Justin Trudeau taking the time to reflect following Freeland departureStrictly’s Chris McCausland is an “emotional wreck” after high-scoring Metallica routineMunster interim coach and head of rugby operations Ian Costello paid tribute to Shane Daly after the versatile back-three player marked his 100th appearance for his home province by scoring a stunning solo try. Daly’s 29th-minute score was the pick of Munster’s five tries, as they got their Champions Cup campaign off to a winning start by punishing an indisciplined 13-man Stade Francais outfit in bitterly cold conditions at Thomond Park. Collecting a sharp Craig Casey pass, Daly, who was playing at full-back on the night, showed all of his footballing skills to twice chip the ball over Stade defenders to score a superb try. “It was a big week for Shane,” Costello said. “He's such an important player and person in our squad and you know, he was the iron man, I think last year in terms of the minutes played and he's been a bit frustrated at the start of this season. “He's had a few injuries but he epitomises everything that is good about this club. He's such a good professional. “He's such a good person and he makes everyone around him better and I’m delighted that we could acknowledge that with a quality performance and a win tonight.” We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Costello was pleased with his side’s performance, even if they left some scores behind them, particularly when Stade had both of their locks sent off within four minutes of each other shortly after the restart. “Again, like last week, there were some elements of the performance that we were delighted with. I think it was probably a significant step up even,” Costello maintained. “Obviously there was 15/18 minutes where we lost our way a little bit and it turned into a bit of a strange game but 60 minutes of that, we were really happy with. “Specifically, our lineout was 100pc again, looked really crisp, scrum was really solid, and when the game was quick, I thought we looked really, really good. “For the second week in-a-row, I thought bar one moment, our defence was outstanding. And our attack was so good getting close to the line, but we left a few chances close to the line behind us. But that's exciting, we have something to build on for the next six days.” Munster’s attention now turns to next Friday’s trip to Castres, with Costello set to give the players two days off before they travel to France. “It's important that we're fresh,” he added. “It's been a big focus of the group that we will train fast and make sure we feel fresh and prepared. “So yeah, the lads deserve to work really hard and we come in and have a short week. So that just sharpens the focus. “We will freshen up the squad. The medics have done such a good job and the S&C (strength and conditioning) staff that we have more bodies back on the pitch. “The squad is healthier and more competitive, so we can make a few changes to bring that extra bit of hunger and bounce going to Castres in a few days time.” Munster’s captain on the night Diarmuid Barron echoed Costello’s sentiments. “I think we had to grind it out, the first 20 minutes in particular," the hooker maintained. "Stade were incredibly physical, felt every bit of it and we had to come out. “Those two first tries felt satisfying because we did have to work hard for them and to finish the way we finished as well, I know they were down to 13, but like Cozzy said, it got messy for a bit and we had the composure to come back and finish that in the corner. So that was satisfying as well. “Against a team like Stade when things get a bit open, they have such talented athletes and I guess you can't give them space and when they have that space they're very dangerous. Read more “I thought attack wise, our breakdown was really, really good at times and we probably left ourselves down in that period, there were a couple of turnovers and when they get turnover ball, they're just so dangerous.” Meanwhile, Stade head coach Paul Gustard had his say on the 'four minutes of madness' that led to red cards for locks Pierre-Henri Azagoh and Baptiste Pesenti. “At half-time we were relatively happy, 14-0 down playing into a strong wind," the English man said. "We did a lot of things well...then two relatively easy tries in the end for Munster. Then in the second half, we had (four) minutes of madness that really cost us dear. “It's difficult to watch. The first one, probably no complaints, the second one was one of those that looks a bit worse than it was. I can understand why it was a red card but to lose both the second rows it took a lot of juggling around. “In the end it was just too much, you can't play against a team with the international quality that Munster have and try and win a match.”

Lindsey Vonn competes in a pair of downhills, another step on her comeback trail at the age of 40What does Big Tech hope to gain from warming up to Trump?What's New Unidentified drones were recently spotted flying over U.S. military bases in Germany, according to multiple reports. The drones were seen flying over military installations, including Ramstein Air Base, and industrial facilities in Germany on December 3 and 4, according to Reuters and German magazine Der Spiegel . Newsweek reached out to the U.S. Air Force for comment. Why It Matters Residents in several New Jersey counties began reporting unidentified drones last month, with reports of sightings recently expanding to New York and Pennsylvania as well. Unidentified drones were also seen flying over three British air bases leased by the U.S. Air Force last month. What To Know A spokesperson for the Air Force told Reuters that there were "no impacts to base residents, facilities, or assets" associated with the drones spotted at the Ramstein base. A security source told the outlet that the operators of the drones have not been found, but authorities believe they were not operated by amateurs. Unidentified drones in New Jersey have been reported flying near the U.S. military facility Picatinny Arsenal and President-elect Donald Trump 's golf course in Bedminster. The sightings have raised public concerns about security, but the FBI and Department of Homeland Security said there is no threat to public safety at this time. The agencies also said that "many" of the reported drone sightings were actually "manned aircraft, operating lawfully." What People Are Saying The FBI and Department of Homeland Security said in a joint statement : "We have no evidence at this time that the reported drone sightings pose a national security or public safety threat or have a foreign nexus." Chief Scott D. Robb, president of the Warren County Police Chiefs Association, said on Facebook : "We are shocked by the lack of response or update from Federal and State officials. We do not agree with their response that there is no known threat to the public at this time. It is our stance that just the unidentified drone flying over us is a threat in itself." New Jersey Sen. Andy Kim, said on X : "It's hard to understand how with the technology we have we aren't able to track these devices to determine origin and this makes me much more concerned about our capabilities more broadly when it comes to drone detection and counter measures." New Jersey Senator Cory Booker said in a letter to federal agencies: "It is our shared responsibility to ensure that our airspace is safe and secure, and I am committed to giving New Jerseyans peace of mind about these activities." New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said in a letter to President Joe Biden: "The continued reporting of UAS [unmanned aircraft systems] activity has raised more questions than answers and prompted an outcropping of conspiracy theories across social media and other platforms." What Happens Next The FBI and DHS said they will work with the New Jersey State Police to continue investigating these sightings. Do you have a story Newsweek should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story? Contact LiveNews@newsweek.com.Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel installs Quick Custom Intelligence’s Enterprise Platform

T he other day, I got a monthly call from my two civil friends from Manipur, a Kuki and a Meitei. They had struck an emotional chord with me during my two-year command of the Churachandpur-based 27 Sector of the Assam Rifles in the capacity of Deputy Inspector-General from 2013. Both had been beneficiaries of the artificial limb, widely known as the “Jaipur foot”. After a brief tete-a-tete with them, a wave of nostalgia washed over me recollecting a free artificial limb camp organised in collaboration with Shree Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti, Jaipur. I vividly recall my first day in office when my staff took me around the Sector headquarters premises. Though there is no discrimination based on community in the Army or Assam Rifles, I found the bonhomie between Kuki and Meitei soldiers not up to the desired level. I found one barracks Kuki-dominated, while the other was largely of Meiteis. It somehow did not gel with my grooming and ethos of my parent battalion, 27 Punjab, which was the pilot project for a mixed battalion of Sikhs, Dogras and the Other Indian Classes. As a Commander, I was determined to break the ice between Kukis and Meiteis. I decided to implement the time-tested standing operating procedure of the buddy system, though a hybrid one — the buddy pair to have one Kuki and one Meitei each. Just to set an example, I set the ball rolling with my Commander’s secretariat. I selected a Kuki as my PA and a Meitei as my radio operator. I organised all the soldiers of the Sector HQ into hybrid buddy