LIVERPOOL HEAD COACH Arne Slot was far from happy with his side’s performance in the 1-0 victory at Girona which extended the Champions League leaders’ perfect start to six matches. Mohamed Salah’s 63rd-minute penalty – his 50th goal in the competition – was the difference but it was far from plain sailing with the first half particularly disturbing for Slot. “If you ask me about all the six games, I’m really pleased with all the results,” he said. “I’m really pleased with the five games, the way we played. I am far from pleased about the performance tonight.” Asked what had made him so unhappy he added: “A lot. Especially two things. “If you play against a team who has such a good idea about football and know how to bring the ball out from the back like some other teams we faced recently, like (Manchester) City or Real Madrid then you have to be so intense if you want to make it difficult for them. “But if every time you are waiting a few seconds and then if you do press, you are so easily out-played as this team can cause you problems and this is what they showed during the whole Champions League campaign, except for PSV Eindhoven away. “I almost feel sorry for them because they deserve so much more in this campaign than the three points they have now. “And every time we lost the ball we were not aggressive enough, almost every time they just went all the way to our goal. “We had hardly any control in the game, maybe the second half was better – I’m trying to be positive.” The low intensity meant goalkeeper Alisson Becker had a busier night than he would have expected after returning from two months out with a hamstring injury. He made five saves in the first half to help extend the club’s run without conceding for close to nine hours and Slot was indebted to the Brazil international. “We have an incredible goalkeeper. I said as a joke, maybe the players wanted to see how fit he was to give him so much work,” he added. “He showed today he is probably one of the best – in my opinion the best goalkeeper – in the world. “Let’s hope he can continue to keep bringing these performances and hope more he can stay fit.”

Trump vows to pardon Jan. 6 defendants on Day OneLiverpool and Real Madrid combined XI: Reds dominate central defence, Mohamed Salah and Jude Bellingham are shoo-ins, but which Champions League-winning Anfield star misses out?

None

Gabriel mimics Gyokeres in cheeky goal celebration in Arsenal win over Sporting in Champions League

Washington, Dec 9 (AP) President Joe Biden said on Sunday that the sudden collapse of the Syrian government under Bashar Assad is a “fundamental act of justice” after decades of repression, but it was “a moment of risk and uncertainty” for the Middle East. Biden spoke at the White House hours after after rebel groups completed a takeover of the country following more than a dozen years of violent civil war and decades of leadership by Assad and his family. Biden said the United States was monitoring reports of the whereabouts of Assad, with Russian state media saying he had fled to Moscow and received asylum from his longtime ally. The outgoing Biden administration and President-elect Donald Trump were working to make sense of new threats and opportunities across the Middle East. Biden credited action by the US and its allies for weakening Syria's backers — Russia, Iran and Hezbollah. He said “for the first time” that they could no longer defend Assad's grip on power. “Our approach has shifted the balance of power in the Middle East," Biden said, after a meeting with his national security team. Trump said on Sunday that Assad had fled because close ally Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, “was not interested in protecting him any longer". Those comments on Trump's social media platform came a day after he used another post to decry the possibility of the US intervening militarily in Syria to aid the rebels, declaring, “THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT." The Biden administration said it had no intention of intervening. The US has about 900 troops in Syria, including forces working with Kurdish allies in the opposition-held northeast to prevent any resurgence of the Islamic State group. Biden said he intended for those troops to remain, adding that US forces on Sunday conducted “precision air strikes" on IS camps and operations in Syria. US Central Command said the operation hit more than 75 targets. “We're clear-eyed about the fact that ISIS will try and take advantage of any vacuum to reestablish its credibility, and create a safe haven," Biden said, using a different acronym for the group. "We will not let that happen.” The Syrian opposition that brought down Assad is led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which the US says is a terrorist organisation with links to al-Qaida, although the group says it has since broken ties with al-Qaida. “We will remain vigilant,” Biden said. “Make no mistake, some of the rebel groups that took down Assad have their own grim record of terrorism and human rights abuses.” He added that the groups are “saying the right things now”. “But as they take on greater responsibility, we will assess not just their words, but their actions,” Biden said. A senior Biden administration official, when asked about contact with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham leaders after Assad's departure, said Washington was in contact with Syrian groups of all kinds. The official, who was not authorised to publicly discuss the situation and spoke on condition of anonymity, also said the US has focused over the past several days on chemical weapons that had been controlled by the Assad government, aiming to ensure they were secured. Still, Assad's fall adds to an already tense situation throughout much of region on many fronts — including Israel's war with Hamas in Gaza and its fragile cease-fire with Hezbollah in Lebanon. Like Biden, Trump, who takes office in five-plus weeks, made a connection between the upheaval in Syria and Russia's war in Ukraine, noting that Assad's allies in Moscow, as well as in Iran, the main sponsor of Hamas and Hezbollah, “are in a weakened state right now”. Vice President-elect JD Vance, a veteran of the US-led war in Iraq, wrote on own social media on Sunday to express skepticism about the insurgents. “Many of the rebels' are a literal offshoot of ISIS. One can hope they've moderated. Time will tell,” he said, using another acronym for the group. Trump has suggested that Assad's ouster can advance the prospects for an end to fighting in Ukraine, which was invaded by Russia in February 2022. The president-elect wrote that Putin's government “lost all interest in Syria because of Ukraine” and the Republican called for an immediate cease-fire, a day after meeting in Paris with the French and Ukrainian leaders. Daniel B. Shapiro, a deputy assistant secretary of defence for the Middle East, said the American military presence will continue in eastern Syria but was “solely to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS and has nothing to do with other aspects of this conflict”. “We call on all parties in Syria to protect civilians, particularly those from Syria's minority communities to respect international military norms and to work to achieve a resolution to include the political settlement,” Shapiro said. “Multiple actors in this conflict have a terrible track record to include Assad's horrific crimes, Russia's indiscriminate aerial bomb bombardment, Iranian-back militia involvement and the atrocities of ISIS," he added. Shapiro, however, was careful not to directly say Assad had been deposed by the insurgents. “If confirmed, no one should shed any tears over the Assad regime,” he said. As they pushed toward the Syrian capital of Damascus, the opposition freed political detainees from government prisons. The family of missing US journalist Austin Tice renewed calls to find him. “To everyone in Syria that hears this, please remind people that we're waiting for Austin,” Tice's mother, Debra, said in comments that hostage advocacy groups spread on social media. "We know that when he comes out, he's going to be fairly dazed and he's going to need lots of care and direction. Direct him to his family please!” Tice disappeared in 2012 outside Damascus, amid intensification of what became a civil war stretching more than a decade. "We've remained committed to returning him to his family,” Biden said at the White House. "We believe he's alive, we think we can get him back but we have no direct evidence to that yet. And Assad should be held accountable.” The president added: “We have to identify where he is." The US has no new evidence that Tice is alive but continues to operate under the assumption that he is, according to a US official. The official, who was not authorised to comment publicly, added that the US will continue to work to identify Tice's whereabouts and to try to bring him home. (AP) PY PY (This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)

