super 8 game School Superintendent Marcy Kelley told a federal judge that the symbol “XX” displayed on pink armbands worn by Bow parents should be banned from all sporting events going forward, whether or not a transgender athlete is playing. Kelley repeatedly defended the district’s decision to bar a group of parents and family members from wearing the armbands during a September soccer game in protest of a transgender girl’s participation in the game. She said the symbol “XX,” which refers to the chromosomes associated with females, is “anti-trans.” “I didn’t want to wait for her to see this and feel like it’s wrong for her to be trans,” Kelley testified, referring to the sophomore player on the visiting Plymouth Regional High School girls soccer team. Federal judge Steven McAuliffe will now weigh whether to temporarily block that ban on either First Amendment or viewpoint discrimination grounds, a decision which he described as legally “close” and which will hinge on previous court decisions in First Amendment cases related to school speech. McAuliffe’s assessment of the case followed two days of testimony from the plaintiffs – Bow parents Kyle Fellers, Anthony Foote, and Nicole Foote, and grandparent Eldon Rash – and from Bow administrators, including Kelley and high school principal Matt Fisk. The judge’s decision on the plaintiffs’ request for a preliminary injunction barring the school district from enforcing its protest restrictions likely won’t come until at least December, according to the schedule set in the case. Kelley spent more than an hour on the witness stand on Friday morning explaining why school leaders and ultimately the Bow police directed three of the plaintiffs in the case to remove the pink armbands during the soccer game. Two of the parents – Fellers and Foote – were later barred from attending future games, though those bans have since expired. Kelley also explained why she would take the same action if the armbands were ever displayed at a school event again, described her personal views on transgender girls’ participation on girls’ sports teams, and detailed her administrative team’s planning in the days preceding the Sept. 17 soccer game. Her testimony followed Fellers’, Foote’s and Rash’s accounts of what happened during the soccer game from their perspectives. Article continues after... Cross|Word Flipart Typeshift SpellTower Really Bad Chess Kelley vehemently defended her district’s approach to the incident, pointing to the school district’s responsibility to protect students from what her legal team has described as “harassment and intimidation” aimed at a particular student. “In school districts, when we suspect that there’s some sort of threat that something may happen, we don’t wait for it to happen to take action,” Kelley said. “And that’s what we did here.” Kelley described the “XX” marking, which was displayed prominently on the armbands, as “a pretty well-known anti-trans symbol” that she views as “exclusionary.” She said her personal views on the participation of transgender girls in girls sports were “nuanced and there are many factors to consider,” and said she disagreed with a blanket ban like the one enacted in New Hampshire this summer. But Kelley said her primary issue with the armbands was that they targeted a specific player. “If we were to allow harassment against a particular student, we would be liable,” Kelley said. The school district has contended that displaying the XX chromosomes violated a policy that requires “mutual respect, civility, and orderly conduct” during school events. The Bow administrators said the policy would be violated whether or not transgender athletes are present, because of the message of exclusion they send to other transgender students at Bow High. “We were previously worried about [the Plymouth player]. We are now more generally worried about the transgender community at this school and what this message says to them,” said Jonathan Shirley, an attorney for the Bow School district. In the afternoon, Fisk, the principal, testified about his experience as an adviser for his school’s gay-straight alliance, including the challenges he has witnessed transgender students navigate. “Schools should be places of education where students are able to learn in an environment in which they can take risks,” Fisk said. “And I don’t think you can do that if you see signs ... that you are not wanted, that you should be excluded.” Fisk said even the presence of the “XX” symbol in the school’s parking lot would prompt a conversation, though he didn’t outright say that “XX” bumper stickers are banned. When probing for the presence of viewpoint discrimination, Kelley acknowledged that a gay pride flag would be acceptable at the same sporting events that the “XX” symbol is banned. She said that is because the former is “inclusionary,” while the latter is “exclusionary.” Kelley also described in depth how the school district prepared for the September soccer protest in the days after they caught wind of it via social media. She said the district considered but ultimately rejected the option of closing the game to spectators completely. Ultimately, Kelley worked with Fisk, athletic director Michael Desilets, and the Bow police department to increase the presence of officials at the game. During the second half, the game was temporarily paused while Foote, Fellers, and Rash were asked to remove their armbands, which they ultimately agreed to do after a police officer got involved. Jeremy Margolis can be contacted at jmargolis@cmonitor.com .At 82, I have lived