, with Trump’s characterization of it as a “witch hunt” — and there were other instances, particularly in response to specific questions, when he memorably broke with the White House. In 2020, he said that there was “no indication” that Ukraine had interfered in the 2016 election, countering a frequent talking point at the time from Trump. When the Trump White House blessed the declassification of materials related to the surveillance of a former Trump campaign aide, Wray made known his displeasure. Wray also angered Trump for saying that antifa was a movement and an ideology but not an organization. Trump had said he would like to designate the group as a terrorist organization. Then came the FBI's Mar-a-Lago search, which officials defended as necessary given the boxes of documents that were being concealed at the Palm Beach property and the evidence of obstruction that the Justice Department said had been gathered. Trump railed against the FBI over that action and has kept up his criticism ever since, including after Wray said at a congressional hearing last summer that there was “some question about whether or not it’s a bullet or shrapnel” that struck Trump's ear during an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania in July. The FBI later stated unequivocally that it was indeed a bullet. Before being named FBI director, Wray worked at a prestigious law firm, King & Spalding, where he represented former Gov. Chris Christie, R-N.J., during the “Bridgegate” affair. He also led the Justice Department’s criminal division for a period during President George W. Bush’s administration.Expert Ratings For Revolve GrAP Trending SummaryBrief at 5:56 p.m. EST

Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren forced to walk back wild comments on 'assassin' Luigi MangioneThe Rise of EVs in China: A Game-Changer Chinese electric vehicle (EV) stocks, including major players like NIO Inc, Li Auto Inc, XPeng Inc, and ZEEKR, are on an upward trajectory following promising forecasts. Reports suggest that by 2025, China will experience a landmark shift where electric vehicle sales will surpass those of traditional cars for the first time. This shift will see China outpace regions like Europe, the U.S., and Japan in the EV sector. Impressive Growth Projections Analysts from prominent investment banks and research groups predict that China could sell over 12 million electric cars in 2025, a significant leap from the 5.9 million sold in 2022. In stark contrast, sales of traditional combustion engine vehicles are expected to diminish to below 11 million by 2025, down from 14.8 million previously. Factors Fueling the Boom China’s rapid advancements in EV technology, combined with its robust capacity to secure critical supply chain materials such as lithium and cobalt, stand at the forefront of this transformation. Moreover, the country’s manufacturing prowess has successfully made EVs a financially viable option for many consumers. According to industry experts, China’s ambitious target of making EVs comprise 50% of car sales by 2035 may be reached a decade earlier than planned. Challenges remain, including increasing competition and a looming price war, but China’s dominance in the EV market shows little sign of waning. Market Reactions On Thursday, stock prices of leading Chinese EV companies surged: NIO climbed 2.06% to $4.715, Li Auto rose 3.86%, XPeng increased 3.12%, and ZEEKR saw an 8.48% boost. China’s strategic plans for substantial economic stimulus and investment in advanced sectors underscore their commitment to bolstering domestic consumption and ensuring sustained progress in the EV landscape. Why China is Poised to Lead the Global Electric Vehicle Revolution As the global market races towards electrification, China is emerging as a dominant force in the electric vehicle (EV) sector. With its keen focus on technological advancement and robust manufacturing capabilities, China is on track to change the game in how the world perceives and uses electric vehicles. China’s rapid ascent in the EV market can be attributed to several strategic initiatives and innovations. The nation has heavily invested in developing its domestic infrastructure, including charging stations, to support EV proliferation. Additionally, government subsidies and incentives have played a pivotal role in driving demand and reducing costs for consumers. China’s focus on environmental policies further propels its EV agenda, addressing both air pollution and climate change. China’s agility in securing pivotal resources like lithium and cobalt, essential for EV batteries, places it at the forefront of the EV supply chain. This prowess not only ensures a steady production stream but also grants China the ability to influence global battery prices. By producing affordable and high-quality EVs, Chinese companies have made significant inroads in expanding their market share beyond domestic borders. The emphasis on security and compatibility within the EV industry in China is notable. Companies are implementing cutting-edge technologies to ensure vehicle safety, from enhanced battery management systems to advanced autopilot features. Furthermore, Chinese EVs are increasingly compatible with international standards, facilitating smoother exports and integration in foreign markets. Sustainability remains a central theme in China’s EV strategy. By investing in renewable energy sources for manufacturing and promoting eco-friendly vehicle designs, China is setting a precedent for sustainable industrial practices. This focus not only aligns with global green initiatives but also enhances the appeal of Chinese EVs among environmentally conscious consumers. Looking to the future, China’s EV market is expected to continue its rapid growth trajectory. Analysts predict that by 2030, China could account for as much as 50% of the global EV market. This growth is bolstered by strategic partnerships and developments in autonomous driving technology. Innovative companies are exploring new business models, such as battery swapping technologies and subscription-based vehicle services, to cater to evolving consumer preferences. This approach not only increases accessibility but also enhances user experience, positioning China as a global leader in the EV revolution. To learn more about China’s advancements in electric vehicles and related technologies, visit NIo , Li Auto , XPeng , and ZEEKR .

