AP Sports SummaryBrief at 6:36 p.m. ESTA Whimper, Not A Bang: Where Was Antifa After Trump's Victory?Police say searchers don’t expect to find woman in Pennsylvania sinkhole alive UNITY TOWNSHIP, Pa. (AP) — The search for a woman who is believed to have fallen into a sinkhole in western Pennsylvania has become a recovery effort after two treacherous days of digging through mud and rock produced no signs of life. Pennsylvania State Police spokesperson Trooper Steve Limani said during a news conference Wednesday that authorities no longer believe they will find 64-year-old Elizabeth Pollard alive, but that the search for her remains continues. Limani says crews have seen "no signs of any form of life or anything.” Pollard was last seen alive Monday evening when she went out looking for her cat in the village of Marguerite, about 40 miles east of Pittsburgh. WWE is seeking a bigger stage and Netflix, pushing for more live events, is providing it WWE will perform on a stage next month that could be vastly larger than its current home on cable television when it makes its “Raw” debut on Netflix. The sports entertainment company is moving to a platform with about 283 million subscribers worldwide as it departs its current home on the USA Network, which averaged 688,000 viewers in prime-time last year, according to the Nielsen company. For Netflix, onboarding the WWE is part of strategic move to air more live events on the heels of a hugely successful fight between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul that was viewed by more than 60 million people. Michigan court upholds light sentence for woman who killed dad in dispute over ride DETROIT (AP) — The Michigan Court of Appeals has declined to overturn a light jail sentence for a young woman who killed her father by burning him with a dangerous powder. Prosecutors said Megan Imirowicz was upset when her father couldn’t drive her to a hair appointment before her 18th birthday party. Imirowicz was sentenced to only a year in jail in 2023. She actually spent more than a year in custody because she was locked up before trial and while awaiting her punishment in suburban Detroit. Sumo wrestlers bring 1,500 years of tradition to London as the sport has an international moment LONDON (AP) — London’s Royal Albert Hall is preparing to host a different kind of spectacle: Sumo wrestling. Wrestlers put on an exhibition of heavyweight grappling to promote a tournament scheduled for next October. It marks only the second time an elite five-day tournament will be held outside Japan. The first was held in 1991 at the same venue. Organizers are hoping to whip up the kind of excitement that was generated three decades ago, when the deeply ritualistic sport attracted sell-out crowds and a national television audience. The end of an Eras tour approaches, marking a bittersweet moment for Taylor Swift fans NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The global phenomenon that is Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour is coming to an end after the popstar performed more than 150 shows across five continents over nearly two years. Since launching the tour in 2023, Swift has shattered sales and attendance records. It's even created such an economic boom that the Federal Reserve took note. But for many who attended the concerts, and the millions more who eagerly watched on their screens, the tour also became a beacon of joy. It's become a chance not only to appreciate Swift’s expansive music career, but also celebrate the yearslong journey fans have taken with her. Jury revisits key videos in NYC subway chokehold death trial NEW YORK (AP) — Jurors have asked to review police and bystander video at the heart of the New York City chokehold manslaughter case against Daniel Penny. The request came during a second day of deliberations Wednesday. The anonymous jury also asked to rehear part of a city medical examiner’s testimony. The request included testimony about her decision to issue a death certificate without getting toxicology test results for Jordan Neely. He was the agitated subway rider whom Penny held him around the neck for roughly six minutes. Penny has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide. Prosecutors say he recklessly killed Neely. Penny's defense maintains he was justified in acting to protect fellow subway riders from Neely. Relatives hunt for the missing after Guinea stadium crush amid fears official death toll is too low CONAKRY, Guinea (AP) — Kambaly Kouroumah was searching a local morgue for his teenage brother, Adama, who died after chaos erupted at a soccer game in southern Guinea’s Nzerekore city. Adama, 15, was among 56 people that officials said were killed in Sunday's crush, although rights groups reported a death toll nearly three times higher. Local media, rights groups and witnesses say security forces used tear gas to respond after fans began to throw stones to protest a referee's decision during the soccer game that was organized in honor of Guinea's junta leader, Col. Mamadi Doumbouya. Many of the dead were crushed as they tried to