77 casino slots Published 5:19 pm Saturday, November 23, 2024 By Data Skrive In college hoops play on Sunday, the Portland Pilots versus the Princeton Tigers is among the 10 games that made our list of best bets against the spread. Watch men’s college basketball, other live sports and more on Fubo. What is Fubo? Fubo is a streaming service that gives you access to your favorite live sports and shows on demand. Use our link to sign up for a free trial. Bet on this or any men’s college basketball matchup at BetMGM. Not all offers available in all states, please visit BetMGM for the latest promotions for your area. Must be 21+ to gamble, please wager responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER .This season has gone exceedingly well for the Minnesota Vikings . Despite incredibly lackluster projections, they have surpassed those feelings just halfway through the year. Kevin O’Connell could have his team picking up their ninth win of the season Sunday against Chicago. That doesn’t mean everyone believes in them, and Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio has had enough. Minnesota Vikings can’t convince Mike Florio they are good Although Mike Florio is a prominent national voice, he’s also a Minnesota Vikings fan. He routinely appears on KFAN to talk with Paul Allen , and there will always be a level of fandom to his assessment of the team. That means he has also experienced plenty of heartbreak over the years. It seems pretty evident that is holding back his feelings regarding this current iteration. “The past two games, the past three games have been so fricken boring. There’s no excitement in watching the Vikings play. There’s something missing. I think it’s because they’re playing teams that they should be kicking the sh-t out of and they’re not. It makes me wonder what happens when they come up against a really good team. I mean, look at the Jaguars. 12-7. They the go to Detroit and it was the worst attack by a lions since Montecore. 52-6. Worst loss in franchise history for the Jaguars. Biggest win in franchise history for the Lions. They don’t screw around. I feel like the Vikings can’t deliver the knockout blow. It’s just hang on, and hang on, and hang on. It’s just not fun to watch games like that where there’s never that uprising. It’s just like, there’s a lead, can they hold it?” There are plenty of times where Florio’s opinions can be dismissed as overblown, but it’s hard to suggest he’s wrong here. This isn’t like when he was calling for Minnesota to trade Sam Darnold for Matthew Stafford . This isn’t an overreaction. The Vikings have played two bottom-feeders in recent weeks, and they largely failed to put them away. 98 YARDS TO THE HOUSE!!!!!!! : Watch #MINvsTEN on @NFLonCBS stream on NFL+ pic.twitter.com/y8RseU8zPy When Minnesota goes to Chicago this weekend, they have another chance to make a statement. This Bears team isn’t good, and even in making coaching changes, Caleb Williams still has yet to prove anything. The offensive line gives up sacks in bunches, and Brian Flores should put him on his back often. Ultimately though, Florio doesn’t see that happening either. “This feels like a Chicago win. They’re better than 4-6, and the Vikings don’t deserve to be 9-2. The Bears’ offense has improved, and Sam Darnold can be counted on to make a mistake or two.” #Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell says despite an 8-2 record, “I still believe a total, complete team performance is out there for us. That’s what we’re trying to work towards.” @FOX9 pic.twitter.com/7CL9OLrAek There’s always something to happen at Soldier Field. The playing surface is a mess and the Vikings have struggled to complete season sweeps. They did win on the road last season , and they need to grab another divisional victory on Sunday. Maybe if Minnesota can put up the all around performance that O’Connell Minnesota is closing in on the end of their three-game road stretch. It would be great to seem them make a statement before they return home against the Arizona Cardinals. This article first appeared on Minnesota Sports Fan and was syndicated with permission.

— BIRTH NAME: James Earl Carter, Jr. — BORN: Oct. 1, 1924, at the Wise Clinic in Plains, Georgia, the first U.S. president born in a hospital. He would become the first president to live for an entire century . — EDUCATION: Plains High School, Plains, Georgia, 1939-1941; Georgia Southwestern College, Americus, Georgia, 1941-1942; Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, 1942-1943; U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland, 1943-1946 (class of 1947); Union College, Schenectady, New York, 1952-1953. — PRESIDENCY: Sworn-in as 39th president of the United States at the age of 52 years, 3 months and 20 days on Jan. 20, 1977, after defeating President Gerald R. Ford in the 1976 general election. Left office on Jan. 20, 1981, following 1980 general election loss to Ronald Reagan. — POST-PRESIDENCY: Launched The Carter Center in 1982. Began volunteering at Habitat for Humanity in 1984. Awarded Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. Taught for 37 years at Emory University, where he was granted tenure in 2019, at age 94. — OTHER ELECTED OFFICES: Georgia state senator, 1963-1967; Georgia governor, 1971-1975. — OTHER OCCUPATIONS: Served in U.S. Navy, achieved rank of lieutenant, 1946-53; Farmer, warehouseman, Plains, Georgia, 1953-77. — FAMILY: Wife, Rosalynn Smith Carter , married July 7, 1946 until her death Nov. 19, 2023. They had three sons, John William (Jack), James Earl III (Chip), Donnel Jeffrey (Jeff); a daughter, Amy Lynn; and 11 living grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Source: Jimmy Carter Library & MuseumArgentina's Racing wins its first Copa Sudamericana championship by beating Brazil's Cruzeiro 3-1 ASUNCION, Paraguay (AP) — Gaston Martirena and Adrian Martinez scored first-half goals as Argentina's Racing won its first Copa Sudamericana championship by beating Brazil's Cruzeiro 3-1 in the final on Saturday. Canadian Press Nov 23, 2024 2:11 PM Nov 23, 2024 2:35 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Agustin Almendra, right, of Argentina's Racing Club and Joao Marcelo of Brazil's Cruzeiro battle for the ball during the Copa Sudamericana final soccer match in Asuncion, Paraguay, Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Jorge Saenz) ASUNCION, Paraguay (AP) — Gaston Martirena and Adrian Martinez scored first-half goals as Argentina's Racing won its first Copa Sudamericana championship by beating Brazil's Cruzeiro 3-1 in the final on Saturday. Martirena opened the scoring in the 15th minute and Martinez added a goal five minutes later to give “La Academia” its first international title since 1988 when it won the Supercopa Sudamericana. “Maravilla” Martinez scored 10 goals in 13 matches and finished as the top scorer in the competition. Roger Martinez sealed the victory with a goal in the 90th. Kaio Jorge scored in the 52nd for Cruzeiro. ___ AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer The Associated Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message More National Sports No. 2 Ohio State takes control in the 2nd half and runs over No. 5 Indiana 38-15 Nov 23, 2024 2:24 PM McNealy and Whaley share lead at wide open RSM Classic, Canada's Hughes tied for third Nov 23, 2024 2:19 PM Maple Leafs' Matthews says Wednesday return possible after visiting doctor in Germany Nov 23, 2024 1:47 PM Featured Flyer

Special counsel moves to abandon election interference and classified documents cases against Trump WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal prosecutors have moved to abandon two criminal cases against Donald Trump, acknowledging that Trump’s return to the White House will preclude attempts to federally prosecute him for retaining classified documents or trying to overturn his 2020 election defeat. In court filings on Monday, the prosecutors cited longstanding Justice Department policy that says sitting presidents cannot face criminal prosecution. The decision by special counsel Jack Smith, who had sought to hold Trump criminally accountable for his efforts to subvert the 2020 election, represented the end of the federal effort against the former president who firmly won election this month despite the election-related cases and multiple other unrelated criminal charges against him. Israel launches new airstrikes on Lebanon as leaders draw closer to a ceasefire with Hezbollah BEIRUT (AP) — Israeli airstrikes are hitting Lebanon with airstrikes as negotiations progress toward a ceasefire between the country and Lebanon-based Hezbollah militants. Lebanon reported that at least 12 people were killed Monday as explosions lit up the sky and airstrikes hit targets in Beirut and Tyre, a southern port city. After about a year of exchanging low-level attacks across the Israel-Lebanon border with Iran-backed Hezbollah militants, Israeli troops launched a ground invasion of Lebanon in October. More than 3,700 people have been killed and 1.2 million displaced since. The fighting has amplified worries about direct conflict between Israel and Iran. International mediators are seeking to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah to end the fighting. What's blocking a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah? BEIRUT (AP) — Diplomats and other officials say there have been several sticking points in ceasefire talks in the war between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, even as conditions for an agreement appear to be ripe. Israel’s military has killed nearly all of the militant group’s top leaders. Tens of thousands of Israelis who were evacuated from the border months ago are pressuring their government to go home. And the world wants to stop regional conflict from spreading after more than a year of fighting. But there remain sticking points over how Hezbollah’s withdrawal from the border area will be monitored and whether Israel will have freedom to strike the militants. Thanksgiving Travel Latest: Airport strike, staff shortages and weather could impact holiday travel Airports and highways are expected to be jam-packed during Thanksgiving week, a holiday period likely to end with another record day for air travel in the United States. AAA predicts that nearly 80 million Americans will venture at least 50 miles from home between Tuesday and next Monday, most of them by car. However, travelers could be impacted by ongoing weather challenges and those flying to their destinations could be grounded by delays brought on by airline staffing shortages and an airport service workers strike. White Florida woman sentenced to 25 years in prison for shooting Black neighbor in lengthy dispute A white Florida woman who fatally shot a Black neighbor through her front door during an ongoing dispute has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for her manslaughter conviction. Susan Lorincz was sentenced Monday. The 60-year-old was convicted in August of killing 35-year-old Ajike “A.J.” Owens by firing a single shot from her .380-caliber handgun in June 2023. The shooting was the culmination of a long-running argument between the two neighbors over Owens’ children playing in a grassy area near both of their houses in Ocala. Lorincz told detectives that she feared for her life. Jurors did not agree with her self-defense claim. Judge in LA delays until January decision on resentencing Menendez brothers LOS ANGELES (AP) — A judge has delayed until January his decision on whether to resentence Erik and Lyle Menendez for killing their parents in their Beverly Hills mansion 35 years ago. Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic said he needed time to review 17 boxes of documents. Still he let the brothers' aunts take the stand. They both testified on their behalf as the brothers seek to have their 1989 convictions reexamined in the shotgun murders of their parents Jose and Kitty Menendez. They argued the convictions should be reexamined because of new evidence of sex abuse by the brothers' father. The brothers were sentenced to life without parole. Supreme Court won’t hear challenge to graphic cigarette warning labels WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court won’t hear a challenge to a federal requirement that cigarette packages and advertising include graphic images demonstrating the effects of smoking. The high court declined to hear the case in a brief written order handed down Monday. The warnings include pictures of smoke-damaged lungs and feet blackened by diminished blood flow. Nearly 120 countries around the world have already adopted graphic warning labels. It’s not clear when new labels might appear in the U.S., however. Some legal claims remain and the FDA has said it doesn’t plan to enforce any new requirements until December 2025. Russia reportedly captures a Briton fighting for Ukraine as Russian troops advance Reports say the Russian military has captured a Briton fighting with Ukrainian troops who have occupied part of Russia’s Kursk region. Russia also began launching daylight drone attacks on civilian areas of Ukraine and its ground forces accelerated gains along parts of the front line. Russian state news agency Tass says the captured fighter was in the British army for four years and then joined the International Legion of Ukraine, formed early on in the nearly 3-year-old war. On the battlefield, a think tank says Russian forces recently have gained ground at “a significantly quicker rate” than they did in the whole of last year. Judge rejects request to sideline a San Jose State volleyball player on grounds she’s transgender A judge has rejected a request to block a San Jose State women’s volleyball team member from playing in a conference tournament on grounds that she’s transgender. Monday’s ruling by U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Kato Crews in Denver will allow the player to continue competing in the Mountain West Conference women’s championship in Las Vegas this week. His order also upholds the seedings and pairings in the tournament. The ruling comes after a lawsuit was filed by nine current players against the Mountain West Conference challenging the league’s policies for allowing transgender players to participate. The players argued that letting her compete was a safety risk and unfair. So you're gathering with relatives whose politics are different. Here are some tips for the holidays NEW YORK (AP) — There’s no place like home for the holidays. And that may not necessarily be a good thing. In the wake of the presidential election, the upcoming marking of Thanksgiving and the ramp-up of the holiday season could be a boon for some - a respite from the events of the larger world in the gathering of family and loved ones, hours and even days spent with people who have played the largest roles in our lives, another chapter in a lifetime of memories.For others, though, that same scenario, particularly because of the polarizing presidential campaign, is something to dread, with the likelihood of disagreements, harsh words and raised voices looming large.

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Chicago Bears special teams coordinator Richard Hightower called it a “team decision” to not try to get kicker Cairo Santos closer or to a different location on the field before the blocked field goal Sunday against the Green Bay Packers. But Hightower also made no excuses for his field-goal protection unit on the game-ending play that resulted in a 20-19 Packers win . “The best interest of the team was to kick it,” Hightower said. “And when they call field goal, it’s my job as a coach to get that executed, period.” Before getting to coach Matt Eberflus’ decision to kick the field goal from 46 yards and the left hash, Hightower first addressed the issues up front that led to the block, still a major talking point this week as the Bears prepare to host the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field. Packers defensive lineman Karl Brooks pushed his way past offensive lineman Matt Pryor and long snapper Scott Daly and leaped into the air to get a finger on Santos’ kick. “We’ve just got to get to our technique more quickly and more violently than our opponent, and that’s what needs to happen to firm it up there,” Hightower said. “And I’m looking forward to our guys responding this week and getting that done.” Packers coach Matt LaFleur and players said after the game that they had identified a weakness in the Bears front, so much so that special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia told the team he wouldn’t understand if they didn’t come away with a blocked field goal. There also was talk after the game about the lower trajectory of Santos’ kicks on longer field goals. But Hightower brushed away that talk, noting the 160 combined extra points and field goals Santos has kicked with the Bears under his coaching. Santos has made 70 of 78 field goals and 72 of 84 extra points in that three-year span. “I don’t have an issue with Cairo. I don’t have an issue with our field-goal protection team,” Hightower said. “I feel like the result of that play was not our desired result. But I have faith and confidence in our unit, and I am looking forward to them operating in that situation again when it’s presented.” Some questions have fallen to Eberflus this week about why he didn’t run an extra play to try to get a shorter field goal for Santos. He had the time. But Eberflus said the Bears were comfortable with Santos kicking from 46 yards and listed risks such as a fumble, tipped pass or false-start or holding penalties as deterrents. Bears kicker Cairo Santos has his 46-yard field-goal attempt is blocked by Packers defensive end Karl Brooks on Nov. 17, 2024, at Soldier Field. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) Hightower said the Bears talk all week, before the game and before the series about Santos’ kick and monster kick lines. “I have confidence in our field-goal team to make it from any distance they call us from,” Hightower said. “Because we’ve already talked about the distance before we go out there.” Eberflus was asked Wednesday whether there had been any discussion about trying to make sure Santos was able to kick from the right hash, his preferred location on extra points. Eberflus said there was not discussion about it, and Santos kicked from the left hash. Former Bears long snapper Patrick Mannelly said on the “Spiegel and Holmes Show” on WSCR-AM 670 that it would be “egregious” for there not to be discussion about it, calling it “Coaching 101.” . @PatrickMannelly goes off on Matt Eberflus' "egregious" coaching in not getting the ball to the right hash for Cairo Santos. Mannelly is frustrated Eberflus isn't implementing what the Bears have worked on in training camp and practice each day. Listen: https://t.co/f9L9lvvWtg pic.twitter.com/G0dhdq0Nho — 670 The Score (@670TheScore) November 20, 2024 When Hightower was asked about the criteria that might be used to overrule a kicker’s preference, he again called it a “team decision.” “(The hash) doesn’t matter because when they call field goal, we’ve got to go out there and perform,” Hightower said. “That’s what matters, going out there and performing and getting the desired result. “I can’t allow myself to have excuses. I don’t deal in that world. This is a results-based business, and you have to deal in result and fact, correct what happened, move on, use it to your advantage and then let’s go to work. And that’s the mind-state I’m in. All my energy and my focus is on beating Minnesota.”Kura Sushi: Recent Pullback Doesn't Turn $90 Into A Bargain

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Nebraska's offense shines as Huskers take 2 touchdown lead over Wisconsin into the halfDENVER (AP) — Travis Hunter made a pair of proclamations Thursday: He’s for sure entering the NFL draft after this season, but not until he sees Colorado all the way through the College Football Playoff — if the Buffaloes make it there. The first was already a given for the draft-eligible junior who plays both receiver and cornerback. The second is a risk-reward play for a projected high first-round pick who averages around 120 snaps a game. In years past, it took two extra postseason wins to capture a national title. Now, it could take up to four additional contests. That’s more of a chance to shine, but also more chance for an injury. “I don’t think nobody will opt out because you’re showing NFL teams that you’re more focused on something else, other than the team goal,” Hunter said of the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff. “So I don’t think players are going to opt out of the playoffs.” Hunter and quarterback Shedeur Sanders chatted Thursday in a set of Zoom calls about turning around the program at Colorado (from 4-8 last season to bowl eligibility), chasing a Big 12 title, turning pro — Hunter acknowledged he will “for sure” — and, of course, the Heisman race, where Hunter is currently the odds-on favorite in an award each wants to see the other win. “He’s deserving of it, and if it’s between me and him, I want him to get it,” said Sanders, whose 16th-ranked Buffaloes (8-2, 6-1 Big 12, No. 16 CFP ) travel to Arrowhead Stadium to face Kansas (4-6, 3-4) this weekend. “He does a lot of amazing things that have never been done before.” Countered Hunter: “I know he wants me to win it, but I also want him to win as bad as I want to win it.” Hunter is a generational talent shining on both sides of the ball. As a receiver, he has 74 catches for 911 yards and nine touchdowns. On defense, he has picked off three passes, even though teams are reluctant to throw his direction. Like he did in high school and now in college, he believes he can do both on the next level. But he understands the trepidation of the NFL team that picks him. “They don’t want their top pick to go down too early," Hunter said. “I like when people tell me I can’t do it, because they just motivate me to continue to do what I want to do.” Sanders is turning in a stellar season as well with 27 touchdown passes, one away from tying Sefo Liufau for the most in a single season in program history. He's projected to be one of the first QBs off the draft board. The future certainly looks bright at Colorado thanks to the legacies Sanders and Hunter under coach Deion Sanders. But that's a point to ponder later. “I can’t think too much forward past Saturday,” Shedeur Sanders cracked. “The main thing is winning the Big 12 championship. That’s the main thing we’re focused on." Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Saturday said that the Indian Constitution is the guide to the whole world and “we are proud of our Constitution”. Addressing a programme following the inauguration of the Constitution Museum at OP Jindal Global University in Sonipat, he remarked that India is among the leading countries of the world today due to its Constitution. He said the Constitution Museum will inspire future generations. “We will celebrate Constitution Day on 26th November, with programmes being organised in all colleges, universities, and educational institutions. Birla said Prime Minister Narendra Modi started this programme in 2015 to make the people of the country aware of their Constitution. “We should remember our heritage and contribution and be proud of our country’s Constitution and its makers. Our democracy is the strongest in the whole world,” he remarked. Advertisement “Today, people around the world are adopting the values of our Constitution, which is the strength of our democracy. We gave the message of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ to the whole world, and today, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are moving forward with this message,” he said. Remembering the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, on the occasion, he said, “Today, we are moving forward with Gandhiji’s ideas, and we are proud that the ideas of the Father of the Nation are being adopted across the world.” The Lok Sabha Speaker said that when the Constitution of the country was drafted, there was a need for equality, and it was within the basic structure of the Constitution that the foundation of equality was laid. He emphasised that the Constitution is not merely a legal framework but a document of social change. “Today, we are happy that we are taking forward the role of ‘Antyodaya’, thanks to our Constitution,” Birla said, thanking the Chancellor of the university and MP Naveen Jindal for building the Constitution Museum. In his address, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said, “Our Constitution is a matter of pride and glory for us as it gave us the message of freedom, unity, and socialism. We are the Mother of Democracy.” He also congratulated the university for building the Constitution Museum. MP Naveen Jindal said, “Our country is moving forward with democratic values due to its Constitution. With this museum, the university has tried to present all the aspects — from the creation of the Constitution to its implementation and development in the country in front of future generations.” Birla said that a seminar on the Constitution is also being organised at the university campus for four days. Deputy Commissioner Dr Manoj Kumar, DCP East Prabina P, Vice Chancellor of the University C Raj Kumar, and many other dignitaries were present on the occasion. Advertisement

