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An Ohio man has been sentenced to a hefty penalty following a high-profile case of deer poaching.
Christopher J. Alexander, 28, of Wilmington in Clinton County, was sentenced to six months in jail and ordered to pay $43,000 in fines for unlawfully harvesting an 18-point, white-tailed deer in November 2023 – a trophy animal viewed as a valuable state natural resource, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said.
It was the highest restitution amount ever imposed for a single deer in Ohio history, according to the state’s Department of Natural Resources.
“Hunting in Ohio is a time-honored tradition, and there is a proper way to be safe and successful,” Yost said. “When bad actors like these guys try to cheat the system, it ruins the reputation of Ohio’s respected sportsmen and women – I can’t stand for that.”
Authorities said Alexander, a ringleader, pleaded guilty to 14 other charges last October – all misdemeanors, including hunting violations, falsification, backlighting and the sale of wildlife parts.
In addition to fines and jail time, Alexander was sentenced to five years of community control and a 10-year revocation of his hunting license.
He also forfeited all the property that was seized as evidence, including the trophy deer’s antlers.
According to investigators, Alexander was aided in his crimes by his sister, Kristina M. Alexander, as well as Corey and Zachary Haunert.
All three entered plea agreements on Oct. 15 and have since been sentenced to punishments including fines, community service and revocation of licenses.

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As winter 2024/25 nears, top altcoins gain momentum, offering promising trading opportunities.
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As the cryptocurrency market evolves, a select few altcoins are emerging as potential frontrunners for the upcoming winter trading season of 2024/2025. These digital currencies are gaining momentum and attracting attention for their growth prospects. Delving into these top performers could reveal opportunities for maximizing gains in the months ahead.
XYZVerse goes beyond the typical meme coin, offering an ecosystem designed for sports fans, gamblers, and crypto enthusiasts alike. Featuring entertainment dApps, prediction markets, and sports betting platforms, XYZVerse taps into the rapidly expanding sports and gaming industries. Its native token, XYZ, provides a gateway to a vibrant community and countless earning opportunities.
The project’s presale has already set the stage for remarkable growth. Currently priced at $0.001333, XYZ is projected to hit $0.1 by its token generation event (TGE) — a staggering 7,400% increase. For early investors who entered at $0.0001, the potential returns are even more dramatic, showcasing XYZVerse’s capacity to deliver life-changing gains.
While many altcoins peak and fade, XYZVerse’s robust roadmap and strategic focus position it for sustained success. Its roadmap includes listings on major centralized and decentralized exchanges (CEX/DEX), token burns, and audited smart contracts, ensuring both growth and security for investors.
As altcoin season heats up, XYZVerse is poised to outperform its competitors, capitalizing on the growing popularity of GameFi and the gambling niche. Its structured presale and community-driven approach set it apart as a token with real staying power.
XYZVerse isn’t just about speculative hype  — it’s about delivering value to its community. Active participants in the ecosystem are rewarded with airdropped XYZ tokens, ensuring loyalty and engagement. Its roadmap also includes robust plans for scalability, making it a standout among Winter 24/25’s top altcoins.
With a projected 7,400% rise by Q1 2025, XYZVerse is capturing the attention of traders and long-term investors alike. Whether someone is a sports fan, a crypto enthusiast, or someone looking to maximize gains this winter, XYZVerse is a contender they won’t want to miss.
Sui is a leading blockchain platform designed for global adoption. It offers a secure, powerful, and scalable environment for developers. At its core, Sui uses a novel object-centric data model and the secure Move programming language. This innovative approach addresses inefficiencies found in other blockchain systems. By focusing on user experience, Sui removes common barriers in blockchain interactions. Features like zkLogin, sponsored transactions, and programmable transaction blocks make Web3 applications more accessible and friendly.
Sui’s potential lies in its strong technical foundation and commitment to usability. By simplifying blockchain interactions, it stands out in a crowded market. Compared to other platforms, Sui’s focus on the end user could give it an edge. In the current market, there is a demand for user-friendly and scalable solutions. While many coins compete on technology alone, Sui combines this with a dedication to accessibility. This approach may position it well as the blockchain space continues to evolve. Considering market trends, platforms like Sui that prioritize both innovation and user experience may attract more attention.
PEPE is a new cryptocurrency launched on Ethereum that pays tribute to the famous Pepe the Frog meme created by Matt Furie in the early 2000s. It’s a deflationary memecoin with a catchy theme and a straightforward approach. Unlike other complicated projects, PEPE embraces its meme roots and keeps things pure and simple. There’s no utility promised, and the team is upfront about it. They appeal to the crypto community by having no transaction taxes and focusing purely on being a fun and engaging token.
