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2025-01-23
sports writing journalism
sports writing journalism After one season away from the Pacific Northwest, former UW offensive lineman Geirean Hatchett will be returning to the Huskies for 2025. The 6-foot-5, 318-pound Hatchett transferred to Oklahoma before the 2024 season, starting the Sooners' season-opening game before undergoing bicep surgery and missing the rest of the season. Hatchett will be a scholarship player at UW, a source close to the player told The Seattle Times. The 2025 season will be the Ferndale native's sixth season of college football, and he has the option for a seventh if he seeks a medical redshirt for the 2024 campaign. His return to Washington also reunites Geirean with his brother Landen Hatchett, a sophomore offensive lineman who started five games for UW in 2024. This story will be updated.

Australian cricket legend Mark Taylor has sent a serious warning to Pat Cummins and his team ahead of the first Test in Perth . With the Border-Gavaskar Test series against India blasting off today (Friday), the former captain is telling the Australians to keep their mouths zipped. Head here to watch Australia v India live and free on 7plus Sport Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today In particular, Taylor thinks the Aussies should not poke the bear ... the bear being 36-year-old superstar Virat Kohli. The veteran batter has struck just two centuries in his past 60 Test innings and was restricted to just 93 runs at an average of 15.5 during India’s shock 3-0 loss to New Zealand in India. But it is a sensitive topic for India and Taylor says now is not the time to start sledging. “I reckon that can backfire, particularly on Kohli,” Taylor said on 2GB. “If I was the Aussies, I’d be staying pretty quiet (and) just hitting a wide length around off stump and seeing if they can keep him under wraps by nicking balls. He has been doing this of late. “(But) I wouldn’t be saying too much to Virat. “He loves that combativeness of Test match cricket and that’s why he loves playing against the Aussies. “I remember interviewing him 10 years ago when he came over. He was really looking forward to the series and having the Australians in his face — bowling quick, bowling bouncers. He seems to thrive on that. “That’s going to be one of the great contests of this series. “I always fear someone like Virat Kohli when they’re out of form because he’s just too good of a player for this sort of slump to continue. “He does love playing here, he does love pace and bounce on the ball so he enjoys our conditions and averages 54 against Australia. “So, he’ll be up for it. There is no doubt. “He’s been worried about his form, he’s been working really hard over here from all reports to try and get it right, so Australia need to keep him down.” Meanwhile, stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah believes there are “ominous” signs that Kohli is returning to his best. “He is one of the greats of the game,” Bumrah said. “He’s the utmost professional that we have in our team. He’s got a lot of success. “He’s one of the leaders, I made my debut under him, so he knows what he’s doing. “OK, one or two series here and there can go up and down, but the confidence that he has at this moment, I have no doubts ... and he’s mentally switched on. “He’s looking to contribute. And the way I’ve seen him at training ... the signs are ominous. “I don’t want to jinx it by saying anything else, but yes, he’s looking in very good shape.” India have held the Border-Gavaskar trophy since 2016/17. They have pulled off two series wins in Australia since then, but their hopes of doing it again have been dealt a number of blows in the lead-up to the latest showdown. Regular skipper Rohit Sharma will miss the first Test in Perth after remaining in India for the birth of his second child. Young star Shubman Gill will also be absent after injuring his thumb at training last week, while veteran paceman Mohammed Shami is still building his fitness following an ankle injury. Indian fans are still struggling to digest their team’s dismal performance against NZ on home soil, but Bumrah said the players are primed to bounce back. “The beauty about cricket is even if you win, you start from zero, and even if you lose you start from zero,” Bumrah said. “So that’s how I look at the game. The first Test begins on Friday, November 22 and is scheduled to run through to Tuesday, November 26. For the very first time Australians can stream the cricket live and free on 7plus Sport on any device — anytime and anywhere. Seven’s coverage kicks off at 12.30pm AEDT each day ahead of the first ball at 1.20pm AEDT. - With AAP

