Wells defeats Foxcroft for second straight Class D football state title
Carrier Board of Directors Announces an 18 Percent Increase in Quarterly Dividend to $0.225 per ShareAnthony Weiner , the disgraced New York politician who spent a year and a half in prison for sending sexually explicit images to a minor, is toying with the idea of running for office again, this time for his local city council . In an era of politics where it seems anyone can make a comeback, Weiner, 60, is considering entering the Democratic primary for New York City Council – citing his desire to “be of service.” “There are just too many problems that I feel are not being addressed in a serious way,” Weiner said during an episode of his radio show, according to The New York Times . His motivation to help seems to outweigh his fears of judgment or failure when it comes to re-entering the public eye, no less as a political candidate. In 2011, Weiner resigned from Congress after he admitted to sexting multiple women and initially lying about it. The last time he attempted to make a political comeback was in 2013, when his run for New York City mayor Democratic nominee fell apart after he was again caught sending explicit photos to women under the name Carlos Danger. Then, in 2017, he pleaded guilty to one count of transferring obscene material to a minor after prosecutors indicted him for sexting a 15-year-old girl, for which he spent almost two years in prison. The latter might have had broader implications. Weiner’s wife at the time, Huma Abedin, was vice chair of Hillary Clinton’s campaign, leading FBI Director James Comey to reopen an investigation into Clinton’s emails. Some Democrats still blame her loss to Donald Trump in 2016 on Comey’s decision. But now, in an age where the president-elect was elected after two impeachments, four criminal indictments, a felony conviction and allegations of sexual misconduct, it seems Weiner’s scandal can’t hold him back. “I want people to decide they want Anthony Weiner representing them not in spite of his story and in spite of his journey but because of it,” he said. Weiner has not officially announced his intent to run for City Council in the Second District but he’s heavily hinted at it. The disgraced congressmen held a public interview at a barbershop on Astor Place on Wednesday where he suggested a political campaign may be the thing he needs to help his fellow New Yorkers, even if there’s a stain on his reputation. Rather than run from the past, Weiner embraces it by acknowledging his wrongdoings and welcoming others as well. On his radio show, he compares his behavior to that of a person addicted to substances. He’s sympathetic to those who don’t want him to run as a result of his history but still advocates for others to give him a second chance. One of those he would be running against, Sarah Batchu, doesn’t sound too enthusiastic about his potential return, however. “Everyone deserves a second chance,” she told New Republic . “But this guy has had third, fourth and fifth chances.”
eGain extends stock repurchase program to 2025
MOREHEAD, Ky. (AP) — Isaiah Smith ran for a career-high 205 yards on 31 carries and scored a touchdown and San Diego beat Morehead State 37-14 in a season-ending contest for both teams on Saturday. Grant Sergent threw for 184 yards and two touchdowns for San Diego (8-3, 6-2 Pioneer Football League) which ended the season with a four-game win streak and winners of six of seven.LAS VEGAS — There are three races remaining in the Formula 1 season and Max Verstappen of Red Bull is close to a fourth consecutive world championship, which can wrap up Saturday night at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. All is not smooth sailing headed into this final month of racing: "It was a bit of a surprise, I think, for everybody," said Mercedes driver George Russell, a GPDA director. "It's a hell of a lot of pressure now onto the new race director (with) just three races left. Often, as drivers, we probably feel like we're the last to find out this sort of information." The Andretti team is expected to receive F1 approval to join the grid, albeit without Michael Andretti, who has scaled back his role dramatically since the IndyCar season ended in September. Many drivers, particularly seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton, have been at odds with FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem since his election following the 2021 season finale. In the GDPA statement, they reminded the sanctioning body "our members are adults" who don't need lectures and fines on foul language or jewelry bans, and simply want fair and consistent race control. There's been no response from Ben Sulayem, and won't be this weekend since he does not attend the LVGP. He will be at Qatar and the finale in Abu Dhabi next month. Hamilton doesn't think all the behind-the-scenes changes will be a fan topic as the season comes to a close. But he noted that consistency from race control is all the drivers have asked for, while throwing his support behind Domenicali and the job Maffei has done in growing F1 since Liberty took over. "I really hope Stefano is not leaving because he's been so instrumental in changes and progress to this whole thing," Hamilton said. "And he knows the sport as well as anyone. But all good things do come to an end, and whoever they put into place, I just hope they are like-minded. But sometimes you have to shake the trees." That's just what happened with the surprise departure of race director Wittich. Although drivers have been unhappy with race officiating this season and held a private GPDA meeting in Mexico City, Russell said they had no prior warning Wittich was out. The race director is the referee each weekend and Wittich has been in charge since 2022, when Michael Masi was fired following the controversial 2021 season-ending, championship-altering finale at Abu Dhabi. Now the man in charge for the final three races is Rui Marques, the Formula 2 and Formula 3 race director. Las Vegas, which overcame multiple stumbling blocks in last year's debut before putting on one of the best races of the season, is a difficult place to start. Verstappen can win his fourth title by simply scoring three points more than Lando Norris of McLaren. "It's a bit weird with three races to go to do that," Verstappen said. "It doesn't matter if you're positive or negative about certain things. I thought in Brazil there was definitely room for improvement, for example. It's still a bit weird having to now then deal with a different race director." Charles Leclerc of Ferrari wondered why the move was made with only three races to go. "To do it so late in the season, at such a crucial moment of the season, it could have probably been managed in a better way," he said. The drivers have consistently asked for clearer guidelines in the officiating of races, specifically regarding track limits and racing rules. The drivers have no idea how Marques will officiate, highlighting a disconnect between the competitors and Ben Sulaymen's FIA. "We just want to be transparent with the FIA and have this dialogue that is happening," Russell said. "And I think the departure of Niels is also a prime example of not being a part of these conversations." The GDPA statement