7xm games com login Nancy Mace launches merch line for Capitol Hill bathroom fightWilly Adames agrees to $182 million, 7-year deal with the Giants, AP source says Willy Adames has agreed to a $182 million, seven-year deal with San Francisco, providing the Giants with a power-hitting shortstop in the prime of his career, according to a person familiar with the negotiations. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the agreement was pending a physical. ESPN first reported the move. The 29-year-old Adames is coming off his best offensive season in the big leagues after hitting .251 with a career-high 32 homers and 112 RBIs with the Milwaukee Brewers. Georgia QB Carson Beck knocked out by hand injury in SEC championship game against Texas ATLANTA (AP) — Georgia quarterback Carson Beck will not return after he was hit on his throwing hand on the final play of an ugly first half in the Southeastern Conference championship game against Texas. Beck was hit by outside linebacker Trey Moore, forcing a fumble recovered by Anthony Hill Jr., who then lost the ball on an errant attempt to extend the play with a lateral as time expired. Beck was one of the last players to return to the field following halftime. Backup Gunner Stockton led the offense to a touchdown on the Bulldogs’ first drive of the second half. Arizona State makes College Football Playoff with 45-19 win over Iowa State in Big 12 title game ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Big 12 newcomer Arizona State will represent the conference in the 12-team College Football Playoff. Cam Skattebo ran for 170 yards and two scores while adding a touchdown catch the 12th-ranked Sun Devils beat No. 16 Iowa State 45-19 in the Big 12 championship game. The Sun Devils with 34-year-old head coach Kenny Dillingham are 11-2 after being the preseason pick to finish at the bottom of their new 16-team league. They have won six games in a row. Iowa State is 10-3, already the first 10-win season in the program's 133-year history. LA Galaxy strike early, hold off New York Red Bulls 2-1 to win their record 6th MLS Cup championship CARSON, Calif. (AP) — Joseph Paintsil and Dejan Joveljic scored in the first half, and the LA Galaxy won their record sixth MLS Cup championship with a 2-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls. After striking twice in the first 13 minutes with goals from their star forwards, the Galaxy nursed a lead through a scoreless second half to raise their league’s biggest trophy for the first time since 2014. Sean Nealis scored for the seventh-seeded Red Bulls, whose improbable charge through the playoffs ended one win shy of the founding MLS franchise’s first Cup championship. No. 16 Iowa State falls short in Big 12 title game again, this time with CFP at stake ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — The stakes were higher for Iowa State, and the outcome was the same as the first for the Cyclones in their second trip to the Big 12 championship game. And the 112-year wait for a conference title will go on. No. 16 Iowa State was playing for a spot in the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff in a 45-19 loss to 12th-ranked Arizona State. Four years ago, neither Iowa State nor Oklahoma had a realistic path into the four-team tournament before the Sooners' 27-21 victory. The Cyclones haven't won a conference title since going 2-0 in the Missouri Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Association in 1912. Big 12's Yormark brings up hard choices for fans before sparsely attended title game ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — College football fans are facing some hard choices in the expanded playoff system with some teams set to play away from home multiple times. Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark raised that point No. 12 Arizona State's 45-19 victory over 16th-ranked Iowa State. The announced crowd of 55,889 at the home of the Dallas Cowboys appeared far smaller. Yormark says he remains committed to having a Big 12 title game. Besides the issues of fans, there have been suggestions that some leagues might be better off without title games as it relates to playoff hopes. Lindsey Vonn competes in a pair of downhills, another step on her comeback trail at the age of 40 COPPER MOUNTAIN, Colo. (AP) — Lindsey Vonn finished in the middle of the pack in a pair of lower-level downhill events as she competed for the first time in nearly six years. The 40-year-old Vonn is on the comeback trail after stepping away from the sport because of injuries. Vonn wasn't concerned with times and places in the races so much as getting used to the speed again and gaining the necessary points to compete on the World Cup circuit. Vonn accomplished both, finishing 24th in the first downhill race of the day and 27th in the second. She posted on social media after the FIS races she had enough points to enter World Cup events. Justin Thomas with big drives and a few big putts takes 1-shot lead over Scheffler in the Bahamas NASSAU, Bahamas (AP) — Justin Thomas has a one-shot lead over Scottie Scheffler going into the final round of the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas. Thomas is using a slightly longer driver and has been blasting away. He also was helped by two long putts on the back nine that carried him to 66 at windy Albany Golf Club. Scheffler muffed a chip on the 13th hole that cost him the lead and he never caught up. He still shot a 69 and will be in the last group with Thomas on Sunday. Tom Kim had a 62 and was two shots back. Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy gets restructured deal after 3-9 season, according to reports Oklahoma State football coach Mike Gundy will be staying on with a restructured deal. That's according to news reports published on Saturday. The deal reportedly will shift some of his salary to revenue sharing with players. The Cowboys were among the preseason favorites in the Big 12, but a rash of injuries and problems at quarterback tanked the team, and the Cowboys went 3-9. The school's Board of Regents held a special meeting on Friday morning regarding his status, but no immediate action was taken. The fact that Gundy has 169 wins in 20 years plus a hefty buyout likely saved him from being fired outright. Norris takes pole for season-ending Abu Dhabi GP and Hamilton 18th in Mercedes farewell ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Lando Norris took pole position for the last Formula 1 race of the season alongside teammate Oscar Piastri to put McLaren on the verge of a first constructors’ title in 26 years. Norris’ last lap put him .209 of a second faster than Piastri, with Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz Jr. .020 further back. Seven-time F1 champion Hamilton qualified 18th for his last race with Mercedes after a bizarre incident wrecked his final qualifying lap. A plastic pole marking the inside of a corner was knocked loose by Kevin Magnussen’s Haas and Hamilton drove over it.