pairs. Every soldier is supposed to remain with his buddy 24x7 whether during operations or having food. Within a week, I could sense the bonds strengthening between both communities. Witnessing the success of this pilot project at the Sector HQ, I enforced the same SOP in all the six battalions under my command. I recount how in one deadly ambush, a Kuki scout was instrumental in saving the life of his Meitei buddy scout by charging at the militants while firing a fusillade from his AK-47. This inflection point snowballed into conviviality between the Kuki and Meitei villages. The festivals of Kukis and Meiteis were jointly celebrated with equal gusto and fervour. Back to the artificial limb camp. Despite catering for some reserve limbs on the last day, we were left with just six artificial limbs while we had 12 beneficiaries — six Kukis and six Meiteis — still on the waiting list. My staff was in a quandary with anxiety writ large on their faces for fear of favouring a particular community. I advised them to keep a cool head and just identify the most needy three Kukis and three Meiteis. The next morning, we tried to identify the six most deserving cases. Suddenly, I saw an aged Kuki walk up to us with a pensive look. “Sir, let all these six Meitei people take the ‘Jaipur foot’ as they are quite young. We have already lived our lives,” the septuagenarian sporting an off-kilter hat said in a gravelly voice. His words had tugged at my heartstrings which left me utterly dumbfounded. Meiteis who were overhearing politely declined. I immediately dialled the top man of the Jaipur samiti and made a frantic request for an additional six prosthetic limbs. Thankfully, he sent them on the flight the next day. Finally, all the 12 beneficiaries left the camp happily walking confidently on their own. The unwavering spirit of both communities to sacrifice for each other remains etched in my mind. Against the backdrop of the now strife-torn Manipur, I pray for those times to come back. advityanidhi14@gmail.com Published - December 08, 2024 12:54 am IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp RedditBEIRUT (AP) — A Syrian opposition war monitor and a pro-government media outlet say government forces have withdrawn from much of the central city of Homs. The pro-government Sham FM reported that government forces took positions outside Syria’s third-largest city, without elaborating. Rami Abdurrahman who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said Syrian troops and members of different security agencies have withdrawn from the city, adding that rebels have entered parts of it. Losing Homs is a potentially crippling blow for Syria’s embattled leader, Bashar Assad. The city stands at an important intersection between Damascus and Syria’s coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus — the Syrian leader’s base of support and home to a Russian strategic naval base. Its capture is a major victory for insurgents, who have already seized the cities of Aleppo and Hama , as well as large parts of the south, in a lightning offensive that began Nov. 27. Analysts said Homs falling into rebel hands would be a game-changer. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. BEIRUT (AP) — Insurgents' stunning march across Syria gained speed on Saturday with news that they had reached the suburbs of the capital and with the government forced to deny rumors that President Bashar Assad had fled the country. The rebels' moves around Damascus, reported by an opposition war monitor and a rebel commander, came after the Syrian army withdrew from much of southern part of the country, leaving more areas, including several provincial capitals, under the control of opposition fighters. The advances in the past week were among the largest in recent years by opposition factions, led by a group that has its origins in al-Qaida and is considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the United Nations. In their push to overthrow Assad's government, the insurgents, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, or HTS, have met little resistance from the Syrian army. For the first time in the country's long-running civil war, the government now has control of only four of 14 provincial capitals: Damascus, Homs, Latakia and Tartus. The U.N.’s special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, on Saturday called for urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an “orderly political transition.” Speaking to reporters at the annual Doha Forum in Qatar, he said the situation in Syria was changing by the minute. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, whose country is Assad's chief international backer, said he feels “sorry for the Syrian people.” In Damascus, people rushed to stock up on supplies. Thousands went to Syria's border with Lebanon, trying to leave the country. Many shops in the capital were shuttered, a resident told The Associated Press, and those still open ran out of staples such as sugar. Some were selling items at three times the normal price. “The situation is very strange. We are not used to that,” the resident said, insisting on anonymity, fearing retributions. “People are worried whether there will be a battle (in Damascus) or not.” It was the first time that opposition forces reached the outskirts of Damascus since 2018, when Syrian troops recaptured the area following a yearslong siege. The U.N. said it was moving noncritical staff outside the country as a precaution. Syria’s state media denied social media rumors that Assad left the country, saying he is performing his duties in Damascus. He has had little, if any, help from his allies. Russia, is busy with its war in Ukraine . Lebanon’s Hezbollah, which at one point sent thousands of fighters to shore up Assad's forces, has been weakened by a yearlong conflict with Israel. Iran has seen its proxies across the region degraded by regular Israeli airstrikes. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday posted on social media that that the United States should avoid engaging militarily in Syria. Pedersen said a date for talks in Geneva on the implementation a U.N. resolution, adopted in 2015, and calling for a Syrian-led political process, would be announced later. The resolution calls for the establishment of a transitional governing body, followed by the drafting of a new constitution and ending with U.N.-supervised elections. Later Saturday, foreign ministers and senior diplomats from eight key countries, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Egypt, Turkey and Iran, along with Pederson, gathered on the sidelines of the Doha Summit to discuss the situation in Syria. No details were immediately available. Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, said insurgents were in the Damascus suburbs of Maadamiyah, Jaramana and Daraya. Opposition fighters were marching toward the Damascus suburb of Harasta, he added. A commander with the insurgents, Hassan Abdul-Ghani, posted on the Telegram messaging app that opposition forces had begun the “final stage” of their offensive by encircling Damascus. HTS controls much of northwest Syria and in 2017 set up a “salvation government” to run day-to-day affairs in the region. In recent years, HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani has sought to remake the group’s image, cutting ties with al-Qaida, ditching hard-line officials and vowing to embrace pluralism and religious tolerance. Syria’s military, meanwhile, sent large numbers of reinforcements to defend the key central city of Homs, Syria’s third largest, as insurgents approached its outskirts. The shock offensive began Nov. 27, during which gunmen captured the northern city of Aleppo, Syria’s largest, and the central city of Hama , the country’s fourth largest city. Opposition activists said Saturday that a day earlier, insurgents entered Palmyra, which is home to invaluable archaeological sites had been in government hands since being taken from the Islamic State group in 2017. To the south, Syrian troops left much of the province of Quneitra including the main Baath City, activists said. Syrian Observatory said government troops have withdrawn from much of the two southern provinces and are sending reinforcements to Homs, where a battle loomed. If the insurgents capture Homs, they would cut the link between Damascus, Assad’s seat of power, and the coastal region where the president enjoys wide support. The Syrian army said in a statement that it carried out redeployment and repositioning in Sweida and Daraa after its checkpoints came under attack by “terrorists." The army said it was setting up a “strong and coherent defensive and security belt in the area,” apparently to defend Damascus from the south. The Syrian government has referred to opposition gunmen as terrorists since conflict broke out in March 2011. The foreign ministers of Iran, Russia and Turkey, meeting in Qatar, called for an end to the hostilities. Turkey is a main backer of the rebels. Qatar's top diplomat, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, criticized Assad for failing to take advantage of the lull in fighting in recent years to address the country’s underlying problems. “Assad didn’t seize this opportunity to start engaging and restoring his relationship with his people,” he said. Sheikh Mohammed said he was surprised by how quickly the rebels have advanced and said there is a real threat to Syria’s “territorial integrity.” He said the war could “damage and destroy what is left if there is no sense of urgency” to start a political process. Karam reported from London. Associated Press writers Albert Aji in Damascus, Syria and Qassim Abdul-Zahra in Baghdad contributed to this report.

