INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — There's more than just school pride and bragging rights to all that bellyaching over who might be in and who might be out of college football 's first 12-team playoff. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — There's more than just school pride and bragging rights to all that bellyaching over who might be in and who might be out of college football 's first 12-team playoff. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — There’s more than just school pride and bragging rights to all that bellyaching over who might be in and who might be out of college football ‘s first 12-team playoff. Try the more than $115 million that will be spread across the conferences at the end of the season, all depending on who gets in and which teams go the farthest. According to the College Football Playoff website, the 12 teams simply making the bracket earn their conferences $4 million each. Another $4 million goes to conferences whose teams get into the quarterfinals. Then, there’s $6 million more for teams that make the semifinals and another $6 million for those who play for the title. Most of this bonanza comes courtesy of ESPN, which is forking over $1.3 billion a year to televise the new postseason. A lot of that money is already earmarked — more goes to the Big Ten and Southeastern Conference than the Big 12 or Atlantic Coast — but a lot is up for grabs in the 11 games that will play out between the opening round on Dec. 20 and the final on Jan. 20. In all, the teams that make the title game will bring $20 million to their conferences, all of which distribute that money, along with billions in TV revenue and other sources, in different ways. In fiscal 2022-23, the Big Ten, for instance, reported revenue of nearly $880 million and distributed about $60.5 million to most of its members. The massive stakes might help explain the unabashed lobbying coming from some corners of the football world, as the tension grows in advance of Sunday’s final rankings, which will set the bracket. Earlier this week, Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark lit into the selection committee, which doesn’t have a single team higher than 15 in the rankings. That does two things: It positions the Big 12 as a one-bid league, and also threatens to makes its champion — either Arizona State or Iowa State — the fifth-best among conference titlists that get automatic bids. Only the top four of those get byes, which could cost the Big 12 a spot in the quarterfinals — or $4 million. “The committee continues to show time and time again that they are paying attention to logos versus resumes,” Yormark said this week, while slamming the idea of teams with two losses in his conference being ranked worse than teams with three in the SEC. The ACC is also staring at a one-bid season with only No. 8 SMU inside the cut line of this week’s projected bracket. Miami’s loss last week all but bumped the Hurricanes out of the playoffs, a snub that ACC commissioner Jim Phillips said left him “incredibly shocked and disappointed.” “As we look ahead to the final rankings, we hope the committee will reconsider and put a deserving Miami in the field,” Phillips said in a statement. The lobbying and bickering filters down to the campuses that feel the impact. And, of course, to social media. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. One of the most entertaining episodes came earlier this week when athletic directors at Iowa State and SMU went back and forth about whose team was more deserving. There are a few stray millions that the selection committee cannot really influence, including a $3 million payment to conferences that make the playoff. In a reminder that all these kids are going to school, after all, the conferences get $300,000 per football team that meets academic requirements to participate in the postseason. (That’s basically everyone). ___ 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 Advertisement Advertisement
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St. John’s mailbag: Deivon Smith’s fate, an emerging player and Bahamas fallout
What medical care for transgender minors is at stake in Supreme Court case?Wisconsin faces its first losing season in 23 years and the end of a bowl streak when the Badgers host arch-rival Minnesota on Friday in the annual Big Ten battle for Paul Bunyan's Axe. Minnesota (6-5, 4-4) lost to No. 4 Penn State 26-25. Wisconsin (5-6, 3-5 Big Ten) lost its fourth straight, 44-25, at Nebraska in a game that was not as close as the score. "Well 1890 is the first time we played this football team coming up and this is what it's all about," Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck said of the rivalry. "And you wouldn't want to have it any other way, being able to end the season with one of your biggest rivals. I know our guys will be ready to go, ready to play." Wisconsin has 22 consecutive winning seasons since going 5-7 under Barry Alvarez in 2001, the longest active streak among Power 4 teams. The Badgers also have played in a bowl game in each of the last 22 seasons, the longest active streak in the Big Ten and third-longest in FBS. Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell is more concerned with the rivalry game than the winning season and bowl streaks. "I'm not downplaying it, I'm not saying it's not important, I'm not saying it's another thing that's on our plate," Fickell said Monday. "But when it gets down to this last week, it's about one thing, it's about the rivalry. It's about preparing to play in the most important game of the year." The Gophers have dropped their last two games after winning four in a row. Minnesota averages 26.6 points per game, while allowing 18.5, 15th-best in the country. Max Brosmer has completed 67 percent of his passes for 221 per game with 15 touchdowns and five interceptions. Daniel Jackson is the top target with 69 catches for 802 yards and three scores, and Darius Taylor is the top rusher with 730 yards at 4.8 per carry with nine touchdowns. One week after leading Oregon after three quarters, the Wisconsin defense was shredded for 473 yards and five touchdowns by Nebraska. Braedyn Locke, who took over at quarterback when Tyler Van Dyke suffered an early season-ending knee injury, has thrown at least one interception in eight consecutive games. Locke has completed 56.4 percent of his passes for 180.6 yards per game, with 12 touchdowns and 10 picks. Tawee Walker is the leading rusher with 828 yards at 4.7 per carry with 10 touchdowns. He has failed to reach 60 yards in three of the last four games. Former Wisconsin and NFL standout JJ Watt posted on social media his assessment - and frustration - with the Badgers after the Nebraska game. "Losing happens, it's part of the game. Hearing announcers talk about how much tougher and more physical Nebraska & Iowa are while getting blown out ... that's the issue," Watt wrote on X. "We are Wisconsin. Physicality, running game, great O-Line and great defense. That is our identity." Wisconsin defeated the Gophers 28-14 last after Minnesota had won the previous two meetings. The Badgers have won 7 of the last 10 and lead the storied series 63-62-8. --Field Level Media
Can Matt Gaetz return to Congress or could Ron DeSantis make him senator? What's next for the MAGA firebrand Matt Gaetz had resigned from Congress after nomination for AG Sign up for the latest with DailyMail.com's U.S. politics newsletter By SARAH EWALL-WICE, SENIOR U.S. POLITICAL REPORTER FOR DAILYMAIL.COM IN WASHINGTON, DC Published: 19:47, 21 November 2024 | Updated: 20:13, 21 November 2024 e-mail 91 View comments Matt Gaetz abruptly resigned from Congress after he was tapped to be Donald Trump's attorney general, but now that he withdrew his name from Cabinet consideration it raises questions about his future. The embattled MAGA loyalist promptly resigned from Congress after President-elect Donald Trump named him as his pick for top law enforcement officer last week. But his nomination immediately received pushback from Democrats and even some Republicans due to a House Ethics Committee investigation into Gaetz for alleged sexual misconduct involving a minor and illicit drug use. His House exit ended the committee's jurisdiction over Gaetz leaving the findings of its probe in limbo. But now that the 42-year-old is no longer up for attorney general, it is not clear whether he could end up back on Capitol Hill. In his resignation letter from the current 118th Congress, Gaetz said he did not intend to take the oath of office for the 119th Congress - which begins in January. In November, Gaetz was reelected to another term starting next year with more than 66 percent of the vote. If he is no longer seeking to join the incoming Trump administration, Gaetz technically could take the oath of office come January and join the new Congress. While that is a possibility, it could also lead to the House Ethics Committee relaunching its investigation and revealing the potentially damning findings. Former Congressman Matt Gaetz withdrew his name from consideration for Attorney General as his confirmation faced an uphill climb in the Senate. It is not clear what's next for the MAGA firebrand after he promptly resigned from Congress last week, but there are several possibilities that could bring him back to Washington The future of that report as of now is uncertain after the committee was deadlocked in a vote on whether to make it public. Should Gaetz not return to the House, that vacant seat would need to be filled through a special election. After Gaetz's nomination was announced last week, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis had called for an immediate special election to fill the vacancy. There are two other possibilities that could bring Gaetz back to Washington in the new year if he does not to return to the House. One less likely scenario is Gaetz could be appointed to fill the Florida Senate seat being vacated by outgoing Senator Marco Rubio who will have to resign upon his likely confirmation as Trump's Secretary of State. Some lawmakers have already signaled they are open to the possibility of Gaetz becoming a senator including GOP Florida Senator Rick Scott. Gaetz with Vice President-elect Vance on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, November 20 as they arrived for meetings with senators. One day later, Gaetz withdrew himself from consideration for Attorney General But that decision resides with DeSantis, who is tasked with appointing Rubio's replacement for two years before a special election is held in 2026. There have been several prominent names already floated as potential Rubio replacements including Trump's daughter-in-law Lara Trump. DailyMail.com reached out to DeSantis' office for comment. The other possibility is that Gaetz