Stingy Devils open home-and-home with HurricanesRavens quarterback Lamar Jackson is eager to play again after spending the team's bye week thinking about a recent loss to the Eagles.

BETHESDA, Md. , Dec. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- AGNC Investment Corp. (Nasdaq: AGNC) announced today that its Board of Directors has declared a cash dividend of $0.12 per share of common stock for December 2024 . The dividend is payable on January 10, 2025 to common stockholders of record as of December 31, 2024 . For further information or questions, please contact Investor Relations at (301) 968-9300 or IR@AGNC.com . ABOUT AGNC INVESTMENT CORP. Founded in 2008, AGNC Investment Corp. (Nasdaq: AGNC) is a leading investor in Agency residential mortgage-backed securities (Agency MBS), which benefit from a guarantee against credit losses by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or Ginnie Mae . We invest on a leveraged basis, financing our Agency MBS assets primarily through repurchase agreements, and utilize dynamic risk management strategies intended to protect the value of our portfolio from interest rate and other market risks. AGNC has a track record of providing favorable long-term returns for our stockholders through substantial monthly dividend income, with over $13 billion of common stock dividends paid since inception. Our business is a significant source of private capital for the U.S. residential housing market, and our team has extensive experience managing mortgage assets across market cycles. To learn more about The Premier Agency Residential Mortgage REIT , please visit www.AGNC.com , follow us on LinkedIn and X , and sign up for Investor Alerts . CONTACT: Investor Relations - (301) 968-9300 View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/agnc-investment-corp-declares-monthly-common-stock-dividend-of-0-12-per-common-share-for-december-2024--302329440.html SOURCE AGNC Investment Corp.In an indirect warning to Keir Starmer, Tony Blair warned that taking more money out of people's pockets would make them feel disillusioned with politics. According to the former prime minister, poor public services, along with raised levels of taxation, public debt, and spending, are adding to public frustration not just in Britain but in every developed nation. Writing in the Daily Mail , Sir Tony said we live in an era of disruption, including in politics, and Britain faces the same dilemma. He added: "Our taxes are high; our spending and levels of public debt are high; and our service outcomes are poor." The former PM continued: "That is why politics is being disrupted. Any politician today, who is promising management of the status quo and not fundamental change of it, will lose." Blair's suggestion that high taxes alienate voters and disrupt politics is particularly significant in the UK, as it comes after Chancellor Rachel Reeves introduced £40 billion worth of taxes in her first budget . It amounts to the biggest tax rise in 30 years, but companies will bear much of the burden, leading some to complain they won't be able to invest in boosting productivity to help generate the economic growth the Government is dreaming of. The Chancellor's biggest revenue raiser is an increase in employer tax , which is expected to raise £25bn per year. The move has prompted consternation within businesses and warnings of lower wages and job cuts. In her Budget speech, Ms Reeves argued that she is asking businesses to contribute more, telling Parliament that successful businesses depend on successful schools, healthy firms need a healthy NHS, and a strong economy is dependent on strong public finances. Mr Blair, who was Labour prime minister from 1997 to 2007, warned the UK's present dilemma led to a splintering of the vote at the general election in July when MPs were elected from the Greens, Reform UK and independents. Sir Tony argues in his op-ed that lower taxes , reduced spending and better public service outcomes often appear to be "the Holy Grail of governing", but modern technology "puts it within reach". He went on to champion digital ID as "a good place to start", despite the Government having ruled out ID cards. Sir Tony said crime rates could be cut thanks to facial recognition, data and DNA while interactive app could provide pupils with personal tutoring. The former PM said the financial and energy crises, changes to the global economy, the COVID-19 pandemic, Britain's Brexit vote, and frequent changes in the UK's leadership have taken their toll. He argued that the challenges of governing today are "infinitely harder", but a technology revolution has the potential to be transformative. Sir Tony went on to outline the benefits in health, welfare, and immigration that could accrue from a "once-in-a-generation" shake-up of the system.

