The Opposition continues to crank up pressure on Speaker Asoka Ranwala to resign over what it calls his false claim to have a doctorate. The JVP-led NPP government may have expected its opponents’ campaign against the Speaker to fizzle out with the passage of time. In this country, controversies crop up at such a rate that one finds it well-nigh impossible to keep track of them, and that may be the reason why the government has chosen to remain silent on the issue of the Speaker’s educational qualifications. But the Opposition remains maniacally focused on the Speaker’s claim in question, and SJB MP Ajith Perera has gone on record as saying that unless Ranwala resigns forthwith, the Opposition will be compelled to move a motion of no confidence against him. The government has sought to make light of the situation, but in vain. The allegation that the third citizen of the country has made a false claim and misled the public and Parliament is too serious to be glossed over. Having failed to obfuscate the issue, the government is now evading questions thereon. Its ostrich-like posturing will only worsen the situation; the problem will not go away, given the Opposition’s determined bid to make the JVP/NPP bite the bullet and have Speaker Ranwala step down. The government finds itself in a quandary; if it continues to ignore calls for remedial action, its rivals will intensify their campaign against the Speaker, and if Ranwala succumbs to the Opposition’s pressure by any chance, that will be a huge comedown for the ruling alliance. However, the government cannot go on dilly-dallying and prevaricating indefinitely. It will have to grasp the nettle soon. If Speaker Ranwala fails to prove that he has a doctorate, and the government refuses to take any action, the Opposition is likely to go ahead with its no-faith motion. The JVP-NPP combine will find itself in a more unenviable position in such an eventuality. The government has a two-thirds majority in Parliament and therefore it can torpedo a no-confidence motion against the Speaker, but if it does so, its credibility and integrity will be at stake. While it was in opposition, it would take the moral high ground and tear all previous governments to shreds for defending their members who were in the wrong. Its frontal attacks on those administrations and its solemn pledge to usher in a new political culture resonated with the public, as evident from its spectacular electoral wins in the recent presidential and parliamentary elections. Therefore, it will have to be mindful of the moral aspects of its actions as much as their legality. The JVP/NPP ascended to power by lowering the esteem of the national legislature in the eyes of the public with the help of an effective vilification campaign against the members of previous governments. It also pledged to raise the quality of the MPs and the standards of Parliament. In fact, it triggered a massive wave of anti-politics to make its victory possible. The issue of the incumbent Speaker’s educational qualifications and the Opposition’s campaign for his removal on the grounds that he has flaunted a fake doctorate is bound to have a corrosive effect on public trust in Parliament. This augurs ill for the country’s democratic wellbeing. It is incumbent upon the leaders of all political parties represented in Parliament to have a serious discussion on the issue at hand and find a solution. They should do everything possible to obviate the need for a no-faith motion against the Speaker because such a situation would only further undermine public trust in the legislature and provide a big fillip to anti-politics. The JVP/NPP is in a dilemma. While defending the Speaker, it has to safeguard the integrity of its civic morality initiative aimed at improving the moral and ethical standards of electors and the elected alike. One is reminded of the Juvenalian question: Who guards the guards themselves?Caregiver son struggles with guilt over not doing enough
Alimentation Couche Tard Inc. stock falls Tuesday, underperforms market