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy will miss Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers with a sore throwing shoulder. Purdy injured his right shoulder in last Sunday's loss to the Seattle Seahawks . Purdy underwent an MRI that showed no structural damage but the shoulder didn't improve during the week and Purdy was ruled out for the game. Coach Kyle Shanahan said star defensive end Nick Bosa also will miss the game with injuries to his left hip and oblique. Left tackle Trent Williams is questionable with an ankle injury and will be a game-time decision. This will be the first time Purdy has missed a start because of an injury since taking over as the 49ers’ quarterback in December 2022. Brandon Allen will start in his place. The Niners (5-5) are currently in a three-way tie for second in the NFC West, a game behind first-place Arizona, and have little margin for error if they want to get back to the playoffs after making it to the Super Bowl last season. Purdy has completed 66% of his passes this season for 2,613 yards, 13 TDs, eight interceptions and a 95.9 passer rating that is down significantly from his league-leading mark of 113 in 2023. Allen has been mostly a backup since being drafted by Jacksonville in 2016. Allen last started a game in Week 18 of the 2021 season for Cincinnati and has thrown just three passes the last three seasons — including none since joining San Francisco in 2023. Joshua Dobbs will be the backup on Sunday. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

In the shadowy world of Malawi’s fuel procurement, a fierce battle is unfolding—one that pits the nation’s highest office against a determined power broker in a fight for control over billions in fuel revenue. At the heart of this conflict is Colleen Zamba, the embattled Secretary to the President and Cabinet, whose smear campaign against President Lazarus Chakwera has become a full-blown media war. Her motive? To protect her alleged involvement in fuel cartels that have reportedly siphoned off over K60 billion from the nation’s coffers. Sources within the corridors of power say that the roots of Zamba’s campaign stretch back to a pivotal moment: President Chakwera’s decision to sideline her from any involvement in the country’s fuel procurement process. The decision was made last month when Chakwera announced the formation of a new Taskforce on Fuel Procurement, designed to tackle the ongoing fuel crisis that has left Malawians grappling with shortages, high prices, and corrupt dealings in the fuel supply chain. With Chakwera’s move, Zamba—once a central figure in the procurement process—was effectively removed from the decision-making table, an act that has sent shockwaves through the corridors of power. But rather than retreat quietly, Zamba has launched a ruthless counteroffensive, one that involves strategic media manipulation, covert influence over journalists, and carefully planted disinformation. Her goal? To tarnish the reputation of the President, discredit the new taskforce, and, in her own words, “expose” what she claims is a flawed and illegal system that bypasses proper protocols. In a bid to end the rampant corruption in fuel procurement, President Chakwera appointed Energy Minister Ibrahim Matola as the Cabinet-level coordinator, with Henry Kachaje, chairperson of the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA), acting as the technical coordinator. The taskforce also includes figures such as Reverend Zac Kawalala, a Pentecostal cleric with a reputation for honesty, and Hellen Buluma, the former CEO of the National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA), who had previously implicated Zamba in shady fuel deals. With these figures at the helm, the taskforce has already signed agreements with fuel suppliers in Kenya, Abu Dhabi, and the UAE, shifting the country toward government-to-government fuel supply agreements that cut out the middlemen, including those allegedly connected to Zamba’s operations. This direct approach is designed to save Malawi from the massive financial losses it has suffered in recent years, with experts predicting that it will lead to better fuel availability and lower prices by December. But Zamba, whose influence over the country’s fuel procurement had been long established, is determined to maintain her grip on the lucrative business. And she has begun her battle by targeting the individuals leading the charge for change. A key source close to the taskforce revealed the extent of Zamba’s campaign, which operates like a well-oiled machine, drawing on her vast network of contacts and influence. According to the source, Zamba is using a combination of bribery, manipulation, and media control to undermine the taskforce and cast doubt on its integrity. “She is paying senior journalists and editors at leading media outlets to run negative stories about the taskforce,” the source disclosed. “These stories are not based on fact, but on rumors and innuendos that paint the taskforce as corrupt, illegal, and bypassing protocols. She is also talking to influencers on social media, telling them that the taskforce’s work is not legitimate. The aim is to disorient the public and create a sense of chaos around the taskforce.” Indeed, over the past few weeks, negative stories about the taskforce have flooded the media, with reports claiming that the team is overstepping its mandate, that its members are unqualified, or that the government-to-government agreements with foreign suppliers are part of a secret deal to funnel money to “unscrupulous individuals.” These narratives, though lacking concrete evidence, have been picked up by various outlets, fueling skepticism among the public. One particularly damaging smear claimed that the inclusion of Reverend Kawalala in the taskforce was nothing more than a ploy to hide the President’s true intentions, implying that Chakwera was using the cleric to shield the taskforce from scrutiny. Another report suggested that the new procurement model would lead to widespread fuel shortages rather than solving the crisis. These stories are also designed to cause friction between Chakwera and his