aling tisay

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Brandon Stroud led South Florida past Webber International on Saturday with 16 points off of the bench in a 106-49 victory. Stroud shot 6 of 7 from the field and 4 for 4 from the line for the Bulls (7-6). Kobe Knox scored 15 points, going 5 of 8 (3 for 6 from 3-point range). Quincy Adekokoya went 5 of 11 from the field (3 for 6 from 3-point range) to finish with 14 points, while adding seven rebounds. Gabriel Sorensen finished with 14 points for the Warriors and Khalyl Simmons added 12 points. South Florida took the lead with 12:25 remaining in the first half and did not relinquish it. The score was 54-26 at halftime, with Stroud racking up 12 points. South Florida extended its lead to 98-43 during the second half, fueled by a 16-2 scoring run. Knox scored a team-high 10 points in the second half as their team closed out the win. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .The Israeli prime minister says he is asking his ministers to approve a ceasefire agreement to end the current war between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. In a TV address, Benjamin Netanyahu said his government was ready for a ceasefire but would “respond forcefully to any violation” of a deal. The Iran-backed armed group and Israel have traded cross-border fire since October 2023. But fighting escalated in late September when Israel dramatically intensified aerial bombardments and launched a limited ground invasion. The conflict has been Lebanon’s deadliest in decades, killing more than 3,823 people say local officials. On Tuesday, Netanyahu said how long the ceasefire lasted would depend on what happened in Lebanon. He also said ending the fighting against Hezbollah in Lebanon, Israel’s northern neighbour, would allow the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to increase pressure on Hamas in Gaza and focus on “the Iranian threat”. The US, a key ally of Israel, has led the charge in negotiating a ceasefire deal in Lebanon. Netanyahu still requires approval from his security cabinet but this is expected to be granted as early as Tuesday evening. It is expected there will be an immediate 60-day ceasefire which will see both Israeli forces and Hezbollah’s armed presence withdraw from Lebanon’s south, the BBC’s US partner CBS says. Hezbollah fighters and weapons will be removed from the south of the Litani River, a boundary roughly 30km (19 miles) north of the border, that was established during the last Israel-Hezbollah war in 2006. France, which administered Lebanon for more than 20 years in the last century, and is a long-term ally, is also expected to be involved through the monitoring of the truce. Israel went on the offensive against Hezbollah – which is proscribed as a terrorist organisation by Israel and many Western countries – after almost a year of cross-border fighting sparked by the war in Gaza. It says it wants to ensure the safe return of about 60,000 residents of northern Israeli areas displaced by rocket attacks, which Hezbollah launched in support of Palestinians the day after its ally Hamas’s deadly attack on Israel on 7 October 2023. The war has been devastating for Lebanon, where, in addition to the 3,823 people killed and 15,859 injured, one million residents have been displaced in areas where Hezbollah holds sway. On the Israeli side, the hostilities have killed at least 82 soldiers and 47 civilians, authorities say. The World Bank estimates $8.5bn (£6.8bn) in economic losses and damage in Lebanon. Recovery will take time, and it is unknown how this will be funded. Hezbollah, too, has been devastated. Many of its leaders have been killed, including long-time chief Hassan Nasrallah, in an IDF strike on Beirut on 27 September. A week later Israel also killed his presumed successor, Hashem Safieddine, in another strike. With much of its infrastructure also damaged, how Hezbollah will look after the war remains unclear. The group has been severely weakened but it has not been destroyed. In Lebanon, it is also more than a militia: it is a political party with representation in parliament, and a social organisation, with significant support among Shia Muslims. Hezbollah’s opponents will probably see it as an opportunity to limit its influence – it was often described as “a state within a state” in Lebanon before the conflict – and many fear this could lead to internal violence. Since intensifying the fighting in September, Israel has carried out hundreds of daily strikes in Lebanon, targeting what it said were Hezbollah areas in the south, east and in the capital Beirut. As reports emerged that Netanyahu was discussing a ceasefire deal with his cabinet on Tuesday, the IDF continued its strikes – targeting Beirut with strikes that killed at least seven people.aling tisay 。

