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The AI Revolution in Law: Law Practice AI Transforms Legal Case Management with Advanced AutomationThe metallic screech of a train rolling by. The constant hum of traffic on the nearby Trans-Canada Highway. These are the sounds of the Brunette River in the fall, as it cuts through the suburbs of Burnaby, B.C. And rising above the din of Metro Vancouver, the splashing of chum salmon as they push upstream to spawn. The salmon in the river are looking haggard by mid-November, their skin patchy and worn as they near the end of their lives. But they continue the timeless cycle to produce the next generation of their keystone species. Jason Hwang, vice-president of the Pacific Salmon Foundation, recalled growing up in Delta, south of Vancouver, and thinking “salmon were something that came into the Fraser River but swam on by the Lower Mainland to better habitat” farther inland. Then, as a child, Hwang saw salmon spawning in Surrey’s Bear Creek. “I couldn’t believe it,” he said. “You might look out at the city and Vancouver and say, ‘Well, it’s a big city now and maybe the time to have salmon in our proximity is long passed.’ But that’s not true.” Efforts to rehabilitate urban waterways have helped bring spawning salmon back to parts of Metro Vancouver, including unlikely-looking streams surrounded by industrial and residential development. While it’s doubtful that city salmon will recover to their original numbers, those involved in restoration work say it has a host of side benefits, from boosting resilience to flooding to inspiring community connection and stewardship. Hwang said “an amazing thing happens” when people realize there are important natural assets in their communities, including spawning salmon. “There’s a pride of stewardship that exists that you see all over the Lower Mainland ... in the communities that are aware they’ve got salmon in their neighbourhoods.” Salmon are a keystone species, supporting the broader ecosystem, and they serve as a barometer for the state of their environment, Hwang said. “If you look at salmon, it’s one way to get a pretty good picture, and they’re showing us that we can do better, and we need to do better.” Francisca Olaya Nieto, a biologist with the Vancouver Park Board, said a century of urban development had altered the landscape to the point that aiming for healthy, sustainable salmon populations across the city is probably not realistic. About 100 kilometres of stream were covered up as Vancouver grew, she said, and just a handful of salmon-bearing waterways continue to flow naturally. Some of those original streams were diverted into pipes and connected to the city’s water system, while others were filled in, buried and paved over. Nieto said salmon in urban waterways must contend with pollution, sediment, warming waters, and infrastructure blocking their passage. Still, they have been returning to streams where the City of Vancouver and its park board have undertaken restoration work, said Nieto, who has been involved in efforts to recover or “daylight” sections of once-buried or degraded waterways. “The main goal is to find those opportunities where we can improve the water quality, and if salmon can return, that will be a win, but also we can benefit many other species,” she said. “We’re working more toward creating healthy habitat across the city, working toward connectivity and improving our biodiversity.” Amir Taleghani,asenior engineer with the City of Vancouver, said restoring salmon habitat may have started with naturalization and beautification in mind, but the work also provided an opportunity to tap into the broader benefits of natural assets. He pointed to Still Creek, flowing from the east side of Vancouver into Burnaby. The creek has been the site of restoration efforts over several decades, and Taleghani recently captured a video showing salmon spawning in the stream surrounded by parking lots, train tracks, big-box stores and industrial buildings. But Still Creek plays a role beyond providing salmon habitat, said Taleghani, whose work is focused on floodplains and watercourses in Vancouver. “Increasingly, we’re seeing the creek as a natural drainage asset, important to ... adapting to climate change and managing flood risk,” he said. “You need room for water to safely be stored in a flood. So, by widening the creek and lowering the surface where we can, we provide the space that in an extreme rainfall event can be flooded in a safe way, but the rest of the year, it can be habitat.” Taleghani said the city was incorporating Still Creek in its draft land-use plan for the area, which includes two SkyTrain stations, and looking at how the waterway can help manage run-off and flood risk as more housing and infrastructure is built. Hwang, too, said it was crucial to include natural assets in city and regional planning given the population increases expected for the Lower Mainland. “As a salmon biologist, I would advocate for all of the reasons that (restoration) can be helpful for salmon, but it’s also helpful for your community,” he said, pointing to flood mitigation as well as recreational opportunities in naturalized areas. While salmon will likely never return to streams in Metro Vancouver as they once did, Hwang said the target should be to restore as much habitat as possible. He recalled attending the British Columbia Institute of Technology as a post-secondary student, where there is an ongoing effort to restore a creek that runs through the Burnaby campus and eventually flows into Still Creek. “Maybe Guichon Creek used to produce thousands of salmon, and now it produces a couple of dozen ... but isn’t that still awesome? Isn’t it awesome that in the (school’s) parking lot area, you can make salmon, still, in a stream?”Upstart (NASDAQ:UPST) Shares Down 6.2% – Here’s Why

