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The Louisville Cardinals host a ranked team for the second time this week when the No. 9 Duke Blue Devils pay a visit on Sunday, and the Cardinals hope for a better outcome in the teams' Atlantic Coast Conference opener. Louisville (5-3) has lost two straight, including an 86-63 thrashing at home by No. 23 Ole Miss in the SEC/ACC Challenge on Tuesday. The visiting Rebels shot 56.7 percent and dominated inside with a 48-26 edge on points in the paint. Tuesday's game was the first for coach Pat Kelsey's team without Kasean Pryor, who suffered a season-ending knee injury against Oklahoma in the Battle 4 Atlantis championship game. The 6-foot-10 senior wing, a transfer from South Florida, was a key player early on for Louisville, averaging 12 points and 6.1 rebounds per game and blocking eight shots in seven games. Pryor is the latest Cardinals player to go down with an injury. Before the season started, the school announced center Aly Khalifa and guard Kobe Rodgers would redshirt due to injuries. Then just two games into the season, Aboubacar Traore broke his arm and Koren Johnson injured his shoulder. Traore is expected back this season, but Johnson announced earlier this week that he would also redshirt this season and undergo surgery. Besides the injuries, the Cardinals are also struggling to hit 3-point shots, a key facet to Kelsey's offense. Louisville entered Saturday 340th nationally in 3-point shooting percentage at 27.3 percent and seventh nationally averaging 31.6 attempts per game. Despite the woes, Kelsey told reporters after the Ole Miss loss that he doesn't plan to change his offense, adding that he believes in his players. "The percentages even themselves out," he said. "This has happened before. I just don't want our guys to lose confidence, because I really, really believe in them. They'll bounce back and be better on Sunday." The Blue Devils (6-2) won their SEC/ACC Challenge game on Wednesday, beating No. 2 Auburn 84-78 in Durham. Duke overcame a 13-2 deficit to get the Quadrant 1 victory on its resume. Coach Jon Scheyer's team shot 50 percent from the field and committed just four turnovers. It was just the 14th time in program history the Blue Devils had four or fewer turnovers in a game. Freshman Cooper Flagg, a preseason All-American and a contender for national player of the year awards, leads the Blue Devils in scoring (16.6 ppg), rebounding (8.6 rpg), assists (4.1 apg) and blocked shots (1.4 per game). He scored 22, grabbed 11 rebounds and dished out four assists in the win against the Tigers, but it was another freshman who stole the show. Isaiah Evans came off the bench to score 18 points and hit 6 of 8 3-point shots. The guard averages 9.4 points per game but has only played in five games and has yet to play more than 17 minutes in a contest. Scheyer told reporters after the win that Evans provided a "special moment" when his team needed a lift. "To have that amazing courage to come into this game and do what he did -- I'm not sure if I've ever been a part of something like that in my years here," Scheyer said. --Field Level MediaLOS ANGELES (AP) — Receiver Demarcus Robinson will not be suspended by the Los Angeles Rams this week after his arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence. Robinson will be available to play when the Rams (5-6) visit the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, Rams coach Sean McVay said Wednesday. “I think he does understand the severity of this, and how lucky we were that nobody was injured,” McVay said. “I do believe that he's remorseful. We are going to let the legal process take place. The league has a process as well.” Robinson was arrested early Monday morning after California Highway Patrol officers observed a white Dodge sedan driving over 100 mph on the 101 freeway in the western San Fernando Valley, a few miles from the Rams’ training complex in Woodland Hills. The driver, who identified himself as Robinson, had “objective signs and symptoms of alcohol impairment,” the CHP said in a statement released to The Associated Press. Robinson spoke to the team and expressed remorse about his arrest, McVay and quarterback Matthew Stafford said. “I think it was a bad decision he made,” McVay said. “I don't think that makes him a bad person, and I do believe this is something that, with the words that he said, our guys will learn from it, and hopefully nobody is ever going to repeat something like this. Let it be a learning opportunity, and a fortunate outcome that nobody was injured.” Robinson has 26 receptions for 384 yards and a team-leading six touchdown catches while starting all 11 games in his second season with the