best casino sites online

Letters for Dec. 1: Short-term help needed for area’s homeless populationbest casino sites online 。

LONDON (AP) — Edinburgh Airport was shut down by an unspecified information technology issue Sunday afternoon, causing headaches for passengers at the start of the busy holiday travel season. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * LONDON (AP) — Edinburgh Airport was shut down by an unspecified information technology issue Sunday afternoon, causing headaches for passengers at the start of the busy holiday travel season. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? LONDON (AP) — Edinburgh Airport was shut down by an unspecified information technology issue Sunday afternoon, causing headaches for passengers at the start of the busy holiday travel season. All flights into and out of Scotland’s busiest airport were grounded at 4:15 p.m. local time, with some incoming flights diverted to Glasgow Airport about 50 miles away. Edinburgh airport said engineers were working to resolve the issue. “Passengers are asked to check the status of their flight with the airline they are flying with before traveling to the airport,’’ the airport said in a statement. Advertisement

Mahabharat: EiPi Media Drops The Trailer To World's First Film Generated By AI — WATCHUTSA 78, HOUSTON CHRISTIAN 71President-elect Donald Trump promised to expand oil drilling in the U.S. — good news for political leaders in Alaska, where oil is the economic lifeblood and many felt the Biden administration obstructed efforts to boost the state’s diminished production. A debate over drilling on federal lands on Alaska’s petroleum-rich North Slope likely will be revived, particularly in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, which environmentalists long sought to protect. The largest wildlife refuge in the U.S. covers an area of northeast Alaska roughly the size of South Carolina. It boasts mountains and glaciers, tundra plains, rivers and boreal forest, and it is home to wildlife including polar bears, caribou, musk ox and birds. The fight over whether to drill in the refuge’s coastal plain along the Beaufort Sea goes back decades. Drilling advocates say development could create thousands of jobs, generate billions of dollars in revenue and spur U.S. oil production. While the U.S. Bureau of Land Management said the coastal plain could contain 4.25 billion to 11.8 billion barrels of recoverable oil, there is limited information about the amount and quality. It’s unclear whether companies will want to risk pursuing projects that could become mired in litigation. Environmentalists and climate scientists pushed for a phase-out of fossil fuels to avert the worst consequences of climate change. The refuge is east of the oil fields in Prudhoe Bay and the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, where the Biden administration approved the controversial Willow oil project but made about half the petroleum reserve off-limits to oil and gas leasing. An exploration well was drilled in the 1980s on lands where Alaska Native corporations held rights, but little information was released about the results. Still, opening the coastal plain to drilling has been a longtime goal for members of Alaska’s congressional delegation. In 2017, they added language to a tax bill mandating two oil and gas lease sales by late 2024. The first sale took place in the waning days of the last Trump administration, but President Joe Biden quickly called on Interior Secretary Deb Haaland to review the leasing program. That led to the cancelation of seven leases acquired by the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority, a state corporation. Litigation is pending. Smaller companies gave up two other leases. The Biden administration released a new environmental review ahead of the deadline for the second required sale. It proposes offering what the Bureau of Land Management said would be the minimum acreage the 2017 law allows — a proposal Alaska’s Republican U.S. senators cast as a mockery of the law. Some Alaska Native communities welcome potential new revenue while others worry about how drilling will affect wildlife in an area they consider sacred. Gwich’in officials in communities near the refuge said they consider the coastal plain sacred. Caribou they rely on calve there. Galen Gilbert, first chief of Arctic Village Council, said the refuge should be off-limits to drilling. Arctic Village is a Neets’aii Gwich’in community. “We just want our way of life, not only for us but for our future generations,” Gilbert said. Leaders of the Iñupiat community of Kaktovik, which is in the refuge, support drilling. They vowed to fight attempts to designate the lands as sacred. Josiah Patkotak, mayor of the North Slope Borough, which includes Kaktovik, said in an October opinion piece that the land “has never been” Gwich’in territory. “The federal government must understand that any attempt to undermine our sovereignty will be met with fierce resistance,” he wrote. Oil is vital to the economic well-being of North Slope communities, said Nagruk Harcharek, president of Voice of the Arctic Iñupiat, a nonprofit advocacy group whose members include leaders from that region. Responsible development long coexisted with subsistence lifestyles, he said. Trump named Chris Wright — a fossil fuel executive and advocate of oil and gas development — to serve as energy secretary. In a video posted on X by Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy, Trump said he would work to ensure a natural gas pipeline project long sought by state political leaders is built. The project, opposed by environmentalists, floundered over the years due to changes in direction under various governors, cost concerns and other factors. Dunleavy said Trump could undo restrictions imposed by the Biden administration on new oil and gas leasing on 13 million acres of the petroleum reserve. Harcharek’s group sued over the restrictions, arguing the region’s elected leaders were ignored.