Ashoka India Equity Investment (LON:AIE) Hits New 12-Month High – Here’s WhyDENVER — So you're the most valuable player of that annual Thanksgiving Day backyard flag football game. Or played tackle football on any level. Or ran track. Or dabbled in basketball. Or toyed with any sport, really. Well, this may be just for you: USA Football is holding talent identification camps all over the country to find that next flag football star. It's "America's Got Talent" meets "American Idol," with the stage being the field and the grand prize a chance to compete for a spot on a national team. Because it's never too early to start planning for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, where flag football will make its Summer Games debut. Know this, though — it's not an easy team to make. The men's and women's national team rosters are at "Dream Team" status given the men's side has captured six of the last seven world championships and the women three in a row. To remain on top, the sport's national governing body is scouring every football field, park, track, basketball court and gym to find hidden talent to cultivate. USA Football has organized camps and tryouts from coast to coast for anyone ages 11 to 23. There are more than a dozen sites set up so far, ranging from Dallas (Sunday) to Chicago (Dec. 14) to Tampa (March 29) to Los Angeles (TBD) and the Boston area (April 27), where it will be held at Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots. The organization has already partnered with the NFL on flag football initiatives and programs. The numbers have been through the roof, with engagement on social media platforms increasing by 86% since flag football was announced as an Olympic invitational sport in October 2023. The participation of boys and girls ages 6 to 17 in flag football last year peaked at more than 1.6 million, according to USA Football research. "We pride ourselves on elevating the gold standard across the sport," said Eric Mayes, the managing director of the high performance and national teams for USA Football. "We want to be the best in the world — and stay the best in the world." Flag football was one of five new sports added to the LA28 program. The already soaring profile of American football only figures to be enhanced by an Olympic appearance. Imagine, say, a few familiar faces take the field, too. Perhaps even NFL stars such as Tyreek Hill or Patrick Mahomes, maybe even past pro football greats donning a flag belt for a country to which they may have ties. Soon after flag football's inclusion, there was chatter of NFL players possibly joining in on the fun. Of course, there are logistical issues to tackle before their inclusion at the LA Olympics, which open July 14, 2028. Among them, training camp, because the Olympics will be right in the middle of it. The big question is this: Will owners permit high-priced players to duck out for a gold-medal pursuit? No decisions have yet been made on the status of NFL players for the Olympics. For now, it's simply about growing the game. There are currently 13 states that sanction girls flag football as a high school varsity sport. Just recently, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles helped pave the way to get it adopted in Pennsylvania. Around the world, it's catching on, too. The women's team from Japan took third at the recent word championships, while one of the best players on the planet is Mexico quarterback Diana Flores. "Could flag football globally become the new soccer? That's something to aspire to," said Stephanie Kwok, the NFL's vice president of flag football. This type of flag football though, isn't your Thanksgiving Day game with family and friends. There's a learning curve. And given the small roster sizes, versatility is essential. Most national team members need to be a version of Colorado's two-way standout and Heisman hopeful Travis Hunter. Forget bump-and-run coverage, too, because there's no contact. None. That took some adjusting for Mike Daniels, a defensive back out of West Virginia who earned a rookie minicamp invitation with the Cleveland Browns in 2017. "If a receiver is running around, I'm thinking, 'OK, I can kind of bump him here and there and nudge him,'" Daniels explained. "They're like, 'No, you can't.' I'm just like, 'So I'm supposed to let this guy just run?!' I really rebelled at the idea at first. But you learn." The competition for an Olympic roster spot is going to be fierce because only 10 players are expected to make a squad. The best 10 will earn it, too, as credentials such as college All-American or NFL All-Pro take a backseat. "I would actually love" seeing NFL players try out, said Daniels, who's also a personal trainer in Miami. "I'm not going to let you just waltz in here, thinking, 'I played NFL football for five years. I'm popular. I have a huge name.' I'm still better than you and I'm going to prove it — until you prove otherwise." Around the house, Bruce Mapp constantly