key allies within the taskforce, such as Minister Matola and Prince Kapondamgaga, the President’s Chief of Staff. Zamba’s strategy, according to insiders, is to divide and conquer by sowing discord among those closest to the President. For Zamba, the stakes are high. The fuel procurement process is a highly profitable industry, and her alleged ties to various fuel cartels have raised questions about her financial interests in maintaining the status quo. The claims of shoddy deals, inflated prices, and kickbacks in the past fuel procurement arrangements have made Zamba a controversial figure. According to one source, Zamba has been accused of manipulating contracts and siphoning off state funds through a network of intermediaries who controlled the flow of fuel imports. “It’s no secret that Zamba has made millions from fuel deals over the years,” said a senior government official who spoke on condition of anonymity. “Her network is vast, and it’s well-known that she’s used her position to secure lucrative commissions and kickbacks. The taskforce is a direct threat to that power.” Zamba’s supporters, however, argue that her removal from the procurement process is politically motivated. They claim that Chakwera’s decision to form the taskforce was not based on a desire for reform, but on personal vendettas and a power struggle within the ruling party. Chakwera’s Stance: Standing Firm Despite the onslaught, President Chakwera has remained resolute in his support for the taskforce. Sources at State House suggest that Chakwera is determined to see the reforms through, confident that figures like Hellen Buluma, Ibrahim Matola, and Reverend Kawalala have the experience and integrity to break the stranglehold of corruption in Malawi’s fuel industry. “Zamba’s attacks will not deter us,” said a senior official within the taskforce. “We have a clear mandate from the President to overhaul the fuel procurement system and ensure transparency. The taskforce is working hard, and we will deliver results. The media campaign is simply a distraction.” As December approaches and the new fuel procurement model takes effect, Malawians will be watching closely. Will Zamba’s smear campaign succeed in destabilizing the taskforce and halting the much-needed reforms, or will the President’s bold move to clean up the fuel sector finally bear fruit? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the battle for control over Malawi’s fuel industry is far from over. Sharing is caring!

Corvallis homes in on layout options for a new government centerSagittarius – (22nd November to 21st December) Daily Horoscope Prediction says, discover new Horizons and Seek Adventure Today Today offers opportunities for personal growth and exploration. Embrace changes and stay open-minded to make the most of the day's energies. The stars align today to encourage Sagittarius to explore new paths and opportunities. Keep an open mind and heart, and you'll discover unexpected joy and growth. Today is ideal for reflection and taking steps towards personal improvement. Whether it's in love, career, or finances, staying adaptable will lead to positive outcomes. Sagittarius Love Horoscope Today: Romantic relationships may take on a new dynamic today, urging you to communicate more openly with your partner. If you're single, this could be a time to meet someone interesting, so stay social and engage in new activities. Patience and understanding will be essential in all interactions, helping you navigate any challenges with grace. By being open to learning from each other, you'll strengthen your bond and deepen your connection. Sagittarius Career Horoscope Today: At work, expect opportunities for collaboration and innovation. Your creative insights are valued, and now is the time to share them with colleagues or superiors. Team projects can benefit from your input, so don’t hesitate to step forward and lead. Keep an eye out for new avenues that can advance your career, and remain adaptable to the ever-changing dynamics. Your positive attitude will inspire those around you and contribute to a productive work environment. Sagittarius Money Horoscope Today: Financially, today encourages thoughtful decision-making and planning. Review your budget and consider long-term investments or savings strategies. While spending is tempting, focus on needs over wants. It's a good time to seek advice from trusted financial advisors or explore new income opportunities. Your careful approach will help you build a solid financial foundation, setting the stage for future stability and growth. Sagittarius Health Horoscope Today: Your physical and mental well-being are interconnected, so prioritize a balanced routine today. Incorporate exercise and mindfulness practices like yoga or meditation to maintain your energy levels. Listen to your body’s signals and adjust your activities accordingly. Stay hydrated and choose nourishing foods to support your health goals. Taking time for self-care can alleviate stress, promoting a sense of peace and rejuvenation. Sagittarius Sign Attributes Strength: Wise, Practical, Audacious, Beautiful, Lively, Energetic, Lovely, Optimistic Weakness: Forgetful, Careless, Irritating Symbol: Archer Element: Fire Body Part: Thighs & Liver Sign Ruler: Jupiter Lucky Day: Thursday Lucky Color: Light Blue Lucky Number: 6 Lucky Stone: Yellow Sapphire Sagittarius Sign Compatibility Chart Natural affinity: Aries, Leo, Libra, Aquarius