Ex-Colorado footballer Bloom dedicates time to fulfilling wishes for older adultsThe 30 Premier League players whose value has increased the most in 2024 have been revealed by Transfermarkt. Cole Palmer, Bukayo Saka, and Phil Foden's inclusion helps to make the list very English-orientated. Five Arsenal players feature, while only two Liverpool stars make the cut. As the Premier League season continues to unfold and nears its 2024 conclusion, a new crop of stars are turning heads and making headlines – not just for their performances, but for the skyrocketing value attached to their names. From breakout youngsters to seasoned pros enjoying career-best form, the transfer market is buzzing with speculation as clubs scramble to secure the hottest talents in the league. This season has been a whirlwind of surprises, with unexpected heroes like Nottingham Forest stepping into the spotlight and established names like Liverpool pushing their games to new heights. Some players have burst onto the scene, while others have steadily evolved into indispensable forces for their respective sides. Whether it’s a goal-scoring revelation, a midfield maestro dictating play, or a defensive rock who’s caught the eye – these players aren’t just winning matches, they’re commanding serious attention on the financial front. In this article, we will explore the top 30 Premier League players whose market values have increased the most this calendar year, based on statistics provided courtesy of Transfermarkt . From the quietly rising talents to the headline-makers, we’ll examine how their performances, potential, and impact have transformed them into valuable assets. Premier League players with the biggest value increases in the 2024 (30-11) Rank Player Club Market value Increase 30. Jarrad Branthwaite Everton £34.82m +£14.09m 29. Conor Bradley Liverpool £16.58m +£14.92m 28. Antoine Semenyo Bournemouth £23.21m +£14.92m 27. Joao Gomes Wolverhampton Wanderers £33.16m +£14.92m 26. Matheus Cunha Wolverhampton Wanderers £41.45m +£14.92m 25. Omari Hutchinson Ipswich Town £18.24m +£15.75m 24. Igor Thiago Brentford £20.72m +£15.75m 23. Yankuba Minteh Brighton & Hove Albion £23.21m +£16.58m 22. Dominic Solanke Tottenham Hotspur £37.30m +£16.58m 21. Alejandro Garnacho Manchester United £41.45m +£16.58m 20. Nicolas Jackson Chelsea £45.60m +£16.58m 19. Ryan Gravenberch Liverpool £45.60m +£16.58m 18. Kai Havertz Arsenal £62.18m +£16.58m 17. Martin Odegaard Arsenal £91.19m +£16.58m 16. Rodri Manchester City £107.77m +£16.58m 15. Erling Haaland Manchester City £165.80m +£16.58m 14. Leif Davis Ipswich Town £20.72m +£17.41m 13. Tyler Dibling Southampton £18.24m +£18.24m 12. Adam Wharton Crystal Palace £26.53m +£18.24m 11. Jhon Duran Aston Villa £33.16m +£19.07m 10 Ethan Nwaneri - £24.87m At just 17, Ethan Nwaneri is proving age is no barrier to talent. The Arsenal youngster made history in 2022 as the club’s youngest debutant at 15 against Brentford. Since then, he’s quietly developed his game, waiting for his moment to shine at a more consistent rate. The 2024/25 season has given fans a glimpse of his potential, with Mikel Arteta gradually introducing him to first-team action. Though mainly appearing as a substitute, Nwaneri has impressed with his skill and composure. His highlight so far was a brilliant strike in the Carabao Cup against Preston, which was followed by a first Premier League goal against Nottingham Forest. And with more cup opportunities ahead, Nwaneri’s rise seems inevitable. His value has nearly doubled this season, reflecting his growing influence. If he continues to progress under Arteta’s guidance, Arsenal could have a future star on their hands. Ethan Nwaneri's 2024/25 statistics Appearances 16 Goals 4 Assists 0 9 Savinho - £45.49m A Manchester City summer signing in 2024, Savinho arrived in the Premier League with a high ceiling, having scored nine goals and provided 10 assists on loan at Girona last season to help them qualify for the Champions League for the first time in the club's 96-year history, finishing behind only Barcelona and Real Madrid in La Liga. There were questions about whether he could replicate those performances in the Premier League, but the Brazilian winger has answered those doubts emphatically, becoming a key presence in City's start to the 2024/25 season. Longevity and creative numbers have held him back, but if the electric wide man continues to shine, he could well become one of the most feared forwards in the league under Pep Guardiola. Savinho's 2024/25 statistics Appearances 23 Goals 0 Assists 5 8 Murillo - £41.45m A key factor in Nottingham Forest’s revival under Nuno Espirito Santo is their rock-solid defence. After 18 Premier League games, Forest have conceded just 19 goals – a record that outshines heavyweights like Chelsea and Manchester City, placing them third in the league’s defensive rankings. In modern football, every elite defence needs a “Rolls-Royce” player – someone who can defend with authority and drive the team forward. For Forest, that player is Brazilian centre-back Murillo. Signed for just £15m last year, his commanding performances have caught the eye of Liverpool, who are now reportedly considering a £70m move for the star as the mobile defender continues to show he's one of the best in the business at the moment. Murillo's 2024/25 statistics Appearances 18 Goals 1 Assists 0 7 Leny Yoro - £45.60m After a stellar breakout season in 2023/24, featuring 32 times in Ligue 1 for Lille, Leny Yoro secured a high-profile move to Manchester United. At just 18, he’s already earning £115,000 per week at Old Trafford – a testament to the immense faith the club has in him, having fended off interest from Real Madrid and Liverpool. Yoro’s towering height, pace, and composure on the ball mirror the traits of top Premier League defenders like Virgil van Dijk and William