swivels his hips when turning a hallway corner or if his daughter tries to reach for a hug. It's his way of working on avoiding a "defender" trying to snare the flag. That approach has earned the receiver out of Coastal Carolina four gold medals with USA Football. The 31-year-old fully plans on going for more gold in Los Angeles. "You grow up watching Usain Bolt (win gold) and the 'Redeem Team' led by Kobe Bryant win a gold medal, you're always thinking, 'That's insane.' Obviously, you couldn't do it in your sport, because I played football," said Mapp, who owns a food truck in the Dallas area. "With the Olympics approaching, that (gold medal) is what my mind is set on." It's a common thought, which is why everything — including talent camps — starts now. "Everybody thinks, 'Yeah, the U.S. just wins,'" Daniels said. "But we work hard all the time. We don't just walk in. We don't just get off the bus thinking, 'We're going to beat people.'" Get local news delivered to your inbox!DAMATURU – Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (APC) Borno South has distributed 25 bulls to all Army formations in his constituency to enable them celebrate the 2024 Christmas and the New Year 2025. The Senator in his usual gesture has also distributed food and non-food items to Christian Communities across the constituency, even as he visited the office of the Theatre Commander, North East ‘Operation Hadin KAI’, Major General Waihid Shauibu on Tuesday where he appealed for reopening of the Maiduguri-Damboa-Biu road and other roads to enable easy movement of good and services. Flagging off the distribution of the Christmas largesse to leaders and representative of various groups, clubs and associations irrespective of political consideration, Ndume said, “This is a routine gesture to enable my people celebrate the Christmas without hitches. “The military have been doing wonderfully well in the fight against insurgency, especially in Southern Borno which is now very peaceful compared to the past. “We will continue to give the military the desired support and cooperation to fulfil their mandate or rules of engagement for peace to reign forever not only in our constituency, or Borno, but the country as a whole. I visited the Theatre Commander today who is a very good and dedicated Army General in the fight against Boko Haram. “I also used the opportunity and appealed to his noble office to intensify efforts in degrading remnants of Boko Haram Terrorists still hibernating around the Mandara Mountains and other hideouts. “I want to also pray that God will grant us successful Christmas celebrations and the new year in advance”. Ndume stated. He also enjoined all and sundry, especially people from the constituency to continue pray for peace and give their maximum support to the present administration of Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in their quest to better the lives of the citizenry.

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Some of Blake Lively's co-stars from It Ends With Us are standing with the actress amid her sexual harassment lawsuit against Justin Baldoni . On Friday, Dec. 20, the actress filed a lawsuit against Justin and accused him of misconduct on set such as sexual harassment . She also accused the actor of a smear campaign against her on social media after the film's release to tarnish her reputation. She claimed that Justin's behavior caused her and her family "severe emotional harm." Justin Baldoni denied the allegations with his lawyer calling the lawsuit "shameful" and full of "categorically false accusations." Two of her co-stars —Brandon Sklenar and Jenny Slate — have spoken out recently following her lawsuit, adding to the string of support The Gossip Girl alum has garnered . Justin Baldoni loses award from women’s organization after Blake Lively sexual harassment lawsuit Blake Lively's past co-stars praise her for 'fighting back' at Justin Baldoni's 'vindictive efforts' Brandon on his Instagram Story on Monday, December 23, posted a screenshot of the New York Times article that was Blake's legal complaint with the words, "For the love of god read this." In those words, he also linked the article and tagged Blake with a red heart emoji by her name. Jenny shared her support for Blake in an statement to TODAY on December 23. She said: "As Blake Lively’s castmate and friend, I voice my support as she takes action against those reported to have planned and carried out an attack on her reputation. Blake is a leader, loyal friend and a trusted source of emotional support for me and so many who know and love her." She added: "What has been revealed about the attack on Blake is terribly dark, disturbing, and wholly threatening. I commend my friend, I admire her bravery, and I stand by her side." Brandon played Atlas Corrigan, the childhood love of Blake's character, in It Ends With Us. While Jenny portrayed Allysa Kincaid who is the sister of Ryle Kincaid and the sister-in-law of Blake's Lily Bloom. Justin played the Ryle Kincaid, Lily's abusive husband, and directed the film as well. The film is based on Colleen Hoover's book of the same name. The author also recently threw her support at Blake in an Instagram Story on Saturday, December 21. She posted a photo of the two hugging, along with the words: "@blakelively you have been nothing but honest, kind, supportive and patient since the day we met. Thank you for being exactly