could end up joining the Trump administration in a role that does not require Senate confirmation. Then-Rep. Matt Gaetz in the Manhattan criminal court with Trump while he was on trial for covering up the hush money payments to Stormy Daniels Past presidents including Biden have brought allies into the White House for such roles after their names were withdrawn from consideration for other roles after it was determined they would not get the necessary votes in the Senate. Read More Trump breaks his silence on Matt Gaetz's withdrawing as his AG pick 'respects' the decision Gaetz could end up serving as a senior adviser or in the some legal counsel capacity as he is a lawyer. In announcing his withdrawal, Gaetz did not signal which direction his future would take, only that he remains 'fully committed to see that Donald J. Trump is the most successful President in history.' Trump also gave no indication in his response to the nomination withdrawal that Gaetz will be joining is administration but said his loyal supporter has a 'wonderful future.' 'I look forward to watching all of the great things he will do!' the president-elect posted on Truth Social. Gaetz' wife Ginger gave her own cryptic response on Thursday, writing 'The end of an era' with an image of her and the former lawmaker on the steps of the capitol, perhaps signaling a return to Congress is not in his future. Politics Share or comment on this article: Can Matt Gaetz return to Congress or could Ron DeSantis make him senator? What's next for the MAGA firebrand e-mail Add comment
By JUAN A. LOZANO, Associated Press HOUSTON (AP) — An elaborate parody appears to be behind an effort to resurrect Enron, the Houston-based energy company that exemplified the worst in American corporate fraud and greed after it went bankrupt in 2001. If its return is comedic, some former employees who lost everything in Enron’s collapse aren’t laughing. “It’s a pretty sick joke and it disparages the people that did work there. And why would you want to even bring it back up again?” said former Enron employee Diana Peters, who represented workers in the company’s bankruptcy proceedings. Here’s what to know about the history of Enron and the purported effort to bring it back. Once the nation’s seventh-largest company, Enron filed for bankruptcy protection on Dec. 2, 2001, after years of accounting tricks could no longer hide billions of dollars in debt or make failing ventures appear profitable. The energy company’s collapse put more than 5,000 people out of work, wiped out more than $2 billion in employee pensions and rendered $60 billion in Enron stock worthless. Its aftershocks were felt throughout the energy sector. Twenty-four Enron executives , including former CEO Jeffrey Skilling , were eventually convicted for their roles in the fraud. Enron founder Ken Lay’s convictions were vacated after he died of heart disease following his 2006 trial. On Monday — the 23rd anniversary of the bankruptcy filing — a company representing itself as Enron announced in a news release that it was relaunching as a “company dedicated to solving the global energy crisis.” It also posted a video on social media, advertised on at least one Houston billboard and a took out a full-page ad in the Houston Chronicle In the minute-long video that was full of generic corporate jargon, the company talks about “growth” and “rebirth.” It ends with the words, “We’re back. Can we talk?” Enron’s new website features a company store, where various items featuring the brand’s tilted “E” logo are for sale, including a $118 hoodie. In an email, company spokesperson Will Chabot said the new Enron was not doing any interviews yet, but that “We’ll have more to share soon.” Signs point to the comeback being a joke. In the “terms of use and conditions of sale” on the company’s website, it says “the information on the website about Enron is First Amendment protected parody, represents performance art, and is for entertainment purposes only.” Documents filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office show that College Company, an Arkansas-based LLC, owns the Enron trademark. The co-founder of College Company is Connor Gaydos, who helped create a joke conspiracy theory that claims all birds are actually surveillance drones for the government. Peters said that since learning about the “relaunch” of Enron, she has spoken with several other former employees and they are also upset by it. She said the apparent stunt was “in poor taste.” “If it’s a joke, it’s rude, extremely rude. And I hope that they realize it and apologize to all of the Enron employees,” Peters said. Peters, who is 74 years old, said she is still working in information technology because “I lost everything in Enron, and so my Social Security doesn’t always take care of things I need done.” “Enron’s downfall taught us critical lessons about corporate ethics, accountability, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. Enron’s legacy was the employees in the trenches. Leave Enron buried,” she said. Follow Juan A. Lozano on X at https://x.com/juanlozano70
