SafeSport Center changes targeted in new bill aimed at sex abuse in sportsPerdue as Beijing envoy will boost US-China investor confidence

On a rare two-game skid, No. 24 Arizona faces DavidsonCollege Football Playoff's first 12-team bracket is set with Oregon No. 1 and SMU in, Alabama out

The new, 12-team College Football Playoff brings with it a promise to be bigger, more exciting, more lucrative. Perfect or 100% fair? Well, nobody ever believed that. The first expanded playoff bracket unveiled Sunday left a presumably deserving Alabama team on the sideline in favor of an SMU squad that finished with a better record after playing a schedule that was not as difficult. It ranked undefeated Oregon first but set up a possible rematch against Ohio State, the team that came closest to beating the Ducks this year. It treated underdog Boise State like a favorite and banged-up Georgia like a world beater at No. 2. It gave Ohio State home-field advantage against Tennessee for reasons it would take a supercomputer to figure out. It gave the sport the multiweek tournament it has longed for, but also ensured there will be plenty to grouse about between now and when the trophy is handed out on Jan. 20 after what will easily be the longest college football season in history. All of it, thankfully, will be sorted out on the field starting with first-round games on campuses Dec. 20 and 21, then over three succeeding rounds that will wind their way through traditional bowl sites. Maybe Oregon coach Dan Lanning, whose undefeated Ducks are the favorite to win it all, put it best when he offered: "Winning a national championship is not supposed to be easy.” Neither, it turns out, is figuring out who should play for it. The Big Ten will lead the way with four teams in the tournament, followed by the SEC with three and the ACC with two. The lasting memory from the inaugural bracket will involve the decision that handed the ACC that second bid. Alabama of the SEC didn't play Saturday. SMU of the ACC did. The Mustangs fell behind by three touchdowns to Clemson before coming back to tie. But they ultimately lost 34-31 on a 56-yard field goal as time expired. “We were on pins and needles,” SMU coach Rhett Lashley said. “Until we saw the name ‘SMU’ up there, we were hanging on the edge. We're really, really happy and thankful to the committee for rewarding our guys for their total body of work." The Mustangs only had two losses, compared to three for the Crimson Tide. Even though SMU's schedule wasn't nearly as tough, the committee was impressed by the way the Mustangs came back against Clemson. “We just felt, in this particular case, SMU had the nod above Alabama,” said Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel, the chairman of the selection committee. “But it’s no disrespect to Alabama’s strength of schedule. We looked at the entire body of work for both teams.” Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne was gracious, up to a point. “Disappointed with the outcome and felt we were one of the 12 best teams in the country,” he said on social media. He acknowledged — despite all of Alabama’s losses coming against conference opponents this season — that the Tide’s push to schedule more games against teams from other major conferences in order to improve its strength of schedule did not pay off this time. “That is not good for college football," Byrne said. Georgia, the SEC champion, was seeded second; Boise State, the Mountain West champion, earned the third seed; and Big 12 titlist Arizona State got the fourth seed and the fourth and final first-round bye. All will play in quarterfinals at bowl games on Dec. 31-Jan. 1. Clemson stole a bid and the 12th seed with its crazy win over SMU, the result that ultimately cost Alabama a spot in the field. The Tigers moved to No. 16 in the rankings, but got in as the fifth-best conference winner. The conference commissioners' idea to give conference champions preferable treatment in this first iteration of the 12-team playoff could be up for reconsideration after this season. The committee actually ranked Boise State, the Mountain West Champion, at No. 9 and Big 12 champion Arizona State at No. 12, but both get to skip the first round. Another CFP guideline: There’s no reseeding of teams after each round, which means no break for Oregon. The top-seeded Ducks will face the winner of Tennessee-Ohio State in the Rose Bowl. Oregon beat Ohio State 32-31 earlier this year in one of the season’s best games. No. 12 Clemson at No. 5 Texas, Dec. 21. Clemson is riding high after the SMU upset, while Texas is 0-2 against Georgia and 11-0 vs. everyone else this season. The winner faces ... Arizona State in the Peach Bowl. Huh? No. 11 SMU at No. 6 Penn State, Dec. 21. The biggest knock against the Mustangs was that they didn't play any big boys with that 60th-ranked strength of schedule. Well, now they get to. The winner faces ... Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl. Yes, SMU vs. Boise was the quarterfinal we all expected. No. 10 Indiana at No. 7 Notre Dame, Dec. 20. Hoosiers coach Curt Cignetti thought his team deserved a home game. Well, not quite but close. The winner faces ... Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. The Bulldogs got the No. 2 seed despite a throwing-arm injury to QB Carson Beck. But what else was the committee supposed to do? No. 9 Tennessee at No. 8 Ohio State , Dec. 21. The Buckeyes (losses to Oregon, Michigan) got home field over the Volunteers (losses to Arkansas, Georgia) in a matchup of programs with two of the biggest stadiums in football. The winner faces ... Oregon in the Rose Bowl. Feels like that matchup should come in the semifinals or later. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football

Riding a 6-game win streak, the Eagles head to Hollywood again for a rematch with the young RamsLOS ANGELES, Calif., Dec. 6, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Scientology Network’s DOCUMENTARY SHOWCASE, the weekly series providing a platform for Independent filmmakers to air films on important social, cultural and environmental issues, presents the documentary “ Piano to Zanskar .” DOCUMENTARY SHOWCASE airs Fridays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Scientology Network. Desmond O’Keeffe, a 65-year-old piano tuner facing retirement, accepts the challenge of a lifetime—to personally deliver a 100-year-old upright piano from London, England, to Zanskar, one of the most isolated places in the world, located high in the Himalayas. Directed by Michał Sulima and produced by Jarek Kotomski, the documentary follows Desmond and his team as they enter a world of unforgiving terrain and natural beauty. Their quest is ultimately a connection of cultures through the universal joy of music. Piano to Zanskar is the winner of multiple awards including the Grand Prize at the Banff Mountain Film Festival, the First Prize at the Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival and Best Film at the Sheffield Adventure Film Festival. ABOUT MICHAŁ SULIMA Michał Sulima is a Warsaw-born film director and a graduate of photography from University of the Arts London. Piano to Zanskar is his Independent debut, marking an entrance into feature-length and documentary formats. ABOUT JAREK KOTOMSKI Jarek Kotomski is a graduate of photography from University of the Arts London. Piano to Zanskar is his first feature film. As the co-founder of the agency Between Friends, he has nearly 10 years of experience in the production of commercial videos and musical documentaries, including the film Scriabin in the Himalayas . In an interview with Scientology Network for DOCUMENTARY SHOWCASE, Jarek said: “The variety of Independent documentary films and inspiring stories that are featured on Documentary Showcase is quite amazing, and we’re very pleased that we can show our film to a broader audience. And especially in a multilanguage format, reaching as many people as possible.” ABOUT DOCUMENTARY SHOWCASE Fundamental to Scientology is a humanitarian mission that extends to some 200 nations with programs for human rights, human decency, literacy, morality, drug prevention and disaster relief. For this reason, the Scientology Network provides a platform for Independent filmmakers who embrace a vision of building a better world. DOCUMENTARY SHOWCASE debuts films weekly from award-winning Independent filmmakers whose goal is to improve society by raising awareness of social, cultural and environmental issues. For more information, visit Scientology.tv/docs . Scientology Network debuted on March 12, 2018, launched by David Miscavige , Chairman of the Board Religious Technology Center and ecclesiastical leader of the Scientology religion. Since then, Scientology Network has been viewed in over 240 countries and territories worldwide in 17 languages. Satisfying the curiosity of people about Scientology, the network takes viewers across six continents, spotlighting the everyday lives of Scientologists, showing the Church as a global organization and presenting its Social Betterment programs that have touched the lives of millions worldwide. The network also showcases documentaries by Independent filmmakers who represent a cross section of cultures and faiths, but share a common purpose of uplifting communities. Scientology Network’s innovative content has been recognized with more than 125 industry awards, including Tellys, Communitas and Hermes Creative Awards. Broadcast from Scientology Media Productions, the Church’s global media center in Los Angeles, Scientology Network is available on DIRECTV Channel 320, DIRECTV STREAM and AT&T U-verse and can be streamed at Scientology.tv , on mobile apps and via the Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV platforms. LEARN MORE: https://www.Scientology.tv https://www.scientology.tv/watch/series/inside-scientology/scientology-media-productions.html VIDEO: https://www.scientology.tv/series/documentary-showcase/piano-to-zanskar/ https://www.scientology.tv/watch/series/documentary-showcase/piano-to-zanskar/videos/an-inside-look.html https://www.scientology.tv/watch/series/documentary-showcase/piano-to-zanskar/videos/teaser.html https://www.scientology.tv/watch/series/documentary-showcase/piano-to-zanskar/videos/trailer.html IMAGE link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/24-1206-s2p-COS-Zanskar-300dpi.jpg Image caption: “Piano to Zanskar” Conducts a Musical Journey Across the Himalayas on Documentary Showcase. TAGS: #DocumentaryShowcase #ScientologyNetwork #PianoToZanskar NEWS SOURCE: Church of Scientology International Keywords: Religion and Churches, Piano to Zanskar, Musical Journey Across the Himalayas, Documentary Showcase, LOS ANGELES, Calif. This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Church of Scientology International) who is solely responsibile for its accuracy, by Send2Press® Newswire . Information is believed accurate but not guaranteed. Story ID: S2P122676 APDF15TBLLI To view the original version, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/piano-to-zanskar-conducts-a-musical-journey-across-the-himalayas-on-documentary-showcase/ © 2024 Send2Press® Newswire, a press release distribution service, Calif., USA. Disclaimer: This press release content was not created by nor issued by the Associated Press (AP). Content below is unrelated to this news story.

Man City make unwanted history before playing Liverpool with 'disastrous' collapsePublished 5:23 pm Wednesday, November 27, 2024 By Staff Reports By Phill Casaus Special to the Democrat After half a century of journalism excellence, one of Natchez’s best Ollie Reed Jr. died Tuesday, Nov. 19, in New Mexico. He is survived by his sister Patricia Yost of Louisiana and brother Rick Reed of Alabama. Ollie Reed Jr. was a 1966 graduate of Cathedral High School, where he was active in Cathedral track, basketball and football. His classmate Charles Garrity remembers Ollie Reed Jr. as a “quiet, not outgoing but not shy gentleman who would do anything for anybody.” “I never thought of him going into journalism,” Garrity said. “He put others ahead of himself and he was a good Christian person. He lived out those Christian values all his life.” According to his brother Rick, they both worked at The Natchez Democrat. Rick Reed worked as an advertising artist when Ollie Reed Jr. began his Journalism career at his hometown newspaper in 1973. In 1976 he was lured to the Southwest by The Albuquerque Tribune, where through the years he served as a City Hall beat reporter, sports writer, theater critic, columnist, arts editor and we-need-a-great-story specialist until the afternoon daily closed in February 2008. Following The Trib’s demise, Reed was out of journalism for seven years until he hooked on with the Journal, where his work chronicled New Mexico’s dual personalities: the easily understood and the absolutely inexplicable. Ollie Reed Jr.’s writing was never so coarse. His work brought to mind an earthy elegance that was as illuminating and true as a north star in the New Mexico night. Reed, who covered the good, bad and beautiful in the state for more than 40 years and as recently as Sunday offered an incisive look into his own love of journalism, was found dead Tuesday at his home in Corrales. He was 76. He could’ve passed for 55. Those who knew Reed — and given the longevity of his career at two Albuquerque newspapers, that number is incalculable — were crushed by the news. Friends said he’d been ill in recent days but declined to visit a doctor. When he didn’t report for work Tuesday, a friend checked in on him and found his body. Journal assistant managing editor Donn Friedman, in a memo to staff sent out Tuesday by new executive editor Jay Newton-Small, said Reed “will be missed for his insight and his humor in both the written word and the spoken story. If there ever was a true cowboy poet of the newspaper heyday, it was Ollie Reed Jr.” “He was one of the finest feature writers this state has ever been blessed to have, and an incredibly nice man — a quality that shone through in every story he wrote,” longtime Journal sports writer Rick Wright wrote on Facebook. “He’ll be missed on so many levels.” His cheerful, earnest personality disarmed even the toughest of subjects, some who hated nosy reporters but loved the guy with the syrupy Mississippi Delta accent and trademark cowboy boots. The footwear was not an affectation: Reed loved the West, particularly the cowboy culture, and did some of his best writing on the subject. For many years at the Trib he penned “Trail Tales” — stories about a disappearing or, in many locales, never-known way of life. Reed could have reinforced one of the walls in his home with the state and regional award plaques he’d won through the years; he was a study in no-sweat newspaper versatility. Late in his career, he evocatively wrote about adventures taken with his brother Rick in places as varied as Mississippi and Montana. Though his features were a treat to read, he also covered some of New Mexico’s biggest stories. When the Cerro Grande Fire in 2000 nearly leveled the town of Los Alamos, he was there. More than two decades later, he was on the scene at the massive Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak blaze — interviewing survivors, writing about their lives, offering a 20/20 look into how disaster can change a future. His readers will miss his writing. But his friends said that pales in comparison to how much they’ll miss the man. “The thought of no longer hearing his laugh bounce off the newsroom walls is only softened by the fact that we were all so blessed to have him around while we did,” wrote the Journal’s Matthew Reisen. To most, he was a mononym — neither Ollie nor Reed but OllieReed. The very mention was a code word for civility. He mentored green reporters, interviewed wary sources and endured know-it-all editors with a kindness not universally found in newsrooms. “He is one of my dearest friends, but the thing is, everybody who knew him called him their dearest friend,” said Joline Gutierrez Krueger, a colleague of Reed’s at both the Journal and Tribune. “People in our orbit would come and go, but they would always keep in touch with Ollie. He was our touchstone.” Having seen so many changes in newspapers throughout his career — he preceded cellphones, computers, the internet — Reed took a keen interest in the evolution of the craft. He wrote about the thrill of reporting in Sunday’s Journal, looking back on the Watergate scandal that was revealed by two tough Washington Post staffers. And in 2023, spurred by an Albuquerque Museum exhibit about local journalism in the 1970s, he wrote about the business he entered and the one that now exists. “In 1974, confronted by truth uncovered by newspaper reporters, a U.S. president resigned from office,” Reed wrote. “Now, if people don’t like the truth as printed by newspapers, they go to the internet to find narratives better suited to their views. “The people who work for newspapers are as dedicated and hard working as they ever have been. There are fewer of us now. “But we’re still here because there is only one truth, and it’s our job to report it, to provide news for the people.” The style is unmistakable — clean, telling, genuine. Very OllieReed — a timeless original whose humanity said it all. Editor’s note: Phill Casaus is the former editor of The Albuquerque Tribune and worked with Reed for 11 years. He is currently the executive director of communications and engagement at Albuquerque Public Schools. Casaus also was a longtime staff writer and sports reporter for the Albuquerque Journal.The Ravens looked better defensively last week, but now Roquan Smith's injury is a concern

No. 7 Tennessee dispatches UT Martin to remain undefeatedING Australia is hit by another major outage: 'We are extremely sorry'

The new, 12-team College Football Playoff brings with it a promise to be bigger, more exciting, more lucrative. Perfect or 100% fair? Well, nobody ever believed that. The first expanded playoff bracket unveiled Sunday left a presumably deserving Alabama team on the sideline in favor of an SMU squad that finished with a better record after playing a schedule that was not as difficult. It ranked undefeated Oregon first but set up a possible rematch against Ohio State, the team that came closest to beating the Ducks this year. It treated underdog Boise State like a favorite and banged-up Georgia like a world beater at No. 2. It gave Ohio State home-field advantage against Tennessee for reasons it would take a supercomputer to figure out. It gave the sport the multiweek tournament it has longed for, but also ensured there will be plenty to grouse about between now and when the trophy is handed out on Jan. 20 after what will easily be the longest college football season in history. All of it, thankfully, will be sorted out on the field starting with first-round games on campuses Dec. 20 and 21, then over three succeeding rounds that will wind their way through traditional bowl sites. Maybe Oregon coach Dan Lanning, whose undefeated Ducks are the favorite to win it all, put it best when he offered: "Winning a national championship is not supposed to be easy.” Neither, it turns out, is figuring out who should play for it. The Big Ten will lead the way with four teams in the tournament, followed by the SEC with three and the ACC with two. The lasting memory from the inaugural bracket will involve the decision that handed the ACC that second bid. Alabama of the SEC didn't play Saturday. SMU of the ACC did. The Mustangs fell behind by three touchdowns to Clemson before coming back to tie. But they ultimately lost 34-31 on a 56-yard field goal as time expired. “We were on pins and needles,” SMU coach Rhett Lashley said. “Until we saw the name ‘SMU’ up there, we were hanging on the edge. We're really, really happy and thankful to the committee for rewarding our guys for their total body of work." The Mustangs only had two losses, compared to three for the Crimson Tide. Even though SMU's schedule wasn't nearly as tough, the committee was impressed by the way the Mustangs came back against Clemson. “We just felt, in this particular case, SMU had the nod above Alabama,” said Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel, the chairman of the selection committee. “But it’s no disrespect to Alabama’s strength of schedule. We looked at the entire body of work for both teams.” Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne was gracious, up to a point. “Disappointed with the outcome and felt we were one of the 12 best teams in the country,” he said on social media. He acknowledged — despite all of Alabama’s losses coming against conference opponents this season — that the Tide’s push to schedule more games against teams from other major conferences in order to improve its strength of schedule did not pay off this time. “That is not good for college football," Byrne said. Georgia, the SEC champion, was seeded second; Boise State, the Mountain West champion, earned the third seed; and Big 12 titlist Arizona State got the fourth seed and the fourth and final first-round bye. All will play in quarterfinals at bowl games on Dec. 31-Jan. 1. Clemson stole a bid and the 12th seed with its crazy win over SMU, the result that ultimately cost Alabama a spot in the field. The Tigers moved to No. 16 in the rankings, but got in as the fifth-best conference winner. The conference commissioners' idea to give conference champions preferable treatment in this first iteration of the 12-team playoff could be up for reconsideration after this season. The committee actually ranked Boise State, the Mountain West Champion, at No. 9 and Big 12 champion Arizona State at No. 12, but both get to skip the first round. Another CFP guideline: There’s no reseeding of teams after each round, which means no break for Oregon. The top-seeded Ducks will face the winner of Tennessee-Ohio State in the Rose Bowl. Oregon beat Ohio State 32-31 earlier this year in one of the season’s best games. No. 12 Clemson at No. 5 Texas, Dec. 21. Clemson is riding high after the SMU upset, while Texas is 0-2 against Georgia and 11-0 vs. everyone else this season. The winner faces ... Arizona State in the Peach Bowl. Huh? No. 11 SMU at No. 6 Penn State, Dec. 21. The biggest knock against the Mustangs was that they didn't play any big boys with that 60th-ranked strength of schedule. Well, now they get to. The winner faces ... Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl. Yes, SMU vs. Boise was the quarterfinal we all expected. No. 10 Indiana at No. 7 Notre Dame, Dec. 20. Hoosiers coach Curt Cignetti thought his team deserved a home game. Well, not quite but close. The winner faces ... Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. The Bulldogs got the No. 2 seed despite a throwing-arm injury to QB Carson Beck. But what else was the committee supposed to do? No. 9 Tennessee at No. 8 Ohio State , Dec. 21. The Buckeyes (losses to Oregon, Michigan) got home field over the Volunteers (losses to Arkansas, Georgia) in a matchup of programs with two of the biggest stadiums in football. The winner faces ... Oregon in the Rose Bowl. Feels like that matchup should come in the semifinals or later. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-footballThe circumstances around Swanson’s injury are unclear, namely when he sustained the hernia. The Cubs had been unaware he was playing through it, which Swanson revealed to the team after the season ended when he wanted to see a specialist and get it fixed in October. “We were surprised, candidly, which is fine,” president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said Monday at the MLB winter meetings. “That’s his personality, he was going to play, but clearly he was feeling something he wanted to get fixed.” The Cubs’ middle infield tandem of Swanson and second baseman Nico Hoerner (right flexor tendon) are both coming off surgery, which has affected the start of their offseasons. Swanson, 30, takes pride in being in the lineup every day, at one point playing in every game in a three-year stretch (2020-22). There is always a balance for players trying to grind through an ailment, a tipping point when that choice hurts more than helps a team. That occurred with Swanson’s knee injury he sustained in late April, eventually going on the injured list one week into May when it became visually apparent with his on-field performance that he needed time off to heal. In Hoerner’s case, the Cubs understood he was playing with an injury for a majority of the season and wasn’t throwing as well as usual. This meant they couldn’t use him to fill in for Swanson at shortstop for more than one game at a time. “In (Nico’s) situation we knew, OK, at the end of the year, we’ll get this looked at but in Dansby’s case we weren’t aware,” Hoyer said. “He had a great second half, he played great defense, he was really good offensively. Yeah, it was unexpected.” Hoerner’s injury was more significant and leaves less wiggle room for being ready for the start of the season compared to Swanson, mitigating the level of concern of potentially being without their starting middle infielders to open the 2025 season. “I would say I’m grateful we have two guys who will go out there with things going on and still give really good efforts and still be productive players,” manager Craig Counsell said Monday. “I think every player goes into a season hoping this is the year I’m going to feel really, really good and not going to get bit by any of the injury stuff. I think in both cases they dealt with some stuff. It’s both things that they were able to stay on the field with. “But it affects you. I don’t have a prognosis that they’re going to be healthy 100% this year. I think both of them are going to go into camp knowing, ‘hey, I’m in a really good spot right now,’ and that’s always a good feeling.” Tauchman goes from North Side to South Side DALLAS — Mike Tauchman is going from the North Side to the South Side after agreeing to a major-league contract with the Chicago White Sox on Monday, a source confirmed to the Tribune. Tauchman slashed .248/.357/.366 with seven home runs and 29 RBIs in 109 games in 2024 for the Chicago Cubs. That included a walk-off home run leading off the ninth inning, giving the Cubs a 7-6 victory against the Sox on June 5 at Wrigley Field. The Cubs nontendered the Palatine native in November, making him a free agent. The 34-year-old has a .241/.344/.374 slash line with 60 doubles, 32 home runs and 155 RBIs in 474 career games during seven major-league seasons with the Colorado Rockies (2017-18), New York Yankees (2019-21), San Francisco Giants (2021) and Cubs (2023-24). He spent 2022 in the Korea Baseball Organization. MLB.com ’s Scott Merkin first reported Monday’s move. Terms of the deal are unknown. Tauchman is the second outfielder the Sox have signed to an MLB deal this offseason, joining Austin Slater — who agreed to a one-year, $1.75 million contract that was announced Nov. 20. The team’s starting outfield in 2024 featured Andrew Benintendi in left field, Luis Robert Jr. in center and Dominic Fletcher in right field. Robert has been mentioned in trade speculation. Slater, Zach DeLoach, Corey Julks and Oscar Colás are also currently on the 40-man roster. – LaMond Pope, Chicago TribuneNone

Two months off did nothing to slow the world's No. 1 player. Scheffler already has eight victories this year and is in position to get another before the end of the year. Scheffler was at 13-under 131, two ahead of Akshay Bhatia (66) and Justin Thomas (67), both of whom had to save par on the 18th hole to stay in range going into the weekend. Scheffler started with a lob wedge to 2 feet for birdie and never slowed until after he went out in 29 to seize control of the holiday tournament against a 20-man field. Scheffler cooled slightly on the back nine, except it didn't feel that way to him. “Front nine, just things were going my way. Back nine, maybe not as much,” Scheffler said. “A couple shots could end up closer to the hole, a couple putts go in, just little things.” Asked if he felt any frustration he didn't take it lower — he once shot 59 at the TPC Boston during the FedEx Cup playoffs — Scheffler sounded bemused. “I think in this game I think a lot of all y’all are looking for perfection out of us,” he said. “Today I shot 8 under on the golf course, not something I hang my head about. A lot of good things out there — clean card, bogey-free, eight birdies. Overall, I think I'm pretty pleased.” Thomas felt his 67 was stress-free, particularly the way he was driving the ball. The wind laid down again, rare for the Bahamas, though it is expected to pick up on the weekend. Thomas wasn't concerned to see Scheffler get off to a hot start, especially with three par 5s on the front nine and a short par 4 that at worst leaves a flip wedge to the green. “You literally can birdie every hole as soft as the greens are,” Thomas said. “He's a great player, a great wedge player, and you have a lot of birdie holes to start. I'm honestly surprised he only shot 8 under. It's a sneaky course because if you fall asleep on some shots, you can get out of position. But if you're on and focused and really in control of everything — like these last two days with no wind — you can just make so many birdies.” Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley had a 67 and was four shots behind. No matter how benign the conditions, it wasn't always easy. Cameron Young, who opened with a 64 for a two-shot lead, followed with a 75 despite making five birdies. That included a double bogey on the final hole when his approach tumbled down the bank into the rocks framing the lake that goes all the way down the 18th hole. Patrick Cantlay was trying to keep pace playing alongside Scheffler, but he had three bogeys over the final seven holes and fell seven shots behind with a 71. The tournament, hosted by Tiger Woods, is unofficial but offers world ranking points to all but the bottom three players because of the small field. It's the weakest field in 25 years, but Scheffler at No. 1 gives it enough cachet. He is the first player since Woods in 2009 to start and finish a year at No. 1 in the world. And even after a layoff — giving him time to tinker with a new putting stroke — it looks like it might be a while before anyone changes that. AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf

Lionel Messi wins MLS MVP award, the latest trophy on a long list of honors for the Inter Miami star FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Lionel Messi is the MVP of Major League Soccer for 2024. The award comes after a season where he missed 15 of Inter Miami’s 34 regular-season matches with injuries or commitments to Argentina’s national team. He still factored into a league-high 36 goals by scoring 20 and assisting on 16 others. His 2.1 goal contributions per 90 minutes played is the best by any player in any season in MLS history. MLS revealed the voting results Friday. Messi edged out Columbus Crew forward Cucho Hernández for the award, which is determined by a poll of players, club technical staff and select media members. NFL ends investigation into sexual assault allegations against Browns QB Deshaun Watson CLEVELAND (AP) — The NFL has closed an investigation into sexual assault allegations against Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson. The league has been reviewing the case for months, trying to determine whether Watson should be punished. League spokesman Brian McCarthy said in an email that "there was insufficient evidence to support a finding of a violation of the personal conduct policy.” Watson, who served an 11-game suspension in 2022, was accused of assault by a woman in September. She was seeking more than $1 million in damage before the sides reached a confidential settlement. Watson has played in just 19 games over three seasons for the Browns. NBA returning to China for pair of Suns-Nets preseason games in 2025 The NBA is returning to China next season. The league has struck a deal to play preseason games there more than five years after the league was effectively banned for Commissioner Adam Silver not punishing Daryl Morey for tweeting support of anti-government protesters in Hong Kong. Brooklyn and Phoenix will play games in China’s gambling hub of Macao on Oct. 10, 2025, and again two days later. There are more games planned for China in 2026, a source told The Associated Press. American ski racer Lindsey Vonn is picking up speed in her comeback bid at 40 years old COPPER MOUNTAIN, Colo. (AP) — American ski racer Lindsey Vonn darted through the shadows on the speed course at Copper Mountain on a frigid morning. She was on the hill Friday as she tries to make a comeback to skiing nearly six years after her last race. Vonn plans to enter a series of lower-tier FIS downhill and super-G races this weekend at Copper Mountain, Colorado. It could be the first step toward seeing her on the World Cup circuit again. Scottie Scheffler goes on a run of birdies in the Bahamas and leads by 2 NASSAU, Bahamas (AP) — Scottie Scheffler used a big run of birdies to take a two-shot lead in the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas. Scheffler had seven birdies on the front nine for a 29. The world No. 1 added one birdie on the back nine to lead by two over Justin Thomas and Akshay Bhatia. Scheffler found no need to apologize for only one birdie on the back nine. He says it simply was a matter of the ball being a little closer to the hole and a few more putts going in. Scheffler already has eight victories this year, including Olympic gold. Hall of Famer Randy Moss is stepping away from ESPN for an extended time to deal with health issue Hall of Fame wide receiver Randy Moss is stepping away from his ESPN analyst role for an extended time to focus on a personal health challenge, the network said in a statement. Moss revealed last week that he’s dealing with a health issue and asked fans to pray for him and his family. The 47-year-old ESPN football analyst made his announcement on Instagram from the set of the network’s “Sunday NFL Countdown” show. He directed his message to men and urged them to get checkups and bloodwork done, without specifying any particular illness. No Bevo? SEC tells Texas there's no room for its 1,700-pound longhorn at title game vs. Georgia ATLANTA (AP) — The Southeastern Conference championship game will not feature another mascot showdown. The league says there's not enough space on the sideline at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta for No. 2 Texas to bring along its 1,700-pound longhorn Bevo XV for the game against No. 5 Georgia. The teams have two of college football’s most famous mascots. There should be enough sideline space for Georgia’s pure white English bulldog, Uga XI. Before the 2019 Sugar Bowl at the Superdome in New Orleans, Bevo XV toppled his barrier and began to charge at Uga X. Texas handlers were able to pull Bevo back before any harm. The Big Ten and SEC are set to gobble up CFP bids. That could squeeze the ACC and other leagues The Big Ten and Southeastern conferences are set to gobble up the majority of the bids to the newly expanded 12-team College Football Playoff. That could squeeze the Atlantic Coast Conference and other leagues trying to maintain their footing. ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips told The Associated Press he wants clarity on the process that put two-loss Miami behind three-loss Alabama in the latest rankings. Mountain West Conference Commissioner Gloria Nevarez said she wouldn't support future changes for guaranteed numbers of bids to power conferences. The Mountain West is set to have its champion in the playoff as a Group of Five winner. NFL's next coaching cycle will feature an impressive list of candidates: Analysis The next NFL coaching cycle will feature an impressive list of candidates ranging from proven champions to up-and-coming coordinators. Six-time Super Bowl winner Bill Belichick heads the list of recognizable names that includes 2021 AP Coach of the Year Mike Vrabel. Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Buccaneers OC Liam Cohen, Bills OC Joe Brady and Eagles OC Kellen Moore are among a lengthy list of young offensive-minded coaches who will garner plenty of interest. F1 champion Max Verstappen to become first-time father with girlfriend Kelly Piquet ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen is set to become a father for the first time with his girlfriend Kelly Piquet. There’s racing heritage on both sides of the family. Verstappen secured his fourth F1 title last month and Kelly’s father Nelson Piquet was a three-time champion in the 1980s. Verstappen says on Instagram that "we couldn’t be happier with our little miracle.” Verstappen is aiming to win his 10th F1 race of the year at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday. Practice gets underway later. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.College Football Playoff's first 12-team bracket is set with Oregon No. 1 and SMU in, Alabama out

Pep Guardiola worried by mentally ‘fragile’ City as trip to Liverpool loomsCollege Football Playoff's first 12-team bracket is set with Oregon No. 1 and SMU in, Alabama out

MELVIN Odoom secretly attempted to get his crush Carol Vorderman's attention BEFORE going on I'm A Celebrity. According to colleagues at BBC Radio One, the DJ asked Producer Tom to help him win her over - with an impressive idea. Advertisement 2 Melvin Odoom has repeatedly tried to win over Carol Vorderman's heart Credit: Rex 2 Carol Vorderman is Melvin's celebrity crush Credit: carolvorders / Instagram Host Danni Diston exclusively told The Sun: "None of us knew about Melvin's crush on Carol, but apparently Producer Tom, who works at Radio One, did. "He helped Melvin DM Carol Vorderman in Welsh because obviously she's a Welsh queen." Danni added: "Whether or not she replied, I don't know. "I would like to see them go on a date. I think they'd be a cute couple. Advertisement READ MORE ON I'M A CELEB GIMME MOORE Jane Moore leaves I'm A Celeb fans in hysterics with swipe at Dean McCollough Disaster I'm a Celeb star reveals her house has been flooded in sad video "I know she's done the jungle already, but do you reckon she'd go back in and surprise him? I don't think she would, but it would be great." Last week Melvin admitted fancying his "dream woman" Carol - and even asked her out live on TV. He acted out his desired 'date' with Carol to campmates - after admitting he'd been too shy to say hello to the former TV presenter. Carol reacted to the bizarre moment Melvin did role play with Tulisa in camp, as he asked Carol out to a Thai restaurant. Advertisement Most read in I’m A Celebrity 2024 Exclusive JUNGLE RICHES I'm A Celeb star revealed as 'richest' name in camp & it's not Coleen Rooney no maur! Watch moment Maura Higgins screams she’s ‘going to die’ as she faces HUGE spider edit outrage Jane Moore's Loose Women co-stars furious over show edit MAURA IN COMMON I'm A Celeb's Barry's son breaks silence after his ex Maura meets his dad In a voicenote sent in to ITV2's Unpacked, Carol said: "Melvin, or should I say Jungle Man.. Melvin Vorderman... It sounds the same to me. "Right, question. Have you been spying on me because just last night I had a little Thai food. Carol Vorderman’s cringeworthy voice note to I’m A Celebrity’s Melvin as she calls him her ‘jungle man’ after he asks her out live on TV "I had pad Thai, quite a lot of it, with a little chicken satay on the side. "It was delicious, Jungle Man. Advertisement "Anyway keep doing what you're doing. You're doing a brilliant job. See you on the other side." Melvin hosts the mid-morning show on BBC Radio One alongside his pal Rickie Haywood-Williams and Charlie Hedges. How to vote for our Jane ITV is logging all votes online at itv.com/vote or you can download the I’m A Celebrity app on your phone. Every time Ant and Dec announce a new trial you can cast five votes. Jane would love you to use all of them to get her another Bushtucker challenge. Later this week, vote to SAVE Jane from eviction. They also host the famous Live Lounge together. From January, his colleague Danni is moving to a new slot on BBC Radio One with her co-host Sam MacGregor. Advertisement Read more on the Scottish Sun REY-LY EXCITING US pop superstar announces first Scots show in almost 10 years BALLSED UP Lorraine apologises on air for using phrase she 'didn't know' was a swear word Sam and Danni, who previously held the Weekend Breakfast slot, will now host an afternoon show that runs from Friday to Sunday, 1-4pm. I'm A Celebrity 2024 i'm A Celebrity is back for its 24th series, with a batch of famous faces living in the Aussie jungle. The Sun's Jake Penkethman takes a look at the stars on the show this year.. Coleen Rooney - Arguably the most famous name in the camp, the leading WAG, known for her marriage to Wayne Rooney , has made a grand return to TV as she looks to put the Wagatha Christie scandal behind her. The Sun revealed the mum-of-four had bagged an eye-watering deal worth over £1.5million to be on the show this year making her the highest-paid contestant ever. Tulisa - The popstar and former X Factor judge has made her triumphant TV comeback by signing up to this year's I'm A Celeb after shunning TV shows for many years. Known for being a member of the trio, N-Dubz, Tulisa became a household name back in 2011 when she signed on to replace Cheryl on ITV show The X Factor in a multi-million pound deal. Alan Halsall - The actor, known for playing the long-running role of Tyrone Dobbs on ITV soap opera Coronation Street, was originally signed up to head Down Under last year but an operation threw his scheduled appearance off-course. Now he has become the latest Corrie star to win over both the viewers and his fellow celebrities. Melvin Odoom - The Radio DJ has become a regular face on TV screens after rising to fame with presenting roles on Kiss FM, BBC Radio 1 and 4Music. Melvin has already been for a spin on the Strictly dancefloor and co-hosted The Xtra Factor with Rochelle Humes in 2015 but now he is facing up to his biggest challenge yet - the Aussie jungle . GK Barry - The UK's biggest social media personality, GK, whose real name is Grace Keeling, has transformed her TikTok stardom into a lucrative career. Aside from her popular social media channels, she hosts the weekly podcast, Saving Grace, and regularly appears on ITV talk show, Loose Women. She has even gone on to endorse popular brands such as PrettyLittleThing, KFC and Ann Summers. Dean McCullough - A rising star amongst this year's bunch of celebs , Dean first achieved notability through his radio appearances on Gaydio and BBC Radio 1. He was chosen to join the BBC station permanently in 2021 and has featured prominently ever since. He has enjoyed a crossover to ITV over the past year thanks to his guest slots on Big Brother spin-off show, Late & Live. Oti Mabuse - The pro dancer has signed up to her latest TV show after making her way through the biggest programmes on the box. She originally found fame on Strictly Come Dancing but has since branched out into the world of TV judging with appearances on former BBC show The Greatest Dancer as well as her current role on ITV's Dancing On Ice . Danny Jones - The McFly star was drafted into the programme last minute as a replacement for Tommy Fury. Danny is the second member of McFly to enter the jungle , after Dougie Poynter won the show in 2011. He is also considered a rising star on ITV as he's now one of the mentors on their Saturday night talent show, The Voice , along with bandmate Tom Fletcher. Jane Moore - The Loose Women star and The Sun columnist is braving the creepy crawlies this year. The star is ready for a new challenge - having recently split from her husband . It will be Jane's first foray into reality TV with the telly favourite having always said no to reality shows in the past. Barry McGuigan - Former pro boxer Barry is the latest fighting champ to head Down Under following in the footsteps of Tony Bellew and Amir Khan. It comes after a tough few years for Irish star Barry, who lost his daughter Danika to bowel cancer . He told The Late Late Show in 2021: "She was such an intrinsic part of the family that every day we ache." Maura Higgins - The Irish TV beauty first found fame on Love Island where she found a brief connection with dancer Curtis Pritchard . Since then, she has competed on Dancing On Ice as well as hosting the Irish version of the beauty contest, Glow Up. Since last year, she has been working on building up her career in the US by being the social media correspondent and host of Aftersun to accompany Love Island USA. She even guest hosted an episode of the spin-off, Love Island Games, in place of Maya Jama last year. Rev. Richard Coles - Former BBC radio host the Rev Richard Coles is a late arrival on I’m A Celebrity , and he's ready to spill the beans on his former employer. The former Communards and Strictly star , said the BBC did not know its a**e from its elbow last year. An insider said: "Rev Coles will have a variety of tales to tell from his wild days as a pop star in the Eighties, through to performing on Strictly and his later life as a man of the cloth."