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Winners, losers as Browns stun Steelers 24-19 in prime time snow gameThe Muppets will make way for Monsters as their time as a main attraction at Disney World in Orlando, Florida, comes to an end. While the Muppets may no longer appear on the south side of Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, the company plans to install the characters at a ride in the park and incorporate other elements of Muppets Courtyard in other ways. The Muppets have yet to appear as part of a ride at any Disney Park. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster presently seats riders in stretch limousine-themed cars that play Aerosmith songs. The Muppets are currently used as meet-and-greet characters at Hong Kong Disneyland. Muppet*Vision 3D has been a fixture at Hollywood Studios since 1991. The general location also houses PizzeRizzo, a pizzeria named after the Muppets character Rizzo the Rat. The Muppets had an opening-day attraction in 2001 at Disney’s California Adventure, which closed in 2014 to make way for a “Frozen” sing-along. The Muppets Present...Great Moments in American History, a live performance show, last appeared at the Magic Kingdom in 2019. It’s still unclear when the last Muppet shows will take place or when they will appear on the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. Disney did not return a request for comment by the time of publication. In a statement, Disney said “there’s still enough time to catch” the attractions “before their final curtain calls.” Construction on the “Monsters, Inc.” land is slated to begin in 2025. Excitement over Monstropolis was drowned out at the time by backlash from Muppets fans, who speculated the unannounced location would be the Muppets’ location, which includes two restaurants and a shuttered Muppets store. Disney said it is working on ways to reincorporate the Muppets. “As we move forward with these changes, we are having creative conversations and exploring ways to preserve the film and other parts of the experience for fans to enjoy in the future,” the Disney Parks Blog states. Disney purchased the IP from the Jim Henson Company, which is based in Los Angeles, in 2004. There have since been film reboots, such as 2011’s The Muppets and 2014’s Muppets Most Wanted, as well as 2021’s straight-to-streaming Muppets Haunted Mansion and two short-lived Disney+ streaming shows—The Muppets Mayhem and Muppets Now. Disney has also created social media accounts for several Muppets, including Big Bird and Kermit. In addition, Kermit and Miss Piggy made a comedic appearance at King Charles’s Coronation Concert in May 2023 outside Windsor Castle.None

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South Carolina has won six straight games, and one of the catalysts has been the improved free-throw shooting of Nick Pringle. When South Carolina (9-3) faces Presbyterian (7-7) in the final nonconference game for both teams on Monday in Columbia, S.C., the Gamecocks won't have to hold their breath when Pringle toes the line. During South Carolina's surge, which includes wins over three power conference teams, Pringle has made 26 of 30 (86.7 percent) free-throw attempts. It's a remarkable improvement from his 51.7 percent career success rate entering the season. Last month, in his South Carolina debut after transferring from Alabama, Pringle's foul shooting woes continued as he shot 3-for-8 in stunning 74-71 upset at the hands of the visiting North Florida. But video work with coach Lamont Paris convinced Pringle that he needed to quicken his routine and tweak his set point, which is where a player's eyes focus on the rim. "How long it was taking him to release the ball once he started his free throw process was really long, really, really long," Paris said. "So he shortened it." In a 74-48 win over Radford on Dec. 22, Pringle made all 10 of his free throws. His work at the line is no small matter, as he has taken the second-most free throws on the team (61). Pringle averages 10.3 points and 6.8 rebounds per game, combining with Collin Murray-Boyles (16.2 points, 9.3 rebounds) to give the Gamecocks a formidable duo inside. Presbyterian enters after suffering its first home loss this season, 86-81 in overtime to Manhattan on Dec. 21. It was a frustrating defeat after the Blue Hose led by 19 points in the first half. There was a positive, however, as Carl Parrish delivered 23 points and nine rebounds, both career highs. It was a performance that sixth-year coach Quinton Ferrell has been awaiting. "Seeing him play like that offensively is not a shock to me because that's really what he's capable of," Ferrell said. "He's a big-time offensive player." Parrish combines in the backcourt with the Blue Hose's top two threats: Kory Mincy, who averages 14.9 points and 4.6 assists per game, and Kobe Stewart, who scores at a 14.4 ppg clip. Located just 60 miles apart, South Carolina and Presbyterian (Clinton, S.C.) have a long history, with their first game coming nearly 108 years ago. The Gamecocks lead the series 33-8. --Field Level Media

Virginia played a recurring role in President Jimmy Carter's long life , from his Navy stint in Norfolk in the 1940s when the young ensign sought to save money for a Buick, to a 1976 presidential debate at the College of William & Mary, and a 2019 Loudoun County stop in which he questioned the legitimacy of President Donald Trump's election. Carter, who died Sunday at 100, came out of nowhere to win the presidency in 1976, largely on his strength in the South, but Virginia was the exception — the one Southern state he did not carry. Forty years later, Virginia again was an outlier as the only Southern state that Trump did not carry in 2016. Carter took part in Virginia's first foray in the modern era of televised presidential debates. On Oct. 22, 1976, he faced off with President Gerald Ford at William & Mary’s Phi Beta Kappa Hall . The debate, moderated by ABC’s Barbara Walters, came 10 days before the election and drew an estimated 62 million viewers. Virginia reacts to death of former President Carter In April 1979, Carter became the first president to address Virginia Democrats' Jefferson Jackson fundraiser, touting his energy plan during an appearance at the Hotel John Marshall in Richmond. The 39th president was a frequent speaker at Virginia colleges and universities after he left office in 1981. Carter, who taught at Emory University in Atlanta following his presidency, kicked off a 1987 talk with students at the University of Virginia by referring to Thomas Jefferson: "When he left the White House (he) had better judgment than to become a professor at a college." Carter spoke fondly of his family's roots in Virginia. One of his ancestors, Thomas Carter, came to Virginia from England in 1635. Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter — who died in November 2023 at 96 — married in July 1946. The Carters spent the first two years of their married life in Norfolk as Carter embarked on his Navy career, serving as an ensign on the USS Wyoming. Jimmy Carter and President Gerald Ford participate in a debate at the College of William & Mary in 1976. TIMES-DISPATCH During a campaign stop in Norfolk in September 1976, Carter said he and his wife moved to Norfolk four days after they were married in July 1946. Their first son, Jack — now 77 — was born at the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth in July 1947. In November 1976, weeks after Carter was elected president, Richmond Times-Dispatch reporter Wilford Kale interviewed three Norfolk residents who had known the Carters in the 1940s. The Carters lived in the Bolling Square Apartments on Buckingham Avenue and were saving their money to buy a Buick. Their one-bedroom apartment rented for about $100 a month. Kale noted that in Carter's book "Why Not the Best?" the future president wrote that when he served on the Wyoming, he was paid $300 per month. Beyond the rent, he paid $54 for his food aboard the ship and $75 for a war bond, leaving $71. Donald Cottingham served as a junior officer with Carter on the Wyoming, a former battleship that had been converted as an experimental vessel on which the Navy tested prototypes of electronics, gunnery and other equipment. Cottingham said the ship was known as the "Chesapeake Bay Raider" because it headed out into the bay on a Monday and would return on a Friday. Cottingham said he and his wife, Christine, socialized with the Carters and other young couples during those postwar days. Christine Cottingham showed the reporter a small green autograph book that she used as a guest book at parties. One of the pages was marked "Mrs. and Mr. J.E. Carter Jr. Plains Ga. 5-12-48." Christine Cottingham said the Carters were not along one night when the young couples went to a familiar haunt at the Officers' Club, which they dubbed the "Wyoming Room." "We were having a ball, but the Carters were not with us. So, we decided to send them a collect telegram, saying that we would all be over soon to have a drink with them," she recalled. "It was about midnight, and we were all happy and having a good time," she said. "Well, we really didn't get over there until later and when we arrived" around 2 a.m., "our telegram was plastered on the front door (of the apartment complex) and written on it was: 'Go home. You are not welcome!' " The Carters left Norfolk in 1948, when he was accepted for submarine duty. "We weren't thinking of Jimmy or anyone else becoming president," Donald Cottingham recalled. "As ensigns, what we were thinking about was becoming lieutenant." When Carter’s father, James Earl Carter Sr., died in 1953, he was released from the Navy and returned to Plains, Georgia, where he took over the family’s peanut farming business. Carter served on the local board of education, in the Georgia state Senate from 1963 to 1967 and as Georgia’s governor from 1971 to 1975. As he contemplated a bid for national office, Carter came to Virginia and campaigned for Henry Howell's bid for governor in November 1973. During his 1976 presidential run, Carter made multiple campaign stops in Virginia, including to Alexandria and to Roanoke. He also made news when his campaign sent a mistaken missive to Lt. Gov. John Dalton, a Republican, thanking him for his supposed endorsement. Dalton, a future Virginia governor, wrote back: "The letter was obviously misdirected, as is your position favoring repeal of Virginians' right-to-work law and your running on a platform that is liberal, anti-defense, pro-busing and expensive." One of the notable aspects of Carter's 1976 campaign was that he spoke openly about his "born again" Christianity. In a June 1976 Richmond Times-Dispatch story about Carter's faith, Dwight C. Jones, then pastor of First Baptist Church in South Richmond and a future state delegate and Richmond mayor, said: "I think it's going to have an effect on the religious community. It's been a long time since we've heard a political candidate come out with that kind of explicit religious tone." Jones said Carter "has hit a major chord by campaigning in Black churches." But Jones added that he hoped Black people would "require an affirmation" from Carter on his stands that affect them "before we would run en masse to him." William & Mary government professor John McGlennon said Carter's debate in Williamsburg "came at a critical time in the 1976 campaign" as he worked to contrast himself with President Richard Nixon and Vice President Gerald Ford. "Carter carried his own luggage into the Williamsburg Lodge, where he and his staff prepared for the debate. The campus and community were buzzing with excitement about the attention coming with the debate, even if the student body was distinctly Republican, overwhelmingly favoring President Gerald Ford in a campus survey," McGlennon said in a statement on Sunday. In the 1976 post-Watergate presidential election, Carter won nationally, but narrowly lost Virginia to Ford by about 23,000 votes out of 1.7 million cast. (No Democrat would carry Virginia for president until Barack Obama in 2008.) U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., worked with Carter as a young law school graduate. “Jimmy Carter gave me my first job out of law school, and I have deeply admired his service since leaving the Oval Office," Warner said in a statement on Sunday. "His dedication to building homes through Habitat for Humanity has always brought back warm memories of my father, who also volunteered with the organization well into his eighties. Like much of the Greatest Generation, President Carter will be remembered by what he built and left behind for us — a model of service late into life, a tireless devotion to family and philanthropy, and a more peaceful world to call home.” During his presidency, Carter made appearances in Virginia related to politics, policy and recreation. Democratic presidential candidate Jimmy Carter, campaigns ib Oct. 23, 1976, in the Old Town section of Alexandria. ASSOCIATED PRESS For example, in September 1977, he campaigned in Roanoke, Norfolk and Williamsburg with Howell, who was making his third and final unsuccessful bid for governor. In April 1979, Carter attended the Democratic fundraiser at the Hotel John Marshall. The former Navy man made multiple trips to Hampton Roads, including a Memorial Day trip to Norfolk in May 1980, where he spoke aboard the USS Nimitz and welcomed home the Indian Ocean Battle Group after a lengthy deployment. As for recreation, Carter went fishing off Virginia Beach twice as president and once at Camp Hoover, a camp in Shenandoah National Park. During his 1980 reelection bid, Carter was beset by troubles — from the Iranian hostage crisis, including a failed rescue mission — to rising inflation and a nomination challenge from Sen. Ted Kennedy, D-Mass. That March, Rosalynn Carter addressed Virginia Democrats' annual fundraising dinner at the Hotel John Marshall. She shook hands with a Goochland County Democrat who wore a lapel button that read: "Still for Carter, Despite Everything." Then-state Sen. Doug Wilder, D-Richmond, endorsed Carter for reelection, though he said Carter’s domestic performance was "dismal." President Jimmy Carter and first lady Rosalynn Carter wave to reporters as they walk to a car that took them to visit Camp Hoover in the Virginia mountains on Oct. 25, 1978. The Carters flew by helicopter to the late President Herbert Hoover's fishing camp 100 miles west of Washington, D.C., to spend a short time there. Charles Tasnadi, Associated Press Late in the campaign, Carter made two trips to the Virginia suburbs. He signed a $48 billion education appropriations bill at the Loudoun County campus of Northern Virginia Community College . Then, he signed a $796 million mental health package at the Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute in Fairfax County. In the 1980 election, Republican Ronald Reagan swamped Carter in Virginia by more than 135,000 votes — nearly 13 percentage points — as part of his national landslide. Wilder, the nation’s first Black governor, met with Carter in Virginia while he was president and in Georgia after he left the White House. In a telephone interview on Sunday, Wilder credited Carter as "the first American president I knew of who spent significant time on the need to invest in Africa" and establish independent nations there. "I was always impressed with his straightforward acumen," he said. Similarly, Wilder commended Carter, "a man of the South," for his appointment of Black people as judges and other high-ranking positions, such as Andrew Young, a former civil rights activist and congressman, as American ambassador to the United Nations in 1977, the first African American elevated to the position. "You pick a Black man to bring nations together, a Black man of the South, that was bold," the former governor said. Wilder said he was always impressed with Carter's intelligence and professional accomplishments, which he often hid beneath his image as a humble peanut farmer. Wilder "I feel that history will accord and afford him his rightful place in the pantheon of great world leaders," he said. Following his presidency, Carter tapped Virginia scholar Steven H. Hochman , who had helped research Dumas Malone's multi-volume biography of Thomas Jefferson, to help research his presidential memoir. In 1984, Carter delivered a lecture at Roanoke College, where he said the U.S. should work to reduce nuclear arsenals and to safeguard human rights. In July 2015, Carter visited the Costco on West Broad Street in Henrico County to sign copies of his book "A Full Life: Reflections at 90." During that stop, he had a reunion with former shipmate John Kaufman, 92, of Earlysville, after 68 years. Carter was 94 and his vice president, Walter Mondale, 91, when they appeared together in Loudoun County in 2019 for a donor retreat and auction at the Lansdowne Resort and Spa. Carter caused a stir in the Loudoun County appearance, when he suggested that Trump was an illegitimate president. "There's no doubt that the Russians did interfere in the election and I think the interference — although not yet quantified — if fully investigated would show that Trump didn't actually win the election in 2016," Carter told interviewer Jon Meacham at the time. "He lost the election, and he was put into office because the Russians interfered on his behalf." Trump, traveling in Japan, told reporters that Carter was a nice man, but "a terrible president." Trump posted on social media on Sunday: " The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude." President Jimmy Carter addresses the crew of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz off the Virginia coast on May 26, 1980, upon its return from nine months in the Persian Gulf. The president said, “Your presence has been the major factor in protecting the lives of the 53 hostages still held.” Bob Daugherty, Associated Press In a 2015 interview with The Times-Dispatch, ahead of his book signing at the Henrico Costco, Carter said he wished he had done a few things differently. "I'm sorry I didn't send another helicopter to rescue the hostages in Iran, and I'm sorry that I didn't get a second term," Carter said. But the nation’s 39th president said he had few regrets. "I've had some regrets," he said, "but most of the time I have been overwhelmingly grateful and gratified at the way things have worked out in my personal and political life." Jimmy Carter and President Gerald Ford participate in a debate at the College of William & Mary in 1976. TIMES-DISPATCH Carter in Virginia, April 8, 1979 Masaaki Okada 09-25-1977 Jimmy Carter visits Virginia. Bob Jones 04-08-1979 Jimmy Carter in Virginia. Masaaki Okada 04-08-1978 Carter in Virginia Richmond Times-Dispatch In late October and early November 1973, Georgia Gov. Jimmy Carter (left) visited Virginia to campaign for Henry Howell. BOB BROWN Democratic presidential candidate Jimmy Carter, campaigns Oct. 23, 1976, in the old town section of Alexandria, Va., a Washington suburb. (AP Photo) Anonymous President Jimmy Carter shows off his catch after an excursion on the yacht Gannet in Virginia Beach, Va., on June 29, 1978. The Carters were hosted by Norfolk attorney Peter Decker, who owns the vessel. Carter’s wife Rosalyn and daughter are behind and at his side. (AP Photo/Barry Thumma) Barry Thumma President Jimmy Carter holds up two of the fish he caught off Virginia Beach, May 14, 1979. At left is Norfolk attorney Peter Decker who hosted the president. (AP Photo/Bob Daugherty) Bob Daugherty FILE - President Jimmy Carter attends memorial services for eight servicemen killed in the unsuccessful attempt to rescue the American hostages from Iran, May 9, 1980, at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. (AP Photo/Dennis Cook, File) Dennis Cook FILE - Jimmy Carter, left, and Gerald Ford, right, shake hands before the third presidential debate, Oct. 22, 1976, in Williamsburg, Va. (AP Photo/File) STF President Jimmy Carter addresses the crew of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz off the Virginia coast on May 26, 1980, upon its return from nine months in the Persian Gulf. The president said, “Your presence has been the major factor in protecting the lives of the 53 hostages still held.” Bob Daugherty, Associated Press President Jimmy Carter and first lady Rosalynn Carter wave to reporters as they walk to a car that took them to visit Camp Hoover in the Virginia mountains on Oct. 25, 1978. The Carters flew by helicopter to the late President Herbert Hoover's fishing camp 100 miles west of Washington, D.C., to spend a short time there. Charles Tasnadi, Associated Press President Jimmy Carter lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, Nov. 11, 1978 to commemorate Veterans Day. Carter was slated to speak after the wreath-laying at the cemetery across the Potomac River from Washington. Soldiers assisting Carter are unidentified. (AP Photo/Ira Schwarz) Ira Schwarz Jimmy Carter, Democratic Presidential nominee, stands under the spot light during his audio check at the Beta Kappa Theater, Oct. 22, 1976, Williamsburg, Va., prior to his debate with President Gerald Ford. (AP Photo) Anonymous Jimmy Carter, Democratic Presidential nominee, stands under the spot light during his audio check at the Beta Kappa Theater, Oct. 22, 1976, Williamsburg, Va., prior to his debate with President Gerald Ford. (AP Photo) Anonymous 04-08-1979: President Carter, with Richmond Mayor Henry L. Marsh III, approaches the Hotel John Marshall. Don Long 09-06-1976 Jimmy Carter in Va. Richmond Times-Dispatch 04-07-1979: President Carter greets State Sen. Adelard Brault (left) upon his arrival in Richmond, while Lt. Governor Chuck Robb (right) son-in-law of the late President Lyndon Johnson peers over his shoulder. Also on hand are (center) Richmond Mayor Henry Marsh III and his wife. President Carter is making a brief visit to Richmond to attend a democratic fundraiser. amk/Bennett