escape through the stadium gates, videos showed. Power shortages in Ecuador are melting away the future of a small town’s ice-cream industry SALCEDO, Ecuador (AP) — Ice-cream production in this quiet Ecuadorian town began in the mid-20th century in a convent for Franciscan nuns. The nuns sold their creamy popsicles in town to gather funds for the poor. But the people of Salcedo saw a business opportunity and began experimenting with new flavors and techniques, establishing a thriving popsicle industry that has made their small town famous among ice-cream lovers. But now, the South American nation is struggling with a relentless wave of power cuts that threaten the future of Salcedo’s ice-cream industry, melting away its dreams of a more prosperous future. Senegalese artisans in the spotlight as they exhibit for the first time at a prestigious art event DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — For the artistic and cultural elites of the West African nation of Senegal, the monthlong Dakar Biennale of Contemporary African Arts is a celebratory moment. But it wasn’t until this year that the local artisans in the Soumbedioune crafts market, just off the Corniche and at the doorstep on the Medina working-class neighborhood, realized what the Biennale was. Craftsmanship is deeply rooted in the country’s culture, but its role has declined in recent years. As living costs rise, many Senegalese opt for cheaper, Chinese-imported products. And those that can afford it buy Western clothes and furniture to mark their social status. Eminem's mother Debbie Nelson, whose rocky relationship fueled the rapper's lyrics, dies at age 69 Debbie Nelson, the mother of rapper Eminem whose rocky relationship with her son was known widely through his song lyrics, has died. She was 69. Eminem’s longtime representative Dennis Dennehy confirmed Nelson’s death in an email on Tuesday. He did not provide a cause of death, although Nelson had battled lung cancer. Nelson’s fraught relationship with her son, whose real name is Marshall Mathers III, has been no secret since the Detroit rapper became a star. Nelson brought and settled two defamation lawsuits over Eminem’s statements about her in magazines and on radio talk shows. In her 2008 book, “My Son Marshall, My Son Eminem,” she attempted to set the record straight.

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TORONTO, Nov. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Immutable Holdings Inc. (CBOE: HOLD; OTC: IHLDF) (“ ” or the “ ”), a publicly-traded blockchain holding company, will hold its upcoming annual general meeting of shareholders on Friday, December 20, 2024 (the “ ”). Due to the ongoing national strike commenced by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers on November 15, 2024 (the “ ”), Canada Post’s operations have shut down and the physical delivery of the materials for the Meeting (the “ ”) may be delayed. In order to facilitate the delivery of the Corporation’s management information circular and related materials for the Meeting in the event that the Strike or similar or related events prevent, delay or otherwise interrupt delivery of the Materials, emails providing a proxy with the voting control number and instructions for voting will be sent by the Corporation’s transfer agent, Odyssey Trust Company, to . Shareholders who do not receive an email from Odyssey Trust Company with their proxy should contact Odyssey Trust Company at 1-888-290-1175 (toll free within North America) or 1-587-885-0960 or email to request their proxy, voting control number and any other Meeting-related information. Proxies, completed and signed, should be forwarded by no later than 1:00 p.m. (Eastern time) on Wednesday, December 18, 2024. , who hold their shares through a broker, and have not received their information from Broadridge Investor Solutions, should contact their broker representative to request a voting information form, voting control number, instructions for voting and any other Meeting-related information. The Materials, as well the Corporation’s financial statements and related management discussion & analysis, are also available under the Corporation’s profile on SEDAR+ ( ) and on Immutable’s website at: . Immutable has adopted the notice-and-access method for delivery of the Materials to its shareholders. Therefore, shareholders can access the Materials at the following website: . , please call Odyssey Trust Company at 1-888-290-1175 (toll free within North America) or 1-587-885-0960. In order to receive a paper copy in time to vote before the Meeting, your request should be received by Wednesday, December 11, 2024. Immutable Holdings is a collection of businesses within the digital assets ecosystem on a mission to build businesses and products that increase the awareness, access, and adoption of digital assets. Founded by Jordan Fried, a founding team member of multibillion dollar Hedera Hashgraph network, Immutable Holdings already boasts tens of millions under management and a portfolio of businesses and brands built on the blockchain ecosystem, including NFT.com, Coffee