Title: A Man Breaks a Stranger's Gold Necklace, Throws it into the Thicket, and Retrieves it Two Days Later

KINGSTON, Ont. — Felipe Forteza went from delivering hits to making kicks for the Laval Rouge et Or this season. The linebacker-turned-kicker showed a veteran's poise with his boot on Saturday, kicking a Vanier Cup record six field goals to lift Laval to a 22-17 win over the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks at Richardson Stadium. "The defence did its job and the offence put me in the right position to do it," said Forteza, who was named game MVP. "So I'm stoked." Quarterback Arnaud Desjardins was 34 of 42 for 320 passing yards to help the Rouge et Or win their second Vanier Cup in three years and record 12th overall. It was the first loss of the year for the Golden Hawks, who last won a Canadian university football title in 2005. Laval set the early tone with some big defensive plays and Desjardins was in fine early form, completing his first 22 pass attempts. Forteza split the uprights five times in the first half as Laval took a 17-7 lead into the intermission. Forteza broke the record with his sixth field goal with 2:31 remaining. His only miss was a 32-yard attempt in the final minute. The Golden Hawks ran the ball out of the end zone but didn't threaten again. "We didn't score touchdowns but we moved the ball very well," said Laval coach Glen Constantin. "We flipped the field on these guys." Forteza did some part-time kicking in high school but this was his first season kicking field goals on a regular basis. The Rouge et Or coaching staff liked his powerful leg and helped him with the transition. "It was a bit heartbreaking for me because I like hitting people," Forteza said. "I like being intense and that job is really about being calm and trying to stay healthy." "I like the position," he added. "I like the pressure of it and I like the preparation. I like the hard work and being able to kick that (well) during a game." Laurier quarterback Taylor Elgersma, who won the Hec Crighton Trophy as most outstanding player this season, had a quiet opening quarter before settling in and throwing touchdown passes to Ryan Hughes and Jaxon Stebbings. Elgersma was 23 of 34 for 246 yards but was sacked five times. "Our game plan was just to be us and execute," he said. "Obviously we didn't do that well enough today." Laurier had an 8-0 record in the regular season and outscored its opposition 128-76 over its first three playoff wins. Laval entered at 10-1 overall (7-1, 3-0) and was coming off two close victories over the last two weeks. A near-capacity crowd at the 8,000-seat Queen's University venue had an even split of Laurier and Laval supporters. The weather co-operated after two days of showers in the area. It was cloudy and 8 C at kickoff. Desjardins marched the Rouge et Or deep into Laurier territory on Laval's first possession before settling for an 18-yard field goal by Forteza. Laval used a no-huddle offence in the early going with Desjardins frequently using dump passes to great effect. A 15-yarder from Forteza with 2:54 left in the first quarter made it 6-0. The potent Rouge et Or defence, which led U Sports with just 106 points allowed in the regular season, showed its form as Jordan Lessard forced a fumble from Elgersma that the Golden Hawks recovered. On the next play, Ndeki Garant-Doumambila walloped the Laurier pivot with a ferocious sack. "We know what it takes to get here and what it takes to win these games," he said. Laurier didn't record a first down until late in the first quarter. Laval's special-teams play was also on point. Forteza booted a 65-yard punt and the Rouge et Or coverage swarmed returner Tayshaun Jackson, forcing him down at the Laurier one-yard line. The Golden Hawks would concede a safety to make it 8-0. Forteza added to the lead at 7:01 with a 35-yard field goal. Jackson gave Laurier some life when he broke for a 51-yard run to the Laval five-yard line. Hughes took a shovel pass from Elgersma and sprinted for the corner of the end zone to put Laurier on the scoreboard with 4:57 left in the half. Forteza made a 32-yard field goal with 2:33 remaining. After a Jackson fumble, he added a 42-yard kick 24 seconds later to make it 17-7. The Golden Hawks came out with more jump in the third quarter. Elgersma found Ethan Jordan for a 45-yard reception to highlight a 93-yard drive capped by Stebbings' three-yard TD catch and a Dawson Hodge conversion. Laval took a 19-14 lead when Laurier conceded a safety to open the fourth quarter. Hodge made it a two-point game when he hit a 34-yard field goal with 8:26 left. A pivotal play came with 4:57 remaining when Laval's Loic Brodeur forced a fumble at midfield. He knocked the ball out of Elgersma's hands and Garant-Doumambila recovered. "We focused, we believed in it, and experience," Garant-Doumambila said. "That's what did it for us." The Golden Hawks fell to 2-4 in national championship game appearances while Laval improved to 12-2. The 2025 Vanier Cup will be played in Regina. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 23, 2024. Follow @GregoryStrongCP on X. Gregory Strong, The Canadian PressThe new program will give creatives the financial capital, mentorship and the space to develop a passion project that will shape the culture of tomorrow NEW YORK , Dec. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In a world where hustle culture is a necessary part of a creator's journey, time, resources and funding can be increasingly elusive luxuries for those looking to invest in their creative footprint. The makers of CÎROC Ultra-Premium Vodka proudly announce a chance to turn passion into production with the launch of the 'Blue Dot Creative Residency.' Centered around the verticals of entertainment, music, art and fashion, 'The Blue Dot Creative Residency' is designed to support creatives looking to expand into a new creative field and broaden their platforms by exploring uncharted ventures. The innovative program will deliver an environment of creative ease by providing them with direct funding, resources and access needed to invest back into passion projects that shape the culture of tomorrow. CÎROC has long championed greater Black representation in culture. Now, through the program, the brand will help remove the biggest barriers many diverse talents face—lack of funds and bandwidth—to expand their potential and become true multi-hyphenates. For years, CÎROC has been the vodka creatives turn to in moments of elevated celebration. Staying true to this tradition and to kick off this moment, CÎROC celebrated creatives during the biggest art week in Miami with an exclusive dinner experience held on Friday, December 6th at the iconic Rubell Museum where artists, creators and tastemakers came together to embrace the spirit of creative ease . CÎROC has enlisted entertainment industry partners to help identify and vet promising applicants for the inaugural residency class. Together, they will provide capital and unprecedented access to collaborators who will help the creative residents develop their artistic expression. This includes initiatives such as: (Ease)capes: Members of the program will have the opportunity to take a beat, a breath and some much-needed creative time off (CTO) during key cultural events in art, entertainment, music and fashion that include brainstorms and working sessions to help fuel their inspiration and help them show up as their most inspired selves when it matters most. Creative Trust: Members will receive mentorship and project specific guidance from a diverse network of industry leaders, who will work closely with them throughout the program to help bring their projects to life and amplify their work through behind-the-scenes content. "As a brand built for the culture, CÎROC has proudly championed luxury and creativity for over 20 years," said Victoria David , Brand Director, CÎROC. "Through the Blue Dot Creative Residency, we are excited to provide the support and resources necessary for this new generation to help shape the culture of tomorrow . " The program will culminate in the release of creative concepts across entertainment, art, music and fashion, each fueled through grants and resources provided by CÎROC and the entertainment industry partners. Through 2025, the program will support and help talent distribute and showcase their projects across different verticals, from movie theatre partnerships to commission-free art galleries. The Blue Dot Creative Residency , open to US residents 25 years old and above, will be accepting applications soon. Be the first to apply when entries open by visiting www.CÎROC.com . CÎROC encourages people of legal drinking age to celebrate responsibly. Stay up to date with the latest news, cocktails and exciting social content by following the conversation at @CÎROC . About CÎROC Ultra-Premium Vodka CÎROC Ultra-Premium Vodka is gluten-free and distilled from fine French grapes; a process inspired by over a century of wine-making expertise and craftsmanship, providing a crisp, clean taste and citrus nose. Launched nationwide in January 2003, DIAGEO's ever-expanding flavor portfolio includes CÎROC RED BERRY, CÎROC