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KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Taylor Swift once raved about the sweet potato casserole served at a New York City restaurant and now that recipe pops up every now and again at Thanksgiving. The holidays encourage many of us to try new recipes. Social media right now is flooded with recipes for appetizers, side dishes and desserts. Anyone making from TikTok? While we might not get to share a Thanksgiving feast with Swift — is your name Blake Lively? — or other celebrities beloved by Kansas City, we can eat like them. So here’s the recipe for that casserole Swift loved so much, and favorite family side dish recipes from Donna Kelce and Eric Stonestreet. Enjoy. Donna Kelce’s dinner rolls If we tried to guess Travis Kelce and his brother, Jason Kelce, have scarfed over the years, would it be in the hundreds? Thousands? Their mom has spoken often about the batches of holiday crescent rolls she has baked over the years. Based on the recipe that won the 1969 Pillsbury Bake-Off, , they’re now known as Mama Kelce’s Dinner Rolls. They blend the crescent roll pastry with marshmallows, cinnamon and sugar. We bet they didn’t last long enough in front of Travis and Jason for that debate. •1/4 cup granulated sugar •2 tablespoons Pillsbury Best all-purpose flour •1 teaspoon ground cinnamon •2 (8-ounce) cans refrigerated Pillsbury Original Crescent Rolls (8 Count) •16 large marshmallows •1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted •1/2 cup powdered sugar •1/2 teaspoon vanilla •2-3 teaspoons milk •1/4 cup chopped nuts Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray 16 medium muffin cups with nonstick baking spray. In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar, flour and cinnamon. Separate the dough into 16 triangles. For each roll, dip 1 marshmallow into melted butter; roll in the sugar mixture. Place marshmallow on the shortest side of a triangle. Roll up, starting at shortest side and rolling to opposite point. Completely cover the marshmallow with the dough; firmly pinch edges to seal. Dip 1 end in remaining butter; place butter side down in muffin cup. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. When done, remove from the oven and let the puffs cool in the pan for 1 minute. Remove rolls from muffin cups; place on cooling racks set over waxed paper. In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar, vanilla and enough milk for desired drizzling consistency. Drizzle glaze over warm rolls. Sprinkle with nuts. Serve warm. Eric Stonestreet’s Roasted Brussels Sprouts Thanksgiving is one of the “Modern Family” star’s favorite holidays. Three years ago, as part of a , he shared one of his favorite recipe with McCormick Spices: . This recipe serves eight. •1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved •1 pound butternut squash, peeled and cut into bite-size cubes •1 tablespoon olive oil •1/2 teaspoon garlic powder •1/2 teaspoon thyme leaves •1/2 teaspoon salt •1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper •5 slices bacon, chopped •1 shallot, finely chopped •1/2 cup dried cranberries •1/4 cup balsamic vinegar •1 teaspoon whole grain mustard •1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted (optional) •1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese, (optional) 1. Preheat oven to 475°F. Spray large shallow baking pan with no stick cooking spray; set aside. Place Brussels sprouts and squash in large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, thyme, salt and pepper; toss to coat evenly. Spread in single layer on prepared pan. 2. Roast 16 to 18 minutes or until tender and lightly browned, stirring halfway through cooking. 3. Meanwhile, cook bacon in medium skillet on medium heat about 6 minutes or until crispy. Remove using slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain. Add shallot to same skillet; cook and stir 2 minutes until softened and lightly browned. Stir in cranberries, vinegar and mustard until well blended. Transfer mixture to small bowl; set aside. 4. Arrange roasted Brussels sprouts and squash on serving platter. Drizzle with cranberry balsamic glaze and toss gently to coat. Sprinkle with cooked bacon, toasted pecans, and crumbled blue cheese, if desired. Serve immediately. Taylor Swift’s favorite sweet potato casserole Swift gushed about the sweet potato casserole served at Del Frisco’s Grille in New York City, a dish crowned with a crunchy candied pecan and oatmeal crumble. “I’ve never enjoyed anything with the word casserole in it ever before, but it’s basically sweet potatoes with this brown sugary crust,” she told InStyle. The media rushed to find the recipe, which Parade has . “Similar to T. Swift herself, we think this recipe is a mastermind, especially if you’ve been asked to bring the sweet potato side dish to this year’s Thanksgiving feast. It seriously begs the question: who needs pumpkin pie?” the magazine writes. •4 lbs sweet potatoes •1⁄3 cup oats •12 oz unsalted butter, divided •1⁄2 cup packed brown sugar •1⁄2 cup toasted pecans •1⁄2 cup granulated sugar •1 tsp kosher salt •2 tsp vanilla extract •4 large eggs, beaten Preheat oven to 375°F. 1. Scrub sweet potatoes. Pierce each several times with a fork and wrap tightly in foil. Place on a sheet pan. Bake 90 minutes or until tender. Set aside until cool enough to handle. 2. Meanwhile, place oats in a food processor; process 1 minute. Add 4 oz butter, brown sugar and pecans; pulse five times to combine. Spread mixture on a baking sheet; bake 10 minutes. Remove from oven, crumble. Bake 5 minutes or until golden brown. 3. Melt remaining 8 oz butter. Remove skin from cooled sweet potatoes. In a large bowl, whisk sweet potatoes, melted butter, granulated sugar and remaining ingredients until slightly lumpy. Transfer to a greased baking dish, smoothing surface evenly. Top with oat mixture. Bake 12 minutes or until heated through. •Sweet potato filling can be made up to 2 days in advance. Prepare the sweet potato filling, cool, place in a casserole dish and keep refrigerated. •Oat-pecan crust can also be made up to 2 days ahead. Make the crust according to recipe directions, cool and store in an airtight container at room temperature. Sprinkle over the sweet potato filling just before baking. More Thanksgiving recipesAcross the northeastern United States, residents have reported an uptick in drone sightings that have bemused some and caused concerns of spying for others. Video above: Is that a drone or a plane? Expert helps explain the differences As national attention has caused people to look skyward now more than ever, here are some basic facts about drones, including federal regulations, how to spot a drone, and information about your rights when it comes to airspace. What is a drone? A drone, or unmanned aircraft system (UAS) is a remote-controlled, flying device capable of achieving high speeds and taking high-definition photos and video. Commercial drones have been around and available for more than a decade, and recent technology has allowed these incredible flying aircraft to be available and accessible to nearly everyone. How big are drones, and what do they look like? While drones can come in all shapes and sizes, there are two main variations of these flying marvels to look out for. The most common is a quadcopter-style vehicle, which means a drone with four sets of rotors similar to those on a helicopter. These drones are capable of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) and have incredibly high maneuverability, being able to change directions and elevation with ease. Quadcopter drones can range greatly in size, with the smallest weighing just a few ounces and fitting in the palm of your hand. More advanced and more sophisticated quadcopter-style drones can be several feet across and weigh up to 55 pounds. However, advances in technology for many commercially