and Crypto, Immutable Asset Management, and 1-800-Bitcoin. For further information regarding Immutable Holdings, visit and see the Corporation’s disclosure documents on SEDAR+ at . Jordan Fried, Founder & CEO Email: info@immutableholdings.com Melyssa Charlton, CFO Email: info@immutableholdings.com Billy Baxter, Head of Corporate Development & Operations Email: info@immutableholdings.com This news release contains certain statements which constitute forward-looking statements or information under applicable Canadian securities laws. Such forward-looking statements, including any statements regarding the duration and potential impact of the Strike, are subject to numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond the Corporation’s control, which could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those stated, anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, changes to applicable laws or the regulatory sphere in which the Corporation operates, general economic and capital markets conditions, stock market volatility and the other risks disclosed in the Corporation’s annual information form dated March 28, 2024 and other disclosure documents available on the Corporation’s profile at . The foregoing is not an exhaustive list of factors that may affect the Corporation’s forward-looking statements. Other risks and uncertainties not presently known to the Corporation and/or not specifically referenced herein could also cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed in its forward-looking statements. Although the Corporation believes that the forward-looking statements in this news release are reasonable, they are based on factors and assumptions, based on currently available information, concerning future events, which may prove to be inaccurate. As such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, as no assurance can be provided as to future plans, operations, results, levels of activity or achievements. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and, except as required by applicable law, the Corporation does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or to revise any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Ross-shire figures wish for transport, housing and tourism in 2025Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Blowouts or not, this 12-team College Football Playoff has been pretty cool, has it not? With a real-life playoff tournament in place for the first time, college football’s postseason has finally matured from mind-numbingly broken (everything before 1998) to a step in the right direction (the BCS era) to an imperfect starter kit (the four-team CFP) to what we’ve got now. Which is a meaningful, fan-friendly playoff system that should give hope to every Division I program out there, and not just a handful of big-time brand names. Now, the temptation would be to suggest that because of the CFP, all other bowl games have been rendered truly meaningless. Baylor wide receiver Monaray Baldwin (4) celebrates a touchwown with Josh Cameron (34) in the Bears' home finale against Kansas on Nov. 30. That’s accurate, yet incomplete. For one, we should acknowledge that they were always meaningless. Given that the bowls were a postseason game in name only, they rarely mattered to anyone outside of the teams and fan bases involved in those games. But that’s the other truth we must address. To those programs involved, you’d better believe they matter. The bowl game serves as a bridge from one season to the next. In that regard, it’s highly important. It may even turn out to be essential training ground for a team as it prepares for a CFP push the next season, though such evaluations can only be made after the passage of time. How important does Dave Aranda consider the upcoming Texas Bowl? “Way” important, to use Aranda’s favorite modifier. “There are elements of the practices that we’ll have that are going to be foundational,” the Baylor coach said. Yeah, forgive us Allen Iverson, but we’re talking about practice. Practice, man. Not a game. Not the game guys go out there and die for, and play every game like it’s their last. But practice. (Sorry, that rant never grows old). Have you ever watched a football practice? I’ve watched plenty over the decades. As a spectator sport, it leaves a lot to be desired. Face it — practice is boring. OK, maybe occasionally entertaining, sporadically enlightening. But by and large, a snoozer. Give me the actual games. All that said, I know as well as anyone that practice is where a team is built. It’s the test kitchen, the laboratory. You don’t get a successful gameday product without it. • Call it the Dave Aranda Bowl, too — it's been just 5 years since the Baylor HFC won a championship at LSU, an amazing team with an amazing defense. How do you view this as an SEC-Big 12 "rivalry"-esque matchup? | SUBSCRIBE to One True Podcast at https://shows.acast.com/one-true-podcast or wherever you get your podcasts. Or to serve up a closer-to-home analogy, I suspect that if any of you were a fly on the wall of our daily news meetings at the