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Brittney Griner Returns to the U.S. Following Release from Russian Detention

WNBA Star Freed in Prisoner Swap for Notorious Arms Dealer Viktor Bout

Brittney Griner has touched down on U.S. soil for the first time in 10 months after being released from Russian custody in a high-profile prisoner exchange for arms dealer Viktor Bout, often referred to as the “Merchant of Death.” The plane carrying the WNBA star arrived at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio around 5:30 AM ET on Friday.

Upon her return, Griner, 32, will undergo medical evaluations and any necessary treatment at the military facility before heading back to her hometown of Phoenix, Arizona. Her release was announced by U.S. officials on Thursday, following negotiations between the Biden administration and Moscow.

Griner had been imprisoned in Russia since February after being detained at Sheremetyevo International Airport for allegedly carrying illegal cannabis oil in her luggage. The exchange took place on the tarmac in the UAE, captured in footage showing the one-for-one swap between Griner and Bout.

Notably, the deal did not include U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, who has been held in Russia for four years. Whelan expressed his disappointment to CNN, stating, “I don’t understand why I’m still sitting here.” President Joe Biden reassured the public that “we’ve not forgotten about Paul Whelan” and committed to securing his release.

The prisoner swap has sparked mixed reactions across the country, with some questioning the decision to prioritize Griner’s release over Whelan’s. The White House also faced claims from Saudi Arabia and the UAE that they played a role in negotiating the deal. However, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre clarified that only the U.S. and Russia were involved in the negotiations.

Griner’s troubles began on February 17, when Russian customs officials detained her for carrying two cartridges of hash oil. Charged with large-scale transportation of illegal narcotics, which can carry a sentence of up to 10 years, she pleaded guilty during her trial in July and was sentenced to nine years in prison. After being moved to a penal colony in Mordovia on November 17, her family and supporters had been urging the U.S. government to secure her release throughout her ordeal.

Strep A Deaths in the UK: Current Statistics and Concerns

Rising Cases and Fatalities Prompt Health Warnings

The UK is currently experiencing an increase in cases of invasive Group A Streptococcus (iGAS), with reports indicating higher-than-usual levels of infection. Since the beginning of the disease monitoring year in September, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has documented 659 cases of iGAS across England, surpassing figures from the same period over the past five years.

In just the last three months, there have been 85 cases reported in children aged one to four, compared to a total of 194 cases in that age group for the entire 2017/2018 monitoring year, which had previously seen elevated numbers. Additionally, 60 cases have been reported in children aged five to nine.

As of December 4, the UKHSA has confirmed 60 deaths attributed to iGAS across all age groups in England, with 15 of those fatalities involving individuals under the age of 15. Specifically, 13 child deaths occurred in England, while one each was reported in Wales and Northern Ireland.

The overall fatality rate for this season stands at 9.3%, which is comparable to recent years. For context, the 2017/2018 season had a fatality rate of 12.4%, resulting in approximately 370 deaths from 2,967 cases. The following year saw a rate of 9.1%, while the combined data for 2019-2021 indicated an 11.3% rate due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The most recent full monitoring year recorded a 10% fatality rate with around 180 deaths from 1,766 cases.

Scarlet fever, which is often linked to Group A Streptococcus, has also seen a significant rise in cases, with 6,601 reported since September 12—more than double the 2,538 cases recorded at the same time in 2017/2018. While scarlet fever is typically mild and treatable with antibiotics, it is highly contagious.

Dr. Colin Brown, deputy director of the UKHSA, emphasised the importance of seeking medical advice if children exhibit symptoms of infection, particularly after experiencing scarlet fever, sore throat, or respiratory issues. Parents are urged to monitor for concerning signs such as persistent fever, dehydration, extreme fatigue, and breathing difficulties.

Virgil van Dijk: Netherlands Prepared for More Than Just Stopping Messi

Defender Emphasises Team Strategy Ahead of World Cup Quarter-Final Against Argentina

Virgil van Dijk has made it clear that the Netherlands are gearing up for a comprehensive challenge beyond merely containing Lionel Messi in their upcoming World Cup quarter-final against Argentina. The Dutch defender acknowledged Messi’s significant impact as Argentina’s talisman, particularly in Qatar, where the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner is striving to conclude his illustrious career with a World Cup victory.

“Of course, we recognise how crucial he has been to their success over the years,” Van Dijk stated. “However, this match isn’t just about Netherlands versus Messi; it’s Netherlands versus Argentina.”

The encounter at Lusail Stadium revives one of football’s storied rivalries. In their previous meetings, Argentina triumphed in the 1978 World Cup final, while the Netherlands claimed victory in a tightly contested quarter-final in 1998, highlighted by Dennis Bergkamp’s memorable late goal. Their last clash occurred in a semi-final eight years ago, where an Argentina side led by Messi advanced after a penalty shootout.

