SCOTTSDALE – If pickleball wasn’t growing fast enough in the Valley, the sport is about to hit a new level – by over 180,000 square feet. PURE Pickleball & Padel, which will begin construction in Scottsdale in 2025, is expected to be a game-changer. With 50 state-of-the-art courts and top-line amenities, the facility is poised to become a hub for pickleball enthusiasts across Arizona and beyond. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.646jili1 com 。

Top row left to right: Adam Osman, Sean Fitzpatrick, Bridget Sakousky, bottom row: Tanja Hollander, Axel Hollenbeck, Theresa Clark, John Noyes Daryn Slover/Sun Journal LEWISTON — As Mainers get ready to ring in a new year next week, Sun Journal asked Lewiston residents how they felt about New Year’s Eve celebrations. Is it all hype, or the best party ever? For Bridget Sakousky, the celebration is more about enjoying the company of her loved ones. “I think the parties are overhyped, sure, but it’s nice to hang out with people and socialize. I’m at the stage where I’m not wanting to go out, but hanging out with people at someone’s house, or my house, is nice and fun,” Sakousky said. “Hanging out with people I care about, eating good food, and not having to drive afterwards” matter the most to Sakousky. Axel Hollenbeck said parties can be too much sometimes. To Hollenbeck, New Year’s Eve is no exception. “All the parties I go to are really overstimulating in my opinion because there’ll be like 20 or more people,” Hollenbeck said. Hollenbeck plans next-day sleepovers with friends to recover. “I might have a sleepover with my friend, just that I can calm down,” Hollenbeck said. Hollenbeck said that some of the hype surrounding New Year’s Eve is justified because of all the party and holiday food. “Food is my favorite thing ever,” Hollenbeck added. Sean Fitzpatrick likes to take it easy these days. “I have two small kids, a 9- and a 13-year-old, so we don’t really go out,” Fitzpatrick said. Fitzpatrick said he misses the anticipation of ringing in the new year with crowds and doing “the countdown thing,” sometimes, but he’d rather be home with family and in bed before midnight. Does he miss the partying? “On the whole, not so much. I’m a little bit older, so I like to go to bed early, too,” Fitzpatrick said. John Noyes said he believes that a new year always deserves a party. “I believe everybody should celebrate. Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed,” Noyes said. “Every day, you should be grateful and look for changes for the better.” For Tanja Hollander, reflection is a must as she wraps up another year. “I, in my old age, am happy to spend the night alone, reflecting, and getting an early start the next day,” Hollander said. Theresa Clark said she is all for celebrations, especially Christmas and New Year’s Eve. “That’s where you get all the gifts and love and enjoy it with your family,” Clark said. This will be Adam Osman’s first New Year’s celebration in Lewiston since his arrival from Chad. Osman said he prefers small parties with friends. We invite you to add your comments. We encourage a thoughtful exchange of ideas and information on this website. By joining the conversation, you are agreeing to our commenting policy and terms of use . More information is found on our FAQs . You can modify your screen name here . Comments are managed by our staff during regular business hours Monday through Friday as well as limited hours on Saturday and Sunday. Comments held for moderation outside of those hours may take longer to approve. Please sign into your Sun Journal account to participate in conversations below. If you do not have an account, you can register or subscribe . Questions? Please see our FAQs . Your commenting screen name has been updated. Send questions/comments to the editors. « PreviousTrump vows to pursue executions after Biden commutes most of federal death row