Tribune-Herald, you’d be bored to tears. We editors blather on about the stories we’re working on, then we somehow dive deeper into the weeds and discuss minutiae like story placement in our print editions and what photos should be featured most prominently. It’s not exactly riveting stuff, especially if you’re not really invested. But it’s a necessary planning process, and we hope the end result is that it delivers engaging, interesting, informative and, yes, even fun journalism. Baylor’s extra workouts carry a deeper importance than just preparing for LSU. The Bears are getting ready for the Tigers, sure. But when Aranda calls them “foundational,” he’s talking about building a foundation that lasts, hopefully well into the 2025 season and beyond. He wants a foundation that’ll survive a SpaceX rocket test. (Yes, a sore subject for all of us who are tired of grumbling about the rumbling.) Then the bowl game itself is the culmination of all of that. A well-executed victory can be a launching pad to higher altitudes. OK, got it. So, the Texas Bowl matters, you say. Let me cue up my best Lee Corso impersonation — not so fast, my friends. Yes, it matters — except to those it doesn’t. We’ve already established that it doesn’t matter to everyone all over the country, only the teams involved. But beyond that, it doesn’t always matter to every player the same, either. These things don’t unfold in a vacuum where everyone’s motivation mirrors their teammate’s approach. Some guys may not care at all. More than ever, opt-outs are part of the bowl experience. By the time the bowl game rolls around, some players from the season roster have already entered the transfer portal and are busy transporting their way to another program in another town, where the fake football grass is always greener, right? Still other players opt to skip the game because they harbor professional football aspirations and don’t want to risk their futures on an, ahem, meaningless bowl game. Will the Texas Bowl get a good crowd for Baylor vs. LSU? The Trib's Baylor beat writer Zach Smith (@ByZachSmith) and sports editor Brice Cherry (@BriceCherry) check in for some Baylor and LSU football talk. | SUBSCRIBE to One True Podcast at https://shows.acast.com/one-true-podcast or wherever you get your podcasts. We could delve deeper into all the various rabbit holes this topic uncovers, but this isn’t meant to be a diatribe about the lack of player loyalty in the 21st century. Save that for your chatter over a Hungr-Buster at the DQ. It’s merely an acknowledgment of the reality that not every player carries the same motivation into a bowl game. For 2024 Baylor, this may very well be an advantage. The Bears have not experienced a wave of significant transfer portal subtractions or opt-outs for the bowl game. (Just in case you were wondering, players acquired this month through the portal would not be eligible to play in the bowl game). LSU, meanwhile, has seen more than a dozen players enter the portal , including a pair of starting offensive linemen in Will Campbell and Emery Jones. “Yeah, we’ve got some first-time starters in this game,” said LSU head coach Brian Kelly. I suspect Baylor will have a little more motivation for this game than LSU. Remember, the Tigers were in the running for the CFP not that many weeks ago. LSU held a 6-1 record following its first seven games and was ranked No. 8 in the AP Top 25. But the Tigers suffered a three-game losing streak before rebounding to win their final two for an 8-4 campaign. Baylor, meanwhile, closed the season on a six-game winning surge, completely turning around its season after a ragged 2-4 start. For the Bears, the Texas Bowl is a reward, not a disappointment. “I don’t get why you wouldn’t want to (play in the bowl game),” Baylor quarterback Sawyer Robertson said. “It’s another opportunity to play football with your brothers.” When Baylor and LSU square off on Dec. 31, it clearly won’t be the most important college football game of the day. That one will kick off four-and-a-half hours later, when Boise State and Penn State meet in the Fiesta Bowl, aka the CFP quarterfinals. But all news is local, right? When something happens, we want to know how it affects us. “Our guys are out hunting for respect, and they see (LSU) as a way to earn some respect,” Aranda said. “That’s a strong motivation right now.” The Texas Bowl may not matter to everyone in America, but it definitely matters to the Baylor Bears. Be the first to know Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.

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Greg Byrne, the University of Alabama's athletic director, received backlash on the internet after a misleading social media post. He outlined what he believed was the Crimson Tide's case to make the College Football Playoff, highlighting how the school needed to assess the difficulty of its non-conference schedule as its strength of schedule seemed to not reflect well in the CFP. The users of X hit Byrne with a to correct the record. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Thanks for the feedback.