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Watch 'Survivor' season 47 episode 13 free live stream, how to watch tonightPARIS (AP) — Howling winds couldn’t stop Notre Dame Cathedral ’s heart from beating again. With three resounding knocks on its doors by Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, wielding a specially designed crosier carved from fire-scorched beams, the monument roared back to life Saturday evening. For the first time since a devastating blaze nearly destroyed it in 2019, the towering Gothic masterpiece reopened for worship, its rebirth marked by song, prayer, and awe beneath its soaring arches. The ceremony, initially planned to begin on the forecourt, was moved entirely inside due to unusually fierce December winds sweeping across the Île de la Cité, flanked by the River Seine. Yet the occasion lost none of its splendor. Inside the luminous nave, choirs sang psalms, and the cathedral’s mighty organ, silent for nearly five years, thundered to life in a triumphant interplay of melodies. The restoration, a spectacular achievement in just five years for a structure that took nearly two centuries to build, is seen as a moment of triumph for French President Emmanuel Macron, who championed the ambitious timeline — and a welcome respite from his domestic political woes . The evening’s celebration, attended by 1,500 dignitaries, including President-elect Donald Trump, US first lady Jill Biden, Britain’s Prince William, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, underscored Notre Dame’s enduring role as both a spiritual and cultural beacon. Observers see the event as Macron's, and his intention to pivot it into a fully fledged diplomatic gathering, while highlighting France’s ability to unite on the global stage despite internal political crises. As the cathedral’s largest bell, the 13-ton Emmanuel — which was not named after the French leader — tolled into the Paris night, signaling the start of the ceremony, the crowd inside Notre Dame fell into an expectant hush. Emmanuel, a legacy of King Louis XIV, had rung through centuries of French history, and its peal now resonated as a call to witness another epochal moment. Outside the cathedral’s monumental doors, Ulrich raised his fire-scarred crosier. “Brothers and sisters, let us enter now into Notre Dame,” he declared. “It is she who accompanies us on our path to peace.” With the congregation of over 2,500 people watching in silence, Ulrich struck the floodlit doors, the base of his crosier reverberating against the wood. Inside, the choir answered with soaring hymns, their voices filling the nave. Illuminations on the cathedral facade heightened the drama. On the final strike, the heavy doors swung open, revealing the glowing interior of restored blond Lutetian limestone. Adding to the ceremony’s visual splendor, Ulrich and the clergy wore vibrant liturgical garments designed by French fashion designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac. Known for his signature pop-art aesthetic, Castelbajac created 2,000 colorful pieces for 700 celebrants, blending modern elements with medieval touches. Flooded with light and song, the cathedral came alive in a moment of breathtaking spectacle. What had been a silent, soot-blackened ruin five years ago now blazed with renewed vitality, marking the culmination of a nearly $1 billion global effort to resurrect it. Speaking inside the cathedral, Macron expressed “gratitude” Saturday to those who saved, helped, and rebuilt Notre Dame, his voice reverberating through the nave. “I stand before you ... to express the gratitude of the French nation,” he said, before voices flooded the space with song, harmonies not heard in over five years. “Tonight, the bells of Notre Dame are ringing again. And in a moment, the organ will awaken,” sending the “music of hope” cascading through the luminous interior to Parisians, France, and the world beyond, he said. The celebration is expected to give a much-needed boost to the embattled French leader, whose prime minister was ousted this week , plunging the nation’s politics into more turmoil. Macron has called Notre Dame’s reopening “a jolt of hope.” Observers say he hoped the occasion would briefly silence his critics and showcase France’s unity and resilience under his leadership — a rare moment of grace in a presidency now facing a grave crisis. Inside Notre Dame, 42,000 square meters of stonework—equivalent to six soccer pitches—gleamed anew, revealing intricate carvings and luminous limestone. Above, 2,000 oak beams, nicknamed “the forest,” restored the cathedral’s iconic spire and roof. The great organ, dormant for over five years, roared back to life like a slumbering giant. With its 7,952 pipes—ranging from pen-sized to torso-wide—and a renovated console featuring five keyboards, 115 stops, and 30 foot pedals, it responded to Archbishop Laurent Ulrich’s command: “Wake up, organ, sacred instrument.” The first low rumble grew into a triumphant symphony as four organists pulled out the stops, weaving improvised responses to the archbishop’s invocations. Eight times, Ulrich addressed the organ; eight times, its voice filled the nave with breathtaking sound. Guests marveled at the spectacle, many capturing the moment on their phones. “It’s a sense of perfection,” said François Le Page of the Notre Dame Foundation, who last saw the cathedral cloaked in scaffolding in 2021. “It was somber then. Now, it’s night and day.” The Rev. Andriy Morkvas, a Ukrainian priest who leads the Volodymyr Le Grand church in Paris, reflected on his first visit to Notre Dame in over a decade. “I didn’t recognize it,” he said. “God is very powerful; He can change things.” He expressed hope that the cathedral’s revival could inspire peace in his homeland, drawing strength from the presence of Ukraine’s president. “I think that will have a big impact,” he said. “I hope Notre Dame and Mary will help us resolve this conflict.” The reopening of Notre Dame comes at a time of profound global unrest, with wars raging in Ukraine and the Middle East. For Catholics, Notre Dame’s rector said the cathedral “carries the enveloping presence of the Virgin Mary, a maternal and embracing presence.′′ “It is a magnificent symbol of unity,” Olivier Ribadeau Dumas said. “Notre Dame is not just a French monument — it is a magnificent sign of hope.” The international range of dignitaries coming to Paris underline the cathedral’s significance as a symbol of shared heritage and peace. Canadian visitor Noelle Alexandria, who had traveled to Paris for the reopening, was struck by the cathedral’s ability to inspire. “She’s been nearly ruined before, but she always comes back,” Alexandria said. “Not many of us could say the same after such tragedy, but Notre Dame can.” Guests entered through Notre Dame’s iconic western façade, whose arched portals adorned with biblical carvings were once a visual guide for medieval believers. Above the central Portal of the Last Judgment, the Archangel Michael is depicted weighing souls, as demons attempt to tip the scales. These stone figures, designed to inspire both awe and fear, set the stage for a ceremony steeped in history. Inside, the hum of hundreds of guests awaiting the service filled the cathedral with human sounds once more — a stark contrast to the construction din that echoed there for years. Tuners restoring the great organ often worked through the night to find the silence needed to perfect its 7,952 pipes, ranging from pen-sized to torso-wide. Notre Dame echoed to the sound of a sustained standing ovation after the showing of a short movie that documented the gargantuan rebuilding effort. Outside, the word “MERCI” — thank you — was projected against the cathedral’s iconic western facade. The movie showed the terrible wounds left by the inferno — the gaping holes torn into its vaulted ceilings and the burned roof. But that was followed by images of all types of artisans, many using traditional handicraft techniques, who collectively restored Notre Dame to look better now than ever. "We went from night to light," said one of the workers in the movie. Security will be high through the weekend, echoing measures taken during the Paris Olympics earlier this year. The Île de la Cité — the small island in the River Seine that is home to Notre Dame and the historic heart of Paris— is closed to tourists and non-residents. Police vans and barriers blocked cobblestoned streets in a large perimeter around the island, while soldiers in thick body armor and sniffer dogs patrolled embankments. A special security detail is following Trump. Public viewing areas along the Seine’s southern bank will accommodate 40,000 spectators, who can follow the celebrations on large screens. For many, Notre Dame’s rebirth is not just a French achievement but a global one — after the reopening, the cathedral is set to welcome 15 million visitors annually, up from 12 million before the fire. Sylvie Corbet, Yesica Brumec, Marine Lesprit and Mark Carlson in Paris contributed. Associated Press religion coverage receives support through The AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.Lil Wayne, GloRilla, Camila Cabello to perform at College Football National Championship

