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nice888ph By Funto Omojola, NerdWallet Mobile wallets that allow you to pay using your phone have been around for well more than a decade, and over those years they’ve grown in popularity, becoming a key part of consumers’ credit card usage. According to a “state of credit card report” for 2025 from credit bureau Experian, 53% of Americans in a survey say they use digital wallets more frequently than traditional payment methods. To further incentivize mobile wallet usage, some credit card issuers offer bonus rewards when you elect to pay that way. But those incentives can go beyond just higher reward rates. In fact, mobile wallets in some ways are becoming an essential part of activating and holding a credit card. For example, they can offer immediate access to your credit line, and they can be easier and safer than paying with a physical card. From a rewards perspective, it can make a lot of sense to reach for your phone now instead of your physical card. The Apple Card offers its highest reward rates when you use it through the Apple Pay mobile wallet. Same goes for the PayPal Cashback Mastercard® when you use it to make purchases via the PayPal digital wallet. The Kroger grocery store giant has a co-branded credit card that earns the most when you pay using an eligible digital wallet, and some major credit cards with quarterly rotating bonus categories have a history of incentivizing digital wallet use. But again, these days it’s not just about the rewards. Mobile wallets like Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and PayPal can offer immediate access to your credit line while you wait for your physical card to arrive after approval. Indeed, most major issuers including Bank of America®, Capital One and Chase now offer instant virtual credit card numbers for eligible cards that can be used upon approval by adding them to a digital wallet. Additionally, many co-branded credit cards — those offered in partnership with another brand — commonly offer instant card access and can be used immediately on in-brand purchases. Credit cards typically take seven to 10 days to arrive after approval, so instant access to your credit line can be particularly useful if you need to make an urgent or unexpected purchase. Plus, they allow you to start spending toward a card’s sign-up bonus right away. As issuers push toward mobile payments, a growing number of merchants and businesses are similarly adopting the payment method. The percentage of U.S. businesses that used digital wallets increased to 62% in 2023, compared to 47% the previous year, according to a 2023 survey commissioned by the Federal Reserve Financial Services. Wider acceptance is potentially good news for the average American, who according to Experian has about four credit cards. While that won’t necessarily weigh down your wallet, it can be hard to manage multiple cards and rewards categories at once. Mobile wallets offer a more efficient way to store and organize all of your workhorse cards, while not having to carry around ones that you don’t use often. They can also help you more easily monitor your spending and rewards, and some even track your orders’ status and arrival time. Plus, paying with a digital wallet offers added security. That’s because it uses technology called tokenization when you pay, which masks your real credit card number and instead sends an encrypted “token” that’s unique to each payment. This is unlike swiping or dipping a physical card, during which your credit card number is more directly accessible. And again, because a mobile wallet doesn’t require you to have your physical cards present, there’s less chance of one falling out of your pocket or purse. More From NerdWallet Funto Omojola writes for NerdWallet. Email: fomojola@nerdwallet.com. The article Activating Your Credit Card? Don’t Skip the Mobile Wallet Step originally appeared on NerdWallet .

THE late former Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko was one of the pioneer freedom fighters of our armed struggle. He joined the armed struggle soon after being released from prison and was immediately sent for military training in the then-Soviet Union in 1964 by ZAPU. That crew had within its ranks the likes of now national heroes Dumiso Dabengwa and Ackim Ndlovu. They were later joined by the likes of yet another national hero, the late Colonel Tshinga Dube. When they returned from the Soviet Union, they formed a Military Command Structure in which Mphoko was deployed as the Chief of Logistics. That saw him being a logistics guru of the liberation armed struggle of Zimbabwe as the first Chief of Logistics of the pioneer ZAPU. The military command was under the office of the Special Affairs. He served in the Command with Ackim Ndlovu who was the commander, Abraham Nkiwane, Robson Manyika, Roma Nyathi who is still alive and is a neighbour of the Mphokos, and a few others. That command was known as the Coordinating Committee. In 1971, Mphoko was one of the surviving members of the Special Affairs command in the newly-formed ZPRA High Command under Rodgers Mangena (Alfred Nikita). He became Chief of Logistics of the new ZPRA High Command. He had the demanding task of training the young army. He was secretly called Mgqala (crow bar) because of his forceful approach to solving logistical problems. If the camp ran out of ammunition, Mphoko would take matters into his hands, disappear only to return to the camp with the much-needed ammunition. They never disclosed to the rank and file where they would have sourced it from. It was said in hushed tones that Mphoko and his team would use unorthodox means to lay their hands on the ammunition. The late former Vice-President, Phelekezela Mphoko He and his