NBA's Christmas Day ratings skyrocket, even going up against NFL gamesIRVING, Texas (AP) — A rape allegation against rapper Jay-Z, whose company Roc Nation has produced some of the NFL's entertainment presentations including the Super Bowl halftime show, won’t impact the league's relationship with the music mogul. “We’re aware of the civil allegations and Jay-Z’s really strong response to that," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said Wednesday after the conclusion of the league's winter meetings. "We know the litigation is happening now. From our standpoint, our relationship is not changing with them, including our preparations for the next Super Bowl.” A woman who previously sued Sean “Diddy” Combs, alleging she was raped at an awards show after-party in 2000 when she was 13 years old, amended the lawsuit Sunday to include a new allegation that Jay-Z was also at the party and participated in the sexual assault. Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, said the rape allegation made against him is part of an extortion attempt . The 24-time Grammy Award winner called the allegations “idiotic” and “heinous in nature” in a statement released by Roc Nation, one of his companies. The NFL teamed up with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation in 2019 for events and social activism. The league and the entertainment company extended their partnership a few months ago. Kendrick Lamar will perform the Super Bowl halftime show at The Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on Feb. 9. Roc Nation and Emmy-winning producer Jesse Collins will serve as co-executive producers of the halftime show. Beyonce, who is married to Jay-Z, will perform at halftime of the Baltimore Ravens-Houston Texans game on Christmas. “I think they’re getting incredibly comfortable with not just with the Super Bowl but other events they’ve advised us on and helped us with,” Goodell said. “They’ve been a big help in the social justice area to us on many occasions. They’ve been great partners.” AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

Peter Dutton grilled on whether Aboriginal flag should fly on Sydney Harbour BridgeFoxy Brown sparks speculation with cryptic Instagram posts amid Jay-Z allegationsA fresh Netflix documentary is set to offer an exclusive glimpse into the workings of The Jerry Springer Show. The two-part docuseries, titled Jerry Springer: Fights, Camera, Action, will delve into the talk show's ascent to fame, including its historic moment of dethroning Oprah Winfrey from the ratings summit, as well as the behind-the-scenes disputes concerning its genuineness and the notorious on-air brawls. In the documentary's teaser, the late Springer, who passed away following a short illness in April 2023, is heard confessing: "I'd like to take this opportunity to apologise for everything I've ever done, I have ruined the culture." An accompanying voiceover remarks: "The bigger that show got, it raised questions about what really went on backstage." Get all the latest TV and showbiz news and gossip from Chronicle Live with our free newsletter Throughout the trailer, past participants allege that they were instructed by producers "coaching us on what to say and how to act" and express concerns that there was no regard for "weren't interested in what kind of impact it was going to have on you". Additional commentary from show insiders reveals: "Teeth were knocked out. It really was the modern version of the Roman Colosseum." Often compared to the UK's own The Jeremy Kyle Show and dubbed the "anti-Oprah", this sensationalist broadcast stirred up much debate with its explicit content, ranging from expletives to nudity. Among its most unforgettable broadcasts were those tackling taboo topics such as infidelity and incest, with episode titles that included I Married a Horse and I'm Happy I Cut Off My Legs. What started as a fairly conventional format in the early 1990s, tackling political matters such as homelessness and gun ownership, underwent a significant transformation in early 1994. This change came about when Springer and his fresh producer, Richard Dominick, decided to overhaul the format in an attempt to increase viewership. The documentary is set to premiere on Netflix on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. ChronicleLive is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join our communities. We have a number of communities to join, so you can choose which one you want to be part of and we'll send you the latest news direct to your phone. You could even join them all! To join you need to have WhatsApp on your device. All you need to do is choose which community you want to join, click on the link and press 'join community'. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the ChronicleLive team. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you’re curious, you can read our privacy notice . Join the ChronicleLive Breaking News and Top Stories community Join our Court & Crime community Join the Things to do in Newcastle and the North East community Join our Northumberland community Join our County Durham community Join our Sunderland community Join our NUFC community Join our SAFC community Join our Great North Run community

