711 job requirements Stock market today: Asian shares are mostly lower, with most world markets closed for Christmas BANGKOK (AP) — Shares are lower in Tokyo and Shanghai, two of only a handful of world markets open on Christmas day. Oil prices rose. On Tuesday, stocks closed higher on Wall Street in a shortened holiday session. Gains in Big Tech stocks helped the S&P 500 to a 1.1% gain, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.9%. The Nasdaq composite climbed 1.3%. American Airlines shook off an early loss and ended mostly higher after the airline briefly grounded flights nationwide due to a technical issue. Treasury yields held steady. The yield on the 10-year Treasury was little changed at 4.59% Undersea power cable linking Finland and Estonia hit by outage, prompting investigation FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Finland’s prime minister says authorities are investigating an interruption in a power cable under the Baltic Sea between his country and Estonia. Petteri Orpo said on X that power transmission through the Estlink-2 cable suffered an outage Wednesday. Authorities have been on edge about undersea infrastructure in the Baltic after two international data cables were severed in November and the Nord Stream gas pipelines between Russia and Germany were blown up in September 2022. Japan to maximize nuclear power in clean-energy push as electricity demand grows TOKYO (AP) — A Japanese government panel has largely supported a draft energy policy calling for bolstering renewables up to half of Japanese electricity needs by 2040. It also recommends maximizing the use of nuclear power to accommodate the growing demand for power in the era of AI while meeting decarbonization targets. Cabinet is expected to formally approve the plan by March following a period of public consultation. The policy says nuclear energy should account for 20% of Japan’s energy supply in 2040, with renewables expanded to 40-50% and coal-fired power reduced to 30-40%. Biden will decide on US Steel acquisition after influential panel fails to reach consensus WASHINGTON (AP) — A powerful government panel has failed to reach consensus on the possible national security risks of a nearly $15 billion proposed deal for Nippon Steel of Japan to purchase U.S. Steel. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States on Monday sent its long-awaited report to President Joe Biden, a longtime opponent of the deal. Some federal agencies represented on the panel were skeptical that allowing a Japanese company to buy an American-owned steelmaker would create national security risks. That's according to a U.S. official familiar with the matter. Both Biden and President-elect Donald Trump opposed the merger and vowed to block it. Nippon Steel says it is confident the deal will go ahead. Nissan and Honda to attempt a merger that would create the world's No. 3 automaker TOKYO (AP) — Japanese automakers Nissan and Honda have announced plans to work toward a merger that would catapult them to a top position in an industry in the midst of tectonic shifts as it transitions away from its reliance on fossil fuels. The two companies said they signed an agreement on integrating their businesses on Monday. Smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors agreed to join the talks. News of a possible merger surfaced earlier this month. Japanese automakers face a strong challenge from their Chinese rivals and Tesla as they make inroads into markets at home and abroad. What a merger between Nissan and Honda means for the automakers and the industry BANGKOK (AP) — Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan will attempt to merge and create the world’s third-largest automaker by sales as the industry undergoes dramatic changes in its transition away from fossil fuels. The two companies said they had signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday and that smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors also had agreed to join the talks on integrating their businesses. Honda will initially lead the new management, retaining the principles and brands of each company. Following is a quick look at what a combined Honda and Nissan would mean for the companies, and for the auto industry. Survey: Small businesses are feeling more optimistic about the economy after the election A survey shows small business owners are feeling more optimistic about the economy following the election. The National Federation of Independent Businesses’ Small Business Optimism Index rose by eight points in November to 101.7, its highest reading since June 2021. The Uncertainty Index declined 12 points in November to 98, following October’s pre-election record high of 110. NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg said small business owners became more certain