Media Roundup: Neighbours star cancer diagnosis, another ABC radio host leaves, Meta tightens ad rules to fight scams
Julia Wick | (TNS) Los Angeles Times As California politicos look ahead to 2025, the biggest question looming is whether Vice President Kamala Harris — a native daughter, battered just weeks ago by presidential election defeat — will enter the 2026 California governor’s race. Related Articles National Politics | Biden says healthy women help US prosperity as he highlights White House initiative on their health National Politics | Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people National Politics | Trump taps immigration hard-liner Kari Lake as head of Voice of America National Politics | Trump invites China’s Xi to his inauguration even as he threatens massive tariffs on Beijing National Politics | Pressure on a veteran and senator shows what’s next for those who oppose Trump Harris has yet to give any public indication on her thoughts and those close to her suggest the governorship is not immediately top of mind. But if Harris does ultimately run — and that’s a massive if — her entrée would seismically reshape the already crowded race for California’s highest office. Recent polling suggests Harris would have a major advantage, with 46% of likely voters saying they were somewhat or very likely to support her for governor in 2026, according to a UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies survey co-sponsored by The Times. “If Vice President Harris were to choose to run, I am certain that that would have a near field-clearing effect on the Democratic side,” Rep. Katie Porter, D-Irvine, said during a recent UC Irvine panel interview . Porter, a high-profile Democrat who has been eyeing the wide-open governor’s race, has yet to say whether she plans to run. Porter’s point was broadly echoed in conversations with nearly a dozen California political operatives and strategists, several of whom requested anonymity to speak candidly. Most speculated that a Harris entry would cause some other candidates in the race to scatter, creating further upheaval in down-ballot races as a roster of ambitious politicians scramble for other opportunities. “In politics, you always let the big dogs eat first,” quipped Democratic political consultant Peter Ragone. The current gubernatorial field is a who’s who of California politicians, but lacks a clear favorite or star with widespread name recognition. The vast majority of California’s 22 million voters have yet to pay attention to the race and have little familiarity with the candidates. The list of Democratic candidates includes Los Angeles’ first Latino mayor in more than a century ( Antonio Villaraigosa ); the first female and first out LGBTQ leader of the state Senate ( Toni Atkins ); the sitting lieutenant governor and first woman to hold that post ( Eleni Kounalakis ); the state superintendent of public instruction ( Tony Thurmond ) and the former state controller ( Betty Yee ). Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom is serving his second term as California governor, meaning he is ineligible to run again. Several other Democrats, including Porter, outgoing Health and Human Services Director Xavier Becerra and state Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta have also publicly toyed with the idea of a run. They could be less likely to enter the fray should Harris decide to run. What the billionaire mall mogul Rick Caruso — who has also been exploring a run — would choose to do is an open question, as Caruso might contrast himself with Harris as a more centrist candidate. The real estate developer was a registered Republican until November 2019. It’s unlikely that Harris will proffer a public decision in the immediate term, leaving plenty of time for political insiders to game out hypotheticals in the weeks and months to come. Harris’ office did not respond to a request for comment. “I think every candidate for governor is trying to get some kind of intel,” Mike Trujillo, a Los Angeles-based Democratic political consultant and former Villaraigosa staffer, said of a potential Harris run. Trujillo speculated that Harris’ current state was probably similar to Hillary Clinton’s hiking sojourns in the Chappaqua woods after losing to Donald Trump in 2016, or Al Gore growing a beard in the bruising aftermath of his 2000 defeat. “The first thing she’s probably thinking about is, ‘Well, can I run again for president in four years?’ Not, ‘Do I run for governor in two years?’” said one political operative who’s worked with Harris in the past. Harris maintains a home in Brentwood and previously served as California’s senator and attorney general. A successful run for governor in 2026 would almost certainly impede a grab for the presidency in 2028. (Though if history is any guide, an unsuccessful run for California governor does not definitively preclude a bid for the Oval Office: Two years after losing the White House to John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon lost the 1962 contest for governor to Pat Brown . The Yorba Linda native became the nation’s 37th president in 1969.) As the chief executive of a state that doubles as the world’s fifth-largest economy, Harris would have more power to steer policy and make changes as a California governor than she did as vice president, where her job required deference to President Biden. But leading a state, even the nation’s most populous, could feel like small potatoes after being a heartbeat (and a few dozen electoral votes) from the presidency. The protracted slog to November 2026 would also be a stark contrast to her ill-fated 107-day sprint toward the White House, particularly for a candidate whose 2020 presidential primary campaign was dogged by allegations of infighting and mismanagement. “I don’t think Kamala Harris has a deep psychological need to be governor of California, or to be in elective office in order to feel like she can contribute to society,” said the operative who’s worked with Harris in the past. “I think some of these people do, but she’s somebody who has enough prominence that she could do a lot of big, wonderful things without having to worry about balancing California’s budget or negotiating with Assemblyman Jesse Gabriel,” the Encino Democrat who chairs the Assembly’s budget committee. Technically, Harris has until March 2026 to decide whether she enters a race. But political strategists who spoke to The Times theorized that she probably would make a move by late spring, if she chooses to do so. “People will be more annoyed if she drops in in June,” a Democratic strategist involved with one of the gubernatorial campaigns said. Sending a clear signal by February would be more “courteous,” the strategist continued, explaining that such a move would give candidates more time to potentially enter other races. Kounalakis is a longtime friend and ally of Harris’ , and the vice president also has long-term relationships with some of the other candidates and potential candidates. California has eight statewide elected offices and campaign finance laws allow candidates to fundraise interchangeably for them, meaning money already raised for a candidate’s gubernatorial campaign could easily be redirected should they decide to run for, say, lieutenant governor instead. There are already a number of candidates running for lieutenant governor, including former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs, former state Sen. Steven Bradford and former state Treasurer Fiona Ma. But that office probably would see even more interest should Harris enter the gubernatorial race. It’s a largely ceremonial position, but one that has served as a launching pad for the governorship. Still, even if Harris does enter the race, Republican political strategist Mike Murphy threw cold water on the idea that she would have an automatic glide path to the governor’s office. “It’s like Hollywood. Nobody knows anything. She’s famous enough to look credible in early polling. That’s all we know for sure,” Murphy said. “Does that predict the future? No. Are there a lot of downsides (to a potential Harris candidacy)? Totally, yes.” ©2024 Los Angeles Times. Visit latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Tech companies led a broad rally for U.S. stocks Tuesday, a boost for the market in a holiday-shortened trading session. The S&P 500 rose 0.7%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 177 points, or 0.4%, as of 11:20 a.m. Eastern time. The tech-heavy Nasdaq composite was up 1%. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Get the latest need-to-know information delivered to your inbox as it happens. Our flagship newsletter. Get our front page stories each morning as well as the latest updates each afternoon during the week + more in-depth weekend editions on Saturdays & Sundays.