Good compatibility: Gemini, Sagittarius Fair compatibility: Taurus, Cancer, Scorpio, Capricorn Less compatibility: Virgo, Pisces By: Dr. J. N. Pandey Vedic Astrology & Vastu Expert Website: www.astrologerjnpandey.com E-mail: djnpandey@gmail.com Phone: 91-9811107060 (WhatsApp Only)MASON, Ohio — 16 Lots Brewing Company is closing its doors to both its Mason and Newport locations, the brewery announced Thursday night. "Well, friends, the sun has set at 16 Lots Brewing Company and 16 Lots Southern Outpost," the company said in a social media post. "As of today, we are permanently closed." The Mason location opened in 2017, with the "Southern Outpost" in Newport opening in 2023. The spot at Newport on the Levee had a 2,000-square-foot outdoor patio, live music and a full-service restaurant until January, when the brewery had to close its kitchen and cut back on staff in hopes it could stay afloat. RELATED | 16 Lots Brewing's Newport location closes kitchen, could fully close in a week "Shout out to our landlords and Eclipse Bank for doing everything in their power to support us and give us the opportunity to make this work. We gave it our best shot, but unfortunately, the biz just wasn't sustainable," 16 Lots said in its post. Mad Monks Pizza, which sublet from 16 Lots at its flagship location, will also be closed at this time. The pizza company said in a social media post it is in negotiations with the landlord to try to rebrand the space as Mad Monks Pizza and Taproom which would feature their pizza menu, a full bar and 15 draft beers. "We want to thank everyone for the last seven years and will keep you posted on all updates," Mad Monks said on social media.

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) — Jaylen Reed’s hands were still dirty and his face smeared with eye black as he took a seat in the Beaver Stadium media room. The hard-nosed veteran of nearly 50 college football games looked weary after Penn State pounded Maryland on Saturday, but lit up as he watched media members gather around teammate Audavion Collins next to him. The sophomore was excitedly describing his first career interception. Reed grinned, his pride was evident. One of Penn State’s captains, Reed loves when underclassmen earn playing time. He knows, especially on defense, the No. 3 Nittany Lions (11-1, 8-1 Big Ten, No. 4 CFP) will likely rely on them to make a run at their first national championship since 1986. “Having that type of depth, having that type of guy that can step up and play the game every week, that’s something that’s going to help us down the stretch,” Reed said. “Having depth at all positions, I feel like that’s the main thing and I feel like we have huge depth.” Reed knows Collins is far from the only reserve player who has been effective for Tom Allen’s defense this season. Heading into Saturday’s Big Ten championship game against No. 1 Oregon in Indianapolis, Penn State has used 39 players on a defense that ranks seventh nationally against the run and pass. Meanwhile, the Nittany Lions are fourth overall in total defense (266.8 yards) and sixth in scoring defense (14 points) entering the showdown with the Ducks' 15th-ranked offense with a College Football Playoff first-round bye at stake. It’s not just the starting 11 getting it done. Since mid-October, Penn State has regularly rotated at least nine defensive linemen, six linebackers and nine defensive backs early and midway through games. As a result, seven players have snagged their first interceptions this season, while five others have recorded their first sacks. “We believe in everybody coming in behind us,” linebacker Tony Rojas said. “Our defense, we know what we’re capable of and I feel like our defense is top tier, if not the best.” It technically hasn’t been at full strength since Week 2 of the season. Then, star safety KJ Winston was lost to an unspecified long-term injury. He tried to play at Wisconsin on Oct. 26, but hasn’t seen action since. In the meantime, Winston’s absence has allowed Allen and head coach James Franklin to get a good look at Collins and other young backend players like Eliot Washington, Zion Tracy and Dejuan Lane. Tracy and Lane have seen their snap counts go up since November, and both have interceptions since. The Nittany Lions haven’t been immune to injuries up front, either. Star end Dani Dennis-Sutton was limited midway through the season by an unspecified ailment. Before last weekend’s game against Maryland, Penn State listed defensive tackles Alonzo Ford and Kaleb Artis and defensive end Zuriah Fisher out with injuries. While not near 100% healthy, Dennis-Sutton continued to suit up, but yielded reps to Amin Vanover and Smith Vilbert. Vanover and Vilbert are seniors who were slowed over the years by injuries but have stuck around, and are now shoring up the team’s depth. “I think getting Dani back healthy, that’s been important,” Franklin said. “I think this was his first game back where he was really healthy, Abdul (Carter) the second half of the season, has gotten very comfortable playing defensive end. We’ve been able to rotate and get production out of guys like Amin as well, so I think all those things have been really important.” So is the fact that Penn State’s defense has continued to close out games. The Nittany Lions have allowed just 445 yards on 125 third-quarter plays this season. Meanwhile, they’ve outscored opponents 192-55 in the second half and overtime and held 19 of their last 22 Big Ten opponents to fewer that 100 rushing yards. Like Reed, senior Dvon J-Thomas spent much of the second half against Maryland cheering on his freshman teammates. Notably, tackle Ty Blanding who had his first career tackle for loss in his first defensive series. “I’ve seen a tremendous leap in their attention to detail,” J-Thomas said. “There’s not a lot of moments or times in your career where you’ll have an opportunity like this and I think they realize that." 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-footballDog Returns to Ky. Shelter for the Third Time in Less Than 2 Years After New Owner Abandons Pet