Jimmy Carter, 39th US president, Nobel winner, dies at 100BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — 2024 was a brutal year for the Amazon rainforest, with rampant wildfires and extreme drought ravaging large parts of a biome that’s a critical counterweight to climate change. A warming climate fed drought that in turn fed the worst year for fires since 2005. And those fires contributed to deforestation, with authorities suspecting some fires were set to more easily clear land to run cattle. The Amazon is twice the size of India and sprawls across eight countries and one territory, storing vast amounts of carbon dioxide that would otherwise warm the planet. It has about 20% of the world’s fresh water and astounding biodiversity, including 16,000 known tree species. But governments have historically viewed it as an area to be exploited, with little regard for sustainability or the rights of its Indigenous peoples, and experts say exploitation by individuals and organized crime is rising at alarming rates. “The fires and drought experienced in 2024 across the Amazon rainforest could be ominous indicators that we are reaching the long-feared ecological tipping point,” said Andrew Miller, advocacy director at Amazon Watch, an organization that works to protect the rainforest. “Humanity’s window of opportunity to reverse this trend is shrinking, but still open.” There were some bright spots. The level of Amazonian forest loss fell in both Brazil and Colombia. And nations gathered for the annual United Nations conference on biodiversity agreed to give Indigenous peoples more say in nature conservation decisions. “If the Amazon rainforest is to avoid the tipping point, Indigenous people will have been a determinant factor,” Miller said. Wildfires and extreme drought Forest loss in Brazil’s Amazon — home to the largest swath of this rainforest — dropped 30.6% compared to the previous year, the lowest level of destruction in nine years. The improvement under leftist President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva contrasted with deforestation that hit a 15-year high under Lula’s predecessor, far-right leader Jair Bolsonaro, who prioritized agribusiness expansion over forest protection and weakened environmental agencies. In July, Colombia reported historic lows in deforestation in 2023, driven by a drop in environmental destruction. The country’s environment minister Susana Muhamad warned that 2024’s figures may not be as promising as a significant rise in deforestation had already been recorded by July due to dry weather caused by El Nino, a weather phenomenon that warms the central Pacific. Illegal economies continue to drive deforestation in the Andean nation. “It’s impossible to overlook the threat posed by organized crime and the economies they control to Amazon conservation,” said Bram Ebus, a consultant for Crisis Group in Latin America. “Illegal gold mining is expanding rapidly, driven by soaring global prices, and the revenues of illicit economies often surpass state budgets allocated to combat them.” In Brazil, large swaths of the rainforest were draped in smoke in August from fires raging across the Amazon, Cerrado savannah, Pantanal wetland and the state of Sao Paulo. Fires are traditionally used for deforestation and for managing pastures, and those man-made blazes were largely responsible for igniting the wildfires. For a second year, the Amazon River fell to desperate lows , leading some countries to declare a state of emergency and distribute food and water to struggling residents. The situation was most critical in Brazil, where one of the Amazon River’s main tributaries dropped to its lowest level ever recorded. Cesar Ipenza, an environmental lawyer who lives in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, said he believes people are becoming increasingly aware of the Amazon’s fundamental role “for the survival of society as a whole.” But, like Miller, he worries about a “point of no return of Amazon destruction.” It was the worst year for Amazon fires since 2005, according to nonprofit Rainforest Foundation US. Between January and October, an area larger than the state of Iowa — 37.42 million acres, or about 15.1 million hectares of Brazil’s Amazon — burned. Bolivia had a record number of fires in the first ten months of the year. “Forest fires have become a constant, especially in the summer months and require particular attention from the authorities who don’t how to deal with or respond to them,” Ipenza said. Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and Guyana also saw a surge in fires this year. Indigenous voices and rights made headway in 2024 The United Nations conference on biodiversity — this year known as COP16 — was hosted by Colombia. The meetings put the Amazon in the spotlight and a historic agreement was made to give Indigenous groups more of a voice on nature conservation decisions , a development that builds on a growing movement to recognize Indigenous people’s role in protecting land and combating climate change. Both Ebus and Miller saw promise in the appointment of Martin von Hildebrand as the new secretary general for the Amazon Treaty Cooperation Organization, announced during COP16. “As an expert on Amazon communities, he will need to align governments for joint conservation efforts. If the political will is there, international backers will step forward to finance new strategies to protect the world’s largest tropical rainforest,” Ebus said. Ebus said Amazon countries need to cooperate more, whether in law enforcement, deploying joint emergency teams to combat forest fires, or providing health care in remote Amazon borderlands. But they need help from the wider world, he said. “The well-being of the Amazon is a shared global responsibility, as consumer demand worldwide fuels the trade in commodities that finance violence and environmental destruction,” he said. Next year marks a critical moment for the Amazon, as Belém do Pará in northern Brazil hosts the first United Nations COP in the region that will focus on climate. “Leaders from Amazon countries have a chance to showcase strategies and demand tangible support,” Ebus said. ___ The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org . Steven Grattan, The Associated Press

Sir Keir Starmer has been warned by a trade union not to impose “blunt headcount targets” for the size of the Civil Service but Government sources insisted there would be no set limit, although the number “cannot keep growing”. Departments have been ordered to find 5% “efficiency savings” as part of Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ spending review, potentially putting jobs at risk. The size of the Civil Service has increased from a low of around 384,000 in mid-2016, and the Tories went into the general election promising to reduce numbers by 70,000 to fund extra defence spending. Any reduction under Labour would be more modest, with the Guardian reporting more than 10,000 jobs could be lost. A Government spokesman said: “Under our plan for change, we are making sure every part of government is delivering on working people’s priorities — delivering growth, putting more money in people’s pockets, getting the NHS back on its feet, rebuilding Britain and securing our borders in a decade of national renewal. “We are committed to making the Civil Service more efficient and effective, with bold measures to improve skills and harness new technologies.” Mike Clancy, general secretary of the Prospect trade union said: “We need a clear plan for the future of the civil service that goes beyond the blunt headcount targets that have failed in the past. “This plan needs to be developed in partnership with civil servants and their unions, and we look forward to deeper engagement with the government in the coming months.” A Government source said: “The number of civil servants cannot keep growing. “But we will not set an arbitrary cap. “The last government tried that and ended up spending loads on more expensive consultants.” The Government is already risking a confrontation with unions over proposals to limit pay rises for more than a million public servants to 2.8%, a figure only just over the projected 2.6% rate of inflation next year. Unions representing teachers, doctors and nurses have condemned the proposals. In the face of the union backlash, Downing Street said the public sector must improve productivity to justify real-terms pay increases. The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “It’s vital that pay awards are fair for both taxpayers and workers.” Asked whether higher pay settlements to staff would mean departmental cuts elsewhere, the spokesman said: “Real-terms pay increases must be matched by productivity gains and departments will only be able to fund pay awards above inflation over the medium-term if they become more productive and workforces become more productive.” TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said: “It’s hard to see how you address the crisis in our services without meaningful pay rises. “And it’s hard to see how services cut to the bone by 14 years of Tory government will find significant cash savings. “The Government must now engage unions and the millions of public sector workers we represent in a serious conversation about public service reform and delivery.”As science continues its evolution, discoveries and technologies can act like a master key that open doors leading to novel advancements. Artificial intelligence is one such key, making innovations possible by solving complex problems, automating tasks and enabling research that would have been impossible, or very time-consuming, without it. But do we want to do research on all topics, and shall we try the AI master key on every door? To explore this question, let's consider the use of AI by genomics experts as an example. In recent years, genomics experts have added unbelievable depth to what we know about the world and ourselves. For example, genetics researchers have revealed facts about when certain animals and plants were domesticated. In another example, researchers used DNA from 30,000-year-old permafrost to create fertile samples of a plant called narrow-leafed campion. Importantly, genetic engineering has facilitated extraordinary advances in the treatment of complicated conditions, such as sickle-cell anemia. Thanks to AI, we are witnessing a dramatic increase in the pace and scalability of genomic exploration. But given the risks and possible consequences of AI use in science, should we rush headlong into using AI in all kinds of projects? One relevant example is research on Neanderthals, our closest relatives, who lived about 40,000 years ago. Neanderthals have been studied for several years now through genetic investigation of their fossils and their DNA. Genetic engineering can potentially use ancient DNAand genomeediting methods to re-create a Neanderthal or aspects of a Neanderthal's genetics and physiology. To do this, scientists could start by figuring out the DNA sequence of a Neanderthal by comparing it with the DNA of modern humans, because they are closely related. Then, scientists could use the gene-editing tool known as CRISPR to swap out parts of human DNA with Neanderthal DNA. This process would require a lot of trial and error and might not succeed soon. But based on what we know about genetics, if something is possible, AI can help make it happen faster, cheaper and with less eff ort. Scientists are excited about these developments because they could facilitate new discoveries and open up many research opportunities in genetic research. With or without AI, research on Neanderthals will proceed. But the extraordinary power of AI could give the final push to these discoveries and facilitate this kind of resurrection. At that point, the scientific community must develop norms and guidelines about how to treat these resurrected beings with dispositions very similar to humans. We would need to carefully consider their rights and well-being almost in the same way as when humans are involved and not as research subjects or artifacts of scientific curiosity. These ethical issues are discussed in more detail in a new paper published in the journal Nature Machine Intelligence. A more holistic question to consider is: Should we prioritize the use of resource-intensive AI, researchers' time and public funds to resurrect extinct beings? Or should we invest these resources into conserving species that are critically endangered today to prevent biodiversity from more degradation? Hosseini is an assistant professor in the department of preventive medicine at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine. He wrote this for The Chicago Tribune. Get local news delivered to your inbox!

By Olufemi Soneye It is important to address the concerns raised in Farooq Kperogi’s recent article, “Tinubu’s Buharisation of the NNPC”, and to clarify some of the misconceptions about the operations and leadership structure of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited. First, employment, promotions, appointments, and movements of business leaders at the NNPC are not influenced by ethnicity, tribe, religion, or political affiliation. Therefore, decisions within the NNPC are guided strictly by merit, business requirements, and expertise. This approach ensures that only the most qualified and competent individuals occupy positions that are critical to the company’s success. It is significant that our company focuses on efficient and effective service delivery, which is anchored on the commitment of qualified work team. The NNPC prides itself on being a professional organisation with a diverse leadership lineup that includes individuals from various parts of the world, not just Nigeria. The presence of qualified foreigners in the employ of the NNPC, who have been bolstering the value chain of production and distribution of allied products, is verifiable. It is, thus, sad that a professor of Mr Kperogi’s standing would resort to and play up the issue of ethnic identities in the configuration of the work team in NNPC just to demonise President Tinubu. This editorial preoccupation of Mr Kperogi is nothing but sheer red herring, ostensibly orchestrated to detract the President’s disciplined leadership that upholds the freedom of the NNPC as well as the company’s work ethic that has produced its strings of sterling performances. Under the leadership of Mele Kyari, the NNPC has achieved remarkable milestones and recorded several “firsts” in the industry. These milestones were not defined, coloured or contoured by primordial fault-lines of tribe and religion. They were inspired by the collective drive for excellence. These milestones include groundbreaking advancements in exploration, production, and global partnerships that were previously thought unattainable. This success is a testament to the company’s focus on competence and professionalism rather than on parochialism as insinuated in the editorial offerings by Mr Kperogi. Regarding Mr Kperogi’s notions about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it is essential to highlight that Mr President has not interfered in the operations or leadership movements within the NNPC. On the contrary, his administration has introduced transformative policies that have added immense value to the oil and gas sector and the broader Nigerian economy. President Tinubu’s approach has been to empower institutions like the NNPC to operate independently while fostering a conducive environment for growth and innovation. His reforms have set a benchmark that has significantly improved the sector, surpassing the achievements of many of his predecessors. It is disappointing that individuals like Mr. Kperogi, who have lived and observed governance structures abroad, would overlook these accomplishments and focus on divisive narratives. Symbolism, while important, must not overshadow the substantive achievements and transformative impact of policies and leadership on national development. We extend an open invitation to Mr. Kperogi to visit the NNPC and witness firsthand the professionalism, sacrifices, and daily efforts that go into driving Nigeria’s economic engine. He will see a team that works tirelessly to contribute to the growth of our economy and the prosperity of our nation. The NNPC remains committed to fostering unity, embracing diversity, and upholding the principles of meritocracy. It is through such commitments that we can continue to work to achieve and strengthen national cohesion and position Nigeria as a global leader in the energy sector. We urge commentators and stakeholders alike to base their assessments on hard facts and evidence, rather than conjectures, for the greater good of our nation. *Olufemi Soneye is the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the NNPC Ltd.Shares of Biglari Holdings Inc ( NYSE:BH.A – Get Free Report ) gapped down prior to trading on Friday . The stock had previously closed at $1,330.64, but opened at $1,275.99. Biglari shares last traded at $1,275.03, with a volume of 114 shares trading hands. Biglari Price Performance The firm’s fifty day moving average price is $1,043.94 and its 200-day moving average price is $947.49. The company has a market cap of $2.89 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.19 and a beta of 1.36. About Biglari ( Get Free Report ) Biglari Holdings Inc, through its subsidiaries, primarily operates and franchises restaurants in the United States. The company owns, operates, and franchises restaurants under the Steak n Shake and Western Sizzlin names. As of December 31, 2019, it operated 368 Steak n Shake company-operated restaurants and 213 franchised units; and 4 Western Sizzlin company-operated restaurants and 48 franchised units. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Biglari Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Biglari and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

Thomas Frank unhappy with officials in game with BrightonSir Keir Starmer has been warned by a trade union not to impose “blunt headcount targets” for the size of the Civil Service but Government sources insisted there would be no set limit, although the number “cannot keep growing”. Departments have been ordered to find 5% “efficiency savings” as part of Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ spending review, potentially putting jobs at risk. The size of the Civil Service has increased from a low of around 384,000 in mid-2016, and the Tories went into the general election promising to reduce numbers by 70,000 to fund extra defence spending. Any reduction under Labour would be more modest, with the Guardian reporting more than 10,000 jobs could be lost. A Government spokesman said: “Under our plan for change, we are making sure every part of government is delivering on working people’s priorities — delivering growth, putting more money in people’s pockets, getting the NHS back on its feet, rebuilding Britain and securing our borders in a decade of national renewal. “We are committed to making the Civil Service more efficient and effective, with bold measures to improve skills and harness new technologies.” Mike Clancy, general secretary of the Prospect trade union said: “We need a clear plan for the future of the civil service that goes beyond the blunt headcount targets that have failed in the past. “This plan needs to be developed in partnership with civil servants and their unions, and we look forward to deeper engagement with the government in the coming months.” A Government source said: “The number of civil servants cannot keep growing. “But we will not set an arbitrary cap. “The last government tried that and ended up spending loads on more expensive consultants.” The Government is already risking a confrontation with unions over proposals to limit pay rises for more than a million public servants to 2.8%, a figure only just over the projected 2.6% rate of inflation next year. Unions representing teachers, doctors and nurses have condemned the proposals. In the face of the union backlash, Downing Street said the public sector must improve productivity to justify real-terms pay increases. The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “It’s vital that pay awards are fair for both taxpayers and workers.” Asked whether higher pay settlements to staff would mean departmental cuts elsewhere, the spokesman said: “Real-terms pay increases must be matched by productivity gains and departments will only be able to fund pay awards above inflation over the medium-term if they become more productive and workforces become more productive.” TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said: “It’s hard to see how you address the crisis in our services without meaningful pay rises. “And it’s hard to see how services cut to the bone by 14 years of Tory government will find significant cash savings. “The Government must now engage unions and the millions of public sector workers we represent in a serious conversation about public service reform and delivery.”

The new year will bring 19 more conference games for the Air Force women, but it won’t take away the regrets felt after the first one. “This is going to be one we look back on this season and say we should have had it,” Falcons coach Stacy McIntyre said after a 69-63 loss to New Mexico in the Mountain West opener at Clune Arena on Sunday. Guard Madison Smith, who scored 18 points, had a long wish list after the game. She wished the team had brought more energy early, preventing a 10-0 New Mexico run in the first quarter that kept the Falcons playing catchup the rest of the way. She wished the Falcons had adjusted earlier to the Lobos’ trapping defense, which contributed to 17 turnovers. And she wished Air Force had altered its shot selection. Typically it’s not an issue for the Falcons to attempt 23 3-pointers, particularly against the kind of size New Mexico had on the interior that helped it block six shots compared to one for the Falcons. “We need to take into account the percentage we’re shooting,” Smith said. “We can’t come out and keep launching 3s when you’re 1 for 12 (at halftime). “I’m just really looking forward to playing them again.” This season everybody in the Mountain West plays each other twice, so that chance will occur. The Falcons will visit the Lobos in the regular-season finale on Mach 4, the matchups bookending the conference season. Rust looked to be an issue for the Falcons, who had played just twice since Dec. 7. They shot 5 of 23 from 3-point range and committed 17 turnovers (though they forced 22). “Clearly when you get off a holiday break, you know, we were breathing heavy out there,” McIntyre said. What had McIntyre most frustrated was the lack of an ability to get key defensive stops down the stretch. The most critical instance happened after the Falcons closed the gap to 60-58 with 1:20 remaining. The Lobos were able to connect from 3-point range from the top of the key just as the shot clock expired with what proved to be the dagger. “There’s going to be nights like that when shots don’t fall, and we have to lock down on defense,” McIntyre said. The Falcons (10-3, 0-1 Mountain West) were led by 19 points from Milahnie Perry. Jordyn DeVaughn added 10 points in 20 minutes off the bench. New Mexico (8-6, 1-0) had 20 points from Viane Cumber and 16 points, 11 rebounds from Hulda Joaquim. The Falcons dropped to 4-50 all-time in the series with the Lobos, all the more reason for the Falcons to feel like this was an opportunity squandered.Stock Split Likely To Be Announced On November 25: Multibagger IT-Company Bags New Order Worth Rs 84,50,000 From Bhavnagar Municipal Corporation - Dalal Street Investment Journal

Beyond Paradise fans say the same thing about returning character minutes into Christmas special

President Joe Biden said an official state funeral would be held for Carter in Washington. "He was a man of great character and courage, hope and optimism," Biden said. "We will always cherish seeing him and Rosalynn together. The love shared between Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter is the definition of partnership and their humble leadership is the definition of patriotism." President-elect Donald Trump urged everyone to keep the Carter family in their thoughts and prayers. "The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans," Trump said in a statement released from his campaign. "For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude." Former president Bill Clinton gave Carter and his wife Rosalynn the Medal of Freedom in 1999. "From his commitment to civil rights as a state senator and governor of Georgia; to his efforts as President to protect our natural resources in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, make energy conservation a national priority, return the Panama Canal to Panama, and secure peace between Egypt and Israel at Camp David; to his post-presidential efforts at the Carter Center supporting honest elections, advancing peace combating disease, and promoting democracy; to his and Rosalynn's devotion and hard work at Habitat for Humanity--he worked tirelessly for a fairer, better world," Clinton and his wife Hillary said in a statement. Former president George W. Bush hailed Carter as a man of deeply held convictions. "President Carter dignified the office," Bush said on social media. "And his efforts to leave behind a better world didn't end with the presidency. His work with Habitat for Humanity and the Carter Center set an example of service that will inspire Americans for generations." Carter served as Georgia's governor from 1971-1975 before becoming president. Under his leadership, the European and Japanese state trade offices were launched, as well as the Georgia Film Commission," Gov. Brian Kemp said. "He and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter's support of the civil rights movement in the place of its birth is also remembered with deep appreciation." Lt. Gov. Burt Jones said Carter exemplified what it meant to be a public servant. "I had the honor of meeting him and his wife, and I will never forget that day," Jones said. "They were kind, wonderful, accepting and exactly what they portrayed every day, two people devoted to lifting up those in their community who needed help the most. President Carter's legacy will live on in the numerous nonprofits, charities and organizations Rosalynn, his family and him started."Georgia QB Carson Beck declares for 2025 NFL Draft, forgoes remaining year of eligibility

Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck taken off on stretcher with ankle injury in loss to Barcelona DORTMUND, Germany (AP) — Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck was carried off on a stretcher with what seemed to be a severe ankle injury near the end of his team's loss to Barcelona in the Champions League on Wednesday. Canadian Press Dec 11, 2024 3:20 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck reacts on a stretcher before he is carried off the pitch following an injury during the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Borussia Dortmund and FC Barcelona at the Signal-Iduna Park in Dortmund, Germany, Wednesday Dec. 11, 2024. (Bernd Thissen/dpa via AP) DORTMUND, Germany (AP) — Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck was carried off on a stretcher with what seemed to be a severe ankle injury near the end of his team's loss to Barcelona in the Champions League on Wednesday. It leaves last season's Champions League runner-up without any fit central defenders. Schlotterbeck headed narrowly over the bar in the last action of the game as Dortmund lost 3-2 to Barcelona. He landed heavily and appeared to be in severe pain. The referee blew for full time while Schlotterbeck was being treated and he was later carried off on a stretcher, covering his face with his hands. Coach Nuri Sahin said Schlotterbeck was “obviously in low spirits” after the injury. “I'm waiting for the diagnosis and then we'll see, but I've watched the footage, too, and it doesn't look so good,” he told broadcaster DAZN. Dortmund already had to partner Schlotterbeck with midfielder Emre Can in the center of defense for the game because of injuries to Niklas Süle, who is expected to be out for several months with an ankle injury, and Waldemar Anton, who has not played since Nov. 30 with a reported muscle tear. Dortmund is sixth in the Bundesliga and plays Hoffenheim on Sunday before facing Wolfsburg on Dec. 22 in its last game before the winter break. ___ AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer The Associated Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Get your daily Victoria news briefing Email Sign Up More Soccer Man City crisis deepens with loss to Juventus in Champions League as Barcelona and Arsenal win Dec 11, 2024 3:06 PM Young Boys players pay tribute to teammate Meschack Elia in Champions League game after his son died Dec 11, 2024 3:04 PM Nova Scotia's child welfare social workers devalued and burned out: report Dec 11, 2024 2:42 PM3 Magnificent Stocks That I’m “Never” Selling

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President-elect Donald Trump asked the Supreme Court on Friday to pause the potential TikTok ban from going into effect until his administration can pursue a “political resolution” to the issue. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * President-elect Donald Trump asked the Supreme Court on Friday to pause the potential TikTok ban from going into effect until his administration can pursue a “political resolution” to the issue. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? President-elect Donald Trump asked the Supreme Court on Friday to pause the potential TikTok ban from going into effect until his administration can pursue a “political resolution” to the issue. The request came as TikTok and the Biden administration filed opposing briefs to the court, in which the company argued the court should strike down a law that could ban the platform by Jan. 19 while the government emphasized its position that the statute is needed to eliminate a national security risk. “President Trump takes no position on the underlying merits of this dispute. Instead, he respectfully requests that the Court consider staying the Act’s deadline for divestment of January 19, 2025, while it considers the merits of this case,” said Trump’s amicus brief, which supported neither party in the case. The filings come ahead of oral arguments scheduled for Jan. 10 on whether the law, which requires TikTok to divest from its China-based parent company or face a ban, unlawfully restricts speech in violation of the First Amendment. 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. Earlier this month, a panel of three federal judges on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit unanimously upheld the statute, leading TikTok to appeal the case to the Supreme Court. The brief from Trump said he opposes banning TikTok at this junction and “seeks the ability to resolve the issues at hand through political means once he takes office.” Advertisement

The controversial Australian has played only one match in more than two years because of injury but that has not stopped him being an outspoken presence on social media during a difficult few months for the sport. First it was announced in August that Sinner had failed two doping tests in March but was cleared of fault, while in November Swiatek was handed a one-month ban for a failed test caused by contaminated medication. Feels good getting these consecutive days training in the bank man.... Wrist re construction and back out here... blessed..................Without failing any drug tests 🙂‍↕️🙏🏽 be proud kygs doing it the right way 😩😂 pic.twitter.com/J8l21lnTdI — Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) December 5, 2024 Kyrgios has been particularly vociferous in his criticism of Sinner, who could yet face a ban after the World Anti-Doping Agency appealed the finding of no fault or negligence in his case. At a press conference ahead of the Brisbane International, Kyrgios told reporters: “I have to be outspoken about it because I don’t think there’s enough people that are speaking about it. I think people are trying to sweep it under the rug. “I just think that it’s been handled horrifically in our sport. Two world number ones both getting done for doping is disgusting for our sport. It’s a horrible look. “The tennis integrity right now – and everyone knows it, but no one wants to speak about it – it’s awful. It’s actually awful. And it’s not OK.” Kyrgios initially underwent knee surgery in January 2023, returning to action in June of that year, but he played only one match before pulling out of Wimbledon due to a torn ligament in his right wrist. He has not played a competitive match since, and it appeared doubtful that he would be able to return, but the 29-year-old will make his comeback in Brisbane this week. Kyrgios will take on France’s Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in singles, while he will also team up with Novak Djokovic in a blockbuster doubles pairing. “It’s good to be back,” said Kyrgios. “I honestly never thought I’d be back playing at this level. Even entering an event like this, preparing, doing all the right things. A post shared by Nick Kyrgios (@k1ngkyrg1os) “I’m really excited to just go out there and play, just play tennis. I saw Novak in the gym, playing doubles with him, a lot to be excited about that I’m able to get out there and compete again.” Asked whether he could get back to the same level that saw him reach the Wimbledon final in 2022, Kyrgios said: “I still believe I can, whether or not that’s factual or not. There was another player who was like, ‘You have to be realistic’. That’s not how I am. I always back my ability.” The new tennis season is already under way, with the United Cup team event beginning on Friday. Great Britain, who are weakened by the absence of Jack Draper through injury, begin their campaign against Argentina in Sydney on Monday before facing hosts Australia on Wednesday. That could pit Katie Boulter against fiance Alex De Minaur, with the pair having announced their engagement last week. A post shared by Katie Boulter (@katiecboulter) “Obviously some incredible news from our side, but I think we kind of wanted it to die down a little bit before matches started,” said Boulter of the timing. “My private life is out in the public a little bit at the moment. But, in terms of the stuff that I’m doing on the court, I’ll be doing the best I can every single day to stay in my own little bubble.” Billy Harris has taken Draper’s place, with the British number one facing a race against time to be fit for the Australian Open because of a hip problem. Emma Raducanu is the sixth seed at the ASB Classic in Auckland and will begin her season with a match against Robin Montgomery, while Cameron Norrie takes on another American, Learner Tien, at the Hong Kong Open.

Jimmy Carter, 39th US president, Nobel winner, dies at 100Donald Trump will ring the New York Stock Exchange bell as he's named Time's Person of the YearLSU applies latest rout of Mississippi Valley State 110-45Thomas Frank unhappy with officials in game with Brighton

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ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Michigan gave athletic director Warde Manuel a five-year contract extension Thursday on the heels of the Wolverines' upset over rival Ohio State and a strong start to the basketball season. Manuel, who has held the position since 2016, signed through June 30, 2030, the school announced. Manuel is also chairman of the College Football Playoff selection committee. “During Warde’s tenure as director, Athletics has put a structure in place where our student-athletes compete for Big Ten and national championships, excel in the classroom, and proudly graduate with their University of Michigan degrees,” university President Santa J. Ono said in the announcement. Michigan had a disappointing football season, finishing 7-5 (5-4 Big Ten), but a 13-10 win over then-No. 2 Ohio State took some pressure off of the program. The Buckeyes were favored by 21 points, the widest point spread for the rivalry since 1978, according to ESPN Stats and Info. The Wolverines won the national championship last year in their final season led by coach Jim Harbaugh, whose tenure at the school involved multiple NCAA investigations for recruiting and sign-stealing allegations. Manuel supported Harbaugh through those processes. In basketball, the women's team made its season debut (No. 23) in the AP Top 25 this week. The men are 7-1 a season after firing coach Juwan Howard, who lost a school-record 24 games in 2023-24 as Michigan plummeted to a last-place finish in the Big Ten for the first time since 1967. Michigan has won 52 Big Ten championships since 2020. “Every day, I am thankful to work at this great institution and to represent Michigan Athletics," Manuel said in a statement. "I especially want to thank the student-athletes, coaches and staff who compete for each of our teams and who have helped us achieve unparalleled success athletically and academically. I am excited to continue giving back to a university that has provided me with so much over my career.” Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football

In the ongoing fight against corruption in China, significant progress has been made with the recent expulsion of Wu Yingjie, the former Party Secretary of Tibet. Wu Yingjie's expulsion highlights the government's commitment to upholding integrity and tackling corrupt practices, particularly in sensitive regions such as Tibet.

Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Market to grow by USD 92.31 Billion from 2024-2028, driven by favorable government policies and AI-powered market evolution - TechnavioThe latest update for "Black Myth: Wukong" promises to deliver even more of what fans love about the game. New levels, characters, and gameplay mechanics are set to expand the world of the game and provide players with fresh challenges to overcome. The developers have also teased improvements to graphics and performance, ensuring that the game looks and runs better than ever before.Snap-On Inc. stock underperforms Friday when compared to competitors

"The bounce has got less and more inconsistent": Marnus LabuschagneDuring the conference, Xiaomi unveiled a series of groundbreaking products and services that showcased the company's dedication to creating a fully connected ecosystem. From smart homes to autonomous vehicles, Xiaomi's offerings were designed to enhance convenience, efficiency, and comfort in people's everyday lives.

Diversity statements will no longer be used in University of Michigan faculty hiring, promotion and tenure, a move applauded by critics who have called the practice "litmus tests" that limit diversity of thought while diversity advocates said the process was "preordained" and dishonest. Provost Laurie McCauley announced the decision Thursday based on a recommendation from a UM faculty working group to end diversity statements. But the recommendation is "deceptive," coming after the regents rejected a previous recommendation to keep the diversity statements, a faculty leader said. Diversity statements are documents written by faculty job candidates that let applicants explain to a search committee the distinct experiences they would bring to the university along with their commitment to diversity. The statements help search committees identify applicants "who have professional skills, experience and/or willingness to engage in activities that would enhance campus diversity and equity efforts," according to a University of California at San Diego statement referenced by UM's Center for Research on Learning & Teaching. McCauley's announcement came hours before the Board of Regents is scheduled to meet and a protest is planned beforehand at UM President Santa Ono's house. Many in the UM community are concerned the regents may dismantle a multimillion dollar diversity, equity and inclusion effort built after the school was at the center of a decade-long national debate around affirmative action in higher education, and DEI programs have been under attack across the nation.. "Diversity, equity and inclusion are three of our core values at the university," McCauley said in the University Record, an internal UM publication for faculty and staff, in announcing the end of diversity statements. "Our collective efforts in this area have produced important strides in opening opportunities for all people. As we pursue this challenging and complex work, we will continuously refine our approach.” But there is more that happened in this process, UM Faculty Senate Chair Rebekah Modrak wrote on the University Record page under the announcement. After the regents called for diversity statements to be banned last summer, McCauley formed a faculty committee to review diversity statements in the spirit of shared governance that came up with a different recommendation, Modrak wrote. "My understanding is that the committee’s first report recommended that the use of diversity statements should be up to each unit, a recommendation that honors our decentralization, independence, and academic freedom," Modrak wrote. "The Regents rejected that report and central leadership didn’t support their own faculty committee. Sending a committee back to work to give a second report with preordained results is neither honest nor respectful of faculty expertise. The University Record’s erasure of the Regents’ autocratic hand in this process is also deceptive." Regents will not vote on the provost's action, but may discuss it during the meeting, said Regent Sarah Hubbard, one of two Republicans on the eight-member UM board. "I applaud the provost for ending the practice of requiring diversity statements," said Hubbard. "This policy change removes a barrier to diversity of thought on campus by eliminating the ideological litmus test." No action is expected during Thursday's meeting around other DEI issues, added Hubbard, who previously said the regents have been looking for a long time at the university's DEI efforts and want to realign funds closer to student scholarships. Any budget decisions wouldn't happen until next year when budgetary decisions get made, she said. Even so, hundreds of students, faculty and staff demonstrated on campus earlier this week to show support for the university's DEI programs, and others are planning to attend the protest organized by UM's Black Student Union before the regents meeting and show up to the official meeting. UM's decision to discontinue diversity statements came after the statements were also eliminated in May at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and in June at Harvard University’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences. In June, UM's provost charged the eight-member faculty working group to examine diversity statements, though the university did not have an institutional policy on the statements but units did have the discretion to ask for them. The working group recommended the end of the statements after reviewing other policies and surveying more than 2,000 faculty members. “Critics of diversity statements perceive them as expressions of personal identity traits, support of specific ideology or opinions on socially-relevant issues, and serve as a ‘litmus test’ of whether a faculty member’s views are politically acceptable,” the working group wrote in its report. “Thus, as currently enacted, diversity statements have the potential to limit viewpoints and reduce diversity of thought among faculty members.” The working group said it acknowledged the concerns. "But, well-written diversity statements do not necessarily require expression of one’s identity, and they need not express one's beliefs or stances on socially-charged issues," the working group wrote. "Instead, well-written diversity statements contain reflections of how identity has shaped a faculty member’s approach with their students, how they work with their colleagues, and how they interact with society. These are desirable features of current and future U-M faculty members, and this information should be considered when potential faculty are hired and current faculty are promoted." The work group also offered two other recommendations, including that the university "can and must" incorporate of content about DEI into teaching, research and service statements. "Through this incorporation, the problematic features of diversity statements can be eliminated, while the useful and necessary information that exists in diversity statements can be saved and placed where it more naturally belongs," the group wrote in its report. However, UM did not adopt those recommendations. UM's decision to discontinue diversity statements followed other steps the university has taken in recent months that supporters said will create an environment that expands diverse views on campus. They include the regents' controversial adoption last month of a policy on institutional neutrality that prohibits some officials from taking public stances on political and social issues not related to the internal governance of the university. Last month the Faculty Senate passed a resolution censuring the Board of Regents and accusing the regents of "increasingly exhibiting authoritarian tendencies, and silencing free speech. ©2024 The Detroit News. Visit detroitnews.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Thank you for your attention to this matter. Hisense Group looks forward to continued success and growth as we navigate the ever-changing landscape of the business world.In response to these allegations, Country Garden issued a public statement acknowledging the shortcomings highlighted by the authorities. The company expressed regret over the lapses in its operations and pledged to take immediate action to rectify the issues. Country Garden's leadership emphasized their commitment to upholding high standards of quality and safety across all their projects.

In a dazzling display of skill, strategy, and sheer determination, the Fearless Pact Ant E-sports National Challenge recently reached its climax as the ultimate champion emerged victorious. The electrifying atmosphere, the tense competition, and the fierce battles all culminated in a heart-pounding grand finale that left audiences on the edge of their seats.In order to provide further information and guidance on the upcoming full implementation of the personal pension system, our bank will be hosting a video conference in the middle of this month. This conference aims to introduce and explain the details of the personal pension system, as well as to answer any questions and concerns that customers may have regarding this important initiative.

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Sam Darnold sensed the backside pressure as soon as he dropped back with Minnesota trailing by four points late in the fourth quarter in Seattle, so he moved into a safe space in the pocket and did precisely what the Vikings would prefer him to do with the game on the line. He threw the ball down the field to Justin Jefferson. The perfectly placed throw near the sideline beat double coverage for a 39-yard touchdown that put the Vikings back in front with 3:51 remaining in a 27-24 victory over the Seahawks on Sunday. “It was a great call,” said Jefferson, who had 10 receptions for 144 yards and two scores, all season highs. “I’m not going to say too much about that play, but something went on where me and Sam were on the same page, and he found me and we went up.” The Vikings were understandably coy about the context around the go-ahead touchdown , when Darnold made a difficult on-the-run pass just over cornerback Tariq Woolen that Jefferson deftly twisted to catch next to his backside hip so he could shield the ball from late-breaking safety Julian Love. Darnold saw Love’s shoulders initially shaded inside just enough to believe he couldn’t retreat fast enough to prevent Jefferson from getting the ball. Jefferson also applied some improvisation to his route that Darnold clearly and properly read during the play. RELATED COVERAGE Patriots coach Jerod Mayo believes narrow loss to Bills shows potential of his young team Garrett’s comments about his future add wrinkle to Browns’ worst season since 0-16 in 2017 Giants’ 10th straight loss showed once again that they need a young QB “I want those guys to have some freedom in those moments,” coach Kevin O’Connell said. “We do a lot of things with Justin and Sam, seeing the coverage and then with some route opportunities to get to at the line of scrimmage, and I think those guys have just gotten so comfortable with that stuff.” Darnold’s long-delayed breakout performance under O’Connell has been one of the stories of the NFL this season, one that wouldn’t have unfolded as neatly for the third overall pick in the 2018 draft without such synergy between him and his superstar wide receiver. If the Vikings (13-2) win their last two games, they will not only be NFC North champions for the second time in three years but also get the No. 1 seed and the lone first-round bye in the NFC for the playoffs. “Every single game we’re finding different ways to overcome adversity, overcome the different stuff defenses have thrown towards us,” Jefferson said. “Sam has done a great job being a leader.” What’s working The pass rush was strong, with Andrew Van Ginkel recording two sacks and pressure leading to both interceptions of Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith. The Vikings were credited with eight hits on Smith. What needs help The Vikings converted only three of 12 third downs, their second-worst rate of the season. Stock up Theo Jackson, who saw significant playing time at safety with Harrison Smith out, had the game-sealing interception with 49 seconds left. Stock down Tight end Josh Oliver has played 47% of the snaps the last two games, his two lowest usage rates of the season. He dropped the only pass he was thrown on Sunday. Injury report The defense ought to get a big boost this week with the expected return of the 13-year veteran Smith from his first absence in two years when he was sidelined at Seattle with a foot injury. Linebacker Ivan Pace, who has missed four games on injured reserve with a hamstring strain, is also on track to be back with his return to practice. Backup defensive lineman Jalen Redmond, who didn’t play against the Seahawks because of a concussion, has made progress through the protocol, O’Connell said. Backup cornerback Fabian Moreau, who was inactive at Seattle with a hip injury, will continue to be evaluated throughout the week. Key number 13.6% — That’s the third-down conversion allowance rate for the Vikings over the last two games, with Chicago and Seattle combining to go just 3 for 22. The Vikings rank second in the NFL in third-down defense at 33.7% for the season and also rank second on fourth down at 36.7%. Up next The Vikings host Green Bay on Sunday, with the kickoff moved to the late afternoon showcase spot on Fox. If Minnesota loses to the Packers, the Lions will clinch the NFC North and the Vikings would open the playoffs on the road as the No. 5 seed at best. Even if the Lions were to lose at San Francisco on Monday night, the Vikings would need to win at Detroit on Jan. 5 to take the division title. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