about future business conditions following the presidential election, breaking a nearly three-year streak of record high uncertainty. The survey also showed that more owners are also hoping 2025 will be a good time to grow. Heavy travel day starts with brief grounding of all American Airlines flights WASHINGTON (AP) — American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide due to a technical problem just as the Christmas travel season kicked into overdrive and winter weather threatened more potential problems for those planning to fly or drive. Government regulators cleared American flights to get airborne Tuesday about an hour after the Federal Aviation Administration ordered a national ground stop, which prevented planes from taking off. American said in an email that the problem was caused by vendor technology in its flight operating system. Aviation analytics company Cirium said flights were delayed across American’s major hubs, with only 37% leaving on time. Nineteen flights were cancelled. Nordstrom to be acquired by Nordstrom family and a Mexican retail group in $6.25 billion deal Century-old department store Nordstrom has agreed to be acquired and taken private by Nordstrom family members and a Mexican retail group in a $6.25 billion deal. Nordstrom shareholders will receive $24.25 in cash for each share of Nordstrom common stock, representing a 42% premium on the company’s stock as of March 18. Nordstrom’s board of directors unanimously approved the the proposed transaction, while Erik and Pete Nordstrom — part of the Nordstrom family taking over the company — recused themselves from voting. Following the close of the transaction, the Nordstrom Family will have a majority ownership stake in the company. Stock market today: Wall Street rallies ahead of Christmas Stocks closed higher on Wall Street ahead of the Christmas holiday, led by gains in Big Tech stocks. The S&P 500 added 1.1% Tuesday. Trading closed early ahead of the holiday. Tech companies including Apple, Amazon and chip company Broadcom helped pull the market higher. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.9%, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 1.3%. American Airlines shook off an early loss and ended mostly higher after the airline briefly grounded flights nationwide due to a technical issue. Treasury yields held steady in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury was little changed at 4.59%Launched to foster a deeper understanding of blockchain technology, the University of Floki provides free, expert-led courses covering various topics, from decentralized finance (DeFi) to non-fungible tokens (NFTs). 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( MENAFN - IANS) Melbourne, Dec 30 (IANS) The ongoing Boxing Day Test between India and Australia has set a new record for attendance figures in longer format games at the Melbourne cricket Ground (MCG), beating the previous record set in 1936/37 when Australia faced England in a six-day game. Presently, 51,371 fans are at the MCG for day five's play, and more are expected to enter the Stadium for witnessing a thrilling finish to a game full of twists and turns. It has propelled the ongoing game to beat the previous overall record of 350,534 spectators at the same ground during the 1936/37 Ashes series against England, when Donald Bradman made 270. As per Cricket Australia (CA), with more than 351,104 fans in attendance for five days, the game has also entered record books as the highest-attended Test match ever in Australia.“We've officially surpassed the attendance record set in 1936/37 when Australia faced England - a Test which spanned six days,” said the MCG through its 'X' account on Monday. "Thank you, Melbourne. An Australian cricketing record, an MCG record and history made," Cricket Australia said on its 'X' account. Such has been the rush of fans coming into the MCG for witnessing day five's play that the stadium staff have been scrambling around to make more arrangements around security, as well as food and beverage supplies, with all sections of the stadium open to accommodate spectators. The attendance figure for opening day of the ongoing Boxing Day Test stood at 87,242, which became a new record for the highest single match-day attendance in a Test match between the two teams. Day three's play on Saturday attracted 83,073 fans, which set a new record for spectator attendance on the moving day of a Boxing Day Test match. The record-breaking spectator attendances for the Boxing Day Test is attributed to a massive contingent of Indian fans, bringing in a carnival-like atmosphere at the MCG. The previous-best record for overall attendance in a Boxing Day Test was 271,865 during the 2013/14 Ashes. MENAFN29122024000231011071ID1109040135 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.

