COLUMBIA, South Carolina (AP) — Victims' families and others affected by crimes that resulted in federal death row convictions shared a range of emotions on Monday, from relief to anger, after President Joe Biden commuted dozens of the sentences . Biden converted the sentences of 37 federal death row inmates to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. The inmates include people convicted in the slayings of police and military officers, as well as federal prisoners and guards. Others were involved in deadly robberies and drug deals. Three inmates will remain on federal death row: Dylann Roof , convicted of the 2015 racist slayings of nine Black members of Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina; the 2013 Boston Marathon Bomber, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev , and Robert Bowers, who fatally shot 11 congregants at Pittsburgh’s Tree of life Synagogue in 2018 , the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S history. Opponents of the death penalty lauded Biden for a decision they'd long sought. Supporters of Donald Trump , a vocal advocate of expanding capital punishment, criticized the move weeks before the president-elect takes office. Donnie Oliverio, a retired Ohio police officer whose partner, Bryan Hurst, was killed by an inmate whose death sentence was commuted, said the killer's execution "would have brought me no peace.” “The president has done what is right here,” Oliverio said in a statement also issued by the White House. But Hurst’s widow, Marissa Gibson, called Biden's move distressing and a "complete dismissal and undermining of the federal justice system,” in a statement to The Columbus Dispatch . Tim Timmerman, whose daughter, Rachel, was thrown into a Michigan lake in 1997 to keep her from testifying in a rape trial, said Biden's decision to commute the killer's sentence offered families “only pain.” "Where’s the justice in just giving him a prison bed to die comfortably in?” Timmerman said on WOOD-TV. Heather Turner, whose mother, Donna Major, was killed in a 2017 South Carolina bank robbery, called the commutation of the killer's sentence a “clear gross abuse of power” in a Facebook post. “At no point did the president consider the victims,” Turner wrote. “He, and his supporters, have blood on their hands.” Corey Groves, whose mother, Kim Groves, was murdered in a 1994 plot by a New Orleans police officer after she filed a complaint against him, said the family has been living with the “nightmare” of her killer for three decades. “I have always wanted him to spend the rest of his life in prison and have to wake up every morning and think about what he did when he took our mother from us," Groves said in a statement through his attorney. Families of the nine people killed and the survivors of the massacre at the Mother Emanuel AME Church have long had a broad range of opinions on Roof's punishment. Many forgave him, but some say they can’t forget and their forgiveness doesn’t mean they don’t want to see him put to death for what he did. Felicia Sanders survived the shooting shielding her granddaughter while watching Roof kill her son, Tywanza, and her aunt, Susie Jackson. Sanders brought her bullet-torn bloodstained Bible to his sentencing. In a text message to her lawyer, Andy Savage, Sanders called Biden’s decision to not spare Roof’s life a wonderful Christmas gift. Michael Graham, whose sister, Cynthia Hurd, was killed, told The Associated Press that Roof’s lack of remorse and simmering white nationalism in the country means he is the kind of dangerous and evil person the death penalty is intended for. “This was a crime against a race of people," Graham said. “It didn’t matter who was there, only that they were Black.” But the Rev. Sharon Risher, who was Tywanza Sanders’ cousin and whose mother, Ethel Lance, was killed, criticized Biden for not sparing Roof and clearing out federal death row. “I need the President to understand that when you put a killer on death row, you also put their victims' families in limbo with the false promise that we must wait until there is an execution before we can begin to heal,” Risher said in a statement. Risher, a board member of Death Penalty Action, which seeks to abolish capital punishment, said during a Zoom news conference that families “are left to be hostages for the years and years of appeals that are to come.” Abraham Bonowitz, Death Penalty Action’s executive director, said Biden was giving more attention to the three inmates he chose not to spare, something they all wanted as a part of their political motivations to kill. “When Donald Trump gets to execute them what will really be happening is they will be given a global platform for their agenda of hatred,” Bonowitz said. Biden had faced pressure from advocacy organizations to commute federal death sentences, and several praised him for taking action in his final month in office. Anthony D. Romero, executive director of the ACLU, said in a statement that Biden has shown "the brutal and inhumane policies of our past do not belong in our future.” Republicans, including Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas, criticized the move — and argued its moral ground was shaky given the three exceptions. “Once again, Democrats side with depraved criminals over their victims, public order, and common decency,” Cotton wrote on X. “Democrats can’t even defend Biden’s outrageous decision as some kind of principled, across-the-board