Saliba. His stats already rival his peers, hinting at his potential to become a world-class centre-back. Despite his age, Yoro is quickly establishing himself as a defensive leader under Ruben Amorim, providing calm and stability to an otherwise unpredictable United backline, and after becoming the club's most expensive teenage signing, his stocks bloated significantly. GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Leny Yoro is Manchester United's most expensive teenage signing to date, costing £52.1 million plus a further £6.7 million in bonuses. Leny Yoro's 2024/25 statistics Appearances 6 Goals 0 Assists 0 6 Phil Foden - £116m Phil Foden entered 2024 with a hefty market value nearing £100m, and with competition from Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, and Julian Alvarez, few would have faulted him for settling for maintaining the status quo. But by winning the PFA Player of the Season as Manchester City clinched their fourth straight Premier League title, the Englishman's value soared once again. Now £24.87m more valuable, the 24-year-old continues to prove why he’s one of Guardiola’s most trusted players. With 27 goal contributions in 35 appearances last season, Foden’s performances have firmly placed him in the spotlight. As his stock rises, he’s determined to show the world he belongs among football’s elite, even if the 2024/25 campaign hasn't started so brightly. Phil Foden's 2024/25 statistics Appearances 20 Goals 4 Assists 2 5 Bukayo Saka - £124.35m Bukayo Saka has experienced the same value increase as Foden, but while his Man City counterpart enjoyed his best moments in the first half of 2024, Saka's standout performances have come in the latter part of the year. In the 2024/25 season, he has registered five goals and 10 assists in 16 Premier League appearances. What’s even more impressive is Saka's consistency – his high standards rarely dip, and he has become virtually indispensable for Arsenal as they chase their first Premier League title since the 2003/04 season. His transformation from a promising talent to a key player has been remarkable, especially for those at the Emirates. At just 23, Saka is perfectly positioned to continue his growth and reach even greater heights in the years to come as he is also one of his nation's most important players as England enter the Thomas Tuchel era. Bukayo Saka's 2024/25 statistics Appearances 24 Goals 9 Assists 13 4 Riccardo Calafiori - £37.3m Although much of Riccardo Calafiori's 2024/25 season has been spent on the sidelines due to recurring knee injuries, he made a real impact at Euro 2024. His impressive summer with Italy not only led to a surprise move to Arsenal but also saw his market value nearly double. At just 22, Calafiori has displayed maturity well beyond his years, both for his former club, Bologna, and his country. His outstanding performances in the 2023/24 season helped Bologna secure a spot in the Champions League for the first time since 1964. There’s a clear reason why Arteta was keen to sign him, and it’s fortunate for Arsenal that they acted quickly before his value skyrocketed further. Riccardo Calafiori's 2024/25 statistics Appearances 14 Goals 1 Assists 1 3 Morgan Rogers - £33.16m Morgan Rogers is one of the latest players to earn a well-deserved England call-up, and his rise at Aston Villa has been nothing short of sensational. The young attacking midfielder and second striker consistently delivers when called upon, recently showcasing his talent by scoring and assisting in Villa’s 2-0 victory over Manchester City. There's no doubt that his stocks have gone up this season , and while the competition for a starting spot in the 10 position was fierce before the start of the campaign, if the 22-year-old can continue in fine fettle, he could well become Cole Palmer's primary understudy before you know it, which would be a perfect indictment of how far the former Man City youth product has come. Morgan Rogers' 2024/25 statistics Appearances 24 Goals 5 Assists 4 2 Kobbie Mainoo - £45.59m At just 19 years old, Kobbie Mainoo has quickly become one of Manchester United’s most influential players, often seen directing veterans like Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro from the midfield. His standout consistency in the engine room caught the eye of Gareth Southgate, particularly after a memorable performance in which he scored and was named Man of the Match in the FA Cup final against Manchester City, helping United secure an unexpected victory. Mainoo’s rapid rise didn’t go unnoticed, as he was handed his senior England debut in the Three Lions’ 1-0 defeat to Brazil. He then cemented his place in the starting lineup alongside Declan Rice during the knockout stages of EURO 2024. While this season has presented tougher challenges for the young midfielder, his meteoric rise just months ago – from a promising talent to an England international – has seen his market value soar, making him one of the most exciting young prospects in English football. Kobbie Mainoo's 2024/25 statistics Appearances 15 Goals 0 Assists 0 1 Cole Palmer - £107.7m Cole Palmer is now £70m more valuable than he was last year when he made the £42.5m move from Manchester City to Chelsea, turning what seemed like a hefty price tag into one of the best bargains in modern football. Last season, no player directly contributed to more goals in the Premier League than the 22-year-old, who scored 22 goals and provided 11 assists, despite often carrying the team on his back while his Chelsea teammates struggled to keep up. The 2024/25 season has seen Palmer pick up right where he left off. With 12 goals and six assists in just 18 Premier League appearances, he has proven wrong those who doubted his ability to thrive at a top club. As his role in the England setup expands, Palmer’s value is expected to rise even further in 2025, with the young talent emerging as one of the leading candidates from his nation in the race for the Ballon d'Or. Cole Palmer's 2024/25 statistics Appearances 20 Goals 12 Assists 6 All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt - correct as of 28/12/24Ancient genes pinpoint when humans and Neanderthals mixed and mingled

