The Philadelphia Eagles have to make sure they don’t beat themselves. A nine-game winning streak helped the Eagles (11-2) clinch their fourth consecutive playoff berth. They’re seeking an NFC East title and still have a chance at catching Detroit (12-1) for the NFC’s No. 1 seed. But an ugly win over Carolina in which Jalen Hurts only threw 21 passes for 108 yards left wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith in a bad mood. He made it clear the offense, specifically the passing attack, wasn’t playing up to standard. He’s right. Hurts has thrown for fewer than 200 yards in three straight games. But Saquon Barkley is running at a record-setting pace so the Eagles haven’t had to rely on Hurts throwing to Brown and Smith as much as they have in the past. Brown caught four passes on four targets for 43 yards while Smith had four catches on six targets for 37 yards and one touchdown against the Panthers. People are also reading... That led to Brown bluntly responding “passing” when asked by a reporter after the game what needs improvement. Veteran leader Brandon Graham added fuel to the drama on his radio show Monday night by implying there’s friction between Brown and Hurts. The two were close friends long before they became teammates and Hurts is the godfather for Brown’s daughter. “The person that’s complaining (needs) to be accountable,” Graham said of Brown. “I’m just being honest. ... Like and he (knows) this. I don’t know the whole story, but I know that (Hurts) is trying. And I mean, (Brown) could be a little better with how he responds to things and they were friends before this. It’s like, man, but things have changed, and I understand that because life happens, but we gotta — it’s the business side that we have to make sure that we don’t let the personal get in the way of the business and that’s what we gotta do better at right now because we know it’s the issue. “Everybody is saying some things, but we need to be able to talk things out as men, you know what I’m saying? But, we need to let personal stuff go and let’s get right for this game because man, it’s like most of the time it’s just a conversation that just (needs) to be had, but the person with the problem (has) to want to talk to the person other than others. That’s all I’m saying." Graham, who is sidelined with a triceps injury, clarified his comments later to an ESPN reporter, saying he made the wrong assumption about the relationship between Hurts and Brown and planned to apologize to both players. But the damage was done. Or was it? While social media ran wild with news there’s more trouble in Philadelphia, the Eagles have been here before. They fell apart last year after a 10-1 start, dropping six of their final seven games, including a lopsided loss in the playoffs to Tampa Bay. There were questions about Hurts’ leadership, his relationship to teammates and the team’s locker room dynamic. Plus, coach Nick Sirianni was harshly criticized for the team’s failures. They overcame a tumultuous offseason and are 11-2 and in position to make a Super Bowl run. All they have to do is get along, put the team first and focus on the overall goal of winning a championship instead of pouting about individual statistics. One breakout passing game can change everything. Belichick’s future Bill Belichick can’t break Don Shula’s all-time NFL wins record coaching in college. Whether his interest in the vacancy at the University of North Carolina is genuine or not, it doesn’t change the fact that he has to return to the NFL to become the winningest coach in league history. The biggest question is whether he’ll get that opportunity. Belichick only interviewed with Atlanta out of eight coaching vacancies last season. Belichick, who led the New England Patriots to six Super Bowl titles with Tom Brady, needs to win 27 more games to break Shula’s record for most regular-season victories. He’s 15 wins away from passing Shula for all-time victories, including the postseason. The 72-year-old Belichick explained on ESPN’s “The Pat McAfee Show,” how he would approach a college job. “If I was in a college program, the college program would be a pipeline to the NFL for the players that had the ability to play in the NFL,” Belichick said. “It would be a professional program: training, nutrition, scheme, coaching, techniques that would transfer to the NFL. It would be an NFL program at a college level.” Belichick pointed out the NIL and transfer portal have made college football more like pro football. It makes sense for Belichick to explore all of his options and talk to every team that’s interested. North Carolina could end up being his best opportunity to return to coaching, even if he can’t add those wins to his NFL resume. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Taylor Fritz shared on social media the new hate messages he received at the start of the season. The world No. 4 is competing in the United Cup , where he made his debut with a loss to Felix Auger-Aliassime , and just hours later, he shared the hate messages he received on social media. This is not a new issue for players on both the ATP and WTA tours. With the rise of betting and the ability for fans to send messages directly to players on social media, many have spoken out about this controversial topic, with some even receiving threats. Fritz shares hate messages on social media Players like Caroline Garcia , Iga Swiatek , and Coco Gauff have previously reported receiving constant hate messages on social media. This time, it was the current No. 1 American, Taylor Fritz, who shared some of the messages he received shortly after a match. “New season of tennis has officially started. We’re so back ” he posted on X (formerly Twitter) alongside a screenshot of the messages he received on Instagram. “Someone will kill you soon,” “You are a dog sh*t,” and “I hope you get a sudden heart attack” were some of the messages visible in the screenshot, which Fritz received minutes after his loss to Felix Auger-Aliassime (6-4, 5-7, 3-6). Despite the loss, Team USA won their tie against Canada. In the first match, Coco Gauff defeated 2021 US Open runner-up Leylah Fernandez (6-3, 6-2), paving the way for Fritz’s match, where he was defeated. They then played a deciding mixed doubles match (with the same singles participants), and the duo of Gauff and Fritz secured the win for the Americans (7-6, 7-5). Their next challenge will be against Croatia on December 31. Fritz will face the world No. 10, while later, world No. 3 Coco Gauff will challenge Paris 2024 silver medalist Donna Vekic , who had previously defeated Gauff in the third round of the Olympic Games, crushing Gauff’s hopes of winning a medal. New season of tennis has officially started. We’re so back pic.twitter.com/ia80fSYbM0 This article first appeared on TennisUpToDate.com and was syndicated with permission.South Korean president declares martial law, then backs down amid calls for his impeachment

Investigators probing South Korea’s Yoon Suk Yeol over his short-lived declaration of martial law said Monday they sought an arrest warrant for the suspended president after he failed to report for questioning. Yoon briefly suspended civilian rule this month, plunging South Korea into its worst political crisis in decades. He was stripped of his presidential duties by parliament over the action, but a constitutional court ruling is pending on whether to confirm the impeachment. The conservative leader also faces criminal charges of insurrection, which could result in life imprisonment or even the death penalty. A former prosecutor himself, Yoon had been summoned three times by investigators for questioning, but refused to present himself each time — including by yesterday’s deadline. “The Joint Investigation Headquarters filed an arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk Yeol with the Seoul Western District Court”, said the probe team in a statement. The application by investigators marks the first attempt in the country’s history to forcibly detain a president before the impeachment procedure is complete. Yoon is being investigated by prosecutors as well as a joint team comprising police, defence ministry, and anti-corruption officials. A 10-page prosecutors’ report seen by AFP stated that Yoon authorised the military to fire weapons if needed to enter parliament during his failed martial law bid. Yoon’s lawyer Yoon Kab-keun had dismissed the prosecutors’ report, telling AFP it was “a one-sided account that neither corresponds to objective circumstances nor common sense”. – ‘Drag them out’ – Yoon declared martial law in an unannounced televised address on December 3, saying it was aimed at eliminating “anti-state elements”. Lawmakers rushed to parliament within minutes of the declaration to vote it down. At the same time, heavily armed troops stormed the building, scaling fences, smashing windows and landing by helicopter. According to the prosecution indictment report, Yoon told the chief of the capital defence command, Lee Jin-woo, that military forces could shoot if necessary to enter the National Assembly. “Have you still not got in? What are you doing? Break down the door and drag them out, even if it means shooting,” Yoon told Lee, according to the report. Yoon also allegedly told the head of the Defense Counterintelligence Command, General Kwak Jong-keun, to “quickly get inside” the National Assembly since the quorum for lifting the martial law declaration had not been met. “So quickly get inside the National Assembly and bring out the people inside the chamber, and break down the doors with an axe if necessary and drag everyone out,” the report quotes Yoon as saying at the time. The report also said there was evidence that Yoon had been discussing declaring martial law with senior military officials as early as March. As investigations began against Yoon, attempts by prosecutors to search his offices were blocked by the presidential security team. South Korea’s political turmoil deepened late last week when Yoon’s replacement, Han Duck-soo, was also impeached by parliament for failing to sign through bills for investigations into Yoon. Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok has taken over as the new acting president, and found himself thrust immediately into a disaster with the Jeju Air plane crash that claimed 179 lives. With 2,400 staff representing 100 different nationalities, AFP covers the world as a leading global news agency. AFP provides fast, comprehensive and verified coverage of the issues affecting our daily lives.AP Trending SummaryBrief at 5:08 p.m. ESTStanley Tucci’s Best Plant-Forward Dishes, From Pasta e Ceci to Pitti Fritti