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NoneThe RCMP will create a new aerial intelligence task force to provide round-the-clock surveillance of Canada’s border using helicopters, drones and surveillance towers. The move is part of the federal government’s $1.3-billion upgrade to border security and monitoring to appease concerns of U.S. president-elect Donald Trump about the flow of migrants and illegal drugs. Trump has threatened to impose a 25 per cent tariff on all Canadian and Mexican exports to the U.S. as soon as he is inaugurated next month unless both countries move to improve border security. Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc says he has discussed parts of the plan with American officials and that he is optimistic about its reception. Canada will also propose to the United States to create a North American “joint strike force” to target organized crime groups that work across borders. The government also intends to provide new technology, tools and resources to the Canada Border Services Agency to seek out fentanyl using chemical detection, artificial intelligence and canine teams. The union representing rank-and-file Mounties is welcoming the federal plan unveiled in the fall economic update Monday. Money, to be spread over six fiscal years, is earmarked for the RCMP, Public Safety Canada, the Canada Border Services Agency and the cyberspies at the Communications Security Establishment. RCMP members enforce laws between official points of entry and investigate criminal activities related to the border. National Police Federation president Brian Sauvé says members have been protecting the border with limited resources, and the new money will allow them to continue delivering on their mandate. Aaron McCrorie, the border services agency’s vice-president of intelligence and enforcement, said in a recent interview that irregular migration and smuggling of drugs such as fentanyl are common concerns for Canada and the United States. “These aren’t concerns that are unique to the United States. We share those same concerns,” he said. “In that sense, it really speaks to the need for us to work collaboratively.” McCrorie said the Canadian border agency is working closely with U.S. counterparts including Customs and Border Protection, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security, as well as with agencies in Britain, Australia and New Zealand. “Criminal enterprises, organized crime, they don’t respect international boundaries. They collaborate, they exploit weaknesses in the system,” McCrorie said. “And so the best way to confront them is to is to collaborate on our side, fill those gaps, support each other’s efforts.” He said Canada’s border agency has two targeting officers embedded with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the American agency plans to soon send a targeting officer to Canada.

LONG BEACH, Calif. (AP) — Devin Askew had 28 points in Long Beach State's 76-68 victory over Hawaii on Saturday night. Askew also had six rebounds, seven assists, and seven steals for the Beach (3-8, 2-0 Big West Conference). Austin Johnson scored 14 points and added 10 rebounds. TJ Wainwright went 5 of 9 from the field (2 for 3 from 3-point range) to finish with 14 points. The Rainbow Warriors (5-3, 0-1) were led in scoring by Marcus Greene, who finished with 17 points. Gytis Nemeiksa added 14 points, seven rebounds and two steals for Hawaii. Akira Jacobs also had 11 points. Long Beach State takes on San Diego on the road on Tuesday, and Hawaii hosts Texas A&M-CC on Sunday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .BEIRUT (AP) — Insurgents' stunning march across Syria gained speed on Saturday with news that they had reached the suburbs of the capital and with the government forced to deny rumors that President Bashar Assad had fled the country. The rebels' moves around Damascus, reported by an opposition war monitor and a rebel commander, came after the Syrian army withdrew from much of southern part of the country, leaving more areas, including several provincial capitals, under the control of opposition fighters. The advances in the past week were among the largest in recent years by opposition factions, led by a group that has its origins in al-Qaida and is considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the United Nations. In their push to overthrow Assad's government, the insurgents, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, or HTS, have met little resistance from the Syrian army. For the first time in the country's long-running civil war, the government now has control of only four of 14 provincial capitals: Damascus, Homs, Latakia and Tartus. The U.N.’s special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, on Saturday called for urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an “orderly political transition.” Speaking to reporters at the annual Doha Forum in Qatar, he said the situation in Syria was changing by the minute. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, whose country is Assad's chief international backer, said he feels “sorry for the Syrian people.” In Damascus, people rushed to stock up on supplies. Thousands went to Syria's border with Lebanon, trying to leave the country. Many shops in the capital were shuttered, a resident told The Associated Press, and those still open ran out of staples such as sugar. Some were selling items at three times the normal price. “The situation is very strange. We are not used to that,” the resident said, insisting on anonymity, fearing retributions. “People are worried whether there will be a battle (in Damascus) or not.” It was the first time that opposition forces reached the outskirts of Damascus since 2018, when Syrian troops recaptured the area following a yearslong siege. The U.N. said it was moving noncritical staff outside the country as a precaution. Assad's status Syria’s state media denied social media rumors that Assad left the country, saying he is performing his duties in Damascus. He has had little, if any, help from his allies. Russia, is busy with its war in Ukraine . Lebanon’s Hezbollah, which at one point sent thousands of fighters to shore up Assad's forces, has been weakened by a yearlong conflict with Israel. Iran has seen its proxies across the region degraded by regular Israeli airstrikes. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday posted on social media that that the United States should avoid engaging militarily in Syria. Pedersen said a date for talks in Geneva on the implementation a U.N. resolution, adopted in 2015, and calling for a Syrian-led political process, would be announced later. The resolution calls for the establishment of a transitional governing body, followed by the drafting of a new constitution and ending with U.N.-supervised elections. Later Saturday, foreign ministers and senior diplomats from eight key countries, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Egypt, Turkey and Iran, along with Pederson, gathered on the sidelines of the Doha Summit to discuss the situation in Syria. No details were immediately available. The insurgents' march Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, said insurgents were in the Damascus suburbs of Maadamiyah, Jaramana and Daraya. Opposition fighters were marching toward the Damascus suburb of Harasta, he added. A commander with the insurgents, Hassan Abdul-Ghani, posted on the Telegram messaging app that opposition forces had begun the “final stage” of their offensive by encircling Damascus. HTS controls much of northwest Syria and in 2017 set up a “salvation government” to run day-to-day affairs in the region. In recent years, HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani has sought to remake the group’s image, cutting ties with al-Qaida, ditching hard-line officials and vowing to embrace pluralism and religious tolerance. Syria’s military, meanwhile, sent large numbers of reinforcements to defend the key central city of Homs, Syria’s third largest, as insurgents approached its outskirts. The shock offensive began Nov. 27, during which gunmen captured the northern city of Aleppo, Syria’s largest, and the central city of Hama , the country’s fourth largest city. Opposition activists said Saturday that a day earlier, insurgents entered Palmyra, which is home to invaluable archaeological sites had been in government hands since being taken from the Islamic State group in 2017. To the south, Syrian troops left much of the province of Quneitra including the main Baath City, activists said. Syrian Observatory said government troops have withdrawn from much of the two southern provinces and are sending reinforcements to Homs, where a battle loomed. If the insurgents capture Homs, they would cut the link between Damascus, Assad’s seat of power, and the coastal region where the president enjoys wide support. The Syrian army said in a statement that it carried out redeployment and repositioning in Sweida and Daraa after its checkpoints came under attack by “terrorists." The army said it was setting up a “strong and coherent defensive and security belt in the area,” apparently to defend Damascus from the south. The Syrian government has referred to opposition gunmen as terrorists since conflict broke out in March 2011. Diplomacy in Doha The foreign ministers of Iran, Russia and Turkey, meeting in Qatar, called for an end to the hostilities. Turkey is a main backer of the rebels. Qatar's top diplomat, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, criticized Assad for failing to take advantage of the lull in fighting in recent years to address the country’s underlying problems. “Assad didn’t seize this opportunity to start engaging and restoring his relationship with his people,” he said. Sheikh Mohammed said he was surprised by how quickly the rebels have advanced and said there is a real threat to Syria’s “territorial integrity.” He said the war could “damage and destroy what is left if there is no sense of urgency” to start a political process. ____ Karam reported from London. Associated Press writers Albert Aji in Damascus, Syria and Qassim Abdul-Zahra in Baghdad contributed to this report. Bassem Mroue And Zeina Karam, The Associated PressYou wouldn't think that in 2024 you could find Lincoln Logs, balsa wood gliders, Etch-A-Sketches, and the Magic Eight Ball in a major toy store. But such classic toys are not just still available, they're popular choices for parents, grandparents, and kids, especially around the holidays, according to the owner of Langley's largest independent toy store. "The traditional things again are really big," said Matthew Purdy of Toy Traders. His own daughter is a big fan of the Magic Eight Ball – except when it gives her an answer she doesn't like, he noted. One