NEW YORK (AP) — The man accused of gunning down United Healthcare’s CEO outside a Manhattan hotel is now jailed in New York, awaiting arraignment Monday on a state murder indictment after he was returned to the city in dramatic fashion to face charges in multiple courts. Shackled and wearing an orange prison jumpsuit, 26-year-old Luigi Mangione was escorted Thursday by heavily armed police officers and whisked by air from Pennsylvania to Manhattan, where he appeared in a packed courtroom on federal charges that could bring the death penalty. The Ivy League graduate, who prosecutors say inveighed against the health insurance industry and wealthy executives in his writings, was not required to enter a plea to federal charges of murder, stalking and firearms charges in the Dec. 4 killing of Brian Thompson . The state indictment charges Mangione with murder as a terrorist act. Here’s what’s next in the cases: Mangione is being held without bail at Metropolitan Detention Center, the same federal jail where hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs and cryptocurrency fraudster Sam Bankman-Fried are currently detained. The notorious Brooklyn facility, the only federal lockup in the city, has been variously described as “hell on earth” and an “ongoing tragedy” because of deplorable conditions, rampant violence, dysfunction and multiple deaths. The federal Bureau of Prisons has said it is increasing staffing to make up for staggering shortfalls , but conditions have been so stark at the jail, which houses about 1,100 inmates, that some judges have refused to send people there. Besides the federal charges filed Thursday, Mangione must still answer to a state murder indictment . Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office charged Mangione with murder as an act of terrorism , which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole. He is also charged with state weapons offenses and possession of a fake ID. Prosecutors have said the two cases will proceed on parallel tracks, with the state charges expected to go to trial first. Mangione’s lawyer, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, argued in court Thursday that the terrorism allegations in the state case and stalking charges in the federal complaint appear to be at odds. “Those are two completely different theories,” she said. “These seem like different cases.” The U.S. Supreme Court in 2019 upheld a longstanding constitutional rule allowing state and federal governments to prosecute someone for the same crime. Mangione is set to be arraigned Monday in Manhattan on the state indictment, according to Bragg's office. The University of Pennsylvania alum, who hailed from a prominent Maryland family and had also lived in Hawaii, had been expected to be arraigned Thursday on the state charges before the federal charges preempted that appearance. In the federal case, Mangione could next return to court for a bail hearing or for a preliminary hearing if prosecutors don’t obtain a grand jury indictment by mid-January. New York effectively effectively abolished its death penalty by 2007 and the last execution in the state was in 1963. But the federal death penalty remains in effect. The federal complaint filed against Mangione includes a count of murder by firearm, which carries the possibility of the death penalty if he is convicted. Federal prosecutors have not said if they will seek the death penalty. That decision will be made in coming months by Justice Department officials in Washington, likely after President-elect Donald Trump is sworn in on Jan. 20. President Joe Biden's administration put a moratorium on federal executions soon after he took office in 2021, but that hasn't stopped federal prosecutors from seeking the death penalty . In contrast, Trump's administration carried out 13 executions in the last six months of his first term. Mangione also faces forgery and firearms charges in Pennsylvania stemming from his arrest last week, but those will likely not be addressed until the New York charges are resolved. He initially fought attempts to be returned to New York, but ultimately waived extradition and a preliminary hearing on the Pennsylvania charges on Thursday. “He is now in their custody,” Blair County District Attorney Peter Weeks said after Mangione was extradited to New York. “We intend to keep our case active and we intend to essentially revisit the case when the defendant is available for prosecution in Blair County.” Associated Press reporter Larry Neumeister in New York contributed to this story. Follow Philip Marcelo at twitter.com/philmarcelo .

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“This has been an absolute nightmare. What have common citizens done to deserve this menace? In the midst of political chaos, it is always the common man who suffers,” said Aqdas Jaffer in frustration following the recent nationwide internet disruptions. These disruptions have made it nearly impossible for people to carry out basic tasks such as accessing work-related documents, connecting with others, or even coordinating simple activities like booking a ride. The frustration is not limited to office workers. Almost every sector – students, business owners, and service providers – has been adversely affected. The internet services have remained erratic, plagued by slow speeds and severe disruptions in messaging apps like WhatsApp, where even uploading voice notes or sharing pictures has turned into an ordeal. This issue has persisted throughout the month, impacting