Got $1,000? These 2 High-Yielding Dividend Stocks Could Turn It Into Nearly $65 of Passive Income in 2025.LOS ANGELES — Considering how their seasons have ebbed and flowed so far, and the history between the stars leading their teams, it’s only appropriate that the Lakers and Golden State Warriors match up for a Christmas Day showdown on Wednesday at Chase Center. Just a month ago, the Lakers and Warriors were sitting near the top of the Western Conference standings, opening the season with 10-5 and 12-3 records, respectively, entering Nov. 23. How much a month can change things. The Lakers (16-13) have gone 6-8 since then after dropping Monday’s home game to the Detroit Pistons to end their three-game winning streak. And the Warriors (15-13) have been even worse, winning just three of their last 13 games after starting the year at the top of the conference. But Wednesday will be another matchup between Lakers star LeBron James and Warriors star Steph Curry – two all-time greats whose careers have intersected to the point they’re considered by many to have one of the defining rivalries of the league’s modern era. “Anytime you get an opportunity to be on the court and compete versus one of the greats to ever play this game, you never take it for granted,” James said. “I don’t know how many more opportunities we’re gonna get to go against each other, so it’s always fun.” Wednesday will also mark the second time the Lakers and Warriors have played each other on Christmas in the past seven years, with the Lakers beating the Warriors on Dec. 25, 2018, in James’ first season with the Lakers. In addition to the 2018 matchup , James’ and Curry’s teams squared off on Christmas for three consecutive seasons (2015-17) when James was on the Cleveland Cavaliers. Curry didn’t play in the 2017 game. But matchups between James and Curry have historically had more at stake than Christmas Day game bragging rights. Their teams matched up in four consecutive NBA Finals (2015-18), with Curry’s Warriors winning the championship in 2015, ‘17 and ‘18 and James’ Cavaliers coming out on top in ’16 after coming back from a 3-1 series. “For me, as a fan, it was an awesome stretch,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said. “For me as a player, it wasn’t a great stretch because I wasn’t in those Finals. But it was great to have two of the icons of this generation go head to head and have some for sure classic series and then just also some classic games and classic moments. “Throughout the history of the NBA, player and team rivalries have been good for the league and that sort of captured a moment in our generation.” The Lakers and Warriors also played each other in the 2021 Play-In Tournament and the second round of the 2023 playoffs, with the Lakers winning both matchups “It’s going to be good,” Anthony Davis said. “We always have battles with them, we’ve seen them in the playoffs a couple of years. It’s going to be fun to go up to The Bay and try to get a win on Christmas Day.” Not including the Play-In Tournament game, Wednesday will mark the 53rd matchup between a team led by James and Curry. Curry’s teams have a 29-23 record in those matchups, including a 17-11 record in the playoffs. But the relationship between James, who’s in his 22nd NBA season and will return 40 on Monday, and Curry, who’s in his 16th NBA season and will turn 37 in March, has evolved over the years since consistently playing against one another in the Finals. James and Curry teamed up this past summer, leading Team USA to a gold medal in the Paris Olympics. “It’s a fun battle because of the longevity of how long we’ve been doing this,” Curry said during an appearance on ESPN’s “NBA Today” on Tuesday. “There’s more appreciation and respect than probably back in the day because there was a lot of pettiness and resentment. The rivalry was real but it evolves and you still want to go at each other, but the respect is there.” When : Wednesday, 5 p.m. Where : Chase Center, San Francisco TV/radio : ABC/ESPN, 710 AMSpotlight on Robinhood Markets: Analyzing the Surge in Options Activity

Dating in the age of technology is... weird, man. There haven't been many mainstream love stories about finding "the one" on a dating app. But, here we are, in a new age of dating, so your best odds of finding the right match involve creating a profile for others to judge. I want to ask the men of the BuzzFeed Community : what are your biggest struggles using dating apps? For example, there could have been an in-person date you were excited about, but it was an absolute catastrophe despite being a match with the other person. Perhaps you get stage fright in the messaging process after the match and get the coldest feet when it's time to confront Mr. or Ms. Right. Or maybe you are batting .000 in the match department. No matter what you add to your profile, you just can't even seem to get a single message or reply. Whatever the struggle, please share it (in detail) in the comments below. Your story could be featured in an upcoming BuzzFeed Community post! If you want your response to stay anonymous, you can fill out this Google form .Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah agree to a ceasefire after nearly 14 months of fighting

Grim news for Aussie jobseekers as market is shrinking

