9jili In the aftermath of this surreal and unsettling ordeal, Marianne has vowed to be more discerning in her future interactions and to channel her compassion towards those in genuine need. The enigmatic tale of the homeless man who claimed to have organized banquets may never be fully resolved, but its impact on those involved will linger for years to come.BIG 12 THIS WEEKMoving forward, it is imperative for both farmers and government officials to uphold ethical standards and uphold the principles of honesty and integrity in all agricultural practices. By fostering a culture of transparency and accountability, we can work together to build a more resilient and trustworthy agricultural sector that truly benefits those who rely on it for their livelihoods.

Henri of Luxembourg announces he's abdicating: Son Prince Guillaume will take over as Grand Duke in October as his father becomes the latest Euro royal family head to step aside for the next generation By FRANCINE WOLFISZ Published: 23:10, 24 December 2024 | Updated: 23:28, 24 December 2024 e-mail 2 View comments Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg has announced he is abdicating in favour of his son Guillaume, who will officially take the throne from next October. The monarch, 69, made the shock announcement during what will now be considered his last ever annual Christmas broadcast, bringing his 24-year reign to an end. Guillaume, 43, who had already assumed many of his father's duties in recent months as Lieutenant-Representant, will formally take up his new title on October 3, 2025. Henri's abdication marks the second European monarch to step down from their reign this year. His royal relation Queen Margrethe of Denmark decided to give up the throne after 52 years , making way for her son Frederik to take over as King on 14 January. During tonight's broadcast, the outgoing Grand Duke said he was 'proud' to have served his country for a quarter of a century. He said: 'It has been a period during which Luxembourg has undergone great changes, and I am proud to have been able to, together with the Grand Duchess, walk this path with you.' While explaining that 'the Grand Duke is above political parties and does not interfere in political debates,' he said, 'nothing prevents me from speaking out when the fundamental interests of the country and its citizens are at stake.' Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg has announced he is abdicating in favour of his son Guillaume, who will officially take the throne from next October The monarch, 69, made the shock announcement during what will now be considered his last ever annual Christmas broadcast, bringing his 24-year reign to an end Grand Duke Henri (second from left), with Grand Duchess Maria Teresa (left), and Guillaume (second from right) with his wife, Grand Duchess Stephanie of Luxembourg (right) Grand Duke Henri will pass this new title to his 43-year-old son, Prince Guillaume, in October 2025 (pictured in 2022) Read More EXCLUSIVE Full inside story of the royals' worst year revealed by REBECCA ENGLISH: How Charles' cancer led to 'Operation Delphinium', the truth about his health and just why he's so wary of talking to Harry He continued: 'This is what I have strived to do over the past 25 years, paying particular attention from the outset to the diversity of our population, the need for coexistence, and sustainability in all areas of our society, so that we can leave our children a healthier country.' Henri had hinted at stepping down in June this year when he announced his son would become Lieutenant-Representant. After the announcement, the Grand Duke appeared very moved and kissed his son whilst the room applauded. According to the official Palace website, 'designation of the Lieutenant-Representative traditionally occurs in the process of change of reign'. 'This is the beginning of a next chapter for our monarchy,' Luxembourg's Prime Minister Luc Frieden told local media at the time. While the move over the summer on the country's National Day came as a shock to the public, Frieden said it had been mulled behind closed doors for a while. 'We have been talking about it for some time, and I think that on the national holiday it was the right moment, because the Grand Duke is the symbol of our nation,' he said. Grand Duke Henri is the eldest son of the five children of Grand Duke Jean and Grand Duchess Joséphine-Charlotte and took to the throne in 2000, after his father abdicated following a 36-year reign. He is married to Maria Teresa Mestre, the Grand Duchess of Luxembourg. and the pair have five children together; Prince Guillaume, Princess Alexandra, Prince Louis , Prince Félix and Prince Sébastien. He turned 69 in April and admitted that he 'intends to retire at some point' in an interview with French publication La Libre . Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg is pictured with his son, Prince Guillaume and his grandson, Prince Charles in 2020 Different country, same story: King Frederik, Queen Mary and Queen Margrethe of Denmark pictured in May - Frederik was made monarch after Queen Margrethe of Denmark abdicated 'All this is planned in family consultation. I find that it is very important to give young people a perspective.' 'There are plans, it will happen,' the Grand Duke continued. Earlier this year, Queen Margrethe of Denmark decided to give up the throne after 52 years , making way for her son Frederik to take over as King on 14 January. In a statement revealing the news, the former Danish monarch said: 'I have decided that now is the right time. 'The 14th January 2024 - 52 years after I followed my beloved father - I will step back as the Queen of Denmark. I leave the throne to my son the Crown Prince Frederik.' Share or comment on this article: Henri of Luxembourg announces he's abdicating: Son Prince Guillaume will take over as Grand Duke in October as his father becomes the latest Euro royal family head to step aside for the next generation e-mail Add commentLord Glazer's attempts to reform Manchester United have been met with skepticism and resistance from both within and outside the club. His grand promises of revitalizing the team and restoring its former glory have fallen flat in the face of continued underperformance on the pitch and off-field controversies.