thousands and creating significant hurdles in communication and daily operations. In Karachi, a city known for its service-sector-driven economy and high degree of social and economic integration, the situation has reached a breaking point. Despite its status as an economic hub, the city is grappling with frequent outages and connectivity failures. These issues appear to be linked to the ongoing protests by supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), who have been marching towards Islamabad, the capital. The resulting political unrest has led to blackouts, creating a ripple effect that has worsened connectivity nationwide. Pakistan’s reliance on digital services for commerce, education, and transportation means that internet outages are not just a technical problem-they are a national crisis. This is not the first time such disruptions have occurred. In August, similar connectivity issues arose, prompting the Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima, to order the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to submit a report. Despite this, there has been no significant improvement. The lack of accountability and long-term solutions has left citizens questioning whether the government is taking this issue seriously. For cities like Karachi and Islamabad, where transportation systems and other essential services heavily rely on the internet, the impact has been devastating. Neha, a 23-year-old medical student at Baqai Medical University, expressed her frustration: “I cannot afford to miss my classes, but commuting has become such a headache. I used to book a rickshaw every morning through an app, but now, with the internet down, I either can’t book a ride or have to pay two to three times more than usual. I’m afraid things will only get worse from here.” This lack of internet connectivity is not just an inconvenience; it has serious economic implications. Khuda Barsh, a Yango driver, shared his plight: “I haven’t been able to get even five rides since yesterday. If I accept a ride, the app either crashes, or the map doesn’t load properly. It’s so frustrating. I don’t know when this will end.” For drivers like Khuda, whose livelihoods depend on reliable internet, these disruptions are a matter of survival. The broader impact of this “fractured connectivity” is evident in its effect on the country’s economy. Pakistan’s reliance on digital services for commerce, education, and transportation means that internet outages are not just a technical problem-they are a national crisis. Short-term solutions will not suffice; there needs to be a holistic approach to addressing the underlying causes of these disruptions. The government must act decisively to ensure that such crises are not repeated. Providing temporary relief may appease citizens momentarily, but the long-term consequences of neglecting internet infrastructure and security will have far-reaching effects on individuals and the economy. For Pakistan to move forward, it must prioritize connectivity as an essential service, safeguarding it from political and social upheavals. As the country continues to face mounting challenges, restoring and stabilizing internet services should be at the forefront of the government’s agenda. Without reliable connectivity, the daily lives of millions and the overall economic health of the nation remain at risk. The writer is a freelance columnist.In a year marked by destructive weather storms and a polarizing presidential election, it’s gratifying to see Oregonians come together to support our annual Season of Sharing holiday fundraising campaign. This year’s campaign tells the stories of 13 nonprofits working to make Oregonians’ lives better in a variety of ways, ranging from groups working with young people struggling to maintain their mental health, to organizations helping people experiencing homelessness get back on their feet. Donations to the campaign, administered by The Oregonian/OregonLive’s charitable arm, Oregonian Public Benefits Inc., will be divided among the nonprofits as unrestricted grants. The Season of Sharing campaign is accepting donations, which are tax deductible, through Dec. 31. The more that comes in, the more each nonprofit will receive. Online donations can be made at oregonlive.com/sharing or the 2024 Season of Sharing Give Lively page . You can also Text the code Season2024 to 44-321. Donations can also be made by mail: Make a check out to Season of Sharing and send it to Season of Sharing, c/o Oregonians Credit Union, 336 N.E. 20th Ave., Portland, OR 97232. Related: How Oregonians can help the Season of Sharing campaign ; Editorial: Support the groups that shore up our safety net . Albertina Kerr This century-old stalwart of Portland’s nonprofit landscape offers youth mental health services and group homes for those with intellectual or developmental disabilities, with the goal of empowering people to “lead self-determined lives.” Mica Dorfman, who spent a few weeks at the center’s youth psychiatric care unit when she was 12, credits Albertina Kerr with teaching her life skills like journaling that have helped her return to standard home life and made her an advocate for teen mental health. “Being with other people and talking was something that I really needed,” said Dorfman, whose stay at Albertina Kerr was prompted by the loneliness of the COVID-19 pandemic. Read the story . Bradley Angle When Goblynx Joestar moved to Portland in 2023, they experienced some tough times, including being homeless for a time. But at Bradley