Wild first season in expanded Big 12 comes down to final weekend

Australia's Bold Social Media Age-Verification LeapMan City blow 3-0 lead, extend winless run to sixWith a record number of international students in the U.S., Trump brings uncertainty

‘Action not soundbites' needed to solve garda recruitment issues, says GRAPutin apologizes for crash but stops short of saying Azerbaijani plane was shot down

SAINT PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Mariah Keopple and Alexandra Labelle scored their first goals of the season and the Montreal Victoire edged the Minnesota Frost 3-2 on Saturday. Marie-Philip Poulin's goal almost six minutes into the second period was the difference as she converted a 2-on-1 from Laura Stacey and Jennifer Gardiner and Montreal (2-2-0-1), which went 0 for 3 on the power play, won its third straight while handing Minnesota (3-1-1-1) its first regulation loss of the season. Despite having the better control of the action from the start Montreal fell behind 1-0 near the middle of the first period when Claire Thompson and Taylor Heise set up Britta Curl-Salemme for her third goal of the season. But in the last five minutes of the period Keopple scored on a pass from Claire Dalton, and Labelle banged in a rebound of her initial shot. Minnesota pulled into a tie at just 3:17 into the second period when Brooke McQuigge picked up her first goal during a scramble in front of the Montreal goal. Barely 2 1/2 minutes later the Victoire were back on top on Poulin's second goal of the season and Ann-Renee Desbiens, who made 22 saves, made that stand up. Maddie Rooney made 22 saves for Minnesota, which went 0-1 on the power play. Boston plays at Montreal on Monday. The Frost are home against Boston on Thursday. AP women’s hockey: https://apnews.com/hub/womens-hockeyNEW YORK, Nov. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Gross Law Firm issues the following notice to shareholders of PACS Group, Inc. (NYSE: PACS). Shareholders who purchased shares of PACS during the class period listed are encouraged to contact the firm regarding possible lead plaintiff appointment. Appointment as lead plaintiff is not required to partake in any recovery. CONTACT US HERE: https://securitiesclasslaw.com/securities/pacs-group-inc-loss-submission-form/?id=113437&from=3 CLASS PERIOD: This lawsuit is on behalf of persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired PACS Group: (a) common stock pursuant and/or traceable to the registration statement and prospectus issued in connection with the Company’s April 11, 2024 initial public offering; and/or (b) securities between April 11, 2024 and November 5, 2024 inclusive. ALLEGATIONS: The complaint alleges that during the class period, Defendants issued materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) the Company engaged in a “scheme” to submit false Medicare claims which “drove more than 100% of PACS’ operating and net income from 2020 – 2023”; (2) the Company engaged in a “scheme” to “bill thousands of unnecessary respiratory and sensory integration therapies to Medicare”; (3) the Company engaged in a scheme to falsify documentation related to licensure and staffing; and (4) as a result of the foregoing, defendants’ positive statements about the Company’s business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. DEADLINE: January 13, 2025 Shareholders should not delay in registering for this class action. Register your information here: https://securitiesclasslaw.com/securities/pacs-group-inc-loss-submission-form/?id=113437&from=3 NEXT STEPS FOR SHAREHOLDERS: Once you register as a shareholder who purchased shares of PACS during the timeframe listed above, you will be enrolled in a portfolio monitoring software to provide you with status updates throughout the lifecycle of the case. The deadline to seek to be a lead plaintiff is January 13, 2025. There is no cost or obligation to you to participate in this case. WHY GROSS LAW FIRM? The Gross Law Firm is a nationally recognized class action law firm, and our mission is to protect the rights of all investors who have suffered as a result of deceit, fraud, and illegal business practices. The Gross Law Firm is committed to ensuring that companies adhere to responsible business practices and engage in good corporate citizenship. The firm seeks recovery on behalf of investors who incurred losses when false and/or misleading statements or the omission of material information by a company lead to artificial inflation of the company's stock. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. CONTACT: The Gross Law Firm 15 West 38th Street, 12th floor New York, NY, 10018 Email: dg@securitiesclasslaw.com Phone: (646) 453-8903