factor is that parents and grandparents are often driven by nostalgia when buying for the younger generation around Christmas, and they often reach back to items they fondly remember from their own childhoods, said Purdy. "People reminisce during Christmas," he said. Another factor is that some formerly ubiquitous, cheap toys – like green plastic Army Men – are now made in relatively high quality editions. They're still not expensive, but they're a step up from the versions often seen in dollar stores. Other items remain hot around the holidays, including anything linked to major fandoms and pop culture phenomena, said Purdy. That means action figures or toys based on the current hot superhero or fantasy movies or TV series. Some toys and games now seem to be perpetually popular, anything to do with Pokémon, including the tradeable cards. "Hot Wheels is always steady, LEGO is always steady," he noted. Those toys have both been around for generations, and also continually come out with new kits or variations on the tiny toy vehicles. Purdy noted that the pandemic seems to have cause a permanent change in some trends in toys and games. When people were cooped up at home during physical distancing, the sales of board games and puzzles boomed. That boom never really ended. Many families now spend more time at home, rather than going out, and they use that time playing games. A long-running boom in new games for all ages of players has also helped this trend. This time of year is always a busy period for toy stores, but Purdy is waiting to see what happens after Dec. 15, when a new GST tax break comes into effect. Toys intended for kids up to 14 years old will be sold without the GST temporarily starting on that day, as will all jigsaw puzzles, Purdy noted. He said he's waiting to see what that means for toy store owners. "It's going to be really busy," he predicted."

(BPT) - This article was sponsored and developed by Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting movement and posture that begins in early childhood development. It is the most common cause of motor disability in children, affecting about one in 345 children in the United States. 1-2 It may happen as a result of lack of oxygen during or around birth, stroke, infection, a problem with metabolism or other problems that cause injury or affect the development of parts of the brain involved in movement control in the first few years of life. 3 CP is a permanent condition, affecting a person for their entire life. People living with CP typically have motor problems, which may include spasticity (abnormal muscle tightness), dyskinesia (uncontrolled movements) or ataxia (poor muscle control), and many people have a mix of these motor disorders. 4 Dyskinesia due to CP (DCP) is one of the most disabling forms of CP and impacts approximately 10% to 20% of people living with CP. 5-6 According to the Cerebral Palsy Foundation (CPF), the combination of irregular and unpredictable movements (chorea) and twisting and repeating movements (dystonia) often disrupt activities and cause significant functional impairment, including the ability to maintain balance, walk or fine motor control. 7 Heather Riordan, M.D., Neurologist and Movement Disorders Specialist, Director of the Phelps Center for Cerebral Palsy at the Kennedy Krieger Institute, discusses the symptoms of chorea and impact on patients in a video shared on the CPF website here . About 30% of people with DCP are affected mostly by these involuntary and irregular movements (chorea), while dystonia is the predominant motor finding in the remaining 70%. 8 However, it is common for both chorea and dystonia movements to be present together. 6 For people living with DCP, these movements can occur in any region of the body, including the arms and legs, torso and face and may vary in severity. They are often triggered or made worse by stimulation or stress. Because dyskinesia can occur at rest and/or when actively using the body, the problems with movement are very burdensome in day-to-day living, with discomfort and pain affecting the quality of life for people and their caregivers. 9 Jen Lyman, mom to a son with DCP, highlights how dyskinesia makes communicating more difficult. "The most difficult thing about dyskinesia is watching my son struggle to do things that he wants to do, but the extra movements get in the way...special things, such as using a touch screen to video chat with his grandmother, are nearly impossible despite his best efforts to use his hands and fingers. Something so simple, yet so special for him should be effortless." DCP has a wide-ranging impact on the individual, including lifelong challenges with movement, a higher risk of other medical issues, a higher rate of mental health challenges and difficulties with communication. 10-12 "Those of us who have the privilege to serve patients with dyskinetic, hyperkinetic or mixed cerebral palsy see the functional impact of this very challenging type of tone every day," said Susan Biffl, M.D., Rehabilitation Medicine Specialist at Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego and Assistant Professor at UC San Diego School of Medicine. "Patients face challenges with self-care, independence, mobility, communication, fine motor skills that affect occupational and recreational activities, swallowing, social interactions and even sleep. As this tone is variable, it is much more challenging to treat than more consistent tone issues, such as spasticity." Treatment Options There are currently no Food and Drug Administration-approved treatments for DCP. Dystonia and chorea are often managed separately as they respond differently to various treatments, which can make treatment challenging. 3 Most drugs being investigated for DCP have focused on dystonia, and more research is needed to determine potential treatments for chorea. New treatment options are needed to help manage these movement disorders and improve daily function and quality of life for those affected. "After 20 years of caring for individuals with cerebral palsy, I continue to find those with dyskinetic cerebral palsy among the most challenging to treat, largely due to the limited effectiveness of available pharmacologic options," said Joyce Oleszek, M.D., Professor, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado School of Medicine. "There is an urgent need for more robust evidence to support pharmacologic treatments for this condition, given its profound impact on function, comfort and quality of life." Ongoing Research Clinical studies are important in the development of treatment options, allowing researchers to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of new medicines. The data from clinical studies are used to determine if an investigational treatment can be approved for use to treat certain disorders. There are ongoing clinical studies evaluating potential treatments for DCP, including one for chorea. Neurocrine Biosciences is conducting the KINECT ® -DCP clinical study, a Phase 3, randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study investigating the study drug, valbenazine, for the treatment of DCP. The clinical study is currently enrolling children, adolescents and adults six to 70 years of age who have been diagnosed with DCP. "The Cerebral Palsy Foundation is excited to partner with Neurocrine Biosciences on this study," said Rachel Byrne, Executive Director of the Cerebral Palsy Foundation. "We are proud to support strong research that can potentially bring meaningful change to the lives of those living with cerebral palsy." If you or someone you know may be eligible for this research study, please visit the study website for additional information here: FindADCPStudy.com . REFERENCES © 2024 Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. All Rights Reserved. CAP-NBI-US-0115 12/2024 NBI-98854-DCP3018_11DecMatRelease_v1.0_25November2024

Black Friday sales boosted household spending in November and customers were shopping up a storm in one particular category. or signup to continue reading Spending on household goods saw the largest increase, according to Commbank's latest spending insights, up nearly 6 per cent for the month. A 30 per cent increase in spending at men's and women's clothing stores was the main driver, as customers made the most of pre-Christmas discounts. Spending at retailers exclusively selling women's clothing rose 22 per cent for the month. Overall Commbank's household spending index was up 1.3 per cent in November, . There were gains in eight of the 12 spending categories measured by the bank. The report, which collects de-identified payment data from millions of Commbank users, determined that Black Friday sales significantly impacted November spending habits. Commonwealth Bank chief economist Stephen Halmarick said sales for October and November were collectively up 2 per cent compared with last year. "We're seeing Black Friday and holiday spending shift earlier as retailers entice shoppers with early discounts on discretionary items," he said. Spending on hospitality, including restaurants and food delivery, also rose in November, up 2.2 per cent, followed by a 1.7 per cent boost in spending on food and beverage goods, which includes groceries and alcohol. In the previous month recreation was the biggest driver . Since then, spending in the recreation category fell 2.2 per cent in November. Spending on utilities, such as electricity and gas bills, and transport also declined in November. Mr Halmaric said spending would likely drop in December following the sales period, as has been observed in previous years. As seen in previous months, there were vast differences in spending habits based on home ownership status. Renters increased their spending by just 0.4 per cent, compared with mortgage holders whose spending was up 1.6 per cent. People who own their home outright spent the most in November, up 2.7 per cent. Mr Halmarick said it was unlikely there would be a substantial increase in