Julian Reese delivered 23 points and 11 rebounds as sluggish Maryland pulled away late in a 81-66 victory over Maryland Eastern Shore on Saturday in College Park, Md. Derik Queen provided 18 points and 14 rebounds while Ja'Kobi Gillespie added nine points and as many assists as the Terrapins (11-2) improved to 19-0 all-time against the Hawks, with all of the wins coming by double-digit margins. In the final nonconference game for both teams, the Terrapins' Selton Miguel had 10 points and Jordan Geronimo added nine off the bench. Playing for the first time in seven days, Maryland never trailed but struggled to pull away from UMES (4-12). Ketron Shaw paced Maryland Eastern Shore with 20 points and nine rebounds. Evan Johnson scored 15 points and Christopher Flippin added 14 points and six boards for the Hawks of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, who are 0-12 against Division I schools this year. UMES kept in close in the first half as Maryland missed its first eight shots from 3-point range. The Terps held a 19-17 lead when Rodney Rice ended the drought with a corner 3 with 6:38 left in the half. About a minute later, Geronimo drained another from the same spot on the floor. In the final 53 seconds of the period, Reese wheeled inside for a three-point play, then DeShawn Harris-Smith added a buzzer-beating trey from the top of the key as Maryland took a 40-24 lead at the break. In the second half, the Hawks kept it close as Shaw continued to score in the open floor and Johnson drained a pair of 3-pointers. When Flippin made a pair of free throws with 10:08 left, he cut the Terrapins' lead to 54-48. But that's as close as the Hawks got as Maryland answered with three quick baskets. In the final 8:11, Gillespie and Miguel made 3-pointers and the duo combined on a fast break, with Gillespie feeding Miguel for a 3-point play that gave the Terrapins their biggest lead, 81-58, with 2:26 left. --Field Level MediaNoneThat's not a slide - this is a slide

Olivia Hussey, the actor who starred as a teenage Juliet in the 1968 film "Romeo and Juliet," has died, her family said on social media Saturday. She was 73. Hussey died on Friday, "peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones," a statement posted to her Instagram account said. Hussey was 15 when director Franco Zeffirelli cast her in his adaptation of the William Shakespeare tragedy after spotting her onstage in the play "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie," which also starred Vanessa Redgrave. "Romeo and Juliet" won two Oscars and Hussey won a Golden Globe for best new actress for her part as Juliet, opposite British actor Leonard Whiting, who was 16 at the time. Decades later, Hussey and Whiting brought a lawsuit against Paramount Pictures alleging sexual abuse, sexual harassment and fraud over nude scenes in the film. They alleged that they were initially told they would wear flesh-colored undergarments in a bedroom scene, but on the day of the shoot Zeffirelli told the pair they would wear only body makeup, and that the camera would be positioned in a way that would not show nudity. They alleged they were filmed in the nude without their knowledge. The case was dismissed by a Los Angeles County judge in 2023, who found their depiction could not be considered child pornography and the pair filed their claim too late. Whiting was among those paying tribute to Hussey on Saturday. "Rest now my beautiful Juliet no injustices can hurt you now. And the world will remember your beauty inside and out forever," he wrote. Hussey was born on April 17, 1951, in Bueno Aires, Argentina, and moved to London as a child. She studied at the Italia Conti Academy drama school. She also starred as Mary, the mother of Jesus, in the 1977 television series "Jesus of Nazareth," as well as in the 1978 adaptation of Agatha Christie's "Death on the Nile" and horror movies "Black Christmas" and "Psycho IV: The Beginning." She is survived by her husband, David Glen Eisley, her three children and a grandson.Australia's House of Representatives passes bill banning children younger than age 16 from social mediaBanihal/Bhaderwah (J-K), Dec 28 (PTI) Stuck in snow, while many sulked, some chose to allay their hardships by playing cricket inside the out-of-bounds 8.5-km Navyug Tunnel in Kashmir. Heavy snowfall has stranded hundreds of commuters on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway. Many spent the night inside their vehicles in the freezing temperature and demanded a fast reopening of the arterial road. The cold, however, failed to dampen certain sturdy spirits who warmed up with a good game of cricket inside the Navyug Tunnel that connects Banihal town in Ramban district of Jammu region with Qazigund in south Kashmir's Anantnag district. A video of the scene showed up on social media and was shared widely. Authorities on Saturday pressed men and machinery to ensure early reopening of the highway – the only all-weather road linking Kashmir with the rest of the country. The highway was closed down for vehicular traffic late Friday evening after the heavy snowfall – this season's first – rendered the road slippery. Ramban Deputy Commissioner Baseer-ul-Haq Chaudhary along with Senior Superintendent of Police Kulbir Singh visited Banihal to take stock of the situation. Many tourists had to spend the night inside their vehicles in the freezing temperatures. Lakhpat Behal, a tourist from Chandigarh, said they reached the tunnel around 7 pm on Friday and were not allowed to move forward. "We