The latest tourist tax aims to preserve a declining language
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Carolina volleyball (21-7, 13-6 ACC) took down Virginia (21-9, 11-8 ACC) 3-1 in four sets on Wednesday afternoon in Carmichael Arena. The Tar Heels high-powered offense posted 66 kills and had a hitting percentage of .458 to lift them past the Cavaliers in four (25-19, 25-5, 20-25, 25-16). In her final home game, Mabrey Shaffmaster led the way with 16 kills, followed by Jackie Taylor with 13 kills. Maddy May and Taylor Eisert led the defense with 15 digs a piece. The Heels defense also posted 12 blocks. Carolina established their offense quickly in the first set, racking up 17 kills and only four attack errors. The Tar Heels defense complimented their offense by registering 15 digs and two blocks. The second set would be a historic one for the Tar Heels. UNC raced out to a 14-0 lead, with Safi Hampton on serve. Carolina's offense tallied 13 kills and .500 hitting percentage for the set. After Virginia responded with two of the next three, Carolina rattled off the next five behind kills from Emani' Foster , Chelsea Thrope, and Shaffmaster. They went on to take the set 25-5. It was the largest margin of victory in a set since Oct. 14, 2005, when UNC won 30-10 in a set against Georgia Tech. It was also the largest margin of victory in the 25-point set era (2008). The historic set was the least amount of points allowed in a set since Nov. 17, 2000 when UNC defeated Maryland 15-5 in a set. After dropping the third set 20-25, Carolina took an early 11-5 lead in the fourth off of a Hampton kill to force a Cavalier timeout. Taylor went on a run in the fourth set racking up eight kills and an assist in the set. The Tar Heels offense lifted them to claim the set 25-16. NOTABLES Jackie Taylor set a career-high in kills with 13, hitting .571 Alex Englebrecht hit a stellar .800 with 12 kills on 15 swings, she also led the team with four blocks Four Tar Heels (Shaffmaster, Taylor, Englebrecht, Hampton) finished with double-digit kills Zoe Behrendt and Taylor Eisert finished 20+ assists on the day with 22 and 29 respectively Carolina finished the season 12-2 at home. The Heels will finish out the regular season away against Clemson on Friday at 7 p.m.
NoneWolves head coach Gary O’Neil insists he is happy to look fans in the face and take the criticism which comes his way after his team were jeered off after losing 4-0 to Everton at Goodison Park. It was the fourth time this season they had conceded four or more and the performance showed why they have the Premier League’s worst defence. When O’Neil and the players went over to acknowledge the visiting supporters there were boos for a run of two wins in 14 league matches. “Whatever the fans think of me, there is definitely no-none working harder than me and I will continue to do so until someone tells me not to,” said O’Neil, who is under increasing pressure with his side second bottom of the table. “I go over there to see them because I appreciate every one of the Wolves fans. They have given me unbelievable support since I arrived at the football club,” he said. “We managed to produce some unbelievable stuff last season with a team that was heavily tipped by most of the nation for relegation. We managed to enjoy it together. “Now it is tough. I was happy to go over there and look them right in the face and take any criticism they want to throw at me. “I accept responsibility for my part in that. Whatever criticism they want to throw at me will not change how I feel about them. “Everyone at this football club needs to do more. We will get back to be ready to fight again on Monday (another crucial game against West Ham, whose manager Julen Lopetegui’s tenure is hanging by a thread). “I will work with everything I have. I will back myself to get the most out of the group. I understand the drive for change (but) you never know how much of a percentage of supporters it is.” Veteran Ashley Young ended Everton’s 370-minute wait for a goal with a 10th-minute free-kick, his first league goal for more than two years, and on-loan Lyon midfielder Orel Mangala blasted home his first for the club to establish a 2-0 half-time lead. Two Craig Dawson own goals secured Everton’s biggest home league win since April 2019, but manager Sean Dyche insisted their issues up front were far from sorted. He said: “It’s our fifth clean sheet in the last eight so the consistency has been there in one degree, we just haven’t been scoring goals. That’s been the hardest thing to find consistently and we haven’t solved it yet. “Goals change everything, they change opinions. That’s what football is like.” The victory was hugely important in a month in which, having been hammered 4-0 at Manchester United, they face top-six sides Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Nottingham Forest and undoubtedly eased some of the pressure on Dyche and his players. “I’ve told them how proud I am of them,” he added. “The challenges come thick and fast on and off the pitch and they just keep going. “It’s only a step and there are many more to go but it’s a good step and a positive step. “It’s a temporary moment in time because the next one is a big one (Saturday’s Merseyside derby).”
