The Myanmar delegation led by Dr Wah Wah Maung, Eminent Person (EP) of Myanmar for the High-Level Task Force on ASEAN Community’s Post-2025 Vision and Deputy Minister for Investment and Foreign Economic Relations of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, attended the 18th Meeting of High-Level Task Force on ASEAN Community’s Post-2025 Vision (18th HLTF-ACV) which was held in Singapore from 19 to 23 November 2024, accompanied by officials from the Department of ASEAN Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Drafting sessions of the high-level representatives were also held on the sideline of the 18th Meeting of HLTF-ACV, and the fourth reading with 97.2 per cent completion of the draft ASEAN Political and Security Community (APSC) Strategic Plan was concluded. The 18th HLTF-ACV Meeting was co-chaired by Eminent Persons (EP) of Lao PDR and Malaysia, as the permanent shepherd Member State, and attended by Eminent Persons, High-Level Representatives and officials from the ASEAN Member States, representatives from Timor-Leste as well as ASEAN Deputy Secretary-General for APSC and officials from the ASEAN Secretariat. At the Meeting, the HLTF-ACV had an interface with the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies, ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, and Singapore Institute of International Affairs. The respective stakeholders have offered comments and recommendations to the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. The Meeting exchanged views and shared their insights on the emerging challenges and way forward on the development of the Strategic Plans. During the 18th HLTF-ACV Meeting, Deputy Minister Dr Wah Wah Maung commended the progress of works in developing Strategic Plans for ASEAN Vision 2045 and emphasized the importance of advancing regional integration through strengthening efficiency and effectiveness of institutional mechanisms and improving cross-pillar and cross-sector coordination. The deputy minister also highlighted the importance of prioritization and sequencing ASEAN’s work plans. Given the unique nature of ASEAN, she suggested greater efforts for financial independence of the community to better exercise “ASEAN centrality”. She underscored that youth participation remains a priority for the implementation of ASEAN Vision 2045. She concluded by calling for constructive engagement, greater inclusivity and equal representation in ASEAN meetings. The upcoming 19th HLTF-ACV meeting scheduled in December 2024 will look into further developing the Strategic Plans for their adoption at the 46th ASEAN Summit in May 2025. — MNANone
MetalNRG plc ( LON:MNRG – Get Free Report )’s stock price was down 8.6% on Friday . The company traded as low as GBX 26.12 ($0.33) and last traded at GBX 26.50 ($0.33). Approximately 436,549 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 70% from the average daily volume of 256,518 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 29 ($0.36). MetalNRG Price Performance The stock has a market capitalization of £135.30 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -0.38 and a beta of 0.60. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of GBX 11.77 and a 200-day simple moving average of GBX 4.30. About MetalNRG ( Get Free Report ) MetalNRG plc operates as a natural resource and energy investing company. The company explores for gold, iron ore, nickel, copper, cobalt, silver, and diamonds deposits. It holds interests in the Gold Ridge project covering an area of 932 hectares located in Arizona, the United States; the Lake Victoria Gold project located in Tanzania; and the Uranium project located in Kyrgyzstan. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for MetalNRG Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for MetalNRG and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .Global Beta Smart Income ETF (NYSEARCA:GBDV) Trading Down 1.7% – What’s Next?