Finding the perfect gift can be daunting. The only way to truly ensure you get it right would be to ask the recipient what they want, but that wouldn’t be much fun for either of you. Luckily, there’s another tactic to help you earn a “gift whisperer” reputation: seeking out unique, practical, game-changing gifts that will truly surprise and delight. But that’s about as easy as it sounds, which is to say it’s not easy at all. So, we’ve done the legwork for you. Start making your list with this compilation of some of the most innovative, functional and fun gifts of 2024. There’s something for every budget. This image provided by FinaMill shows the FinaMill Ultimate Spice Grinder Set. The new FinaMill Ultimate Spice Grinder set elevates the pedestrian pepper and spice mill in both function and style. A pepper grinder, really? Bear with me: The new FinaMill Ultimate Spice Grinder set elevates the pedestrian pepper and spice mill in both function and style. Available in three colors (Sangria Red, Midnight Black and Soft Cream), the rechargeable-battery unit grinds with a light touch rather than hand-tiring twists. That’s easier for everyone and especially helpful for those experiencing hand or wrist issues such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome or tendinitis. And it’s fun to use. The set includes a stackable storage tray and four pods that can be easily swapped as needed: The GT microplane grater for hard spices, nuts and chocolate; the MAX for large spices and dried herbs; the ProPlus for smaller and oily spices; and the Pepper Pod for, well, pepper. $110. People are also reading... This image provided by Pull Start Fire shows the matchless fire igniter in use. Made of 89% recycled materials, the food-safe, eco-friendly, 3-by-2-by-1-inch fire starters will light a fire quickly without matches, lighters or kindling. To build a fire Campers and backyard firepit lovers who have experienced the heartbreak of wet wood will appreciate having a three-pack of Pull Start Fire on hand. Made of 89% recycled materials, including sanding dust, wax and flint, the food-safe, eco-friendly, 3-by-2-by-1-inch fire starters will light a fire quickly without matches, lighters or kindling. Just loop the attached green string around a log, incorporate it into a wood stack, and pull the attached red string to ignite. Each windproof, rainproof block burns for 30 minutes. $29.99. This image provided by Souper Cubes shows No Mess Utensils held upright on pot edges. The No Mess Utensil lives up to its name. The utensils, a serving spoon and a ladle, have innovative, S-shaped handles designed to rest on the edge of a pot. The place for a ladle is on the pot The No Mess Utensil Set from Souper Cubes , a company known for its portioned, silicone freezer trays, lives up to its name. The utensils — a serving spoon and a ladle — have innovative, S-shaped handles designed to rest on the edge of a pot, keeping them upright so they won’t slip in. The design also eliminates the need for a spoon rest or, worse, placing dirty utensils on the kitchen counter or stovetop between stirs. A silicone coating in a choice of Aqua, Charcoal, Cranberry or Blueberry keeps handles cool to the touch. $24.99. This image provided by FeatherSnap shows a female cardinal bird perched on a FeatherSnap Wi-Fi Solar Powered Camera Smart Bird Feeder. Equipped with an HD camera, the dual-chamber feeder enables up-close livestreaming of avian visitors, as well as species-logging via the free mobile app. Up your birdwatching with this feeder The FeatherSnap Wi-Fi smart bird feeder could turn anyone into an avid birdwatcher. Equipped with an HD camera, the dual-chamber feeder enables up-close livestreaming of avian visitors, as well as species-logging via the free mobile app. An optional premium subscription ($59.99 annually or $6.99 monthly) includes unlimited photo and video storage, AI identification with species-specific details, and the opportunity to earn badges for logging new visitors. Turn on notifications to get alerts sent to your phone whenever there’s activity at the feeder. $179.99. This image provided by FUJIFILM North America Corporation and FUJIFILM Corporation Tokyo shows a smartphone printer. Fujifilm Instax's Mini Link 3 smartphone printer offers a touch of nostalgia without sacrificing technology. Just load the printer with film and connect it to your Android or iOS device via Bluetooth to print wallet-size photos. Printing old-fashioned photos via Bluetooth Fujifilm's Instax Mini Link 3 smartphone printer offers a touch of nostalgia without sacrificing technology. Just load the 4.9-by-3.5-by-1.3-inch printer with Instax Mini instant film