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NEW YORK , Dec. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Innovative technology and media company zuMedia Inc. announced today the launch of the official fatSu website at www.fatSu.com . fatSu is the purple TikTok sensation who has danced her way into the hearts of millions throughout the world, spreading her message of joy through acceptance. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.Georgia quarterback Carson Beck has been ruled out for the second half of Saturday's SEC Championship Game against Texas after being injured on the final play of the first half. Texas' Trey Moore forced a fumble on Beck's pass attempt, appearing to injure the Georgia quarterback's throwing arm. Beck remained motionless on the field for a short time before joining the team in the locker room. Coach Kirby Smart told ESPN at halftime that Beck was done for the day. During the third quarter, Beck was seen with ice on his right elbow. Beck completed 7 of 13 passes for 56 yards and was sacked once before exiting. Georgia backup Gunner Stockton entered and led Georgia on a 10-play, 75-yard opening second-half drive, giving the Bulldogs their first lead at 10-6. Bulldogs punter Brett Thorson injured his left knee in the third quarter and was ruled out of the contest. He was taken off on a cart. --Field Level MediaParkinson’s community ‘felt left out in the cold’ – Rory Cellan-Jones
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Star Alliance member United Airlines is seeking United States Department of Transportation (DOT) approval to launch a new route connecting Los Angeles and Beijing. United wants to continue its dominance on the Pacific Rim and hopes to launch this service by May 1st. Connecting Los Angeles to Beijing As reported by Onemileatatime , United has filed a request to launch a thrice-weekly service between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Beijing Capital Airport (PEK), using its Boeing 787-9 aircraft for the 6,250-mile journey. This direct service would compete with Air China, which already operates a four-weekly service onboard its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. United's proposed schedule: From To Departure Time Arrival Time Frequency Aircraft Los Angeles International Beijing Capital 23:10 04:45 (2 days later) Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday Boeing 787-9 Beijing Capital Los Angeles International 12:00 09:35 (same day) Monday, Thursday, and Saturday Boeing 787-9 Should the proposed service go ahead, it will complement United's current daily San Francisco to Beijing service, operated by the carriers Boeing 777-300ER and Air China's twice-weekly 777-300ER service between the two cities. United's utilization of its Boeing 787-9 would add 771 available seats in each direction per week. The carrier's aircraft is configured with 257 seats for each flight, including 48 for business class passengers, 21 in premium economy, and 188 in economy class. The carrier is the world's second-largest 787-9 operator. Want answers to more key questions in aviation? Check out the rest of our guides here . Subdued demand for travel between China and the United States Demand for international travel and trade between the United States and China is subdued compared to pre-pandemic. This has been a result of political tension between the two superpowers but also due to flight caps . Currently, the maximum number of flights operating each week is 50. US airlines are permitted to fly up to 50 weekly flights, of which United is below this limit. Pre-pandemic, there were around 300 weekly flights between the US and China; however, following ongoing challenges to rebuild demand and increase flight caps, there has been a slow recovery in flights. For travel to the Chinese capital, currently, several services operate directly to the United States; these include: Air China Beijing Capital to Los Angeles Beijing Capital to New York JFK Beijing Capital to San Francisco Beijing Capital to Washington Dulles Hainan Airlines Beijing Capital to Seattle Tacoma United Airlines Beijing Capital to San Francisco With many more jets on order, the United fleet includes nearly 500 Boeing 737s and close to 100 777s. Of the ' Big Three ' US airlines, United is currently the only carrier serving Beijing; however, both American and Delta Air Lines operate services to other Chinese airports (namely Shanghai). United also maintains services between LA, San Francisco, and the Special Administrative Region of China: Hong Kong. United Airlines has continued its international expansion on the US East and West Coast. Already from Los Angeles and San Francisco, the carrier offers more long-haul services than any other US carrier. Direct United service operates from LA across the Pacific to Hong Kong, Melbourne, Shanghai