The Garda Representative Association (GRA) has said that “action and not words and soundbites” are needed to solve the force’s recruitment and retention crisis. Several political parties have pledged to increase garda numbers ahead of next week’s general election.None

For survivors of strokes, the device implanted in her chest could be a game changer in recovery.NoneMember of group who robbed, attacked two teenagers to be sentenced in 2025

Beyoncé‘s Mom Hits Back at Halftime Show Haters‘Action not soundbites' needed to solve garda recruitment issues, says GRA

Unlike the seamless Thanksgiving miracles depicted on Hallmark TV programs, real life often involves frantic last-minute grocery runs, burnt turkeys and the juggling act of family tensions simmering just beneath the surface. But people can take steps now to limit the holiday stress, says University of Michigan psychology professor Stephanie Preston. "Give yourself and others grace," she said. "It's fine to laugh when things go awry. We've all seen the perfect Hallmark family gathering, but those are fictional. Real life is complicated and messy. We're all human and need to savor the moment." One way to keep the stress at bay is to set an intention for the day or week, said Preston, who admits that she tries to keep her expectations reasonable while hosting a Thanksgiving dinner for family. To keep things relaxed, each person contributes a dish (even the kids), the dress code is casual, the start time is flexible, and we end with a short walk and some games. "What do you most want to get out of the holiday? Most people want to be present and thankful while spending time with loved ones more than they want to craft the perfectly browned turkey or decorative tablescape," Preston said. Can you provide communication strategies that can be effective in dealing with difficult conversations or conflicts among family members? Family members who don't agree or get along—particularly in divisive political time—can be a major source of stress for everyone. In advance, consider what issues might arise and how you will deal with them. Aim to focus on sharing food and thanks above resolving long-held differences. Some families cannot talk about politics without a fight, so know your limits. Even if it seems satisfying to get off that snide remark, it's better to have a few phrases ready that can quickly deflect negativity while honoring your feelings. Have an ally at the event or someone you can text or call when your patience wears thin. Just knowing someone understands how you feel and has your back will extend your patience. Remember, we cannot control other people or how they view the world—and the Thanksgiving table might not be the place to try even if we could. But we can control our contribution to the holiday spirit How important is it to set boundaries during holiday gatherings, and what are some polite ways to establish them? Boundaries are essential for maintaining your sanity but can increase conflict if not done right. Consider any boundaries you need and alert people in advance so they know what to expect, e.g., you'll take a long walk each day or go to bed early. As long as you genuinely make time for the essentials (find out when dinner is before setting your schedule), people usually don't mind. No need to explain yourself. If pressed, just keep it simple with something like, "I just find it helps me feel like myself." For people who feel lonely or isolated during the holidays, what can they do to feel more connected? The important thing about a holiday is to rest, fill your soul and connect with people you care about. Not everyone has the picture-perfect family that gathers around a huge table though. People are often geographically displaced from family or do not have much family to speak of. Others use isolation as a way to deal with anxiety or stress and need to counter this instinct in order to enjoy the festivities. Remember that it really doesn't matter who you spend time with or how you connect. Friendsgivings are popular alternatives. If you are not invited