household spending until the interest rates begin falling. After the Reserve Bank kept the cash rate on hold in December, most economists have pushed . "Our base case is a start to rate cuts in February 2025, but with a clear risk that this is delayed until later this year," Mr Halmarick said. Brittney is part of the federal political bureau, covering politics, the public service and economics. Brittney joined The Canberra Times in 2021 and was previously the property reporter. Got a news tip? Get in touch: brittney.levinson@canberratimes.com.au Brittney is part of the federal political bureau, covering politics, the public service and economics. Brittney joined The Canberra Times in 2021 and was previously the property reporter. Got a news tip? Get in touch: brittney.levinson@canberratimes.com.au DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily! Advertisement AdvertisementBorder plan promises round-the-clock aerial surveillance, drug detection supportDespite 22 turnovers, Air Force basketball topped Stony Brook 69-61 on Saturday at the Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas as part of the inaugural Legends Showcase. The Falcons’ win broke a three game losing streak this season and five game losing streak in the state of Texas. Wesley Celichowski had a career-high 22 points, including 8 for 8 from the free throw line and added four rebounds. Ethan Taylor notched 17 points, his ninth consecutive game with double-digit points. He also had eight rebounds, six assists, and three steals. Air Force (3-7) shot 57.1% (24 of 42) from the field while holding the Seawolves to just 37.3% (22 of 59). The Falcons led 27-23 at the half and held the lead for the rest of the contest. Head coach Joe Scott was happy with Saturday’s performance and saw much improvement from the players, particularly in pace of play. “The end result is produced by how you play, how much energy and pace you have,” Scott said. "After our last trip we didn't like what we saw and made changes. ... We practiced and it was evident today. It doesn't matter if you know something, but have no pace. When you have that pace and energy you'll be amazed at how much you know.” Air Force next faces Northern Colorado on the road Monday at 6 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ or listened to on KVOR AM 740.

Host of 2034 FIFA World Cup confirmedNotre Dame reopens five years after blaze

BEIRUT (AP) — A Syrian opposition war monitor and a pro-government media outlet say government forces have withdrawn from much of the central city of Homs. The pro-government Sham FM reported that government forces took positions outside Syria’s third-largest city, without elaborating. Rami Abdurrahman who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said Syrian troops and members of different security agencies have withdrawn from the city, adding that rebels have entered parts of it. Losing Homs is a potentially crippling blow for Syria’s embattled leader, Bashar Assad. The city stands at an important intersection between Damascus and Syria’s coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus — the Syrian leader’s base of support and home to a Russian strategic naval base. Its capture is a major victory for insurgents, who have already seized the cities of Aleppo and Hama , as well as large parts of the south, in a lightning offensive that began Nov. 27. Analysts said Homs falling into rebel hands would be a game-changer. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. BEIRUT (AP) — Insurgents' stunning march across Syria gained speed on Saturday with news that they had reached the suburbs of the capital and with the government forced to deny rumors that President Bashar Assad had fled the country. The rebels' moves around Damascus, reported by an opposition war monitor and a rebel commander, came after the Syrian army withdrew from much of southern part of the country, leaving more areas, including several provincial capitals, under the control of opposition fighters. The advances in the past week were among the largest in recent years by opposition factions, led by a group that has its origins in al-Qaida and is considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the United Nations. In their push to overthrow Assad's government, the insurgents, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, or HTS, have met little resistance from the Syrian army. For the first time in the country's long-running civil war, the government now has control of only four of 14 provincial capitals: Damascus, Homs, Latakia and Tartus. The U.N.’s special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, on Saturday called for urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an “orderly political transition.” Speaking to reporters at the annual Doha Forum in Qatar, he said the situation in Syria was changing by the minute. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, whose country is Assad's chief international backer, said he feels “sorry for the Syrian people.” In Damascus, people rushed to stock up on supplies. Thousands went to Syria's border with Lebanon, trying to leave the country. Many shops in the capital were shuttered, a resident told The Associated Press, and those still open ran out of staples such as sugar. Some were selling items at three times the normal price. “The situation is very strange. We are not used to that,” the resident said, insisting on anonymity, fearing retributions. “People are worried whether there will be a battle (in Damascus) or not.” It was the first time that opposition forces reached the outskirts of Damascus since 2018, when Syrian troops recaptured the area following a yearslong siege. The U.N. said it was moving noncritical staff outside the country as a precaution. Syria’s state media denied social media rumors that Assad left the country, saying he is performing his duties in Damascus. He has had little, if any, help from his allies. Russia, is busy with its war in Ukraine . Lebanon’s Hezbollah, which at one point sent thousands of fighters to shore up Assad's forces, has been weakened by a yearlong conflict with Israel. Iran has seen its proxies across the region degraded by regular Israeli airstrikes. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday posted on social media that that the United States should avoid engaging militarily in Syria. Pedersen said a date for talks in Geneva on the implementation a U.N. resolution, adopted in 2015, and calling for a Syrian-led political process, would be announced later. The resolution calls for the establishment of a transitional governing body, followed by the drafting of a new constitution and ending with U.N.-supervised elections. Later Saturday, foreign ministers and senior diplomats from eight key countries, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Egypt, Turkey and Iran, along with Pederson, gathered on the sidelines of the Doha Summit to discuss the situation in Syria. No details were immediately available. Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, said insurgents were in the Damascus suburbs of Maadamiyah, Jaramana and Daraya. Opposition fighters were marching toward the Damascus suburb of Harasta, he added. A commander with the insurgents, Hassan Abdul-Ghani, posted on the Telegram messaging app that opposition forces had begun the “final stage” of their offensive by encircling Damascus. HTS controls much of northwest Syria and in 2017 set up a “salvation government” to run day-to-day affairs in the region. In recent years, HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani has sought to remake the group’s image, cutting ties with al-Qaida, ditching hard-line officials and vowing to embrace pluralism and religious tolerance. Syria’s military, meanwhile, sent large numbers of reinforcements to defend the key central city of Homs, Syria’s third largest, as insurgents approached its outskirts. The shock offensive began Nov. 27, during which gunmen captured the northern city of Aleppo, Syria’s largest, and the central city of Hama , the country’s fourth largest city. Opposition activists said Saturday that a day earlier, insurgents entered Palmyra, which is home to invaluable archaeological sites had been in government hands since being taken from the Islamic State group in 2017. To the south, Syrian troops left much of the province of Quneitra including the main Baath City, activists said. Syrian Observatory said government troops have withdrawn from much of the two southern provinces and are sending reinforcements to Homs, where a battle loomed. If the insurgents capture Homs, they would cut the link between Damascus, Assad’s seat of power, and the coastal region where the president enjoys wide support. The Syrian army said in a statement that it carried out redeployment and repositioning in Sweida and Daraa after its checkpoints came under attack by “terrorists." The army said it was setting up a “strong and coherent defensive and security belt in the area,” apparently to defend Damascus from the south. The Syrian government has referred to opposition gunmen as terrorists since conflict broke out in March 2011. The foreign ministers of Iran, Russia and Turkey, meeting in Qatar, called for an end to the hostilities. Turkey is a main backer of the rebels. Qatar's top diplomat, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, criticized Assad for failing to take advantage of the lull in fighting in recent years to address the country’s underlying problems. “Assad didn’t seize this opportunity to start engaging and restoring his relationship with his people,” he said. Sheikh Mohammed said he was surprised by how quickly the rebels have advanced and said there is a real threat to Syria’s “territorial integrity.” He said the war could “damage and destroy what is left if there is no sense of urgency” to start a political process. Karam reported from London. Associated Press writers Albert Aji in Damascus, Syria and Qassim Abdul-Zahra in Baghdad contributed to this report.