Pudong, Sydney, Tokyo Haneda, and Tokyo Narita. In contrast, its San Francisco hub offers routes to Auckland, Beijing, Hong Kong, Melbourne, Osaka Kansai, Papeete, Seoul Incheon, Shanghai Pudong, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo Haneda, Tokyo Narita, and seasonal services to Christchurch . For United, its continued investment in fleet upgrades and expansion at Los Angeles will continue to position itself as a leading carrier from the country's west, reaffirming itself as a leader in long-haul travel and an integral member of the Star Alliance . MileagePlus members are able to earn miles on eligible bookings when flying with selected non-Star Alliance member airlines.Bill responding to drone sightings is blocked in the Senate
White House says at least 8 US telecom firms, dozens of nations impacted by China hacking campaign
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — After losing to San Francisco in the playoffs three of the last five seasons, the Green Bay Packers wouldn’t mind seeing the 49ers get left out of the postseason entirely. The Packers (7-3) could damage San Francisco’s playoff hopes Sunday by beating the 49ers at Lambeau Field. San Francisco (5-5) dropped to .500 after losing at home to the Seattle Seahawks, though the 49ers remain just a game behind the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC West. “I think we’re motivated to keep winning more than anything,” Packers center Josh Myers said. “Obviously, they have knocked us out quite a bit. There’s that extra motivation behind it, but at this point, we’re just trying to churn out wins.” The 49ers will be playing this game without starting quarterback Brock Purdy, who injured his right shoulder in the Seahawks game. Although an MRI showed no structural damage, Purdy's shoulder didn't improve as the week wore on. Brandon Allen will start in Purdy's place. Green Bay is third in the NFC North and two games behind the Detroit Lions, but the Packers appear on track to at least earn a wild-card playoff berth. History suggests their path to a potential Super Bowl would get much clearer if the 49ers aren’t standing in their way. The 49ers trailed 21-14 in the fourth quarter before rallying to beat the Packers 24-21 in the divisional playoffs last year on Christian McCaffrey’s 6-yard touchdown run with 1:07 left. Now, it’s the 49ers who are struggling to protect late leads, as they’ve blown fourth-quarter advantages in three games against divisional opponents. “You could look at, ‘Hey, we’re three possessions away from being 8-2,’ but you can’t really live like that,” 49ers tight end George Kittle said. “Those are the mistakes that we’ve made to be 5-5. It’s not exactly where we want to be. It is frustrating. The nice thing is we have seven games left to go out there and play Niners football and take advantage of those opportunities.” Green Bay’s recent history of playoff frustration against the 49ers also includes a 13-10 loss at Lambeau Field in the 2021 divisional playoffs and a 37-20 road defeat in the 2019 NFC championship game. Even the Packers players who weren’t around for last season’s playoff loss realize what this game means. “I think one of the first meetings that I was in here, we had a conversation about the Niners beating us,” said Green Bay safety Xavier McKinney, who joined the Packers this season. “So I understand how important it is, and we all do.” Both teams must figure out how to convert red-zone opportunities into touchdowns. The 49ers are scoring touchdowns on just 48.8% of their drives inside an opponent’s 20-yard line to rank 27th in the NFL. The Packers are slightly worse in that regard, scoring touchdowns on 48.7% of their red-zone possessions to rank 28th. In their 20-19 victory at Chicago on Sunday, Green Bay drove to the Bears 5 without scoring on two separate series. Purdy isn't the only notable player who won't be participating in Sunday's game. San Francisco won't have four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Nick Bosa available after he hurt his left hip and oblique against the Seahawks. Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander (knee) and linebacker Edgerrin Cooper (hamstring) also have been ruled out. Kittle expects to play for the 49ers on Sunday after missing the Seahawks game with a hamstring injury. 49ers left tackle Trent Williams (ankle) is questionable. Green Bay’s defense feasted on turnovers the first part of the season, but hasn’t been as effective in getting those takeaways lately. The Packers have 19 takeaways – already exceeding their 2023 total – but haven’t forced any turnovers in their last two games. 