to a meal, consider asking someone else who is isolated to join you. Even if you eat takeout alone on a holiday, try to plan another way to connect, like volunteering, attending a service or public event, going to a movie, or calling a friend. Research shows that loneliness damages our physical and mental health. It feels good to help and connect with people—even strangers. Push yourself a little bit to let some of that magic of human connection in, however you can. How can individuals balance the desire to spend time with family and friends with the need to have some personal downtime? It all comes down to balance, and each person is different. The key is to give enough space in your heart, mind and calendar to savor the togetherness of a holiday, without making yourself crazy or exhausted. Knowing your own body and mind, how much sleep, exercise or downtime do you need? It's not rude to step away or miss some things, as long as you let people know, express your appreciation, and are present when you are together. It's easier to set a plan early than to wiggle out of something in the moment. How can people avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms? Unhealthy coping mechanisms are trouble even in good times, but can spiral during holidays. People are pushed out of their comfort zones, set high expectations, and interact with many more people. Drinking excessively is a common one, as people rely on the social lubricant, give themselves something to do during uncertain moments and recover from stress. Avoiding people is another coping strategy. Most coping mechanisms are fine in moderation and may provide some benefits. But when your desire to drink, take drugs, shop, eat or avoid people undermines your own goal of enjoying the holiday , it's time to adjust. Find a friend or relative who gets your issue and let them help you navigate your choices. If you need, call a crisis hotline to tell someone how you feel or ask for help.Wild first season in expanded Big 12 comes down to final weekendRunning back Jace Clarizio flipped his commitment from his local team, Michigan State, to Alabama. The decision, announced by Clarizio on social media Tuesday, comes after the East Lansing (Mich.) High standout visited head coach Kalen DeBoer's Crimson Tide on Nov. 16. "Great program," Clarizio told On3. "Playing on the biggest level. ... All the people and coaches I met and interacted with were all great people. The atmosphere was crazy." The 5-foot-11, 195-pounder is ranked as the No. 33 running back by On3 and tabbed No. 35 in their industry ranking. In May, he had verbally committed to the Spartans, where his father, Craig Johnson, was a running back and defensive back who was a member of the 1987 Rose Bowl-winning squad under coach George Perles. --Field Level Media

A wild first season of the expanded Big 12 is down to what should be a chaotic final weekend. Through all the upsets, unexpected rises and falls, there are nine teams still in the mix to play in the conference championship game. No. 14 Arizona State and No. 17 Iowa State have the best odds, yet a multitude of scenarios could play out — 256 to be exact. There's even the possibility of an eight-team tie. It may take a mathematician to figure out which teams are in the Dec. 7 game in Arlington, Texas — even for the ones who win. Travis Hunter, Colorado. The Buffaloes' two-way star has excelled on both sides of the field, making him one of the favorites to win the Heisman Trophy. Cam Skattebo, Arizona State. The senior running back can do a little of everything, but excels at punishing would-be tacklers. He's one of the nation's leaders in yards after contact and the focal point of the Sun Devils' offense. Shadeur Sanders, Colorado. If it weren't for Hunter, Sanders might be the Heisman favorite. The son of coach Deion Sanders, Shedeur is fifth nationally with 3,488 yards passing and has been a big part of the Buffaloes' turnaround. DJ Giddens, Kansas State. The Wildcats' running back is one of the nation's most versatile players. He is ninth nationally with 1,271 rushing yards and has added 21 receptions for 258 yards. Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona. The Wildcats have struggled this season, but McMillan has not. He is third nationally with 1,251 receiving yards with seven touchdowns on 78 catches. Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech. The Red Raiders' junior linebacker leads the Big 12 with 68 tackles, averaging 10.2 per game. He also has four sacks. Brendan Mott, Kansas State. He's a menace to opposing quarterbacks, leading the Big 12 with 8 1/2 sacks. The Big 12 has nine teams already bowl eligible and two more a win away. The winner of the Big 12 championship game will be in the mix for a College Football Playoff spot. Arizona State, Iowa State, No. 19 BYU, Colorado, Kansas State, Baylor, TCU, Texas Tech and West Virginia have already clinched bowl berths. Kansas and Cincinnati can get into the postseason with wins this weekend. Gus Malzahn, UCF. Despite successes in recruiting, the Knights are 10-14 in two seasons since moving to the Big 12. Maybe not enough to get shown the door this year, but another mediocre season could lead UCF to make a change. Kyle Whittingham, Utah. Whittingham was one of the Pac-12's best coaches, leading the Utes to consecutive conference titles. Utah was expected to contend for the Big 12 title its first year in the league, but enters the final weekend 1-7 in conference play, which could push Whittingham toward retirement since it's doubtful he'd be fired. Neal Brown, West Virginia. The Mountaineers' coach was in a precarious spot at the end of last season and West Virginia hasn't lived up to expectations this season. The Mountaineers are eligible to go to a bowl game for the second straight season, but Brown could be on the hot seat even after signing a contract extension before the season. Josiah Trotter, West Virginia. The redshirt freshman is the latest Trotter to have success at the linebacker position, following the footsteps of his father, former Philadelphia Eagles player Jeremiah Trotter, and brother Jeremiah Trotter Jr., a current Eagles linebacker. Sam Leavitt, Arizona State. The Michigan State transfer has been just what the Sun Devils' needed: an agile quarterback who extends plays with his legs and rarely makes bad decisions. Bryson Washington, Baylor. The Bears' running back has rushed for 812 yards — 196 against TCU — and 10 TDs. TCU has the Big 12's highest rated 2025 recruiting class with six four-star players among 26 commitments, according to the 247 Sports composite. Receiver Terry Shelton of Carrollton, Texas, is the highest-rated recruit at 71st nationally. Baylor is next with five five-star players among its 20 commitments, including running back Michael Turner, rated 13th at his position out of North Richland Hills, Texas. Texas Tech is ranked seventh in the Big 12, but has four four-star recruits. Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Four Late Late Show talking points, including a frosty reception for Piers Morgan

JERSEY CITY, N.J. , Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- LEAP, the only all-in-one legal practice management solution, announced today that it has been awarded the 2024 "Overall Practice Management Solution of the Year" by LegalTech Breakthrough. This marks the fourth consecutive year that LegalTech Breakthrough, an independent market intelligence organization, has honored LEAP with this recognition, reinforcing the platform's position as a global leader in legal software. The 2024 program attracted thousands of nominations. LEAP's cloud-based solutions provide attorneys with robust features, combining case management, document automation, legal accounting, billing, automatic time tracking, AI capabilities, and more into a centralized platform. With technology developed specifically for law firms across all practice areas, LEAP enables attorneys to work more efficiently, improve client services, and increase revenue. "We're honored to again win this award from LegalTech Breakthrough. At LEAP, we're committed to providing law firms with revolutionary features developed to improve efficiency, productivity, and profitability," said Poppy Bale Dyer , CEO of LEAP US. "We'll continue to deliver leading innovations to help firms get more done quickly." Standout legal AI features from LEAP include LawY for boosting productivity with the support of an AI-powered legal assistant; AutoTime for automatically tracking time spent on matter-related activities; Generator for efficient and accurate drafting; the AI prompt template library to create high-quality documents quickly, and Matter AI for intelligently analyzing matter details to provide instant answers to questions. "LEAP provides law firms with a competitive edge by offering practice management software with innovative and unique features, complemented by AI functionality," said Bryan Vaughn , Managing Director of LegalTech Breakthrough. "LEAP's innovative platform is enhancing the overall impact and effectiveness