December

Russia has reserves of 15 rare-earth metals totalling 28.7 million tonnes, according to the Natural Resources Ministry.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered his cabinet to draw up a roadmap for the extraction of rare-earth minerals by December 1, as global interest in the metals heightens due to their use in modern technologies and a desire to reduce reliance on the Chinese-dominated market.

In a list of tasks for ministers published on the Kremlin website, Putin on Tuesday also ordered the cabinet to take measures to develop transport links at Russia’s borders with China and North Korea.

Rare earths – used in smartphones, electric vehicles and weapons systems – have taken on vital strategic importance in international trade.

In April, United States President Donald Trump signed a deal with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that will give the US preferential access to new Ukrainian minerals deals and fund investment in the country’s reconstruction.

Russia says it is also interested in partnering with the US on rare-earth projects.

In March, Putin’s investment envoy – Kirill Dmitriev – claimed that Russia and the US had started talks on rare-earth metals projects in Russia, and that some US companies had expressed an interest in them. However, prospects between the US and Russia have been held up by a lack of progress towards ending Russia’s war in Ukraine.

China, the dominant producer of rare earths, has hit back at US tariffs this year by placing restrictions on rare earths exports. Its almost total global control has focused Washington’s attention on developing its own supplies.

Putin’s order – a summary of action points from a Far Eastern Economic Forum he attended in Vladivostok in September – did not go into detail about Russia’s rare earths plan.

The US Geological Survey estimates Russia’s reserves of rare earth metals at 3.8 million tonnes, but Moscow has far higher estimates.

According to the Natural Resources Ministry, Russia has reserves of 15 rare-earth metals totalling 28.7 million tonnes, as of January 2023.

But even accounting for this possible margin of error, Russia still only accounts for a tiny fraction of global stockpiles.

Among other points, Putin also instructed the government to develop “multimodal transport and logistics centres” on the Chinese and North Korean borders.

Putin said the locations should include two existing railway bridges linking Russia and China and a planned new bridge to North Korea, which he said must be commissioned in 2026.

Both of Russia’s far eastern neighbours have deepened economic ties with Moscow since Western countries imposed sanctions on it over its war in Ukraine.

Jon Stewart’s biting satire may have made his new bosses squirm, but they went ahead and extended the comedian’s run on Comedy Central through December 2026.

The channel’s parent company, Paramount, announced Monday that Stewart will continue to host “The Daily Show” on Monday nights and serve as an executive producer through the end of next year.

Members of the show’s news team will continue to share Tuesday through Thursday hosting duties. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

“Jon Stewart continues to elevate the genre he created. His return is an ongoing commitment to the incisive comedy and sharp commentary that define The Daily Show,” Ari Pearce, Comedy Central’s manager said in a prepared statement. “We’re proud to support Jon and the extraordinary news team.”

Stewart’s contract was re-upped nearly four months after Paramount-owned sister network CBS notified Stephen Colbert, who rose to fame on “The Daily Show,” that it was dumping his late night show at the end of the season. The cancelation was revealed days after Colbert lambasted a $16 million settlement Paramount agreed to pay President Trump to end a lawsuit over edits to “60 Minutes.” Colbert called the arrangement “a big fat bribe.”

Paramount settled the Trump suit to win approval from the Trump administration of its sale to David Ellison’s Skydance Media and RedBird Capital Partners. CBS has said the reason for Colbert’s cancellation was financial, not political, although many people have expressed doubts.

Ellison took ownership of Paramount in August. Stewart has joked that he, too, might be tossed as the company tries to reposition itself to the political center.

Last week, the company began a deep round of layoffs, cutting 1,000 employees with plans to terminate another 1,000 in the coming weeks, in an effort to trim its workforce by 10%.

After a nine-year absence, Stewart returned as a host in February 2024. He had helmed the show for 16 years before taking a break in 2015. His current contract was expiring.

The show was hosted by Trevor Noah until 2022, when he stepped down. That prompted a rotation of guest hosts, including Kal Penn, Charlamagne tha God, Sarah Silverman and Michelle Wolf.