BSL Stock Hits 52-Week High at $14.62 Amid Positive Market SentimentCARY, N.C. , Dec. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Fathom Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: FTHM) (Nasdaq: FTHM) ("Fathom" or the "Company"), a national, technology-driven, end-to-end real estate services platform integrating residential brokerage, mortgage, title, and SaaS offerings for brokerages and agents, today announced the expansion of its joint venture, Verus Title Elite, into Amarillo, Texas . With this expansion, Verus Title Elite now operates in four Texas markets, including Plano , Flower Mound , and Waxahachie , emphasizing its focus on community-centered service and localized expertise. The move into Amarillo reflects Verus Title Elite's commitment to empowering Fathom agents and meeting the region's dynamic real estate market needs. Lori Quinlin , a seasoned title professional with strong ties to the Amarillo community, will lead the new office. Lori's extensive industry knowledge and dedication to client service will play a pivotal role in ensuring Verus Title Elite continues delivering exceptional real estate experiences. "We are excited to bring Verus Title Elite to Amarillo ," said Monica Schroeder , President of Verus Title. "This expansion aligns with our vision of providing exceptional title and escrow services to communities across Texas . Lori's leadership will be instrumental in establishing our presence and delivering on our promise of unparalleled customer care. We look forward to becoming integral to Amarillo's vibrant real estate community." As Fathom Holdings continues to grow its integrated real estate services platform, Verus Title Elite exemplifies the Company's innovative approach to enhancing agent and client experiences through strategic market expansion and collaborative partnerships. About Verus Title Verus Title is a subsidiary of Fathom Holdings Inc. that offers comprehensive title insurance and settlement services. It is committed to innovation, technology, and customer satisfaction and provides real estate professionals and consumers with efficient, transparent, and reliable solutions. For more information, visit www.verustitle.com . About Fathom Holdings Inc. Fathom Holdings Inc. is a national, technology-driven real estate services platform that integrates residential brokerage, mortgage, title, and SaaS offerings to brokerages and agents by leveraging its proprietary cloud-based software, intelliAgent. The Company's brands include Fathom Realty, Encompass Lending, intelliAgent, LiveBy, Real Results, and Verus Title. For more information, visit www.FathomInc.com . Investor Contact: Matt Glover and Clay Liolios Gateway Group, Inc. 949-574-3860 FTHM@gateway-grp.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fathom-holdings-expands-verus-title-elite-into-amarillo-texas-302323076.html SOURCE Fathom Holdings Inc.UNITY TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Rescuers contemplated the safest way Wednesday to search for a woman who apparently fell into a Pennsylvania sinkhole while looking for her lost cat, saying a crumbling old coal mine beneath the surface complicated efforts and endangered workers. Crews worked through the night in the Unity Township community of Marguerite to find Elizabeth Pollard, 64. A state police spokesperson said early Wednesday they were reassessing their tactics to avoid putting the rescuers in danger. "The integrity of that mine is starting to become compromised," Trooper Steve Limani told reporters at the scene about 40 miles east of Pittsburgh. Rescue workers continue to search for Elizabeth Pollard, who is believed to have disappeared in a sinkhole while looking for her cat, Wednesday in Marguerite, Pa. Sinkholes occur in the area because of subsidence from coal mining activity. Rescuers used water to break down and remove clay and dirt from the mine, which has been closed since the 1950s, but that increased the risk "for potential other mine subsidence to take place," Limani said. "We're probably going to have to switch gears" and do a more complicated dig, he said. On Tuesday, crews lowered a pole camera with a sensitive listening device into the hole, but it detected nothing. Another camera lowered into the hole showed what could be a shoe about 30 feet below the surface, Limani said. Searchers also deployed drones and thermal imaging equipment to no avail. Marguerite Fire Chief Scot Graham, the incident commander, said access to the immediate area surrounding the hole was tightly controlled and monitored, with rescuers attached by harness. "We cannot judge as to what's going on underneath us. Again, you had a small hole on top but as soon as you stuck a camera down through to look, you had this big void," Graham said. "And it was all different depths. The process is long, is tedious. We have to make sure that we are keeping safety in the forefront as well as the rescue effort." Rescue workers search through the night in a sinkhole for Elizabeth Pollard, who disappeared while looking for her cat, Tuesday in Marguerite, Pa. Pleasant Unity Fire Chief John Bacha, the operations officer at the scene, said they were "hoping that there's a void that she could still be in." Pollard's family called police about 1 a.m. on Tuesday to say she had not been seen since going out Monday evening to search for Pepper, her cat. The temperature dropped well below freezing that night. In an interview with CBS News, Pollard's son, Axel Hayes, said he is experiencing a mix of emotions. "I'm upset that she hasn't been found yet, and I'm really just worried about whether she's still down there, where she is down there, or she went somewhere and found somewhere safer," Hayes said. "Right now, I just hope she's alive and well, that she's going to make it, that my niece still has a grandmother, that I still have a mother that I can talk to." The top of a sinkhole is seen Tuesday in the village of Marguerite, Pa., where rescuers searched for a woman who disappeared. Police said they found Pollard's car parked behind Monday's Union Restaurant in Marguerite, about 20 feet from the sinkhole. Hunters and restaurant workers in the area said they didn't notice the manhole-size opening in the hours before Pollard disappeared, leading rescuers to speculate that the sinkhole was new. "It almost feels like it opened up with her standing on top of it," Limani said. Searchers accessed the mine late Tuesday afternoon and dug a separate entrance out of concern that the ground around the sinkhole opening was not stable. Pollard lives in a small neighborhood across the street from where her car and granddaughter were located, Limani said. The young girl "nodded off in the car and woke up. Grandma never came back," Limani said. The child stayed in the car until two troopers rescued her. It's not clear what happened to Pepper. In an era of rapid technological advancement and environmental change, American agriculture is undergoing a revolution that reaches far beyond the farm gate. From the food on consumer plates to the economic health of rural communities, the transformation of U.S. farming practices is reshaping the nation's landscape in ways