Texas, Arizona State to meet in CFP clash of old vs. new Big 12 champs

DETROIT — After being titled American Youth Football and Cheer state champions over the weekend, the Detroit City Lions youth teams have set their eyes on Naples, Florida, to bag the national championship. But there is a major hurdle in their way, which could break their young hearts. 7 News Detroit reporter Faraz Javed is raising the voices of over 30 kids, asking for your help to make their dreams come true. These twenty-nine little warriors are loud and proud of their nine-and-under Detroit City Lions Youth Club's football team. Darien Vanpalt plays right tackle and is laser-focused on his goal. "To protect the quarterback," said Darien. And that would be Kayden Buskins. "What's that feeling like leading a team?" asked Faraz. "Sometimes it be a lot of pressure... Like I don't yell at them, I would be like, ay, you doing good, but you can improve on this and that," said Kayden. This past weekend, the Little Lions beat teams from Milwaukee, Chicago, and Cleveland to win the AYF Midwest Regional Championship, which was held in Detroit for the first time. "Win downtown Detroit at Corner Ball Park. How exciting is that? For now, Detroit is the limelight that this is a great city, great people here, great talent," said co-founder Devon Buskins. Buskins created this club 5 years ago to provide at-risk young boys and girls with much-needed sports programs and academic services. After bagging this cup, Devon is even more determined to continue the mission. "With that grit on our back that we were not going to give up, and our kids are special. They've fought all year round," said Devon. That also includes the club's ten-and-under cheer team, who also bagged this year's AYF Midwest Cheer Championship and are also Florida-bound for the finals. "But there is a hiccup?" asked Faraz. "Yes, major! It's financial," said Devon. Devon says that football is an expensive sport to pursue, and the club doesn't have the budget to cover the cost of the trip. "It kind of hurts me. Saddens me to see my son not, possibly, be able to go on a trip because of financial issues," said Darrin. Darien's dad has a pet grooming business, and Darrin says things have just not been the same. "You have to put in extra hours, to work extra hard, and sometimes it's just not enough to cover everything, like sports because you have to make sure home is taken care of first and everybody eats," said Darrin. Devon says nearly every parent that's part of the club is struggling to raise $720 per kid, especially during the holidays. "My family started this organization out of our pockets because we believe not only in our kids but all kids. And all kids need a chance. And that's why organizations, and companies and individuals that can donate should donate to Detroit City Lions. We are one of the most diverse youth club organization, grass-rooted. Last year we serviced 3900 kids," said Devon. "Just in case you cannot raise the money, are you saying their dreams will be crushed?" asked Faraz. "There is a huge possibility. Give a dollar, a quarter, it adds up, and create an experience for these young people that they may never get again," said Devon. "You got to do what you got to do to win," said Kayden. The DCL is looking to raise a total of $28,000 for both the club's football and cheer teams. The AYF Championship game is on December 7th; the donation process is simple; just head to www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=PKZRCYVAYW4PE You can also learn more about the club here: www.detroitcitylions.org Where Your Voice MattersJERUSALEM (AP) — Israel’s attorney general has ordered police to open an investigation into Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s wife on suspicion of harassing political opponents and a witness in the Israeli leader’s corruption trial. Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara made the announcement in a terse message late Thursday, saying the investigation would focus on the findings of a recent report by the “Uvda” investigative program into Sara Netanyahu. The program uncovered a trove of WhatsApp messages in which Mrs. Netanyahu appears to instruct a former aide to organize protests against political opponents and to intimidate Hadas Klein, a key witness in the trial. The announcement did not mention Mrs. Netanyahu by name, and the Justice Ministry declined further comment. But in a video released earlier Thursday, Netanyahu listed what he said were the many kind and charitable acts by his wife and blasted the Uvda report as “lies.” “My opponents on the left and in the media found a new-old target. They mercilessly attack my wife, Sara,” he said. He called the program ”false propaganda, nasty propaganda that brings up lies from the darkness.” It was the latest in a long line of legal troubles for the Netanyahus — highlighted by the prime minister's ongoing corruption trial . The pair have also had a rocky relationship with the Israeli media. Netanyahu is charged with fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes in a series of cases alleging he exchanged favors with powerful media moguls and wealthy associates. Netanyahu denies the charges and says he is the victim of a “witch hunt” by overzealous prosecutors, police and the media. The report obtained correspondence between Sara Netanyahu and Hanni Bleiweiss, a former aide to the prime minister who died of cancer last year. The messages indicated that Sara Netanyahu, through Bleiweiss, encouraged police to crack down violently on anti-government protesters and ordered Bleiweiss to organize protests against her husband's critics. She also told Bleiweiss to get activists in Netanyahu's Likud party to publish attacks on Klein. Klein is an aide to billionaire Hollywood mogul Arnon Milchan and has testified in the corruption case about her role in delivering tens of thousands of dollars worth of champagne, cigars and gifts to Netanyahu for her boss. According to the report, Bleiweiss also was instructed to organize demonstrations outside the homes of the lead prosecutor in the corruption case, Liat Ben-Ari, and then Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit, who had issued the indictments, and protests and social media campaigns smearing political opponents. According to the report, Bleiweiss was a loyal aid to Netanyahu for decades. But while she was ill, it said Sara Netanyahu mistreated her, prompting her to share the messages with a reporter shortly before her death. Sara Netanyahu has been accused of abusive behavior toward her personal staff before. This, together with accusations of excessive spending and using public money for her own extravagant personal tastes, has earned her an image as being out of touch with everyday Israelis. In 2019, she was fined for misusing state funds. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who oversees police and has repeatedly said the attorney general, Baharav-Miara should be fired over a series of grievances against her, said the latest announcement was another reason for her to be dismissed. “Someone who politically persecutes government ministers and their families cannot continue to serve as the attorney general,” he said. And Justice Minister Yariv Levin, another Netanyahu ally and critic of Baharav-Miara, accused her of focusing on “television gossip.” “Selective enforcement is a crime!” he said in a statement. AP correspondents Eleanor H. Reich in New York and Isaac Scharf in Jerusalem contributed reporting.Feddersen's 17 help North Dakota State defeat West Georgia 73-61Team claims NASCAR rescinded approval to buy charter