Last month, during a conversation with the New Yorker at a cultural festival, Stewart was asked whether he might stick around longer. “We’re working on staying,” Stewart told the New Yorker’s David Remnick.

The rotation of “The Daily Show” hosts also will include Ronny Chieng, Josh Johnson, Jordan Klepper, Michael Kosta, and Desi Lydic with Troy Iwata and Grace Kuhlenschmidt.

Spain is a fantastic place for a cockle-warming winter break that won’t break the bank. Here are the five warmest winter sun destinations in Spain for December escapes

Spain is a brilliant choice for a winter getaway that won’t leave your wallet feeling light.

While far-flung locations such as Thailand, Dubai, Egypt and Morocco might be the traditional go-to spots for winter sun, there are loads of fantastic places in mainland Spain and its islands that are worth a look.

Not only are they often just as toasty, but they’re also cheaper and much quicker to reach.

Here’s our top pick:

1. Murcia, southern Spain

December temperature highs: 18C

In a big win for those itching to escape our drizzly isles, Ryanair has just revealed it will be running a London to Murcia flight four times a week, with the journey clocking in at just under three hours. The timing of this new route is spot on for those who’ve already had their fill of autumn weather. This week, Murcia has seen highs of 31C, while in November it can reach up to 21C.

While it’s not the warmest destination in December and January, with daytime highs of 18C and 17C respectively, it tends to be mild and have low rainfall. However, it’s worth packing some snug pyjamas, as it can get chilly at night. The city of Murcia is brimming with activities, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts. It was settled by the Romans and the Moors.

Make sure to visit Murcia Cathedral, a stunning, Gothic cathedral that towers over the city, or the Santa Clara Museum, which was once a Muslim palace that became a monastery in the 14th century.

Flights from as little as £13 are currently available from UK cities including Manchester, London and Birmingham.

December temperature highs: 26C

Known as the “Island of Eternal Spring”, Tenerife is Spain’s top winter sun destination. The island offers a plethora of attractions, such as Mount Teide National Park, black- and golden-sand beaches, and bustling resorts like Costa Adeje or Playa de las Américas.

Tenerife has been a favourite among Brits for nearly a century. Mass tourism flourished throughout the 20th century, particularly after World War II, transforming areas like Playa de las Américas into major resorts to cater to the worldwide demand for sun holidays.

The YouTuber Escape With Us is such an enthusiast of Tenerife that he decided to spend Christmas there in 2023, leaving his family behind to jet off to the Canary Island.

“Why would you want to sit at home in the freezing cold when you can come here and enjoy this?” he queried while strolling through Las Américas in a T-shirt, before pausing for a £1.50 beer in the sunshine.

Currently, in December, flights are available from UK cities including Liverpool, London and Bournemouth to Tenerife for just £15.

3. Gran Canaria, Canary Islands

December temperature highs: 25C

While Tenerife is the most popular of the Canary Islands, attracting seven million holidaymakers each year, Gran Canaria is not far behind, drawing a remarkable four million sunseekers to its shores. Its southern coastline enjoys sunshine throughout the year.

The stunning sand dunes of Maspalomas and the picturesque harbour at Puerto de Mogán are essential visits. Journey inland to discover dramatic volcanic terrain and delightful villages such as Tejeda.

On a discussion thread regarding how warm Gran Canaria really is – and whether it’s too chilly to swim during the winter – one Brit wrote: “I’d never been abroad before and went to GC in March this year. It was 23-24 during the day. The sea was lovely and warm and I learnt to swim in it (I’m 52). I found the evening temperatures a bit cool but nothing a thin jumper wouldn’t sort out. I have booked again for March this year.”

Flights are available from cities including Edinburgh, Nottingham and Birmingham to Gran Canaria in December starting from just £13.

December temperature highs: 19C

Whilst the Balearics’ Mediterranean location and position further north than the Canaries means slightly cooler conditions, the gorgeous island of Majorca has been crowned Spain’s top winter sun spot this year – and it’s easy to see why.

The island enjoys pleasantly mild temperatures of approximately 23C well into October. Even throughout November and December, the island benefits from bright weather alongside temperatures ranging between 16-19C.