have been waiting in our vehicles for more than 20 hours, waiting for clearance from the authorities," he told PTI near the Navyug tunnel. A newlywed couple from Mumbai was also forced to spend the night in the vehicle. "The policemen asked us to return from the tunnel while we were heading for Kashmir but there were no hotels for accommodation...It is a nightmare to stay in the vehicle for 20 hours with no information when the road is going to be thrown open," the husband, who wished not to be named, said. Tourists from Sangrur-Punjab and Madhya Pradesh said their dream visit to Kashmir turned horrendous for them. "We had decided to visit Kashmir on New Year to enjoy snow. We did enjoy the snowfall but faced a lot of trouble. We were concerned for our children who had to spend the night in the vehicle," Yasmeena, who was accompanied by two children and three more family members, said. Ramban, along with adjoining Doda and Kishtwar districts, experienced the first major snowfall overnight, much to the delight of the locals, especially agriculturalists and those associated with the tourism industry. The snowfall not only ended the nearly two-and-a-half months dry spell in the Chenab Valley region but also turned Bhaderwah, Bhallessa, Doda and Kishtwar towns white after a gap of two years. (This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)

Horoscope Today, December 29, 2024: Some individuals, like Gemini, can look forward to a satisfying day filled with accomplishments. In contrast, others, such as Aquarius, may face challenges that disrupt their plans. While some people will experience a smooth and successful day, others will encounter obstacles that require patience and perseverance. It's essential to stay flexible and adapt to the ups and downs that come with each day. Find out what will happen in your life today by reading astrologer Harshit Sharma's horoscope predictions. Aries Horoscope Today - A new work opportunity may require embarking on a long journey, so prioritize self-care during travel. Your health will remain stable. However, you might need financial assistance for business purposes, leading you to seek help from relatives. This could lead to some family conflicts, particularly with your spouse, over certain issues. Be prepared to navigate these challenges and maintain open communication to resolve any disagreements. Taurus Horoscope Today - A fresh wave of enthusiasm will spark new ideas, prompting you to discuss innovative plans with colleagues. Business prospects look promising, making it an ideal time to invest in property. You may feel inclined to perform an auspicious ceremony at home, bringing good fortune to your family. A trip with your spouse and children is also on the cards, promising quality time and cherished memories with your loved ones. Gemini Horoscope Today - A remarkable day ahead promises significant improvements in health, potentially overcoming major ailments. A chance encounter with a special individual will unlock new opportunities. Business transformations made now will yield future benefits. Favorable conditions make it an ideal time to invest in the stock market. A family religious gathering is on the horizon, welcoming new guests. Quality time with your spouse and children ensures a delightful day filled with love and connection. Cancer Horoscope Today - A highly promising day awaits, bringing improved health and harmony to personal relationships. Long-standing differences with your spouse will be resolved, strengthening your bond. Business ventures will yield profits, and a chance meeting with a key individual may lead to significant new opportunities. Family respect and reputation will increase, accompanied by uplifting news that will delight your loved ones, filling your home with joy and positivity. Leo Horoscope Today - Physical exhaustion may leave you feeling lethargic and unenthusiastic about work. Be cautious, as opportunities may slip away due to your lack of motivation. Business partnerships may also be tested, with the risk of deception by your associate. Practice restraint in your communication to avoid unnecessary conflicts. Additionally, exercise extra caution while driving or operating vehicles to ensure your safety. Virgo Horoscope Today - Exercise extreme caution while driving to avoid accidents. A restless mind may cloud your judgment, so it's essential to make informed decisions at work, avoiding impulsive choices that may backfire. Lending large sums of money to others is also discouraged, as it may create financial strain and spark disagreements with your spouse and children, potentially damaging relationships. Libra Horoscope Today - Negative thoughts will dominate your mind, making it challenging to perceive things positively. Even well-intentioned comments may seem critical, and you may inadvertently create new conflicts. To avoid controversy, exercise restraint in your communication. Refrain from making significant business transactions, and steer clear of ongoing family disputes over ancestral property to avoid substantial losses. Caution and self-control are essential to navigate this sensitive period. Scorpio Horoscope Today - Embarking on new ventures will yield positive results, but beware of trusting strangers, as they may test your patience. When sealing business deals, scrutinize documents meticulously before making a decision. Exercise caution and reserve your emotions, avoiding discussions with your spouse that may lead to unnecessary conflicts. By being vigilant and discreet, you'll navigate this period successfully and make informed choices. Sagittarius Horoscope Today - A spiritual journey will rejuvenate your mind, filling it with positivity and peace. You'll be empowered to make important life decisions and receive support from loved ones. Business prospects look promising, with potential profits