As part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme, Dynamik Technologies Sdn Bhd hosted a donation handover ceremony to provide essential school supplies to underprivileged students in the Brunei-Muara District. The Dynamik Prihatin initiative is aimed to assist students in preparing for the upcoming academic year while alleviating financial burdens on their families. The donations were handed over by Dynamik Technologies Head of Finance Rachel Chew, and Head of Corporate Services Hajah Siti Rozana binti Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yunos. The effort was made possible through the combined contributions of Dynamik Technologies and its employees.

Donald Trump expected to be named Time magazine Person of the Year: reportsNew Jersey fines firms $40K for sports betting violationsThe students at the Montessori Elementary & Middle School are great in academics, but being competitive in sports is the one thing that was lacking. I introduced physical education in 2022-2023, emphasizing the importance of an active lifestyle. It is a component in each student to understand fundamentals in physical activity, attitude, and behaviors. In 2023-2024, we started an after-school program in sports, more specifically in basketball, twice a week just to see how the students interact and the knowledge they have. In the spring of 2024, I spoke to the Head Principal, Dr. Rigg, to ask if we could have a team — to build self-confidence and social skills and develop fundamentals that contribute to understanding how to deal with situations by controlling emotions and approaching them in an educated way. During the summer, I was constantly reaching out to the Boys & Girls Club, hoping to be part of their basketball league for next season and there was a spot available in August. The athletic director placed us in the 4th/5th grade boys basketball group. As soon as we were locked in, I had to get my group of boys. I didn't hold any tryouts but just accepted those who had signed up. My boys didn't have any experience in competitive basketball. However, I told them that making a commitment to a team takes a lot of work and teaches you how to show up. For me, it's not just being there and telling them to dribble and shoot. Every student has a certain way of learning and if you teach the who, what, where, when, and how, students will understand quicker than we know. By Montessori having a basketball team for the very first time, a mascot was given to us, we became the Condors. The Montessori Condors — which I'm very proud of and grateful for. As a private school, there isn't a league for us but we are thankful for the opportunity with the Boys & Girls Club because we need leagues like this that compete within schools regardless of whether you are private or public. Everyone should be given the opportunity to compete. The more schools that compete within our community here in Tracy, the more opportunity for the kids to build their confidence level in the most positive way. In our first year, the Montessori Condors reached the playoffs and faced Poet-Christian on Nov. 19. We came up short but fought with heart and pride and represented our school. Jennifer Laureta is the head sports specialist at Montessori Elementary & Middle School of Tracy, located at 120 Murrieta Way. Contact the Tracy Press at tpnews@tracypress.com , or call 209-835-3030.

CBC resurrects live New Year's Eve broadcast special with coast-to-coast show

None

Google forges ahead with its next generation of AI technology while fending off a breakup threatPostseason ranking the top 10 Macomb County football teams of 2024

Team claims NASCAR rescinded approval to buy charterSeadrill Announces Sale of Jack-Up West Prospero