Whilst it might be too cool for an ocean dip, conditions remain perfect for a stroll along the seafront or dining outdoors – though an extra layer or two might be advisable. A visit to Playa de Muro Beach is a must; it’s been hailed as one of Europe’s most stunning beaches.

There are plenty of scenic walks nearby if you fancy a leisurely stroll, and it’s just a hop, skip and a jump away from the S’Albufera Natural Park. For cycling enthusiasts, the island’s hills and varied terrain are often a hit, and during the autumn/winter months, you won’t be battling hordes of tourists, which can make for a much more chilled morning’s adventure.

There are December flights from Birmingham, Bristol and Manchester airports to Majorca starting at £15.

December temperature highs: 17C

Before anyone pens a complaint, I should clarify that I’m well aware that Gibraltar is not in Spain. It is a British Overseas Territory that happens to be nestled on Spain’s southern coast. The area is dominated by the Rock of Gibraltar, a towering 426m-high limestone ridge, and is home to 39,000 residents.

Affectionately known as Gib by the locals, the peninsula is situated at the entrance to the Mediterranean, on the southernmost tip of Spain. Its strategic position has shaped its complex and intriguing history, through the changing hands of multiple nations – it was handed over to Britain in 1713 – and as a crucial Second World War Allied stronghold.

The Mirror’s Samantha Mallac recently paid a visit to Gib and was taken aback by what awaited her. “Was Gibraltar what I expected? The answer, unequivocally, is certainly not. Despite its small size, it delivers some memories,” she penned.

Flights in December from Birmingham, Bristol and Manchester are on offer starting from just £18.

HOWARD Stern’s top staffers are asking around for new jobs at SiriusXM, as they believe the show will be canceled in December.

The U.S. Sun can exclusively reveal the private conversations being had at the streaming radio provider, as Stern‘s $100 million contract – which has yet to be renewed – inches closer to an end. 

An eyewitness at SiriusXM’s offices this week claimed they overheard Stern show radio personality Fred Norris pitching himself for a new gig. 

“Fred was walking with another guy at Sirius and said to him, ‘Let me know, because I don’t know what’s going to happen come January, I might be looking for a job,’” the eyewitness claimed. 

Meanwhile, the source was also told that staff members are expecting the show to officially end at the end of the year.  

“After conversations with [Stern show producer] Gary Dell’Abate and others, it sounds like they aren’t expecting to re-sign with Sirius,” the insider said. 

The U.S. Sun reached out to the Howard Stern show for comment.

INSIDE STERN & SIRIUS’ NEGOTIATIONS

Stern has notably been broadcasting from his sprawling Hamptons home since the pandemic, with some occasional exceptions.

As The U.S. Sun was the first to exclusively report, the 71-year-old shock jock and his superiors at SiriusXM were not expected to find common ground when his $100 million-a-year contract concludes this year. 

In August, sources informed The U.S. Sun that Stern’s SiriusXM program seemed to be facing cancellation. 

The satellite broadcaster was unlikely to meet Stern’s financial demands when his current five-year contract expires.

An insider revealed, “Stern’s contract is up in the fall, and while Sirius is planning to make him an offer, they don’t intend for him to take it.

“Sirius and Stern are never going to agree on the money he is going to want. It’s no longer worth the investment.”

The source also noted at the time that SiriusXM was expected to pursue a separate agreement to maintain control of Stern’s extensive show archive.

“But as far as him coming back to doing the show, there’s no way they can keep paying his salary,” they clarified.

Referencing the difficulties within the media sector, the insider remarked, “After you saw what happened with Stephen Colbert, it’s like they just can’t afford to keep him going.”

STERN FINALLY RESPONDS

In September, Stern addressed The U.S. Sun’s report about 45 minutes into his show.

The shock jock had been on an extended summer break, after he blamed a cold for missing the prior week’s show, despite SiriusXM heavily promoting his return and that he would address the speculation that his show was done for. 

Far into his return to the air, Stern addressed The U.S. Sun’s report that his show was headed for cancellation this year.