Student engineers build and race off-road vehicles at Rowan UniversityCollege Football Playoff's first 12-team bracket is set with Oregon No. 1 and SMU in, Alabama out SMU captured the last open spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff, bumping Alabama to land in a bracket that placed undefeated Oregon at No. 1. The selection committee preferred the Mustangs, losers of a heartbreaker in the Atlantic Coast Conference title game, who had a far less difficult schedule than Alabama of the SEC but one fewer loss. The inaugural 12-team bracket marks a new era for college football, though the Alabama-SMU debate made clear there is no perfect formula. The tournament starts Dec. 20-21 with four first-round games. It concludes Jan. 20 with the national title game in Atlanta. Alabama left out of playoff as committee rewards SMU's wins over Crimson Tide's strong schedule The College Football Playoff committee took wins over strength of schedule, taking SMU over Alabama for the final at-large spot in the field. The field was expanded from four to 12 teams this season, but that didn’t save the committee from controversy. SMU showed it could compete against a traditional power, losing to Clemson 34-31 on a 56-yard field goal in the ACC title game on Saturday. Alabama had some ups and downs in its first season under coach Kalen DeBoer. The Crimson Tide had quality wins against Georgia and South Carolina, but lost at Vanderbilt, Tennessee and Oklahoma. Big Ten wins playoff selection derby, followed by SEC despite notable Alabama omission College football’s conference shakeup left concerns about two super conferences dominating the playoff field. They weren’t totally unfounded, or 100% born out. The Big Ten, not the Southeastern Conference, was the biggest winner. The ACC scored, too. The Big Ten led the initial 12-team playoff field with four making the cut, topped by a No. 1 Oregon team that was part of the Pac-12 exodus. Then came the SEC — and one notable omission. ACC runner-up SMU got the nod over college football blue-blood Alabama, another blemish in Kalen DeBoer’s first season as Nick Saban’s championship-or-bust successor. Darnold delivers for Vikings with career-high 347 yards and 5 TDs to beat Falcons, Cousins 42-21 MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Sam Darnold threw for 347 yards and five touchdowns, both career highs, and the Minnesota Vikings pulled away from Kirk Cousins and the Atlanta Falcons 42-21 for their sixth straight victory. Darnold added another highlight to his brilliant first season with the Vikings following Cousins' departure in free agency to Atlanta with a 22-for-28 performance and no turnover-worthy plays despite heavy first-half pressure. Jordan Addison had eight catches for 133 yards and three scores and Justin Jefferson racked up seven receptions for 132 yards and two touchdowns. Cousins threw two more interceptions without a touchdown in his return to Minnesota. Saquon Barkley sets Eagles season rushing record and has Dickerson's NFL mark in his sights PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Saquon Barkley has broken LeSean McCoy's Eagles franchise record for rushing yards in a season. Barkley has 1,623 yards. He surpassed McCoy's mark of 1,607 yards with a 9-yard run in Sunday's 22-16 win over Carolina. Barkley finished the game with 124 yards, within a yard of his season average. He has four games left and is on pace to break Eric Dickerson's 40-year-old NFL record of 2,105 yards. Dickerson set that record in a 16-game season and Barkley has one more game. Eagles fans serenaded Barkley with “MVP!” chants and McCoy congratulated him on social media. Saints QB Derek Carr injures left hand on dive in 4th quarter of win over Giants EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr injured his left hand late in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s 14-11 victory over the New York Giants when he went airborne while trying for a first down and crashed to the turf. Carr tried to leap over a Giants tackler and landed at the New Orleans 39-yard line, extending his non-throwing hand to break his fall. He was on the turf for a minute or two before walking to the medical tent. He was examined and slowly walked to an area where X-rays are done. The injury could hurt the already slim playoff hopes of the Saints. Tamar Bates scores 29 points to help Missouri beat No. 1 Kansas 76-67 COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Tamar Bates had 29 points and five steals to help Missouri beat Hunter Dickinson and No. 1 Kansas 76-67. Mark Mitchell scored 17 points in Missouri’s first win over Kansas since a 74-71 victory on Feb. 4, 2012. Anthony Robinson II had 11 points and five steals for the 8-1 Tigers. Dickinson had 19 points and 14 rebounds, but he also committed seven turnovers. The 7-2 Jayhawks have lost two straight on the road after falling 76-63 against Creighton on Wednesday night. Scottie Scheffler ends his big year in the Bahamas with his 9th victory NASSAU, Bahamas (AP) — Scottie Scheffler ended his biggest year with another victory. Scheffler was coming off a two-month break and looked as good as ever. He shot 63 in the Hero World Challenge and set tournament records at Albany with a 72-hole total of 263 and a six-shot victory. Tom Kim was the runner-up and Justin Thomas finished third. Scheffler ends his year with nine victories in 21 tournaments. That includes the holiday tournament in the Bahamas and the Olympic gold medal in Paris. It's the third-highest winning percentage in the last 40 years. Tournament host Tiger Woods had two better years. Lindsey Vonn is encouraged by how close she is to being competitive in ski racing return at age 40 COPPER MOUNTAIN, Colo. (AP) — Lindsey Vonn is encouraged by how close she is to being competitive again in her ski racing return at 40 years old. Vonn is still getting her ski equipment dialed in and getting used to going full speed again on her new titanium knee. That’s why all that she's reading into being more than two seconds behind in a pair of lower-level super-G races Sunday is that she’s right there. This after nearly six years away from ski racing and an abbreviated prep period. She was 2.19 seconds behind in the first race and 2.06 in the second. Both were won by her American teammate Lauren Macuga. Plane circles MetLife Stadium with message to co-owner John Mara to fix the Giants' 'dumpster fire' EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — A small plane circled MetLife Stadium roughly 90 minutes before New York was to play host to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, asking Giants co-owner John Mara to overhaul the team that has made the playoffs twice since winning the Super Bowl in February 2012. “Mr. Mara, enough. Please fix this dumpster fire!” the message read as it was towed behind the rear of a small plane.

