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Unami

Iraq’s stability must be preserved from regional tensions

Madam President,

I would like to begin by congratulating you on Slovenia’s presidency of the Security Council for the month of December and by thanking Sierra Leone for the conduct of our work last month.

I would also like to thank the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Mohammed Al Hassan, and all the staff of UNAMI for their constant commitment in the service of Iraq. In that regard, I would like to pay a particular tribute to Sergio Vieira de Mello and to the members of the United Nations who lost their lives in 2003 while serving for this Mission. Finally, I would like to welcome the presence among us of the representatives of Iraq and Kuwait.

I have three points to make.

1/ Firstly, France welcomes the smooth conduct of the parliamentary elections held in Iraq on November 11.

In recent months, Iraq has demonstrated a real capacity to move forward on the path of strengthening its institutions. The successful holding of the November 11 elections, conducted on schedule and throughout the country, follows Iraq’s political and security progress. These developments illustrate the resilience of the Iraqi people and their determination to consolidate their democratic institutions.

France encourages Iraq to continue its efforts in key areas such as economic diversification, the fight against corruption, and the promotion of youth employment and gender equality. We also support the effective implementation of human rights in Iraq.

2/ Secondly, Iraq’s stability must be preserved from regional tensions.

In a regional context marked by multiple sources of instability, Iraq plays an essential balancing role. France commends the Iraqi government’s efforts to prevent the country from being drawn into the crises that are splitting the region. We encourage all regional actors to fully respect Iraq’s sovereignty and to refrain from any interference.

The fight…

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Lenni Lenape

Lenape Valley swim teams set sights on division titles, state qualification

With a sense of team unity and a sincere focus on both the individual as well as relay events, the Lenape Valley High School swimming program (girls and boys teams) are getting well prepared for the winter season.

The Patriots are scheduled to face Kittatinny at the Kittatinny High School Aquatics Center on Tuesday, Dec. 9.

Key returning varsity experienced student athletes returning for the Patriots this year include Cailin Brennan (senior, backstroke), Savannah Becker (junior, freestyle), Jessica Bongiorno (junior, butterfly), Ashley Herman (senior, freestyle), Peyton Noe (senior, freestyle), Tim Jecko (sophomore, butterfly), Grayson Petrie (senior, freestyle) and Mackenzie Walsh (sophomore, backstroke).

Among the promising newcomers working hard to make a positive impression on the varsity level for Lenape Valley are Avery Brennan (freshman, breaststroke) and Erin Winkelman (freshman, breaststroke).

The more experienced competitive swimmers on the roster will be looked upon as leaders for the program this winter season.

“I am looking at Greyson Petrie and Cailin Brennan as our team leaders,’’ Lenape Valley coach Jessica Jacobellis said. “They are both returning varsity swimmers who excel in many different events. They are not only gifted athletes but they are leaders to our underclassmen as well and will guide them through the upcoming swim season.’’

The Patriots finished with very good 3-1 and 5-0 dual meet records for the girls and boys teams, respectively, last season.

They have lofty goals this winter indoor season.

“I would like to see both the boys and girls team qualify for the (NJSIAA) Team States,’’ Jacobellis said. “Last season they both just missed the qualifying cut but this season is looking a lot more positive.’’

Lenape Valley competes in the Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) North Division.

“I am hoping for both the boys and girls teams to repeat as NJAC North Division champs,’’…

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Mohegan

How Mercury’s Thomas And Others Won Player Of The Week

Alyssa Thomas had a big year, and she helped the Phoenix Mercury reach the WNBA Finals. She had a historic year, and during that time, she won two Player of the Week awards.

Phoenix’s forward won the first one in July, and the Mercury went 2-1 in that period. They lost to the Dallas Wings on the road, and Thomas nearly had a triple-double. She showed off her facilitating skills, as she had 10 assists. Then, she had nine points and seven assists.

Alyssa ThomaAlyssa Thoma

Aug 17, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) shoots the ball against the Seattle Storm during the first half at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images / Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

Thomas had two big games after that, as she had her first triple-double in the Mercury’s win over the Wings. They had a chance to recover from the previous game, and Sami Whitcomb and Thomas led the way. After that, the Mercury beat the Minnesota Lynx, and Thomas had 29 points. That was her career high before she topped that performance later in the season.

Later on, Thomas won Player of the Week again, and it was for her games at the end of August. She won the award at the beginning of September, but the Mercury picked up three wins from August 25 to 31. They beat the Los Angeles Sparks, the Chicago Sky and the New York Liberty.

Thomas’ Player of the Week wins highlight how great she played this year, and she was the only Mercury player to win this season. The year before, Phoenix had two players who won.

Alyssa ThomaAlyssa Thoma

Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) is defended by Los Angeles Sparks forward…

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Unami

Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General

The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today’s briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

**Guest Tomorrow

All right, good afternoon.  We have no guests today, so you will have to deal with me.  Tomorrow, our guest will be Giles Duley, the UN Global Advocate for Persons with Disabilities in Conflict and Peacebuilding Situations.  He will be here to brief you on the International Day for Persons with Disabilities.