CANADA is deploying one of its largest trade delegations to the Philippines next month, to be led by its Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development Mary Ng. “This is not a typical trade mission. This is a very powerhouse delegation,” Guy Boileau, counsellor and senior trade commissioner of the Canadian Embassy in Manila said in a press conference Thursday. The Team Canada Trade Mission (TCTM) will be on its last leg of the Indo-Pacific tour next week. They will go to Jakarta first on December and then proceed Manila on December 4 for a three-day visit. The trade delegation includes Alberta’s Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade Matt Jones. Around 20 industry associations such as Business Council of Canada composed of chief executive officers as members, and the Canada-Asean Business Council. Boileau said Canadian small and medium enterprises as well as large companies from agricultural, clean technology, infrastructure development, information technology, defense, aerospace and education sectors will join the delegation. The delegates will get a chance to network with Filipino business leaders, attend business matching sessions, conduct on-site visits to companies, and attend meetings with industry players and conglomerates. The last time Canada sent such a large delegation to Manila was in 1997, during the visit of then Prime Minister Jean Chrétien. Boileau said there has been an increasing interest lately among Canadian business owners in investing in the Philippines. He said this is because the Philippines has made significant reforms in the past few years. These include the amended Public Service Act that allows foreigners to have 100 percent ownership in key sectors such as telecommunications, airlines, and railway. Canadian investors in renewable energy also welcomed the liberalization of the renewable energy sector, the recently signed CREATE MORE that clarified some taxation issues, the Public Private Partnership Code, and the recently amended government procurement law. “Those are all very positive signals to international investors, to exports including those in Canada. “These investors are looking for a stable and predictable business environment. And what we have seen over the past few years is that the Philippines is indeed going in that direction,” Boileau said. One of those who have expressed active interest to invest in the Philippines are institutional investors that are “actively looking for viable projects, particularly in the green space.” Canada is also “very strong” in setting up smart cities and would like to work with the Philippine government or key conglomerates in solving the traffic woes in Metro Manila, Cebu City and other metropolis.NEW YORK (AP) — New York City Mayor Eric Adams met with President-elect Donald Trump's incoming “border czar” on Thursday, with the Democratic mayor expressing an enthusiasm to work with the incoming administration to pursue violent criminals in the city while Trump promises a mass deportation strategy. The mayor's meeting with Tom Homan, who will oversee the southern and northern borders and be responsible for deportation efforts in the Trump administration, came as Adams has welcomed parts of the president-elect's hardline immigration platform. Adams told reporters at a brief news conference that he and Homan agreed on pursuing people who commit violent crimes in the city but did not disclose additional details or future plans. “We’re not going to be a safe haven for those who commit repeated violent crimes against innocent migrants, immigrants and longstanding New Yorkers. That was my conversation today with the border czar, to figure out how to go after those individuals who are repeatedly committing crimes in our city,” Adams told reporters. In the weeks since Trump's election win, Adams has mused about potentially scaling back the city’s so-called sanctuary policies and coordinating with the incoming Trump administration on immigration. He has also said migrants accused of crimes shouldn't have due process rights under the Constitution, though he later walked back those comments. The mayor further stunned Democrats in the city when he sidestepped questions in two televised interviews last week on whether he would consider changing parties to become a Republican, telling journalists that he was part of the “American party.” Adams later clarified that he would remain a Democrat. For Adams, a centrist Democrat known for quarreling with the city's progressive left, the recent comments on immigration follow frustration with the Biden Administration over its immigration policies and a surge of international migrants in the city. He has maintained that his positions have not changed and argues he is trying to protect New Yorkers, pointing to the law-and-order platform he has staked out throughout his political career and during his successful campaign for mayor. At his news conference Thursday, Adams reiterated his commitment to New York’s generous social safety net. “We’re going to tell those who are here, who are law-abiding, to continue to utilize the services that are open to the city, the services that they have a right to utilize, educating their children, health care, public protection,” he said. “But we will not be the safe haven for those who commit violent acts.” While the education of all children present in the U.S. is already guaranteed by a Supreme Court ruling, New York also offers social services like healthcare and emergency shelter to low-income residents, including those in the country illegally. City and state grants also provide significant access to lawyers, which is not guaranteed in the immigration court as they are in the criminal court. Still, Adams’ recent rhetoric has been seen by some critics as an attempt to cozy up to Trump, who could potentially offer a presidential pardon in his federal corruption case. Adams has been charged with accepting luxury travel perks and illegal campaign contributions from a Turkish official and other foreign nationals looking to buy his influence. He has pleaded not guilty. Homan, who was Trump’s former acting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement director, also met this week with Republicans in Illinois, where he called on Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, both Democrats, to start negotiations over how Trump's mass deportation plans, according to local media. Separately, New York City officials this week announced continued efforts to shrink a huge emergency shelter system for migrants because of a steady decline in new arrivals. Among the planned shelter closures is a massive tent complex built on a federally owned former airport in Brooklyn, which advocates have warned could be a prime target for Trump's mass deportation plan. Elsewhere, Republican governors and lawmakers in some states are already rolling out proposals that could help him carry out his pledge to deport millions of people living in the U.S. illegally. Izaguirre reported from Albany, N.Y.