PHILADELPHIA — Gov. Josh Shapiro had a big 2024 — from his star turn as a contender for the vice presidential ticket to his campaign trail cameos as a prominent Democratic election surrogate, and as a vocal supporter of Israel. As the year comes to an end, his national profile has continued to grow, this time with a focus on how he uses his faith to connect with voters. Shapiro has long made his Jewish faith a tenet of his public identity, and now as President Joe Biden, a practicing Catholic, cedes the White House to President-elect Donald Trump, who promotes his own branded Bibles, the New York Times is pointing to Shapiro as part of “a small but prominent cast of Scripture-quoting, religiously observant Democratic politicians.” Many of them, the Times reports, are “poised to command national attention over the next four years.” Shapiro, Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., and Texas state Rep. James Talarico are newer Democratic Party leaders who haven’t shied away from speaking publicly about being religious in an effort to relate to voters across spiritual lines even as the party has garnered a reputation for being increasingly secular. “It is important for the community to understand, wherever you are, what motivates you,” Shapiro told the Times. “That’s important for people to know before you start talking to them about bills and policies and proposals.” A Pew study published in April using data from 1994 to 2023 found that among registered voters who are atheist, agnostic or otherwise not affiliated with a religious group, 70% leaned Democratic. Meanwhile, 59% of Protestants and 52% of Catholics leaned Republican, while 69% of Jews and 66% of Muslims leaned Democratic — though the data for Muslims were smaller than these other groups. But as the study broke down racial and ethnic groups, the story shifted, with 84% of Black Protestants and 60% of Hispanic Catholics leaning Democratic, according to Pew. The majority of both groups voted for Vice President Kamala Harris in this year’s election, but Trump made gains among Black and Latino voters. While Trump isn’t known for being the most fluent in Christian theology, he has framed himself as a defender of Christian ideology. Trump, who has identified himself as a nondenominational Christian, has spoken about his near-death experience surviving an assassination attempt in religious terms, as have his supporters. Trump has also proved successful presenting himself as authentic while the Democratic Party does soul-searching on how to better connect with voters. Positions related to Shapiro’s faith have landed him in the spotlight of heated political debates. While Shapiro has fiercely criticized Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, he made a name for himself as an adamant supporter of Israel who at times spoke brashly about protesters he considered antisemitic. Those stances were seen as a vulnerability by some and a strength by others when he was being considered as Harris’ vice presidential nominee. His religion remained in the spotlight after the veepstakes were over. Republicans, including Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance, tried to pin Harris’ decision to pick Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate on what they called antisemitism within the Democratic Party. Shapiro appeared to rebuke those theories when he took the stage at Temple University’s Liacouras Center during the rally that debuted Walz as the Democratic vice presidential nominee in August. In the final moments of a resounding speech that garnered thunderous applause from the crowd standing in the arena on North Broad Street, Shapiro celebrated his faith and its intersection with public service and quoted the Pirkei Avot, an ancient text of Jewish ethics: “No one is required to complete the task, but neither are we free to refrain from it,” he said. “I want to just say this,” Shapiro said. “I lean on my family, and I lean on my faith, which calls me to serve, and I am proud of my faith.” Rabbi David Glanzberg-Krainin, the rabbi at Beth Sholom in Montgomery County — Shapiro’s hometown synagogue — told The Inquirer in August that this moment showed “he’s not going to back down from saying that this is something that’s a foundational part of who he is” and how he approaches public service. Glanzberg-Krainin also rejected Vance’s notion that Shapiro’s being Jewish was a factor in his rejection as Harris’ running mate. “I absolutely can’t fathom a universe in which, you know, Vice President Harris, who’s married to a Jewish man, decided not to select Josh Shapiro as her running mate because Josh is Jewish ... there’s just no world in which I can conceive of that as being possible,” he said. As Shapiro has continued to embrace being Jewish, so has the fixation on his identity. After the popular governor gave a prime-time speech at the Democratic National Convention later in August, Trump called him a “highly overrated Jewish governor” who “has done nothing for Israel” in a rant on Truth Social. To this, Shapiro said that Trump is “obsessed” with him and that the then-GOP nominee was perpetuating “antisemitic tropes.” Despite Shapiro’s faith occasionally becoming a political football, Glanzberg-Krainin said in August that he suspects the governor will continue to look for ways to meld his religion and his call to public service. “Over the course of years, I think that’s something that he takes really seriously,” Glanzberg-Krainin said. “Where could he best serve? And that’s not something that’s just purely rational, I think it’s something that he feels on a deep level.” Shapiro has already taken his faith-based connections beyond Pennsylvania, including by joining forces with Warnock, the Democratic senator from Georgia who also combines his faith with his public identity. Shapiro visited Warnock’s church in October and “immediately introduced himself as a fellow person of faith,” the Times reported, telling churchgoers “Shabbat shalom,” a greeting observant Jews use on the Sabbath. Warnock and Shapiro are both rising leaders in the party who are seen as potential future presidential nominees. The two men campaigned for Harris together, and Shapiro told the Times they talked about strengthening the “fraying bonds between the Jewish and Black communities.” ©2024 The Philadelphia Inquirer, LLC. Visit at inquirer.