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan hasn’t eased McCaffrey back into the lineup in his return after missing the first eight games with Achilles tendinitis. McCaffrey has played 91% of the 49ers’ offensive snaps the past two weeks. Jordan Mason, who rushed for 685 yards during McCaffrey’s absence, has just five snaps on offense the last two games. Shanahan said he’d like to get Mason more opportunities, but it’s hard to take McCaffrey off the field. Green Bay nearly lost to the Bears because of its third-down struggles on both sides of the ball. The Packers were 1 of 5 on third-down opportunities, while the Bears went 9 of 16. The Packers’ defense could have a tough time correcting that problem against San Francisco, which has converted 45.4% of its third-down situations to rank fourth in the league. AP Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow contributed to this report. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
What was once a major event of the college football season has, in the first week of December, just become one of the subplots. Early signing day is here for Nebraska and every other program, many of which, including NU, have their attention split several ways. Conference title games haven’t even been played yet. The transfer portal — not officially open until Dec. 9 — has nevertheless been whirling with at least seven Husker departures since Monday. NU has lost one coordinator, locked another up for two years, and set its sights on Kentucky assistant Daikiel Shorts to coach receivers. Matt Rhule’s early afternoon press conference may focus just as much — perhaps more — on topics as the 2025 recruiting class, which stood Tuesday evening at 19 members. By the time Rhule talks about the class, it could grow by a few or in theory shrink, were commits inclined to balk at the departure of Nebraska defensive coordinator Tony White. People are also reading... That hasn’t been the case so far, as some of the highest-rated prospects in the class — four-star linebackers Dawson Merritt and Christian Jones — had reaffirmed their commitment to Nebraska through social media statements. Nebraska awaits final answers from at least three prospects, though Shorts' imminent hiring could, in theory, bring more options into play. * San Antonio Alamo Heights High School five-star athlete Michael Terry, a prospect of few interviews who has narrowed his list to home-state Texas, Nebraska and Oregon, the 6-foot-3, 215-pounder’s top three schools for months. He’ll announce a choice at his 8:15 a.m. signing ceremony on Wednesday. At NU, Terry projects to wideout. * Homestead (Florida) High School four-star receiver Cortez Mills has long been committed to Oklahoma, but recruiting site reporters have him trending to flip to Nebraska. The 6-foot-1, 175-pound Mills caught 79 passes for 1,640 yards and 18 touchdowns last season, breaking Miami-Dade County single-season marks. Mills’ signing ceremony takes place between 8:05-9:30 a.m. in the school’s auditorium. * Kahuka (Hawaii) High School three-star safety Aidan Manutai remains a Husker target, though he’s currently committed to California. The 6-foot, 170-pound Manutai would be part of a defensive backs group that could vie for early playing time. * Another potential prospect to watch is Kentucky receiver commit Dejerrian Miller, who verbally pledged to Shorts and the Wildcats last week and plays prep football at St. Louis Cardinal Ritter, the same school as Husker running back commit Jamarion Parker. Miller did not previously have Nebraska among his top group of suitors and may stick in the SEC. In total, NU plans to sign six in-state commitments — headlined by Jones, an Omaha Westside linebacker — to financial aid papers, as the NCAA in October eliminated the national letter of intent, which binds prospects to school. The group of six — Jones, Omaha North defensive tackle Tyson Terry, Millard North athletes Pierce Mooberry and Caden VerMaas, Wahoo Neumann running back Conor Booth and Lincoln Southwest receiver Jackson Carpenter — are part of one of the strongest corps of in-state recruits in years. Fifteen prospects are poised to sign with FBS programs, with 12 of those headed to power conferences. Unless Terry or Mills flips to NU, Merritt, out of Overland Park (Kansas) Blue Valley High School, is NU’s highest-ranked player in the 2025 class. Thirteen of the 19 prospects in the class have a four-star according to at least one of the four major recruiting services — 247 Sports, ESPN, On3 and Rivals. And all but 247 Sports, as of Tuesday evening ranked NU’s class as No. 20 in the nation. 