Rams . He caught a TD pass in the Rams' 37-20 loss to Philadelphia several hours before his arrest. The nine-year NFL veteran has served as a capable No. 3 option for Stafford behind star receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua. Robinson spent his first six NFL seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, winning a Super Bowl ring in February 2020, and spent one year with Baltimore before joining the Rams last year. “Let this be a lesson to all of us,” Stafford said. “We're lucky with the result that came of it, to be honest with you, that nobody was hurt or injured. I know that D-Rob is a great person. I love being around him. Love him as a teammate. ... I'm just trying to support him, help him out any way I can.” AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL
Tyrese Haliburton had 31 points, six rebounds and seven assists as the visiting Indiana Pacers pulled away late for a 123-114 victory over the Boston Celtics on Sunday night. Six players scored in double figures for Indiana, which beat Boston in two of the teams' three regular-season meetings. Andrew Nembhard returned from a one-game absence (left knee) and added 17 points, eight rebounds and eight assists for the Pacers, who also got 17 points, eight boards and six assists from Pascal Siakam. Bennedict Mathurin scored 14 points, Myles Turner netted 13 and Jarace Walker contributed 12 points off the bench to help Indiana snap its two-game losing streak. Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 31 points and six assists. Jayson Tatum added 22 points, nine rebounds and six assists but was just 2-of-10 from 3-point range. Al Horford went just 1-of-10 from deep and finished with five points. Reserve Payton Pritchard scored 19 of his 21 points in the first half for Boston, which has lost three of its last four games. A three-point play by Tatum completed a 9-0 spurt that pulled the Celtics within 105-103 with 7:38 left, but the Pacers scored the next 13 points to put the game out of reach. Although Indiana led by 11 early, Boston had a 29-27 advantage after one quarter. The Pacers scored 38 points in the second quarter and had a 65-58 halftime lead. Indiana shot 59.5 percent from the field in the first half (25-of-42). Each team scored 33 points in the third quarter, which gave the Pacers a 98-91 edge entering the fourth. The Celtics were again without Jrue Holiday (right shoulder impingement) and Kristaps Porzingis (left ankle), both of whom didn't play in Friday's 142-105 home victory over Indiana. Holiday has missed the last three games, and Porzingis turned his angle during a loss to Philadelphia on Wednesday. The Pacers' Obi Toppin missed his second straight game with a left ankle sprain. --Field Level Media/Reuters
TOWSON, Md. (AP) — Marcus Banks scored 22 points as UMBC beat Towson 84-71 on Saturday. Banks shot 8 for 18, including 5 for 11 from beyond the arc for the Retrievers (6-5). Josh Odunowo scored 17 points and added five rebounds and three steals. Anthony Valentine had 17 points and shot 7 of 9 from the field, including 1 for 3 from 3-point range, and went 2 for 5 from the line. Dylan Williamson finished with 21 points for the Tigers (4-6). Tyler Tejada added 18 points and nine rebounds. Mekhi Lowery also had 12 points, 11 rebounds, two steals and two blocks. UMBC took the lead with 19:03 left in the first half and never looked back. The score was 38-24 at halftime, with Valentine racking up 11 points. UMBC extended its lead to 59-38 during the second half, fueled by a 7-0 scoring run. Banks scored a team-high 13 points in the second half. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
Monday, December 30, 2024 As 2024 concludes, the American travel landscape reflects unique trends that defined how people traversed the country. From unconventional flying habits to creative hotel booking strategies, here’s a round-up of the year’s most significant travel behaviors. The term “gate lice” humorously describes passengers who crowd boarding gates or attempt to cut ahead in line. This behavior often disrupts the boarding process and frustrates other travelers. In response, American Airlines expanded its use of technology across 100 airports to address this issue. The system audibly flags and denies access to individuals attempting to board prematurely, ensuring smoother and fairer boarding procedures. This advancement highlights how airlines are leveraging technology to enhance passenger experiences. In a bid to maximize hotel loyalty points, many travelers participated in “mattress runs”—booking hotel rooms without completing their stays. This trend emerged as a strategy for accumulating rewards or maintaining elite status with hospitality