By The Associated Press Alex Ovechkin of the Capitals is closing in on the NHL career goals record of 894 held by Wayne Gretzky. Ovechkin has 868 goals after scoring 15 in the first 18 games this season. He needs 27 to set a new record. Ovechkin entered the season 42 short of breaking a record by “The Great One” that long seemed unapproachable. The 39-year-old Russian is in his 20th NHL season and was on pace to get to 895 in February before breaking his left leg in a shin-on-shin collision in November. Ovechkin could resume his pursuit as soon as Saturday night at Toronto in the Capitals’ first game out of the Christmas break. Ovechkin scored twice in a 6-2 win over the Utah Hockey Club on Nov. 18, getting goals 867 and 868 in his first game in Salt Lake City before leaving in the third period . Ovechkin seems on track to play Saturday at the Maple Leafs . He has scored 44 goals against them during his career, tied for the fifth-most among all opponents. If not Saturday, the Capitals visit Detroit on Sunday and host Boston on Tuesday in a New Year’s Eve matinee. Ovechkin already owns the NHL records for power-play goals with 316 and shots on goal with 6,690. He also has 132 game-winning goals , four away from breaking Jaromir Jagr’s mark (135). Ovechkin has scored on 178 different goaltenders and counting, tying Jagr. Ovechkin has 177 multi-goal games, second to Gretzky (189). Ovechkin earlier this season became the 60th player to record 700 career assists and is now at 707. He joined Gretzky, Gordie Howe, Jagr, Marcel Dionne and Phil Esposito as the only players with 700 goals and 700 assists. Ovechkin, after climbing past Mike Gartner (708), Esposito (717), Dionne (731), Brett Hull (741) and Jagr (766), scored goal No. 802 on Dec. 23, 2022, to move into second all time behind Gretzky (894). Gretzky has held the record since scoring his 802nd goal on March 23, 1994, to pass Howe. He added 92 more before retiring in 1999 after a total of 1,487 games over 20 seasons. Ovechkin has played in 1,444 total games so far. Gretzky holds 55 NHL records and even if his goals mark falls to Ovechkin — which he has said he is excited about — two seem truly untouchable: 2,857 total points and 1,963 assists, which is more than anyone else has in goals and assists combined.The Reform UK leader pushed back against reports suggesting that legal action would be the next step, saying he would make a decision in the next couple of days about his response if there is no apology for the “crazy conspiracy theory”. Mr Farage also said the party has “opened up our systems” to media outlets, including The Daily Telegraph and The Financial Times, in the interests of “full transparency to verify that our numbers are correct”. His remarks came after Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch accused Mr Farage of “fakery” in response to Reform claiming they had surpassed the Tories in signed-up members. Mrs Badenoch said Reform’s counter was “coded to tick up automatically”. A digital counter on the Reform website showed a membership tally before lunchtime on Boxing Day ticking past the 131,680 figure declared by the Conservative Party during its leadership election earlier this year. Mr Farage, on whether he was threatening legal action or not, told the PA news agency: “I haven’t threatened anything. I’ve just said that unless I get an apology, I will take some action. “I haven’t said whether it’s legal or anything.” He added: “All I’ve said is I want an apology. If I don’t get an apology, I will take action. “I will decide in the next couple of days what that is. So I’ve not specified what it is.” Mr Farage, on the move to make membership data available to media organisations, said: “We feel our arguments are fully validated. “She (Mrs Badenoch) has put out this crazy conspiracy theory and she needs to apologise.” The accusations of fraud and dishonesty made against me yesterday were disgraceful. Today we opened up our systems to The Telegraph, Spectator, Sky News & FT in the interests of full transparency to verify that our data is correct. I am now demanding @KemiBadenoch apologises. — Nigel Farage MP (@Nigel_Farage) December 27, 2024 On why Mrs Badenoch had reacted as she did, Mr Farage said: “I would imagine she was at home without anybody advising her and was just angry.” Mr Farage, in a statement issued on social media site X, also said: “The accusations of fraud and dishonesty made against me yesterday were disgraceful. “Today we opened up our systems to The Telegraph, Spectator, Sky News and FT in the interests of full transparency to verify that our data is correct. “I am now demanding Kemi Badenoch apologises.” A Conservative Party source claimed Mr Farage was “rattled” that his Boxing Day “publicity stunt is facing serious questions”. They added: “Like most normal people around the UK, Kemi is enjoying Christmas with her family and looking forward to taking on the