NEW YORK — The confetti fell not once, but twice. As the clock expired on the Nebraska football team’s 2024 season, a group of Huskers rushed to dump green confetti all over head coach Matt Rhule. On a rainy, cold day, the confetti stuck to Rhule’s face and coated players’ helmets, several of whom paused to throw the small pieces of paper in the air. And when Nebraska received its trophy for winning the Pinstripe Bowl, the confetti that rained down was red instead. Hours after the Huskers departed New York City to head home, pieces of red confetti still blew around the Yankee Stadium concourse and field. The players were gone, but the proof of their hard work remained — a lesson that the Huskers should take to heart moving forward. Let’s drop into coverage: 1. Wrapping up the 2024 campaign People are also reading... Another Nebraska football season has now come to an end. In a memorable 2024 season, here are the key moments: * Bowl streak: Not only did Nebraska make it back to the postseason, which it had failed to do in the seven years prior, but it also ended its season with a bowl game win. The importance of heading into the offseason and the spring with momentum can’t be understated. The 2024 team will forever stand as the group that brought a winning record back to Lincoln. * Storming the field: Fans stormed the field at Memorial Stadium twice this season. Wins over Colorado and Wisconsin were special for different reasons, and the on-field emotion present after both Husker victories won’t be forgotten any time soon. * Dylan Raiola: The five-star freshman not only hit the ground running as Nebraska’s starting quarterback, but he started all 13 games, led NU to a winning record and was a steady, dependable leader. That doesn’t happen often with true freshmen quarterbacks. * In-season coordinator change: Rhule’s in-season decision to move on from Marcus Satterfield as the team’s offensive coordinator and hire Dana Holgorsen instead was a bold choice, but it was one that undoubtedly paid off. * Big-time defense: Apart from a blowout loss to Indiana, the Husker defense made big plays and kept their team in the game all season long. The likes of Nash Hutmacher, Ty Robinson, Isaac Gifford, John Bullock, MJ Sherman and DeShon Singleton have now played their final games as Huskers — and their hard work won’t be forgotten. 2. What’s next? A bowl game win deserves to be celebrated, but the national college football landscape waits for no one. That’s why even in the moments after Nebraska’s win, Rhule was already thinking about what happens next. “To be what we want to be next year, we have to be the same defensively and probably a little better in some areas,” Rhule said. “We have to really improve on offense, and on special teams we need a total overhaul of that.” Reaching a bowl game was the minimum requirement for a successful season in year two under Rhule, but finishing with a 7-6 record reflects plenty of progress. After a two-win improvement from NU’s record of 5-7 a year prior, could the Huskers again add two more wins to their resume next season? A nine-win campaign, once the benchmark for Nebraska football, would again reflect a high level of progress — but Rhule wants his players to dream bigger. “To go a bowl game, you have to get used to going to the postseason,” Rhule said. “We want to go to the College Football Playoff; we want to win national championships.” And in order to get there, Rhule’s philosophy of team building hasn’t wavered. Adjustments have been needed in the modern era of college football, but Rhule’s message to the team in the aftermath of Nebraska’s win over Boston College showed that the program’s process remains the same. “The old-school things of hard work, they work; they’re better now than they were earlier in the year and they’re better now than they were three weeks ago,” Rhule said of the Nebraska roster. “We have big plans when we come back on Jan. 20, we’re going to work and we’re going to double down on what we’ve done. I think they all understand that, and I think they all have aspirations of something really special at Nebraska.” 3. How NU gets there: offense Nebraska’s offensive outlook moving forward is a positive one, especially given the dynamism the Huskers have shown in Holgorsen’s four games as the team’s playcaller. However, the Huskers still need to get better. Raiola’s level of play, excellent for a freshman quarterback, will need to improve as a sophomore. “He’s gotten so much better as the year’s gone on in terms of his feet, his movement and those things,” Rhule said of Raiola. “He’ll have a great offseason, and he’ll make another huge jump; really, the sky’s the limit.” The personnel around Raiola will be taking a jump too. Impact transfers Dane Key and Nyziah Hunter will join Jacory Barney Jr., Jaylen Lloyd and Carter Nelson as Nebraska’s top pass-catchers, with several other young wide receivers looking to continue their growth as well. The continued presence of Emmett Johnson at running back should power a steady Nebraska run game, and the Huskers’ offensive line has experienced steady growth under the coaching of Donovan Raiola. The Huskers may look for an experienced transfer at offensive tackle, but three of the five players who started NU’s bowl game are set to return for next season. The Pinstripe Bowl win also showed that Nebraska has some serious talent in its tight end room. Thomas Fidone II caught five passes, Luke Lindenmeyer looked ready for a bigger role and Heinrich Haarberg’s potential shone through. 4. How NU gets there: defense It won’t be easy to replace all the departing talent, but there have been flashes of the future from Nebraska’s young core. Those returning Huskers will combine with several transfer portal additions to make an interesting mix of talent on the Nebraska defense. The defensive line, one of NU’s most consistent and productive units over the last two seasons, will face some pressure to hit the ground running right away. Elijah Jeudy, who was visibly fired up on the Yankee Stadium field after Nebraska’s recent win, will be a veteran leader in the young room. Cameron Lenhardt, Keona Davis, Riley Van Poppel and Sua Lefotu are among the players to expect big things from next season, while the additions of Williams Nwaneri and Jaylen George could transform the unit as well. At linebacker, Dasan McCullough is a key transfer pickup, but it’s Vincent Shavers who’s a star in the making. Having earned a Blackshirt in the lead up to Nebraska’s bowl game, Shavers “was all over the field” on Saturday, Rhule said. Willis McGahee IV will be another key player to watch moving forward. A new-look secondary will need to be figured out as well. Ceyair Wright, Marques Buford and Malcolm Hartzog are the top returning contributors, but how do incoming transfers Andrew Marshall and Justyn Rhett fit into the mix? Then there’s Blye Hill, who was poised for playing time at cornerback before redshirting due to injury, and several young Huskers such as Amare Sanders, Caleb Benning, Mario Buford and Donovan Jones who’ll all want to earn playing time. That defensive back rotation will surely be difficult to crack. 