made clear the drivers do not think their voice is being heard. "If we feel we're being listened to, and some of the changes that we are requesting are implemented, because ultimately we're only doing it for the benefit of the sport, then maybe our confidence will increase," Russell said. "But I think there's a number of drivers who feel a bit fed up with the whole situation. It only seems to be going in the wrong direction." He also said the relationship between the drivers and the FIA seems fractured. "Sometimes just hiring and firing is not the solution," he said. "You need to work together to improve the problem." Norris, who has battled Verstappen this year with mixed officiating rulings, said "obviously things are not running as smoothly as what we would want." Marques has his first driver meeting ahead of Thursday night's two practice sessions and then three weeks to prove to the competitors he is up for the job. Carlos Sainz Jr., who will leave Ferrari for Williams at the end of the season, hopes the drama doesn't distract from the momentum F1 has built over the last five years. "I think Formula 1 is in a great moment right now and all these rumors, I think in every team, every job, there's job changes," he said. "It's not big drama. I'm a big fan of the people you mentioned, they've done an incredible job in Formula 1 and Formula 1 is what it is thanks to these people. But it's just so emotional, especially the Stefano one. The only one that has a real effect is the race director. But I think if he does a good job, it should be transparent and nothing big." Get local news delivered to your inbox!Quanex Building Products Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Earnings Release and Conference Call Schedule
NoneWALTHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 6, 2024-- Vicarious Surgical Inc. (“Vicarious Surgical” or the “Company”) (NYSE: RBOT, RBOT WS), a next-generation robotics technology company seeking to improve lives by transforming robotic surgery, today announced the pending departure of William Kelly, its Chief Financial Officer (CFO), to pursue other career opportunities, after nearly four years of dedicated service with the Company. Mr. Kelly has served as Vicarious Surgical’s CFO since January 2021. He will assist the Company to ensure minimal disruption and a successful transition of responsibilities prior to his departure, which is slated for January 2, 2025. “On behalf of the Company and Board, I want to extend my sincerest gratitude to Bill for his significant contribution over the last few years,” said Adam Sachs, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer. “Bill has been an incredible asset to Vicarious Surgical, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors.” Mr. Kelly added “My tenure at Vicarious Surgical has been a period of significant progress and accomplishment, both for the Company and for me personally. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities I have been afforded and the collaborative spirit of the entire team. I depart with immense pride in our collective achievements and unwavering confidence in the Company's continued success under its strong leadership.” The Company has initiated a CFO succession process and will provide updates as appropriate. About Vicarious Surgical Founded in 2014, Vicarious Surgical is a next generation robotics company, developing a unique disruptive technology with the multiple goals of substantially increasing the efficiency of surgical procedures, improving patient outcomes, and reducing healthcare costs. The Company’s novel surgical approach uses proprietary human-like surgical robots to virtually transport surgeons inside the patient to perform minimally invasive surgery. The Company is led by an experienced team of technologists, medical device professionals and physicians, and is backed by technology luminaries including Bill Gates, Vinod Khosla’s Khosla Ventures, Innovation Endeavors, Jerry Yang’s AME Cloud Ventures, Sun Hung Kai & Co. Ltd and Philip Liang’s E15 VC. The Company is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts. Learn more at www.vicarioussurgical.com . Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The company’s actual results may differ from its expectations, estimates, and projections and, consequently, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained herein, are forward-looking statements that reflect the current beliefs and expectations of management. These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Most of these factors are outside Vicarious Surgical’s control and are difficult to predict. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to: the ability to maintain the listing of Vicarious Surgical’s Class A common stock on the New York Stock Exchange; the approval, commercialization and adoption of Vicarious Surgical’s initial product candidates and the success of its single-port surgical robot, called the Vicarious Surgical System, and any of its future product candidates and service offerings; changes in applicable laws or regulations; the ability of Vicarious Surgical to raise financing in the future; the success, cost and timing of Vicarious Surgical’s product and service development activities; the potential attributes and benefits of Vicarious Surgical’s product candidates and services; Vicarious Surgical’s ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approval for the Vicarious Surgical System, and any related restrictions and limitations of any approved product; the size and duration of human clinical trials for the Vicarious Surgical System; Vicarious Surgical’s ability to identify, in-license or acquire additional technology; Vicarious Surgical’s ability to maintain its existing license, manufacture, supply and distribution agreements; Vicarious Surgical’s ability to compete with other companies currently marketing or engaged in the development of products and services that Vicarious Surgical is currently marketing or developing; the size and growth potential of the markets for Vicarious Surgical’s product candidates and services, and its ability to serve those markets, either alone or in partnership with others; the pricing of Vicarious Surgical’s product candidates and services and reimbursement for medical procedures conducted using its product candidates and services; the company’s estimates regarding expenses, revenue, capital requirements and needs for additional financing; Vicarious Surgical’s financial performance; economic downturns, political and market conditions and their potential to adversely affect Vicarious Surgical’s business, financial condition and results of operations; Vicarious Surgical’s intellectual property rights and its ability to protect or enforce those rights, and the impact on its business, results and financial condition if it is unsuccessful in doing so; and other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in Vicarious Surgical’s filings with the SEC. Vicarious Surgical cautions that the foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. The company cautions readers not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Vicarious Surgical does not undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in its expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241206242926/en/ CONTACT: Investors Kaitlyn Brosco Vicarious Surgical Kbrosco@vicarioussurgical.com Media Inquiries media@vicarioussurgical.com KEYWORD: MASSACHUSETTS UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: MEDICAL SUPPLIES TECHNOLOGY OTHER HEALTH HEALTH ROBOTICS HEALTH TECHNOLOGY OTHER TECHNOLOGY MEDICAL DEVICES HOSPITALS SURGERY HARDWARE SOURCE: Vicarious Surgical Inc. Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/06/2024 04:05 PM/DISC: 12/06/2024 04:05 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241206242926/enNew coach Chris Holtmann has been tasked with rebuilding DePaul to the point where it can return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2004. Northern Illinois coach Rashon Burno knows what it takes to steer DePaul to the NCAAs because he was the starting point guard on the 2000 team that made the tournament -- the Blue Demons' only other NCAA appearance since 1992. Perhaps they can compare notes Saturday afternoon when Burno leads the Huskies (2-3) back to his alma mater as DePaul (5-0) hosts its sixth straight home game in Chicago. Last season, Burno's NIU squad helped accelerate DePaul's need for a new coach -- as the Huskies waltzed into Wintrust Arena and owned Tony Stubblefield's Blue Demons by an 89-79 score on Nov. 25. The Huskies built a 24-point second-half lead before coasting to the finish line. Can history repeat for NIU? There's just one problem with using last year's game as a potential barometer for Saturday's rematch: Almost no players on this year's teams were part of last year's squads. At DePaul, only assistant coach Paris Parham remains as Holtmann had the green light to bring in an all-new roster. UIC graduate transfer Isaiah Rivera (16.0 ppg, .485 3-point rate) and Coastal Carolina transfer Jacob Meyer (15.4 ppg, .406 on 3s) lead a balanced attack that focuses on getting half its shots from beyond the arc. At NIU, Burno retained only two players who competed against DePaul last year -- Ethan Butler and Oluwasegun Durosinmi -- and they combined for three points in 26 minutes in that game. The Huskies' main players used the transfer portal to join such programs as Kansas, Wisconsin, Penn State, Colorado State, James Madison, Georgia State and Niagara. With every starting job open, Butler has jumped into the lineup and produced 11.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and 1.4 steals per game. Transfers Quentin Jones (Cal Poly) and James Dent (Western Illinois) pace the Huskies with 14.4 and 14.0 points per game. NIU is on a two-game losing streak, most recently a 75-48 home defeat at the hands of Elon on Wednesday. Holtmann hopes to have Arkansas transfer Layden Blocker for Saturday's game. Blocker missed Tuesday's 78-69 win over Eastern Illinois with a quad injury. With the combo guard unavailable, point guard Conor Enright handed out a career-high 11 assists in a season-high 38 minutes. "We need (Blocker)," Holtmann said. "I don't want to play Conor 38 minutes." --Field Level MediaWASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump said Saturday that he will nominate former White House aide Brooke Rollins to be his agriculture secretary, the last of his picks to lead executive agencies and another choice from within his established circle of advisers and allies. The nomination must be confirmed by the Senate, which will be controlled by Republicans when Trump takes office Jan. 20. Rollins would succeed Tom Vilsack , President Joe Biden’s agriculture secretary who oversees the sprawling agency that controls policies, regulations and aid programs related to farming, forestry, ranching, food quality and nutrition. Rollins, who graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in agricultural development, is a longtime Trump associate who served as his former domestic policy chief. She is president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, a group helping to lay the groundwork for a second Trump administration. People are also reading... Rest assured, Nebraska volleyball fans: The missing fan behind the servers will be back Saturday Matt Rhule reacts to no-call at end of Nebraska-USC game: "I don’t know what else to say" 'Bocephus' is back: Hank Williams Jr. to play Lincoln arena Friday Arrest made in 55-year-old cold case of Nebraska teen stabbed to death Nebraska's home game against Wisconsin gets time, TV designation As Nebraska's Democratic Party shrinks, some former party officials call for change Kidnapping in Nebraska prompted police chase that ended with 3 dead in Missouri Mountain lion spotted on trail camera east of Bennet, Sheriff's Office says Signing Day: Meet Nebraska volleyball's five-player 2025 class 'Sophisticated yet simple': How Nebraska's offense changed in Dana Holgorsen's debut Wind-aided fire destroys vacant Village Inn in Lincoln Man dies in northeast Lincoln house fire Amie Just: Ahead of milestone birthday, local sports figures give advice on turning 30 Blunt as ever, Dana Holgorsen unpacks Nebraska role, struggling run game Nebraska faces $432 million shortfall heading into next budget cycle Rollins, 52, previously served as an aide to former Texas Gov. Rick Perry and ran a think tank, the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Rollins’ pick completes Trump’s selection of the heads of executive branch departments, just two and a half weeks after the former president won the White House once again. Several other picks that are traditionally Cabinet-level remain, including U.S. Trade Representative and head of the small business administration. Trump didn’t offer many specifics about his agriculture policies during the campaign, but farmers could be affected if he carries out his pledge to impose widespread tariffs. During the first Trump administration, countries like China responded to Trump’s tariffs by imposing retaliatory tariffs on U.S. exports like the corn and soybeans routinely sold overseas. Trump countered by offering massive multibillion-dollar aid to farmers to help them weather the trade war. President Abraham Lincoln founded the USDA in 1862, when about half of all Americans lived on farms. The USDA oversees multiple support programs for farmers; animal and plant health; and the safety of meat, poultry and eggs that anchor the nation’s food supply. Its federal nutrition programs provide food to low-income people, pregnant women and young children. And the agency sets standards for school meals. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump’s nominee to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, has vowed to strip ultraprocessed foods from school lunches and to stop allowing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program beneficiaries from using food stamps to buy soda, candy or other so-called junk foods. But it would be the USDA, not HHS, that would be responsible for enacting those changes. In addition, HHS and USDA will work together to finalize the 2025-2030 edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. They are due late next year, with guidance for healthy diets and standards for federal nutrition programs. ___ Gomez Licon reported from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Associated Press writers Josh Funk and JoNel Aleccia contributed to this report.