team established sites and communication dumps for easy re-supplies of ammunition to the ZPRA fighting forces. This team included now late national hero, Colonel Masala Sibanda, Joseph Dube (Donki), Petros Khumalo (Mpondo), Zidla, Cecil Banda and others. Him and Mangena were, however, not generous with ammunition. Those who trained under ZPRA might remember how stingy with ammunition his office was to an extent that missing a target at the shooting range would be an unforgettable experience. A cadre who fumbled would be ordered to be positioned behind the target to see how others shoot straight at the target. On my first operation, I was armed with an AK-47 and had only 30 rounds. Because of his ingenuity Mphoko was also appointed Chief of Logistics of the Joint Military Command formed by the ZPRA and ZANLA High Command in 1971 at Mbeya in Tanzania. The Command had people like Josiah Tongogara, John Mataure, and Ndangana from ZANLA. He built and stocked ZPRA logistics to enable operations to go at full throttle. Bit by bit ZPRA could challenge the enemy's superiority in all it's military capabilities. When the Zimbabwe People's Army (ZIPA) was established, an amalgamation of ZPRA and ZANLA, Mphoko was appointed Chief of Logistics again. He took the appointment with a lot of zeal faced with the demanding task of feeding and arming the multitudes that crossed into Mozambique. Mid-1976 Mphoko was appointed by ZAPU as it's representative in Maputo. He executed his duties with patriotic zeal and enthusiasm. Brig-Gen Mazinyane served in ZPRA as the Chief of Military Intelligence.I feel that a lot of what circulates in the liberal media bubble is shaped by the fact that most of the writers have never faced eviction, have never been threatened by a rogue cop or an enemy soldier, have never lost the family farm, have never been required to choose between dignity and safety, have never been told that they have to revise their viewpoints if they want to keep a job that they need to survive. You don't understand our priorities, and you simply don't see most of the country; you've banished us for being too uncouth, and we've become invisible. At least until you need someone to make your food, fix your car, or deliver your packages. You simply can't grasp how residually angry people are, how silenced they feel, or how much we need action and meaningful solutions. Yes, this includes the specific anger of women and the specific anger of minorities. Obviously. But why should we be angrier with Trump than with the Democrats?... Jesse Lee

Jim Leach, who represented Iowa in Congress for 30 years, has died at 82. Leach served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1977 to 2007, a tenure rivaled only by two other U.S. representatives in Iowa history. Only Iowans Neal Smith at 36 years and Gilbert Haugen 34 years served longer than Leach. Leach was born Oct. 15, 1942, in Davenport. He was a Davenport High School wrestling standout, winning the state championship in 1960 at the 138-pound weight class. He graduated cum laude from Princeton University in 1964 with a degree in political science and studied at Johns Hopkins University and the London School of Economics. With a master's in Russian studies, he enlisted in the U.S. Foreign Service. But in 1968, Leach resigned in protest of the "Saturday Night Massacre," President Richard Nixon's firing of Attorney General Eliot Richardson and Archibald Cox, the independent counsel investigating Watergate. Instead of going to Moscow, where he'd been assigned, Leach came home to Davenport and began working for his father's businesses. Leach first ran for office in 1974 to challenge incumbent U.S. Rep. Ed Mezvinsky for Iowa's 1st Congressional District seat. Leach, who had no experience running for elected office, was defeated. "I've always said it was the best race I ever ran," he told the Quad-City Times in a 2007 interview. He ran against Mezvinsky again two years later and won, launching his three-decade career in Congress. During that time, he chaired the Banking and Financial Services Committee, the Subcommittee on Asian and Pacific Affairs and the Congressional-Executive Commission on China. He quickly became known as a moderate Republican. Leach was one of six House Republicans who voted against using force against Iraq in 2002. A Congressional Quarterly study in 2005 found Leach voted with most members of his party against most Democrats at the lowest rate among House members at the time — 63%. In addition to his vote against invading Iraq, he admonished the Republican congressional campaign arm for sending flyers in the 2006 campaign targeting his opponent Dave Loebsack for his stance on gay marriage. His career in Congress ended with a 2006 loss to Loebsack in a Democratic wave across the country. Leach then taught at Princeton and Harvard before being appointed as chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities by Barack Obama. In 2008, Leach broke with his party to endorse Obama for president. He spoke at the Democratic National Convention in support of the future president. Ahead of the 2020 general election, Leach endorsed Joe Biden. Afterward, he criticized then-President Donald Trump in the wake of his denial of the 2020 election results and the events of Jan. 6, 2021. In 2022 said he had changed his party registration to Democrat for the first time in a further rebuke to his former party. He endorsed Christina Bohannan for Congress over Republican Mariannette Miller-Meeks. “My own view is that there is no excuse whatsoever for an insurrection," Leach told the Quad-City Times in 2022. "And that we're in one of the most profound challenges to American democracy ever, excepting the Civil War." Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.

