sports headband STILLWATER — After a disappointing season, Oklahoma State is attempting to give fans a gift they will treasure throughout 2025. As of Monday morning, Oklahoma State’s 2025 transfer portal class ranks 22nd (Rivals), 28th (247 Sports) and 51st (On3) for an overall average group ranked 34th nationally, which places this group 43 spots higher than the previous one. Rivals and 247Sports also have Oklahoma State ranked fourth and sixth, respectively, among Big 12 teams. In most, but not all respects, the national numbers are a bit lower than the Cowboys ranked this time last week. However, with 14 commitments, this group should experience more stability instead of some of the wild fluctuations that are prone to emerge early in the portal process. Players don’t have to commit by Saturday, but they do have to enter the portal by that day, and deadlines to enroll in their new schools should begin creeping up. So college football’s chaotic holiday season should begin calming down soon. People are also reading... Muskogee board rejects Matt Hennesy's return as Roughers' head football coach The 12 best new restaurants of 2024 Berry Tramel: Barry Switzer's 1980s players salute their lion-in-winter coach. Read their letter Mike Gundy appears headed for complete turnover among coaching staff Daughter of country music star Wynonna Judd pleads guilty to drug, theft charges Where to eat on Christmas Day Four northeastern Oklahoma educators' teaching certificates suspended Berry Tramel: Another OU-Navy game and another historically inept Sooner offense Loren Montgomery: An inside look at Bixby's record-setting football coach OU releases depth chart for Armed Forces Bowl vs. Navy; Here are notable changes Tulsa school board votes to proceed with Jennettie Marshall, E’Lena Ashley lawsuit Muskogee board set to vote on Wagoner's Dale Condict as head football coach Bible, Christianity feature heavily in proposed social studies standards for students Gov. Kevin Stitt orders state agencies to end most remote work Sink your teeth into 20 of Tulsa's best sandwiches Here’s a look at the nine newest commitments to Oklahoma State: DL Kyran Duhon (UTEP) 247 rankings: 120th overall, 13th edge Eligibility remaining: Three years 2024 stats: 43 tackles, seven for loss, seven sacks, two pass deflections Career stats: 43 tackles, seven for loss, seven sacks, two pass deflections What it means for OSU: Two of the team’s three sack leaders from 2024 and Collin Oliver, who would have been among that group, depart, leaving plenty of room for Duhon to come in and compete. OT Louie Canepa 247 rankings: 362 overall, 28th OT Eligibility remaining: Two years 2024 stats: Played 292 snaps at right tackle and 250 at right guard Career stats: Played 654 snaps at right tackle and 535 at right guard during the last three years What it means for OSU: For context, Oklahoma State’s starting offensive linemen played 464-810 snaps in 2024, and all six of those guys are gone, paving the way for Canepa to start in 2025. CB JK Johnson (LSU) 247 rankings: 476th overall, 50th cornerback Eligibility remaining: Two, but a good candidate for a medical redshirt extension 2024 stats: Three tackles, allowed two catches on six targets according to PFF Career stats: 25 tackles in 24 games while averaging 21 defensive snaps per game according to PFF What it means for OSU: Johnson was the 72nd overall prospect and the fifth cornerback in 247’s rankings when he signed with Ohio State. A preseason injury in 2023 derailed his second chance at LSU. While not a position of need for Oklahoma State, Johnson could be a huge get if he comes close to the potential he flashed as a high school prospect. TE Oscar Hammond (North Texas) 247 rankings: 558th overall, 10th TE Eligibility remaining: One year 2024 stats: 19 receptions for 238 yards and one touchdown Career stats: 67 receptions for 1,028 yards and six touchdowns What it means for OSU: The Oklahoma native from Collinsville spent his first two seasons at the University of Central Oklahoma before joining the FBS ranks in 2024. Freshman Josh Ford has the inside track to be first-string again in 2025, but his youth leaves a path open for competition plus OSU must replace No. 2 tight end Tyler Foster (210 snaps). LB Brandon Rawls (Saginaw Valley State) 247 rankings: N/A Eligibility remaining: One year 2024 stats: 55 tackles, 6.5 for loss, 3.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble and two interceptions Career stats: 92 tackles, 24.