and connect it to your Android or iOS device via Bluetooth to print wallet-size photos. If you want to get fancy, you can adjust brightness, contrast and saturation, or apply filters, including 3D augmented-reality effects, via the free Instax Mini Link app. It can also make collages of up to six images, or animate photos to share on social media. Available in Rose Pink, Clay White and Sage Green. $99.95. This image provided by easyplant shows a Marxii Calathea plant in a small, beige, self-watering pot. The appropriately named easyplant is one of the best gifts you can give your houseplant-loving friends, regardless of their experience level. Houseplants don't get much easier than this The appropriately named easyplant is one of the best gifts you can give your houseplant-loving friends, regardless of their experience level. Select a pot color, size and plant (or get recommendations based on sunlight requirements, pet friendliness and other attributes) and fill the self-watering container’s built-in reservoir roughly once a month. Moisture will permeate the soil from the bottom as needed, eliminating the often-fatal consequences of over- or under-watering. It’s also a literal lifesaver come vacation time. $49-$259. This image provided by Nama shows the M1 plant-based milk maker. If you've got a no-dairy friend on your list, a plant-based milk maker could save them money while allowing them to avoid unnecessary ingredients like sugar, stabilizers, thickeners and preservatives. Making your own (plant-based) milk If you’ve got a no-dairy friend on your list, a plant-based milk maker could save them money while allowing them to avoid sugar, stabilizers, thickeners and preservatives. The Nama M1 appliance both blends and strains ingredients, converting nuts, seeds, grains or oats into velvety-smooth milk in just one minute, with zero grit. And for zero waste, the pasty leftover pulp can be used in other recipes for added nutrients. The device also makes infused oils, flavored waters and soups. And, importantly, cleanup is easy. Available in white and black. $400. This image provided by QelviQ shows a wine bottle chiller. For friends who prefer stronger beverages, the QelviQ personal sommelier uses "smart" technology to ensure wine is served at its ideal temperature. The perfect temperature for 350,000-plus wines For friends who prefer stronger beverages, the QelviQ personal sommelier uses “smart” technology to ensure wine is served at its ideal temperature. Unlike traditional wine refrigerators, this device doesn’t take up any floor space. It also doesn’t chill wine to just one or two temperatures based on its color. Instead — paired with the free QelviQ app — the tabletop chiller relies on a database of more than 350,000 wines to bring a bottle to its specific recommended serving temperature in as little as 20 minutes. It also suggests food-wine and wine-food pairings. Plus, the appliance serves as a great icebreaker to inspire dinnertime conversation. Available in Exciting Red, Dashing Black and Dreamy White. $495. Casting light on the grill after dark This image provided by Uncommon Goods shows a 2-piece LED Grilling Tool Set. Uncommon Good's 2-piece LED Grilling Tool Set puts illumination into the handles of its stainless-steel spatula and tongs. Grilling food after dark — and ascertaining its doneness — can prove challenging without outdoor lighting, and it’s nearly impossible to cook while holding a flashlight. But as is often the case, the simplest of solutions can make the biggest of impacts: Uncommon Good’s 2-piece LED Grilling Tool Set puts illumination into the handles of its stainless-steel spatula and tongs. After use, the lights can be removed and the utensils run through the dishwasher. $40. 10 hot-ticket gifts we predict will sell out on Black Friday 2024 Best Black Friday deals: When to shop, what to buy and what to skip Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Satisfy your cravings With our weekly newsletter packed with the latest in everything food.By Melina Etches , Cook Islands News Breastfeeding is a vital component of infant health and development, providing essential nutrients that are crucial during the first months of life. The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI), a World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) initiative to ensure all maternity facilities around the world promote, protect and support breastfeeding, is being applied in Rarotonga with a policy developed specifically for the Cook Islands. On Tuesday, the island's health ministry (Te Marae Ora) launched the Rarotonga Breastfeeding Hospital Policy, Bachelor of Nursing Internship, Postgraduate Midwifery Internship, and Sleep Apnoea programme. Minister for Health Vainetutai Rose Toki-Brown said, "I'm proud, this is a great achievement for us, not only for Te Marae Ora, but for our nation the Cook Islands." "We need to have strong policies in place especially the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative. This is an important part of our children, our future - the first 1000 days of their lives is so important." Toki-Brown