Adam McKay warns 'radical' Wicked could be banned by politicians in '3 to 5 years' By TERRY ZELLER FOR DAILYMAIL.COM Published: 23:42 GMT, 24 December 2024 | Updated: 23:53 GMT, 24 December 2024 e-mail View comments Don’t Look Up director Adam McKay has expressed concern that films like Wicked could face censorship in the U.S. if current political trends persist. In a series of posts via X on Monday, McKay described Wicked as 'one of the most radical big studio Hollywood movies ever made' and criticized the increasingly right-wing atmosphere in the U.S. 'Part 1 is nakedly about radicalization in the face of careerism, fascism, propaganda,' McKay wrote, adding that its release is particularly significant 'now, when America has never been more right-wing and propagandized.' The film, starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande , was recently pulled briefly from theaters in Kuwait , allegedly due to its LGBTQ cast. McKay acknowledged that Wicked: Part 2, slated for release on November 21, 2025, leans more mainstream but doubled down on his concerns. In response to another X user, he speculated that 'if America keeps going on the track it is, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the movie banned in 3-5 years.' Don’t Look Up director Adam McKay has expressed concern that films like Wicked could face censorship in the U.S. if current political trends persist; (seen in 2020) In a series of posts via X on Monday, McKay described Wicked as 'one of the most radical big studio Hollywood movies ever made' and criticized the increasingly right-wing atmosphere in the U.S He followed up with 'It’s bizarre how many people think the possibility of movies, books, music being banned in the U.S. in the near future is a "crazy" idea. 'There’s a whole crowd that really has zero idea what’s going on big picture.' The filmmaker also compared Wicked to some of the most iconic films in history, including The Sound of Music, Citizen Kane, and Bridge on the River Kwai, as well as modern hits like The Hunger Games, which he called 'incredibly left-wing.' McKay’s statements come after the film has also secured Golden Globe nominations, including Best Musical/Comedy, as well as individual acting nods for Cynthia Erivo and Grande, solidifying its position as a major contender this awards season. Kuwait removed Wicked from its cinema listings just one day before the film’s scheduled release on Thursday, December 5, sparking speculation about the reasons behind the decision. While no official explanation has been provided, local reports suggest the removal may be linked to the film’s LGBTQ+ cast, according to Variety. This mirrors past actions by Kuwait, which banned Barbie last year, citing the protection of 'public ethics and social traditions .' Lebanon also prohibited Barbie, claiming it 'promoted homosexuality.' 'Part 1 is nakedly about radicalization in the face of careerism, fascism, propaganda,' McKay wrote, adding that its release is particularly significant 'now, when America has never been more right-wing and propagandized' The film, starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande , was recently pulled briefly from theaters in Kuwait , allegedly due to its LGBTQ cast In response to another X user, he speculated that 'if America keeps going on the track it is, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the movie banned in 3-5 years' While the reason is not officially known, it is speculated by local media that the film's removal from theaters is due to the LGBTQ + cast, per Variety If Wicked faced similar scrutiny, the decision might seem puzzling, as the film doesn’t include overtly LGBTQ+ storylines. However, Grande, who stars as Glinda, recently described her character as 'a little in the closet.' Additionally, fans have often interpreted the relationship between Glinda and Elphaba as carrying homoerotic undertones, though the characters are not explicitly queer. Several cast members, including Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Bowen Yang, and Marissa Bode, openly identify as queer, potentially adding to the controversy in more conservative markets. Despite the ban in Kuwait, Wicked has been a massive success elsewhere. The musical fantasy, also starring Ethan Slater and Jeff Goldblum, premiered in the U.S. over Thanksgiving and shattered box office records. To date, the movie has now grossed over $571 million across the globe. Cynthia Erivo Share or comment on this article: Adam McKay warns 'radical' Wicked could be banned by politicians in '3 to 5 years' e-mail Add commentFORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — President-elect Donald Trump promised on Tuesday to “vigorously pursue” capital punishment after President Joe Biden commuted the sentences of most people on federal death row partly to stop Trump from pushing forward their executions. Trump criticized Biden’s decision on Monday to change the sentences of 37 of the 40 condemned people to life in prison without parole, arguing that it was senseless and insulted the families of their victims. Biden said converting their punishments to life imprisonment was consistent with the moratorium imposed on federal executions in cases other than terrorism and hate-motivated mass murder. “Joe Biden just commuted the Death Sentence on 37 of the worst killers in our Country,” he wrote on his social media site. “When you hear the acts of each, you won’t believe that he did this. Makes no sense. Relatives and friends are further devastated. They can’t believe this is happening!” Two Illinois convicts among 37 whose death sentences were commuted by President Joe Biden Presidents historically have no involvement in dictating or recommending the punishments that federal prosecutors seek for defendants in criminal cases, though Trump has long sought more direct control over the Justice Department’s operations. The president-elect wrote that he would direct the department to pursue the death penalty “as soon as I am inaugurated,” but was vague on what specific actions he may take and said they would be in cases of “violent rapists, murderers, and monsters.” He highlighted the cases of two men who were on federal death row for slaying a woman and a girl, had admitted to killing more and had their sentences commuted by Biden. On the campaign trail, Trump often called for expanding the federal death penalty — including for those who kill police officers, those convicted of drug and human trafficking, and migrants who kill U.S. citizens. “Trump has been fairly consistent in wanting to sort of say that he thinks the death penalty is an important tool and he wants to use it,” said Douglas Berman, an expert on sentencing at Ohio State University’s law school. “But whether practically any of that can happen, either under existing law or other laws, is a heavy lift.” Berman said Trump’s statement at this point seems to be just a response to Biden’s commutation. “I’m inclined to think it’s still in sort of more the rhetoric phase. Just, ‘don’t worry. The new sheriff is coming. I like the death penalty,’” he said. Most Americans have historically supported the death penalty for people convicted of murder, according to decades of annual polling by Gallup, but support has declined over the past few decades. About half of Americans were in favor in an October poll, while roughly 7 in 10 Americans backed capital punishment for murderers in 2007. Before Biden’s commutation, there were 40 federal death row inmates compared with more than 2,000 who have been sentenced to death by states. “The reality is all of these crimes are typically handled by the states,” Berman said. A question is whether the Trump administration would try to take over some state murder cases, such as those related to drug trafficking or smuggling. He could also attempt to take cases from states that have abolished the death penalty. Berman said Trump’s statement, along with some recent actions by states, may present an effort to get the Supreme Court to reconsider a precedent that considers the death penalty disproportionate punishment for rape. “That would literally take decades to unfold. It’s not something that is going to happen overnight,” Berman said. Before one of Trump’s rallies on Aug. 20, his prepared remarks released to the media said he would announce he would ask for the death penalty for child rapists and child traffickers. But Trump never delivered the line. One of the men Trump highlighted on Tuesday was ex-Marine Jorge Avila Torrez, who was sentenced to death for killing a sailor in Virginia and later pleaded guilty to the fatal stabbing of an 8-year-old and a 9-year-old girl in a suburban Chicago park several years before. The other man, Thomas Steven Sanders, was sentenced to death for the kidnapping and slaying of a 12-year-old girl in Louisiana, days after shooting the girl’s mother in a wildlife park in Arizona. Court records show he admitted to both killings. Some families of victims expressed anger with Biden’s decision, but the president had faced pressure from advocacy groups urging him to make it more difficult for Trump to increase the use of capital punishment for federal inmates. The ACLU and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops were some of the groups that applauded the decision. Biden left three federal inmates to face execution. They are Dylann Roof, who carried out the 2015 racist slayings of nine Black members of Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina; 2013 Boston Marathon bomber Dzhokhar Tsarnaev; and Robert Bowers, who fatally shot 11 congregants at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life Synagogue in 2018, the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S history. Associated Press writers Jill Colvin, Michelle L. Price and Eric Tucker contributed to this report.