both visible and hidden. LandTrust explores how these changes impact everyone, whether they live in the heartland or the heart of the city. The image of the small family farm, while still a reality for many, is increasingly giving way to larger, more technologically advanced operations. According to the USDA, the number of farms in the U.S. has fallen from 6.8 million in 1935 to about 2 million today, with the average farm size growing from 155 acres to 444 acres. This shift has profound implications for rural communities and the food system as a whole. Despite these changes, diversity in farming practices is on the rise. A landmark study published in Science , involving data from over 2,000 farms across 11 countries, found that diversifying farmland simultaneously delivers environmental and social benefits. This challenges the longstanding idea that practices boosting biodiversity must come at a cost to yields and food security. The adoption of precision agriculture technologies is transforming how farmers manage their land and resources. GPS-guided tractors, drone surveillance, and AI-powered crop management systems are becoming commonplace on many farms. These technologies allow farmers to apply water, fertilizers, and pesticides with pinpoint accuracy, reducing waste and environmental impact while improving yields. However, the digital divide remains a challenge. More than 22% of rural communities lack reliable broadband internet access, hindering the widespread implementation of AI and other advanced technologies in agriculture. While technology offers new opportunities, farmers are also facing significant economic challenges. The USDA's 2024 farm income forecast projects a 4.4% decline in net farm income from 2023, following a sharp 19.5% drop from 2022 to 2023. This financial pressure is compounded by rising production costs and market volatility. Climate variability adds another layer of complexity. Extreme weather events, changing precipitation patterns, and shifting growing seasons are forcing farmers to adapt quickly. These factors could reduce agricultural productivity by up to 25% over the coming decades without significant adaptation measures. But adapting requires additional financial resources, further straining farm profitability. In the face of these challenges, many farmers are turning to diversification as a strategy for resilience and profitability. The Science study mentioned earlier found that farms integrating several diversification methods supported more biodiversity while seeing simultaneous increases in human well-being and food security. Agritourism is one popular diversification strategy. In 2022, 28,600 U.S. farms reported agritourism income, averaging gross revenue of $44,000 from these activities. Activities like farm tours, pick-your-own operations, and seasonal festivals not only provide additional income but also foster a deeper connection between consumers and agriculture. The changing face of agriculture is directly impacting consumers. The rise of farm-to-table and local food movements reflects a growing interest in where our food comes from and how it's produced. If every U.S. household spent just $10 per week on locally grown food, it would generate billions of dollars for local economies. However, the larger challenges in agriculture can also lead to price fluctuations at the grocery store. The USDA's Economic Research Service projects that food-at-home prices will increase between 1.2% and 2.2% in 2024. Looking ahead, several innovations are poised to reshape agriculture: The transformation of American agriculture affects everyone, from the food we eat to the health of our environment and rural communities. Consumers have the power to support sustainable and diverse farming practices through our purchasing decisions. As citizens, they can advocate for policies that support farmers in adopting innovative and sustainable practices. The challenges facing agriculture are complex, but they also present opportunities for innovation and positive change. By understanding and engaging with these issues, everyone can play a part in shaping a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable food system for the future. This story was produced by LandTrust and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Man United show progress despite loss as Arsenal cut into Liverpool's lead(BPT) - Tech gifts are consistently some of the most popular presents to give and receive during the holidays. In fact, according to the annual Consumer Technology Holiday Purchase Patterns report , a record 233 million U.S. adults (89%) will buy tech products during the 2024 holiday season. But with so many devices out there, it can be hard to decide on the perfect option for the loved one on your list. A tablet like the new Fire HD 8 from Amazon offers the versatility of an all-in-one device, with access to streaming, gaming, video chatting, reading or writing all at your fingertips. Fire HD 8 also features a vibrant 8-inch HD display and lightweight, portable design, for high-quality entertainment on the go. Plus, Fire HD 8 comes with three new AI features that can help you get the most out of your tablet experience. Check them out below and learn how they can help you with daily tasks this holiday season and beyond. 1. Meet your personal writing assistant Do you struggle with writing a heartfelt message or finessing a tricky email? Fear not! Writing Assist is here to help. Writing Assist works as part of your Fire tablet's device keyboard and compatible apps, including email, Word documents and social media. In just a few taps, you can transform your writing from good to great. Try Writing Assist's pre-set styles to turn a simple email into a professionally written note. Or, you can ask Writing Assist for grammar suggestions to make your writing more concise, or elaborate on your ideas. You can even "emojify" your writing to add more fun and personality. 2. Learn more in less time Say goodbye to scrolling through pages of information. The new Webpage Summaries feature allows you to learn pertinent information as quickly as possible. Available on the Silk browser on Fire tablets, Webpage Summaries provides quick insights on web articles. In a matter of seconds, this feature will distill the key points in an article or on a webpage into a clear, concise summary of what you need to know. 3. Get creative with your device wallpaper With Wallpaper Creator, you can easily add a touch of creative flair and customization to your tablet's home screen. You can choose from one of the curated prompts to get started on creating a unique background. Or, if you're ready to let your imagination run wild, type a description of what you'd like to see. For example, you can ask for an image of a tiger swimming underwater or a watercolor-style image of a desert landscape in space. Wallpaper Creator will then turn your vision into a reality, delivering a high-resolution image that you can use as your tablet's wallpaper. Celebrate an AI-powered holiday season Writing Assist, Webpage Summaries, and Wallpaper Creator are now available on Amazon's new Fire HD 8 and other compatible Fire tablet devices, including the latest Fire HD 10 and Fire Max 11 tablets. To learn more, or to order a new Fire tablet this gift-giving season, visit Amazon.com .The year in money: inflation eased, optimism ticked upward