**Floods in Asia

I have a statement regarding the floods in Asia, and I can tell you that the Secretary-General is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life caused by severe flooding and landslides across Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia.  More than 1,000 people have reportedly lost their lives, with many missing and millions affected as heavy rains continue to inundate large areas.

The Secretary-General conveys his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and expresses his solidarity with all those affected by these devastating floods.  The United Nations is in close contact with authorities in all of these countries and of course stands ready to support relief and response efforts.  UN country teams remain at the disposal of Governments to provide necessary assistance, and some are already doing so.

**Iraq

This morning, the Security Council heard, for the last time, from the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) in a briefing on the situation in that country.  As you know, the mission will conclude its mandate on 31 December this year.  Mohamed al Hassan, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Iraq and Head of UNAMI, opened by expressing profound appreciation to the Government and people of Iraq who have stood as partners to the UN through some of the nation’s most challenging chapters.

He recalled that when the Council established UNAMI 22 years ago, Iraq was confronting a legacy of dictatorship, regional wars, internal conflict,…

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Lenni Lenape

Steps and stories untold: A goat-guided tour through Lenape lands

Angel Hogan, volunteer with the Philly Goat Project, introduces Goat Ray to attendees at the Philly Goat Walk and Lenape Nation Talk event on Saturday, Nov. 29th. | BRIAN NELSON / THE TEMPLE NEWS

As the sun reached its high peak on Saturday — golden, watchful, almost ceremonial — the air settled into a crisp autumn sweetness. About 100 people gathered at the Awbury Agricultural Village grounds, wrapped in scarves and kept warm by boots that crunched leaves with each step.   

Fingerless, fleece, woolen and mismatched gloves held fast to the promise of warmth, adventure and goat-induced mischief.  

The third annual Philly GOAT Walk, hosted by the Philly Goat Project and Lenape Nation Talk, invited attendees to walk on grounds layered with the footsteps of Lenape lineage. The procession began at Awbury Agricultural Village grounds and made its way back towards herding grounds after a session of cultural insight at the Arboretum.   

Attendees arrive at the Awbury Arboretum. | BRIAN NELSON / THE TEMPLE NEWS

“An event like this teaches us to appreciate the importance and merit of diverse stories and histories,” said Leslie Jackson, Philly Goat Project’s director of operations.  

The afternoon opened with words from the Philly Goat Project team before a lively meet-and-bleat session. 

Then Barbara BlueJay Michalski, Chief and Keeper of Culture of the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania shared a brief message setting the tone for the journey ahead. 

Leslie Jackson and Chief Barbara BlueJay Michalski lead the group through the Awbury Agricultural Village. | BRIAN NELSON / THE TEMPLE NEWS

“If one person leaves with a little more knowledge about what happened to our people, my job is done,” Michalski said. 

During the journey, Michalski offered Lenape folk stories and facts, stitching the past and present together with each tale. Conversations bloomed between neighbors and strangers alike, a connection through shared curiosity and rediscovering heritage.  

Attendees walk through the Awbury Agricultural Village toward the Arboretum. | BRIAN NELSON / THE TEMPLE NEWS

The journey crossed Washington Lane, where stories deepened. One story shared was of the Pine Tree and Sparrow, a legend that explains why pine trees stay green and full year-round.  

The group paused by a pond where geese honked their hellos and looped around the Arboretum. Shadows lengthened as the procession returned to the herding grounds, where Michalski and Jackson offered closing reflections. 

Merchandise at the Lenape Nation of Pennsylvania stand….

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Nanticoke

From housing to animal rescue, Eastern Shore nonprofits seek Giving Tuesday help

Giving Tuesday has become one of the most important fundraising days of the year for nonprofits, and organizations across Maryland’s Eastern Shore say the needs driving those donations have rarely been greater.

From shelters trying to keep pace with rising costs to environmental groups racing to protect vulnerable waterways, many rely on this single day of giving to sustain programs that serve thousands of Shore residents annually.

The Baltimore Sun reached out to several Eastern Shore nonprofits ahead of Giving Tuesday, asking what they most need this year and how readers can help. Their responses offer a snapshot of the pressures facing local organizations – and a guide for anyone looking to make a meaningful contribution close to home.

Life Crisis Center

The Life Crisis Center provides resources to help Lower Shore families stay safe and connected during crises.

“LCC administers multiple programs right here on the Lower Shore, including legal support and court accompaniment services to survivors of domestic violence. There is also an 18-bed safehouse open and available to domestic violence victims and their children,” Director Jerrona Smith said.

Other services include the Lower Shore CASA program, which recruits and trains citizens to advocate in court for abused and neglected children. LCC also serves as the primary 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline administrator across the Shore.