acknowledged that these postnatal services in the homes were once around. "We are bringing back these services since we have found that this is one of the gaps - and one of the reasons why we are having so many health issues," she said. "We can't do this alone, there is education, social services and welfare as well." Secretary of Te Marae Ora Bob Williams said: "Every child who is born is special to us, and our focus is to ensure that they are well looked after from the time that they are born, especially the first 1000 days of their lives." Williams said they are also working with the Minister and the Ministry of Internal Affairs to extend the duration of maternity leave. "To have the amendments done to the Employments Relations Act to increase the number of weeks for maternity leave which currently sits at six weeks, to be increased to 12 weeks minimum," he said. The Breastfeeding Hospital Policy is developed specifically for the Cook Islands to ensure that safe breastfeeding practices are advocated and implemented across the nation to promote healthier lives for newborn children. Dr Karen Hammad, the nursing adviser for the Pacific Community (SPC), has been working in Rarotonga for several months on leave to roll out and develop the BFHI programme and to develop the policy. She said one of the biggest successes has been the introduction of a community-based postnatal service, which ensures that all mothers and infants receive expert midwifery follow-ups in their homes for the first four to six weeks after birth. "This service has been operational for three months now and is already showing great results," said Dr Hammad. She is confident that this policy will significantly improve outcomes for Cook Islands babies during their first 1000 days. Meanwhile Minister Toki-Brown is also "proud" of the achievements of the new cohort of nurses who graduated on Friday. "They are a great investment for us." She acknowledged the Secretary of Te Marae Ora and all the management team, "they are the ones doing the work and must be acknowledged".

THERE was a double spike in religious hate crime over the Middle East war and Southport killings, figures show. The largest police forces in the country recorded a rise in anti-Semitic and Islamophobic offences. Home Office minister Diana Johnson yesterday called for an end to hatred being stirred up by a minority of fanatics. The rises came after Hamas murdered more than 1,200 Israelis on October 7, 2023. Israel retaliated by invading Gaza . In July there was far-right anti-immigrant riots after three girls were stabbed to death in Southport, Merseyside . Greater Manchester Police recorded 85 anti-Semitic cases in October last year and 68 the following month, up from just 13 a month earlier in the year. read more on politics Islamophobic offences were averaging 39 a month before spiking to 85 in August. The West Yorkshire force saw anti-Semitic offences rise from six a month to 44. Islamophobic offences went up from 33 a month to 94. London’s Met saw a hike in anti-Semitic cases from 54 per month to 517. Dame Diana said: “These numbers are deeply troubling. Most read in The Sun “We are determined to stamp out the toxic vitriol which is spread by a minority of people. “We must have zero tolerance for anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and every other form of heinous hate in Britain.”Alabama A&M football player Medrick Burnett has died from complications from a head injury after a head-on collision with another player suffered during an October 26 game. Burnett, 20, took a head-on blow during a game against Alabama State, sending him to the hospital. Now, a month after the game, he has died from his injuries, the Daily Mail reported. Not long after being admitted to the hospital, Burnett was listed in stable condition. However, he had “several brain bleeds and swelling of the brain,” said his sister, Dominece. “He had to have a tube to drain to relieve the pressure, and after 2 days of severe pressure, we had to opt for a craniotomy, which was the last resort to help try to save his life,” she added. The school has released a statement lamenting the loss of the redshirt freshman. “Today, our Bulldog family is heartbroken by the loss of Medrick Burnett Jr.,” Alabama A&M Athletics Director Dr. Paul A. Bryant said in a statement. “Medrick was more than an exceptional athlete; he was a remarkable young man whose positive energy, leadership, and compassion left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him.” “While words cannot adequately express our grief, we are humbled by the strength of his family, who stood by his side throughout this unimaginable ordeal,” the statement added. Burnett’s family has set up a GoFundMe page to help with his family’s medical and housing expenses. “Medrick Burnett Jr. will forever be remembered as a Bulldog. His spirit will remain an inspiration to all of us, reminding us of the importance of unity, resilience, and love,” the team said in a statement. Follow Warner Todd Huston on Facebook at: facebook.com/Warner.Todd.Huston , or Truth Social @WarnerToddHuston