Judging a woman's virtue based on her attire impermissible: HCInternational assessment studies, widely discussed over the last five years, have set formidable challenges and high expectations for the new Department of Education (DepEd) team. In 2019, the World Bank reported that 70 percent of 10-year-old Filipino children suffered from “learning poverty”: they could not read and understand age-appropriate written text. By 2022, that learning poverty had deepened to 91 percent. Among 79 countries and economies participating in the 2018 Programme for International Student Assessment (Pisa) tests for 15-year-old children, the Philippines placed 79th in reading and 78th in both math and science. With 81 participants in 2022, the Philippines improved to 78th in science, 75th in reading, and 74th in math. It also did better in the 2019 Southeast Asia Primary Learning Metrics assessment to measure the proficiency of 11-year-old students in reading, writing, and math. The Philippines reached Band 2-3, performing in all three areas at minimum proficiency levels. Ten percent could understand texts with familiar structure. Seventeen percent could perform basic math operations, such as fractions, and interpret simple tables and graphs. In presenting ideas in writing, roughly 54 percent could produce only a few sentences with very limited content. The majority of Vietnamese students reached the highest band in reading and math and Band 6-7 in writing. They could understand and summarize texts, solve complex math problems, and use appropriate vocabulary in well-organized texts. Students from Malaysia and Myanmar performed at all proficiency bands, with a significant number reaching mid- and high levels. Philippine students shared Band 2-3 with counterparts from Cambodia and Lao PDR. They recognized basic words, understood simple texts, wrote basic sentences, and showed foundational arithmetic skills. Of the Asean 10, only these six countries participated in the 2019 assessment, with Singapore, Brunei, Thailand, and Indonesia declining to join. Pisa results, however, appeared to register the biggest shock. Pisa was the global, gold assessment standard, covering more participants over a longer timeframe. The comparative rankings perhaps also provoked more damage to national pride and psyche. Especially when viewed from the historical perspective of the educational standards the Philippines had established as a US colony in the ’30s, rebuilt after the war, and sustained through the ’50s. Climbing out of the current education pit into which it has plunged would be a truly heroic feat such as the country has seldom achieved. It may neither be realistic nor fair to compare Philippine Pisa ratings against those of older, better-governed, and richer countries. But the DepEd mandate to demonstrate measurable improvements in learning outcomes and its continuing participation in Pisa make it difficult to escape comparisons against past ratings. It is thus some comfort to know that even developed countries have suffered setbacks in Pisa standing and have managed to recover. In the late 1990s, claims of declining, basic education standards in England became a political concern. Between 2000 and 2005, Nick Gibb followed and critiqued the ruling Labour Party’s education programs as the Tory opposition party’s shadow minister for education. With Tory electoral victories, Gibb emerged from the shadows, serving in Tory Cabinets for education issues from 2010-2012, 2014-2021 and 2022-2023. Between the 2000 and 2009 Pisa tests, England dropped from 7th to 25th place in reading, 8th to 27th in math, and 4th to 16th in science. During his first ministerial term in 2010, Gibb embarked on a program to arrest the slide and regain lost ground. By the 2012 test, the direction had been partially reversed, with improvement to 23rd place in reading and in math to 25th, though science further dropped to 18th place. But by 2022, England ranked 13th in reading, 11th in math and 13th in science. Recalling the Pisa journey at a recent forum in Australia, Gibb noted the factors that propelled the forward movement. First, the willingness of government reformers to invest in a long-term effort; there are few quick fixes to education problems. Second, high-level, political, and material support from successive prime ministers. And, third, the commitment of time and resources, and the hard-nosed determination to document and pursue only those initiatives backed by evidence-based research. Granted, DepEd bears a heavier burden over a longer distance. But the task is critical and calls for the government’s sustained commitment of effort and resources. —————- Edilberto C. de Jesus is professor emeritus at the Asian Institute of Management. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . —————- Business Matters is a project of the Makati Business Club ( [email protected] ).Philippe Clement has revealed he will hold "big discussions" over the January transfer window with Ibrox chiefs next week. The Belgian manager was quizzed on whether he had plans to bolster his frontline when the window reopens at the start of next year. But Clement was coy on any recruitment plans as he laid bare the reality of the situation with budgets not yet set. The Rangers manager will meet with club officials to discuss the budget available in the coming days with Clement admitting there were constraints on dealings in the summer. He said: "We're going to have big discussions about what we're going to need in January and of course what the budget will be because everything stands or falls with the budget and we felt that in the summer transfer window also in that way, that we wanted more things that we could do. "That was the reality. So we will see what the budget is now and my job is to get the best out of the squad available, to get the best out of everybody in that way, but also to push to make it better. "But we will see how these talks will go in the next week." Read more: Malcolm Offord no longer expected to become Rangers chairman Ex-Rangers manager Van Bronckhorst breaks silence after being sacked Hailing his side's performance in the thumping 6-0 win over Kilmarnock, Clement added: "The football that I want to see and what we spoke about the last week and the last month that it's about timing, the right runs, the right passes to get these connections on the pitch, to gel together with a lot of new players, if you see how many new players were on the pitch today also. "So that the players get the reward also what they've been doing in the trainings and in the games. I don't think in the last two league games they were rewarded in that way because we had also good chances, but today you finished it off, not all the time because it could have been more, but like this you see the potential and the way this team can play and open up teams who want to make a low block and man marking all over the pitch. "I think they give a good example how we can be lethal in that way."