In late April to May 2023, PEPE saw an explosive surge that pushed its market cap to a staggering $1.6 billion. Early investors saw massive gains, turning some into millionaires overnight. This surge sparked what many call a “memecoin season,” with other meme-based tokens experiencing wild price swings. PEPE’s roadmap includes plans to get listed on major exchanges and aims for a “meme takeover.” While it’s uncertain if PEPE and other memecoins will reach new highs, many in the crypto community are hopeful, especially with the upcoming Bitcoin halving cycle. In a market where memes can drive value, PEPE stands out as an attractive coin for those looking to ride the next big wave.
SUI and PEPE are promising, but XYZ stands out as the first all-sport meme coin, blending sports and memes to achieve significant growth through community involvement.
For more information, visit the XYZVerse website and follow the project on X and Telegram for the latest updates.
Disclosure: This content is provided by a third party. crypto.news does not endorse any product mentioned on this page. Users must do their own research before taking any actions related to the company.
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What is Pi Network?
Pi Network is a cryptocurrency that claims to be "mined" on mobile phones. The project was launched in 2019 and has since attracted over 23 million users. However, there are many who believe that Pi Network is a scam.
Why is Pi Network a scam?
There are several reasons why people believe that Pi Network is a scam. These include:
The Pi Network app does not actually mine cryptocurrency. Instead, it uses a system called "proof of stake" to distribute coins to users. This system is not as secure as traditional mining, and it is more susceptible to fraud.
The Pi Network team has not released any white paper or technical documentation about the project. This makes it difficult to assess the legitimacy of the project.
The Pi Network team has not been transparent about its funding. There are concerns that the team is using the project to raise money without providing any real value in return.
The Pi Network app has been accused of being a pyramid scheme. This is because users are rewarded for inviting new members to the network.
The Pi Network coin is not yet listed on any cryptocurrency exchanges. This means that users cannot actually sell or trade their coins.
Is Pi Network safe?
The Pi Network app is safe to use. However, there is no guarantee that the Pi Network coin will be worth anything in the future. The project is still in its early stages, and it is possible that it will never be successful.
Is Pi Network worth investing in?
I do not recommend investing in Pi Network. The project is too risky, and there is no guarantee that it will be successful. There are many other cryptocurrency projects that are more established and have a better chance of success.
Conclusion
Pi Network is a controversial project that has been accused of being a scam. There are many red flags surrounding the project, and I do not recommend investing in it. If you are interested in cryptocurrency, I recommend investing in more established projects that have a better chance of success.
In addition to the reasons mentioned above, there are a few other things to keep in mind about Pi Network. First, the project has not yet completed its mainnet launch. This means that the Pi coin is not yet a fully-functioning cryptocurrency. Second, the Pi Network team has not released any information about how the Pi coin will be distributed or how it will be used. This makes it difficult to assess the potential value of the coin.
Overall, I believe that Pi Network is a risky investment. There are too many unanswered questions about the project, and there is no guarantee that it will be successful. If you are considering investing in Pi Network, I urge you to do your own research and make sure that you understand the risks involved.

#ethereum #pepe #bitcoin #nft #bnb

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Report: Families of several hostages receive signs of life from loved ones  The Times of Israel
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SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Notre Dame students woke up in a snow globe Friday morning, a few inches of fresh powder on the ground as snowflakes swirled through the air to usher in the start of college football’s new era.
It was late December in northern Indiana, so the wintry weather was hardly surprising. And that’s the point — whatever the elements, whatever the temperature, this was going to be where a meaningful college football game was to be played. Notre Dame Stadium was going to host the first on-campus College Football Playoff game, hell or (frozen) high water.
The snow stopped by midday, but a chill remained. Students were done with finals, so they were free to tailgate all day — a tantalizing option for many. Irish jigs were playing, and beers were flowing by noon, a full eight hours before kickoff for Notre Dame’s first-round game against Indiana. The tailgating lots were standing-room only by nightfall.
Notre Dame fans celebrate during the second half of a game between the Indiana Hoosiers and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in first round of the College Football Playoff on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024, in South Bend. Notre Dame defeated Indiana 27-17.
Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
This is a sport that stands tallest on Saturdays. And while Friday night is technically not Saturday, it embodied all that makes college football what it is. There was pomp, circumstance, tailgates and pep bands. There were dozens of drunk college guys who decided it was wise to go shirtless to a game played five days before Christmas. Fans lifted up strangers in the stands to commemorate points scored. The starting quarterback, who transferred here almost exactly a year ago, signed autographs after midnight for kids who had stayed up way past their bedtimes.