5. How NU gets there: special teams Elements of Nebraska’s coaching or strategic approach to special teams play will need to change. Converting a fake punt makes a difference, but miscues nearly cost Nebraska the game on Saturday — and Rhule knows it. NU’s special teams unit “has not been good enough this year,” Rhule said after the game. There’ll be a new punter and long snapper in Lincoln next season, but what happens at kicker? John Hohl was money down the stretch while Tristan Alvano redshirted after battling injuries. Both players will be sophomores next year. Photos: Nebraska football vs. Boston College in Pinstripe Bowl — Dec. 28 Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule and Nebraska's Brian Buschini (13) embrace after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Brian Buschini (13) punts the ball during the second half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday. Nebraska's Rahmir Johnson speaks during a news conference after the Pinstripe Bowl on Saturday at Yankee Stadium in New York City. Nebraska's Heinrich Haarberg (10) watches on as his teammates celebrate after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska players celebrate after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule hoists the championship trophy after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bow on Saturday. Nebraska players celebrate after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Malcolm Hartzog Jr. (7) and Donovan Jones (37) tackle Boston College’s John Montague (8) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Referees and players try to break up a fight during the second half of the Pinstripe Bowl between Nebraska and Boston College at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) hangs his head down after Boston College scored a touchdown during the second half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Boston College's KP Price (20) and Boston College's Omar Thornton (30) celebrate a fumble recovery during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl against Nebraska at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska fans cheer as Nebraska scores a touchdown during the second half of the Pinstripe Bowl against Boston College at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday. Members of the University of Nebraska Cornhusker Marching Band put on rain ponchos during the second half of the Pinstripe Bowl against Boston College at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Boston College's Grayson James (14) celebrates his first down during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl against Boston College at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule smiles while walking down the sidelines during the second half of the Pinstripe Bowl against Boston College at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Rahmir Johnson (14) runs the ball down the field during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl against Boston College at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday. Boston College's Grayson James (14) outruns Nebraska's Elijah Jeudy (16) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska players stand on the stage covered in confetti after Nebraska’s victory over Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. From left, Nebraska's Joey Mancino (67) celebrates with teammate Cayden Echternach (48) after Nebraska’s victory over Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) walks off the field in celebration after Nebraska’s victory over Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Nash Hutmacher (0) shakes confetti out of his hair after Nebraska’s victory over Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) celebrates as the trophy is awarded after Nebraska’s victory over Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Henry Lutovsky (left) hugs Bryce Benhart (54) after NU’s victory over Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl on Saturday at Yankee Stadium in New York City. Nebraska's Ty Robinson (9) places a hat on head coach Matt Rhule after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl on Saturday at Yankee Stadium in New York. Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule celebrates after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) and Heinrich Haarberg (10) embrace after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) runs around the outfield fencing after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska players celebrate after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska players celebrate after defeating Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl on Saturday at Yankee Stadium in New York. Nebraska's Ty Robinson (9) places a hat on head coach Matt Rhule after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) and Heinrich Haarberg (10) embrace after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) runs around the outfield fencing after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska players celebrate after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska players celebrate after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule celebrates after defeating Boston College to win the Pinstripe Bowl, 20-15, at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. From right, Nebraska's Derek Branch (24) celebrates with Nebraska's Elijah Jeudy (16) after Jeudy’s tackle on the punt return during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Javin Wright (33) tackles Boston College's Jeremiah Franklin (17) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Nash Hutmacher (0) and Ty Robinson (9) celebrate after a good defensive play during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl against Boston College