Atiku, Kwankwaso, others knock Tinubu over continued borrowingSpoiler alert for Dune: Prophecy finale A new HBO show is giving Game of Thrones a run for its money after it's bloody finale. Dune: Prophecy is a prequel show to the blockbuster Dune movies starring Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya. The HBO Max show takes place 10,000 years before Timothee's character, Paul Atreides, "ascends" and follows "two Harkonnen sisters as they combat forces that threaten the future of humankind, and establish the fabled sect that will become known as the Bene Gesserit." The Bene Gesserit is a powerful group whose members are able to have superhuman powers after years of intense aphysical and mental conditioning. They have power among the social, religious, and political spheres. Netflix show's season two trailer has fans 'sobbing' as huge twist confirmed Netflix drops chilling teaser for Robert De Niro thriller about deadly cyberattack The finale of the show ended with the death of Emperor Javicco Corrino (Mark Strong) was killed, along with others. Fans were left shocked and took to social media to share their thoughts. "These girls are wild. This was a bloodbath... #DuneProphecy," one wrote. Another added: "That #DuneProphecy finale was absolutely insaneeee! What a show, 10/10 recommend." A third added: "I hope other shows will leave aside the fireworks show and focus more on the script and acting like Dune Prophecy. Great final season! #DuneProphecy." Many compared the show to Game of Thrones, which also aired on HBO. "I expected House of the Dragon to bring back the Game of Thrones type of tension, but #DuneProphecy was the one to do it," someone said. "#DuneProphecy is basically Game of Thrones in space and I love it," another added. Game of Thrones had a shock penultimate episode in season three known as The Red Wedding that had fans caught off guard. While those who read the books by George R R Martin knew the bloodbath to come, many first time viewers were shocked as Robb Stark (Richard Madden), his pregnant wife Talisa Stark (Oona Chaplin), and his mother Catelyn Stark (Michelle Fairley) were all killed on the order of the Lannister family. The medieval fantasy show lasted eight seasons and, even though the final season was panned and criticized by fans. Meanwhile, this is only Dune: Prophecy's first season. The show has been renewed for a second season, set to hit our screens either in 2025 or 2026. Click here to follow the Mirror US on Google News to stay up to date with all the latest news, sport and entertainment stories. DAILY NEWSLETTER: Sign up here to get the latest news and updates from the Mirror US straight to your inbox with our FREE newsletter.
This past September, I reached my 42nd anniversary as a full-time sports writer at The Morning Call. I moved into that role in 1982, but I began my Morning Call career even earlier. In 1979, fresh out of high school and attending Penn State’s Allentown campus in Fogelsville, I started as a part-time agate clerk. That meant I answered phone calls and typed up everything from the Upper & Lower Macungie Knee-Hi League baseball and softball games to the local trapshooting results. There was an occasional byline starting with Allentown Central Catholic’s Sheila O’Donnell winning the first of her four District 11 tennis singles titles at the Vantage Point Racquet Club, but I was mostly at a typewriter answering phones at 6th and Linden streets in Allentown. Today, Vantage Point is a St. Luke’s pickleball center and the 6th and Linden office I entered in 1979 is now home to the Community Services for Children and the newsroom where I spent 37 years from 1984 to 2020 is a plot of ground targeted for a big apartment complex. Things change and no business has changed more than the newspaper business over the last 45 years. But one thing that has stayed the same is the interactions with people. I’ve averaged about 500 stories per year have done about 21,000 stories. And that means there have been 21,000 interactions with various people over the years. Ask me who won a a basketball championship in 1988 or a football title in 1991, I’d have to look it up. Ask me what the score was from the District 11 6A title game just last mont and I’d have to look it up. The kids, coaches, athletic directors, trainers and sometimes even the fans involved in the game, that’s what you remember. The more years that go by, and the more relationships that are created, the more it hurts when you lose people you came to know. And, in 2024, we lost more than our share in the Lehigh Valley sports world. Whether they were folks in their 90s such as Palmerton and Temple basketball legend Bill Mlkvy or Blue Mountain League baseball Hall of Famer Earl Dreisbach or they left us tragically in a blink of an eye like Stroudsburg athletic director Sean Richmond, Northwestern Lehigh football player Tucker Wessner or former Nazareth basketball player and multi-sport coach Ryan Peck, the losses all sting the same and leave a hole in our collective hearts. While we think about those who left us over the past 12 months we never forget those who touched our lives over the years, especially those who left us much too soon like Jeff Dailey, Justin Sheftel, Krysta Hankee, Mia Due and others. So, as we gather tonight on Christmas Eve and over the next few days to celebrate with our loved ones, take a moment to remember those families who no longer have their loved ones around them this holiday season. With an assist from and a special thank you to former Easton Express-Times sports writer Joe DeVivo, here’s a list of many of those sports personalities who died in 2024. Please keep them and their families in your prayers: Jerry Mahoney, 81, Jan. 1: The Hokendauqua resident served 50 years as president of Lehigh Valley Girls Softball League. Victoria Calantoni, 81, Jan. 4: Thoroughbred race horse owner from Bethlehem Township whose career achievement came when she paid $7,000 at auction for Sir Beaufort and he went on to win the $1 million Santa Anita Handicap in California. Russell “Skip” Fegely, 88, Jan. 6: A 1957 Moravian grad was one of school’s 10 1,000-point scorers in basketball and member of school’s Hall of Fame. Ross Moore, 73, Jan. 21: The 1969 Dieruff grad was one of