Though the game itself wasn’t super compelling — Notre Dame jumped out to a 14-0 lead and controlled the game the rest of the way, en route to a 27-17 win — its setting was. I can’t imagine anyone would have preferred a sterile neutral site to what we saw on Friday night. I watched Indiana fans (in basketball jerseys) roll up to South Bend in RVs to celebrate a most improbable season. I watched three generations of Notre Dame fans discuss their shared anxiety ahead of kickoff; they’d all returned to their alma mater for the biggest home game in decades because they’d rather be together in a place they loved, even if it went south. (Which it didn’t.)
“I’ve never been a part of an environment like that,” Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman said. “I didn’t really get to take it all in because you’re focused on doing your job, but pregame I did. I took a minute to take it in.
“Not many times in life you’re the first to do something, and as I told the (team) in there, we were the first to play and win a Playoff game in Notre Dame Stadium. That’s historic. It’s something we’ll cherish for the rest of our lives.”
In some ways, it’s embarrassing that it took college football until 2024 to play its College Football Playoff games on campuses. But we all know why it took so long — those who run the biggest bowl games have great influence over this sport. It’s why every game of the four-team CFP era was played at a bowl or neutral site. It’s why, even now with a 12-team postseason field, bowls get to host the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds (with the national championship game played at NFL stadiums that bid to host it).
Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard (13) gives his towel to a young fan after winning the first round of the College Football Playoff 27-17 against Indiana at Notre Dame Stadium on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in South Bend.
MICHAEL CLUBB/SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
But just because the bowls have always been intertwined in the fabric of college football doesn’t mean they have to direct its future. College towns are where this sport lives, and they are where most of the meaningful games should be played moving forward. The season ticket holders who can’t afford to travel to three (or four) neutral site trips each winter deserve it. The hole-in-the-wall restaurants and dive bars deserve it. The best teams in college football deserve it, too, even though right now the four highest-ranked conference champions are rewarded for their achievements with a first-round bye … and the opportunity to watch seeds 5 through 8 host home games that electrify their fan bases.
It’s not fair that Oregon and Georgia don’t get to host games in Eugene or Athens. It is a shame that a Playoff game won’t take place on the blue turf. These are iconic venues and special places that emphasize the “college” part of college football.
And as the sport’s leaders continue to evaluate the new Playoff format and perhaps change it again in the coming years, they should remember how this weekend made us feel. Because that’s the real magic of college football, and there are ways to spread it further. I sure hope they think about doing just that.
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EU regulation has led to Apple being forced to open up iOS in ways that many never expected, but it’s not done just yet. In an effort to ensure “effective interoperability” with other platforms, the EU wants Apple to make native features of iOS being compatible with Android, including the likes of AirDrop and more.
A new document released by the European Commission this week reveals a number of ways the EU wants Apple to change iOS and its features to be more interoperable with other platforms.
There are some changes to iOS itself, such as opening up notifications to work on third-party smartwatches as they do with the Apple Watch. Similarly, the EU wants Apple to let iOS apps work in the background as Apple’s first-party apps do, as this is a struggle of some apps, especially companion apps for accessories such as smartwatches (other than the Apple Watch, of course).
But there are also some iOS features that the EU directly wants Apple to open up to other platforms, including Android.
This starts with AirDrop, which currently only works between iOS and macOS devices. The EU explains:
Apple shall provide a protocol specification that gives third parties all information required to integrate, access, and control the AirDrop protocol within an application or service (including as part of the operating system) running on a third-party connected physical device in order to allow these applications and services to send files to, and receive files from, an iOS device.
Apple users will complain about this. But good.

You have all these proprietary services that are just being gatekept. Ain’t no one got time for that.
The EU also wants Apple to open up AirPlay to other platforms, something the company has technically already done. AirPlay is supported on some TVs and products from other brands, but the ability to actually connect to something over AirPlay is currently restricted solely to iOS. Google’s Cast tech, by contrast, works on Android, iOS, and other platforms. The EU wants Apple to “make available the possibility for a third-party connected physical device to become an AirPlay sender.”
As our sister site 9to5Mac points out, Apple has responded to this EU document, prominently criticizing the EU for putting out a mandate that “could expose your private information.” Apple’s document primarily focuses in on Meta, which the company says has made “more interoperability requests” than anyone else. Apple says that opening AirPlay to Meta would “[create] a new class of privacy and security issues, while giving them data about users homes.”
The EU is taking consultation on this case until January 9, 2025, and if Apple doesn’t comply when the order is eventually put into effect, it could result in heavy fines.
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Family Magic & Comedy For All Ages  North Texas Daily
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The latest litigation trends, court decisions, & issues on California employment law
This Friday’s Five is a break from the normal legal update – I’m asking you a few questions.  I started this post in 2022, and wanted to continue with the questions. Hopefully the questions will help you reflect on 2024, what you are most grateful for, and what you are looking forward to in 2025.  I cannot claim credit for many of these questions, as many of them have been asked during various meetings I attended leading up to the holidays.