available devices have allowed these drones to be smaller and lighter in recent years. The second type of drone is a fixed-wing vehicle, in the style of a commercial airliner. These drones can be larger and require more skill to fly. They are similar to remote-controlled aircraft used by hobbyists. Fixed-wing craft are much less common and tend to be more expensive than their quadcopter cousins. Drones are not allowed to fly more than 100 mph, as per FAA regulations. How much do drones cost? The answer to this is complicated, as pricing depends greatly on what the drone is being used for and how advanced it is. Many stores and websites, including Target, Walmart, Best Buy and Amazon, sell small "toy" drones for prices as low as $30. These drones are much less sophisticated, have less advanced cameras and are marketed toward hobbyists and sometimes even children. There are several companies that sell professional-grade or "pro-sumer" drones that can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. These companies include DJI and Sony. Some of these drones are capable of shooting 8K video and incredibly high-quality photos. You will likely see these types of drones being used by licensed pilots. What are the regulations around drones? Commercially available drones are strictly monitored and regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration, or FAA, due to concerns around public safety and national security. No license is required for a person looking to fly a drone strictly for recreational use. There are size and weight restrictions around these drones. However, you are still required to complete a brief online course called TRUST through the FAA to fly recreationally. This test includes basic aeronautical knowledge and safety information to ensure that you can operate safely. Drone pilots who fly a drone for any purpose other than recreational use are required to obtain a Part 107 license, also known as a Remote Pilot License , from the FAA before flying. This license allows a pilot to fly a drone for work or business. Some use cases include real estate photography, construction site surveillance or even a monetized YouTube or TikTok account of nature photography. Law enforcement agencies also utilize licensed remote pilots for official police operations including search and rescue or surveillance operations. All drones that weigh more than 0.55 pounds, or 250 grams, must be registered with the FAA. You can see the current number of registered drones in the United States here . As of this writing, there are more than 1 million drones registered with the FAA nationwide. As of 2021, all drones operating after civil twilight are required to utilize flashing strobe lights for safety. That is why you may see a series of blinking lights on a drone flying after dark. Where can you fly a drone? The FAA rules and restrictions around drones are very complicated. All airspace in the United States has been mapped by the FAA and broken out into different classifications. A majority of the airspace in the United States either falls under Class G — Uncontrolled airspace — or Class E. Airspace around sensitive locations, including airports, is classified as either Class A, B, C or D. You can learn more about airspace classifications and regulations here . There are also rules around how high you can fly a drone. Drones cannot be flown higher than 400 feet AGL (Above Ground Level) with that ceiling lower in certain airspace classifications. This is done to prevent possible interference with manned aircraft. Can you shoot down a drone over your property? The short answer is no, you cannot shoot a drone out of the sky, even if it is hovering or flying over your property. This is a federal crime, as the FAA considers it shooting at an aircraft, according to Cornell Law School . Anyone who violates this rule could spend up to 20 years in prison. Remember, the FAA controls all airspace in the country, even the airspace above your property. Where can I learn more about drones and regulations? If you are interested in learning more about drones and how to fly one, you can find more information on the FAA website . You can also see an extensive list of frequently asked questions here . Editor's note: Author Michael Cusanelli is a federally licensed UAS Pilot with a current Part 107 certificate. He is a member of sister station WPTZ's Sky 5 Drone Team and operates a drone for station events and news coverage.JD Martin Expands Representation of Dialight into North and South Carolina
Ethan Taylor scores 21 as Air Force takes down Mercyhurst 82-48Washington: In the heat of the 2000 presidential campaign, Vice President Al Gore took a break from barnstorming battleground states to attend a fundraiser for the Democratic National Committee in East Hampton, New York. Standing behind Gore onstage was Scott Bessent, a hedge fund manager and — at the time — a major donor to Democrats who cohosted the event at his home. On Saturday AEDT, Bessent was tapped by President-elect Donald Trump to be his Treasury secretary. Having won the trust of Trump and his inner circle, Bessent would lead a Republican economic agenda of cutting taxes, culling federal regulations and enacting sweeping tariffs. As Treasury secretary, Scott Bessent would help Donald Trump as he attempts to remake the US economy. Credit: AP The selection caps an extraordinary career arc for an investor who was once a protege of liberal billionaire philanthropist George Soros and gave money to top Democrats, including Hillary Clinton, John Kerry and Barack Obama. “He was very supportive of the causes and the people that we supported,” said Will Trinkle, a Democrat who cohosted the event with Gore. He noted that Bessent, who would be the first openly gay Treasury secretary, was a strong advocate for gay rights and marriage equality. If confirmed by the Senate, Bessent would help Trump as he attempts to remake the US economy. As Treasury secretary, Bessent would work to steer tax cuts through Congress, lead trade negotiations with China and help cull federal regulations that Trump believes are stifling the economy. Bessent, 62, declined to be interviewed. But friends and former colleagues described him as driven by data and as intellectually curious, with an ability to work with people from across the ideological and political spectrum. Raised in a fishing village in South Carolina, Bessent is the son of a real estate developer who experienced several of his own financial booms and busts. He went on to Yale University, where he was class treasurer, wrote for The Yale Daily News and wanted to become a journalist. In college, Bessent reflected on the challenges of being a Southerner in New England, writing in the paper in 1981: “I was the only one in the dorm who was heartbroken when George Wallace decided not to run for president.” Bessent studied political science but ended up working in finance after getting an internship with Jim Rogers, an investor and business partner of Soros’. In the 1990s, he worked as a partner at Soros Fund Management, gaining notoriety by betting against the British pound and earning the firm $US1 billion. After leaving to start his own fund, Bessent returned in 2011 to become Soros’ chief investment officer. By then, Bessent had become a major donor to Republican candidates. According to a summary of his donations provided by his office, Bessent has given about $US15 million ($23 million) to political causes over the years and all but $US300,000 has gone to Republicans. He gave $US1 million to Trump’s inauguration in 2016. Scott Bessent has described tariffs as a useful tool for achieving foreign policy objectives. Credit: Bloomberg Bessent was not part of Trump’s political orbit during his first campaign or term as president, but has known the Trump family for decades and was close friends with the president-elect’s late brother, Robert. This past