NoneConor McGregor’s fisghting days could be behind him, says Joe RoganMultiple reports on Thursday and Friday indicated that Abe Akie, wife of late former Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, is planning on visiting President-elect Donald Trump’s estate at Mar-a-Lago on Sunday. Abe, who served as prime minister during Trump’s first term in office, was the first world leader to meet with Trump after his election victory in 2016. The two developed a close friendship, and Abe was often cited as the world head of government with the most access to Trump. Abe Akie and First Lady Melania Trump also reportedly developed a close relationship, sharing the responsibilities of being First Lady of their countries, and regularly engaged each other when their husbands met. Reuters reported , citing an anonymous source, on Friday that the Trumps invited Akie to dine at Mar-a-Lago and that she would attend on Sunday, apparently with Melania Trump. It noted the detail, originally reported by CNN, that the Trumps continued investing in their relationship with Abe Akie after her husband’s death and that the president-elect has, in the two years since Abe Shinzo’s murder, called his widow regularly to check on her. The Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun also reported , citing its own sources, that Abe Akie was “making arrangements to visit the United States.” The newspaper reported that the former first lady was planning on meeting with Melania Trump and could potentially meet the president-elect as part of that engagement. U.S. first lady Melania Trump, left, and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s wife Akie Abe look at koi carps in a pond at the Japanese style annex inside the State Guest House in Tokyo Monday, May 27, 2019. (Tomohiro Ohsumi/Pool Photo via AP) A conservative and one of the most dominant political figures in modern Japanese history, Abe ultimately stepped down from his position due to health issues. The politician struggled with ulcerative colitis and, at the time of his resignation, said that he had not brought the condition under enough control to make it possible for him to fulfill his duties at prime minister. He appeared to be preparing a political comeback, supporting his conservative Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) on the campaign trail, when he was shockingly assassinated in broad daylight in July 2022. The killer, identified as 41-year-old Yamagami Tetsuya, said he was looking for revenge against the controversial Unification Church, which he claimed had stolen money from his mother, and Abe was the closest figure with any notable ties to the church that he could find with minimal enough security around him to make him a viable target. Abe Akie was a highly visible part of Abe’s tenure as prime minister. The first lady was supportive of her husband and a presence on the campaign trail while also advocating for her own political views, which often differed to those advanced by the LDP. Abe, for example, participated in a gay rights march in 2014, in support of an end to social stigmas against gay and lesbian people. Abe Akie has also publicly participated in events apparently expressing contrition for the position of Imperial Japan against the United States. In 2016, for example, when the Abes visited the United States, Abe Akie made an individual trip to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, to honor the American soldiers killed by the surprise Japanese attack that marked the beginning of American involvement in World War II. “I understand that there are various debates and stances on Pearl Harbor, but I think that we have to pass on the memory to the next generation, transcending the feelings of hate and anger,” she said at the time. The visit was notable as Shinzo Abe was an enthusiastic supporter of amending the Japanese constitution to allow the country to possess a military, which pacifists in the country have long opposed. While Akie Abe was even often jokingly referred to as the true “opposition party” of Japan – especially given the years of ineffective organizing by Japanese leftist groups, the two maintained a united front and supported each other. The reports of an invitation and potential in-person meeting with President-elect Trump has caused some stirrings in Japan as the current prime minister, Ishiba Shigeru, has attempted repeatedly to meet with Trump to no avail. Ishiba is a member of Abe’s LDP but has struggled with favorability and was handed a party in shambles, hurt by corruption scandals and the growing animosity towards the Unification Church, which has been tied to the LDP in the public eye since Abe’s assassination. Ishiba spoke to Trump shortly after the presidential election in November, but has not succeeded in meeting with him. Ishiba claimed that he was told that Trump could not legally meet with foreign leaders until after inauguration, but Trump has held multiple such meetings, including with Argentine President Javier Milei, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and several world leaders at the reopening of the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris. Follow Frances Martel on Facebook and Twitter.