EPA Begins Public Consultation on Interim Framework for Advancing Consideration of Cumulative ImpactsKEARNEY – The University of Nebraska at Kearney hosted its winter commencement Friday, Dec. 20, at the Health and Sports Center on campus. Interim Chancellor Charlie Bicak conferred degrees for 391 graduate and undergraduate students during the ceremony and presented the annual Leland Holdt/Security Mutual Life Distinguished Faculty Award. University of Nebraska System President Dr. Jeffrey P. Gold delivered the keynote address. A first-generation college graduate, Gold became the ninth president of the NU System on July 1, 2024. He leads a university system that enrolls nearly 50,000 students and employs 16,000 faculty and staff on campuses in Lincoln, Omaha and Kearney, plus academic divisions and research and extension centers across the state. Student speaker was Emily Conrad, who graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a management emphasis. A Gretna native, Conrad was an active participant in the College of Business and Technology Living-Learning Community, serving as a mentor and leading community service events and business tours. She was also selected to help develop the College of Business and Technology Ambassadors program, representing UNK at a national conference and facilitating key events. Outside academics, she works for UNK Campus Recreation and is a member of the UNK Climbing Club. She serves on the leadership team for the Navigators campus ministry group. NU Board of Regents Vice Chair Paul Kenney also addressed the graduates. Students graduating with honors have the honors noted after their names. Honors, along with grade-point averages necessary to earn those honors, include: summa cum laude, 3.90-4.00; magna cum laude, 3.80-3.89; cum laude, 3.70-3.79; and honorable mention, 3.50-3.69. Area graduates include: ALBION: Ashley Gutierrez, Bachelor of Arts in Education, Early Childhood Inclusive, Honorable Mention AMHERST: Shelby Bramer, Master of Arts in Education, Curriculum and Instruction ANSELMO: Kaitlyn Jacquot, Bachelor of Science, Social Work Comprehensive, Summa Cum Laude ANSLEY: Brianna R. Ryan, Bachelor of Arts in Education, Special Education K-12 Field, Summa Cum Laude; Gillian Baum, Bachelor of Science, Agribusiness Comprehensive ARCHER: Catherine A. Blauhorn, Master of Arts in Education, School Principalship 7-12 AURORA: Joanna N. Rodriguez Silva, Bachelor of Arts, Modern Languages; Olivia D. Lawless, Bachelor of Science, Business Administration Comp, Cum Laude; Emilie Otto, Master of Business Administration, Business Administration BRADSHAW: Josie McCormick, Bachelor of Science, Multimedia, , Magna Cum Laude BROKEN BOW: Noah Speer, Bachelor of Science, Psychobiology, Physician Assistant BURWELL: Coy Gideon, Bachelor of Arts in Education, History 7-12 Subject; Riley Sheets, Master of Arts in Education, Reading PK-12 CAIRO: Elizabeth S. Lindell, B achelor of Science, Social Work Comprehensive CALLAWAY: Wryleigh Doyle, Bachelor of Science, Biology Comprehensive, Medical; Delanie Pinkerton, Bachelor of Science, Psychology, Honorable Mention; Philip Rosfeld, Bachelor of Science in Education , Mathematics 6-12 Field, Cum Laude CENTRAL CITY: Hannah Galusha , Master of Arts, English CHAPMAN: Justine Shively, Bachelor of General Studies, General Studies, Summa Cum Laude DONIPHAN: Tate Mazour, Master of Science in Education, Clinical Mental Health Counsel, FULLERTON: Katlyn Bowman, Master of Science in Education, School Counseling Elem PK-8, GIBBON: Nathan Holcomb, Bachelor of Arts in Education, Health and PE PK-12 Field; Kelly Tovar-Hernandez, Bachelor of Science, Psychology; Avigail Corona, Bachelor of Science, Business Administration Comp; Courtney Zwink, Master of Arts in Education, Kinesiology and Sport Sciences G RAND ISLAND 1: Jaden Cameron, Bachelor of Arts, Multimedia; Wade Brandenburg, Bachelor of Arts in Education, Middle Level 5-9 Subject; Chandler Hehnke, Bachelor of Arts in Education, Elementary Education Field K-6, Special Education K-12 Field, Summa Cum Laude; Dillon McKinney, Bachelor of Arts in Education, Health and PE PK-12 Field, Interscholastic Coaching 7-12, Summa Cum Laude; Natalie Morgan, Bachelor of Arts in Education, Elementary Education Field K-6; Johanna Mendoza, Bachelor of Arts in Education, Early Childhood Inclusive, Summa Cum Laude; McKenna Watson, Bachelor of Arts in Education, Early Childhood Inclusive; Kaitlyn Berggren, Bachelor of Science, Biology