Cornerback Martin Emerson was 3 years old the last time the Browns won a regular-season game in Pittsburgh. Denzel Ward was in kindergarten in the Nordonia school system. The Browns (3-9) on Dec. 8 will go for a series sweep of the Steelers in Pittsburgh, where they haven’t won since a “Sunday Night Football” game on Oct. 5, 2003. On that memorable date, Tim Couch played the best game of his short NFL career to lead the Browns to a shocking 33-13 demolition of the Steelers. The Browns finished 5-11 in 2003. The Steelers weren’t much better at 6-10, but beating the Steelers at Heinz Field (now Acrisure Stadium) gave the Browns a chance to gloat about something. Couch completed 20 of 25 passes for 208 yards with two touchdown passes and one interception. He also rushed for a touchdown. He waved mockingly to the Steelers fans as he trotted off the field at the end of the game. A year earlier, Couch was treated harshly by those same fans after he went 16-for-29 for 144 yards in a 16-13 loss in Heinz Field. Couch threw two interceptions and was sacked two times. “I can’t speak all the way back to (2003), but I could just speak for having gone against them,” Kevin Stefanski said Dec. 4 on Zoom. “They’re well-coached. They have good players. You go on the road, it’s always a challenge in front of opposing team’s fans. So we look forward to the challenge. The fun part of this business is going on the road and trying to find a way to get a win.” Stefanski is 0-4 in Pittsburgh since being named Browns head coach in 2020 — he was not with the team when they won a wild-card playoff game in Pittsburgh because a positive COVID-19 test. But if the Browns do pull the upset after dumping on the Steelers, 24-19, at Huntington Bank Field on Nov. 21, Stefanski would have the distinction of coaching the first sweep over the Steelers since 1988 when the Browns won, 23-9, at Three Rivers Stadium and 27-7 at old Cleveland Stadium when Marty Schottenheimer coached the Browns and Chuck Noll coached the Steelers. “We just played these guys a couple weeks ago, so that’s the unique piece of this for both teams,” Stefanski said. “We know them well. They know us well and having just played them, it won’t be the same. You don’t pick up where you left off. There are going to be adjustments that they make, adjustments that we make. “We have to really go to school on them again, have a good week of practice and then go on the road and try to find a way to win.” This is not the first era the Browns have been hexed in Pittsburgh. Of course, part of the reason they keep losing is the Steelers usually field better teams. The Steelers, 9-3 in 2024, have not had a losing season since that 6-10 year of 2003. The Browns, by contrast, have totaled four winning seasons since 1999 — 2002, 2007, 2020 and 2023. Three Rivers Stadium opened on July 16, 1970. The Browns lost every year there from 1970-85. Blanton Collier (Collier retired after the 1970 season), Nick Skorich, Forrest Gregg and Sam Rutigliano all failed to win a game as the Browns head coach in Three Rivers from 1970-85.. Prior to the Browns playing in Pittsburgh in 1986, WWWE (now WTAM) radio talk show host Pete Franklin penned a rap song that became an instant hit in Cleveland. Here are the lyrics: Oh, believe me now we’re gonna break that Jinx Go down to Three Rivers and beat those finks. Pigskin Pete guarantees the win And if we don’t, it’ll be a sin. Break the Jinx Break the Jinx. Sure enough, the Browns won in Pittsburgh, 27-24, on Oct. 5, 1986, with Schottenheimer as head coach. They finished 12-4, finished first in the AFC Central Division and advanced to the AFC Championship game before losing to the Broncos, 23-20, in overtime. When: 1 p.m. Dec. 8 Where: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh Records: Browns 3-9, Steelers 9-3 TV: WOIO, Jim Nantz and Tony Romo announcing Radio: WNCX-FM 98.5, WKRK-FM 92.3, WKNR-AM 850, WKKY-FM 104.7 (Andrew Siciliano and Nathan Zegura announcing)Rescuers reassess safety in search for woman they think fell into a Pennsylvania sinkhole
The arrival of the early signing period Wednesday offered a stark reminder for college football fans. If recruiting rankings offer any accurate gauge in the era of the transfer portal, those teams competing for College Football Playoff berths now should keep contending for years to come. Texas, Georgia, Alabama, Oregon and Ohio State are all on track to earn playoff invitations, and those five schools also are atop the team recruiting standings. It represents one more example of how the Southeastern Conference and Big Ten have separated themselves from all the other leagues. Steve Wiltfong, vice president of recruiting and the transfer portal for On3, said it’s apparent why those programs continue recruiting so well. “First and foremost, those are the programs with the most resources,” Wiltfong said. “They’re the programs that are having the most success on the field and in the NFL draft.” The order of those top classes remains in flux. The identity of the No. 1 class according to composite rankings of recruiting sites compiled by 247Sports may not be determined until Friday because of the uncertainty surrounding a couple of top-10 prospects. Manchester (Georgia) defensive tackle Justus Terry, the nation’s No. 10 overall recruit according to the 247Sports Composite, isn't expected to announce his college choice until Friday. Terry is considering Georgia, Texas and Auburn. David Sanders of Providence Day School in Charlotte, North Carolina, is the nation's No. 1 offensive tackle and No. 5 overall recruit in his class. Sanders is committed to Tennessee, but he wasn't expected to sign on Wednesday as Ohio State continues to pursue him. Terry was the rare prospect delaying his decision. Most top recruits already committed to a school well before the signing period, continuing a trend that took effect from the time a December signing date was added in 2017 to the traditional February signing period. This year, that early signing period was moved up a few weeks so that it would take place before the transfer window opens Monday. This signing period also comes in the era of collectives and name, image and likeness opportunities allowing prospects to profit off their brand. LSU coach Brian Kelly called it “unlike any recruiting period that I've ever been involved in” and opened his news conference Wednesday by saying it “feels more like Tax Day than it does signing day.” “It's not just about finding the right fit academically,” said Kelly, whose class ranked ninth as of Wednesday afternoon. “It's not just about finding the right fit where you can develop holistically and graduate and play for a championship. It's about what's the most money I can get. That's unfortunate, but it's the world we live in. You have to be able to adapt, and you have to be able to realign and be prepared.” While most prospects committed to schools months ago, some of them changed their minds down the stretch. Oregon arguably had the best day of anyone in flipping prospects. The Ducks landed the 247Sports Composite’s No. 11 overall prospect when cornerback Na’eem Offord made a switch from Ohio State. Oregon also added one of the nation's top 10 quarterback recruits in Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, who initially committed to California. Oregon's class now includes three of the nation's top six cornerback prospects in Offord, Brandon Finney and Dorian Brew. Perhaps the most notable development in