EASTENDERS fans are convinced Nigel Bates’ return means one huge soap legend will make a shock comeback after years of rumours. Paul Bradley , 69, has left BBC viewers stunned as he reprises his legendary character for Christmas , leading many to believe that another show legend could be heading back to Albert Square. For years, there's been speculation surrounding the return of Grant Mitchell, one of EastEnders ' most memorable and explosive characters. The rumours gained further momentum last month when actor Ross Kemp , 60, was spotted leaving the Walford set in a car with dark-tinted windows. Grant’s exit from the soap back in 2006 left a significant void, with his turbulent relationship with brother Phil and his fiery temper making him a household name. However, despite numerous rumors over the years, Grant has not yet made his comeback. read more on EastEnders Now, with Nigel’s sudden reappearance, fans are convinced the stage is being set. The two characters share a history , as Nigel's role in the show has always been tied to the Mitchell family, and his return has sparked wild theories about the possibility of Grant's re-emergence. Social media has been buzzing with excitement since the news broke, with fans eager to see what the future holds for the Mitchell family. Taking to X, formerly Twitter , one wrote: "Actually this makes sense, cause grant and Nigel were best friends back in the day, so if phil needs saving who bettervtgen to bring back grant #eastenders." Most read in Soaps Another added: "There's a mention of " Ghosts returning from the past" during tomorrow's 2nd episode of #EastEnders. "If Grant returns during the 2nd episode for Phil's storyline I think I'll lose my mind." Someone else gushed: "This was such a lovely surprise! I didn’t recognise him at first though! But surely this means a Grant return must also be on the cards at some point." One more concluded: "IM CRYING WE JUST NEED GRANT." Ross became a fan favourite while playing tough guy Grant from 1990 to 1999. Although he left the show to pursue other ventures, he has made a number of memorable comebacks over the years. His latest appearance was in 2016 for the emotional funeral of his on-screen mother, Peggy Mitchell , played by the late Barbara Windsor . This September, The Sun reported that Ross would be participating in the anniversary festivities by hosting a one-off documentary about the soap. A source revealed: "He will interview stars past and present about why it is so good and how important it is. "EastEnders will always have a special place in his heart and he's really excited." While Ross has been tight-lipped about any potential on-screen return, his recent sighting near the EastEnders production set has left fans abuzz. During a recent This Morning interview, Alison Hammond pressed the actor about the rumors, asking: "What is going on, are you going back for the 40th anniversary? Tell us what’s going on." Ross responded cryptically, saying: "I can tell you nothing. "I am very proud of the show celebrating 40 years and I wouldn’t have had a career, good or bad, without it. I absolutely love it and I still support it." The BBC has been keeping details of the anniversary week under wraps but has teased that it will feature an unprecedented live episode with an interactive element. Fans will be given the chance to vote on the outcome of a pivotal love story, with the cast and crew adapting live to the audience's choice. The live broadcast is set for February 2025 and promises to be a historic moment for the show. Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw said: "The 40th anniversary is a milestone event for EastEnders, and we have been planning this week for a long time to ensure that it’s a week full of drama and surprises." Monday December 23 - 6am iPlayer & 7:30pm BBC One Tuesday December 24 - 6am iPlayer & 7:45pm BBC One Christmas Day - 7:30pm & 10:35pm BBC One & iPlayer Boxing Day - 8:30pm BBC One & iPlayer Monday December 30 - 6am iPlayer & 7:30pm BBC One Tuesday December 31 - 6am iPlayer & 7:30pm BBC One New Year's Day - 10pm BBC One & iPlayer Thursday January 2 - 6am iPlayer & 7:30pm BBC One This week, Paul revealed exactly why he agreed to return to his old job. Nigel could be seen back in Walford having fallen on hard times during EastEnders' Christmas Eve episode. However, it appears from today’s episode his life has changed significantly. Nigel was last seen in 1998 when he left Walford for a new life in Scotland with wife Julie, daughter Clare and stepson Josh. But, now back in Walford, Nigel was seen looking homeless as he came into contact with Yolande Trueman at the community centre’s soup kitchen. Paul said he is still recognised on the street by soap fans and said the cast have been friendly and welcoming. He said: “I’m thrilled and honoured to be back as Nigel. Despite it being such a long time ago, I still get recognised as Nigel in the street. "Returning has been great as I’m so familiar with many of the faces at EastEnders, and they are a very friendly bunch. "It’s fantastic to work with Steve McFadden again - I’m a huge admirer of his work, and he sets the bar really high. I’m having a really good time.” Despite his new life in Scotland , Nigel has mysteriously returned to Walford alone as Phil will get a visit from the ghost of Christmas past. READ MORE SUN STORIES The Sun on Sunday exclusively revealed how Paul was making a shock comeback in time for the 40th anniversary. However, his return for Christmas was totally unexpected.