Comprehensive; Lauren Morrow, Bachelor of Science, Psychobiology, Physician Assistant, Honorable Mention; Gibrana Carbajal, Bachelor of Science, Health Sciences, Occupational Therapy; Cole Reher, Bachelor of Science, Criminal Justice Comprehensive; Payton Sindelar, Bachelor of Science, Biology Comprehensive, Cardiovascular Perfusion, Honorable Mention GRAND ISLAND 2: Ahmed Ahmed, Bachelor of Science, Business Administration Comp; Felix Alba, Bachelor of Science, Construction Management Comp; Jake Inthavongsa, Bachelor of Science, Computer Science Comprehensive, Magna Cum Laude; Waldemar Figueroa, Bachelor of Science, Business Administration; Oscar Richter, Bachelor of Science, Business Administration; Triston M. Timmons, Bachelor of Science, Industrial Distribution Comp; Madison Webster, Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, Honorable Mention; Kristina Antillon, Bachelor of Science, Family Science; Carlos Duran, Bachelor of Science in Education, Biology 7-12 Subject; Georgia Clerc, Bachelor of Science in Education, Middle Level 5-9 Subject; Sydney Hespe, Master of Arts in Education, School Principalship Pre-K-8; Nicholas A. Leiting , Master of Arts in Education, Curriculum and Instruction; Breanna Salinas, Master of Arts in Education, School Principalship Pre-K-8; Tonia Schmall, Master of Arts in Education, School Principalship Pre-K-8; Brooke Nelson, Master of Science in Education, Clinical Mental Health Counsel HASTINGS: Katelyn Cecrle, Bachelor of Arts in Education, Art PK-12 Field, Honorable Mention; Taylor Ground, Bachelor of Arts in Education, English 7-12 Subject; Isa bel Shafer, Bachelor of Arts in Education, Language Arts 7-12 Field, Honorable Mention; Elle Douglas, Bachelor of Arts in Education, Elementary Education Field K-6, Summa Cum Laude; Vanessa Tran, Bachelor of Arts in Education, Early Childhood Inclusive; Gisell J. Torres, Bachelor of Science, Advertising — Public Relations; Chelsey Wiseman, Bachelor of Science, Health Sciences, Cum Laude; Kaley Brown, Bachelor of Science, Early Childhood Family Advocacy, Honorable Mention; Abigail S. Kryzsko, Master of Arts in Education, Special Education; Malena Goldenstein, Master of Science in Education, Clinical Mental Health Counsel JUNIATA: Katrina Johnsen , Master of Arts in Education, Special Education KEARNEY 1: Zachary G. J. Markussen, Bachelor of Arts, English Writing, Political Science, Magna Cum Laude; Faith Becker, Bachelor of Arts in Education, Elementary Education Field K-6; Macy Crowley, Bachelor of Arts in Education, Elementary Education Field K-6, Summa Cum Laude; Payton Fehringer, Bachelor of Arts in Education, Elementary Education Field K-6, Magna Cum Laude; Krystal Hebb, Bachelor of Arts in Education, Early Childhood Inclusive, Summa Cum Laude; Karina Boatright, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Studio Art Comprehensive, Summa Cum Laude; Jacob Obrecht, Bachelor of Music, Music Ed PK-12 Field; Reyna Alvarado, Bachelor of Science, Criminal Justice, Law; Shelby Bock, Bachelor of Science, Organizational Relational Com; Kimberleigh S. Cawley, Bachelor of Science, Biology Comprehensive, Veterinary Medicine; Mason Morhain, Bachelor of Science, Psychology, Magna Cum Laude; Meshya Moschenross, Bachelor of Science, Criminal Justice; Christopher Roehrich, Bachelor of Science, Organizational Relational Com, Cum Laude; Jacob N. Sykes, Bachelor of Science, Organizational Relational Com KEARNEY 2: Carter Abels, Bachelor of Science, Construction Management Comp, Cum Laude; Megan Beck, Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, Recreation Management; Madeline Burton, Bachelor of Science, Business Administration Comp; Dayethan Nelson, Bachelor of Science, Business Administration; Carson Schnacker, Bachelor of Science, Construction Management Comp, Honorable Mention; Sage Wilkinson, Bachelor of Science, Industrial Distribution Comp; Kiley Labs, Master of Arts in Education, Special Education; Courtney Shundoff, Master of Arts in Education, Special Education; Lindsie Thiems, Master of Arts in Education, Special Education; Donald Hjort, Master of Business Administration, Business Administration; Haley Oberbrockling, Master of Business Administration, Business Administration; Timothy Smith, Master of Business Administration, Business Administration; Staci Cahis-Sanchez, Master of Science in Education, STEM Education KENESAW: Wyatt Hansen, Bachelor of Science, Agribusiness Comprehensive LOUP