U.S. shares lower at close of trade; Dow Jones Industrial Average down 0.35%ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistani police arrested thousands of Imran Khan supporters ahead of a rally in the capital to demand the ex-premier’s release from prison, a security officer said Sunday. Khan has been behind bars for more than a year and has over 150 criminal cases against him. But he remains popular and his political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf or PTI, says the cases are politically motivated. Shahid Nawaz, a security officer in eastern Punjab province, said police have arrested more than 4,000 Khan supporters. They include five parliamentarians. Pakistan has sealed off Islamabad with shipping containers and shut down major roads and highways connecting the city with PTI strongholds in Punjab and northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces. Tit-for-tat teargas shelling between the police and the PTI was reported on the highway bordering Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Earlier on Sunday, Pakistan suspended mobile and internet services “in areas with security concerns.” The government and Interior Ministry posted the announcement on the social media platform X, which is banned in Pakistan. They did not specify the areas, nor did they say how long the suspension would be in place. “Internet and mobile services will continue to operate as usual in the rest of the country,” the posts said. Meanwhile, telecom company Nayatel sent out emails offering customers “a reliable landline service” as a workaround in the areas suffering suspended cellphone service. Khan's supporters rely heavily on social media to demand his release and use messaging platforms like WhatsApp to share information, including details of events. PTI spokesperson Sheikh Waqas Akram said Khan's wife Bushra Bibi was traveling to Islamabad in a convoy led by the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Gandapur. “She cannot leave the party workers on their own,” said Akram. There was a festive mood in Peshawar, with PTI members dancing, drumming and holding up pictures of Khan as cars set off for Islamabad. The government is imposing social media platform bans and targeting VPN services , according to internet advocacy group Netblocks. On Sunday, the group said live metrics showed problems with WhatsApp that were affecting media sharing on the app. The U.S. Embassy issued a security alert for Americans in the capital, encouraging them to avoid large gatherings and warning that even “peaceful gatherings can turn violent.” Last month, authorities suspended the cellphone service in Islamabad and Rawalpindi to thwart a pro-Khan rally. The shutdown disrupted communications and affected everyday services such as banking, ride-hailing and food delivery. The latest crackdown comes on the eve of a visit by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko . Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said authorities have sealed off Islamabad's Red Zone, which houses key government buildings and is the destination for Khan's supporters. “Anyone reaching it will be arrested,” Naqvi told a press conference. He said the security measures were in place to protect residents and property, blaming the PTI for inconveniencing people and businesses. He added that protesters were planning to take the same route as the Belarusian delegation, but that the government had headed off this scenario. Naqvi denied cellphone services were suspended and said only mobile data was affected. Associated Press writers Riaz Khan in Peshawar and Asim Tanveer in Multan contributed to this report.Someone else will earn that assignment in 2025 after the White Sox dealt Crochet to the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday for four minor-league prospects in catcher Kyle Teel, outfielder Braden Montgomery, infielder Chase Meidroth and right-handed pitcher Wikelman Gonzalez. How will the Sox fill the opening in the rotation? The group of returning starters includes Jonathan Cannon, Drew Thorpe, Davis Martin and Sean Burke. Cannon, Thorpe and Burke each made their major-league debuts in 2024. So did Jairo Iriarte, who had six relief appearances. “He’ll get a long look in spring training,” Sox general manager Chris Getz said of Iriarte on Wednesday at the MLB winter meetings. Iriarte, who like Thorpe was part of the Cease trade, had a 1.50 ERA with six strikeouts for the Sox after posting a 3.71 ERA in 23 appearances (22 starts) for Double-A Birmingham. “We’ll look to make some additions as well,” Getz said. “We have other arms in (someone like) Mason Adams, (who) will be in major-league camp. We think that we still have the depth in starter innings. With that being said, we are going to see if we can bring in some guys that can stabilize and protect those guys, too.” Adams, a 13th-round draft pick in 2022, went a combined 7-5 with a 2.92 ERA and 110 strikeouts in 23 games (22 starts) for Birmingham and Triple-A Charlotte in 2024. The Sox went the pitching route in Wednesday’s Rule 5 draft, selecting Shane Smith from the Milwaukee Brewers. The right-hander went a combined 6-3 with a 3.05 ERA and 113 strikeouts in 32 outings (16 starts) for Double-A Biloxi and Triple-A Nashville. Smith, 24, is 13-7 with a 2.69 ERA and 203 strikeouts over three minor-league