“Our 24/7 Services Team mans the hotline 24 hours a day, 365 days per year, filtering domestic violence, suicide, and resource support calls,” Smith said. “In addition, LCC employs a staff of licensed counselors that work with victims, children, and the community to explore therapeutic strategies towards recovery.”

More information: lifecrisiscenter.org or 410-749-0771

ACLU of Maryland

The ACLU of Maryland works to build a more just and equitable state through legal action, public policy advocacy and partnerships with directly impacted communities.

…

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Mohegan

3 Key Takeaways From Leïla Lacan’s Month Overseas Away From Connecticut Sun

The Connecticut Sun players remain busy during their offseason, but particularly the trio of stars playing overseas right now. This includes Leïla Lacan, Migna Touré and Haley Peters. The three are continuing to put in the hours to improve and fuel their passion for basketball, but 21-year-old Leïla Lacan has been exceptionally impressive to watch with Basket Landes.

It’s a new month, and Lacan still has several games to go, but let’s take a look at three key takeaways from her performance with Basket Landes in November.

A female basketball player in an orange uniform that says A female basketball player in an orange uniform that says

Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

It was never a question of whether or not Lacan would be able to produce jaw-dropping numbers on the court. If anything, this was a given right off the bat. However, there were questions revolving around her ability to keep the momentum high. Her work overseas, particularly this past month, should ease any uncertainty.

Her most productive night came on Nov. 7 when she faced the Chartres. By the end of the night, she had posted 17 points, the team-high, with four rebounds, three assists and three steals. Lacan has not shown signs of regressing after her remarkable rookie season — great news for the Sun as they approach their 2026 campaign.

A female basketball player wearing a black uniform on the court while holding a white and orange basketballA female basketball player wearing a black uniform on the court while holding a white and orange basketball

Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

One of the most valuable aspects of Lacan as a player is her ability to…

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Unami

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Lenni Lenape

Gymnastics: All-State Third Team, 2025

GYMNASTICS THIRD TEAM ALL-STATE

Gymnastics: NJSIAA Individual Championships at Brick Memorial High School on November 9, 2024.Devan DiSanto of Lenape performs on floor during the NJSIAA Individual Championships at Brick Memorial High School in Brick, NJ on November 9, 2024.Richard O’Donnell | For NJ Advan

Devan DiSanto, Lenape, Jr.

DiSanto stepped up in a big way for a Lenape team that was among the state’s best this season. As a junior, she qualified for states and finished Top 20 with a score of 35.625. DiSanto improved as the season went on and will be a force once again in 2026.

Gymnastics: NJSIAA South Jersey Sectional Championships at Manalapan High School on November 2, 2024.Julianna During of Jackson performs on beam during the NJSIAA South Jersey Sectional Championships at Manalapan High School in Manalapan Township, NJ on November 2, 2024.Richard O’Donnell | For NJ Advan

Julianna During, Jackson Township, Sr.

During is back on All-State to end a very successful career at Jackson. She has excelled on beam over the years and this led to a score of 9.4 during states. She qualified as an all-around competitor as well. During helped lead a strong program in Jackson and got better as an individual over the course of four years.

Gymnastics State Team Championships Erin Gengler, Hillsborough on the the bars during the Gymnastics State Team Championships at Brick Memorial High School in Brick, NJ on Thursday, November 6, 2025Ed Murray| For NJ Advance Media

Erin Gengler, Hillsborough, Fr.

Gengler finds herself as an All-State selection in her first year, setting the stage for what can be a successful career. She helped Hillsborough finished fifth in the state while also being a threat all-around. Gengler was the second-highest scorer at sectionals with an all-around score of 36.35 while finishing third on floor…

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Nanticoke

VIDEO: Smoke forces out residents from nursing home

NANTICOKE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Residents were evacuated Sunday night after smoke filled the halls of a Nanticoke nursing home.

28/22 News spoke with Nanticoke Fire Department Chief Mark Boncal, who confirmed crews were called to the Birchwood Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center on the 300 block of Middle Road in Nanticoke in response to a fire alarm at about 5:45 p.m. Sunday.

The Wright Township Fire Department, Kingston Fire Department, and the Nanticoke Police Department also responded to the incident.

After about 50 people were evacuated from the second floor, firefighters found that a belt seized up on the HVAC unit above the second-floor nurses’ station on the roof, according to Fire Chief Boncal.

Solomon Plains school temporarily closed, no virtual

Fire Chief Boncal says the residents on the first floor sheltered in place until the incident was resolved.

The unit was shut down by fire personnel, but Fire Chief Boncal says the rest of the building is still able to get heat from other units.

There was a light amount of smoke, which crews were able to remove from the building, and residents were allowed to go back in, Fire Chief Boncal explained.

Fire Chief Boncal added that no one was injured from the smoke, crews cleared the scene at just before 7:00 p.m., and there is no further investigation into the incident.

The building’s maintenance was on scene and contacted their HVAC representative to try to make repairs, according to Fire Chief Boncal.

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