the human that you are. Never change. Never wilt." She additionally added a link to a New York Times article titled We Can Bury Anyone: Inside A Hollywood Smear Machine. The article takes a detailed look inside alleged smear campaign against Blake by Justin and his team. DAILY NEWSLETTER: Sign up here to get the latest news and updates from the Mirror US straight to your inbox with our FREE newsletter.How Trump’s bet on voters electing him managed to silence some of his legal woesRobert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent critic of the food and pharmaceutical industries, discussed his views regarding GLP-1 weight loss drugs in a televised broadcast. Kennedy, who was nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), said that lifestyle changes — specifically healthy eating and avoiding obesity — should be the primary approach to weight management. Kennedy said GLP-1 drugs should be limited to a secondary role, in the broadcast. Drugs with a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) classification such as Novo Nordisk 's Wegovy and Ozempic and Eli Lilly 's Zepbound and Mounjaro , help in the regulation of digestion, appetite, and sugar which aid in weight loss . Kennedy's comments about GLP-1 weight loss drugs attracted the attention of Wall Street, especially since he has voiced concerns about the popularity of these drugs and their impact on public health. After his nomination in November, Pfizer, a vaccine maker, stock fell by 2.6%, along with BioNTech (7.1%) and Moderna (5.6%) amid Kennedy's publicized disdain for vaccinations. Kennedy, a staunch vaccine skeptic, once felt the wrath of his famous family members after they "united" against his "dangerous" views on health, said cousin, Caroline Kennedy , the U.S. ambassador to Australia. He previously argued that weight loss drugs, like Ozempic, do not address the root causes of obesity; instead, they solely benefit pharmaceutical companies. Kennedy has also suggested putting a limit on drug prices, which would include medications like Ozempic, and critiqued the influence of " Big Pharma " on healthcare. Kennedy's nomination to head HHS has raised questions about potential policy shifts regarding the regulation and pricing of medications. Investors are closely watching his stance on weight loss drugs like GLP-1s, as some analysts anticipate the market for these medications could exceed $100 billion by 2030. In November, despite slamming the president's diet as "just poison ," RFK Jr. was caught days later in a photo released of him and Elon Musk sharing a McDonald's meal with Trump.

From Magnus Eze , Enugu The Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev Callistus Onaga, has alleged that security was being politicised in some parts of the country. He called on Nigeria politicians and leaders at various levels to begin to make things easier for the people including bringing permanent solutions to insecurity. Onaga also appealed to Nigerians to stop adding suffering to fellow Nigerians with the outrageous price hikes on food and household items. In his 2024 Christmas press briefing in Enugu, Onaga lamented that prices of food stuff and other items were skyrocketing because of the manner Nigerians were fixing prices. He lamented that most Nigerians were suffering to the extent that a tuber of yam sold for far less than N1,000 now goes for over N5,000. “And what worsens it is that the same system that is making things difficult for fellow Nigerians made it even difficult for them to go to their farms – insecurity. Let us note that very clearly it becomes obvious for us Nigerians that the issue of insecurity is not only being politicised but even ethnicised. We are doing a little bit of ethnic cleansing in some areas and then we are blaming the foreigners. No, we are the one doing it. “Here in the South East, we started killing ourselves saying that we are killing those who are supposed to be killing us. We are destroying ourselves. We have done it for the past three years since 2021. We become cowards of our own actions here in the South East. “Let’s go over to the NorthEast and all other parts of the North, go down to Benue, you saw politics, you saw ethnic cleansing. Why will we sit down and plan our own destruction and few people will be profiting from that? “That is what the Israelite were suffering. Southern Judah was against Northern Judea. They were against one another and they were destroying themselves. Then foreigners will come – Assyrians and Babylonians – came in. So, the people were in trouble. I thank whatever government that thinks it is thinking right for us but let them think correctly. If you are trying to improve the economic situation of the country you don’t do everything at the same time. “We have kept quiet for some time now. You cannot be making it difficult for people to get money because you said you are doing the so-called cashless restructure that is not there and you gave the same money they are getting to go and buy again. What kind of economy are we copying? Where has it ever been done in the world?” He expressed hope that things would get better during this Christmas. Continuing, he said: “Can our politicians think otherwise and begin to make things easier? Will our politicians begin to really believe that we have some measure of intelligence? My dear fellow Nigerians, let us not add to the sufferings that are coming onto us by making things more difficult. At this Christmas, try to help everybody celebrate by bringing down your prices, bring down whatever you are doing. Yes, even in the church you should do something to bring down whatever levies so that people can really feel the impact of the celebration of love and celebration of joy at Christmas.”