Another key focus of the meeting was on promoting sustainable development and green practices. As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, China has recognized the importance of transitioning towards a greener and more sustainable economy. The government has announced ambitious targets for reducing carbon emissions, increasing renewable energy consumption, and promoting eco-friendly practices in industries such as manufacturing and transportation.Pep Guardiola 'proud' of Man City players in defeat to Juventus
OpenAI ’s board of directors plans to transform the organization’s for-profit arm into a Delaware Public Benefit Corporation (PBC) in order to raise the capital it needs to continue developing artificial general intelligence (AGI). The organization will continue to have a structure that includes both a non-profit and a for-profit, as it does now, but it is evolving that structure in order to strengthen both arms, OpenAI said in a Thursday (Dec. 26) blog post outlining the change its board is considering. “Eventually it became clear that the most advanced AI would continuously use more and more compute and that scaling large language models was a promising path to AGI rooted in an understanding of humanity,” the post said. “We would need far more compute, and therefore far more capital, than we could obtain with donations in order to pursue our mission.” As it considers how to structure OpenAI, the board said it aims to transform the for-profit into a PBC with ordinary shares of stock and OpenAI’s mission as its public benefit interest, saying this structure would be best for the mission’s long-term success. Under the plan being considered, the non-profit’s interest in the for-profit would become shares in the PBC, with the valuation being determined by independent financial advisors; the PBC would run and control OpenAI’s operations and business; and the non-profit would hire leaders and staff and focus on charitable initiatives, per the post. “The PBC is a structure used by many others that requires the company to balance shareholder interests, stakeholder interests, and a public benefit interest in its decisionmaking,” the post said. “It will enable us to raise the necessary capital with conventional terms like others in this space.” It was reported Thursday (Dec. 26) that OpenAI and its largest investor, Microsoft , have been in talks since October about how to restructure the AI firm . In September, it was reported that OpenAI planned to restructure its core business into a for-profit benefit corporation , with the OpenAI non-profit owning a minority stake. The restructuring would make the company more attractive to investors, as it would operate more like a typical startup, the report said.Bill Belichick is among the best coaches in the history of the NFL. He won six Super Bowl titles as head coach of the New England Patriots, and two more as an assistant coach with the New York Giants. But Belichick — famous for his curt, curmudgeonly answers as much as for his success of the field — has been around football for much more than a handful of championships. Here is a timeline of important moments in Belichick’s career: 1976 — In his first job at the pro level, Belichick was part of Tommy Hudspeth’s staff with the Detroit Lions. The whole staff was fired after the 1977 season. 1979 — Belichick latches on with the New York Giants, and begins a 12-year run with the team. After working as an assistant under Ray Perkins, Belichick assumes control of the defense under head coach Bill Parcells. That tandem helps the Giants to two Super Bowl wins. 1991 — Belichick earns his first head-coaching gig, with the Cleveland Browns. After a playoff run in 1994, Browns owner Art Modell announces the team’s intended move to Baltimore during the 1995 season. The Browns falter the rest of the way, and Belichick and his staff are fired. 1996 — Belichick goes back to the Super Bowl with Parcells, as an assistant in New England. Belichick begins forming his relationship with Patriots owner Robert Kraft. January 2000 — After a messy divorce with the Patriots in 1997, Parcells and Belichick went together to the New York Jets. After the 1999 season, Parcells resigned as Jets head coach. Belichick was supposed to be elevated to the job. Instead, Belichick scribbled “I resign as HC of the NYJ” on a napkin, attended his introductory press conference, and explained he was leaving. Soon after, Kraft hired him to lead the Patriots, replacing a fired Pete Carroll. April 2000 — The Patriots selected former Michigan quarterback Tom Brady 199th overall in the sixth round of the NFL draft. Belichick stashed him on the roster as the team’s fourth quarterback with Brady appearing in only one game his rookie season. The Patriots finished 5-11 in Belichick’s first season as New England’s coach. 2001 — Belichick elevated Brady to Drew Bledsoe’s backup to begin the season. In Week 2, after Bledsoe sustained a concussion and a collapsed lung in the second half of a game against the Jets, Brady took over under center. The Patriots went on to win their first Super Bowl, upsetting the St. Louis Rams. 2003 — The Patriots win the Super Bowl for the second time in three seasons, beating the Carolina Panthers, 32-29. 2004 — The Patriots became a full-fledged dynasty under Belichick with their third Super Bowl win in four years, beating the Philadelphia Eagles, 24-21. 2007 — “Spygate!” An NFL investigation validates claims that a New England videographer was recording defensive signals used by the Jets during a season-opening win. The Patriots were fined $250,000 and docked a first-round draft pick for violating NFL rules. Belichick was fined $500,000. 2007 — The Patriots responded to “Spygate” by averaging an NFL-best 36.8 points per game. They beat their first eight opponents by a combined 204 points. New England completed a perfect regular season, finishing with a 16-0 record following a thrilling 38-35 comeback victory over the New York Giants. But the Patriots’ hopes of an unbeaten season ended in 17-14 Super Bowl loss to the Giants. 2011 — The Patriots finished the regular season 13-3 and earned a trip to their fifth Super Bowl under Belichick. But they were again thwarted by the Giants in a 21-17 loss. 2014 — The Patriots finished their third straight regular season with 12 wins and earned their sixth trip to the Super Bowl in Belichick’s tenure. The game ended in dramatic fashion when undrafted rookie Malcolm Butler intercepted Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson’s short throw into the end zone and the Patriots end a decade-long drought without an NFL title by beating the defending champion Seahawks, 28-24. 2016 — The Patriots earned a fifth Super Bowl win in historic fashion, rallying from a 28-3 deficit in the third quarter to beat the Atlanta Falcons, 34-28, in Super Bowl 51. 2017 — Patriots made their eighth Super Bowl appearance under Belichick, but lost to the Philadelphia Eagles on the “Philly Special” trick play. 2018 — New England rebounded from the Super Bowl loss to the Eagles and made its ninth Super Bowl appearance under Belichick, beating the Rams 13-3 to capture the franchise’s sixth Lombardi Trophy. Belichick joined George Halas and Curly Lambeau as the only coaches with six NFL championships. 2020 — Belichick acquired former MVP Cam Newton to replace a departed Brady, but the Patriots stumbled to a 7-9 finish. Brady, meanwhile, led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a Super Bowl win, earning his seventh ring. 2021 — The Patriots drafted former Alabama quarterback Mac Jones. Jones got a Pro Bowl bid as a rookie and the Patriots went 10-7 in the regular season, but lost in the first round of the playoffs to Buffalo, 47-17. January 2024 — After stumbling through a pair of lackluster seasons, during which Belichick tried some questionable coaching assignments, the Belichick-Kraft marriage dissolved. The Patriots and the sure-to-be Hall-of-Fame coach parted ways after 24 seasons and nine trips to the Super Bowl, including six wins. December 2024 — After spending time as a television analyst and being on the hot-list for several NFL coaching vacancies, Belichick is hired as the next head football coach at the University of North Carolina, marking his first head coaching job at the college level. This story was originally published December 11, 2024, 6:11 PM.