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STATE COLLEGE — Penn State is going to the Big Ten championship game. The Nittany Lions secured their spot in the conference title game after beating Maryland, 44-7, and getting some help with Michigan upsetting Ohio State on a wild Saturday. Penn State, currently No. 4 in the College Football Playoff rankings, will play No. 1 Oregon next Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis for the Big Ten championship. The game will kick off at 8 p.m. and air nationally on CBS. With a win, either Penn State or Oregon will secure a first-round bye into the CFP quarterfinals in the new 12-team bracket and, possibly, the No. 1 overall seed. With a loss, Penn State would still be expected to make the CFP. And unless the Nittany Lions get blown out by the Ducks, they would still likely host a first-round game at Beaver Stadium . Penn State entered Saturday with a slim chance of getting into the Big Ten championship. Ohio State just needed to beat Michigan as a three-touchdown favorite to secure a spot in Indy. But in embarrassing fashion, the Buckeyes lost, 13-10, at home to the Wolverines. Ohio State quarterback Will Howard threw two interceptions, kicker Jayden Fielding missed two field goals, and Michigan’s Dominic Zvada converted a go-ahead field goal with 45 seconds left. The Buckeyes failed to tie it up, and Ryan Day lost his fourth straight game to Michigan. That result gave Penn State clarity going into its 3:30 p.m. kick against Maryland. A win would put the Nittany Lions into Ohio State’s vacated slot thanks to the Big Ten’s tiebreakers. Even if Indiana, the other one-loss team in the Big Ten, beats Purdue on Saturday night, the Nittany Lions advance to the Big Ten title game on the conference’s fourth head-to-head tiebreaker: cumulative opponent conference record. Oregon will be the toughest test of the season so far for the Nittany Lions. The Ducks are the last undefeated team in college football with wins over Ohio State and Boise State. It will be a massive opportunity for James Franklin , Drew Allar and the Nittany Lions to prove themselves against the nation’s No. 1 team. We’ll see how they fare next Saturday. BETTING: Check out our guide to the best PA sportsbooks , where our team of sports betting experts has reviewed the experience, payout speed, parlay options and quality of odds for multiple sportsbooks. Sign up for the PennLive’s Penn State newsletters, the daily Penn State Today and the subscriber-exclusive Penn State Insider ©2024 Advance Local Media LLC. Visit pennlive.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Stocks shook off a choppy start to finish higher Monday, as Wall Street kicked off a holiday-shortened week. The S&P 500 ended 0.7% higher after having been down 0.5% in the early going. The Dow Jones Industrial Average also recovered from an early slide to eke out a 0.2% gain. The tech-heavy Nasdaq composite rose 1%. Gains in technology and communications stocks accounted for much of the gains, outweighing losses in consumer goods companies and elsewhere in the market. Semiconductor giant Nvidia, whose enormous valuation gives it an outsize influence on indexes, rose 3.7%. Broadcom climbed 5.5% to also help support the broader market. Walmart fell 2% and PepsiCo slid 1%. Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan said they are talking about combining in a deal that might also include Mitsubishi Motors. U.S.-listed shares in Honda jumped 12.7%, while Nissan ended flat. Eli Lilly rose 3.7% after announcing that regulators approved Zepbound as the first and only prescription medicine for adults with sleep apnea. Department store Nordstrom fell 1.5% after it agreed to be taken private by Nordstrom family members and a Mexican retail group in a $6.25 billion deal. All told, the S&P 500 rose 43.22 points to 5,974.07. The Dow gained 66.69 points to 42,906.95. The Nasdaq rose 192.29 points to 19,764.89. Traders got a look at a new snapshot of U.S. consumer confidence Monday. The Conference Board said that consumer confidence slipped in December. Its consumer confidence index fell back to 104.7 from 112.8 in November. Wall Street was expecting a reading of 113.8. The unexpectedly weak consumer confidence update follows several generally strong economic reports last week. One report showed the overall economy grew at a 3.1% annualized rate during the summer, faster than earlier thought. The latest report on unemployment benefit applications showed that the job market remains solid. A report on Friday said a measure of inflation the Federal Reserve likes to use was slightly lower last month than economists expected. Worries about inflation edging higher again had been weighing on Wall Street and the Fed. The central bank just delivered its third cut to interest rates this year, but inflation has been hovering stubbornly above its target of 2%. It has signaled that it could deliver fewer cuts to interest rates next year than it earlier anticipated because of concerns over inflation. Expectations for more interest rate cuts have helped drive a roughly 25% gain for the S&P 500 in 2024. That drive included 57 all-time highs this year. Inflation concerns have added to uncertainties heading into 2025, which include the labor market’s path ahead and shifting economic policies under an incoming President Donald Trump. “Put simply, much of the strong market performance prior to last week was driven by expectations that a best-case scenario was the base case for 2025,” said Brent Schutte, chief investment officer at Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company Treasury yields rose in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.59% from 4.53% late Friday. European markets closed mostly lower, while markets in Asia gained ground. Wall Street has several other economic reports to look forward to this week. On Tuesday, the U.S. will release its November report for sales of newly constructed homes. A weekly update on unemployment benefits is expected on Thursday. Markets in the U.S. will close at 1 p.m. Eastern on Tuesday for Christmas Eve and will remain closed on Wednesday for Christmas. Stocks shook off a choppy start to finish higher Monday, Former President Bill Clinton was admitted Monday to Georgetown University New Jersey gambling regulators have handed out $40,000 in fines On Tuesday, Dec. 10, The Business Journal hosted its 11th

Texas A&M-CC takes down Prairie View A&M 109-74Qatar tribune Satyendra Pathak Doha LuLu Hypermarket has officially launched the ‘Qatari Products: Our First Choice’ initiative at its D-Ring Road store, a week-long festival dedicated to promoting local products in collaboration with the Ministry of Municipality. The event, running from December 12 to December 18, celebrates Qatar’s rich cultural heritage while showcasing locally produced food and non-food items. Since its debut in 2010, the festival has grown into a key event across all LuLu outlets, underscoring the retailer’s commitment to supporting small Qatari businesses and entrepreneurs. The initiative highlights a wide range of locally sourced goods, from fresh produce, dairy, and meats to health and beauty products, linens, and more. The inauguration ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including Saud Al Marri from the Food Security Department at the Ministry of Municipality, Ahmed Al Yafei from the Agricultural Affairs Department, Fardan Al Fardan, General Manager of Safwa Farm, and Mohammed Ismail Al Mohammed, General Manager of Mahaseel Company. Also present was Dr Mohamed Althaf, Global Director of LuLu Group, alongside senior officials from LuLu management and distinguished representatives from both public and private sectors. Speaking at the event, Althaf highlighted Qatar’s advancements in agriculture and food security. He said, “Qatar has made remarkable strides in strengthening its agricultural capabilities and enhancing food security. This initiative not only celebrates the nation’s agricultural progress but also showcases high-quality, pesticide-free products that reflect Qatar’s growing self-sufficiency.” Over the past eight years, Qatar’s agricultural sector has made significant strides, now meeting 80 percent of the nation’s food requirements. This achievement is attributed to the adoption of modern farming technologies and sustainable agricultural practices, which have boosted both the quantity and quality of local produce. Althaf further emphasised the festival’s role in promoting local farming traditions, stating, “This festival is a celebration of Qatar’s agricultural heritage, connecting consumers with the nation’s rich farming traditions and ensuring the preservation of knowledge passed down through generations.” The festival features over 300 locally produced items from 35 Qatari farms, including renowned brands like Baladna, Safwa Farm, Agrico Qatar, Dandy, and Al Maha, among others. These products demonstrate the country’s increasing self-sufficiency in food production, particularly in short-life perishables, which can now be supplied within a two-to-three-day window, ensuring continuous availability of fresh produce. LuLu Hypermarket has played a pivotal role in supporting Qatar’s agricultural sector, helping to market local produce and contribute to the nation’s food security and sustainability goals. The retailer’s long-standing partnerships with Qatari farmers have created a sustainable supply chain that benefits both consumers and local entrepreneurs. This year’s festival also invites visitors to explore Qatar’s culture, traditions, and culinary heritage. It is an opportunity for shoppers to support local businesses while experiencing the nation’s agricultural progress firsthand. Copy 15/12/2024 10

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ST. LOUIS (AP) — Jason Zucker scored a tiebreaking power-play goal with 9:30 remaining and the Buffalo Sabres notched their third straight victory by beating the St. Louis Blues 4-2 on Sunday. Jiri Kulich extended Buffalo’s lead with a breakaway goal that went between Blues goalie Jordan Binnington’s legs with 3:41 to play. Tage Thompson had a goal and an assist against his former team as the Sabres won in St. Louis for just the second time in 12 years to sweep the season series. Zucker had a goal and an assist, and Jack Quinn had two assists for Buffalo. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen stopped 35 shots. Brayden Schenn and Nathan Walker scored for the Blues. Binnington had 12 saves. Buffalo scored on two of its first three shots, including its first of the game. Buffalo: After a 13-game losing streak (0-10-3), the Sabres have scored 17 goals while winning three straight. St. Louis: The Blues, who are tied for an NHL-low five power-play goals at home, went 0 for 4 with the man advantage. After Walker pulled the Blues even with 14:04 left in the game, rookie Zack Bolduc took a cross checking penalty midway through the third period that led to the decisive goal. The Sabres had scored on only six of 43 road power plays (14%) this season before going 2 for 3 on Sunday. Buffalo ranked 27th out of 32 NHL teams. The Blues play Chicago in the Winter Classic on Tuesday at Wrigley Field. Buffalo will play at Dallas on Tuesday night. AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhlLSU applies latest rout of Mississippi Valley State 110-45