“Here’s the truth. Sirius XM and my team have been talking about how we go forward in the future,” he stated. 

“They’ve approached me, they’ve sat down with me, like they normally do, and they’re fantastic.”

Stern recounted that SiriusXM executives asked him, “Howard, would you stay? Under what conditions do you want to stay? How often do you want to do a show?”

“And you know, we’ve been talking. We’ve been talking,” he added, confirming that a contract for him to continue had not yet been signed.

The radio icon then read directly from The U.S. Sun’s initial report, appearing to validate its accuracy.

He quoted, “Stern’s contract is up in the fall and while Sirius is planning to make him an offer, they don’t intend for him to take it,” before adding, “Which is weird. Well, fine, whatever. I might not have, but now I have to take it.”

Howard Stern’s Career

Howard Stern has had a prolific radio career, but he’s also had success in film, books and TV.

Stern’s love affair with radio began when he was a student at Boston University, where he worked at the school’s radio station before graduating in 1976.

After college, he had a series of on-air jobs in Hartford, Connecticut, Detroit, Michigan and then Washington D.C., where he met his eventual sidekick Robin Quivers.

It was in D.C. where Stern began honing his shock jock schtick.

They were fired and the pair landed at WNBC in New York City in 1982.

In a few short years at WNBC, Stern butted heads with management and was ultimately axed.

The duo joined WXRK-FM in New York in 1985 and they were there until 2004 when they joined SiriusXM.

Howard has been at SiriusXM since, with his contracts estimated to be between $80 million and a $100 million a year over the last two decades.

He also starred in and was the executive producer of his autobiography and blockbuster movie Private Parts, which debuted in 1997.

He’s also authored several books and was a judge on America’s Got Talent for three seasons.

-By Jessica Finn, Exclusives and Investigations 

SIRIUSXM EXECS WEIGH IN

A week before Stern’s belated return, SiriusXM’s Chief Content Officer, Scott Greenstein, commented at a conference. 

He said that while they would “love for Stern to stay,” nothing was confirmed at that point.

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“It certainly has to make sense, but we feel pretty good that we’ve done this before,” he said, concluding, “We’ll see where it goes.”

Meanwhile, SiriusXM CEO Jennifer Witz also verified they had not finalized a deal with Stern yet, but added she was “confident [they would] get to the right place” with the radio icon.

EuroLeague said the decision to allow Israeli clubs to play home games was in response to the October 10 ceasefire agreement.

Basketball’s top European competitions are set to become the first to return to Israel since the October 7, 2023 attacks, after clubs agreed on Tuesday to resume EuroLeague and EuroCup games in the country from December 1, following recent ceasefire and peace initiatives in the region, the organisation said.

Games involving Israeli teams have been held at neutral venues since October 2023 due to the conflict in Gaza.

Six-time champions Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv are the Israeli clubs in this season’s EuroLeague, while Hapoel Jerusalem play in the EuroCup.

Maccabi have been playing their home games in Belgrade, Serbia, where they host Real Madrid on Wednesday.

Hapoel Tel Aviv have made their home in Sofia, Bulgaria, where their next home game is on October 29 against Partizan Belgrade.

“After thoughtful deliberation, ECA clubs agreed on the proposal to set December 1, 2025, as the date for games to resume in Israel. Until then, Euroleague Basketball will continue to carefully monitor developments, stay in close contact with local and foreign authorities, visiting teams, and all relevant organisations,” EuroLeague Basketball said in a statement.

“Euroleague Basketball and its participating clubs welcome the recent peace plan with optimism and hope. The organisation reaffirms its belief in the power of basketball to bring people and communities together, and its commitment to contributing to peace through the shared values of sport, respect, and unity.”

Israel and Hamas have accused each other of repeated breaches of the ceasefire since it was formally agreed upon eight days ago, with flashes of violence and recriminations over the pace of returning captives’ bodies, bringing in aid and opening borders.

T.J. Holmes and Amy Robach, the former “Good Morning America” co-anchors who were embroiled in a cheating scandal in late 2022, are ready to tie the knot.