ALL the way from the I'm A Celebrity jungle, GK Barry has launched a posh new jewellery collection. The influencer has been announced as UK jewellery brand Abbott Lyon’s brand-new ambassador - and her range includes the stunning necklaces she's been wearing the jungle. 4 GK's stunning Abbot Lyon collection features bangles, rings and necklaces Credit: SUPPLIED 4 The range is perfect for Christmas gifting or a festive treat The collection is filled with bold statement pieces that can be personalised, and they're perfect for Christmas gifts. Before entering the jungle, GK said: “I’ve poured my heart into this collection because I wanted to create something fun that also helps you show them you care. "Personalisation is everything to me – it’s the ultimate way to express yourself.” She's been sporting the ‘Signature Name Necklace’ while in the jungle, but the collection features other stunning pieces like the designer-inspired chain Gala Pavé Initial Choker and Bracelet. READ MORE ON GK BARRY IN THE BAGG GK Barry’s best pal Joe Baggs insists ‘she’s not playing a game’ on I'm A Celeb LOVED UP WAG dreams & designer vagina fails - the romance of GK Barry & Ella Rutherford There's also the stunning 18K gold-plated choker or bracelet with a pavé crystal finish, which is available in both silver and gold. And the items are not only water, sweat and heat-resistant but are made from over 60% recycled materials. GK's range also includes the Own Way Monogram Bangle and Ring, which allows shoppers to put their own mark on the pieces of jewellery, by choosing two letters to be inscribed. The cubic zirconia gems ensure the items are a perfect accessory to add a touch of luxury to any outfit – no matter the occasion. Most read in Fabulous ZAR-AAH! ‘Xmas party outfits we can afford’ cries shopper after finding Zara sale shop HEATED ROW Bonnie Blue slammed for saying men have 'right' to cheat in heated debate WEIGH TO GO My husband feels like he's having an affair with a new woman after I shed 12st TOUGH LUCK I’m single mum & I’m refusing to host Christmas this year - it’s exhausting When asked about her collection before entering the jungle, GK Barry said: “I wanted to help find the ultimate gift this Christmas and my new Abbott Lyon collection is full of gifts they’ll love, guaranteed. "Each piece can be customised with initials because let’s be real, we’re all iconic, and jewellery should be too! GK Barry reveals she has a secret signal on I'm A Celeb for loved-ones - did you spot it? “I’m obsessed with the Pavé Initial Choker and Initial Bracelet – they’re absolute game changes for making you (or them!) feel like the main character. "And don’t even get me started on the Monogram Bangle and Wide Ring – talk about statement pieces that instantly make you feel like a boss." She continued: "Whether you’re buying for someone or treating yourself to a cheeky initial necklace, these styles are total winners.” 4 GK has been spotted wearing a necklace from the collection in the jungle Credit: Supplied 4 The stunning range is perfect for Christmas gifting Credit: Supplied Who is GK Barry? GK Barry amassed more than a million followers on TikTok in just over a year during the first UK lockdown in 2020. Grace Keeling, better known as GK Barry, is a 25-year-old social media influencer. She rose to fame during the first Covid-19 lockdown in 2020, creating a TikTok account and posting short vlogs showcasing her day-to-day life. Although she originally intended on staying low-key, she gained a large following in no time at all. By August 2020, only five months after starting her account, she had already hit 100,000 followers, reaching more than a million in just over a year. She now has over 4.5million followers across her social media platforms. After completing a degree in film studies from Nottingham Trent University, Grace furthered her education with a master’s in digital marketing. While at Nottingham Trent, she worked on the set of BBC series Doctors and the Netflix film Hood, as well as creating content for ShawMind — a charity working to promote mental health awareness. Grace is known for her podcast, named The Saving Grace Podcast. On the show she invites celebrities and influencers to have a chat about life and the latest trends, as well as any embarrassing stories from their past. In May 2024, Grace said she was dating a female footballer . Then in June it came out that the soccer star in question plays for England. The Sun revealed that Grace and Charlton Athletic striker Ella Rutherford, 24, are getting serious — they've met each other's family and holidayed together. A source exclusively told The Sun : "GK has been seeing Ella for a while but they are very much official now. "They grew even closer on holiday in Benidorm and GK has met all her family. "She's really happy and they are having so much fun together."The AP Top 25 men’s college basketball poll is back every week throughout the season! Get the poll delivered straight to your inbox with AP Top 25 Poll Alerts. Sign up here . TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Marcus Johnson scored 23 points and Javontae Campbell secured the victory with a free throw with 12 seconds remaining as Bowling Green knocked off New Mexico State 61-60 on Saturday. Johnson had five rebounds and three steals for the Falcons (3-5). Derrick Butler scored 15 points while going 4 of 15 from the floor, including 2 for 7 from 3-point range, and 5 for 5 from the line and added five rebounds. Campbell had 12 points and shot 1 of 9 from the field and 10 of 12 from the free-throw line. The Aggies (3-4) were led by Jaden Harris, who posted 18 points and nine rebounds. New Mexico State also got 10 points and seven rebounds from Robert Carpenter. Christian Cook finished with nine points and four assists. Campbell scored a team-high 12 points for Bowling Green in the second half, including their game-winner. NEXT UP Up next for Bowling Green is a Saturday matchup with Morgan State at home, and New Mexico State hosts Abilene Christian on Wednesday. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

Stock market today: S&P 500 eyes fresh record as Wall Street shrugs off Trump's tariff threat

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Will Howard passed for two touchdowns and rushed for another, TreVeyon Henderson ran for a score and No. 2 Ohio State beat previously undefeated No. 5 Indiana, 38-15, on Saturday. All Ohio State (10-1, 7-1 Big Ten, CFP No. 2) has to do now is beat Michigan at home next Saturday, and it will earn a return to the Big Ten championship game for the first time since 2020 and get a rematch with No. 1 Oregon. The Ducks beat Ohio State, 32-31, in a wild one on Oct. 12. The Hoosiers (10-1, 7-1, No. 5 CFP) had their best chance to beat the Buckeyes for the first time since 1988 but were hurt by special teams mistakes and disrupted by an Ohio State defense that sacked quarterback Kurtis Rourke five times. “In life, all good things come to an end,” Indiana coach Curt Cignetti said. Late in the first half, Indiana punter James Evans fumbled a snap and was buried at his own 7-yard line, with the Buckeyes taking over. That turned quickly into a 4-yard TD run by Henderson that gave the Buckeyes a 14-7 lead. Early in the second half, Caleb Downs fielded an Evans punt at the Ohio State 21, raced down the right sideline, cut to the middle and outran the coverage for a TD that put the Buckeyes up 21-7. It was the first time a Buckeye returned a punt for a touchdown since 2014. Howard finished 22 for 26 for 201 yards. Emeka Egbuka had seven catches for 80 yards and a TD. “Our guys just played with a chip today, and that’s the way you got to play the game of football,” Ohio State coach Ryan Day said. Indiana scored on its first possession of the game and its last, both short runs by Ty Son Lawson, who paced the Hoosiers with 79 rushing yards. Rourke was 8 for 18 for 68 yards. “We had communication errors, pass (protection), every time we dropped back to pass, something bad happened,” Cignetti said. Indiana’s 151 total yards was its lowest of the season. And it was the most points surrendered by the Hoosiers defense. Indiana’s special season was blemished by the Buckeyes, who beat the Hoosiers for the 30th straight time. Indiana was eyeing its first conference crown since sharing one with two other teams in 1967. That won’t happen now. “Ohio State deserved to win,” Cignetti said. “They had those (third quarter scores), and we just couldn’t respond.”Trump’s Treasury Pick Wants Shadow Fed Chair, Maybe Weak Dollar

In a well-ordered laboratory in Owings Mills, a suburb of Baltimore, an engineer has been perfecting a device that might be called the missing link in renewable energy. Now, it is ready to begin its transformative role in electric generation, bringing electricity to the remotest places in America and adding it to the grid. It is an invention that could cut the cost of new wind turbines, make solar more desirable, and turn tens of thousands — yes, thousands — of U.S. streams and non-powered dams into power generators without huge civil engineering outlays. The company is DDMotion, and its creative force is Key Han, president and chief scientist. Han has spent more than a decade perfecting his patented invention, which