challenges of renewing the Conservative Party in the New Year.” Mrs Badenoch, in a series of messages posted on X on Thursday, said: “Farage doesn’t understand the digital age. This kind of fakery gets found out pretty quickly, although not before many are fooled.” There were 131,680 Conservative members eligible to vote during the party’s leadership election to replace Rishi Sunak in the autumn. Mrs Badenoch claimed in her thread that “the Conservative Party has gained thousands of new members since the leadership election”. Elsewhere, Mr Farage described Elon Musk as a “bloody hero” and said he believes the US billionaire can help attract younger voters to Reform. Tech entrepreneur Mr Musk met Mr Farage earlier this month at Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, amid rumours of a possible donation to either Mr Farage or Reform. Mr Farage told The Daily Telegraph newspaper: “The shades, the bomber jacket, the whole vibe. Elon makes us cool – Elon is a huge help to us with the young generation, and that will be the case going on and, frankly, that’s only just starting. “Reform only wins the next election if it gets the youth vote. The youth vote is the key. Of course, you need voters of all ages, but if you get a wave of youth enthusiasm you can change everything. “And I think we’re beginning to get into that zone – we were anyway, but Elon makes the whole task much, much easier. And the idea that politics can be cool, politics can be fun, politics can be real – Elon helps us with that mission enormously.”casino slot jackpots 。

By 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 | Attorneys want the US Supreme Court to say Mississippi’s felony voting ban is cruel and unusual 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 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.

South Korean lawmakers impeached acting president Han Duck-soo on Friday, sinking the country even deeper into political crisis two weeks after his predecessor was suspended over a martial law declaration that shocked the world. Han, a career bureaucrat who was serving as prime minister, took over from President Yoon Suk Yeol on December 14 after parliament voted to impeach him on allegations of insurrection. Opposition MPs have now also stripped Han of his duties, arguing that he refused demands to complete Yoon's impeachment process and to bring him to justice. "I announce that Prime Minister Han Duck-soo's impeachment motion has passed. Out of the 192 lawmakers who voted, 192 voted to impeach," said National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik. Lawmakers from the ruling People's Power Party (PPP) loudly protested in parliament after the speaker said only a simple majority was required for impeachment to pass, instead of the two-thirds required to remove Yoon. PPP lawmakers began chanting angrily, with many rushing towards Woo, demanding that he resign. They did not take part in the vote. In addition to being the second impeachment of a head of state in just two weeks, Friday's vote was also South Korea's first impeachment of an acting president. PPP leader Kweon Seong-dong said after the vote that Han "must continue to lead state affairs without yielding to the opposition's passage of the impeachment motion". However, Han said in a statement that he "respects the parliament's decision" and would wait for the Constitutional Court's subsequent decision on whether to uphold it. Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok, who is now stepping into the roles of both acting president and prime minister, pledged to do all he can to end the political upheaval gripping his country. "Minimising governmental turmoil is of utmost importance at this moment," Choi said in an address shortly after his appointment as acting leader, adding that "the government will also dedicate all its efforts to overcoming this period of turmoil." Amid the ongoing crisis, South Korea's won touched a 16-year low against the US dollar on Friday, faring worse than in the immediate aftermath of Yoon's martial law declaration, which sent the currency sliding to a two-year low against the greenback. Seoul's stocks also tumbled, with the KOSPI Index closing down by 1.02 percent on Friday. At the heart of the backlash against Han was his refusal to appoint additional judges to the Constitutional Court, which will decide whether to uphold parliament's decision to impeach Yoon, and now Han as well. The court is currently short of three judges. While it can go ahead with its six members on the bench, a single dissenting vote would reinstate Yoon. The opposition wanted Han to approve three more nominees to fill the nine-member bench, which he had refused to do, leaving both sides in deadlock. Han's refusal to formally appoint more judges "revealed his true colours", said Democratic Party lawmaker Jo Seoung-lae. The refusal "is a direct challenge to the Constitution and