Ripple Fiber, a fiber optic internet provider based in the Southeast, has opened a retail office in Hickory. The provider aims to bring its innovative technology to more than 16,000 homes in areas across Catawba County, including Hickory, St. Stephens and Conover. Construction is currently expected to be completed by mid-2026. During this phase, Ripple Fiber is encouraging people to preorder service, which can be done online, by phone, or in person at a Ripple Fiber retail location. “The continued evolution and growth of our city’s infrastructure is crucial. With Hickory’s established telecommunications industry, we understand the importance of access to fiber for our residents,” the Chamber of Catawba County said in a news release. “Ripple Fiber’s thoughtful planning in anticipation of this groundbreaking milestone demonstrates its commitment to providing our residents with expanded broadband access for generations to come.” Ripple Fiber continues increasing its footprint in western North Carolina, which includes active markets in Shelby, Kings Mountain, Gastonia, Cramerton and Cherryville. With a 10 Gbps-ready, 100% fiber optic network, Ripple Fiber delivers lightning-fast internet to thousands of homes using its patented technology, the company said in the news release. It said it is committed to constructing robust digital infrastructures nationwide. Whether using Wi-Fi for remote work, online learning, gaming or video streaming, customers can expect exceptional bandwidth and symmetrical upload and download speeds, the company said. Known for transparent pricing without contracts or hidden fees, Ripple Fiber now offers multiple package options, with three core products leading the way — 500 Mbps, 1 Gig, and 2 Gig. “The Ripple Fiber team is honored to expand our fiber internet network to provide more North Carolina communities with future-proof infrastructure,” Greg Wilson, founder and CEO of Ripple Fiber, said in the news release. “This area’s telecommunications history is inspiring and speaks to our fundamental goal of deploying cutting-edge technology to locations that need it. We’re pleased to contribute to the enhanced connectivity and transformative growth in Catawba County residents.” The local Ripple Fiber office is at 1410 Old Lenoir Road, Suite C, Hickory. Residents in Catawba County and the surrounding areas who would like to learn more about Ripple Fiber’s offerings and discover upcoming availability in their neighborhood can visit ripplefiber.com and follow along on social media (@ripple.fiber) for updates. Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly. News Editor {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.CHICAGO -- After 76ers center Joel Embiid finished with 31 points and 12 rebounds in Philadelphia's 108-100 win against the Bulls on Sunday, he admitted it's been a difficult process for him mentally to go through trying to get his left knee to a place where he can play. "Depressing," Embiid told ESPN, when asked what the last couple of months have been like for him, after Sunday's game. "Just trying to figure it out. There's no injury. Just between the swelling ... we've got to get it figured out. That's it. "I've been saying it for the last few months. It's been extremely depressing. It's something that hasn't been figured out, and it's been extremely annoying, because I would love to play every single game." That has, unfortunately for both Embiid and Philadelphia, not been the case this season. Embiid missed the opening nine games of the season both because of his knee and a league suspension before returning to play in four games -- including scoring 35 points in Memphis on Nov. 20 -- before again being shut down and missing the past two-and-a-half weeks of action due to both his knee swelling up on him and personal reasons. That time away from the court ended Sunday, however, when Embiid -- after being upgraded to questionable Saturday -- went through his normal pregame workout a little less than an hour before tip and was then inserted back into the starting lineup alongside fellow All-Stars Tyrese Maxey and Paul George . Before Sunday's game here, the three of them had only