The Netherlands, having reached the World Cup final three times, is a respected name in football history but has yet to secure the coveted trophy. As they prepare for this high-stakes match, Van Dijk and his teammates are focused on a collective effort to overcome a formidable Argentine side, rather than fixating solely on their star player.

Rudy Giuliani Testifies for 11 Hours in Ethics Investigation Over False Election Claims

Law License at Stake Amid Allegations of Misconduct Following 2020 Election

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani spent 11 hours testifying in an ethics investigation concerning his involvement in efforts to contest the 2020 presidential election results, as the Washington DC Bar has moved to revoke his law license.

Giuliani appeared before the DC Board on Professional Responsibility, where he sought to downplay his involvement in a lawsuit alleging widespread voter fraud in Pennsylvania, which was initiated after President Joe Biden won the state. According to The Washington Post, Giuliani attempted to minimise his role in the legal challenge.

Hamilton “Phil” Fox III, the lead prosecutor for the bar’s Office of Disciplinary Counsel, described Giuliani’s assertions as “unfounded,” arguing that he misrepresented the circumstances surrounding Pennsylvania’s use of mail-in ballots and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the election process. Fox stated that Giuliani “weaponised his law license by filing a frivolous lawsuit” and called for the revocation of his license, asserting, “There was no case in law nor fact for which Mr. Giuliani set forth on grounds of fraud.”

In his defence, Giuliani and his attorney, John Leventhal, claimed that he was brought into the legal battle at the request of Donald Trump the day after the election, tasked with quickly understanding the situation in Pennsylvania and other states, including Michigan, Arizona, and Georgia. Leventhal argued that since Trump’s legal challenge did not progress, the DC Bar had no grounds to revoke Giuliani’s law license. “The complaint was not accepted. This was never accepted by the court,” he stated.

Giuliani further attempted to minimise his involvement, indicating that another lawyer had prepared the initial fraud complaint while he contributed “a few paragraphs.” He expressed indignation over the proceedings, claiming he was being unfairly targeted. “I am shocked and offended this is happening to me,” he remarked, highlighting concerns that observers were restricted from adequately monitoring the counting of mail-in ballots.

He contended that the only evidence he had at that stage of litigation was that ballots in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia were being counted without independent oversight, emphasising the need to plead fraud with specific details. “This was specific enough for this stage of the pleading. That’s why it’s evidence, and not a conclusion,” he asserted.

The hearing committee will review evidence next week and will recommend whether Giuliani should face penalties for his actions.

Local Conservative Predicts Matt Hancock’s Exit from Politics

Councillors React to Hancock’s Decision Not to Stand for Re-election

A Conservative councillor from Matt Hancock’s West Suffolk constituency has stated that it was “inevitable” the former health secretary would not seek re-election following his participation in I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!

Mr Hancock was stripped of the Conservative whip after news of his reality TV stint broke. In a letter released on Wednesday, he confirmed he would not stand for the Conservatives in the next general election, leading to varied reactions from local party members.

West Suffolk Tory councillor Ian Houlder commented, “He was up the creek without a paddle regarding his position as MP for West Suffolk. He’s clearly exploring his options, and understandably, he’s gone for the money.” Houlder speculated that Hancock would remain in his role until the election, likely a couple of years away, and then pursue other interests as outlined in his letter.

Houlder acknowledged Hancock’s desire to rebuild his life, saying, “That’s very commendable, so I hope he can do it. But he’s not in a hurry to do it, is he?”

Another local Conservative, Lance Stanbury, representing Mildenhall division, expressed similar sentiments, asserting that Hancock’s departure from the political scene was expected. “He faced significant criticism from local party members and lost the whip. He had to think about his future within the party and, given there’s little chance of a return to government, I believe he made a decision that suits him.”

Stanbury also mentioned a letter sent by Terry Wood, president of the West Suffolk Conservative Association, to Tory chief whip Simon Hart, which allegedly claimed Hancock was “not fit to represent this constituency.” Stanbury clarified that no executive council members had been consulted on this matter and believed the letter lacked proper authority.

“There should be a discussion on such a major issue by the executive council,” he stated, arguing that the actions taken were not representative of the entire association.

Despite the turmoil, Stanbury suggested he believed Hancock might regain the whip and continue as MP until the next election. Meanwhile, Andy Drummond, chairman of Newmarket Conservatives, refrained from commenting on Hancock’s decision, stating he needed more time to process the situation. “We’ll probably have an officer group and publish something on our website,” Drummond added.