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.After a year spent with wildcards and qualifying being a leading storyline with returnees including Naomi Osaka , Amanda Anisimova , Emma Raducanu and Caroline Wozniacki , it won't be an issue going into the 2025 Australian Open . All four endured mammoth ranking rises which see them all placed in the Main Draw Entry List confirmed on Friday morning. Naomi Osaka rose to World No.60 in her first year back. While Amanda Anisimova after a superb middle part of the season which saw the American rise up after reaching the final of the Canadian Open in particular sits in the top 40. Osaka, Anisimova and Emma Raducanu all will play in Auckland to start the year off. Raducanu also received heavy criticism for deciding not to play qualifying for tournaments and only relied on wildcards. But is now up to World No.59 so for a Grand Slam at the very least is safe when it comes to entry. She went up 230 spots in a single season. Caroline Wozniacki though caused the most controversy with the former Australian Open champion albeit through her Dad complaining about feeling disrespected after not receiving a Roland Garros wildcard. Albeit none were on offer to the top names anyway. She got one for Wimbledon, but it was the US Open she made her mark again reaching the Last 16. She rose to World No.72 going up nearly 200 spots. Some murmurings on social media quipped that with her not entering Auckland that she may retire. One of her habits has been that she has barely played in the latter half of both seasons she has been back on the tour with the Asian and Middle East swings at either end snubbed. Raducanu for instance will head to Australia early in order to get ready. What route Wozniacki takes is an interesting one as to whether she comes out all guns blazing or a semi role she has taken in the past few years. But this next season only sees Belinda Bencic who is already back playing as a well known readdition to the fold. She has reached a semi-final in a Challenger this week and is getting match practice in ahead of the Australian Open. So this season will be very much a big one for those names who returned this time last year. Who perhaps follows Angelique Kerber into retirement after only a few months back? Time will tell. Australian Open women’s singles entry list pic.twitter.com/QZT3a7rRG3 This article first appeared on TennisUpToDate.com and was syndicated with permission.

Johnson's 29, Rivera's game-winner lead Fordham past Bryant, 86-84How mysterious murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson sparked frenzied NYC manhunt

Dame Prue Leith throws her support behind Gregg Wallace and insists he 'shouldn't be sacked' amid misconduct allegations - admitting she's often warned over her own 'offensive' language Have YOU got a story? Email tips@dailymail.com By GERAINT LLEWELLYN FOR MAILONLINE Published: 20:59 GMT, 6 December 2024 | Updated: 21:24 GMT, 6 December 2024 e-mail 14 View comments Dame Prue Leith seemingly threw her support behind Gregg Wallace and insisted he 'shouldn't be sacked or cancelled' amid ongoing misconduct allegations. The GBBO host, 84, also said she too is often warned over her own 'offensive language' while filming her ITV show Prue Leith's Cotswold Kitchen and claimed more regulations would lead to 'boring telly'. Gregg, 60, stepped down from hosting Masterchef last week while an investigation into his alleged misconduct is carried out. After initially facing accusations of inappropriate behaviour from 13 people, including Newsnight presenter Kirsty Wark , he has since been hit by an onslaught of more claims which include groping, pressing his crotch against a colleague and allegedly flashing another woman in his dressing room. Speaking to Times Radio Prue said: ' I'm a great believer in due process. He should just stay off social media because he's just digging himself deeper and deeper into a hole because he's too insensitive to understand how offensive it is'. 'But that's his problem, that he's insensitive. He hasn't, that I can see, disobeyed the law. I don't believe people should be cancelled or sacked. I can see why you would ask somebody to step aside while they investigate things, which I suppose is what they're doing. But I think the tragedy in this is that I bet you Gregg has no idea what he's done wrong'. Dame Prue Leith, 84, seemingly threw her support behind Gregg Wallace and insisted he shouldn't be sacked or cancelled' amid his ongoing misconduct allegations The GBBO host claimed that more behind the scenes regulations would lead to 'very boring' TV (Gregg Wallace pictured) She said she too is often warned over her own 'offensive language' on her ITV show Prue Leith's Cotswold Kitchen (pictured) When asked if she agreed with fellow broadcaster Kirstie Allsopp, 53, that presenters should receive HR training she said: 'I think it's really dangerous because I think, I mean, I'm thinking off the cuff here, so I'll probably get myself into trouble but if you have things too regulated and too organised and everybody's on a script, it can be very boring'. Asked if she believed the fallout from Gregg's misconduct investigation would result in 'very bland, safe presenters' she said: 'Yes, yes. Because nobody will ever dare say anything. And that's silly too. But I think broadcasters need to know'. 