of legal practice management for law firms, helping them optimize their operations and stay ahead of industry trends." To learn about LEAP and its advanced AI features, visit leap.us/ai . About LegalTech Breakthrough: Part of Tech Breakthrough, a leading market intelligence and recognition platform for global technology innovation and leadership, the LegalTech Breakthrough Awards program is devoted to honoring excellence in legal technologies, services, companies, and products. The LegalTech Breakthrough Awards program provides a forum for public recognition around the achievements of LegalTech companies and solutions in categories including Case Management, Client Relations, Data and Analytics, Documentation, Legal Education, Practice Management, eDiscovery, and more. For more information visit LegalTechBreakthrough.com. About LEAP: LEAP is an all-in-one legal software solution that provides practice management and document automation within a single cloud-based platform for all practice areas of law. LEAP includes a comprehensive library of automated forms, plus the ability for firms to automate their own letters and templates. LEAP further specializes in estate planning, elder law, and probate, including access to WealthCounsel's premier drafting solution from within LEAP. LEAP's award-winning AI tools are designed to meet the unique needs of legal professionals, boosting their efficiency and enhancing client satisfaction. Media Contact: Laurie Klausner SVP of Marketing, LEAP [email protected] www.leap.us SOURCE LEAP Legal SoftwareBest Buy ( BBY -5.91% ) may have no choice but to raise prices on electronics if President-elect Donald Trump’s tariff proposals on imports are implemented, according to the retailer’s CEO, Corie Barry. Barry cautioned that if Trump’s tariffs on Chinese and Mexican imports are reintroduced or expanded, it could drive up the cost of electronics, making already expensive gadgets even pricier . “Costs will be shared by our customers,” Barry told investors during the company’s Nov. 26 earnings call. Best Buy missed Wall Street’s expectations for the third quarter , reporting revenue of $9.45 billion, about $1.26 earnings per share. Analysts had forecasted $9.63 billion in revenue, roughly $1.30 earnings per share. The retailer also lowered its full-year sales forecast to a range of $41.1 billion to $41.5 billion, down from its previous guidance of $41.3 billion to $41.9 billion. The lower forecast and earnings miss underscore the broader challenges the company faces, including rising import costs due to tariffs. Barry’s comments about tariffs highlight the complexity of global supply chains in the consumer electronics industry. Best Buy, like many retailers, relies heavily on imports — particularly from China and Mexico — to stock its shelves. According to Barry, about 60% of the goods Best Buy sells are sourced from China, a number that has remained consistent despite the company’s efforts to diversify its supply chain. These efforts were further complicated by the Covid-19 pandemic, she added. While Best Buy has worked with vendors to shift production away from China where possible, the reality is that tariffs would increase prices on most of their products, Barry explained. Mexico, she added, is Best Buy’s second largest source of imports. “There’s very little in the consumer electronics space that is not imported,” she said. Trump’s tariff proposals would impose a 10% to 20% tax on imports from all countries, with much higher duties of 60% to 100% on Chinese goods. “The situation remains very fluid” as the company works with its vendor partners to adjust pricing strategies and product assortments to mitigate the impact on customers, said Barry. She acknowledged that while the burden of tariffs is usually shared between vendors, retailers, and consumers, it’s ultimately customers who tend to feel the most significant pinch. “Higher prices are not helpful,” Barry said, noting that “these are the goods that people need.” Industry experts, including the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Consumer Technology Association (CTA) have warned that tariffs would likely lead to higher prices on everyday electronics. Retailers like Walmart and AutoZone ( AZO +0.14% ), as well as home improvement giants Home Depot ( HD -0.03% ) and Lowe’s ( LOW -1.02% ), also have signaled they may raise prices if Trump’s tariffs are implemented. 📬 Sign up for the Daily Brief Our free, fast, and fun briefing on the global economy, delivered every weekday morning.