shared the court for six minutes -- all in that loss in Memphis, when George hyperextended his left knee for a second time in about a month and Embiid would later have his knee struggle to respond the way he hoped it would. But, against Chicago, there were glimpses of what they can do. The trio played 26 minutes together Sunday, with the 76ers outscoring the Bulls by 14 points across those minutes. As a result, Embiid still has faith that despite the rough start to the season for the 76ers, who have now rattled off wins in four of their last five games after opening the season 3-14, there's still time for them to do the things they set out to do before the season began. "It starts with health," Embiid told ESPN. It felt good to have the guys on the floor. I believe if we're healthy, and we're on the floor, we have a chance against anybody, and I like what we have. "I think the whole thing is about health ... that's what it comes down to. I wish I could have been playing from the beginning. I would love to play every single game, every single minute, but sometimes your body just says 'No,' and you can't do nothing about it. All you can do is just keep working to fix it and get better." A similar thing could be said for how this game played out. The 76ers were down 10 after the first quarter, and were lucky it wasn't twice that much. Embiid missed all six of his shots in the quarter, and the Bulls, who were led by 30 points from Zach LaVine , looked like they might run Philadelphia right off the court. "I said it on the bench a couple times," 76ers coach Nick Nurse said. "I was like, 'Whoa, we could be down ... we're playing so bad, right? Really bad. We were down five with a couple minutes ago. I was like, 'How are we down five?'" They wound up not being down for long once the second quarter started, because Embiid -- after missing his first seven shots of the game -- would then go on to make 8 of his next 10, outscoring the Bulls by himself (19-17) in the second as Philadelphia outscored Chicago 39-17 to stake the 76ers to a lead they would never relinquish. Many of those Embiid shots came off passes from Maxey, who registered his first career triple-double with 25 points, 11 rebounds and 14 assists -- with 10 of those assists, per ESPN Research, coming off feeds to Embiid. "It was great," Maxey said of having Embiid on the court again. "I mean, that's just who he is. I think today. It's easy, man. It's easier, man. There's a lot more space out there. I felt like today, even when he's out there and I'm not out there, it's harder to maybe trap or whatever. They can't trap ball screens, you know what I mean? Either or if they don't drive, then I can score or shoot three or if they drop too much and help too much for me, I'm pocket passing to him and he's getting a layup or a [midrange jumper] ... it makes the game easier." After beating the Bulls on Sunday to claim a fourth win in five tries following their dismal 3-14 start, the 76ers are now tied in the loss column with the Bulls and Detroit Pistons for the 10th and final play-in spot in the Eastern Conference standings -- the latest reminder of how forgiving the bottom of the East can be. Still, this team is built around Embiid, and the lingering question is how his knee will respond moving forward after playing 33 minutes Sunday. The 76ers have three games over the next 12 days due to the break in the schedule for the NBA to complete the second edition of the Emirates NBA Cup -- a period Nurse said he plans to operate like another training camp of sorts to get his team back onto the same page. Embiid himself said he's still working through the issues with his knee, and that time will tell how it responds to his latest ramp up to play. For now, though, the 76ers -- who spent a couple extra hours at the arena waiting for a plane issue to be fixed Sunday after the win -- are just happy to have their team on the court, and to finally be building some small bits of momentum. "It felt great," George said. "It felt great to finally gets some consistency with Big Fella out there and myself and [Tyrese]. It felt good to kind of put the team back together and log some minutes today."