spring, when many business leaders were hesitant to back Trump publicly as his legal troubles mounted, Bessent took a different view. He saw Trump as a “stock that goes up on bad news”, as he explained it to political analyst Mark Halperin last month, because every apparent setback appeared to strengthen his candidacy. Concerned about the exploding national debt and the need to change the international trading system, Bessent set up a meeting with Trump and started exchanging economic policy ideas. In recent months, Bessent has pitched a “3-3-3” plan that would aim for 3 per cent economic growth, reduce the budget deficit to 3 per cent of gross domestic product and increase domestic oil production by 3 million barrels per day. He also came up with an idea that would allow the president to essentially sideline the chair of the Federal Reserve, although he has backed down from that proposal in the face of opposition. In some policy areas, Bessent has demonstrated an inclination to temper Trump’s economic impulses. He suggested that Trump’s idea of assigning a 15 per cent tax rate to companies that produce their products in the US could run afoul of international trade laws. And he has described Trump’s plan for blanket tariffs as a “maximalist” negotiating strategy, suggesting that tariffs should be phased in to give markets time to adjust. Bessent was chosen after an internal tussle among Trump’s aides over the job. Howard Lutnick, Trump’s transition team co-chair and CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, made a late pitch to secure the Treasury secretary role for himself. As Trump was deciding, sceptics of Bessent raised concerns about his ties to Soros and suggested he was not a true believer in tariffs. However, he won the public support of key advisers to Trump such as Larry Kudlow and Steve Bannon, who viewed him as the best choice. For Bessent, the challenge now will be remaining in Trump’s good graces as the president-elect once again looks to upend the international trading system and rewrite the tax code. Trump’s first Treasury secretary, Steven Mnuchin, often tried to dissuade Trump from imposing new tariffs and would attempt to calm markets as trade tensions flared. Still, he managed to maintain Trump’s trust. Stanley Druckenmiller, a hedge fund investor who worked with Bessent at Soros Fund Management, said that although Bessent is soft-spoken, he can also be “tough and persuasive” and that he has the right temperament to work for a demanding boss such as Trump. “If anybody can handle it, it’s Scott,” Druckenmiller said. This article originally appeared in The New York Times .
ST. PAUL — The Winnipeg Jets don’t have another defenceman like Dylan Samberg, who has stepped up to play a big role for the NHL’s No. 1 team so far this season. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * ST. PAUL — The Winnipeg Jets don’t have another defenceman like Dylan Samberg, who has stepped up to play a big role for the NHL’s No. 1 team so far this season. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? ST. PAUL — The Winnipeg Jets don’t have another defenceman like Dylan Samberg, who has stepped up to play a big role for the NHL’s No. 1 team so far this season. His extended absence due to a broken foot is looming large on a blue line that had, until Saturday night in Nashville, enjoyed a remarkable stretch of good health and good fortune. “He does so much for us,” said teammate Dylan DeMelo. “Not just shot blocking, but having a good stick and breaking up a lot of plays.” Winnipeg Jets defenseman Dylan Samberg (54) climbs over the boards and onto the bench after being injured in Saturday’s game against the Nashville Predators. (Mark Humphrey/Associated Press files) Playing on the second-pairing with the resurgent Neal Pionk, Samberg has been an unheralded shining star for the Jets. The 25-year-old Minnesota product is averaging a career-high 20:17 of ice time per game, which is fourth overall on the team behind Josh Morrissey, DeMelo and Pionk. He and Pionk are both plus-12 this year at even strength, which is terrific when you factor in they’re often paired against the other team’s best. Although offence isn’t his top priority, Samberg has already set a new career-high with three goals to go with three assists. And while he’s not at the physicality level of Brenden Dillon, the former teammate whose role he moved up to fill this year, the 6-4, 216-pound Samberg brings some size and grit to a back-end that doesn’t have a lot of it, especially with Logan Stanley also sidelined with an injury. Samberg can clear out the front of his net, be a menace on the penalty kill and get his hands dirty if needed. Digging into the advanced stats, Samberg’s Corsi For Percentage is 53.11, which tops all Winnipeg defencemen, according to the Natural Stat Trick website. That metric deals with a team’s puck possession when the player is on the ice. Anything above 50 per cent is considered good. Anything above 55 per cent is considered elite. Samberg ranks 18th overall among NHL D who have played at least 350 minutes. It’s a similar story for the Expected Goals Metric, where Samberg’s 53.52 per cent is second only to Pionk’s 54.92 per cent. Both are inside the league’s top 20 overall. “It would be a big loss if he’s out for any length of time,” captain Adam Lowry said following the 4-1 loss to the Predators, which wasn’t helped by the fact the Jets were playing for a second straight night and forced to go with just five defencemen for the majority of the contest after Samberg went down thanks to a Steven Stamkos slapper. There’s no clear timeline for Samberg, but a broken foot means multiple weeks, not days, for the team’s second-best left-shot defenceman. So where does the club go from here to fill what coach Scott Arniel says is a “big hole” on a roster that is surrendering just 2.43 goals per game, which is third-best in the league? The Jets spent Sunday resting and recovering here in the Twin Cities and will return to the ice on Monday for a marquee matchup with the Minnesota Wild. It’s a battle of 1 vs. 2 in the overall NHL standings, and who would have predicted that at the quarter-point of the campaign? Injuries are part of the game, and every team is going to deal with some key ones at various points. The Wild, for example, may not have leading scorer Kirill Kaprizov for a second straight game as he deals with a lower-body issue. Looking at internal solutions, Ville Heinola immediately jumps out, with the planets seemingly aligned in his favour for a change. The smooth-skating, puck-moving 23-year-old has been on the wrong end of some bad timing in his young career, dating back to training camp prior to the 2023-24 season when he was set to crack the opening-night roster, only to break his ankle in the final exhibition game. Heinola spent months recovering, then never got a sniff of the NHL as the Jets were flying high and not a single regular defenceman got hurt during the 82-game campaign, which Winnipeg finished fourth-overall with 110 points. Dylan Samberg defends against Pittsburgh Penguins’ Sidney Crosby in Friday’s game in Pittsburgh. (Gene J. Puskar/Associated Press files) This past September, with Dillon and Nate Schmidt both moving on in unrestricted free agency, the door was wide open for Heinola. But an infection in his surgically-repaired ankle forced him to go under the knife once again. Now, he’s back, having resumed skating a few weeks ago and playing two games with the Manitoba Moose on a conditioning assignment. After being held off the scoresheet in Thursday’s season debut, he had the primary assist on Saturday’s game-winning goal against the Rockford IceHogs at Canada Life Centre. Heinola flew to Minnesota on Sunday to join the Jets, and the 20th-overall pick in the 2019 draft seems likely to jump right into the lineup — perhaps beside Pionk. Arniel could opt to ease Heinola in by putting him on the third pairing beside Colin Miller and moving Haydn Fleury up to skate with Pionk. Fleury, by the way, has solid underlying metrics — his Corsi For Percentage is second on the Jets behind Samberg — albeit in much less minutes and a more sheltered role. The only other internal option right now is Dylan Coghlan, a 26-year-old journeyman signed as a free agent this past summer who has been a healthy scratch for all 21 games so far this year. As a right shot, it’s unlikely he slots in ahead of Heinola or Fleury at this point. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Stanley will factor in once he’s cleared, but he hasn’t played since Nov. 9 against Dallas and has only just resumed skating on his own, not taking any contact as he deals with an undisclosed mid-body injury. The other option is via the trade route, and you have to believe bolstering the blue line was already on general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff’s wish list prior to Samberg going down. A right-shot defender is the more likely target, with the idea of upgrading over Miller (and Coghlan), especially if the team believes top prospect Elias Salomonsson needs a full year to develop on the farm with the Moose. The Jets may not have Samberg for a while, but they do have the benefit of some time and patience thanks to a sizzling 17-4-0 start. There’s no reason to push the panic button or do anything rash, even if their resiliency is about to be tested in a big way. mike.mcintyre@freepress.mb.ca X and BlueSky: @mikemcintyrewpg Mike McIntyre is a sports reporter whose primary role is covering the Winnipeg Jets. After graduating from the Creative Communications program at Red River College in 1995, he spent two years gaining experience at the before joining the in 1997, where he served on the crime and justice beat until 2016. . Every piece of reporting Mike produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the ‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about , and . Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider . Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support. Mike McIntyre is a sports reporter whose primary role is covering the Winnipeg Jets. After graduating from the Creative Communications program at Red River College in 1995, he spent two years gaining experience at the before joining the in 1997, where he served on the crime and justice beat until 2016. . Every piece of reporting Mike produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the ‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about , and . Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider . Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support. Advertisement Advertisement
Inside Olivia Dunne’s heated rivalry with little-known influencer Breckie Hill following Barry Keoghan romance claimsFacebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save After a decade of taking public comment, meeting with interest groups and postponing decisions, the state on Monday released an official Wharton Visiting Vehicle Use Map that defines where motor vehicles are allowed in the 124,350-acre forest. The new map, intended to protect environmentally sensitive areas and public safety, includes 175.5 miles of unimproved roads, with an additional 28.3 additional miles open in hunting seasons for those with valid hunting licenses, the DEP said. That means about 325 miles of unimproved roads, some dating to the Revolutionary period, are now closed, based on totals provided by the state Department of Environmental Protection in the past. A DEP spokesman declined Tuesday to say how many miles of unimproved road were being closed by the plan. For the first time, the DEP is including another 57.5 miles of municipal, county and state roads in the map, saying the total miles of available roads is more than 260, at least during hunting season. What does Spirit Airlines' bankruptcy mean for Atlantic City International Airport? Galloway Township gymnastics center co-owner charged with sexually assaulting minor Galloway man gets 3 years in Ocean City fatal crash Ocean City introduces new fees on rentals Jake Blum's 2-point conversion in OT propels Mainland Regional to second straight state final Prosecutor still determined to find whoever is responsible for West Atlantic City killings Atlantic City police say power restored after daylong outages High school football scoreboard: Friday's semifinal winners, plus Saturday updates Chicken Bone Beach foundation to purchase Atlantic City's Dante Hall with NJEDA grant Want a piece of Gillian's Wonderland? This Burlington County antique shop has tons of them. South Jersey first grader assaulted by teacher during bus trip, lawsuit alleges Offshore wind company to buy vacant 1.5-acre Atlantic City lot for $1 million Jersey Shore restaurants shift gears to survive in offseason Not too late! Voting closes at noon for The Press Football Player of the Week South Jersey student talks about her yearlong suspension as others adjust to school elsewhere: 'It was a hard lesson' “By clearly defining safe, legal vehicle roads, we’re improving access for responsible exploration while protecting Wharton’s diverse natural and cultural treasures, minimizing impacts on sensitive habitats and supporting the integrity of our shared public lands," said John Cecil, assistant commissioner for State Parks, Forests & Historic Sites. John Druding of Open Trails NJ said he was extremely disappointed by how restrictive the new map is, cutting off access to swaths of the forest to hunters, birders and others. Open Trails NJ is an advocacy organization for access in Wharton. A lone pine tree stands in the middle of a deep circle of tire ruts from off road vehicles, the result of drivers doing “donuts” in the middle of a historic Pine Barrens settlement near Quaker Bridge in Wharton State Forest. "This is like the worst possible scenario," said Druding, 48, of Tabernacle, Burlington County. "It seems they just ignored all of that (data and testimony from those advocating for greater access) and went with something even more restrictive than the one from back in 2015, which they basically apologized for." A 2015 proposed map, which the DEP pulled back from after public outcry, would have left 225 miles of unimproved road open and closed 275 miles. As always, only street-legal, registered and insured vehicles are allowed anywhere in the forest. ATVs, vehicles with tires larger than 40 inches in overall diameter and other off-road unregistered vehicles are illegal but have also caused much damage, officials and environmentalists have said. The state has struggled to find the right balance between motorized use of Wharton's roads, which locals have enjoyed for decades, and protection of sensitive forest areas. It has also said the poor condition of some unimproved roads, particularly after heavy rains, endangers users' safety. Some parts of the Pine Barrens ecosystem have been greatly rutted and eroded by motorized activity, and environmental groups like the Pinelands Preservation Alliance have lobbied for restrictions to protect wetlands, bogs and more. Open Trails had argued for closure of only the most fragile sections of road, with a class system assigned to the vast majority of them. Similar to ski run classifications, they would warn people about roads in worse condition that require specialized vehicles. The DEP lists 43 animals found in Wharton as threatened or endangered, including the Pine Barrens tree frog, timber rattlesnake and pine snake. About 750 species of plants, including wild orchids, sedges, grasses and insect-eating plants, are also found there. Open Trails got 6,400 signatures on a petition opposing mass road closings and convinced 11 municipalities with land in the forest to pass resolutions condemning the DEP's proposed maps, he said. But the DEP didn't seem to take any of that