“We are sharing with all of you that we are engaged and we’ve been engaged for a month now,” Robach, 52, announced Tuesday on their “Amy & T.J.” podcast.

“We’re actually surprised we’re just now talking about it,” Holmes, 48, added. “We wanted to let you all know before anybody was able to. We learned that lesson I guess in the past about our relationship: We want to be the first to talk about it.”

The former ABC News personalities infamously found themselves at the center of controversy in December 2022, when several outlets reported they had engaged in a monthslong affair while they were still with their respective partners. Both Holmes and Robach began their ABC News tenures in 2014 and co-hosted the daily program “GMA3: What You Need to Know” starting in 2020. They were known among viewers for their playful interactions and onscreen chemistry.

News of the affair dominated headlines, prompting ABC to bench the anchors. Weeks after news of the scandal broke, ABC News parted ways with both Holmes and Robach. “We all agreed it’s best for everyone that they move on from ABC News,” a representative for the news division said at the time.

ABC filled the former co-anchors’ positions, and Holmes and Robach went Instagram official. Their respective ex-spouses also found comfort in their shared experiences and sparked up a romance of their own.

In December 2023, Holmes and Robach finally broke their silence together about their “year of hell.” The pair said they wanted to disclose their relationship before outlets including Page Six and the Daily Mail ultimately beat them to the punch. They also discussed the scandal’s toll on their mental health.

“We have had each other through it all,” Robach said during the debut of their podcast. “It has been the most beautiful relationship I have had in my life.”

Draper was modelling next summer’s collection for one of his sponsors last week and has been working out regularly at the National Tennis Centre in London this week.

The work is primarily physical at the moment, and when pre-season training begins in earnest later this month, the initial on-court drills are likely to be low in intensity.

The British number one first felt discomfort in his upper left serving arm during the clay court season in the spring, and following a scan after Wimbledon, did not hit any serves for a month.

But the period of rest proved insufficient. He won his first-round match at the US Open, but withdrew before the second, and the opportunity to make his debut at the season ending ATP Finals was gone.

”He’s top 10 and he played half of the year. Just to say how good he is…” Mouratoglou added.

“His only problem for the moment is the injuries: he has been through several injuries already in the past.

“I always thought he was going to be a top player, but for every player that is supposed to become a top player, there are things to solve.

“For him, it’s to find a way to be injury free as much as possible because that’s what made him lose a little bit of time otherwise he would be higher [in the rankings], I think.”

BREAKINGBREAKING,

The central bank’s cut comes amid a cooling labour market, which has stalled economic growth.

The United States Federal Reserve will cut interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point, so they will now be between 4.00 percent and 4.25 percent, as a slowing labour market stalls economic growth.

The Fed, the US central bank, announced its decision on Wednesday afternoon.

Economists had widely expected a 25 basis point cut, with CME FedWatch — a group that tracks probability of monetary policy decisions — putting the odds at 96 percent. One basis point is one-hundredth of one percentage point.

Before Wednesday, the Fed had last cut rates in December by 25 basis points, the third cut last year, taking its benchmark rate to between 4.25 percent and 4.50 percent, where it had held steady since.

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell has emphasised that uncertainty in the economy has kept the Fed cautious, arguing that maintaining rates gave policymakers flexibility as conditions shifted.

The cut comes as a response to shifting economic conditions, following a slew of weak jobs reports showing a slowdown in growth in the labour market and a slight uptick in inflationary pressures.

“Recent indicators suggest that growth of economic activity moderated in the first half of the year. Job gains have slowed, and the unemployment rate has edged up but remains low. Inflation has moved up and remains somewhat elevated,” the central bank said in a press release.

“Uncertainty about the economic outlook remains elevated. The Committee is attentive to the risks to both sides of its dual mandate and judges that downside risks to employment have risen.”

Investors are also waiting for indications from the central bank on whether it will cut interest rates two or three times for the rest of the year as economic uncertainty weighs on the US labour market and the broader economy while the costs of goods and services increase under tariff-driven pressures.