No. 7 Tennessee dispatches UT Martin to remain undefeatedThe new, 12-team College Football Playoff brings with it a promise to be bigger, more exciting, more lucrative. Perfect or 100% fair? Well, nobody ever believed that. The first expanded playoff bracket unveiled Sunday left a presumably deserving Alabama team on the sideline in favor of an SMU squad that finished with a better record after playing a schedule that was not as difficult. It ranked undefeated Oregon first but set up a possible rematch against Ohio State, the team that came closest to beating the Ducks this year. It treated underdog Boise State like a favorite and banged-up Georgia like a world beater at No. 2. It gave Ohio State home-field advantage against Tennessee for reasons it would take a supercomputer to figure out. It gave the sport the multiweek tournament it has longed for, but also ensured there will be plenty to grouse about between now and when the trophy is handed out on Jan. 20 after what will easily be the longest college football season in history. All of it, thankfully, will be sorted out on the field starting with first-round games on campuses Dec. 20 and 21, then over three succeeding rounds that will wind their way through traditional bowl sites. Maybe Oregon coach Dan Lanning, whose undefeated Ducks are the favorite to win it all, put it best when he offered: "Winning a national championship is not supposed to be easy.” Neither, it turns out, is figuring out who should play for it. The Big Ten will lead the way with four teams in the tournament, followed by the SEC with three and the ACC with two. The lasting memory from the inaugural bracket will involve the decision that handed the ACC that second bid. Alabama of the SEC didn't play Saturday. SMU of the ACC did. The Mustangs fell behind by three touchdowns to Clemson before coming back to tie. But they ultimately lost 34-31 on a 56-yard field goal as time expired. “We were on pins and needles,” SMU coach Rhett Lashley said. “Until we saw the name ‘SMU’ up there, we were hanging on the edge. We're really, really happy and thankful to the committee for rewarding our guys for their total body of work." The Mustangs only had two losses, compared to three for the Crimson Tide. Even though SMU's schedule wasn't nearly as tough, the committee was impressed by the way the Mustangs came back against Clemson. “We just felt, in this particular case, SMU had the nod above Alabama,” said Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel, the chairman of the selection committee. “But it’s no disrespect to Alabama’s strength of schedule. We looked at the entire body of work for both teams.” Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne was gracious, up to a point. “Disappointed with the outcome and felt we were one of the 12 best teams in the country,” he said on social media. He acknowledged — despite all of Alabama’s losses coming against conference opponents this season — that the Tide’s push to schedule more games against teams from other major conferences in order to improve its strength of schedule did not pay off this time. “That is not good for college football," Byrne said. Georgia, the SEC champion, was seeded second; Boise State, the Mountain West champion, earned the third seed; and Big 12 titlist Arizona State got the fourth seed and the fourth and final first-round bye. All will play in quarterfinals at bowl games on Dec. 31-Jan. 1. Clemson stole a bid and the 12th seed with its crazy win over SMU, the result that ultimately cost Alabama a spot in the field. The Tigers moved to No. 16 in the rankings, but got in as the fifth-best conference winner. The conference commissioners' idea to give conference champions preferable treatment in this first iteration of the 12-team playoff could be up for reconsideration after this season. The committee actually ranked Boise State, the Mountain West Champion, at No. 9 and Big 12 champion Arizona State at No. 12, but both get to skip the first round. Another CFP guideline: There’s no reseeding of teams after each round, which means no break for Oregon. The top-seeded Ducks will face the winner of Tennessee-Ohio State in the Rose Bowl. Oregon beat Ohio State 32-31 earlier this year in one of the season’s best games. No. 12 Clemson at No. 5 Texas, Dec. 21. Clemson is riding high after the SMU upset, while Texas is 0-2 against Georgia and 11-0 vs. everyone else this season. The winner faces ... Arizona State in the Peach Bowl. Huh? No. 11 SMU at No. 6 Penn State, Dec. 21. The biggest knock against the Mustangs was that they didn't play any big boys with that 60th-ranked strength of schedule. Well, now they get to. The winner faces ... Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl. Yes, SMU vs. Boise was the quarterfinal we all expected. No. 10 Indiana at No. 7 Notre Dame, Dec. 20. Hoosiers coach Curt Cignetti thought his team deserved a home game. Well, not quite but close. The winner faces ... Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. The Bulldogs got the No. 2 seed despite a throwing-arm injury to QB Carson Beck. But what else was the committee supposed to do? No. 9 Tennessee at No. 8 Ohio State , Dec. 21. The Buckeyes (losses to Oregon, Michigan) got home field over the Volunteers (losses to Arkansas, Georgia) in a matchup of programs with two of the biggest stadiums in football. The winner faces ... Oregon in the Rose Bowl. Feels like that matchup should come in the semifinals or later. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-footballGovernment seeks Whitehall ‘startup’ culture with tech worker secondments

TikTok inching closer to potential ban in US. So what's next?

CINCINNATI — Saturday’s wild overtime win over the Denver Broncos was the most important in what has been a mostly disappointing season for the Cincinnati Bengals. Not only did the Bengals (8-8) win their fourth straight for the first time this season and keep their slim playoff hopes alive, but they also finally made enough plays late to win a close game. Seven of their previous eight losses were by one score. And Cincinnati also got a win over one of the league’s better teams. Its seven previous victories came against sub-.500 teams. Joe Burrow, in the midst of the best season of his career, threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Tee Higgins with 1 minute, 7 seconds left in overtime to win it 30-24. The final drive followed two critical stops by the Cincinnati defense. “We’ve known we had a good football team all along,” Bengals coach Zac Taylor said. “And those (close) games are disappointing that we came up short, but they didn’t change our process. They didn’t change what our guys believed in. We didn’t have to change everything we did. We still believed in what we were doing. And now we’ve won four in a row, and we have to make it five in a row.” The playoffs are still a long shot. To get there, the Bengals will have to go into Pittsburgh and beat the Steelers next weekend in the regular-season finale and also count on other bubble teams losing. What’s working The Bengals are playing their best football of the season. Burrow, battered by the Denver pass rush, completed nearly 80% of his passes in piling up 412 yards and three touchdowns. It marked his eighth straight game with at least 250 yards and three touchdown passes, extending his NFL record. ... Receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who had nine catches for 102 yards against the Broncos, could finish the season with the receiving triple crown — most catches, yards and touchdowns. What needs help The offensive line continues to struggle, even with the return of starting left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. Burrow rarely had a clean pocket, was constantly on the run and was sacked seven times and hit 15 times. Stock up The Cincinnati defense, much maligned this season, forced two Denver punts in overtime. The second one led to the Bengals’ winning drive. Linebacker Germaine Pratt intercepted Bo Nix to end a Denver drive in the fourth quarter. “For them to rise up and get those two stops and allow the offense a shot to go win it (is) big-time stuff,” Taylor said. Higgins caught 11 passes for 131 yards and was the recipient of all three of Burrow’s touchdown passes. “Everybody can see what kind of player he is,” Burrow said of Higgins, who is playing this season with the franchise tag. “He elevates us to a different level when he’s playing like that.” Stock down Kicker Cade York, who was signed in early December to fill in for the injured Evan McPherson, had a chance to win the game with 2:49 left in overtime, but his 33-yard field-goal attempt bounced off the left upright. Injuries RB Chase Brown sprained his ankle in an awkward slide as the Bengals tried to run out the clock in regulation. ... OT Amarius Mims suffered an injury to his right hand. Key number 499 — total yards by the Bengals against Denver.

White House says at least 8 US telecom firms, dozens of nations impacted by China hacking campaign

Every Major Android Tablet Brand Ranked From Worst To BestWANTED IN THE HAGUE Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant attend a military ceremony in October before the defense chief was fired early this month over his differences with Netanyahu in the handling of the conflict in Gaza and Lebanon. —REUTERS PARIS — World leaders were divided over the arrest warrants that the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued on Thursday against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his ousted Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, with some saying they disagreed with the issuance of the warrants even as they noted that they were bound to enforce the orders. The ICC also issued a warrant on Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif—in response to accusations of crimes against humanity and war crimes in Israel’s war on Hamas in Gaza, set off by the militant Palestinian group’s Oct. 7, 2023, attack. The court urged member states to enforce “a policy of severing contact and meetings” with Netanyahu and Gallant. Netanyahu in a statement said: “The anti-Semitic decision of the International Criminal Court is comparable to the modern-day Dreyfus trial—and it will end in the same way.” He was referring to the 19th-century Alfred Dreyfus affair in which a Jewish army captain was wrongly convicted of treason in France before being exonerated. READ: Netanyahu says ICC warrant won’t stop Israel defending itself Israel “rejects with disgust the absurd and false actions and accusations made against it,” Netanyahu said, again saying that the judges were “driven by anti-Semitic hatred of Israel.” The United States said it “fundamentally rejects” the ICC’s decision. “We remain deeply concerned by the prosecutor’s rush to seek arrest warrants and the troubling process errors that led to this decision,” said a National Security Council spokesperson. “The United States has been clear that the ICC does not have jurisdiction over this matter.” US President Joe Biden himself, in a statement on Thursday, called the warrants on the top Israeli leaders “outrageous.” “Whatever the ICC might imply, there is no equivalence—none—between Israel and Hamas,” Biden said. “We will always stand with Israel against threats to its security.” Posting on X, Argentine President Javier Milei said the warrant “ignores Israel’s legitimate right to self-defense against the constant attacks by terrorist organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah.” But Josep Borrell, foreign policy chief of the European Union, said the warrant “is not a political decision.” “It is a decision of a court, of a court of justice, of an international court of justice. And the decision of the court has to be respected and implemented,” he said. But there has been some contradiction among EU’s member states, with Italy’s Defense Minister Guido Crosetto saying his country would be obliged to arrest Netanyahu and Gallant if they visited, no matter that he thinks the ICC is “wrong” to put Netanyahu on the same level as Hamas. Prime Minister Viktor Orban of Hungary said on Friday he would invite Netanyahu to visit and assure him that the ICC’s warrants would “not be observed.” Germany said it will carefully examine the warrants, but will not take further steps until a visit by Netanyahu is planned. Cyprus, which has close ties with Israel, said it still considers arrest warrants issued by the ICC as binding in principle. The Palestinian Authority, a rival of Hamas, said “the ICC’s decision represents hope and confidence in international law and its institutions.” Hamas political bureau member Bassem Naim said of the warrants against the Israeli leaders: “[It’s] an important step toward justice and can lead to redress for the victims in general, but it remains limited and symbolic if it is not supported by all means by all countries around the world.” Yael Vias Gvirsman, who represents 300 Israeli victims of the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attacks, said the “arrest warrant against Mr Deif is massively significant.” “It means these victims’ voices are being heard,” she added, speaking from outside the court in The Hague on Thursday. In March last year, the ICC issued arrest warrants on Russian leader Vladimir Putin and his commissioner on children’s rights, Maria Lvova-Belova, in connection with the “unlawful deportation” of Ukrainian children to the Russian Federation. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . READ: Netanyahu: Hamas shot hostages in ‘back of the head’

Sam Darnold completed 33 of 43 passes for a career-best 377 yards to go with three touchdowns and one interception, and the Minnesota Vikings escaped with a 27-25 win over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday afternoon in Minneapolis. Justin Jefferson had eight catches for 92 yards for Minnesota (14-2), which won its ninth game in a row. Jalen Nailor, Jordan Addison and Cam Akers had one touchdown reception apiece for the Vikings. Jordan Love completed 19 of 30 passes for 185 yards and one touchdown for Green Bay (11-5). Josh Jacobs and Emanuel Wilson each rushed for a touchdown and Malik Heath had a touchdown catch for the Packers, who lost to the Vikings for the second time this season. Minnesota's nine-game winning streak matches its third longest in franchise history. The Vikings are enjoying their longest stretch of success since 1975, when they won 10 straight. Green Bay rallied with back-to-back touchdowns in the fourth quarter to pull within two. Wilson scored on a 5-yard run to cut the Packers' deficit to 27-18 with 6:12 to go. Love brought Green Bay within 27-25 with 2:18 to play. He fired a 3-yard touchdown pass to Heath, who scored on a quick slant. The Vikings got the ball on the following kickoff and never gave it back to Green Bay. Darnold secured the win when he lobbed a pass to Akers for a first down to set up the victory formation. The Packers opened the scoring late in the first quarter with a 22-yard field goal by Brandon McManus. Minnesota responded to grab a 13-3 lead at the half. Darnold found Nailor for a 31-yard touchdown with 11:52 remaining in the first half. Nailor was wide open and made a basket catch near the back of the end zone. Reichard rounded out the first-half scoring with field goals from 25 yards and 50 yards. The Vikings increased their lead to 20-3 on the opening drive of the second half. Addison made a diving grab for an 18-yard touchdown. Green Bay pulled within 20-10 with 5:07 left in the third quarter. Jacobs scored on a 2-yard run. Darnold's third touchdown pass, this time to Akers, made it 27-10 in favor of the Vikings with 51 seconds remaining in the third quarter. --Field Level Media

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — The New England Patriots are focused on the future following their 25-24 loss to the Indianapolis Colts . The Patriots (3-10) were officially eliminated from playoff contention with the loss Sunday, meaning that this week’s bye in many ways will begin the process of the coaching staff and front office evaluating the roster for 2025. The good news is that this group has shown plenty of grit this season, playing seven games that were decided by one score. The bad news is that the Patriots are just 2-5 in those games. Though New England’s bye comes late in the season, coach Jerod Mayo said the timing is perfect for a team that is feeling the effects of its shortcomings . “A much-needed bye week, not only physically for the players but also mentally, just being able to hit the reset button and come back, put some good games together and continue to build for the future,” Mayo said. “That has to be our goal.” Tight end Austin Hooper said the seed that needs to be planted over the final four games is finding a way to limit the mistakes — namely penalties and trouble finishing drives — that have hampered the offense throughout the season. “We’ve got to execute at a higher level. We can’t beat a team before you stop hurting yourself,” Hooper said. “It’s not for lack of effort, just things that happen out there that get you scars in this league.” This was the most balanced performance by the offense this season, with 222 passing yards and a season-high 200 yards rushing. It shows progress under new coordinator Alex Van Pelt, which is something to build on over the final four games. Red zone efficiency. It continues to be the most glaring deficiency for the Patriots’ offense. They were 2 of 6 on Sunday and rank 30th in the NFL, scoring a touchdown only 44.7% (17 of 38) of the time inside the 20-yard line. TE Hunter Henry. He finished with seven catches for 75 yards, which is his seventh game this season with five or more receptions. He leads the team this season with 58 catches for 610 yards and continues to be a dependable option for quarterback Drake May as he navigates his rookie season. K Joey Slye. He made 3 of his 5 field-goal attempts, including a 54-yarder in the second quarter. Most of the conversation following the game was about his NFL record-long 68-yard attempt that came up short as time expired. But because of the 1-point loss, he was lamenting the 25-yard attempt he missed wide left just before halftime. “I take full responsibility for this,” Slye said. “Every point for this team matters with how we play complementary football with offense, defense and special teams. So, whenever I am out there, I have got to score points.” Henry left the game in the first quarter after a helmet-to-helmet hit. He was able to return in the second quarter and finished the game. 7 — Number of penalties called on the Patriots, costing them 88 yards. Five penalties (four accepted) were called on the offensive line. That included one for holding on Mike Onwenu that nullified a touchdown run by Rhamondre Stevenson in the first quarter and forced New England to settle for a field goal. The Patriots have a bye this week. They visit the Arizona Cardinals on Dec. 15. AP NFL coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

The Government will block new incinerators if they do not help meet environmental objectives under rules unveiled on Monday. Developers will have to show that their project either helps reduce the amount of non-recyclable waste going to landfill, or replaces an older, less efficient incinerator. The move forms part of the Government’s drive to increase recycling rates, which have held at about 45% of household waste since 2015. Environment minister Mary Creagh said: “For far too long, the nation has seen its recycling rates stagnate and relied on burning household waste, rather than supporting communities to keep resources in use for longer. “That ends today, with clear conditions for new energy from waste plants – they must be efficient and support net zero and our economic growth mission, before they can get the backing needed to be built.” Developers will also have to ensure their incinerators are ready for carbon capture technology, and demonstrate how the heat they produce can be used to help cut heating bills for households. The Government expects that its “crackdown” on new incinerators will mean only a limited number are built, while still reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill and enabling the country to process the waste it produces. The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said the country was almost at the point where it had enough waste facilities to handle non-recyclable rubbish, and so had limited need for new incinerators. But the proposals stop short of the plans included in the Conservatives’ 2024 manifesto, which committed to a complete ban on new incinerators due to their “impact on local communities” and declining demand as recycling increased.WOONSOCKET, R.I. , Dec. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- CVS Health Corporation ("CVS Health" or the "Company," NYSE: CVS) announced today the applicable Reference Yields and Total Consideration (each as summarized in the tables below) to be paid in connection with the previously announced cash tender offer (the "Maximum Tender Offer" ) for the maximum principal amount of the following series of Maximum Tender Offer Notes (as defined below) for which the aggregate purchase price, not including Accrued Interest (as defined below), payable in respect of such Maximum Tender Offer Notes, does not exceed $1,774,423,242.62 (such maximum purchase price, the "Maximum Tender Offer Amount"): its 2.700% Senior Notes due 2040, the 3.875% Senior Notes due 2047 issued by its wholly-owned subsidiary Aetna Inc. ("Aetna"), its 4.250% Senior Notes due 2050, the 4.125% Senior Notes due 2042 issued by Aetna, its 4.125% Senior Notes due 2040, its 2.125% Senior Notes due 2031, its 1.875% Senior Notes due 2031, its 5.050% Senior Notes due 2048, the 4.500% Senior Notes due 2042 issued by Aetna and its 1.750% Senior Notes due 2030 (together, the "Maximum Tender Offer Notes"). The applicable Reference Yield for the Maximum Tender Offer Notes and the Total Consideration for the Maximum Tender Offer Notes are summarized in the table below: Maximum Tender Offer Notes : Title of Notes CUSIP Number Original Issuer Principal Amount Outstanding Maturity Date Acceptance Priority Level (1) UST Reference Security Bloomberg Reference Page Fixed Spread (bps) Early Tender Payment (2) Reference Yield (3) Total Consideration (2)(3) Approximate Proration Factor (4) 2.700% Senior Notes due 2040 126650DP2 CVS Health Corporation $1,250,000,000 8/21/2040 1 4.625% due 11/15/2044 FIT1 +110 bps $30 4.676 % $685.54 100 % 3.875% Senior Notes due 2047 00817YAZ1 Aetna Inc. $1,000,000,000 8/15/2047 2 4.625% due 11/15/2044 FIT1 +121 bps $30 4.676 % $750.06 100 % 4.250% Senior Notes due 2050 126650DL1 CVS Health Corporation $750,000,000 4/1/2050 3 4.250% due 8/15/2054 FIT1 +136 bps $30 4.611 % $776.80 100 % 4.125% Senior Notes due 2042 00817YAM0 Aetna Inc. $500,000,000 11/15/2042 4 4.625% due 11/15/2044 FIT1 +122 bps $30 4.676 % $805.69 100 % 4.125% Senior Notes due 2040 126650DK3 CVS Health Corporation $1,000,000,000 4/1/2040 5 4.625% due 11/15/2044 FIT1 +119 bps $30 4.676 % $825.77 57.5 % 2.125% Senior Notes due 2031 126650DR8 CVS Health Corporation $1,000,000,000 9/15/2031 6 4.250% due 11/15/2034 FIT1 +92 bps $30 N/A N/A 0 % 1.875% Senior Notes due 2031 126650DQ0 CVS Health Corporation $1,250,000,000 2/28/2031 7 4.250% due 11/15/2034 FIT1 +87 bps $30 N/A N/A 0 % 5.050% Senior Notes due 2048 126650CZ1 CVS Health Corporation $8,000,000,000 3/25/2048 8 4.250% due 8/15/2054 FIT1 +156 bps $30 N/A N/A 0 % 4.500% Senior Notes due 2042 00817YAJ7 Aetna Inc. $500,000,000 5/15/2042 9 4.625% due 11/15/2044 FIT1 +130 bps $30 N/A N/A 0 % 1.750% Senior Notes due 2030 126650DN7 CVS Health Corporation $1,250,000,000 8/21/2030 10 4.125% due 11/30/2029 FIT1 +106 bps $30 N/A N/A 0 % (1) Subject to each of the Maximum Tender Offer Amount and proration, the principal amount of each series of Maximum Tender Offer Notes that is purchased in the Maximum Tender Offer will be determined in accordance with the applicable acceptance priority level (in numerical priority order) specified in this column. (2) Per $1,000 principal amount of Maximum Tender Offer Notes validly tendered at or prior to the Early Tender Date (as defined below) and accepted for purchase. (3) Pricing information has only been provided for the Maximum Tender Offer Notes that are expected to be fully or partially accepted for tender. (4) The proration factor has been rounded to the nearest tenth of a percentage point for presentation purposes. The Maximum Tender Offer is being made upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase dated December 2, 2024 (as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, the "Offer to Purchase"), which sets forth a more detailed description of the Maximum Tender Offer. Copies of the Offer to Purchase are available at www.dfking.com/cvs . The Maximum Tender Offer is open to all registered holders (individually, a "Holder" and collectively, the "Holders") of the Maximum Tender Offer Notes. The Total Consideration payable by CVS Health for the Maximum Tender Offer Notes is a price per $1,000 principal amount calculated as described in the Offer to Purchase in a manner intended to result in a yield to maturity or first par call date, as the case may be, equal to the sum of the yield to maturity of the applicable U.S. Treasury reference security specified in the table above as determined at 10:00 a.m. , New York City time, on December 16, 2024 and the applicable fixed spread shown in the table above. Maximum Tender Offer Notes that were tendered and not validly withdrawn at or prior to 5:00 p.m. , New York City time, on December 13, 2024 (the "Early Tender Date") and that are accepted for purchase will receive the applicable Total Consideration, which includes the Early Tender Payment (as defined in the Offer to Purchase). Maximum Tender Offer Notes that are tendered after the Early Tender Date but at or prior to 5:00 p.m. , New York City time, on December 31, 2024 (the "Maximum Tender Offer Expiration Date") (unless earlier terminated by CVS Health as described in the Offer to Purchase) and that are not validly withdrawn and that are accepted for purchase will receive only the applicable Tender Offer Consideration (as defined in the Offer to Purchase), which is the applicable Total Consideration minus the Early Tender Payment. The Maximum Tender Offer Withdrawal Deadline of 5:00 p.m. , New York City time, on December 13, 2024 has passed and, accordingly, Maximum Tender Offer Notes validly tendered in the Maximum Tender Offer may no longer be withdrawn. The settlement date for the Maximum Tender Offer Notes validly tendered at or prior to the Early Tender Date and accepted for purchase is expected to be December 18, 2024 , the third business day after the Early Tender Date (the "Early Settlement Date"). Although the Maximum Tender Offers is scheduled to expire at 5:00 p.m. , New York City time, on December 31, 2024 , unless extended or terminated, because the aggregate purchase price of Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) prior to the Early Tender Date exceeded the Maximum Tender Offer Amount, there is not expected to be a Final Settlement Date (as defined in the Offer to Purchase), and no Notes tendered after the Early Tender Date are expected to be accepted for purchase. In addition to the Total Consideration for the Maximum Tender Offer Notes, Holders of the Maximum Tender Offer Notes accepted for purchase on the Early Settlement Date will receive accrued and unpaid interest ("Accrued Interest") on those Maximum Tender Offer Notes from the last interest payment date with respect to those Maximum Tender Offer Notes to, but not including, the Early Settlement Date. CVS Health expressly reserves the right, in its sole discretion, subject to applicable law, to amend, extend or terminate the Maximum Tender Offer with respect to any or all series of Maximum Tender Offer Notes at any time if any condition to the Maximum Tender Offer is not satisfied. The Maximum Tender Offer is not conditioned on any minimum principal amount of Maximum Tender Offer Notes being tendered but the Maximum Tender Offer is subject to certain other general conditions as described in the Offer to Purchase. CVS Health has retained Barclays Capital Inc. and Mizuho Securities USA LLC to act as Dealer Managers for the Maximum Tender Offer. D.F. King & Co., Inc. has been retained to act as the Tender and Information Agent for the Maximum Tender Offer. The Offer to Purchase may be accessed at the following link: http://www.dfking.com/cvs . Requests for assistance relating to the procedures for tendering Maximum Tender Notes may be directed to the Tender and Information Agent either by email at cvs@dfking.com , or by phone (212) 269-5550 (for banks and brokers only) or (800) 487-4870 (for all others toll free). Requests for assistance relating to the terms and conditions of the Maximum Tender Offer may be directed to Barclays Capital Inc. at (800) 438-3242 (toll free) or (212) 528-7581 (collect) or Mizuho Securities USA LLC at (866) 271-7403 (toll-free) or (212) 205-7741. Beneficial owners may also contact their broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee for assistance. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or purchase, or a solicitation of an offer to sell or purchase, or the solicitation of tenders with respect to, any securities, including the Maximum Tender Offer Notes. No offer, solicitation, purchase or sale will be made in any jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful. The Maximum Tender Offer is being made solely pursuant to the Offer to Purchase made available to Holders of the Maximum Tender Offer Notes. None of CVS Health, the Dealer Managers, Tender and Information Agent or the trustees with respect to the Maximum Tender Offer Notes, or any of their respective affiliates, is making any recommendation as to whether or not Holders should tender or refrain from tendering all or any portion of their Maximum Tender Offer Notes in response to the Maximum Tender Offer. Holders are urged to evaluate carefully all information in the Offer to Purchase, consult their own investment and tax advisers and make their own decisions whether to tender Maximum Tender Offer Notes in the Maximum Tender Offer, and, if so, the principal amount of Maximum Tender Offer Notes to tender. About CVS Health CVS Health is a leading health solutions company building a world of health around every consumer it serves and connecting care so that it works for people wherever they are. As of September 30, 2024 , the Company had more than 9,000 retail locations, more than 900 walk-in medical clinics, more than 225 primary care medical clinics, a leading pharmacy benefits manager with approximately 90 million plan members and expanding specialty pharmacy solutions, and a dedicated senior pharmacy care business serving more than 800,000 patients per year. The Company also serves an estimated more than 36 million people through traditional, voluntary and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including expanding Medicare Advantage offerings and a leading standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. The Company is creating new sources of value through its integrated model allowing it to expand into personalized, technology driven care delivery and health services, increasing access to quality care, delivering better health outcomes and lowering overall health care costs. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of CVS Health. By their nature, all forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or results and are subject to risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and/or quantify. Actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements due to the risks and uncertainties described in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section and under the heading "Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements" in our most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarterly periods ended March 31, 2024 , June 30, 2024 and September 30, 2024 and our Current Reports on Form 8-K. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on CVS Health's forward-looking statements. CVS Health's forward-looking statements are and will be based upon management's then-current views and assumptions regarding future events and operating performance, and are applicable only as of the dates of such statements. CVS Health does not assume any duty to update or revise forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, uncertainties or otherwise. Investor Larry McGrath Media Ethan Slavin Contact: Executive Vice President Contact: 860-273-6095 Chief Strategy Officer & Chief Strategic Advisor to the CEO investorinfo@cvshealth.com Ethan.Slavin@CVSHealth.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cvs-health-corporation-announces-pricing-of-maximum-tender-offer-302333016.html SOURCE CVS Health Stay Informed: Subscribe to Our Newsletter Today