the weeks leading up to the signing period was quarterback Bryce Underwood’s decision last month to stay in his home state and play for Michigan after initially planning to play at LSU. “It’s huge,” Michigan coach Sherrone Moore said. “He’s an excellent player, obviously.” Underwood’s switch brought late momentum for the defending national champions . Michigan will end up with a top-10 class this year after finishing outside the top 15 each of the last two recruiting cycles. Michigan’s recruiting emergence wasn’t the only surprise. Auburn was sixth in the 247Sports Composite team rankings as of Wednesday afternoon after posting a fourth consecutive losing season. “I’ve been very clear since my arrival that I thought it would take three top-10 classes to overhaul our roster, to get it to where it’s apples to apples with the elite in the country,” Auburn coach Hugh Freeze said. “And man, today’s one of those days where the first emotion you probably feel is relief and excitement is the next one.” Florida was the fastest-rising team in the recruiting rankings after coach Billy Napier earned a vote of confidence and freshman quarterback DJ Lagway helped the Gators win three straight games to close the regular season. “I’m calling it the DJ Lagway effect,” said Andrew Ivins, director of scouting for 247Sports. “They went from outside the top 50 to knocking on the door for a top-10 recruiting class. We haven’t really seen that type of push ever.” While Georgia awaits Terry’s decision, the Bulldogs signed two other home-state prospects who were rated among the nation’s top nine recruits in the 247Sports Composite. Defensive lineman Elijah Griffin of Savannah Christian Prep is ranked third overall. Edge rusher Isaiah Gibson of Warner Robins is ninth. Alabama's class is headlined by quarterback Keelon Russell, the nation's No. 2 overall prospect, according to the 247Sports Composite. Ohio State has two top-10 overall recruits in cornerback Devin Sanchez (6th) and quarterback Tavien St. Clair (7th). “There’s a swagger about him, there’s a confidence about him,” Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer said. “He’s been a major part of bringing and keeping this class together, which is what you want out of any leader, but especially out of your quarterback.” Texas added three top-25 prospects by getting safety Jonah Williams (8th), wide receiver Kaliq Lockett (22nd) and defensive lineman Lance Jackson (25th) to stay in their home state. AP Sports Writers John Zenor and Larry Lage contributed to this report. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-footballSMU has plenty to play for when it closes the regular season against California on Saturday afternoon in Dallas. The Mustangs (10-1, 7-0 Atlantic Coast Conference), who checked in at No. 9 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings on Tuesday, would like to send their seniors off the right way. They would also like to complete a perfect regular season before appearing in the ACC title game in their first year in the conference. Most importantly, they want to continue to strengthen their playoff case. "You've got the College Football Playoff, so every game matters. That's what's so cool about it now. The regular season is important," SMU coach Rhett Lashlee said. "We'd like to finish well in everything we do, particularly on Saturday, to finish off the regular season, continue our momentum into the following week. Hopefully, continue to show the committee and others that we're worthy of continuing to play this year." The Mustangs are a worthy playoff team to date. Kevin Jennings has established himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the country, throwing for 2,521 yards with 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also has rushed for 315 yards and four TDs. Brashard Smith has been another standout, rushing for 1,089 yards and 13 TDs. Defensively, the Mustangs rank tied for 14th in the country with 20 takeaways. "Obviously they've had a phenomenal season," Cal coach Justin Wilcox said of SMU. "As soon as you turn the tape on, it doesn't take very long to see why their record is what it is. They're very, very good really in every phase of the game - extremely explosive and quick and fast. They've got a dominant D-line. We've got a lot of challenges in front of us and our guys are excited for that." Cal (6-5, 2-5) is coming off an emotional win, defeating rival Stanford 24-21 on Saturday to secure a bowl berth. The Golden Bears will appear in consecutive bowls for the first time since 2018-19 and are now looking to clinch their first winning season since 2019. SMU is not overlooking Cal, as all five of the Golden Bears' losses have come by one score. "You'd be hard-pressed to find a better 6-5 team in America," Lashlee said. "I think you can conservatively say they very, very easily could be 9-2." Cal is led by quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who has thrown for 3,004 yards with 16 touchdowns and six interceptions. Tight end Jack Endries leads the team with 555 yards receiving, while wide receiver Nyziah Hunter has caught a team-leading five touchdowns. Defensively, Cal has the ACC's top scoring defense (20.7 points per game) and is tied with Clemson for the ACC's best turnover margin (plus-13). Defensive back Nohl Williams is the star of the group -- he leads the country with seven interceptions. Even though oddsmakers are heavily favoring SMU, Cal is going into the game with a simple mindset. "Our task at hand is to make the best bowl game right now," Mendoza said. "And the way to do that is to go into Dallas, give it our best and ruin SMU's season." Saturday will mark the first conference meeting between these ACC newcomers, and just the second meeting between the programs all time. SMU won a 13-6 game back in 1957. --Field Level Media
NAIROBI, Kenya -- Three African politicians seeking to head the African Union detailed their plans on Friday for regional security amid conflicts and political coups while strongly advocating for inter-Africa trade among other issues. Raila Odinga of Kenya, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti and Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar are seeking to be elected as chairperson for the 55-member state African Union. They participated in a two-hour debate Friday in Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa in which they all advocated for two permanent seats for African countries in the U.N. Security Council to effectively represent the continent with the youngest population. Odinga said that two permanent seats with veto power were “a must for Africa” and that this was “only fair” since the continent has more than 50 countries. Randriamandrato urged member states to cease the opportunity and “speak with one voice on the choice of who will represent Africa in the UNSC.” The three are seeking to convince most African countries before the February election to succeed African Union Chairperson Moussa Faki, who has served for two terms. The African Union has faced several challenges that include conflict in member countries and political coups that have seen five member states expelled from the union, making regional security a major theme in Friday’s debate. Youssouf said that regional security could be enhanced if the resources for a regional standby force were increased to reduce the overreliance on foreign partnerships for resources. “When there is no unity of purpose among neighboring