COCONUT, CÎROC PEACH, CÎROC PINEAPPLE, CÎROC APPLE, CÎROC MANGO, CÎROC SUMMER WATERMELON, CÎROC SUMMER CITRUS, CÎROC PASSION and CÎROC LIMONATA. In June 2018, the makers of CÎROC entered the brown spirits category with the introduction of CÎROC VS, Fine French Brandy. In April 2022, the brand entered the ready-to-drink market, bringing the spirit of luxury and culture to the category with CÎROC Vodka Spritz. About DIAGEO North America DIAGEO is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan's whiskies, Smirnoff, CÎROC and Ketel One vodkas, Casamigos, DELEÓN and Don Julio tequilas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Tanqueray and Guinness. Diageo is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: DEO ) and the London Stock Exchange DGE and their products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. For more information about Diageo, their people, brands, and performance, visit www.diageo.com . Visit Diageo's global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com , for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice. Follow on Instagram for news and information about Diageo North America: @Diageo_NA. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ciroc-champions-creative-ease-with-the-blue-dot-creative-residency-an-innovative-program-empowering-emerging-storytellers-302326664.html SOURCE CÎROC Ultra-Premium Vodka © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.The showdown between No. 2 Texas and No. 5 Georgia in the SEC Championship Game on Saturday in Atlanta (ABC, 3 p.m. ET) could be decided by quarterback play. For Texas, starter Quinn Ewers and backup Arch Manning, who's more of a threat to run, could get playing time. The two played in the Longhorns' 17-7 win over Texas A&M in Week 14. " Arch is not just a quarterback run guy," Georgia coach Kirby Smart said earlier this week, per the Austin American-Statesman. "He's a really good athlete that can take off and run at any time, which is the toughest kind to defend. I'd much rather have a guy that only runs than a guy that does both, and he certainly can do both." Ewers has 24 TD passes this season, but he has dealt with an ankle injury the past few weeks. Manning has showcased his ability to run and his throwing ability. He has four rushing TDs this season in addition to 939 passing yards and nine TD passes. This is the second time the teams have met this season. On Oct. 19, the Longhorns suffered their only loss of the season against Georgia, 30-15. After losing to then-No. 4 Alabama 41-34 on Sept. 28, Georgia made a road trip to Austin. QB Carson Beck threw three interceptions, but the Georgia defense dominated the Longhorns, who had four turnovers. Texas was only 2-for-15 on third down and produced just 29 rushing yards. Overall, Beck has a conference-leading 12 interceptions, including three in a win over Florida. A major part of Georgia's success is its balanced run game. Nate Frazier (587 yards, eight TDs) and Trevor Etienne (477 yards, seven TDs) stand out. Etienne, who rushed for three of his seven TDs in the first meeting with the Longhorns, has missed Georgia's past three games and is questionable with a rib injury. The Longhorns (11-1, 7-1 SEC) also possess a strong run game. Sophomore Quintrevion Wisner (812 yards, three TDs) and junior Jaydon Blue (562 yards, six TDs) have been impressive. Freshman Jerrick Gibson has accounted for four TDs. Georgia (10-2, 6-2 SEC) is tied for 44th in the country in opponent rush yards per game (138.2 YPG), according to TeamRankings , but Texas could not get anything going on the ground in the first meeting between the teams. This is the seventh time in nine seasons under Smart that Georgia is playing in the SEC title game. The Longhorns are appearing in their second straight conference title game after winning the Big 12 title last season. A loss would not eliminate either team from the College Football Playoff, but the losing team would have to play an additional game. The winning team will punch its ticket to the CFP quarterfinal round.In conclusion, the recent actions of the PLA near Taiwan have created a heightened sense of insecurity and unease in the region. The encirclement of Taiwan by 90 naval vessels and the clearing of airspace zones near the island are clear signs of China's growing assertiveness and determination to assert its authority over Taiwan. The international community must remain vigilant and united in upholding the principles of peace, stability, and respect for sovereignty in order to prevent further escalation and maintain security in the Taiwan Strait.