By ALANNA DURKIN RICHER WASHINGTON (AP) — One year after the Jan. 6, 2021 , U.S. Capitol attack, Attorney General Merrick Garland said the Justice Department was committed to holding accountable all perpetrators “at any level” for “the assault on our democracy.” That bold declaration won’t apply to at least one person: Donald Trump. Special counsel Jack Smith’s move on Monday to abandon the federal election interference case against Trump means jurors will likely never decide whether the president-elect is criminally responsible for his attempts to cling to power after losing the 2020 campaign. The decision to walk away from the election charges and the separate classified documents case against Trump marks an abrupt end of the Justice Department’s unprecedented legal effort that once threatened his liberty but appears only to have galvanized his supporters. The abandonment of the cases accusing Trump of endangering American democracy and national security does away with the most serious legal threats he was facing as he returns to the White House. It was the culmination of a monthslong defense effort to delay the proceedings at every step and use the criminal allegations to Trump’s political advantage, putting the final word in the hands of voters instead of jurors. “We always knew that the rich and powerful had an advantage, but I don’t think we would have ever believed that somebody could walk away from everything,” said Stephen Saltzburg, a George Washington University law professor and former Justice Department official. “If there ever was a Teflon defendant, that’s Donald Trump.” While prosecutors left the door open to the possibility that federal charges could be re-filed against Trump after he leaves office, that seems unlikely. Meanwhile, Trump’s presidential victory has thrown into question the future of the two state criminal cases against him in New York and Georgia. Trump was supposed to be sentenced on Tuesday after his conviction on 34 felony counts in his New York hush money case , but it’s possible the sentencing could be delayed until after Trump leaves office, and the defense is pushing to dismiss the case altogether. Smith’s team stressed that their decision to abandon the federal cases was not a reflection of the merit of the charges, but an acknowledgement that they could not move forward under longstanding Justice Department policy that says sitting presidents cannot face criminal prosecution. Trump’s presidential victory set “at odds two fundamental and compelling national interests: On the one hand, the Constitution’s requirement that the President must not be unduly encumbered in fulfilling his weighty responsibilities . . . and on the other hand, the Nation’s commitment to the rule of law,” prosecutors wrote in court papers. The move just weeks after Trump’s victory over Vice President Kamala Harris underscores the immense personal stake Trump had in the campaign in which he turned his legal woes into a political rallying cry. Trump accused prosecutors of bringing the charges in a bid to keep him out of the White House, and he promised revenge on his perceived enemies if he won a second term. “If Donald J. Trump had lost an election, he may very well have spent the rest of his life in prison,” Vice President-elect JD Vance, wrote in a social media post on Monday. “These prosecutions were always political. Now it’s time to ensure what happened to President Trump never happens in this country again.” After the Jan. 6 attack by Trump supporters that left more than 100 police officers injured, Republican leader Mitch McConnell and several other Republicans who voted to acquit Trump during his Senate impeachment trial said it was up to the justice system to hold Trump accountable. The Jan. 6 case brought last year in Washington alleged an increasingly desperate criminal conspiracy to subvert the will of voters after Trump’s 2020 loss, accusing Trump of using the angry mob of supporters that attacked the Capitol as “a tool” in his campaign to pressure then-Vice President Mike Pence and obstruct the certification of Democrat Joe Biden’s victory. Hundreds of Jan. 6 rioters — many of whom have said they felt called to Washington by Trump — have pleaded guilty or been convicted by juries of federal charges at the same courthouse where Trump was supposed to stand trial last year. As the trial date neared, officials at the courthouse that sits within view of the Capitol were busy making plans for the crush of reporters expected to cover the historic case. But Trump’s argument that he enjoyed absolute immunity from prosecution quickly tied up the case in appeals all the way up to the Supreme Court. The high court ruled in July that former presidents have broad immunity from prosecution , and sent the case back to the trial court to decide which allegations could move forward. But the case was dismissed before the trial court could get a chance to do so. Related Articles National Politics | After delay, Trump signs agreement with Biden White House to begin formal transition handoff National Politics | Rudy Giuliani in a courtroom outburst accuses judge in assets case of being unfair, drawing a rebuke National Politics | Surveillance tech advances by Biden could aid in Trump’s promised crackdown on immigration National Politics | Expecting challenges, blue states vow to create ‘firewall’ of abortion protections National Politics | Washington power has shifted. Here’s how the ACA may shift, too The other indictment brought in Florida accused Trump of improperly storing at his Mar-a-Lago estate sensitive documents on nuclear capabilities, enlisting aides and lawyers to help him hide records demanded by investigators and cavalierly showing off a Pentagon “plan of attack” and classified map. But U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed the case in July on grounds that Smith was illegally appointed . Smith appealed to the Atlanta-based 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, but abandoned that appeal on Monday. Smith’s team said it would continue its fight in the appeals court to revive charges against Trump’s two co-defendants because “no principle of temporary immunity applies to them.” In New York, jurors spent weeks last spring hearing evidence in a state case alleging a Trump scheme to illegally influence the 2016 election through a hush money payment to a porn actor who said the two had sex. New York prosecutors recently expressed openness to delaying sentencing until after Trump’s second term, while Trump’s lawyers are fighting to have the conviction dismissed altogether. In Georgia, a trial while Trump is in office seems unlikely in a state case charging him and more than a dozen others with conspiring to overturn his 2020 election loss in the state. The case has been on hold since an appeals court agreed to review whether to remove Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis over her romantic relationship with the special prosecutor she had hired to lead the case. Associated Press reporter Lisa Mascaro in Washington contributed.QND symbolises national unity, wise leadership of modern state

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1. A seasonal winter tree doormat to give your holiday guests a merry welcome. Promising review: "Great sturdy doormat, perfect for winter." — Walmart Customer Price: $16.47 2. A set of two snowflake pillow covers for those dreaming of a snowy holiday but prefer to snuggle on the couch indoors. Promising review: "Very nicely made. Sewn well. Quality fabric...good weight, NOT flimsy, thin or cheap looking. Unbeatable price. AND they arrived less than 24hrs after placing the order. These are the perfect 'finishing touch' to my sofa/loveseat throw pillow collection for Christmas. Wouldn't hesitate to buy them again." — KarenO Price: $10.99 (originally $39.99; available in four colors) 3. A curtain of LED fairy lights that will add some sparkle to your window treatments. There's also no rule that these are just for the holidays, either. Promising review: “I LOVE THESE LIGHTS! When I put these up in my garage for a function, I had my own party with those blinkers!” — MsGee Price: $22.99 (available in two sizes and three colors) 4. A versatile 9-foot garland to place on your doorway or across your mantelpiece. The possibilities are endless, but there's one thing for sure: it'll add a festive touch to your home. Price: $42.74 (originally $56.99) 5. A ceramic tabletop tree so you can add a festive ~pop~ to your tabletop. Promising review: " Beautiful ceramic Christmas tree for a family tradition and to keep for family as the years go by. Really impressed by its quality." — Misty Price: $34.99 (originally $85.99, available in five colors) 6. A pre-lit Christmas tree with snowy branches if your type of holiday decorating includes having most of the work done for you. Just add ornaments and a tree topper, and you'll be golden. Promising review: "This is the tree you have been looking for. If you want a great quality, full Christmas tree- here it is! The lights are the perfect warm white too. Some fluff comes off during assembly but the needles stay put. Easy to assemble; just be prepared to fluff." — BWilliams Price: $64.59+ (originally $121.99+; available in five sizes) 7. A set of eight ornaments made from shatterproof plastic so you don't have to worry about them breaking if a human or pet child gets a hold of them. Promising review: "I missed out on these around the holidays because they were out of stock. I have waited months for them to become available and am so glad I did! They are the perfect size for my 6' Christmas tree and the difference in textures/finishes adds an elegant touch. Well worth it.” — Rhonda Price: $11.50+ (originally $14.97+; available in 23 colors) 8. A festive gnome measuring cup set for sprinkling some *extra* magic into your holiday baking. Price: $10.65 9. A pre-lit artificial wreath that adds a festive touch to your front door. Not only does it look super realistic, but it has extra long-life batteries, so the glow will last throughout the holiday season and beyond. Price: $24.98 10. A set of four pint glasses so you can sip your favorite holiday beverage of choice in a festive fashion. They'll also make sure no one is mixing up their drinks! Promising review: "I purchased it as a gift, but they are so gorgeous, I decided to keep! I'm definitely buying more! Great quality, size, design and weight. Perfect as a gift and for your own holiday collection!" — CHERRY Price: $12.98 (originally $14.98) 11. A set of 10 candy cane pathway lights that will guide guests to your front door and send them on a whimsical holiday journey that wouldn't look out of place in a scene in Elf . Promising review: "Gorgeous! Great pop of color." — Courtney Price: $39.99+ for 10 lights (originally $44.99+; available in three styles) 12. A set of six stockings for Santa to leave your gifts in. No matter how old you get, it's still so exciting to run downstairs on Christmas morning to see if he has been. Promising review: "I can't stand a thin stocking that stretches and loses its shape. These are nice and thick, well made and they look great! They stretch enough to be stuffed but don't lose their shape!" — Yvette Price: $22.99+ (originally $49.99; available in nine color combos) 13. A golden serving set so you can serve up your meal with even more joy. This set comes with everything you need to dish up Christmas dinner. Price: $26.98+ (available in three set sizes) 14. A drink cup to bring a dose of Dolly Parton into your holiday soiree. Use it to sip a festive drink while you have your annual Hallmark marathon. Price: $6.98 15. A fun throw pillow because, after all, 'tis the season to be jolly. Promising review: "Very well made. A nice addition to my holiday throw pillows." — Barbara Price: $24.49 16. A gold star-shaped tree topper that'll be the perfect, shimmering finishing touch to your Christmas tree. Promising review: "This is a great star! The size is bigger than I expected but it's perfect, even on my slim tree. The twinkling light options are fun!" — Momof4 Price: $17.98 (also available in silver) 17. A glass cone-shaped tabletop ornament for adding a subtle festive finish to your dining table or coffee table. Promising review: "Beautiful glass tree, love that it has gold and clear etched parts of ribbon pattern. Will be pretty with gold or silver Christmas themes and will go with any color scheme." — Sandy Price: $14.98+ (available in two sizes) 18. A festive wall print to remind everyone that, you build the best snowmen and they better not forget it. Price: $14.88 19. A set of two plush gnomes so you can give your home a rustic-chic Scandinavian vibe this winter. Promising review: "They are so cute. Great addition to my Christmas decorations." — Donna Price: $11.99 (originally $24.99) 20. A 6-foot Santa perfect for those who want to impress their neighbors with their Danny DeVito in "Deck the Halls" level of commitment to holiday decor. Promising review: "Love it. Looks great in front yard!" — evelyn Price: $36.99 (originally $69.99) 21. A plaid Sherpa throw blanket so you can beat the chill in style. It's designed with classic Christmas colors, making it perfect for the season. Promising review: "Such a great blanket! It is incredibly soft and so fluffy. It's perfect for my couch at Christmas time!" — Becky07 Price: $16.99+ (originally $35; available in five colors) 22. A wooden Christmas sign to bring a farmhouse vibe to your holiday decor. Promising review: "This is so beautiful! Great quality and very festive." — Nina Price: $11.99 23. A sweet light-up Christmas village that looks like it belongs in a winter postcard scene. Pro mising review: "This is absolutely adorable. Perfect larger size.. And the detail work on the houses is awesome! I'm so glad I decided to buy it and it will go perfectly with the other houses I bought last year. Love the fact that they light up! A lovely addition to my Christmas Village." — Lee Price: $25.96 24. A Christmas bedding set because festive bedding is a must at this time of year. This cute set comes with a quilt cover and two pillow shams. Promising review: "Bought for my daughter as a surprise during the Christmas season. She loved it! Price is great! Looking forward to buying more from this brand. It's an easy refresh for the bedroom." — elisa Price: $25.07+ (originally $46.99; available in sizes twin–king and 20 colors) 25. A printed table runner to elevate your festive tablescape in the chicest of ways. Promising review : "This table runner is perfect for the holidays. I have it paired with a black and white buffalo checked table cloth. I get so many compliments. Also, the shipping was fast and the quality is great." — Kristi Price: $8.99+ (originally $15.99; available in various patterns, sizes, and with or without placemats) Need ingredients for all your new recipes? Shop each recipe directly through the app, or check out Walmart’s grocery selection to get veggies, meat, seafood, and more delivered right to your door. Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.Listed Lorenzo Shipping Corp. (LSC) said that majority owner National Marine Corp. was infusing addi-tional capital of P270 million to help settle existing liabilities and for other general corporate purposes. The company told the stock exchange that its board on Thursday approved the issuance of some 270 million common shares of LSC at its par value of P1.00 per share in favor of National Marine. “The additional capital infusion will be used for the settlement of the existing liabilities of the company and other general corporate purposes,” Lorenzo Shipping said. As of end-September 2024, National Marine held 49.765 percent of the company while its public float stood at 43.869 percent. Following the transaction, public ownership will fall to 21.35 percent of the outstanding capital of the compa-ny, Lorenzo Shipping said. In the first nine months of 2024, the company recorded a net loss of P290.36 million, reversing from the P109.30-million net income booked in the same period last year as revenues dropped by nearly 27 percent to P1.86 billion from P2.54 billion. The revenue drop was attributed to a 26.22-percent year-on-year decline in twenty-foot equivalent units car-ried during the nine months to September. “The decrease was due to fewer voyages attributable to a slowdown in domestic consumption coupled with necessary maintenance and repairs for several vessels,” LSC said in its third quarterly report filed last month. The company’s total liabilities rose 4 percent to P2.73 billion as of end-September 2024 from P2.63 billion as of end-Dec. 2023. Lorenzo Shipping shares last traded on Thursday at P0.96 each. Source: Manila Times

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Grand Rapids Designer Andy Yates Featured in Business Insider for His Critique of 2024 Home Design Trends

Expert shines light on Carlin Tunnel illumination systemTimberwolves guard rumored to be on trade block bluntly addresses rumblings | Sporting NewsSpecial counsel Jack Smith’s move Monday to drop charges against Donald Trump now that he is heading back to the White House overjoyed Republicans, who took a victory lap on social media. The commentary from MAGA world ranged from gloating to calls to prosecute Smith, who hauled Trump into court for his attempts to subvert the 2020 election . “Huge win for America, President Trump, and the fight against the weaponization of the justice system,” House Speaker Mike Johnson told social media followers on X. “This was ALWAYS about politics and not the law,” he added. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) viewed Smith’s legal move as a win for the American people. “Confirming what was obvious all along: this ‘prosecution’ was nothing more than election interference to keep Trump off the 2024 ballot. The left failed. The people won,” Hawley wrote on social media. ALSO READ: The America-attacking Trump is coming for our military — and then he's coming for us Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) wrote that Jack Smith's case was "always political lawfare." "Just like Joe and Mika calling Trump 'Hitler' and a 'Nazi' for years and then after he wins the election, they go running over to Maralago (sic) trying to find a path to keep their dying show alive. Democrat voters have been brainwashed and gaslighted for years, trained to hate and fear Trump, all so they will donate and vote for Democrats to keep power, not for anything good for Americans. It’s all unraveling now," wrote Greene on X. Trump himself took to Truth Social on Monday to air his grievances with the criminal cases against him in a lengthy post. “These cases, like all of the other cases I have been forced to go through, are empty and lawless, and should never have been brought,” Trump wrote. “Over $100 Million Dollars of Taxpayer Dollars has been wasted in the Democrat Party’s fight against their Political Opponent, ME. Nothing like this has ever happened in our Country before.” But not all Republicans were thrilled, with at least one former lawmaker expressing his displeasure. “Yes, I’m disappointed in Merrick Garland , Jack Smith , & SCOTUS,” former Rep. Joe Walsh (R-IL) wrote on X. “But mostly I’m disappointed in the 76 million Americans who said ‘no big deal’ and voted for a candidate who, just 4yrs ago, lost an election, refused to concede, and then actually committed crimes trying to overthrow that election. The fact that 76 million Americans didn’t find THAT disqualifying will always be my biggest disappointment.”Ford gov’t passes law to remove Ontario bike lanes, frustrate future installations

Trump’s pick for top Hill liaison brings strong conservative ties to a difficult roleOTTAWA, Ontario (AP) — Notre Dame forward Danny Nelson scored twice, Western Michigan’s Hampton Slukynsky made 25 saves and the defending champion United States beat Latvia 5-1 on Saturday in the world junior hockey championship. The United States improved to 2-0 in Group A play, while Latvia dropped to 1-1 a day after stunning Canada with a 3-2 victory in a shootout. “We saw some growth in our game today,” coach David Carle of Denver said. ”“Was it perfect? No. A lot of compliments to Latvia and how hard they played. We had to earn every inch of ice we got and that will help us as we move forward in the tournament.” Boston College’s Ryan Leonard, Denver’s Zeev Buium and Minnesota Duluth’s Max Plante also scored for the Americans. They will be back in action Sunday at Canadian Tire Centre against Finland, then close group play Tuesday night against Canada. Davids Livsics scored for Latvia. Linards Feldbergs stopped 36 shots after making 55 saves against Canada and stopping all eight attempts in the shootout. In the only other game of the day, Czechia beat Kazakhstan 14-2 at TD Place. Czechia and Sweden are both 2-0 in Group B. Matej Mastalirsky, Vojtech Hradec and Jakub Stancl had hat tricks, with Hradec and Stancl also each assisting on two goals. ___ AP sports: https://apnews.com/sports

Putin orders mass production of hypersonic Oreshnik missilesIconic 60s band announces history-making anniversary residency at epic venueTaiwan seeks to strengthen cooperation with Europe through foreign minister’s trip

China Media Group (CMG) on Saturday released the top 10 military news stories from China and the world in 2024. Here is the roundup: Top 10 China military news: 1. Third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee stresses deepening national defense, military reform The 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) held its third plenary session from July 15 to 18 with a communique issued . On national defense, the communique urged maintaining the Party's absolute leadership over the people's armed forces and fully implementing the strategy of strengthening the military through reform to provide a strong guarantee for realizing the goals for the centenary of the People's Liberation Army in 2027 and achieving basic modernization of national defense and the armed forces. 2. Xi stresses enhancing political loyalty in the military Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the armed forces' political loyalty as a crucial meeting on the political work in the military was held in Yan'an, an old revolutionary base in northwest China's Shaanxi Province. Xi, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), demanded efforts to ensure a solid political guarantee for building a strong military as he addressed the CMC Political Work Conference, held from June 17 to 19. Xi highlighted key work to enhance political loyalty in the military, urging efforts to arm the military with the Party's new theories and improve the leadership of Party organizations, as well as their capabilities of organization and implementation. 3. Book of Xi's discourses on law-based governance of military published A compilation of discourses by Xi on governing the military in accordance with the law was published. The discourses were excerpted from speeches and written works by Xi between November 2012 and June 2024. The CMC urged military officers and soldiers at all levels to thoroughly study the book and especially required senior officers to play an exemplary role in respecting, learning about, observing and applying laws. 4. PLA sets up information support force The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) set up an information support force on April 19. Speaking at the establishment ceremony , Xi stressed solid efforts to build a strong and modernized information support force. Xi stressed that the information support force is a new, strategic branch of the military and a key pillar in coordinating the construction and application of the network information system. It will play a crucial role in advancing the Chinese military's high-quality development and competitiveness in modern warfare, he added. 5. PLA launches intercontinental ballistic missile in Pacific Ocean The Chinese PLA Rocket Force launched an intercontinental ballistic missile carrying a dummy warhead into the high seas in the Pacific Ocean on September 25. The missile fell into expected sea areas, said the Ministry of National Defense, adding that this was a routine arrangement in the annual training plan and relevant countries had been notified in advance. 6. PLA conducts joint military drills surrounding Taiwan island The Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese PLA has organized its troops of army, navy, air force and rocket force to conduct "Joint Sword-2024A" and "Joint Sword-2024B" drills in the Taiwan Straits and the north, south and east of the island of Taiwan. The drills involve vessels and planes closing in on the island from multiple directions and assaults by joint forces. The drills are a powerful deterrent to the separatist activities of "Taiwan independence" elements and are legitimate and necessary actions to safeguard national sovereignty and national unity, said Li Xi, spokesperson for the theater command. 7. China releases baselines of territorial sea adjacent to Huangyan Dao The Chinese government delimited and announced the baselines of the territorial sea adjacent to Huangyan Dao, which is a natural step to lawfully strengthen marine management and is consistent with international law and common practices, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on November 10. The ministry said that Huangyan Dao has always been China's territory. In accordance with international law, such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the Law of the People's Republic of China on the Territorial Sea and the Contiguous Zone, the Chinese government delimited and announced the baselines of the territorial sea adjacent to Huangyan Dao. The Chinese PLA Southern Theater Command on November 28 conducted combat readiness patrols in the surrounding areas and the airspace over the territorial waters of Huangyan Dao. 8. China makes leap-forward progress in building aircraft carriers In 2024, all three aircraft carriers of the Chinese PLA Navy – Shandong, Liaoning and Fujian – made tremendous achievements. Since entering active service, the Shandong has been rapidly integrated into joint operations and long-range maritime combat systems, with the carrier strike group's operational capabilities steadily advancing. In October 2024, the formations of aircraft carriers Liaoning and Shandong carried out a dual-carrier formation exercise for the first time in the South China Sea. During the drill, J-15 fighters flew in a wedge formation over the two-carrier groups. The Fujian completed its first sea trials in May 2024, with further trials planned as construction continues. 9. China issues regulations for settlement of veterans China's State Council and the Central Military Commission issued a set of regulations for the settlement of veterans, aiming to better protect their rights and interests. The document, which took effect on September 1, outlines the settlement procedure for veterans and clarifies that the location for veterans' settlement should be determined according to their needs for work and the locations of their families, with their contributions during their period of military service taken into consideration. 10. New arms, equipment make debut at Airshow China The 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, also known as Airshow China , was held in Zhuhai from November 12 to 17. Some star products at the event this year include the J-35A stealth fighter jet, the J-15T fighter jet and the HQ-19 surface-to-air missile weapon system. The cargo hold of the Y-20 aircraft and the Chang'e-6 mission lunar samples, collected from the far side of the moon, were displayed to the public. Top 10 world military news: 1. New round of Palestinian-Israeli conflict continues with more parties involved In 2024, the Middle East once again finds itself at the epicenter of global turbulence. Escalating tensions in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and Sudan, coupled with the ongoing Red Sea crisis, have severely impacted regional and global security. These challenges have also heightened the desire for peace among the people of the region. 2. Russia-Ukraine conflict drags on with increasing tensions On August 6, 2024, Ukraine launched an attack on Russia's Kursk Oblast. In November, the U.S., the UK and France authorized Ukraine to use long-range weapons to strike targets inside Russia. Russia then updated the Fundamentals of State Policy of the Russian Federation on Nuclear Deterrence, lowered the conditions for the use of nuclear weapons, and used the Oreshnik medium-range hypersonic ballistic missile to strike targets in Ukraine. Read more: Expert: Russia-Ukraine conflict edges closer to a nuclear stage 3. NATO holds largest military drills in decades The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in January kicked off "Exercise Steadfast Defender 2024," its largest military drills in decades. According to NATO, the drills took place in several locations, with associated exercises running until May 31. "It will show that NATO can conduct and sustain complex multi-domain operations over several months, across thousands of kilometers, from the High North to Central and Eastern Europe, and in any conditions." 4. U.S., Canada, Australia and the Philippines hold joint exercise in South China Sea The Philippines, Canada, the United States and Australia held their first joint military exercise in August in the South China Sea. 5. Sweden officially joins NATO Sweden had its national flag rise at the headquarters of NATO in Brussels, marking its position as the military alliance's 32nd member. Read more: Hungary ratifies Sweden's NATO bid in historic move 6. Japan adopts new security strategy The Japanese government has approved three updated documents on its security and defense policies, vowing to acquire the military power to actively attack its enemy and largely increase its military expenditure for the next five years. A cabinet meeting has updated the nation's key security documents, including the new National Security Strategy, or the top-level strategy document of Japan's national security, which was revised for the first time since it was issued in 2013. Read more: Japan's new security strategy eclipses pacifism, raises concern 7. Rising tensions on Korean Peninsula The current situation on the Korean Peninsula remains tense with growing antagonism and confrontation, with increasing risks of bloc confrontation. Read more: China opposes acts that exacerbate Korean Peninsula tensions 8. Several countries accelerate development of unmanned combat forces In February 2024, the U.S. Air Force announced plans to establish an unmanned wingman fleet. In May, Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces was established. In September, the U.S. Navy conducted a mixed fleet experiment to test the integrated combat capabilities of unmanned platforms and manned ships in various combat domains. In December, Russia announced that it would establish an unmanned system force. An unmanned combat system is highly deployable and can be equipped with intelligent modules to improve combat effectiveness. It is expected to have a profound impact on future warfare patterns. 9. U.S. launches 'Joint Warfare' concept to prepare for intelligent warfare On January 29, 2024, the U.S. military established the "Joint Warfare" concept in the form of a strategic guidance document to guide the development of intelligent warfare capabilities. In February, the Coalition Joint All-Domain Command and Control system, a key project of the concept, achieved initial operational capability. The U.S. established an artificial intelligence task force in the same month. 10. EU presents first-ever defense industrial strategy In March, the European Union (EU) presented its "first-ever" European Defense Industrial Strategy at the EU level in response to security concerns. "To increase European defence industrial readiness, Member States need to invest more, better, together, and European," said the European Commission (EC) in a press release, adding that the strategy presented by the Commission "sets a clear, long-term vision to achieve defense industrial readiness in the EU." The EC said that the program will mobilize 1.5 billion euros (about $1.63 billion) of the EU budget over the period 2025-2027 to continue enhancing the competitiveness of the European Defense Technological and Industrial Base.Jimmy Carter: Many evolutions for a centenarian ‘citizen of the world’

By BILL BARROW, Associated Press PLAINS, Ga. (AP) — Newly married and sworn as a Naval officer, Jimmy Carter left his tiny hometown in 1946 hoping to climb the ranks and see the world. Less than a decade later, the death of his father and namesake, a merchant farmer and local politician who went by “Mr. Earl,” prompted the submariner and his wife, Rosalynn, to return to the rural life of Plains, Georgia, they thought they’d escaped. The lieutenant never would be an admiral. Instead, he became commander in chief. Years after his presidency ended in humbling defeat, he would add a Nobel Peace Prize, awarded not for his White House accomplishments but “for his decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.” The life of James Earl Carter Jr., the 39th and longest-lived U.S. president, ended Sunday at the age of 100 where it began: Plains, the town of 600 that fueled his political rise, welcomed him after his fall and sustained him during 40 years of service that redefined what it means to be a former president. With the stubborn confidence of an engineer and an optimism rooted in his Baptist faith, Carter described his motivations in politics and beyond in the same way: an almost missionary zeal to solve problems and improve lives. Carter was raised amid racism, abject poverty and hard rural living — realities that shaped both his deliberate politics and emphasis on human rights. “He always felt a responsibility to help people,” said Jill Stuckey, a longtime friend of Carter’s in Plains. “And when he couldn’t make change wherever he was, he decided he had to go higher.” Defying expectations Carter’s path, a mix of happenstance and calculation , pitted moral imperatives against political pragmatism; and it defied typical labels of American politics, especially caricatures of one-term presidents as failures. “We shouldn’t judge presidents by how popular they are in their day. That’s a very narrow way of assessing them,” Carter biographer Jonathan Alter told the Associated Press. “We should judge them by how they changed the country and the world for the better. On that score, Jimmy Carter is not in the first rank of American presidents, but he stands up quite well.” Later in life, Carter conceded that many Americans, even those too young to remember his tenure, judged him ineffective for failing to contain inflation or interest rates, end the energy crisis or quickly bring home American hostages in Iran. He gained admirers instead for his work at The Carter Center — advocating globally for public health, human rights and democracy since 1982 — and the decades he and Rosalynn wore hardhats and swung hammers with Habitat for Humanity. Yet the common view that he was better after the Oval Office than in it annoyed Carter, and his allies relished him living long enough to see historians reassess his presidency. “He doesn’t quite fit in today’s terms” of a left-right, red-blue scoreboard, said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who visited the former president multiple times during his own White House bid. At various points in his political career, Carter labeled himself “progressive” or “conservative” — sometimes both at once. His most ambitious health care bill failed — perhaps one of his biggest legislative disappointments — because it didn’t go far enough to suit liberals. Republicans, especially after his 1980 defeat, cast him as a left-wing cartoon. It would be easiest to classify Carter as a centrist, Buttigieg said, “but there’s also something radical about the depth of his commitment to looking after those who are left out of society and out of the economy.” ‘Country come to town’ Indeed, Carter’s legacy is stitched with complexities, contradictions and evolutions — personal and political. The self-styled peacemaker was a war-trained Naval Academy graduate who promised Democratic challenger Ted Kennedy that he’d “kick his ass.” But he campaigned with a call to treat everyone with “respect and compassion and with love.” Carter vowed to restore America’s virtue after the shame of Vietnam and Watergate, and his technocratic, good-government approach didn’t suit Republicans who tagged government itself as the problem. It also sometimes put Carter at odds with fellow Democrats. The result still was a notable legislative record, with wins on the environment, education, and mental health care. He dramatically expanded federally protected lands, began deregulating air travel, railroads and trucking, and he put human rights at the center of U.S. foreign policy. As a fiscal hawk, Carter added a relative pittance to the national debt, unlike successors from both parties. Carter nonetheless struggled to make his achievements resonate with the electorate he charmed in 1976. Quoting Bob Dylan and grinning enthusiastically, he had promised voters he would “never tell a lie.” Once in Washington, though, he led like a joyless engineer, insisting his ideas would become reality and he’d be rewarded politically if only he could convince enough people with facts and logic. This served him well at Camp David, where he brokered peace between Israel’s Menachem Begin and Epypt’s Anwar Sadat, an experience that later sparked the idea of The Carter Center in Atlanta. Carter’s tenacity helped the center grow to a global force that monitored elections across five continents, enabled his freelance diplomacy and sent public health experts across the developing world. The center’s wins were personal for Carter, who hoped to outlive the last Guinea worm parasite, and nearly did. As president, though, the approach fell short when he urged consumers beleaguered by energy costs to turn down their thermostats. Or when he tried to be the nation’s cheerleader, beseeching Americans to overcome a collective “crisis of confidence.” Republican Ronald Reagan exploited Carter’s lecturing tone with a belittling quip in their lone 1980 debate. “There you go again,” the former Hollywood actor said in response to a wonky answer from the sitting president. “The Great Communicator” outpaced Carter in all but six states. Carter later suggested he “tried to do too much, too soon” and mused that he was incompatible with Washington culture: media figures, lobbyists and Georgetown social elites who looked down on the Georgians and their inner circle as “country come to town.” A ‘leader of conscience’ on race and class Carter carefully navigated divides on race and class on his way to the Oval Office. Born Oct. 1, 1924 , Carter was raised in the mostly Black community of Archery, just outside Plains, by a progressive mother and white supremacist father. Their home had no running water or electricity but the future president still grew up with the relative advantages of a locally prominent, land-owning family in a system of Jim Crow segregation. He wrote of President Franklin Roosevelt’s towering presence and his family’s Democratic Party roots, but his father soured on FDR, and Jimmy Carter never campaigned or governed as a New Deal liberal. He offered himself as a small-town peanut farmer with an understated style, carrying his own luggage, bunking with supporters during his first presidential campaign and always using his nickname. And he began his political career in a whites-only Democratic Party. As private citizens, he and Rosalynn supported integration as early as the 1950s and believed it inevitable. Carter refused to join the White Citizens Council in Plains and spoke out in his Baptist church against denying Black people access to worship services. “This is not my house; this is not your house,” he said in a churchwide meeting, reminding fellow parishioners their sanctuary belonged to God. Yet as the appointed chairman of Sumter County schools he never pushed to desegregate, thinking it impractical after the Supreme Court’s 1954 Brown v. Board decision. And while presidential candidate Carter would hail the 1965 Voting Rights Act, signed by fellow Democrat Lyndon Johnson when Carter was a state senator, there is no record of Carter publicly supporting it at the time. Carter overcame a ballot-stuffing opponent to win his legislative seat, then lost the 1966 governor’s race to an arch-segregationist. He won four years later by avoiding explicit mentions of race and campaigning to the right of his rival, who he mocked as “Cufflinks Carl” — the insult of an ascendant politician who never saw himself as part the establishment. Carter’s rural and small-town coalition in 1970 would match any victorious Republican electoral map in 2024. Once elected, though, Carter shocked his white conservative supporters — and landed on the cover of Time magazine — by declaring that “the time for racial discrimination is over.” Before making the jump to Washington, Carter befriended the family of slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., whom he’d never sought out as he eyed the governor’s office. Carter lamented his foot-dragging on school integration as a “mistake.” But he also met, conspicuously, with Alabama’s segregationist Gov. George Wallace to accept his primary rival’s endorsement ahead of the 1976 Democratic convention. “He very shrewdly took advantage of his own Southerness,” said Amber Roessner, a University of Tennessee professor and expert on Carter’s campaigns. A coalition of Black voters and white moderate Democrats ultimately made Carter the last Democratic presidential nominee to sweep the Deep South. Then, just as he did in Georgia, he used his power in office to appoint more non-whites than all his predecessors had, combined. He once acknowledged “the secret shame” of white Americans who didn’t fight segregation. But he also told Alter that doing more would have sacrificed his political viability – and thus everything he accomplished in office and after. King’s daughter, Bernice King, described Carter as wisely “strategic” in winning higher offices to enact change. “He was a leader of conscience,” she said in an interview. Rosalynn was Carter’s closest advisor Rosalynn Carter, who died on Nov. 19 at the age of 96, was identified by both husband and wife as the “more political” of the pair; she sat in on Cabinet meetings and urged him to postpone certain priorities, like pressing the Senate to relinquish control of the Panama Canal. “Let that go until the second term,” she would sometimes say. The president, recalled her former aide Kathy Cade, retorted that he was “going to do what’s right” even if “it might cut short the time I have.” Rosalynn held firm, Cade said: “She’d remind him you have to win to govern.” Carter also was the first president to appoint multiple women as Cabinet officers. Yet by his own telling, his career sprouted from chauvinism in the Carters’ early marriage: He did not consult Rosalynn when deciding to move back to Plains in 1953 or before launching his state Senate bid a decade later. Many years later, he called it “inconceivable” that he didn’t confer with the woman he described as his “full partner,” at home, in government and at The Carter Center. “We developed a partnership when we were working in the farm supply business, and it continued when Jimmy got involved in politics,” Rosalynn Carter told AP in 2021. So deep was their trust that when Carter remained tethered to the White House in 1980 as 52 Americans were held hostage in Tehran, it was Rosalynn who campaigned on her husband’s behalf. “I just loved it,” she said, despite the bitterness of defeat. Reevaluating his legacy Fair or not, the label of a disastrous presidency had leading Democrats keep their distance, at least publicly, for many years, but Carter managed to remain relevant, writing books and weighing in on societal challenges. He lamented widening wealth gaps and the influence of money in politics. He voted for democratic socialist Bernie Sanders over Hillary Clinton in 2016, and later declared that America had devolved from fully functioning democracy to “oligarchy.” Yet looking ahead to 2020, with Sanders running again, Carter warned Democrats not to “move to a very liberal program,” lest they help re-elect President Donald Trump. Carter scolded the Republican for his serial lies and threats to democracy, and chided the U.S. establishment for misunderstanding Trump’s populist appeal. He delighted in yearly convocations with Emory University freshmen, often asking them to guess how much he’d raised in his two general election campaigns. “Zero,” he’d gesture with a smile, explaining the public financing system candidates now avoid so they can raise billions. Carter still remained quite practical in partnering with wealthy corporations and foundations to advance Carter Center programs. Carter recognized that economic woes and the Iran crisis doomed his presidency, but offered no apologies for appointing Paul Volcker as the Federal Reserve chairman whose interest rate hikes would not curb inflation until Reagan’s presidency. He was proud of getting all the hostages home without starting a shooting war, even though Tehran would not free them until Reagan’s Inauguration Day. “Carter didn’t look at it” as a failure, Alter emphasized. “He said, ‘They came home safely.’ And that’s what he wanted.” Well into their 90s, the Carters greeted visitors at Plains’ Maranatha Baptist Church, where he taught Sunday School and where he will have his last funeral before being buried on family property alongside Rosalynn . Carter, who made the congregation’s collection plates in his woodworking shop, still garnered headlines there, calling for women’s rights within religious institutions, many of which, he said, “subjugate” women in church and society. Carter was not one to dwell on regrets. “I am at peace with the accomplishments, regret the unrealized goals and utilize my former political position to enhance everything we do,” he wrote around his 90th birthday. Pilgrimages to Plains The politician who had supposedly hated Washington politics also enjoyed hosting Democratic presidential contenders as public pilgrimages to Plains became advantageous again. Carter sat with Buttigieg for the final time March 1, 2020, hours before the Indiana mayor ended his campaign and endorsed eventual winner Joe Biden. “He asked me how I thought the campaign was going,” Buttigieg said, recalling that Carter flashed his signature grin and nodded along as the young candidate, born a year after Carter left office, “put the best face” on the walloping he endured the day before in South Carolina. Never breaking his smile, the 95-year-old host fired back, “I think you ought to drop out.” “So matter of fact,” Buttigieg said with a laugh. “It was somehow encouraging.” Carter had lived enough, won plenty and lost enough to take the long view. “He talked a lot about coming from nowhere,” Buttigieg said, not just to attain the presidency but to leverage “all of the instruments you have in life” and “make the world more peaceful.” In his farewell address as president, Carter said as much to the country that had embraced and rejected him. “The struggle for human rights overrides all differences of color, nation or language,” he declared. “Those who hunger for freedom, who thirst for human dignity and who suffer for the sake of justice — they are the patriots of this cause.” Carter pledged to remain engaged with and for them as he returned “home to the South where I was born and raised,” home to Plains, where that young lieutenant had indeed become “a fellow citizen of the world.” —- Bill Barrow, based in Atlanta, has covered national politics including multiple presidential campaigns for the AP since 2012.Just because you retire does not mean you have to be done working. Plenty of people who have cashed out on their main career still want something to do every day — a place to go, familiar faces to see, and of course, . Living on a fixed budget when you are retired isn’t always easy, so generating extra income can often be essential for paying bills in the golden years of your life. “There are options for retirees who want less physically demanding work,” said Adam Wood, co-founder of . “The availability of these opportunities may vary by location, so be sure to research each option.” Getting paid in a timely manner can often be just as important. Check out these same-day pay . Do you know and love where you live? Do you have extensive knowledge about a historical site or a tourist destination in your hometown? Then being a could be the perfect fit for your work goals. “As a Walking Tour Guide for city or historical societies, retirees can immerse themselves in local history, leading groups through cultural landmarks,” said Kimberley Tyler-Smith, an executive at the career tech platform . “It’s an ideal fit for those with a passion for history, offering daily pay ranging from $75 to $150. This role allows retirees to stay active, share their knowledge, and contribute to an enriching experience for tour participants.” Maybe you prefer to spend your retired life with animals instead of people, but you still like to get out and see the sights. Try becoming a professional dog walker! “Dog walking is an for retirees as it enables them to contribute to society while staying active,” said Nathan Brunner, CEO of , where dog-walking jobs pay anywhere between $12 and $20 per hour, with the highest earnings in . “The easiest way to get started and earn daily money would be to get a dog-walking job from friends or family,” Brunner said, offering that another option is to use simple and senior-friendly apps like Rover or Wag! that connect dog owners with dog walkers. “It is important to note that even though you can see your daily earnings on the app, it is only possible to withdraw every two days,” Brunner said. Lots of retirees spend their days at the links. But what if you could be on the golf course and get paid for it? All you have to do is become a marshal. “Retirees who relish the outdoors and have an affinity for golf can consider the role of a golf course marshal,” Tyler-Smith said. “Responsibilities include maintaining a smooth course flow and assisting golfers. With a daily pay range of $50 to $100, this position provides a refreshing outdoor setting and often includes perks like free or discounted access to the golf course, making it an attractive option for retirees.” The primary function of tax preparers is to prepare and submit taxes to the government. However, tax preparers work year-round but are most busy between January and April. “For temporary positions, many tax companies hire part-time or contract workers,” Wood said, noting that it could be a good fit for retirees during or leading up to tax season, with the average hourly pay coming to about $14.46 per hour. Just like the golf course, many senior citizens and retired professionals can be found at grocery stores around the country. One of the most popular? Costco. And who better to work at Costco than retirees who know the products well? “Retirees looking for an engaging role can explore becoming a sample distributor at Costco,” said Tyler-Smith. “This position involves interacting with shoppers, providing product samples, and enhancing the overall shopping experience. With a daily pay ranging from $60 to $100 and potential perks such as product discounts, it offers a dynamic and social opportunity for retirees.” Many retirees don’t even need to leave home these days in order to get jobs and get paid daily. That’s particularly true for those living in condo communities. “Retirees with strong interpersonal skills can find satisfaction as a condo concierge,” Tyler-Smith said. In this role, they can assist their neighbors with tasks like package reception and providing information for about $80 to $120 a day. “Additionally, retirees may enjoy benefits such as access to complex amenities, making it a rewarding option for those seeking a service-oriented role in a residential setting,” Tyler-Smith said. This article originally appeared on :