countries peace will be compromised,” Youseff said. Randriamandrato encouraged countries to take charge of their internal security while cautioning that foreign military bases should be “a thing of the past” because they “could be a source of conflict.” Despite the continent’s young population of 1.3 billion that is set to double by 2050, regional trade has faced challenges that were addressed in the Friday debate. Odinga said that Africa had a “huge domestic market” that it could leverage on for economic transformation by opening up opportunities for trade between African countries. Youssouf proposed a payment compensation system that would ensure countries don't lose out while trading in different currencies adding, “are we going to have a single currency, why not?” Randriamandrato said that regional economic blocs like the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa had a huge role to play in easing inter-Africa trade. The African Union has several proposed reforms on its structure and leadership aimed at achieving its purpose, and all candidates promised to implement the reforms if elected. Youssouf said that key reforms in the union were facing a funding bottleneck and that “it has to change,” adding that he wouldn't impose it on member states but would “advocate for it.”By Anna Helhoski, NerdWallet The battle to get here was certainly an uphill one, but people are generally feeling better about the economy and their finances than they once did. On top of that, the economy has been easing into an ideal, Goldilocks-like position — not running too hot or cooling too quickly. Throughout 2024, consumer sentiment data showed people were fairly positive about the economy and their own finances, even if there’s remaining frustration over elevated prices compared to four years ago. Looking ahead, households are feeling more optimistic about their personal finances in the next year, as the share of those expecting to be in a better financial situation a year from now hit its highest level since February 2020. Combine positive personal vibes with a strong economic picture and it looks like 2024 wasn’t so bad for consumers, after all. But that doesn’t mean there weren’t bumps in the road or potential roadblocks ahead. To cap off the year, NerdWallet writers reflect on the top trends in personal finance and the economy this year — and what they think might be ahead in 2025. Elizabeth Renter, NerdWallet’s economist What happened: In 2024, U.S. consumers have proven resilient following a period of high inflation and ongoing high interest rates. Wage growth has been strong, owing in part to rising productivity. This has driven robust spending throughout the year, which has kept the economy growing at a healthy pace. The labor market has remained steady, though cooler than 2023, and price growth continues to moderate towards the Federal Reserve’s 2% inflation goal. What’s ahead: Barring significant changes to economic policy and significant shocks, the U.S. economy is expected to grow at a moderate rate in the coming year. Inflation will continue to moderate and the labor market will remain relatively healthy, all due in part to continued slow and deliberate rate cuts from the Fed. However, there are risks to this path. Higher tariffs and tighter immigration policies are likely, but the extent of these changes are yet unclear. The potential policy scenarios are many, and the economic outcomes complex. Increased tariffs are generally inflationary, and stricter immigration policies could impact the labor supply and economic growth. Consumers and small business owners with their eyes to the new year should focus on the things within their control. Margarette Burnette, consumer banking and savings writer What happened: High-yield savings accounts and certificates of deposit offered elevated rates in 2024, rewarding savers with strong returns. Following the Federal Reserve rate cuts in the second half of the year, high-yield accounts had modest rate decreases, but they continued to outperform traditional savings accounts and CDs. What’s ahead: We’re watching for further Federal Reserve rate cuts, which could lead to more decreases in savings rates. Sara Rathner, credit cards writer What happened: Credit card debt levels hit record highs, with consumers turning to credit cards to pay for necessities. While the economy is doing well, many individuals have struggled to make ends meet, as incomes haven’t kept up with certain costs. What’s ahead: We may see some policy and regulation changes with the incoming administration that could affect folks when it comes to credit cards, debt and consumer protections. Ryan Brady, small business writer What happened : New businesses continued to blossom in 2024 as business applications remained well above pre-pandemic levels. Confidence in the future state of the U.S. economy also spiked after the presidential election, but that optimism was tempered by concerns over rising costs and labor quality. What’s ahead: All eyes are on the incoming administration as small-business owners brace for turbulence resulting from potential tariffs, tax policy changes and dismantled government regulations. We’re also watching the possibility of interest rate cuts in 2025 and small-business owners’ growing reliance on new technologies, such as AI. Holden Lewis, mortgages writer What happened: Home buyers struggled with elevated mortgage rates, rising house prices and a shortage of homes for sale. On top of that, a new rule required buyers to negotiate their agents’ commissions. What’s ahead: The Federal Reserve is expected to cut short-term interest rates, but mortgage rates might not necessarily fall by a similar amount. Buyers will probably have more properties to choose from, and the greater supply should keep prices from rising a lot. Interest rates on home equity loans and lines of credit should fall, making it less expensive to borrow to fix up homes — either to sell, or to make the home more comfortable and efficient. Sam Taube, investing writer What happened: The stock market had a great year. The S&P 500 is up more than 25% due to falling interest rates, fading recession fears, AI hype, and the possibility of lighter taxes and regulations under the new administration. Cryptocurrency also saw big gains in 2024; the price of Bitcoin crossed the $100,000 mark for the first time in December. What’s ahead: A lot depends on how fast the Fed reduces rates in 2025. Another key unknown is Trump’s second term. Regulatory rollbacks, such as those he has proposed for the banking industry, could juice stock prices — but they also could create systemic risks in the economy. His proposed tariffs could also hurt economic growth (and therefore stock prices). Finally, it remains to be seen whether trendy AI stocks, such as NVIDIA, can continue their momentum into next year. It’s the same story with crypto: How long will this bull market last? Caitlin Constantine, assistant assigning editor, insurance What happened: Many people saw their home and auto insurance premiums skyrocket in 2024. In some states, homeowners are finding it harder to even find policies in the first place. Meanwhile, life insurance rates have started to decrease post-pandemic. We also saw more insurers offering online-only policies that don’t require a medical exam. What’s ahead: Auto and home insurance costs will likely continue to rise, although auto premiums may not rise as dramatically as they have over the past