through countless political and social upheavals, enough to become somewhat inured to history's recurring cycles. But recent developments have left me profoundly shaken and afraid. The bedrock principles of international law, established in the aftermath of World War II, are being flagrantly undermined. The ban on acquiring territory by force, the obligation to protect civilians during conflict, the limitations on the right of self-defence, and the United Nations Security Council's mandate to "maintain international peace and security" are all unravelling, with little regard for the consequences. In Ukraine and Gaza, occupation has been weaponised as a means of settling disputes, with civilians used as cannon fodder and the right to self-defence distorted to justify acts of retaliation and revenge -- in Gaza, these actions border on genocide. Meanwhile, the United States and Russia routinely abuse their veto power at the UN Security Council, reducing it to a toothless body incapable of calling for a ceasefire in either conflict. Amid this geopolitical turmoil, extrajudicial killings, once universally condemned, are celebrated as triumphs. This breakdown reflects the rapid transformation of the multilateral security system into a multipolar order dominated by three major powers, each singularly focused on protecting its interests and expanding its sphere of influence, leaving the rest of the world increasingly insecure. In today's global landscape, the cardinal rule seems to be: With enough power, governments can get away with murder. The erosion of international rules and norms is compounded by glaring double standards. Western powers' unconditional support for Israel's actions in Gaza and Lebanon -- repeatedly justified by the refrain, "Israel has the right to defend itself" -- contrasts sharply with the harsh economic sanctions imposed on Russia. Admittedly, Russia initiated the war in Ukraine, just as Hamas did in Gaza, but Israel's violations of international law have been so numerous and egregious that it has effectively assumed the role of aggressor. These double standards have been acutely felt across the developing world, where the common perception is that major democracies' commitment to human rights ends at their own borders. Consequently, a profound sense of injustice and hypocrisy has intensified the long-standing distrust between the Global North and South. Alarmingly, geopolitical tensions are deepening just as humanity is grappling with three existential threats that require close international cooperation: climate change, the nuclear arms race, and the rise of artificial intelligence. The climate crisis has already escalated into a full-blown environmental catastrophe, marked by increasingly frequent and severe storms, floods, droughts, and wildfires. Without drastic cuts in greenhouse gas emissions, global warming is projected to surpass the 2° Celsius threshold set by the 2015 Paris climate agreement and reach 3C by the end of the century. Yet the international community is unable to agree on the actions and financing needed to avert disaster. US President-elect Donald Trump, who withdrew from the Paris accord during his first term, is widely expected to do so again, jeopardising progress towards effective climate action. Similarly, efforts to mitigate the nuclear threat have regressed into a frantic arms race. In stark contrast to Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev's assertion that "a nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought", some nuclear-armed states now openly flaunt their stockpiles. Russia, for example, has repeatedly threatened to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine. Adding to these dangers, the New START Treaty -- the last remaining agreement regulating the arsenals of the world's two largest nuclear powers -- is set to expire in early 2026. Like nuclear power, addressing the risks posed by AI requires global oversight and collaboration. But in today's climate of confrontation and brinkmanship, meaningful cooperation between the US, China, and Russia is highly unlikely. Rising inequality, both within and between countries, is another major driver of global instability. Economic disparities, coupled with growing public distrust of elites, have fueled the recent surge of populism. This is particularly concerning since history has shown that unchecked inequality creates fertile ground for the rise of authoritarian and fascist leaders. A new mindset is urgently needed. In the absence of an effective and inclusive security order, the global arms race will intensify, increasing the likelihood of nuclear war. Isolationism and trade wars, which would stifle economic growth and replace the rule of law with rule by force, are not the answer. Instead, governments must recognise that the only path forward is through cooperation and compromise. It is also necessary to recognise that globalisation, while not without its flaws, brings significant benefits. In the face of today's monumental challenges, we can either work to ensure freedom and security for all or watch the world descend into chaos. To those who would call this pie-in-the-sky idealism, here is some hardheaded realism: without a renewed commitment to freedom, equality, human dignity, and solidarity, we face the very real prospect of collective ruin. ©2024 Project Syndicate Mohamed ElBaradei, Director General Emeritus of the International Atomic Energy Agency and a former vice president of Egypt, received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005, jointly with the IAEA.