converts variable inputs into a constant output. In a stream, this consists of taking the variables in the water flow and turning them into a constant, reliable shaft output that can generate constant frequency ready to be fed to the grid. Likewise with wind and solar. Han told me the environmental effect on a stream or river would be negligible, essentially undetected, but a reliable amount of grid-grade electricity could be obtained at all times in all kinds of weather. He has dreams of a world where every bit of flowing water could be a resource for many power plants, and the same technologies would be essential in harnessing the energy of ocean currents. A further advantage to Han’s constant-speed device is that it has a rotating shaft, which is a source of what in the more arcane reaches of the electrical world is known as rotational inertia. Arcane, but essential. This is the slowing down of something that was once moving briskly, like stopping a car. In power generation, this can be a few seconds, but it is necessary to enable an electrical system to keep its output constant — 60 cycles per second in America, 50 cycles per second in Europe and parts of Asia. If that varies, the whole system fails. Blackout. Then, the system must be recalibrated, and that can take days or several weeks for the entire grid. Electricity needs rotational inertia. This isn’t a problem with fossil-fueled plants: There is always rotational inertia in their rotating parts. Wind power loses its inertia, which is there initially as the wind turns a shaft, but is lost as the power generated is groomed for the grid. It passes through a gearbox, then to an inverter, which converts the power from direct current to grid-compatible alternating current. Han says using his technology, the gearbox and the inverter can be eliminated and inertia provided. Also, most of the remaining hardware could be on the ground rather than up in the air on the tower, making for less installation cost and easier maintenance. Loss of inertia is becoming a problem for grids in Europe, where wind and solar are approaching half of the generating load. Germany, particularly, must create ancillary services. Han told me, “DDmotion-developed speed converters can harness all renewable energy with benefits. For example, wind turbines can produce rotating inertia, therefore ancillary services are not required to keep the grid frequency stable, and river turbines without dams can generate baseload, therefore storage systems, such as batteries and pump storage are not required.” DDMotion has been supported primarily by Alfred Berkeley, chairman of Princeton Capital Management and a legend in the financial community. He served as president of Nasdaq and later as its vice chairman. Han, who holds patents relating to his work on infinitely variable motion controls, began his career at General Electric before founding DDMotion in 1990. A native of South Korea, Han attended college in Montana to fulfill his dream of becoming a professional cowboy. His resume includes roping and branding calves one summer. If DDMotion succeeds as Han and his supporters hope, their missing link will vastly enhance the value of renewable energy and bring down its cost to the system and consumers. — Llewellyn King is the executive producer and host of “White House Chronicle” on PBS. He wrote this for InsideSources.com .Pharming announces public cash offer to the shareholders of Abliva ABIn a dynamic and rapidly evolving environment, leadership transcends traditional paradigms. It requires adaptability, foresight and a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities shaping our country’s socioeconomic landscape. As the Philippines navigates the crossroads of technological innovation, environmental sustainability, workforce transformation and geopolitical shifts, leaders must guide their organizations and communities toward a resilient and prosperous future. The Philippines has emerged as one of the most dynamic economies in East Asia and the Pacific. With a growth rate of 6 percent in the first half of this year, it is among the top performers in the region. Rapid technological advancements, reshaping industries and creating new growth pathways underpin this robust economic performance. The integration of artificial intelligence, blockchain and digital platforms has revolutionized sectors, such as finance, health care, education, transport and logistics, offering unprecedented opportunities for innovation and efficiency. However, the swift pace of technological change also presents challenges, particularly in terms of workforce readiness and digital infrastructure