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U.S. Helped Pakistan Get IMF Bailout With Secret Arms Deal for Ukraine, Leaked Documents Reveal

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 14:44:24 GMT

Secret Pakistani arms sales to the U.S. helped to facilitate a controversial bailout from the International Monetary Fund earlier this year, according to two sources with knowledge of the arrangement, with confirmation from internal Pakistani and American government documents. The arms sales were made for the purpose of supplying the Ukrainian military — marking Pakistani involvement in a conflict it had faced U.S. pressure to take sides on.The revelation is a window into the kind of behind-the-scenes maneuvering between financial and political elites that rarely is exposed to the public, even as the public pays the price. Harsh structural policy reforms demanded by the IMF as terms for its recent bailout kicked off an ongoing round of protests in the country. Major strikes have taken place throughout Pakistan in recent weeks in response to the measures.The protests are the latest chapter in a year-and-a-half-long political crisis roiling the country. In April 2022, the Pakistani mi...

Commanders hold on to beat Broncos after Wilson's Hail Mary

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 14:44:24 GMT

DENVER (AP) — Sam Howell threw for two touchdowns and the Washington Commanders rallied from an 18-point deficit to beat the Denver Broncos 35-33 on Sunday, holding on after Russell Wilson connected with Brandon Johnson on a 50-yard Hail Mary but failed to complete the tying 2-point try.Washington cornerback Benjamin St-Juste broke up Wilson's pass to Courtland Sutton on the 2-point conversion attempt. St-Juste appeared to get away with pass interference, but no flag was thrown and the Commanders celebrated the franchise's first 2-0 start since 2011 while Sutton and his teammates argued vehemently for a foul. Broncos safety Kareem Jackson disqualified for hit in end zone Howell threw for 299 yards on on 27-of-39 passing in his first road start and led Washington to the second-biggest comeback in franchise history. Washington overcame a 21-point deficit to beat Detroit on Nov. 4, 1990.The Commanders trailed 21-3 in the second quarter. Brian Robinson Jr. ran for two scores during a ...

Denver metro among hot spots for inflation since last year

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 14:44:24 GMT

(NEXSTAR) – While the latest numbers show an easing in some measures of inflation – despite a spike in gas prices – some cities have seen larger increases than others over the past year, according to Labor Department data released Wednesday.The consumer price index was up 3.7% in August over the previous year, an increase from the 3.2% annual pace in July. However, when adjusted to filter out more volatile categories such as food and energy, inflation growth actually slowed from 4.7% in July to 4.3% in August, year-over-year. Denver ranks 2nd for highest inflation This slowing of so-called "core" prices suggests that inflation is coming under control, but at a more gradual pace than the government had hoped as officials try to reach the Federal Reserve's target of 2%.“We’re getting to the stage where we’ve basically had all the low-hanging fruit in terms of disinflation,” said Blerina Uruci, an economist at T. Rowe Price. “The progress on core inflation over the coming months is g...

Denver weather: More sunshine and 80s to start the workweek

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 14:44:24 GMT

DENVER (KDVR) —  Denver's weather will stay in a pattern of mainly sunny conditions and highs in the 80s for the start of the workweek.Weather tonight: Some clouds, mildSunday night, there will be a few passing clouds alongside a light breeze. Temperatures will fall to the low to mid-50s, which is just a few degrees above normal for this time of year. Weather tomorrow: Mainly sunnyMonday will look very similar to Sunday. Looking ahead: Showers to end the week Tuesday will start with a mainly sunny sky and keep highs climbing to the lower 80s. There is a slight chance for showers and a few thunderstorms, mostly in the mountains.Wednesday and Thursday, will again be mostly sunny with a high near 80 degrees. Friday, there will be more clouds and a better chance for showers. Temperatures will be cooler and only climb to the upper 70s. Sunshine and drier conditions move in by the weekend, but temperatures will stay cooler than normal, only reaching highs in the 70s.

Dominican Republic’s president stands resolute on his closing of all borders with Haiti

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 14:44:24 GMT

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) — The president of the Dominican Republic on Sunday defended his decision to close air, sea and land traffic with neighboring Haiti in their dispute over construction of a canal targeting a river that runs through both countries.President Luis Abinader said in a televised speech that the border closures begun Friday will remain in place until construction is halted on the canal, which seeks to use water from the Massacre River to alleviate a drought in Haiti’s Maribaroux plain.“We do not desire or seek confrontation, but we are confronting the uncontrollable people who keep Haiti insecure, and who, due to their private interests, now also conspire against the stability of their government and the security of our water resources,” Abinader said during his brief speech, referring to gang violence that has engulfed Haiti.Accusing Haiti of violating a 1929 treaty between both countries, he said that the Massacre River is a key resource fo...