CITY: Nadia VanSlyke, Bachelor of Arts in Education, Elementary Education Field K-6, Summa Cum Laude MINDEN: Taylor R. Pearson, Bachelor of Science, Social Work Comprehensive; Matthew Stubbs, Master of Science in Education, Learning, Design & Technology ORD: Brett Hinrichs , Master of Business Administration, Business Administration OSCEOLA: Jadyn Johnson, Bachelor of Science, Business Administration Comp, Honorable Mention; Grace K. Jakub, Bachelor of Science, Early Childhood Family Advocacy PALMER: Kennedy Doyle, Bachelor of Science, Criminal Justice, Cum Laude; Jordan Earnest, Master of Arts in Education, Curriculum and Instruction PETERSBURG: Jennifer Bullard, Bachelor of Arts in Education, Early Childhood Inclusive POLK: Tanner Wood, Bachelor of Arts in Education, History 7-12 Subject, Honorable Mention RIVERDALE: Morgan Boldt, Bachelor of Science, Criminal Justice, Magna Cum Laude SHELBY: Jarod Nekl, Master of Business Administration, Business Administration SHELTON: Nicholas Rhamy, Master of Science in Education, Clinical Mental Health Counsel SPALDING: Jeffrey Schmeits, Bachelor of Science, Construction Management Comp, Cum Laude; Molly Berger, Master of Arts in Education, Special Education TRUMBULL: Jessica Kleier, Master of Arts in Education, Curriculum and Instruction WOOD RIVER: Luis Trejo, Bachelor of Science Construction Management Comp; Jason Morgan, Bachelor of Science, Rec and Park Management Comp Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox.
Julia Wick | (TNS) Los Angeles Times As California politicos look ahead to 2025, the biggest question looming is whether Vice President Kamala Harris — a native daughter, battered just weeks ago by presidential election defeat — will enter the 2026 California governor’s race. Related Articles National Politics | Biden says healthy women help US prosperity as he highlights White House initiative on their health National Politics | Trump taps immigration hard-liner Kari Lake as head of Voice of America National Politics | Trump invites China’s Xi to his inauguration even as he threatens massive tariffs on Beijing National Politics | Pressure on a veteran and senator shows what’s next for those who oppose Trump National Politics | What Americans think about Hegseth, Gabbard and key Trump Cabinet picks AP-NORC poll Harris has yet to give any public indication on her thoughts and those close to her suggest the governorship is not immediately top of mind. But if Harris does ultimately run — and that’s a massive if — her entrée would seismically reshape the already crowded race for California’s highest office. Recent polling suggests Harris would have a major advantage, with 46% of likely voters saying they were somewhat or very likely to support her for governor in 2026, according to a UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies survey co-sponsored by The Times. “If Vice President Harris were to choose to run, I am certain that that would have a near field-clearing effect on the Democratic side,” Rep. Katie Porter, D-Irvine, said during a recent UC Irvine panel interview . Porter, a high-profile Democrat who has been eyeing the wide-open governor’s race, has yet to say whether she plans to run. Porter’s point was broadly echoed in conversations with nearly a dozen California political operatives and strategists, several of whom requested anonymity to speak candidly. Most speculated that a Harris entry would cause some other candidates in the race to scatter, creating further upheaval in down-ballot races as a roster of ambitious politicians scramble for other opportunities. “In politics, you always let the big dogs eat first,” quipped Democratic political consultant Peter Ragone. The current gubernatorial field is a who’s who of California politicians, but lacks a clear favorite or star with widespread name recognition. The vast majority of California’s 22 million voters have yet to pay attention to the race and have little familiarity with the candidates. The list of Democratic candidates includes Los Angeles’ first Latino mayor in more than a century ( Antonio Villaraigosa ); the first female and first out LGBTQ leader of the state Senate ( Toni Atkins ); the sitting lieutenant governor and first woman to hold that post ( Eleni Kounalakis ); the state superintendent of public instruction ( Tony Thurmond ) and the former state controller ( Betty Yee ). Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom is serving his second term as California governor, meaning he is ineligible to run again. Several other Democrats, including Porter, outgoing Health and Human Services Director Xavier Becerra and state Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta have also publicly toyed with the idea of a run. They could be less likely to enter the fray should Harris decide to run. What the billionaire mall mogul Rick Caruso — who has also been exploring a run — would choose to do is an open question, as Caruso might contrast himself with Harris as a more centrist candidate. The real estate developer was a registered Republican until November 2019. It’s unlikely that Harris will proffer a public decision in the immediate term, leaving plenty of time for political insiders to game out hypotheticals in the weeks and months to come. Harris’ office did not respond to a request for comment. “I think every candidate for governor is trying to get some kind of intel,” Mike Trujillo, a Los Angeles-based Democratic political consultant and former Villaraigosa staffer, said of a potential Harris run. Trujillo speculated that Harris’ current state was probably similar to Hillary Clinton’s hiking sojourns in the Chappaqua woods after losing to Donald Trump in 2016, or Al Gore growing a beard in the bruising aftermath of his 2000 defeat. “The first thing she’s probably thinking about is, ‘Well, can I run again for president in four years?’ Not, ‘Do I run for governor in two years?’” said one political operative who’s worked with Harris in the past. Harris maintains a home in Brentwood and previously served as California’s senator and attorney general. A successful run for governor in 2026 would almost certainly impede a grab for the presidency in 2028. (Though if history is any guide, an unsuccessful run for California governor does not definitively preclude a bid for the Oval Office: Two years after losing the White House to John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon lost the 1962 contest for governor to Pat Brown . The Yorba Linda native became the nation’s 37th president in 1969.) As the chief executive of a state that doubles as the world’s fifth-largest economy, Harris would have more power to steer policy and make changes as a California governor than she did as vice president, where her job required deference to President Biden. But leading a state, even the nation’s most populous, could feel like small potatoes after being a heartbeat (and a few dozen electoral votes) from the presidency. The protracted slog to November 2026 would also be a stark contrast to her ill-fated 107-day sprint toward the White House, particularly for a candidate whose 2020 presidential primary campaign was dogged by allegations of infighting and mismanagement. “I don’t think Kamala Harris has a deep psychological need to be governor of California, or to be in elective office in order to feel like she can contribute to society,” said the operative who’s worked with Harris in the past. “I think some of these people do, but she’s somebody who has enough prominence that she could do a lot of big, wonderful things without having to worry about balancing California’s budget or negotiating with Assemblyman Jesse Gabriel,” the Encino Democrat who chairs the Assembly’s budget committee. Technically, Harris has until March 2026 to decide whether she enters a race. But political strategists who spoke to The Times theorized that she probably would make a move by late spring, if she chooses to do so. “People will be more annoyed if she drops in in June,” a Democratic strategist involved with one of the gubernatorial campaigns said. Sending a clear signal by February would be more “courteous,” the strategist continued, explaining that such a move would give candidates more time to potentially enter other races. Kounalakis is a longtime friend and ally of Harris’ , and the vice president also has long-term relationships with some of the other candidates and potential candidates. California has eight statewide elected offices and campaign finance laws allow candidates to fundraise interchangeably for them, meaning money already raised for a candidate’s gubernatorial campaign could easily be redirected should they decide to run for, say, lieutenant governor instead. There are already a number of candidates running for lieutenant governor, including former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs, former state Sen. Steven