Big Update: Apple's budget iPhone to be upgraded next year; here's all about the new phone that is packed with featuresIf you're building a portfolio of ASX shares, these broker recommendations may be of help in the decision-making. Analysts have lifted ratings on three stocks in notes to clients this week: ( ), ( ), and ( ). Why the change of heart on these companies, you might ask? Each has its own strengths and advantages., so let's see what the experts think and what it could mean for your portfolio. Analysts lift ratings on ASX shares Anyone following the EML Payments story will know the company has the stock up 27% in the past week alone. The animal spirits of EML have awakened again, and two points from its quarterly numbers stand out: The 46% jump in pre-tax earnings and management reaffirming full-year guidance of $54 million to $60 million, where it could earn 13 cents per share by FY28. At the ASX share's closing price of 89 cents on Tuesday, this equals a 14.7% five-year forward earnings yield. CEO Ron Hynes laid out bold plans to streamline operations and drive "double-digit transaction revenue growth by FY27" alongside the earnings target. This suggests a 35% upside potential from Tuesday's closing price. With management investing in leadership and efficiency gains, there's hope this battered ASX share could claw back some of its former glory. Webjet takes flight Webjet Group – which is no longer associated with ( ) – has been flying under the radar since its listing in September. Shares are down 9% in the past week, but Jeffries sees some value in the business and has upped its rating to a buy with a $1.10 price target. Jeffries joins the likes of Goldman Sachs, which already rated the stock a buy at the exact same valuation. The online travel agency delivered solid half-year results, prompting both brokers to turn more constructive on its outlook. Goldman was particularly impressed by Webjet's GoSee business, which is showing higher margins, and its improving online travel agency (OTA) run rates. It says management's guidance for flat earnings growth in FY25 might be a bit "conservative", leaving room for upside surprises. As investors, we like surprises of this kind. From Webjet Group's closing price of 83.5 cents on Tuesday, the $1.10 price objective implies a tidy 31.7% upside potential. For investors who are bullish on the , Webjet might just be worth a boarding pass. Lottery Corp: A jackpot for income investors? Finally, for those investors seeking ASX shares with more stability and Jeffries upgraded The Lottery Corp to a buy with a $5.80 price target this week. According to CommSec, it joins the consensus rating of buy on the stock, with analysts turning more constructive after the company's annual results. ", with management highlighting plans to refresh 'Saturday Lotto.' It says the business can deliver a 4.5% free yield on its forecasts, and it looks to of 19 cents per share over the coming two years. ASX shares takeout Brokers have turned more constructive on these ASX shares after recent updates in their investment stories. Zooming out, markets continue to trend higher, which means finding selective opportunities like these could be of merit. In the last 12 months, EML has fallen 19%, whereas The Lottery Corp is up 15%. Webjet Group was carved out in September and has climbed 4% since then.

Trent Williams did well to secure strong terms via a reworking completed just days before the season. The perennial All-Pro tackle will not be back to close out Year 1 of this revised agreement. Kyle Shanahan announced Monday ( via ESPN.com’s Nick Wagoner ) that his future Hall of Fame blindside blocker will not return from injury this season. Considering the 49ers have been eliminated, this is not especially surprising. Williams, who has been rehabbing an ankle injury, has not played since Week 11. Shanahan had said last week ( via NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport ) Williams would need to be close to healthy to come back this year, and he is not yet at that point. Two years remain on Williams’ contract. This marks the second straight year in which Williams has missed multiple games due to injury. The 49ers went 0-2 in those contests last season; they are 1-4 without Williams this year. Though, San Francisco has seen other valuable cogs miss time during this disastrous stretch as well. The team sits 6-9 as another woeful NFC title defense winds down. Williams, 36, has not made reference to a 2025 retirement yet. After securing a wave of guarantees midway through his six-year contract, it would represent a modest surprise if the former top-five pick walked away after this season. Ending a lengthy holdout via the summer adjustment, the 49ers have moved all but $1.26M of Williams’ 2025 base salary into void years and option bonuses. He received a $25.69M signing bonus upon inking his updated deal in September and will not be moved in 2025, as such a move would be punitive for the 49ers, who would take on $55M-plus in dead money by doing so. Although Williams is wrapping his age-36 season, he has remained one of the best linemen in football. San Francisco would benefit by having him back for what would be a 16th NFL season come 2025. Williams came back this season in a partial effort to set the tackle record for Pro Bowl nods. He is sitting on 11 going into this year’s unveiling; Hall of Famers Anthony Munoz, Jonathan Ogden and Willie Roaf join him at that number. Pro Football Focus slotted Williams seventh overall among tackles this season, a slight drop-off from his usual place, but ESPN’s pass block win rate metric ranks him first. It would not surprise to see Williams, despite missing five games, to be selected to his 12th Pro Bowl soon. The lucrative contract the 49ers gave to Williams has influenced their decision-making up front. The team has a midlevel deal at center ( Jake Brendel ) and a lower-end contract at right