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NAPLES, Fla. (AP) — Down by two shots with two holes to play, Jeeno Thitikul knew exactly what was needed to capture the biggest prize in women's golf history. And another eagle-birdie finish — for the second straight day — made it happen. Thitikul claimed the record-setting $4 million first-place check by winning the CME Group Tour Championship on Sunday. It's the biggest money prize in women’s golf history, bigger than even the winner’s shares in three of the four men’s major championships this year. “Today, standing here with the trophy, it's more than I can ask for,” Thitikul said. Thitikul shot a 7-under 65 on Sunday and finished the week at 22 under, one shot ahead of Angel Yin (66). Yin had a two-shot lead walking to the 17th tee, only to wind up settling for the $1 million runner-up check. Yin — who missed the start of the season after breaking her leg over the winter — hardly sounded defeated after finishing second and more than doubling her 2024 earnings in four days. “I’m pretty awesome. ... I’ve learned that I just need to believe my myself and that’s what I did," Yin said. The win and the massive check came down to the 18th hole, Thitikul and Yin tied at 21 under after a back-and-forth day atop the leaderboard — both knowing a mistake would likely come at a $3 million cost. Both hit the fairway on 18. Thitikul’s approach was nearly perfect, stopping about 5 feet from the cup. Yin’s response stopped maybe 15 feet away, giving Thitikul the edge as they walked up the fairway. She was smiling broadly as she approached the green, almost as if she knew what was about to happen. Yin’s birdie putt just missed. Thitikul’s was dead center. And history was hers. Her plans for all that cash? “Definitely spend it,” Thitikul said. “That’s an honest answer, for sure. Definitely going to spend it for a little while.” She already had clinched a $1 million bonus this week through the Aon Risk-Reward Challenge, a competition based on how players score on a designated hole each week. In the end, it wound up as a whopping $5 million week for the 21-year-old from Thailand — and going 8 under on the Nos. 17 and 18 over the four days at Tiburon Golf Club made the difference. “All the hard work paid off,” said Thitikul, whose eagle-birdie close to Saturday's round pulled her into a tie for the lead with Yin going into Sunday at 15 under. It didn’t take long on Sunday for Thitikul to jump in front, with birdies on two of the first three holes to grab a two-shot edge. Her lead vanished with a two-shot swing on the par-4 fourth; Yin made birdie, Thitikul bogey. It seemed like Yin grabbed control on the par-3 16th. Her birdie putt from across the green — about 25 feet — rolled in for a two-shot lead with two holes to play. But her second shot at the par-5 17th missed the green right, and the door was opened for Thitikul. The eagle-birdie finish Saturday gave her hope. The eagle-birdie finish Sunday gave her so much more — even though, it turns out, the second shot on the par 5 wasn't one that she caught flush. It worked out anyway. “Just lucky enough,” Thitikul said. Olympic gold medalist Lydia Ko (63) finished third at 17 under, her nine birdies coming in a 13-hole span. “I’m excited to be able to work hard this offseason and have another great 2025,” Ko said. Ruoning Yin (68) was alone in fourth at 16 under, and LPGA player of the year Nelly Korda (66) finished at 15 under along with Narin An (68). Ayaka Furue finished at 13 under, good enough to give her the Vare Trophy as the LPGA’s season-long scoring champion over Haeran Ryu. “I feel very happy to have this trophy in my hands,” said Furue, the first Japanese player to win the Vare. Lexi Thompson — a 15-time winner as a pro who plans to step away from full-time golf — finished at 2 under. It’s not clear how often Thompson plans to play in 2025 and beyond; that said, she returns to Tiburon the week of Dec. 9 for the Grant Thornton Invitational, where she’ll team with Rickie Fowler in the event featuring PGA Tour and LPGA Tour players. “I’m not going anywhere, guys.” Thompson said. “I’ll be back in two weeks.” There were two players who said they were retiring after Sunday’s round: Marina Alex, who shot 66 to finish at 12 under, and Ally Ewing, who closed with a 68 to wrap up the week at 11 under. “I’m happy to have ended on my best,” said Alex, a bottle of sparkling wine in her right hand, a bouquet of flowers in the other. Added Ewing: “I’ve been at peace with my decision. It’s just so nice to be able to share the walk with my family this week.” But in the end, the week belonged to Thitikul. And as the sun was setting over Tiburon on Sunday, she was ready for her offseason to begin with a well-deserved celebration. “Anybody hungry?” she asked. “I am.” With Sunday's check in her pocket, she can dine anywhere she wants for a while. AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf

As someone who has spent years navigating the world of audiology, I’ve realized that helping others embrace hearing health is about more than just telling them what to do yet meeting them where they are. As a lifelong hearing aid user — spanning the evolution from clunky analog devices to today’s sleek, high-tech digital models — I’ve learned firsthand that no one likes to be told they “need” something, especially regarding hearing loss. A saying resonates deeply with me: Tell me, I’ll forget; show me, I may remember; involve me, and I’ll understand. This philosophy has shaped how I approach conversations about hearing health. Instead of insisting, I share my journey openly. I show people that being hard of hearing doesn’t define me, it is part of who I am — and it’s nothing to shy away from. Whether I’m wearing those early, bulky analog hearing aids or the sophisticated, Bluetooth-enabled models I use today, I’ve always been proud to showcase the tech on my ears. My mission? To spark curiosity, break stigmas, and invite others to explore hearing health in an empowering, not intimidating way. The Role of Technology in Hearing Health The advancements in hearing aid technology over the years have been remarkable—not just for people like me, but for everyone. Much of the innovation in hearing aids has shaped the consumer audio devices we all use today, from earbuds to noise-canceling headphones. I like to think of myself as a guinea pig for the many promising techs, testing how they improve clarity in conversation, manage noise, and promote hearing health, thus, overall body wellness. Hearing aids have gone from simple amplifiers to highly personalized devices capable of filtering out specific types of noise, connecting seamlessly to smartphones, and even adjusting to different environments automatically. The technology inside most listening devices isn’t just about making sounds louder — it’s about making them more clear, helping people communicate effectively and experience the world more fully. My mission goes beyond my own experience. As someone who values hearing health, I am its ambassador, advocating why it's essential to all of us. On behalf of countless companies — from startups to industry leaders — I’m here to meet you where you are, raising awareness and encouraging conversations about hearing health, no matter your age or level of hearing ability. The Unintended Consequences of Noise Noise is unavoidable in modern life, affecting everyone in ways we often don’t realize. While we might think of gaming, loud concerts, or construction sites as obvious sources of noise pollution, daily and persistent noise and sounds have harmful unintended consequences. Take, for example, the constant stream of alerts, notifications, and ringtones from our devices. These sounds are designed to grab our attention, often interrupting us with sharp, jarring tones. The average smartphone user hears dozens—if not hundreds — of these alerts daily, often at unnecessarily loud volumes. Over time, this exposure can contribute to hearing fatigue, stress, long-term damage and inability to focus . Another example is public spaces, like airports or shopping malls. While they may seem innocuous, these environments are filled with overlapping layers of sound – from announcements to background music to the chatter of crowds. This constant noise can lead to sensory overload, making it difficult for our brains to process and filter what we hear – leading to fatigue. Even something as seemingly harmless as the hum of appliances or the drone of traffic can have unintended consequences. Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to low-frequency noise can affect sleep quality, increase stress levels, and even impact cardiovascular health. What if there is a proactive way to manage and mitigate the conundrum of noise, sound, and hearing, like Lifelong Sound Health? Lifelong Sound Health Breaks Stigmas and Embraces Proactive Hearing Health Hearing issues often remain hidden despite the prevalence of noise in our lives. It’s surprising how many people don’t talk about hearing problems with their doctors — or even know what an audiologist does. This silence stems from a lack of awareness, which we must change, like the classic stigmas of high cost and vanity. Hearing challenges are deeply personal and often hard to articulate, even to professionals. That’s why we need to reframe the conversation. At Akoio, their “Lifelong Sound Health” philosophy is a straightforward and proactive way to think about hearing health. It’s about understanding your auditory exposure in everyday terms: noise, sound, and hearing. Think of it like sun exposure. Just as we know too much sun can harm our skin, we should consider how noise exposure impacts our ears and overall health. Start by asking yourself simple questions: Breaking it down this way makes hearing health more approachable. By understanding your auditory habits, you’re taking the first step toward better sound health—without the dreaded feeling of being told, “You need a hearing aid.” Reframing Hearing Health for Everyone One of the most significant barriers to addressing hearing loss is the stigma associated with it. For many, wearing a hearing aid feels like an admission of aging or vulnerability, this perspective needs to change. Hearing aids are excellent assistive devices that enhance our quality of life and help us engage more fully with the world. That is where awareness plays a crucial role. Education about hearing health should start early, just like lessons about dental care or protecting our skin from the sun. By normalizing conversations about hearing, we can empower people to take control of their hearing health. For example, schools could incorporate lessons about the dangers of excessive gaming noise and loud music and the importance of safe listening habits. Workplaces could provide noise protection resources and encourage employees to monitor their hearing health. For individuals, it’s about recognizing that hearing health is vital to overall wellness—not something to ignore until a problem arises. A Call to Awareness The key to improving hearing health is awareness. Whether you’re dealing with hearing loss, tinnitus, or other auditory challenges, it’s important to acknowledge the role sound plays in your overall well-being. Hearing is a deeply personal sense, yet it’s also one we all share. From the soothing sounds of nature to the voices of loved ones, hearing connects us to the world and to each other. Protecting that connection is worth the effort. So, let’s embrace the tools, resources, and technology available to us. Let’s talk openly about hearing health in a way that’s thoughtful, accessible, and stigma-free. And most importantly, let’s commit to a future where sound health is a priority for everyone—because when we listen, we thrive. By thinking critically about how we interact with noise, sound, and hearing daily, we can all take steps toward better hearing health. After all, sound isn’t just something we hear—it’s something we live.

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VANCOUVER — Vancouver-based bookkeeping service Bench Accounting has announced its sudden closure, potentially putting hundreds of staff out of work. The company that has described itself as North America's largest bookkeeping service for small businesses says on its website in a "notice of closure" dated Friday that the platform is "no longer accessible." The statement acknowledges that the closure is "abrupt and may cause disruption," and says the firm is committed to helping customers "navigate through the transition." Bench has previously said it had more than 600 employees and had received investor funding of US$113 million. It said it moved to Vancouver and changed its name to Bench in 2013, having started out in 2012 as 10sheet Inc in the U.S. Calls to Bench's Vancouver office went to voice mail and did not immediately receive a response. But the company's former CEO and co-founder Ian Crosby released a statement on social media on Friday, saying he was "very sad" about the closure. Crosby, who said he was ousted by the company's board about three years ago, said there was a lesson in the fate of the company. "I hope the story of Bench goes on to become a warning for VCs (venture capitalists) that think they can 'upgrade' a company by replacing the founder. It never works," he said. The University of British Columbia Sauder Business School alumni said he had been avoiding speaking publicly about Bench since his exit, but wanted to make a statement in light of the company's demise. He said that in 2021 he had been battling with some board members over their strategy for a "new direction" that he thought was a "very bad idea." " Rather than continuing to fight with me, they opted to just replace me, thinking that they could run the company better themselves," he said. "I was totally convinced that their approach would destroy the company. I opted to resign rather than fight." Other bookkeeping companies were quick to reach out to Bench's former clients, with rivals such as Acuity and Better Bookkeeping making reference to Bench's closure in social media pitches. A spokeswoman for B.C.'s jobs ministry said they were looking into a request for comment. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 27, 2024. The Canadian PressDonald Trump said Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has asked to visit him at the president-elect's Mar-a-Lago home in Florida. or signup to continue reading Part way through a Truth Social post on Friday morning, Trump referred to his Mar-a-Lago home, saying "Bill Gates asked to come, tonight. We miss you and x! New Year's Eve is going to be AMAZING!!! DJT." Trump provided no further details. Emails and calls to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation asking about a potential Gates visit to Mar-a-Lago were not immediately answered. Gates has been critical of Trump in the past, particularly over his first administration's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Gates publicly congratulated Trump on his November 5 election victory and expressed hope they could work together. Some of the biggest tech sector companies in the US have pledged donations to Trump's inaugural fund as they seek more favourable relations with the Republican president-elect before he takes office on January 20. In November, Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg visited Trump at Mar-a-Lago. Meta has donated $US1 million ($A1.6 million) to Trump's inaugural fund, a company spokesperson told Reuters on December 12. Other tech companies that are donating $US1 million ($A1.6 million) to Trump's inaugural fund include Amazon and Uber Technologies . DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily! Advertisement Advertisement

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Game-changing holiday gifts for building fires, printing photos, watching birds and moreVANCOUVER — Vancouver-based bookkeeping service Bench Accounting has announced its sudden closure, potentially putting hundreds of staff out of work. The company that has described itself as North America's largest bookkeeping service for small businesses says on its website in a "notice of closure" dated Friday that the platform is "no longer accessible." The statement acknowledges that the closure is "abrupt and may cause disruption," and says the firm is committed to helping customers "navigate through the transition." Bench has previously said it had more than 600 employees and had received investor funding of US$113 million. It said it moved to Vancouver and changed its name to Bench in 2013, having started out in 2012 as 10sheet Inc in the U.S. Calls to Bench's Vancouver office went to voice mail and did not immediately receive a response. But the company's former CEO and co-founder Ian Crosby released a statement on social media on Friday, saying he was "very sad" about the closure. Crosby, who said he was ousted by the company's board about three years ago, said there was a lesson in the fate of the company. "I hope the story of Bench goes on to become a warning for VCs (venture capitalists) that think they can 'upgrade' a company by replacing the founder. It never works," he said. The University of British Columbia Sauder Business School alumni said he had been avoiding speaking publicly about Bench since his exit, but wanted to make a statement in light of the company's demise. He said that in 2021 he had been battling with some board members over their strategy for a "new direction" that he thought was a "very bad idea." " Rather than continuing to fight with me, they opted to just replace me, thinking that they could run the company better themselves," he said. "I was totally convinced that their approach would destroy the company. I opted to resign rather than fight." Other bookkeeping companies were quick to reach out to Bench's former clients, with rivals such as Acuity and Better Bookkeeping making reference to Bench's closure in social media pitches. A spokeswoman for B.C.'s jobs ministry said they were looking into a request for comment. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 27, 2024. The Canadian Press

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THIS WEEK’S DOSE 118th Congress Continues to Grapple with Contentious CR. With the collapse of Republican support for the negotiated continuing resolution (CR) package, as of the time of publication on Friday at 3:00 PM EST, Congress is still grappling with how to extend government funding into the new year. At a minimum, we think any final deal will at least provide a short-term extension to a number of expiring health programs. House Health Committees Select New Republican Members. Republicans identified new committee members, while House Democrats have yet to name new members for the 119th Congress. House Energy & Commerce Committee Announces New Health Subcommittee Chair. Incoming Chairman Brett Guthrie (R-KY) announced today that Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA) will be the Health Subcommittee Chair. CBO Details Options to Reduce Federal Deficit. A Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report highlights options for Congress to consider to reduce mandatory and discretionary spending. House Bipartisan Task Force on AI Releases Report. The report recommends that the healthcare industry maintain robust support for healthcare research related to artificial intelligence (AI) and encourages the development of standards for AI liability. ASTP/ONC Releases HTI-3 Final Rule. The rule is the second of three expected final rules following the release of a proposed rule from the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy/Office of the National Coordinator (ASTP/ONC) this summer. CMS Actuary Office Data Shows Increased Healthcare, Hospital Spending. Healthcare spending in 2023 reached $4.9 trillion, a third of which was hospital spending, representing a sharp increase compared to 2022. CONGRESS 118th Congress Continues to Grapple with Contentious CR. Addressing their final agenda item, lawmakers need to at a minimum enact a short-term CR that extends government funding beyond the current CR’s December 20 expiration date. Earlier this week, House Republican leaders brought forth a bipartisan agreement negotiated on both sides of the Capitol to extend government funding through March 14, 2025, and include significant other policies, including disaster relief funding, a Farm Bill extension, and a sizeable package of bipartisan healthcare policies. That package included pharmacy benefit manager reforms, patent reforms, a limited Medicare site neutral policy, Medicaid home- and community-based services policies, a 2.5% offset to the scheduled Medicare physician fee schedule reduction, and a two-year extension of Medicare telehealth flexibilities. However, amid growing concern from House Republicans, President-elect Donald Trump voiced his opposition Wednesday night and pushed for the debt limit to be raised, putting the package in immediate jeopardy. House Republicans in response developed a slimmed down CR on Thursday to raise the debt limit and fund the government into March 2025, with the inclusion of three months of funding for expiring healthcare programs. A vote on that package failed on the House floor with 38 Republicans joining most Democrats in opposition. As of the time of this publication, on Friday at 3:00 PM EST, House Republicans are working to coalesce around next steps to avoid a government shutdown and appear poised to vote on a CR similar to the one that failed on Thursday, without the provision to raise the debt limit. While we think the CR will include short-term extensions of expiring health provisions, it is not yet clear at this time. Beyond the CR, activity on the House floor this week included passage of numerous public health bills , such as legislation on home care for veterans and funding for autism research. Some of the bills previously passed the Senate and could be signed by President Biden, while others were not voted on in the Senate and will need to be reconsidered next Congress. The House also moved Senate bill S. 4610 , which will now go to the president. This bill proposes to do something we all thought had been done centuries ago: naming the bald eagle the official national bird. House Health Committees Select New Republican Members. The Republican Steering Committee added four new members to the Ways & Means Committee for the 119th Congress: Reps. Rudy Yakym (IN-2), Max Miller (OH-7), Aaron Bean (FL-4), and Nathaniel Moran (TX-1). Ten Republicans have been added to the Energy & Commerce Committee, including three freshmen: Craig Goldman (TX-12), Julie Fedorchak (ND-AL), and Gabe Evans (CO-8). The seven other Republicans joining the committee are Michael Rulli (OH-6), Erin Houchin (IN-9), Russell Fry (SC-7), Laurel Lee (FL-15), Tom Kean (NJ-7), Nick Langworthy (NY-23), and Cliff Bentz (OR-2). Democrats still need to select their new members on the Energy & Commerce and Ways & Means Committees. Across the Capitol, both Republicans and Democrats need to select new members for Senate committees. With a switch in control in the Senate, Republicans will add new members to both the Finance Committee and the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee. Democrats also have Finance Committee seats to fill after previous members lost reelection or retired. House Energy & Commerce Committee Announces New Health Subcommittee Chair. Incoming Chairman Brett Guthrie (R-KY) announced today that Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA) will be the Health Subcommittee Chair. Carter has been a supporter of extending Medicare telehealth flexibilities and reforming pharmacy benefit managers. CBO Details Options to Reduce the Federal Deficit. The report comes as Republicans, who will control both Congress and the White House next year, look for ways to reduce federal spending and seek policies that could offset their planned extension of Trump 1.0 tax cuts and other objectives. Healthcare options include reducing federal Medicaid matching rates, reducing Medicare Advantage benchmarks, creating federal spending caps for Medicaid, and implementing Medicare site neutral policies. CBO releases this report regularly; just because an option is included does not mean it is politically tenable or will be pursued, but scoring policies does provide a menu to Members of Congress if they are seeking to find savers. CBO also released a primer explaining how it incorporates administrative and judicial actions when publishing projections of the federal budget and preparing cost estimates. House Bipartisan Task Force on AI Releases Report. The task force adopted several high-level principles to frame its policy analysis, and the report includes both overarching and industry-specific findings and recommendations. The task force found that the use of AI in healthcare can reduce administrative burdens and speed up drug development and clinical diagnosis. It also found that the lack of ubiquitous, uniform standards for medical data and algorithms impedes system interoperability and data sharing. Healthcare recommendations include maintaining robust support for healthcare research related to AI and supporting the development of standards for liability related to AI issues. ADMINISTRATION ASTP/ONC Releases HTI-3 Final Rule. In the Health Data, Technology, and Interoperability (HTI-3) rule , ASTP/ONC finalized: The addition of a definition of “reproductive health care” to the information blocking regulation defined terms. Select proposed revisions for two existing information blocking exceptions (the privacy exception and the infeasibility exception). A new information blocking exception (the protecting care access exception). ASTP/ONC has divided finalization of the policies that were included in the broad HTI-2 proposed rule , released in July 2024, into three installments: The HTI-2 final rule released on December 11 focused on the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement. The December 16 HTI-3 final rule focused on protecting care access. The forthcoming HTI-4 final rule will likely address certification updates and other elements of the HTI-2 proposed rule and is expected to be published in March 2025. CMS Actuary Office Data Shows Increased Healthcare, Hospital Spending. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) data show that healthcare spending reached $4.9 trillion in 2023, an increase of 7.5% from 2022. This represents the highest percentage change since 2020. The high spending can mostly be attributed to an increase in insurance coverage and high hospital and prescription drug usage in the private insurance market and in Medicare. Hospital spending alone reached $1.5 trillion in 2023, an increase of 10.4%, which is the largest spending increase since 1990. Despite this increased spending, healthcare expenditures remained 17% of the economy overall, the same percentage as in 2022. While the federal share of healthcare spending decreased, an overall increase in healthcare spending could raise alarm bells on Capitol Hill among conservatives who are concerned about high healthcare expenditures. QUICK HITS Biden Administration Releases Fall 2024 Unified Agenda. The agenda lays out what rulemaking is planned for the remainder of 2024 and into 2025. Given that President-elect Trump will be inaugurated in one month, don’t get too attached to this list. Many of these regulations could be set aside or rewritten, and other regulations will be initiated. CMS Calls for Proposals for 2025 Health Equity Conference. Proposals are due to CMS by January 17, 2025, and must focus on the theme “Building a Healthier America.” The Health Equity Conference will be held April 23 – 24, 2025, although it should be noted that this event could be altered or cancelled once the new Administration takes office. More information can be found here . CMS Publishes Lessons from AHCAH. The Acute Hospital Care at Home (AHCAH) initiative allows acute care hospitals to deliver inpatient care in a patient’s home. A CMS blog post highlights data from a September 2024 report on the initiative and how it improves care. MACPAC Releases 2024 Medicaid, CHIP Data Book. MACStats , released by the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC), includes data on Medicaid and CHIP enrollment, spending, and eligibility. Four State Medicaid Programs Will Participate in IBH Model. The Innovation in Behavioral Health (IBH) model will begin on January 1, 2025, and Michigan, New York, Oklahoma, and South Carolina will participate. The model involves collaboration between CMS, participating state programs, and community-based behavioral health providers to improve behavioral and physical health. CMS Holds Webinar on IOTA Model. The webinar provided an overview of the mandatory Increasing Organ Transplant Access (IOTA) model . The model is scheduled to begin in July 2025 but could be modified or repealed by the incoming Trump Administration. CMS Approves California Behavioral Health Section 1115 Waiver. The new waiver , which runs from January 2025 through December 2029, gives California authority to test the effectiveness of innovative practices aimed at strengthening the continuum of community-based behavioral health services. Goals of the waiver include strengthening the workforce, supporting the health of children and youth involved in the child welfare system, and reducing stays in institutional settings for significant behavioral health needs. OIG Finds Expenditures for Diabetes and Weight Loss Drugs Rapidly Increased. From 2019 to 2023, Medicaid spending on certain diabetes and weight loss drugs, including glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists, increased by more than 540% to total $9 billion, according to an Office of Inspector General (OIG) report . The report follows CMS’s proposal to require Medicare and Medicaid coverage of weight loss drugs for the treatment of obesity. Senate Finance Democrats Release Emergency Reproductive Care Report. The partisan report concludes an investigation into how pregnant women are receiving emergency reproductive care at hospitals in the wake of the Dobbs decision. It assesses how they believe abortion bans conflict with the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act. Marketplace Sees Record High Enrollment. Over 16.6 million consumers enrolled in marketplace coverage in this year’s open enrollment through HealthCare.gov, and their coverage will begin January 1. Consumers can continue to enroll through January 15 for coverage that begins February 1. NEXT WEEK’S DIAGNOSIS Once Congress resolves the CR situation, the 118th Congress will draw to a close. The 119th Congress will begin on January 3, 2025, when members will be sworn in. You can find the combined House/Senate 2025 congressional calendar here . We will next publish on January 10, 2025. We hope you have a happy holiday and a great start to the new year.None

Exploring the Kingbright L-7113LYD T-1 3/4 (5mm) Solid State Lamp: A Yellow Light Emitting Marvel 12-13-2024 11:12 PM CET | Industry, Real Estate & Construction Press release from: ABNewswire In the vast landscape of electronic components, solid-state lamps hold a unique and significant place. Among these, the Kingbright L-7113LYD T-1 3/4 (5mm) Solid State Lamp [ https://www.uptech-hk.com/kingbright-l-7113lyd-t-1-34-5mm-solid-state-lamp-yellow-datasheet-stock-product/ ] stands out for its efficiency, reliability, and vibrant yellow hue. This compact, low-power consumption device is not just another light-emitting diode (LED); it's a technological gem crafted with precision and innovation. This article delves into the specifics of the L-7113LYD, examining its construction, performance, availability, and the unique advantages it offers to engineers and designers across various industries. Image: https://www.uptech-hk.com/uploads/3.png Manufacturer and Brand Reliability Kingbright, the manufacturer behind the L-7113LYD, is a well-established name in the electronics industry, known for its commitment to quality and innovation. With decades of experience in developing and manufacturing optoelectronic components, Kingbright has built a reputation for delivering robust, reliable products that meet the most stringent specifications. The L-7113LYD is no exception, benefiting from Kingbright's extensive research and development resources, as well as its adherence to stringent manufacturing processes. Product Specifications and Design The L-7113LYD is a solid-state lamp with a T-1 3/4 (5mm) package size, making it ideal for applications where space is a constraint. Its small footprint does not compromise on performance; instead, it delivers bright, consistent yellow light that is ideal for a wide range of uses. The emitting color, Yellow, is achieved through the use of Gallium Arsenide Phosphide (GaAsP) on Gallium Phosphide (GaP) material. This combination ensures that the LED emits a pure, vibrant yellow light that is both pleasing to the eye and functionally effective. GaAsP/GaP LEDs are renowned for their stability and longevity, making them a preferred choice for applications requiring constant, reliable lighting. The material composition also contributes to the LED's low power consumption, which is a crucial factor in today's energy-conscious world. The L-7113LYD is designed to operate efficiently, even under continuous use, reducing energy costs and environmental impact. Performance Highlights One of the most notable aspects of the L-7113LYD is its low power consumption. This feature is particularly beneficial in applications where power savings are critical, such as in consumer electronics, automotive lighting, and industrial equipment. By utilizing the latest advancements in LED technology, Kingbright has managed to create a device that balances brightness with energy efficiency, making it an excellent choice for designers seeking to optimize their products' performance without compromising on aesthetics. In addition to its energy-saving benefits, the L-7113LYD also boasts a long lifespan. Solid-state lamps, in general, are known for their durability, with LEDs often lasting tens of thousands of hours. The L-7113LYD is no different, offering a long service life that minimizes maintenance requirements and reduces replacement costs. This makes it an ideal choice for applications where downtime and repair costs are unacceptable, such as in medical devices, security systems, and critical infrastructure. Applications and Industries The versatility of the L-7113LYD makes it suitable for a wide range of applications across various industries. In the automotive sector, for example, its small size and bright yellow light make it an excellent choice for indicator lights, warning signals, and interior lighting. The low power consumption and long lifespan ensure that these lights remain reliable and cost-effective over the vehicle's lifetime. Similarly, in the consumer electronics industry, the L-7113LYD is ideal for use in devices such as smartphones, tablets, and wearables. Its compact size and energy efficiency make it a perfect fit for these devices, where every millimeter of space and every milliwatt of power counts. The vibrant yellow light can be used for status indicators, notifications, and even ambient lighting, enhancing the user experience without compromising on battery life. The industrial sector also benefits from the L-7113LYD's unique attributes. Its robustness and reliability make it an excellent choice for machinery and equipment where lighting plays a critical role in safety and operation. The long lifespan and low maintenance requirements reduce downtime and increase productivity, making it a valuable asset in manufacturing and processing environments. Availability and Stock Information Kingbright offers the L-7113LYD in bulk packaging, with 1000 pieces per bag. This quantity is well-suited for manufacturers and OEMs who require large volumes of this component for their production needs. The manufacturer's standard lead time of 4-6 weeks provides a clear timeline for ordering and delivery, enabling customers to plan their production schedules accordingly. For designers and engineers looking to incorporate the L-7113LYD into their projects, it's important to note that availability may vary depending on market demand and production cycles. To ensure timely delivery and avoid potential delays, it's advisable to check with Kingbright or their authorized distributors for the latest stock information and lead times. Conclusion In conclusion, the Kingbright L-7113LYD T-1 3/4 (5mm) Solid State Lamp [ https://www.uptech-hk.com/kingbright-l-7113lyd-t-1-34-5mm-solid-state-lamp-yellow-datasheet-stock-product/ ] is a versatile, reliable, and energy-efficient LED that offers a wide range of benefits across various industries. Its compact size, vibrant yellow light, and long lifespan make it an excellent choice for applications requiring bright, consistent lighting without compromising on power consumption or durability. With Kingbright's commitment to quality and innovation, the L-7113LYD is poised to become a staple in the toolkits of engineers and designers who demand the best from their electronic components. As technology continues to evolve, the demand for energy-efficient, reliable lighting solutions will only grow. The L-7113LYD, with its combination of performance, versatility, and cost-effectiveness, is well-positioned to meet these demands and contribute to a brighter, more sustainable future. Whether you're designing a new product or looking to upgrade an existing one, the L-7113LYD is a component worth considering for its unique blend of features and benefits. Media Contact Company Name: Hong Kong Shangchen Technology Co., Ltd. Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=exploring-the-kingbright-l7113lyd-t1-34-5mm-solid-state-lamp-a-yellow-light-emitting-marvel ] Phone: 0086-0755-82772201 Address:G/F, BLOCK A, 24-26 SZE SHAN STREET YAU TONG, KLN State: HONG KONG Country: China Website: https://www.uptech-hk.com/ This release was published on openPR.