ATLANTA — Even when grappling with a four-game losing streak and the uncertainty generated by quarterback Kirk Cousins' eight interceptions and no touchdown passes in that span, there is some solace for the Atlanta Falcons. Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins walks off the field after throwing an interception during the second half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, in Minneapolis. They play in the NFC South. There is more good news: The Falcons' next two opponents, the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants, are tied for the NFL's worst record at 2-11. Coach Raheem Morris says he is sticking with Cousins for next Monday night's game at Las Vegas. Sunday's 42-21 loss at Minnesota dropped Atlanta to 6-7, one game behind Tampa Bay in the NFC South. The Falcons hold the tiebreaker advantage over the Buccaneers, so if they can take advantage of their cushy closing stretch of games that also includes Washington and Carolina, they could salvage their season. "We're right in this thing," right guard Chris Lindstrom said Monday before acknowledging he is "obviously not happy or satisfied with where we're at." Lindstrom said he maintains "the ultimate belief in what we're doing and everything that we have going on and everything is still in front of us." Cousins and the Falcons must solve their red-zone woes to maintain hopes of the team's first playoff appearance since 2017. The Falcons rank eighth in the NFL with 371 yards per game but only 19th with their average of 21.4 points thanks to their persistent problems inside the 20. Even the forgiving NFC South can't make up for the scoring problems caused by penalties, turnovers and other persistent breakdowns. "You can't live with it at all," Morris said Monday when asked about Cousins' recent streak of interceptions. Even so, Cousins remains the starter as first-round draft pick Michael Penix Jr. awaits his opportunity. "It's for sure Kirk is our quarterback but I have no hesitations about what our young man has been doing and how he has been preparing and the things he is ready to do," Morris said. "So if that time ever came I would have a lot of confidence in what Mike is able to do, but Kirk is our quarterback. Kirk is the guy who is going to lead us." With four sacks against the Vikings, the Falcons may have finally solved their longtime pass-rush woes. Atlanta had five sacks in a 17-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Dec. 1, giving the team back-to-back games with at least four sacks for the first time since 2019. Outside linebacker Arnold Ebiketie had one of Sunday's sacks, giving him four for the season. With nine sacks in the last two games, the Falcons have almost doubled their NFL-low total of 10 through their first 11 games. Even as the pass rush was productive, the Falcons' defense showed a sudden inability to prevent big plays through the air. Atlanta allowed four completions of more than 40 yards as Vikings receivers Jordan Addison and Justin Jefferson combined to catch five scoring passes from Sam Darnold, who did not throw an interception. Morris said the Vikings' strategy was to avoid cornerback A.J. Terrell, "making other people make plays, and we didn't go out there and make them." Running back Tyler Allgeier had nine carries for 63 yards and a touchdown. Even while Bijan Robinson continued to produce with 22 carries for 92 yards and a score, Allgeier re-emerged as a strong complement with his second-highest rushing total of the season. Cousins has an unhealthy ratio of 17 touchdown passes to 15 interceptions. "Kirk was the guy who led us to the 6-3 record," Morris said. "We've got to find a way to get out of the funk. ... For us, it's going to be his opportunity to go out and right the ship and he has earned it." Former Atlanta quarterback Desmond Ridder is expected to start for the Raiders on Monday night after Aidan O'Connell's knee injury in Sunday's 28-13 loss at Tampa Bay. Sent weekly directly to your inbox!