tackle ( Colton McKivitz ) and rookie pacts at guard ( Aaron Banks , Dominick Puni ). San Francisco is unlikely to re-sign Banks , and Williams’ contract should be expected to shape the team’s contractual blueprint — especially with Brock Purdy still on track to be paid in 2025 — with regards to its O-line. Williams announcing he is coming back would all but confirm this approach. This article first appeared on Pro Football Rumors and was syndicated with permission.Buck Pierce is back where his CFL career began. It's been about 20 years since the quarterback from Crescent City, Calif., hopped into the car with his dad and took the long, winding drive up the West Coast to a B.C. Lions' free agent camp in Portland, Ore., hoping to land a role with the team. This week, Pierce was named the Lions' head coach. "From that free agent camp, I signed with the B.C. Lions about a week later," he told reporters Wednesday. "To think about 20 years later, for that to come full circle and for me to be sitting here today is truly a surreal experience. It feels like a dream come true for me." Pierce's hiring comes after the Lions dismissed head coach and co-general manager Rick Campbell last month. B.C. finished the 2024 regular season with a 9-9 record, ending their campaign with a loss to the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the West Division semifinal. Choosing a new coach — the 28th in franchise history — was an "exhaustive process" where the Lions' front office went through eight candidates, said newly minted GM Ryan Rigmaiden. B.C. Lions fire head coach and co-GM Rick Campbell as part of sweeping changes Former Winnipeg Blue Bombers offensive co-ordinator named as new head coach for B.C. Lions "We wanted somebody that had leadership skills, accountability for coaches and players and then somebody that could bring in the mental and physical toughness that we felt like we had to make a jump with," he said. "Buck started his career as a quarterback here. He led from the huddle. And now he's going to lead us into a new era of B.C. Lions football." The Lions inked Pierce as a free agent in 2005, and he spent five seasons playing for B.C., winning a Grey Cup in 2006. The 43-year-old former QB grew emotional Wednesday reflecting on those memories. Quarterback Buck Pierce appeared in 94 games over two stints with the B.C. Lions. In nine seasons with B.C. and Winnipeg, he passed for 15,289 yards. (Darryl Dyck/Canadian Press) "To be back in this building, to see so many familiar faces around this room, reconnect with the community that I was so proud to be a part of, it's a very special feeling for me," he said. "To come back here and have this opportunity with an organization that I believe has the right people and is being built the right way is surreal, humbling. And I'm filled with gratitude." After leaving the Lions, Pierce played parts of four seasons for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers before being dealt back to B.C. midway through 2013. He then announced his retirement and joined the Bombers' coaching staff. Pierce has spent the last decade on Winnipeg's sidelines and capped his fourth season as the team's offensive co-ordinator with a Grey Cup appearance last month. Pierce helped the Bombers hoist Grey Cups in 2019 and 2021 by guiding star quarterback Zach Collaros and 2024's most outstanding player, running back Brady Oliveira. The Bombers offence has been the envy of the CFL in recent years, said Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke, who was on hand for Pierce's introduction Wednesday. Video A look back at the B.C. Lions winning the 1964 Grey Cup "They've proven that they can be an explosive offence. They can be a consistent offence, and that's ultimately what I want to be," he said. "I think that for the last couple of years, Winnipeg and Zach [Collaros] have set the standard for what the league is, especially in the West. And we're always chasing that. "We want to win the West. We want to win the Grey Cup. And I'm excited to learn and develop and get better within that offence." Vision for the club, 'toughness, grit, integrity': Buck Pierce Having a former quarterback as head coach is always great, added Rourke, who grew up watching the CFL and remembers seeing Pierce play. Getting the most out of the offence, though, is all about communication, according to Rourke. "In all the quarterback rooms that I've been in, the successful ones, it's a great dialogue, not just between the starter and the play caller, but with all the quarterbacks," he said. "And I think that that's something that he's striving for. And I think it's important." Who will join Pierce's staff remains to be seen. The new head coach said Wednesday that he'll be the one calling plays, but he'll take his time to round out his coaching roster. "Our vision for this club is an identity of toughness, grit, integrity and accountability," he said. "The standard will be set early, and we will hold ourselves and our players to that standard." New B.C. Lions head coach Buck Pierce, left, reaches to shake hands with co-general manager and director of football operations Neil McEvoy, right, as quarterback Nathan Rourke watches after a news conference at the CFL football team's practice facility, in Surrey, B.C., on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press) For now, Pierce's priority is reaching out to his new players and getting to know them. Some, including Rourke, are already locked up for next season, while others — including last season's leading receiver Justin McInnis — require new deals. The new head coach knows he'll face challenges in the weeks and months ahead, but wasn't about to speculate on what might be the toughest hurdle he'll face. "You don't know what you don't know as a first-time head coach," Pierce said. "But I do know this — I'm excited for the opportunity. What I know is adversity will show, and we're ready for that."