Jeddah: Australia batter Jake Fraser-McGurk, one of the most explosive young T20 batters, set the stage alight with a bidding war that ended with Delhi Capitals (DC) successfully using their Right to Match (RTM) card for Rs 9 crore in the IPL 2025 Auction here at the Abadi Al Johar Arena in Jeddah on Sunday. Fraser-McGurk, who had made his IPL debut in 2024, was initially set at Rs 2 crore, but the bidding quickly heated up. DC, eager to bring the 21-year-old back, initiated the bidding, but Punjab Kings (PBKS) were also keen to secure the dynamic Aussie. Punjab Kings (PBKS) led by their head coach Ricky Ponting, who is known to rate Fraser-McGurk highly, upped the ante, taking the bid to Rs 5 crore. LSG, ever active in the auction, entered the fray, and the three teams – DC, PBKS, and LSG – battled it out in what became a captivating contest. As the bid soared, PBKS continued to outbid their competitors, pushing the price to Rs 9 crore. At this stage, it seemed like PBKS had won the race for Fraser-McGurk. However, the DC camp was not ready to give up their man that easily. Just as it looked like Fraser-McGurk was off to PBKS, DC exercised their RTM, matching the Rs 9 crore bid to secure the services of the 22-year-old batter. Fraser-McGurk, who has already impressed with his attacking style of play, made an instant impact with his debut in the IPL 2024 season. In nine matches, he scored 330 runs at an impressive average of 36.67, with four half-centuries and a career-high score of 84 runs. He also showcased his power-hitting abilities, with 32 fours and 28 sixes to his name. The Australian cricketer first grabbed headlines in 2023 when he smashed the fastest hundred in professional cricket, a record-breaking 29-ball century for South Australia against Tasmania in the Marsh Cup. This remarkable feat made him one of the most talked-about young talents in world cricket. In another purchase, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) secured the services of IPL 2024 Purple Cap winner, Harshal Patel for Rs 8 crore. It all started with the base price set at Rs 2 crore. Two teams, SRH and Gujarat Titans (GT), quickly emerged as the frontrunners. SRH, always looking for that crucial match-winner in the bowling department, fought hard to bring Harshal back into their fold. Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans, with their aggressive approach, raised the stakes, pushing the price to Rs 5 crore. SRH wasn’t ready to back down as they raised the bid to Rs 6 crore. The battle reached its peak as SRH raised their bid to Rs 6.75 crore, forcing GT to pull back. But the bidding war wasn’t over. Punjab Kings, sitting quietly in the background, used their Right to Match (RTM) card, making it clear they were ready to lock down the bowler for their squad. The competition was fierce, but SRH wasn’t ready to lose Harshal Patel to anyone. They raised their bid to an impressive Rs 8 crore, and Punjab Kings happily came out of the race. The seasoned bowler had already proven his worth in the IPL. Making his debut in 2012, he had become a regular in the league, with 135 wickets in 105 matches. His performance in IPL 2024 was nothing short of spectacular, finishing as the top wicket-taker with 24 wickets in 14 matches with an economy rate of 9.73.In Maharashtra, caste is the very foundation of the political battleground. The OBCs, who constitute 38 percent of the state’s population , played a decisive role in this election, won by the Mahayuti alliance of the BJP, the Shiv Sena, and Ajit Pawar's NCP. Yet, this isn’t a homogeneous bloc. The Kunbis, Vanjaris, and Dhangars each have distinct concerns and loyalties. The BJP’s ability to make inroads into these communities through strategic representation paid off, cementing its dominance in key regions. The Maratha community, long regarded as the backbone of Maharashtra politics, was another key factor in the Mahayuti’s victory. Despite agitation over the reservation and dissatisfaction with unresolved demands, the BJP managed to retain a significant share of Maratha votes through symbolic gestures, influential leadership, and careful engagement. The Congress-NCP alliance, which has traditionally relied on Maratha support, failed to capitalise on this discontent. Their inability to offer a cohesive alternative left many voters opting for the BJP-led alliance, signalling a significant shift in one of the opposition’s strongholds. The Dalit vote, particularly among smaller communities like Mangs and Chambhars, also appeared to vote for the BJP. While the Mahars remain a loyal base for Ambedkarite and opposition politics, the BJP’s targeted outreach ensured meaningful traction among non-Mahar Dalit groups. This strategic fragmentation of traditional vote banks further added to the MVA’s challenges, leaving them with fewer reliable constituencies. In regions like Vidarbha and Marathwada, known for agrarian distress and rural vulnerabilities, the MVA’s reliance on anti-incumbency sentiment failed to gain traction, as the BJP’s campaign