has picked Keith Kellogg to serve as a special envoy for and , a newly conceived role given the ongoing war between the two countries. Kellogg, an 80-year-old retired US army lieutenant general, would start in the role as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues into its third year. “Keith has led a distinguished Military and Business career, including serving in highly sensitive National Security roles in my first Administration. He was with me right from the beginning! Together, we will secure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH, and Make America, and the World, SAFE AGAIN!,” Trump in a Truth Social post. Kellogg previously served as a national security adviser to vice-president Mike Pence during Trump’s first presidency. Kellogg later became acting security advisor to Trump himself after Michael Flynn in 2017. As per his plan to end Russia’s war in Ukraine, Kellogg previously that he would emphasize getting the two countries to the negotiating table. “We tell the Ukrainians: ‘You’ve got to come to the table, and if you don’t come to the table, support from the United States will dry up,’” Kellogg said in a June interview. “And you tell [Vladimir] Putin [that] he’s got to come to the table and if you don’t come to the table, then we’ll give Ukrainians everything they need to kill you in the field.” Early reactions to Kellogg’s potential confirmation have been tepid, the Hill . “It was a gulp – not horrible, not amazing,” said one security analyst based in Washington DC, who spoke anonymously to the publication. Oleh Shamshur, a former Ukrainian ambassador to the US, told the Hill he was pessimistic about Kellogg’s potential appointment. “As I understand, he totally accepts the logic of Trump’s ‘peace plan’ as related by [vice-president-elect JD] Vance,” said Shamshur, referring to Vance’s support of ceding Ukrainian territory to Russia and rejecting plans for Ukraine to join Nato. Luke Coffey, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, a conservative thinktank, noted to the in September that Vance’s plans weren’t “a realistic proposal for peace.” “He offered a plan for a Russian victory,” Coffey told the Times. Trump’s upcoming presidency has about the outcome of Russia’s war in Ukraine. He pledged to bring a quick end to the war as one of his main campaign promises, though he has not elaborated on how he will do so. Some Ukraine supporters have that Trump’s steps to end the war could be detrimental to the country’s security or see Ukrainian land ceded to Russia, while Ukraine’s president, , says he is certain the war with Russia will “end sooner” than it otherwise would have once Trump takes office. Zelensky reportedly had a “ ” with Trump during a conversation in the aftermath of Trump’s victory the US presidential election.Man arraigned on murder charges in NYC subway death fanned flames with a shirt, prosecutors sayPhiladelphia star quarterback Jalen Hurts remains in concussion protocol and has been ruled for Sunday's game against the visiting Dallas Cowboys, with the Eagles expected to start Kenny Pickett. Hurts missed practice all week, and head coach Nick Sirianni confirmed before Friday's session that Hurts remains in the concussion protocol, adding, "It's going to be tough for him to make it this week." Hurts and Pickett (ribs) were both injured during last weekend's 36-33 loss to the Washington Commanders, but Pickett was a full participant in Thursday's practice and was limited on Friday. The Eagles also have Tanner McKee as the emergency third quarterback and signed Ian Book to the practice squad this week. Pickett, who grew up as an Eagles fan in Ocean Township, N.J., will have a chance to help Philadelphia (12-3) clinch the NFC East title in his first start for the franchise. "I'm very excited. It's a big opportunity," he told reporters Thursday. "I've been working hard to stay ready and I felt like I was in a good position last game with my preparation and now having a week to practice, I'll feel even better going into the stadium. So, I'm excited. I just want to get the win." Pickett relieved Hurts in the first quarter against Washington and completed 14 of 24 passes for 143 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Prior to that, he had appeared in three games in mop-up duty. "He's done a great job," Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown said on Friday. "He did a great job last week. I know he had a few hiccups, but overall he's doing a great job. It's not his first rodeo. We have a lot of confidence in him, I do, and I'm excited. "(He's) poised, confident. He comes in, he's commanding the huddle and that's what you want to see." Pickett, 26, compiled a 14-10 record as the starter for the Steelers from 2022-23 after being drafted by Pittsburgh in the first round (20th overall) in 2022. After the Steelers acquired Russell Wilson in March, Pickett was traded along with a 2024 fourth-round pick to the Eagles in exchange for a 2024 third-round pick and two 2025 seventh-rounders. Pickett has completed 62.3 percent of his pass attempts for 4,622 yards with 14 touchdowns and 14 interceptions in 29 career games. He has rushed for 303 yards and four scores. Hurts, 26, has completed 68.7 percent of his passes this season for 2,903 yards with 18 TDs and five picks in 15 starts. He has rushed for 630 yards and is tied for the NFL lead with 14 rushing touchdowns. --Field Level Media

Letter: Stop the attacks

Social Security payment worth up to $4,873 paid today - are YOU eligible?N.J. Benson has 22 points, 17 rebounds and DePaul wins 84-65 over Loyola Maryland