ATLANTA (AP) — Jimmy Carter, the peanut farmer who won the presidency in the wake of the Watergate scandal and Vietnam War, endured humbling defeat after one tumultuous term and then redefined life after the White House as a global humanitarian, has died. He was 100 years old. The longest-lived American president died on Sunday, more than a year after entering hospice care , at his home in the small town of Plains, Georgia, where he and his wife, Rosalynn, who died at 96 in November 2023 , spent most of their lives, The Carter Center said. “Our founder, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, passed away this afternoon in Plains, Georgia,” the center said in posting about his death on the social media platform X. It added in a statement that he died peacefully, surrounded by his family. Businessman, Navy officer, evangelist, politician, negotiator, author, woodworker, citizen of the world — Carter forged a path that still challenges political assumptions and stands out among the 45 men who reached the nation’s highest office. The 39th president leveraged his ambition with a keen intellect, deep religious faith and prodigious work ethic, conducting diplomatic missions into his 80s and building houses for the poor well into his 90s. “My faith demands — this is not optional — my faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can, with whatever I have to try to make a difference,” Carter once said. A moderate Democrat, Carter entered the 1976 presidential race as a little-known Georgia governor with a broad smile, outspoken Baptist mores and technocratic plans reflecting his education as an engineer. His no-frills campaign depended on public financing, and his promise not to deceive the American people resonated after Richard Nixon’s disgrace and U.S. defeat in southeast Asia. “If I ever lie to you, if I ever make a misleading statement, don’t vote for me. I would not deserve to be your president,” Carter repeated before narrowly beating Republican incumbent Gerald Ford, who had lost popularity pardoning Nixon. Carter governed amid Cold War pressures, turbulent oil markets and social upheaval over racism, women’s rights and America’s global role. His most acclaimed achievement in office was a Mideast peace deal that he brokered by keeping Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin at the bargaining table for 13 days in 1978. That Camp David experience inspired the post-presidential center where Carter would establish so much of his legacy. Yet Carter’s electoral coalition splintered under double-digit inflation, gasoline lines and the 444-day hostage crisis in Iran. His bleakest hour came when eight Americans died in a failed hostage rescue in April 1980, helping to ensure his landslide defeat to Republican Ronald Reagan. Carter acknowledged in his 2020 “White House Diary” that he could be “micromanaging” and “excessively autocratic,” complicating dealings with Congress and the federal bureaucracy. He also turned a cold shoulder to Washington’s news media and lobbyists, not fully appreciating their influence on his political fortunes. “It didn’t take us long to realize that the underestimation existed, but by that time we were not able to repair the mistake,” Carter told historians in 1982, suggesting that he had “an inherent incompatibility” with Washington insiders. Carter insisted his overall approach was sound and that he achieved his primary objectives — to “protect our nation’s security and interests peacefully” and “enhance human rights here and abroad” — even if he fell spectacularly short of a second term. Ignominious defeat, though, allowed for renewal. The Carters founded The Carter Center in 1982 as a first-of-its-kind base of operations, asserting themselves as international peacemakers and champions of democracy, public health and human rights. “I was not interested in just building a museum or storing my White House records and memorabilia,” Carter wrote in a memoir published after his 90th birthday. “I wanted a place where we could work.” That work included easing nuclear tensions in North and South Korea, helping to avert a U.S. invasion of Haiti and negotiating cease-fires in Bosnia and Sudan. By 2022, The Carter Center had declared at least 113 elections in Latin America, Asia and Africa to be free or fraudulent. Recently, the center began monitoring U.S. elections as well. Carter’s stubborn self-assuredness and even self-righteousness proved effective once he was unencumbered by the Washington order, sometimes to the point of frustrating his successors . He went “where others are not treading,” he said, to places like Ethiopia, Liberia and North Korea, where he secured the release of an American who had wandered across the border in 2010. “I can say what I like. I can meet whom I want. I can take on projects that please me and reject the ones that don’t,” Carter said. He announced an arms-reduction-for-aid deal with North Korea without clearing the details with Bill Clinton’s White House. He openly criticized President George W. Bush for the 2003 invasion of Iraq. He also criticized America’s approach to Israel with his 2006 book “Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid.” And he repeatedly countered U.S. administrations by insisting North Korea should be included in international affairs, a position that most aligned Carter with Republican President Donald Trump. Among the center’s many public health initiatives, Carter vowed to eradicate the guinea worm parasite during his lifetime, and nearly achieved it: Cases dropped from millions in the 1980s to nearly a handful. With hardhats and hammers, the Carters also built homes with Habitat for Humanity. The Nobel committee’s 2002 Peace Prize cites his “untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.” Carter should have won it alongside Sadat and Begin in 1978, the chairman added. Carter accepted the recognition saying there was more work to be done. “The world is now, in many ways, a more dangerous place,” he said. “The greater ease of travel and communication has not been matched by equal understanding and mutual respect.” Carter’s globetrotting took him to remote villages where he met little “Jimmy Carters,” so named by admiring parents. But he spent most of his days in the same one-story Plains house — expanded and guarded by Secret Service agents — where they lived before he became governor. He regularly taught Sunday School lessons at Maranatha Baptist Church until his mobility declined and the coronavirus pandemic raged. Those sessions drew visitors from around the world to the small sanctuary where Carter will receive his final send-off after a state funeral at Washington’s National Cathedral. The common assessment that he was a better ex-president than president rankled Carter and his allies. His prolific post-presidency gave him a brand above politics, particularly for Americans too young to witness him in office. But Carter also lived long enough to see biographers and historians reassess his White House years more generously. His record includes the deregulation of key industries, reduction of U.S. dependence on foreign oil, cautious management of the national debt and notable legislation on the environment, education and mental health. He focused on human rights in foreign policy, pressuring dictators to release thousands of political prisoners . He acknowledged America’s historical imperialism, pardoned Vietnam War draft evaders and relinquished control of the Panama Canal. He normalized relations with China. “I am not nominating Jimmy Carter for a place on Mount Rushmore,” Stuart Eizenstat, Carter’s domestic policy director, wrote in a 2018 book. “He was not a great president” but also not the “hapless and weak” caricature voters rejected in 1980, Eizenstat said. Rather, Carter was “good and productive” and “delivered results, many of which were realized only after he left office.” Madeleine Albright, a national security staffer for Carter and Clinton’s secretary of state, wrote in Eizenstat’s forward that Carter was “consequential and successful” and expressed hope that “perceptions will continue to evolve” about his presidency. “Our country was lucky to have him as our leader,” said Albright, who died in 2022. Jonathan Alter, who penned a comprehensive Carter biography published in 2020, said in an interview that Carter should be remembered for “an epic American life” spanning from a humble start in a home with no electricity or indoor plumbing through decades on the world stage across two centuries. “He will likely go down as one of the most misunderstood and underestimated figures in American history,” Alter told The Associated Press. James Earl Carter Jr. was born Oct. 1, 1924, in Plains and spent his early years in nearby Archery. His family was a minority in the mostly Black community, decades before the civil rights movement played out at the dawn of Carter’s political career. Carter, who campaigned as a moderate on race relations but governed more progressively, talked often of the influence of his Black caregivers and playmates but also noted his advantages: His land-owning father sat atop Archery’s tenant-farming system and owned a main street grocery. His mother, Lillian , would become a staple of his political campaigns. Seeking to broaden his world beyond Plains and its population of fewer than 1,000 — then and now — Carter won an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating in 1946. That same year he married Rosalynn Smith, another Plains native, a decision he considered more important than any he made as head of state. She shared his desire to see the world, sacrificing college to support his Navy career. Carter climbed in rank to lieutenant, but then his father was diagnosed with cancer, so the submarine officer set aside his ambitions of admiralty and moved the family back to Plains. His decision angered Rosalynn, even as she dived into the peanut business alongside her husband. Carter again failed to talk with his wife before his first run for office — he later called it “inconceivable” not to have consulted her on such major life decisions — but this time, she was on board. “My wife is much more political,” Carter told the AP in 2021. He won a state Senate seat in 1962 but wasn’t long for the General Assembly and its back-slapping, deal-cutting ways. He ran for governor in 1966 — losing to arch-segregationist Lester Maddox — and then immediately focused on the next campaign. Carter had spoken out against church segregation as a Baptist deacon and opposed racist “Dixiecrats” as a state senator. Yet as a local school board leader in the 1950s he had not pushed to end school segregation even after the Supreme Court's Brown v. Board of Education decision, despite his private support for integration. And in 1970, Carter ran for governor again as the more conservative Democrat against Carl Sanders, a wealthy businessman Carter mocked as “Cufflinks Carl.” Sanders never forgave him for anonymous, race-baiting flyers, which Carter disavowed. Ultimately, Carter won his races by attracting both Black voters and culturally conservative whites. Once in office, he was more direct. “I say to you quite frankly that the time for racial discrimination is over,” he declared in his 1971 inaugural address, setting a new standard for Southern governors that landed him on the cover of Time magazine. His statehouse initiatives included environmental protection, boosting rural education and overhauling antiquated executive branch structures. He proclaimed Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the slain civil rights leader’s home state. And he decided, as he received presidential candidates in 1972, that they were no more talented than he was. In 1974, he ran Democrats’ national campaign arm. Then he declared his own candidacy for 1976. An Atlanta newspaper responded with the headline: “Jimmy Who?” The Carters and a “Peanut Brigade” of family members and Georgia supporters camped out in Iowa and New Hampshire, establishing both states as presidential proving grounds. His first Senate endorsement: a young first-termer from Delaware named Joe Biden. Yet it was Carter’s ability to navigate America’s complex racial and rural politics that cemented the nomination. He swept the Deep South that November, the last Democrat to do so, as many white Southerners shifted to Republicans in response to civil rights initiatives. A self-declared “born-again Christian,” Carter drew snickers by referring to Scripture in a Playboy magazine interview, saying he “had looked on many women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times.” The remarks gave Ford a new foothold and television comedians pounced — including NBC’s new “Saturday Night Live” show. But voters weary of cynicism in politics found it endearing. Carter chose Minnesota Sen. Walter “Fritz” Mondale as his running mate on a “Grits and Fritz” ticket. In office, he elevated the vice presidency and the first lady’s office. Mondale’s governing partnership was a model for influential successors Al Gore, Dick Cheney and Biden. Rosalynn Carter was one of the most involved presidential spouses in history, welcomed into Cabinet meetings and huddles with lawmakers and top aides. The Carters presided with uncommon informality: He used his nickname “Jimmy” even when taking the oath of office, carried his own luggage and tried to silence the Marine Band’s “Hail to the Chief.” They bought their clothes off the rack. Carter wore a cardigan for a White House address, urging Americans to conserve energy by turning down their thermostats. Amy, the youngest of four children, attended District of Columbia public school. Washington’s social and media elite scorned their style. But the larger concern was that “he hated politics,” according to Eizenstat, leaving him nowhere to turn politically once economic turmoil and foreign policy challenges took their toll. Carter partially deregulated the airline, railroad and trucking industries and established the departments of Education and Energy, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. He designated millions of acres of Alaska as national parks or wildlife refuges. He appointed a then-record number of women and nonwhite people to federal posts. He never had a Supreme Court nomination, but he elevated civil rights attorney Ruth Bader Ginsburg to the nation’s second highest court, positioning her for a promotion in 1993. He appointed Paul Volker, the Federal Reserve chairman whose policies would help the economy boom in the 1980s — after Carter left office. He built on Nixon’s opening with China, and though he tolerated autocrats in Asia, pushed Latin America from dictatorships to democracy. But he couldn’t immediately tame inflation or the related energy crisis. And then came Iran. After he admitted the exiled Shah of Iran to the U.S. for medical treatment, the American Embassy in Tehran was overrun in 1979 by followers of the Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Negotiations to free the hostages broke down repeatedly ahead of the failed rescue attempt. The same year, Carter signed SALT II, the new strategic arms treaty with Leonid Brezhnev of the Soviet Union, only to pull it back, impose trade sanctions and order a U.S. boycott of the Moscow Olympics after the Soviets invaded Afghanistan. Hoping to instill optimism, he delivered what the media dubbed his “malaise” speech, although he didn’t use that word. He declared the nation was suffering “a crisis of confidence.” By then, many Americans had lost confidence in the president, not themselves. Carter campaigned sparingly for reelection because of the hostage crisis, instead sending Rosalynn as Sen. Edward M. Kennedy challenged him for the Democratic nomination. Carter famously said he’d “kick his ass,” but was hobbled by Kennedy as Reagan rallied a broad coalition with “make America great again” appeals and asking voters whether they were “better off than you were four years ago.” Reagan further capitalized on Carter’s lecturing tone, eviscerating him in their lone fall debate with the quip: “There you go again.” Carter lost all but six states and Republicans rolled to a new Senate majority. Carter successfully negotiated the hostages’ freedom after the election, but in one final, bitter turn of events, Tehran waited until hours after Carter left office to let them walk free. At 56, Carter returned to Georgia with “no idea what I would do with the rest of my life.” Four decades after launching The Carter Center, he still talked of unfinished business. “I thought when we got into politics we would have resolved everything,” Carter told the AP in 2021. “But it’s turned out to be much more long-lasting and insidious than I had thought it was. I think in general, the world itself is much more divided than in previous years.” Still, he affirmed what he said when he underwent treatment for a cancer diagnosis in his 10th decade of life. “I’m perfectly at ease with whatever comes,” he said in 2015 . “I’ve had a wonderful life. I’ve had thousands of friends, I’ve had an exciting, adventurous and gratifying existence.” Former Associated Press journalist Alex Sanz contributed to this report.BASE SHELF PROSPECTUS IS ACCESSIBLE, AND PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT WILL BE ACCESSIBLE WITHIN TWO BUSINESS DAYS, ON SEDAR+ AND ON EDGAR TORONTO, Dec. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Profound Medical Corp. (TSX: PRN; NASDAQ: PROF) (“Profound” or the “Company”) today announced that it intends to offer and sell common shares (the “Common Shares”) in an underwritten public offering (the “Offering”). In addition, Profound expects to grant the underwriters of the Offering a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 15% of the Common Shares sold in the Offering. All of the securities in the Offering are being offered by Profound. The Offering is subject to market conditions, and there can be no assurance as to whether or when the Offering may be completed, or as to the actual size or terms of the Offering. The net proceeds of the Offering are expected to be used: (i) to fund the continued commercialization of the TULSA-PRO® system in the United States, (ii) to fund the continued development and commercialization of the TULSA-PRO® system and the Sonalleve® system globally, and (iii) for working capital and general corporate purposes. The Offering is expected to be completed pursuant to an underwriting agreement to be entered into between the Company and Raymond James Ltd. and Lake Street Capital Markets as co-lead underwriters and joint bookrunners, and a third underwriter. The Offering is expected to take place in each of the provinces and territories of Canada, except the province of Québec, and in the United States. The Offering is expected to close on or about December 10, 2024, subject to customary closing conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals including the approval of the Toronto Stock Exchange. Profound will notify the Nasdaq Capital Market in accordance with the rules of that exchange. In connection with the Offering, the Company has filed a preliminary prospectus supplement (the “Preliminary Prospectus Supplement”) and intends to file a subsequent prospectus supplement (the “Prospectus Supplement”) to its short form base shelf prospectus dated July 10, 2024 (the “Base Shelf Prospectus”) in each of the provinces and territories of Canada relating to the proposed Offering. The Prospectus Supplement will also be filed in the United States with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) as part of the Company’s effective registration statement on Form F-10 (File no. 333-280236), as amended, previously filed under the multijurisdictional disclosure system adopted by the United States. Access to the Base Shelf Prospectus, the Prospectus Supplement, and any amendments to the documents will be provided in accordance with securities legislation relating to procedures for providing access to a shelf prospectus supplement, a base shelf prospectus and any amendment. The Base Shelf Prospectus is, and the Prospectus Supplement will be (within two business days of the date hereof), accessible on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov . The Common Shares are offered under the Prospectus Supplement. An electronic or paper copy of the Base Shelf Prospectus, the Prospectus Supplement (when filed), and any amendment to the documents may be obtained without charge, from Raymond James Ltd., Scotia Plaza, 40 King St. W., 54th Floor, Toronto, Ontario M5H 3Y2, Canada, or by telephone at 416-777-7000 or by email at ECM-Syndication@raymondjames.ca by providing the contact with an email address or address, as applicable. Copies of the Prospectus Supplement and the Base Shelf Prospectus will be available on EDGAR at www.sec.gov or may be obtained without charge from Raymond James & Associates, Inc., Attention: Equity Syndicate, 880 Carillon Parkway, St. Petersburg, Florida 33716, by telephone at (800) 248-8863, or by email at prospectus@raymondjames.com , and from Lake Street Capital Markets, LLC, 920 2nd Ave S - Ste 700, Minneapolis, MN 55402, prospectus@lakestreetcm.com , (612) 326-1305. The Base Shelf Prospectus and Prospectus Supplement contain important, detailed information about the Company and the proposed Offering. Prospective investors should read the Base Shelf Prospectus and Prospectus Supplement (when filed) before making an investment decision. No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this news release. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any province, territory, state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such province, territory, state or jurisdiction. About Profound Medical Corp. Profound is a commercial-stage medical device company that develops and markets customizable, incision-free therapies for the ablation of diseased tissue. Profound is commercializing TULSA-PRO®, a technology that combines real-time MRI, robotically-driven transurethral ultrasound and closed-loop temperature feedback control. Profound is also commercializing Sonalleve®, an innovative therapeutic platform that is CE marked for the treatment of uterine fibroids and palliative pain treatment of bone metastases. Forward-Looking Statements This release includes forward-looking statements regarding Profound and its business which may include, but is not limited to, the Offering, including the Offering’s timing, pricing, underwriters, size, terms, selling jurisdictions, closing, over-allotment option, and use of proceeds; the availability and timing of the final prospectus supplement; and, the expectations regarding the efficacy and commercialization of Profound’s technology. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "is expected", "expects", "scheduled", "intends", "contemplates", "anticipates", "believes", "proposes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Such statements are based on the current expectations of the management of Profound. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release, may not occur by certain specified dates or at all and could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting the Company, including risks regarding the medical device industry, regulatory approvals, reimbursement, economic factors, the equity markets generally and risks associated with growth and competition. Although Profound has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Additional information about the risks and uncertainties of forward-looking statements and the assumptions upon which they are based is contained in the Company’s filings with securities regulators, which are available electronically through SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com and EDGAR at www.sec.gov . Except as required by applicable securities laws, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Profound undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, other than as required by law. For further information, please contact: Stephen Kilmer Investor Relations skilmer@profoundmedical.com T: 647.872.4849DUBAI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 29th Dec, 2024) The second week of the Economic Content Creators Programme, organised by the Press Club with the support of the Ministry of Economy, featured expert-led lectures and workshops on crafting engaging stories and understanding the global economic landscape, including the influence of financial and monetary policies on local economies. Maryam Al Mulla, Acting Manager of the Press Club, expressed her appreciation for the high-quality professional and knowledge-driven content provided during the workshops and sessions in the first two weeks of the training programme. She noted that these efforts reflect the initiative’s core objective of equipping digital content creators—especially those in the economic field—with the tools needed to produce impactful, high-quality content. Al Mulla further said, “The Press Club remains committed to enhancing the skills and competencies of content creators. Through our knowledge programmes, we aim to provide participants with the professional and technical expertise needed to excel in the . This initiative also seeks to strengthen the role of content creators in advancing the landscape and boosting their global competitiveness.” The second week began with a session on photography essentials, led by Mohammed Boosh, Production Manager at Edraak . The session focused on photography as a vital element of digital content, covering basics, lighting techniques, and practical training to enhance visual storytelling. Another session titled Mastering Economic Journalism for Content Creators, featuring Editor-in-Chief Lubna Fawaz and Senior Correspondent Nada Abdel Salam, highlighted the history and impact of economic journalism, key attributes for creators, and essentials for producing professional, ethical reports. The session also discussed effective storytelling techniques to simplify economic for greater digital audience engagement. The training programme's second week included a lecture by Dr. Rania Aitani, Assistant Professor of Finance at Murdoch University , titled Analysing Global Economic Trends and Their Impact on Local Economies. The lecture examined the drivers of economic growth, global monetary and fiscal policies, and the impact of crises such as the 2008 mortgage crisis and COVID-19. It also explored global influences on local economies and the role of technological innovation in economic transformation. Additionally, Khalid Al Jabri, an economic content creator, led a workshop titled ‘How to Increase Your Income as a Content Creator’. The workshop focused on income sources in content creation, strategies for maximising income, criteria for successful content, practices for dealing with advertisers, and types of content that can serve as income sources. The programme also included a session titled The Art of Digital Storytelling: Research and Simplifying Complex Information, presented in collaboration with Edraak Academy. The session featured content creators Ahmed Alsabouni, Content Creator, Edraak , and Raef Yousef, Content Manager at the . The session focused on storytelling techniques to simplify complex economic information, create compelling narratives, and develop a unique voice. It covered research methods, message clarity, creative writing, and crafting distinctive digital content. Participants practiced turning economic data into relatable stories. Mahfoudha Abdullah, Specialist in Talent Development at Press Club, said, “The training programme is designed to impart diverse knowledge and skills that add genuine value to content creators in the economic field. Professionals in this field need to have a high level of specialised skills to turn numbers and statistics into engaging and accessible content. Simplifying complex information is key to producing compelling economic content and enhancing its reach and impact.” She expressed her gratitude to the organisations and partners contributing to the programme, which has been specifically tailored to meet the requirements of the participating content creators. She added, “Dubai Press Club’s partnerships support our efforts to empower content creators and help them acquire world-class skills. By equipping talented professionals with the latest tools and technologies, we seek to realise the vision of our leadership to nurture a new generation of professionals capable of enriching and leading the sector. This initiative aims to drive excellence across various platforms, including print, digital, visual, and emerging sectors.”

Secret Service director touts changes as Congress presses him on Trump assassination attemptCHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) — Will Riley scored his 19 points in the second half and No. 25 Illinois beat Maryland Eastern Shore 87-40 on Saturday. Kylan Boswell added 13 points, Tomislav Ivisic had 11 and Morez Johnson Jr. finished with 10 points and 13 rebounds for the Illini (4-1), who shot 25% (10 for 40) from 3-point range but committed just nine turnovers. Tre White grabbed 11 rebounds and Kasparas Jakucionis seven for Illinois, which outrebounded the Hawks 59-38. Jalen Ware scored 10 points and Christopher Flippin had 10 rebounds for Maryland Eastern Shore (2-6), which had its lowest point total of the season. The team's previous low came in 102-63 loss to Vanderbilt on Nov. 4. Illinois is unbeaten in four home games. Maryland Eastern Shore is winless in six road games. Illinois: Coming off a 100-87 loss Wednesday to No. 8 Alabama, the Illini had no trouble dominating the overmatched Hawks. They led 35-15 at halftime and extended the lead to as many as 52 points in the second half. Maryland Eastern Shore: The Hawks couldn’t match Illinois’ height and depth and were slowed by 15 turnovers. After struggling at the start of the game, the Illini went on a 17-0 run over a seven-minute stretch to move in front 25-8 with 5:15 to go in the first half. Maryland Eastern Shore struggled from the field, shooting 22% (15 for 68), including 5 for 20 on 3-pointers. Illinois hosts Little Rock on Monday. Maryland Eastern Shore plays at No. 20 Arkansas on Monday. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketballJimmy Carter: Many evolutions for a centenarian ‘citizen of the world’

NonePHILADELPHIA (AP) — Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George has a bone bruise on his left knee and will miss two games, the team said Thursday. The 76ers said George did not suffer any structural damage when he that he hyperextended during in Wednesday night’s loss at Memphis. The game marked the first time this season the All-Star trio of George, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey started a game together. George will miss home games Friday against Brooklyn and Sunday against the Los Angeles Clippers, his former team. A nine-time All-Star, the 34-year-old George will be evaluated again on Monday. dropped the Sixers to 2-12, the worst record in the NBA headed into Thursday night’s games. George signed a four-year, $212 million contract with Philadelphia after five seasons with the Clippers. He has averaged 14.9 points in eight games this season. Embiid has been out with injuries, load management rest and a suspension, while Maxey was sidelined with a hamstring injury. An expected contender in the Eastern Conference, the Sixers haven’t won since an overtime victory against Charlotte on Nov. 10. ___ AP NBA:Biden Says Jimmy Carter to Receive State Funeral in Washington

Yes, it's illegal to take pictures of a movie at the theatersJimmy Carter remembered as honest, approachable from time in New Hampshire

Jimmy Carter, the 39th US president, has died at 100

The BMW X3 is one of the most successful models in BMW history , especially as it rides on the popularity of the SUV in the American market and combines it with the luxury and comfort that BMW is known for. It's even one of the cars getting a redesign for 2025 , meaning you'll get a fresh new look if you're in the market for one now. However, this also means that the BMW X3 is one of the pricier choices if you're looking for a brand-new luxury compact SUV. The base BMW X3 30 xDrive would set you back $49,950 — and that doesn't include the destination and handling fees. Furthermore, if you want a different color (aside from white) and a few extras, you'll soon find the dollars piling up in the quote. Those who aren't satisfied with a four-banger would also need to spend about $15,000 more for the sportier BMW X3 M50 xDrive. This comes with a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-6 motor, but you'll have to shell out at least $64,700. So, let's check out your options if you're in the market for a luxury compact SUV but aren't quite ready to spend over $50,000 for a new car. Of course, there are many cheaper alternatives out there, like the Honda CR-V or Hyundai Tucson , but we're sticking to brands that could deliver the same experience and prestige as a BMW. The Volvo XC60 Core is one of the great options for a luxury compact SUV. It's not as flashy as a BMW, but you're getting a car from a brand known for its reliability and safety. A starting price of $47,050 means you're not really saving much over the BMW X3, but it also comes with a lot of included extras you have to pay for if you go for the German brand. For example, you get eight color options for no additional cost and the panoramic roof comes standard, whereas you have to pay at least $2,000 extra if you want a panoramic roof and a different color with the X3. The XC60's powertrain is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 with a mild-hybrid system. This is similar to what the BMW offers, except that it only has one blower (compared to the X3's two). Still, it's a fun drive with its 247 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque and can hit 0-60 in just 6.5 seconds. It might be slower than the base X3's 255 horsepower and 6-second 0-60 time, but would that really matter for a daily driver like this? Aside from that, one of the things that many buyers are looking for nowadays is the digital experience. BMW offers this with its BMW Digital Premium package, which, again, is an optional extra that will cost you. On the other hand, Volvo includes a digital services package as standard with the car, giving you a four-year subscription without asking you to pay more than the sticker price. This compact SUV first arrived on the market back in 2016 , and it offers a unique and exotic look. Since we're looking at car prices that fall under $50,000, we're sticking with the base model of the 2024 Stelvio — the Sprint — and not the outgoing 2024 Alfa Romeo Quadrifoglio which sports a Ferrari-sourced 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 engine. The Stelvio Sprint starts at just $45,950, although this will jump by $2,000 to $47,950 if you pick the AWD option. Despite being more affordable, you get a more powerful 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder that outputs 280 horsepower and 306 lb-ft of torque mated to an eight-speed automatic. This means it can hit a 0-60 time of 5.5 seconds and has a claimed top speed of 144 mph. Alfa Romeo also says that the Stelvio has a near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution, meaning this is going to be a fun car to drive. You also get just about all the tech you would expect from a luxury car with the base Sprint variant, like advanced driver assistance systems, an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and compatibility with Android Auto and Apple Car Play. If want to make your daily drive a little bit more dynamic while saving yourself a few thousand bucks, the 2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Sprint is definitely a good pick. The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 is a bit smaller than the X3 and has less power at just 221 horsepower. Originally launched in 2019 for the 2020 model year , the 2025 model starts at just $45,800 and is still as luxurious as what BMW offers. If you live in a state where it snows a lot, consider paying $2,000 more for the 4MATIC variant, which gives you AWD. And if you have a large family or love taking your friends on trips, you could get an optional third row for just $850. The GLB 250 doesn't have the included features you'd find on the Volvo XC60, nor does it have the performance of the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Sprint. But for more than $4,000 less than the base BMW X3, you're still getting the premium experience of a luxury car. Besides, if you're not a fan of the panoramic roof and tons of chrome on your car, then you're better off not paying for them in the first place. Genesis is relatively new to the luxury car game, having been launched by Hyundai as its luxury division in 2015. Despite being less than 10 years in the industry, though, the Genesis GV70 2.5T AWD stands as a great alternative to the BMW X3. It has a starting price of just $45,700 for the 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four model that outputs 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque and comes standard with AWD. If you want more power, Genesis also offers the GV70 with a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque starting at $58,300. You're definitely getting a lot more car for a lot less money with the GV70. And although the Genesis name doesn't carry the same weight as BMW or Mercedes-Benz, what's more important is the experience you get when you're inside the vehicle. The GV70 gives you everything you expect in terms of tech and safety as standard, like advanced driver assistance systems, wireless phone charging, and an absolutely massive 14.5-inch infotainment system that makes it even larger than some laptop screens. Audi is one of the popular three German luxury brands next to Mercedes and BMW, so of course it has to offer a BMW X3 competitor. Thankfully, its offering, the Audi Q5, is more affordable with a starting price of just $45,400 for the Premium variant. This car comes with a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine with a 7-speed S-tronic transmission that outputs 201 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. This is pretty anemic compared to X3 and even the GLB, but the Premium 45 TFSI variant that outputs 261 horsepower will bump the starting price to $48,800, making it much closer in price to the base BMW X3. Nevertheless, it's still a good option if you're looking for an X3 alternative, especially if you prefer comfort over performance. It comes with a large infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple Car Play that gives acoustic feedback with everything you do on the screen, adaptive cruise control, and advanced driver assistance systems. Aside from that, one of the things that you should know about the Q5 is that it's Audi's best seller in the U.S., so you're in good company if you pick this car as your next ride. If you want a luxurious compact SUV like the BMW X3 but also want the reliability that Japanese brands are known for, then you should look at the Acura RDX. Although the Acura RDX and Honda CR-V are closely related , the former offers a more premium experience with its better technology and more engine power, making it quite comparable to the other luxury SUVs in our list. For example, the RDX has a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder with VTEC that outputs 272 horsepower and 280 lb-feet of torque. It also has a 10-speed transmission, ensuring that you're getting great mileage despite the power that it can put down on the road. Aside from that, you're also getting excellent driving dynamics with the RDX, especially as its handling has been finely tuned to ensure that the vehicle responds precisely to your every move. Even at lower price point, you get a lot of standard features with the base RDX. Acura gives you a panoramic moonroof, 19-inch black multi-spoke wheels, a 10.2-inch HD infotainment system, advanced driver assistance systems, adaptive cruise control, and more for no additional charge. This means you get great value from the Acura RDX, especially with its low starting price of $44,700.