the law", said Jo. The opposition said in its impeachment motion that Han was "intentionally avoiding the special investigation to probe those involved in the insurrection and has clearly stated his intention to reject the appointments of three Constitutional Court judges". Such actions, it said, were "in violation of a public official's duty to uphold the law... and serve the public". Han had said he wanted his PPP and the opposition to reach a compromise on the nominees. "The consistent principle embedded in our constitution and laws is to refrain from exercising significant exclusive presidential powers, including the appointment of constitutional institutions," he argued. The United States affirmed its "ironclad" commitment to South Korea, a key strategic ally against North Korea and China, after news of Han's impeachment. "We reiterate our support for the Republic of Korea (ROK), its citizens and democratic processes, and the rule of law," Pentagon spokesman Major Pete Nguyen said in a statement, referring to the South by its official name. A US State Department spokesperson said Washington is "ready to work with Acting President Choi and the ROK government". South Korea's Constitutional Court held its first preliminary hearing on the validity of Yoon's impeachment on Friday, despite the latest controversy, with the suspended president's legal team attending. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. We use as our marketing platform. By subscribing, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing.Dec 27 (Reuters) - OpenAI on Friday laid out a plan to transition its for-profit arm into a Delaware public benefit corporation (PBC) to help it raise capital and stay ahead in the costly AI race against companies such as Google. OpenAI's new structure aims to potentially make a more investor-friendly corporation, while maintaining a mission of funding a related charity. Rivals including Anthropic have also adopted the PBC structure to balance societal interests along with shareholder value. While both PBCs and traditional corporations are for-profit entities, PBCs are legally required to pursue one or more public benefits, including social and environmental goals. Delaware amended its general corporation law to allow the formation of PBCs in 2013 and as of December 2023, there were 19 publicly traded PBCs, according to research by Jens Dammann of the University of Texas. In its blog, OpenAI described the current structure as "a for-profit, controlled by the non-profit, with a capped profit share for investors and employees". Under the new organization, the non-profit will own shares in the for-profit, similar to outside investors, and the for-profit will fund the charitable mission of the non-profit. "The PBC will run and control OpenAI's operations and business, while the non-profit will hire a leadership team and staff to pursue charitable initiatives in sectors such as healthcare, education, and science," it said. Unlike PBCs, non-profit corporations do not have shareholders and reinvest profits into their mission rather than distributing them to individuals. PBCs do not receive special tax exemptions or incentives, while non-profits are generally exempted from federal income taxes if they meet certain requirements. LIMITATIONS OF PBCs Becoming a benefit corporation does not guarantee a company will put its stated mission above profit, as the law only legally requires the board to "balance" its mission and profit-making interests, said Ann Lipton, a corporate law professor at Tulane Law School. Delaware law does require the company to report on its progress towards the goals to shareholders, who, in practice, dictate how closely a PBC sticks to its mission, Lipton said. "The only reason to choose benefit form over any other corporate form is the declaration to the public. It doesn't actually have any real enforcement power behind it," Lipton added. Some legal experts also say that publicly traded PBCs are more susceptible to takeovers, as bidders can argue the company lacks profit maximization or that its public benefit goals conflict with the bidder's objectives. SOME EXISTING PBCs Anthropic and xAI: OpenAI's rivals, Anthropic and Elon Musk's xAI have also adopted PBCs. Allbirds: Allbirds (BIRD.O) , opens new tab is a San Francisco-based PBC that sells sustainable shoes and apparel made from natural materials. Kickstarter: Kickstarter is a New York-based PBC that maintains a global crowdfunding platform for creative projects. Patagonia: Patagonia is a California-based retailer of outdoor recreation clothing, equipment and food. The company has contributed over $230 million to environmental organizations, according to its website. Warby Parker: Warby Parker (WRBY.N) , opens new tab is a New York-based manufacturer and retailer of eyewear products. The company's "Buy a Pair, Give a Pair" policy aims to help people in need. Sign up here. Reporting by Jaspreet Singh and Rishi Kant in Bengaluru and Jody Godoy in New York; Editing by Vijay Kishore Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tabQuestions to ponder in the new yearSyrian rebels push south as Kurdish forces open second front