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble and two interceptions What it means for OSU: Despite playing the fewest games in three years (nine games). Rawls had a knack for high-leverage plays in 2024. Oklahoma State could use that next season, and there will be multiple openings at the linebacker level. OL Tyler Brumfield (Snow College) 247 rankings: N/A Eligibility remaining: Three years 2024 stats: Four games played Career stats: Four games played What it means for OSU: Brumfield’s impact is harder to predict given the lack of available information regarding offensive linemen at lower levels, but all six of OSU’s top linemen are gone so there will certainly be a competition this spring. DL Malik Charles 247 rankings: N/A Eligibility remaining: Two years 2024 stats: 33 tackles, 10 for loss and seven sacks, two pass breakups and three quarterback hits Career stats: 37 tackles, 11 for loss and seven sacks, two pass breakups and three quarterback hits What it means for OSU: Gundy is always looking for playmakers who can affect opposing quarterbacks. Oklahoma State struggled to do that in each of the last two seasons, so anyone who demonstrates an ability to do so during spring practice will see the field plenty in 2025. S Mordecai McDaniel (Charlotte) 247 rankings: N/A Eligibility remaining: One year 2024 stats: 43 tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack, three pass breakups Career stats: 62 tackles, four pass breakups, one interception What it means for OSU: Not a position of need for the Cowboys. However, he played for defensive coordinator Todd Grantham and DBs coach Jules Montinar at Florida and on the same team as defensive line coach Ryan Osborn at Charlotte in 2024 so his familiarity with the new staff might ensure a closer look in the spring. TE Will Monney (Utah State) 247 rankings: N/A Eligibility remaining: Two years 2024 stats: 11 receptions for 138 yards and one touchdown Career stats: 12 receptions for 138 yards and one touchdown What it means for OSU: Money played at least 22 snaps in five games during the final half of the season. He was primarily used in those games as a receiver. K Gabe Panikowski (Idaho State) 247 rankings: N/A Eligibility remaining: One year 2024 stats: 15-of-15 field goals, including 3-of-3 over 40 yards with a long of 55, 44-of-47 extra points Career stats: 30-of-36 field goals, 111-of-119 extra points What it means for OSU: Logan Ward went 12-of-17 on field goals in his first season as the full-time kicker, but he only converted 4-of-9 kicks from 40 yards out.NEW YORK — A man accused of setting a woman on fire inside a New York City subway train and then watching her die after she was engulfed in flames is awaiting arraignment on Tuesday. Sebastian Zapeta, 33, is facing murder and arson charges in the woman’s death. Federal immigration officials said Zapeta is a Guatemalan citizen who entered the U.S. illegally after he was previously deported in 2018. The apparently random attack occurred Sunday morning on a stationary F train at the Coney Island station in Brooklyn, police said. Authorities say Zapeta approached the woman, who was sitting motionless in the train car and may have been sleeping, and used a lighter to set her clothing on fire. The woman quickly became engulfed in flames, while Zapeta then sat at a bench on the subway platform and watched as police officers and a transit worker doused the fire, according to police. The woman, whose identity has not yet been released, was pronounced dead at the scene. Zapeta was arrested Sunday afternoon while riding a train on the same subway line after police got a tip from some teenagers who recognized him from images circulated by the police. It was unclear if Zapeta has an attorney. A Brooklyn address for Zapeta released by police matches a shelter that provides housing and substance abuse support. The shelter did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In a statement, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez called the attack a “gruesome and senseless act of violence against a vulnerable woman” that would be “met with the most serious consequences.” The crime — and a graphic video of it that ricocheted across social media — deepened a growing sense of unease among New Yorkers about the safety of the subway system. Violent crimes on trains in the city can put riders on edge, in part because most New Yorkers take the subway multiple times each day and often have their own experiences with uncomfortable interactions in the system. Policing the subway is also difficult, given the vast network of trains constantly moving between the system's 472 stations, with each stop containing multiple entry points and, in many stations, multiple floors and platforms. On Sunday, police at the station where the woman burned to death were patrolling a different area and responded after seeing and smelling smoke, authorities said. Overall, according to authorities, crime is down in the transit system this year when compared to last year. Major felonies declined 6% between January and November of this year and in 2023, data compiled by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority show. But murders are up, with nine killings this year through November compared to five in the same period last year. At the same time, high-profile incidents on the train — such as the case of Daniel Penny , a military veteran who choked an agitated New York subway rider and was acquitted of homicide this month — often attract national attention and further frighten passengers.