'It is very tricky because I do a little programme on ITV on Saturday morning and it's a cooking programme and every now and again, the production company will say, don't say that because it'll be offensive and I think that it's not offensive'. Before adding: 'And then I suppose that's a Gregg Wallace thing. Maybe I don't realise. I mean, for example, language changes all the time'. It comes after MailOnline revealed that Gregg may be completely erased from the new series of MasterChef so it can be aired. He had already filmed the forthcoming series for amateur chefs last month with his co-presenter John Torode , 59. But is now set to be wiped from the tapes before it is screened next year. Gregg stood down from the show last week after a flurry of allegations of sexually inappropriate comments on set, which has sparked fears that the next series would have to be completely ditched. But a production insider told the Mail Online that the series is ‘salvageable’ as the option to airbrush Wallace entirely out of the episodes is being carefully considered. This would mean that the series - which will have cost production company Banijay a significant sum to make - would not have to be binned. Asked if she believed the fallout from Gregg's misconduct investigation would result in 'very bland, safe presenters' she said: 'Yes, yes. Because nobody will ever dare say anything. And that's silly too. But I think broadcasters need to know'. 'It is very tricky because I do a little programme on ITV on Saturday morning and it's a cooking programme and every now and again, the production company will say, don't say that because it'll be offensive and I think that it's not offensive' Gregg, 60, stepped down from hosting Masterchef last week while an investigation into his alleged misconduct is carried out. Pictured with Paul Hollywood on The Great British Bakeoff The source said that Torode and Wallace’s critiques, where they give feedback on the contestants' food, were filmed separately. Read More Max George reacts to Gregg Wallace's 'very serious' sexual misconduct allegations as he laments BBC pulling plug on MasterChef Christmas special after he was set to appear They said: ‘John and Gregg were always shot with separate cameras. Any two shots, or wide shots containing the pair can be cut. Removing Gregg entirely is a difficult task, but not an impossible one.’ Last Friday, Australian chef Torode was flown overseas to continue filming the show, with Irish chef Anna Haugh stepping in to replace Wallace. Filming on the forthcoming series was completed on Tuesday afternoon and had been due to be broadcast in Spring 2025. It is now unclear when the BBC will air the recently recorded episodes . Sources on set said 'it couldn't have gone better', with one saying: 'Considering the circumstances it has been seamless.' 'We had the popular Anna Haugh, who has appeared on the show before, step in and give the contestants feedback alongside John. 'The production team was committed to keeping the atmosphere on set as calm as possible for our amateur finalists.' Gregg may be completely erased from the new series of MasterChef so it can be aired, MailOnline can reveal Wallace had already filmed the forthcoming series for amateur chefs last month with his co-presenter John Torode , 59 (pictured) It would not be an unprecedented move for a BBC programme to erase its stars from the screen. In 2023 RuPaul’s Drag Race, a reality TV contest for drag queens, one contestant was airbrushed out after they were accused of inappropriate behaviour before the show aired. While TV presenter Jay Blades, who was charged last month with the physical and emotional abuse of his wife , has not appeared in pre-recorded episodes of The Repair Shop which have broadcast since. Torode broke his silence on Wednesday, but declined to defend his television colleague of 19 years, and said he fully supports the probe into the claims of sexual misconduct and inappropriate behaviour and language. He said it had been 'hard' to keep working after hearing of the allegations. On Thursday night, the BBC broadcast the semi-finals of MasterChef: The Professional, featuring Wallace. But it has scrapped the scheduled broadcast of two Christmas specials of the cookery show. Share or comment on this article: Dame Prue Leith throws her support behind Gregg Wallace and insists he 'shouldn't be sacked' amid misconduct allegations - admitting she's often warned over her own 'offensive' language e-mail Add comment

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma’s Republican attorney general dismissed a felony assault charge Friday against a police officer who slammed a 71-year-old man to the ground, breaking his neck, during an argument over a traffic ticket. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma’s Republican attorney general dismissed a felony assault charge Friday against a police officer who slammed a 71-year-old man to the ground, breaking his neck, during an argument over a traffic ticket. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma’s Republican attorney general dismissed a felony assault charge Friday against a police officer who slammed a 71-year-old man to the ground, breaking his neck, during an argument over a traffic ticket. Gentner Drummond announced that he had intervened in the case and dismissed the aggravated assault and battery charge against Oklahoma City Police Sgt. Joseph Gibson, 28. Oklahoma County District Attorney Vicki Behenna charged Gibson this month after body-worn camera video released by police showed Gibson throwing Lich Vu to the ground after Vu touched Gibson during the argument following a non-injury traffic accident Oct. 27. “As attorney general, I will not permit Oklahoma police officers to face criminal prosecution for conduct adhering to their training,” Drummond said in a statement. “While the outcome of this incident is unquestionably devastating for Mr. Vu and his family, I do not believe the officer exhibited criminal intent.” Prosecutors said Vu suffered a brain bleed and a broken neck and eye socket. There was no immediate response to messages sent to Behenna seeking comment on Drummond’s decision. She said previously that after evaluating the case, prosecutors determined Gibson’s actions were an unreasonable use of force. Drummond said Vu should not have touched Gibson during the argument. 