Three Point Shot - November 2024

Two weeks after she beat a transgender candidate to return to the Utah Legislature, the Republican state lawmaker behind the majority of the state’s anti-transgender laws is advocating for policies that strip additional rights from trans people. Rep. Kera Birkeland, of Morgan, posted to X on Thursday that transgender women, specifically, should not be able to amend their birth certificates or IDs to reflect their gender. “Men should not be allowed in women’s bathrooms,” Birkeland wrote. “However, achieving this goal requires more than just signing or passing a bill that articulates this stance. We need to address the underlying issue of allowing men to change their birth certificates and driver’s licenses to reflect a female identity.” Birkeland continued, “Until we achieve that, our primary action is to run message bills, that are almost unenforceable. If a man can obtain a driver’s license identifying him as a woman, secure a birth certificate identifying him as a woman, and undergo surgical procedures to alter his appearance to look similar to women, it becomes nearly impossible for the government to distinguish between him and Representative Mace. That presents a significant challenge in enforcement.” Birkeland’s post was written in support of U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, R-North Carolina, who responded to the first transgender woman being elected to Congress by pushing for her and other transgender women not to be allowed in women’s restrooms at the U.S. Capitol. I completely agree with @RepNancyMace that men should not be allowed in women’s bathrooms. However, achieving this goal requires more than just signing or passing a bill that articulates this stance. We need to address the underlying issue of allowing men to change their birth... The post comes one day after Transgender Day of Remembrance — an annual occasion memorializing transgender people lost to violence or suicide due to attacks on their identity. The Utah Supreme Court ruled in 2021 that transgender Utahns have “a common-law right to change facets of their personal legal status, including their sex designation.” “My life was going forward day by day sometimes is not easy,” said Angie Rice, a transgender woman and one of the plaintiffs in the case, at the time. “But (this decision)... gives young people and everybody who has been suffering in silence, or victimized, it gives them a chance to believe in hope and have the courage to now live their truth.” Since she was first appointed to the House in 2020, Birkeland has led a push to bar transgender girls from high school sports. Since the Legislature passed a law she sponsored to do so in 2022, and overrode the governor’s veto , the ban has been partially blocked by a lawsuit. Meanwhile, a commission weighs the cases of young transgender athletes who want to participate in sports. This year, Birkeland successfully proposed a bill that creates legal definitions “female” and “male” to categorize Utahns by the reproductive organs of their birth, and prohibits transgender Utahns from using locker rooms or bathrooms that align with their gender in government-owned buildings. Republican lawmakers repeatedly employed misinformation about transgender Utahns while working to rally support for the bill, an investigation by The Salt Lake Tribune found . Utah, which has passed restrictions on transgender people for three consecutive years, also prohibits transgender minors from accessing gender-affirming health care . Birkeland did not respond to questions about whether she would introduce bills to enact such policy shifts in the 2025 legislative session, but told KUER earlier this month that she isn’t planning on proposing legislation impacting the transgender community. A spokesperson for the Utah House of Representatives did not respond to questions as to GOP leadership’s feelings on such policies, or whether other members of their caucus would draft bills including them. On Monday, legislative leadership and Gov. Spencer Cox urged Utah State University to join a lawsuit against the Mountain West Conference over its transgender participation policy — weeks after players on the school’s volleyball team opted to forfeit a game against another team that allegedly includes a transgender athlete. The school filed a motion to join soon after. “Female athletes deserve the right to a safe playing field, fair competition and equal opportunities,” the officials said in a statement. “By intervening, Utah will send a clear message that these rights are non-negotiable.” Utah House Democrats responded with a statement of their own, writing, “Transgender athletes have participated in sports for years without facing the intense scrutiny they endure today. Targeting them harms their mental health, further isolates an already vulnerable population, and goes against the inclusive values we should all uphold. This is not the Utah way.” Birkeland’s post also follows an anti-transgender political action committee that appears to be violating campaign finance laws and aimed to influence the outcome of a state legislative race in a district bordering hers. Despite establishing a website, deploying mailers and sending texts attacking Democrats throughout the state for opposing restrictions on transgender Utahns, including the only Democrat outside of Salt Lake County , the out-of-state Preserving Utah Values