( MENAFN - Daily News Egypt) Egypt's Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, Alaa Farouk, stated that Egypt has taken significant steps to achieve food security and reduce the food gap in several strategic crops. Speaking at the World Food Summit in the United Arab Emirates, Minister Farouk addressed a ministerial dialogue session chaired by the UAE Minister of Climate Change. The session, attended by ministers and representatives of participating organizations, was moderated by Dr. Abdul Hakim El Waer, Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for the Near East and North Africa at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Minister Farouk highlighted Egypt's commitment to ensuring food security for its people amidst challenges such as limited land and water resources, and a rapidly growing population. He detailed several key initiatives: vertical agricultural expansion through increased land and water productivity; the development of high-yield crop varieties resilient to adverse climate change; horizontal agricultural expansion through the reclamation of new lands, including the 1.5 million-feddan project and the 2.2 million-feddan New Delta project; the expansion of national aquaculture projects, water desalination projects, and irrigation water management; the development of livestock and poultry resources and the improvement of breeds; and encouraging private sector investment in agricultural projects, particularly agro-processing and agricultural waste recycling. Minister Farouk added that the government is adopting a contractual farming system and focusing on the cultivation of strategic crops, especially grains, oils, and fodder. He also noted President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's launch of the“Decent Life” initiative, aimed at improving the living standards of over 60% of Egyptians in rural areas. This major development project involves international organizations such as the FAO and the World Food Programme. He further cited the Takaful and Karama (Solidarity and Dignity) program, benefiting millions of Egyptian citizens, and the establishment of the Egyptian Food Bank, among other initiatives supporting the Egyptian people. Minister Farouk concluded by emphasizing that despite regional difficulties, Egypt is effectively addressing food security challenges and supporting its regional neighbors facing political and geopolitical conflicts. Earlier today, Minister Farouk delivered Egypt's address at the opening session of the World Food Security Summit in Abu Dhabi. MENAFN26112024000153011029ID1108930142 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.AP Sports SummaryBrief at 6:49 p.m. EST

Now four years removed from his Cy Young Award in the shortened 2020 season, Shane Bieber will return to the Guardians after agreeing to a one-year, $10 million deal with a $16 million player option for 2026 that includes a $4 million buyout, according to a league source. The contract comes with the clear potential for upside as Bieber looks to return from Tommy John surgery and reestablish himself as one of the game’s best pitchers. Bieber may not be ready for major-league action until early summer at best, but he remains an intriguing addition despite his injury. Before surgery, Bieber had a 3.13 ERA over 70 starts after his Cy Young Award-winning season. Although his fastball velocity declined to an average of 92 mph in 2024, he has a reputation for top-notch command and a swing-and-miss slider. Bieber also throws a tumbling knuckle curveball and began honing a trendy “splinker” to complement his arsenal before the injury. Advertisement Now 29 years old, this will be a prove-it deal for a pitcher who did show evidence of decline in 2023, when his average exit velocity allowed (91.6 mph) ranked in the bottom 2 percent of all MLB pitchers and he struck out only 7.5 batters per nine innings. Bieber made only two starts and threw 12 scoreless innings with 20 strikeouts last season before his injury. Bieber told The Athletic in October that he’s targeting a June/July return next season. As he returns to the mound, there will be uncertainty, but an unpredictable arsenal and a track record of success could help Bieber remind everyone why he can be among the best starting pitchers in the game. GO DEEPER MLB Top 40 Free Agent Big Board: Welcome to the Juan Soto sweepstakes (Photo: Ezra Shaw / Getty Images)

Moment of silence for former President Jimmy Carter held before the Falcons-Commanders game