Helios Technologies officer sells $215,920 in common stockShoppers bemused as Easter eggs hit shop shelves before New Year’s Eve

WaFd, Inc ( NASDAQ:WAFDP – Get Free Report ) declared a quarterly dividend on Tuesday, November 12th, Wall Street Journal reports. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, December 31st will be given a dividend of 0.3047 per share on Wednesday, January 15th. This represents a $1.22 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 7.02%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, December 31st. WaFd Stock Performance WaFd stock opened at $17.36 on Friday. WaFd has a fifty-two week low of $14.38 and a fifty-two week high of $19.75. The firm’s 50-day simple moving average is $17.98 and its 200 day simple moving average is $17.32. About WaFd ( Get Free Report ) Read More Receive News & Ratings for WaFd Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for WaFd and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .Christopher Nolan’s next film is based on ‘The Odyssey’

( MENAFN - GetNews) In a remarkable moment for literature and human rights advocacy, Sandeep Kumar Mishra's evocative poem Ashes and Echoes will soon grace a travelling exhibition throughout the Netherlands, thanks to Utrecht University's groundbreaking initiative. The poem was shortlisted in the university's prestigious Poems for Human Rights international competition, a celebration of poetic creativity and social justice. Sandeep's powerful verse, which weaves vivid imagery with a resonant human rights message, has captivated the jury and secured its place among the six exceptional poems chosen from a sea of global entries. The competition received submissions spanning diverse poetic traditions, making the final selection a challenging but rewarding task for the panel of distinguished judges. The jury, comprising luminaries such as Geert Buelens, Antoine Buyse, Hanneke van Eijken, and others, commended the shortlisted poems for their depth, originality, and ability to inspire.“Ashes and Echoes stood out for its rich symbolism and profound impact,” the jury noted.“Its haunting reflections on human rights violations resonate deeply in today's world.” A Showcase of Global Talent The competition will celebrate two ex aequo winners-one poem in English and one in Dutch-alongside four commendable works. The shortlisted poets include Marieke Vreeken (Human Treaty), Vicky Breemen (Universe Declaration), Sandeep Kumar Mishra (Ashes and Echoes), Safiya Lall Mohamed (True Colours), Alessandra Spadaro (It Rains Bombs) and Elyse Touron - van der Roer (Wie Schrijft Dan Nog – Ongehoord Soedan) The three winning poets will receive cash prizes, supported by the Netherlands Institute of Human Rights, the Freudenthal Institute, and Institutions for Open Societies. They will also perform their works during Impact Night 2024: Human Rights, for Present and Future Generations on Human Rights Day in December and at the Faculty Club in February 2025. An Exhibition across Utrecht and Beyond Ashes and Echoes, along with the other shortlisted poems, will be showcased in a travelling exhibition across the city of Utrecht. The exhibition schedule and places includes Janskerkhof 3, Utrecht : December 10–17, 2024, University Library City Centre, Drift 27 : Mid-December 2024 to mid-January 2025 and Bibliotheek Neude, Neude 11 : January 30 – February 5, 2025 The exhibition aims to amplify the voices of poets who have transformed human rights advocacy into a poignant art form. Utrecht University's efforts reflect a commitment to fostering dialogue on human rights issues through creativity. Global Recognition for Sandeep Kumar Mishra Sandeep's triumph extends beyond the exhibition. His poem will also be featured on the competition's website and in an anthology that promises to share these powerful works with a global audience. This recognition solidifies his position as a compelling literary voice and a fierce advocate for human rights. When asked about the honor, Sandeep expressed gratitude:“It's a privilege to have my poem included in such an important initiative. Poetry has the power to bridge divides, and I hope Ashes and Echoes resonates with audiences, inspiring empathy and action.” As the world prepares to celebrate Human Rights Day, Sandeep Kumar Mishra's Ashes and Echoes stands as a beacon of creativity and compassion, reminding us of the enduring power of words to ignite change. MENAFN23122024003238003268ID1109025458 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.