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Sinn Fein ‘ignored role of 3,000 deaths in damaging community relations’

Sinn Fein ‘ignored role of 3,000 deaths in damaging community relations’

Some Atlantic City casino workers call on union boss to resign for opposing a smoking banPercentages: FG .333, FT .750. 3-Point Goals: 5-19, .263 (Gondrezick 1-2, Lovejoy 1-2, Lary 1-3, Kuac 1-4, Nadeau 1-8). Team Rebounds: 7. Team Turnovers: None. Blocked Shots: 3 (Kalambay, Mitchell, Okoro). Turnovers: 14 (N.Johnson 3, Geeter 2, Lary 2, Mitchell 2, Kalambay, Kuac, Lovejoy, Nadeau, Okoro). Steals: 4 (Kuac, Lary, Lovejoy, Mitchell). Technical Fouls: None. Percentages: FG .393, FT .692. 3-Point Goals: 10-35, .286 (Sallis 5-9, Cosby 3-11, Harris 1-4, T.Johnson 1-4, Friedrichsen 0-3, Hildreth 0-4). Team Rebounds: 2. Team Turnovers: None. Blocked Shots: 10 (Abass 2, Harris 2, Hildreth 2, Sallis 2, Spillers 2). Turnovers: 5 (Sallis 2, T.Johnson 2, Abass). Steals: 6 (Sallis 3, Spillers 2, T.Johnson). Technical Fouls: None. A_8,705 (14,665).

NoneALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Justin Neely's 16 points off the bench led Albany (NY) to a 77-70 victory against Stony Brook on Sunday. Neely also contributed nine rebounds for the Great Danes (8-7). Amar'e Marshall scored 15 points, going 6 of 9 (3 for 6 from 3-point range). Kacper Klaczek had 10 points and shot 4 for 8 (0 for 3 from 3-point range) and 2 of 3 from the free-throw line. Ben Wight led the way for the Seawolves (4-9) with 19 points and seven rebounds. Joseph Octave added 13 points and five steals for Stony Brook. Jared Frey finished with 13 points. Albany (NY) took the lead with 19:30 left in the first half and did not give it up. Marshall led their team in scoring with 10 points in the first half to help put them ahead 36-31 at the break. Albany (NY) used an 8-0 run in the second half to build a 19-point lead at 55-36 with 14:01 left in the half before finishing off the win. Albany (NY) plays Saturday against UMass-Lowell at home, and Stony Brook visits Monmouth on Thursday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

After weeks of anticipation, Black Friday is over for another year but there’s still time to bag a bargain, as Cyber Monday is officially here. The good news is Amazon has kept many of its top offers rolling into the new week, meaning now is the perfect time to restock your beauty products, invest in a new TV , or add a high-spec laptop to your basket. However, you’ll need to be quick, as the deals will cease to exist once the clock strikes midnight. The online retailer goes all out for the annual sale, with big discounts on big-name brands, from Nintendo Switch consoles , air fryers and Apple gadgets to Shark vacuums and Ninja appliances . Whatever you’re in the market for, it’s a great time to snap up a saving from brands that have been tried and tested by The Independent . Read more: Follow Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals live As you’d expect, Amazon has also slashed the price of its own smart home devices, from 40 per cent off Amazon Fire TV sticks (was £59.99, now £34.99, Amazon.co.uk ), to 20 per cent off Kindles (was £159.99, now £124.99, Amazon.co.uk ), plus, deals on the retailer’s Echo dot smart speakers , Ring doorbells and tablets . Owing to the sheer number of deals that have landed in the Black Friday bonanza, it can be tricky to know where to start but fear not, as the rest of the IndyBest team and I have put together this guide to the best deals in Amazon’s Cyber Monday sale. Within this Amazon Cyber Monday guide, we only recommend deals on products we’ve either tried and tested or that come from brands we trust – and we keep an eye out for Amazon inflating prices, by using price tracking tools. That means we bring you genuine savings on products we think you’ll love as much as we do. With a discount of nearly 50 per cent, now’s the time to upgrade your home entertainment system for less. The nifty gadget allows you to watch all your favourite shows from various streaming platforms at a higher resolution than the standard version. Serving up a crisp picture, it plugs into the HDMI port on any TV, meaning you don’t have to buy a smart TV – I’m adding it straight to my basket. Bookworms, you can get the Kindle at its cheapest-ever price right now. Considered the best ereader in our review, The Independent ’s tech critic David Phelan praised the device for being “really exceptional (gaining the top spot in this round-up)”. He added: “The front light has also been improved recently, to make it subtler and adjustable in terms of warmth as well as brightness. Like the oasis, the paperwhite is waterproof – it’s able to withstand submersion in 2m of water for up to an hour.” Reduced by a huge 58 per cent, Amazon’s Echo dot is perfect for those on a budget. Tech critic Alex said, “the fifth generation smart speaker has even better sound than all the Echo Dots that have come before it (a mean feat given how hard it is to eek good sound out of a small device).” Praising its top functionality and neat new indoor temperature sensor, he said it can be placed anywhere in your home to deliver weather reports, set timers, play music, podcasts, the news and more. The newest version of our favourite tried and tested video doorbell is now 41 per cent off at Amazon thanks to its Cyber Monday sale. One of our home testers, Zoe , found the second-generation Ring doorbell to be the best overall in her review , and now the newest model can be all yours for less than £60. Zoe praised the device for being easy to install and loved the efficiency of the Ring app in alerting her to parcels, something we’re all going to need during Black Friday. Does your telly need an upgrade? This could be the deal for you. You can now step up your at-home entertainment system for less, with 44 per cent off this Fire TV. With QLED providing vivid life-like colours and pictures, fool-proof streaming and a customisable home screen, this is a TV you’ll be proud to build a room around. It was also picked as the best budget buy in our review of the best TVs of 2024. Our household expert and culinary whizz Siobhan picked this pan from Ninja as the best non-stick frying pan in our review. After testing it out Siobhan said she was “seriously impressed” by the pan’s capabilities. She went on to say: “Cooking results are nothing short of outstanding. The pan delivers perfectly even heat, so everything cooks at the same time, and we ditched the oil completely when making some dishes yet food never stuck to the bottom or burned.” To top it all off the drying pan now has 25 per cent off at Amazon, I’m sold. Amazon has reduced a whole host of Le Creuset signature enamelled cast iron casserole dishes, including this bamboo green option. Designed with a tight-fitting lid, it’s ideal for fuss-free one-pot cooking and has enough space to serve up a tasty meal for two to three people. The dish is also incredibly versatile and is suitable for ovens, grills and all hob types, including induction. Plus, it’s dishwasher-safe. There are so many colour options to suit all kitchens in this great deal, from azure blue and volcanic orange to nectar yellow and flint black. Is it time to replace your old, rather worn washing machine with a more efficient washer-dryer? The Samsung series 5 washer may be your next investment while the sales are on. Usually priced at over £700, Amazon is offering a 25 per cent discount on this machine, which our tester Pete found to be a sleek and elegant addition to any modern kitchen, as well as being quieter than most. What he really loved about this washer-dryer is its “ecobubble” tech, which provided “great results at relatively low temperatures, which could help to minimise the risk of delicate materials getting shrunk in the wash”. Out of all the air fryers that Lauren reviewed – she has also been testing a whole host of air fryers for us – she said this one was “the most powerful”, adding that her food ended up “a lot tastier and crispier, compared with when cooking in other air fryer models”. The gadget has six settings – roast, air fry, bake, reheat, crisp and dehydrate – and you can set each of the two drawers to cook different things, at different temperatures, at the same time. Snap it up now while it has more than 35 per cent off. If you’re after a top-performing air purifier for less, you’re in luck. Our home tech whizzes named the Levoit core 400S air purifier the best air purifier overall . Working quickly, it was also “unbelievably quiet and smart, thanks to the handy VeSync app and Alexa and Apple Home integration”, they said. There’s even “a modern LED display that told [them] how dirty the air was, by using different colours.” Even better, snap it up with this Black Friday deal, and you can save more than £50. This Tefal air fryer has 44 per cent off in Amazon’s Cyber Monday 2024 sale. With two different drawer sizes, you can cook two foods, two ways, at once. Ideal for larger households, the air fryer has an 8.3l capacity, cooking meals 40 per cent faster compared to an oven and using 70 per cent less energy. From succulent chicken to crispy chips, there are eight programs that eliminate the guesswork when it comes to cooking. Plus, the sleek black design won’t be an eyesore in the kitchen. If you’ve wanted to invest in a KitchenAid stand mixer but felt put off by the steep price, consider this your sign to take the leap and get baking. Right now, there’s a £50 saving on this smaller style of the mixer, which is the perfect fit for those short on kitchen worktop space. A more compact version of its 4.8l capacity cousin, it’s just as versatile and robust, but 25 per cent lighter and 20 per cent smaller. The cirrus 2 from Steamery will make your clothes and textiles smooth and wrinkle-free in the blink of an eye thanks to the fast heat up and powerful stainless steel mouthpiece. Created for fast-paced lifestyles, and those who are on-the-go, this steamer is sleek and lightweight – fitting in beautifully to your wardrobe space. We love Steamery’s designs so much that we placed the brand’s newer model, the cirrus 3, as the top choice for stylish design in our guide to the best clothes steamers . Right now, the cirrus 2 has got a generous 25 per cent off. This Shark corded vacuum is a steal with 23 per cent off. Vacuum cleaner connoisseur Zoe tested this model and considered it strong enough to land a spot in our guide to the best corded vacuum cleaners . She said: “This nifty corded stick vacuum made cleaning a pleasure (well, almost) due to its slim, lightweight design, plus Shark’s flexology technology, which means a flexible wand bends at the touch of a button to reach underneath low-lying beds, sofas and coffee tables with no need to lift them or bend down.” Thanks to Amazon, there’s no better time to invest. On sale with nearly 30 per cent off, Sage’s barista espresso machine is a must-have for coffee lovers. “We loved how easy this machine was to use, and how much fun we had experimenting with making our perfect cup,”noted coffee expert Zoe, when she put it to the test in her review . Praising the machine’s clever tech, Zoe said it makes “dreamy cups of coffee with little fuss right from the get-go”. There’s currently more than 20 per cent off this model, which was selected as the best for kitchens in our best dehumidifiers guide. Our home appliance reverier Rachael said that it’s ideal for extracting any condensation that may appear during cooking and loved its ease of use and subtle size. “Perfect for small spaces and rooms up to 15 square metres, this dehumidifier is so compact it will sit neatly on your shelves or sideboard without you even realising it’s there. Plus, it feels solid and robust,” she explained. Temperatures are well and truly dropping, so it’s time we get prepared for the colder months ahead by investing in a quality electric heater. This slick and modern model from Duux is ideal for warming up a room and fighting off the winter chill – so much so that it was picked as the best overall buy in our round-up of the best electric heaters . Zoe , one of our reviewers well-versed in home appliances said: “It was powerful enough to warm up a room of 30sqm. For less than £100, we found it to be a well-made, good-looking heater that we could use throughout the year.” Now it has almost 30 per cent off thanks to Amazon. “For any iPhone owner prone to losing things, investing in a pack of four AirTags might be one of the best decisions you ever make,” tech writer Alex said in his review of the best key finders . “Precision tracking works wonderfully well when you can get a signal, and the fact it’s powered by removable batteries is a real bonus, in our eyes.” Our tech expert David tested out this Apple Watch SE a couple of years back, and it’s safe to say he was impressed. It comes with a lower carbon footprint than previous models, and despite being much more affordable, it still hosts all the same speedy and exciting features, making it a fast and responsive device. In his review, David recommended this model specifically for parents, saying: “It makes it an ideal choice for that new trend: parents buying a smartwatch for their children instead of a phone.” The Bose QC Ultra wireless earbuds are a brilliant-sounding pair of noise-cancelling buds that have fallen in price thanks to Black Friday. “They sound better than almost every competitive pair of earbuds we’ve tested,” tech critic David Phelan said in his review . If you’re planning to kick off 2025 in the gym, then you’ll need a massage gun to relieve your tired muscles. A total bargain at a little more than £20 thanks to an Amazon Cyber Monday deal, this massage gun delivers a professional-level deep tissue massage, through 30 variable speeds. The AirPods Pro 2 earbuds have been reduced to their lowest-ever price – yes you, read that right. If you need any convincing, The Independent ’s tech critic David Phelan praised them in his review – noting that they should be a “go-to for audiophiles or those who relish the joys of great noise-cancelling”. As well as having impressive sound and noise-cancelling, the AirPods Pro 2 feature the best battery life on any AirPods. You can save 26 per cent on this Polaroid now gen 2 camera, which featured in our round-up of the best instant cameras of 2024 . Ideal for achieving that classic Polaroid print, our tech writer Alex chose this model as the best vintage-style instant camera for its ability to “transport you back in time”. “Overall, it’s easy to use but fairly basic – you just point, half-click to focus and full click to take the picture,” he said. “Auto-focus works great – it’s a lot more convenient than lining up your subject with the focus hole, meaning the whole picture is in focus, rather than the centre figure.” The PSVR2 is cheaper than ever this Black Friday. When tech expert Steve reviewed the headset, he found it to be an “excellent virtual reality headset for the price”. He added: “But PlayStation’s admirable push to make VR gaming a success has produced one of the best and easiest-to-use VR headsets you can buy today.” Make someone very happy this Christmas and snap it up now. Gaming chairs can cost a pretty penny so I’ll take any opportunity to snap one up with a saving. This Cyber Monday, Amazon has treated gamers to the Trust GXT 716 chair with more than 30 per cent off. Rated the best seat for LED addicts in tech expert Jon ’s gaming chair guide, it boasts wireless control and high-density foam support across the neck and lumbar areas. Jon praised how “the gas lift was responsive, smooth and accurate, so you can make quick adjustments without it affecting your gameplay”, as well as marvelling at its 350 light effect modes. That’s right, 350. High up on many Christmas wishlists this year, the Oura smart ring is a revolutionary device that helps track your sleep, activity, stress, heart rate and more. When our fitness and wellbeing editor reviewed the ring , she particularly liked the sleep features: “The recommended bedtime was a bit like that best friend who’s always looking out for you – it did give us an extra push to put our phone down and go to sleep.” The ring comes in six colourways, including silver, gold, brushed titanium and rose gold. Right now, you can score the 512GB version of the original (and still the best) Meta Quest 3 for £469 – the cheapest it has ever been. Compared to the cheaper Meta Quest 3S, the VR headset uses high-quality lenses for a sharper image, is slightly slimmer, and with 512GB of storage, it can store more games, videos and content. In his review of the Meta Quest 3 , our tech expert Alex described it as “an astounding virtual-reality headset”, adding that it’s “arguably the best consumer VR device currently out there”. “With full-colour passthrough, a faster processor, a more comfortable and ergonomic fit, as well as better hand tracking and, of course, those sweet, sweet pancake lenses that make everything so much more stable, this is the VR headset to beat,” he wrote. Discounted by more than 30 per cent in Amazon’s Cyber Monday sale, Garmin’s forerunner smartwatch will help you track progress and monitor your fitness goals. There’s also a whole catalogue of daily workout suggestions, a widget for estimating your recovery time after each exercise session, and detailed running metrics, including cadence, stride length, ground contact time and balance. This watch also has a heart rate monitor and a widget for monitoring sleep, plus menstrual cycle and pregnancy tracking, and an app for checking on your stress levels, too. Useful for anyone who suffers from SAD (seasonal affective disorder), a Lumie lamp can transform sleeping habits, ensuring you wake up feeling refreshed. Although we haven’t reviewed this exact model, tech and home appliance reviewer Siobhan dubbed another Lumie sunrise alarm clock as the best advanced option in her guide , so, you know this is a brand you can trust. The Switch Lite has a smaller screen than the original version and can only be played in handheld mode. This bundle gets you a copy of Animal Crossing: New Horizons and a 12-month Switch Online membership thrown in for free, saving you a huge £85 on the game and the membership. It’s still available right now in its turquoise iteration, with a cutesy Animal Crossing theme. With a generous £80 discount, the Apple watch series 9 boasts everything from blood oxygen tracking to water resistance up to a whopping 50m. Testing the device for his standalone review , time-earned tech pro David praised its “fast, smooth and responsive” performance. He enjoyed both the “raise your arm to wake the watch” feature and, uniquely to the series 9, the fact that “you can tap your index finger and thumb together twice” to end phone calls, snooze alarms and perform a myriad of other actions. Pretty nifty stuff, eh? Tried-and-tested brand Loop is leading the charge with its stylish, reusable, high-performance earplugs, and they’re reduced at Amazon right now. For less than £20 this Black Friday weekend, you can enjoy a bit of peace and quiet (whether you’re working from home, studying, or hosting rowdy relatives at Christmas), thanks to Loop’s exceptional noise-reducing technology. As our tech critic, Alex hails these as his favourite wireless headphones , and they’re now 35 per cent off at Amazon. Looking to step up your listening experience? Then I have just the thing. Alex was impressed with their noise-cancelling abilities and crystal clarity, saying: “Whether it’s orchestral music, rap, podcasts or your favourite pop tracks, the WH-1000XM5 handles it all with poise and gumption, and it never misses a beat”. This cleansing balm has attained cult status. It landed a spot in beauty buff Louise’s review of the best cleansing balms , in which she noted that after she’d removed the product from her face, her skin “felt soft and smooth, with a subtle glow that you often find after having a facial”. She added that “from start to finish, the experience is a luxurious treat”. Even better, it’s now a treat you can enjoy for less than £30, thanks to this deal. Just in time for party season, beauty writer Maisie’s favourite hair straighteners now have 28 per cent off. In her review , she gave this ghd model full marks, noting that they “effectively style your hair in one glide”. She was shocked by how quickly they heated up, too, going on to say: “I can create poker-straight hair in minutes, or add waves and curls to my hair, courtesy of the curved edges.” Nab the hair tool for yourself, while it’s discounted. In beauty writer Lauren’s hair dryer guide, this model came out trumps. She noticed her hair was immediately less frizzy and was impressed by the technology at work, which helped her create “a smooth, sleek finish”. Affordable even before the discount, now’s the time to snap up this dryer while it’s just £67. CeraVe is one of my favourite affordable skincare brands – and its moisturising lotion is a staple in the bathroom cabinet. The lightweight formula is powered by hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture, delivering up to 48 hours of hydration. It’s non-greasy, which is a big plus too. When reviewing it, beauty writer Helen said she liked “the lack of greasiness and speedy absorption” means it’s “ideal to use in a rush”. Right now, you can save 40 per cent. IndyBest tried-and-tested brand , Kate Sommerville, is included in the Amazon Black Friday sale, with more than £10 off its bestselling blemish targeting face wash. Clinically formulated to help combat sebaceous filaments, pesky spots and blackheads, this face wash will provide visibly clearer skin for party season. Maybelline’s New York sensational sky high mascara boasts a uniquely designed brush that’s long, thin and densely packed with tiny little plastic bristles. This makes it ideal for getting to hard-to-reach areas and easy to manoeuvre from all angles with minimal mess. When Sarah, beauty buff and assistant eCommerce editor, shared her in-depth review of the mascara , she raved about the tiny bristles that line the wand, which she found “helped comb through each and every lash – yes, even those pesky ones right in the corner”. You can pick it up for half price right now. Fake tan fans, you can save nearly 50 per cent on Tan Luxe’s self tan drops in Amazon’s Black Friday sale. “Packed full of skin-boosting ingredients, including raspberry seed oil, vitamin E and aloe vera, these glow-inducing drops are not only incredibly easy to use, but they also help hydrate the skin, too,” beauty writer Lauren said in her review . “Plus, they gave the most noticeable glow out of any option I’ve tried so far.” I’m stocking up while it’s less than £15. Loved by the likes of Hailey Bieber and Rihanna, Weleda’s budget moisturiser has some hefty A-lister approval. For Cyber Monday, you can get it for just £5.62 thanks to the 50 per cent discount. When skincare tester Amy shared her verdict on the formula , she said she loved how easy it was to apply and how their skin “just drank it up.” She added: “Combining, organic sunflower oil with extracts of wild pansy, calendula and camomile, it’s a soothing treat that’s great to reach for when skin is feeling a bit more parched than usual.” Hunter and Gather’s collagen bovine peptides, now reduced by a modest 15 per cent, were rated best overall in our review of the best collagen supplements . This particular collagen powder contains 18 amino acids, and when we spoke to facialist Jude Jackson , she recommended bovine collagen peptides for improving skin elasticity and hydration, while also contributing to “longevity, future bone mineral density and joint health”, as well as current strength and recovery after exercise. This clever electric trimmer from Phillips is a must-buy, according togrooming expert, Paddy , who gave it the top spot in his review of the best beard trimmers . Giving it the full five-star rating, our tester found this trimmer to be a versatile all-rounder. He said: “It’s a decidedly no-frills option that’s easy on the face, body and wallet, with its protective cutting guards and modest price tag”. Now, it’s even more budget-friendly, thanks to a 45 per cent discount at Amazon. Our male grooming experts Sam and Lee named this cologne the best affordable men’s aftershave in their review . And now, thanks to Amazon’s Cyber Monday sale, that price just got even better with a whopping 42 per cent off. Our testers loved how understated the floral scent was, saying: “It’s a light-as-a-feather blend of citrus fruits, rosemary and lavender and not that far removed in smell from Tom Ford’s spenny neroli Portofino.” A designer alternative at a tempting price, what more could you want? Looking to upgrade the family entertainment system? I’ve got just the thing. One tech critic David Phelan’s favourite TVs of 2024 now has more than 30 per cent off. Calling it a “stand-out” TV, thanks to its top-of-the-line picture quality, overall performance and slim and attractive design. He said: “The contrast and strong, deep black colours, which typify OLED, look especially good here, allowing rich brightness as well as subtle shadows.” This smart TV is currently reduced by 37 per cent. When The Independent ’s tech critic David Phelan put it to the test , he was left impressed, scoring it four out of five stars: “It features pin-sharp picture and excellent brightness levels that look realistic and persuasive,” our tester said. Right now, you can save almost 50 per cent on this pair of Levi’s jeans, which have been worn and loved by many celebrities over the decades, from Cindy Crawford to Hailey Bieber. You can’t go wrong with the 501’s, which feature a timeless straight-leg and a flattering cropped silhouette. One of the best gin deals I’ve seen this Cyber Monday, The Botanist’s Islay dry gin was spirits expert Aidy ‘s top pick in his guide to the best gins of 2024. And it’s no surprise with its blend of 22 botanicals and nine spices. He described the tipple as “a silky smooth spirit with a balanced earthy, sweet, floral and herbal profile.” He added: “A truly beautiful bottle, inside and out.” “Old Pulteney’s whiskies are all influenced by the distillery’s coastal location, with the sea air rolling onto the casks and leaving a distinct briny and salty taste”, explained IndyBest reviewer and drinks connoisseur Jonathan . “Rich chocolate, vanilla and citrus notes are joined by a gorgeous Christmas cake characteristic bursting with dried fruit”, he said of this bottle, “while background floral notes and Old Pulteney’s distinctive coastal notes bring a slightly refreshing side to this intense yet exquisitely balanced single malt”. Now, it’s even more tempting, thanks to this discount at Amazon. Whether you’re after something to scratch his golfing itch this Christmas, or you’re stocking up for yourself, these Srixon Z star golf balls are sure to impress on the course. They were sporting expert Adam ’s top pick for speed and distance in his guide to the best golf balls and, now they have nearly 20 per cent off, they’ll stretch the distance of your savings, too. Describing the balls’ performance, Adam explained how the Z stars feel “like a dream on approach shots and when chipping around the green”. My game could certainly do with a helping hand, so sign me up. Amazon’s Black Friday sale ends at 11:59pm on 2 December. The retailer’s official sale started on 21 November with deals dropping continuously. Our shopping experts have been working night and day to find the best deals and will continue to do so until the sale ends. Cyber Monday takes place on the Monday after Black Friday, which means, this year, it falls on 2 December 2024. Traditionally, Black Friday would see retailers launch competitive discounts both in-store and online, while Cyber Monday was the go-to day for tech deals and online-exclusive brands. While it’s true that you will find some brilliant offers on gadgets, the two events aren’t as distinct as they used to be, meaning you can still expect to find savings on pretty much every category, including kitchen appliances , fashion, beauty products and toys . You can pay for Amazon Prime monthly or annually. The monthly plan costs £8.99 per month and gives you the option to cancel at any time. The annual plan is cheaper at £95 per year, working out to £7.92 per month, but you have to commit to being a member for 12 months. You can sign up for a free month’s trial. For the latest offers on tech and more, try the link below: Want even more bargains? Head over to our main Black Friday guide for all the best deals

NoneSinn Fein was accused of “ignoring” the role 3,000 Troubles deaths had in damaging community relations in Northern Ireland in a memo sent to a direct rule minister in 2003. Declassified files show the note to former MP John Spellar also said the republican party had ignored the “visceral component of sectarianism” in responding to a new government good relations strategy. Mr Spellar, then a Northern Ireland Office minister, had launched a consultation on the “A Shared Future” document, an attempt to address community divisions, segregation and sectarianism in the region at a time when the devolved powersharing institutions were suspended. A file at the Public Record Office in Belfast shows that OFMDFM official Chris Stewart wrote to the minister in July about a response to the document from Sinn Fein representative Bairbre de Brun. Mr Stewart told Mr Spellar that Ms de Brun’s letter had been critical of the document and was clearly intended to “mark your card”. He said among a number of points raised by de Brun was that “the promotion of equality is the key to improving community relations”. His memo adds: “Sinn Fein is clearly seeking to position or align the issue of community relations within its equality and human rights agenda. “This general Sinn Fein position has resulted in a simplistic analysis of community relations, which is flawed in its description of the causes and necessary policy response. “There is of course, no doubt that a lack of equality has been a contributing factor to poor community relations. “However, Sinn Fein ignores the many other factors, not least the violent conflict that resulted in over 3,000 deaths. “Sinn Fein also portrays poor community relations (for nationalists) as being a purely rational response to the political situation. “This ignores the more visceral component of sectarianism, which is all too prevalent in both communities.” Mr Stewart continues: “To suggest, as Sinn Fein does, that the promotion of equality should be the key component of good relations policy is to ignore the key message in A Shared Future, that indirect approaches alone are insufficient to deal with sectarianism and the abnormal relationship between sections of the Northern Ireland community.” The official recommended the minister invite representatives of Sinn Fein to a meeting to discuss the policy. The file also contains a note about Mr Spellar’s meeting with DUP representatives Maurice Morrow and Peter Weir the following month to discuss the document. The note says: “Morrow said he had no problem with sharing the future and suggested that the first step to that would be an election to decide who spoke for whom – though he was quick to say he didn’t want politics to dominate the meeting.” It adds: “Weir said that the biggest step towards improving community relations would be the creation of a political environment that had the broad support of both unionism and nationalism, and the GFA (Good Friday Agreement) could not create that environment.”