at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. University of Nebraska Cornhusker Marching Band cheers during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl between Nebraska and Boston College at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Rahmir Johnson (14) celebrates his touchdown with teammate Ben Scott (66) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Gage Stenger (47), left, and Vincent Genatone (30), right, celebrate with Elijah Jeudy (16) after Jeudy’s tackle on the punt return during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Javin Wright (33) tackles Boston College's Jeremiah Franklin (17) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl on Saturday at Yankee Stadium in New York. Nebraska's Rahmir Johnson (14) celebrates his touchdown with teammate Ben Scott (66) during the Pinstripe Bowl vs. Boston College on Saturday at Yankee Stadium in New York City. Nebraska's Ty Robinson (9) motions to the crowd after a stop against Boston College during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Ty Robinson (9) motions to the crowd after a stop against Boston College during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Boston College head coach Bill O'Brien watches on during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Evan Taylor (37) tackles Boston College's Lewis Bond (11) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Boston College's Grayson James (14) throws the ball during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Keona Davis (97) tackles Boston College's Grayson James (14) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Keona Davis (97) tackles Boston College's Grayson James (14) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Janiran Bonner (16) tackles Boston College's Cameron Martinez (29) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Kwinten Ives (28) celebrates after a touchdown against Boston College during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Rahmir Johnson (14) stretches out for the first down as he is tackled by Boston College's Ashton McShane (35) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Jahmal Banks (4) is tackled by Boston College's Ashton McShane (35) and KP Price (20) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) throws the ball as Nebraska's Ben Scott (66) blocks Boston College's Bryce Steele (2) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday. Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule looks on during the Pinstripe Bowl vs. Boston College on Saturday at Yankee Stadium in New York City. A look inside Yankee Stadium during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl between Nebraska and Boston College in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. A look inside Yankee Stadium during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl between Nebraska and Boston College in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. A look inside Yankee Stadium during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl between Nebraska and Boston College in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Bryce Benhart (54) lifts up teammate Kwinten Ives (28) after Ives’ touchdown during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl against Boston College at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Kwinten Ives (28) celebrates his touchdown with teammate Luke Lindenmeyer (44) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl against Boston College on Saturday at Yankee Stadium in New York City. Nebraska's Kwinten Ives (28) celebrates his touchdown with teammate Justin Evans (51) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl against Boston College at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's John Hohl (90) kicks in an extra point during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska fans wave as the Nebraska bus pulls up to Yankee Stadium prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Boston College Eagles in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska fans gather in the Dugout BX bar on Friday ahead of the Pinstripe Bowl vs. Boston College in New York. Nebraska's Jacory Barney Jr. (17) runs the ball during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska fans watch on during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) throws the ball during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Jacory Barney Jr. (17) reaches out but misses the pass ahead of Boston College's Ashton McShane (35) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's MJ Sherman (48) attempts to tackle Boston College's Dino Tomlin (13) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Boston College's Reed Harris (4) makes a catch during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Marques Buford Jr. (3) and John Bullock (5) stop Boston College's Turbo Richard (27) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Vincent Shavers Jr. (1) celebrates after a stop against Boston College during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule talks to an official during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) throws the ball against Boston College's George Rooks (91) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Jacory Barney Jr. (17) runs the ball during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Emmett Johnson (21) runs the ball against Boston College's KP Price (20) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Jahmal Banks (4) makes a catch against Boston College's Max Tucker (13) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Jahmal Banks (4) makes a catch against Boston College's Max Tucker (13) during the first half of the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium in New York City, on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska fans look on during the Pinstripe Bowl vs. Boston College on Saturday at Yankee Stadium in New York. Nebraska's Heinrich Haarberg (10) catches the ball during warmups before a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Boston College Eagles