A flattering long dress from Debenhams is finally back in stock. The leopard print, long-sleeved dress flew off the shelves in the autumn and has been out of stock ever since. However, it has been restocked this week and is available in all sizes. If you had your eye on it the last time, we'd advise you to snap it up your size before it sells out again. The Leopard Keyhole Midi Dress is from Dorothy Perkins and costs £39. It is available in sizes 8-18. Made from a soft and stretchy fabric, this midi dress has a flattering floaty fit. The eye-catching leopard print adds a touch of boldness to your look, finished with keyhole cut-out detail at the back. The model pairs it with black knee-high boots. For the perfect Christmas party outfit , style it with a black trench or faux fur coat. Alternatively, you can pair it with court shoes or sandals during warmer climates. The dress has an overall rating of 4.4 and more than 60 reviews, the majority of which are glowing. READ MORE: Debenhams slash 92% off Gevril Swiss automatic watch worth £4,295 READ MORE: 'Great' room heater that produces 'instant heat' at 44p per hour now 22% off at £35 A pleased fan wrote: "I am very happy with my choice! This dress is very soft, nice material and fits perfectly! Looks very stylish with the leather jacket and boots! Love this dress!" A second added: "Super dress. I'm normally a size 10, but I had read that it comes up small, so I ordered a 12, and it fits perfectly. I love the puff sleeves, and the fit around the bust and waist are very comfortable. It hangs beautifully. A good purchase." A third noted: "Lovely dress. Fits nicely and is very comfortable. The material is soft and doesn't need ironing. It's very flattering and looks great with a pair of ankle boots. I'm only 5ft, so it's down to my ankles, but that's the style I like. What a great buy!" A fourth buyer said: "This is going to be my favourite dress of the season. I love everything about it. The sleeves the cut the length everything. It’s beautiful." Not all customers were pleased, with one saying it looks nothing like the online pictures. They said: "Nothing like the online photo. It's a lot darker and has huge puffy sleeves. The material felt cheap too. I really begrudge the £2 return charge when the actual item is so different to the online picture." Another didn't like the fabric, adding: "Nice dress but strange fabric. I expected jersey-type material, but it’s more like a cheesecloth." Alternatively, River Island is selling a leopard print tea dress for £42. The chiffon mini dress has a ruched waistline and a frilly skirt. It's available in sizes 6-18. If animal print is a little too loud for your liking but you still want a printed dress, this £35 Mesh Jersey Printed Dress from M&S is a great option. The long frock is cut in a fit-and-flare silhouette that falls to a midi length. Available in regular, petite and tall lengths in sizes 8-22.M. L. Francoeur Releases New Memoir - Falling from a Pink Cloud 12-05-2024 11:42 PM CET | Leisure, Entertainment, Miscellaneous Press release from: ABNewswire M. L. Francoeur Releases New Memoir - Falling from a Pink Cloud A raw and riveting memoir that explores the complexities of childhood trauma, spiritual deception, and the hard-fought path to self-reclamation. M. L. Francoeur announces the release of his poignant memoir, Falling from a Pink Cloud: When Spirituality Leads to a Dead End. This gripping and courageous account takes readers through a deeply personal journey of confronting childhood trauma, navigating the deceptive allure of spiritual movements, and ultimately finding true healing and authenticity. Through unflinching honesty and vivid storytelling, Francoeur recounts his years immersed in controversial groups like Scientology, the Brahma Kumaris, and Pentecostal Christianity. Each promised salvation but ultimately led him further away from himself. With moments of heartbreak, resilience, and revelation-including a powerful vision of his deceased father-Falling from a Pink Cloud is both a cautionary tale and a beacon of hope for those seeking meaning in their lives. About the Author Born into a Bible-based cult and later immersed in controversial spiritual movements for over two decades, M. L. Francoeur (Michel Lafleche Francoeur) is a survivor of childhood abuse, addiction, and coercive brainwashing. Now an advocate for awareness about spiritual manipulation and healing, Francoeur shares his insights on overcoming trauma and finding peace through authenticity. Availability Falling from a Pink Cloud: When Spirituality Leads to a Dead End is [ https://amzn.to/4907sTW ] available now in print and digital formats on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other major retailers. https://www.amazon.com/Falling-Pink-Cloud-M-Francoeur-ebook/dp/B0DJRF152W https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/falling-from-a-pink-cloud-michel-francoeur/1146601088?ean=9781069094414 Follow M. L. Francoeur on Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566808919847 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DCPSq4dspyw/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@michellaflechefrancoeur Discover the courage it takes to reclaim your life and uncover the truth. Begin your journey with Falling from a Pink Cloud. Book Information: Falling from a Pink Cloud By M. L. Francoeur Published: October 8, 2024 ISBN: 9781069094414 Genre: Memoir Media Contact Company Name: BookBuzz Contact Person: Amanda - PR Manager Email:Send Email [ https://www.abnewswire.com/email_contact_us.php?pr=m-l-francoeur-releases-new-memoir-falling-from-a-pink-cloud ] Phone: 7065098422 City: New York State: NY Country: United States Website: https://www.bookbuzz.net This release was published on openPR.