successfully turned the narrative toward long-term development and stability. Even in Western Maharashtra, historically dominated by the NCP, the Mahayuti breached traditional bastions, underscoring the opposition’s waning influence. The Urban-Rural Divide: Different Stories, Same Discontent Maharashtra’s urban and rural voters often inhabit vastly different realities, and this election has brought those contrasts into sharp focus. In urban areas like Pune, Mumbai, and Nagpur, issues such as infrastructure , housing, and inflation dominated conversations. The BJP, with its emphasis on development and big-ticket projects, has managed to retain its stronghold in these regions. Voters in cities largely rallied behind the promise of continued growth, despite occasional dissatisfaction over stalled projects and uneven economic benefits. The Mahayuti’s appeal to middle-class aspirations and its targeted engagement with youth helped solidify its urban base, leaving little room for the opposition to make inroads. In rural Maharashtra, the narrative was shaped by agrarian challenges and economic distress. Farmers, faced with an opposition alliance that failed to present a unified or credible alternative, appeared to have placed their trust in the Mahayuti’s promises of infrastructure and financial security . The Congress-NCP alliance, which had counted on rural discontent to regain ground, was unable to convert grievances into votes, as past governance records undercut their claims of reform. Women Voters and Welfare Schemes: A ₹1,500 Fix or Political Band-Aid? Women voters are emerging as a decisive force in Maharashtra’s elections, and political parties are tailoring their strategies to appeal to this growing demographic. Welfare schemes like the Ladli Behen Scheme, offering ₹1,500 monthly aid to women aged 21–65, have been a focal point of outreach. On the surface, these schemes promise financial independence, especially for women in rural areas burdened by rising costs and limited opportunities. However, a closer look reveals a more complex story. According to the Access (In)Equality Index (AEI) by CNES and OP Jindal Global University, the scheme scores high on financial inclusion, providing immediate cash relief to women and families in need. Yet, its broader impact remains limited. Maharashtra still struggles with systemic challenges—only 22.4% of households have health insurance, and dropout rates among rural girls remain alarmingly high. While schemes like Ladli Behen alleviate short-term financial distress, they fail to tackle the underlying issues of education, healthcare, and sustainable employment opportunities that could empower women in the long term. ADVERTISEMENT REMOVE AD At the core of Jharkhand’s electoral dynamics lies its tribal population, which isn’t just another voting bloc—it’s the lifeblood of the state’s politics. With tribals making up 26.21% of the population and holding sway over 28 reserved assembly seats, they wield unparalleled influence. The JMM, under Hemant Soren’s leadership, has long been synonymous with tribal identity and empowerment . This connection is no accident—it’s the product of decades of grassroots engagement, cultural preservation, and policies that resonate deeply with the tribal community. The 2019 elections underscored the JMM’s dominance in this arena, with the party winning 19 tribal seats and its ally Congress securing six, while the BJP managed a paltry two. This year, the BJP has pulled out all the stops to try and break this stranglehold. From poaching tribal leaders like Champai Soren to pushing Hindu-centric narratives aimed at polarizing the electorate, the BJP’s strategy has been aggressive but ultimately ineffective. The BJP’s tactics, particularly in tribal-dominated regions like Kolhan and Santhal Parganas , often come across as tone-deaf. While the party tries to pit tribal identity against perceived external threats, it overlooks the deep-rooted loyalty tribal voters feel toward the JMM. Hemant Soren’s leadership continues to symbolize the safeguarding of tribal autonomy and culture, a legacy the BJP has yet to match in substance or trust. Women Voters: INDIA Bloc’s Winning Formula Women voters are playing an unprecedented role in this election, with their numbers surpassing men in 32 constituencies. Both the JMM and BJP recognize the significance of this demographic, but the INDIA bloc has clearly struck a more resonant chord. The JMM’s “ Maiyan Samman Scheme ,” which provides ₹1,000 monthly to women aged 18-60, has proven to be a game-changer in rural Jharkhand, where financial relief can have a transformative impact. But beyond the policy, the JMM has found an unexpected electoral weapon in Kalpana Soren. Her energetic rallies, filled with enthusiastic female supporters, have not only added a personal touch to the campaign but also humanized the JMM’s outreach to women. Kalpana’s speeches blend empowerment with relatable narratives of cultural pride and economic support, creating a powerful emotional connection with