opposition to the death penalty since he didn’t commute the three most politically toxic cases.” Two men whose sentences were commuted were Norris Holder and Billie Jerome Allen, on death row for opening fire during a 1997 bank robbery in St. Louis, killing a guard, 46-year-old Richard Heflin. Holder’s attorney, Madeline Cohen, said in an email that Holder, who is Black, was sentenced to death by an all-white jury. “Norris’ case exemplifies the racial bias and arbitrariness that led the President to commute federal death sentences,” Cohen said. “Norris has always been deeply remorseful for the pain his actions caused, and we hope this decision brings some measure of closure to Richard Heflin’s family.” But Ed Dowd Jr., the U.S. attorney in St. Louis at the time of the robbery and now a private attorney, criticized Biden's move. “This case was a message to people who wanted to go out and shoot people for the hell of it, that you’re going to get the death penalty,” Dowd said. Now, "Biden is sending a message that you can do whatever you want and you won’t get the death penalty.” This story has been updated to correct the spelling of Rev. Sharon Risher's name. Swenson reported from Seattle. Associated Press writers Sara Cline in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Jim Salter in O'Fallon, Missouri; Stephen Smith in New Orleans, and Corey Williams in Detroit contributed.Relief, defiance, anger: Families and advocates react to Biden's death row commutations

Bill Clinton is hospitalized with a fever but in good spirits, spokesperson saysCompanies tighten security after a health care CEO's killing leads to a surge of threatsCHARLOTTE, N.C. — Front Row Motorsports, one of two teams suing NASCAR in federal court, accused the stock car series Thursday of rejecting the planned purchase of a valuable charter unless the lawsuit was dropped. Front Row made the claim in a court filing and said it involved its proposed purchase of the charter from Stewart-Haas Racing. Front Row said the series would only approve it if Front Row and 23XI Racing dropped their court case. “Specifically, NASCAR informed us that it would not approve the (charter) transfer unless we agreed to drop our current antitrust lawsuit against them,” Jerry Freeze, general manager of Front Row, said in an affidavit filed in the U.S. District Court of Western North Carolina. The two teams in September refused to sign NASCAR’s “take-it-or-leave-it” final offer on a new revenue sharing agreement. All other 13 teams signed the deal. Front Row and 23XI balked and are now in court. 23XI co-owner Michael Jordan has said he took the fight to court on behalf of all teams competing in the top motorsports series in the United States. NASCAR has argued that the two teams simply do not like the terms of the final charter agreement and asked for the lawsuit be dismissed. Earlier this week, the suit was transferred to a different judge than the one who heard the first round of arguments and ruled against the two teams in their request for a temporary injunction to be recognized in 2025 as chartered teams as the case proceeds. The latest filing is heavily redacted as it lays out alleged retaliatory actions by NASCAR the teams say have caused irreparable harm. Both Front Row and 23XI want to expand from two full-time cars to three, and have agreements with SHR to purchase one charter each as SHR goes from four cars to one for 2025. The teams can still compete next season but would have to do so as “open” teams that don’t have the same protections or financial gains that come from holding a charter. Freeze claimed in the affidavit that Front Row signed a purchase agreement with SHR in April and NASCAR President Steve Phelps told Freeze in September the deal had been approved. But when Front Row submitted the paperwork last month, NASCAR began asking for additional information. A Dec. 4 request from NASCAR was “primarily related to our ongoing lawsuit with NASCAR,” Freeze said. “NASCAR informed us on December 5, 2024, that it objected to the transfer and would not approve it, in contrast to the previous oral approval for the transfer confirmed by Phelps before we filed the lawsuit,” Freeze said. “NASCAR made it clear that the reason it was now changing course and objecting to the transfer is because NASCAR is insisting that we drop the lawsuit and antitrust claims against it as a condition of being approved.” A second affidavit from Steve Lauletta, the president of 23XI Racing, claims NASCAR accused 23XI and Front Row of manufacturing “new circumstances” in a renewed motion for an injunction and of a “coordinated effort behind the scenes.” “This is completely false,” Lauletta said. Front Row is owned by businessman Bob Jenkins, while 23XI is owned by retired NBA Hall of Famer Jordan, three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin and longtime Jordan adviser Curtis Polk. NASCAR had been operating with 36 chartered teams and four open spots since the charter agreement began in 2016. NASCAR now says it will move forward in 2025 with 32 chartered teams and eight open spots, with offers on charters for Front Row and 23XI rescinded and the SHR charters in limbo. The teams contend they must be chartered under some of their contractual agreements with current sponsors and drivers, and competing next year as open teams will cause significant losses. “23XI exists to compete at the highest level of stock car racing, striving to become the best team it can be. But that ambition can only be pursued within NASCAR, which has monopolized the market as the sole top-tier circuit for stock car racing,” Lauletta said. “Our efforts to expand – purchasing more cars and increasing our presence on the track – are integral to achieving this goal. “It is not hypocritical to operate within the only system available while striving for excellence and contending for championships,” he continued. “It is a necessity because NASCAR’s monopoly leaves 23XI no alternative circuit, no different terms, and no other viable avenue to compete at this level.”South Korea’s Yoon survives impeachment after martial law fiasco