.As party postpones national convention The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum has called for greater unity within the party’s ranks, urgent economic reforms and a reform of the electoral system. The PDP governors made the call in a communique read by Bala Mohammed, Bauchi State governor and chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum at the end of the party’s 7th meeting held on Saturday in Jos, the Plateau State capital. The meeting, which was attended by influential leaders within the PDP, including the National Working Committee (NWC), the Board of Trustees (BOT), and other major party figures, addressed various issues affecting the party and the nation. The forum expressed its commitment to addressing divisions within the party, emphasising the importance of unity ahead of the next general elections. “The Forum notes the concerns of Nigerians, PDP founding fathers, elders and members of our great Party of seeming divisions within the ranks and files. The Forum wishes to state categorically that it remains resolute in its determination to ensure unity and cohesion of this great Party that Nigerians have come to trust as the best platform for democratic governance.” A major development from the meeting was the acceptance of the postponement of the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, which was originally set for next week Thursday. The delay was made out of respect for the loss of the wife of Governor Eno Bassey of Akwa Ibom State. The party expressed its condolences, urging prayers for the governor and his family. The forum also urged the NWC to schedule the rescheduled NEC meeting by the first week of February 2025. “The Forum is constrained to accept the latest postponement of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Party in empathy with our colleague, H.E. Governor Eno Bassey, whose late dear wife will be buried on the same day earlier scheduled for NEC. Once again, the Forum wishes to commiserate with our colleague and pray that God will grant him and the family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. “The Forum is strongly advising the NWC to call NEC latest by the first week of February 2025 to allow for elaborate consultations with critical stakeholders of the Party. The period between November and February is to address the existential problems confronting the Party, with a deliberate timeline of activities within the period under review to address issues of leadership and litigations confronting the Party.” In response to the severe economic challenges facing Nigeria, the PDP governors called on the president to urgently review the country’s economic policies. They condemned the ongoing hardships inflicted on Nigerians under the policies of the APC-led federal government, with the PDP Governors’ Forum pledging continued efforts to alleviate these issues at the state level. They also took aim at recent electoral irregularities, specifically in Edo and Ondo States, accusing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of manipulating results to favour the ruling APC. The PDP called for a thorough examination of these electoral malpractices and urged the judiciary and National Assembly to intervene in order to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process. “The Forum empathizes with Nigerians who are groaning under the oppressive economic hardship foisted on the nation by the policies and decisions of the APC-led Federal Government. The Forum calls on the President to urgently review both macroeconomic and fiscal policies that will address the welfare and well-being of Nigerians. The Forum wishes to pledge that all PDP Governors will continue to aggressively pursue policies and programs that will reduce the hardship and ensure progress and development. “The Forum notes with concern the rape of democracy in Edo Governorship elections. It is clear to everyone with conscience that INEC manipulated results in favour of the APC candidate when in fact majority of lawful votes were won by the PDP candidate, Mr. Asue Ighodalo. Meanwhile, we are still examining the documents in Ondo Elections where the APC manipulated results after openly buying votes. The Forum calls on the judiciary to save Nigerian democracy and the National Assembly to look into our electoral laws to make it difficult for institutional sabotage of the will of the people,” the communique read in part. In addition, the forum expressed condolences over the recent disasters in Plateau and Jigawa states, including the devastating fire at Katako Market in Jos and the tragic tanker explosion in Jigawa. They pledged their support for the affected