women voters . Her presence has helped frame the JMM as a party that doesn’t just make promises but listens, understands, and delivers. Meanwhile, the BJP’s “Gogo Didi” programs and other self-help group initiatives, while thoughtful, lack the authenticity and grassroots connection of the JMM’s campaign. For rural women, who make up the bulk of this voter base, the BJP’s efforts often come across as policy on paper, whereas the JMM’s initiatives feel tangible and rooted in their lived realities. ( Deepanshu Mohan is a Professor of Economics, Dean, IDEAS, Office of Inter-Disciplinary Studies, and Director of Centre for New Economics Studies (CNES), OP Jindal Global University. He is a Visiting Professor at the London School of Economics, and a 2024 Fall Academic Visitor to the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, University of Oxford. Ankur Singh is a Research Assistant with the Centre for New Economics Studies, OP Jindal Global University and a team member of its InfoSphere initiative. This is an opinion article and the views expressed above are the author’s own. The Quint neither endorses nor is responsible for them.) (At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.) 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A new bill has been introduced, and passed, to the House of Representatives which could help millions of Social Security beneficiaries get a higher amount every month. This is the Social Security Fairness Act , which passed with bipartisan support and is now headed to the Senate to, hopefully, be approved as well. The Social Security Fairness Act This bill, introduced by House sponsors, Virginia Democrat Abigail Spanberger and Louisiana Republican Garret Graves, aims to repeal two federal policies that currently limit Social Security payouts for around 2.8 million Americans who work in federal, state and local jobs. As they explained in a joint statement, “By passing the Social Security Fairness Act , a bipartisan majority of the U.S. House of Representatives showed up for the millions of Americans — police officers, teachers, firefighters, and other local and state public servants — who worked a second job to make ends meet or began a second career to support their families after retiring from public service. A bipartisan majority of the U.S. House voted to provide a secure retirement to the hundreds of thousands of spouses, widows, and widowers who are denied their spouses’ benefits simply because they chose careers of service.” What provisions did it repeal? the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). According to the SSA, the WEP is “a formula used to adjust Social Security worker benefits for people who receive “ non-covered pensions ” and qualify for Social Security benefits based on other Social Security–covered earnings. A non-covered pension is a pension paid by an employer that does not withhold Social Security taxes from your salary, typically, state and local governments or non-U.S. employer.” This provision currently affects approximately 2 million beneficiaries. The GPO “adjusts Social Security spousal or widow(er) benefits for people who receive “ non-covered pensions. ”” This rule impacts nearly 800,000 retirees. By repealing the bill it would allow to: All of these provisions would help average Americans make ends meet as it would raise benefits for those who are currently subject to the WEP and GPO. The bad news is that, according to the Congressional Budget Office, implementing this bill would add $195 billion to federal deficits over 10 years, contributing to the shortfall of Social Security even more. Regardless, as Graves explains “This has been 40 years of treating people differently, discriminating against a certain set of workers. They’re not people that are overpaid; they’re not people that are underworked,” he said. Despite the House win, the bill still has long to go, as it has not been put up to a vote in the Senate and the president would still have to sign it into law, but efforts are being made so that it can pass with the minimum possible disturbance. Spanberger and Graves, along with Senate sponsors, Democrat Sherrod Brown and Republican Susan Collins, made their case to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell for them to put the bill up for a vote. Their impassionate plea read that Americans who are subject to the provisions “are being punished for supporting and protecting our neighbors and families, educating our children, providing healthcare to our Veterans, delivering our mail, and more.”No local footy: Lauren travels eight hours in hunt for AFL draft dream