What to Expect from OptiSigns at DSE 2024: Live Demonstrations: Visitors of DSE can visit OptiSigns booth #3134 to explore the intuitive features of the OptiSigns platform and learn how it can simplify and enhance digital signage management. Using OptiSigns innovative technology like the Pro Player and Android Stick, visitors will be treated to LIVE Demos of unique OptiSigns features like Audience Intelligence, the OptiSync Data Management System, and the Lift and Learn Interactive Kiosk Experience. New Product Announcements: Stop by OptiSigns booth #3134 and be the first to see the newest innovative Pro Max technology designed by OptiSigns and learn more about unique updates that will redefine the digital signage landscape. Our newest Pro Max technology is our most powerful digital signage player that supports 8K or 4x4K video walls. With OptiSigns experts onsite, visitors will have the opportunity to discuss trends, best practices, and strategies for maximizing the impact of digital signage. Exclusive Giveaways and Promotions: Attendees visiting OptiSigns booth #3134 will have access to special offers, giveaways, and prizes. This year, OptiSigns will unleash their interactive Opti Claw Machine, tantalizing visitors with a chance to win OptiSigns Android Sticks, Pro Players, Optibot Keychains, and more. One lucky winner will win a brand new PS5 Pro via a LinkedIn competition, and the winner will be announced LIVE at DSE! For more information on the PS5 giveaway, check out OptiSigns' LinkedIn page. About OptiSigns OptiSigns is a leading digital signage software provider dedicated to helping businesses create engaging, impactful content experiences. Focusing on simplicity, scalability, and innovation, OptiSigns empowers organizations to communicate their message effectively and captivate their audience through digital displays. For more information on OptiSigns, visit www.optisigns.com or follow us on all social media @OptiSignsInc. Media Contact: Aisha Albritton Director of Trade Show Strategy and Event Marketing Aisha.Albritton@OptiSigns.com | (404) 641-0613 View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/optisigns-to-showcase-cutting-edge-digital-signage-solutions-at-the-digital-signage-experience-2024-in-las-vegas-302320107.html SOURCE OptiSigns
Harry Kane has become the fastest player to score fifty Bundesliga goals after his hat-trick for Bayern Munich on Friday night. Kane scored all three goals in the match as Bayern beat Augsburg at home following the international break. In doing so, the England captain surpassed a record previously set by Erling Haaland when he was at Borussia Dortmund . The Norwegian scored his 50th Bundesliga goal in his 50th game in the league in November 2021, beating Timo Konietzka’s previous record by nine matches. Advertisement Kane has been in imperious form since joining Bayern from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2023 and it took him only 43 games to score 50 goals in the German top flight. The 31-year-old has also registered 14 assists in those matches. Despite Kane’s 36 league goals — 44 in all competitions — last season, Bayern ended the campaign trophyless, finishing third and 18 points behind the undefeated champions Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga. This term, Bayern themselves are undefeated after 11 games with nine wins and two draws, with Friday’s win putting them eight points ahead of second-placed RB Leipzig , who play on Saturday. GO DEEPER Are Bayern Munich any good under Vincent Kompany? ‘Kane’s goalscoring has helped Bayern develop confidence and authority’ Analysis by German football writer Sebastian Stafford-Bloor The context for this achievement is that, for 15 months, Kane has been scoring goals at a record-breaking rate for a Bayern team that has not always functioned particularly well. Yes, they had moments of power under Thomas Tuchel and now Vincent Kompany, but nothing compared with the dominance they enjoyed in previous eras. Kane has been one of the few parts of the team that has worked consistently, scoring goals through force of will at times. He still faces criticism. The week before the October international break, he and Bayern suffered a frustrating week, drawing at home to Leverkusen, losing away to Aston Villa and then losing a stoppage time lead to draw 3-3 with Eintracht Frankfurt . Kane failed to score in all of those games and, in their aftermath, the German media came as close to rounding on him. Who cares about goals against Holstein Kiel and Bochum? That was the gist. Augsburg are not a Bundesliga big beast so, most likely, this latest treble — two penalties and a late, scruffy third — will not draw much attention on its own. But, as he did last season, Kane is scoring goals in an imperfect side, within which he is still finding a balance between dropping deep and leading the line. Has he been at most fluent? Not really, but he also leads the side in assists this year and that currency — his literal contribution — is really all that matters at Allianz Arena. Advertisement What a luxury for Kompany, too. Several parts of this Bayern side are undergoing renovation. Jamal Musiala has played sensationally well at times, but the defence remains a work in progress, the midfield is missing Aleksandar Pavlovic and Joao Palinha, and — before this season — Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry had both suffered plummets in form. But the steady beat of Kane’s goalscoring has helped the side develop confidence and authority this season, helping also to inspire individual improvements. Gnabry and Coman are revived. Leon Goretzka provided a beautiful assist for Kane’s hat-trick goal on Friday and cracked a smile for what seemed like the first time this season. These things matter. Has Kane been a success yet? By his own admission, not until he wins something. After all, he broke plenty of records at Spurs and that was never enough for him. But he is certainly doing his part in leading Bayern towards their broader aims and living up his side of that €100million (now $104m) deal. (Top photo: Lukas Barth-Tuttas/AFP via Getty Images)HOUSTON , Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- OptiSigns, a leader in digital signage software solutions, is thrilled to announce its participation as a Platinum Sponsor in this year's Digital Signage Experience (DSE) 2024, taking place this December in Las Vegas, Nevada . The highly anticipated event, a premier gathering for digital signage innovators, professionals, and enthusiasts, will provide the perfect stage for OptiSigns to unveil its latest advancements and engage with industry leaders. Visitors of DSE 2024 will have the opportunity to experience firsthand how OptiSigns' powerful and user-friendly platform is transforming how businesses communicate, engage, and inform their audiences. From dynamic content scheduling to seamless integrations and real-time updates, OptiSigns' solutions are designed to meet the needs of businesses across industries, including retail, hospitality, healthcare, and more. "At OptiSigns, we are passionate about empowering businesses with technology that engages audiences and drives results," said Head of Sales John Shelley. "We are excited to connect with industry professionals at DSE 2024, showcase our solutions, and demonstrate how digital signage can transform communication strategies." DSE 2024 will take place from December 9, 2024 , to December 10, 2024 , at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada , and promises to bring together key players and thought leaders in digital signage, offering a unique platform to explore the latest technologies and network with industry professionals. What to Expect from OptiSigns at DSE 2024: Live Demonstrations: Visitors of DSE can visit OptiSigns booth #3134 to explore the intuitive features of the OptiSigns platform and learn how it can simplify and enhance digital signage management. Using OptiSigns innovative technology like the Pro Player and Android Stick, visitors will be treated to LIVE Demos of unique OptiSigns features like Audience Intelligence, the OptiSync Data Management System, and the Lift and Learn Interactive Kiosk Experience. New Product Announcements: Stop by OptiSigns booth #3134 and be the first to see the newest innovative Pro Max technology designed by OptiSigns and learn more about unique updates that will redefine the digital signage landscape. Our newest Pro Max technology is our most powerful digital signage player that supports 8K or 4x4K video walls. With OptiSigns experts onsite, visitors will have the opportunity to discuss trends, best practices, and strategies for maximizing the impact of digital signage. Exclusive Giveaways and Promotions: Attendees visiting OptiSigns booth #3134 will have access to special offers, giveaways, and prizes. This year, OptiSigns will unleash their interactive Opti Claw Machine, tantalizing visitors with a chance to win OptiSigns Android Sticks, Pro Players, Optibot Keychains, and more. One lucky winner will win a brand new PS5 Pro via a LinkedIn competition, and the winner will be announced LIVE at DSE! For more information on the PS5 giveaway, check out OptiSigns' LinkedIn page. About OptiSigns OptiSigns is a leading digital signage software provider dedicated to helping businesses create engaging, impactful content experiences. Focusing on simplicity, scalability, and innovation, OptiSigns empowers organizations to communicate their message effectively and captivate their audience through digital displays. For more information on OptiSigns, visit www.optisigns.com or follow us on all social media @OptiSignsInc. Media Contact: Aisha Albritton Director of Trade Show Strategy and Event Marketing [email protected] | (404) 641-0613 SOURCE OptiSigns
Bears keep GM Ryan Poles in driver's seat for coaching search