An Ohio politician has seen enough flag planting by visiting sports teams. Republican state Rep. Josh Williams said Wednesday on social media he’s introducing a bill to make flag planting in sports a felony in the state. His proposal comes after the Nov. 30 fight at the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry football game when the Wolverines beat the Buckeyes 13-10 and then attempted to plant their flag at midfield. A fight ensued and police had to use pepper spray to disperse the players. Similar flag-planting scuffles broke out across college football on that rivalry weekend. Williams is calling it the O.H.I.O Sportsmanship Act. “Behavior that incites violent brawls and puts our law enforcement officers in danger has no place on the football field,” Williams said. Former Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield famously planted a flag in the middle of the field at Ohio State after the Sooners beat the Buckeyes in 2017. Mayfield, who now plays for the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, said he doesn’t think flag planting is a big deal. “I’ll say this: OU-Texas does it every time they play,” Mayfield said on Dec. 1. “It’s not anything special. You take your ‘L’ and you move on. I’ll leave it at that.” ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-footballBy MATTHEW BROWN and JACK DURA BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — Donald Trump assigned Doug Burgum a singular mission in nominating the governor of oil-rich North Dakota to lead an agency that oversees a half-billion acres of federal land and vast areas offshore: “Drill baby drill.” That dictate from the president-elect’s announcement of Burgum for Secretary of Interior sets the stage for a reignition of the court battles over public lands and waters that helped define Trump’s first term, with environmentalists worried about climate change already pledging their opposition. Burgum is an ultra-wealthy software industry entrepreneur who grew up on his family’s farm. He represents a tame choice compared to other Trump Cabinet picks. Public lands experts said his experience as a popular two-term governor who aligns himself with conservationist Teddy Roosevelt suggests a willingness to collaborate, as opposed to dismantling from within the agency he is tasked with leading. That could help smooth his confirmation and clear the way for the incoming administration to move quickly to open more public lands to development and commercial use. “Burgum strikes me as a credible nominee who could do a credible job as Interior secretary,” said John Leshy, who served as Interior’s solicitor under former President Bill Clinton. “He’s not a right-wing radical on public lands,” added Leshy, professor emeritus at the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco. The Interior Department manages about one-fifth of the country’s land with a mandate that spans from wildlife conservation and recreation to natural resource extraction and fulfilling treaty obligations with Native American tribes. Most of those lands are in the West, where frictions with private landowners and state officials are commonplace and have sometimes mushroomed into violent confrontations with right-wing groups that reject federal jurisdiction. Burgum if confirmed would be faced with a pending U.S. Supreme Court action from Utah that seeks to assert state power over Interior Department lands. North Dakota’s attorney general has supported the lawsuit, but Burgum’s office declined to say if he backs Utah’s claims. U.S. Justice Department attorneys on Thursday asked the Supreme Court to reject Utah’s lawsuit. They said Utah in 1894 agreed to give up its right to the lands at issue when it became a state. Trump’s narrow focus on fossil fuels is a replay from his 2016 campaign — although minus coal mining, a collapsing industry that he failed to revive in his first term. Trump repeatedly hailed oil as “liquid gold” on the campaign trail this year and largely omitted any mention of coal. About 26% of U.S. oil comes from federal lands and offshore waters overseen by Interior. Production continues to hit record levels under President Joe Biden despite claims by Trump that the Democrat hindered drilling. But industry representatives and their Republican allies say volumes could be further boosted. They want Burgum and the Interior Department to ramp up oil and gas sales from federal lands, in the Gulf of Mexico and offshore Alaska. The oil industry also hopes Trump’s government efficiency initiative