DENVER — So you're the most valuable player of that annual Thanksgiving Day backyard flag football game. Or played tackle football on any level. Or ran track. Or dabbled in basketball. Or toyed with any sport, really. Well, this may be just for you: USA Football is holding talent identification camps all over the country to find that next flag football star. It's "America's Got Talent" meets "American Idol," with the stage being the field and the grand prize a chance to compete for a spot on a national team. Because it's never too early to start planning for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, where flag football will make its Summer Games debut. Know this, though — it's not an easy team to make. The men's and women's national team rosters are at "Dream Team" status given the men's side has captured six of the last seven world championships and the women three in a row. To remain on top, the sport's national governing body is scouring every football field, park, track, basketball court and gym to find hidden talent to cultivate. USA Football has organized camps and tryouts from coast to coast for anyone ages 11 to 23. There are more than a dozen sites set up so far, ranging from Dallas (Sunday) to Chicago (Dec. 14) to Tampa (March 29) to Los Angeles (TBD) and the Boston area (April 27), where it will be held at Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots. The organization has already partnered with the NFL on flag football initiatives and programs. The numbers have been through the roof, with engagement on social media platforms increasing by 86% since flag football was announced as an Olympic invitational sport in October 2023. The participation of boys and girls ages 6 to 17 in flag football last year peaked at more than 1.6 million, according to USA Football research. "We pride ourselves on elevating the gold standard across the sport," said Eric Mayes, the managing director of the high performance and national teams for USA Football. "We want to be the best in the world — and stay the best in the world." Flag football was one of five new sports added to the LA28 program. The already soaring profile of American football only figures to be enhanced by an Olympic appearance. Imagine, say, a few familiar faces take the field, too. Perhaps even NFL stars such as Tyreek Hill or Patrick Mahomes, maybe even past pro football greats donning a flag belt for a country to which they may have ties. Soon after flag football's inclusion, there was chatter of NFL players possibly joining in on the fun. Of course, there are logistical issues to tackle before their inclusion at the LA Olympics, which open July 14, 2028. Among them, training camp, because the Olympics will be right in the middle of it. The big question is this: Will owners permit high-priced players to duck out for a gold-medal pursuit? No decisions have yet been made on the status of NFL players for the Olympics. For now, it's simply about growing the game. There are currently 13 states that sanction girls flag football as a high school varsity sport. Just recently, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles helped pave the way to get it adopted in Pennsylvania. Around the world, it's catching on, too. The women's team from Japan took third at the recent word championships, while one of the best players on the planet is Mexico quarterback Diana Flores. "Could flag football globally become the new soccer? That's something to aspire to," said Stephanie Kwok, the NFL's vice president of flag football. This type of flag football though, isn't your Thanksgiving Day game with family and friends. There's a learning curve. And given the small roster sizes, versatility is essential. Most national team members need to be a version of Colorado's two-way standout and Heisman hopeful Travis Hunter. Forget bump-and-run coverage, too, because there's no contact. None. That took some adjusting for Mike Daniels, a defensive back out of West Virginia who earned a rookie minicamp invitation with the Cleveland Browns in 2017. "If a receiver is running around, I'm thinking, 'OK, I can kind of bump him here and there and nudge him,'" Daniels explained. "They're like, 'No, you can't.' I'm just like, 'So I'm supposed to let this guy just run?!' I really rebelled at the idea at first. But you learn." The competition for an Olympic roster spot is going to be fierce because only 10 players are expected to make a squad. The best 10 will earn it, too, as credentials such as college All-American or NFL All-Pro take a backseat. "I would actually love" seeing NFL players try out, said Daniels, who's also a personal trainer in Miami. "I'm not going to let you just waltz in here, thinking, 'I played NFL football for five years. I'm popular. I have a huge name.' I'm still better than you and I'm going to prove it — until you prove otherwise." Around the house, Bruce Mapp constantly swivels his hips when turning a hallway corner or if his daughter tries to reach for a hug. It's his way of working on avoiding a "defender" trying to snare the flag. That approach has earned the receiver out of Coastal Carolina four gold medals with USA Football. The 31-year-old fully plans on going for more gold in Los Angeles. "You grow up watching Usain Bolt (win gold) and the 'Redeem Team' led by Kobe Bryant win a gold medal, you're always thinking, 'That's insane.' Obviously, you couldn't do it in your sport, because I played football," said Mapp, who owns a food truck in the Dallas area. "With the Olympics approaching, that (gold medal) is what my mind is set on." It's a common thought, which is why everything — including talent camps — starts now. "Everybody thinks, 'Yeah, the U.S. just wins,'" Daniels said. "But we work hard all the time. We don't just walk in. We don't just get off the bus thinking, 'We're going to beat people.'" Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!Skier/snowboarder Ester Ledecka has 2 Olympic races on same day in 2026, hoping for schedule change