From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said President Bola Tinubu media chat has further confirmed the insensitivity of the Federal Government to the hardship in the country. In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, PDP said President Tinubu’s stance on the fuel subsidy removal confirmed the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration’s disconnect from the welfare of citizens. President Tinubu, during the media chat, had said he had no regret ending the fuel subsidy regime at the inception of his administration. However, the opposition party noted it is disturbing that while the government has failed to account for the proceeds from the fuel subsidy removal, Nigerians are being subjected to hardship on account of the policy. The PDP urged President Tinubu to take a road trip from Abuja to Lagos as well as visit any market or take a walk on the street of any city in the country to appreciate the real situation in Nigeria rather than relying on fabricated statistics being bandied by officials of his government. “The declaration by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that he has no regrets for the sudden removal of fuel subsidy without any cushioning measures to mitigate the resultant crippling effect on the productive sector, high cost of living and associated hardship which is now driving citizens to extreme poverty and early death also confirms APC’s disconnection from the primary purpose of government which is the welfare and security of the citizens. “It is instructive that President Tinubu in the chat admitted that Nigerians are bearing the brunt of the failure and inability of the APC’s administration under his watch to effectively police and secure our nation’s borders to prevent the smuggling of petroleum products to neighboring countries. “Nigerians are appalled that instead of admitting failure and seeking solutions, Mr. President again claimed that the nation’s economy has improved under his watch when in reality the situation has worsened with comatose productive sector, deteriorating value of the Naira at N1,700 to the Dollar, 34.6 percent inflation and 40 percent unemployment rates in the last 18 months. “The widespread food stampede in various parts of the country which recently led to the death of about 80 Nigerians shows that our nation is indeed in perilous time under the APC. “The PDP holds that there is no hope in sight under the APC given its failure to embark on meaningful investments in critical sectors including agriculture and food production, electricity, petroleum and gas, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, which are the real drivers of the national economy. “Also, alarming is President Tinubu’s clai m that Nigerians can now freely and safely travel by road despite the horrible reality of banditry, kidnapping and armed robbery as well as the worsened condition of highways across the country under the APC.”

In a recent interview, Huang Yaqiong shared her thoughts on the importance of gratitude and positivity in her life and career. She emphasized the significance of acknowledging the role that others play in her success and expressed her deep gratitude for the opportunities she has been given. Huang Yaqiong's words serve as a reminder that no matter how talented or driven we may be, we should never forget the importance of remaining humble and appreciative of the blessings in our lives.

Fantasy Football Playoffs Championship Week Start 'Em & Sit 'Em Running Backs: It's Bucky Irving timeThe Israeli government cited security concerns and the need to prevent the presence of hostile forces near its borders as the primary reasons for the incursion. However, the Syrian government condemned the move as a violation of its sovereignty and pledged to defend its territory against any aggression.Sheltered Venezuelan government opponents decry police and intelligence agents outside embassy

As Mr. Lee looks to the future, he remains committed to exploring new opportunities for growth and innovation. With plans to expand his mushroom cultivation operation and explore synergies with other industries, he continues to push the boundaries of what is possible. By combining his passion for entrepreneurship with a dedication to environmental stewardship, Mr. Lee has truly shown that treasure can be found in the most unexpected places.