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The top of the NFC standings are towering over the Green Bay Packers as they move toward the playoffs, casting a long shadow shaped like Vikings, Lions and Eagles over what has been an otherwise-promising season on both sides of the ball. For as well as the Packers (11-5) had been playing down the stretch, they left Minnesota with a rather murky outlook for the playoffs after stumbling into a 17-point deficit that proved too large for their late surge in the 27-25 loss to the Vikings on Sunday . “They continued to compete and battle, but you just can’t do that against good teams. The margins in this league, especially against a good football team, are razor thin," coach Matt LaFleur said. "I don’t think we were at our best, but that’s a credit to them in our slow start — and that’s me as much as anybody.” The Packers gained 126 yards in the fourth quarter and still finished with a season-low 271 yards. The defense allowed 441 yards, which was also a season worst. The most glaring set of numbers after this frustrating afternoon, though, was this: 0-5. That's Green Bay's record against the top three teams in the NFC: Minnesota, Detroit and Philadelphia. There's no shame in losing to those opponents that carry a combined 40-7 record into Monday, particularly when four of those defeats — save for the 10-point loss to the Lions on Nov. 3 — came by a total of 12 points. “It’s not about who we can and can’t beat. We can beat everybody. If we figure out how to finish, we’ll win games,” cornerback Keisean Nixon said. But the Packers will more than likely be on the road the entire time they're alive in the playoffs, so any path to the Super Bowl would undoubtedly trigger rematches with one, two or even all three teams from that daunting trio. The Packers clearly aren't overmatched by the Vikings, Lions or Eagles, but in games against those premier foes that significantly shrink the margins for error the Packers have shown a troubling pattern of not meeting the moment with too many ill-timed mistakes and not enough big-time plays. “It's hard when you put yourself in a hole and are down early and just kind of shooting yourself in the foot,” quarterback Jordan Love said. “There’s so much stuff to clean up and get better at, but I think we’re still a really good team. We can put up points. But when you put yourself in a hole, it’s just hard to climb out of that hole. And when it’s a good team like the Vikings, you know, it just makes it even tougher.” The red flag came right away. Josh Jacobs, the NFL 's fourth-leading rusher, had just given the Packers a second first down on the opening drive of the game when defensive tackle Jerry Tillery pushed the ball out and safety Cam Bynum recovered at the Minnesota 38. Jacobs had gone 11 straight games without fumbling until losing one at Seattle on Dec. 15. Now he has coughed up the ball twice in three games. “I feel like it drained the energy out of the team just starting early,” Jacobs said. “I take it personal on getting the team to start fast and things like that. Yeah, that’s on me.” Though the Vikings punted on the subsequent possession, they moved the ball enough to flip the field position. Perhaps wary of the fumble getting in Jacobs' head, LaFleur then called three straight passes from their own 15-yard line, and Love was off the mark on all three to force a punt. After a breakout performance here a year ago in a 33-10 victory over the Vikings that helped the Packers squeak into the playoffs after a rough start and ride the momentum through a first-round win at Dallas, Love looked awfully amid the cocktail of blitzes ordered by Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores that fueled a fierce pass rush. He finished 19 for 30 for 185 yards and one touchdown. “They do a good job of keeping a lid on the coverage. That’s how they play," LaFleur said. "We knew that going in, so there was going to be minimal opportunities to push the ball down the field. You've got to be super efficient. You've got to stay on schedule because once they get you into third down, that’s where they’re really good.” AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

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Neely scores 16 as Albany (NY) beats Stony Brook 77-702024 was a major year for new vehicle launches, with new generations of key models like the Toyota LandCruiser Prado, plus the first of a new wave of Chinese auto brands entering the market. But many models also departed the Australian market, headlined by the departure of what had been the longest-running auto brand in Australia: Citroen. In fact, there were so many discontinuations that we split all the SUVs axed in Australia into a separate article . Scroll below for all the passenger cars axed this year, or click on one of the links below to take you directly to a vehicle. If you love the look of the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe , rest assured you’ll still be able to buy a car that looks like this – it’ll just have electric power. BMW revealed updated versions of the 4 Series Gran Coupe and its electric i4 sibling back in April, but never confirmed timing for the combustion-powered model. Somewhat unusually, the electric version sold in considerably greater numbers than the petrol model. To the end of November, BMW sold 1866 i4s in Australia this year, against just 243 examples of the 4 Series Gran Coupe. That led to BMW pulling the plug on the petrol-powered range. “The high volume of new BMW models introduced to the local market prompts us to constantly assess our product portfolio in line with customer demand and our commitment to offering products that suit individual needs,” a BMW Australia spokesperson told CarExpert in a statement. “This has led us to restructure the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe lineup.” The 4 Series Gran Coupe was the second BMW to bear the Gran Coupe nameplate, which has been applied to a five-door liftback (the 4 Series Gran Coupe), a four-door sedan (the 2 Series ), and what you could arguably call four-door coupes (the 6 Series and 8 Series ). This nomenclature was born in a period where BMW was busily chasing niches, including coupe SUVs like the X4 and X6 and the unusual Gran Turismo models which were more upright five-door hatchbacks. The second-generation 4 Series Gran Coupe was revealed in June 2021 and arrived here later that year, sharing the same plunging double-kidney grille as coupe and convertible 4 Series models. While it later gained an electric version, the i4, it never received a full-fat M version like the other 4 Series body styles. There was no M4 version of the first-generation 4 Series Gran Coupe, either. With the axing of the base 420i in 2023, just two variants remained: the turbocharged four-cylinder, rear-wheel drive 430i and the turbocharged six-cylinder, all-wheel drive M440i xDrive. Though the Gran Coupe brought superior practicality over the 3 Series Sedan , if not the Touring wagon, it cost up to $14,100 more than its booted counterpart. 4 Series Gran Coupe sales had peaked in 2015 and 2022 with 858 sales in both years – incidentally, both of which were the first full years of their respective generations. MORE: BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe axed in Australia, i4 EV to live on MORE: Everything BMW 4 Series Citroen had been hanging on like grim death in Australia, even as its sales winnowed away each year. From a height of 3803 sales in 2007, Citroen fell below 1000 annual units in 2016 and continued sliding. Its retail network continued to shrink, and Peugeot Citroen Australia’s decision to make Peugeot its exclusive commercial vehicle brand here killed one of its higher-volume models, the Berlingo. Most embarrassingly for the brand, it was outsold by Ferrari in 2020 and 2021. But there were signs Peugeot Citroen Australia was taking the brand seriously here, introducing the C4 in 2021 and C5 X in 2022. These replaced the old C4 and C5 that hadn’t been on sale here for several years, and came after several years of Citroen focusing on more traditionally SUV-shaped models. Not that the C4 and C5 X were conventional passenger cars themselves, with their higher-riding stances blurring the lines between cars and SUVs. Though it was the C5 X that wore the ‘X’ suffix commonly used for SUVs, it was the C4 that was classified as an SUV in VFACTS industry sales reports. There was a C4 X, mind you, but this was a sedan version of the C4 that we never received. Confused? We were too. Disinterested? Well, it seems Australians were. C4 sales peaked at 94 units in its first full year on sale, before falling; the same happened with the C5 X, with 68 sold in its first full year on sale. From launch to the end of November 2024, Citroen sold just 200 C4s and 168 C5 Xs. The rarest of them all is the C5 X Plug-in Hybrid, for which orders opened in May... just three months before Citroen announced it was pulling up stumps here. Being an order-only vehicle and priced just over $16,000 higher than the regular C5 X, itself not the most affordable vehicle of its size, it may be one of the rarest Citroens ever sold here. The C4 and C5 X may have lacked the clever hydropneumatic suspension of older Citroens, but with their quirky styling and focus on comfort – in suspension tuning and even in the construction of their seats – these cars were distinctively Citroen. Alas, it seems buyers just didn’t care. MORE: Citroen leaving Australia after more than 100 years, importer focusing on Peugeot MORE: Everything Citroen C4 MORE: Everything Citroen C5 X While we received new generations of Citroen’s small and medium/large cars, the latest C3 – revealed in electric guise in October 2023, and with petrol power in April this year – was kept from us. That was perhaps an early warning that the brand wasn’t going to stick around here for long, and in August this year distributor Inchcape Australia announced it would close orders for all Citroen vehicles. The third-generation C3 arrived here in 2017, with an extremely mild facelift coming in 2021. That means the C3 is much the same as when it arrived here around seven years ago, and sales figures have reflected that. From a height of 122 sales in 2018, sales fell to double digits in 2019 and have subsequently remained relatively steady, if very, very low. The price has climbed since launch and this year sat at $32,267 before on-road costs for the single Shine variant, putting it up against vehicles the segment above. But even comparing it with similarly sized vehicles with similarly premium pricing, the C3 comes up short. From its 2017 launch to the end of November this year, Citroen has sold 544 C3s. In contrast, Audi sold 462 A1s and Skoda sold 433 Fabias in 2023 alone. Showing just how far Citroen sales have dropped off over the years, as well as the decline in light car sales, the brand sold upwards of 908 examples of the first-generation C3 in 2003. MORE: Everything Citroen C3 The Fiat 500 is cute as a bug, but its ability to survive year after year well after rivals were replaced made it seem like more of a cockroach. It’s still being manufactured, but Fiat announced it was axing the petrol-powered 500 in Australia in August. As of December, however, it still has stock at its dealers. The 500 and its hotter Abarth 595 sibling are sold alongside the new-generation Fiat 500e and Abarth 500e, electric-only micro cars with similar styling but much more modern underpinnings and technology. With the Fiat 500e set to be joined by a mild-hybrid petrol-powered variant in 2026, this should finally spell the end of the old 500, which has been in production since 2007 and which launched here in 2008. In that time, Fiats from the little Panda to the Dodge Journey-based Freemont have come and gone from the Australian market, but the little 500 has kept on ticking with the occasional minor refresh. Though it no longer sells in quite the same volumes as it did in the early/mid 2010s – where it sold between 2000 and 3000 units annually – it still sells in consistent volumes in a segment that consists solely of it and the Kia Picanto . Last year, Fiat sold 581 examples of the 500 and its Abarth sibling in Australia, an increase on the year before despite the axing of their cabriolet models. MORE: Fiat culls petrol 500 in favour of $50k EV hatch in Australia MORE: Everything Fiat 500 When the E-Type ended production in 1974, it left a hole in Jaguar’s lineup. The XJ-S that succeeded it was more of a grand tourer, a tradition which its XK replacement followed in. It wasn’t until the F-Type , which entered production in 2013, that Jaguar had a genuine spiritual successor to the E-Type. An E-Type successor had existed in development hell during the 1980s and 1990s, before Jaguar revealed the F-Type concept in 2000... only for a planned production version to be scrapped before it could see the light of day. Fast-forward to the 2011 Frankfurt motor show and the F-Type as we came to know it was previewed in concept form, albeit featuring a supercharged V6 hybrid powertrain that never reached production. Instead, the production coupe – which looked essentially identical to the concept – was launched with a choice of supercharged V6 or V8 powertrains. Like the E-Type, there was also a convertible; unlike the iconic Jag, there was an all-wheel drive option. Also in a departure from past Jaguar two-doors, a turbocharged four-cylinder engine joined the range. Designed under Ian Callum, the F-Type was widely regarded as gorgeous. Somehow a facelift, revealed in 2019, arguably improved the styling with a more aggressive look up front. The F-Type featured all-aluminium construction, and Jaguar touted the coupe as the most torsionally rigid production car it had ever built. While the four- and six-cylinder powertrains weren’t shrinking violets, the supercharged V8 was the star. For 2022, Jaguar Australia dropped the four- and six-cylinder engines entirely, leaving the blown 5.0-litre in 331kW/580Nm P450 and 423kW/700Nm R tunes. In June 2024, Jaguar revealed the final F-Type and what it says will be its final combustion-powered sports car: a supercharged 5.0-litre V8-powered convertible in classic green-over-tan. A total of 87,731 F-Types were produced between 2013 and 2024. MORE: Jaguar reveals its last-ever petrol-powered sports car, bound for a museum MORE: Jaguar’s last ever petrol-powered sports car is coming to Australia MORE: Everything Jaguar F-Type When Jaguar used the Ford Mondeo platform to create its first BMW 3 Series rival, many scoffed. To Jaguar’s credit, it went back to the drawing board and developed a rear/all-wheel drive sports sedan with tasteful, modern styling and poised dynamics. Look out, BMW! Except the XE is now being axed almost a decade after it entered production in 2015, as part of Jaguar’s pivot to being a more exclusive, electric-only brand. Jaguar is done trying to take on BMW and is aiming higher, with JLR design boss Gerry McGovern saying in 2023: “What we won’t worry about is being loved by everybody, because that’s the kiss of death.” “That’s what’s put Jaguar where it is today, which is with no equity whatsoever,” he said. The XE never could match its German rivals in the sales race, and JLR confirmed the sedan wasn’t profitable – something likely not helped by its use of aluminium suspension componentry and a bonded and riveted aluminium unitary structure, unusual for this segment. The 3 Series rival was offered with a range of powertrains, including turbo-petrol and turbo-diesel four-cylinder engines plus a supercharged V6. Jaguar even developed the limited-run SV Project 8, which featured a supercharged V8 engine. Sadly, the SV Project 8 never came here, nor did it presage a more widely available BMW M3 rival. The six-cylinder and diesel engines were also eventually phased out in Australia. Disappointing sales and the resultant lack of profitability doomed the XE, which was axed in the US in 2020 but grimly held on for a few more years in markets such as ours. Unusually, Jaguar Australia switched the XE from rear-wheel drive to all-wheel drive for 2021 for reasons unclear. For 2023, the XE range was whittled down to a single model and, though it still appears on Jaguar’s local website, production ended this year. In its best year, 2016, global sales for the XE reached 44,095 units. The same year, BMW produced over 400,000 3 Series models globally. In Australia, the XE’s best year was also 2016 with 1524 sold, beating the Infiniti Q50 and Volvo S60 and falling just short of the Lexus IS . But sales fell each year, plunging to double-digits in 2022. Last year, the XE was outsold by every single one of its rivals, with its 58 sales bested by the Genesis G70 (81 sales) and Volvo S60 (152). From launch to the end of November 2024, Jaguar sold 4332 XEs in Australia. While rivals received significant facelifts or new generations, the XE was left to soldier on as its lineup shrunk. It’s a sad end for what was an extremely promising BMW 3 Series rival. MORE: Everything Jaguar XE If any car could make Jaguar’s XE look like a sales success, it’s the second generation of the brand’s BMW 5 Series rival. The first-generation XF was a breath of fresh air when it was revealed in 2007, with the Ian Callum-penned sedan casting aside the shackles of Jaguar’s retro design language in favour of a more modern yet still elegant look inside and out. The second generation wasn’t as impactful. Also attributed to Mr. Callum, the design was conservative, looking more like a stretched version of the XE with which it shared its new platform. Unlike the XE, however, there was a wagon version; this made the trip to Australia, even though the first-generation model was offered here only in sedan guise. Globally, the XF was offered with a choice of turbo-petrol and turbo-diesel four-cylinder engines, plus a turbo-diesel V6 and a supercharged petrol V6. Sadly, there was no supercharged V8 XFR as there had been with the first generation. To Jaguar Australia’s credit, it offered almost every available powertrain, and even brought the niche wagon here. But the British 5 Series rival was met with buyer apathy: sales shrunk compared to the outgoing model, with just 433 sold in 2016. That was down from the over 800 units Jaguar shifted in 2013 and 2014. Sales fell below three digits in 2019 with 50 units, and below two digits in 2023 with just 6 sold. By this point the XF range had been shrunk to a single variant, as for model year 2021 Jaguar axed all rear-wheel drive, diesel, six-cylinder and wagon variants in favour of a lone all-wheel drive turbo-petrol four-cylinder. MORE: Everything Jaguar XF Technically, Maserati didn’t sell any Quattroportes in Australia in 2024, with global production wrapping late last year. No further examples were delivered this year but as it appeared on Maserati’s local website during 2024, we’ve included it in this article. The Quattroporte nameplate is taking a leave of absence, with a replacement – featuring electric power – delayed until 2028. It’s not the first time the Quattroporte nameplate has taken a lengthy leave of absence, with gaps of several years between the first and second and the third and fourth generations. The Quattroporte competed in an extremely low-volume segment in Australia, battling the likes of the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class . Maserati executives would therefore clearly bristle at the mention of the Quattroporte sharing a platform with Chrysler and Dodge. “From the Chrysler 300 we carried over the electrical system, a portion on the platform where seats are hinged and some elements of the air conditioning, that is all,” then-Maserati global CEO Harald Wester told Automotive News Europe back in 2013. The current, sixth-generation Quattroporte entered production that year, underpinned by what Maserati called its M156 platform which was also used by the Ghibli and Levante . The gorgeous, lithe Pininfarina styling of its predecessor made way for an in-house design that was more fuller-figured and conservative, with a clear kinship with the cheaper Ghibli. If it looked bigger than the previous Quattroporte, that’s because it was – in length alone, the Quattroporte VI grew by over 200mm. A Ferrari-developed twin-turbo V8 remained available, along with a twin-turbo V6 developed with the Prancing Horse brand. This was also the first Quattroporte to offer a diesel engine, a turbocharged V6 mill sold here from 2014 to 2019. While the Quattroporte had a decade-long production run, there were updates made during this time. In 2016, the Quattroporte received a new infotainment system and more standard equipment including a suite of active safety features. This suite was expanded in a subsequent update in 2018. In 2020, Maserati revealed a hot Trofeo version of its luxury limo, featuring a 433kW/730Nm tune of the twin-turbo 3.8-litre V8 – up 43kW and 80Nm on the GTS. This coincided with another minor facelift for the Quattroporte line that saw the old Chrysler-derived infotainment system swapped for one running on Android Automotive. The Quattroporte consistently sold in the double digits each year in Australia, before slumping to just three units in 2023. Even in a low-volume segment, that was very low. MORE: Everything Maserati Quattroporte The Ghibli was first a stunning coupe and convertible in the 1960s, then a rather brutalist two-door in the 1990s, before being revived as a BMW 5 Series sedan rival that was revealed at the 2013 Shanghai motor show. It represented a return to a segment which Maserati last occupied in 1995 with the 430, a descendant of the Biturbo. With the introduction of the Ghibli and Levante, which entered production in 2013 and 2016 respectively, Maserati was chasing broader market appeal and therefore greater sales volumes. By the 2000s, after the end of the Biturbo era, its lineup had receded to a small, more exclusive one. In 2013, it announced plans to sell 50,000 vehicles each year around the world in 2015, more than eight times as many as it sold in 2011. The Ghibli used the M158 platform of the new sixth-generation Quattroporte, and shared its twin-turbocharged V6 petrol and turbocharged V6 diesel engines. There was a choice of rear- or all-wheel drive, while an eight-speed automatic transmission was standard across the range. The Quattroporte’s twin-turbo V8 wasn’t added until 2020, while at the other end of the spectrum the Ghibli gained a turbocharged four-cylinder mild-hybrid powertrain. Other changes to the Ghibli during its lengthy run mirrored those of the Quattroporte: new infotainment and a suite of active safety tech for 2017, and an expanded suite in 2018 enabled by the switch to an electric-assisted power steering setup. The Ghibli helped Maserati reach its 50,000-unit target, albeit a couple of years late. Alas, the brand’s sales dropped from then. In 2022, Maserati announced its plans to transition to an EV-only lineup by 2028, but conspicuous by its absence from these plans was the Ghibli nameplate. Instead, both it and the Quattroporte are set to be replaced by a single sedan model bearing the latter’s nameplate, though this has subsequently been delayed to 2028. In Australia, from a height of 345 sales in 2015, the Ghibli gradually declined before an uptick in 2021 to 152 sales. They then slumped to double digits, and just 17 Ghiblis found homes in Australia this year to the end of November. From its debut year, the Levante took over as Maserati’s best-selling vehicle locally, a title it maintained until the launch of the smaller Grecale SUV in 2023. The Ghibli remains on Maserati’s local website, but with production having ended it’s only a matter of time before the nameplate is retired for a third time. MORE: Everything Maserati Ghibli Even as it rolls out new electric vehicles (EVs) like the Aceman , Mini has updated its long-running three- and five-door hatchbacks and convertible and given them a slightly fresher look. The same treatment hasn’t been extended to the long-running Clubman , which Mini ended production of in February after two generations. It’s probably best to blame the Countryman as, in many markets including ours, given the choice of a wagon or an SUV most buyers will opt for the latter. BMW launched Mini as a standalone brand in 2000, and for the first several years of its life it only sold a hatchback. A convertible followed, before the Clubman was launched as Mini’s third body style. It came during a period where Mini was rapidly and creatively expanding its lineup or, to put it less charitably, throwing things at a wall and seeing what stuck. If debuted in 2007, and was followed in 2010 by the Countryman SUV (which did stick) and the Roadster, Coupe and Paceman (which didn’t). Mini wisely added a pair of conventional rear passenger doors with the second-generation Clubman, which launched in Australia in 2015, replacing the suicide door setup of its predecessor. A more practical alternative to the hatchback it was based on, the second-generation Clubman stuck with the rear barn doors of its predecessor – highly unusual for a wagon in 2024. The second-generation Clubman moved to the UKL2 platform underpinning vehicles like the BMW 1 Series . While this platform was used for a raft of vehicles including BMW and Mini-branded hatchbacks, sedans and even a people mover, the quirky Clubman was the only wagon. While it offered a choice of petrol powertrains (though as with its predecessor, no diesel in Australia), including a hot John Cooper Works model with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive. Between the launch of the second-gen model and the end of November 2024, Mini Australia sold 3143 Clubmans. It was a steady if unexceptional seller, but over the same period Mini sold around twice as many Countryman SUVs. MORE: Everything Mini Clubman The 508 may have been the prettiest mid-sized Peugeot since the 406 Coupe of the 1990s, but that wasn’t enough to save it. While it lives on in Europe, in September Peugeot Australia pulled the plug on the liftback and wagon “in response to changing consumer preferences in the segment”. It arguably wasn’t a surprise, given Ford, Kia and Volkswagen, among other brands, had already exited the mid-sized segment. Peugeot sales have also been broadly on a downward trajectory over the past decade. Peugeot Australia added a plug-in hybrid version of the 508 Fastback in 2022, with a Sportwagon PHEV following in 2023. But with one hand Peugeot Australia giveth, and with one another it taketh away. Later in 2023, Peugeot axed the petrol-powered 508s, leaving only the pricier PHEVs. Unusually, the Sportwagon PHEV was introduced after Peugeot revealed a facelifted version of the 508 in Europe, for which it conspicuously didn’t announce specific local launch timing. The facelifted model never came, and when Peugeot UK announced earlier this year it was axing the 508, its local demise appeared inevitable. The second-generation 508’s best year in Australia was 2021, with 240 sold. That was a far cry from the first-generation model which in 2012, its first full year on the market, recorded 1085 sales. In fairness to the 508, mid-sized passenger car sales have fallen over the past decade or so. But in 2023, the 508’s 156 sales saw it outsold by the Volkswagen Passat and Arteon , and even more niche models like the Volvo V60 Cross Country. MORE: Another mid-sized car gets the axe in Australia MORE: Everything Peugeot 508 You can still buy a Renault Megane in Australia, but it’s quite a different creature. The last examples of the RS Trophy hot hatch, the sole remaining member of the combustion-powered Megane range, were sold earlier this year as the new electric Megane E-Tech joined the local lineup. The RS-badged Megane hatch, sent off with a special-edition RS Ultime, was the last member of a once significantly wider lineup of small Renaults. The current, fourth-generation Megane was revealed in 2015 and went on sale locally late in 2016. Wagon and sedan models, introduced in 2017, were dropped in 2019 along with the entry-level Zen hatch, while the RS Sport and RS Cup hatchbacks were axed in 2021. That left just the RS Trophy. Not only was the Australian Megane lineup winnowed down locally, the car was discontinued in almost every market. Turkish production continues, however, of the sedan. This mirrors what happened with the Ford Focus , with a once-wide lineup continually chipped away at in Australia until a single hot hatch was left, before the nameplate was axed entirely. The Focus is also being discontinued globally. Renault only sold 69 Meganes in Australia in 2023. That was well down on the 1259 units it shifted in 2017, its first full year on sale. The Megane RS Trophy (and RS Ultime) used a turbocharged 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine, mated with either a six-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, producing 221kW of power and 420Nm of torque (400Nm in the manual) Those outputs remained competitive even among a growing contingent of hot hatches on the local market. While Renault is moving away from hot petrol-powered models, it’s entering the hot electric hatch fray with both its namesake brand and its Alpine spinoff. It remains to be seen whether these hot EVs will come here, however. MORE: Everything Renault Megane MORE: Every SUV discontinued in Australia in 2024 MORE: Every car and SUV discontinued in Australia in 2023 MORE: Every car discontinued in 2022 MORE: Every car discontinued in 2021 MORE: The cars we lost in 2020

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Blame it on the food and drink?The Pittsburgh Steelers have seen their share of elite running backs this season, but coach Mike Tomlin described Saquon Barkley as both dominant and dynamic because the Philadelphia Eagles star has created a degree of separation from his peers in highlight reel-caliber plays. Barkley’s backwards bounce over Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones might be the NFL’s play of the year. It’s certainly one that had Steelers inside linebacker Patrick Queen pondering a reporter’s question about the best way to tackle a player who is both powerful and elusive. “Not duck your head when you try to tackle,” Queen said. “That’s the simplest way. If you want to hit somebody, you’ve got to see what you’re hitting.” While the Steelers see Barkley as the best running back in the league — one who’s on pace to break Eric Dickerson’s 40-year-old single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards — the NFL’s No. 4 rush defense isn’t ducking the challenge of stopping the catalyst to the league’s top ground attack. Barkley has rushed for 1,623 yards on 266 carries this season, is averaging 6.1 yards per carry and 124.8 per game and has 1,890 yards from scrimmage — all of which lead the league — and has broken LeSean McCoy’s team record for single-season rushing yards (1,607). When it comes to the best back he’s faced, Queen didn’t hesitate to crown Barkley the king. “I think Saquon’s got that title this year,” Queen said of Barkley, who is on pace to rush for 2,122 yards. “You see what he’s doing. He’s unstoppable right now. ... Even when he’s not in space, he’s able to break tackles and stuff. Just an all-around good back: elusive, strong, can make multiple guys miss at one time. So he definitely is my No. 1 right now.” Tomlin took it a step further, calling Barkley’s offseason signing with the Philadelphia Eagles “the most significant acquisition in the NFL in 2024.” After three 1,000-yard seasons in six years with the New York Giants, who drafted him No. 2 overall out of Penn State in 2018, Barkley signed a three-year, $37.75 million contract with his hometown team that includes $26 million guaranteed. That deal has looked like a bargain so far as the 6-foot, 233-pounder has nine 100-yard games, including a career-best 255 rushing yards and 302 yards from scrimmage against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 12. Barkley is a four-time NFC player of the week, won NFC player of the month honors in November and is a leading MVP candidate. “He’s dynamic,” Tomlin said. “He checks all the boxes, in terms of physical talent: He’s got top-end speed. He can hit a home run, as evidenced by the Rams game. He’s good in tight-space areas. He can get downhill. He can lower his pads and run behind his pads. He’s got good lateral abilities. He can make people miss. He’s just a really complete player, and obviously that’s been a significant acquisition for them.” Even as Tomlin called Barkley’s performances “eye-opening” and said their chances of success starts with minimizing his impact, the Steelers coach warned that Barkley “can’t have the totality of your attention” as he did when with the Giants. Not with the Eagles leading the league in rushing yards (2,476) and rushing touchdowns (25) with Barkley running behind an offensive line anchored by tackles Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson and beside dual-threat quarterback Jalen Hurts, who has 544 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns this season. To further prove Hurts’ value: Barkley has been tackled at the 1-yard line 11 times this season and hasn’t scored on any of those drives; Hurts has either run for or thrown a touchdown on 10 of them. And yet Barkley still has scored 13 times, 11 by run and twice on receptions. “When you play in the AFC North, we go against a lot of great running backs and ball carriers,” Steelers rookie nickel back Beanie Bishop Jr. said. “You’ve got Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson in Baltimore and Nick Chubb in Cleveland, so we’re familiar with going against good backs. When we played against Derrick Henry, he was the (NFL’s) leading rusher. Things don’t change here in Pittsburgh. One of the things we pride ourselves on is being able to stop the run.” The Steelers are allowing only 91.5 rushing yards per game this season. They held Atlanta’s Bijan Robinson to 68 yards, Indianapolis’ Jonathan Taylor to 88 yards, Henry to 65 yards and Chubb to 59 and 48 yards in his two games. Ironically, the only running back to eclipse the 100-yard mark against the Steelers this season was Barkley’s replacement with the Giants: Tyrone Tracy Jr. ran for 145 yards on 20 carries in Week 8. Linebacker Elandon Roberts said the Steelers want to win the run game battle. He knows it starts with stopping Barkley but doesn’t want to put too much focus on one player because of the talent surrounding him. Instead, the Steelers are emphasizing the need to swarm and smother Barkley. “A team in December is based on if you can run the ball and if you can stop the run. That’s how we go into each week,” Roberts said. “I’m not devaluing Saquon. If we weren’t playing Saquon this week, we’d be eyeing the exact same (situation) because that’s just what December football is all about. Obviously, playing the top back in this league, we’ll definitely have to hone in. But that’s just playing within our defense.”None

NoneOTTAWA, Ontario (AP) — Tuomas Uronen scored at 1:46 of overtime to give Finland a 4-3 victory over the defending champion United States on Sunday in the world junior hockey championship. Uronen, who plays for the Kingston Frontenacs in the Ontario Hockey League, came down the right side on a rush and beat goalie Trey Augustine high to the glove side. The Americans lost for the first time in three games. They'll finish Group A play Tuesday night against Canada. Finland has won two straight after an opening loss to Canada. In the late game at Canadian Tire Centre, Carter George made 18 saves to help Canada rebound from an overtime loss to Latvia with a 3-0 victory over Germany. Jesse Kiiskinen, Julius Miettinen and Arttu Alasiurua also scored for Finland, and Petteri Rimpinen made 41 saves. Carey Terrance of the Erie Otters of the OHL, Cole Hutson of Boston University and Brody Ziemer of Minnesota scored for the United States. Augustine, from Michigan State, stopped 29 shots. For Canada, Oliver Bonk opened the scoring midway through the first period, Caden Price made it 2-0 with 4:58 left in the game and Mathieu Cataford added an empty-netter. In Group B at TD Place, Sweden and Czechia each improved to 3-0 ahead of their showdown Tuesday night in the round-robin finale. Tom Willander had two goals and assist in Sweden's 7-5 victory over Switzerland. Eduard Sale scored twice to help Czechia beat Slovakia 4-2. AP sports: https://apnews.com/sports

Pentagon announces a new $725 million arms package for UkraineAP Business SummaryBrief at 3:54 p.m. ESTWashington (CNN) — Victims of major public corruption cases in Pennsylvania and Illinois are angry that President Joe Biden granted clemency this week to two convicted officials. The commutations were announced Thursday as part of a historic clemency package for 1,500 convicted criminals who, the White House said, “deserve a second chance.” The two convicted officials whose cases sparked outrage – a crooked Pennsylvania judge and a notorious Illinois fraudster – were both released from prison early and put on house arrest, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Biden’s actions now end that punishment. The president has already faced bipartisan criticism over his highly controversial pardon of his son Hunter Biden, who was convicted earlier this year of 12 tax and gun crimes. CNN has reached out to the White House for comment on the commutations. Former Pennsylvania Judge Michael Conahan was convicted in 2011 in what was infamously called the “kids-for-cash” scandal , where he took kickbacks from for-profit detention centers in exchange for wrongly sending juveniles to their facilities. The case was widely considered to be one of the worst judicial scandals in Pennsylvania history. Like all of the other nearly 1,500 people who got commutations from Biden this week, Conahan was freed from prison due to Covid. His house arrest was set to end in 2026. The misconduct of Conahan and another Luzerne County judge led the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to throw out 4,000 juvenile convictions, and the discredited state judges were ordered to pay $200 million to the victims, according to the Associated Press . Sandy Fonzo – the mother of Edward Kenzakoski, who died by suicide after spending time behind bars as part of the kickback scheme – said she was “shocked... and hurt” after learning of Biden’s decision to commute the rest of Conahan’s punishment. “Conahan‘s actions destroyed families, including mine, and my son‘s death is a tragic reminder of the consequences of his abuse of power,” Fonzo told the Citizens’ Voice, a local outlet. “This pardon feels like an injustice for all of us who still suffer. Right now I am processing and doing the best I can to cope with the pain that this has brought back.” Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, also said Friday at an unrelated news conference in Biden’s hometown of Scranton that, “I do feel strongly that President Biden got it absolutely wrong and created a lot of pain here in northeastern Pennsylvania.” There was similar fallout in Illinois, after Biden gave clemency to Rita Crundwell , the former comptroller of Dixon, a city of roughly 15,000 in the northern part of the state. She pleaded guilty in 2012 to a $54 million embezzlement scheme, which was believed to be the largest municipal fraud in US history. She was sentenced to almost 20 years in prison, nearly the maximum, though she moved to house arrest during the pandemic. She was supposed to be on house arrest until 2028, according to the Bureau of Prisons. “When I heard the news, I was completely shocked in disbelief, I was outraged and felt a complete sense of betrayal from the federal justice system, the White House and the president,” Dixon city manager Danny Langloss told CNN in an interview on Friday. Langloss, who said he doesn’t affiliate with a political party, was the police chief when Crundwell’s fraud was uncovered. He said he believes “justice wasn’t served here.” “I don’t like the idea ... that with several more years of her sentence to complete, she gets to walk free in the community that she betrayed and stole from,” Langloss said. Margaret Love, who served in the Justice Department as the US pardon attorney from 1990 to 1997, said the fallout from Biden’s latest commutations was a consequence of how the prison population was reduced during Covid – under the Trump administration. Congress passed the bipartisan CARES Act in March 2020, at the beginning of the pandemic, which, among other things, paved the way for the federal government to move about 12,000 inmates from federal prisons into home confinement. Many of these people have since completed their sentences, though plenty remain on house arrest. “Many people who were sent home were convicted of white-collar or nonviolent offenses and were considered safe bets to behave in the community,” Love said, adding that she believed the decision-making was tainted by racial discrimination. With grumblings among some Republicans about sending these convicts back to prison, Love said Biden “simply cleaned out this population” and took that option off the table. And to those upset that Biden let these criminals out of house arrest early, “you should have complained four years ago when they were released from prison,” Love said. The-CNN-Wire TM & © 2024 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

Murder investigation launched after woman in her 60s dies in south London“It’s not something I could share with friends but just the sight of a man in that red suits really does something to me” 'I think I fancy Santa Claus.' Dear Denise: I am a woman in my 40s and I have a very strange confession – I think I fancy Santa Claus. I know it sounds a little perverted and I don’t know where this little crush exactly started. It’s not something I could share with friends but just the sight of a man in that red suits really does something to me. Is there something wrong with me? Answer: You’re not the only person that wouldn’t mind Santa sliding down their chimney. It is more than OK to be attracted to Kris Kringle. In fact, it’s a kink called Santaphilia. The fetish comes from an attraction to comfort and security from a kind and caring, sometimes older man. So don’t worry, you’re definitely not on the naughty list. Dear Denise : I am a plus-size girlie looking to bring some spice into the bedroom but I don’t know where to start shopping. I’ve always struggled to find items that fit and look sexy. Help! Answer: Boohoo and Pretty Little Thing have great budget-friendly options, but zizzifashion.ie is a new and great find for size-inclusive saucy sets. Dear Denise : I want to add a few naughty stocking fillers to my wife’s Christmas present. Any ideas? Answer: I don’t know any woman that would pass up a massage, and there are lots of flavoured massage oils you can pick up online or why not pick up a foreplay dice to really get things going? Check out annsummers.com Email your problems to: Denise Smith denise.smith@sundayworld.com