Companies tighten security after a health care CEO's killing leads to a surge of threatsNo. 22 Xavier unbeaten but looking for more effort vs. South CarolinaBOULDER, Colo. — A 72-year-old lifelong Colorado fan with end-stage kidney failure waited to the side of the field in his wheelchair for Travis Hunter and the rest of the Buffaloes. One by one, players strolled over and signed a football for Riley Rhoades, his face lighting up with each signature. Standing close by and taking in the scene was Jeremy Bloom. He's become a wish facilitator for older adults. Bloom, the former Colorado wide receiver and Olympic freestyle skier, started the Wish of a Lifetime foundation in 2008, which has made thousands of aspirations turn into reality for older adults. The list of granted wishes range from taking veterans back to the beaches of Normandy to helping late-in-life authors publish a book. He's staged concerts for musicians, assisted some in daredevil feats such as jumping out of an airplane and even lined up a meeting between an Olympic medalist and former President Barack Obama. For Rhoades, his wish was simply to return to Folsom Field again, the place where he used to have season tickets but hasn't attended a game since 2004. "Everybody has somebody in their life —a grandparent, friend, neighbor — at that age where you wish you had more resources to help," said Bloom, whose college career was cut short two decades ago when the NCAA denied his reinstatement to play football and still ski professionally after receiving endorsement money to fuel his Olympic dreams. "Nothing can compare to seeing someone else's eyes light up because you helped make their dream come true." The foundation is a tribute to his grandparents. But the concept began to take root when he was a teenager. He was in Japan for a World Cup freestyle skiing competition when a woman tried to hop on a crowded bus. There was no room, but everyone in front rose from their seats to make space. That stuck with him, along with seeing these acts of kindness for older adults all over Europe and Asia as he traveled. An idea formed — bring that same level of appreciation to the United States, with a wish-granting element. Bloom's organization has been a charitable affiliate of AARP since 2020. It was the yearning of Rhoades that brought the two of them to Folsom Field last weekend. Rhoades, who had season tickets at Colorado for 27 years, wanted to see the Buffaloes in person after watching the team's resurgence on television. A few years ago, Rhoades, who was born with spina bifida, was diagnosed with end-stage renal failure. Being among the 54,646 fans Saturday stirred up plenty of emotions for Rhoades, as he watched the 16th-ranked Buffaloes (8-2, 6-1 Big 12, No. 16 CFP) beat Utah. Colorado remains in the race for not only a conference title but a spot in the College Football Playoff. "It's just great to be back here again," Rhoades said as he pointed out the section where he used to watch games. "It's just ... so cool." For Bloom, the success that coach Deion Sanders has brought to the program means more reunions with teammates as they pass through town. "I've been through many years where nobody comes to visit," Bloom said. "It's fun that Boulder has become the epicenter of college football." Leading the way for Colorado this season have been quarterback Shedeur Sanders and two-way star Hunter, who's the Heisman Trophy frontrunner. But what particularly pleases Bloom is that Sanders, Hunter and the rest of college football players are able to finally profit through name, image and likeness. In his day, Bloom got caught in the NCAA crosshairs for wanting to play both sports and to have sponsors in one (skiing) so he could fund his Olympic aspirations. How time have changed. "I'm just really grateful that this generation of athletes gets to monetize their skills and ability," said Bloom, who finished sixth in moguls at the 2006 Winter Games in Italy. "It's the right thing." He's thrown his passion into fulfilling wishes such as learning ballet, riding in a Formula 1 pace car or taking a flight in a fighter jet. He's also helped reconnect families and friends, including a reunion for a trio of centenarian sisters who hadn't seen each other in more than a decade. This granted wish has stuck with Bloom: A person in Alabama wasn't able to travel after being diagnosed with end-of-life emphysema. So he asked for postcards to be sent, just to learn what made someone's town so special. He received 2,000 postcards from 26 different countries. "There's no end to the things that they've done for us in the world," Bloom said of older adults. "We're one of the organizations that reminds them that their dreams still do matter and that we still appreciate them and we cherish them." Get local news delivered to your inbox!