From the Middle Out and Bottom UpAs rumors of her sightings spread, whispers of sympathy and curiosity followed in their wake. What had led this once esteemed actress to such a desperate state? Why did she refuse offers of food, yet continued to roam the streets in search of help?
ATLANTA — To improve Georgia’s troubled prison system, the General Assembly should hike correctional officer salaries, consider more private-public partnerships to expand capacity, increase mental health services and move to single-person cells to improve safety. Those are among a slate of recommendations that a state Senate study committee approved Friday, following hours of testimony at a series of meetings that began in August. Other recommendations that won approval include asking for an audit of contracts to identify any excessive vendor costs, ordering a compensation study, prioritizing new technology to improve security at current and new facilities, and taking action to make sure wardens adhere to consistent policies to prevent culture differences among facilities. The committee also recommended that the state seek federal approval to jam cellphone signals at prisons. Prisoners have used cellphones to run criminal enterprises from inside the prisons, including directing drug trafficking networks and operating various fraud schemes. But the committee voted against a recommendation to create an independent oversight department or bureau to monitor the state prison’s system. “Oversight is provided by regular committees, subcommittees and study committees, and I’m not sure we need to create yet another level,” said GOP Sen. John Albers in opposing the recommendation. The study committee chairman, GOP Sen. Randy Robertson also opposed the idea, saying he doesn’t favor an ombudsman process that doesn’t answer to anyone. “I think a part of oversight is what we’re doing right now,” he said. The study committee, created by the Senate in March , reached its recommendation after hearing more testimony Friday morning, primarily from advocates, people whose loved ones had died in custody, and people who had served sentences in Georgia. Most of the previous meetings focused on testimony from the Georgia Department of Corrections. Friday’s testimony included stories of rampant violence, deaths and inadequate health care experienced by those in prison. Suspicious deaths that weren’t properly investigated were also mentioned during the meeting. That included the testimony of Heather Hunt, whose son died at Rogers State Prison in September. She was told the death was a suicide, but she said prison officials were hostile to her questions and delayed providing information that didn’t add up when it was provided. In the wake of hearing the morning testimony, GOP Sen. Timothy Bearden suggested that the Georgia Bureau of Investigation should be brought in to investigate all deaths within Georgia’s prisons. Now, the GBI handles autopsies, but the GDC’s internal investigators handle most of the death investigations. Robertson said it’s generally up to GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver to decide whether to call in the GBI. Robertson said it might make sense to routinely rely on the GBI, although the committee did not plan to include the suggestion in its report. “One thing that it does is it takes the suspicion out of the mix and the conspiracy theories tend to go away when that happens,” Robertson said. Homicides within the Georgia prison system have reached record levels this year, the AJC has found. The General Assembly will take up the recommendations when it convenes in January. The Georgia General Assembly has faced increasing scrutiny in recent months in the wake of an AJC investigation , a blistering report issued in October by the U.S. Department of Justice and a highly critical contempt order issued in April by a federal judge in a long-running civil case . Gov. Brian Kemp announced in June that he had hired consultants to conduct a deep study of the prison system and recommend changes to improve conditions. The Georgia Department of Corrections has said it is making progress toward addressing problems within the prison system. ©2024 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Visit at ajc.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.In a statement released by Liverpool, manager Jurgen Klopp expressed his support for the loan move, stating that it will benefit Keita's development and help him rediscover his top form. Klopp emphasized the importance of regular playing time for Keita to regain his confidence and sharpness on the pitch.--Saturday Los Angeles Chargers (9-6) at New England Patriots (3-12), 1 p.m. ET, NFL Network No. 1 in the NFL in scoring defense at 18.3 points per game, the Chargers have yet to give up more than 20 points in a road game this season. That's been accomplished only by five teams in league history, most recently the 2010 Chicago Bears and 2001 Philadelphia Eagles. Turnovers have been a challenge for New England. The Patriots have lost five straight games while breaking in rookie quarterback Drake Maye (14 touchdowns, 10 interceptions). Maye has thrown a touchdown pass in seven straight games to tie Jim Plunkett (1971) for the longest streak by a rookie in franchise history. He has completed 67.6 percent of his passes, just behind the rookie record set by Dak Prescott (67.8) of the Dallas Cowboys in 2016. He also has a pick in seven consecutive games. Chargers QB Justin Herbert has only three interceptions -- 18 touchdowns -- this season, but two of them came in the past two games. New England is 12-2 all-time as the home team in this