WEST LAYFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) — Trey Kaufman-Renn had 18 points and Myles Colvin and Camden Heide each scored 13 to lead No. 6 Purdue to an 80-45 rout of Marshall on Saturday. Colvin and Heide were making their first starts of the season for Purdue (5-1). Braden Smith, who was averaging 14.6 points, was scoreless on an 0-for-4 shooting day. Smith had a team-high nine assists. Nate Martin led Marshall (3-2) with nine points, playing 24 minutes before fouling out with several minutes left in the game. The Boilermakers shot 55% in the first half to take a 39-24 halftime lead. However, Purdue made only one field goal in the final nine minutes of the first half. Purdue picked up the intensity in the second half, leading by as many as 41 points. The Boilermakers shot 50% for the game and held the Thundering Herd to 30%. No. 10 NORTH CAROLINA 87, HAWAII 69 HONOLULU (AP) — R.J. Davis scored 14 of his 18 points in the first half and No. 10 North Carolina pulled away from Hawaii. Elliot Cadeau had 17 points on 7-of-8 shooting, Seth Trimble scored 11 of his 13 points after halftime and Ian Jackson added 11 for the Tar Heels (3-1). Davis, an All-American guard, moved into fourth place on North Carolina’s all-time career scoring list. He overtook Sam Perkins with his free throw at the 11:59 mark of the first half. Gytis Nemeiksa led Hawaii with 16 points and had 10 rebounds. Akira Jacobs made three 3-pointers and scored 13 points off the bench. Tanner Christensen had 10 points and 10 rebounds and Marcus Green added 10 points for the Rainbow Warriors (4-1). No. 15 MARQUETTE 880, GEORGIA 69 NASSAU, Bahamas (AP) — David Joplin scored a career-high 29 points and made six 3-pointers, Chase Ross had 14 points and five steals, and No. 15 Marquette beat Georgia. Joplin scored five straight Marquette points to begin a 12-3 run that Stevie Mitchell capped by banking in a shot with 1:33 remaining for a 78-66 lead. Mitchell made a steal at the other end to help seal it. Ben Gold scored a career-high 14 points and Kam Jones had 10 points and seven assists for Marquette (6-0). Jones was coming off the program’s third triple-double in more than 100 seasons when he had 17 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists in 36 minutes against No. 6 Purdue on Tuesday. Gold’s previous high was 12 points at UConn on Feb. 7, 2023, while Joplin’s was 28 at DePaul on Jan. 28, 2023. Blue Cain scored 17 points and Tyrin Lawrence added 15 for Georgia (5-1). Dakota Leffew had 11 and Silas Demary Jr. 10. The Bulldogs turned it over 18 times, leading to 27 points by Marquette. No. 18 CINCINNATI 81, GEORGIA TECH 58 ATLANTA (AP) — Dillon Mitchell had 14 points and 11 rebounds for his first double-double of the season, and No. 18 Cincinnati beat Georgia Tech. Jizzle James and Cole Hickman also scored 14 points apiece for the Bearcats (5-0), who passed the first true test of the young season against their first major conference opponent in the Yellow Jackets of the ACC. Naithan George made three 3-pointers while scoring 13 points for Georgia Tech (2-3). Duncan Powell added 10 points, while leading scorer Baye Ndogo finished with just five points. No. 25 ILLINOIS 87, Md-Eastern Shire 40 CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) — Will Riley scored his 19 points in the second half and No. 25 Illinois beat Maryland Eastern Shore. Kylan Boswell added 13 points, Tomislav Ivisic had 11 and Morez Johnson Jr. finished with 10 for the Illini (4-1), who shot 25% (10 for 40) from 3-point range but committed just nine turnovers. Tre White grabbed 11 rebounds and Kasparas Jakucionis seven for Illinois, which outrebounded the Hawks 59-38. Jalen Ware scored 10 points and Christopher Flippin had 10 rebounds for Maryland Eastern Shore (2-6), which had its lowest point total of the season. The team’s previous low came in 102-63 loss to Vanderbilt on Nov. 4. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.In light of these complexities, it is crucial to approach the situation in Syria with a nuanced understanding and an awareness of the broader dynamics at play. While the US and Israel may seek to capitalize on Assad's potential resignation, it is important to recognize that the future of Syria remains uncertain and that there are no easy solutions to the country's deep-rooted problems.