After months of speculation about Christopher Nolan ’s follow-up to his critical and box office hit “Oppenheimer,” which won him the Best Director Oscar, Universal Pictures unveiled before the holidays on X that he will be bringing Homer’s “ The Odyssey ” to the big screen. “The Odyssey” is a classic piece of literature by Homer that is divided between 24 different books, preceded by “The Iliad.” It tells the 10-year journey story of Odysseus, king of Ithaca, as he travels home after the Trojan War. Along the way, he encounters multiple perils and discovers the death of his crewmates. Telemachus (Odysseus’ son), Penelope (Odysseus’ wife), Athena, Circe, Poseidon and Zeus are all major characters. Historians and scholars date “The Odyssey” to sometime between 750-650 BC. The first printed Greek version became available in 1488. In the centuries since, it has remained one of the most studied, adapted and parodied stories ever with adaptations including the 1911 silent film by Giuseppe de Liguoro, 1954’s “Ulysses” with Kirk Douglas and the 2000 Coen brothers comedy “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” With a new adaptation on the horizon, here is everything we know so far about Nolan’s take on “The Odyssey.” Who is cast in the film and have they worked with Nolan before? Like the all-star cast that was assembled for “Oppenheimer,” “The Odyssey” is already filled with major talent in Hollywood — confirmed names include Matt Damon, Tom Holland , Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Lupita Nyong’o, Robert Pattinson and Charlize Theron. Damon most recently appeared in “Oppenheimer” as Lt. General Leslie Groves after his under-the-radar appearance in “Interstellar.” Pattinson appeared in “Tenet” as Neil, alongside John David Washington and Elizabeth Debicki. Going back a little farther, Hathaway had a supporting role as an astronaut in “Interstellar” and Catwoman in “The Dark Knight Rises,” marking just over 10 years since her last time working with Nolan. For Holland, Zendaya, Nyong’o and Theron, “The Odyssey” marks their first time collaborating with Nolan. Holland and Zendaya, who are a real-life couple, will reunite on screen after the Marvel “Spider-Man” films. How will the film be shot? According to the social media post from Universal Pictures, “The Odyssey” will be “shot across the world using brand new IMAX film technology.” Nolan’s craft has become synonymous with IMAX as “Oppenheimer,” “Dunkirk,” “Tenet” and “Interstellar,” which was recently re-released in theaters for its 10th anniversary, were all shot with IMAX cameras. Who else is creatively involved? Nolan is also writing and producing the film, reuniting with his longtime producing and life partner Emma Thomas, who won the Best Picture Oscar for “Oppenheimer” alongside Nolan. How faithful will this adaptation be to ‘The Odyssey’? It remains unclear how closely Nolan intends to follow Homer’s famous story, although the social media post from Universal Pictures teases “a mythic action epic shot across the world.” When is the film set to release? The film is set to release worldwide on July 17, 2026 in theaters after a 2025 production start date. Nolan previously released “Oppenheimer,” “Dunkirk,” “Inception” and “The Dark Knight” in the same month.

WASHINGTON — IRS leadership on Thursday announced that the agency has recovered $4.7 billion in back taxes and proceeds from a variety of crimes since the nation’s tax collector received a massive glut of funding through Democrats’ flagship tax, climate and health law in 2022. GOP Plans to Rescind IRS Funding The announcement comes under the backdrop of a promised reckoning from Republicans who will hold a majority over both chambers of the next Congress and have long called for rescinding the tens of billions of dollars in funding provided to the agency by Democrats. IRS leadership, meanwhile, is hoping to justify saving the funding the agency already has. On a call with reporters to preview the announcement, IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel said improvements made to the agency during his term will help the incoming administration and new Republican majority congress achieve its goals of administering an extension of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Republicans plan to renew some $4 trillion in expiring GOP tax cuts, a signature domestic achievement of Trump’s first term and an issue that may define his return to the White House. Related Story: IRS Confident in Delivering on New Tax Laws “We know there are serious discussions about a major tax bill coming out of the next Congress,” Werfel said, “and with the improvements we’ve made since I’ve been here, I’m quite confident the IRS will be well positioned to deliver on whatever new tax law that Congress passes.” Tax collections announced Thursday include $1.3 billion from high-income taxpayers who did not pay overdue tax debts, $2.9 billion related to IRS Criminal Investigation work into crimes like drug trafficking and terrorist financing, and $475 million in proceeds from criminal and civil cases that came from to whistleblower information. The IRS also announced Thursday that it has collected $292 million from more than 28,000 high-income non-filers who have not filed taxes since 2017, an increase of $120 million since September. Related Story: Future of IRS Funding Uncertain Despite its gains, the future of the agency’s funding is in limbo. The IRS originally received an $80 billion infusion of funds under the Inflation Reduction Act