matchup. Denver Broncos (9-6) at Cincinnati Bengals (7-8), 4:30 p.m. ET, NFL Network Everything is at stake for the Broncos as the finish line to a surprising season approaches. Denver lost the inside track to the wild-card berth to the Chargers last week. But the franchise can still land a playoff berth and 10-win season for the first time since 2015, when Peyton Manning piloted the Super Bowl 50 champions. Denver leads the NFL with 51 sacks and rookie QB Bo Nix has six games with two or more TD passes and no interceptions this season. That's an impressive feat but Bengals QB Joe Burrow is setting the bar far higher. He leads the NFL with 4,229 passing yards and 39 touchdown passes. He's the fourth player with 4,000 passing yards and 30 touchdown passes in three of his first five seasons (Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, Dan Marino). Burrow's consistency is to be commended. He's the first player ever to record 250 passing yards and three touchdown passes in seven consecutive games, a streak he can stretch to eight on Saturday. WR Ja'Marr Chase leads the NFL with 108 receptions for 1,510 yards and 16 touchdowns, giving him 45 in his career. Only Randy Moss (53) and Jerry Rice (49) had more in their first four NFL seasons. Arizona Cardinals (7-8) at Los Angeles Rams (9-6), 8 p.m. ET, NFL Network Beat the Cardinals and the Rams can celebrate a sixth season with double-digit wins under Sean McVay. But to reach the playoffs for the fourth time in the past five seasons, Los Angeles has to wait for Week 18 and a matchup with the Seahawks. The Rams are cooking defensively, a credit to the production of their young front seven. WR Puka Nacua leads the NFL with 57 receptions since Week 10, with five-plus receptions and 50-plus receiving yards in each of his seven games during the span. The Cardinals lost in OT at Carolina last week to take themselves out of the mix for the postseason. It was Arizona's third loss in a row on the road, and the Rams beat the Cardinals 26-9 in Los Angeles last season. The Rams have won eight of 10 games since their bye week, when they were 1-4. Kyren Williams has provided support for quarterback Matthew Stafford during the Rams' 4-0 run in December. Williams, a Pro Bowl selection last season, has a career-high 1,243 yards and 13 rushing touchdowns on 303 carries following his 122-yard game against the Jets last week. --Sunday New York Jets (4-11) at Buffalo Bills (12-3), 1 p.m. ET, CBS The Bills are hoping to get wide receiver Amari Cooper going. Acquired from the Cleveland Browns in October, Cooper has 17 receptions for 241 yards and one touchdown in seven games with Buffalo. He had just one catch for 10 yards last week against the Patriots. Buffalo needs a win to finish 8-0 at home -- the Chiefs are also undefeated at home -- for the third time in franchise history (1988, 1990). Bills QB Josh Allen has 75 career regular-season wins, tied with Russell Wilson for the most regular-season wins by a quarterback in his first seven seasons in NFL history. There are big numbers on the line for the Jets, but none of them relate to the playoffs. Aaron Rodgers has 499 regular-season TD passes. He's one away from joining the 500 Club of Tom Brady (649), Drew Brees (571), Peyton Manning (539) and Brett Favre (508). Manning (244 games) is the only player to reach 500 in fewer than 250 career games; Rodgers is playing No. 247 on Sunday. The Jets are 1-5 over their past six games and lost the first matchup between these teams 23-20 in Week 6. Carolina Panthers (4-11) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-7), 1 p.m. ET, CBS Carolina put up 36 points and took down the Cardinals last week. The Panthers are playing inspired ball and would be thrilled to continue in the spoiler role by bumping Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers out of the top spot in the NFC South. Mayfield, who started for Carolina to open the 2022 season, found his Pro Bowl form under current Panthers coach Dave Canales, Tampa's offensive coordinator last season. Mayfield has five games with at least 300 passing yards and multiple TD passes this season. That's the bar Panthers QB Bryce Young aspires to, but he's content letting RB Chuba Hubbard carry the offense when necessary. Hubbard has career highs in yards from scrimmage (1,366), rushing yards (1,195) and rushing TDs (10) in 2024. The Buccaneers are trying to bounce back from a costly loss at Dallas. Down two late in the fourth quarter, Buccaneers RB Rachaad White lost a fumble that ended the potential game-winning drive. Mayfield is adamant he wants WR Mike Evans to get to 1,000 yards for the 11th consecutive season. Evans needs 182 yards and has owned Carolina with an average of 140.5 yards in his past four home games against the Panthers. Dallas Cowboys (7-8) at Philadelphia Eagles (12-3), 1 p.m. ET, FOX RB Saquon Barkley could carry the load this week with QB concerns for the Eagles. Jalen Hurts (concussion) and Kenny Pickett (ribs) were both hurt in the 36-33 loss to the Washington Commanders last Sunday. That's only part of what's different since Dallas was whipped 34-6 by the Eagles on Nov. 10. Even with the Cowboys working their way back toward .500, Dallas subtracted another peak playmaker in WR CeeDee Lamb. Second in the NFL with 101 receptions, Lamb is on the shelf for the rest of the season right alongside QB Dak Prescott. The Eagles are primed to lean on their constant threat in Barkley, who leads the NFL in yards from scrimmage (2,114) and rushing (1,838). With Lamb out, life becomes more difficult for QB Cooper Rush at the controls of the Cowboys' offense. Rush has guided