In recent seasons, Manchester United has been no stranger to offloading key players, with high-profile departures including the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Alexis Sanchez, and more recently, Jesse Lingard and Daniel James. While some fans may have initially expressed disappointment at seeing these talented individuals leave Old Trafford, there is a growing sentiment that 'perhaps stars do shine brighter elsewhere.'In a positive turn of events, the stock markets have witnessed a notable uptrend with over 5300 individual stocks registering gains. Both A-share and Hong Kong stocks are rallying across the board, reflecting renewed investor confidence and optimism in the financial markets.LINCOLN — Three things we learned and three things we still don't know about the Huskers coming out of Nebraska's win over Wisconsin. * * * 1. The Huskers are headed back to a bowl game for the first time since 2016. Shall we reacquaint you with the most likely options? There’s the Dec. 26 Guaranteed Rate Bowl in Phoenix vs. a Big 12 team, the Dec. 26 Quick Lane Bowl in Detroit vs. the MAC champion, the Dec. 28 Pinstripe Bowl vs. an ACC team or, if NU managed to upset Iowa, the Dec. 30 Music City Bowl in Nashville vs. a SEC team. 2. Nebraska finally turned the first carries over to the best running back — Emmett Johnson. And the sophomore from Minneapolis delivered with three carries for 22 yards and a catch on NU’s opening drive. While Johnson may have options in the transfer portal, the Huskers should make NIL and revenue-sharing efforts to keep him. Johnson seems to fit the Dana Holgorsen system. 3. Even the best special teams units make mistakes. Wisconsin is ranked in ESPN’s top 20 of special teams units, but the Badgers allowed both a 45-yard kickoff return to start the game and, later, missed a 34-yard field goal after a delay-of-game penalty. Wisconsin also hammered a kickoff out of bounds, too. Uncharacteristic errors. 1. How quickly Nebraska can lock up Dana Holgorsen as the full-time, long-haul offensive coordinator. For NU’s first half alone, when the Huskers knocked out drives of 55, 80 and 76 yards for touchdowns, Holgorsen deserves a little extra. NU quarterback Dylan Raiola looked awfully sleek, too, completing 17 of 22 passes in the first half. The Jahmal Banks the Huskers hoped to get all season may have disappeared for a bit, but he returned Saturday with clutch third down catches and good blocks. Holgo lit a fire in that offense. 2. Whether the Huskers’ defense can handle the Hawkeye run game on a short week. NU has generally struggled to do so, and this is Iowa’s best rush attack in years. Wisconsin wanted to pound the ball at the Huskers with a diet of power plays, but had only intermittent success and a costly end-of-first-half fumble. Nebraska’s secondary is beat up and a little discombobulated, but Iowa’s starting quarterback, Jackson Stratton, may not be up for that task. 3. How many of those non-senior seniors who walked on Senior Day plan to return. Alongside super seniors like Ty Robinson and Isaac Gifford — those guys are done — you saw players like Stefon Thompson, Elijah Jeudy and Nate Boerkircher making the Senior Day walk, as well. Javin Wright did not walk because he’ll consider applying for a seventh year with a medical redshirt. Get local news delivered to your inbox!Republicans pick Mast to lead House Foreign Affairs panel

NASSAU, Bahamas — Scottie Scheffler birdied every hole but the par 3s on the front nine at Albany Golf Club on Friday and finished his bogey-free round with an 8-under 64 that gave him a two-shot lead in the Hero World Challenge. 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. Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Fluence Energy, Inc. Announces Convertible Notes Offering and Intention to Enter into Capped Call Transactions

Mount St. Mary's 76, Delaware St. 66

BLOOMSBURG — The Bloomsburg Children’s Museum announced it has received a $11,000 grant from the PPL Foundation. These funds will support the "Wired for Success: Empowering Students Through STEM." This collection of STEM-based educational programs and events will reach students across 15 counties in North Central Pennsylvania. The programs include Battle in the Burg robotics tournament, competitive science fair, Homeschool Hangouts, after-school STEM programs, and Mobile Maker programs, aimed to ignite interest in STEM fields and careers among students of all backgrounds. These programs provide hands-on, immersive learning experiences that engage over 1,800 students annually, particularly in rural and underserved communities. “The PPL Foundation's generous funding has been a game-changer for our STEM initiatives across North Central Pennsylvania. This support has transformed our ability to deliver hands-on learning experiences to students in rural and underserved areas. When it comes to fostering future mechanics, scientists, and engineers, the PPL Foundation isn't just funding programs, they're funding the future!” Shelby Kellner, assistant director, said. — THE DAILY ITEM