Active Oxfordshire has been selected as the winner of the tricycles by Jorvik Tricycles. Jorvik Tricycles donated the trikes to support Active Oxfordshire's mission to combat inactivity and to promote the benefits of physical activity. The tricycles, with their classic British design and third wheel for increased stability, are suitable for individuals of all abilities. The social media competition was open for a week and invited independent organisations across Oxfordshire to nominate themselves for a chance to win. The two tricycles are worth £1,000 combined (Image: Jorvik Tricycles) The two tricycles will be donated by Active Oxfordshire to two of its partners, the Windrush Bike Project and Oxford Community Action. Josh Lenthall, chief executive at Active Oxfordshire, said: "Active Oxfordshire is incredibly excited to have won two Jorvik tricycles. "We work tirelessly to increase activity levels, challenge health inequalities, and create a happier, healthier, and more active Oxfordshire. "The bikes will enable people who may be low in confidence or unable to ride a two-wheeled bike to experience the mental and physical benefits of being active outdoors." Active Oxfordshire is an Active Partnership funded by Sport England and works with more than 100 partners to improve accessibility to physical activity, breaking down the "complex" barriers it says often prevent people from being more active. The tricycles will also support existing active travel initiatives across the county, including adaptive bicycle programmes, cycling lessons for ethnically diverse women, and providing bikes to asylum seekers and Ukrainian guests. Brigitte Hickman, volunteer and staff manager at Windrush Bike Project, said: "Having a Jorvik trike would mean we have a quality trike our attendees can use and borrow. "The tricycles will also be used in our fully inclusive Bikeability sessions in local schools, providing a great addition to our stock of adaptive and supportive bikes." Jorvik will be donating a total of 10 non-electric trikes to charities nationwide to mark the business's 10th anniversary. James Walker, founder and CEO of Jorvik Tricycles (Image: Simon Dewhurst) James Walker, founder and CEO of Jorvik Tricycles, said: "We’re thrilled to announce Active Oxfordshire as winners of this competition and support the team in its mission to help people enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of activity. "The team at Active Oxfordshire have been doing some incredible work in supporting active travel initiatives and we hope the two tricycles donated will help the team in its ongoing goal to tackle inactivity." Jorvik Tricycles was founded after Mr Walker began building tricycles for his father, who could no longer ride a traditional bicycle.Boeing's Big News Is Bullish for the Stock in 2025
LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Broncos are 0-4 in Las Vegas, but in a matchup of teams heading in opposite directions, Denver has more at stake than trying to end a series skid. A victory over the Raiders puts the Broncos that much closer to an unexpected playoff berth, playing with a rookie quarterback and just a year after they went 8-9. The Broncos are 6-5 and coming off a , and would be in the playoff field if the season ended entering Week 12. Not bad for a team given a win total of 5 1/2 games at BetMGM Sportsbook. “Everyone understands the significance of where we are at this point in the season,” Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton said. The situation is quite different for the Raiders. They are 2-8, on a six-game losing streak and decimated by injuries. Las Vegas could enter this game without its top two running backs and a reshuffled line on offense, and defensively, the Raiders could have two linemen, three cornerbacks and a safety out of action. “Just been having some bad breaks, but nobody feels sorry for us,” Raiders coach Antonio Pierce said. "Nobody feels sorry for me. You’ve got to roll out there with 11 players, and that’s what we’re going to do come Sunday.” The Raiders are badly in a need of a franchise quarterback and are in a logjam for the top pick in next year's NFL draft. Denver showed with this year's draft how valuable landing such a QB can be to an organization. — one spot ahead of the Raiders — and he is pushing for AP Offensive Rookie of the Year. He was this week's top AFC player and rookie after completing 28 of 33 passes for 307 yards and four touchdowns in the rout of the Falcons. “I think as we’ve gone on, Coach (Sean Payton) and I have found a good rhythm of what we both like, what we can kind of put out there on the field and what we can execute," Nix said. "Then the guys have kind of adapted to it, found our roles within the offense and executed at a high level. It’s just all about slowing the game down and processing things in a manner that you can handle.” Nix's competition? Raiders tight end Brock Bowers also could have a say in who wins the season's top offensive rookie award. He is second in the NFL with 70 catches and his 706 yards receiving is 10th among all receivers. His numbers from a historical perspective are even more impressive. Bowers, the , is fourth all time among all tight ends in catches through the first 11 weeks and he and Jeremy Shockey in 2002 are the only rookies at that position to have more than one game with at least 10 receptions. “This week's a brand new week,” Bowers said. “I've always got something to prove.” Crowded backfield Payton still isn't entirely comfortable splitting carries between running backs Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin and rookie Audric Estime. Asked how he determines the right balance in his rotation, Payton said, “That's the $6 million question. It’s difficult. We know kind of what we have with those three players. I think it’s always hard to feed three. "I'm used to — and it’s easy — to feed two. So we kind of do that a little bit. I thought Javonte had some really good runs (last week). Certainly the game ends and we’re like, ‘Gosh, we have to get Jaleel more touches.’ So it’s a tough, but a good problem to have.” Starting mindset With injuries to running backs Alexander Mattison (ankle) and Zamir White (quadriceps), 10-year veteran Ameer Abdullah could get the start for the Raiders this weekend. He has just 17 carries for 82 yards and a touchdown this season and started just one game his previous six seasons. “I see myself as a starter,” Abdullah said. “I think every guy in the room does. I consider myself the best back on this team just like every back does. This is my opportunity to go out there and put my best foot forward.” Certain Surtain Patrick Surtain II had a pair of interceptions, including one he returned for 100 yards and a touchdown, in the team's first meeting this season and that fueled the . Both of the passes were intended for Bowers, who caught a 57-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter. Surtain isn't expecting the Raiders to avoid him Sunday, however. “You don't want to go into a game thinking they're not gonna throw it your way,” Surtain said, “because it's the pros at the end of the day, everybody's ready, everybody's capable.” ___ AP Pro Football Writer Arnie Stapleton in Englewood, Colorado, contributed to this report. ___ AP NFL: Mark Anderson, The Associated Press
In a staggering development, reports indicate that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's rule has effectively ended as rebels have taken control of Damascus and Homs. President Assad is said to have departed Damascus for an undisclosed location following a week-long military retreat that saw the capital and other strategic locations fall into rebel hands without notable army presence. The rapid succession of victories has left the Assad rule hanging by a thread, prompting surrounding Arab nations to issue a plea for political solutions amid fears of regional instability. (With inputs from agencies.)The maritime industry is on the verge of a new era in connectivity with the launch of The Hood, a social platform built with a bold mission: to unite seafarers, their families, and maritime professionals into one vibrant, inclusive community. The Hood is more than just a networking tool. It is a space for meaningful connection, where industry members can support and empower one another. Inspired by terms like ‘sisterhood’ and ‘brotherhood,’ The Hood captures the spirit of family and mutual support. Members can job hunt, chat with colleagues, or share ideas and experiences with ease—no matter where in the world they are. The vision behind The Hood began six years ago when Josephine Le, Founder and Managing Director, first entered the maritime industry and recognised its uniqueness. She observed how challenging life at sea can be, especially for those away from home for long stretches, and saw the need for a space where maritime professionals could truly connect and support each other. After extensive research to understand the industry’s unique needs, Ms Le brought The Hood to life as a well-thought-out platform designed specifically to address these challenges. “I remember first joining the industry and feeling an immediate sense of community, but I also saw the isolation seafarers experience and some outdated recruitment practices,” said Josephine Le, Founder and Managing Director of The Hood. “The Hood was born out of a desire for connection and dependability. Even in the ever-evolving chaos like the current social media landscape, it speaks to our natural tendency to gravitate towards any kind of link to real connections and how these digital anchors can become the bedrock of a real community” Josephine Le, Founder and Managing Director “Our goal is simple but powerful: to build a community where strangers become family, and where members feel truly supported and empowered. Whether you’re just starting out or have spent years at sea, The Hood is here to help you connect, share, and belong.” The Hood serves every corner of the maritime world. Engineers can create dedicated groups to swap technical know-how, deck officers can discuss navigation and regulations, and cadets can find mentors. This tailored approach allows maritime professionals of all kinds to find support and camaraderie, right in their own space. By choosing the delicate balance between the ease of use for the less technological savvy and the advanced features of the professional page, the Hood gives the younger generation of our industry an enhanced social media tool with all their favourite features while providing the value of industry expertise by bringing the seasoned experts to the community. Starting with a dual social/professional profile feature, the platform will offer free Career Hub page for users, ability to store and share CV and documents directly, dedicated online centres for wellbeing support, e-learning, news section, and a coming soon e-shop—resources that speak directly to the community’s unique needs. The Hood is not just about work; it’s about creating an enduring community for the maritime sector. As it expands to offer more features, it will remain dedicated to its mission of uniting and uplifting the industry, helping maritime professionals, their families, and seafarers build bonds that extend far beyond the workplace. Join The Hood today and be part of a thriving community where the maritime community connect, collaborate, and belong. Sign up here: Source: The Hood