Dallas to wins in four of the last five games, throwing nine touchdown passes and just one interception. The Eagles' defense had five takeaways at Washington last week but has a minus-10 turnover margin (28 turnovers, 18 takeaways) while the Cowboys are tied for fifth in the NFL at plus-10 (26 takeaways, 16 turnovers). Indianapolis Colts (7-8) at New York Giants (2-13), 1 p.m. ET, FOX Indianapolis is mathematically alive in the playoff hunt but trails the Los Angeles Chargers and Denver Broncos by two games with two contests left. The Chargers and Broncos both have games on Saturday. If both nine-win clubs win, the Colts will be eliminated and miss the playoffs for the fourth straight season. Colts QB Anthony Richardson might be held out if there's no spoils on the line for Indy, as he's battling foot and back injuries. A heavier workload suits Jonathan Taylor, who rushed for 218 yards and three scores on 29 carries during last weekend's 38-30 home win over the Tennessee Titans. New York is in danger of losing an 11th consecutive game behind an offense putting up only 14.3 points per game this season. The Giants are starting Drew Lock at quarterback for the fourth time in the past five games. Lock underwent an MRI on his passing shoulder Monday but no damage was found. He hurt it during Sunday's 34-7 road loss against the Atlanta Falcons. Lock is 0-3 as a starter this season and has completed just 52.7 percent of his passes. He has one touchdown and four interceptions in 129 attempts. Tennessee Titans (3-12) at Jacksonville Jaguars (3-12), 1 p.m. ET, CBS For the second time in 21 days, the Titans and Jaguars square off with a spot in the AFC South cellar -- and near the top of the NFL draft order -- hanging in the balance. It could be argued that the loser will come out ahead in the long run. After all, that team would enhance its chances to earn the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Mason Rudolph, who threw for 252 yards and two touchdowns in last Sunday's 38-30 loss at Indianapolis, gets the start over Will Levis for the Titans this week. Rudolph also threw three interceptions, adding to the team's NFL-high total of 32 turnovers. The Titans' offensive line has permitted 47 sacks this season -- 40 with Levis at the helm. Levis also has thrown 12 interceptions and lost two fumbles, while Rudolph has thrown eight picks and lost a fumble. When the teams met on Dec. 8 in Nashville, Jacksonville notched a 10-6 win, holding Tennessee to 272 total yards and limiting Levis to 168 yards passing. It's the Jaguars' only road win of the season. Jacksonville is coming off a 19-14 loss last week in Las Vegas, another three-win team. The defeat moved Jacksonville up to the projected No. 3 overall pick, one spot ahead of the Titans. The Jaguars could be without as many as six usual starters on offense this week. Las Vegas Raiders (3-12) at New Orleans Saints (5-10), 1 p.m. ET, FOX Las Vegas hired Antonio Pierce as head coach after the team had an encouraging 5-4 record during his stint as interim head coach last season. Still, the disappointing 2024 season leaves Pierce's future in question. New Orleans is 3-3 under interim head coach Darren Rizzi, who was promoted when Dennis Allen was fired after a seven-game losing streak this season. The Raiders are expected to start second-year quarterback Aidan O'Connell, who has shared that role with Gardner Minshew and Desmond Ridder. Rizzi earned victories in his first two games in charge and three of the first four, but the team had by far its worst performance under him in a 34-0 road loss to the Green Bay Packers on Monday night. Former Raiders quarterback Derek Carr, who is in his second season in New Orleans, is trying to return from an injury to his left (non-throwing) hand. Rookie fifth-round pick Spencer Rattler, who is 0-4 as a starter and played poorly against the Packers, is more likely to start Sunday. Las Vegas ended a 10-game losing streak by beating the visiting Jacksonville Jaguars 19-14 last week. Miami Dolphins (7-8) at Cleveland Browns (3-12), 4:05 p.m. ET, CBS Saturday's NFL slate could determine whether the Dolphins are playing for more than pride. Miami hopes to have a chance at the playoffs, while the only thing Cleveland can do is find a rare winning feeling in a disappointing season. Expected to contend for a second straight playoff berth, the Browns instead have an outside chance to earn the No. 1 overall pick in April's NFL Draft. A third starting quarterback of the year, second-year pro Dorian Thompson-Robinson, gets the call with Jameis Winston (shoulder) ailing and Deshaun Watson (Achilles) out for the season. In a 24-6 road loss to the Cincinnati Bengals last week, Thompson-Robinson finished 20 of 34 for 157 yards while tossing two interceptions and absorbing five sacks. Thompson-Robinson, who was limited in practice on Thursday because of a quad issue, wants to do a better job avoiding those outcomes. The Dolphins' defense could help in that matter as they entered the weekend 26th in sacks (31) and tied for 22nd in interceptions (eight). Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said he won't rest players even if the Chargers and Broncos push Miami out of the playoffs on Saturday. Green Bay (11-4) at Minnesota Vikings (13-2), 4:25 p.m. ET, FOX There is still a lot on the line for the Vikings and Packers, who are behind the Detroit Lions in the NFC North but competing for playoff position. Free agent signee Sam Darnold is the first quarterback to win 13-plus games in his first season with a team since Dak Prescott with the Cowboys in 2016 and first non-rookie since Peyton Manning with the Broncos in 2012. He's had immense production from former Packers RB Aaron Jones and All-Pro WR Justin Jefferson (92 receptions for 1,387 yards, 10 TDs). Head coach Kevin O'Connell has 13 wins in two of his first three years with the Vikings -- only current Packers coach Matt LaFleur and former 49ers coach George Seifert have done that. Green Bay also has a playoff spot clinched for the fifth time in six seasons under LaFleur. Powered by Jones' replacement Josh Jacobs (career-high 13 rushing TDs) and QB Jordan Love, the Packers fell short of a furious comeback in the Week 4 meeting. Love had 389 yards and four TDs but was intercepted three times. He also had four total TDs in last season's win at Minnesota on New Year's Eve. Atlanta Falcons (8-7) at Washington Commanders (10-5), 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC A matchup of top-10 draft picks headlines the "Sunday Night Football" showdown in Week 17. With only one career start under his belt, Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr., the No. 8 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, attempts to boost Atlanta's playoff chances against Commanders QB Jayden Daniels, the No. 2 pick. The Commanders are hunting their first playoff berth since 2020. Washington could have a playoff spot wrapped up if the Panthers beat the Buccaneers on Sunday afternoon. If Tampa Bay wins, Washington can clinch with a win over Atlanta. Atlanta is searching for its third straight victory while Washington has won three in a row and could get to 11 wins for the first time since 1991. Penix won his debut start at home last week, completing 18 of 27 passes (66.7 percent) for 202 yards with an interception and led the Falcons to four scoring drives in a 34-7 home win against the Giants. Daniels is coming off a five-touchdown performance, including the game-winner with six seconds remaining, to lead Washington to an upset win over the visiting Eagles. He passed for 258 yards and ran for 81. Daniels has rushed for a team-high 737 yards along with six touchdowns. Washington entered Week 17 third in rushing (152.7 yards per game) and 16th in passing (220.9 yards per game). --Field Level Media
Next year's economic policy is set to be clearly defined, with a focus on strengthening extraordinary countercyclical adjustments. As the global economy continues to face uncertainties and challenges, it is crucial for governments to adopt proactive measures to maintain stability and promote growth. In this regard, the emphasis on enhanced measures beyond the norm is gaining traction among policymakers worldwide.
Gun found on suspect in killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO matches shell casings at scene, police say ALTOONA, Pa. (AP) — New York City’s police commissioner says the gun found on the suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO matches shell casings found at the crime scene. Commissioner Jessica Tisch also said Wednesday that lab results matched suspect Luigi Mangione’s prints to a water bottle and a snack bar wrapper found near the scene of the killing. Police had said earlier that they believed the gunman bought the items at a nearby coffee shop while awaiting his target. Mangione is jailed in Pennsylvania on weapon and forgery charges, but he also has been charged in New York with murder in Brian Thompson's death. His lawyer has noted that Mangione is presumed innocent. Authorities are scrutinizing evidence and the suspect’s experiences with the health care industry. Arguments over whether Luigi Mangione is a 'hero' offer a glimpse into an unusual American moment Memes and online posts in support of 26-year-old Luigi Mangione, who's charged with killing UnitedHealthcare's CEO, have mushroomed online. Some cast Mangione as a hero. That's too far, says Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, a rising Democrat who was almost the Democratic vice presidential nominee this year. CEO Brian Thompson's death touched off off these ripples. They offer a glimpse into how so many different aspects of 21st-century life can be surreally connected, from public violence to politics, from health care to humor, or attempts at it. FBI Director Wray says he intends to resign before Trump takes office in January WASHINGTON (AP) — FBI Director Christopher Wray says he plans to resign at the end of President Joe Biden’s term in January. The announcement Wednesday comes a week and a half after President-elect Donald Trump announced his intention to nominate loyalist Kash Patel for the position. His impending resignation will bring him three years short of the completion of a 10-year term during which he tried to keep the FBI out of politics even as the bureau found itself entangled in a string of explosive investigations. Trump applauded the news Wednesday, saying it will end the weaponization of what he called the “Department of Injustice.” Donald Trump will ring the New York Stock Exchange bell as he's named Time's Person of the Year NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump is expected to ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange for the first time and be named Time magazine's Person of the Year. Thursday's events will be a notable moment of twin recognitions for Trump, a born-and-bred New Yorker who has long seen praise from the business world and media as a sign of success. Four people with knowledge of his plans told The Associated Press that Trump was expected to be on Wall Street on Thursday to mark the ceremonial start of the day's trading, while a person familiar with the selection confirmed that Trump had been selected as Time's Person