at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska football players stand together during warmups before a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Boston College Eagles at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Ceyair Wright (15) holds the ball during warmups before a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Boston College Eagles at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) throws the ball during warmups before a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Boston College Eagles at Yankee Stadium in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska fans walk up to the gates at Yankee Stadium prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Boston College Eagles in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska fans take shelter from the rain outside of Yankee Stadium prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Boston College Eagles in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. The Nebraska bus pulls up to Yankee Stadium prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Boston College Eagles in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska fans wave as the Nebraska bus pulls up to Yankee Stadium prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Boston College Eagles in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. Nebraska fans walk outside of Yankee Stadium prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Boston College Eagles in New York City on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. 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Guest Opinion: Equitable marriages could save lives (and love)

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.’” AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl and https://twitter.com/AP_NFLJustin Baldoni has been hit with another lawsuit, this time from his former publicist Stephanie Jones. The actor, as well as his publicist Jennifer Abel , crisis manager Melissa Nathan and Wayfarer Studios, are named as defendants in a suit alleging defamation and breach of contract. The filing arrives less than one week after Blake Lively , who stared alongside Baldoni in This Ends With Us , filed a suit alleging that her co-star and director sexually harassed her and orchestrated a smear campaign against her. The newly-filed lawsuit alleges that Jones was kept in the dark about Abel and Nathan’s “scheming to ‘bury’ and ‘destroy’ co-star Blake Lively to protect Baldoni” using “an aggressive media smear campaign,” according to documents reviewed by Rolling Stone . “At the same time, Abel and Nathan were pursuing a far more selfish purpose: Tearing down Jones’s reputation to take her clients and enrich themselves upon Abel’s planned departure from Jonesworks,” it claims. Abel worked for Jones’ company, Jonesworks, from July 2020 through August 2024. Her employment was terminated after Jones discovered the aforementioned plot, the complaint alleges. It was around the time of her termination that Baldoni allegedly began working with Abel on a plan to course correct after he “began to fear that the media might report on allegations of misogynistic and toxic on-set behavior and that the fallout would be harmful to his reputation and career.” Abel is accused of seeking out Nathan to remedy the situation through the alleged smear campaign, which the suit claims has been unfairly pinned on Jones. Nathan’s client roster has included the likes of Johnny Depp, Drake, and Logan Paul. Jones claims to have had no knowledge or involvement in the campaign against Lively. “To this day, Abel and Nathan continue to point the finger falsely at Jones now that their own misconduct is coming to light, and to defame and attack Jones in the industry,” the suit alleges. “Defendants will not stop attacking Jones, and have refused any efforts to resolve these issues out of court. This lawsuit seeks to finally put a stop to their continued misconduct and to compensate Jones and Jonesworks for the damage Defendants’ conduct and scheme has inflicted.” Editor’s picks The 100 Best TV Episodes of All Time The 250 Greatest Guitarists of All Time The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time The 200 Greatest Singers of All Time The document contains screenshots of text messages between Abel and Nathan that are said to have been obtained through a sweep of the publicist’s company phone following her termination from Jonesworks. “Abel and Nathan’s covert take down and smear campaigns were revealed in black and white,” the suit claims. Lively’s lawsuit also contained text messages from Abel, Nathan, and Baldoni. Abel recently dismissed the “cherry picked messages” in a since-deleted Facebook post. “No negative press was ever facilitated, no social combat plan, although we were prepared for it as it’s our job to be ready for any scenario,” Abel wrote. “But we didn’t have to implement anything because the internet was doing the work for us.” In the exchanges listed in Jones’ suit, Nathan seemingly encouraged Baldoni to depart from Jonesworks, both as an individual client and through his company Wayfarer Studios, to work with Abel at her new company RWA Communications. “We are going to war,” reads one text from Abel to Nathan around the time of her intended departure, prior to Jones terminating her employment. Abel allegedly downloaded “sensitive client and business information” for brands and clients prior to her leaving Jonesworks. “With the encouragement and assistance of Nathan, Baldoni, and Heath, Abel stole Wayfarer and Baldoni as clients, targeted other Jonesworks clients to leave, and launched the long-planned and competing RWA Communications,” the suit claims. “As a result, Wayfarer and Baldoni ceased working with Jonesworks and, despite being under contract with Jonesworks, refused to pay Jonesworks what they contractually owed for its services.” Reps for Baldoni, Abel, Nathan, and Wayfarer Studios did not immediately respond to Rolling Stone ‘s request for comment. Jones is seeking damages to herself and her company in an unspecified amount to be determined at trial.