seasons. “He’s got starting ability as well,” Getz said. “He’ll come into camp and compete for a spot. He’s got an ability to pitch in the bullpen as well. “The Rule 5 gives you an opportunity to bring guys in and see if he can be a fit. It was a clear decision for us that he was the right guy. It was almost a consensus with our group, which isn’t always the case. But in this one, it was and just gave us more confidence to make the selection.” Around the same time the Rule 5 draft began Wednesday, news broke of the Crochet trade. Part of the return sets up an interesting situation for the Sox behind the plate. Teel, 22, was rated by MLB.com as the No. 4 prospect in the Red Sox organization, No. 25 in baseball and the No. 3 catcher. He slashed .288/.386/.433 with 23 doubles, 13 home runs, 78 RBIs, 88 runs, 68 walks and 12 stolen bases in 112 games last season between Double-A Portland and Triple-A Worcester. The left-handed hitter has a .301/.404/.444 career slash line with 29 doubles, 15 home runs, 100 RBIs, 103 runs, 89 walks and 15 stolen bases over parts of two minor-league seasons. A first-round pick in 2023 (No. 14), Teel joins Edgar Quero and Korey Lee as catcher options. Quero, ranked the No. 4 prospect in the organization by MLB.com , had a combined .280 average with 16 home runs and 70 RBIs in 98 games for Birmingham and Charlotte in 2024. Lee slashed .210/.244/.347 with 12 home runs and 37 RBIs as the primary catcher for the Sox in 2024. “We feel like they can both be catchers for us at the major-league level,” Getz said of Teel and Quero. “You’ve got a switch-hitter in Edgar Quero, who’s really strong from the right side currently. And you’ve got Kyle Teel, who’s left-handed and has versatility in his background too. The catching position is just so valuable and it’s such a hard position to fill. “To have two guys like that and a Korey Lee — going to the foundation of an organization, so many things start up the middle of the diamond, and it starts at the catching position and how much they can impact the game with game-planning and directing traffic on the field. So to have strength there is really important to us. We were able to accomplish that.” Sox finalize Mike Tauchman deal The Sox finalized a one-year, $1.95-million contract with the veteran outfielder on Wednesday. The Palatine native has a career .241/.344/.374 slash line with 60 doubles, 32 home runs, 155 RBIs and 183 walks over parts of seven major-league seasons with the Colorado Rockies (2017-18), New York Yankees (2019-21), San Francisco Giants (2021) and Chicago Cubs (2023-24). He ranks sixth in the majors since the start of the 2023 season with an average of one walk every 7.29 plate appearances (minimum of 750 plate appearances). Reports of the signing first surfaced late Monday night.Former President Jimmy Carter was remembered for his leadership and commitment to public service following his death. Carter died on Sunday at his home in Plains, Georgia, at the age of 100. RELATED STORY | Former President Jimmy Carter dies at age 100 Jimmy Carter Tributes President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden: Today, America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian. Over six decades, we had the honor of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend. But, what’s extraordinary about Jimmy Carter, though, is that millions of people throughout America and the world who never met him thought of him as a dear friend as well. With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among us. He saved, lifted, and changed the lives of people all across the globe. Donald and Melania Trump: I just heard of the news about the passing of President Jimmy Carter. Those of us who have been fortunate to have served as President understand this is a very exclusive club, and only we can relate to the enormous responsibility of leading the Greatest Nation in History. The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude. Melania and I are thinking warmly of the Carter Family and their loved ones during this difficult time. We urge everyone to keep them in their hearts and prayers. Bill and Hillary Clinton: Hillary and I mourn the passing of Jimmy Carter and give thanks for his long, good life. Guided by his faith, President Carter lived to serve others—until the very end. Statement from President Clinton and Secretary Clinton on the Passing of President Jimmy Carter pic.twitter.com/1Ejol6yjav — Angel Ureña (@angelurena) December 29, 2024 Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer: President Carter's faith in the American people and his belief in the power of kindness and humility leave a strong legacy. He taught us that the strength of a leader lies not in rhetoric but in action, not in personal gain but in service to others. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell: President Carter served during times of tension and uncertainty, both at home and abroad. But his calm spirit and deep faith seemed unshakeable. Jimmy Carter served as our commander-in-chief for four years, but he served as the beloved, unassuming Sunday school teacher at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia for forty. And his humble devotion leaves us little doubt which of those two important roles he prized the most. U.S. Sen. Jon Osoff (D-GA): Among his lifetime of service and countless accomplishments, President Carter will be remembered for his commitment to democracy and human rights, his enduring faith, his philanthropic leadership, and his deep love of family U.S. Sen. Rafael Warnock (D-GA): President Carter was one of my heroes. His leadership was driven by love, his life’s project grounded in compassion and a commitment to human dignity. For those of us who have the privilege of representing our communities in elected office, Jimmy Carter is a shining example of what it means to make your faith come alive through the noble work of public service. U.S. Sen. John Thun (R-SD): President Carter dedicated his life to serving the people of Georgia and our great country – as a naval officer, a governor, and as the 39th President of the United States. From peanut farming to the presidency and every step in between, his wife Rosalynn was by his side. House Speaker Mike Johnson Because of his work in brokering the Camp David Accords and his advocacy with Habitat for Humanity, the world is a more peaceful place, and more Americans have a place to call home. No one can deny that President Carter led an extraordinary life of service to his country. May he rest in peace.
Drones for commercial and recreational use have grown rapidly in popularity, despite restrictions on who can operate them and where they can be flown. No-fly zones are enforced around airports, military installations, nuclear plants, certain landmarks including the Statue of Liberty, and sports stadiums during games. Not everybody follows the rules. Sightings at airports have shut down flights in a few instances. Reported sightings of what appear to be drones flying over New Jersey at night in recent weeks have created anxiety among some residents, in part because it is not clear who is operating them or why. Some state and local officials have called for stricter rules to govern drones. After receiving reports of drone activity last month near Morris County, New Jersey, the Federal Aviation Administration issued temporary bans on drone flights over a golf course in Bedminster , New Jersey, that is owned by President-elect Donald Trump, and over Picatinny Arsenal Military Base . The FAA says the bans are in response to requests from “federal security partners.” The FAA is responsible for the regulations governing their use , and Congress has written some requirements into law. With a 2018 law, the Preventing Emerging Threats Act, Congress gave certain agencies in the Homeland Security and Justice departments authority to counter threats from unmanned aircraft to protect the safety of certain facilities. New drones must be outfitted with equipment allowing law enforcement to identify the operator, and Congress gave the agencies the power to detect and take down unmanned aircraft that they consider dangerous. The law spells out where the counter-drone measures can be used, including “national special security events” such as presidential inaugurations and other large gatherings of people. To get a “remote pilot certificate,” you must be at least 16 years old, be proficient in English, pass an aeronautics exam, and not suffer from a ”mental condition that would interfere with the safe operation of a small unmanned aircraft system.” Yes, but the FAA imposes restrictions on nighttime operations. Most drones are not allowed to fly at night unless they are equipped with anti-collision lights that are visible for at least 3 miles (4.8 kilometers). Over the past decade, pilots have reported hundreds of close calls between drones and airplanes including airline jets. In some cases, airplane pilots have had to take evasive action to avoid collisions. Drones buzzing over a runway caused flights to be stopped at London’s Gatwick Airport during the Christmas travel rush in 2018 and again in May 2023 . Police dismissed the idea of shooting down the drones, fearing that stray bullets could kill someone. Advances in drone technology have made it harder for law enforcement to find rogue drone operators — bigger drones in particular have more range and power. Some state and local officials in New Jersey are calling for stronger restrictions because of the recent sightings, and that has the drone industry worried. Scott Shtofman, director of government affairs at the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International, said putting more limits on drones could have a “chilling effect” on “a growing economic engine for the United States.” “We would definitely oppose anything that is blindly pushing for new regulation of what are right now legal drone operations,” he said. AirSight, a company that sells software against “drone threats,” says more than 20 states have enacted laws against privacy invasion by drones, including Peeping Toms. Will Austin, president of Warren County Community College in New Jersey, and founder of its drone program, says it's up to users to reduce public concern about the machines. He said operators must explain why they are flying when confronted by people worried about privacy or safety. “It's a brand new technology that's not really understood real well, so it will raise fear and anxiety in a lot of people,” Austin said. “We want to be good professional aviators and alleviate that.” Associated Press reporter Rebecca Santana in Washington, D.C., contributed.