and reimbursement of pending payments. A new addition to the family may bring joy, and you'll have the opportunity to set aside savings for your spouse and children, securing their future and well-being. Capricorn Horoscope Today - A promising day ahead brings joy and accomplishment. The morning will usher in delightful news, setting a positive tone. Pending tasks will be completed in the afternoon, freeing up time for more fulfilling activities. A family visit to a sacred site can boost well-being, but remember to prioritise health and take necessary precautions to avoid seasonal illnesses. Stay vigilant and make the most of this beneficial day. Pisces Horoscope Today - A significant day lies ahead, marked by the resolution of a long-standing, major dispute. A substantial sum of money can be secured, guaranteeing a stable future. However, caution is advised against lending large amounts to others. Family harmony may be disrupted, leading to conflicts. Additionally, criticizing your in-laws to your spouse is strongly discouraged, as it may have severe consequences and damage relationships.None

Blizzard warning shuts down large parts of Midwestern OntarioVictor Wembanyama plays 1-on-1 chess with fans in New York

Solomone Kata scored Leicester's second try of the match [Source: PA Media] Handre Pollard’s last-minute conversion, via the post, rescued a thrilling Premiership draw for Leicester Tigers against Harlequins 34-all at Twickenham. Quins looked like they were on their way to a narrow victory, before Tigers substitute Dan Cole touched the ball down over the line to set up South African Pollard’s game-saving kick to level the match. The hosts had taken a narrow one-point lead into the break after a frenetic first half in which the lead changed hands four times. Cadan Murley’s 68th-minute try looked to have secured the points for Quins, but both teams left with a share of the spoils and a bonus point each for scoring four tries. Harlequins were hosting their 16th annual “Big Game” at neighbouring Twickenham Stadium and the first-half display on the pitch lived up to the extravagant pre-match light show and fireworks. Both sides had the fans on their feet with some brilliant ball-carrying to find the spaces and break between the lines. Pollard’s kicking was on the mark all night right from an early penalty that gave the visitors the lead, before Harlequins hooker Jack Walker’s third league try of the season gave Quins the lead. Ollie Hassell-Collins and Solomone Kata scored to put Leicester 10 points clear, but Murley’s first try of the match at the end of a trademark Quins counter-attack soon followed. Kata was shown a yellow card shortly before half-time for a high challenge on Oscar Beard. The Tonga international was perhaps fortunate to avoid a red as Hassell-Collins was already bringing down the Quins centre when the contact was made. Luke Northmore’s drive over the line from the resulting scrum gave Harlequins the slenderest of leads at half-time and they were unable to take further advantage of the extra man after the restart. Freddie Steward’s try either side of two Marcus Smith penalties levelled the encounter at 27-27 to set up a grandstand finish. Murley’s second try of the match was dramatically cancelled out by Cole’s score with just two minutes left and Pollard’s calm conversion settled the outcome as a stalemate.Tweet Facebook Mail The sisters of a murdered Perth mother have hit out at police "ignorance" towards domestic violence . Lynn Cannon's siblings always believed their baby sister could have lived if only police had taken her case seriously. On the final day of an inquest into her death, they said while procedures had improved after her death, attitudes hadn't. Lynn Cannon's siblings always believed their baby sister could have lived if only police had taken her case seriously. (9News) "Whilst reeling in shock of how she was killed, it became apparent Lynn had been failed in a monumental way," her sister Jacqui Darley said. They slammed a "victim blaming" mentality within the force. "It's very concerning that these attitudes are prevailing," Darley said. "We want these mistakes to be acknowledged so that changes can be made." The 51-year-old was stabbed to death by her jealous and abusive ex-husband after he lured her to his Landsdale home in 2022. It took an hour for police to arrive after an urgent request for a welfare check. Lynn Cannon was stabbed to death by her jealous and abusive ex-husband, Paul Cannon, after he lured her to his Landsdale home in 2022. (9News) The priority assigned to that job was downgraded despite officers knowing Paul Cannon had threatened his ex that morning with a knife. Her family singled out a remark from one officer asking "would she have gone there if she knew she was in danger?". "It just shows a total ignorance to coercive control behaviour," Darley said. "She went there to keep the peace, to try and calm the situation." Lynn Cannon's sister Jacqui Darley speaks outside court on December 12, 2024, the final day of an inquest into her death. (9News) The WA Police Force said it made "significant changes in the wake of Lynn Cannon's tragic death". "These changes were provided to the coroner for her consideration and detailed during the inquest," it said. "As a police force, we must always strive to be better. "We will now await the coroner's findings and recommendations, which we will carefully consider in due course." Coroner Sarah Linton today agreed there were several missed opportunities that could – not would – have changed the course of that night. She'll deliver her findings in the coming months. "She was our baby sister and we loved her so much, we'll carry this pain for the rest of our lives," Darley said. DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP : Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play .