CATL Launches the Bedrock Chassis That Withstands 120 km/h Impact Without Catching Fire or ExplodingBlame game is a diversionary specialty

NINGDE, China , Dec. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On December 24th, CATL officially launched the CATL Bedrock Chassis, the world's first ultra-safe skateboard chassis. With its outstanding performance of withstanding 120 km/h frontal impact without catching fire or exploding, CATL's Bedrock Chassis sets a new standard for intelligent chassis safety, providing comprehensive protection across all scenarios and speed ranges. Lead the industry with the most stringent safety tests With the battery-centered design, CATL's Bedrock Chassis utilizes Cell-to-Chassis integration technology, which directly integrates the battery cells into the chassis, allowing for a shared structural design between them. And based on the decoupling of the chassis from the upper body, the Bedrock Chassis is capable of absorbing 85% of the vehicle's collision energy (compared to around 60% absorbed by traditional chassis). Through various technological breakthroughs, the Bedrock Chassis successfully passed the world's first "highest speed + strongest impact" dual extreme safety test. This achievement enables the chassis to pass the 120 km/h frontal central pole impact test without catching fire, exploding or thermal runway, redefining the benchmark for safety in the industry. Currently, the speed for frontal impact safety test in the commonly used C-NCAP (China New Car Assessment Program) is 56km/h, which, when experiencing a frontal impact at this speed, generates collision energy equivalent to falling from 12-meter-high building. In comparison, a frontal impact at 120km/h is equivalent to falling from a 56-meter-high building, generating a collision energy 4.6 times that of collision at 56km/h. In more stringent frontal pole crash tests, which simulate crashes with non-standard objects such as power poles, large trees, or animals, the impact area is only 1/6 of that in a full-width frontal impact, exponentially increasing impact pressure. At a speed of 120km/h, the impact pressure on the chassis per unit area in a frontal central pole impact is 21 times that of the 56 km/h full-width frontal impact in C-NCAP testing. Due to the extremely high crash speed and intensity, there has been no previous instance of any new energy vehicle daring to challenge a 120km/h frontal pole impact test. With this extreme challenge, CATL's Bedrock Chassis has blazed a fresh trail for the industry. Open the era of ultra-safe transportation through three technological breakthroughs CATL's Bedrock Chassis has delved deep into the realm of structure and material innovation, leveraging three technological breakthroughs to provide unparalleled protection in all scenarios and speed ranges, ensuring rock-solid safety for the entire vehicle. The CATL Bedrock Chassis introduces a revolutionary three-dimensional biomimetic tortoise shell structure, where the body and energy unit framework are integrated, deeply coupled to provide the energy unit with indestructible protection. And its aircraft carrier-grade arresting structure disperses impact forces across multiple pathways during a crash, gradually decelerating the vehicle and significantly reducing the depth and speed at which obstacles intrude the cabin. The utilization of submarine-grade hot-formed steel with a strength of 2000MPa, aerospace-grade aluminum alloy with a strength of 600MPa, and multiple barrier structures further enhance the chassis' rigidity, making it virtually impervious. Moreover, the CATL Bedrock Chassis incorporates an ultra-safe battery cell design, NP technology, and a high-ductility energy-absorbing insulation film, leading the industry in a groundbreaking manner. In terms of high-voltage disconnection, it achieves instantaneous disconnection of high voltage circuit within 0.01 seconds of impact and completes the discharge of residual high-voltage energy in the vehicle within 0.2 seconds, setting a new industry record. Notably, the battery cells have undergone highly demanding tests, including high-speed sled impact tests at 60 km/h, 90-degree bending tests, and breakthrough sawing tests, the battery did not catch fire or explode across all three tests. These tests, all industry-firsts by CATL, have elevated the safety standards of battery cells to new heights. Unlocking the era of customization, and activating a trillion-yuan market The launch of the Bedrock Chassis not only redefines the standard for intelligent chassis safety but also activates a trillion-yuan market. It greatly accelerates the shift towards modular, personalized, and intelligent automotive design. Addressing the common pain points of high investment, long development cycles, and accelerated product iteration in the industry, the Bedrock Chassis incorporates three core characteristics: internal integration, decoupling of the chassis from the upper body, and external openness. With a rich array of toolkits and solution packages, it offers a scalable software and hardware architecture and standardized interfaces, enabling flexible configurations for different vehicle models and scenarios. This allows the realization of a "one chassis architecture, multiple vehicle models" concept and significantly improves development efficiency and shortens the R&D cycle. The time required for mass production of a vehicle is reduced from the traditional 36 months or longer to 12 to 18 months. Furthermore, the Bedrock Chassis breaks the limits of safety and modeling, and expands design flexibility through the design of decoupling of the chassis from the upper body. The fourth-generation Cell-to-Chassis (CTC) technology and inverted battery cell technology enhance the utilization of chassis space while reducing the risk of chassis scraping. Additionally, in terms of intelligence, the chassis supports mechanical decoupling, software decoupling and EE decoupling, enabling L3 to L4 intelligent driving capabilities. It provides high adaptability interfaces and promotes collaborative intelligent applications. At the launch ceremony, AVATR, the first automaker to use Bedrock Chassis, and CAIT-SH, CATL's skateboard chassis arm, signed an agreement to deepen cooperation on CATL's Bedrock Chassis to create a safer, higher-quality travel experience for users. Safety is a never-ending journey. In the future, CATL will continue to break technological barriers through continuous innovation, and work with partners to build a safe ecosystem for EV batteries and vehicles, safeguarding the safety of users. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/catl-launches-the-bedrock-chassis-that-withstands-120-kmh-impact-without-catching-fire-or-exploding-302338927.html SOURCE Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL) © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.TD LAWSUIT NOTICE: TD Bank Investors are Notified of the Upcoming December 23 Deadline in Class Action Lawsuit – Contact BFA Law (NYSE:TD)

Appotronics Highlights Role of Laser Technology in Automotive Industry at Prestigious US Trade ConferenceSpain's monarch pays tribute to the victims of Valencia floods in his Christmas Eve speech

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JERUSALEM — Israel approved a United States-brokered ceasefire agreement with Lebanon's Hezbollah on Tuesday, setting the stage for an end to nearly 14 months of fighting linked to the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip. In the hours leading up to the Cabinet meeting, Israel carried out its most intense wave of strikes in Beirut and its southern suburbs and issued a record number of evacuation warnings. At least 24 people were killed in strikes across the country, according to local authorities, as Israel signaled it aims to keep pummeling Hezbollah in the final hours before any ceasefire takes hold. Israel's security Cabinet approved the ceasefire agreement late Tuesday after it was presented by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his office said. U.S. President Joe Biden, speaking in Washington, called the agreement “good news” and said his administration would make a renewed push for a ceasefire in Gaza. People are also reading... An Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire would mark the first major step toward ending the regionwide unrest triggered by Hamas’ attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. But it does not address the devastating war in Gaza. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to bring peace to the Middle East, but neither he nor Netanyahu have proposed a postwar solution for the Palestinian territory, where Hamas is still holding dozens of hostages and the conflict is more intractable. Still, any halt to the fighting in Lebanon is expected to reduce the likelihood of war between Israel and Iran, which backs both Hezbollah and Hamas and exchanged direct fire with Israel on two occasions earlier this year. Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike on Dahiyeh, in Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024. Israel says it will ‘attack with might’ if Hezbollah breaks truce Netanyahu presented the ceasefire proposal to Cabinet ministers after a televised address in which he listed a series of accomplishments against Israel’s enemies across the region. He said a ceasefire with Hezbollah would further isolate Hamas in Gaza and allow Israel to focus on its main enemy, Iran, which backs both groups. “If Hezbollah breaks the agreement and tries to rearm, we will attack,” he said. “For every violation, we will attack with might.” Netanyahu's office later said Israel appreciated the U.S. efforts in securing the deal but "reserves the right to act against every threat to its security.” It was not immediately clear when the ceasefire would go into effect, and the exact terms of the deal were not released. The deal calls for a two-month initial halt in fighting and would require Hezbollah to end its armed presence in a broad swath of southern Lebanon, while Israeli troops would return to their side of the border. Thousands of additional Lebanese troops and U.N. peacekeepers would deploy in the south, and an international panel headed by the United States would monitor all sides’ compliance. But implementation remains a major question mark. Israel has demanded the right to act should Hezbollah violate its obligations. Lebanese officials have rejected writing that into the proposal. Biden said Israel reserved the right to quickly resume operations in Lebanon if Hezbollah breaks the terms of the truce, but that the deal "was designed to be a permanent cessation of hostilities.” Hezbollah has said it accepts the proposal, but a senior official with the group said Tuesday that it had not seen the agreement in its final form. “After reviewing the agreement signed by the enemy government, we will see if there is a match between what we stated and what was agreed upon by the Lebanese officials,” Mahmoud Qamati, deputy chair of Hezbollah’s political council, told the Al Jazeera news network. “We want an end to the aggression, of course, but not at the expense of the sovereignty of the state” of Lebanon, he said. “Any violation of sovereignty is refused.” In this screen grab image from video provide by the Israeli Government Press Office, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu makes a televised statement Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Jerusalem, Israel. Warplanes bombard Beirut and its southern suburbs Even as Israeli, U.S, Lebanese and international officials have expressed