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Injured cornerback Riley Moss could return to Denver's lineup at CincinnatiNEWARK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 24, 2024-- Fabuwood is proud to announce the launch of its newest cabinet stain, Mocha , an inviting color that perfectly balances warmth and sophistication. As one of the most highly anticipated and requested stains, Mocha joins Fabuwood’s popular natural stains like Timber, giving homeowners another option to bring modern, on-trend style into the heart of the home. Mocha is a versatile stain that enhances the natural beauty of wood, offering a soft, earthy tone that complements a wide range of kitchen designs, from contemporary to traditional. Its subtle finish effortlessly combines durability with timeless elegance, making it a favorite among homeowners looking to elevate their living spaces. Fabuwood takes great pride in listening to customers and providing products that reflect their needs and preferences. Mocha’s debut directly responds to the growing demand for warm, sophisticated stains that stand the test of time while keeping up with the latest design trends. Adding Mocha underscores Fabuwood’s dedication to delivering trendy, high-quality cabinetry solutions that cater to every style and vision. With the rest of Fabuwood’s color, door style, and accessory collections, Fabuwood continues leading the industry with top-of-the-line products that reflect the latest designs while honoring timeless appeal. About Fabuwood Fabuwood is a top-of-the-line, semi-custom cabinetry company that is committed to redefining quality. With industry-leading certifications and standards, commercial-grade quality, its Q12 guarantee, and a limited lifetime warranty, Fabuwood is recognized for its dedication to excellence. The brand has been honored with the Kitchen & Bath Business Readers’ Choice Award in the cabinetry category four times in six years—2019, 2021, 2023, and 2024. Fabuwood demonstrates innovation not just in designing and producing its products but also in its technology. With fast lead times on semi-custom cabinets, constant upgrades, and frequent new releases, Fabuwood is a leader in quality, style, and speed. Fabuwood is headquartered in a 1 million-square-foot facility in Newark, NJ, and employs over 1,200 associates nationwide. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241224476982/en/ CONTACT: For press information, please contact: Lauren Aust & Frankie Wortmann Sharp Think fabuwood@sharpthink.com 212.829.0002 x105 KEYWORD: NEW JERSEY UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: HOME GOODS CONSTRUCTION & PROPERTY NATURAL RESOURCES SPECIALTY INTERIOR DESIGN RETAIL FOREST PRODUCTS RESIDENTIAL BUILDING & REAL ESTATE SOURCE: Fabuwood Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/24/2024 12:00 PM/DISC: 12/24/2024 12:00 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241224476982/en

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Trump promises to end birthright citizenship: What is it and could he do it?Coming to the UK: Tesla’s New Rival! Are You Ready for Xpeng?TRAVELERS are welcome to bring their Thanksgiving leftovers on their post-holiday plane rides - except for one popular side dish. The Transportation Security Administration has strict guidelines for the millions of passengers traveling by air this week for Thanksgiving . Nearly all foods are allowed to be transported in checked baggage - but the rules get tricky when it comes to carry-on bags. Solid food items can pass through a TSA checkpoint with no problem, but liquids have to be under 3.4 ounces. This means passengers have to be careful about how much gravy they bring on planes, as it counts as a liquid. The TSA has this rule to prevent items from spilling, spraying, or pouring on the plane. READ MORE ON THANKSGIVING The rule also includes other Thanksgiving classics like cranberry sauce and apple cider. Any canned item also counts as liquid, so passengers must check they're under 3.4 ounces or 100 ml as well. More holiday favorites like casseroles, macaroni and cheese, and stuffing can also be brought through TSA checkpoints. Food often needs additional screening at security, so TSA advises travelers to place items in an easily accessible spot. Most read in Travel Fresh foods and cooked or uncooked meats like turkey and ham are also fine to bring through TSA, officials shared in a press release last year. When it comes to frozen food, the TSA has specific rules about the ice packs travelers use to keep their leftovers cold. Ice packs must be frozen solid and not melted when going through a TSA checkpoint. If frozen foods are partially melted or have any liquid at the bottom of the container, they won't be permitted through security. Frozen liquid items also must be frozen solid when they go through screening, meaning bringing frozen gravy or cranberry sauce is an option. But if the frozen liquids are partially melted, slushy, or have liquid at the bottom of the container, they still have to follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule. The Transportation Security Administration regulates the amount of liquids, aerosols, and gels that flyers can bring through airport security with the 3-1-1 liquids rule. The 3-1-1 rule consists of the following: Each container of liquid has to be 3.4 ounces or less. All liquids have to fit in one clear, quart-sized, resealable bag. Finally, passengers can only bring one bag of liquids each. The 3-1-1 rule says that each container of liquid has to be under 3.4 ounces and fit in one clear, quart-sized bag. Plus, passengers can only bring one bag of liquids - so you have to choose between bringing your gravy, sauce, or preserves on the plane. However, if you're traveling with a baby this holiday season, the liquids guidelines don't apply to baby formula, baby food, or breast milk as they're considered medically necessary liquids. Other medically necessary liquids might include contact lens solutions or medicines, but flyers should tell the TSA agent about the liquids before they go through screening. Read More on The US Sun Liquids that don't follow the guidelines have to be packed in checked bags or thrown away entirely. Even if you bring your Thanksgiving leftovers home with you, be sure to eat them before the Monday following the holiday, or else you could risk food poisoning .

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The tenacity of hope

"Too many of our people worship a false ideal, and that ideal is called Zionism. It takes our biblical story and turns it into colonialism and genocide. From the start, Zionism has violated human freedom and killed Palestinian children," accuses Naomi Klein, the Canadian activist and author. "October 7 was an act of military resistance. It is neither terrorism nor antisemitism – it was an attack on Israelis," claims prominent American philosopher and gender theorist Judith Butler. Though long associated with feminist values, Butler questioned reports of sexual assaults and rapes during the October attack in Israel, stating: "We want to see proof that these events occurred. It’s not a crime to demand evidence of rape and assault." "The military operation in Gaza goes far beyond self-defense. It enters the realm of collective punishment," analyzes Dr. Norman Finkelstein, a political scientist and outspoken critic of Israel. Finkelstein, who has previously referred to Gaza as a "concentration camp," described the October 7 events as "heroic." What ties these harsh criticisms together is their source: They all come from Jews. These individuals, often labeled "self-hating Jews" or "antisemitic Jews," belong to a phenomenon that has accompanied the Jewish people for generations, reappearing at critical junctions in history. Since the establishment of the State of Israel, anti-Zionist Jews have not hesitated to attack it, questioning the concept of Jewish self-determination and even the legitimacy of Israel's founding. Roots of Anti-Zionist Jewish criticism How can one explain the phenomenon of Jews opposing the legitimacy of Israel? Professor Maoz Azaryahu of the University of Haifa, head of the Herzl Institute for the Study of Zionism, explains: "What we’re seeing now, after the October 7 attack, is the same narrative dominating the global radical left for years – anti-Zionism on steroids. It aligns perfectly with old Catholic ideology, which is why it resonates strongly in countries like Spain and Ireland. Today, anti-Zionism is a socially acceptable stance among educated circles and global academia. From their perspective, Zionism is a moral injustice that should be eradicated." ( Naomi Klein denounces 'false Zionism' ) Azaryahu continues: "When Jews openly and vehemently oppose Zionism, it’s a sign of an antisemitic climate. These are Jews who feel the need to say, ‘We are not them – they are the bad Jews; we are the good ones.’" Why has Zionism become such a global obsession? "I think their obsession with Israel stems from the country’s success," Azaryahu posits. "Israel is one of the last nation-states to emerge, and the radical left is inherently against the idea of the nation-state. According to their thesis, Israel was ‘born in sin.’ That’s their entire story: the sin is the Nakba, and what is born in sin must be erased. In their eyes, there was a Palestinian people here, and suddenly imperialist nations and Jewish-Zionist colonialism collaborated to dispossess the Palestinian Arab people, leading to the establishment of Israel. That’s their narrative." Even if historical events occurred as they claim, what do they expect to happen now, in 2024? What, in their view, could 'correct' this so-called sin? "They want a state of all its citizens, something akin to Syria or Lebanon. Then October 7 comes along, delivering a massive slap in the face, as they see the reality of their ‘dream.’ October 7 proves that their solution – a state where everyone coexists peacefully without a Jewish or Zionist identity – cannot materialize. Perhaps that’s their greatest fear because they’ve received a stark reflection of what would happen here without borders or an IDF. The anti-Zionists have built an 80-story tower of arguments against Israel, but the problem is their theories lack a ground floor. That’s why October 7 is so horrifying for them, and why they try to downplay or deny parts of the attack, shifting the focus to Israel’s response." Naomi Klein and the politics of memory One of the most prominent Jewish voices against Israel is Naomi Klein, a Canadian journalist and author well-known in radical leftist circles. In a recent article in The Guardian, Klein argued that Israel’s "commemoration industry" surrounding the events of October 7 is an attempt to weaponize trauma to justify its actions in Gaza. ( 'October 7 was uprising': Judith Butler ) "To understand her argument, you first need to understand where Klein is coming from," explains Azaryahu. "She belongs to a school of thought that divides the world into two categories: victims and aggressors. The intellectual battle is over who qualifies as the victim, as the victim is seen as the moral victor. In their worldview, Jews in Israel are not allowed to claim victimhood. When we assert that we were the target of a brutal attack, she accuses us of deception because, in her view, we are inherently the aggressors – ‘white colonialists.’ We’re playing a role that, according to her, doesn’t belong to us. Essentially, she’s ordering us: ‘Don’t touch my victims, the Gazans.’" Klein goes further, claiming that Israel’s memorial efforts – such as ceremonies, monuments, songs, tours of affected areas, and exhibitions like the Nova music festival memorial – are merely tactics to shock the public and legitimize Israel's military response. As a scholar of commemoration, Azaryahu sees this as Klein’s attempt to protect her constructed narrative of victimhood. "What she’s saying is that to preserve her victims' narrative, she must deny what happened on October 7. This borders on Holocaust denial. ‘Don’t recount what happened because it detracts attention from the real victims.’" A culture of commemoration Israelis engage in extensive and diverse forms of commemoration, according to Azaryahu. "Commemoration is part of Israel’s cultural DNA," the professor explains. "It’s a deeply ingrained sense of obligation to memory that transcends politics or the current conflict in Gaza. This commitment to remembrance dates back to 1945, immediately after the Holocaust, when Jewish communities sought to document the world that was destroyed and the crimes committed. 1 View gallery Norman Finkelstein ( Photo: A Katz / Shutterstock.com ) "It’s intrinsic to Israeli culture and has nothing to do with Klein’s political critiques. Who is Naomi Klein to dictate to families and communities how they should remember and mourn? Political arguments against the state are one thing, but she has no right to interfere with communal or familial remembrance." Technological advancements have also influenced modern commemoration practices. "In the past, during the Holocaust or the Yom Kippur War, there was no TikTok or WhatsApp. Today, we have tools that allow for one-to-one documentation, creating vivid memorials. These aren’t politically motivated but arise organically from people’s desire to remember and show exactly what happened." Get the Ynetnews app on your smartphone: Google Play : https://bit.ly/4eJ37pE | Apple App Store : https://bit.ly/3ZL7iNv Israel indeed leads the world in commemoration efforts, with more memorials per capita and per square kilometer than any other country. "It’s part of our cultural tradition, perhaps because we are an ancient people with a long memory. The detailed documentation of every incident from October 7 may also stem from a need to counter denial narratives, a lesson learned from Holocaust denial efforts." Jewish schism over Zionism In Israel and the broader Jewish world, many are grappling with the question of why some Jews so aggressively oppose the Jewish state. For Azaryahu, "Jews who publicly and vehemently oppose Zionism are often responding to antisemitic pressures. They feel the need to declare, ‘We aren’t like them – the bad Jews. We’re the good ones.’ Today, the barriers against antisemitism have collapsed, and some Jews feel compelled to align themselves with what they see as the ‘just side.’" Israeli response to such critics often points to a harsh reality: When antisemites come for the Jews, they won’t differentiate between "good" and "bad" Jews. Azaryahu recalls a debate he once had with a Jewish woman from England: "She was criticizing me over various things Israel does. I finally told her, ‘Don’t worry – if things get bad and they come for you in England, you’ll always have a place here under the Law of Return.’ You should’ve seen her face – it was priceless," he laughs. >

BOSTON, Dec. 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Madam Sew, a leading provider of innovative sewing tools and accessories, has been named the top sewing tools store for 2024 by Expert Consumers, a trusted resource for product reviews and industry insights. Known for its commitment to quality, user-focused designs, and extensive educational resources, Madam Sew has earned high praise from sewing enthusiasts and industry experts alike. Best Sewing Tools Store Madam Sew - combines tools, education, and community to serve the sewing community Since its founding in 2017, Madam Sew has set itself apart with a carefully curated range of tools and sewing supplies designed to enhance precision, efficiency, and creativity for hobbyists and professionals. The recognition by Expert Consumers highlights the brand's dedication to serving a wide range of skill levels, from beginners exploring the craft to seasoned sewers refining advanced techniques. Innovative Tools Designed with Users in Mind Expert Consumers commended Madam Sew for its focus on usability and functionality. Standout products such as Ultimate Presser Foot Set and Hot Hem Ruler for Sewing , both of which showcase the brand's attention to detail in creating tools that simplify complex tasks and elevate project results. The Ultimate Presser Foot Set consists of 32 essential presser feet for any sewing machine. Meanwhile, the Hot Hem Rule for Sewing is a versatile, heat-resistant tool perfect for accurate hemming, folding, and pleating. Other top-rated sewing tools include the Heat Erasable Fabric Marking Pens , praised for their precision and ease of use, and the Sew Bright LED Strip , which enhances visibility and reduces eye strain during long sewing sessions. These innovative solutions have solidified Madam Sew's reputation as a trusted source for high-quality sewing tools. Education and Community Engagement Beyond its product offerings, Madam Sew was recognized for its significant contributions to the sewing community through educational resources and community engagement. The brand provides a wealth of free tutorials, blog posts , a Youtube Channel , and video guides that make sewing techniques accessible to all. Moreover, Madam Sew's active presence on social media platforms, including a dedicated Facebook group , fosters a supportive community where sewing enthusiasts exchange tips, share projects, and inspire one another. This combination of tools, resources, and community support reflects the company's commitment to enriching the sewing experience. A Customer-Centric Approach Expert Consumers also highlighted Madam Sew's customer-focused approach, which includes detailed instructions with every product to ensure users can maximize their benefits. This dedication to customer satisfaction, coupled with a deep understanding of the needs of sewing enthusiasts, has made Madam Sew a standout choice in the industry. As sewing continues to gain popularity as a creative and practical pursuit, Madam Sew remains at the forefront of providing sewing tools and resources that empower enthusiasts to bring their visions to life. For the full review and detailed insights, visit the Expert Consumers website . About Expert Consumers: Expert Consumers provides news and reviews of consumer products and services. As an affiliate, Expert Consumers may earn commissions from sales generated using links provided. Contact: Drew Thomas ( press@expertconsumers.org ) © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Sherwin-Williams SVP sells $2.05 million in stock at $398.06 per shareMore than half of the Finnish players who have suited up for an NHL game this season secured an invite to the 4 Nations Face-Off. It’s true! The 23-man roster, announced Wednesday, was curated from an available pool of just 45. They are the underdogs of the Feb. 12 to 20 tournament, as noted by goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen , who attached an important qualifier to that statement: “But there’s some firepower, too.” Advertisement Yes, but even with 100-point man Mikko Rantanen and Stanley Cup-winning captain Aleksander Barkov and the stirring return of sniper Patrik Laine , the Finns pose a threat to the bigger names from bigger nations not because of their own growing star power. It’s because they know exactly who they are. Finns have been outpunching their weight at major international hockey tournaments for a couple of decades now. In the process, they’ve developed a unifying identity that gets passed from team to team no matter which names are stitched onto the backs of the Lions sweaters. “In general, a Finnish player is a good team player,” said head coach Antti Pennanen. Following what he described as a “long process” to finalize the 4 Nations roster with a management staff led by general manager Jere Lehtinen — “lots of meetings,” said Pennanen — the coach sketched out a vision for the team that could have been ripped directly out of the playbook of any of his predecessors. “We have to have good defense,” Pennanen said. “I mean overall good defense, not just D-men. ... We know that we don’t have too many (defensemen) who are playing in the NHL, but still we have a good back end. Strong and big, and they are able to play against top forwards. “I think we have a chance and are able to be a committed team.” In other words, the path they see through the USA, Canada and Sweden is paved through suffocation rather than trying to fight strength with strength. They will devise a patient game plan and expect even their most talented forwards to stick to structure. They will lean on a blue line built with players ranging from 6-foot-2 ( Miro Heiskanen , Olli Määttä ) to 6-foot-7 ( Jani Hakanpää ). And they will place faith in three goaltenders who are all filling No. 1 roles in the NHL so far this season: Juuse Saros of the Nashville Predators , Kevin Lankinen of the Vancouver Canucks and Luukkonen of the Buffalo Sabres . Advertisement “I would say it’s pretty solid throughout the lineup,” defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen of the Philadelphia Flyers said. “A lot of skill. A lot of speed. And then just good goaltending. I really think it’s a strong group of guys, and I can’t wait to get started.” The Finns will need to score too, of course, and Laine’s selection can largely be chalked up to that need. He’s only played one NHL game in the calendar year 2024 after entering the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program last season and then suffering a knee sprain during training camp with the Montreal Canadiens in September. However, Laine possesses a shot few in the world can match. He flashed it Tuesday while scoring in his Canadiens debut against the New York Islanders with a lethal wrister. What that can mean for the Finnish power play, in particular, helped earn him a spot on the roster despite the extended layoff. “We know Laine, what he’s capable (of doing),” Lehtinen said. “Power play, what he can do there. And of course in a short tournament, the special teams are going to be a big part of that. “Overall, there’s two months before the tournament starts so there’s a lot of games before then. I think it’s enough time to get him in a good game shape and playing well there.” The Finns will find comfort in being able to roll out some of the best two-way centers in the world. That group is led by Barkov, a two-time Selke Trophy winner, and includes Sebastian Aho of the Carolina Hurricanes and Roope Hintz of the Dallas Stars . Anton Lundell , the potential fourth-line center, is one of four members of this Finnish team who won a Stanley Cup alongside Barkov with Florida earlier this year and should be a notable depth contributor to look out for. “We have lots of good leaders and characters,” Pennanen said. “(That playoff experience brings) big value,” Lehtinen said. “You have a few who won and who have been in tough situations through their careers. It’s a quick tournament. You have to be ready right away and play good hockey if you want to succeed there.” GO DEEPER Finland announces roster for 4 Nations: Snubs, surprises and expectations (Photo of Aleksander Barkov and Anton Lundell: Jason Mowry / Getty Images)