Stock market today: Wall Street rises toward more recordsNigerians across ethnic and religious divides, at home and in the diaspora, have nominated the immediate past Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, for the ‘Governor of the Year’ category in the ThisDay Awards 2024. This year’s edition of the yearly awards, organised by the ThisDay/Arise Group Board of Editors, and tagged ‘When the Going Gets Tough... the Tough Get Rewarded!’, will be held on January 22, 2025. According to the organisers, the ‘Governor of the Year Award’ would be won by the Governor who combines vision, passion, dedication and courage to make the lives of the people of his state better. Leading the nomination of Obaseki as ‘Governor of the Year’ is the immediate past Commissioner for Digital Economy, Science and Technology in Edo State, Ogbeide Ifaluyi-isibor, who said in his eight years of leadership of Edo, Obaseki’s milestone achievements in education, healthcare, innovation, tourism, agriculture, pension, city planning, security, science, civil service and corporate governance are laudable footprints that will stand the test of time. He said, “His landmark achievements in the creation of the Edo State Tier-3 Data Centre, which facilitated digital services management for government agencies, the deployment of Health Information Management System, Electronic Health Records and Telemedicine Services, helped to streamline healthcare delivery, improve patient management and extend healthcare access to rural communities.” Ifaluyi-isibor described Obaseki as a man of vision with passion for excellence and unequalled zeal to impact the lives of his people. The former Edo State commissioner added, “Obaseki’s eight years leadership in Edo was outstanding. He not only utilised his experiences in the private sector to the benefit of the state, he also ensured that no one was left behind during his tenure in office by providing key infrastructure that added great value to the lives of the people of the state.” Ifaluyi-isibor stressed that he was not surprised at Obaseki’s achievements in office because of his track record of excellence, saying he found him fit for the ‘Governor of the Year’ award and urged him to continue to find other ways to make life better for his people. In nominating Obaseki for the award, an international journalist in the United Kingdom, Mayozi John, said since 1999 Obaseki is the best governor Edo State has produced, noting that in all ramifications he stood out. “In all sectors, his presence was felt and is still being felt, even by thousands of Nigerians in the diaspora”, he said. John, who spoke to journalists on his visit to Nigeria for the Christmas holiday, said across the streets of the United States, the UK and across Europe, many sing his (Obaseki) praises after they must have visited Nigeria and visited Edo State. “Many Nigerians plan to hold a solidarity protest for Obaseki in the United States as soon as Donald Trump is sworn in as President in January 2025.” He added, “Obaseki’s tenure as Edo governor will continue to inspire and serve as a reference point for future leaders of the state.” John said it would take an extraordinary human being like Obaseki to best his own records, adding that the extraordinary person is yet to arrive the scene. According to him, “The digitisation and reforms of the pension management with the Edo State Pension Management System and an online pension portal are laudable projects that continue to attract local and global accolades. “The Smart City Initiative and investments in fibre optic infrastructure enabled high-speed Internet access across the state, laying the foundation for further digital services and urban planning within the state. “The EdoBEST programme helped to revolutionise primary and junior secondary education by integrating technology into teaching and learning processes. “Other key categories in the award include ‘Titans of The Year’ for the men and women who, through their vision, action, guts and courage made a lasting impact on Nigeria, and ‘Man of the Year’ for the man who significantly influenced major events that defined the outgoing year, 2024”.

Is Outlook down? Thousands of Microsoft 365 users report outage issuesKirks Lane Lamp Parts Co. Brings the Light to the Holiday Season with Wholesale Lamp SuppliesGolden Knights coach becomes team’s winningest coach