Vikings escape with 30-27 win over Bears in overtime thrillerIf you have an avid cook or food lover in your life, your gifting opportunities these days are vast and deep. There are authentic ingredients and creative concoctions in brick-and-mortar shops and online. The global pantry beckons. Plus, in many cases, the packaging is gorgeous! Many of these affordable luxuries can be tucked into a stocking, but they also make great presents for a co-worker, mail carrier, nephew or teacher. As a slightly compulsive and obsessive gift giver, matching the right edible treat to the recipient is my jam (another great gifting option!). All of these items cost under $50, but make a big splash. Let’s go! Two Chinese American friends took the flavors of their favorite childhood treats and transformed them into sweet spreads, ready to be slathered on toast, apples or just eaten with a spoon. Rooted Fare sells spreads like Crunchy Black Sesame Butter (inspired by tang yuan, a Lunar New Year dessert ), Pineapple Cake Cashew Butter, and Chinese Almond Cookie Butter. $15 per jar. Il Colle del Gusto makes some sweet and unusual nut-based spreads with an Italian twist: Coarse Hazelnut and Cocoa, Crunchy Peanut, and Sicilian Pistachio, all blended with olive oil. Swirl them into ice cream, slather them onto toast. Each jar under $10. Related: Sesame lovers will be delighted with either an assortment of tahini products such as Chocolate Sesame Sauce, or a tub of flaky, melt-in-your-mouth halva in flavors like cardamom and pistachio from Seed + Mill . Some great gift sets available for under $50. Chile crunch condiments have taken the cooking world by storm, and there are some highly giftable options. Fly By Jing makes a large assortment of Asian-inspired chile crunches, and they have some attractively packaged gift sets for the holidays . The mini sampler set is around $20. The aptly named Chile Crunch sells several varieties of their crunchy condiment, including hot, chipotle, mild and original, all for about $13 per jar. Somos' Salsa Macha Mexican Chili Crisps explode with texture thanks to a whole lot of nuts and seeds. Scoop these spicy-crunchy sauces over everything from avocado toast to tacos — and try the sweeter one on ice cream! The gift set of two comes with a cute spoon for $35. Chef Patricia Quintana has created a line of salsas, sauces, dressings and condiments that preserves the heritage of traditional Mexican cooking. Treat someone to a jar of Achiote sauce or Pineapple Habanero Salsa (and hope you get invited over for the ensuing meal). $15 to $20 per jar. Ever heard of Secret Aardvark sauces ? You might be tempted to spread the word. This Caribbean/Tex-Mex line of condiments has a big following for what they call their “flavor that kicks you in the mouth.” There are many choices, including Drunken Jerk Jamaican Marinade, and Aardvark Habanero Hot Sauce. $10 each, with combo packs starting at $20. Tinned fish is also having a blockbuster culinary moment (and in many cases the packaging is super fun). Fishwife cans ethically sourced fish, like salmon, anchovies and trout, from around the world, with some attractive gift boxes under $50. La Narval focuses on combinations of fish and sauce, such as their mussels in Spanish sauce. Each tin is about $10. The Drinks Bakery creates savory snacks with flavor profiles meant to match up perfectly with your favorite libations. Munch on a Lancashire Cheese and Spring Onion biscuit with a hoppy IPA or a sauvignon blanc. Serve the Parmesan, Toasted Pine Nut and Basil biscuits with a whiskey highball or champagne. Choose from small or larger boxes. I can’t think of a food gift I’m happier to see than a high-quality bottle of oil or vinegar, two of the most-used ingredients in my kitchen. Bona Furtuna's selection of Sicilian olive oils is fresh and fragrant, and their aged balsamic vinegars are thick, sweet and rich. The Invecchiato 7-Year Aged Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, for instance, sells for $44.95; Forte Extra Virgin Olive Oil from $10.95 to $39.95. Metafora olive oil comes in a beautiful bottle and is a nice introduction to Portuguese olive oil. $40. Alvear makes lovely Andalusian sherry vinegars. For the salad makers and Spanish chefs in your life, think about gifting one each of the bottles, a sweet and a dry , about $20 apop. Tartuflanghe makes all sorts of luxury ingredients infused with white and black truffles. Elevate your cooking game with truffle-infused butters with flavors like porcini or anchovy (about $10 each). Pick up a box of decadent, truffle-flavored Tartufissima 19 for $32. Or how about a little jar of black truffle pearls, which look like caviar, and are the most elegant way to finish off a risotto or a deviled egg ($40)? ’Tis the season for sweet things, but there's no need