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. “No individual is allowed to hit or push an officer, regardless of whether he or she doesn’t understand English well or comes from a different culture,” Drummond said. “The simple truth is, this unfortunate incident never would have occurred if Mr. Vu had kept his hands to himself.” The use of force prompted outrage in Oklahoma City’s Vietnamese community, particularly since the video shows Vu had difficulty communicating with Gibson during the interaction and appeared not to understand what the officer was telling him. Gibson’s attorney, former Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter, said Drummond’s decision to drop the charge was “well reasoned and correct.” Mark Nelson, president of the Oklahoma City Fraternal Order of Police, said no officer wants to see someone injured and he hopes Vu makes a swift and full recovery. “However, our members often have to make split-second decisions, and they cannot control the outcome of every situation,” Nelson said in a statement. “Unfortunately, when someone resists law enforcement, they increase the risk of harm to themselves or others.” Advertisement Advertisement

SMU feeling good heading into ACC opener against VirginiaNEW YORK , Dec. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Informa TechTarget ("Informa" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: TTGT ). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at [email protected] or 646-581-9980, ext. 7980. The investigation concerns whether Informa and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices. [Click here for information about joining the class action] On December 2, 2024 , TechTarget completed its business combination with Informa Tech, a business unit of Informa PLC ("Informa"). Then, on December 6, 2024 Tech Target disclosed in a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that Informa's management had advised the Company that certain "financial statements previously prepared by Informa should no longer be relied upon and were being restated because of errors identified by Informa in such financial statements". On this news, TechTarget's stock price fell $2.06 per share, or 8.07%, to close at $23.48 per share on December 9, 2024 . Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York , Chicago , Los Angeles , London , Paris , and Tel Aviv , is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz , known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud , breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com . Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. CONTACT: Danielle Peyton Pomerantz LLP [email protected] 646-581-9980 ext. 7980 SOURCE Pomerantz LLPNEW YORK, Dec 9 — American content creators on TikTok asked followers to subscribe to their channels on rival platforms like Meta-owned Instagram and Alphabet’s YouTube after a federal appeals court ruled that the social media app could be banned if it is not sold to a US-based company by January 19. TikTok has become a major US digital force as it has grown to 170 million US users, especially younger people drawn to its short, often irreverent videos. It has sucked away advertisers from some of the largest US players and added commerce platform TikTok Shop, which has become a marketplace for small businesses. The US Congress, fearing TikTok’s Chinese owners are gathering information about American consumers, has passed a law requiring its owner, Chinese-backed ByteDance, to divest its TikTok in the US or face a ban. On Friday, a federal appeals court upheld the law. Threats by politicians and others to TikTok have been building for years, leading some users to brush off recent threats. That appeared to change on Friday, with the prospect of a ban in just six weeks. A Supreme Court appeal is still possible. “For the first time, I’m realising that a lot of what I worked for could disappear,” Chris Mowrey, a Democratic social media influencer with 470,000 TikTok followers, told Reuters. “I don’t think it’s been talked about enough how damaging it will be from an economic standpoint for small businesses and creators.” On the app, viewers and content creators voiced concerns and confusion, many saying they doubted the platform would survive, and that they were prepared for the worst. Chris Burkett, a content creator on TikTok with 1.3 million people following his men’s lifestyle videos, said he did not think the platform would last. “I don’t think there’s longevity on this app in the United States,” he said in a video post, asking his audience to follow him on other social media platforms, such as Instagram, YouTube, X and Threads. “We’ve put so many years and so much time into building our community here,” said food travel content creator SnipingForDom, who has 898,000 followers on the app. While he did not think the end was near for TikTok, he still told followers to reach out to him on his Instagram page. Others were also awaiting more information. Sarah Jannetti, a TikTok Shop consultant, said her clients are not worried about a potential TikTok ban and will not shift their businesses “until they see something that’s more concrete.” — Reuters

Gov. Newsom comes to Oakland to pressure city to scale back pursuit policy, allow more police chases in townJalgaon Rural Election Results: Gulabrao Patil (Shinde Sena) vs Gulabrao Deokar (NCP Sharad Pawar) face a tough battle. Who is winning?