DAZN ADVANCES GLOBAL EXPANSION WITH ACQUISITION OF FOXTEL, A LEADING AUSTRALIAN SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT MEDIA GROUPIowa cornerback Jermari Harris has opted out of the remainder of the 2024 season in order to prepare for the NFL draft, according to a report by 247Sports.com . The 6-foot-1 sixth-year senior from Chicago has recorded 27 tackles, three interceptions and a team-high seven pass breakups in 10 games for the Hawkeyes this season. That includes a pick-6 in a 38-21 win over Troy earlier this season. Iowa (6-4, 4-3 Big Ten) plays at Maryland on Saturday before closing out its regular season at home against Nebraska on Nov. 29. The Hawkeyes are already bowl eligible, so Harris is likely opting out of three games in total. After missing the entire 2022 season due to an ankle injury, Harris was suspended for two games of the following season for his involvement in the gambling investigation into Iowa athletics. He later emerged as the Hawkeyes' top cornerback, earning the team's comeback player of the year award after compiling 42 tackles, one interception and eight pass breakups. Harris will finish his college career with 105 tackles and eight interceptions. --Field Level Media
Why Miami’s Pop-Tarts Bowl appearance is important even after missing College Football PlayoffWASHINGTON ― As Democrats reel over how Vice President Kamala Harris ' losing campaign spent more than $1 billion, a new campaign finance report confirms that the Democratic presidential nominee's campaign paid Oprah Winfrey's production company $1 million. The records put an end to a monthslong controversy over whether Winfrey was paid for endorsing the former Democratic presidential nominee. Rumors exploded in November that Harris campaign paid the former talk show host fom her support after a story by the Washington Times cited Federal Election Commission finance records showing that Winfrey's company, Harpo Productions, received $1 million from Harris. Winfrey denied all allegations that she received money from the Harris campaign when asked by paparazzi in mid-November about whether she was paid for her endorsement. "Not true. I was paid nothing, ever ," she responded at the time. But shortly after a video of the exchange was posted on Instagram, Winfrey sought to clarify. Commenting on the video, she explained that her company, Harpo Productions, was paid for its work helping produce Harris’ “ Unite for America ” livestream rally on Sept. 19. The event, hosted along with the activist group Win with Black Women, featured major celebrities including comedian Chris Rock along with actors Ben Stiller, Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep and Bryan Cranston. It was aimed at registering people to vote in swing states such as Pennsylvania, Georgia and Michigan – all of which Harris ended up losing in the election. The company, Winfrey said, was asked to provide set design, lights, cameras, microphones, crew and producers, among other items for the event. Winfrey added that she did not receive a cut of the money. More: Harris raised and spent twice as much as Trump in final days of 2024 election “I did not take any personal fee," Winfrey said in her comment. "However, the people who worked on that production needed to be paid. And were. End of story." Aides from Harris' campaign quickly came to Winfrey's defense. Adrienne Elrod, a senior adviser and senior spokesperson for the former Democratic nominee, told the publication Deadline that the campaign had never paid an artist or performer at one of its events - other than for costs associated with travel or other "ancillary costs." Companies, like Harpo, are not legally allowed to donate to political campaigns whether through cash donations or other expenses, like the costs associated with putting on an event, and must be reimbursed or paid. Campaign finance records published this week confirm that Harpo Productions received two $500,000 payments from the Harris campaign for its work on the September event. The payments were part of millions of dollars Harris dolled out to major production firms and advertising agencies in her doomed effort to win the 2024 presidential campaign. Harris spent an additional $575,000 to run a 90-second ad on the outside of the Las Vegas Sphere ahead of a rally she hosted before Election Day, according to campaign finance reports. The campaign spent millions more on television and digital advertisements throughout the election. Much of that spending is now under microscope, as Democrats assess Harris loss and where her campaign went wrong in the 2024 election. Contributing: Sarah D. Wire