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LEWISTON, Maine — The Fryeburg Academy football team captured its first state championship since 1965 when the Raiders defeated Hermon 28-0 at Lewiston High School’s Don Roux Field in Lewiston on Saturday. FA (9-2) last won a state football championship in 1965, when its cast of Raiders went undefeated and won the Class B title. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.The E-J Group Welcomes State Electric Corporation to the Organization

Vanguard to Offer New Options for Meeting Investors' Short-Term Liquidity NeedsBASE SHELF PROSPECTUS IS ACCESSIBLE, AND PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT WILL BE ACCESSIBLE WITHIN TWO BUSINESS DAYS, ON SEDAR+ NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO THE U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES EDMONTON, Alberta, Dec. 10, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Capital Power Corporation (TSX: CPX) (“Capital Power” or the “Company”) announced today that it has entered into an agreement with a syndicate of underwriters co-led by TD Securities and Scotiabank (collectively the “Underwriters”), pursuant to which the Underwriters have agreed to purchase, on a bought deal basis, 5,960,000 common shares of Capital Power (“Common Shares”) at an offering price of $58.80 per Common Share (the “Offering Price”) for total gross proceeds to the Company of approximately $350 million (the “Offering”). The Underwriters have also been granted an option (the “Over-Allotment Option”) to purchase up to an additional 894,000 Common Shares at the Offering Price. The Over-Allotment Option is exercisable, in whole or in part, at any time for a period of 30 days following the closing of the Offering. If the Over-Allotment Option is exercised in full, total gross proceeds to the Company from the Offering will be approximately $403 million. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering to fund future potential acquisitions and growth opportunities and for general corporate purposes. “North American power demand is undergoing unprecedented and multi-faceted growth, highlighting the need for reliable generation. Amid this backdrop, we are focused on opportunities to enhance our strategically positioned asset base but remain disciplined and focused on achieving our stated investment return thresholds. This financing, together with our recent renewable sell-down transaction, augments our strong balance sheet and positions us well to fund future growth opportunities,” said Avik Dey, President and Chief Executive Officer of Capital Power. The Common Shares will be offered in all provinces and territories of Canada by way of a prospectus supplement (the “Prospectus Supplement”) to Capital Power’s base shelf prospectus dated June 12, 2024 (the “Base Shelf Prospectus”). The Prospectus Supplement will be filed with the securities commissions or securities regulatory authorities in all the provinces and territories of Canada on or before December 12, 2024. The Common Shares will also be offered on a private placement basis to “qualified institutional buyers” pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”). Completion of the Offering is subject to customary conditions, including requirements of the TSX. Closing of the Offering is anticipated to occur on December 17, 2024. All references to dollar amounts contained herein are to Canadian dollars. The distribution of this announcement may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions and persons into whose possession any document or other information referred to herein comes should inform themselves about and observe any such restriction. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this press release. This announcement does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States, nor may any securities referred to herein be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration under the U.S. Securities Act, and the rules and regulations thereunder. The securities referred to herein have not and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act or any state securities laws, and except pursuant to exemptions from registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act or any state securities laws, there is no intention to register any of the securities in the United States or to conduct a public offering of securities in the United States. Such securities may be offered in the United States only to “qualified institutional buyers” (as defined in and in reliance on Rule 144A under the U.S. Securities Act). Access to the Base Shelf Prospectus, the Prospectus Supplement, and any amendments to the documents will be provided in accordance with securities legislation relating to procedures for providing access to a shelf prospectus supplement, a base shelf prospectus and any amendment. The Base Shelf Prospectus is, and the Prospectus Supplement will be (within two business days of the date hereof), accessible on the System for Electronic Data Analysis and Retrieval + (“SEDAR+”) at www.sedarplus.ca. The Common Shares are offered under the Prospectus Supplement. An