to settle for the same old bonbons. Sanders is known for decadent, chocolate-covered caramels, and this holiday season they have some limited-edition flavors. Do you know someone who might like a bag of bourbon, maple or peppermint dark-chocolate sea-salt caramels? I do! $10. Perhaps you’ve seen the elegant Lady M layered crepe cakes? Well this holiday, try their more portable and giftable Holiday Crepe Biscuit Collection . Eight wedge-shaped boxes contain a delicate crepe biscuit with fillings such as vanilla, chocolate hazelnut and green tea. $28. André’s Confiserie Suisse makes handmade chocolate with deep rich flavor, a result of generations of Swiss chocolate-making expertise. Some unusual classics include the Nussbergerli Sticks, a mix of caramel, candied orange peel and nuts, covered in either dark or milk chocolate, as well as a lovely assortment of chocolate-covered almonds. Also check out the festive, almond-stuffed chocolate pinecones, a cute edible ornament. Offerings start at $7. There are chocolate bars and then there are chocolate bars. At Chocopologie , it's hard to decide among the creative confections. Burnt Caramel Hawaiian Sea Salt? A S'Mores Bar that includes organic graham crackers and vegan marshmallows? At $10 each, you might need to buy a few. The bakers you know will love playing around with the Salted Caramel Crumbles from Kitty Keller. These toffee-like crumbles are made from the butter and salted caramel of Brittany, France, and can be used to finish all kinds of sweet treats with a crunchy little panache. $12. I could go on (quite clearly), but suffice it to say that a little special treat can have a big impact. Those stockings aren’t going to stuff themselves! For more AP gift guides and holiday coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/gift-guide and https://apnews.com/hub/holidays . This story was first published on Nov. 20, 2024. It was updated on Dec. 12, 2024 to correct the spelling of Bona Furtuna.The Executive Vice Chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, Khalil Halilu, has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to creating innovative, commercially viable solutions to drive Nigeria’s technological aspirations to new heights. He stated that in a rapidly evolving world, the agency would remain true to its mission by continuously adapting, aligning, and refocusing its efforts to improve the lives of Nigerians. To this end, NASENI organised a two-day strategic retreat for officers overseeing its Development Institutes to ensure greater cohesion among its various units and alignment with its overarching goals and vision. A statement e-signed by NASENI’s Director of Information, Olusegun Ayeoyenikan, on Friday in Abuja revealed that the retreat included Project Managers, Coordinating Directors, and directors from the agency’s headquarters. In his welcome address, Halilu described the retreat as more than just a planning session but a platform to chart a blueprint for action. He emphasised the pivotal roles of participants in translating NASENI’s vision into reality. “The conversations, strategies, and commitments forged here will determine how effectively we position NASENI to lead Nigeria into a future defined by innovation, self-reliance, and technological advancement. It will also instil a shared commitment to excellence by adopting global best practices in innovation management,” he said. Halilu highlighted the need for greater cohesion between the goals of NASENI’s Development Institutes and the agency’s renewed vision, calling the retreat a critical step in NASENI’s transformative journey. Related News NASENI, firm to unveil made-in-Nigeria laptops, tablets Assessing NASENI’s quest for technological advancement NASENI rolls out homegrown solutions He outlined the guiding principles of Creation, Collaboration, and Commercialisation, which encapsulate the agency’s mission to create impactful and commercially viable solutions for Nigerians in line with President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda. “Today, we gather not just to deliberate but to lay the groundwork for a stronger, more unified NASENI—one that is poised to drive Nigeria’s technological aspirations to unprecedented heights. “As an institution tasked with advancing indigenous technology, NASENI has consistently been a beacon of innovation, a catalyst for progress, and a key driver of sector-specific solutions. However, to stay true to our mission, we must continuously adapt, align, and refocus our efforts,” he added. The EVC/CEO urged participants to engage fully, think boldly, and collaborate purposefully. “This is our moment to redefine our collective impact and reaffirm our dedication to a vision that transcends individual institutes, uniting us under the banner of progress for our nation. Together, we can and will achieve extraordinary outcomes. Let us move forward with clarity, resolve, and an unwavering commitment to excellence that defines NASENI,” Halilu concluded. The retreat is expected to strengthen leadership skills, achieve strategic alignment between the Development Institutes and NASENI’s overall vision, and ensure collaborative synergies with the headquarters. It aims to streamline efforts, maximise resource utilisation, and enhance decision-making capabilities. Additionally, the event seeks to shift the focus of research and development towards market-ready, innovative solutions capable of generating sustainable economic value.