Political pressure

The latest cut comes at a time of heightened scrutiny and pressure on the Fed, which has long emphasised its independence from political pressure. But for months, US President Donald Trump has publicly attacked the central bank, mocking Powell as “too late Powell” over his cautious approach to cutting rates.

At the same time, the Republican-led White House has sought to oust Fed Governor Lisa Cook, who was appointed by former US President Joe Biden, a Democrat, citing alleged mortgage fraud.

On Monday, a US appeals court blocked Trump from removing her. The administration has said it will challenge the ruling.

“The president lawfully removed Lisa Cook for cause. The administration will appeal this decision and looks forward to ultimate victory on the issue,” White House spokesman Kush Desai said on Tuesday.

That same day, Stephen Miran, chair of Trump’s Council of Economic Advisors, was sworn in to fill a temporary Fed seat left vacant by Adriana Kugler until January, while the White House searches for a permanent replacement.

Miran pledged to act independently, but his close ties to the Trump administration — and his work as a fellow at the conservative Manhattan Institute — have raised doubts. His Senate confirmation fell largely along party lines, 47–48, and Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska was the only Republican to oppose him.

On Monday, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called Miran “nothing more than Donald Trump’s mouthpiece at the Fed”.

Markets respond

As of 2pm in New York (18:00 GMT), US markets are trending upwards. The Nasdaq is about even with the market open, the S&P 500 is up 0.2, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average is up by 1 percent.

Liam Hemsworth is ready to give marriage a second chance, now with Australian model Gabriella Brooks.

The “Hunger Games” actor and Brooks are engaged, the latter announced early Friday morning. Brooks revealed the news on Instagram, sharing photos of herself embracing Hemsworth — younger brother of “Thor” star Chris Hemsworth — and snaps of a shimmering seashore and her cushion-cut engagement ring. Brooks captioned her photos with an emoji of a white heart.

The ring featured in Brooks’ post is the same piece that sparked engagement rumors a few weeks back. People reported that the model was seen showing off the ring on her left-hand ring finger as she joined Hemsworth and his brothers for a getaway in Ibiza, where they celebrated Chris Hemsworth’s 42nd birthday.

Brooks, 29, and Hemsworth, 35, are engaged nearly six years after they began dating. They were first seen together in December 2019, just months after Hemsworth filed to divorce “Hannah Montana” star and singer Miley Cyrus. (The exes, who had been on-and-off since they started dating in 2009, got married in December 2018 and announced their separation in August 2019.)

“I wish her nothing but health and happiness going forward,” he said of Cyrus in a statement at the time. “This is a private matter and I have not made, nor will I be making, any comments to any journalists or media outlets.”

Since connecting, the pair of Australians have flaunted their relationship at public events including the Australian Open and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The couple has, of course, hit multiple red-carpet premieres over the years, including those for Liam Hemsworth’s film “Poker Face” and Chris Hemsworth’s “Limitless,” “Extraction 2” and “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.”

NORFOLK, Va. — A Virginia man pleaded guilty Friday in a federal case that accused him of stockpiling the largest number of finished explosives in FBI history and of using then-President Biden’s photo for target practice.

Brad Spafford pleaded guilty in federal court in Norfolk to possession of an unregistered short-barreled rifle and possession of an unregistered destructive device, according to court documents. Each count carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for December.

Federal authorities said they seized about 150 pipe bombs and other homemade devices last fall at Spafford’s home in Isle of Wight County, which is northwest of Norfolk.

The investigation into Spafford began in 2023 when an informant told authorities that Spafford was stockpiling weapons and ammunition, according to court documents. The informant, a friend and member of law enforcement, told authorities that Spafford was using pictures of then-President Biden for target practice and that “he believed political assassinations should be brought back,” prosecutors wrote.

Two weeks after the assassination attempt of then-presidential candidate Donald Trump in 2024, Spafford told the informant, “bro I hope the shooter doesn’t miss Kamala,” according to court documents. Former Vice President Kamala Harris had recently announced she was running for president. On around the same day, Spafford told the informant that he was pursuing a sniper qualification at the local gun range, court records stated.

Numerous law enforcement officers and bomb technicians searched the property in December.