programs. Alston Causey, vice president of Travelmation, explained that this approach is particularly appealing to frequent travelers on the cusp of qualifying for additional perks. However, industry experts caution against overusing this tactic, as it may backfire or lead to unexpected costs. The “flying naked” trend involves passengers traveling with only essentials such as a wallet, phone, and charger. Advocates celebrate the convenience of avoiding checked luggage fees and the struggle for overhead bin space. Critics, however, argue that the practice is too restrictive and impractical for longer trips. Popularized on platforms like TikTok, “flying naked” exemplifies a minimalist approach to travel, appealing to those seeking efficiency and simplicity. This behavior also aligns with growing concerns about reducing travel-related stress and expenses. “Seat squatters” refer to passengers who occupy unassigned seats in an attempt to secure better locations on flights. This practice often sparks tension between travelers and crew members. Social media has amplified stories of such incidents, with passengers sharing their experiences and strategies. Gary Leff, a Texas-based travel expert, advises against this practice, emphasizing the importance of adhering to assigned seating. Instead, he suggests politely negotiating seat swaps with fellow passengers for a mutually agreeable trade. The concept of “sleep divorce”—couples sleeping in separate beds—gained popularity in 2024, particularly during vacations. Hilton’s 2025 Trends report revealed that 63% of travelers believe they sleep better alone, and 37% prefer separate sleeping arrangements when traveling with partners. Dr. Wendy Troxel, a sleep expert, attributes this trend to the desire for improved rest and reduced nighttime disruptions. Sleep divorces on vacation highlight how couples prioritize individual well-being during their travels. The travel trends of 2024 reflect evolving preferences and innovative strategies among American travelers. From technological advancements to cultural shifts, these behaviors underscore the dynamic nature of the travel industry: As 2025 approaches, these trends provide a foundation for understanding future travel behaviors. Industry leaders and travelers alike can anticipate further innovations, adapting to changing preferences and technological advancements. The travel industry continues to evolve, offering diverse experiences tailored to the unique needs of modern adventurers. By reflecting on 2024’s standout trends, the stage is set for another year of exciting developments in travel and tourism. Do you have a story tip related to travel industry? Email us: [email protected]
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Mountain Community Theater puts on heartwarming ‘Miracle on 34th Street, the Play’Injury-riddled Louisville tries to cool off No. 9 Duke
The skies were overcast on opening night of Mountain Community Theater’s “Miracle on 34th Street, the Play” and downtown Ben Lomond was as drenched as Doc Rivers after winning the 2008 NBA Finals. However, there was no Gatorade shower on Friday night — just an atmospheric river acting like a firehose on the Santa Cruz Mountains with cold November rain. In response to the shortest days of the year, and despite the cold and darkness, people choose to find reasons to celebrate and to feel warmth. Park Hall in Ben Lomond was packed with community members looking for some holiday cheer. As the play’s director Daria E. Troxell gracefully addressed the crowd inside the 100-plus-year-old Park Hall, sheets of rain pelting the roof rumbled and roared. She gently reminded the audience with a shrug and a smile that if the power should go out, lights will come on to direct folks to the nearest exits. When you stop and think about it, every play is a kind of miracle, especially ones produced by community theater, since they depend upon volunteers. The number of things that had to happen for this moment in time to be possible is staggering. A truly communal experience, you can see the spirits of the actors shining brightly, coming together to present a story to the audience. This dramatic cast was truly something special. Peter Gelblum played Kris Kringle with the utmost of charm. Sonia Motlagh played the powerful yet vulnerable Doris Walker with admirable skill. Scott Hawklyn continued his run as romantic leading man with comic chops, playing the lawyer Fred Gayley. It was the kids, though, that brought the magical element to this play. Lucy Sky Levy-Longini played young Susan, a girl without a father who became jaded at an early age. The rising action of the plot increasingly breaks down her protective facade as her Christmas