247 Sports had the Huskers 22nd. Photos: Nebraska football vs. Iowa on Black Friday — Nov. 29 Nebraska players, including Jacob Hood (center), turn to wave during the "Hawkeye Wave" on Friday in Iowa City. Nebraska assistant coach Garret McGuire looks on during warm up before the Iowa game, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska assistant coach Marcus Satterfield looks on during warm up before the Iowa game, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska fan Zachary Roth of Omaha dances in the cold during the Iowa game, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule talks with an official during the Iowa game on Friday at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. Nebraska's Jahmal Banks is tackled by Iowa's TJ Hall on Friday at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. Iowa's Kamari Moulton (center) is tackled by Nebraska's MJ Sherman (left) and Elijah Jeudy, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska's Carter Nelson (center) is tackled by Iowa's Deontae Craig (right) on Friday at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. Iowa's Quinn Schulte (left) tackles Nebraska's Nate Boerkircher, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska's Thomas Fidone picks up a pass against Iowa, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska's John Hohl reacts after missing a field goal against Iowa, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola runs with the ball against Iowa on Friday at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. Nebraska's Isaac Gifford (left) rips the ball away from Iowa's Jarriett Buie on Friday at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. The Nebraska defense stops Iowa on fourth down on Friday at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. Nebraska's Jahmal Banks picks up a pass next to Iowa's Deshaun Lee, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska's Emmett Johnson escapes a tackle by Iowa's Deshaun Lee, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule looks on during the Iowa game, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska's Dante Dowdell tries to break a tackle from Iowa's Jay Higgins (left) and Koen Entringer (4), Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska's Emmett Johnson fumbles under pressure from Iowa's Sebastian Castro (top) and TJ Hall (bottom), Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa's Drew Stevens (18) celebrates after making the game-winning kick against Nebraska, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa's Drew Stevens (18) celebrates after making the game-winning kick against Nebraska, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa's Luke Elkin (left) and Ty Nissen carry Heroes Game trophy after defeating Nebraska on Friday at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. Iowa's Drew Stevens (18) kicks a game-winning field goal through the arms of Nebraska's Ty Robinson (9) and Nash Hutmacher (0) on Friday at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. Nebraska's Dante Dowdell scores a touchdown against Iowa in the second quarter, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola carries the ball against Iowa, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa's Deontae Craig (bottom) pressures Nebraska's Dylan Raiola, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska's John Hohl (right) celebrates his field goal against Iowa, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska's Mikai Gbayor tips a pass by Iowa's Jackson Stratton on Friday at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. Iowa's Deontae Craig (left) and Aaron Graves (right) pressure Nebraska's Dylan Raiola on at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule (left) talks with Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz before the game, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Jesse Divis of David City, 17, braves the cold before the Nebraska game at Iowa, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule arrives before the Iowa game, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska special teams coordinator Ed Foley arrives before the Iowa game, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola arrives before the Iowa game, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. The Nebraska football team arrives arrives at Kinnick Stadium before the Iowa game, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa. The Nebraska football team arrives arrives at Kinnick Stadium before the Iowa game, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen arrives at Kinnick Stadium before the Iowa game, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa. Subscribe for the best Husker news & commentary Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!Beijing bans exports of critical minerals to US, and several industry groups tell companies to avoid US chips. China has banned exports to the United States of the critical minerals gallium, germanium and antimony, which have widespread military applications, escalating trade tensions the day after Washington’s latest crackdown on China’s chip sector. The curbs, announced on Tuesday, strengthen enforcement of existing limits on critical minerals exports that Beijing began rolling out last year but apply only to the US