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Ousted Syrian leader Assad flees to Moscow after fall of Damascus, Russian state media say DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — Russia media say ousted Syrian leader Bashar Assad has fled to Moscow and received asylum from his longtime ally. The reports came hours after a stunning rebel advance swept into Damascus to cheers and ended the Assad family’s 50 years of iron rule. Thousands of Syrians poured into streets echoing with celebratory gunfire, joyful after a stifling, nearly 14-year civil war. But the swiftly moving events raised questions about the future of the country and the wider region. The rebels face the daunting task of healing bitter divisions in a country still split among armed factions. One rebel commander said “we will not deal with people the way the Assad family did." Analysis: Collapse of Syria's Assad is a blow to Iran's 'Axis of Resistance' MANAMA, Bahrain (AP) — For Iran’s theocratic government, it keeps getting worse. Its decadeslong strategy of building an “Axis of Resistance” supporting militant groups and proxies around the region is falling apart. Hamas has been batttered by Israel's campaign in Gaza. In Lebanon, Israeli bombardment has crippled Iran’s most powerful ally, Hezbollah, even as Israel has launched successful airstrikes openly inside of Iran for the first time. And now Iran’s longtime stalwart ally and client in Syria, President Bashar Assad, is gone. Who is Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the leader of the insurgency that toppled Syria's Assad? BEIRUT (AP) — Abu Mohammed al-Golani, the militant leader who led the stunning insurgency that toppled Syria’s President Bashar Assad, has spent years working to remake his public image and that of his fighters. He renounced longtime ties to al-Qaida and depicts himself as a champion of pluralism and tolerance. The extent of that transformation from jihadi extremist to would-be state builder is now put to the test. The 42-year-old al-Golani is labeled a terrorist by the United States. He has not appeared publicly since Damascus fell early Sunday. But he and his insurgent force, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, stand to be a major player in whatever comes next. Trump says he can't guarantee tariffs won't raise US prices and won't rule out revenge prosecutions WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump says he can’t guarantee his promised tariffs on key U.S. foreign trade partners won’t raise prices for American consumers. And he's suggesting once more that some political rivals and federal officials who pursued legal cases against him should be imprisoned. The president-elect made the comments in a wide-ranging interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press” that aired Sunday. He also touched on monetary policy, immigration, abortion and health care, and U.S. involvement in Ukraine, Israel and elsewhere. Trump often mixed declarative statements with caveats, at one point cautioning “things do change.” The hunt for UnitedHealthcare CEO's elusive killer yields new evidence, but few answers NEW YORK (AP) — Police don’t know who he is, where he is, or why he did it. As the frustrating search for UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s killer got underway for a fifth day Sunday, investigators reckoned with a tantalizing contradiction: They have troves of evidence, but the shooter remains an enigma. One conclusion they are confident of, however: It was a targeted attack, not a random one. On Sunday morning, police declined to comment on the contents of a backpack found in Central Park that they believe was carried by the killer. Thompson was shot and killed Wednesday outside of a hotel in Manhattan. Trump calls for immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and says a US withdrawal from NATO is possible WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump is pushing Russian leader Vladimir Putin to act to reach an immediate ceasefire with Ukraine. Trump describes it as part of his active efforts as president-elect to end the war despite being weeks from taking office. Trump also said he would be open to reducing military aid to Ukraine and pulling the United States out of NATO. Those are two threats that have alarmed Ukraine, NATO allies and many in the U.S. national security community. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says any deal would have to pave the way to a lasting peace. The Kremlin's spokesman says Moscow is open to talks with Ukraine. Gaza health officials say latest Israeli airstrikes kill at least 14 including children DEIR AL BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Palestinian health officials say Israeli airstrikes in central Gaza have killed at least 14 people including children, while the bombing of a hospital in northern Gaza has wounded a half-dozen patients. Israel’s military continues its latest offensive against Hamas militants in northern Gaza, whose remaining Palestinians have been almost completely cut off from the rest of the territory amid a growing humanitarian crisis. One airstrike flattened a residential building in the urban Bureij refugee camp Sunday afternoon. That's according to the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in the nearby city of Deir al-Balah, where the casualties were taken. South Korea's democracy held after a 6-hour power play. What does it say for democracies elsewhere? SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — A short-lived martial law decree by South Korea's leader last week raised worries about budding authoritarianism around the world. In the end, though, democracy prevailed. President Yoon Suk Yeol announced that he was declaring martial law and giving his government sweeping powers to crack down on protesters, ban political parties and control the media. Members of the military blocked lawmakers from using the legislature's constitutional power to cancel the power grab. But the National Assembly within hours unanimously voted to do so. Trump's return may be a boon for Netanyahu, but challenges abound in a changed Middle East TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is jubilant about President-elect Donald Trump's return to the White House. Trump's first term policies skewed heavily in favor of Israel, and he has picked stalwart Israel supporters for key positions in his administration. But much has transpired since Trump left office in early 2021. The turmoil in the Middle East, the lofty ambitions of Netanyahu’s far-right governing coalition and Netanyahu’s own personal relationship with the president-elect could dampen that enthusiasm and complicate what on the surface looks like a seamless alliance. College Football Playoff's first 12-team bracket is set with Oregon No. 1 and SMU in, Alabama out SMU captured the last open spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff, bumping Alabama to land in a bracket that placed undefeated Oregon at No. 1. The selection committee preferred the Mustangs, losers of a heartbreaker in the Atlantic Coast Conference title game, who had a far less difficult schedule than Alabama of the SEC but one fewer loss. The inaugural 12-team bracket marks a new era for college football, though the Alabama-SMU debate made clear there is no perfect formula. The tournament starts Dec. 20-21 with four first-round games. It concludes Jan. 20 with the national title game in Atlanta.