electronic or paper copy of the Base Shelf Prospectus, the Prospectus Supplement (when filed), and any amendment to the documents may be obtained without charge, from TD Securities at 1625 Tech Avenue, Mississauga, Ontario L4W 5P5 Attention: Symcor, NPM, or by telephone at (289) 360-2009 or by email at sdcconfirms@td.com by providing the contact with an email address or address, as applicable. The Base Shelf Prospectus and Prospectus Supplement contain important, detailed information about the Company and the proposed Offering. Prospective investors should read the Base Shelf Prospectus and Prospectus Supplement (when filed) before making an investment decision. Forward-looking Information Forward-looking information or statements included in this press release are provided to inform the Company’s shareholders and potential investors about management’s assessment of Capital Power’s future plans and operations. This information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The forward-looking information in this press release is generally identified by words such as will, anticipate, believe, plan, intend, target, and expect or similar words that suggest future outcomes. This press release includes forward-looking information and statements pertaining to the expected amount and intended use of the net proceeds of the Offering, any exercise of the Over-Allotment Option, the expected closing date of the Offering, North American power demand, the renewable sell-down transaction, and opportunities available to the Company. These statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by Capital Power considering its experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate including its review of purchased businesses and assets. The material factors and assumptions used to develop these forward-looking statements relate to: (i) electricity natural gas, other energy and carbon prices, (ii) performance, (iii) business prospects and opportunities, (iv) the status of and impact of policy, legislation and regulations and (v) effective tax rates. Whether actual results, performance or achievements will conform to Capital Power’s expectations and predictions is subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results and experience to differ materially from Capital Power’s expectations. Such material risks and uncertainties include: (i) changes in electricity, natural gas and carbon prices in markets in which Capital Power operates and Capital Power’s use of derivatives, (ii) regulatory and political environments, including changes to environmental, climate, financial reporting, market structure and tax legislation, (iii) disruptions or price volatility within Capital Power’s supply chains, (iv) generation facility availability, wind capacity factor and performance, including maintenance expenditures, (v) ability to fund current and future capital and working capital needs, (vi) acquisitions, dispositions and developments, including timing and costs of regulatory approvals and construction, (vii) changes in the availability of fuel, (viii) the ability to realize the anticipated benefits of acquisitions and dispositions, (ix) limitations inherent in Capital Power’s review of acquired assets, (x) changes in general economic and competitive conditions, including inflation and the potential for a recession and (xi) changes in the performance and cost of technologies and the development of new technologies, and new energy efficient products, services and programs. See Risks and Risk Management in Capital Power’s Integrated Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2023, prepared as of February 27, 2024, and Capital Power’s interim Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, under Capital Power’s profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca), and other reports filed by Capital Power with Canadian securities regulators. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the specified approval date. The Company does not undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in the Company’s expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by applicable securities laws. Territorial Acknowledgement In the spirit of reconciliation, Capital Power respectfully acknowledges that we operate within the ancestral homelands, traditional and treaty territories of the Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island, or North America. Capital Power’s head office is located within the traditional and contemporary home of many Indigenous Peoples of the Treaty 6 region and Métis Nation of Alberta Region 4. We acknowledge the diverse Indigenous communities that are located in these areas and whose presence continues to enrich the community. About Capital Power Capital Power (TSX: CPX) is a growth-oriented power producer with approximately 9,300 MW of power generation at 32 facilities across North America. We prioritize safely delivering reliable and affordable power communities can depend on, building clean power systems, and creating balanced solutions for our energy future. We are Powering Change by Changing PowerTM. For more information, please contact :

WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump on Sunday pushed Russian leader Vladimir Putin to act to reach an immediate ceasefire with Ukraine, describing it as part of his active efforts as president-elect to end the war despite being weeks from taking office. “Zelenskyy and Ukraine would like to make a deal and stop the madness," Trump wrote on social media, referring to Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.If you're looking to boost your income with some ASX dividend stocks, then you might want to consider the three listed below. These shares have been named as buys and are expected to provide investors with attractive in the near term. Here's what you need to know about them: ( ) The first ASX dividend stock that could be a buy for income investors is APA Group. It is a leading energy infrastructure company that has a long track record of dividend increases. In fact, APA Group is currently on track to lift its dividend for a massive 20 years in a row. The team at Macquarie is forecasting dividends of 57 cents per share in FY 2025 and then 57.5 cents per share in FY 2026. Based on the current APA Group share price of $7.19, this equates to 7.9% and 8% dividend yields, respectively. Macquarie has an outperform rating and $8.13 price target on its shares. ( ) Another ASX dividend stock to look at is National Storage. It is a leading self-storage operator with a portfolio of over 250 centres. From these centres, the company provides tailored storage solutions to almost 100,000 residential and commercial customers. The good news is that management still sees plenty of room to grow its storage network in the future. At the end of FY 2024, it had 46 active development projects with aggregate NLA pipeline of approximately 382,000m2. Analysts at Citi are positive on the company and believe it is well-placed to pay dividends per share of 11.3 cents in FY 2025 and then 11.9 cents in FY 2026. Based on its current share price of $2.53, this will mean dividend yields of 4.5% and 4.7%, respectively. Citi has a buy rating and $2.70 price target on its shares. ( ) A third ASX dividend stock for income investors to look at is this agricultural focused real estate investment trust (REIT). Rural Funds has a high quality portfolio of assets across a range of agricultural industries. These include almond and macadamia orchards, premium vineyards, water entitlements, cropping and cattle farms. The company notes that these properties are leased on long term agreements to major players in the industry. This includes Australia's largest meat processor, JBS Australia, wine giant ( ), and leading almond producer ( ). Combined with built in periodic rental increases, this provides Rural Funds with great visibility on its future earnings and dividends. In respect to the latter, the team at Bell Potter is forecasting dividends per share of 11.7 cents in FY 2025 and then 12.2 cents in FY 2026. Based on the current Rural Funds share price of $1.87, this represents a yield of 6.3% and 6.5%, respectively. Bell Potter has a buy rating and $2.50 price target on its shares.Albertsons’ $24.6 billion merger with Kroger blocked by judge

SUNDAY, Dec. 8, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- Shingles can strike anyone who had chickenpox when they were young, and the intense pain that can accompany this body rash has sidelined many a senior. Here, one expert explains how and why shingles can surface, and what you can do to treat it, or better yet, avoid it. Shingles can happen at any age, but it most typically affects people over 50 who have stress and compromised immunity. “Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It’s the same virus that causes chickenpox,” said Dr. Eugene Fellin , a family medicine physician at Penn State Health Medical Group – Fleetwood. “For most of us who grew up before the 1990s, when children began being immunized against chickenpox, we’ve been exposed to the virus and are at risk for shingles.” How can shingles surface? After lying dormant in the nervous system for years, the virus can reemerge as shingles, which causes painful rashes that typically surface on the face or around the side of the torso, Fellin explained. “It’s like a poison ivy rash that won’t go away,” he added in a Penn State news release. “It can occur in patches, but along that same nerve root. A lot of times, people feel some tingling or a burning sensation prior to the rash actually breaking out,” Fellin noted. “When we’re looking for the rash, it will be in a string on the torso because the nerves wrap around the torso. You get a line around you, from the back to the front.” “The other issue we worry about is if it breaks out on the face and involves the eye because this can lead to blindness,” Fellin said. “Shingles around the eye is considered dangerous, and an instant referral to an ophthalmologist is always recommended.” What can you take to treat shingles? Antivirals such as Valacyclovir can be prescribed, but they’re time-sensitive and need to be taken within 36 hours of the start of the rash because they work by slowing the spread of the virus, Fellin said. While symptoms subside after three to five weeks, pain can sometimes return in the form of postherpetic neuralgia , he said. This long-term nerve pain occurs where the shingles rash appeared and can last for months or even years. Older adults are more likely to develop postherpetic neuralgia and have longer lasting and more severe pain, Fellin said. Luckily, there is something you can do to avoid shingles altogether: get vaccinated. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the Shingrix vaccine, given in two doses, with the second dose given two to six months after the first. People who get shingles can still receive the vaccine, which can lower the chances of another outbreak, Fellin noted. Most family doctors and pharmacies stock the vaccine, which is covered by Medicare, he added. “Most insurance programs are covering it because it has been out long enough and shows a real benefit,” Fellin said in a Penn State news release. “There’s a lot of misinformation about vaccines circulating out there. My message is this: Don’t be afraid of this or any vaccine.” SOURCE: Penn State Health, news release, Dec. 5, 2024Empowering Tomorrow: Future-Proofing the Filipino Workforce

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