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 3, 2024-- Janux Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: JANX) (Janux), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a broad pipeline of novel immunotherapies by applying its proprietary technology to its Tumor Activated T Cell Engager (TRACTr) and Tumor Activated Immunomodulator (TRACIr) platforms, today announced that it has commenced an underwritten public offering of $300.0 million of shares of its common stock or, in lieu of common stock issued to certain investors that so choose, pre-funded warrants to purchase shares of its common stock. In addition, Janux expects to grant the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional $45.0 million of shares of its common stock at the public offering price, less the underwriting discounts and commissions. All of the securities to be sold in the offering are to be sold by Janux. The offering is subject to market and other conditions, and there can be no assurance as to whether or when the offering may be completed, or the actual size or terms of the offering. BofA Securities, TD Cowen, Stifel, Cantor and William Blair are acting as joint book-running managers for the offering. Wedbush PacGrow, LifeSci Capital, BTIG and Jones are acting as co-managers for the offering. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering to advance clinical development of its internal product pipeline and for general corporate purposes. The securities are being offered by the company pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that became automatically effective upon filing. A preliminary prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus relating to the offering will be filed with the SEC and will be available on the SEC’s website, located at www.sec.gov . Copies of the preliminary prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus relating to this offering may be obtained, when available, from: BofA Securities, NC1-022-02-25, 201 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28255-0001, Attention: Prospectus Department, or by email at dg.prospectus_requests@bofa.com ; TD Securities (USA) LLC, 1 Vanderbilt Avenue, New York, New York 10017, by telephone at (855) 495-9846 or by email at TD.ECM_Prospectus@tdsecurities.com ; Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, Attention: Syndicate, One Montgomery Street, Suite 3700, San Francisco, California 94104, by telephone at (415) 364-2720, or by email at syndprospectus@stifel.com ; Cantor Fitzgerald & Co., Attention: Capital Markets, 110 East 59th Street, 6th Floor, New York, New York 10022, or by email at prospectus@cantor.com ; or William Blair & Company, L.L.C., Attention: Prospectus Department, 150 North Riverside Plaza, Chicago, Illinois 60606, by telephone at (800) 621-0687 or by email at prospectus@williamblair.com . This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction. About Janux Therapeutics, Inc. Janux is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing tumor-activated immunotherapies for cancer. Janux’s proprietary technology enabled the development of two distinct bispecific platforms: TRACTr and TRACIr. The goal of both platforms is to provide cancer patients with safe and effective therapeutics that direct and guide their immune system to eradicate tumors while minimizing safety concerns. Janux is currently developing a broad pipeline of TRACTr and TRACIr therapeutics directed at several targets to treat solid tumors. Janux has two TRACTr therapeutic candidates in clinical trials, the first targeting PSMA is in development for prostate cancer, and the second targeting EGFR is being developed for colorectal carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, non-small cell lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, small cell lung cancer, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and triple-negative breast cancer. Forward-Looking Statements Statements contained in this press release regarding matters that are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements include statements regarding, among other things, the timing, size, terms and completion of the proposed public offering, the anticipated use of proceeds therefrom and the grant of the option to purchase additional shares. Because such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon Janux’s current expectations and involve assumptions that may never materialize or may prove to be incorrect. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of various risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation, risks and uncertainties associated with market conditions, the satisfaction of customary closing conditions related to the proposed public offering, and the other risks described in Janux’s filings with the SEC. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made. Janux undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made, except as required by law. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241203439676/en/ CONTACT: Investors:Andy Meyer Janux Therapeutics ameyer@januxrx.com (202) 215-2579Media:Jessica Yingling, Ph.D. Little Dog Communications Inc. jessica@litldog.com (858) 344-8091 KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: SCIENCE OTHER SCIENCE BIOTECHNOLOGY RESEARCH PHARMACEUTICAL ONCOLOGY HEALTH OTHER HEALTH SOURCE: Janux Therapeutics Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/03/2024 04:01 PM/DISC: 12/03/2024 04:02 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241203439676/en

Illegal Alien, Accused of Killing 12-Year-Old Travis Wolfe, Freed from Jail to Spend Holidays with FamilyPetroleum Minister witnesses ABB agreements to enhance energy efficiency at Abu Qir Fertilizers

As the year comes to a quiet close, Tampa residents can look forward to a spell of agreeable weather conditions. According to NWS Tampa FL , today's skies will remain sunny, with daytime highs inching towards a temperate 68 degrees, officials last updated the forecast at 11:53 a.m. EST. While the humidity stands at 52%, the wind continues to blow from the north at a mild 18 mph, rendering a wind chill factor that could make it feel closer to 44 degrees. Tonight's prospects appear mostly clear with a drop to a low around 50, giving nocturnal wanderers a reason to layer up. The pattern of predominant sunshine is set to carry on throughout the week, culminating in even warmer highs by next Friday, reaching up to 76 degrees. While the evenings cool considerably down to the low 50s, it comes with the reassurance of mostly clear skies, thus sparing residents from the bite of harsher winter predictions that may plague other regions of the country. Those planning ahead for the upcoming week should be heartened by the steadfast presence of Florida sun. The NWS forecast suggests that this placid weather will persist through the coming days, with daily temperatures consistently hitting the mid-60s to the low 70s, and nightly lows comfortably settling in the low to mid-40s. Whether it's for outdoor recreation or the morning commute, the steady north winds at 6 to 9 mph seem to offer gentle nudges rather than forceful shoves. As the sun claims the horizon each morning, the local populace is granted the reminder of nature's gentle cycles amid the ever-tumultuous social climate. Through Wednesday night, the serenity continues, barely dimmed by the gradual descent into the upper 40s. And with clear skies promise by Tuesday night, stargazers could hope for unimpeded cosmic views. However, it is essential for residents to remember sun protection during daylight hours, even in this time of lower UV index readings, as the National Weather Service cautions. For those seeking more detailed and up-to-date information on Tampa's weather, the National Weather Service provides regular updates and extended forecasts on its website .3 No-Brainer Energy Stocks to Buy Right Now for Less Than $500AP Business SummaryBrief at 3:54 p.m. EST

Germany's president said Tuesday that a deadly car-ramming attack on a Christmas market had cast a "dark shadow" over this year's celebrations but urged the nation not to be driven apart by extremists. In his traditional Christmas address, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier sought to issue a message of healing four days after the brutal attack in the eastern city of Magdeburg killed five people and left over 200 wounded. "A dark shadow hangs over this Christmas," said the head of state, pointing to the "pain, horror and bewilderment over what happened in Magdeburg just a few days before Christmas". He made a call for national unity as a debate about security and immigration is flaring again: "Hatred and violence must not have the final word. Let's not allow ourselves to be driven apart. Let's stand together." His words came a day after the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) held what it called a memorial rally for the victims in Magdeburg, where one speaker demanded that Germany "must close the borders". Nearby an anti-extremist initiative was held under the motto "Don't Give Hate a Chance". Steinmeier recognised that there was a "great deal of dissatisfaction about politics" in Germany but insisted that "our democracy is and remains strong". A Saudi doctor, Taleb al-Abdulmohsen, 50, was arrested Friday at the scene of the attack in which a rented SUV ploughed at high speed through the crowd of revellers, bringing death and chaos to the festive event. His motive still remains unclear, days after Germany's deadliest attack in years. Abdulmohsen has in his many online posts voiced strongly anti-Islam views, anger at German authorities and support for far-right conspiracy narratives on the "Islamisation" of Europe. News outlet Der Spiegel reported he wrote on social media platform X in May that he expected to die "this year" and was seeking "justice" at any cost. Investigators found his will in the BMW that he used in the attack, the outlet said -- he stated that everything he owned was to go to the German Red Cross, and it contained no political messages. Die Welt daily, citing unnamed security sources, said that Abdulmohsen had been treated for a mental illness in the past, thought this was not immediately confirmed by authorities. - 'You are not alone' - The attack has fuelled an already bitter debate on migration and security in Germany, two months before national elections and with the far-right AfD party riding high in opinion polls. The government is facing mounting questions about possible errors and missed warnings about Abdulmohsen, who was arrested next to the battered BMW sports utility vehicle. Saudi Arabia said it had repeatedly warned Germany about its citizen, who came to Germany in 2006 and was granted refugee status 10 years later. A source close to the Saudi government told AFP that the kingdom had sought his extradition. Chancellor Olaf Scholz's government has pledged to fully investigate whether there were security lapses before the attack. The Saudi suspect has been remanded in custody in a top-security facility on five counts of murder and 205 of attempted murder, prosecutors said, but not so far on terrorism-related charges. German Christmas markets have been specially secured since a jihadist attacker rammed a truck through a Berlin Christmas market in 2016, killing 13 people. The Magdeburg event too had been shielded by barricades, but the attacker managed to exploit a five-metre gap when he steered the car into the site and then raced into the unsuspecting crowd. Steinmeier offered his condolences for relatives of those injured and killed "in such a terrible way" -- when the attack killed a nine-year-old boy and four women aged 45 to 75. "You are not alone in your pain," he told the hundreds of affected families. "The people throughout our country feel for you and mourn with you." (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.) Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the worldCorbus Pharmaceuticals Holdings Inc. stock rises Tuesday, still underperforms marketAngel Oak Financial Strategies Income Term Trust Declares December 2024 Distribution

TV star Charlotte Crosby said she has tightened security around her home with 24-hour monitored CCTV and patrol dogs, days after masked thieves carrying a machete attempted to rob her home. The former Geordie Shore star, who is nearly eight months pregnant, thanked a security company “for all the hard work this week” after adding the protections to her home. “Trebling our security measures, worth every penny to feel safe again in my own home,” the 34-year-old said in a post to her Instagram story. “Scumbags are gunna get a big shock the next time they even step foot on any perimeter of my land.” It comes after her fiance, Jake Ankers, said on social media that a group of men carrying a machete entered their home on Thursday evening while they were in the house with their two-year-old daughter. The businessman said one of the four men “had a red balaclava on” and was carrying the weapon at the top of the stairs. Durham Constabulary were alerted at 7pm on Thursday to reports of an aggravated burglary in Houghton-le-Spring, a town in the Sunderland area. A spokeswoman for the force said: “Officers attended the area, however the suspects left the scene before their arrival. “Nobody was injured in the incident and no items are believed to have been taken.” She added that an investigation is under way and anyone with information is asked to contact police. After the incident, Crosby was admitted to hospital after experiencing “serious pains” in her stomach, but confirmed her baby is “all fine”. Ankers appeared with the reality star on BBC Three reality show Charlotte In Sunderland. Crosby is best known for appearing in the MTV reality series Geordie Shore and winning the 12th series of Celebrity Big Brother in 2013. She and Ankers got engaged in October 2023 after she gave birth to their first child in 2022.

(BPT) - Tech gifts are consistently some of the most popular presents to give and receive during the holidays. In fact, according to the annual Consumer Technology Holiday Purchase Patterns report , a record 233 million U.S. adults (89%) will buy tech products during the 2024 holiday season. But with so many devices out there, it can be hard to decide on the perfect option for the loved one on your list. A tablet like the new Fire HD 8 from Amazon offers the versatility of an all-in-one device, with access to streaming, gaming, video chatting, reading or writing all at your fingertips. Fire HD 8 also features a vibrant 8-inch HD display and lightweight, portable design, for high-quality entertainment on the go. Plus, Fire HD 8 comes with three new AI features that can help you get the most out of your tablet experience. Check them out below and learn how they can help you with daily tasks this holiday season and beyond. 1. Meet your personal writing assistant Do you struggle with writing a heartfelt message or finessing a tricky email? Fear not! Writing Assist is here to help. Writing Assist works as part of your Fire tablet's device keyboard and compatible apps, including email, Word documents and social media. In just a few taps, you can transform your writing from good to great. Try Writing Assist's pre-set styles to turn a simple email into a professionally written note. Or, you can ask Writing Assist for grammar suggestions to make your writing more concise, or elaborate on your ideas. You can even "emojify" your writing to add more fun and personality. 2. Learn more in less time Say goodbye to scrolling through pages of information. The new Webpage Summaries feature allows you to learn pertinent information as quickly as possible. Available on the Silk browser on Fire tablets, Webpage Summaries provides quick insights on web articles. In a matter of seconds, this feature will distill the key points in an article or on a webpage into a clear, concise summary of what you need to know. 3. Get creative with your device wallpaper With Wallpaper Creator, you can easily add a touch of creative flair and customization to your tablet's home screen. You can choose from one of the curated prompts to get started on creating a unique background. Or, if you're ready to let your imagination run wild, type a description of what you'd like to see. For example, you can ask for an image of a tiger swimming underwater or a watercolor-style image of a desert landscape in space. Wallpaper Creator will then turn your vision into a reality, delivering a high-resolution image that you can use as your tablet's wallpaper. Celebrate an AI-powered holiday season Writing Assist, Webpage Summaries, and Wallpaper Creator are now available on Amazon's new Fire HD 8 and other compatible Fire tablet devices, including the latest Fire HD 10 and Fire Max 11 tablets. To learn more, or to order a new Fire tablet this gift-giving season, visit Amazon.com .

Unwrap the latest AI features with Amazon Fire TabletsTV sport commentator says there's a problem with Indian cricket star Jasprit Bumrah that everyone is too 'politically correct' to say out loud Bumrah has been outstanding during Border-Gavaskar series Paceman has almost single-handedly carried India's attack By JAMES COONEY FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA Published: 18:54 EST, 23 December 2024 | Updated: 18:55 EST, 23 December 2024 e-mail View comments Veteran sports commentator Ian Maurice has blamed political correctness for cricket's failure to hold Indian superstar Jasprit Bumrah up to scrutiny for what he believes is a suspect bowling action. The Indian great has been a standout performer in this series and how well the Australians counter him in Melbourne and Sydney will go a long way to deciding whether they regain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The Aussies were left in tatters at 8-70 early on the second day of the Perth Test, largely because of Bumrah's five-wicket haul as he ripped through the top order at Optus Stadium. Cricket fans at the time called for the pace bowler's action to be investigated, after he produced devastating swing in both directions off a short run-up. On Monday, Maurice took to X to comment on the matter, posting: 'Why has no one questioned the delivery of India paceman Bumrah? Is it not politically correct these days? 'I'm not saying he's throwing but at least the position of the arm at the point of delivery should be analyzed. Nine would have had it under the microscope some years ago.' Indian paceman Jasprit Bumrah has been sensational throughout the Border-Gavaskar series Former sports commentator Ian Maurice (pictured) believes cricket's powers that be are refusing to analyse the paceman's action because they're afraid of being called racist Bumrah's unorthodox action has indeed been discussed over the years, with some comparing it to Pakistan bowler Mohammad Hasnain, who was banned from international cricket for throwing in 2022. At the time, renowned bowling coach and former England player Ian Pont explained why Bumrah's action is legal. 'You can see his arm straight from the wrist to elbow. The rule is when it is above the vertical that the elbow must not bend past 15 degrees,' Pont said. 'You can clearly see the forward flexion in his arm, which is a hyperextension. This is allowed (a forward bend) for people with hyper-mobile joints. 'A hyperextension is a movement in a similar direction to the direction of movement - not downward or to the side. This is why Bumrah's action is classified as legal since it is within the guidelines of hypermobility.' Nottingham Trent University senior lecturer in biomechanics Paul Felton has worked with numerous cricket coaches and further explained how the hypermobility is an advantage for Bumrah, but a legal one. 'His hypermobility also provides further advantages (in) that he is able to maintain alignment throughout his bowling action which reduces variability in his control of line and length,' he said. 'So, his hypermobility makes him unique. That he's able to maximise speed by accessing more optimal movement patterns which increases control and provide lower injury risk.' Bumrah's unique action has been discussed over the years, with several experts on the matter deeming it perfectly legal Bumrah (pictured with wife Sanjana Ganesan) has been exceptional this year and crucial to the Indian team throughout the tour of Australia Aussie cricket legend Greg Chappell says Bumrah's technique is 'unequivocally clean' Aussie cricket legend Greg Chappell has also spoken on the matter, saying fans should stop questioning the 30-year-old's technique. 'India's bowlers, spearheaded by the lethal Jasprit Bumrah, looked sharper and more menacing. Australia were bundled out for 104 in 52 overs, with Bumrah proving almost unplayable at times,' Chappell wrote in a column for Sydney Morning Herald. 'By the way, please stop this nonsense of questioning Bumrah's action. It is unique, but it is unequivocally clean. It demeans a champion performer and the game to even bring it up.' Former Australian opener David Warner has offered some insight into why the Indian star is so hard to face on the pitch. 'The key challenge of Bumrah is getting used to his action. If you haven't faced him before, it can be quite challenging,' Warner said. 'You've got to try and get used to the stutter at the crease. And then he lets go some thunderbolts. He always hits line and length. Can swing them both ways. 'I think the beauty of him is he's got two different gears. He can pitch it up when the ball is new and then he can go the other length.' The fourth Australia-India Test gets underway on Boxing Day at the MCG with the series locked at one victory apiece. Pakistan Melbourne India Share or comment on this article: TV sport commentator says there's a problem with Indian cricket star Jasprit Bumrah that everyone is too 'politically correct' to say out loud e-mail Add commentMILWAUKEE, Wis., Dec. 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Enerpac Tool Group Corp. (NYSE: EPAC) announced today that it will release its first quarter fiscal 2025 earnings after the market closes on Wednesday, December 18, 2024. Management will conduct a conference call to discuss the results on Thursday, December 19, 2024, beginning at 8:30 a.m. ET / 7:30 a.m. CT. A real-time webcast of the conference call can be accessed via the Investors section of the Company’s website here . For those who are unavailable to listen to the live broadcast, a replay will be available shortly after the call for 90 days. About Enerpac Tool Group Enerpac Tool Group Corp. is a premier industrial tools, services, technology and solutions provider serving a broad and diverse set of customers in more than 100 countries. The Company makes complex, often hazardous jobs possible safely and efficiently. Enerpac Tool Group’s businesses are global leaders in high pressure hydraulic tools, controlled force products, and solutions for precise positioning of heavy loads that help customers safely and reliably tackle some of the most challenging jobs around the world. The Company was founded in 1910 and is headquartered in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Enerpac Tool Group common stock trades on the NYSE under the symbol EPAC. For further information on Enerpac Tool Group and its businesses, visit the Company's website at www.enerpactoolgroup.com . Contact: Travis Williams Senior Director, Investor Relations 262.293.1913

Nel – World’s First Dynamic Green Ammonia Plant officially opened The world’s first dynamic green ammonia plant, located in Ramme, Denmark, was recently inaugurated by a Danish partnership consisting of Topsoe, Skovgaard Energy, and Vestas. Nel has delivered the electrolysers. For this pioneering project, Nel supplied 10MW of electrolyser capacity in the form of four of the company’s proven A485 units. These electrolysers will enable the plant to produce hydrogen from renewable energy, which will then be synthesized into green ammonia. says , Senior Tender Manager at Nel Hydrogen, who attended the inauguration along with two Danish ministers, Lars Aagaard, Minister of Climate, Energy and Utilities, and Thomas Danielsen, Minister of Transport. This allows for cost-effective production of green ammonia without the need for battery or hydrogen storage”, Preventing 8,200 tons of CO2 emissions According to the project partners the plant will prevent 8,200 tons of CO2 emissions annually by producing over 5,000 tons of green ammonia. says “By providing our reliable and efficient electrolyser technology, we are contributing to a solution that can help decarbonize industries like shipping, agriculture, steel and ammonia production.” Collaboration provides valuable insights The Ramme plant is expected to provide valuable insights and experience that can pave the way for larger Power-to-X projects in the future. says “We look forward to continued collaboration with partners like Topsoe, Vestas and Skovgaard Energy to scale up this technology and accelerate the green transition.” READ the latest news shaping the hydrogen market at Nel – World’s First Dynamic Green Ammonia Plant officially opened, MAN Energy Solutions – Full-Scale Ammonia Engine Opens New Chapter Two-stroke engine testing in Copenhagen marks important milestone on path to dual-fuel ME-LGIA development MAN Energy Solutions has announced that... Switch2 and CorPower Ocean Partner on Wave-Powered Green Ammonia SwitcH2 is partnering with CorPower Ocean to deliver a unique industrial scale floating green ammonia production facility partially powered by wave energy... LBC Tank Terminals announces acquisition of Evolution Terminals in Vlissingen – Strategic move to advance leadership position in green hydrogen and ammonia markets LBC Tank Terminals Group B.V. (LBC), a global...Vancouver Canucks defenceman Hronek out eight weeks with lower-body injury

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Ian Schieffelin came within two assists of a triple-double and Clemson handed Penn State its first loss with a 75-67 decision for the championship of the Sunshine Slam tournament Tuesday in Daytona Beach, Fla. Schieffelin finished with 18 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists for the Tigers (6-1), leading four players in double figures. Chase Hunter added 17 points, while Chauncey Wiggins scored 14 and reserve Del Jones chipped in 10 points. Clemson sank 9 of 19 3-pointers, converted 16 of 20 free throws and was able to limit the impact of the Nittany Lions' full-court pressure. The Tigers committed just 13 turnovers, helping them hold Penn State (6-1) to less than 85 points for the first time this year. Ace Baldwin starred in defeat with game highs of 20 points and 11 assists, while center Yanic Konan Niederhauser added 14 points. Nick Kern came off the bench to score 11 but Penn State was outscored 15-2 on the fast break and made just 4 of 18 attempts from 3-point range. Schieffelin came up big down the stretch, assisting on a 3-pointer by Jaeden Zackery with 6:04 left that made it 65-61. Then he made two foul shots and tossed in a jump hook from the lane to up the margin to 71-66 with 1:03 left. The big storyline going into this game was which team would be able to control the pace. Penn State came in averaging 96 ppg, while Clemson demonstrated its ability to enforce a slower tempo in March, advancing to a regional final in the NCAA Tournament. In the first 10 minutes of the game, the Tigers made the Nittany Lions play at a crawl, opening up a 17-10 advantage when Schieffelin converted a short hook in the lane. But Penn State answered with an 18-4 run over nearly six minutes, establishing a 28-21 lead when Kern shook free for a layup. Clemson rallied with nine straight points but the Nittany Lions had the last say as Baldwin converted a layup with 24 seconds left, cutting the Tigers' edge to 38-36 at halftime. --Field Level Media

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South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's brief imposition of martial law marks a new warning for the worldwide fragility of democracy, even in a country hailed as a model of political transformation. Yoon's overnight attempt to shut down political activity, censor media and lock out opposition lawmakers stunned South Korea's longtime ally, the United States, which said it had no advance warning and issued a statement of concern. South Korea's transition to elected rule since a mass uprising in 1987 had been seen as so thorough that the United States increasingly spoke of its ally as a global partner. Meanwhile, Seoul billed itself as a new, ideal hub for international media as China clamped down on Hong Kong. President Joe Biden had even chosen Yoon as the host in March of his final Summit for Democracy -- a signature initiative of the outgoing US leader, who sought to champion liberal values globally, in an unstated repudiation of Donald Trump, who returns to the White House next month. But observers, while stunned by Yoon, said there were warning signs. Danny Russel, a top US diplomat for Asia under former president Barack Obama and who earlier served in South Korea, pointed to the deadlock in parliament where the opposition repeatedly sought impeachments against Yoon's administration. Yoon's move "was a complete surprise to me (but) yes, there were very obvious structural forces at work," he said. "There is a radically polarized political scene in Korea. The opposition has been pursuing scorched-earth political obstruction tactics," he said. But he pointed to the quick, large-scale protests that erupted after Yoon's declaration as a sign of a vibrant civil society ready to defend democracy. "One certainly would hope that this would serve as a wake-up call to both the ruling conservative party and the progressive opposition that both sides have gone too far and that there needs to be some process of reconciliation, of dealing with legitimate differences and grievances." Yoon himself had earlier shown signs of authoritarianism. In a national address last year, Yoon raged against supposed communists who have "disguised themselves as democracy activists, human rights advocates or progressive activists." A prosecutor, Yoon narrowly won the 2022 election on a platform of economic reform and advocated close ties with the United States as well as historic rival Japan. But his popularity swiftly slid and the opposition won the National Assembly. Celeste Arrington, a Korea expert at George Washington University, noted that Yoon had never held elected office before and had become increasingly frustrated. "This is really an extreme move that may signal, I think, the president's lack of political experience," she said. She said that martial law showed "some cracks in democracy" but that the quick reversal "gives me hope in the health and strength and vibrancy of democracy in South Korea." Bruce Klingner, a senior research fellow at the conservative Heritage Foundation, expected Yoon's career to be over after attempting martial law, which constitutionally can only be imposed for wars or other emergencies. "Yoon's action is a damning reversal to decades of South Korean efforts to put its authoritarian past behind it," he said. The number of democracies worldwide soared starting in the late 1980s as the Soviet Union collapsed and student-led uprisings brought reforms elsewhere. But globally, democracy has been in retreat for the last 18 straight years, according to the Washington-based group Freedom House, which promotes political liberty. Democratically elected leaders have taken increasingly authoritarian steps in countries as diverse as India, Turkey and Hungary. V-Dem, another closely watched democracy index, had most recently ranked South Korea third in Asia after Taiwan and Japan. In the United States, Trump has rejected long-held norms, refusing to accept he lost to Biden four years ago -- culminating in his supporters violently rampaging through the US Capitol. Trump's rejection of democracy ultimately worked out for him: campaigning on the rage of 2020, he won last month's election. But experts said Yoon's power play -- and its reversal -- could in fact show a victory for democratic values. "Yoon is a deeply unpopular and ineffectual leader, but there was nothing I saw of people being dissatisfied with the way government runs," Alan Yu, a senior vice president at the left-leaning Center for American Progress, said after a recent trip to Seoul. Darcie Draudt-Vejares of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said that with the swift response to Yoon, "this crisis may ultimately strengthen Korean democracy by reaffirming civilian control and demonstrating institutional resilience." sct/nro