Jeddah: Former Mumbai Indians wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan was sold to Sunrisers Hyderabad for Rs 11.25 cr in the IPL 2025 Auction here at the Abadi Al Johar Arena in Jeddah on Sunday. Kishan had been a cornerstone for Mumbai Indians (MI) before his release into the auction pool this season. The bidding opened with Mumbai Indians themselves making the first move at Rs 2 crore, signaling their desire to bring back their former star. Punjab Kings (PBKS) and MI engaged in a steady duel, with the price quickly crossing Rs 4 crore. Delhi Capitals (DC) entered the race at Rs 4.80 crore, pushing PBKS to Rs 5 crore as the battle intensified. PBKS and DC locked horns, taking the price past Rs 7.50 crore. The Delhi franchise bid aggressively, raising the stakes to Rs 9.75 crore. However, Punjab Kings, determined to secure Kishan, pushed it to Rs 10 crore. Just when it seemed PBKS might close the deal, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) swooped in with a bid of Rs 10.25 crore, turning the tide. PBKS considered their options, briefly raising the price to Rs 10.75 crore, but eventually backed out. With an impressive Rs. 11.25 crore bid, Sunrisers Hyderabad successfully secured Ishan Kishan. Ishan Kishan’s journey in the IPL began in 2016 with the now-defunct Gujarat Lions, where his talent caught the eye of cricket fans. His true rise to stardom, however, came after joining Mumbai Indians in 2018. His breakthrough came in the IPL 2020 season, where Kishan topped the scoring charts for MI with 516 runs at a phenomenal average of 57.33 and a strike rate of 145.76. This season included his unforgettable knock of 99 in a thrilling Super Over loss to Royal Challengers Bangalore. In the 2022 mega auction, Kishan returned to MI for a whopping Rs 15.25 crore, making him one of the most expensive signings in IPL history. However, the franchise’s decision to release him ahead of the 2025 auction surprised many. The past few years have been a mix of highs and lows for Kishan. Despite his IPL exploits, a lack of consistency and injuries saw him lose his place in the Indian national team. His absence from domestic cricket also led to the loss of his BCCI central contract, as the board prioritised players who committed to the domestic circuit. Determined to bounce back, Kishan made a return to first-class cricket, featuring in the Duleep Trophy, Irani Cup, and India A matches. In another purchase, Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured the services of wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma for Rs 11 crore. The 29-year-old from Amravati, Maharashtra, known for his aggressive batting and sharp glovework, began with a modest base price of Rs 1 crore. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) kicked off the competition, quickly driving the price beyond Rs 3 crore. LSG bowed out at Rs 4.40 crore, making way for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to enter the fray with a bid of Rs 4.60 crore. Delhi Capitals (DC) joined the action, raising the stakes to Rs 4.80 crore, only for RCB to retake the lead at Rs 5.50 crore. CSK wasn’t ready to back down, bidding R. 5.75 crore, but RCB pushed harder, taking the price to R. 7 crore. Just when it seemed the deal was done, Punjab Kings (PBKS), Jitesh Sharma’s previous team, used their Right to Match (RTM) card to reclaim their wicketkeeper. RCB wasn’t deterred and responded by raising the bid to an eye-watering Rs 11 crore, leaving PBKS unable to match the offer. Making his debut in 2022, Jitesh was initially signed by PBKS for Rs 20 lakh in the 2024 auction. Though he flew under the radar at the start of his IPL career, he quickly gained attention for his fearless batting and ability to finish innings with impactful cameos. Over 40 IPL matches, Jitesh accumulated 730 runs at a strike rate of over 135. While his average of 22.81 may not appear extraordinary, his consistency in playing pressure innings set him apart. His highest IPL score of 49 not out underscored his knack for staying cool in challenging situations. Across his career, Jitesh smashed 53 fours and 45 sixes, proving his range as a hard-hitting batter.5 takeaways from Trump's 'Meet the Press' interview

Cameron Haffner helps Evansville end five-game skid with 57-40 victory over Missouri State‘AI set to revolutionise storytelling in cinema’The political fight over the federal government's response to anti-Semitism has ramped up following the firebombing of a synagogue as the opposition promised a crackdown. or signup to continue reading The firebombing at Melbourne's Adass Israel Synagogue is being investigated by Victoria Police and an Australian Federal Police counter-terrorism squad, with a meeting set for Monday. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese believes it has hallmarks of an act of terror, saying anti-Semitism has no place in Australia. But Opposition Leader Peter Dutton accused him of not taking a stronger line, pledging to deport people on visas who display anti-Semitic behaviour and a dedicated federal task force to tackle the issue. If the coalition is elected after next year's federal election, the federal police-led body will tasked with investigating historic complaints about anti-Semitism dating back to October 7, 2023. This includes "blatant acts of discrimination, racism online and threats that have been made to people of Jewish faith", Mr Dutton said in Melbourne on Monday. Investigations into public display of symbols, incitement, harassment and other offences that didn't result in criminal charges will be re-opened. Opposition home affairs spokesman James Paterson pledged to issue a ministerial direction to the AFP to prioritise anti-Semitism and amend migration laws to ensure anti-Semitic conduct is captured. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has already cancelled and denied visas to people who've made anti-Semitic remarks - which is possible under the character test for visas. and , without the support of the opposition. Doxxing refers to the revealing of a person's private information, such as phone numbers or addresses, without their consent and is often used to encourage harassment. Labor has also appointed Australia's first special envoy to combat anti-Semitism. Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus, who is Jewish, called for unity over "partisan bickering", given the distress and fear being felt in the Jewish community. "I have experienced levels of anti-Semitism, as has every Australian Jew, like we have never experienced it before in our lives," he said. "That's got to stop and it's not a time for finger-pointing, it's not a time for cheap criticisms." The government on Sunday announced an extra $32.5 million in funding over the next 18 months to improve security measures to protect the Jewish community. While politicians have branded the synagogue attack an act of terror, Mr Dreyfus said while the attack caused fear and distress, which was "a core part of a terrorist activity", it was important that police be able to conduct their assessments without political interference. Ex-federal Liberal treasurer Josh Frydenberg, who is a member of Melbourne's Jewish community, claimed "the government's weakness (in calling out anti-Semitism) has emboldened those who hate and emboldened those who harm". "It's clearly a terrorist attack under the legislation, it's a house of worship, so it's a religiously motivated attack," he told Nine's Today Show on Monday. The Executive Council of Australian Jewry has written to the prime minister asking him "to reflect on how this has been allowed to occur". It wants Mr Albanese to "review the government's rhetoric and public statements on anti-Semitism and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict". Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 Advertisement Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date. We care about the protection of your data. Read our . Advertisement

Anticipation is building in Massachusetts for a special mission Tuesday, Dec. 24, and it has nothing to do with a jolly man in a sleigh hauled by reindeer. NASA’s unmanned Parker Solar Probe will fly within 3.8 million miles of the surface of the sun, which is much closer than it sounds. "If you were to put the sun and the Earth on a football field, Parker Solar Probe will be on the 4-yard line, between the sun and the Earth," Dr. Joe Westlake, director of NASA's Science Mission Directorate's Heliophysics Division, said. At the Museum of Science, Educator Locke Patton is excited for what will be learned from the historic mission. "This is — of all things humanity has ever made — the closest to the sun we’ve ever gotten," Patton said. Despite the extreme heat, the mission is scientifically possible through cutting-edge heat shield technology. "That heat shield that sits out front was such a technological leap for us — to bring it to where the front of the heat shield is 2,500 degrees and the back of it is 85 degrees," Westlake said. As part of the Parker Probe’s multi-year mission, it is actually orbiting the sun about two dozen times. What’s significant about Tuesday's orbit is this is the closest the probe is coming so far, actually touching the sun’s corona. The probe will be flying by at 430,000 mph, which NASA said is the equivalent of traveling between Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia in just 1 second. While 430,000 mph is fast by earthly standards, it is 'slow' enough to explore the real Hub of the Universe — the massive star that gives earthlings light and heat, phenomena like the total eclipse in April, and intense solar storms that produced the northern lights as far south as Florida earlier this year. Locke Patton said the Parker Probe will be transmitting everything it experiences so NASA researchers can learn more about the forces that impact Earth. "All of that data is constantly going to come back to Earth, and we’re getting a sense of-- figuring out how solar winds are made. We’re figuring out why our magnetic field from the sun is going back and forth and switching up on us," Patton said. Westlake goes a little deeper into "solar speak," explaining, "the stream of particles that come off of the sun — that create the solar wind — is what affects...our infrastructure, GPS satellites, and other things with space radiation."