though the 2023 debt ceiling and budget-cuts deal between Republicans and the White House resulted in $1.4 billion rescinded from the agency and a separate agreement to take $20 billion from the IRS over the next two years and divert those funds to other nondefense programs. In November, U.S. Treasury officials called on Congress to unlock $20 billion in IRS enforcement money that is tied up in legislative language that has effectively rendered the money frozen. The $20 billion in question is separate from another $20 billion rescinded from the agency last year. However, the legislative mechanism keeping the government afloat inadvertently duplicated the one-time cut. Treasury officials warn of dire consequences if the funding is effectively rescinded through inaction. Related Story: Trump last week announced plans to nominate former Missouri congressman Billy Long, who worked as an auctioneer before serving six terms in the House of Representatives, to serve as the next commissioner of the IRS. Democrats like Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) have called Long’s nomination “a bizarre choice” since Long “jumped into the scam-plagued industry involving the Employee Retention Tax Credit.” Trump said on his social media site that “Taxpayers and the wonderful employees of the IRS will love having Billy at the helm.” Werfel’s term is set to end in 2027, and he has not indicated whether he plans to step down from his role before Trump’s inauguration. Trump is permitted to fire Werfel under the law.S&P/TSX composite rises Thursday, U.S. markets downFollowing a two-month stint in hospital, Waratahs general manager and former Fiji coach Simon Raiwalui says he’s back on track after suffering a life-threatening stroke at work just days shy of his 50th birthday. Raiwalui, who masterminded Fiji’s World Cup hammer blow over the Wallabies last year in Saint-Etienne, was just weeks into his new role as the Waratahs’ new general manager when he suffered a stroke at the Super Rugby side’s headquarters in Daceyville in late August. Raiwalui was engaged in a meeting with Rugby Australia high performance director Peter Horne and recently departed Waratahs chief executive Paul Doorn when the symptoms arose. “I was at work and I was at a meeting with Paul Doorn and Peter Horne and I just started slurring,” Raiwalui tells The Roar in the gentle giant’s first interview since being released from hospital. “I could tell that something was wrong. I didn’t feel bad, but I just felt there was something. I pride myself on my speech and being able to explain myself and I couldn’t get it out. “Pete said, ‘Are you alright? You might want to go see the doctor.’ “I went down to the team doctor and he said, ‘Let’s get you to a hospital, I think you’re having a stroke.’ “I ended up staying in hospital for two months.” Although Raiwalui never lost consciousness, the former Fijian forward lost his speech for days and movement in his body. Never one to want any excess attention drawn his way, Raiwalui downplayed his health battle at every moment and asked for his health battle to be kept out of the headlines, especially with his daughter in the process of finishing her schooling. But Waratahs and Rugby Australia officials were left sweating about Raiwalui’s health. More Rugby Doorn and Horne regularly visited the former international in hospital. For a man who barely got injured during his long-career at the top that saw him run out for Fiji and carve out a successful career in England with Saracens and in France, being told to stay still wasn’t easy. “I played until I was 37 and I retired because I got a knee injury the year before, but I was lucky,” Raiwalui says. “I didn’t miss any games, really. “It was quite a shock to just be in hospital for so long. I wasn’t the best patient, and my wife will tell you that, and the doctors will tell you that. “I was very stubborn, and I left hospital early and I went back to work early. They didn’t want me to go back to work, but I couldn’t help myself really. (Photo by Alex Livesey – World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images) “But I’ve been good, and the Waratahs have been brilliant. They haven’t rushed me. I went back for a little bit and then they said to come into Rugby Australia and do a little bit. Peter Horne’s been brilliant. “Rugby Australia and the Waratahs have been brilliant and allowing me to come back at my own pace. There’s some great people in Rugby Australia at the moment that are really looking after me.” Raiwalui hopes to hit the ground running early next year, but recognises, for now, that his health is the number one priority. “I’ve still got stuff that’s still paying up, like physically, the left side’s still playing up and they said that’s normal, but mentally I’m back,” Raiwalui said. “What I lost was my speech for a couple of days. It’s been more physical for me. I’ve always kept the mental side. The biggest thing for me is fatigue. “I’m definitely going back. [New Waratahs coach] Dan’s [McKellar] been really good, he’s been really understanding and Andrew Cleverley stepped into my role. “I’ve got a meeting next week. I’ll talk with HR and Peter about what my role is going to be. And then hopefully I’ll go back into the role with the Waratahs in January. “I’ve got a big role with the Waratahs looking after the academies and the men and women. It’s a big transition period this year. I was really excited to join, obviously, and I’m looking forward to the role still.” While Raiwalui undoubtedly would