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We're 12 weeks into the 2024 NFL regular season, and it's a special week in the NFL—Thanksgiving week. By the time we hit next weekend, four games will already have been played—games that are rather the 2024 season in a nutshell. For the first time in a long time, Thanksgiving's biggest game involves the soaring Detroit Lions. The Green Bay Packers will try to hold pace with the Lions on Thanksgiving night against the resurgent Miami Dolphins. And on Black Friday, a Kansas City Chiefs team that has made close wins an art form will attempt to maintain the top seed in the AFC. Those Chiefs got a win over the lowly Panthers in Week 12—albeit just barely. The Lions kept rolling and have their best record in decades. The AFC South-leading Houston Texans were stunned at home by the Tennessee Titans. And the Philadelphia Eagles sent a message in Los Angeles that while the Lions may have the NFC's best record, they aren't necessarily the best team in the conference. After a Lambeau Field beatdown, the Packers are rolling, while the San Francisco 49ers are reeling. The Denver Broncos may well be a legitimate playoff team. And the Las Vegas Raiders—well, the Raiders just need a hug. Another wild week around the NFL has shaken the league's pecking order. But as is the case every week, Bleacher Report NFL analysts Gary Davenport , Kristopher Knox , Maurice Moton and Brent Sobleski are here to make sense of it all—by ranking the NFL's team from No. 32 to No. 1. Last Week: 32 Week 12 Result: Bye Week By just about any objective measure, the 2024 season has been a disaster for the Jacksonville Jaguars. A team with aspirations of competing for an AFC South title has been arguably the worst squad in the league. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence has missed time with a shoulder injury, but head coach Doug Pederson told reporters there's a chance the former first overall pick will be out there in Week 13. "I mean we'll see. We'll see how he does during the week of this bye and see where he's at," Pederson said. "I'm not going to commit right now obviously. We still have a ways away, but we'll see. We'll see how he does this week, and we have time, so we'll figure that out." As to the embattled head coach himself, Pederson told reporters that last week's debacle against the Detroit Lions was not indicative of who the 2024 Jaguars are. "That's not who we are. That's not who we stand for," he said. There's enough pride in that locker room, enough pride on the coaching staff, whether we win the game or not. How we perform, it's not who we are. It's not who we are. It's not how I coach. It's not how we prepare during the week. It's not how the players practice and what they put their bodies through. I don't think many people understand what these guys go through during the course of a week. These guys play—and this is across the league. This is not just us. This is everybody who puts on a uniform on game days." Analyst's Take The thing is coach, it really has been who the 2024 Jaguars are. The offense couldn't move the ball consistently even when Lawrence was out there. The defense is the only one in the league that has surrendered an average of over 400 yards per game. The Jaguars are most likely going to blow this team up in the offseason, and it's hard to imagine a scenario where Pederson is the coach of this team in 2025. -- Davenport Last Week: 30 Week 12 Result: Lost vs. Tampa Bay 30-7 Maybe Daniel Jones wasn't the problem in New York. Tommy DeVito's first start for the Giants was a disaster. DeVito failed to clear 200 passing yards in a lopsided loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It wasn't just DeVito, though—the reality was that no one for the Giants played especially well. "They did everything better than we did today," head coach Brian Daboll told reporters . "It wasn't good, wasn't good. From a variety of missed tackles, converting in the red zone, turning the ball back over in the red zone. Got a good week of practice, did a lot of work, and obviously, it didn't show. No excuses. They played well, and we didn't play well. You get down 23-0 [and it] changes the complexion of the game some. Had a good drive coming out of the half, turned the football over. Just not good enough, and that all starts with me." Rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers was even less diplomatic. "First, second quarter, I don't get the ball," Nabers ranted. "Start getting targets at the end. I mean, can't do nothing. Start getting the ball when it's 30-0. What do you want me to do?" Analyst's Take Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers knows the Giants have a problem beyond the quarterback position, but he doesn't know what it is other than a team that's played " soft ." The Giants can help themselves by starting quarterback Drew Lock over Tommy DeVito. This team needs someone to inject some energy into its play. -- Moton Last Week: 27 Week 12 Result: Lost vs. Denver 29-19 Things have gone from bad to worse for the Las Vegas Raiders. It's not bad enough that the Raiders suffered yet another loss Sunday at home against the rival Broncos. Las Vegas also lost its starting quarterback...again. Gardner Minshew fractured his collarbone in the second half and will miss the rest of the season. Head coach Antonio Pierce told reporters the team hopes Aidan O'Connell will be ready to play when the Raiders face the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on Friday. "We're going to need somebody, right?" Pierce said. "We're running out of quarterbacks, too, now, so we'll see what happens (Monday). But obviously, it looks like (O'Connell is) getting better. He threw a little bit in practice this week. Obviously, we've got a short week—play on Friday, travel on Thursday—so we have to make that decision very quickly." If not, Desmond Ridder, who took over for Minshew on Sunday, said he'll be ready to go. "I've been here almost a month and how I feel comfortable with the offense, I'm ready to go," said Ridder. "So, whatever that situation may be, it's not up to me—it's up to the higher power. But I'm ready for any situation there may be." Frankly, after seven straight losses, at this point it probably doesn't matter. Analyst's Take Gardner Minshew will miss the remainder of the season with a broken collarbone, so the Raiders must turn to Desmond Ridder or Aidan O'Connell for the remainder of the season. The Athletic's Vic Tafur and Tashan Reed believe O'Connell will reclaim the starting position after returning from injured reserve. In Week 7, O'Connell fractured his thumb, but he likely would've been starting at this point of the campaign if not for his injury. Before Minshew broke his collarbone, the Raiders benched him three times. Yet regardless of who starts under center for the Raiders, they're headed toward a four-win season at best. -- Moton Last Week: 28 Week 12 Result: Lost at Miami 34-15 Things just keep getting uglier and uglier for the New England Patriots. The Patriots had another miserable performance in Sunday's loss to the Miami Dolphins. The Pats had just 268 yards of offense, turned the ball over twice, converted just 3-of-14 third downs and fell behind 31-0 before finally getting on the scoreboard. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye tried to put a positive spin on a miserable effort while addressing the media . "I always say I hate losing more than I like to win," Maye said. "We got our butts whipped today, and it's only up from here. We've got a bright future and the right players in there for the Patriots." Head coach Jerod Mayo, on the other hand, had a curious response when asked about the mistakes, turnovers and penalties that plague the Patriots on a weekly basis. "Once those guys cross the white lines, there's nothing I can do for them," Mayo said. "There's nothing any coach can do for them. It's my job to continue to prepare not only them, but our coaches as well." Apparently, it's just Mayo's job to "prepare" the Patriots from Monday through Saturday. But once the game starts, his work is done. The loss ensures New England a third straight losing season for the first time in three decades. So, Mayo's work may well be done for good before long. Analyst's Take Drake Maye has shown glimpses of what he can become as a franchise quarterback, but he's not Clark Kent. Maye cannot transform into a football Superman to save the Patriots' lackluster offense with the flick of his wrist. Maye is exciting to watch because he can create something out of nothing, but at some point, he needs a reliable partner in the backfield or within the pass-catching group to help the offense generate points. -- Moton Last Week: 31 Week 12 Result: Won vs. Pittsburgh 24-19 The 2024 season has been a nightmare for the Cleveland Browns. But for at least a moment at least on Thursday night, the Browns woke up, shocking their most hated rivals in a driving snowstorm in Cleveland. There were multiple heroes in the Week 12 upset, whether it was Myles Garrett's three sacks or Nick Chubb's two scores on the ground. But it was the play of Jameis Winston under center that truly propelled Cleveland to victory. Winston threw a terrible interception against the Steelers, and turnovers have dogged the 30-year-old throughout his career. But as Jason Lloyd wrote for the Athletic , over the last month it can't be denied that Winston has provided a spark to an offense that had been truly awful. "In four starts since replacing Deshaun Watson at quarterback, Winston has guided the Browns to a pair of victories—over heavyweight division rivals Baltimore and Pittsburgh, no less," he said. "He already leads the team in passing yards and touchdowns, and his charismatic nature has provided some memorable sermons and lighthearted social media clips in what has otherwise been a dreary season and a miserable trudge to the finish line." Analyst's Take It can be argued that Cleveland winning games at this point in the season costs the Browns more than it helps them—too many victories could knock the team out of the running for an elite quarterback prospect. With that said, Winston has earned the right to start the rest of the season—and if the money's right, he makes sense as Cleveland's starter to open the 2025 season, as well. -- Davenport Last Week: 29 Week 12 Result: Won at Houston 32-27 There hasn't been much in the way of good news for the Tennessee Titans in 2024. But Sunday in Houston, the team played easily its best game of the year in stunning the AFC South-leading Texans. Will Levis outplayed C.J. Stroud, throwing for 278 yards and two scores with a passer rating over 120. Running back Tony Pollard eclipsed 100 rushing yards with a touchdown. And Tennessee's defense put the clamps on the Texans, allowing just 40 yards on the ground and less than 2.5 yards per carry. While addressing reporters after the game, Titans head coach Brian Callahan expressed pride in how his team fought despite its record. "The coolest thing about this game was just the way our team fought," Callahan said. "It was a back-and-forth game. Our guys did a good job of not flinching and keeping the blinders on. We've been in games like this before, and we haven't been able to make a play, but this week, we made a play." It has still been a disappointing season in Nashville. But for one week at least, it's smiles all around. Analyst's Take When a team operates with a new head coach and developing quarterback, the bar is simple: Does the group get better as the season progresses? In the case of the Titans, it seems they are, especially with Sunday's surprising victory over the Houston Texans. Aside from an inexplicable pick-six, Will Levis consistently found his targets while working behind a somewhat improving offensive front that battled throughout the afternoon. As a result, the lowly Titans beat the rival Texans and went 2-2 in the month of November. -- Sobleski Last Week: 26 Week 12 Result: Lost vs. Kansas City 30-27 With the exception of the final score, Sunday's meeting with the Kansas City Chiefs went about as well as the Carolina Panthers could have hoped. And frankly, an argument can be made that losses are more valuable to Carolina than wins right now. The question is becoming whether the Panthers want to use their high draft pick in 2025 on a quarterback. Because in addition to giving the two-time defending champions all they could handle, quarterback Bryce Young played reasonably well for a third straight game. While talking to the media after the game, Panthers head coach Dave Canales lauded his young quarterback. "Bryce is certainly making the most of his opportunities," Canales said. "And he is making a statement to all of us. Showing us he can make plays in critical areas. He did a great job extending today." Young, for his part, said he's just taking things one game at a time. "For me, I just want to focus on what I can control," Young said. "Regardless, I always have the same mindset and preparation, wanting to be better throughout the week. I am definitely grateful for confidence." Analyst's Take Carolina's winning streak ended at two games, but this team should feel very good about where it is. Players are continuing to fight hard, which is a positive reflection on head coach Dave Canales. Bryce Young, meanwhile, is starting to play like the game-changer he was at Alabama. The season, overall, has been a disappointment. However, it's easy to forget just how bad this team was in 2023, and it's easy to overlook how much more hope they have now. -- Knox Last Week: 24 Week 12 Result: Bye Week Things were supposed to be different for the New York Jets in 2024. With Aaron Rodgers healthy, the Jets were supposed to shake off years of futility under center and be a factor in the AFC East. Instead, after 11 games, the Jets are actually a game worse than last year. And now, per Dianna Russini of the Athletic , it's looking increasingly likely that the Aaron Rodgers era in New York is going to look a lot like the Brett Favre era did—quick and ugly. "I'm told Johnson has lost confidence in Rodgers' ability to lead the team to their first playoff berth in 14 years, a drought that stands as the longest in the major North American professional sports leagues," Russini said. "There are some on the team who believe everyone is simply tiptoeing around the fact that Rodgers isn't the same player anymore. I'm told no decisions have been made yet, but it appears increasingly likely that the four-time MVP, who is banged up, could be placed on injured reserve or possibly benched over the next few weeks, signaling the end of his disastrous time with the Jets. Some around the league say they won't be surprised if Rodgers is cut in-season." Analyst's Take All the blame for the Jets' latest faceplant of a year can't be placed on Rodgers, but there's also no denying that Rodgers has looked his age most of the season. At this point, we should all know what will be happening next—after Rodgers is let go by the Jets, Rodgers will sign with the Minnesota Vikings in the offseason and lead the team to the NFC title game in 2025—just to twist the knife. -- Davenport Last Week: 25 Week 12 Result: Won at Washington 34-26 How 'bout them Cowboys? It may have been a weird game that included everything from a missed extra point that would have tied things at the end to a pair of kickoff returns for touchdowns, but the Cowboys are finally off the skid after downing the reeling Commanders in Washington. The win stopped a five-game skid for the Cowboys, and embattled head coach Mike McCarthy told reporters that hopefully it will give the team some momentum headed into their Thanksgiving Day tilt with the New York Giants. "Oh, we needed it. It's been frustrating, no doubt," McCarthy said. "I think everybody in our circle has been very accountable for it. But I think you're getting a look at who we are. Just tremendous fight. They fought from the time that ball was kicked off at the beginning all the way down to the end. That's what this team is about. Hopefully, we can continue to get healthy. And we got to win this next one. That was a division game. That was a big win for us. We got another one right around the corner here. Nice to get some wins, get some momentum." Analyst's Take The Cowboys snapped a five-game losing streak, but they almost blew a late fourth-quarter lead last week. Commanders kicker Austin Seibert's missed extra-point attempt may have saved Dallas from a mindboggling loss. The Cowboys should celebrate last week's win, but this club still has much to correct going into its Thanksgiving game with the Giants. -- Moton Last Week: 23 Week 12 Result: Bye Week There hasn't been a bigger roller-coaster of a team in 2024 than the New Orleans Saints. The Saints opened the season with a pair of dominant wins. Then New Orleans plummeted through a seven-game skid that got head coach Dennis Allen fired. However, since Allen was let go, the Saints have peeled off two straight wins to at least hang around the fringes of the NFC South. Per Dianna Russini of the Athletic , the way the team has played since coming out of the bye has garnered Dennis Rizzi some real consideration to have the "interim" tag to be removed from his name. "After the organization parted ways with Dennis Allen," she said, "Rizzi was a natural choice for the interim role, especially considering he was a finalist for the head coaching job two years ago. While Sean Payton's positive influence remains within the organization, Rizzi has introduced his own approach, which has been well-received by players. He has focused on building strong relationships with team leaders and veterans, reorganizing the locker room to enhance player cohesion, and adjusting practice schedules to reduce injuries. He believes in a high volume of reps with less intensity during practices that players, including Derek Carr, have appreciated. He's also allowing players an extra hour of sleep, a simple yet effective adjustment. An assistant coach shared: 'Everything has a purpose with Rizzi.'" Analyst's Take After their disastrous seven-game skid, the postseason isn't likely in New Orleans. But that doesn't mean the team has nothing to play for next week at home against the Rams. Rizzi is coaching for his future with the team. Quarterback Derek Carr may well be playing for his future as the team's quarterback, and he won't be the only guy playing for a job next season. The Saints aren't making the postseason. But they have the talent to be a thorn in the sides of some teams down the stretch. -- Davenport Last Week: 22 Week 12 Result: Lost vs. Minnesota 30-27 (OT) At 4-7, the postseason hopes for the Chicago Bears are just about toast. Sunday's loss to Minnesota in overtime was the team's fifth straight setback since a 4-2 start. But in some ways, Sunday's game was almost encouraging. The Bears may not be winning, but the play of rookie quarterback Caleb Williams has improved—he torched the Vikings for 340 yards and two scores with a passer rating over 100. Williams told reporters after the loss that while the team didn't get the result they wanted, the offense has improved. "I think we've gotten better over these past couple games," Williams said. "I think today was a testament to that, being decisive, receivers and everybody, and things like that." Minnesota head coach Kevin O' Connell was impressed by what he saw from Williams. "I think the world of him," O'Connell said. "He just continues to get better and better. You can see it when he starts creating off schedule, and that change of direction and athleticism. We had him dead to rights a couple times and he gets out and makes huge plays." Analyst's Take Despite coming up short Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings, encouraging signs can still be found for the Bears, particularly the play of rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. Williams finally appears to be getting comfortable and adjusting to the speed of the game. Over the last two contests, he really thrived when defenses attacked. The result? The playmaking quarterback everyone saw in college is finally fully emerging at the professional level. Williams is evading pressure and making outstanding throws that a select few can. Yes, the Bears have lost five in a row, but the whole point of this season was to ensure the organization finally had its franchise quarterback in place. It appears they do. -- Sobleski Last Week: 21 Week 12 Result: Lost vs. Detroit 24-6 The Indianapolis Colts are stuck in the in-between. The Colts aren't a bad team...but they aren't an especially good one, either. The Indy defense had little answer for the juggernaut that is the Lions offense. The Colts offense struggled Sunday—the team was 0-for-2 in the red zone, and after throwing the ball well in Week 11, young quarterback Anthony Richardson came back to earth, completing just 11 of 28 passes. Despite another rough day throwing the ball, teammate DeForest Buckner still believes that Richardson has a bright future. "As a player, to go where you have never been and become the player that you want to be, you have to be willing to do things that you've never done and make certain sacrifices you've never made," Buckner told reporters . "At the end of the day, there's a price that needs to be paid. I feel like within this process the past two weeks, he's been able to really see that and that's what gives us so much confidence in him. Knowing that he's rooting in the process and he's developing as a pro." Still after losing four of five, it's fair to question how long the Colts can wait before they have to consider a Plan B under center. Because Richardson just hasn't been good as a passer in the NFL. Analyst's Take Anthony Richardson needs help. The sophomore quarterback needs to play better, of course. But multiple instances occurred during Sunday's contest against the Detroit Lions where others around the sophomore signal-caller let him down—Andrew Ogletree's drop of what would have been a walk-in touchdown being the most obvious example. Richardson may never become an efficient operator. But it's highly difficult to become anything when plays aren't being made by others or are called back because of penalties. -- Sobleski Last Week: 19 Week 12 Result: Bye Week It has been a miserable season for Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. Mind you, not from a statistical standpoint—Burrow is playing as well as any quarterback in the league. But the Bengals have played seven one-score games in 2024...and lost six. Per Oliver Connolly of The Guardian , a team this bad having a quarterback this good is enough to give someone a migraine. "Losing six close games with a quarterback playing this well is almost impressive," he said. "Burrow's numbers this season are bonkers. He has thrown for 3,028 yards, 27 touchdowns and has only four interceptions so far. He's on pace for the best rushing season of his career, scrambling around to make something happen. He tops the league in QBR and is third in the RBSDM composite, which measures the value of a play and how much the quarterback can be deemed responsible for the value. In a normal year, Burrow would top ballots for the league's most prestigious hardware. Instead, he's left scrapping for the final playoff spot in a lousy AFC wild-card race (NFL.com gives the Bengals a 12% chance of making the postseason). Most likely, the Bengals will be on the outside looking in by the time the postseason rolls around." Analyst's Take That the Bengals have just four wins with Burrow playing at such a high level is a shame, and assuming the Bengals do miss the playoffs Cincinnati faces some major questions in the offseason. Wide receiver Tee Higgins and edge-rusher Trey Hendrickson are both free agents after the 2024 season, and frankly, the future of head coach Zac Taylor in the Queen City may be uncertain. -- Davenport Last Week: 13 Week 12 Result: Lost at Green Bay 38-10 The San Francisco 49ers are in deep trouble. Injuries have ravaged the Niners all season long. And the team may have reached a breaking point. Without quarterback Brock Purdy and left tackle Trent Williams, the San Francisco offense struggled to get anything going. The defense played its worst game in recent memory on Sunday, and the 49ers got blasted to fall into last place in the NFC West. After the blowout, head coach Kyle Shanahan didn't sugarcoat his team's performance while talking to reporters . "I thought we got out of our gaps a number of times," Shanahan said. "I thought we had way too many missed tackles. Just them being able to control that clock the first half was one of the worst ones I've been a part of as far as a half. (Then) To have those three turnovers, and all three led to touchdowns with 21 points. You top that with the penalties and stuff, that's how you get embarrassed like that." Analyst's Take The 49ers are cooked, and not just because of injuries. There's a serious lack of physicality on both sides of the ball, and San Francisco's defense has taken significant steps in the wrong direction under first-year coordinator Nick Sorensen. It should surprise no one if Kyle Shanahan fires his defensive coordinator for the second straight offseason. There was a time when the 49ers could be considered the bullies of the NFC. There is no longer any semblance of an intimidation factor with this team. -- Knox Last Week: 15 Week 12 Result: Lost vs. Philadelphia 37-20 Sunday night's tilt with the soaring Eagles was the chance for the Los Angeles Rams to make a statement—to show they can hang with the NFC's best. Instead, the Rams looked like a .500 also-ran, allowing Saquon Barkley to surpass 250 rushing yards and getting absolutely dominated in the trenches on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Matthew Stafford was under constant duress Sunday night, and he told reporters that the Rams just weren't good enough up front. "They rushed four the majority of the night, that's kind of what they do," Stafford said. "Didn't do anything that we didn't expect, just executed a little bit better than we did, stayed ahead of the chains a little better than we did... Just didn't do enough in the second half to keep it close." The Rams are just one game off the pace in the NFC West. But with games coming up against Buffalo and at San Francisco, this week's tilt with an up-and-down Saints team has the makings of a must-win matchup. Analyst's Take The Rams still have an outside chance of stealing the NFC West. Even if they do, I can't see them getting past the wild-card round. This team is a fun mix of veterans like Matthew Stafford and young, budding stars like Jared Verse and Braden Fiske. However, it isn't a complete team, and that has shown against quality opponents like the Eagles. Los Angeles has holes in its defensive back seven that can't be fixed in-season. It has an offensive line that can't adequately protect Stafford for a full four quarters. Those are issues that will hurt the Rams in the postseason and could prevent them from even getting there. -- Knox Last Week: 20 Week 12 Result: Won vs. New England 34-15 This is the Dolphins team many expected before the season. Sunday in Miami, we saw a glimpse of the buzzsaw offense that dropped 70 points on the Broncos last year. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa threw for 317 yards and four touchdowns. Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle had his best game of the season, catching eight passes for 144 yards and a score. On a day the run game struggled, Miami outgained the Patriots by over 100 yards. Miami head coach Mike McDaniel talked up his quarterback while speaking to reporters after the game. "He's found a way to improve the way he plays the position throughout the game," McDaniel said. "The most monumental thing that you have to overcome as a quarterback is playing the position regardless of the ebbs and flows, so not changing how you play based upon positive or negative results and letting every play stand on its own." For his part, Tagovailoa was more concerned with Thursday's trip to face the 8-3 Green Bay Packers. "We're still below the .500 threshold, and it's a long way to where we want to get to," Tagovailoa said. "We'll enjoy this win, but this next one is going to be big for us." Analyst's Take Don't overlook Miami's defense in its midseason run. The Dolphins haven't surrendered 20 points in a game since Week 9. Miami faces a tougher test against the Packers on Thanksgiving, but its top-10 run and pass defense should be up for the challenge at Lambeau Field on Thursday night. We'll also find out if the Dolphins can hang with a playoff contender in below-freezing temperatures. -- Moton Last Week: 17 Week 12 Result: Bye Week The good news for the Atlanta Falcons is that the team entered its bye week in first place in the NFC South. The bad news is that the Falcons have also lost two straight, including a blowout defeat in Denver in Week 11. Those losses can be attributed at least in part to the struggles of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins. As Nick Shook wrote for NFL.com , Cousins' lack of mobility after tearing his Achilles tendon last year is becoming an issue. "His immobility is becoming a bit of a glaring issue," he said. "Cousins still launched a few accurate throws downfield that were broken up by Denver's secondary, but he also threw a truly awful interception in the middle of the third quarter, piling onto what had already been an avalanche of negative outcomes for the Falcons on a generally no good, very bad offensive day. The Falcons need more balance and must stay on schedule to get back on track. It would be wise to figure it out quickly, especially with the Buccaneers lurking in the NFC South race." Analyst's Take Cousins was actually benched in that loss to the Broncos, but there has been nothing to indicate that was more than a temporary move in a game that was completely out of hand. But the Falcons have just about squandered their margin for error in the NFC South. Cousins needs to up his level of play when the Falcons host the Los Angeles Chargers next week, and it would be nice if the Falcons' invisible pass rush could get a little pressure on Justin Herbert -- Davenport Last Week: 18 Week 12 Result: Won at New York Giants 30-7 Coming out of the bye week, the Buccaneers needed a win as badly as any team in the NFL—with a wideout corps savaged by injuries, the Bucs had dropped five of six. The playoffs were getting farther and farther away with every defeat. However, star wide receiver Mike Evans was back for Sunday's blowout win over the New York Giants. He wasn't the biggest reason that Tampa rolled, but it didn't hurt matters, either. Tampa dominated every facet of the game. Baker Mayfield threw for nearly 300 yards, drawing praise from head coach Todd Bowles in the postgame press conference . "He did a heck of a job," Bowles said. "Baker just plays ball. He loves playing ball. He had some great scrambles. He bought some time. He made some runs. He played a heck of a ball game." Tampa gained 156 yards on the ground and averaged almost five yards per carry. The Buccaneers defense held New York under 250 yards. It was a dominant effort all around—one that gives the team momentum heading into games with the Panthers and Raiders that could get the Bucs back above .500. Analyst's Take The Buccaneers are one of the league's most balanced clubs, entering Week 12 with a top-10 passing and rushing offense. In Tampa Bay's win over the Giants, Baker Mayfield threw for 294 yards, and all three of its active running backs, Bucky Irving, Rachaad White and Sean Tucker, scored a touchdown. The Buccaneers' tailbacks accumulated 127 scrimmage yards. Despite its 5-6 record, Tampa Bay is a dangerous post-Thanksgiving team that can get hot down the stretch. -- Moton Last Week: 12 Week 12 Result: Lost at Seattle 16-6 Over the past several weeks, the Arizona Cardinals have been the NFC West's hottest team—winners of four straight. Coming out of the bye, the Redbirds had an opportunity to take a firm grasp on the division lead. Um...so much for that. The Arizona offense imploded against the Seattle Seahawks. The team ran for less than 50 yards. The Cardinals converted just 3 of 12 third-downs, and quarterback Kyler Murray threw a pick-six that accounted for one of Seattle's two touchdowns. Murray didn't mince words while addressing the media after the defeat. "Obviously, it's a hostile environment," Murray said. "We just didn't execute, did not execute at a high enough level to win that game." The loss isn't a killer—every team in the NFC West is either 6-5 or 5-6. But with a trip to Minnesota up next followed by a rematch with the Seahawks, Arizona needs to get the offense back on track in a hurry. Analyst's Take Just when I think Jonathan Gannon and Drew Petzing have Arizona headed in the right direction, we have games like Sunday's. The defense is improving but can't play consistently well. The offense looks great when things are clicking...and a lot like the bad Kliff Kingsbury years when they're not. At some point, in a tough game, the Cardinals must forge a better game plan than poking Kyler Murray with the football and telling him to do something. -- Knox Last Week: 16 Week 12 Result: Won vs. Arizona 16-6 Good luck figuring out the NFC West. All four teams in the division have been up and down this year. First place and last place are separated by a single game. And right now, the Seattle Seahawks are on top of the division. It was the Seattle defense that keyed Sunday's win, holding the Cardinals out of the end zone and allowing less than 300 yards of offense. Defensive lineman Leonard Williams led the way with six tackles and 2.5 sacks. He told reporters that after their recent struggles, the team is treating every contest like an elimination game. "We knew where we were in the division rankings, so ever since (the leaders) had that conversation, we've been treating it like playoffs," Williams said. "Since then, I just feel like our team is coming closer together. We're playing with great energy." However, wide receiver DK Metcalf chastised his offensive teammates for not performing similarly on their side of the ball. "We should have run away with that game early, but we put ourselves in bad positions to where we couldn't finish drives," Metcalf said. "The defense plays like that, week in and week out, we have no choice but to put points on the board and run away with every game." Analyst's Take Mike MacDonald continues to look like a solid coaching hire for the Seahawks. While Seattle's defense is far from perfect, it is aggressive and carries an energy that has been missing in recent seasons. It has also performed much better since the Week 10 bye. The offense still has weapons, and Seattle is beginning to look like a very balanced squad. I don't know if Seattle will win the volatile NFC West, but this is probably the one team from the division other teams won't want to see on the road in the wild-card round. -- Knox Last Week: 9 Week 12 Result: Lost vs. Dallas 34-26 The Washington Commanders are in trouble. It's not just that the Commanders have lost three straight after a 7-2 start. It's how they lost and who they lost against. The Dallas Cowboys were double-digit underdogs, but the Commanders allowed 332 yards of offense to a struggling Cowboys team, turned the ball over three times, allowed a pair of kickoff-return scores and missed a late extra point that would have tied the game. As star wideout Terry McLaurin told reporters , the Commanders just flat-out didn't play well. "We just didn't play our best," McLaurin said. "We didn't play complementary football. When you're playing division games it's going to come down to the four quarters. We knew that going into the game. We didn't underestimate them at all, but it's just unfortunate when you can't help each other on offense, helping out on the defense." The Commanders now find themselves well off the pace in the NFC East. If there's a silver lining, it's that before Washington takes on the Eagles for the second time this season, the team gets a pair of winnable games sandwiched around a Week 14 bye. Analyst's Take Even in a loss, Jayden Daniels looked exceptional as the Commanders tried to make a comeback, but the team has hit a wall, losing three consecutive games. Between late September and late October, Washington's defense overachieved, and it regressed to the mean. Since Week 10, the Commanders have surrendered an average of 29.3 points per game. -- Moton Last Week: 14 Week 12 Result: Won at Las Vegas 29-19 The Denver Broncos are starting to believe. Sunday's victory over the Las Vegas Raiders wasn't as emphatic as their blowout of the Atlanta Falcons the week before. But Denver went on the road and defeated a divisional opponent to move to 7-5 on the season and remain in the AFC playoff hunt. After the victory, head coach Sean Payton told reporters the mentality of his team is changing. "A year ago, we don't win that game," Broncos coach Sean Payton said. "It wasn't our best, but it was good enough. We're on to the next one, so we have a lot to clean up, but it was good to handle these guys for a second time." Wide receiver Courtland Sutton agreed. "I think the tide is turning," Sutton said. "The Broncos are in a spot where we want to be back in the AFC West, and I think that's a really exciting spot to be in. Job's not finished." Now Denver has a pair of winnable games sandwiched around the bye week before what could be a critical trip to Los Angeles to face the Chargers in Week 16. Analyst's Take Bo Nix is moving up the ladder of Offensive Rookie of the Year candidates. He's put together three consecutive qualities performances, throwing for eight touchdowns without an interception in that stretch. Last Sunday, Nix only completed 59.5 percent of his passes, but he threw for 273 yards and made no critical mistakes that hurt his team. Nix isn't a dazzling downfield passer, and his quarterback runs aren't eye-catching like Jayden Daniels' rush attempts, but he's one of the NFL's top offensive rookies heading into Week 13. -- Moton Last Week: 11 Week 12 Result: Lost vs. Tennessee 32-27 It just became a lot harder to trust the Houston Texans as a contender in the AFC. Taking on a two-win Titans team at home, the Texans were outplayed on both sides of the ball. Houston quarterback C.J. Stroud continued to struggle, throwing two more picks. With six games to go, Stroud now has almost twice as many interceptions as all of last year. The second-year quarterback admitted to reporters that he has to play better if the Texans are going to make noise in the postseason. "It's no secret that I haven't been playing well... I've got to be harder on myself," he said. "I'm not going to hold my head down. I know I can be a great player, but I've got to make better plays." Head coach DeMeco Ryans said that there was plenty of blame to go around. "Just a disappointing loss for us," Ryans said. "We didn't do anything well enough to win this game. Out of all the positives that we did have, there were way too many negatives." Analyst's Take C.J. Stroud set an impossible standard during his rookie season that he's struggling to maintain as a sophomore. A year ago, the discussion already centered on whether Stroud was worthy of being considered a top-five quarterback. This season, he's simply trying to remain efficient, which he's struggled to achieve. Over the past four games, Stroud has committed six turnovers. Unsurprisingly, the Texans are 1-3 during that stretch. Houston still holds a two-game lead in the AFC South, but its status is more of an indictment of the division than anything the Texans have done as of late. -- Sobleski Last Week: 10 Week 12 Result: vs. Baltimore ( Monday Night Football ) The Los Angeles Chargers will be updated after hosting the Baltimore Ravens on Monday night. Last Week: 8 Week 12 Result: Won vs. San Francisco 38-10 They have been overshadowed by the Detroit Lions in the AFC North. But over their last seven games, the Green Bay Packers are 6-1 after blowing out an undermanned San Francisco 49ers team Sunday. The only loss over that span? A 10-point loss to the aforementioned Lions. The engine for Sunday's win was a 26-carry, 106-yard effort with three touchdowns from running back Josh Jacobs. After the monster performance, Jacobs told reporters that this is exactly why he joined the Packers—the opportunity to win football games. "I came here because I'd seen them winning," said Jacobs. "And I haven't won a lot in my career, and that was a big thing for me when I'm making a decision. But not only that, man, being around these guys and seeing how hungry they are, seeing how much of pros they are on a day-to-day basis and how much it means to them, man, it makes me want to play harder, it makes me want to give everything I have." Analyst's Take Green Bay may have found its formula for fixing Jordan Love's interception problem, and it involves a heavy dose of Josh Jacobs. To be fair, the Packers played a bad 49ers defense in Week 12 (that still feels weird to say), but a strong ground game and some opportunistic defense made short work of San Francisco. That's a formula that travels into December and January and one that gives Green Bay a chance to play in February. -- Knox Last Week: 6 Week 12 Result: at Los Angeles Chargers ( Monday Night Football ) The Baltimore Ravens will be updated after facing the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday night. Last Week: 5 Week 12 Result: Lost at Cleveland 24-19 The Pittsburgh Steelers have decided to go with a bit of a two-headed approach at quarterback—at times during Thursday's loss to the lowly Browns, Justin Fields replaced Russell Wilson under center. After the game, Wilson told reporters that both signal-callers are more than willing to help the team in any way they can. "We all try to make plays," said Wilson. "Obviously, we have trust in Justin in what he can do and is capable of. I always want to be in there. That's the competitor in me. But at the same time, we have great trust in Justin and the coaches. I don't know when it's going to happen. Whenever it does, all I want us to do is win. When Justin gets in there, I'm rooting for Justin to do great and make a big play. When I go back in, it's vice versa. We're always rooting for each other." It's understandable that the Steelers are looking for a spark offensively—the team has struggled in the red zone this season. But it's also fair to wonder if this plan is giving that Steelers offense more momentum or stifling it. Analyst's Take Musical quarterbacks isn't the reason the Steelers were stunned in Cleveland—edge-rusher T.J. Watt and the Pittsburgh defense were uncharacteristically quiet against a Browns offense that has struggled big-time this season. Pittsburgh is still up a game on Baltimore in the loss column with a head-to-head win. But Pittsburgh's erratic offense could be a real issue against the AFC's best teams, and the Steelers have three straight games coming up in a few weeks against the Eagles, Ravens and Chiefs. -- Davenport Last Week: 7 Week 12 Result: Won at Chicago 30-27 (OT) The Sam Darnold reclamation tour moves on. It wasn't the prettiest of wins—the Vikings squandered a late lead and allowed Chicago to force overtime with an onside kick recovery. But after a three-and-out on the first drive of overtime, Darnold took the Vikings right down the field for a game-winning Parker Romo field goal. Darnold finished the game with 330 passing yards and two touchdowns, and after the victory head coach Kevin O'Connell told reporters he has every confidence that Darnold can lead the Vikings to victory—no matter the opponent. "It was just the ability to overcome, and his trust in me and my trust in him," O'Connell said. "We were gonna do it via the pass on that drive for the most part, try to mix some runs in there if we could. But I think that when your best is required, I had no hesitation of trying to attack what I was seeing and trying to get our guys going to get down there and give Parker a chance. Football is a game where you've got to be able to respond. It's never gonna be perfect. This group is a special group, and it's a road win in the NFC North and I'm really proud of our team." After a two-game skid, the Vikings have rattled off four wins in a row. And the team has a manageable schedule ahead of games against the Packers and Lions that could have huge stakes in the NFC North. Analyst's Take The Vikings have a franchise quarterback. No, it's not J.J. McCarthy, whom the organization sank a top-10 pick into this past April. The reclamation project known as Sam Darnold has turned into something special. Darnold has reclaimed his career after playing for three different teams over the past four seasons. He's comfortable and it shows, particularly in crunch time. During Sunday's overtime victory over the Chicago Bears, Darnold completed 11-of-13 passes in the fourth quarter and overtime. He's now in line for a contract extension. McCarthy will just have to wait a while after his recovery from a knee injury before taking the reins. -- Sobleski Last Week: 4 Week 12 Result: Won at Los Angeles Rams 37-20 The Philadelphia Eagles are rolling, and running back Saquon Barkley may wind up being the single most impactful personnel move of the 2024 offseason. All Barkley did Sunday night against the Rams was pile up a franchise record 255 rushing yards, top 300 total yards and score twice while averaging almost 10 yards a carry. That's not a typo. Both of Barkley's touchdowns came on long runs, and after the win head coach Nick Sirianni applauded Barkley's ability to make a house call any time he carries the ball. "Saquon has that ability to hit home runs, and so sometimes that's how it goes," Sirianni said. "You get some short gain, short gain, short gain—boom, home run. Saquon is that type of player, and our offensive line did a good job of handling the variations of the front." Barkley told reporters that he's loving his first season with his new team. "To be honest, I'm not surprised," said Barkley. "I didn't know I would have this much success, (but) I'm thankful to be here. I'm thankful for the fresh start. A big reason why I wanted to come here (is) I felt like this is a spot where I could rewrite my story and show everyone the type of player that I feel like I can be and was meant to be, and it's working out right now." Analyst's Take I still think the Lions are the best team in the NFC, but I won't be shocked if the Eagles end up claiming the No. 1 seed. Thanks to a rebuilt secondary that has jelled under Vic Fangio, this team has no real weaknesses. The offense might not be quite as dynamic as Detroit's, but Saquon Barkley is dynamic enough that it doesn't often matter. This does not look like the same squad that lost to the Falcons and Buccaneers early in the season. Games against the Ravens and Steelers will provide challenges, but the rest of Philly's schedule is fairly favorable. A Lions-Eagles NFC title game might be inevitable. -- Knox Last Week: 3 Week 12 Result: Bye Week There's nothing better than hitting the bye week after a huge win. That's how things worked out for the Buffalo Bills, who knocked the Kansas City Chiefs from the ranks of the unbeaten. Quarterback Josh Allen is a legitimate MVP candidate at this point in the season. But Bills legend Buce Smith told TMZ Sports that individual accolades aren't as important as the ultimate goal—a trip to New Orleans in February for Super Bowl XLIX. "Josh has my [MVP] vote thus far," Smith said. "He needs to finish strong, but keep in mind, winning the MVP but not having an opportunity to play and win in a Super Bowl, I just look at that as, obviously a personal statistic is always great to have, but you want to have that opportunity to go to the Super Bowl and become the MVP in the Super Bowl, win the Super Bowl. All of those things that make history, and I think this gives us a great shot. What took place [against the Chiefs] showed a lot of character about this team." Analyst's Take Perhaps the most impressive part about Allen's play this year is that he hasn't really had a true go-to receiver—yes, Buffalo traded for Amari Cooper, but he's still acclimating to his new home. Allen has spread the ball around, running back James Cook is playing well and Buffalo's defense is steadily improving. The Bills haven't lost since all the way back in Week 5, but the team faces a challenging three-game stretch post-bye—home against San Francisco, at the Rams and then a trip to Ford Field for a potential Super Bowl preview. -- Davenport Last Week: 2 Week 12 Result: Won at Carolina 30-27 Just about no one expected the Kansas City Chiefs to need a last-second field goal to squeak past the lowly Panthers in Carolina on Sunday—including the Panthers, probably. But that's what happened Sunday. The Panthers surprisingly gave Kansas City all it could handle before some patented Patrick Mahomes heroics saved the day. While addressing the media after the game, Mahomes said that while a 30-point win would have been great, making a habit of pulling out close games is a valuable learning experience. "You always want to have some blowouts and be a little calmer in the fourth quarter, but I've always said it could be a good thing when you get to the playoffs later in the season knowing that you have been in those moments before, and knowing how to attack it play by play not making it too big of a moment," Mahomes said. That would resonate a bit more if Sunday's scraper hadn't come against one of the worst teams in the league. Analyst's Take There still isn't a team I'd trust in a one-score game more than the Chiefs. Obviously, there isn't a quarterback anyone would trust more in the final two minutes of a one-score game than Patrick Mahomes. However, the fact that Kansas City keeps having to find ways to win late is concerning. More concerning is the fact that the Chiefs defense—which has been the team's strength all year—has struggled in two straight weeks. There's plenty for this team to clean up between now and the postseason. -- Knox Last Week: 1 Week 12 Result: Won at Indianapolis 24-6 The Detroit Lions are a juggernaut right now. At 10-1, the Lions are off to the franchise's best start since before World War II. The Lions had no problem with the overmatched Colts, out-gaining Indianapolis by over 120 yards, racking up more than twice as many first downs and converting nine of 15 first downs. The Lions also held the Colts out of the end zone, leading head coach Dan Campbell to tell reporters that he's happy with how well the Lions are playing in all phases of the game. "This is, whatever it is, 10 quarters without allowing a touchdown and the three last games in the second half we're not allowing it," Campbell said. "We talk about it all the time—limiting points, play physical style, shut down the run—we were able to do that. If you can win on the road, you're normally a pretty damn good team. And we can win on the road." The Lions are now at home for three straight, starting on Thanksgiving against the Chicago Bears. After that comes a game with the Packers that could offer the Lions a stranglehold on the NFC North and a potential Super Bowl preview against the Buffalo Bills. Analyst's Take The current version of the Lions is the best team in the franchise's history. It has existed since 1930. At 10-1, they are tied for the organization's best start ever, and it's pretty safe to say this group could easily dispatch the '34 version that held the same record. To understand just how long ago that really was, the previous 10-1 edition came during the franchise's first season in Detroit with Franklin Delano Roosevelt in his first term as President of the United States. The attack on Pearl Harbor was still seven years away from occurring. Dan Campbell's Lions aren't just good; they're historically good. -- Sobleski