How one factor forced Chris Paul to leave the Golden State Warriors, ‘one of the toughest years’
Bears general manager Ryan Poles was granted a reprieve complete with a second swing at hiring a head coach in Chicago. Poles will interview candidates and select a replacement for Matt Eberflus, who was fired Friday after the Bears' sixth consecutive loss and fourth of the season decided on a final play. "Ryan Poles is the general manager of the Chicago Bears, and he will remain the general manager of the Chicago Bears," president and CEO Kevin Warren said Monday. "Ryan will serve as the point person of our upcoming search for a head football coach. We will closely, we will work together on a daily basis to make sure we have the right person as our head football coach." Warren said the McCaskey family provided "all the resources" to build a championship environment. He confirmed that Thomas Brown, who a month ago was passing game coordinator before replacing Shane Waldron as offensive coordinator, will serve as interim head coach and shift from the press box to the sideline starting this week. Warren did not say whether Brown would automatically receive an interview for the full-time coaching position, which he said "will be the most coveted head coaching job in the National Football League." Poles said consideration will be given to candidates with the plan to develop rookie No. 1 pick Caleb Williams, but there are no set plans to involve the quarterback in the interview process. He said the Bears showed great progress through two seasons but couldn't sustain growth. "At the end of the day, we just came up short too many times," Poles said of firing Eberflus, his pick to be the Bears' head coach in January 2022. Brown promoted wide receivers coach Chris Beatty to interim offensive coordinator on Monday and announced that defensive coordinator Eric Washington will be the defensive play caller, a role Eberflus previously held. Trailing 23-20 on Thanksgiving Day, the Bears were within field-goal range when quarterback Caleb Williams was sacked. With 32 seconds remaining, Eberflus elected not to use his final timeout as Williams heaved an incompletion down the right sideline as time expired. "When you look at the end-of-the-game situations, detailing to finish in some of those moments. We all know a lot of games come down to those critical moments where we weren't able to get over the hump," Poles said. Eberflus said after the game that everything was handled properly and held a press conference via Zoom on Friday voicing confidence he'd have the team ready to play the 49ers this week. But three hours later, he was fired. Warren admitted the franchise could've handled the timing better, but clarified there was no decision on Eberflus' status at the time of his media session. "The decision was made to terminate the employment of head coach Matt Eberflus," Warren said 72 hours later. "We try to do everything in a professional manner. That decision was made on Friday." "Coach Eberflus had his press conference, we had not made a final decision. I think you know me, you know Ryan you know George McCaskey. One thing we stand for is family, integrity, doing it the right way. In retrospect, could we have done it better? Absolutely." Eberflus, 54, went 14-32 in two-plus seasons. The Bears (4-8) travel to San Francisco (5-7) in Week 1. --Field Level Media
Google renews push into mixed reality headgear
PHILADELPHIA , Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- FMC Corporation (NYSE: FMC), a leading global agricultural sciences company, today announced the election of Anthony DiSilvestro to the company's Board of Directors, effective December 12, 2024 . DiSilvestro will serve on the Audit and Compensation and Human Capital Committees. DiSilvestro brings more than 40 years of broad financial experience in multi-billion dollar companies to FMC's Board. He currently serves as the chief financial officer of Mattel Inc., where he has been instrumental in the successful financial turnaround of the company. Prior to Mattel, DiSilvestro held various senior leadership positions at Campbell Soup Company, including Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, where he played a key role in the successful defense of an activist-led proxy contest and led significant cost reduction and divestiture programs. "We are pleased to welcome Anthony to the FMC Board of Directors," said Pierre Brondeau, FMC chairman and chief executive officer. "His extensive experience in leading large transformations, developing and executing corporate strategies, and collaborating with executive leadership teams will be invaluable to FMC. We look forward to benefiting from his expertise and insights." DiSilvestro expressed his enthusiasm for joining FMC's Board, stating, "I am honored to join the Board of Directors of FMC Corporation, a company with a strong