Inaugural Kennedy Kids Foundation 5K, held in honor of teen Kennedy Bailey, raises mental health awareness

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 14:44:24 GMT

Runners laced up their sneakers and headed to Miami Shores to race in the name of mental health, as they paid tribute to a teenage girl who tragically lost her life. Participants from all walks gathered at Constitution Park on Sunday morning to celebrate Kennedy Bailey, who took her own life last year.“It means so much to so many people that I think – in our generation, we didn’t talk about mental health ,” said one participant. “Mental health wasn’t even a term that was ever used.”The event was spearheaded by Bailey’s best friend, Sienna Alvarez-Coia, in a heartwarming display of love and support.Organizers said the inaugural Kennedy Kids Foundation 5K race was a major success.“I think it really shows how strong our community is, and how much camaraderie you have to all come together, and I’m so glad,” said Alvarez-Coia. “It’s such an important cause, and just to educate people and let them know how amazi...

Chicago Cubs lineup shuffle: Why Ian Happ is hitting leadoff, and center field options

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 14:44:24 GMT

Ian Happ is not unfamiliar with hitting in the Chicago Cubs’ leadoff spot.In his seven big-league seasons, Happ has made 81 starts atop the Cubs’ lineup, his third-most common batting order position. He’s batted first in the last two games, his first time in the No. 1 spot since 2021.Manager David Ross likes the consistency in Happ’s at-bats and his ability to work counts. Happ is tied for 11th in the majors averaging 4.19 pitches per plate appearance.It gives the Cubs a different look as the offense tries to get out of its funk.“Right now you’re doing anything you can to help the team win,” Happ said. “Guys that hit leadoff consistently and do it every day, I think it’s one of the most impressive things in the game. You look at what Dexter (Fowler) did for years, like, it’s so impressive to be able to go out there every single day, take five or six at-bats and have a .380 on-base percentage. It’s unbelievable.”...

Band director arrested after refusing to end performance

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 14:44:24 GMT

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — An Alabama high school band director was shocked with a stun gun and arrested after Birmingham police said he wouldn’t tell his band to stop playing.Local news outlets report that Minor High School’s band director was arrested Thursday night after a football game between Minor and Jackson-Olin High School. He’s charged with disorderly conduct, harassment and resisting arrest.Birmingham Police Officer Truman Fitzgerald, a department spokesperson, said police were trying to clear the stadium at Jackson-Olin after the game and asked both bands to stop playing so people wouldn’t linger.Police say the Jackson-Olin band stopped performing, but that the director disregarded officers and told his students to keep playing.Police officers accompanied by school security guards went to arrest him for disorderly conduct but he got into a scuffle with them, Fitzgerald said. He said the band director refused to place his hands behind his back and shoved a...

LA sheriff’s deputy dies after being shot in his patrol car

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 14:44:24 GMT

PALMDALE, Calif. — A Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputy died after he was shot in his patrol car Saturday evening by an unknown assailant, and an investigation is underway that the sheriff said will press all of the department’s resources into action.Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer, 30, died after being taken to a hospital, Sheriff Robert Luna said during a news conference.The preliminary investigation showed Clinkunbroomer was driving while on duty and fired upon around 6 p.m., Luna said.Clinkunbroomer was unconscious in the vehicle when he was found near the intersection of Sierra Highway and Avenue Q in Palmdale by a person Luna identified as a “good Samaritan” who alerted personnel at the Palmdale station of the sheriff’s department.The deputy was taken to Antelope Valley Medical Center in Lancaster, where he was treated for a gunshot wound.“Despite the medical staff’s best efforts to save our deputy’s life, regrettably he s...

Zelenskyy to address UN, meet US senators

Published Sun, 29 Dec 2024 14:44:24 GMT

Top U.S. Senate leaders will host an all-members meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday, according to a Senate leadership aide, as House Republicans are preparing to block a Biden administration request for $24 billion in emergency Ukraine war funds.Zelenskyy is expected to meet President Joe Biden at the White House the same day, traveling to Washington after attending the United Nations General Assembly. He’s expected to seek renewed commitments by U.S. leaders to help Ukraine’s fight to regain occupied land from Russia.Zelenskyy will address the UN General Assembly Tuesday and will attend a Security Council meeting Wednesday on Ukraine focusing on the principles of the U.N. Charter, which require every country to respect others’ sovereignty and territorial integrity. The meeting could create the unique spectacle of placing Zelenskyy and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in the same room.Chuck Schumer, the Democratic majority leader in the Sena...