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VERMILLION — Opportunities for siblings to compete alongside one another at some of the highest levels of college football don’t always present themselves. However, it’s a unique scenario in the University of South Dakota offensive line room. ADVERTISEMENT The sibling rivalry is alive and well for two sets of brothers that operate in the Coyote offensive trenches. Sioux Falls’ Ben and Sam Kohls along with Harrisburg’s Josh and Jordan Larsen have been together for their entire athletic lives and continue that journey together by representing one of their in-state institutions. Both brothers’ journey to Vermillion went a bit different. For the Kohls, Ben was a year ahead of Sam. He originally enrolled as a walk-on and played his first season in the shortened 2021 spring season of COVID-19. The following season, after encouragement from Ben, Sam joined his older brother at USD. The duo's journey has certainly been a memorable one with both saying the constant rivalry between them has played a huge role in their receptive developments. “It's been a very competitive ride,” Ben said. “We like to get on on each other, kind of push each other, call each other out when they're doing something bad and bring them back up if they’re doing something good, too. It's really like a back-and-forth kind of competition. That's how brothers are and that's how the whole team is.” “I think iron sharpens iron is something that comes to mind,” Sam said. “It's really nice, especially in my case having an older brother to look up to pretty much all these years. Since he's a year older than me, next year he's not going to be here. So moving on, he's kind of taught me the way and taught me things that I wouldn't have known coming in and stuff like that.” For the Larsens, they both entered the program in 2022 after successful high school careers at Harrisburg. They both had scholarship offers, mostly at the Division II level, but there was the desire to represent the red and white. “We both had kind of the same offers. This was really the only Division I opportunity,” Jordan said. “We would both be walk-ons here and then we had a bunch of Division II offers. It kind of felt like all these coaches were asking us, ‘Would you go here if your brother couldn't go here?’ I always told him, yeah, but really it probably would have been a no. It always kind of felt like we would probably go to the same school together, we both got the opportunity here and we both committed.” ADVERTISEMENT Josh may have not shared that same sentiment at first but felt USD was the best place for both of them to further their career. “I didn't really care about if we ended up together or not, but this being the best opportunity for each other, it was a nice little gift I guess.” All four of the brothers have been able to make impacts over their careers and have been part of the program’s rise to national prominence over the last few seasons. Ben has primarily been a special teams mainstay along the offensive line but has also gotten some run at center as well. Sam made 11 consecutive starts at left guard last season and has been one of the first options off the bench this year. However, he was called into action in USD’s playoff game against Tarleton State and finished the game at that same left guard position he controlled for most of the 2023 season. For the Larsens, Jordan has been one of the breakthrough players on offense this season. He’s started every game at the left guard spot and had played almost every snap until he suffered a first-quarter injury last week against Tarleton State and was subsequently replaced by Sam. Josh has played in four games this season and hasn’t gotten as many opportunities, but he’s almost always been listed on USD’s two-deep depth chart for most of the season at right guard. What makes it all the more special is that both sets of brothers continue to grow together and make use of the time they still have left to compete alongside each other. With less time together than the Larsens, Sam said the Kohls have just been soaking in the time they have left, especially after reflecting on how enjoyable and special playing together in college has been. ADVERTISEMENT “I didn't know not only that we'd both be playing at the Division I level, but together,” Sam said. “D-I is a really big thing. There are a lot of different schools that can bring you in. A lot of things have to fall in place correctly for both of us to end up here. We wouldn't have any other way. It's awesome and we love it here.” The Larsens still have multiple seasons ahead of them, but the experience has already been memorable, to say the least. “It's just been awesome always being next to a guy you know, you always have someone to block in drills,” Jordan said. “It’s always having that partner there.” “We still do everything together pretty much, not much separation at all in our lives,” Josh said. “It's been nice just having a guy, having a roommate you've been living with for 18 years at this point.” One thing that always exists between brothers is the burning question that usually results in disagreement, perhaps even sometimes one that eventually becomes a bit more physical: who’s better? Sam was quick to bestow the mantle upon himself with an immediate ‘me’ response. He did add on a bit afterward though explaining that it can be a two-way street at times. “There's things he's better at, there's things I'm better at, and it makes us better in the long run,” Sam said. ADVERTISEMENT And for the Larsen brothers, both did agree that Jordan had the edge. However, Josh said that could easily change in the near future. “Stats would say Jordan is [better], but we’ll see what happens soon,” Josh said.Baha festival set to launch with 280 activities

By RONALD BLUM AP Baseball Writer NEW YORK — New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge earned his second American League MVP award on Thursday. Judge was a unanimous pick for the first time, receiving all 30 first-place votes and 420 points in voting by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. Kansas City shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. got all 30 second-place votes for 270 points, and Yankees outfielder Juan Soto was third with 21 third-place votes and 229 points. Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani won the National League MVP , his third MVP award, all of which have been unanimous. New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor was second with 263 points and Arizona second baseman Ketel Marte third with 229. Judge led the major leagues with 58 homers, 144 RBIs and 133 walks while hitting .322. Witt topped the big leagues with a .332 average, hitting 32 homers with 31 stolen bases and 109 RBIs. Soto batted .288 with 41 homers and 109 RBIs. When Judge won his first MVP award in 2022, he received 28 first-place votes while Ohtani got the other two. Judge had discussed the MVP award with Philadelphia’s Bryce Harper, the NL winner in 2015 and ’21. “I was telling him, ‘Man, I’m going to try to catch up to you with these MVPs here, man,’” Judge recalled. “He’d say, hopefully, he could stay a couple ahead of me, which I think he’ll do.” When Judge won his first MVP award in 2022, he received 28 first-place votes while Ohtani got the other two. He is the Yankees’ 22nd MVP winner, four more than any other team. Judge was hitting .207 with six homers and 18 RBIs through April, then batted .352 with 52 homers and 126 RBIs in 127 games. “March and April were not my friend this year.” Judge said. “Just keep putting in the work and things are going to change. You can’t mope. You can’t feel sorry for yourself. Especially in New York, nobody’s going to feel sorry for you. So you just got to go out there and put up the numbers?” Balloting was conducted before the postseason.