have wanted to enjoy his 50th birthday celebrations, the former Flying Fijian recongises he was fortunate to suffer the stroke in Sydney rather than on a remote island is his traditional homeland – the country he spent the previous four years. “I could have been in Fiji when this happened and that would have been a nightmare,” he quips. Raiwalui is seeing the stroke as an opportunity to reassess his priorities. After a whirlwind four years, where Raiwalui would regularly only get two to three hours of sleep a night, the former Test lock now acknowledges that his lifestyle and huge workload had impacted his health and likely contributed to his stroke. “It was a wake-up call,” said Raiwalui, who as Fiji Rugby’s general manager took over from Vern Cotter on the eve of the World Cup and led them to the quarter-finals in France. Simon Raiwalui and Eddie Jones ahead of last year’s World Cup clash, won by Fiji. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images) “They went through my life and I was obviously burning the candle at both ends with Fiji, all the stresses of coming back and doing a job . “I thought I was Superman. But you can’t live your life staying up until three o’clock, four o’clock, not eating well. “It’s been a wake-up call and a reminder that I’ve got to rest, I’ve got to eat properly. I basically wouldn’t eat all day and then have a massive meal at three in the morning. And your life is not only about work. “That’s what the stroke was telling me to settle down for a bit and calm myself and get your life in order. “So, I’m a great advocate now of just saying, you don’t have to work yourself to the bone. It’s good to be a hard worker and a good employee, but it’s not everything.” Part of Raiwalui’s decision to open up on his health struggles is to get the message across that enjoying a sustainable work-life balance is essential. “I’ve been blessed with the support,” he said. “I’m quite a private person and I don’t like to share. It’s part of the biggest problem with me, I just put things in the back and ignore it. But the support has been great. “It’s actually good to get back on Twitter and say hello and get some normality back in my life. “I love rugby and I’ve been so happy with Australian rugby this year. It’s really good to see the job that Joe and his team have done to really bring back a good feeling with rugby in Australia, which is really important to me. “I was part of the problem with Fiji (defeating the Wallabies last year), but it’s great to see Australian rugby really turn a corner, and there’s some really positive vibes coming out of this last year. “This next year is going to be a very good Super Rugby season, it’s going to be the best one in a long time, and then you’ve got the Lions tour, so it’s going to be a massive 2025.” So what’s on for the coming weeks? “We’ll enjoy Christmas, I’ll just stay away from the bad food and alcohol,” he said.

An Israeli strike has killed at least 30 Palestinians and wounded 50 others who were sheltering in a post office in central Gaza Strip, bringing the death toll on Thursday in the enclave to 66. or signup to continue reading With no sign of let-up in the 14-month-old conflict, the strike hit a postal facility in Nuseirat camp where displaced families had sought refuge and also damaged several nearby houses, medics told Reuters. The Israeli military did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Nuseirat is one of the Gaza Strip's eight historic camps originally for Palestinian refugees from the 1948 war around the establishment of Israel. Today, it is part of a dense urban area crowded with displaced people from throughout the enclave. Earlier on Thursday, two Israeli strikes in southern Gaza killed 13 Palestinians who Gaza medics and Hamas said were part of a force protecting humanitarian aid trucks. Israel's military said they were Hamas militants trying to hijack the shipment. Many of those killed in the attacks on Rafah and Khan Younis had links to Hamas, according to sources close to the group. The Israeli military said in a statement the two air strikes aimed to ensure the safe delivery of humanitarian aid and accused Hamas members of planning to prevent the aid from reaching Gaza civilians who need it. The statement said the Hamas members aimed to hijack the aid "in support of continuing terrorist activity". Armed gangs have repeatedly hijacked aid trucks, and Hamas has formed a task force to confront them. The Hamas-led forces have killed over two dozen members of the gangs in recent months, Hamas sources and medics said. Hamas said Israeli military strikes have killed at least 700 police tasked with securing aid trucks in Gaza since the war began on October 7, 2023. It has accused Israel of trying to protect looting and "creating anarchy and chaos to prevent aid from reaching the people of Gaza". Separately, the Israeli military on Thursday ordered residents of several districts in the heart of Gaza City to evacuate, saying it would respond to rockets launched from those areas. "This is a pre-warning before an attack," read a military statement posted on X that some residents also received as text and audio alerts on their mobile phones. The evacuation orders caused a new wave of displacement. At nightfall, dozens of families streamed out of the areas heading toward the centre of the city. Israeli bombings of a residential building in Gaza City's al-Jalaa Street and a house west of Nuseirat killed 22 people, medics and the Palestinian news agency WAFA said. In the northern