Rodgers on potential Jets return: 'Ask Woody'
Davina McCall's partner, Michael Douglas, has shared insights on when the television presenter and Masked Singer judge is expected to return to her screen duties following her recent brain surgery. Davina recently underwent a six-hour procedure to excise a 14mm non-malignant brain tumour, discovered during a scan a few months earlier whilst she was speaking at a menopause-related event. In the aftermath of her operation, Davina posted a video update the first since undergoing surgery acknowledging the difficulties she's faced, notably stating that it has been "bad" but expressing relief at being home, with both Michael and her stepmother providing care. Despite grappling with short-term memory issues post-surgery, Davina remains optimistic about improvement, believing she can "work on it". During an Instagram Live session, Michael, who has been in a relationship with Davina since 2019, revealed her recovery timeline and when fans might expect her back. Get all the latest TV and showbiz news and gossip from Chronicle Live with our free newsletter Michael shared: "She's quite tired at the moment. She sleeps really well at night and goes to bed at ten and has nap in the morning, and sleeps for two or three hours in the afternoon." Delving deeper, he noted: "It's the way your brain heals is by resting. Her body is naturally forcing her to rest... She's off till mid January. She's got a lot of time to relax and recuperate. It's been a very very emotional and quite an incredible experience. We're definitely out of the woods.", reports the Mirror . The Masked Singer judge was taken aback by her diagnosis, confessing that she had gone for a health scan expecting to "ace it". Davina shared the startling news earlier this month, revealing: "I was offered a health scan which I thought i was going to ace but it turned out i had benign brain tumour," and acknowledged its rarity. "I'm going to be in hospital for about nine days, and then I'm going to be going home, but I'm going to be off my phone for a while," she disclosed. Michael stepped in to manage her social media accounts to keep her followers informed about her condition. Having recently returned to her online platform, she expressed gratitude towards her supporters, saying: "It's just really nice to be back home. I'm on the other side. My short term memory is a bit remiss. But that is something that I can work on so I'm really happy about that. I'm writing everything I'm doing to keep myself feeling safe." She also mentioned the support she's receiving at home: "I'm being brilliantly looked after by Michael and my mum. I'd quickly like to say big up the stepmums - I don't really say thank you to Gabby [McCall] enough. She's been an amazing rock my whole life. I have a massive dose of vitamin G. When something like this happens I just feel so grateful. I've always been grateful, I've always been lucky in my life." Concluding her update, she added: "I feel unbelievably grateful in my life right now, so thanks for everything. I'm on the mend, I'm resting, I'm sleeping loads and I feel really good. I just feel very lucky." ChronicleLive is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join our communities. We have a number of communities to join, so you can choose which one you want to be part of and we'll send you the latest news direct to your phone. You could even join them all! To join you need to have WhatsApp on your device. All you need to do is choose which community you want to join, click on the link and press 'join community'. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the ChronicleLive team. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you’re curious, you can read our privacy notice . Join the ChronicleLive Breaking News and Top Stories community Join our Court & Crime community Join the Things to do in Newcastle and the North East community Join our Northumberland community Join our County Durham community Join our Sunderland community Join our NUFC community Join our SAFC community Join our Great North Run communityHere's what we know about this year's Spotify Wrapped music listening recapsNetanyahu Backs Cease-Fire Deal With Hezbollah, Israeli Hardliner Calls For 'Security Zone' Inside Lebanon
Man City blows 3-goal lead and gets booed by fans in draw with Feyenoord in Champions LeagueBy EMILY WAGSTER PETTUS JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — The U.S. Supreme Court should overturn Mississippi’s Jim Crow-era practice of removing voting rights from people convicted of certain felonies, including nonviolent crimes such as forgery and timber theft, attorneys say in new court papers. Most of the people affected are disenfranchised for life because the state provides few options for restoring ballot access. “Mississippi’s harsh and unforgiving felony disenfranchisement scheme is a national outlier,” attorneys representing some who lost voting rights said in an appeal filed Wednesday. They wrote that states “have consistently moved away from lifetime felony disenfranchisement over the past few decades.” This case is the second in recent years — and the third since the late 19th century — that asks the Supreme Court to overturn Mississippi’s disenfranchisement for some felonies. The cases use different legal arguments, and the court rejected the most recent attempt in 2023. The new appeal asks justices to reverse a July ruling from the conservative 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which said Mississippi legislators, not