Charities, food banks and homeless shelters are to receive access to a £15m fund to help use surplus farm food. The government scheme, set to be launched next year, will give grants of £20,000 and upwards to non-profit redistribution groups in England. It aims to help those groups secure new equipment - like hoppers and balers - or to train staff and set up new technology so they can get food that would be wasted to those who need it most. According to government figures, it's estimated that around 330,000 tonnes of edible food a year are or used for animal feed before leaving farms. Announcing the scheme, circular economy minister Mary Creagh said: "With families gathering to celebrate Christmas and the New Year, it's important to remember those in our communities who may be going hungry this festive period. "Nobody wants to see good food go to waste - especially farmers who work hard to put food on family tables across the country." Charlotte Hill and Kris Gibbon-Walsh, chief executives of charities The Felix Project and FareShare, said they were "thrilled" that the fund had been announced after years of campaigning. "We have a proven model which funds farmers to redistribute their unsold food, which means that together, we can take meaningful steps toward achieving a zero-waste Britain," they said. It comes after the Trussel Trust, an anti-poverty charity that runs food banks across the UK, said in November that more than 1.42 million emergency food parcels had been distributed in the previous six months. The charity also reported a 37% increase in demand for food parcels between 2021/22 and 2022/23, and another 4% increase was recorded between 2022/23 and 2023/24.Revolutionizing Factories! BYD’s Secret Humanoid ProjectHoliday travel is utter chaos. Is picking someone up from the airport an act of love or an unnecessary burden?

Tracy City Attorney Bijal Patel will resign from her job, with the Tracy City Council accepting her resignation Tuesday night during a closed session. Patel submitted her resignation during a closed session meeting on Tuesday, when performance reviews of her and City Manager Midori Lichtwardt were on agenda. Councilman Dan Arriola, who has been elected as Tracy’s next mayor, with the Nov. 5 election results still to be certified, made the announcement: “At this time Ms. Patel is voluntarily issuing her resignation as Tracy City Attorney, and the City Council is accepting her resignation.” Human Resources Director Kimberly Murdaugh reported that three council members voted to accept Patel’s resignation and two abstained from the vote. She did not specify how each individual council member voted. Patel will remain in her office until Dec. 3, and she will work remotely until her resignation becomes effective at the end of the year. She then will receive a severance package that includes the equivalent of a year’s salary, $279,807, plus 140 hours of management leave and 12 months of COBRA payments to allow for continuation of her health insurance. Patel came to the city in April 2022 with 20 years of experience working at the City of Oakland, Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority and City of San Francisco. Her more than 21⁄2 years at the city of Tracy were marked by conflict with Mayor Nancy Young, leading to a San Joaquin County Civil Grand Jury report that, among other things, blamed Patel for delays in development and business projects and poor morale among city staff. The conflict came into the public spotlight in May 2023 when the council considered revisions to its Code of Conduct, which Young denounced as a policy document that would give the city attorney undue authority. That issue brought forth the council majority’s dissatisfaction with then-City Manager Michael Rogers, who would end up resigning. After the California State Bar declared Patel’s law license inactive for one month in July 2023, the council majority of Mayor Pro Tempore Eleassia Davis and council members Mateo Bedolla and Dan Evans continued to support her, approving a raise for her in December 2023 while Young and Arriola opposed the raise. Circumstances of that raise also led to two lawsuits against the city, the council majority in particular, but recent San Joaquin County Superior Court rulings in those cases have supported the city and Patel. Patel’s resignation comes as the council prepares to make a transition based on the results of the Nov. 5 election. Mayor Nancy Young is off of the council because of term limits, and Mayor Pro Tempore Eleassia Davis will be off of the council after an unsuccessful run for mayor. Steve Abercrombie and Dotty Nygard are the two leading candidates for council from Nov. 5, and Bedolla is likely to keep his seat on the council as the third-highest vote-getter as Arriola moves to the mayor’s seat. Despite the divisions and conflict over the past year-and-a-half, Patel and Young both made comments indicating they have reached a degree of reconciliation. “I hate that we have come to this place, and I do hope that you read the comments, at least from me, for this evaluation,” Young said, referring to the