Angle, which has a mission to serve people affected by domestic violence, they found programs specifically designed to meet the needs of LGBTQ+ people. The nonprofit is led by interim CEO Margot Martin, who hopes to assist survivors of domestic violence who don’t know where to turn. Working with Bradley Angle staffers who identified with them, Joestar said, “has been one of the biggest strengths I could have, not only having that gender identity, but having the lived experience, and the understanding of some of the things I’d been going through. It made it easier to actually talk, and to come here, and put trust in these people.” Read the story . The Commons Law Center The Commons Law Center offers a free tenant defense clinic to help people facing eviction get a free consultation and evaluation of their case, as well as get an overview of their rights. The center’s attorneys work to not only protect legal rights and educate tenants, but also to keep people housed and off the streets. Eviction prevention is particularly important to members of the LGTBQ+ community and people with disabilities, who are three times more likely to appear at landlord tenant court. Kamron Graham, a lawyer who serves as executive director, sees the need for her group’s services with clients every day of the week. “A lot of people assume that if they tell their story, the court will understand,” Graham said. “But eviction court follows strict rules, so our role is to ensure tenants know what they’re facing and how best to proceed.” Read the story . Community Transitional School Since 1990, Portland’s Community Transitional School has catered directly to students dealing with homelessness. Students attend tuition free and get bus transportation from wherever they are staying to bring them to the school in Northeast Portland’s Cully neighborhood. “It’s a small school and kids can feel right away that they belong,” says Cheryl Bickle, the school’s founder, principal and third through fifth grade teacher. “I feel safe here and accepted for who I am,” said Diva, a student at the school. “It’s so quiet and not crowded.” Read the story . Forward Stride The equine therapy program Forward Stride has a mission is to enhance the quality of life of teens facing mental health challenges, disabilities or significant life difficulties. The unique bond between horses and humans — characterized by the calming effect of the horse’s lower heart rate and their ability to mirror human emotions — offers a sense of tranquility that can help young people overcome personal mental health challenges. “It does make a difference,” said Rhonda Kittredge, one of the organizations 190 volunteers. “You see these kids year after year sometimes, and you can see their growth and their confidence levels are so much better than when they first started.” Read the story . Friends of Noise Music has the power to nourish the soul. But if you’re under 21, there aren’t many places to enjoy live music, and even fewer opportunities for youth to practice their craft as performing artists, sound engineers or event producers. The nonprofit Friends of Noise works with young musicians, poets, DJ’s and young Portlanders interested in music technology, with outreach to the LGBTQ+ community and groups affected by racial, economic and gender disparity. Programs include music workshops and special concerts while the nonprofit works towards opening its own arts venue. “We hope that it is a safe, welcoming and inclusive third space for young people,” said André Middleton, Friends of Noise executive director, “a space where they can find their voices, where they are producing events for their community, by their community.” Read the story . Kathy’s Place Kathy’s Place opened its doors to homeless mothers in the Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties in December 2023 with a mission of “breaking the cycle of poverty by creating safe and affordable neighborhood communities where single moms are empowered with the resources they need to build a thriving future for their family.” For Jen Haugsdal and her two young children, it offered a safe place to sleep, relax, and regain a sense of self. At its four-plex in the Hazelwood neighborhood, single moms overcome trauma and chart a new way forward with their lives. “Every color, every texture is designed to give moms and kids a sense of safety, security and peace,” says Kimberly Brune, founding executive director. “These units were developed to be able to let your shoulders down, let your fists unclench.” Read the story . Looking Glass Community Services Each year, about 4,000 young people in crisis are helped by Eugene’s Looking Glass Community Services. The organization’s network of alternative schools, residential treatment centers, behavioral health services and shelters help youth find a pathway to a safe and stable future. But Looking Glass is more than a hot meal, clean clothes and a safe place to stay. Its trained counselors show how education and therapy can help people cope with a rocky childhood without anger and destructive behaviors. Maddox, 20, who is living at the organization’s PEER shelter for unhoused youth, said the program helps young people become independent: “On our own, we are hidden, forgotten about. Instead, we can grow to show others how they can make it.” Read the story . Portland Literacy Council Portland Literacy Council promotes adult literacy through its GED voucher program, which pays for practice and official GED tests for adult learners. Mark Herman, who