the courts, must decide whether to change the laws. Stripping away voting rights for some crimes is unconstitutional because it is cruel and unusual punishment, the appeal argues. A majority of justices rejected arguments over cruel and unusual punishment in June when they cleared the way for cities to enforce bans on homeless people sleeping outside in public places. Attorneys who sued Mississippi over voting rights say the authors of the state’s 1890 constitution based disenfranchisement on a list of crimes they thought Black people were more likely to commit. A majority of the appeals judges wrote that the Supreme Court in 1974 reaffirmed constitutional law allowing states to disenfranchise felons. About 38% of Mississippi residents are Black. Nearly 50,000 people were disenfranchised under the state’s felony voting ban between 1994 and 2017. More than 29,000 of them have completed their sentences, and about 58% of that group are Black, according to an expert who analyzed data for plaintiffs challenging the voting ban. Related Articles National Politics | Trump convinced Republicans to overlook his misconduct. But can he do the same for his nominees? National Politics | Beyond evangelicals, Trump and his allies courted smaller faith groups, from the Amish to Chabad National Politics | Trump gave Interior nominee one directive for a half-billion acres of US land: ‘Drill.’ National Politics | Trump’s team is delaying transition agreements. What does it mean for security checks and governing? National Politics | Judge delays Trump hush money sentencing in order to decide where case should go now To regain voting rights in Mississippi, a person convicted of a disenfranchising crime must receive a governor’s pardon or win permission from two-thirds of the state House and Senate. In recent years, legislators have restored voting rights for only a few people. The other recent case that went to the Supreme Court argued that authors of Mississippi’s constitution showed racist intent when they chose which felonies would cause people to lose the right to vote. In that ruling, justices declined to reconsider a 2022 appeals court decision that said Mississippi remedied the discriminatory intent of the original provisions in the state constitution by later altering the list of disenfranchising crimes. In 1950, Mississippi dropped burglary from the list. Murder and rape were added in 1968. The Mississippi attorney general issued an opinion in 2009 that expanded the list to 22 crimes, including timber larceny, carjacking, felony-level shoplifting and felony-level writing bad checks. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson wrote in a 2023 dissent that Mississippi’s list of disenfranchising crimes was “adopted for an illicit discriminatory purpose.”
Space Flight Laboratory (SFL) Announces Successful Launch & Deployment of HawkEye 360’s Cluster 11PARACHINAR: The life of a critically ill woman in Parachinar was saved through the efforts of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. She was airlifted to Rawalpindi for urgent medical treatment, ensuring timely healthcare intervention, ARY News reported. The decision to provide immediate medical assistance came after the woman’s son appealed for help on social media platform X. Responding swiftly to the plea, Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Imran Nazir dispatched an air ambulance to Parachinar. The patient, who was suffering from a serious illness, was transported to Rawalpindi’s Shafa Hospital where she is now receiving specialised care. Expressing his gratitude, the woman’s son, Zeeshan, took to X to thank the Punjab government for their timely intervention. He commended Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for taking swift action to save his mother’s life. Read More: Maryam Nawaz signs deal for advanced cancer treatment machinery for Punjab In separate news CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz on December 10 signed an agreement with a Chinese company to bring state-of-the-art cancer treatment technology to Punjab. During her visit to China, Maryam Nawaz signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hygea Medical Technologies to bring advanced cancer treatment methods and machinery to Punjab. With the arrival of this machinery, cancer treatment without surgery and chemotherapy will be possible. After meeting with Dr. Luo Fuliang, President of Hygea Medical Technologies, Maryam Nawaz stated that the company had assured professional support for the development of the Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital. She added that after the agreement, the hospital will treat cancer patients using the latest machinery and treatment methods in collaboration with China. Maryam Nawaz also met with Zhi Hong Sheng, founder and CEO of AI Force Tech and Chairman of the Chinese company, where they discussed measures to prevent air pollution. Additionally, an MoU was signed between the Punjab Agriculture Department and AI Force Tech. The Chinese company will establish a manufacturing plant for robotic agricultural equipment in Punjab. Maryam Nawaz also visited the Shi Ji Tan Hospital and the Beijing Municipal Commission of Transport. Maryam Nawaz highlighted that the Lahore Orange Line and Metro Bus are a testament to Pakistan-China friendship and expressed her gratitude for the cooperation in the Metro Bus System in Lahore, Multan, Islamabad, and Rawalpindi. She further announced plans to expand the Metro Train network in Lahore and other cities.