commitment to innovation and sustainability. I look forward to working with the Board and management team to contribute to FMC's continued success and value creation for all stakeholders." About FMC FMC Corporation is a global agricultural sciences company dedicated to helping growers produce food, feed, fiber and fuel for an expanding world population while adapting to a changing environment. FMC's innovative crop protection solutions – including biologicals, crop nutrition, digital and precision agriculture – enable growers and crop advisers to address their toughest challenges economically while protecting the environment. With approximately 5,800 employees at more than 100 sites worldwide, FMC is committed to discovering new herbicide, insecticide and fungicide active ingredients, product formulations and pioneering technologies that are consistently better for the planet. Visit fmc.com to learn more and follow us on LinkedIn ® . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fmc-corporation-announces-election-of-anthony-disilvestro-to-board-of-directors-302330762.html SOURCE FMC CorporationIn the highly anticipated second season of Squid Game, South Korean actor Park Sung-hoon will take on the role of a transgender woman in a casting that has received mixed reactions online. The sequel will premiere on Netflix on Dec 26. It comes three years after the K-drama, about a high-stakes game where players put their lives on the line, became the most-watched series on the streaming platform. The first season in 2021 garnered more than 330 million views. Park, 39, is known for playing villains in series like The Glory (2022 to 2023) and Queen Of Tears (2024). In Squid Game 2, he will portray Hyun-ju, a former special forces soldier who joins the brutal game to win money for gender reassignment surgery. In a clip introducing the cast, Park said of Hyun-ju: “Even though she faces prejudice and tough situations, she shows incredible strength, decisiveness and natural leadership. Through her resilience, she breaks down stereotypes and shines as an inspiring character.” A transgender character in films or TV is rare in conservative South Korea, where there are no laws to protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. And while it seems the character was designed with good intentions, the casting of Park – a cisgender male – in the role of a transgender woman has divided opinions. While some praised the diversity of the characters in the series and the representation of a minority group, others on social media platforms such as X wondered why the role could not be given to a transgender actress, who might also be raising money for surgery like Hyun-ju. One netizen wrote: “A (cisgender) man pretending to be part of a minority group just doesn’t sit right with me.” But others backed the decision. Some felt that given South Korea’s fairly conservative society, where there are few openly queer public figures, a transgender actress would be exposed to intense vitriol if she were cast. One netizen said: “How do you expect (the production of Squid Game) to find a (transgender) actress who is willing to out herself to get the role, who hasn’t done any gender-affirming surgery, who can act and who is willing to withstand transphobic comments from people from (South Korea) and all over the world?” Series with LGBTQ characters have come under fire before from conservative groups in South Korea. In October, the series Love In The Big City (2024) – about a gay man and a straight woman navigating their romantic lives while living together – had to remove its trailer, which featured romantic scenes between men, from YouTube. Conservative groups criticised the show for “glorifying and promoting homosexuality”.Provident Bancorp, Inc. Adopts Stock Repurchase Program
Piemonte Holding launches an asset management company with an initial capital raise of R$1 billion.BENNINGTON — There’s a sense of familiarity inside the Mount Anthony girls basketball program that’s been missing over the past few seasons. Coach Jordyn Burke is optimistic it will translate into more success on the court this winter. Burke enters her second season in charge of the program she once shined for as a player. Her return is a welcome sight to the team’s seniors who had three different coaches in as many seasons leading up to this year. The senior class will undoubtedly be asked to lead the Patriots – especially Abby Sekora, Alicia Harrington, Grace McQueeney and Madi Moore – all four-year varsity players. They have a ton of varsity experience that their coach said is already helping the team. “You can already tell, team chemistry is something that we’ve been working on for a long time so it’s really nice to see them all back in the gym again just building on stuff we worked on last year,” she said. “They already know the drills, they know some of the plays