Bradford and former state Treasurer Fiona Ma. But that office probably would see even more interest should Harris enter the gubernatorial race. It’s a largely ceremonial position, but one that has served as a launching pad for the governorship. Still, even if Harris does enter the race, Republican political strategist Mike Murphy threw cold water on the idea that she would have an automatic glide path to the governor’s office. “It’s like Hollywood. Nobody knows anything. She’s famous enough to look credible in early polling. That’s all we know for sure,” Murphy said. “Does that predict the future? No. Are there a lot of downsides (to a potential Harris candidacy)? Totally, yes.” ©2024 Los Angeles Times. Visit latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Lightchain AI Acquires Polkadot Holders Who Are Still Bearish as It Crushes BNB For Yearly Gains!The Pittsburgh Steelers had a strong start to the season. When Russell Wilson took over for Justin Fields in Week 7, they were 4-2, which was better than most expected. Fields performed so well that most analysts and fans felt the team was making a mistake by setting him aside for Wilson, who felt like an uncertainty. However, the former Super Bowl winner proved all his doubters wrong, going 6-1 in his first seven games. This led many doubters to admit they had been wrong about Wilson. Under the nine-time Pro Bowler , the offense looked better -- crisper and sharper. They were moving the ball down the field and scoring more touchdowns than they had under Fields, and everyone rejoiced. Even the loss to the Cleveland Browns in Week 12 felt like a temporary blip rather than an actual concern. They bounced back and won their next two games, only to drop the two games following that. You’ll find out a lot about the #Steelers this week Arthur Smith pic.twitter.com/cQ9UdGNqK0 The recent losses to the Philadelphia Eagles and the Baltimore Ravens have raised red flags, particularly about the offense. In the past, they got off to some slow starts, but Wilson was able to lead them back to win. According to a video from 93.7 The Fan on X , Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith acknowledged to the media that the two losses changed the tone surrounding the team. "It's easy for everybody to be great vibes and everybody smiling when you're winning, but you're going to find out a lot about us in how we respond," said Smith. During the recent loss to the Ravens, Wilson had an inconsistent performance. He completed 22 of 33 passes for 217 yards and two touchdowns. However, he also had an interception and a lost fumble. They were both very costly, leading to 14 points for the Ravens. Those two turnovers led to Wilson receiving a lot of criticism from the fan base. However, the fault was not all on him. They had several key defenders out with injuries, including Larry Ogunjobi , DeShon Elliott , and Donte Jackson . In addition to those, they were also missing Fields and George Pickens from the offense. Joey Porter Jr went out during the game and could not return due to a knee injury. The missing players and the inconsistencies from the offense and defense cost the Steelers and made Wilson's overall 2024 record 6-3 . They have two games left against the Kansas City Chiefs and the Cincinnati Bengals, and they need to win both to win the AFC North, although they have already secured a playoff spot. Steelers' Russell Wilson Spoke Up About His Fumble If the Steelers had beaten the Ravens, they would have locked up the AFC North. Wilson took the brunt of the blame because of his turnovers. The Steelers have been winning the turnover battle all season, but could not do that in the two most recent losses. While the defense has been able to force turnovers, the offense hasn't been able to capitalize on them consistently. Wilson spoke to the media after the game about that devastating fumble. He told them he thought he would be able to get it in the end zone and spark some life into the offense. Unfortunately, the opposite occurred, and the momentum stayed with Baltimore. In watching the play, it is obvious that Wilson is just trying to make something happen. He has not displayed a tendency to fumble or turn the ball over in his first nine games in black and gold very much, so the assessment by many fans that he was reckless seems unfair. So far this season, Wilson has thrown 15 touchdowns and only had four interceptions. Do you agree with Smith that how the team responds to these losses will show a lot about who they actually are? Click to This article first appeared on SteelerNation.com and was syndicated with permission.