gives ukulele and guitar lessons between painting houses and taking writing classes at Portland Community College, says the program did a lot to reduce his anxiety about the expense and time commitment of getting his GED. “It felt great,” he said of the day he got his certificate. “I’m gonna keep going to school and just see what happens. “I’m trying to, like, really, really stay on course.” Read the story . Serendipity Center Since 1979, Serendipity Center has served as a therapeutic school for underserved students who are living with behavioral disabilities and mental health challenges, helping these students heal and become educated, productive community members. The center helps build skills that prepare students to return to their home district as well as independent living after graduation. With Season of Sharing’s help, they hope to expand their art therapy program. “It’s really easy for people to say, ‘Oh, these are bad kids.’ They are not. They are doing the best they can with the limited tools that they have,” said Serendipity’s executive director Matthew Berryessa. “These kids need highly skilled, highly capable, highly empathetic adults to help them out.” Read the story . Siletz Regalia Sharing Closet Founded by Savanna Rilatos and Jeidah DeZurney, the Siletz Regalia Sharing Closet was created to bridge that gap between accessibility and culture by providing Indigenous youth with access to traditional regalia, fostering a sense of pride and belonging in communities across Oregon. The organization was recently granted nonprofit status, which has given the co-founders the opportunity to expand the closet in new ways. “I think one of the biggest things with healing our communities and healing our youth is getting them involved in the culture and giving them that sense of belonging,” Rilatos said. Read the story. St. Johns Food Share St. Johns Food Share provides food to anyone seeking it, with no questions asked. For an estimated 1,000 people a month, it’s a direct line to bags of produce, kitchen staples, bakery items and frozen meals, with people getting to choose every food item they take home with them. While the food is all donated, the food bank still needs electricity to run its freezers and walk-in refrigerators. By providing food at no cost “we help people pick and choose how to spend their money,” explained board president Tiffany Slottke. “Our resources can take away one of someone’s struggles. And we’re making use of unsold goods.” Read the story . Street Roots Street Roots helps people experiencing homelessness and poverty by producing a newspaper that is a catalyst for social change. The paper is sold by people experiencing homelessness and poverty to earn an income, helping them overcome barriers to accessing employment and stable housing. With Season of Sharing’s help, Street Roots hopes to expand its Vendor Program, which helps more than 600 people a year. “I finally found home,” said James Duby, a onetime Street Roots vendor who now is its vendor team assistant. “I am in a better place than I have ever been because of Street Roots.” Read the story . — Grant Butler 503-221-8566; gbutler@oregonian.com ; @grantbutler Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe

Don recommends 4Rs framework for nation’s teacher, education developmentJimmy Carter, the United States’ longest-lived president, was never afraid of speaking his mind. Forthright and fearless, the Nobel Prize winner took pot-shots at former prime minister Tony Blair and ex-US president George W Bush among others. His death came after repeated bouts of illness in which images of the increasingly frail former president failed to erase memories of his fierce spirit. Democrat James Earl “Jimmy” Carter Jr swept to power in 1977 with his Trust Me campaign helping to beat Republican president Gerald Ford. Serving as 39th US president from 1977 to 1981, he sought to make government “competent and compassionate” but was ousted by the unstoppable Hollywood appeal of a certain Ronald Reagan. A skilled sportsman, Mr Carter left his home of Plains, Georgia, to join the US Navy, returning later to run his family’s peanut business. A stint in the Georgia senate lit the touchpaper on his political career and he rose to the top of the Democratic movement. But he will also be remembered for a bizarre encounter with a deeply disgruntled opponent. The president was enjoying a relaxing fishing trip near his home town in 1979 when his craft was attacked by a furious swamp rabbit which reportedly swam up to the boat hissing wildly. The press had a field day, with one paper bearing the headline President Attacked By Rabbit. Away from encounters with belligerent bunnies, Mr Carter’s willingness to address politically uncomfortable topics did not diminish with age. He recently said that he would be willing to travel to North Korea for peace talks on behalf of US President Donald Trump. He also famously mounted a ferocious and personal attack on Tony Blair over the Iraq war, weeks before the prime minister left office in June 2007. Mr Carter, who had already denounced George W Bush’s presidency as “the worst in history”, used an interview on BBC radio to condemn Mr Blair for his tight relations with Mr Bush, particularly concerning the Iraq War. Asked how he would characterise Mr Blair’s relationship with Mr Bush, Mr Carter replied: “Abominable. Loyal, blind, apparently subservient. “I think that the almost undeviating support by Great Britain for the ill-advised policies of President Bush in Iraq have been