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Right-wing commentator Nick Fuentes has been charged with misdemeanor battery after a woman accused him of pepper-spraying her after she showed up at his doorstep. Police arrested Fuentes and released him in late November for the incident. The woman told police he sprayed her and then pushed her onto the concrete outside his Illinois home. A police report said she had no visible injuries but that her eyes were "watery." TRUMP CABINET PICKS: WHO'S BEEN TAPPED TO SERVE IN THE PRESIDENT-ELECT'S ADMINISTRATION Fuentes caused an uproar earlier that month with a post on X that said: "Your body, my choice," referencing the abortion-rights "my body, my choice" slogan. Fuentes told police that since he “posted a political joke online,” he has received death threats and people have appeared at his house unannounced. He also told police he was “in fear for his life." GREATEST COMEBACK? HERE’S HOW TRUMP STACKS UP IN WHITE HOUSE HISTORY He will make his first court appearance on Dec. 19 in the case. Fuentes has a prominent social media following and is known for being highly controversial. He was banned under Twitter's previous ownership before Elon Musk reinstated his account. He posted his mugshot on his X account along with a post that said, "Free me n***a." In 2022, Fuentes had a dinner with Donald Trump that was highly publicized and stirred controversy. Trump suggested he did not mean to dine with Fuentes, but had a dinner with rapper Ye (formerly Kanye West) scheduled and he brought Fuentes. He said he didn't know who Fuentes was. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER Democrats used the dinner to smear Trump, saying for any other political party, such an act would be "instantly disqualifying." Fuentes aligned with Trump more closely than Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election but did not endorse him. Before the election, he said he believed, “Without serious changes we are headed for a catastrophic loss."

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Nightmare neighbours can turn your life upside down. Moving into a new home is an exhilarating experience, but there are certain uncontrollable factors that can transform even the most idyllic of homes into a living nightmare - especially when it comes to your neighbours. You don't need to be best pals with those next door, but most of us will at least maintain a polite relationship. However, being amicable with your neighbours can become challenging when they won't let you live in peace. One man has claimed his neighbours have been making his life unbearable since he moved in, as they persistently complain about every minor noise he makes. From watching telly to simply walking around and even flushing the loo - his neighbours always find something to grumble about. In a post on Reddit, the man detailed how he recently...None

Sione Tuipulotu helped halt Australia’s autumn resurgence as the Scotland captain scored the opening try in an impressive 27-13 triumph over the nation of his birth. The 27-year-old Glasgow centre, who left his homeland frustrated at a lack of opportunities in 2018, was the only player on either side to cross the whitewash in the first half. It was an extra special moment for Tuipulotu as his 77-year-old Greenock-born grandmother Jaqueline Thomson – the woman by whom he is eligible for Scotland – was in the stand watching him play for his adopted nation for the first time. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. There were further tries after the break from Duhan van der Merwe, who moved back to the top of Scotland’s all-time scoring charts on 30, replacement Josh Bayliss and Finn Russell. A late score from Wallabies debutant Harry Potter reduced the deficit to 14 points, but Scotland were already cruising towards a third win in four Tests this autumn. Australia, buoyed by victories over England and Wales this month, started with intent and after being camped in the Scottish half in the early exchanges, they got the scoreboard ticking in the 11th minute when Noah Lolesio sent a close-range penalty between the posts. Having escaped with the concession of just three points from the Wallabies’ pressure, Scotland started to build their way into the game and eventually took full control. Tuipulotu breaks clear to score a try against Australia (Andrew Milligan/PA) They worked themselves a good opportunity in the 15th minute, only for Russell’s delicate kick over the top to bounce out dead before Darcy Graham was able to get on the end of it. Russell looked set to get his side off the mark in the 20th minute with a penalty from a central position 30 metres out but, normally so reliable from the tee, the stand-off’s kick came back off the right-hand post. The Scottish breakthrough came two minutes later, however, when the Wallabies were caught cold at a lineout, allowing Ewan Ashman’s long throw to find Tuipulotu, who darted in all too easily to score. Russell converted. Much of the pre-match narrative had surrounded Australia centre Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, who only made his rugby union bow earlier this month after being fast-tracked in from rugby league without having previously played a professional club game. Scotland players with the Hopetoun Cup trophy (Andres Milligan/PA) However, the much-hyped 21-year-old’s afternoon was ended prematurely when he injured himself making a tackle on Tuipulotu and had to go off after just 31 minutes. The first half generally lacked the verve many had hoped for from both sides but, on the balance of play, Scotland would have been entitled to a slight hint of disappointment at only being 7-3 ahead at the interval. The stodgy nature of proceedings continued early in the second half, with stand-offs Russell and Lolesio kicking a penalty apiece a minute apart. The home support felt aggrieved in the 49th minute when Australia full-back Tom Wright was not deemed to have committed a dangerous tackle as he blocked Scotland scrum-half Ben White, who was attempting to run on to his own kick over the top. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. But the Scots soon started to pull clear. Van der Merwe forced his way over on the left after being fed by Blair Kinghorn in the 51st minute. Russell converted. Bayliss then bounded his way over on the right in the 67th minute for his second try in successive matches, with Russell hooking his conversion wide. The Bath stand-off made amends for his errant kicking four minutes later, however, when he finished off an incisive attack for his first Scotland try since the defeat away to France in February 2023. Russell was again off target with his conversion. It mattered little as the Wallabies were already well beaten by the time wing Potter slammed down on the left, with Ben Donaldson adding the extras.

Can RFK Jr. Limit Ozempic Access as HHS Chief? Here’s What to Know - The New York Times

This holiday season, just show up, for others, for the downtrodden, for yourself.Donald Trump Jr.’s apparent breakup with his fiancée, , took the world by surprise Tuesday—but to Trumpworld insiders it was apparently a long time coming. , waited until after the election to go public with their relationship, which the pair had been carrying out for the past six months or so under Guilfoyle’s nose, according to a story in magazine Wednesday. “She loves the power and lifestyle,” one source said of Guilfoyle, who was apparently blinded by her proximity to the prominent family. On Tuesday, Guilfoyle was announced as President-elect Trump’s pick to be ambassador to Greece. Trump Jr. quickly congratulated her on X, writing: “I am so proud of Kimberly. She loves America and she always has wanted to serve the country as an Ambassador.” It was reportedly Anderson’s idea to ship the former Fox News host—and her competition for the soon-to-be first son’s affection—out of the country. “Bettina wants Kim out of the area,” a political source for a separate story, all but confirming the pair’s split—which they have yet to comment on publicly. Neither Trump’s team nor Anderson immediately responded to a request for comment on the new relationship. A source from PEOPLE claimed that the Trump family were happy to see Guilfoyle go, adding that they had enough of her spotlight-hogging antics. “Kim is not a nice person and always wants the limelight,” the source alleged to PEOPLE. “Don and Kim are over but they are going to offer her some kind of an administrative position so she will be happy.”Ex-Rangers Captain Jacob Trouba Reportedly Gave Up On Team Before Trade

The North Carolina State Board of Elections voted Wednesday to deny a GOP challenge that attempted to throw out 60,000 ballots in a state Supreme Court race. The Democratic incumbent in the race leads by just over 700 votes. Two recounts have been performed, but neither revealed enough votes for Republican Jefferson Griffin to surpass Democrat Allison Riggs. The elections board, which is led 3-2 by Democrats, could now move to certify the results of the race. Griffin's campaign had filed hundreds of legal challenges across the state in their allegations that nearly 60,000 people voted illegally. Their main contention was that these people didn't have a Social Security number or driver's license number in their voter registration records. “These voters were not eligible to cast a ballot without first lawfully registering,” attorneys for Griffin’s campaign wrote in the first brief to North Carolina's election board. There were three categories of votes at issue. The first involved voter registration applications processed two decades ago that were supposed to require people to note their driver’s license or Social Security numbers, but the form didn't list that requirement. Thousands of voters didn't include the requirement as a result. The other two categories involve overseas voters who haven't lived in North Carolina and those who failed to provide photo identification with their ballot. All three categories were put to a vote, with the first two falling along party lines. The final measure was rejected unanimously. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER Griffin or the North Carolina Republican Party will likely appeal the decision. In a statement, North Carolina GOP Chairman Jason Simmons criticized the ruling and said the party would "review the board’s decision and reserve the right to any future actions to protect the integrity of our elections."