ONE Gas to Participate in Jefferies, Mizuho, and Wells Fargo Utility Conferences
ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. — PGA Tour rookie Patrick Fishburn played bogey-free for an 8-under 64 for his first lead after any round. Joel Dahmen was 10 shots behind and had a bigger cause for celebration Friday in the RSM Classic. Dahmen made a 5-foot par putt on his final hole for a 2-under 68 in tough conditions brought on by the wind and cold, allowing him to make the cut on the number and get two more days to secure his PGA Tour card for next year. He is No. 124 in the FedEx Cup. "I still got more to write this weekend for sure," said Dahmen, who recently had said his story is not yet over. "But without having the opportunity to play this weekend, my story would be a lot shorter this year." Fishburn took advantage of being on the easier Plantation course, with trees blocking the brunt of the wind and two additional par 5s. He also was helped by Maverick McNealy, who opened with a 62 on the tougher Seaside course, making two bogeys late in his round and having to settle for a 70. Fishburn, who already has locked up his card for next year, was at 11-under 131 and led McNealy and Lee Hodges (63) going into the weekend. Michael Thorbjornsen had a 69 and was the only player who had to face Seaside on Friday who was among the top five. What mattered on this day, however, was far down the leaderboard. The RSM Classic is the final tournament of the PGA Tour season, and only the top 125 in the FedEx Cup have full status in 2025. That's more critical than ever with the tour only taking the top 100 for full cards after next season. Players like Dahmen will need full status to get as many playing opportunities as they can. That explains why he felt so much pressure on a Friday. He didn't make a bogey after his opening hole and was battling temperatures in the low 50s that felt even colder with the wind ripping off the Atlantic waters of St. Simons Sound. He made a key birdie on the 14th, hitting a 4-iron for his second shot on the 424-yard hole. Dahmen also hit wedge to 2 feet on the 16th that put him on the cut line, and from the 18th fairway, he was safely on the green some 40 feet away. But he lagged woefully short, leaving himself a testy 5-footer with his job on the line. "It was a great putt. I was very nervous," Dahmen said. "But there's still work to do. It wasn't the game-winner, it was like the half-court shot to get us to halftime. But without that, and the way I played today, I wouldn't have anything this weekend." His playing partners weren't so fortunate. The tour put three in danger of losing their cards in the same group — Zac Blair (No. 123), Dahmen and Wesley Bryan (No. 125). The cut was at 1-under 141. Blair and Bryan came to the 18th hole needing birdie to be assured of making the cut and both narrowly missed. Now they have to wait to see if anyone passes them, which is typically the case. Thorbjornsen in a tie for fourth and Daniel Berger (66 at Plantation) in a tie for 17th both were projected to move into the top 125. Dahmen, indeed, still has work to do. Fishburn gets a weekend to see if he can end his rookie year with a win. "I've had a lot of experience playing in cold growing up in Utah, playing this time of year, kind of get used to playing when the body's not moving very well and you've got to move your hands," said Fishburn, who played college golf at BYU. "Just pretty happy with how I played." Ludvig Aberg, the defending champion and No. 5 player in the world competing for the first time in more than two months because of knee surgery, bounced back with a 64 on Plantation and was back in the mix. Aberg played with Luke Clanton, the Florida State sophomore who looks like he belongs each week. Clanton, the No. 1 player in the world amateur ranking who received a sponsor exemption, had a 65 at Plantation and was two shots off the lead. Clanton already has a runner-up and two other top 10s since June. "Playing with him, it's pretty awesome to watch," Clanton said. "We were kind of fanboying a little it. I know he's a really good dude but to be playing with him and to see what he's done over the last couple years, it's pretty inspirational."
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