Look good, feel better! Experts reveal 10 ways to have a major glow up in the new year By PANDORA AMORATIS FOR DAILYMAIL.COM Published: 17:41 EST, 24 December 2024 | Updated: 18:13 EST, 24 December 2024 e-mail View comments The new year symbolizes fresh beginnings. It's a time of reflection on the past year's wins and loses and provides a clear marker for setting goals moving forward. The transition into a new year often brings a sense of energy for self-care, making it an ideal time to commit to better habits. Better habits can lead to noticeable improvements both in your internal state and external appearance. The key, however, is choosing habits that align with your lifestyle, or you'll abandon them by February! Do you desire a glow up? Daily Mail chats with experts in fashion, beauty, and health on easy ways to reinvent your look, refresh your style, and embrace a version of yourself that reflects your evolving personality and goals. Here's to looking good and feeling better in 2025! Boost your mood in the new year by incorporating feel-good colors into your wardrobe Use color to your advantage Studies have shown that the colors you wear can significantly impact your mood and how others perceive you. 'Color is a powerful communication tool and influences how people will respond to you,' shared image consultant Kasia Michaels. 'If you want to come across as mysterious and maybe not as easily approachable, wear black. 'But if you're planning on being flirty and playful, you should opt for pink shades.' Taylor swift recently attended a Chiefs vs. Texans game in a red Charlotte Simone coat lined with faux fur. The energy boosting shade is said to improve confidence and increase heart rate. Leopard prints can also boost your mood by making you feel more confident, empowered, and sexy. Not to mention, the animal print is super on trend! Niri shearling leather jacket by L'Agence, now $1,750; lagence.com Kyle handbag by Hammitt, $425; hammitt.com Alexa pants by SAFIYAA, now $348; net-a-porter.com Ballet flats by Alaia, $1,250; net-a-porter.com RELATED ARTICLES Previous 1 Next New Year, New Adventures: Escape the ordinary and plan the... Sponsored Nail it this year: From color to shape, the top nail trends... Share this article Share 'Bringing the length up a bit and adding texture to the cut is going to allow for bouncier and motion to all haircuts for 2025,' says Nick Stenson, founder of Nick Stenson Beauty Try a new hairstyle 'Everyone has been sporting long hair for the last few years,' says Nick Stenson, founder of Nick Stenson Beauty. 'In 2025 that’s about to change. Bringing the length up a bit and adding texture to the cut is going to allow for bouncier and motion to all haircuts for 2025.' In October, Selena Gomez attended the Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles with a fresh, new haircut. The newly engaged star has since cut her tresses a little shorter - she's the ultimate trailblazer. Opt for a warmer locks 'It's the year of embracing warmth in all hair colors, especially blondes,' shares Nick. 'We are going to see more golden blondes and even some soft flickers of copper to change up the cool blonde tones we have been seeing for years.' Warm colors add a healthy-looking glow to your look. Just work with your colorist to find a shade that complements your skin tone. Snip, snip hooray! 'Bobs are a classic haircut that just won't go out of style,' reveals Nick. 'Taking a note from the decade's past, we are going to see a variety of bob shapes including some with baby bangs to add a youthful look.' 'It's the year of embracing warmth in all hair colors, especially blondes,' shares Nick. 'We are going to see more golden blondes and even some soft flickers of copper to change up the cool blonde tones we have been seeing for years' Shimmer and shine Matte makeup is so last year! 'Shimmer is a huge 2025 trend and I couldn’t be happier about it,' says Daniel Chinchilla Too Faced Global Celebrity Makeup Artist. 'It was all over the runways and social media as well. Oh and most importantly, Beyonce! 'We’re having fun with makeup again and I can’t think of an easier way to quickly amplify your eye look - anybody can do it! 'What I love about the shimmer trend is that you can apply a soft, subtle amount or really pack it on for a full glam look.' The artist recommends Too Faced's Disco Crush shadows. 'A little goes a long way - simply tap it onto your eyelids with your finger,' he instructs. They come in six shades and Daniel also uses them as a highlighter on the cheekbones and collar bone. 