sufficiency. Leaders must invest in upskilling initiatives to enable employees to survive and thrive in a digital economy. Moreover, fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptability is essential to navigate the complexities of technological transformation. The Philippines is acutely vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Frequent typhoons, rising sea levels and environmental degradation pose significant threats to communities and economic stability. Recognizing this, the government and the private sector must increasingly prioritize sustainability initiatives to mitigate environmental risks and promote resilience. Leaders are now tasked with integrating sustainable practices into their organizational strategies, aligning business objectives with environmental stewardship. Such action involves adopting renewable energy sources, implementing eco-friendly supply chain practices, and engaging in corporate social responsibility programs that address environmental concerns. By championing sustainability, leaders contribute to preserving natural resources and enhancing their organizations’ reputations and long-term viability. The Philippine workforce is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by its youthful demographics. With 28 percent of the population aged 10 to 24, our country enjoys a considerable labor market advantage. This demographic profile offers both opportunities and challenges, compelling leaders to unlock the potential of a young and rapidly evolving workforce. The rise of remote work, the gig economy and the integration of multigenerational teams necessitate reevaluating traditional management approaches. Leaders must cultivate inclusive environments that value diverse perspectives and foster collaboration across generational divides. Adopting flexible work arrangements, promoting work-life balance and investing in employee well-being are critical strategies for recruiting and keeping top talents. The Philippines’ strategic location in Southeast Asia is at the center of complex geopolitical dynamics, particularly concerning territorial disputes in the South China Sea. The government’s efforts to balance relations with major powers, including the United States and China, require astute leadership to navigate diplomatic intricacies while safeguarding our national interests. Economic uncertainties, such as global trade tensions and fluctuating commodity prices, further underscore the need for resilient and adaptable leadership. Leaders must develop robust risk management frameworks, diversify markets and foster innovation to mitigate external shocks and sustain economic growth. The pressures of modern work, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, have brought mental health and well-being to the forefront of organizational priorities. Leaders in the Philippines are increasingly recognizing the importance of creating supportive work environments that prioritize employee well-being. Implementing mental health programs, providing access to counseling services and promoting a culture of openness and support are essential steps in addressing this critical issue. By prioritizing mental health, leaders enhance employee satisfaction and productivity and contribute to their organizations’ overall resilience and sustainability. To address these multifaceted challenges effectively, Philippine leaders are adopting new approaches that emphasize agility, inclusivity and purpose-driven strategies. Agile leadership: In an environment marked by rapid change, agile leadership enables organizations to adapt swiftly to emerging trends and challenges. This approach involves iterative decision-making, encouraging a continuous improvement culture and giving teams the freedom to innovate. Inclusive leadership: Embracing diversity and fostering inclusivity are vital for driving innovation and organizational success. Leaders must actively seek diverse perspectives, promote equitable opportunities and create environments where all employees feel valued and empowered. Stakeholder capitalism: Beyond shareholder-centric models, stakeholder capitalism considers the needs and interests of all stakeholders, including employees, customers, communities and the environment. This holistic approach aligns business success with societal well-being. Servant leadership: By prioritizing the needs of others and focusing on the growth and well-being of employees and communities, servant leaders build trust and foster a sense of purpose within their organizations. In the contemporary Philippine context, success is redefined to encompass financial performance, social