Gaza refugee camp of Jabalia, where the army has operated since October, health officials said an orthopaedic doctor, Saeed Judeh, was shot dead by Israeli forces while on his way to Al-Awda Hospital where he usually treated patients. The health ministry said his death raised to 1057 the number of healthcare workers killed since the war began. Months of ceasefire efforts by Arab mediators, Egypt and Qatar, backed by the United States, have failed to conclude a deal between the two warring sides. On Wednesday, the United Nations General Assembly overwhelmingly voted to demand an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire and the immediate release of all hostages seized in Israel in October 2023 and held by Hamas in Gaza. The war in the Palestinian enclave began after Hamas gunmen stormed into Israeli communities, killing around 1200 people and taking about 250 hostages back to Hamas-run Gaza, according to Israeli tallies. Since then, Israel's military has levelled swathes of Gaza, driving nearly all of its 2.3 million people from their homes, giving rise to deadly hunger and disease and killing more than 44,800 people, according to Palestinian health authorities. DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily! Advertisement AdvertisementSubscribe Search Search Sort by Relevance Title Date Subscribe ALBAWABA - Following an unexpected countrywide ground halt due to a technical problem, American Airlines swiftly resumed operations on Tuesday's Christmas Eve. Also Read American Airlines imposes 17% raise to flight attendants wages in fear of strikes The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said the one-hour interruption affected all US aircraft during the busiest holiday travel time, from 11:50 AM to 12:50 PM GMT, AFP reports. According to the FAA, American Airlines requested the ground stop to address the issue at hand. Citing a “vendor technology issue” as the reason, the airline said in a statement that the situation was quickly fixed. Live scenes from American Airlines... pic.twitter.com/zPYDTnrwDT — Andy Monks ✈️ (@AndythePandy_) December 24, 2024 American Airlines commented earlier saying “Your safety is our utmost priority,” offered its passengers an apology for the inconvenience, and promised to work toward resuming regular operations. On social media, travelers complained about possible holiday interruptions and delays, with some travelers complaining that they were deplaned when their aircraft returned to the gate. In an active response to online consumer inquiries, American Airlines emphasized that its workers were working nonstop to resolve the issue. Holiday travel was at an all-time high at the time of the interruption. Between December 19 and January 2, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) predicted that around 40 million passengers would transit through American airports, a 6.2% increase over the previous year, according to ABC News. December 20 and December 27 were expected to be American Airlines' busiest travel days during the holiday period. Flights continued as planned despite the brief disruption, with American Airlines informing customers that reducing delays and guaranteeing safety were their top missions. Although the airline could not provide any information on the technological problem, it did emphasize its dedication to promptly addressing operational difficulties and preserving service dependability. A passionate about the Gaming Industry with a career of over 5 years in the field, I write about current trends and news in the Game Development business and how it impact the industry and players. Laith has recently started a new position at Al Bawaba as a freelance business writer. Subscribe Sign up to our newsletter for exclusive updates and enhanced content Subscribe Now Subscribe Sign up to get Al Bawaba's exclusive celeb scoops and entertainment news Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive updates and enhanced content Subscribe

Indexes near flat but still near closing highsGrid Dynamics Holdings Set to Join S&P SmallCap 600

CHANDLER, Arizona — A crash in the area of Del Rio Street and Kyrene Road is expected to cause traffic restrictions for a while. According to Chandler police, the crash involved two vehicles in a t-bone crash. At least one person was injured in the crash. Kyrene is shut down for north and southbound travel at Del Rio Street and Gila Springs. >> For real-time traffic conditions, click here. Traffic detectives are headed to the scene of the crash and police say that could extend traffic restrictions. Police are urging drivers to use Chandler Boulevard or Ray Road. Watch 12News for free You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere thanks to the 12+ app! The free 12+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV . 12+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona. Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives. Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for "12 News KPNX." Amazon Fire TV: Search for "12 News KPNX" to find the free 12+ app to add to your account , or have the 12+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app.Russia shares higher at close of trade; MOEX Russia Index up 1.03%Seattle Seahawks receiver is DK Metcalf is just fine when he doesn't have the the ball because it means he gets to showcase his blocking skills. “I just look at it as a sign of respect that I’ve gained from other defensive coordinators and just continue to do my job with it as blocking or being a decoy,” the two-time Pro Bowler said. While opposing defenses have keyed in on Metcalf, other aspects of Seattle's offense have surfaced during its four-game winning streak. The run has the Seahawks (8-5) sitting atop the NFC West heading into Sunday night's game against the visiting Green Bay Packers (9-4). Geno Smith's new top target is second-year receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who needs 89 receiving yards for his first career 1,000-yard season. Smith-Njigba has 75 catches for 911 yards and five touchdowns, while Metcalf, often dealing with double coverage, has 54 catches for 812 yards and two scores. Metcalf says he feels the pride of a “proud parent or a big brother” when it comes to Smith-Njigba's success. Seattle's offense also got a boost from the ground game in a 30-18 victory over the Arizona Cardinals last weekend . Zach Charbonnet, filling in for the injured Kenneth Walker III, ran for a career-best 134 yards and two touchdowns. The Seahawks face another hot team in the Packers (9-4), who have won seven of nine. Green Bay's two losses over that stretch have come against NFC-best Detroit (12-1), including a 34-31 victory by the Lions on Dec. 5, which means the NFC North title is likely out of reach for the Packers. The Packers are well-positioned for a playoff berth, but that almost certainly won't come this weekend. They would need a win, a loss or tie by the Atlanta Falcons and a tie between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers. Metcalf, who learned to block from his father, former Chicago Bears offensive lineman Terrence Metcalf, says he tries to take blocking seriously to set himself apart from other receivers. His priorities are simple when he's getting double-teamed and the ball goes elsewhere. “Trying to block my (butt) off and trying to get pancakes on defensive backs,” he said. When the Packers surged their way into the playoffs last season, quarterback Jordan Love was a major reason why. He had 18 touchdown passes and one interception during Green Bay's final eight games. During the last four games of this season, Love ranks third in the NFL with a 118.9 passer rating with six touchdowns, one interception and a league-best 10.3 yards per attempt. “I always feel like I can put the ball where I want to — and that’s part of it, too, having that confidence to be able to throw those passes,” Love said. “There’s always like I said a handful of plays that might not come off or be in the exact spot that you wanted it to or the throw might be a little bit off. So, that’s where you’ve just got to try to be at your best every play, be consistent and accurate as possible.” Green Bay’s pass defense has been picked apart the last two weeks. First, it was torched by Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins in a Packers win. Next, it allowed Jared Goff to complete his final 13 passes as the Lions rallied to victory. It won’t get any easier this week. Smith is second in the NFL in attempts, completions and passing yards and is fifth in completion percentage. “It’s been a remarkable turnaround for him in terms of just where he started,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur said. “It’s not always where you start, but where you finish. And it tells me a lot about the person in terms of his resiliency and ability to fight through some adversity. He’s a dangerous quarterback.” The potential return of former All-Pro cornerback Jaire Alexander (knee) could help the Packers. Will the Packers break out their head-to-toe white uniforms? The last time Green Bay wore the winter white look was in a 24-22 win over Houston in October. The Packers asked fans to weigh in on social media . As for the Seahawks, they'll be sporting their “Action Green” uniforms. Metcalf is a fan. “I would say this about the Action Green, I love them personally in my opinion, but the big guys hate them. I don’t know why, don’t ask me," he said. “Hopefully, the Packers wear all white, so it’ll be a fun-looking game.” AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflBy ADRIANA GOMEZ LICON FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump promised on Tuesday to “vigorously pursue” capital punishment after President Joe Biden commuted the sentences of most people on federal death row partly to stop Trump from pushing forward their executions. Related Articles National Politics | Elon Musk’s preschool is the next step in his anti-woke education dreams National Politics | Trump’s picks for top health jobs not just team of rivals but ‘team of opponents’ National Politics | Biden will decide on US Steel acquisition after influential panel fails to reach consensus National Politics | Biden vetoes once-bipartisan effort to add 66 federal judgeships, citing ‘hurried’ House action National Politics | A history of the Panama Canal — and why Trump can’t take it back on his own Trump criticized Biden’s decision on Monday to change the sentences of 37 of the 40 condemned people to life in prison without parole, arguing that it was senseless and insulted the families of their victims. Biden said converting their punishments to life imprisonment was consistent with the moratorium imposed on federal executions in cases other than terrorism and hate-motivated mass murder. “Joe Biden just commuted the Death Sentence on 37 of the worst killers in our Country,” he wrote on his social media site. “When you hear the acts of each, you won’t believe that he did this. Makes no sense. Relatives and friends are further devastated. They can’t believe