After further review, has reversed his stance on one central figure in the halftime brouhaha during the crosstown rivalry game. The coach acknowledged Wednesday that head performance coach Corey Miller — — escalated tensions between the teams last weekend after video surfaced showing Miller making a mock crying gesture and giving USC players the middle finger. Miller expressed regret for his actions, Foster said, and would face unspecified discipline. “We talked about it, sat down and was able to figure that out internally and he felt pretty bad about that,” Foster said, “so he expressed his sentiments to the team, to the coaches and everybody and you’ve got to lead by example out here. You can’t be completely — you just can’t be out of control in any situation, especially when you’re in a [position] of power, so it was an unfortunate situation and he feels awful about what happened and getting a penalty and he made sure he made it right with the team.” Miller received one of three unsportsmanlike conduct penalties that went against UCLA, joining wide receiver Kwazi Gilmer and safety Bryan Addison. Foster said after the game that he was told the fracas started when a USC player punched Gilmer. UCLA was forced to kick off from its own five-yard line to start the third quarter as a result of the penalties, but the Trojans could not gain a first down and gave the ball back to the Bruins following a turnover on downs. Foster brought Miller back to UCLA to be part of his new staff before the season after Miller had spent the 2022 season as the Bruins’ director of speed and movement. Miller was the assistant director of strength and conditioning for the NFL’s Carolina Panthers during the 2023 season. “With his added NFL experience,” Foster said at the time of Miller’s hiring, “I feel there is no one better to uphold our pillars while preparing the Bruins for Big Ten Conference play and beyond." Foster said he nominated defensive coordinator for the Broyles Award that goes to the top assistant coach in college football. Might Foster also need to give Malloe a raise given that UCLA lost its last doubled his salary by moving across town to USC? “This is a real family over here, so I think that he’s pretty comfortable,” Foster said, “but we still want to make sure that we honor him and let him know that we do value you and you’re a great coach for us.” Malloe’s two-year contract that expires after the 2025 season pays him $1 million annually — the same rate that Lynn made before his departure. Despite massive personnel losses in the offseason, Malloe has presided over a defense that ranks No. 7 in the country against the run by allowing just 99.3 rushing yards per game. UCLA ranks No. 46 nationally in total defense, giving up 346.3 yards per game. UCLA’s defense could get a major boost next season if stays put. The linebacker who has gone from a walk-on to a finalist for the Butkus Award has another season of eligibility remaining, should he choose to use it. “He’s let me know early like, coach, we’re just going to finish the season and then assess everything after the season,” Foster said of Schwesinger’s message regarding his future. “He’s truly locked in on finishing this year the right way and I can respect that from a guy like that. I didn’t want to even want to put anything in his ear because whatever decisions he makes, I’m going to respect that because Carson’s that type of kid. He’s really going to do whatever’s best for him in that situation, especially if he gets the Butkus Award and the way that he came on and performed this season, you do deserve to get a shot and go to the NFL.” With the transfer portal set to open Dec. 9, Foster said, with a chuckle, that he wanted to know his players’ intentions about their futures by Dec. 5. “There’s a hard turnaround,” Foster said, “so we just want to make sure that we know exactly what’s going on with our team and how guys are feeling, so we know what we need to fill and what we need to do.” This story originally appeared in .

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Fuerte sismo estremece al norte de California; cancelan advertencia de tsunamiFreehold Royalties Announces Strategic Midland Basin Royalty Acquisition and Bought Deal Equity FinancingIt was a memorable moment for head coach Kevin O’Connell last weekend in the locker room at Lumen Field in Seattle. After the Vikings earned a 27-24 win over the Seahawks, O’Connell went through his usual routine of handing out game balls to his players. ADVERTISEMENT He recognized kicker Will Reichard and punter Ryan Wright for their prowess on special teams. He recognized safety Theo Jackson, edge rusher Dallas Turner and edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel for the impact they made on defense. He recognized receiver Justin Jefferson and quarterback Sam Darnold for making everything go on offense. Just before the Vikings started packing up, right tackle Brian O’Neill took the floor, flipping a game ball to O’Connell to recognize him for becoming the only head coach in franchise history to win at least 13 games more than once. The locker room erupted and appropriately mobbed their leader in celebration. As he reflected Friday on that particular exchange, O’Connell couldn’t help but smile. “Nobody I respect more than Brian O’Neill,” O’Connell said. “To get that from him in that moment was really special.” It’s clear how much respect O’Connell has earned since taking over the Vikings. Ask any of his players about him and they will go out of their way to make a pitch for him winning NFL Coach of the Year. As the current betting favorite in Las Vegas, O’Connell could very well be on his way to winning that annual accolade. Not that any of his players are surprised. They also aren’t surprised that O’Connell has already made franchise history. It’s a testament to the culture he has worked so hard to build over the past few seasons. ADVERTISEMENT “That’s a credit to who he is as a person,” tight end T.J. Hockenson said. “We’re very fortunate to be able to play under him.” As for O’Connell getting the game ball, Darnold joked that it was long overdue. “It was awesome,” Darnold said. “Just the way that KO approaches every single week, the way that he gets us ready, the way that he keeps everything very relaxed on game day, it helps us go out there and play loose and free.” There’s a chance linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. (hamstring) could make his return when the Vikings host the Green Bay Packers on Sunday afternoon. He is being listed as questionable as he works through the final stages of the recovery process. He would need to be activated off injured reserve in order to play, which means the Vikings would have to make a corresponding roster move. ______________________________________________________ This story was written by one of our partner news agencies. Forum Communications Company uses content from agencies such as Reuters, Kaiser Health News, Tribune News Service and others to provide a wider range of news to our readers. Learn more about the news services FCC uses here .

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy will not play Sunday and head coach Kyle Shanahan said the lingering discomfort is a concern. Purdy sat out Friday after he participated in the start of Thursday's practice with the 49ers, then retreated indoors for what Shanahan said was a treatment session. Brandon Allen, 32, will start in Purdy's place, and the 49ers are also without defensive end Nick Bosa (oblique). Shanahan said players believe in Allen, even if he's an unknown. "Outside of here people haven't seen a lot of Brandon. But it's his second year (with the 49ers)," Shanahan said. "Obviously guys want Brock up, but guys are excited to see Brandon play." Shanahan said they are "a little surprised" Purdy experienced tightness and discomfort in his shoulder after an MRI exam on Monday that showed no long-term cause for concern. "The way it responded this week, it's really up in the air for next week," Shanahan said of Purdy. Allen is familiar to Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, who was an assistant coach with the Rams during Allen's two-year run in Los Angeles. Allen broke into the NFL in 2016 with the Jaguars and is 2-7 in nine career starts. He went 1-2 with the Broncos in 2019 and 1-5 in six starts over two years with the Bengals in 2020 and ‘21. Shanahan said Allen's confidence grew throughout the week and he doesn't anticipate a major change in how he calls the offense. Left tackle Trent Williams (ankle) also missed practice for the third consecutive day. Without disclosing the nature of the ailment to Purdy's throwing shoulder, general manager John Lynch confirmed Friday an MRI exam took place to determine the severity of any injury. Allen worked with the first team most of Thursday and Friday with Joshua Dobbs also taking snaps. Lynch described Purdy's status for the 49ers (5-5) this week as "tenuous." "Hopefully, he makes progress, and we can have a shot at this weekend, but we'll see," Lynch said in an interview with KNBR in San Francisco. "I think it's tenuous." When Purdy was on the field this week, he primarily worked on the side in position-specific drills with QB coach Brian Griese. Williams played through an ankle injury last week after being listed as questionable but exited the stadium with an exaggerated limp on Sunday. Run game coordinator Chris Foerster said the 49ers aren't where they want to be at 5-5 because they haven't won close games, not because of injuries. "Seven games left is like an eternity," Foerster said. "So much can happen. Do the math. What was our record last year? It was 12-5. I was on a 13-win team that was nowhere near as good as the team last year." With or without Purdy, Foerster said the challenge for the 49ers is not to give up the ball to a defense that has 19 takeaways. The 49ers have 13 giveaways this season. --Field Level MediaField Level Media Will Levis threw a go-ahead 70-yard touchdown pass to Chig Okonkwo in the fourth quarter to help the Tennessee Titans record a stunning 32-27 victory over the host Houston Texans on Sunday afternoon. Tony Pollard rushed for 119 yards and one touchdown and Nick Westbrook-Ihkine caught a scoring pass as Tennessee (3-8) won for just the second time in its last seven games. Levis was 18-of-24 passing for 278 yards, two touchdowns and one interception for the Titans. Houston had a chance to force overtime but Ka’imi Fairbairn missed a chip-shot 28-yard field goal with 1:53 remaining, sending the kick wide left. The Texans got the ball back with 1:29 left. Three plays later, Harold Landry sacked Houston’s C.J. Stroud in the end zone to make it a five-point margin with 1:13 left. Stroud completed 20 of 33 passes for 247 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions for Houston (7-5), which lost for the fourth time in the past six games. Jimmie Ward returned an interception for a touchdown for the Texans. Nico Collins and Cade Stover caught scoring passes for Houston. Houston sacked Levis eight times. Danielle Hunter had three and Will Anderson Jr. notched two. Ward traveled 65 yards on his pick-six to give the Texans a 24-23 lead with four seconds left in the third period. The Texans moved ahead by four when Fairbairn kicked a 56-yard field goal with 9:46 remaining in the game. It was Fairbairn’s 12th field goal of 50 or more yards this season, surpassing the NFL record of Daniel Carlson (11 in 2022 for the Las Vegas Raiders). But on Houston’s next offensive play, Okonkwo caught a pass from Levis near his own 40-yard line and raced up the middle and sped past multiple Titans to turn it into a 70-yard scoring play to give Tennessee a 30-27 lead. The game began great for Houston as Dameon Pierce returned the opening kickoff 80 yards and Stroud followed with a 19-yard touchdown pass to Stover. The Titans recovered with the next 17 points. Nick Folk kicked a 51-yard field goal and Levis threw a 28-yard touchdown pass to Westbrook-Ikhine in the first quarter. Pollard scored on a 10-yard run to boost the Titans’ lead to 17-7 with 11:03 left in the first half. Stroud tossed a 5-yard scoring pass to Collins with 6:17 left in the quarter and Fairbairn tacked on a 28-yard field goal to knot the score at 17 with 1:47 remaining. Folk booted a 56-yard field as time ran out to give Tennessee a 20-17 halftime lead. Folk connected from 51 yards as the Titans led by six with 9:08 remaining in the third period.Even before officially taking office, United States President-elect Donald J Trump is shaking up the international system with drama and fanfare unlike any other major leader in recent memory. His most recent outburst to slap 100% tariffs on the "Brics" countries -- Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, as well as Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates -- is a case in point. While it will coerce developing economies to think twice about the cost of going their own way, this tariff blackmail and others like it also risk pushing smaller countries away from the US to other rival big powers, particularly China. The president-elect's latest ire was in reaction to the Brics members' interest in coming up with their own currency against the US dollar. Mr Trump's typically blustery response was unsurprising and proved the point of Brics that "Global South" countries need to organise on their own to reduce dependence on the weight of the US economy and its currency. Further US weaponisation of trade policy and geoeconomic toolkit will likely push developing economies in the Brics and Global South in this direction for fear of excessive reliance on US trade and investment and being punished for it. At their meeting in Kazan, Russia, last October, the Brics members decidedly expanded their network to include a motley bunch of 13 "partner" countries that include four from Southeast Asia, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, alongside Algeria, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Turkey, Uganda, and Uzbekistan. While partnership status is not equivalent to that of membership, the 13 new Brics associates clearly see the outfit as an insurance policy amid geoeconomic turbulence and geopolitical turmoil from Russia's war in Ukraine, conflicts in the Middle East, and the US-China confrontation, underpinned by a breakdown of the rules-based international order. Partnership in Brics allows them to access loans from Brics' New Development Bank, which is headquartered in Shanghai, and benefit from trade and investment opportunities. The Trump tariff threat will likely hold back some of the Brics partners in Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand and Vietnam, from taking on full membership. For Southeast Asia, more broadly, Brics provides geostrategic space. As a fast-growing region in the world economy with half the market size of China and a combined GDP of nearly US$4 trillion dollars, essentially the intersection of insecurity and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, Southeast Asia broadly sees Brics as a mixed bag. On the one hand, the Brics club offers geopolitical leverage vis-à-vis the West despite limited geoeconomic benefits, especially for Indonesia, which is the world's largest Muslim country and a member of the G20, and Malaysia, which chairs Asean in 2025. These two predominantly Muslim societies hold solidarity with the Palestinians and are opposed to US backing for Israel's war actions in the Middle East and the resulting humanitarian crises. Brics to Indonesia and Malaysia is both a diversification strategy and a critical expression against the US and Israel. It is unsurprising that both Indonesia and Malaysia have recently promoted greater cooperation with China, thanks to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing last month and Indonesia's newly elected President Prabowo Subianto agreeing to joint exploration with China in an adjacent sea area previously thought to be under Indonesian sovereignty. Malaysia, in particular, wants to maximise its international role and geostrategic projection. Having consolidated political power under a coalition government with an eye for a re-election bid, Prime Minister Anwar wants to make the most of his international engagements and partly convert them for domestic electoral dividends. Openly critical of Israel without formal diplomatic relations with the Jewish state, Malaysia has correspondingly supported Hamas. In a speech to a think-tank gathering in June this year, the Malaysian prime minister had strong words to say about Israeli actions, including "war crimes, flagrant atrocities committed in the killing fields under the pretext of self-defence and settler colonialism" while prioritising the Myanmar civil war over the Russia-Ukraine conflict as the most pressing issue for Asean. Clearly, the timing of a Brics partnership is favourable for Malaysia as it allows the country to leverage another strategic stage in its dealings with the West and geostrategic balancing in its neighbourhood. Thailand is a US treaty ally and Vietnam a comprehensive strategic partner. Both Thailand and Vietnam rely heavily on the US as an export market. Both countries are not as vehement about conflicts in the Middle East, and, therefore, Brics provide them with a complementary company of states and economies in case the international system completely unravels. As a strategy of diversification, Indonesia and Thailand also have shown interest in joining the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, the 38-member club of developed economies. To be sure, while Brics serves as a proactive hedge against worsening global uncertainty, membership or even partnership risks are taking Southeast Asia's regional states into a conflict arena they have intended to avoid. As founding members, Russia is conducting a gruelling war in Ukraine and China has locked horns with the US. As a new member, Iran and its proxies in Hamas and Hezbollah are in open conflict with Israel. These tensions and conflicts could be exploited by certain Brics members and thereby drag the whole group into murky and precarious directions. Much will depend on what the second Trump administration ends up doing. If Mr Trump goes too far with his tariff threats and actions, then Brics will likely become more appealing as a bulwark against US belligerence and protectionism. But if the president-elect ends up treating tariffs as part of a package rather than a unilateral imposition in a universal fashion, then developing economies will likely be in less of a hurry to jump and ride on the Brics bandwagon. Thitinan Pongsudhirak, on leave from Chulalongkorn University's faculty of political science, is currently a visiting professor at the London School of Economics.

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In a bid to boost the national economy, Prime Minister Hun Manet revised the roles and responsibilities of the deputy prime ministers of the Royal Government. The decree on the ‘Adjustment of the Arrangements and Distribution of Duties of RGC Leaders’ was signed by Prime Minister Hun Manet on November 27, and a statement was released by the Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) on Tuesday. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of MLMUPC, Say Samal, has been assigned several key roles including the Chairman of the National Social Land Concession, the Chairman of the National Cadastral Commission, the Chairman of National Committee for the Management and Development of Cambodian Coastal Zone and the Co-Chair of the National Committee for Land Management and Urban Planning. Samal remains responsible for assisting the Prime Minister in the land management, urban planning, and construction sectors while continuing to serve as Chairman of the National Authority for Land Dispute Resolution. He is also tasked with carrying out other duties or special missions assigned by the Prime Minister, the statement noted. Similarly, Sok Chenda Sophea, Deputy Prime Minister and formerly Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MFAIC) has been tasked with supporting the Prime Minister in promoting economic and trade diversification, along with handling other special missions. Likewise, Prak Sokhonn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of MFAIC will serve as the Acting Prime Minister in the absence of Mr Hun Manet and Neth Savoeun, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the National Authority for Combating Drugs. Sokhonn will also assist the Premier in the field of foreign affairs and international cooperation, advising on the foreign policy framework, and overseeing adoption requests and citizenship applications. Additionally, he has been appointed Chairman of the National Committee for the Francophonie Summit, which Cambodia will host in 2026, while also handling other special missions assigned by the Prime Minister. Aun Pornmoniroth, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance (MEF), will act as the Prime Minister in the absence of Mr Hun Manet, Savoeun and Sokhonn accordingly. Pornmoniroth will remain the close assistant of the Premier in the economic and financial sectors, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Policy Committee, the Chairman of the National Council for Social Protection and the Chairman of the Supreme National Economic Council. It may be informed that Sun Chanthol, Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice-Chairman of CDC, continues to oversee efforts to attract private investment and serves as Co-Chairman of the Cambodia-China Intergovernmental Coordination Committee, tasked with advancing the comprehensive strategic partnership. He also plays a pivotal role in the development of air transport and logistics for land and water, while holding the position of Chairman of the National Logistics Council.

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To the editor, Of the 33,000 different Christian religions recorded by David Barret worldwide, two large differences are noticeable in America. Those two divisions are the individualistic and communal belief in Christianity. ADVERTISEMENT The individualistic approach is primarily a personal relationship with God where salvation is central to the faith. The concern for the individual’s soul’s journey after death is primary. This individualistic approach sees the Bible as infallible while the communal sees part of it as metaphorical. They embrace the more spiritual and mystical part of faith which can lead to an escape, ignoring systematic injustice such as little concern that the 10% own 70-80% of the wealth in America. The communal or Liberation theology is more pragmatic. It prioritizes systematic injustice and poverty. They see the message of Christ through the eyes of the oppressed; therefore, they see a need to take action as a group to resolve these injustices. The importance of taking collective action also fosters a sense of belonging. Christ turning the tables in the temple has significance as money is the root of all evil. As a group, they follow James 2:17 which quotes “faith without works is dead.” Their genuine belief must require action in tangible deeds. These two approaches are evident in the basic tenets of the Democrat and Republican parties. The Republican Party strongly believes in individualism. “Pull yourself up by your bootstraps” is their motto. They use religious rhetoric to garner support for economic policies that hurt the poor. You will notice their emphasis on biblical spiritual terms, which elude that the Almighty will solve your problems, not the government. This is why Project 2025 has intentions of destroying most social programs at the same time they promote Christian nationalism. One of these promotes the real Christ. Do you recognize which one? Lillian Bachmeier Mandan, North Dakota

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