into consideration. A new map of the roads of Wharton State Forest identifies about 200 miles of usable, legal roads in the forest, where there were more than 500 miles included on a previous map. A public comment period began Wednesday. The map is now in effect, according to the DEP, but State Park Police who will enforce it will consider the remainder of the year a time for education. "Beginning January 1, 2025, State Park Police will begin stricter enforcement of the Wharton Visiting Vehicle Use Map, including the issuance of summonses at the discretion of the responding officer," a Monday news release from the DEP said. Wharton encompasses parts of Atlantic, Camden and Burlington counties. It is the largest single tract of land in the New Jersey State Park System. Fines for illegal off-road vehicle use and damages are up to $500 for a first offense, $1,000 for a second offense and a minimum of $1,000 for a third or subsequent offense, according to the DEP. If violators damage or destroy natural resources, fines can be up to five times the cost of the damages. Vehicles may also be impounded at an additional cost. With a defined network of roads, the State Park Service will be working to maintain access for vehicles, with help from the New Jersey Forest Fire Service in maintaining roads. "I don't think it's enforceable," Druding said. "It's going to keep the good guys away — they are going to follow the rules and laws. Outlaws are going to keep doing what they are doing. They will probably be emboldened, because the other eyeballs out there otherwise to report them are not going to be present." The areas of roads that do go through environmentally sensitive areas could be closed off, without closing the entire road, he said. "Certainly some of them go through sensitive areas," Druding said. "I wouldn't have any opposition to those types of roads being closed. I would prefer they be closed at the point where they traverse through a stream as opposed to the entire thing." HAMMONTON — The state Department of Environmental Protection held out an olive branch to the... His group is going to take a Thanksgiving break, then meet next week and talk about next steps, such as reaching out to legislators and the Governor's Office to see what can be done, he said. The map is available online and is also offered as a georeferenced PDF, allowing drivers to use their mobile device to determine their location on the map in real time, including in areas with limited or no cellular service. Additionally, printed copies are now available at the Atsion and Batsto offices within the forest. REPORTER: Michelle Brunetti Post 609-841-2895 mpost@pressofac.com Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Staff Writer Author twitter Author email {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
A George Mason University student who is allegedly obsessed with martyrdom and ISIS was arrested and accused of plotting an attack on the Israeli consulate in New York City, officials said Friday. Abdullah Ezzeldin Taha Mohamed Hassan violated federal codes against distributing information on weapons in furtherance of a violent crime and planning to kill a foreign official, according to a complaint filed on Monday by FBI Special Agent Tyler Ellefson. The suspect is a GMU freshman majoring in information technology, the school said. "Although the student did not live on campus, he has been barred from entering university property," GMU Vice President Paul Allvin said in a statement to NBC News on Friday. "As criminal proceedings progress, the university will take appropriate action on student code of conduct violations." Hassan, who lives in Falls Church, Virginia, first came to the FBI's attention on May 4 this year, when Fairfax County police notified federal authorities about someone engaging in “radical and terrorist-leaning behavior" on social media, according to the affidavit supporting the suspect's arrest. Investigators eventually linked that X user to Hassan, who was then contacted by an FBI informant, a "confidential human source" called "CH-1" in court papers. Hassan sent the informant "a pro-ISIS video that called for the killing of Jews" and the agent "responded to this video by pledging allegiance to the leader of ISIS and calling Hassan his emir," the court papers said. The informant said he couldn't travel overseas to join ISIS and wondered if god "wants me to act here," according to the FBI. That's when Hassan allegedly recruited "CH-1 to conduct a mass casualty attack" on U.S. soil. When that undercover agent told Hassan that he was in New York City, the suspect called the five boroughs "a goldmine of targets," the affidavit said. The suspect gave the agent "operational support" on the "manufacture and use of an explosive device" for "the planned attack on the Consulate General of Israel" in New York City, federal authorities said. "He said CH-1 could either murder people at the consulate with an assault rifle or detonate an explosive vest while standing in a group of targets," Ellefson wrote. As they hatched the plot, Hassan told the informant "to 'schedule a flight out of the country' and that it should be to 'somewhere where there are no extradition laws,'” federal officials said. A court-appointed attorney for Hassan could not be immediately reached for comment on Friday.New novel "The Pope's Jew" by Eva Mekler is released, a thrilling tale of betrayal, secrecy, and romance set in WWII FranceSeven’s digital play: AFL, cricket, and the future of advertising
Which ski helmets are best? Skiing is one of the best ways to enjoy nature in the winter and is one of the few activities that’s as fun to do alone as it is with others. However, whether you’re an advanced skier who likes to keep the good snow to themselves or prefer skiing with a posse of friends, protecting your head is an essential part of a good day on the slopes. With so many options on the market, finding the best ski helmet can be a challenge. If you’re interested in a simple solution that you can count on to protect you at all times, regardless of the conditions, check out the Sweet Protection Grimnir 2vi MIPS Helmet . What to know before you buy a ski helmet Size If your ski helmet is too large or too small, it won’t perform correctly and may not provide any protection at all. To find the right size, measure the crown of your head and cross reference with the helmet’s size chart. Moreover, the helmet should be about an inch above your eyebrows. Make sure to consider your helmet’s adjustability before purchasing. Goggle compatibility Unfortunately, not all goggles fit with all helmets. Although you likely won’t have an issue with this, ensure that the helmet you want to purchase will work with your preferred goggles without leaving your forehead exposed. What to look for in a quality ski helmet Accessory compatibility In addition to being a good fit for your goggles, the best ski helmets are capable of handling a variety of upgrades if they aren’t standard. For example, be on the lookout for helmets that have slots for audio in the earmuffs and that allow you to strap a handy goggle cleaning cloth to the side. Safety technology In addition to durable materials and standard EPS shock absorption, the best ski helmets will include additional or new technology to enhance protection. When shopping for a new ski helmet, consider models with MIPS (multidirectional impact protection system) technology, carbon fiber construction or an integrated Recco reflector to get the highest level of safety. Convenience technology Top-quality helmets offer the best ease-of-use technology in addition to superior protection. Features such as magnetic goggle clasps that can be used with gloves, removable linings and dynamic ventilation that allows for directed airflow make your helmet more comfortable, especially during extended wearing periods. How much you can expect to spend on