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IPL 2025 auction: Sunrisers Hyderabad clinch Ishan Kishan for Rs 11.25 crNew 2025 laws hit hot topics — including AI in movies and rapid-fire guns

Taoiseach Simon Harris said he also wanted to tell Nikita Hand, a hair colourist from Drimnagh, that her case had prompted an increase in women coming forward to ask for support. Ms Hand, who accused the sportsman of raping her in a Dublin hotel in December 2018, won her claim against him for damages in a civil case at the High Court in the Irish capital on Friday. The total amount of damages awarded to Ms Hand by the jury was 248,603.60 euro (£206,714.31). Mr McGregor said in a post on the social media site X on Friday that he intends to appeal against the decision. That post has since been deleted. Mr McGregor posted to X again on Saturday to criticise the court process and said “we are not done yet... appeal!”. Speaking to the media on Saturday, Mr Harris said he told Ms Hand of the support she has from people across Ireland. “I spoke with Nikita today and I wanted to thank her for her incredible bravery and her courage,” he said. “I wanted to make sure that she knew how much solidarity and support there was across this country for her bravery. “I also wanted to make sure she knew of what the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre had said yesterday – that so many other women have now come forward in relation to their own experiences of sexual abuse as a result of Nikita’s bravery.” The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre said the case has had a “profound effect” on the people the charity supports, and that over the first 10 days of the High Court case, calls to its national helpline increased by almost 20%. It said that first-time callers increased by 50% compared to the same period last year, and were largely from people who had experienced sexual violence who were distressed and anxious from the details of case and the views people had to it. Mr Harris said: “I wanted to speak with her and I wanted to wish her and her daughter, Freya, all the very best night, and I was very grateful to talk with Nikita today. “Her bravery, her courage, her voice has made a real difference in a country in which we must continue to work to get to zero tolerance when it comes to domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. “I don’t want to say too much more, because conscious there could be further legal processes, but I absolutely want to commend Nikita for her bravery, for her courage, for using her voice.” Justice Minister Helen McEntee praised Ms Hand’s bravery and said she had shown “there is light at the end of the tunnel”. She said: “I just want to commend Nikita for her bravery, for her determination and the leadership that she has shown in what has been – I’ve no doubt – a very, very difficult time for her and indeed, for her family. She added: “Because of wonderful people like Nikita, I hope that it shows that there is light at the end of the tunnel, that there are supports available to people, and that there is justice at the end of the day.” Ms Hand said in a statement outside court on Friday that she hoped her case would remind victims of assault to keep “pushing forward for justice”. Describing the past six years as “a nightmare”, she said: “I want to show (my daughter) Freya and every other girl and boy that you can stand up for yourself if something happens to you, no matter who the person is, and justice will be served.” During the case, Ms Hand said she was “disappointed and upset” when the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) decided not to prosecute the case after she made a complaint to the Irish police. In a letter to her in August 2020, the DPP said there was “insufficient evidence” and there was not a reasonable prospect of conviction. Ms Hand asked the DPP to review the decision, saying she felt she was being treated differently because one of the suspects was famous. Asked about the DPP’s decision not to prosecute, Mr Harris and Ms McEntee stressed the importance of the DPP’s independence on whether to prosecute. “There are obviously structures in place where the DPP can meet a victim and can outline to them their reasons for not taking the case,” Mr Harris said. “But there’s also always an opportunity for the DPP in any situation – and I speak broadly in relation to this – to review a decision, to consider any new information that may come to light, and I don’t want to say anything that may ever cut across the ongoing work of the DPP.” Ms McEntee stressed that there should “never be any political interference” in the independence of the DPP’s decisions. “I have, since becoming minister, given priority to and enabled a new office within the DPP to open specifically focused on sexual offences, so that this issue can be given the focus and the priority that it needs,” she said.