market. It is the latest escalation of trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies before US President-elect Donald Trump takes office next month. A Chinese Ministry of Commerce directive on dual-use items, which have both military and civilian applications, cited national security concerns for the export ban. The order, which takes immediate effect, also requires stricter review of end use for graphite items shipped to the US. “In principle, the export of gallium, germanium, antimony and superhard materials to the United States shall not be permitted,” the ministry said. Gallium and germanium are used in semiconductors while germanium is also used in infrared technology, fibre optic cables and solar cells. Antimony is used in bullets and other weaponry while graphite is the largest component by volume of electric vehicle batteries. The move has sparked new concerns that Beijing could next target other critical minerals, including those with even broader usage, such as nickel and cobalt. “China has been signalling for some time that it’s willing to take these steps, so when is the US going to learn its lesson?” asked Todd Malan of Talon Metals, which is trying to develop a nickel mine in Minnesota and is exploring for the metal in Michigan. The only US nickel mine will be depleted by 2028. The US was assessing the new restrictions, but will take “necessary steps” in response, a White House spokesperson said without giving details. “These new controls only underscore the importance of strengthening our efforts with other countries to de-risk and diversify critical supply chains away from PRC,” the spokesperson said, referring to the People’s Republic of China, China’s official name. Representatives for Trump did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Chinese customs data show there have been no shipments of wrought and unwrought germanium or gallium to the US this year through October although it was the world’s fourth and fifth largest market for the minerals, respectively, a year earlier. China’s overall October shipments of antimony products plunged by 97 percent from September after Beijing’s move to limit its exports took effect. China accounted last year for 48 percent of globally mined antimony, which is used in ammunition, infrared missiles, nuclear weapons and night-vision goggles as well as in batteries and photovoltaic equipment. This year, China has accounted for 59.2 percent of refined germanium output and 98.8 percent of refined gallium production, according to the consultancy Project Blue. “The move is a considerable escalation of tensions in supply chains where access to raw material units is already tight in the West,” Project Blue co-founder Jack Bedder said. Prices of antimony trioxide in Rotterdam had soared by 228% since the beginning of the year to $39,000 a tonne on Thursday, data from information provider Argus showed. China’s announcement comes after Washington launched its third crackdown in three years on China’s semiconductor industry on Monday, curbing exports to 140 companies. “It comes as no surprise that China has responded to the increasing restrictions by American authorities, current and imminent, with its own restrictions on the supply of these strategic minerals,” said Peter Arkell, chairman of the Global Mining Association of China. “It’s a trade war that has no winners,” he said. Widening retaliation Separately, several Chinese industry groups on Tuesday called for their members to buy domestically made semiconductors with one saying US chips were no longer safe or reliable. Their advice could affect US chipmaking giants like Nvidia, AMD and Intel, which, despite export controls, have managed to keep selling products in the Chinese market. The three companies did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Reuters news agency. “China had been moving quite slowly or carefully in terms of retaliating against moves by the United States, but it seems pretty clear that now the gloves are off,” said Tom Nunlist, associate director at the research firm Trivium China. The associations cover some of China’s largest industries – including telecommunications, the digital economy, cars and semiconductors – and combined count 6,400 companies as members. The statements, released shortly after each other, did not detail why US chips were unsafe or unreliable. The Internet Society of China urged domestic companies to think carefully before procuring US chips and to seek to expand cooperation with chip firms from countries and regions other than the US, according to its official WeChat account. It also encouraged domestic firms to “proactively” use chips produced by both domestic- and foreign-owned enterprises in China. US chip export controls have caused “substantial harm” to the health and development of China’s internet industry, it added.