a ski helmet Entry-level helmets that provide basic protection usually cost around $60, while higher-end models with innovative technology start around $180 and cost upwards of $250. Ski helmet FAQ Do I need the newest, most robust technology? A. Although this may seem counterintuitive at first, it is not always worth purchasing the most expensive, highest-tech helmet. If you don’t ski often, and find yourself sticking to the easier slopes and staying at low speeds, a traditional helmet will provide all the protection you need. On the other hand, if you ski in the woods or in the backcountry, investing in high-tech helmets is a must, since the danger level is much higher than on the slopes. What are the best ski helmets to buy? Top ski helmet Sweet Protection Grimnir 2vi MIPS Helmet What you need to know: The Grimnir 2vi helmet from Sweet Protection is made from the finest materials on the market and includes all of the latest safety and convenience technology. What you’ll love: If you like to tackle challenging terrain and push the boundaries of your skills, look no further than the Grimnir to provide the utmost protection. Constructed out of lightweight and highly impact-resistant carbon fiber and reinforced with the latest MIPS technology, you can count on this helmet to keep you safe. Plus, it’s also quite comfortable to wear thanks to its numerous vents, Occigrip dial adjustment system and audio compatibility. What you should consider: State-of-the-art technology makes this one of the more expensive offerings. Top ski helmet for the money OutdoorMaster Kelvin Helmet What you need to know: If you’re on a budget, or don’t push the limits while skiing, the Kelvin helmet from OutdoorMaster is perfect for you. What you’ll love: Don’t let the price tag fool you — this helmet offers far more than the bare minimum in terms of features and technology. Constructed from a reinforced ABS shell and a super-absorbent EPS core, you can count on this helmet to project your most valuable asset. Plus, the Kelvin also offers lots of adjustability and unmatched ventilation for the price. What you should consider: While this helmet offers ample protection for the ordinary skier, if you’re a hard charger and prefer off-piste shredding, this helmet likely won’t be enough. Worth checking out POC Meninx RS MIPS Helmet What you need to know: Featuring a sleek design, durable construction and an abundance of serious safety features, the Meninx RS MIPS helmet from POC is high performance and reliable. What you’ll love: Designed from the ground up with safety and convenience in mind, this helmet is ideal for anyone who regularly hits the slopes and will appreciate the thought given to small details. For example, the strap buckle on the back that holds your goggles securely in place is magnetic, which makes it easy to use while wearing gloves or mittens. Furthermore, in addition to the dual-layer ABS shell and MIPS protection system, the Meninx RS comes with an integrated Recco reflector, which is an essential component of safe backcountry skiing. To top it all off, the helmet has an easy-to-use adjustment dial and plenty of ventilation. What you should consider: POC helmets don’t come in individual sizing, and are only available in grouped sizes such as medium/large, which can make finding the perfect fit harder. Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change. Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales. BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.Texas Trust Credit Union announces move to Interstate 30 tower in ArlingtonAtrocities on Hindus in Bangladesh
Shares of GameStop Corp ($GME) rose more than 4% on Thursday after a cryptic post about Christmas from Roaring Kitty surfaced, setting retail activity abuzz. GameStop's stock was at $32.76 per share, the highest in over six months. On Wednesday, Roaring Kitty posted a picture of a Christmas present, sparking speculation about its possible intent. The post on X, formerly known as Twitter, had garnered more than 4.1 million views as of Thursday afternoon. GameStop became a popular meme stock in 2021 after Elon Musk, along with a group of investors and a Redditor community, boosted its shares to $120 from $3. Retail sentiment on Stocktwits turned ‘bullish’ compared to ‘bearish’ a month ago. Meanwhile, message volumes were at ‘high’ levels compared to ‘low’ in the same period. A Stocktwits poll asked users for their end-of-year price predictions for GameStop. About 42% of them pegged the stock to end the year between $30 and $50, and about 23% thought it could cross $100. GameStop reported mixed results for its fiscal year 2024 third quarter recently. Its earnings per share (EPS) stood at $0.04, compared to the year ago's break-even results. Its net sales fell 20.22% year-over-year to $860.3 million, below the consensus estimate of $887.68 million. GameStop stock is up 97% year-to-date. For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.In a string of visits, dinners, calls, monetary pledges and social media overtures, big tech chiefs — including Apple's Tim Cook , OpenAI’s Sam Altman , Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg , SoftBank's Masayoshi Son and Amazon’s Jeff Bezos — have joined a parade of business and world leaders in trying to improve their standing with President-elect Donald Trump before he takes office in January. “The first term, everybody was fighting me,” Trump said in remarks at Mar-a-Lago . “In this term, everybody wants to be my friend.” Tech companies and leaders have now poured millions into his inauguration fund, a sharp increase — in most cases — from past pledges to incoming presidents. But what does the tech industry expect to gain out of their renewed relationships with Trump? During an interview Tuesday, Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff said the incoming Trump administration seems more interested in hearing about issues that are important to the industry than the Biden administration. “Put all the politics aside, everybody wants to reboot some things," said Benioff, who stressed he strives to stay nonpartisan because he also owns Time magazine. ”We are just at a very exciting moment, it’s a new chapter for America. I think we should all have our best intentions going forward. I think a lot of people realize there is a lot of incredible people like Elon Musk in the tech industry and in the business community. If you tap the power and expertise of the best in America to make the best of America, that’s a great vision." A clue to what the industry is looking for came just days before the election when Microsoft executives — who’ve largely tried to show a neutral or bipartisan stance — joined with a close Trump ally, venture capitalist Marc Andreessen, to publish a blog post outlining their approach to artificial intelligence policy. “Regulation should be implemented only if its benefits outweigh its costs,” said the document signed by Andreessen, his business partner Ben Horowitz, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and the company's president, Brad Smith. They also urged the government to back off on any attempt to strengthen copyright laws that would make it harder for companies to use publicly available data to train their AI systems. And they said, “the government should examine its procurement practices to enable more startups to sell technology to the government.” Trump has pledged to rescind President Joe Biden’s sweeping AI executive order, which sought to protect people’s rights and safety without stifling innovation. He hasn’t specified what he would do in its place, but his campaign said AI development should be “rooted in Free Speech and Human Flourishing.” Trump's choice to head the Interior Department, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, has spoken openly about the need to boost electricity production to meet increased demand from data centers