Nearly half of US teens are online 'constantly,' Pew report findsTikTok is challenging the federal government’s order to shut down its operations in Canada. The company filed in documents in Federal Court in Vancouver on Thursday. The government ordered the dissolution of TikTok’s Canadian business in November after a national security review of the Chinese company behind the social media platform. That means TikTok must "wind down" its operations in Canada, though the app will continue to be available to Canadians. TikTok wants the court to overturn the government’s order and to place a pause on the order while the court hears the case. It is claiming the minister's decision was "unreasonable" and "driven by improper purposes." The review was carried out through the Investment Canada Act, which allows the government to investigate any foreign investment with potential to harm national security. Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne said in a statement at the time the government was taking action to address "specific national security risks," though it didn’t specify what those risks were. TikTok’s filing says Champagne "failed to engage with TikTok Canada on the purported substance of the concerns that led to the (order.)" The company argues the government ordered "measures that bear no rational connection to the national security risks it identifies." It says the reasons for the order "are unintelligible, fail to reveal a rational chain of analysis and are rife with logical fallacies." The company's law firm, Osler Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, declined to comment, while Champagne’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A TikTok spokesperson said in a statement that the order would "eliminate the jobs and livelihoods of our hundreds of dedicated local employees — who support the community of more than 14 million monthly Canadian users on TikTok, including businesses, advertisers, creators and initiatives developed especially for Canada." This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 10, 2024. Darryl Greer and Anja Karadeglija, The Canadian Press
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Massad Boulos, hailed as a billionaire lawyer advising Trump on Middle East policy, probably isn’t a lawyer or a billionaireShare Tweet Share Share Email In the vast and ever-evolving digital landscape, choosing the right Content Management System (CMS) is crucial for establishing a successful online presence. Among the myriad of options available, WordPress stands out as the undisputed leader, powering over 40% of all websites on the internet as of 2025. This dominance is not by chance; WordPress offers a unique combination of flexibility, ease of use, and robust functionality that caters to a diverse range of users, from bloggers and small businesses to large enterprises and e-commerce giants. In this article, we explore the factors that contribute to WordPress’s dominance in the CMS market and highlight how some website can help you harness the full potential of WordPress for your website. 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As the digital landscape continues to evolve, WordPress remains at the forefront, consistently adapting to meet the needs of its diverse user base. Related Items: CMS , WordPress Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you Best WordPress Hosting In India: The Expert Analysis Transform Your Website with Personalized Content Using If-So Benefits of Using Shopify and WordPress Together for Your Business CommentsAaron Rodgers insists there's nothing uncertain about his status for the New York Jets' game Sunday at Buffalo. “There's no way I'm not playing,” the quarterback said during a video call Tuesday. Rodgers acknowledged he has “a little MCL” issue in a knee, but added: “I've had a lot worse. I lucked out. I avoided major stretchage of the MCL.” Rodgers was hurt in the Jets’ 19-9 loss to the Los Angeles Rams last Sunday but remained in the game. “I’m gonna play,” Rodgers said of the game against the Bills. “It feels pretty good.” Rookie left tackle Olu Fashanu’s promising first season is over, though, as the first-round pick was placed on injured reserve with an injury to the plantar fascia in his left foot. Interim coach Jeff Ulbrich said earlier Tuesday that it was “just too early to tell” what Rodgers' availability might be, but he was optimistic about the 41-year-old quarterback's chances. “If I’m a betting man," Ulbrich said, “I’m betting on Aaron Rodgers to play.” Rodgers said he didn't need an MRI on the knee, the latest