the school’s all-time best athletes. He led the Huskies to three straight East Penn League and District 11 basketball titles and is the school’s all-time leading scorer with 1,269 points. He was also a first-team all-state and first-team All-American in football and was recruited by Woody Hayes to play at Ohio State. Mike Vincovitch, 87, Jan. 31: Nazareth resident was a well-known PIAA official in basketball, softball, field hockey and track. David St. John, Feb. 2: Assistant softball coach at Allen and Parkland. Bruce Krasley, 73, Feb. 7: Head football coach at Jim Thorpe 1975-83, later served as principal at Palmerton and Catasauqua. Bill Reese, 77, Feb. 19: Named best all-around athlete as a senior at East Stroudsburg High in 1964 and member of the school’s Hall of Fame. Head baseball coach at Stroudsburg 1975-96, JV basketball coach at East Stroudsburg South 2001-2003. Mark Benetsky, 75, Feb. 19: Longtime assistant baseball coach at Liberty and a member of the National Football Foundation Lehigh Valley Chapter. Nick “Gooch” Coombe, 64, Feb. 15: A Whitehall grad who pitched a no-hitter in a Lehigh Valley Legion game in June 1977. Betty Brader, 79, Feb. 20: The secretary in Dieruff athletic office for 25 years. Dave Druckenmiller, 63, Feb. 25: College football scout who worked for PA Football News and Lehigh Valley Football Network. James Oplinger, 87, Feb. 19: A 1954 Northampton grad pitched three seasons in the minors leagues for the St. Louis Cardinals. Member of Blue Mountain League, ESU, Northampton High, and Lehigh Valley Halls of Fame. Won three Lehigh Valley League titles and his teams went 82-19 in football at Northampton. H. Eugene Harrison, 91, Feb. 26: A second-team all-state quarterback on Phillipsburg’s undefeated New Jersey state title football team in 1949 and a four-year QB at Lafayette. He served as golf coach at Notre Dame-Green Pond for seven years. Ed Ott, 72, March 3: Catcher on 1979 Pittsburgh Pirates World Series champions and manager of the independent league Allentown Ambassadors. Sonja Horbowyj Kustafic 62, March 5: A standout basketball and volleyball player who was Dieruff’s female Athlete of Year as a senior in 1979 and went on to play at Seton Hall. William Poretta, 89, March 13: Member of Lehigh Valley Sports Hall of Fame and past president of Lehigh Valley chapter of National Football Foundation. Brian Dominic, 71, March 17: 1969 MVP for Phillipsburg in Thanksgiving Day football game vs. Easton. 1970 scholar athlete and second team New Jersey Group 4 All-State selection. Earl Dreisbach, 90, March 20: Fountain Hill native played minor league baseball in St. Louis Cardinals system 1953-56. Played and managed championship Bethlehem Cardinals in the Blue Mountain League from 1959-79. Bob Zirinsky, 78, March 23: A three-sport athlete at Catasauqua who went on to play football and baseball at Lafayette. Coached Quakertown football for more than 15 years. Dan Dolphin, 71, April 6: Coached Allentown Central Catholic lacrosse team for 14 seasons, highlighted by a state title in 2021. Tony Koury, 77, April 10: The Notre Dame-Green Pond athletic director for 43 years, 1969-2012. Thomas “Turkey” Weaver, 88, April 12: A lineman on Nazareth football teams that went undefeated from 1949-52. Member of the school’s athletic Hall of Fame and the founder of Nazareth Clippers Athletic Association. Tony Zonca, 84, April 15: The Lansford native was best known as a sports writer, columnist and editor at Reading Eagle from 1965-2002. Sean Richmond, 38, May 11: A 2004 Easton grad went 109-26 with two Northeast Regional wrestling titles. Head wrestling coach at Stroudsburg for eight seasons and the school’s athletic director at time of death. Chuck Madson, 75, May 11: A District 11 Hall of Fame wrestler and football player at Wilson who coached baseball, football and wrestling for Palmer Township Athletic Association and served as assistant wrestling coach at Nazareth. Stephen Banko, 90, May 15: A Palmerton grad who raced cars at Mahoning Valley, Nazareth and Dorney Park speedways and rolled several 300 games as a bowler. Alex DeLucia, 87, May 16: A 1955 ACCHS grad and Wall of Fame honoree set an East Penn League, Rockne Hall and school record by scoring 46 points in a basketball game. Went on to star in basketball, baseball and football at Penn. Preston Moritz, 84, June 1: Catasauqua’s Athlete of Year in 1957, he coached youth football for East Lawn Clippers for more than 25 years. Became president of Lehigh Valley Football All-Star Classic for more than a decade. Bobby Neff, 73, June 16: An ACCHS basketball player who scored 1,000 points and was named East Penn League MVP in 1969. Andy Kistler, 61, June 18: The golf pro at Brookside Country Club, Allentown Municipal and Willowbrook Golf Club. Charlie Williams, 94, June 19: Longtime athletic director at Panther Valley and president of the Eastern Conference. Inducted into the Carbon County Sports Hall of Fame. Dave Paffenroth, 63, June 23: A standout in football and track at Stroudsburg, where he was named Lehigh Valley Athlete of the Year and a Big 33 selection. He was a also a member of Penn State’s first national championship football team in 1982. Gary Martell, 73, June 30: A standout football player at Moravian, he stayed at the school for nearly 50 years and was also an assistant coach baseball at Bethlehem Catholic and executive director at the Bethlehem Boys and Girls Club. Dr. Bob Brennan 89, July 5: He was captain of Moravian’s baseball team and became a top-notch amateur golfer who registered six career holes-in-one and was Senior Men’s champ at Saucon Valley Country Club. Willy Edwards, 46, July 9: A two-way lineman and popular driving force on Central Catholic’s 1993 PIAA football title team. Donald “DeG” DeGerolamo, 88, July 10: The 1955 Phillipsburg grad earned all-state honors in football and was one of the first 10 inducted into the Phillipsburg-Easton Hall of Fame. Anthony Casciano, 68, July 10: The baseball coach at Pius X in Roseto for 21 years, his teams went 276-135-1 and won multiple District 11 titles. He was inducted into the Northampton County American Legion League Hall of Fame. He was also the football defensive coordinator at Notre Dame-Green Pond for his nephew, Phil Stambaugh. Dick Hunt, 85, July 15: A 