An archbishop's knock formally restores Notre Dame to life as winds howl and heads of state look onAn online debate over foreign workers in tech shows tensions in Trump’s political coalition

Syrian government forces withdraw from central city of Homs as insurgent offensive acceleratesKirill Kaprizov misses Texas trip, listed as day-to-dayAfter Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy made posts on the social platform X this week endorsing an expansion of the visa program for hiring foreign-born highly skilled workers, the two tech billionaires faced backlash from supporters of President-elect Donald Trump over how that program would operate within the new administration’s immigration agenda. The two argued that tech companies, including Musk’s, rely on foreign workers for operations, setting off a debate among Trump’s supporters on Musk’s social media platform X. While the president-elect had restricted access to foreign worker visas in his first term and has criticized them in past statements, his 2024 campaign suggested an openness to granting some H-1B visas to foreign-born workers who graduate from a U.S.-based university. Ramaswamy, who is a first-generation U.S. citizen after his parents immigrated from India, chimed in to defend Musk and U.S. companies that look overseas for labor, criticizing American culture for its veneration of “mediocrity over excellence” by citing popular American sitcoms as evidence. Ramaswamy said a culture that celebrates “Cory from ‘Boy Meets World,’ or Zach & Slater over Screech in ‘Saved by the Bell,’ or ‘Stefan’ over Steve Urkel in ‘Family Matters,’ will not produce the best engineers.” Many Trump supporters, including former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), immediately criticized Musk and Ramaswamy for their statements, suggesting that an expansion of the H-1B program would undermine the president-elect’s new administration’s push to prioritize American workers. Former U.N. Ambassador and presidential candidate Nikki Haley also criticized the remarks, calling on Trump to focus on American workers over those who are foreign-born. Several Democrats, however, defended Musk and Ramaswamy’s comments on the H-1B program. “Attracting legal, talented immigrants to the United States benefits everyone, and the system must be streamlined and reformed,” Thanedar wrote.MC elections to follow 2023’s ward delimitation amid row

The AP Top 25 college football poll is back every week throughout the season! Get the poll delivered straight to your inbox with AP Top 25 Poll Alerts. Sign up here . One day before Texas and Georgia face off in the Southeastern Conference championship game, the Longhorns earned a surprising victory over the Bulldogs on the recruiting trail. Justus Terry, a defensive lineman from Manchester, Georgia, announced Friday he would be leaving his home state to play for Texas next year. Terry, who also was considering Georgia and Auburn, had been the nation’s top remaining uncommitted 2025 prospect. The addition of Terry gives Texas the nation’s No. 1 recruiting class, according to composite rankings of recruiting sites compiled by 247Sports. “We’re super pumped about this recruiting class,” Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said Thursday, before Terry had announced his decision. “This is a very talented group of players that I think not only fit the physical characteristics of what we’re looking for by position in our program, but I think meet the character and are going to fit nicely into our culture.” Although there will be an additional signing period in February, 247Sports officials said Texas should maintain its No. 1 standing. The overwhelming majority of Power Four recruits already finalized their college plans this week. RELATED COVERAGE No Bevo? SEC tells Texas there’s no room for its 1,700-pound longhorn at title game vs. Georgia Ashton Jeanty confirms departure from Boise State after this season No. 2 Texas goes for a title in its first SEC season, but must get by No. 5 Georgia The top 11 classes as of Friday afternoon include eight Southeastern Conference schools and three Big Ten programs. Alabama is second, with Georgia third, Oregon fourth and Ohio State fifth. Auburn, LSU, Texas A&M, Michigan and Tennessee round out the top 10. Florida is 11th. The highest-rated recruiting classes outside the SEC and Big Ten are Notre Dame at No. 12 and Miami at No. 14. Terry is the nation’s No. 2 defensive lineman and No. 10 overall prospect, according to the 247Sports Composite. His decision gives Texas nine of the 247Sports Composite’s top 66 prospects. Texas’ other recruits rated 66th or better include safety Jonah Williams (No. 8), wide receivers Kaliq Lockett (No. 22) and Jamie Ffrench (No. 32), defensive lineman Lance Jackson (No. 25), all-purpose athlete Michael Terry III (No. 43), cornerbacks Kade Phillips (No. 54) and Graceson Littleton (No. 65), and linebacker Elijah Barnes (No. 66). “I think it’s a really versatile class with a variety of positions, highlighted by high-level players,” Sarkisian said. “As always, we really pride ourselves on recruiting the high school ranks. We think when we can get players in here young, then immerse them into our culture, into our off-season conditioning program, develop them as we go throughout their career, that’s when we really reap the benefits of having these guys in our program. This class is no different.” With the early signing period concluding Friday, the focus on college roster construction now turns to transfers. The transfer portal window officially opens Monday, though numerous college players already went to social media this week to announce their intentions to transfer. The early signing period was moved up a few weeks this year so that high school seniors could get their decisions out of the way before the opening of the transfer portal window. This marked the first signing period since the demise of the national letters of intent that prospects had sent in the past after signing with their respective schools. Athletes now are signing their names to a financial aid agreement that can include name, image and likeness agreements along with the standard tuition and room and board details. ___ 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-footballIn today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, the importance of cybersecurity cannot be stressed enough. In India alone, a company falls victim to cyberattacks every 11 seconds. By August 2024, nearly 60% of businesses globally had experienced a ransomware attack. On a global scale, we contend with 5.5 billion malware attacks annually and an astounding 6.3 trillion attempted breaches —an average of 6.5 attacks every second. According to some leading research sites such as CRN India, ransomware poses a significant threat in India, with eight out of 10 enterprises confirming that they have experienced such attacks. Further, almost 40% of large enterprises in India have fallen victim to phishing email-led attacks. A striking 92% of all surveyed enterprises believe that operational disruption would be a significant consequence of a ransomware attack. This data present a compelling portrait of the digital landscape we navigate. While digitalisation brings substantial economic and social benefits, it also introduces unique challenges — much like any powerful tool — that we must be prepared to address effectively. As cybercrime continues to evolve into a sophisticated enterprise, the need for robust cybersecurity measures becomes imperative. Effective cybersecurity demands not only the integration of cutting-edge technology and innovation but also the ability to navigate the complexities that accompany these advancements. The impact of cyberattacks on enterprises extends far beyond organisational boundaries, affecting individuals and communities. A recent ransomware attack on a company disrupted payment systems for 300 small, especially rural and cooperative banks across the country. As such incidents multiply, their repercussions on the nation’s