Frankie Bridge recently took to social media to share the ultimate party season looks from the high street. As December gets closer, the Loose Women star could be seen showing off a number of statement River Island pieces on Instagram - including this stunning sequin style. Costing £55, the Silver Premium Sequin Long Sleeve Crop Top is currently 'trending' on River Island's website and we can see why. This embellished number is cut from premium fabric with a classic crew neck, with sizes ranging from 6-18. Sharing it to her Instagram Story on Sunday (November 17), Frankie said in a caption: "Love this top. I'm seriously loving the big sequin styles at the moment. This top is really comfy and not itchy at all." Read more: Cat Deeley wows in sparkly £45 Marks & Spencer dress perfect for party...The Prime Minister insisted the UK will back Ukraine “for as long as it takes” as he made a speech at the Lord Mayor’s Banquet in London, but for the first time acknowledged the conflict could move towards a negotiated end. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has in recent weeks suggested he is open to a possible ceasefire with Vladimir Putin’s Russia. Kyiv and its European allies meanwhile fear the advent of Donald Trump’s return to the White House could result in American aid being halted. President-elect Trump has said he would prefer to move towards a peace deal, and has claimed he could end the conflict on “day one” of his time in power. As he attempts to strike up a good relationship with the incoming president, Sir Keir revealed he had told Mr Trump the UK “will invest more deeply than ever in this transatlantic bond with our American friends in the years to come”. In his speech at London’s Guildhall, the Prime Minister said there is “no question it is right we support Ukraine”, as the UK’s aid to Kyiv is “deeply in our self-interest”. Allowing Russia to win the war would mean “other autocrats would believe they can follow Putin’s example,” he warned. Sir Keir added: “So we must continue to back Ukraine and do what it takes to support their self-defence for as long as it takes. “To put Ukraine in the strongest possible position for negotiations so they can secure a just and lasting peace on their terms that guarantees their security, independence, and right to choose their own future.” Mr Zelensky told Sky News over the weekend he would be open to speaking with Mr Putin, but branded the Russian president a “terrorist”. He also suggested Ukrainian territory under his control should be taken under the “Nato umbrella” to try to stop the “hot stage” of the war with Russia. In a banquet speech focused on foreign affairs, the Prime Minister said it was “plain wrong” to suggest the UK must choose between its allies, adding: “I reject it utterly. “(Clement) Attlee did not choose between allies. (Winston) Churchill did not choose. “The national interest demands that we work with both.” Sir Keir said the UK and the US were “intertwined” when it came to commerce, technology and security. The Prime Minister added: “That’s why, when President Trump graciously hosted me for dinner in Trump Tower, I told him that we will invest more deeply than ever in this transatlantic bond with our American friends in the years to come.” He also repeated his commitment to “rebuild our ties with Europe” and insisted he was right to try to build closer links with China. “It is remarkable that until I met President Xi last month there had been no face-to-face meeting between British and Chinese leaders for six years,” the Prime Minister said. “We can’t simply look the other way. We need to engage. To co-operate, to compete and to challenge on growth, on security concerns, on climate as well as addressing our differences in a full and frank way on issues like Hong Kong, human rights, and sanctions on our parliamentarians,” he added. The Prime Minister said he wants Britain’s role in the world to be that of “a constant and responsible actor in turbulent times”. He added: “To be the soundest ally and to be determined, always, in everything we do. “Every exchange we have with other nations, every agreement we enter into to deliver for the British people and show, beyond doubt, that Britain is back.” Ahead of Sir Keir’s speech, Lord Mayor Alastair King urged the Prime Minister and his Government to loosen regulations on the City of London to help it maintain its competitive edge. In an echo of Sir Keir’s commitment to drive the UK’s economic growth, the Lord Mayor said: “The idealist will dream of growth, but the pragmatist understands that our most effective machinery to drive growth is here in the City, in the hands of some of the brightest and most committed people that you will find anywhere in the world.”

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