and artificial intelligence. “The AI battle affects everything from defense to healthcare to education to productivity as a country,′′ Burgum said on Nov. 15, referring to artificial intelligence. “And the AI that’s coming in the next 18 months is going to be revolutionary. So there’s just a sense of urgency and a sense of understanding in the Trump administration′′ to address it. Demand for data centers ballooned in recent years due to the rapid growth of cloud computing and AI, and local governments are competing for lucrative deals with big tech companies. But as data centers begin to consume more resources, some residents are pushing back against the world’s most powerful corporations over concerns about the economic, social and environmental health of their communities. “Maybe Big Tech should buy a copy of ‘The Art of The Deal’ to figure out how to best negotiate with this administration,” suggested Paul Swanson, an antitrust attorney for the law firm Holland & Hart. “I won’t be surprised if they find ways to reach some accommodations and we end up seeing more negotiated resolutions and consent decrees.” Although federal regulators began cracking down on Google and Facebook during Trump’s first term as president — and flourished under Biden — most experts expect his second administration to ease up on antitrust enforcement and be more receptive to business mergers. Google may benefit from Trump’s return after he made comments on the campaign trail suggesting a breakup of the company isn’t in the U.S. national interest, after a judge declared its search engine an illegal monopoly . But recent nominations put forward by his transition team have favored those who have been critical of Big Tech companies, suggesting Google won’t be entirely off the hook. Cook’s notoriously rocky relationship with the EU can be traced back to a 2016 ruling from Brussels in a tax case targeting Apple. Cook slammed the bloc’s order for Apple to pay back up to 13 billion euros ($13.7 billion) in Irish back taxes as “total political crap.” Trump, then in his first term as president, piled on, referring to the European Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, who was spearheading a campaign on special tax deals and a crackdown on Big Tech companies, as someone who “really hates the U.S.” Brussels was eventually vindicated after the bloc’s top court rejected Apple’s appeal this year, though it didn’t stop Cook from calling Trump to complain, Trump recounted in a podcast in October. Altman , Amazon and Meta all pledged to donate $1 million each to Trump’s inaugural fund. Salesforce's Benioff said Tuesday that he won't be donating money to the inauguration because of his ties to Time, which named Trump as its “Person of The Year” — a decision that landed picture of the president elect on the magazine's cover. “I think we just donated that photo,” Benioff said as he chuckled. “He can use the Time magazine cover for free.” During his first term, Trump criticized Amazon and railed against the political coverage at The Washington Post, which billionaire Bezos owns. Meanwhile, Bezos had criticized some of Trump’s past rhetoric. In 2019, Amazon also argued in a court case that Trump’s bias against the company harmed its chances of winning a $10 billion Pentagon contract. More recently, Bezos has struck a more conciliatory tone. He recently said at The New York Times’ DealBook Summit in New York that he was “optimistic” about Trump’s second term, while also endorsing president-elect’s plans to cut regulations. The donation from Meta came just weeks after Zuckerberg met with Trump privately at Mar-a-Lago. During the 2024 campaign, Zuckerberg did not endorse a candidate for president, but voiced a more positive stance toward Trump. Earlier this year, he praised Trump’s response to his first assassination attempt. Still, Trump in recent months had continued to attack Zuckerberg publicly. And Altman, who is in a legal dispute with AI rival Elon Musk, has said he is “not that worried” about the Tesla CEO’s influence in the incoming administration. Musk, an early OpenAI investor and board member, sued the company earlier this year alleging that the maker of ChatGPT betrayed its founding aims of benefiting the public good rather than pursuing profits. “We have two multi-billionaires, Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, who are tasked with cutting what they’re saying will be multiple trillions of dollars from the federal budget, reducing the civil service, the workforce,” said Rob Lalka, a business professor at Tulane University. Musk, he said, has a level of access to the White House that very few others have had -- access that allows him to potentially influence multiple policy areas, including foreign policy, automotive and energy policy through EVs, and tech policy on artificial intelligence. “Elon Musk walked into Twitter’s headquarters with a sink and then posted, ‘let that sink in,‘” he said. “Elon Musk then posted a status update on X, a picture of himself with a sink in the Oval Office and said, 'Let that sink in.′”PETE Wicks has said it's 'not his dancing' keeping him in Strictly Come Dancing after being saved by the public. The former TOWIE star was left stunned on Sunday night as he and pro dancer Jowita were kept in the competition. Strictly fans watched as Jamie Borthwick and his partner Michelle Tsiakkas were eliminated . It came after they faced the dance-off alongside Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe. But as fans fumed that Pete Wicks was saved, he himself has acknowledged his miraculous save. Speaking to Claudia Winkleman after hearing the news, Pete, 36, said: "There is literally only two reasons I'm still here and that is for people at home. "I've never done anything like this and I am so overwhelmed people are supporting us like genuinely, it's certainly not down to the dancing, but also Jowita. "If I had been with anyone else I wouldn't be here, they're all amazing but she's become like a best friend to me. Like I'm so pleased I get to spend another week doing this with you." Following Pete's save, fans took to social media, with one saying: "Seriously people please please stop voting for Pete enough is enough." A second wrote: "Pete Wicks seems like a nice enough chap but I can't believe people are voting for him over Montell." "I love Pete, he's a laugh and he's trying and he's what it's about. But I'm sorry what the f**k," said a third. While a fourth commented: "They will not let Pete near the dance off." Gorka Marquez joined Strictly Come Dancing as a professional dancer in 2016 when he was partnered with EastEnders actress Tameka Empson. The following year he was partnered with singer Alexandra Burke. They reached the final and finished as one of the runners-up. In 2020, he was partnered with actress Maisie Smith. Again, he made it to the final and finished as a runner-up. He failed to make it third time lucky in 2022, finishing runner-up again with Helen Skelton. Nadiya Bychkova joined the show in 2017 with EastEnders actor Davood Ghadami. The pair reached Week 11, finishing in 6th place. Her best performance to date came in 2021 when she finished fifth with Dan Walker. Neil Jones has been without a celebrity partner more times than he's had one since joining in 2016. His best finish was with ex-footballer Alex Scott in 2019, finishing in fifth. Katya Jones was another 2016 addition and made an instant impression with politician Ed Balls. Their Gangnam Style routine is still a favourite to this day. In 2017 she lifted the Glitterball with Joe McFadden. The following year she was at the heart of a show scandal after snogging her dance partner, the comedian Seann Walsh. Karen Hauer has been an ever-present since 2012. Despite her lengthy association with the show, she's never lifted the Glitterball. The closest she came was in 2020 when she finished runner-up with Jamie Laing.