PAC reports that it has raised and spent $0 during the 2024 election cycle. The United Nations recognizes transgender people’s ability to change official documents, including birth certificates, as a human right. “Failing to provide access to legal gender recognition hinders access to rights and services (e.g. education, employment, bathrooms) and puts trans people at risk of violence (e.g. when presenting documents that don’t match their appearance),” reads the website for the supranational organization’s high commissioner for human rights. “Trans people are at particular risk of violence in detention settings when their gender identity is not respected.” According to the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification , hate crimes against LGBTQ+ Utahns more than doubled from 2022 to 2023. This year, law enforcement agencies have reported 15 incidents.Putin's apology came as allegations mounted that Russian air defenses shot down the plane while attempting to deflect a Ukrainian drone strike near Grozny, the regional capital of the Russian republic of Chechnya. An official Kremlin statement issued Saturday said that air defense systems were firing near Grozny airport as the airliner "repeatedly" attempted to land there on Wednesday. It did not explicitly say one of these hit the plane. The statement said Putin apologized to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev "for the fact that the tragic incident occurred in Russian airspace." The readout said Russia has launched a criminal probe into the incident, and Azerbaijani state prosecutors have arrived in Grozny to participate. The Kremlin also said that "relevant services" from Russia, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are jointly investigating the crash site near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan. The plane was flying from Azerbaijan's capital, Baku, to Grozny when it turned toward Kazakhstan, hundreds of miles across the Caspian Sea from its intended destination, and crashed while attempting to land. There were 29 survivors. According to a readout of the call provided by Aliyev's press office, the Azerbaijani president told Putin that the plane was subject to "external physical and technical interference," though he also stopped short of blaming Russian air defenses. Aliyev noted the plane had holes in its fuselage and the occupants sustained injuries "due to foreign particles penetrating the cabin mid-flight." He said that a team of international experts began a probe of the incident at Azerbaijan's initiative, but provided no details. Earlier this week, the Azerbaijani Prosecutor General's office confirmed that investigators from Azerbaijan are working in Grozny. On Friday, a U.S. official and an Azerbaijani minister made separate statements blaming the crash on an external weapon, echoing those made by aviation experts who blamed the crash on Russian air defense systems responding to a Ukrainian attack. U.S. President Joe Biden, responding Saturday to a reporter asking whether he thought Putin should take responsibility for the crash, said: "Apparently he did but I haven't spoken to him." Biden made the comment after leaving church in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Passengers and crew members who survived the crash told Azerbaijani media they heard loud noises on the aircraft as it circled over Grozny. Dmitry Yadrov, head of Russia's civil aviation authority Rosaviatsia, said Friday that as the plane was preparing to land in Grozny in deep fog, Ukrainian drones were targeting the city, prompting authorities to close the area to air traffic. Yadrov said after the captain made two unsuccessful attempts to land, he was offered other airports but decided to fly to Aktau. Earlier this past week, Rosaviatsia cited unspecified early evidence as showing that a bird strike led to an emergency on board. In the days following the crash, Azerbaijan Airlines blamed "physical and technical interference" and announced the suspension of flights to several Russian airports. It didn't say where the interference came from or provide any further details. If proven that the plane crashed after being hit by Russian fire, it would be the second deadly civil aviation accident linked to fighting in Ukraine. Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 was downed with a Russian surface-to-air missile, killing all 298 people aboard, as it flew over the area in eastern Ukraine controlled by Moscow-backed separatists in 2014. Russia denied responsibility but a Dutch court in 2022 convicted two Russians and a pro-Russia Ukrainian man for their role in downing the plane with an air defense system brought into Ukraine from a Russian military base. Following Wednesday's suspension of flights from Baku to Grozny and nearby Makhachkala, Azerbaijan Airlines announced Friday that it would also halt service to eight more Russian cities. Several other airlines made similar announcements since the crash. Kazakhstan's Qazaq Air on Friday said it would stop flying from Astana to the Russian city of Yekaterinburg in the Ural Mountains for a month. Turkmenistan Airlines, the Central Asian country's flagship carrier, on Saturday halted flights to Moscow for at least a month, citing safety concerns. Earlier this past week, Israel's El Al carrier suspended service from Tel Aviv to the Russian capital, citing "developments in Russia's airspace."