The AP Top 25 college football poll is back every week throughout the season! Get the poll delivered straight to your inbox with AP Top 25 Poll Alerts. Sign up here . INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — There’s more than just school pride and bragging rights to all that bellyaching over who might be in and who might be out of college football ‘s first 12-team playoff. Try the more than $115 million that will be spread across the conferences at the end of the season, all depending on who gets in and which teams go the farthest. According to the College Football Playoff website , the 12 teams simply making the bracket earn their conferences $4 million each. Another $4 million goes to conferences whose teams get into the quarterfinals. Then, there’s $6 million more for teams that make the semifinals and another $6 million for those who play for the title. Most of this bonanza comes courtesy of ESPN, which is forking over $1.3 billion a year to televise the new postseason. A lot of that money is already earmarked — more goes to the Big Ten and Southeastern Conference than the Big 12 or Atlantic Coast — but a lot is up for grabs in the 11 games that will play out between the opening round on Dec. 20 and the final on Jan. 20. In all, the teams that make the title game will bring $20 million to their conferences, all of which distribute that money, along with billions in TV revenue and other sources, in different ways. In fiscal 2022-23, the Big Ten, for instance, reported revenue of nearly $880 million and distributed about $60.5 million to most of its members. RELATED COVERAGE No. 2 Texas goes for a title in its first SEC season, but must get by No. 5 Georgia CFP berth at stake when No. 10 Boise State hosts No. 19 UNLV in Mountain West title game No. 18 Clemson needs to slow down SMU QB Kevin Jennings to win 9th ACC title game, secure CFP spot The massive stakes might help explain the unabashed lobbying coming from some corners of the football world, as the tension grows in advance of Sunday’s final rankings, which will set the bracket. Earlier this week, Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark lit into the selection committee, which doesn’t have a single team higher than 15 in the rankings. That does two things: It positions the Big 12 as a one-bid league, and also threatens to makes its champion — either Arizona State or Iowa State — the fifth-best among conference titlists that get automatic bids. Only the top four of those get byes, which could cost the Big 12 a spot in the quarterfinals — or $4 million. “The committee continues to show time and time again that they are paying attention to logos versus resumes,” Yormark said this week, while slamming the idea of teams with two losses in his conference being ranked worse than teams with three in the SEC. The ACC is also staring at a one-bid season with only No. 8 SMU inside the cut line of this week’s projected bracket. Miami’s loss last week all but bumped the Hurricanes out of the playoffs, a snub that ACC commissioner Jim Phillips said left him “incredibly shocked and disappointed.” “As we look ahead to the final rankings, we hope the committee will reconsider and put a deserving Miami in the field,” Phillips said in a statement. The lobbying and bickering filters down to the campuses that feel the impact. And, of course, to social media. One of the most entertaining episodes came earlier this week when athletic directors at Iowa State and SMU went back and forth about whose team was more deserving. There are a few stray millions that the selection committee cannot really influence, including a $3 million payment to conferences that make the playoff. In a reminder that all these kids are going to school, after all, the conferences get $300,000 per football team that meets academic requirements to participate in the postseason. (That’s basically everyone). ___ 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-football
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WASHINGTON - U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin no longer plans to travel to South Korea, two U.S. officials told Reuters on Thursday, following South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's botched attempt this week to impose martial law. One official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said planning had been underway for a trip in the near term but it was determined now was not the appropriate time. The official said South Korea had been consulted regarding the change in travel plans. Austin will leave office by Jan. 20, when President-elect Donald Trump is inaugurated. Yoon's declaration of martial law late on Tuesday sought to consolidate power, ban political activity and censor the media. It sparked outrage in the streets and concern among South Korea's international allies. South Korea's defense minister, who recommended the move, has resigned. Fighting for his political future, Yoon accepted the resignation of Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun on Thursday and nominated his ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Choi Byung-hyuk, as a replacement. Kim had recommended Yoon declare martial law on Tuesday, according to the interior minister, a senior military official and the opposition's filing to impeach Yoon. The United States has 28,500 troops stationed in South Korea as a legacy of the 1950-1953 Korean War. The commander of U.S. Forces-Korea, General Paul LaCamera, warned American troops in a statement on Wednesday to stay vigilant, avoid areas with protests, and tell superiors of travel plans in case "something unexpected" happens. Austin's trip to South Korea would have come at an important geopolitical moment in the region. U.S. and South Korean officials say more than 10,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to Russia's Kursk region to take part in pushing back Ukrainian forces. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met Russia's defense minister last month and pledged to expand ties with Moscow in all areas, including military affairs, under the comprehensive strategic partnership he signed with Russian President Vladimir Putin in June, which includes a mutual defense agreement, North Korean state media said. Moscow and Pyongyang have dramatically advanced ties since their leaders held a summit in September last year in Russia, and the North has since shipped more than 10,000 containers of ammunition, as well as self-propelled howitzers and multiple rocket launchers, according to South Korea's spy agency. — ReutersThe Latest Drag Race Down Under Queen Talks About The Tough Competition This Season