'Shimmer is a huge 2025 trend and I couldn’t be happier about it,' says Daniel Chinchilla Too Faced Global Celebrity Makeup Artist Left: Too Faced Disco Crush High Shine Glitter Eye + Face Sparkle, $30; sephora.com . Too Faced You're a Gem eye makeup set, now $24; sephora.com Take cool showers 'During fall/winter months you have to deal with extremes ,' said New York-based dermatologist Diane Madfes. 'The skin has to fluctuate to different environments, including the temperature changes going from indoors to out.' To adapt to all the elements, the leading dermatologist reveals simple changes you can make to your daily routine, starting with your shower's water temperature. 'During the winter, I recommend tepid water temperatures and shorter showers/baths, said Dr. Madfes who sees patients in Manhattan, Connecticut and Florida. Despite how good they feel on a cold day, hot showers remove protective oils from the skin, and increases moisture loss and skin irritation. Cold water promotes blood circulation, removes toxins from the body and tightens the pores making you look renewed and refreshed. While bathing, the sought after celebrity-dermatologist suggests using a moisturizing body wash that will soothe dry, sensitive skin.' Protect your skin 'You want to have less transepidermal water loss, meaning you want to have less of the moisture in your skin being drawn out,' said Dr. Madfes, board-certified dermatologist specializing in dermatology and dermatologic surgery. 'A slightly thicker moisturizer is needed to improve our skin barrier against the elements. Look for products containing a high concentration of hyaluronic acid, copper peptides and glycerin.' While many are under the misconception that sunblock is only needed during the summertime, the expert reminds us that the sun's rays are actually closer in the winter. Dr. Madfes recommends wearing an SPF 15, and an SPF 30 if you are going to be outside. 'Sunblocks also protect against infrared, so it's very important to wear it every day.' Left: Volume Backpack Bundle by Nick Stenson, $99; nickstensonbeauty.com . Right: Elta MD UV lotion, $46; madfesderm.com Tone your tummy Getting fit is one of the most common New Year's resolutions, but you don't actually have to physically go to a gym to get the job done. Co-owners of The Oleon House, Carlos Leon and Menna Olvera, reveal the best diet and exercise for abs. 'The first step to remember is that abs start in the kitchen,' said Carlos. The celebrity trainer and father to Lourdes Leon continued: 'Stay away from sugar, sodium and processed foods.' 'For exercises: do 3 sets of 10-12 dynamic planks with taps and 3 sets of 10-12 plank kick-ups everyday until goal is achieved.' Menna Olvera adds, 'Stay away from red wine and brown alcohol and I suggest you do downward dog to plank and hold for 30 seconds and repeat 4 times.' Express gratitude 'When it comes to upgrading your lifestyle, it should include some sense of wellness or well-being practice,' shared Menna, a health coach & integrated yoga teacher. The expert recommends starting simple: 1) Be specific about why it is you want to incorporate wellness into your lifestyle. 2) Choose 3 wellness activities or practices that really vibe with you, then review your daily, weekly, monthly schedule and decide where it can fit in. 3) Commit to it and see it through. If you are looking for long term change then stay the course. There will be peaks and valleys so if you know “why” you’re doing it you will find the fire to keep going. Menna suggests expressing gratitude. 'Gratitude is the act of appreciation for what you have. When gratitude is expressed, it elevates a connection to wellness,' explained the Oleon House co-founder. The expert suggests writing down five things to be grateful for once a week for a month and noticing what changes occur in your life. Meditate regularly 'The act of slowing down and becoming familiar with yourself improves relaxation, regulates your breath and heart rate, and enhances the flow of constructive thoughts and positive emotions,' shared Menna who is certified in yoga, prenatal yoga, Urban Zen Integrative Therapy, Theta Healing, and Functional Medicine Health Coaching. 'Sit in a chair or lay down and place a pillow under your knees. 'For 3-5 minutes close your eyes and bring your attention to your breath. Follow the breath and notice the mind begin to slow down as the breath and heart rate slow down. 'They work coherently as one. Decide how many days a week you can commit to this then write in your calendar and practice it for 30 days.' Taylor Swift Los Angeles Selena Gomez Share or comment on this article: Look good, feel better! Experts reveal 10 ways to have a major glow up in the new year e-mail Add comment
Biden says the US believes journalist Austin Tice is alive after disappearing in Syria in 2012