of the Year. The Trump and Biden teams insist they're working hand in glove on foreign crises WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump doesn’t think much of Joe Biden’s foreign policy record. He frequently casts the outgoing Democratic president as a feckless leader who shredded American credibility around the world during his four-year term. But the Trump and Biden national security teams have come to an understanding that they have no choice but to work together as conflicts in Gaza, Syria and Ukraine have left a significant swath of the world on a knife’s edge. It’s fuzzy how much common ground Biden and Trump’s teams have found as they navigate crises that threaten to cause more global upheaval as Trump prepares to settle back into the White House. Syrians flock to morgues looking for loved ones who perished in Assad's prisons DAMASCUS (AP) — Many bodies have been found in Syrian detention centers and prisons since President Bashar al-Assad's government fell. Now Syrians around the world are circulating images of the corpses in hopes that they will see slain loved ones whose fate had been a mystery. At the morgue visited by The Associated Press on Wednesday in Damascus, families flocked to a wall where some of the pictures were pinned in a haunting gallery of the dead. Relatives desperately scanned the images for a recognizable face. Some of the prisoners died just weeks ago. Others perished months earlier. US warns Russia may be ready to use new lethal missile against Ukraine again in 'coming days' WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon says Russia could launch its lethal new intermediate-range ballistic missile against Ukraine again soon. Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh cited a U.S. intelligence assessment in telling reporters on Wednesday that an attack could come “in the coming days.” She says the U.S. does not consider the Oreshnik missile a game changer on the battlefield. But that Russia is using the weapon to intimidate Ukraine as both sides wrestle for an advantage that will give them leverage in any negotiations to end the war. The Russian Defense Ministry also is warning it may retaliate against Kyiv for an attack on a military base in the Rostov region in southern Russia on Wednesday. Israeli strikes on Gaza kill at least 33 including children, Palestinian medics say DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Palestinian medical officials say Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip have killed at least 33 people. One of the strikes hit a home where displaced people were sheltering in the isolated north, killing 19. A separate strike outside nearby Kamal Adwan Hospital killed a woman and her two children, and another strike in central Gaza killed at least seven people. Israel's military says it tries to avoid harming civilians and accuses militants of hiding among them, putting their lives in danger. Local health officials say Israel’s retaliatory offensive after the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023 has killed over 44,000 Palestinians in Gaza. Hannah Kobayashi, missing Hawaii woman whose disappearance prompted a massive search, is found safe LOS ANGELES (AP) — Hannah Kobayashi has been found safe. That’s according to the Los Angeles Police Department. Kobayashi vanished last month in Los Angeles. The missing Hawaii woman's disappearance prompted a massive search and a missing persons investigation. It was not immediately clear where she was found, but police previously said she had voluntarily crossed the border into Mexico. The LAPD said Wednesday the department will wrap up its investigation. Kobayashi's family reported her missing to law enforcement on Nov. 11 after relatives received “strange and cryptic, just alarming” text messages. Kobayashi’s mother and sister said they are “grateful” she has been found safe. Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 World Cup. But when exactly? ZURICH (AP) — Saudi Arabia scored a major win in its campaign to attract major sports events to the kingdom when it was formally appointed as the 2034 World Cup host on Wednesday. Still, many questions remain about the tournament. Key issues include during which part of the year to stage the tournament, where to play the games, whether alcohol will be allowed at all and how to protect workers rights in the massive construction projects required to host the World Cup.Moving forward, it will also be crucial for the international community to support the process of power transfer and work towards a sustainable and inclusive peace in Syria. This can be achieved through diplomatic efforts, humanitarian aid, and a commitment to upholding human rights and the rule of law.
The recent wave of airstrikes represents one of the most intense and sustained military campaigns by Israel against targets in Syria in recent years. The frequency and precision of the strikes demonstrate Israel's military capabilities and determination to defend its interests in the region. However, the airstrikes have also raised concerns about the potential for wider conflict and the risk of unintended escalation.In conclusion, the attention and praise surrounding Xiao Hua's haircut for Xiang Zuo serve as a reminder of the importance of skill and precision in the world of hairstyling. The incident has not only garnered interest and admiration but has also highlighted the significance of finding a hairstylist who can deliver exceptional results. With his 30-minute haircuts and unwavering attention to detail, Xiao Hua has undoubtedly left a lasting impression on both his clients and the public.