Pfizer Seeks FDA Approval for Updated COVID Vaccine for Young Children

Request Aims to Include Omicron-Targeting Shot in Initial Vaccination Series

Pfizer has approached U.S. regulators with a request to authorise its updated COVID-19 vaccine for children under the age of 5, proposing that this vaccine be integrated into their initial immunisation series rather than being administered as a booster.

Currently, children aged 6 months to 4 years are recommended to receive three doses of the original Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, each dose being a tenth of the adult amount. If the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves this new request, a dose of Pfizer’s bivalent vaccine, designed to target the omicron variant, would replace the third shot in their primary series.

Pfizer, in collaboration with BioNTech, stated that this updated vaccine could provide significant protection against severe illness and hospitalisation from COVID-19 in young children, particularly as children’s hospitals face increased patient loads due to various respiratory illnesses.

Despite the approval of COVID-19 vaccinations for young children in June, vaccination rates remain low. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only 2% of children under 2 years and about 4% of those aged 2 to 4 have received their primary doses.

The FDA has already authorised the new bivalent COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna as boosters for individuals aged 5 and older. These revised vaccines comprise half of the original formulation and half designed to combat the BA.4 and BA.5 omicron strains, which have recently become predominant.

Last month, the CDC released the first real-world data indicating that these updated boosters provide additional protection for adults. The analysis showed that the most significant benefits were observed in individuals who had received only two doses of the original vaccine and had not previously received a booster. Even among those who had received a summertime booster, the updated shot offered enhanced protection compared to not receiving it at all.

Embracing New Challenges at Any Age

A Personal Narrative of Pursuing Dreams at 85

At 85 years old, Jim Maloney has taken a bold step to fulfil a long-held aspiration by enrolling in a PhD programme. Following the profound loss of his wife in 2020, he sought a new direction in life, rekindling his passion for academic exploration that had been set aside for decades.

Jim’s initial intention to pursue a doctorate began over 40 years ago, but personal tragedies—including the untimely death of his son and his wife’s serious illness—led him to defer this ambition. After his wife’s passing, however, he recognised a need for purpose and engagement, prompting him to revisit his educational dreams.

His active involvement with Age UK Wigan Borough, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowed him to maintain connections with his community. He found joy in supporting vulnerable individuals, demonstrating the importance of compassion and connectivity during challenging times.

With a rich background in academia and a lifelong love of literature—instilled by his politically active grandfather—Jim reached out to local universities to discuss his research interests. He is now studying at the University of Central Lancashire, focusing on the adaptation of musical theatre to film.

Jim’s inspiring journey illustrates that it is never too late to embark on new pursuits. His commitment to education not only enhances his own life but also serves as a beacon for others, encouraging them to embrace their aspirations, regardless of age. He firmly believes that engaging in learning fosters connection and well-being, and he hopes to inspire others to follow their dreams at any stage of life.

Psychologist Unveils Top Sleep Disruptor and Quick Fix in Just 15 Minutes

Strategies to Combat Rumination for Better Sleep Quality

Dr. Aric Prather, a psychologist and professor of psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco, has identified rumination as the primary disruptor of sleep and offers simple solutions to mitigate its effects. In a recent essay for CNBC, he discussed how persistent negative thoughts can keep individuals awake at night, drawing from his own experiences.

Prather explains that many people lie awake replaying moments of regret or anxiety. He notes, “Your attention is drawn back, again and again, to this thing that didn’t go well or to a regret,” emphasizing that such thoughts can be especially potent at night.

While there’s no “magic switch” to turn off rumination, Prather suggests practical strategies to manage it. His first recommendation is to allocate 15 minutes during the mid-to-late afternoon specifically for “emotional worry.” He stresses the importance of being alone during this time.

“Once the timer starts, give yourself the freedom to worry about one topic at a time,” he advises. This approach allows you to systematically address your concerns, much like checking off items on a to-do list. If worries arise outside of this designated time, he suggests telling yourself to postpone them until the next session.

Incorporating this “emotional worry” time two to three times a week can help reduce nighttime rumination.

For his second strategy, Prather encourages a technique he calls “constructive worrying.” This involves creating two columns on a piece of paper: one for “Problems” and another for “Solutions.” By listing current issues and brainstorming actionable steps to address them, individuals can alleviate the mental burden of unresolved worries.

“Remember, the goal is to chart out a plan for how to get started with actionable steps for tomorrow or within the next few days,” he explains. After completing this exercise, fold the paper and place it beside your bed, reassuring yourself that you have a plan.

Although he admits this advice might sound trivial, he underscores its effectiveness: “You’ve already spent focused energy on these problems, allowing your mind to release them at night.”