led by billionaire Elon Musk can dramatically reduce environmental reviews. Biden’s administration reduced the frequency and size of lease sales, and it restored environmental rules that were weakened under Trump . The Democrat as a candidate in 2020 promised further restrictions on drilling to help combat global warming, but he struck a deal for the 2022 climate bill that requires offshore oil and gas sales to be held before renewable energy leases can be sold. “Oil and gas brings billions of dollars of revenue in, but you don’t get that if you don’t have leasing,” said Erik Milito with the National Ocean Industries Association, which represents offshore industries including oil and wind. Trump has vowed to kill offshore wind energy projects. But Milito said he was hopeful that with Burgum in place it would be “green lights ahead for everything, not just oil and gas.” It is unclear if Burgum would revive some of the most controversial steps taken at the agency during Trump’s first term, including relocating senior officials out of Washington, D.C., dismantling parts of the Endangered Species Act and shrinking the size of two national monuments in Utah designated by former President Barack Obama. Officials under Biden spent much of the past four years reversing Trump’s moves. They restored the Utah monuments and rescinded numerous Trump regulations. Onshore oil and gas lease sales plummeted — from more than a million acres sold annually under Trump and other previous administrations, to just 91,712 acres (37,115 hectares) sold last year — while many wind and solar projects advanced. Developing energy leases takes years, and oil companies control millions of acres that remain untapped. Biden’s administration also elevated the importance of conservation in public lands decisions, adopting a rule putting it more on par with oil and gas development. They proposed withdrawing parcels of land in six states from potential future mining to protect a struggling bird species, the greater sage grouse. North Dakota is among Republican states that challenged the Biden administration’s public lands rule. The states said in a June lawsuit that officials acting to prevent climate change have turned laws meant to facilitate development into policies that obstruct drilling, livestock grazing and other uses. Oil production boomed over the past two decades in North Dakota thanks in large part to better drilling techniques. Burgum has been an industry champion and last year signed a repeal of the state’s oil tax trigger — a price-based tax hike industry leaders supported removing. Burgum’s office declined an interview request. In a statement after his nomination, Burgum echoed Trump’s call for U.S. “energy dominance” in the global market. The 68-year-old governor also said the Interior post offered an opportunity to improve government relations with developers, tribes, landowners and outdoor enthusiasts “with a focus on maximizing the responsible use of our natural resources with environmental stewardship for the benefit of the American people.” Related Articles National Politics | Trump convinced Republicans to overlook his misconduct. But can he do the same for his nominees? National Politics | Beyond evangelicals, Trump and his allies courted smaller faith groups, from the Amish to Chabad National Politics | Trump’s team is delaying transition agreements. What does it mean for security checks and governing? National Politics | Judge delays Trump hush money sentencing in order to decide where case should go now National Politics | Republicans scramble to fill JD Vance’s Ohio Senate seat Under current Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, the agency put greater emphasis on working collaboratively with tribes, including their own energy projects . Haaland, a member of the Pueblo of Laguna tribe in New Mexico, also advanced an initiative to solve criminal cases involving missing and murdered Indigenous peoples and helped lead a nationwide reckoning over abuses at federal Indian boarding schools that culminated in a formal public apology from Biden. Burgum has worked with tribes in his state, including on oil development. Badlands Conservation Alliance director Shannon Straight in Bismarck, North Dakota, said Burgum has also been a big supporter of tourism in North Dakota and outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing. Yet Straight said that hasn’t translated into additional protections for land in the state. “Theodore Roosevelt had a conservation ethic, and we talk and hold that up as a beautiful standard to live by,” he said. “We haven’t seen it as much on the ground. ... We need to recognize the landscape is only going to be as good as some additional protections.” Burgum has been a cheerleader of the planned Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, North Dakota. Brown reported from Billings, Montana.