so we can perfect them a little bit better. I know them [as players] a little bit better.” Burke said that familiarity is already paying dividends in the preseason. The Patriots faced off against Arlington, Drury High School and Mount St. Joseph Academy Saturday in a scrimmage jamboree. In one of those games, Burke called a timeout and drew up a new play MAU had yet to practice. The Patriots executed it, finishing with a score. “It left me feeling really great after the scrimmage,” Burke said. “Last year was really getting to know them as basketball players and identifying your team. It takes longer than just a season to get to know them. After last year I have a better starting point. It’s just a more positive influence and positive environment in the gym this year.” Kyla McGurn, Eva Cross and Ryleigh Ware round out the group of seven seniors. With just five underclassmen, including no juniors, the Patriots will be meshing lots of experience with some youth. Three sophomores return after cracking the varsity roster as first-year players: Aundrea Toromino, Haleigh Thompson and Sadie Sekora. Thompson is currently in a walking boot and will be sidelined until mid-January. The Patriots also welcome a pair of first-year players in guard Bella Moore and power forward/center Meya Beaudoin. Both are expected to contribute right away. “Playing time makes you better, I definitely see the two of them giving possible impact and possible contributions to the team,” Burke said. “I see a lot of promise in both of them. I’m really excited to have them on the squad this year.” The Patriots failed to make the playoffs last year, finishing at 2-18. In her second year in charge, Burke wants to see her players improve any and every way they can. The main goal is to excel in two areas they can control: effort and attitude. “Everybody coming in the gym, giving their best effort and best attitude, and everybody getting better, whatever that looks like,” Burke said. “Whether it’s they’re a better leader this year, a better teammate this year, they’re a better player – obviously we want everybody to get better as a player, but sometimes that’s not in the cards for certain kids. “I want to see people get better. If we can get better, then we’re going to get better as a program, and that’s the goal.” The Patriots begin their season with the North-South Classic in Rutland Saturday, facing off against Essex at 3 p.m. They play their first home game Dec. 28, hosting West Rutland for a 2:30 p.m. tip. What can fans expect to see from the Patriots when they walk into Kates Gymnasium? “They will see those girls leave every sweat, blood and tear on that floor,” the second-year coach said. “Every time they play, they give 100 percent – and that’s all I ever ask of them ... They’re on every loose ball, they’re giving it their all, they’re hustling ... every time you walk in the gym, no matter what the score is, you know that my girls are definitely giving it their all.”By MARC LEVY HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Democratic Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania conceded his reelection bid to Republican David McCormick on Thursday, as a statewide recount showed no signs of closing the gap and his campaign suffered repeated blows in court in its effort to get potentially favorable ballots counted. Casey’s concession comes more than two weeks after Election Day, as a grindingly slow ballot-counting process became a spectacle of hours-long election board meetings, social media outrage, lawsuits and accusations that some county officials were openly flouting the law. Republicans had been claiming that Democrats were trying to steal McCormick’s seat by counting “illegal votes.” Casey’s campaign had accused of Republicans of trying to block enough votes to prevent him from pulling ahead and winning. In a statement, Casey said he had just called McCormick to congratulate him. “As the first count of ballots is completed, Pennsylvanians can move forward with the knowledge that their voices were heard, whether their vote was the first to be counted or the last,” Casey said. The Associated Press called the race for McCormick on Nov. 7, concluding that not enough ballots remained to be counted in areas Casey was winning for him to take the lead. As of Thursday, McCormick led by about 16,000 votes out of almost 7 million ballots counted. That was well within the 0.5% margin threshold to trigger an automatic statewide recount under Pennsylvania law. But no election official expected a recount to change more than a couple hundred votes or so, and Pennsylvania’s highest court dealt him a blow when it refused entreaties to allow counties to count mail-in ballots that lacked a correct handwritten date on the return envelope. Republicans will have a 53-47 majority next year in the U.S. Senate. Follow Marc Levy at twitter.com/timelywriter