Dr. Prather’s insights align with broader research highlighting the critical importance of sleep. A recent study published in Plos Medicine revealed that individuals aged 50 who slept five hours or less had a 30% increased risk of developing multiple chronic diseases over 25 years compared to those who slept seven hours. This risk increased to 32% for 60-year-olds sleeping five hours or less.

By implementing these strategies, individuals can improve their sleep quality and overall well-being.

Tory Minister Conor Burns Reinstated After Inappropriate Behavior Allegations Dismissed

Burns Claims Party ‘Stitch-Up’ Following Restoration of Whip Amid Controversy

Conor Burns, the former trade minister who was dismissed after allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” at a Conservative conference, has had his party whip restored following the Conservative Party’s conclusion that there was no case to answer.

Burns accused his own party of orchestrating a “stitch-up,” claiming he was “thrown to the wolves” after publicly criticizing Liz Truss’s brief time as Prime Minister. He expressed his frustration over how the allegations were handled, stating, “I knew I was innocent and the truth will out, and it has,” in comments to a local newspaper in Bournemouth.

The controversy began when a witness alleged that Burns had touched a young man’s thigh in a hotel bar; however, the alleged victim did not file a complaint. This has led to calls for Burns to have been suspended rather than dismissed outright. Burns suggested that his criticism of Truss’s handling of post-Brexit trade deals played a role in his sacking, remarking, “It felt and smelt like a stitch-up, and that is what it was.”

He criticized the prolonged uncertainty surrounding the allegations, calling it “completely unacceptable” for individuals to be left in limbo without clarity on the accusations against them.

A Conservative Party spokesperson confirmed that after receiving a complaint and conducting an investigation in accordance with its code of conduct, the party found no basis for further action, stating, “The matter is now closed and Mr. Burns’s membership will be reinstated at the nearest possible opportunity.”

Burns, who has served as the MP for Bournemouth West since 2010 and was a close ally of Boris Johnson during his tenure, faced swift dismissal, contrasting with the drawn-out handling of the Chris Pincher scandal under Johnson’s leadership. He reflected on the impact of the past two months, describing the experience as a “living nightmare” for himself and his family, particularly his elderly parents.

Just three days prior to his dismissal, Burns had publicly mocked Truss’s record as international trade secretary and had suggested Kemi Badenoch as her successor.

Trump Advocates for His Reinstatement as President, Making Unfounded Claims of Election Fraud

Former President Asserts Fraud Allegations Override Constitutional Norms in Truth Social Rant

Donald Trump has called for his reinstatement as president, or for a repeat of the 2020 election, based on unfounded claims of widespread fraud. In a Saturday morning post on Truth Social, the twice-impeached former president alleged that “massive and widespread fraud and deception” by Democrats and big tech companies undermined the election results.

He posed the question: “Do you throw the Presidential Election Results of 2020 OUT and declare the RIGHTFUL WINNER, or do you have a NEW ELECTION?” Trump further asserted that the alleged fraud was so significant that it justified disregarding all laws, including the Constitution. “A Massive Fraud of this type and magnitude allows for the termination of all rules, regulations, and articles, even those found in the Constitution,” he claimed. “Our great ‘Founders’ did not want, and would not condone, False & Fraudulent Elections!”

Trump’s online tirade began in response to a Fox News report indicating that the FBI had engaged with Twitter and other social media platforms prior to the 2020 election to mitigate the spread of disinformation. This report is connected to a lawsuit filed by the attorneys general of Louisiana and Missouri, which accuses senior government officials of collaborating with tech companies to censor content under the pretext of combating misinformation.

Multiple reports and testimonies during congressional hearings have documented foreign interference attempts in the 2020 election. Intelligence assessments indicated that Russian operatives targeted Biden’s campaign, while China and Iran were believed to prefer Trump’s defeat.

Late Friday, Trump accused the FBI and Justice Department of colluding with big tech companies to undermine his campaign and rig the election. He stated, “Now additional evidence, different but just as illegal and sinister as the many other forms of cheating used, is flowing out of the crevices of this corrupt wound,” in a somewhat graphic manner.

Across five posts, he criticized law enforcement and the judicial system, labeling them “totally corrupt” and accusing them of “harassing, cajoling, and intimidating Big Tech companies.” He claimed their actions were akin to “STUFFING THE BALLOT BOXES, only far more sophisticated and impactful.”

In one post, he remarked that while his allegations would receive no investigation, the authorities would continue probing “boxes” of classified documents that were taken from the White House to his Mar-a-Lago estate after his presidency.

As a multitude of legal issues surrounds him, Trump continues to direct his ire at the FBI and the judicial system, amidst ongoing scrutiny of his actions, his family’s dealings, and his business practices during his final months in office.