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The Orlando Pride capped off a nearly perfect 2024 season by winning the NWSL Championship Game over the Washington Spirit 1-0. Despite the Spirit giving the Pride everything they could handle , Orlando held on to win the title. It was a fitting end for the team’s leader, Marta , and the team that was clearly the best in the NWSL all season. The Pride opened the season with a 23-match unbeaten streak, which included two separate winning streaks of six games or more. Orlando didn’t lose a game until after clinching the NWSL Shield and the top seed in the playoffs. With just two losses all season, it was one of the most dominant seasons in NWSL history. THE BEST TEAM IN @NWSL HISTORY 🏆 pic.twitter.com/60vGL6QEiU Of course, all of that gets wiped out when the calendar flips to 2025. The Pride will have to start fresh next season, just like everybody else. The only difference is that Orlando will have a championship to defend and be the hunted rather than the hunted. Is the Pride capable of replicating this year’s success in 2025? Let’s look at what the future holds for Orlando next season. Will Marta play for Orlando Pride in 2025? The biggest question facing Orlando heading into the offseason is whether or not Marta will be back next season. After eight seasons with the club, she’s out of contract and set to be a free agent. She has made it clear that she would like to play for two more seasons at club level, although there is no assurance she will do so in Orlando. The Pride would hate to lose her after so many years of rebuilding around her . However, it’ll be up to the club to offer her a new contract and up to Marta if she wants to finish her career with Orlando or go elsewhere. MARTA IS THE MOMENT. pic.twitter.com/dVLKToqdon Orlando Pride free agency questions Besides Marta, the Pride doesn’t have to worry too much about losing key players in free agency. Key role players like Julie Doyle and Morgan Gautrat re-signed with the club before reaching free agency at the end of the season, so they will be back in 2025. Players like Duljan Evelina, Celia Jimenez, and Carrie Lawrence, none of whom played major roles in Orlando’s 2024 success, are out of contract. But other than Marta, the Pride isn’t set to lose anybody who figures to be irreplaceable. Barbra Banda could be better in 2025 Whether Marta returns to Orlando or not, it’s a safe bet that Banda will remain the Pride’s most important player. She finished second in the NWSL in goals this season and was named Championship Game MVP after scoring the game-winning goal against the Spirit. Yet, the 24-year-old could still take things to another level next season. Keep in mind that she didn’t play during the early part of the season since she signed in early March from a club in China. With a year of experience in the NWSL under her belt, Banda could be better in 2025 and should be considered an early favorite to be league MVP next year. PURE BANDA-MONIUM!!! Barbra Banda scores the opening goal in the #NWSLChampionship pic.twitter.com/5oK0B1h50m Orlando Pride defense could look the same The backline of Cori Dyke, Emily Sams, Kylie Strom, and Kerry Abello figures to be back for the Pride in 2025. That quartet started together more times than not, helping Orlando tie for the fewest goals conceded during the NWSL regular season. For her efforts, Sams was named the NWSL Defender of the Year, which is no small accomplishment with arguably the world’s best defender, Naomi Girma, as her competition. The kicker is that the 32-year-old Strom is the only player of that foursome who will be older than 25 at the start of next season. In other words, Orlando’s backline is young and already has plenty of experience playing together. That should make the Pride one of the best defensive teams in the league next season, especially with Anna Moorhouse defending the goal. Orlando’s young player to watch Aside from the youthful backline, Orlando has a few more young players worth watching in 2025. Ally Lemos, the team’s first-round pick in 2024, could strengthen Orlando’s midfield even more. She played just two seasons at UCLA before being drafted, making her one of the youngest players ever selected in the NWSL Draft. She didn’t see a ton of minutes for Orlando this season, partly because she left the Pride midseason to play in the Under-20 Women’s World Cup. Lemos helped the U.S. finish third in that tournament and seems to have a bright future. She could be a breakout star for Orlando in 2025. Can the Orlando Pride repeat as NWSL champions in 2025? The question of Orlando repeating as champs will be easier to answer once it’s clear if Marta is returning or not. However, even without the legendary Brazilian, the Pride has the makings of a championship team in 2025 with a trusted goalkeeper, a solid and proven backline, and a bonafide star like Banda leading the attack. Of course, Washington could be stronger next season, Gotham FC still has as much star power as anyone, and teams like Kansas City and Portland figure to be contenders, too. There could also be plenty of player movement in free agency. But as things stand, there is every reason to think Orlando will be a threat to repeat as NWSL champs in 2025.Plateau’s security improved in 2024, says Mutfwang