City Attorney’s performance evaluation discussed in closed session. “We’ve had our differences of approach and difference of opinion, definitely, throughout the time. I can say that in the past few months we have had a better working relationship and I do appreciate that and I do acknowledge that even in my review,” Young added. “I do wish you well in your endeavors. Even though it’s bittersweet I’m happy to be able to end on a better note than it could have been.” Patel agreed that they have put their conflicts behind them. “I do acknowledge that we have repaired our relationship in the past few weeks. It’s better to end on good note. I appreciate being able to leave on my own terms.” Davis, Evans and Bedolla, who have consistently supported Patel and praised her work on development agreements and other land-use matters, continued to offer words of support and encouragement while denouncing attacks against her. “I wanted to publicly thank you for your service to the city of Tracy,” Davis said. “I am disheartened that you are leaving, but I do understand. I do absolutely wish you the best of luck. I think you’re an outstanding attorney and I don’t think that this city did you any justice or favors, and I truly apologize as a member of this council and as a resident. You deserve better and I wish you the very best.” Evans added that he appreciated Patel’s experience as a development attorney. “You’ve got that background that really is perfect for this city. It’s what we need. It’s been invaluable, and the treatment that you’ve endured during your tenure at the city of Tracy, personally, it’s unforgivable and I’m very sorry that you’ve had to endure that.” In addition to conflicts at council meetings and the lawsuits, Patel was also subject to persistent online attacks through social media, as well as through mailers. “It’s difficult for me to even serve from this dais watching that happen. The city is losing somebody that endured that treatment to just do what’s right for this city,” Evans said. Bedolla added that Patel has contributed to progress on important city projects. “As part of a team we’ve had some really good successes in the past couple of years between the land for the aquatics center, the multigenerational rec center groundbreaking. I’ve seen things get done in this city that don’t necessarily match up with the narrative. I just want to sincerely thank you for your work.” Arriola’s comment was brief: “I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.” A statement from the City Manager’s office reads: “Over her tenure, she has played a vital role in improving legal processes and procedures, advancing the City's legal initiatives, and ensuring the protection of its interests.” During the closed session the council also conducted a performance review for City Manager Midori Lichtwardt. Young reported afterward that the council will consider an amended contract for Lichtwardt at its Dec. 3 meeting. • Contact Bob Brownne at brownne@tracypress.com , or call 209-830-4227.Joe Biden Has 'Bone to Pick' With Nancy Pelosi—Democrat

Josh Hubbard scored 25 points and Claudell Harris Jr. scored 21 on 6-of-9 shooting as Mississippi State escaped with a 91-84 win against Prairie View A&M on Sunday in Starkville, Miss. Prairie View A&M took a 65-64 lead with 10:38 remaining, but Hubbard and Harris Jr. each scored seven points to power the ensuing 14-1 run that put Mississippi State up for good. Hubbard punctuated the rally with a 3-pointer that made it 78-66 with 5:51 to play. The Bulldogs (8-1) stretched their lead to as many as 13 points in the closing minutes to notch their second straight win. Shawn Jones Jr. added 11 points for Mississippi State, while Michael Nwoko added 10 points and 10 rebounds. RJ Melendez also netted 10 points. The Panthers (1-8) were led by the trio of Nick Anderson (21 points) Tanahj Pettway (20) and Marcel Bryant (19). Pettway drilled 4 of 5 3-pointers and Bryant grabbed seven rebounds. Prairie View A&M got off to a hot start, opening up a 27-12 lead with 10:42 left in the first half. It was a surprising haymaker from the visitors, who entered the game winless in Division I play and faced a Bulldogs team that was ranked last week. Mississippi State eventually found its stride offensively, turning things around with a 32-17 run to tie the game at 44 entering halftime. The Bulldogs shot 50 percent from the field overall in the first half, but only made six of their 17 attempts from 3-point range (35.3 percent). Their defense remained an issue throughout the half, with the Panthers hitting 16 of their 27 shots (59.3 percent) and canning 5 of 8 3-pointers. Neither team led by more than five early in the second half until Mississippi State pulled away. The Bulldogs finished the game shooting 55.6 percent from the floor (30-of-54) and drilled 11 of 26 attempts (42.3 percent) from long range. They outrebounded Prairie View A&M 35-22 and outscored them 31-20 in bench points. The Panthers held a 34-32 advantage in points in the paint and shot 56.4 percent overall for the game, including 52.6 percent (10-of-19) on threes. --Field Level Media