Spafford stored a highly unstable explosive material in a garage freezer next to “Hot Pockets and frozen corn on the cob,” according to court documents. Investigators also said they found explosive devices in an unsecured backpack labeled “#NoLivesMatter.”

Spafford has remained in jail since his arrest in December. U.S. District Judge Arenda L. Wright Allen ruled against his release in January, writing that Spafford has “shown the capacity for extreme danger.” She also noted that Spafford lost three fingers in an accident involving homemade explosives in 2021.

Spafford had initially pleaded not guilty to the charges in January. Defense attorneys had argued at the time that Spafford, who is married and a father of two young daughters, works a steady job as a machinist and has no criminal record.

Defense attorney Jeffrey Swartz said at Spafford’s January detention hearing that investigators had gathered information on him since January 2023, during which Spafford never threatened anyone.

“And what has he done during those two years?” Swartz said. “He purchased a home. He’s raised his children. He’s in a great marriage. He has a fantastic job, and those things all still exist for him.”

Investigators, however, said they had limited knowledge of the homemade bombs until an informant visited Spafford’s home, federal prosecutors wrote in a filing.

“But once the defendant stated on a recorded wire that he had an unstable primary explosive in the freezer in October 2024, the government moved swiftly,” prosecutors wrote.

Finley writes for the Associated Press.

The Lakers lost a key role player when forward Dorian Finney-Smith agreed to a deal with the Houston Rockets, but they quickly moved onward by agreeing to a deal with forward Jake LaRavia when NBA free agency opened Monday afternoon.

According to people not authorized to speak on the matter, Finney-Smith agreed to a four-year, $53-million deal with the Rockets. Finney-Smith had opted out of his $15.3-million deal with the Lakers.

The Lakers kept moving forward by getting wing player LaRavia to agree to a deal for two years and $12 million. The 6-7 LaRavia averaged 6.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists and shot 47.5% from the field, 42.3% from three-point range with Memphis and Sacramento last season.

The Lakers acquired Finney-Smith from the Brooklyn Nets in December for three second-round picks and players. He was close to Luka Doncic from their time together in Dallas and Finney-Smith was a big contributor for the Lakers during the season, someone Lakers coach JJ Redick leaned on to play multiple positions and to be a defensive stopper.

PITTSBURGH — Dave Parker, a hard-hitting outfielder who was set to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame next month, has died, the Pittsburgh Pirates announced Saturday. He was 74.

No further details about Parker’s death were immediately available. The Pirates informed the crowd of his death just before the start of their game against the New York Mets and held a moment of silence.

Nicknamed “the Cobra,” the 6-foot-5 Parker made his major league debut in 1973 and played 19 seasons, 11 for the Pirates. He was the NL MVP in 1978, won a World Series with Pittsburgh a year later and then won another championship in 1989 with the Oakland Athletics.

Parker won NL batting titles in 1977 and ’78. He finished his career as a .290 hitter with 339 homers and 1,493 RBIs. He also played for Cincinnati, Milwaukee, the Angels and Toronto.

Parker was elected to the Hall of Fame by a special committee in December. The induction ceremony in Cooperstown, N.Y., is set for July 27.

“We join the baseball family in remembering Dave Parker. His legacy will be one of courage and leadership, matched only by his outstanding accomplishments on the field,” Hall chairman Jane Forbes Clark said in a statement. “His election to the Hall of Fame in December brought great joy to him, his family and all the fans who marveled at his remarkable abilities.”

Born on June 9, 1951 in Grenada, Miss., Parker grew up in Cincinnati and was a three-sport star at Courter Tech High.

After playing for Pittsburgh from 1973-83, he signed with his hometown Reds and spent four seasons with the club. In 1985 he led the NL with 125 RBIs and was second in the MVP voting.

“He was such a big dude at a time when there weren’t that many ‘6-foot-5, 230-pound, dynamic defender, batting champion with power’ guys,” Hall of Famer and Reds teammate Barry Larkin said. “Everything about him was impressive.”

Parker was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2012.

He told reporters that he burst into tears upon learning of his selection to the Hall of Fame.