communities, while also acknowledging the progress made in Plateau State under its current government. The governors thanked Plateau State government for hosting the event and showcasing the state’s progress, particularly in areas such as social services, tourism, and transportation. Looking ahead, the PDP affirmed its commitment to reclaiming political power in Nigeria, with the party’s leaders expressing optimism about regaining their rightful place in the country’s political landscape by 2027.A humanitarian crisis in Gaza has resulted in Australia supporting a reinvigorated push for a ceasefire and aid to flow at scale. Login or signup to continue reading The United Nations General Assembly overwhelmingly voted to support a permanent and unconditional ceasefire, the release of hostages, the delivery of humanitarian aid and the protection of civilians. The motion passed with 158 members voting in support and nine against, with 13 abstaining at an emergency session on Thursday. The humanitarian crisis was a key factor in Australia's vote, with more than 44,000 people killed in Gaza, including more than 13,000 children. Nearly all of the strip's 2.1 million people have lost their homes and don't have enough food, water or medical supplies. Australia's ambassador to the UN James Larsen said t he demand for full, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian assistance to Gaza was urgent as he branded the human human suffering unbearable. "Israel must take urgent action to alleviate this humanitarian crisis," he said. But the resolution's shortcomings included not demanding a conditional ceasefire and failing to unequivocally condemn Hamas, Mr Larsen said as he called for the designated terrorist group to lay down arms. "There can be no role for terrorists in the future governance of Gaza," he said. Australia also voted to support the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in a second motion that passed with 159 in support, nine against and 11 abstaining. The motion called for the Israeli Knesset to reverse laws banning the agency from operating in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which include Gaza and the West Bank. Foreign Minister Penny Wong has repeatedly stated the agency was the only one with the capability to distribute aid at the scale needed in Gaza. Israel's ambassador to the UN said the agency had been infiltrated by Hamas - something it denies - and accused the general assembly of ignoring the hostages taken by the terrorist organisation on October 7. Mr Larsen expressed grave concern over Israel's laws, saying while the resolution wasn't perfect, "limiting UNRWA's operations will only exacerbate an already terrible humanitarian crisis". Opposition home affairs spokesman James Paterson chastised the votes, saying the federal government's lack of support for Israel translated into anti-Semitism in Australia as people linked the Jewish community to Israel. "They don't draw any distinction between Israel and Jews, so when the Australian government abandons or even worse, vilifies Israel, anti-Semites take encouragement from that," he told Sky News. It follows a number of anti-Semitism crimes including the firebombing of a Melbourne synagogue - being investigated as a likely terrorist attack - and anti-Israel graffiti sprayed on a building before a car was set on fire in Sydney. Senator Paterson also attacked UNRWA after a handful of staff members were fired for being involved in Hamas' terror attack, saying it was "unreformable" and Australia shouldn't be providing funding. Australia suspended funding after the allegations and only reinstated it with a probity agreement attached and intelligence agencies determined it wasn't a terrorist organisation. Australian Associated Press DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update. 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 Get the latest property and development news here. 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. WEEKLY Follow the Newcastle Knights in the NRL? Don't miss your weekly Knights update. 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!Somalia, located in the Horn of Africa, has become synonymous with political instability, chronic violence, and humanitarian crises. The last two decades, in particular, have seen the country dealing with ongoing civil war, terrorism, and devastating cycles of famine. Somalia’s modern conflicts started with the collapse of Siad Barre's regime in 1991. This marked the disintegration of the Somali state, which quickly devolved into clan-based rivalries and a civil war. The absence of a central government opened space for warlords to take over, warring between themselves to carve up the country. In the 2000s, the rise of the Islamic Courts Union (ICU), a coalition of Sharia courts, briefly brought order to southern Somalia. However, neighbouring country Ethiopia, backed by the US, then