Manchester United Officially Signs 14-Year-Old Grassroots Midfield Prodigy! Reveals Himself as a Fan of Ronaldo and Messi, Rejects Arsenal and Chelsea
By DAVID A. LIEB Artificial intelligence. Abortion. Guns. Marijuana. Minimum wages. Name a hot topic, and chances are good there’s a new law about it taking effect in 2025 in one state or another. Many of the laws launching in January are a result of legislation passed this year. Others stem from ballot measures approved by voters. Some face legal challenges. Here’s a look at some of the most notable state laws taking effect: California, home to Hollywood and some of the largest technology companies, is seeking to rein in the artificial intelligence industry and put some parameters around social media stars. New laws seek to prevent the use of digital replicas of Hollywood actors and performers without permission and allow the estates of dead performers to sue over unauthorized AI use. Parents who profit from social media posts featuring their children will be required to set aside some earnings for their young influencers. A new law also allows children to sue their parents for failing to do so. New social media restrictions in several states face court challenges. Related Articles National Politics | Trump has pressed for voting changes. GOP majorities in Congress will try to make that happen National Politics | Exhausted by political news? TV ratings and new poll say you’re not alone National Politics | Trump vows to pursue executions after Biden commutes most of federal death row National Politics | Elon Musk’s preschool is the next step in his anti-woke education dreams National Politics | Trump’s picks for top health jobs not just team of rivals but ‘team of opponents’ A Florida law bans children under 14 from having social media accounts and requires parental consent for ages 14 and 15. But enforcement is being delayed because of a lawsuit filed by two associations for online companies, with a hearing scheduled for late February. A new Tennessee law also requires parental consent for minors to open accounts on social media. NetChoice, an industry group for online businesses, is challenging the law. Another new state law requires porn websites to verify that visitors are at least 18 years old. But the Free Speech Coalition, a trade association for the adult entertainment industry, has filed a challenge. Several new California measures aimed at combating political deepfakes are also being challenged, including one requiring large social media platforms to remove deceptive content related to elections and another allowing any individual to sue for damages over the use of AI to create fabricated images or videos in political ads . In a first nationally, California will start enforcing a law prohibiting school districts from adopting policies that require staff to notify parents if their children change their gender identification . The law was a priority for Democratic lawmakers who wanted to halt such policies passed by several districts. Many states have passed laws limiting or protecting abortion rights since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned a nationwide right to the procedure in 2022. One of the latest is the Democratic-led state of Delaware. A law there will require the state employee health plan and Medicaid plans for lower-income residents to cover abortions with no deductible , copayments or other cost-sharing requirements. A new Minnesota law prohibits guns with “binary triggers” that allow for more rapid fire, causing a weapon to fire one round when the trigger is pulled and another when it is released. In Delaware, a law adds colleges and universities to a list of school zones where guns are prohibited, with exceptions for those working in their official capacity such as law officers and commissioned security guards. Kentucky is becoming the latest state to let people use marijuana for medical purposes . To apply for a state medical cannabis card, people must get written certification from a medical provider of a qualifying condition, such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, epilepsy, chronic nausea or post-traumatic stress disorder. Nearly four-fifths of U.S. states have now legalized medical marijuana. Minimum wage workers in more than 20 states are due to receive raises in January. The highest minimum wages will be in Washington, California and Connecticut, all of which will top $16 an hour after modest increases. The largest increases are scheduled in Delaware, where the minimum wage will rise by $1.75 to $15 an hour, and in Nebraska, where a ballot measure approved by voters in 2022 will add $1.50 to the current minimum of $12 an hour. Twenty other states still follow the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour. In Oregon, using drugs on public transit will be considered a misdemeanor crime of interfering with public transportation. While the measure worked its way through the legislature, multiple transportation officials said drug use on buses and trains, and at transit stops and stations, was making passengers and drivers feel less safe. In Missouri, law enforcement officers have spent the past 16 months issuing warnings to motorists that handheld cellphone use is illegal. Starting with the new year, penalties will kick in: a $150 fine for the first violation, progressing to $500 for third and subsequent offenses and up to 15 years imprisonment if a driver using a cellphone cause an injury or death. But police must notice a primary violation, such as speeding or weaving across lanes, to cite motorists for violating the cellphone law. Montana is the only state that hasn’t banned texting while driving , according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Tenants in Arizona will no longer have to pay tax on their monthly rent , thanks to the repeal of a law that had allowed cities and towns to impose such taxes. While a victory for renters, the new law is a financial loss for governments. An analysis by Arizona’s nonpartisan Joint Legislative Budget Committee estimated that $230 million would be lost in municipal tax revenue during the first full fiscal year of implementation. Meanwhile Alabama will offer tax credits to businesses that help employees with child care costs. Kansas is eliminating its 2% sales tax on groceries. It also is cutting individual income taxes by dropping the top tax rate, increasing a credit for child care expenses and exempting all Social Security income from taxes, among other things. Taxpayers are expected to save about $320 million a year going forward. An Oklahoma law expands voting privileges to people who have been convicted of felonies but had their sentences discharged or commuted, including commutations for crimes that have been reclassified from felonies to misdemeanors. Former state Sen. George Young, an Oklahoma City Democrat, carried the bill in the Senate. “I think it’s very important that people who have gone through trials and tribulations in their life, that we have a system that brings them back and allows them to participate as contributing citizens,” Young said. Associated Press writers Trân Nguyễn in Sacramento, California; Kate Payne in Tallahassee, Florida; Jonathan Mattise in Nashville, Tennessee; Randall Chase in Dover, Delaware; Steve Karnowski in Minneapolis; Bruce Schreiner in Frankfort, Kentucky; Claire Rush in Portland, Oregon; Summer Ballentine in Jefferson City, Missouri; Gabriel Sandoval in Phoenix; Kim Chandler in Montgomery, Alabama; John Hanna in Topeka, Kansas; and Sean Murphy in Oklahoma City contributed.
Efforts to restore peace and stability to Damascus have been ongoing, with local authorities working to maintain order and security in the city. Police checkpoints, security personnel, and patrols are a common sight on the streets, as the government seeks to prevent further outbreaks of violence and maintain a semblance of control. However, the challenges facing Damascus are immense, and the road to lasting peace remains a long and arduous one.