Sports on TV for Nov. 23 - 24Opioid use disorder (OUD), which contributes to the ongoing overdose crisis claiming over 21 lives across Canada a day, is even more severe within correctional settings. In North America, OUD is a critical public health concern among incarcerated populations, with individuals being up to 129 times more likely to die from an overdose within the first two weeks of release from custody than the general population. To better understand treatment best practices for this high-risk, and often overlooked population, researchers at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) have conducted the first comprehensive review of available studies evaluating the use of extended-release buprenorphine (XR-BUP) weekly and monthly injections as a treatment for OUD within correctional facilities . This extensive literature review reveals insights that could reshape addiction treatment practices in these settings and beyond. The review, published in The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse , analyzed ten international studies published since 2018 that examined the usage of XR-BUP in correctional populations, looking at participant treatment preferences, drug use, retention rates, safety, costs, and barriers. The aim was to understand whether XR-BUP's extended dosing schedule could improve treatment access and recovery outcomes. The review showed XR-BUP to be highly effective and safe, with retention rates as high as 92%, re-incarceration rates as low as 8%, and 55% of patients achieving opioid-negative urine tests compared to 38% using other treatments. "[XR-BUP] offers a powerful new approach to address the high relapse and overdose risks faced by those transitioning out of correctional facilities," says Dr. Leslie Buckley, Chief of Addictions at CAMH. "With this treatment, we can potentially reduce the logistical and social burdens associated with daily dosing and help patients sustain recovery as they reintegrate into their communities." This study builds on previous research exploring traditional daily treatments like methadone and buprenorphine for currently and recently incarcerated populations. While effective, these treatments require daily clinic visits, creating barriers for individuals lacking community ties or stability after release. In contrast, XR-BUP is an injectable medication that provides a steady dose over the course of a week or a month, depending on the formulation, eliminating the need for daily dosing. Although XR-BUP still requires clinic visits for administration, the frequency varies based on the dosing schedule, offering participants longer and more flexible intervals between appointments. Participants in this recent review appreciated this flexibility and the reduced opioid withdrawal and cravings over a longer period of time. They also found the private administration of XR-BUP to be more dignified, reducing the stigma associated with treatment. One of the most significant findings of the study was that individuals who received an XR-BUP injection experienced an 80% reduction in the risk of overdose mortality within the first month after their release. "The opioid crisis poses a serious health risk for incarcerated populations," says Cayley Russell, Research Manager with the Ontario Node of the Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Matters (CRISM), housed at CAMH, and the study's first author. "Our findings show that XR-BUP is safe and feasible, with no reports of diversion, overdoses, or deaths. This highlights the life-saving potential of administering XR-BUP treatment at the time of discharge to reduce the risk of overdose post-release and throughout the period of incarceration." Beyond the significant health benefits, XR-BUP also shows potential for addressing the administrative challenges faced by correctional facilities and health care providers. While initially more expensive, XR-BUP proves cost-effective over time. Monthly injections reduce the need for daily supervision by staff, and the decreased risk of overdose minimizes the need for interventions, hospitalizations, and related health care expenses. Additionally, higher retention rates lead to fewer re-incarcerations and mitigate broader societal impacts of untreated OUD. Despite its clear advantages, the implementation of XR-BUP is not without challenges. The review highlights barriers to XR-BUP treatment, including hesitancy about a newer medication, fear of needles, and mild to moderate side effects such as injection site discomfort, constipation, fatigue, and nausea. Addressing these concerns through patient education can empower informed decisions about treatment options. "By contributing to and leading research on treatment options like XR-BUP, CAMH is advancing evidence-based practices that align with our strategic goals to lift societal health, get upstream of health challenges, and address mental health and addiction needs more effectively," says Dr. Shannon Lange, Scientist at CAMH and co-author of the review. More