ailment in what has been an injury-filled season. He earlier dealt with knee, hamstring and ankle issues that hindered his play at times. One of the four-time MVP's goals entering the season was playing in all 17 games after being limited to four snaps in his debut last year because of a torn Achilles tendon. “I definitely felt like at midseason that was going to be difficult,” Rodgers said of playing in every game. “But right now, it looks like, for sure, 16. And hopefully get through this one and get to 17.” The Jets held a walkthrough Tuesday and their next full practice is Thursday, giving Rodgers some extra time to recover. Rodgers has 24 touchdown passes and eight interceptions this season, and he's one TD throw from becoming the fifth player in NFL history with 500 for his career in the regular season. While his plans for the final two games appear clear, his playing future beyond this season is uncertain. Rodgers has another year left on his deal with the Jets, but the team is looking for a new general manager and head coach. Whether the quarterback will be part of the new regime's plans will be a major storyline this offseason. During an appearance Monday on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Rodgers suggested he could be released the day after the regular season ends. He said there's also a chance he could be retained but acknowledged he's going to take some time to decide if he even wants to play in a 21st NFL season. “I think anything is truly possible,” Rodgers said Tuesday of potentially being released. "Whether it happens or not, I’m sure that there will be decisions that, I don’t think there will be surprises where there’s like, ‘Oh, I don’t know what we want to do with certain people.’ I think there’s going to be some decisions that want to be made the day after the season or a couple days after the season, so I don’t know. I’m just not naive. “There’s not zero percent in my mind. I don’t think it’s a high percentage. I think there’s probably a conversation to be had, but I’m just not naive to that being a zero percent chance. I think it’s more than a zero percent chance and less than a certainty, so somewhere in the middle.” Rodgers said he hasn't spoken recently to owner Woody Johnson and doesn't necessarily think the lack of any indication of whether he's wanted back means he won't be. “I would be surprised if there was a conversation now because there’s so many uncertainties,” he said. “There’s a GM that has to get hired, I would assume first, and then he’s going to be part of hiring the head coach, so I have to be in the plans of multiple people, starting with the ownership and then the GM and then the head coach." Rodgers added that if he's told the Jets want him back, it would mean they see him as an important part of trying to change the culture of a team that hasn't made the postseason in 14 years. “That’d be special to hear that,” he said, “but if they don’t, again, no offense at all will be taken.” Fashanu had a solid first NFL season after being the 11th overall draft pick in April out of Penn State. He began the year as veteran Tyron Smith's backup before filling in at right tackle for two games when Morgan Moses was injured. Fashanu, who played only left tackle in college, also stepped in at right guard for an injured Alijah Vera-Tucker against Houston. When Smith was lost for the season with a neck injury last month, Fashanu took over as the starter and excelled in five starts. He was hurt midway through the fourth quarter against the Rams and was seen on crutches in the locker room after the game. Ulbrich said he believed Fashanu would need surgery, but the team later clarified that a procedure won't be required. “It's unfortunate,” Ulbrich said. “He's having a great rookie season. But at the same time, these injuries sometimes give you an opportunity to step back and really start absorbing some of the information as you were kind of thrown into the fire. He'll use it as an opportunity to grow, I know that.” The Jets signed veteran kicker Greg Joseph to the practice squad and he'll compete with Anders Carlson for the job this week. Ulbrich said Greg Zuerlein, on IR since late October with a knee injury, also could be in the mix. Carlson, the fourth kicker used by the Jets this season, missed an extra point and a 49-yard field goal try late in the fourth quarter against the Rams. He is 8 of 10 on field goal tries and 9 for 11 on extra points in five games with New York. “We'll see how it goes and we'll put the best guy out there,” Ulbrich said. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