few years. And if you’re in the market for life insurance, expect to see competitive life insurance quotes and more customizable policies. Eliza Haverstock, student loans writer What happened: Borrowers received historic student loan relief, but lawsuits derailed an income-driven repayment plan used by 8 million whose payments are indefinitely paused. Uncertainty will carry into 2025 as a result of the presidential administration change. What’s ahead: Trump has pledged to overhaul higher education and rein in student loan relief. The fate of the SAVE repayment plan, student loan forgiveness options, FAFSA processing and more remain in the balance. Meghan Coyle, assistant assigning editor, travel What happened: People are willing to pay more for big and small luxuries while traveling, and airlines and hotels are taking note. Many airlines raised checked bag fees early in 2024, credit card issuers and airlines invested in renovated airport lounges, and major hotel companies continued to add luxury properties and brands to their loyalty programs. What’s ahead: Southwest will say goodbye to its open seating policy and introduce new extra-legroom seats, a major departure for the airline. Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines will unveil a unified loyalty program in 2025. Spirit Airlines may attempt to merge with another airline again after its 2024 bankruptcy filing and two failed mergers under President Biden’s administration. Travelers will find that they’ll have to pay a premium to enjoy most of the upgrades airlines and hotels are making. Laura McMullen, assistant assigning editor, personal finance What happened: This year, dynamic pricing expanded beyond concerts and travel to online retailers and even fast-food restaurants. This practice of prices changing based on real-time supply and demand received plenty of backlash from consumers and prompted the Federal Trade Commission to investigate how companies use consumers’ data to set prices. What’s ahead: Beyond an expansion of dynamic pricing — perhaps with added oversight — expect subscription models to become more prevalent and demand for sustainable products to grow. Shannon Bradley, autos writer What happened: New-car prices held steady in 2024 but remained high after a few years of sharp increases — the average new car now sells for about $48,000, and for the first time ever the price gap between new and used cars surpassed $20,000 (average used-car prices are now slightly more than $25,000). Overall, the car market returned to being in the buyer’s favor, as new-car inventories reached pre-pandemic levels, manufacturer incentives began making a comeback and auto loan interest rates started to decline. What’s ahead: The future of the car market is uncertain and depends on policies implemented by the incoming administration. Questions surround the impact of possible tariffs on car prices, whether auto loan rates will continue to drop, and if federal tax credits will still be available for electric vehicle buyers. Jackie Veling, personal loans writer What happened: Buy now, pay later continued to be a popular payment choice for U.S. shoppers, even while facing headwinds, like an interpretive ruling from the CFPB (which determined BNPL should be regulated the same as credit cards) and Apple’s discontinuation of its popular Apple Pay Later product. Large players like Affirm, Klarna and Afterpay continued to offer interest-free, pay-in-four plans at most major retailers, along with long-term plans for larger purchases. What’s ahead: Though more regulation had been widely anticipated in 2025, the change in administration suggests the CFPB will play a less active role in regulating BNPL products. For this reason, and its continued strength in the market, BNPL will likely keep growing. Taryn Phaneuf, news writer What happened: Easing inflation was a bright spot in 2024. In June, the consumer price index fell below 3% for the first time in three years. Consumers saw prices level off or decline for many goods, including for groceries, gas and new and used vehicles. But prices haven’t fallen far enough or broadly enough to relieve the pinch many households feel. What’s ahead: The new and higher tariffs proposed by the Trump administration could reignite inflation on a wide range of goods. Taryn Phaneuf, news writer What happened: Rent prices remain high, but annual rent inflation slowed significantly compared to recent years, staying around 3.5% for much of 2024, according to Zillow, a real estate website that tracks rents. A wave of newly constructed rental units on the market seems to be helping ease competition among renters and forcing landlords to offer better incentives for signing a lease. What’s ahead: If it continues, a softening rental market could work in renters’ favor. But construction is one of several industries that could see a shortage of workers if the Trump administration follows through on its promise to deport undocumented immigrants. A shortage of workers would mean fewer houses and apartments could be built. Anna Helhoski, news writer What happened: After a contentious presidential campaign, former President Donald Trump declared victory over Vice President Kamala Harris. While on the campaign trail, Trump promised to lower inflation, cut taxes, enact tariffs, weaken the power of the Federal Reserve, deport undocumented immigrants and more. Many economists have said Trump’s proposals, if enacted, would likely be inflationary. In Congress, Republicans earned enough seats to control both houses. What’s ahead: It’s unclear which campaign promises Trump will fulfill on his own and with the support of the new Congress. He has promised a slew of “day one” actions that could lead to higher prices, including across-the-board tariffs and mass deportations. Most recently, Trump pledged to enact 20% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, as well as an additional 10% tariff on China. He has also promised to extend or make permanent the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act; many of its provisions expire by the end of 2025. Anna Helhoski, news writer What happened: Fiscal year 2023-2024’s funding saga finally came to an end in March, then six months later, the battle to fund the fiscal year 2024-2025 began. The Biden Administration waged its own war against junk fees . Antitrust enforcers pushed back against tech giants like Amazon, Apple, Google, and Meta; prevented the Kroger-Albertsons merger; nixed the Jet Blue-Spirit Airlines merger; and moved to ban noncompete agreements. The Supreme Court rejected a challenge to the constitutionality of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, as well as a challenge to abortion pill access. SCOTUS also overruled its landmark Chevron case, which means every federal regulatory agency’s power to set and enforce its own rules are now weaker. What’s ahead: The election’s red sweep means the GOP will control the executive and legislative branches of government. They’ll face the threat of at least one more potential government shutdown; a debt ceiling drama comeback; and the beginning of the debate over extending or making permanent provisions of the expiring 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. More From NerdWallet Anna Helhoski writes for NerdWallet. Email: anna@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @AnnaHelhoski. The article What Trended in Personal Finance in 2024? originally appeared on NerdWallet .