What is the thing you are most grateful for in 2024?
I’m grateful to work with the team of lawyers and support staff at Zaller Law Group. I’m proud to be able to work with these lawyers, and am humbled that these skilled and some of the best employment attorneys in California. The support staff at the Firm is also amazing, and they are the ones that enable this small group of attorneys to perform at such a high level. I’m also grateful to be a partner in the Prosper Forum, and to be able to work with this great team. 2024 marked the second Prosper Forum, and we are excited to launch another conference in 2025 – the Prosper Accelerate.
What is your favorite thing to do over the holidays? 
I enjoy going somewhere with snow with my family.  We spend some time skiing and have a lot of down time to hang out.  Usually we get snowed in, and it is nice to spend the time with family with no outside obligations.  However, again this year, there is not much snow, but it is nice being in an area without distractions so that I can spend time with my family without having everyone preoccupied with gifts and other obligations.
If you were to have a famous singer visit your house for a concert during the holidays, who would you like? 
This was a question asked during a board meeting – the responses were awesome.  For me, my favorite singer is still Walker Hayes.  I really enjoyed seeing him in concert, and think Walker would be a great musician to have over for a holiday party.  My favorite song of his?  Probably “Country Stuff.”
What is your favorite food during the holidays?
I’ve had some great tamales given to me from a restaurant client, and I look forward to them every year.  However, my best friend/roommate from college and his mom make a cookie plate with a variety of cookies, and these are by far my favorite (if I can fend off my family members from eating them before I can have a couple).
What is the coldest place you’ve ever traveled to during the holidays?
In 2022 while I was in Montana for the holidays, it reached -22 degrees Fahrenheit. This was the coldest weather I’ve ever been in.
I hope these questions help you review what is important to you and reflect, even if it is only for a minute.  I hope you are staying warm and wishing you the best over the holidays and have a Merry Christmas.
Anthony is a litigation attorney who focuses on representing employers in California labor and employment law matters and has extensive experience in litigating class action and single plaintiff lawsuits. He is the founding partner of the Zaller Law Group, PC, located in El Segundo.  Zaller Law Group litigates cases throughout California.

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Did you know that The Home Depot Garden Center merchants work with growers over a year in advance to determine what plants will be available in your local store? And while a quick glance around reveals a wide variety of live goods for the picking, there’s a lot that goes into determining what products are available in your aisles.
Merchants work hard to make your Garden Center specialized to your specific region. While some gardening goods thrive nationally, The Home Depot makes sure they are providing products that make sense for your location. Many factors play a role, but the biggest elements taken into account are climate and lifestyle.
Climates Drive Decisions
Climate has the biggest impact for what’s in your Garden Center. Not only do different plants thrive in different regions, but the timeframe for planting and gardening also varies from state to state.
“In South Florida, we are gearing up for live goods in January and February and then it tends to slow down in March. Stores up north, however, may not get their plants in until Mid-April or May,” shares Mike DuVall, Senior Merchant for Live Goods Program and Product Development at The Home Depot.
The company has 12 regional merchants—each working with an average of 10-15 growers—who help prepare the Garden Center. This means you’re in good hands when it comes to the perfect selection of plants for your precise needs.
Impact of Lifestyles
Lifestyles and available space in the average home also affect items in-store. There’s a big difference in urban versus suburban locations. “You really notice a change in a Garden Center in Manhattan versus a store in Long Island. Urban stores have more compact growing plants and less trees,” notes Mike.
Patio-ready plants are also popular in big cities. “We even have shrubs and small trees in containers that specifically work well on patios,” says Mike. Metropolitan dwellers aren’t only looking for flowers that look pretty—edible plants are also in high demand. Fruits and vegetables that can be grown in these tiny spaces are becoming more widespread.
Garden Staples and New Plants
Though plants may differ from store to store, reliable garden staples are available year after year, and The Home Depot is constantly looking for new products that will bring your garden to the next level. Mike says new live goods make up roughly 25-30 percent of what’s in-store. Edible plants and shrubs are just two areas of focus that are really expanding across the country.
Experimentation with flower colors is also a big trend right now, “Orchids use to be pink, white and lavender, but now with special dyes, we have them in many colors. The blue orchids are really captivating,” shares Mike.
If you’re not sure which plant is best for your needs—just ask. Associates are trained and ready to help. It’s estimated that each store has about 10,000 live good products during the spring and summer months. Having a wide variety to choose from guarantees you get the best plant for your garden, patio or porch.
Check out some plants that are unique to specific regions, and see if you can spot them in your local store.


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