invaded Somalia in 2006 in order to oust the ICU. This invasion paved the way for al-Shabaab, an extremist group that went on to become one of the largest insurgencies in Africa. BY Seema Guha Al-Shabaab And Extremism Al-Shabaab is Arabic for "The Youth”. The group came to fore in 2006, purportedly a radical offshoot of the ICU. Capitalising on the people’s discontent with foreign interventions and corruption, Al-Shabaab gained control of large parts of southern and central Somalia. With over 99 per cent of the population being Muslim, Al-Shabaab exploited religious sentiments to further its agenda. It imposed a harsh interpretation of Islamic law and is known to conduct attacks on civilians, government officials, and international targets. Al-Shabaab extends beyond Somalia’s borders. The group has carried out high-profile attacks in Kenya, such as the Westgate Mall attack in 2013 and the Garissa University massacre in 2015. These acts of terror have underscored the group’s regional threat and highlighted the porous borders and governance challenges of the Horn of Africa. While the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) forces have pushed al-Shabaab out of major cities like Mogadishu and Kismayo, the group continues to grow. In 2012, the establishment of the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), following a series of transitional administrations, was considered globally as a ray of hope for the region. However, the FGS has faced significant challenges in uniting the fractured land. Somaliland, in the northwest, declared independence in 1991 and has functioned as a de facto state with its own military. It has not yet been recognised internationally. Puntland, another autonomous region, cooperates with the federal government but maintains its own military and governance structures. International Interventions And The Fight Against Piracy In the early 2000s, news of Somali pirates hijacking commercial vessels in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean, threatening global shipping lanes, was everywhere. International naval coalitions, alongside local measures, have since reduced piracy, but the underlying economic reasons that drove the activities remain unaddressed. AMISOM, an African Union-led regional peacekeeping force, played a vital role in combating al-Shabaab and supporting the Somali government. Backed by the United Nations and donor nations, AMISOM helped secure key territories, but this took a toll in the form of civilian casualties. The United States and other Western nations have also conducted airstrikes and special operations against al-Shabaab leaders. BY Farah Barqawi Some Hope? In 2021-2022, Somalia conducted a protracted but ultimately successful parliamentary and presidential election process, electing President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The peaceful transfer of power was a testament to the resilience of Somali political institutions, even amid security challenges. In recent years, Mogadishu, once a war zone, has seen businesses reopen and the Somali diaspora investing in reconstruction.

Srinagar, Nov 22: To highlight the significance of Iqbal’s Persian poetry and its relevance in contemporary times, the Iqbal Institute of Culture and Philosophy (IICP), University of Kashmir, organised an extension lecture on the theme “Relevance of Iqbal’s Persian Collection: Javaid Nama in the Contemporary World.” The session featured Dr Syed Taqi Hassan Abedi, a renowned Canadian physician, poet, and scholar of Urdu and Persian literature, as the keynote speaker. In his lecture Dr. Abedi delivered a thought-provoking lecture and highlighted the universal relevance of Allama Iqbal’s Javaid Nama for all times to come. “In a world witnessing wars, loss of humanity, and erosion of social values, Iqbal’s poetry offers profound lessons. His literary work and poetry transcends borders and it is time we revisit him for guidance,” he remarked. Dr Abedi provided an in-depth interpretation of Iqbal’s poetic collection and the need for continued research on his multidimensional work and contributions. Prof Mohi-ud-din Sanghmi, Head Dept of Commerce KU who was guest of honor on the occasion lauded the session as enriching and informative. “Iqbal’s poetry carries deeper meanings that remain relevant even today. He wasn’t isolated from the realities of his time; instead, his works like Javaid Nama reflect his awareness and response to societal challenges,” said Prof Sanghmi. Earlier in his welcome address Dr Mushtaq Ahmad Ganai, Head of IICP, underlined the institute’s dedication in promoting Iqbal’s literary legacy. The event was attended by prominent academics, including Prof Hameed Naseem Rafiabadi, Dr Maroof Shah, faculty members and students. The session was moderated by Dr Fayaz Ahmad Wani, faculty at IICP, while Dr. Ajaz Ahmad Telwani, faculty at IICP proposed vote of thanks on the occasion.