wishes begin to manifest. The elves are also a tremendous highlight to the play, providing a sparkling sense of humor and enthusiasm for Santa Claus. In “Miracle on 34th Street, the Play,” Kringle has recently been kicked out of a retirement home for claiming that he is Santa Claus. The darling Betty Gaddam plays Doctor Pierce, who regretfully signs the order that justifies his eviction. Kringle has a stroke of luck, however, when the Santa hired to be in the Macy’s parade shows up to work drunk. The marketing team hires Kringle to play Santa, which works wonderfully at first. That is until he starts referring parents to other stores to buy their kids toys that are out of stock at Macy’s. This gesture of honesty results in a comedy of errors that ends with Kringle being committed to the psych ward for believing that he is Santa Claus. The second act of “Miracle” contains a court case to determine if the man who goes by Kringle needs to be institutionalized. Christina Wise plays the honorable Judge Harper with a heartfelt sincerity as she negotiates the conflict this case causes her. If she rules against Kringle, she threatens her reelection bid, but if she lets him go and he is mentally unstable, she is being negligent as a judge. It is up to the lawyer, Gayley, to successfully defend his client. What is really on trial, however, is our willingness to believe; our capacity of faith. With a cast of 34 members and elaborate set changes, this ambitious production of “Miracle on 34th Street, the Play” is a testament to faith in community theater. Mountain Community Theater has shown us once again what it means to come together in good faith to celebrate the holiday season.
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Game-changing holiday gifts for building fires, printing photos, watching birds and moreSyrian government forces withdraw from central city of Homs as insurgent offensive accelerates BEIRUT (AP) — A Syrian opposition war monitor and a pro-government media outlet say government forces have withdrawn from much of the central city of Homs. The pro-government Sham FM reported that government forces took positions outside Syria’s third-largest city, without elaborating. Rami Abdurrahman who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said Syrian troops and members of different security agencies have withdrawn from the city, adding that rebels have entered parts of it. Losing Homs is a potentially crippling blow for Syria’s embattled leader, Bashar Assad. An archbishop's knock formally restores Notre Dame to life as winds howl and heads of state look on PARIS (AP) — France’s iconic Notre Dame Cathedral has formally reopened its doors for the first time since a devastating fire nearly destroyed the 861-year-old landmark in 2019. The five-year restoration is widely seen as a boost for French President Emmanuel Macron, who championed the ambitious timeline, and brings a welcome respite from his domestic political woes. World leaders, dignitaries, and worshippers gathered on Saturday evening for the celebrations under the cathedral's soaring arches. The celebration was attended by 1,500 dignitaries, including President-elect Donald Trump, Britain’s Prince William, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. For Catholics, Notre Dame’s rector said the cathedral “carries the enveloping presence of the Virgin Mary, a maternal and embracing presence.′′ Trump is welcomed by Macron to Paris with presidential pomp and joined by Zelenskyy for their talks PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron has welcomed Donald Trump to Paris with a full dose of presidential pomp. And they held a hastically-arranged meeting with Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy on a day that's mixing pageantry with attention to pressing global problems. The president-elect's visit to France is part of a global a celebration of the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral five years after a devastating fire. Macron and other European leaders are trying to win Trump’s favor and persuade him to maintain support for Ukraine in its defense against Russia’s invasion. Trump isn't back in office but he's already pushing his agenda and negotiating with world leaders NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump is making threats, traveling abroad, and negotiating with world leaders. He has more than a month-and-a-half to go before he’s sworn in for a second term. But the president-elect is already moving aggressively to not only fill his Cabinet and outline policy goals, but also to try to achieve his priorities. In recent days, Trump has threatened to impose a 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico, two