1957 Nazareth grad excelled in football, basketball and baseball. He was a 2023 inductee into the school’s Hall of Fame. Tucker Wessner, 16, July 16: Died prior to the start of his junior year at Northwestern after playing JV and varsity football as a sophomore. The Tigers dedicated their undefeated state championship season to their fallen teammate. Bob Heinsohn, 83, July 28: The Palisades girls basketball coach for 17 years, he led the Pirates to 209 wins and three league and one district championship. Janice Stem, 86, July 29: The wife of legendary football coach Bob Stem for 60 years. She was the cheerleading coach for 19 years at Bethlehem Catholic, where she was inducted into the school’s Wall of Fame, and volunteered for the McDonald’s Lehigh Valley All-Star Football Classic for many years. Chuck Givler, 85, Aug. 5: Longtime auto racing writer at Express-Times and a PIAA basketball official. Coached boys and girls basketball and softball at Belvidere High School. Ken Shiffert, 76, Aug. 10: The Nazareth boys basketball coach from 1993-97 and brother of longtime Easton football coach Steve Shiffert. Kevin Kane, 53, Aug. 12: New Jersey state champion wrestler and star football player at Phillipsburg. He was also an assistant football coach for Stateliners under Stem. Ryan Peck, 34, Aug. 15: The 2008 Nazareth grad starred in soccer and basketball and later coached middle school basketball at Pen Argyl and Nazareth. Afa Anoai Sr., 81, Aug. 16: A WWE Hall of Fame wrestler who was part of Wild Samoans tag team with brother Sika. He also ran a training center for pro wrestlers in Allentown and Hazleton. John Larry Endy, 80, Aug. 17: A co-captain of 1964 and 1965 East Stroudsburg University soccer teams that are part of the school’s Hall of Fame, he went on to officiate soccer and and softball official for 58 years. He was inducted into three Halls of Fame. Dick Fahringer, 85, Aug. 21: A1957 Whitehall grad who excelled in track and field and worked as a PIAA football official for 20 years. Tom Donchez, 72, Aug. 28: The Liberty High football star was an all-state and Big 33 selection as a senior in 1969. He went on to play at Penn State and was a fullback on the undefeated 1973 team. Warren “Nonny” Landis, 80, Sept. 10: The Emmaus High grad was East Stroudsburg University’s basketball MVP in 1964. He was the golf coach at Emmaus for 27 years with his teams winning multiple league titles. Sherwood Gum, 89, Sept. 13: A football co-captain of Pen Argyl’s 1951 Lehigh-Northampton League championship team who was inducted into the school’s athletic Hall of Fame. Kim Davis, 72, Sept. 18: The 1970 Northampton grad was the school’s longtime tennis coach and public address announcer for Konkrete Kids and Lehigh Valley Steelhawks indoor football team. Roger Pence, 64, Sept. 18: Former member of sports staff at Morning Call and a co-host of Calling All Sports radio show. Dennis Nemes, 76, Sept. 23: The principal at Northwestern Lehigh and Allentown Central Catholic for a total of 33 years, he also served on the District 11 committee for 30 years and PIAA board for 29 years. John Schoenberger Jr., 74, Sept. 25: Longtime coach of Nazareth Clippers football, baseball and softball programs. Mike Kloiber, 63, Oct. 2: A Parkland baseball star who earned a scholarship to play at North Carolina State. Also a cleanup hitter for the 1980 South Parkland Lehigh Valley Legion champions. Johnny Williams, 77, Oct. 12: A 1965 Allen grad played football at Muhlenberg and served as soccer commissioner for the South Parkland Youth Association. William “Pic” Pichler, 83, Oct. 15: The 1959 Liberty grad was a PIAA basketball official for 18 years, and coached Muhlenberg’s softball team for three seasons. Francis Bolez, 77, Nov. 10: A 1965 Central Catholic grad who was MVP in baseball and a member of the school’s 1964 PCIAA state championship basketball team and 1965 East Penn League championship basketball team. Also played on a championship baseball at Kutztown University later became a coach and athletic director at Brandywine Heights. Richard Frantz, 87, Nov. 16: The East Stroudsburg University graduate was an athletic trainer at Northern Lehigh. Andrew McGeehin III, 78, Nov. 25: A longtime area basketball, football and golf coach and sports personality who was perhaps best known for his storytelling at Jordan AC and Hogan’s Social Club, was also the brother of the Allentown Central Catholic football and basketball legend Jeff McGeehin. Bill Mlkvy, 93, Dec. 12: A legendary basketball player at Palmerton High and Temple University, who as an Owls junior in 1950-51 became a first-team All-American. He averaged 29.2 points per game and scored 73 points in a game against Wilkes, including 54 in a row. Jack Ortelli, 75, Dec. 18: A 1967 Easton grad coached football at Emmaus and Pius X in Roseto, where he was an assistant on the undefeated 1976 Royals team. ©2024 The Morning Call. Visit mcall.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Winners’ Chapel International Leeds has teamed up with Afrikindness to introduce a safeguarding training pack The move was aimed at enhancing child protection within African and faith-based communities The training pack was developed in partnership with safeguarding experts from Voluntary Action Leeds and is tailored to address the unique needs of African and faith-based communities Winners' Chapel International Leeds, under the leadership of Pastor Adeyinka Olaniyan, has shown a strong commitment to child safety and well-being CHECK OUT: Education is Your Right! Don’t Let Social Norms Hold You Back. Learn Online with LEGIT. Enroll Now! Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements. Bishop David Oyedepo ’s Living Faith Church, Winners Chapel International Leeds, under the leadership of Pastor Adeyinka Olaniyan, has shown a strong commitment to child safety and well-being. Winners' Chapel Leeds, group launch safeguarding training pack This is as it collaborated with Afrikindness, to create a specialized safeguarding training pack, aimed at protecting children within faith-based environments. Read also Govt agency partners TikTok for online safety, digital literacy PAY ATTENTION : Standing out in social media world? Easy! "Mastering Storytelling for Social Media" workshop by Legit.ng. Join Us Live! The initiative was launched during a workshop attended by over 110 parents and leaders from various faith communities. What to know about the training pack In a statement made available to Legit.ng on Saturday, November 23, the training pack was developed in partnership with safeguarding experts from Voluntary Action Leeds and is tailored to address the unique needs of African and faith-based communities. The content adapts the Leeds Safeguarding Board’s guidelines to better reflect the realities of African congregations.fit the cultural and spiritual realities of these congregations. “This training pack is crucial for equipping our communities with the necessary tools to safeguard our children,” stated Deaconess Olufunmilola Olaniyi-Alabi, the lead trainer behind the initiative. “Safeguarding is not just about compliance; it requires our collective awareness and proactive measures to protect our most vulnerable members.” Lord Mayor of Leeds backed the initiative Meanwhile, the initiative received major support from prominent figures, including Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, who emphasized the importance of collaboration between faith communities and civic institutions in safeguarding children. Read also 36 governors meet national assembly leaders, reasons emerge In her keynote address, she said: “Safeguarding extends beyond the walls of homes. When faith communities unite with families and civic institutions, our collective strengths ensure that no child is left unsupported. We all have a responsibility to safeguard and care for our children.” Additionally, Pastor Adeyinka Olaniyan of Winners’ Chapel International Leeds highlighted the church’s commitment to child safety. “We are devoted to upholding the safety and well-being of every child in our congregation and beyond,” he said. The man of God also introduced the church’s designated safeguarding leads, highlighting their essential role in implementing thorough safeguarding practices. Echoing similar sentiments, CEO of Afrikindness, Bunmi Owolabi, urged faith leaders to uphold moral standards. “A church should be a safe and holy place dedicated to instilling moral values and positively influencing communities,” she remarked. The workshop, sponsored by the National Lottery Community Fund, attracted diverse attendees, including representatives from several faith communities such as the Redeemed Christian Church of God and Dunamis International Gospel Centre. Read also FULL LIST: Senate mentions 6 states terrorists from Mali, Burkina Faso are currently operating The growing need for safeguarding in faith-based communities Legit.ng understands the workshop tackled vital issues, including child molestation, domestic abuse, and forced marriages. Parents and leaders shared personal experiences, revealing that neglect or ignorance can often put children at risk while participants left with a better understanding of how to identify signs of harm and establish safer environments for children in their care. Moving forward, Afrikindness, a Continuing Professional Development (CPD), announced plans to offer this essential training free to nominated leaders from faith communities. The organisation aims to empower these leaders with the knowledge and skills to uphold child protection standards within their respective congregations. Through this pioneering initiative, Afrikindness and Winners’ Chapel International Leeds are leading the way in safeguarding practices within faith settings, fostering a legacy of care and protection for future generations. Read more about Oyedepo's Winners Chapel here: Bishop Abioye organises first crusade after leaving Oyedepo’s Living Faith Church Bishop Abioye shares how he met Oyedepo Read also Prominent Plateau cleric speaks out amid ethnic, religious divisions in Nigeria Oyedepo prays for Abioye as he retires In another development, Legit.ng reported that Bishop David Oyedepo sent forth Bishop Abioye with prayers as he retired from Living Faith Church Worldwide. Oyedepo released words of blessings on Abioye during his valedictory service on Friday, October 18. Abioye's retirement is based on the rules of the Mandate, which is the Liberation Commission's Constitution or operational manual. PAY ATTENTION : Legit.ng Needs Your Opinion! That's your chance to change your favourite news media. Fill in a short questionnaire Source: Legit.ng
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Football fans across the country held their breathe this Saturday during the Colorado-Kansas game. That's because future NFL quarterback Shedeur Sanders took one of the worst hits we've seen all season. Sanders was scrambling around the pocket looking for an open man downfield. He found an open receiver, but it came at a price. Kansas defensive end Dean Miller literally launched his body into the knees of the talented Colorado quarterback . It was such a brutal collision that Sanders flipped onto his head. After staying on the ground for a few moments, Sanders got up and walked over to Colorado's sideline. He had a brief talk with his father, Colorado coach Deion Sanders, before returning to the field. What made this situation so absurd is that Kansas wasn't flagged for unnecessary roughness. Fans watching this game couldn't believe it. "Insane that that’s not roughing bro what are we doing," one fan said. Another fan asked, "How is that not targeting or some kind of flag?" "Should’ve been roughing. Don’t bother replying to try and debate it," a third fan replied. "I might be Shedeur's biggest hater but holy crap that was dirty," a social media user commented. Kansas with a big hit on Shedeur Sanders 😬 pic.twitter.com/5jXVaGb1Rh Sanders returned to the field and delivered a touchdown pass to Drelon Miller on the same drive, so he got the last laugh. So far, Sanders has played a near-perfect half of football. He has completed all but one of his 13 pass attempts for 157 yards with two touchdowns. Ed Zurga/Getty Images Even though Sanders is playing extremely well, Kansas leads 20-14 over Colorado. The second half of the Colorado-Kansas game will be televised on FOX. Related: There's Growing Speculation That A Favorite Has Emerged For Shedeur Sanders
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