Srinagar, Dec 24: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Tuesday called for providing seamless services during winter and ensuring connectivity besides providing relief and essential supplies to the people. Chairing a high-level meeting here at the civil secretariat in Srinagar, CM Omar called for ensuring smooth and uninterrupted delivery of essential services and functioning of vital installations across the Kashmir division. He conducted a department-wide review of the winter preparedness measures of all line departments. The meeting reviewed the preparedness of various departments to address challenges posed by harsh winter conditions, particularly in the snow-bound zones of Kashmir and Jammu division. The CM emphasised the need for a robust mechanism to minimise public inconvenience during severe weather conditions. He also engaged with Deputy Commissioners (DCs) to assess district-level preparedness and urged them to prioritise timely and effective responses to weather-related challenges. CM Omar stressed the importance of keeping men and machinery in a state of readiness to ensure the routine functioning of essential installations. He directed departments to prioritise uninterrupted trade, transport, and essential supplies while addressing disruptions caused by snow, water logging, or power outages. On snow clearance, the CM was briefed that a sufficient number of hi-tech snow clearance machines have been deployed by the R&B Department, SMC, MED, BRO, and NHAI, with additional machines on standby to handle heavy snowfall. CM Omar instructed the concerned authorities to focus on clearing key routes, including inter-district highways and roads leading to hospitals, power grids, water supply systems, and fire and emergency services. The CM was informed that adequate stocks of ration, petrol, diesel, and LPG were available to meet the needs of residents for several months while additional provisions had been made to ensure timely distribution across districts. CM Omar directed the establishment of joint control rooms in all districts to handle winter-related complaints promptly. He stressed the importance of a swift response system to minimise public inconvenience and ensure seamless delivery of essential services. Reviewing the health sector’s readiness, the CM directed the Health Department to ensure adequate stocks of medicines, oxygen cylinders, and emergency supplies across all hospitals. He also emphasised maintaining functional central heating systems in healthcare facilities and ensuring the deployment of medical personnel in snowbound areas. Instructions were given for providing transport services to expecting mothers in remote and far-flung areas. Highlighting the criticality of uninterrupted power supply during winter, the CM instructed KPDCL engineers to prioritise the restoration of electricity, particularly for essential installations. He called for the timely replacement of damaged transformers and urged for the protection of field staff with proper safety gear to prevent accidents during repair work. CM Omar underscored the importance of maintaining road connectivity and efficient traffic management. He directed agencies to deploy sufficient manpower and equipment for snow clearance on national highways, main roads, and internal routes, ensuring minimal disruption to public movement. The CM urged all departments to work in coordination and take proactive measures to mitigate the impact of harsh winter conditions. He reiterated his commitment to minimising public inconvenience and ensuring the effective delivery of essential services throughout the region. CM Omar directed the PHE Department to deploy sufficient water tankers in affected areas to prevent water scarcity during extreme weather conditions. He also instructed the Forest Department to ensure an adequate supply of firewood in snowbound areas is available. The CM underscored the significance of coordination among line departments and directed for round-the-clock operationalisation of District Control Rooms to maintain and update records of vulnerable populations, particularly pregnant women in snow-blocked areas. He emphasised that such cases should be promptly relocated to maternity centres well ahead of their delivery dates. For regions with the possibility of road block, CM Omar instructed authorities to ensure helicopter services are put in place for such areas which remain cut off. During the meeting, he reiterated that all preparedness plans should be practical and actionable, ensuring their effectiveness when put to the test. The CM called for seamless interdepartmental coordination and directed the DCs to maintain regular communication with field officers to address emerging challenges swiftly. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the welfare and safety of the people. CM Omar assured people that the administration was fully prepared to tackle the challenges of the harsh winter and deliver essential services effectively. The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, Minister for Health and Medical Education Sakina Itoo, Minister for Jal Shakti and Tribal Affairs Javed Ahmad Rana, Minister for Agriculture and RDD Javaid Ahmad Dar, Minister for FCS&CA and Transport Satish Sharma, and Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani who participated through virtual mode. The meeting was also attended by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, and Additional Chief Secretary Jal Shakti Shaleen Kabra via video conferencing. Additional Chief Secretary to Chief Minister, Dheeraj Gupta and Divisional Commissioner Kashmir attended the meeting in person. Administrative Secretaries, Divisional Commissioner Jammu, senior Police and Security Officers, Deputy Commissioners, Commissioners of SMC and JMC, Officers of BRO, NHAI and other Departments also attended the meeting. Officers from Jammu and other District Headquarters participated through video conference. During the meeting, the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir and Jammu gave presentations on the winter preparedness measures already in place across both divisions.Shoppers have been left bemused after spotting Easter eggs on supermarket shelves before New Year’s Eve. With Easter Sunday falling on April 20 next year, customers shared their confusion on social media after finding chocolate eggs and hot cross buns already for sale in shops including Morrisons, Tesco and Asda. One user, @Jingle1991, shared an image of Malteser Bunnies in Sainsbury’s on Christmas Eve and pointed out: “Jesus hasn’t even been born yet.” Meanwhile, Gary Evans from Margate shared a shot of Creme Eggs on display in Morrisons in Margate on Boxing Day. “I just think its crazy that everything is so superficial and meaninglessly commercial... (there’s) something quite frantic about it,” the 66-year-old told the PA news agency. No Shame.Morrisons.Easter eggs.Boxing Day. December 26th.Peace on Earth — Gary Evans (@GaryEva04679693) Joseph Robinson found Easter confectionary including Cadbury Mini Eggs, and themed Kit-Kat and Kinder Surprise products at his local Morrisons in Stoke-on-Trent on Friday evening. “It’s funny, as they’ve not even managed to shift the Christmas chocolates off the shelves yet and they’re already stocking for Easter,” the 35-year-old admin support worker told PA. “I wish that Supermarkets weren’t so blatantly consumerist-driven and would actually allow customers and staff a time to decompress during the Christmas period.” It's not even a full 2025 and you're already stocking for easter.Kindly get in the bin — Joseph (@stokegoblin) Asked if he was tempted to make a purchase, Mr Robinson added: “As a vegan it holds no appeal to me!” Mike Chalmers, a devout Christian from Chippenham, Wiltshire, was slightly less critical after spotting a display entitled: “Celebrate this Easter with Cadbury.” Easter is for life, not just for Christmas(Photo today in Morrisons!) — Mike Chalmers (@realMChalmers) “Christmas and Easter are the two centrepoints of the Christian good news story so it’s no bad thing to see the connections,” the 44-year-old said. “It’s about more than shapes of chocolate though!” Marketing consultant Andrew Wallis admitted he was surprised to see Easter eggs in the Co-op in Kilgetty, Pembrokeshire, but added it also illustrates “forward-thinking” from big businesses. Christmas isn’t even over, and Easter eggs are already on the shelves. Say what you want about it—but big brands don’t wait. They plan ahead and act fast. Are you doing the same? Your future self will thank you — andrewwallis (@andrewwallis) “It made me reflect on how big brands are always thinking ahead and planning early,” the 54-year-old from the Isle of Man, who provides marketing advice to the fitness industry, told PA. “My message to retailers would be: while planning ahead is important, it’s also essential to be mindful of consumer sentiment. “Some might feel it’s too early for seasonal products like this but others might see it as a sign of forward-thinking. “Striking the right balance is key to keeping customers happy.”Claro Enterprise Solutions Expands Technology Service Offerings to Accelerate Mergers and Acquisitions Integrations