economy and the financial well-being of its citizens are increasingly evident. Shortage of skilled professionals The rising prevalence of these threats also underscores the urgency to address the shortage of skilled professionals in the cybersecurity sector. India’s G-20 Sherpa and former NITI Aayog CEO, Amitabh Kant, recently unveiled a report that highlighted that over 1,16,000 cybersecurity incidents were reported in 2023, a significant increase from previous years. This alarming rise emphasises the pressing need for a larger, trained and skilled professionals to combat the challenges in an ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape. According to a white paper from the World Economic Forum, India is home to nearly one-third of the world’s graduates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Yet, 30% of the 40,000 job vacancies for cybersecurity professionals in 2024 remain unfilled due to talent shortages. The current market for skilled talent offers a valuable opportunity for bolstering national security and enhancing economic growth. As cybercrime becomes more sophisticated, the Indian cybersecurity market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.33% from 2024 to 2029, as PwC India says, reflecting increased investment in cybersecurity measures by financial institutions. The demand for cybersecurity professionals has surged in the South Asian region and the ‘Five Eyes’ countries (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States), driven primarily by rapid digital transformation. A report from the Data Security Council of India indicates that the country will need 1.5 million cybersecurity professionals by 2025. Therefore, it is crucial to train future generations in cybersecurity fundamentals to capitalise on India’s demographic dividend. While India produces a wealth of technically skilled professionals known for their strong work ethic, ensuring that they are adequately equipped to tackle future challenges particularly in cybersecurity is essential. As a burgeoning hub for technology and innovation, India holds immense potential for developing its cybersecurity infrastructure. As educational institutions collaborate with policymakers to expand opportunities in cyberspace, key areas remain where targeted growth can drive more impactful outcomes. The findings of the 2023 Ministry of Education report indicate that fewer than 30% of institutions offer comprehensive cybersecurity courses. And, even though these institutions offer cybersecurity courses in India, many need updated curricula that align with industry needs. Despite facing cyberattack challenges and accounting for 13.7% of all such incidents, India is emerging as a critical player in the global cybersecurity landscape. The PwC India report says that approximately 28% of global organisations have more than half of their cybersecurity teams based in India, with 17% housing over 75% of their teams there. Models to look at in the world India can learn lessons from countries such as the U.S. and Israel, which have developed unique curricula and methodologies to equip their youth with essential cyber skills. The U.S. National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) framework provides a structured approach to education and skill development. At the same time, Israeli universities emphasise interdisciplinary studies that combine cybersecurity with fields such as Artificial Intelligence and data science. Although some Indian universities offer specialised courses in cybersecurity, there remains a substantial opportunity for hands-on training and exposure to real-world scenarios. With India reporting at least 40,000 job vacancies in cybersecurity as of May 2024, and at least 30% of these positions requiring trained professionals, the urgency of addressing these gaps and taking positive inspiration from other nations and academic recommendations cannot be overstated. While India has always focused on balancing and learning from global best practices, it has delved deeper into the realm of developing frameworks and mechanisms for cybersecurity strengthening. The National Cybersecurity Reference Framework aims to provide clear guidelines on roles and responsibilities in cybersecurity based on existing regulations. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology collaborates with technology companies to enhance cybersecurity training and skill development among government officials, which is crucial for improving the skills of learners and officials nationwide. Recognising the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats, India is prioritising skill development initiatives through collaborations with educational institutions, industry certifications, and in-house training programmes. The rise in cybersecurity certification offerings, covering over 400 institutions, demonstrates a unified effort to cultivate local talent and address the increasing demand for qualified cybersecurity professionals. Additionally, India’s government can draw inspiration from Israel’s heavy investment in research and development for cybersecurity. Increasing funding for research initiatives in this field is essential. Cybersecurity education should also encompass soft skills training, such as critical thinking and teamwork, as U.S. employers report that these skills are necessary for 75% of cybersecurity roles. To establish a robust cybersecurity framework in India, we can constructively draw from global practices that have yielded positive results. For instance, New Zealand successfully created a cybersecurity infrastructure that provides employment opportunities for its youth while developing a curriculum suited to future challenges. Implementing incentives for educational institutions to expand their cybersecurity offerings is crucial, as is fostering collaboration between government and industry to enhance workforce development programmes that produce skilled professionals. India can position itself as a regional hub We must aspire to balance economic growth with national security and social considerations, guided by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s recommendations on digital security strategies. Furthermore, India’s active engagement with the U.N. Cybercrime Treaty offers a platform for strengthening its legal framework and enhancing international cooperation. By drawing inspiration from initiatives such as the U.K.’s Cyber Accreditation Program and Singapore’s Cybersecurity Academy, India can strategically position itself as a regional hub, leveraging the projected $345.4 billion global cybersecurity market to export talent and stimulate economic growth. Revitalising historical educational development systems will further support these initiatives, fostering a comprehensive culture of digital security across the economy and society. Comprehensive educational reforms must be prioritised to empower India’s cybersecurity workforce and unlock global opportunities. With fewer than 30% of institutions offering robust cybersecurity courses, India can expand its talent pool by incentivising course offerings and fostering public-private partnerships. As the global cybersecurity market is projected to reach $345.4 billion by 2026, India has a unique opportunity to balance national security with economic growth. By actively engaging in international cybersecurity initiatives, India can position itself as a leader in this dynamic field. Harish Krishnan is Managing Director and Chief Policy Officer, Cisco India and SAARC. Aruna Sharma is former Secretary at the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeITY) Published - December 14, 2024 04:20 pm IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit cyber crime / online / India / economy (general) / science (general) / technology (general) / engineering / mathematics / employment / national security / Australia / Canada / New Zealand / United Kingdom / USA / Israel / United Nations / Singapore / laws / education / Artificial Intelligence / universities and collegesNone