a major tragedy for the world.” Mr Carter was also voluble over the Rhodesia crisis, which was about to end during his presidency. His support for Robert Mugabe at the time generated widespread criticism. He was said to have ignored the warnings of many prominent Zimbabweans, black and white, about what sort of leader Mugabe would be. This was seen by Mr Carter’s critics as “deserving a prominent place among the outrages of the Carter years”. Mr Carter has since said he and his administration had spent more effort and worry on Rhodesia than on the Middle East. He admitted he had supported two revolutionaries in Mugabe and Joshua Nkomo, and with hindsight said later that Mugabe had been “a good leader gone bad”, having at first been “a very enlightened president”. One US commentator wrote: “History will not look kindly on those in the West who insisted on bringing the avowed Marxist Mugabe into the government. “In particular, the Jimmy Carter foreign policy... bears some responsibility for the fate of a small African country with scant connection to American national interests.” In recent years Mr Carter developed a reputation as an international peace negotiator. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his commitment to finding peaceful solutions to international conflicts, his work with human rights and democracy initiatives, and his promotion of economic and social programmes. Mr Carter was dispatched to North Korea in August 2008 to secure the release of US citizen Aijalon Mahli Gomes, who had been sentenced to eight years of hard labour after being found guilty of illegally entering North Korea. He successfully secured the release of Mr Gomes. In 2010 he returned to the White House to greet President Barack Obama and discuss international affairs amid rising tensions on the Korean peninsula. Proving politics runs in the family, in 2013 his grandson Jason, a state senator, announced his bid to become governor in Georgia, where his famous grandfather governed before becoming president. He eventually lost to incumbent Republican Nathan Deal. Fears that Mr Carter’s health was deteriorating were sparked in 2015 when he cut short an election observation visit in Guyana because he was “not feeling well”. It would have been Mr Carter’s 39th trip to personally observe an international election. Three months later, on August 12, he revealed he had cancer which had been diagnosed after he underwent surgery to remove a small mass in his liver. Mr Obama was among the well-wishers hoping for Mr Carter’s full recovery after it was confirmed the cancer had spread widely. Melanoma had been found in his brain and liver, and Mr Carter underwent immunotherapy and radiation therapy, before announcing in March the following year that he no longer needed any treatment. In 2017, Mr Carter was taken to hospital as a precaution, after he became dehydrated at a home-building project in Canada. He was admitted to hospital on multiple occasions in 2019 having had a series of falls, suffering a brain bleed and a broken pelvis, as well as a stint to be treated for a urinary tract infection. Mr Carter spent much of the coronavirus pandemic largely at his home in Georgia, and did not attend Joe Biden’s presidential inauguration in 2021, but extended his “best wishes”. Former first lady Rosalynn Carter, the closest adviser to Mr Carter during his term as US president, died in November 2023. She had been living with dementia and suffering many months of declining health. “Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished,” Mr Carter said in a statement following her death. “She gave me wise guidance and encouragement when I needed it. As long as Rosalynn was in the world, I always knew somebody loved and supported me.”

Dartmouth sorority, two members of fraternity face charges after student who attended party drowned HANOVER, N.H. (AP) — A sorority at Dartmouth College and two members of a fraternity faces charges related to the death of a student who drowned after attending an off-campus party. The Hanover, New Hampshire police department, where Dartmouth is located, said Friday that Alpha Phi was charged with one count of facilitating an underage alcohol house. Two members of the Beta Alpha Omega face a charge of providing alcohol to a person under 21. Won Jang, 20, of Middletown, Delaware, had attended an off-campus party in July hosted by Alpha Phi sorority. Police said the alcohol was provided by Beta Alpha Omega. Tens of thousands of Spaniards protest housing crunch and high rents in Barcelona BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Tens of thousands of Spaniards are marching in downtown Barcelona to protest the skyrocketing cost of renting an apartment in the popular tourist destination. Protesters cut off traffic on main avenues in the city center, holding up homemade signs in Spanish reading “Fewer apartments for investing and more homes for living." The lack of affordable housing has become one of the leading concerns for the southern European Union country, mirroring the housing crunch across many parts of the world, including the United States. The average rent for Spain has doubled in the last decade. In cities like Barcelona, rental prices have also been driven up by short-term renters including tourists. Jason Kelce's wife announces she is pregnant with the couple's fourth child Former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce's wife is announcing she's pregnant with the couple's fourth child. Kylie Kelce posted a photo on Instagram on