WHILE most of us are only getting into the Christmas spirit now, Kimberley Walsh is such a fan of the festive season that she’s had her decorations up since early November. “I’ve already turned my house into a grotto,” she laughs. “It is a bit full-on. It does get earlier and earlier every year, but we waited until the start of December for the tree, as it’s a real one. Then it’s proper Christmas!” The Girls Aloud singer, who is mum to Bobby, 10, Cole, seven, and three-year-old Nate with husband Justin Scott (42-year-old actor and former boy-band singer), is thrilled that her children embrace the magic as much as she does. “Bobby said to me: ‘I really love that you go all out, Mum.’ They actually appreciate it. Nate keeps saying to me: ‘Is Santa coming today?’ "That’s the only problem with getting your decorations up this early, but that’s what it’s all about – giving them that warm feeling.” Read More on Fabulous Although, if there’s one thing that Kimberley finds anything but magical, it’s Elf On The Shelf. “It gives me anxiety!” she says. “I have to have an alarm on my phone now, because so many mornings, I’ve woken up at 5am and had to run down to do it. And it’s so lame! "People do incredible things, but I don’t. And if I do ever get creative for one day, it probably seems really out of character.” As well as inviting family to join them in their home on the big day, Kimberley, 43, is planning a festive get-together with Girls Aloud . Most read in Celebrity She says: “We used to do Christmas presents for each other in the past, now we usually all meet up. I’m having everyone over for cheese and wine. We can have a little catch-up and it just feels really Christmassy.” Kimberley, Cheryl and Nicola Roberts had always remained close friends – Nicola and Kimberley were pictured supporting Cheryl at Liam Payne’s funeral last month, and Kimberley’s boys are said to be very close to Liam and Cheryl’s seven-year-old son Bear . However, it wasn’t until after the death of their band mate Sarah Harding – who passed away from breast cancer, aged 39, in 2021 – that they reignited their friendship with Nadine Coyle . And despite reports that Nadine and Cheryl had been at loggerheads over the years, they are all now closer than ever thanks to their tour, The Girls Aloud Show , which kicked off in May. “We all reconnected in a really solid way, and that happens really quickly when you’re spending every day together. "I’d still speak [to Nadine], but we’d lost touch on that level. That was one of the real treats of this whole thing, because I’d forgotten how hilarious she is. She had us howling. “I loved learning the things we’d missed out on. It’s different now that we’ve got kids. Our eldest kids are similar ages [Nadine has a 10-year-old daughter Anaíya with ex Jason Bell] and we keep running into each other at secondary school viewings. "It’s so funny. We went to look around this school the other day, and I was already sitting there waiting for the headmistress to talk, then Nadine came in going: ‘Kimberley!’ So we did a whole school viewing together. It was special for her to get to know my kids properly. They loved her.” ‘Parts of the tour were gut-wrenching for us’ While there were lots of laughs on tour, there were also a lot of tears, as the motivation for going back on the road was to have a celebration of Sarah. “It was so emotional for us,” Kimberley admits. “I’m not going to lie, during rehearsals when it was just us, the dancers and the people close to us, we had to let it all out. It was tough, but it made us stronger by the time we came to the actual shows. “She wanted us to do it. She made it clear when she was here, but equally we felt it isn’t Girls Aloud without her. "She’s such a massive part of it, so we wanted to keep her part of it. We’re trying to keep her spirit alive. That’s the hardest thing obviously – that everyone else goes back to normal and forgets. “There wasn’t just one moment of her, we made the whole show have a thread of her throughout. "And at times we were like: ‘Is this actually too sad?’ Because for us it felt just gut-wrenching. But then, equally, she deserved that time and for people to remember her. “So, having her vocals play out in I’ll Stand By You in arenas again was crazy emotional, but she would have loved it. We know that. So it was hard to do it, night after night, but also epic.” ‘To be honest, after 32 shows, I felt my age a bit – it took its toll’ Sarah’s voice continues to sing, as the band marked what would have been her 43rd birthday last month with a release of I’ll Stand By You (Sarah’s Version) . The new take on the track, with Sarah on lead vocals, was launched in support of BBC Children In Need , 20 years after the group had first released their chart-topping cover of The Pretender’s ballad. “She would have loved that,” Kimberley says. “We all knew her so well. We’ve just got one of her Brit dresses put in the Hard Rock Cafe on London’s Park Lane, as that was another thing she wanted. “There’s been loads of things she would have loved to have done that she wasn’t able to achieve, so anything she mentioned we’ve tried to honour that. "The Primrose Ball charity gala [held in 2022 to raise money for breast cancer charities] was a massive one. She was part of the planning for that. “It’s been cathartic for all of us to have that time and to almost grieve with the fans. They’ve grown up with us. And there’s no denying that her energy was really missed on stage. "But I think everybody could feel that she was still very much intertwined within the show and the band.” But without Sarah, is there any future for Girls Aloud going forward, with more shows or music? “We would never have thought we’d have done the tour,” Kimberley says. “No chance. It was almost like a bonus for me that I didn’t know I needed. It was so special. So, basically, anything is possible. I think that’s the way to live, isn’t it?” There was a real liberation to be part of that group that I know so well and doing a job we all love. All we worried about was doing Sarah justice and honouring her Girls Aloud first got together in 2002, and while being back with the band made her feel like she was in her 20s again, Kimberley admits her body didn’t always agree. “To be honest, after 32 shows, I felt my age a bit,” she laughs. “I didn’t put the gruelling parts on Instagram, because no one wants to see me limping around with a bad hip. The reality was that it took its toll. "But when I was up there, it clicked back into place. It was like the most natural thing that we’ve ever done. We didn’t really get nervous ever, just excited. “Previously, the tours were in the midst of the album cycle, so there was an added pressure. You were wondering about ‘the next hit’. "Whereas, this time I know the songs inside out. There was a real liberation to be part of that group that I know so well and doing a job we all love. All we worried about was doing Sarah justice and honouring her.” Another motivation for the tour was letting her three sons see that she’s not just Mum, but a proper pop star. “It was amazing seeing it through their eyes,” Kimberley says. “They really had no idea what it was all about, then saw it was a big deal. I think it blew their minds when they were looking around seeing everyone going berserk and looking at me. “My eldest, Bobby, loved it. He brought his whole class to the O2 show. The green room was full of his schoolfriends. Everyone was asking who they all were and I’m saying: ‘Yes, they are all with me.’ “Cole’s a bit more freaked out by it. He loved watching the show as he’s very musical. He knew every word. "But he doesn’t love that it’s me that everybody’s into. I think [the tight outfits] are the bits that Cole can’t really handle. He’s like: ‘What are you doing?’ ‘My eldest Bobby loved it – he brought his class to the O2 show’ "But we were never overtly sexy, which I’m glad of now. There’s nothing for them to watch and go: ‘What?!’ We were more cheeky than risqué. He just wants me to be his mum and nothing else, which is fine. “With Nate, I thought he would lose the plot as he couldn’t get near me, but even he got into it. He turned three on tour with us and got a cake on stage, which is very special. "Never in a million years would I have thought that my three children would watch me on stage and sing all of the old songs. I definitely got some mum credit.” And it looks like she could inspire one of her sons to follow in her and dad Justin’s musical footsteps. “Bobby has such a nice voice, but he’s quite shy. He won’t do it in front of anyone, which kills me. "He says: ‘I know I can sing, but I want to do it for myself.’ He’s got the music genes and I suppose both of us were in the business, so it’s not surprising. But Bobby doesn’t want to share it with anyone.” Like many others, Kimberley watched the BBC documentary Boybands Forever with groups such as East 17, Take That and 5ive sharing their stories of the highs and lows of fame. She says: “I’ve heard a rumour there will be a girl band one. I think the call is on its way, for sure. It’d be nice if a lot of people wanted to speak on it. Although the boy band one was sad when you see how unhappy they were for such a long time. ‘Sarah and I always shared birthdays, so now it’s always bittersweet’ “After watching it, it made me think that it’s not easy and maybe it’s a good thing Bobby isn’t interested in performing. I don’t think I’d feel that comfortable about my kid doing that in this day and age, especially with the social media element. It’s just a lot.” Days after our shoot, Kimberley celebrated her 43rd birthday – three days after Sarah’s, something she reflects on every year now. “My birthday wish is I’d just be grateful to carry on where I am right now, to be honest. I’ve got young kids so I just love being around for them. "The tour was quite full-on, so these last few months I’ve been at home a lot and appreciating the simple things, like doing 50 loads of washing! In a weird way, I kind of love it. “With birthdays, I don’t really make a big fuss, but I’m not one of those people that feels down on it. "Sarah and I always shared birthdays and we were the same age so now, it’s always bittersweet. I’m fully aware of how lucky I am to just be here. I’ve got a beautiful family and I can’t complain. READ MORE SUN STORIES “I just take a minute and be grateful I’ve got another one to celebrate. So let’s see what the next year brings.” Kimberley is an ambassador for Wickes. For more information, visit Wickes.co.uk.NoneAnthem Blue Cross Blue Shield reverses decision to put a time limit on anesthesia

Tasmania Don't miss out on the headlines from Tasmania. Followed categories will be added to My News. Federal Opposition leader Peter Dutton is making his second visit to the key seat of Lyons in a month with a cash splash for a community cultural precinct at Sorell. Mr Dutton, Liberal Senator Jonathon Duniam and Liberal candidate for Lyons Susie Bower will meet with salmon industry workers in Triabunna and also announce $2.25m for the Sorell project which includes the relocation of the men’s shed. On his last visit he promised $150m for an irrigation scheme to provide a vital water supply for farmers in Tasmania’s South-East. The Liberals are hoping to win back Lyons, one of the most marginal seats in Australia and held by Labor for three terms. Mr Dutton has said he wants to ensure the future of the salmon industry in Macquarie Harbour and the rest of the state. Salmon farming pens in Macquarie Harbour, Tasmania. Photo: Eloise Carr “We would end this drawn out uncertainty and make a decision in favour of industry and we would change the laws to ensure this never happens again,” he said. “This will now be the second Christmas salmon workers have been denied certainty by (Prime Minister) Mr Albanese.” Senator Duniam said Labor had a history of “teaming up with the Greens” “Labor and the Greens stopped the Franklin Dam, they stopped two pulp mills from being built, they’ve decimated the forestry industry, and now they’re looking to shut down the salmon industry,” he said. Ms Bower accused Labor of “trading salmon jobs to keep mainland Greens happy”. “The salmon industry has reinvigorated the town of Triabunna,” she said. “Rebecca White and Labor can’t be trusted not to do another deal with the Greens that would see the shut down of the salmon industry and communities like this.” The Sorell cultural precinct has been a priority project for the Sorell Council — under an elected Dutton Government. TASMANIA, AUSTRALIA – NewsWire Photos – Sunday, 10 November 2024: Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton at Littlewood Berry Farm in Richmond, Tasmania. Picture: NewsWire / Linda Higginson The funding will deliver an amphitheatre and performing arts facilities, food truck spaces, accessible seating and paths, gardens and public amenities. With a co-contribution funding from the Sorell Council, the Sorell Men’s Shed will relocate from Station Lane. Mr Dutton said Ms Bower had been a “fierce advocate” for the project. “She is working every day to represent the needs of her local community and that’s why this great new precinct will make Sorell’s centre an even more attractive place to spend time in and will drive more activity to local businesses. “Men’s Sheds are a really important part of communities. They assist thousands of men and their families across the country and I’m pleased that this funding will assist in making sure they have the facilities they need to continue to thrive and support their membership.” Ms Bower said the community precinct and the relocation of the men’s shed was “a game changer for Sorell”. “This project has been in the works since 2018, but this funding will finally make it a reality.” susan.bailey@news.com.au More Coverage Catholic school’s significant milestone after 30 years Sue Bailey ‘High end’ apartments proposed for North Hobart Sue Bailey Originally published as Peter Dutton is in Lyons again with salmon workers and cash for Sorell project Join the conversation Add your comment to this story To join the conversation, please log in. Don't have an account? Register Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout More related stories Tasmania ‘High end’ apartments proposed for North Hobart A developer behind luxury apartments in Hobart is planning another development in North Hobart. See what he wants to do. Read more Tasmania ‘Horrendous’: Thieves cruel double blow to fire victims The Foale family were lucky to escape with their lives after fire ripped through their home last month. They have been dealt another hammer blow. Read more

Lindsey Vonn competes in a downhill skiing race at Copper Mountain Ski Resort, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, in Beaver Creek, Colo. (AP Photo/John Locher) Lindsey Vonn competes in a downhill skiing race at Copper Mountain Ski Resort, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, in Beaver Creek, Colo. (AP Photo/John Locher) Lindsey Vonn competes in a downhill skiing race at Copper Mountain Ski Resort, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, in Beaver Creek, Colo. (AP Photo/John Locher) Lindsey Vonn competes in a downhill skiing race at Copper Mountain Ski Resort, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, in Beaver Creek, Colo. (AP Photo/John Locher) Lindsey Vonn competes in a downhill skiing race at Copper Mountain Ski Resort, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, in Beaver Creek, Colo. (AP Photo/John Locher) By PAT GRAHAM COPPER MOUNTAIN, Colo. (AP) — For a pair of lower-level downhill events, this sure had plenty of Olympic medal-capturing and World Cup-winning ski racers. The stage belonged to Lindsey Vonn, the 40-year-old who took another step on her comeback trail Saturday with her first races in nearly six years. Vonn wasn’t particularly [...]Middle East latest: Syria's forces withdraw from Homs, a key link between the capital and coast