Aston Villa’s disallowed goal would have counted in England – Unai EmeryTOWSON 64, MORGAN STATE 60

Adam McKay warns 'radical' Wicked could be banned by politicians in '3 to 5 years' By TERRY ZELLER FOR DAILYMAIL.COM Published: 23:42 GMT, 24 December 2024 | Updated: 23:53 GMT, 24 December 2024 e-mail View comments Don’t Look Up director Adam McKay has expressed concern that films like Wicked could face censorship in the U.S. if current political trends persist. In a series of posts via X on Monday, McKay described Wicked as 'one of the most radical big studio Hollywood movies ever made' and criticized the increasingly right-wing atmosphere in the U.S. 'Part 1 is nakedly about radicalization in the face of careerism, fascism, propaganda,' McKay wrote, adding that its release is particularly significant 'now, when America has never been more right-wing and propagandized.' The film, starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande , was recently pulled briefly from theaters in Kuwait , allegedly due to its LGBTQ cast. McKay acknowledged that Wicked: Part 2, slated for release on November 21, 2025, leans more mainstream but doubled down on his concerns. In response to another X user, he speculated that 'if America keeps going on the track it is, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the movie banned in 3-5 years.' Don’t Look Up director Adam McKay has expressed concern that films like Wicked could face censorship in the U.S. if current political trends persist; (seen in 2020) In a series of posts via X on Monday, McKay described Wicked as 'one of the most radical big studio Hollywood movies ever made' and criticized the increasingly right-wing atmosphere in the U.S He followed up with 'It’s bizarre how many people think the possibility of movies, books, music being banned in the U.S. in the near future is a "crazy" idea. 'There’s a whole crowd that really has zero idea what’s going on big picture.' The filmmaker also compared Wicked to some of the most iconic films in history, including The Sound of Music, Citizen Kane, and Bridge on the River Kwai, as well as modern hits like The Hunger Games, which he called 'incredibly left-wing.' McKay’s statements come after the film has also secured Golden Globe nominations, including Best Musical/Comedy, as well as individual acting nods for Cynthia Erivo and Grande, solidifying its position as a major contender this awards season. Kuwait removed Wicked from its cinema listings just one day before the film’s scheduled release on Thursday, December 5, sparking speculation about the reasons behind the decision. While no official explanation has been provided, local reports suggest the removal may be linked to the film’s LGBTQ+ cast, according to Variety. This mirrors past actions by Kuwait, which banned Barbie last year, citing the protection of 'public ethics and social traditions .' Lebanon also prohibited Barbie, claiming it 'promoted homosexuality.' 'Part 1 is nakedly about radicalization in the face of careerism, fascism, propaganda,' McKay wrote, adding that its release is particularly significant 'now, when America has never been more right-wing and propagandized' The film, starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande , was recently pulled briefly from theaters in Kuwait , allegedly due to its LGBTQ cast In response to another X user, he speculated that 'if America keeps going on the track it is, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the movie banned in 3-5 years' While the reason is not officially known, it is speculated by local media that the film's removal from theaters is due to the LGBTQ + cast, per Variety If Wicked faced similar scrutiny, the decision might seem puzzling, as the film doesn’t include overtly LGBTQ+ storylines. However, Grande, who stars as Glinda, recently described her character as 'a little in the closet.' Additionally, fans have often interpreted the relationship between Glinda and Elphaba as carrying homoerotic undertones, though the characters are not explicitly queer. Several cast members, including Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Bowen Yang, and Marissa Bode, openly identify as queer, potentially adding to the controversy in more conservative markets. Despite the ban in Kuwait, Wicked has been a massive success elsewhere. The musical fantasy, also starring Ethan Slater and Jeff Goldblum, premiered in the U.S. over Thanksgiving and shattered box office records. To date, the movie has now grossed over $571 million across the globe. Cynthia Erivo Share or comment on this article: Adam McKay warns 'radical' Wicked could be banned by politicians in '3 to 5 years' e-mail Add comment