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AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Any Texas or Texas A&M player has heard the lore of the rivalry between the two schools, a grudge match that dates to 1894. But for more than a decade — two generations of college football players — that's all it has been: Ghostly memories of great games and great plays made by heroes of the distant past. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has dismissed his now former Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Lynda Tabuya over a leaked nude video. Over a week on from the earthquake, Port Vili is taking stock of the impact of last earthquake and how to best work towards infrastructure repairs and economic improvement. The Bishop of the Diocese of Vanuatu & New Caledonia, The Right Rev. James Tama, says the church has been playing a key role in disaster response efforts in Vanuatu. In Tonga, a custom exists where weddings are specifically held on the last Thursday of the year. Invasive Brown Treesnakes have wrecked havoc on Guam's wildlife. The reptilians have completely exterminated most of the native forest bird species.By Yoo Sang-im Minister of Science and ICT Historically, scientific and technological innovations have never been confined to specific countries or regions but have been achieved through global cooperation across diverse nations and areas. In particular, global science and technology hubs, where knowledge, information and human capital converge, have provided a fertile ground for groundbreaking research and innovation. Throughout history, notable hubs for science and technology include Ancient Rome, the Arab world, the British Empire, and the United States of America. Rome was the center of ancient science and philosophy; the Arab world led the development of medieval science; the British Empire marked the beginning of the Industrial Revolution and modern research methodology. Since the 20th century, the United States of America has positioned itself at the heart of global research and development through technological innovation. Immediately following the Korean War, the Republic of Korea was one of the world’s poorest nations. However, international scientific cooperation helped it adopt advanced technologies and nurture its industries, evolving into a global leader in science and technology. Today, Korea is actively promoting international cooperation to further elevate itself as a global hub for science and technology. Building on last year’s progress, the Government of Korea has significantly expanded its global R&D investments and launched large-scale international collaborative research projects in critical and emerging technologies, such as AI, biotechnology and quantum. Furthermore, it has hosted major international science and technology events, including the AI Seoul Summit, strengthening cooperation with the global scientific community and expanding its participation in international discussions on science and technology. Since the inauguration of President Yoon Suk Yeol, the Korean Government has made scientific, technological and digital cooperation a key agenda in its bilateral summits, building strategic research cooperation networks with major countries. Korea has also opened the AI Frontier Lab at New York University as a hub for international AI collaboration and will join the Horizon Europe program as an associated member. Korea is set to further expand its leadership in scientific, technological and digital fields in the Asia-Pacific region through the APEC Leaders’ Meeting, which will be held in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, in 2025. In particular, a new multilateral research and development program is in preparation to foster cooperation among nations in the Asia-Pacific region. At the K-Science and Technology Global Forum held Wednesday, the Ministry of Science and ICT presented a vision for fostering a public-private ecosystem for international scientific and technological cooperation. This vision emphasizes the active role of diverse private-sector entities, including researchers and companies, in driving international cooperation, while relevant government ministries will consolidate their efforts to support private-sector activities in international cooperation. To support these policy directions, the government of Korea expanded its global R&D investments to 1.8 trillion won ($1.26 billion) this year and will announce a Science and Technology Diplomacy Initiative, outlining the national strategy for international scientific cooperation. The government also plans to establish new legislation to promote international scientific and technological cooperation. As Thomas Kuhn, a renowned philosopher of science, once noted, science does not progress via a linear accumulation of new knowledge but undergoes disruptive innovations arising from the cooperation and competition between various stakeholders. The Republic of Korea aspires to become a dynamic platform for such cooperation and competition, where scientists and researchers from around the world will engage in cross-border exchanges. Korea's journey toward becoming a global science and technology hub has only just begun.