of the country’s largest trading partners. That led to emergency calls and a visit. And he's warned of “ALL HELL TO PAY” if Hamas doesn't release the hostages still being held captive in Gaza. South Korea's president avoids an impeachment attempt over short-lived martial law SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea’s embattled President Yoon Suk Yeol has avoided an opposition-led attempt to impeach him over his short-lived imposition of martial law. Most of Yoon's ruling party lawmakers boycotted a parliamentary vote Saturday to deny a two-thirds majority needed to suspend his presidential powers. The scrapping of the motion is expected to intensify protests calling for Yoon’s ouster and deepen political chaos in South Korea. A survey suggests a majority of South Koreans support the president’s impeachment. Yoon’s martial law declaration drew criticism from his own ruling conservative People Power Party. But the party also apparently fears losing the presidency to liberals. Days after gunman killed UnitedHealthcare's CEO, police push to ID him and FBI offers reward NEW YORK (AP) — Nearly four days after the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, police still do not know the gunman’s name or whereabouts or have a motive for the killing. But they have made some progress in their investigation into Wednesday's killing of the leader of the largest U.S. health insurer, including that the gunman likely left New York City on a bus soon after fleeing the scene. The also found that the gunman left something behind: a backpack that was discovered in Central Park. Police are working with the FBI, which on Friday night announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction. UnitedHealthcare CEO's shooting opens a door for many to vent frustrations over insurance The fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare's CEO has opened the door for many people to vent their frustrations and anger over the insurance industry. The feelings of exasperation, anger, resentment, and helplessness toward insurers aren’t new. But the shooting and the headlines around it have unleashed a new wave of patients sharing such sentiments and personal stories of interactions with insurance companies. Conversations at dinner tables, office water coolers, social gatherings and on social media have pivoted to the topic. Many say they hope the new amplified voices can bring about change for companies often accused of valuing profits over people. 2 Pearl Harbor survivors, ages 104 and 102, return to Hawaii to honor those killed in 1941 attack PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (AP) — The bombing of Pearl Harbor 83 years ago launched the United States into World War II. Two survivors returned to the Hawaii military base on Saturday for a remembrance ceremony on the attack's anniversary. Both are over 100 years old. They joined active-duty troops, veterans and members of the public for an observance hosted by the Navy and the National Park Service. A third survivor was planning to join them but had to cancel due to health issues. The bombing killed more than 2,300 U.S. servicemen. An explosion destroys an apartment block in a Dutch city, killing at least 3 and injuring others THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — An explosion and fire has rocked a neighborhood in the Dutch city of The Hague, killing three people and injuring other people and destroying several apartments. The cause of the disaster is unclear. Emergency authorities said four people were rescued from the rubble and taken to the hospital. The mayor said rescuers were no longer looking for survivors but for eventual bodies, but could not specify how many people might still be unaccounted for. Residents of the northeastern neighborhood of Mariahoeve in The Hague heard a huge bang and screams before dawn. Dutch authorities have deployed a specialized urban search and rescue team to find victims. How 'Mufasa' rose with Aaron Pierre and Blue Ivy's voices along with new Lin-Manuel Miranda music SAN DIEGO (AP) — When Aaron Pierre was cast as Mufasa, the weight of following in the late James Earl Jones’ legendary footsteps was enough to rattle any actor. But instead of letting the pressure roar too loudly, he harnessed his nerves to breathe fresh life into his young lion character. Pierre found parallels between himself and his character while filming his leading role in “Mufasa: The Lion King,” which opens in theaters Dec. 20. He took the reigns as the new voice of Mufasa after Jones played the iconic King Mufasa in both the 1994 and 2019 versions of Disney’s “The Lion King.” The prequel offers a fresh exploration into Mufasa’s origin story.