BEIRUT (AP) — Syria’s embassy in Lebanon suspended consular services Saturday, a day after two relatives of deposed Syrian President Bashar Assad were arrested at the Beirut airport with allegedly forged passports. Also on Saturday, Lebanese authorities handed over dozens of Syrians — including former officers in the Syrian army under Assad — to the new Syrian authorities after they were caught illegally entering Lebanon, a war monitor and Lebanese officials said. The embassy announced on its Facebook page that consular work was suspended “until further notice” at the order of the Syrian foreign ministry. The announcement did not give a reason for the suspension. Two Lebanese security officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly, said the suspension was ordered because the passports belonging to Assad’s relatives — the wife and daughter of one of his cousins — were believed to have been forged at the embassy. Assad’s uncle, Rifaat Assad — who has been indicted in Switzerland on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity — had flown out the day before on his real passport and was not stopped, the officials said. The U.K.-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported Saturday that 70 Syrians, including former army officers, were handed over by a Lebanese security delegation to the security forces of the new Syrian government, led by the former insurgent group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS. Three Lebanese judicial officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the report. Regional countries have been quick to establish ties with Syria’s new rulers. Delegations of Libyan and Bahraini officials arrived in Damascus on Saturday on official visits. HTS leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, has largely succeeded in calming fears within and outside of Syria that his group would unleash collective punishment against communities that supported Assad’s rule or attempt to impose strict Islamic law on the country’s religious minorities. However, in recent days, sporadic clashes have broken out between the HTS-led security forces and pro-Assad armed groups. The country’s new security forces have launched a series of raids targeting officials affiliated with Assad and have set up checkpoints in areas with significant populations of the Alawite religious minority to which the former president belongs to search for weapons. There have also been ongoing tensions and clashes in northeastern Syria between Kurdish-led forces and armed groups backed by Turkey. Many Kurds have viewed the new order in Damascus, which appears to have strengthened Turkey’s hand in Syria, with anxiety. Ankara sees the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces — a key U.S. ally in the fight against the Islamic State group — as an affiliate of its sworn enemy, the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK, which it classifies as a terrorist organization. The U.S. State Department said Saturday that Secretary of State Antony Blinken had spoken with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to “discuss the latest developments in Syria.” “Secretary Blinken emphasized the need to support a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process that upholds human rights and prioritizes an inclusive and representative government,” the statement said, adding that they “also discussed the shared goal of preventing terrorism from endangering the security” of Turkey and Syria. On Saturday, hundreds of protesters convened by Kurdish women’s groups participated in a demonstration in the northeastern city of Hasaka to demand women’s rights in the new Syria. Perishan Ramadan, a participant from Hasaka, said the new government “is worse than Bashar” and that its leaders are Islamist extremists who “don’t accept any role for women.” While the country’s new leaders have not attempted to impose Islamic dress or other conventions, it remains to be seen what role women will have in the new order and whether they will hold political or government positions. "Women must be present in the new constitution for Syria,” said Rihan Loqo, spokeswoman for the Kongra Star women’s organization. "... Women’s rights should not be ignored.” ___ Associated Press writers Hogir Abdo in Hasaka, Syria, and Ellen Knickmeyer in Washington contributed to this report.

Deferring rate hike under govt pressure costs discoms 55,000 cr