“Yeah, I cried,” Parker said after receiving the news. “It only took a few minutes, because I don’t cry.”

Parker homered for the A’s in the 1989 World Series opener and took credit for helping the Bash Brothers of Jose Canseco and Mark McGwire take the title with a four-game sweep of San Francisco.

He was a seven-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove right fielder.

“I was a five-tool player. I could do them all,” Parker said after his Hall of Fame selection. “I never trotted to first base. I don’t know if people noticed that, but I ran hard on every play.”

British pop star Liam Payne’s final TV appearance is finally on the horizon, less than a year after he died suddenly in Argentina.

Netflix on Tuesday released the trailer for its upcoming singing competition series “Building the Band,” which features the late One Direction singer as one of its guest judges. The series, set to premiere July 9, could bring a sense of closure for fans of Payne, who began his singing career as a contestant on the competition series “X Factor.”

In the teaser, Payne offers his wisdom to aspiring singers, urging them, “I need to feel the connection between you guys.” The singer knew a thing or two about group chemistry: during his second “X Factor” foray in 2010, judges Simon Cowell and Nicole Scherzinger decided Payne should join fellow contestants Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson to form One Direction. Despite losing the crown, the quintet went on to become a pop sensation best known for songs including “What Makes You Beautiful” and “Story of My Life.”

“Building the Band” reunites Payne with Scherzinger, whose role is judge and mentor. Destiny’s Child alum Kelly Rowland also serves as a guest judge. Backstreet Boys singer and Payne’s friend AJ McLean is the show’s host. The series features 50 singers who work with the veteran musicians to form six bands.

Netflix confirmed Payne’s posthumous appearance earlier this month as it released a first look and announced the series’ premiere date. The streamer wrapped production on “Building the Band” before Payne’s death and received support from the singer’s family to push forward. Payne’s “family reviewed the series and is supportive of his inclusion,” Netflix said in a statement to Deadline.

Payne died Oct. 16 after falling from a balcony at a Buenos Aires hotel. He was 31. Shortly after his death, officials determined the singer died from multiple traumas and internal and external bleeding caused by the fall. Officials announced in December that Payne also had traces of alcohol, cocaine and a prescription antidepressant in his system when he fell.

Two hotel workers and Payne’s friend Rogelio “Roger” Nores were three of five people charged for their alleged involvement in the singer’s death but were cleared of those charges in February. Appeals court judges ruled at the time that Nores did not have a role in Payne’s “obtaining and consuming alcohol” and that he could not have taken actions to prevent Payne’s death.

The two remaining suspects — charged in December with allegedly supplying Payne with narcotics before his death — will stand trial, officials announced earlier this month.

Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer Neymar has renewed his contract with boyhood club Santos until December.

The 33-year-old returned to the Brazilian club on a six-moth deal in January after the termination of his contract with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.

Neymar has scored 141 goals and made 69 assists in 243 appearances for Santos.

The former Paris St-Germain and Barcelona forward had been linked with a return to Europe before signing a new deal with Santos until the end of the Brazilian Serie A season, with an option to extend.

“I made a decision and I listened to my heart,” said Neymar.

“Santos is not just my team, it’s my home, my roots, my history and my life. Here I was a boy who became a man, and I am truly loved. Here I can be myself, truly happy.

“This is where I want to fulfil the dreams that are missing in my career. And nothing’s going to stop me. I go, I come back and I stay. Where it all began and where it will never end.”

Neymar was recalled to the Brazil squad after a 17-month absence in March but did not feature in their World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina.

He has scored 79 goals in 128 Brazil appearances but has not represented his country since sustaining a knee injury against Uruguay in October 2023.

“It is a historic and remarkable day for Brazilian football, a gift for the fans of Santos FC,” said club president Marcelo Teixeira.

“Our idol, our boy, the prince with our number 10 shirt remains.

“It is a very important moment in this reconstruction process and we needed Neymar, both on and off the field.

“The phrase ‘I’m going, I’m back, I’m staying’ is emblematic and fundamental for the repositioning of Santos FC at its proper level.”