growing optimism over a ceasefire, Israel has continued its campaign in Lebanon, which it says aims to cripple Hezbollah’s military capabilities. An Israeli strike on Tuesday leveled a residential building in the central Beirut district of Basta — the second time in recent days warplanes have hit the crowded area near the city’s downtown. At least seven people were killed and 37 wounded, according to Lebanon's Health Ministry. Strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs killed at least one person and wounded 13, it said. Three people were killed in a separate strike in Beirut and three in a strike on a Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon. Lebanese state media said another 10 people were killed in the eastern Baalbek province. Israel says it targets Hezbollah fighters and their infrastructure. Israel also struck a building in Beirut's bustling commercial district of Hamra for the first time, hitting a site that is around 400 meters (yards) from Lebanon’s Central Bank. There were no reports of casualties. The Israeli military said it struck targets in Beirut and other areas linked to Hezbollah's financial arm. The evacuation warnings covered many areas, including parts of Beirut that previously have not been targeted. The warnings, coupled with fear that Israel was ratcheting up attacks before a ceasefire, sent residents fleeing. Traffic was gridlocked, and some cars had mattresses tied to them. Dozens of people, some wearing their pajamas, gathered in a central square, huddling under blankets or standing around fires as Israeli drones buzzed loudly overhead. Hezbollah, meanwhile, kept up its rocket fire, triggering air raid sirens across northern Israel. Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee issued evacuation warnings for 20 buildings in Beirut's southern suburbs, where Hezbollah has a major presence, as well as a warning for the southern town of Naqoura where the U.N. peacekeeping mission, UNIFIL, is headquartered. UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti told The Associated Press that peacekeepers will not evacuate. A police bomb squad officer inspects the site where a rocket fired from Lebanon landed in a backyard in Kiryat Shmona, northern Israel, Tuesday Nov. 26, 2024. Israeli forces reach Litani River in southern Lebanon The Israeli military also said its ground troops clashed with Hezbollah forces and destroyed rocket launchers in the Slouqi area on the eastern end of the Litani River, a few kilometers (miles) from the Israeli border. Under the ceasefire deal, Hezbollah would be required to move its forces north of the Litani, which in some places is about 30 kilometers (20 miles) north of the border. Hezbollah began firing into northern Israel, saying it was showing support for the Palestinians, a day after Hamas carried out its Oct. 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, triggering the Gaza war. Israel returned fire on Hezbollah, and the two sides have been exchanging barrages ever since. Israel escalated its campaign of bombardment in mid-September and later sent troops into Lebanon, vowing to put an end to Hezbollah fire so tens of thousands of evacuated Israelis could return to their homes. More than 3,760 people have been killed by Israeli fire in Lebanon the past 13 months, many of them civilians, according to Lebanese health officials. The bombardment has driven 1.2 million people from their homes. Israel says it has killed more than 2,000 Hezbollah members. Hezbollah fire has forced some 50,000 Israelis to evacuate in the country’s north, and its rockets have reached as far south in Israel as Tel Aviv. At least 75 people have been killed, more than half of them civilians. More than 50 Israeli soldiers have died in the ground offensive in Lebanon. Chehayeb and Mroue reported from Beirut. Associated Press reporters Lujain Jo and Sally Abou AlJoud in Beirut contributed. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.A group of people and two dogs were rescued from a pub flooded during Storm Bert. The Bathampton Mill closed its doors on Monday, November 25 after bad weather swept through the county at the weekend, causing flooding, felling trees and wreaking havoc on roads. Firefighters were called to the Mill Lane pub just before noon yesterday to reports of flooding in the premises. The ground floor had flooded after the torrential downpours, leaving several people stranded inside. A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said its crews rescued five people and two dogs from inside. In a statement on social media, the Bathampton Mill said the storm has forced the pub to close and staff are "working hard to open" as soon as possible. The pub wrote: "We are currently closed due to storm Bert and the flooding. We would like to thank all our guests for the continued support and understanding. We will update you all as and when we know more. "We apologise to those guests with upcoming bookings, we will try make contact with you. Please follow our socials for further updates but we are working hard to open our doors for you as soon as possible." Avon Fire and Rescue Service said: "Crews from Bath were called at 11:49am on Monday, 25 November to reports of flooding at a public house on Mill Lane, Bathampton. "On arrival, firefighters found the ground floor of the public house had flooded and rescued five people and two dogs who were inside." Meanwhile, , all caused by Storm Bert. Teams from the Somerset Council’s contractor Kier dealt with 644 reports of incidents on the roads, including removing more than 200 trees which had been blown across roads, including the B3227 in Norton Fitzwarren and the A30 Hendford Hill in Yeovil. There are still 18 flood alerts in place on Tuesday, ahead of a warning that more rain is set to fall tonight.