impact, environmental sustainability and human development. Purpose-driven leadership: Organizations with a clear mission that aligns with societal values are better positioned to inspire loyalty and drive long-term success. Purpose-driven leaders articulate a vision that resonates with employees and stakeholders, fostering a shared commitment to meaningful goals. Sustainable growth: True success entails achieving economic growth that is environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive. Leaders must balance short-term gains with long-term objectives, ensuring that their organizations contribute positively to society and the planet. Employee engagement and well-being: Leaders must recognize that employees are the organization’s backbone and must invest in their development, well-being and engagement. They must also provide growth opportunities, promote work-life balance and establish an inclusive and encouraging work environment. Reputation and trust: In an era of transparency and accountability, an organization’s reputation is critical. Leaders must uphold ethical standards, demonstrate integrity and build stakeholder trust to sustain long-term success. As the Philippines continues to navigate the complexities of the modern era, leaders across sectors are called upon to embrace transformative approaches that align with the nation’s unique challenges and opportunities. By fostering innovation, championing sustainability, prioritizing employee well-being and navigating geopolitical dynamics with strategic insight, leaders can drive progress that benefits their organizations and society. The journey ahead requires a commitment to continuous learning, adaptability and a steadfast dedication to creating value that transcends traditional metrics of success. By leading with purpose, empathy and integrity, Philippine leaders have the opportunity to shape a future that is resilient, inclusive and prosperous for all. INQ Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . The author is former president of the Management Association of the Philippines and former secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry. Feedback at [email protected] and [email protected] .

EDMONTON — Leaders of the Prairie provinces are urging Canada to act on American concerns over illegal cross-border traffic of people and drugs to stave off the looming threat of 25 per cent tariffs. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, and Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said Tuesday that Canada must do better to address the concerns of its largest trading partner. Incoming U.S. president Donald Trump promised Monday to impose the tariffs on his first day in office in January. He said he would keep the tariffs in place until Canada and Mexico stop illegal border crossings and prevent drugs such as fentanyl from entering the U.S. Kinew said 25 per cent tariffs would mean a recession for his province and that Canada needs to show the new U.S. administration it's serious about security and tackling the drug crisis. He said it begins with Canada’s pledge to NATO allies to spend two per cent of its gross domestic product on defence by 2032. "First and foremost, (it’s about) hitting that target of two per cent spending on defence,” said Kinew. “That gets us in the game just to be taken seriously as a security partner with the U.S. If we don't do it, it's going to become a trade problem." In a video posted to social media, Alberta's premier said Canada needs to reach its pledged commitment on defence. "If their trade partners are looking to be free riders on American security interests, that's also going to harm the relationship," Smith said, adding, "You also have to take seriously the asylum seekers." Smith added in another post that the incoming Trump administration has "valid concerns related to illegal activities" at the border. The U.S. is Alberta’s largest trading partner, with $188 billion in bilateral trade in 2023. Last year, energy products accounted for more than 80 per cent of that trade, or about $134 billion. Smith said the vast majority of Alberta's energy exports to the U.S. are "delivered through secure and safe pipelines," which "do not in any way contribute to these illegal activities." In Saskatchewan, Moe said he understands Trump’s position on border security. “As Canadians, we can all benefit from additional border security stopping the flow of illegal drugs and migrants across our borders,” he said in a social media post. He said his province plans to use all levers at its disposal to stop the tariffs and will approach the U.S. directly. Moe added the proposed tariffs would hurt Saskatchewan’s export-based economy and drive up prices on both sides of the border. Speaking to CTV early Tuesday, Moe said his government would represent Saskatchewan interests alongside the federal government, fellow premiers "and on our own when necessary." "We have a strong relationship with a number of the administration that President Trump has appointed," Moe said. In 2023, Saskatchewan’s exports to the U.S. amounted to almost $27 billion after hitting a record high of $29 billion in 2022. Its top exports include crude oil, potash and canola. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has convened an emergency meeting for Wednesday with the country's premiers to discuss the tariffs. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 26, 2024. — With files from Jeremy Simes in Regina and Brittany Hobson in Winnipeg Lisa Johnson, The Canadian Press

We tried No7's new ProArtist makeup range and these are our top picksConversational AI for Retail and E-commerce Market Innovations and Key Players: Haptik, Microsoft, Oracle, Baidu, Artificial Solutions, IBM, SAP, Google

Now streaming and on DVD: 'Alien: Romulus' brings the fear factorThe US Navy is to transform three, white elephant, stealth destroyers by fitting them with first-of-their-kind shipborne hypersonic weapons. The USS Zumwalt is at a Mississippi shipyard where workers have installed missile tubes that replace twin turrets from a gun system that was never activated because it was too expensive. Once the system is complete, the Zumwalt will provide a platform for conducting fast, precision strikes from greater distances, adding to the usefulness of the warship. “It was a costly blunder. But the Navy could take victory from the jaws of defeat here, and get some utility out of (the ships) by making them into a hypersonic platform,” said Bryan Clark, a defence analyst at the Hudson Institute. The US has had several types of hypersonic weapons in development for the past two decades, but recent tests by both Russia and China have added pressure to the US military to hasten their production. Hypersonic weapons travel beyond Mach 5, five times the speed of sound, with added manoeuvrability making them harder to shoot down. Last year, The Washington Post newspaper reported that among the documents leaked by former Massachusetts Air National Guard member Jack Teixeira was a defence department briefing that confirmed China had recently tested an intermediate-range hypersonic weapon called the DF-27. While the Pentagon had previously acknowledged the weapon’s development, it had not recognised its testing. One of the US programmes in development and planned for the Zumwalt is the Conventional Prompt Strike. It would launch like a ballistic missile and then release a hypersonic glide vehicle that would travel at speeds seven to eight times faster than the speed of sound before hitting the target. The weapon system is being developed jointly by the Navy and Army. Each of the three Zumwalt-class destroyers would be equipped with four missile tubes, each with three of the missiles for a total of 12 hypersonic weapons per ship. In choosing the Zumwalt, the Navy is attempting to add to the usefulness of a 7.5 billion US dollars (£5.9 billion) warship that is considered by critics to be an expensive mistake despite serving as a test platform for multiple innovations. The Zumwalt was envisioned as providing land-attack capability with an advanced gun system with rocket-assisted projectiles to open the way for Marines to charge ashore. But the system featuring 155mm guns hidden in stealthy turrets was cancelled because each of the rocket-assisted projectiles cost up to one million dollars (£790,000). Despite the stain on their reputation, the three Zumwalt-class destroyers: Zumwalt, Michael Monsoor and Lyndon B Johnson; remain the Navy’s most advanced surface warships in terms of new technologies. Those innovations include electric propulsion, an angular shape to minimise radar signature, an unconventional wave-piercing hull, automated fire and damage control and a composite deckhouse that hides radar and other sensors. The US is accelerating development because hypersonics have been identified as vital to US national security with “survivable and lethal capabilities”, said James Weber, principal director for hypersonics in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Critical Technologies. “Fielding new capabilities that are based on hypersonic technologies is a priority for the defence department to sustain and strengthen our integrated deterrence, and to build enduring advantages,” he said.