this is happening!” Presidents historically have no involvement in dictating or recommending the punishments that federal prosecutors seek for defendants in criminal cases, though Trump has long sought more direct control over the Justice Department’s operations. The president-elect wrote that he would direct the department to pursue the death penalty “as soon as I am inaugurated,” but was vague on what specific actions he may take and said they would be in cases of “violent rapists, murderers, and monsters.” He highlighted the cases of two men who were on federal death row for slaying a woman and a girl, had admitted to killing more and had their sentences commuted by Biden. On the campaign trail, Trump often called for expanding the federal death penalty — including for those who kill police officers, those convicted of drug and human trafficking, and migrants who kill U.S. citizens. “Trump has been fairly consistent in wanting to sort of say that he thinks the death penalty is an important tool and he wants to use it,” said Douglas Berman, an expert on sentencing at Ohio State University’s law school. “But whether practically any of that can happen, either under existing law or other laws, is a heavy lift.” Berman said Trump’s statement at this point seems to be just a response to Biden’s commutation. “I’m inclined to think it’s still in sort of more the rhetoric phase. Just, ‘don’t worry. The new sheriff is coming. I like the death penalty,’” he said. Most Americans have historically supported the death penalty for people convicted of murder, according to decades of annual polling by Gallup, but support has declined over the past few decades. About half of Americans were in favor in an October poll, while roughly 7 in 10 Americans backed capital punishment for murderers in 2007. Before Biden’s commutation, there were 40 federal death row inmates compared with more than 2,000 who have been sentenced to death by states. “The reality is all of these crimes are typically handled by the states,” Berman said. A question is whether the Trump administration would try to take over some state murder cases, such as those related to drug trafficking or smuggling. He could also attempt to take cases from states that have abolished the death penalty. Berman said Trump’s statement, along with some recent actions by states, may present an effort to get the Supreme Court to reconsider a precedent that considers the death penalty disproportionate punishment for rape. “That would literally take decades to unfold. It’s not something that is going to happen overnight,” Berman said. Before one of Trump’s rallies on Aug. 20, his prepared remarks released to the media said he would announce he would ask for the death penalty for child rapists and child traffickers. But Trump never delivered the line. One of the men Trump highlighted on Tuesday was ex-Marine Jorge Avila Torrez, who was sentenced to death for killing a sailor in Virginia and later pleaded guilty to the fatal stabbing of an 8-year-old and a 9-year-old girl in a suburban Chicago park several years before. The other man, Thomas Steven Sanders, was sentenced to death for the kidnapping and slaying of a 12-year-old girl in Louisiana, days after shooting the girl’s mother in a wildlife park in Arizona. Court records show he admitted to both killings. Some families of victims expressed anger with Biden’s decision, but the president had faced pressure from advocacy groups urging him to make it more difficult for Trump to increase the use of capital punishment for federal inmates. The ACLU and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops were some of the groups that applauded the decision. Biden left three federal inmates to face execution. They are Dylann Roof, who carried out the 2015 racist slayings of nine Black members of Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina; 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. Associated Press writers Jill Colvin, Michelle L. Price and Eric Tucker contributed to this report.

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Tweet Facebook Mail The Jewish community in Melbourne are in shock today over a suspicious fire at a synagogue in the city's south-east. The blaze broke out at the Adass Israel synagogue Glen Eira Avenue in Ripponlea about 4.10am and took 60 firefighters about an hour to bring under control. It left the place of worship heavily damaged. READ MORE: Police release photos after CEO shot to death with inscribed bullets in New York A Melbourne synagogue suffered major damage from a suspicious fire early today. (Nine) "No one was injured during the incident and the synagogue sustained significant damage," police said. "A crime scene has been established, and the investigation remains ongoing." A board member of the synagogue told 9News he was deeply shocked by the arson attack. "Didn't think it would happen here in Melbourne to us," he said. "You know we're a quiet community. We have our heads down. We don't bother anybody. We wish everybody well." The fire started about two hours before daily early prayers were held at the synagogue, attended by about 200 to 300 worshippers. Firefighters remain on the scene this morning and are checking for hotspots. A community advice warning was issued for smoke in nearby suburbs. Anyone who witnessed the incident, has dash cam/CCTV footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP : Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play .

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