The Holly Jolly Holiday Market in Fredericton has been a favourite for artisans from across the Maritimes, but it's taking on extra importance this year. As the Canada Post strike continues, among those impacted are artisans who sell their wares on online shopping sites like Etsy. Many of them will converge on the market in Fredericton this weekend instead, with the hope of making back some of the business they've lost without the postal service. Kate Hunter, the market's organizer, said there are more than a hundred vendors planning to sell at this year's fourth annual event. "I was speaking with a vendor the other day, and she sells Christmas cards. So not only is she worried about, you know, people getting their Christmas cards in the mail, she's worried about people not buying Christmas cards to put in the mail," Hunter said. N.B. charities, small businesses worried about impact of postal strike While some sellers have taken to alternative carriers, shopping local is a great way to support the sellers, she said. "So we are really hoping that this weekend is big for people because the strike is affecting so many people, so much." About 55,000 postal workers walked off the job last week , shutting down Canada Post mail service across the country, after their union, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers, and the Crown corporation were unable to reach an agreement. The market will run Nov. 22 and 23 at the Currie Center at the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton. The market does a lot of social media advertising beforehand, Hunter said, and sellers are carrying a wide variety of items. "We have so much talent here and ... what you'll find different about this market is we have professional crafters, we have the Craft New Brunswick members, and we also have handmade sellers who have really made a go with their business and are just thriving." Hunter highlighted market members who create wooden cutting boards, quilts and ceramics as some that especially stand out. "So it's kind of something for everyone."Forecasting The Future: 5 Analyst Projections For Carlisle Companies
Now Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens can rest a bit. They've certainly earned it. Baltimore's 31-2 rout of Houston on Wednesday capped a sweep of a grueling stretch of three games in 11 days. Baltimore looked like a Super Bowl contender while handling the Giants, Steelers and Texans. A win next week would give the Ravens the AFC North title — and a third MVP award for Jackson seems to be very much in play. “These guys took these three games in 11 days and smashed it, obliterated it, tore it up and made into a bunch of smithereens laying around everywhere,” coach John Harbaugh said. “I’m proud of the guys (and) how they did it. They did a great job.” Jackson’s passer rating is up to 121.6 on the season. The NFL record is 122.5 by Aaron Rodgers in 2011. Derrick Henry has 1,783 yards rushing, the second most of his career. Justin Tucker, who has struggled to an alarming degree this season, made a 52-yard field goal that went right down the middle in the first quarter Wednesday. A win next week would be Baltimore's 12th of the season — only one behind the number that gave the Ravens the league's best regular-season record in 2023. They won't be the top seed this season, but a victory over Cleveland in Week 18 would mean a division title. Baltimore can also win the division if Pittsburgh loses to Cincinnati. “I believe how our season has gone — the regular season — it just explains how the NFL is. It really doesn’t matter how you start off. It’s about how you finish," Jackson said. "And I believe we’re finishing pretty well right now.” The Ravens lost their first two games of the season, but their open date came right before this tough 11-day stretch, which may have helped. Now they get some extra time to prepare for Cleveland. What's working The Ravens outrushed Houston 251-58, with Jackson scoring on a 48-yard run and Henry racing through big holes from the outset. Jackson passed Michael Vick to take over first place on the NFL's career list for yards rushing by a quarterback. The MVP odds at BetMGM on Thursday showed Buffalo’s Josh Allen (-250) as the favorite, but Jackson (+160) was by no means a long shot. “I’ve seen a lot of great plays from Lamar Jackson,” Harbaugh said. “I told him I was proud of him. I’m not just proud of him just because he makes great plays. I’m proud of him for all the things that go into making great plays and also for all the things he’s overcome along the way.” What needs work The Ravens have cycled through punt returners of late, and newcomer Steven Sims did not have much success in that area Wednesday. He was tackled at his 6-yard line on one return, and when a penalty made Houston do that punt over, the ball bounced inside the 10 and was downed at the 4, leading to a safety and the Texans' only points of the game. Stock up The Baltimore defense, such a liability at times earlier this season, held Houston without a point offensively. C.J. Stroud was sacked five times and threw an interception, and Joe Mixon rushed for only 26 yards. “I’d say we’ve come full circle,” cornerback Marlon Humphrey said. “It’s always good when you can have their offense not score. You’ve got to say you played pretty well. This is a testament to it all kind of coming together. I felt the coaching was there, and I just felt as players, ‘What is the formula to continue to get high percentages of 11 guys doing 11 guys’ jobs?’” Stock down Keaton Mitchell and Rasheen Ali managed only 17 yards on 12 carries. Justice Hill's absence following a concussion left Baltimore without an effective change-of-pace back to pair with Henry. Injuries Ali injured his hip in the third quarter and didn’t return, another blow to Baltimore's running back depth. Key numbers After a 99-yard touchdown drive in the second quarter, the Ravens now have 10 TD drives of 90-plus yards this season. That's the most in the NFL since at least 2000. Up next The Ravens face a Cleveland team that has only three wins entering Week 17 — although one of those victories was against Baltimore. The Ravens allowed 401 yards in a 29-24 loss at Cleveland in late October. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Noah Trister, The Associated Press
Google Fiber, the high-speed internet service known for its fiber-optic network and impressive speeds, has announced a major overhaul of its plans and branding. The company is introducing three new tiers: Core 1 Gig, Home 3 Gig, and a lightning-fast Edge 8 Gig plan. This move comes as Google Fiber aims to attract new customers and solidify its position in the increasingly competitive internet service provider (ISP) market. These changes, rolled out initially in select US cities, signal Google Fiber’s commitment to providing faster, more reliable internet access to meet the growing demands of modern households. With streaming services, online gaming, and smart home devices becoming increasingly prevalent , the need for robust internet connectivity has never been greater. Google Fiber’s new plans aim to address this need head-on. What’s New? A Closer Look at the Plans My Experience with Google Fiber I’ve been a Google Fiber customer for about three years now, and I’ve always been impressed with their service. Initially, I was drawn to their straightforward plans and symmetrical gigabit speeds. Coming from a cable internet provider with frustratingly slow upload speeds, the difference was night and day. With Google Fiber, large file uploads for work became a breeze, video calls were crystal clear, and my family could stream and game simultaneously without any buffering or lag. Their customer service has also been consistently helpful and responsive. I’m excited to see how these new plans further enhance my internet experience. Why This Matters Google Fiber’s revamp is more than just a cosmetic change. It reflects a broader trend in the telecommunications industry: What’s Next for Google Fiber? While the new plans and branding are a significant step, Google Fiber isn’t resting on its laurels. The company continues to expand its fiber network, bringing its services to new cities and communities. Furthermore, Google Fiber is actively exploring new technologies and innovations to further enhance its offerings and solidify its position as a leader in the high-speed internet market. This is an exciting time for internet users. With Google Fiber leading the charge with its multi-gigabit plans, the future of connectivity looks brighter and faster than ever before.None