Friday of the couple's three young daughters reacting to the news. The oldest daughter, Wyatt, appears to be cupping her head in shock. The middle daughter, Ellioette, is smiling. The youngest, Bennett, is in tears. A caption attached to the photo reads: “I feel like we captured a very accurate representation of how each of the girls feel about getting another sister. At least Ellie, mom and dad are on the same page!” Israeli-Moldovan rabbi living in UAE is missing. Israeli officials fear he may have been kidnapped DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — An Israeli-Moldovan rabbi living in the United Arab Emirates has gone missing, with Israeli authorities raising the suspicion he may have been kidnapped as tensions remain high with Iran. The Israeli prime minister’s office said that Zvi Kogan has been missing since noon Thursday. It said that against the backdrop of information that this was a terrorist incident, an extensive investigation has been opened in the country. Emirati officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment Saturday. State-run media in the UAE, an autocratic federation of seven sheikhdoms on the Arabian Peninsula and home to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, did not immediately report the incident. Alyssa Nakken, first full-time female coach in MLB history, leaving Giants to join Guardians CLEVELAND (AP) — Alyssa Nakken, the first woman to coach in an MLB game, is leaving the San Francisco Giants to join the Cleveland Guardians. Nakken made history in 2022 when she took over as first-base coach following an ejection. A former college softball star at Sacramento State, Nakken joined the Giants in 2014 and was promoted to a spot on manager Gabe Kapler’s staff in 2020, becoming the majors’ first full-time female coach. Nakken has been hired as an assistant director within player development for the Guardians, who won the AL Central last season under first-year manager Stephen Vogt. Nakken, 34, will work with former Giants coaches Craig Albernaz and Kai Correa. Officer kills pet dog mistaken for a coyote in Massachusetts town. The owner says it was unnecessary An animal control officer shot and killed a pet dog in a Massachusetts town after mistaking it for a coyote in an incident local police are describing as a sad mix-up. Police in Northbridge, Massachusetts, say the shooting happened on Tuesday after police received a call of a report of a coyote in a residential backyard. Police say the animal control officer went into the woods to look for the coyote and found what they thought was the animal in a threatening position and shot it. The incident happened as communities around Massachusetts and the country have dealt with an uptick in interactions between coyotes and people. Kendrick Lamar surprises with new album 'GNX' LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kendrick Lamar gave music listeners an early holiday present with a new album. The Grammy winner released his sixth studio album “GNX” on Friday. The 12-track project is the rapper’s first release since 2022’s “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.” Lamar’s new album comes just months after his rap battle with Drake. The rap megastar will headline February's Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans. The 37-year-old has experienced massive success since his debut album “good kid, m.A.A.d city” in 2012. Since then, he’s accumulated 17 Grammy wins and became the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to win a Pulitzer Prize. NBA memo to players urges increased vigilance regarding home security following break-ins MIAMI (AP) — The NBA is urging its players to take additional precautions to secure their homes following reports of recent high-profile burglaries of dwellings owned by Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis and Kansas City Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. In a memo sent to team officials, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, the NBA revealed that the FBI has connected some burglaries to “transnational South American Theft Groups” that are “reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices.” Ancient meets modern as a new subway in Greece showcases archaeological treasures THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP) — Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, is opening a new subway system, blending ancient archaeological treasures with modern transit technology like driverless trains and platform screen doors. The project, which began in 2003, uncovered over 300,000 artifacts, including a Roman-era thoroughfare and Byzantine relics, many of which are now displayed in its 13 stations. Despite delays caused by preserving these findings, the inaugural line has been completed, with a second line set to open next year. Conor McGregor must pay $250K to woman who says he raped her, civil jury rules LONDON (AP) — A civil jury in Ireland has awarded more than $250,000 to a woman who says she was raped by mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor in a Dublin hotel penthouse after a night of heavy partying. The jury on Friday awarded Nikita Hand in her lawsuit that claimed McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her in 2018. The lawsuit says the assault left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor testified that he never forced her to do anything and that Hand fabricated her allegations after the two had consensual sex. McGregor says he will appeal the verdict.