“Barbenheimer” was a phenomenon impossible to manufacture. But, more than a year later, that hasn’t stopped people from trying to make “Glicked” — or even “Babyratu” — happen. The counterprogramming of “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” in July 2023 hit a nerve culturally and had the receipts to back it up. Unlike so many things that begin as memes, it transcended its online beginnings. Instead of an either-or, the two movies ultimately complemented and boosted one another at the box office. This combination of images shows promotional art for "Gladiator II," left, and "Wicked." And ever since, moviegoers, marketers and meme makers have been trying to recreate that moment, searching the movie release schedule for odd mashups and sending candidates off into the social media void. Most attempts have fizzled (sorry, “Saw Patrol” ). This weekend is perhaps the closest approximation yet as the Broadway musical adaptation “Wicked” opens Friday against the chest-thumping sword-and-sandals epic “Gladiator II.” Two big studio releases (Universal and Paramount), with one-name titles, opposite tones and aesthetics and big blockbuster energy — it was already halfway there before the name game began: “Wickiator,” “Wadiator,” “Gladwick” and even the eyebrow raising “Gladicked” have all been suggested. “'Glicked' rolls off the tongue a little bit more,” actor Fred Hechinger said at the New York screening of “Gladiator II” this week. “I think we should all band around ‘Glicked.’ It gets too confusing if you have four or five different names for it.” As with “Barbenheimer," as reductive as it might seem, “Glicked” also has the male/female divide that make the fan art extra silly. One is pink and bright and awash in sparkles, tulle, Broadway bangers and brand tie-ins; The other is all sweat and sand, blood and bulging muscles. Both films topped Fandango’s most anticipated holiday movie survey, where 65% of respondents said that they were interested in the “Glicked” double feature. Theaters big and small are also pulling out the stops with movie-themed tie-ins. B&B Theaters will have Roman guards tearing tickets at some locations and Maximus popcorn tubs. Marcus Theaters is doing Oz photo ops and friendship bracelet-making. Alamo Drafthouse is leaning into the singalong aspect (beware, though, not all theaters are embracing this) and the punny drinks like “Defying Gravi-Tea.” This image released by Universal Pictures shows Cynthia Erivo, left, and Ariana Grande in a scene from the film "Wicked." “Rather than it being in competition, I think they’re in conversation,” “Gladiator II” star Paul Mescal said. “This industry needs a shot in the arm. Those films gave it last year. We hope to do it this year.” And the hope is that audiences will flock to theaters to be part of this moment as well. It's a sorely needed influx of could-be blockbusters into a marketplace that's still at an 11% deficit from last year and down 27.2% from 2019, according to data from Comscore. “Competition is good for the marketplace. It’s good for consumers,” said Michael O'Leary, the president and CEO of the National Association of Theatre Owners. “Having two great movies coming out at the same time is simply a multiplier effect.” “Glicked” is currently tracking for a combined North American debut in the $165 million range, with “Wicked” forecast to earn around $100 million (up from the $80 million estimates a few weeks ago) and “Gladiator II” pegged for the $65 million range. “Barbenheimer” shattered its projections last July. Going into that weekend, “Barbie” had been pegged for $90 million and “Oppenheimer” around $40 million. Ultimately, they brought in a combined $244 million in that first outing, and nearly $2.4 billion by the end of their runs. It’s possible “Glicked” will exceed expectations, too. And it has the advantage of another behemoth coming close behind: “Moana 2,” which opens just five days later on the Wednesday before the Thanksgiving holiday. “Glickedana” triple feature anyone? This image released by Paramount Pictures shows Pedro Pascal, left, and Paul Mescal in a scene from "Gladiator II." “These are 10 important days,” O'Leary said. “It’s going to show the moviegoing audience that there’s a lot of compelling stuff out there for them to see.” There are infinite caveats to the imperfect comparison to “Barbenheimer,” as well. “Wicked” is a “Part One.” Musicals carry their own baggage with moviegoers, even those based on wildly successful productions (ahem, “Cats”). “Gladiator II” got a head start and opened internationally last weekend. In fact, in the U.K. it played alongside “Paddington in Peru,” where that double was pegged “Gladdington.” “Gladiator” reviews, while positive, are a little more divided than the others. And neither directors Ridley Scott nor Jon M. Chu has the built-in box office cache that Christopher Nolan’s name alone carries at the moment. The new films also cost more than “Barbie” ($145 million) and “Oppenheimer” ($100 million). According to reports, “Gladiator II” had a $250 million price tag; “Wicked” reportedly cost $150 million to produce (and that does not include the cost of the second film, due next year). The narrative, though, has shifted away from “who will win the weekend.” Earlier this year, Chu told The Associated Press that he loves that this is a moment where “we can root for all movies all the time.” Close behind are a bevy of Christmas releases with double feature potential, but those feel a little more niche. There’s the remake of “Nosferatu,” the Nicole Kidman kink pic “Babygirl” and the Bob Dylan biopic “A Complete Unknown.” The internet can’t even seem to decide on its angle for that batch of contenders, and none exactly screams blockbuster. Sometimes the joy is just in the game, however. Some are sticking with the one-name mashup (“Babyratu”); others are suggesting that the fact that two of the movies feature real-life exes (Timothée Chalamet and Lily-Rose Depp) is enough reason for a double feature. And getting people talking is half the battle. When in doubt, or lacking a catchy name, there’s always the default: “This is my Barbenheimer.” Associated Press journalist John Carucci and Film Writer Jake Coyle contributed reporting. Last summer, Malibu's iconic blonde faced off against Cillian Murphy and the hydrogen bomb in the unforgettable "Barbenheimer" double feature. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. 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