information: Cayley Russell et al, Feasibility and effectiveness of extended-release buprenorphine (XR-BUP) among correctional populations: a systematic review, The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse (2024). DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2024.2360984A memorial event was held to pay tributes to veteran director Shyam Benegal who passed away recently, which was attended by several big names including Shabana Azmi , Javed Akhtar, Naseeruddin Shah , Urmila Matondkar and others. ET Year-end Special Reads Take That: The gamechanger weapon's India acquired in 2024 10 big-bang policy moves Modi government made in 2024 How governments tried to rein in the social media beast The 'Manthan' director passed away took his last breath on December 23 at 6.38 pm at the age of 90, in Mumbai's Wockhardt Hospital . Born on December 14, 1934, in a Konkani-speaking Chitrapur Saraswat Brahmin family in Hyderabad, Benegal collaborated extensively with actors from FTII and NSD, including Naseeruddin Shah, Om Puri, Smita Patil, Shabana Azmi, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, and Amrish Puri. His films left an indelible impact on audiences, addressing relevant socio-political themes with remarkable depth. For instance, Junoon (1979), based on Ruskin Bond's A Flight of Pigeons, is a tumultuous epic set during India's freedom movement. The film, featuring a forbidden love story between a British woman (Nafisa Ali) and a passionate Pathan (Shashi Kapoor), remains one of Benegal's finest works, celebrated for its sweeping visuals and emotional intensity. Artificial Intelligence(AI) Java Programming with ChatGPT: Learn using Generative AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Basics of Generative AI: Unveiling Tomorrows Innovations By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Generative AI for Dynamic Java Web Applications with ChatGPT By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Mastering C++ Fundamentals with Generative AI: A Hands-On By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Master in Python Language Quickly Using the ChatGPT Open AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Performance Marketing for eCommerce Brands By - Zafer Mukeri, Founder- Inara Marketers View Program Office Productivity Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance A2Z Of Money By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Marketing Modern Marketing Masterclass by Seth Godin By - Seth Godin, Former dot com Business Executive and Best Selling Author View Program Astrology Vastu Shastra Course By - Sachenkumar Rai, Vastu Shashtri View Program Strategy Succession Planning Masterclass By - Nigel Penny, Global Strategy Advisor: NSP Strategy Facilitation Ltd. View Program Data Science SQL for Data Science along with Data Analytics and Data Visualization By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI and Analytics based Business Strategy By - Tanusree De, Managing Director- Accenture Technology Lead, Trustworthy AI Center of Excellence: ATCI View Program Web Development A Comprehensive ASP.NET Core MVC 6 Project Guide for 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Pam Moore By - Pam Moore, Digital Transformation and Social Media Expert View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI-Powered Python Mastery with Tabnine: Boost Your Coding Skills By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Office Productivity Mastering Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and 365 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital marketing - Wordpress Website Development By - Shraddha Somani, Digital Marketing Trainer, Consultant, Strategiest and Subject Matter expert View Program Office Productivity Mastering Google Sheets: Unleash the Power of Excel and Advance Analysis By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Mastering Full Stack Development: From Frontend to Backend Excellence By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance Financial Literacy i.e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By - CA Rahul Gupta, CA with 10+ years of experience and Accounting Educator View Program Data Science SQL Server Bootcamp 2024: Transform from Beginner to Pro By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program His films gained international acclaim as well. Manthan (1976), inspired by Verghese Kurien's pioneering milk cooperative movement, made waves globally and was showcased at the 77th Cannes Film Festival . The film's premiere was attended by luminaries such as Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Prateik Babbar, and members of the Kurien and Patil families. Throughout his career, Benegal received numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri , Padma Bhushan , and the Dadasaheb Phalke Award , India's highest honour in cinema, and his contributions to Indian and world cinema will continue to inspire generations to come. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )

The Future Of Entertainment: How Global Content Access Is Evolving

Winless in rivalry, Dan Lanning, No. 1 Oregon determined to tame Huskies

Are you tracking your health with a device? Here’s what could happen with the dataOTTAWA — Two senior members of the federal cabinet were in Florida Friday pushing Canada's new border plan with Donald Trump's transition team, a day after Trudeau himself appeared to finally push back at the president-elect over his social media posts about turning Canada into the 51st state. Both Trudeau and former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney, who Trudeau has been courting to become Canada's next finance minister, shared posts on X Thursday, a day after Trump's latest jab at Canada in his Christmas Day message. It isn't clear if Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc, who has repeatedly insisted Trump's 51st state references are a joke, will raise the issue with Trump's team when he and Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly meet with them in Palm Beach. The two are there to discuss Canada's new $1.3 billion border plan with just under four weeks left before Trump is sworn in again as president. He has threatened to impose a new 25 per cent import tariff on Canada and Mexico the same day over concerns about a trade imbalance, as well as illegal drugs and migration issues at the borders. The broad strokes of Canada's plan were made public Dec. 17, including a new aerial intelligence task force to provide round-the-clock surveillance of the border, and improved efforts using technology and canine teams to seek out drugs in shipments leaving Canada LeBlanc's spokesman, Jean-Sébastien Comeau, said the ministers will also emphasize the negative impacts of Trump's threatened tariffs on both Canada and the U.S. Comeau said the ministers will build on the discussions that took place last month when Trudeau and LeBlanc met Trump at Mar-a-Lago just days after Trump first made his tariff threat. It was at that dinner on Nov. 29 when Trump first raised the notion of Canada becoming the 51st state, a comment LeBlanc has repeatedly since insisted was just a joke. But Trump has continued the quip repeatedly in various social media posts, including in his Christmas Day message when he said Canadians would pay lower taxes and have better military protection if they became Americans. He has taken to calling Trudeau "governor" instead of prime minister. Trudeau had not directly responded to any of the jabs, but on Thursday posted a link to a six-minute long video on YouTube from 2010 in which American journalist Tom Brokaw "explains Canada to Americans." The video, which originally aired during the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, explains similarities between the two countries, including their founding based on immigration, their trading relationship and the actions of the Canadian Army in World War 2 and other modern conflicts. "In the long history of sovereign neighbours there has never been a relationship as close, productive and peaceful as the U.S. and Canada," Brokaw says in the video. Trudeau did not expand about why he posted a link to the video, posting it only with the words "some information about Canada for Americans." Carney, who is at the centre of some of Trudeau's recent domestic political troubles, also called out Trump's antics on X Thursday, calling it "casual disrespect" and "carrying the 'joke' too far." "Time to call it out, stand up for Canada, and build a true North American partnership," said Carney, who Trudeau was courting to join his cabinet before Chrystia Freeland resigned as finance minister last week. Freeland's sudden departure, three days after Trudeau informed her he would be firing her as finance minister in favour of Carney, left Trudeau's leadership even more bruised than it already was. Despite the expectation Carney would assume the role, he did not and has not made any statements about it. LeBlanc was sworn in as finance minister instead the same day Freeland quit. More than two dozen Liberal MPs have publicly called on Trudeau to resign as leader, and Trudeau is said to be taking the holidays to think about his next steps. He is currently vacationing in British Columbia. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 27, 2024. Alessia Passafiume, The Canadian PressPlayers Era Festival organizers betting big NIL is future of college tourneys

Trudeau, Carney push back over Trump's ongoing 51st state commentsGovt installs 100pc emission control systems in Lahore industries

When The Dow Breaks, Annaly Will Fall

No secrets as Bucs visit Dave Canales, Panthers for NFC South showdownNeighbors: Cañon City High School junior Ashlynne Goss aims to make the world a better place

NoneGerman President Frank-Walter Steinmeier dissolved parliament on Friday and confirmed the expected February date for an early general election after the collapse of Olaf Scholz's government last month. Scholz's coalition was brought down by internal fights about how to revive Europe's largest economy but a deadly car-ramming attack at a Christmas market last week has renewed the country's heated debates over security and immigration. Confirming the February 23 date for the election, Steinmeier emphasised the need for "political stability" and appealed for the campaign to be "conducted with respect and decency". He also said that he wanted "the campaign to be conducted with fair and transparent means" and warned of the dangers of "foreign influence... which is particularly intense on X," the social media platform owned by billionaire Elon Musk. "Hatred and violence must have no place in this election campaign, nor denigration or intimidation... all this is poison for democracy," Steinmeier said. Scholz's Social Democrats are lagging badly in polls on just 15 percent. His unruly three-party coalition collapsed on November 6, the day Donald Trump won re-election to the White House. That led Scholz to call a confidence vote last week which he lost, paving the way for an early election. He will remain in office as a caretaker chancellor until a new government is formed, which could take several months after the election. In his speech, Steinmeier reminded political parties and voters of the host of challenges the next government will face given the "economically unstable situation... the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine" as well as debates over immigration and climate change. On security, both the CDU and SPD want to keep helping Ukraine in its war with Russia and spend two percent of GDP or more on Germany's defence. While the CDU programme remains vague on what weapons to ship to Kyiv, the SPD opposes sending long-range missiles because "Germany and NATO must not themselves become parties to the war". On the thorny issue of how to boost Germany's ailing economy, both parties want to reinvigorate the "Made in Germany" brand, boost investment and upgrade crumbling infrastructure. On climate and energy, the SPD has vowed to promote renewables, e-mobility and an ambitious green hydrogen initiative, while the CDU said it would reverse the planned phase-out of combustion engine vehicles COMMENTS Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive. For more information, please see our