Pathstone Holdings LLC Has $6.28 Million Stock Position in The Williams Companies, Inc. (NYSE:WMB)

A major storm battered the U.S. Northwest with strong winds and rain, causing widespread power outages, closing schools and downing trees that killed at least two people. The Weather Prediction Center issued excessive rainfall risks through Friday, and hurricane-force wind warnings were in effect as the strongest atmospheric river — a large plume of moisture — that California and the Pacific Northwest has seen this season overwhelmed the region. The storm system, which hit starting Tuesday, is considered a “ bomb cyclone,” which occurs when a cyclone intensifies rapidly. In California the weather service extended a flood watch into Saturday for areas north of San Francisco. Up to 16 inches of rain was forecast in Northern California and southwestern Oregon through Friday. Dangerous flash flooding, rock slides and debris flows were possible, officials warned. A winter storm watch was in place for the northern Sierra Nevada above 3,500 feet, where 15 inches of snow was possible over two days. Wind gusts could top 75 mph in mountain areas, forecasters said. Heavy, wet snow was expected to continue along the Cascades and in parts of far Northern California. Forecasters warned of blizzard and whiteout conditions and near impossible travel at pass level due to accumulation rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour and wind gusts of up to 65 mph. Falling trees struck homes and littered roads across western Washington. In Lynnwood, a woman died Tuesday night when a large tree fell on a homeless encampment, South County Fire said in a statement. In Bellevue, east of Seattle, a tree fell on a home and killed a woman, fire officials said. Tracy Meloy of Issaquah, Washington, felt well-prepared for the storm Tuesday afternoon, with dinner prepped and lanterns ready. But then she spent the night listening to wind-whipped debris hit the outside of her home, including a particularly loud “thump” around 9 p.m. The next morning morning she ventured outside to survey the damage to her neighborhood, about 17 miles east of Seattle. “Now that I’m standing here in front of the house, I can tell it’s the tree that was across the street,” Meloy said. The tree pulled down the power lines in front of her home, and limbs, leaves and other plants were strewn all over the road. “It looks like a forest floor instead of a street,” she said. The number of power outage reports in Washington fluctuated wildly Tuesday evening but steadily declined to about 460,000 by Wednesday afternoon, according to poweroutage.us. More than a dozen schools were closed in Seattle alone. About 2,800 customers were reported to be without power Wednesday in Oregon, 38,000 in California and 10,000 around Carson City and Reno, Nevada. Three Reno schools were closed, and semi-trucks were prohibited on the main highway between the two cities due to high winds. All chairlifts were shut down at the Mt. Rose Ski Resort near Lake Tahoe. The weather service warned people on the West Coast about the danger of trees during high winds, posting on the social platform X: “Stay safe by avoiding exterior rooms and windows and by using caution when driving.” Southbound Interstate 5 was closed for an 11-mile stretch from Ashland, Oregon, to the California border on Wednesday morning due to extreme winter weather conditions in northern California, according to the Oregon Department of Transportation. It was expected to be a long-term closure, the department said. The weather service issued a flood watch for parts of southwestern Oregon through Friday evening, while rough winds and seas halted a ferry route in northwestern Washington between Port Townsend and Coupeville for part of the day. As Robert and Lisa Haynes of Issaquah surveyed the damage in their neighborhood, they saw fallen branches or trees blocking driveways and roads. They were stuck at home. “It’s like a snow day,” Robert Haynes said, “but with no snow.” In Juneau, Alaska, gusts of wind up to 60 mph were forecast. To the east, the first significant snow of the season in the Dakotas and Minnesota led to accidents and slippery roadways. The weather service said up to 16 inches could fall in the Turtle Mountains of North Dakota, and Minot could get up to 8 inches. Officials advised people not no travel throughout northern North Dakota, and state troopers in northern Minnesota responded to several accidents including tractor-trailers that jackknifed on Interstate 94 after the roadway became slippery from snow and ice. Winds were expected to be problematic in parts of Montana and Nebraska, with gusts up to 60 mph, the weather service said.

None

Georgetown 100, Albany (NY) 68