Pittsburgh quarterback Eli Holstein was carted off the field with 5:32 left in the first quarter with an apparent left ankle injury during Saturday's Atlantic Coast Conference game against host Louisville. The freshman was sacked at the Panthers' 49-yard line by Louisville's Ashton Gillotte, who rolled on the quarterback's ankle. Holstein was in a walking boot as he was helped to the cart. Holstein missed last week's game against Clemson after suffering a head injury in the loss to Virginia two weeks ago. Holstein was 3-for-5 passing for 51 yards and an interception before exiting. Nate Yarnell, who threw for 350 yards in the loss to Clemson, replaced Holstein. --Field Level Media

Tua Tagovailoa's TD pass to Jonnu Smith gives Dolphins 32-26 overtime win over Aaron Rodgers, JetsIowa quarterback Cade McNamara released a statement Friday slamming the "100% false" media reports that suggested he had thrown his final pass for the Hawkeyes. McNamara has been sidelined since sustaining a concussion during the Oct. 26 win against Northwestern. Backup quarterback Brendan Sullivan has started the last two games for the Hawkeyes (6-4, 4-3 Big Ten) but is out with an ankle injury for Saturday's game at Maryland (4-6, 1-6). Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said earlier this week that Jackson Stratton will be the likely starter against the Terrapins if McNamara is unavailable. McNamara's cloudy status prompted speculation on a podcast this week that he was "not mentally ready to play." The podcast hosts from the Des Moines Register and The Athletic also suggested that McNamara -- who played three years at Michigan (2020-22) before transferring to Iowa -- is not "fit to play quarterback in the Big Ten right now." "We don't want to bury his career yet, but it does seem like that interception against Northwestern was his last snap as a Hawkeye," Leistikow said. McNamara, who passed for 1,017 yards with six touchdowns and five interceptions in eight games this season, released a statement updating his current status. "My status is the same as it's always been -- a proud member of this football team," he said. McNamara said he has not yet been cleared to play. He said he was cleared to practice on Sunday but suffered an "adverse reaction" and was unable to practice this week and therefore unable to travel with the team to Maryland. "I have been working with the University of Iowa doctors and trainers, a concussion specialist focused on vision training, as well as engaging in hyperbaric treatments as frequently as possible," McNamara said. "I have every intention to play versus Nebraska next Friday night and I am confident that my teammates will return from Maryland with a win." Including his time with the Wolverines, McNamara has completed 60.9 percent of his passes for 4,703 yards with 31 touchdowns and 15 interceptions in 34 games. --Field Level Media

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Rajasthan minister Kirodi Lal Meena has opened up about the challenges he faces in his political career, following the electoral loss of his brother in the Dausa bypoll. In a series of posts in Hindi on platform X, Meena shared his belief that his distaste for sycophancy has led to numerous hardships. Meena, who boasts an extensive political career including terms as MLA, Lok Sabha MP, and Rajya Sabha MP, expressed his pain at the role 'traitors' played in his brother Jag Mohan Meena's defeat. Despite campaigning vigorously and sharing his storied past of public service, the Dausa seat was secured by Congress candidate Deen Dayal. Meena remains resolute, however, vowing to persist in his mission to support marginalized communities. Despite his brother's loss and the alleged betrayals within political circles, the minister asserted that he is undeterred and will continue serving the people with dignity. (With inputs from agencies.)