‘Christmas Light Fight’ Host Carter Oosterhouse on Holiday Traditions, Marriage to Amy Smart & More
Penn State rolls past Maryland, clinches berth in Big Ten title gameTEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Miguel Tomley scored 28 points as Weber State beat Pepperdine 68-53 in the Desert Division championship game of the Arizona Tip-Off on Saturday night. Tomley shot 7 for 12 (6 for 7 from 3-point range) and 8 of 8 from the free-throw line for the Wildcats (4-4). Blaise Threatt added 21 points and seven rebounds. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.
Cousins Properties Announces Pricing of Senior Notes OfferingSANTA MONICA, Calif., Nov. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Macerich Company (NYSE: MAC) (the “Company” or “Macerich”) announced today that it has commenced an underwritten public offering of 18,000,000 shares of common stock. The Company expects to grant the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to 2,700,000 additional shares of its common stock. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of this offering together with cash on hand, including from recent sales under the Company’s “at the market” offering program, to repay the $478.0 million mortgage loan with a fixed effective interest rate of approximately 9.0% and which is secured by its Washington Square property. Pending such use, the Company may invest the net proceeds in short-term, interest-bearing deposit accounts. Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC is serving as the lead bookrunner and representative of the underwriters of the offering. Copies of the preliminary prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus relating to these securities may be obtained, when available, by contacting: Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, Prospectus Department, 200 West Street, New York, NY 10282, telephone: 1-866-471-2526, facsimile: 212-902-9316 or by email at Prospectus-ny@ny.email.gs.com . This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities of the Company, nor shall there be any sale of such securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. Any such offer or sale will be made only by means of the prospectus supplement and prospectus forming part of the effective registration statement relating to these securities. About the Company Macerich is a fully integrated, self-managed, self-administered real estate investment trust (REIT). As a leading owner, operator, and developer of high-quality retail real estate in densely populated and attractive U.S. markets, Macerich’s portfolio is concentrated in California, the Pacific Northwest, Phoenix/Scottsdale, and the Metro New York to Washington, D.C. corridor. Developing and managing properties that serve as community cornerstones, Macerich currently owns 45 million square feet of real estate, consisting primarily of interests in 41 retail centers. Forward-Looking Information Information set forth in this press release contains “forward-looking statements” (within the meaning of the federal securities laws, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), which reflect the Company’s expectations regarding future events and plans, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the Company’s potential grant to the underwriters of an option to purchase additional shares of common stock and the Company’s anticipated use of net proceeds from the offering. Generally, the words “expects,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “scheduled,” “predicts,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” variations of such words and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to us and involve a number of known and unknown assumptions, risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be difficult to predict and beyond the control of the Company, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. These factors include the risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), which are available at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov . The Company disclaims any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this press release whether as a result of changes in underlying assumptions or factors, new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. INVESTOR CONTACT: Samantha Greening, AVP, Investor Relations, Samantha.Greening@macerich.com
James Argent reveals he's moving in with his girlfriend Nicoline Artursson and they already 'want a family' just four months after they met at a supermarket Do YOU have a story? Email tips@dailymail.com By POPPY ATKINSON GIBSON Published: 20:51, 30 November 2024 | Updated: 20:54, 30 November 2024 e-mail View comments James Argent has revealed he's already moving in with his new girlfriend Nicoline Artursson, just months after meeting her outside a supermarket. The TOWIE star, 36, previously battled drink and drug abuse but after attending rehabilitation, which involved a gastric band operation, and shedding 14 stone, he has turned his life around. The star is also so smitten with his model girlfriend that he's even ready to settle down and have children. Speaking to OK! Magazine in their first joint interview, James and Nicoline, 31, revealed that it was love at first sight for the pair after they bumped into each other outside a Spanish supermarket. And since that fateful meeting, Nicoline moved to the UK and has now moved into Arg's Essex home. Describing the moment they met, James revealed he thought Nicoline was out of his league but decided he had nothing to lose. James Argent, 36, has revealed he's already moving in with his new girlfriend Nicoline Artursson, 31, just months after meeting her outside a supermarket The star revealed that just months after their fateful meeting, they're so smitten that they're already planning to start a family He said: 'I was walking to my gig at Elliott Wright's restaurant in Marbella. 'All of a sudden I see this woman coming towards me. I was like, 'Wow, she's beautiful.' She was just in her gym clothes, wearing no make-up. She'd actually just fed a stray cat.' And after summoning up the courage, James asked her out. Nicole described James as a handsome man with a big smile, before adding that he makes her laugh, and it was these traits that helped cement their relationship. James and Nicoline went on their first date a week later, where James explained about his past addiction issues and his weight loss, and the couple were so engrossed in one another that they forgot to order anything to eat. Despite James's confession about his seven-year drug addiction which saw him go through a near-fatal overdose, a hospitalisation and a stint on rehab, the model was unfazed. He explained: 'I've been through a lot over the years. I've been to rehab, I've had to get help. I also had to explain that I used to be morbidly obese, I was a big guy and I've lost a lot of weight. I've had an operation which has helped with my portion control. I have to eat little and often. 'It was probably quite a lot to take in, but she was really cool. She was fine about everything. Being open and honest and putting your cards on the table from the start is so important.' James explained they would both 'love to have a family one day, absolutely.' while Nicoline added that one her favourite things about James is 'he’s very family-oriented' And Nicoline echoed James adding that the pair had decided to be completely open with each other from the start. And now, several months later, the pair seem more loved up than ever and during the interview, the blonde beauty who previously modelled for Abercrombie & Fitch pointed out her Christmas stocking on the fireplace in the reality star's living room. James explained they would both 'love to have a family one day, absolutely.' while Nicoline added that one her favourite things about James is 'he’s very family-oriented'. James said: 'We’re both at the right stage in our lives. We’ve both lived a life, we’ve both had experiences with previous partners, but now it’s a really good time to be sure of who you are with.' But for the moment they seem to be enjoying each other's company. In September, James packed on the PDA with his Nicoline as the couple were spotted snogging in St Tropez. The former TOWIE star seemed besotted with his former Miss Sweden love as the pair enjoyed a dip in the sea. James said: 'We’re both at the right stage in our lives. We’ve both lived a life, we’ve both had experiences with previous partners' Read More James Argent goes Instagram official with Miss Sweden girlfriend Nicoline Artursson James showed off his toned physique as he went shirtless and wore a pair of blue patterned shorts. James whisked his new girlfriend away for a lavish long weekend at Indie Beach at Plague de Pampelonne, The Sun revealed. Nicoline, 31, won the Miss World Sweden beauty pageant in 2011 and modelled for Abercrombie & Fitch. She was also asked to take part in the French version The Bacherlorette but declined to focus on her studies. It is James's first relationship since splitting from his ex Stella Turian last November and the star previously opened up about feeling he would never find someone. In March, Arg told the My Dirty Laundry podcast that he really struggled on Valentine's day because of his single status - and had to stay off social media because it got him down so much. Having tackled his demons, staying sober for two years and losing 15 stone in weight, James said: 'I'm in a really good place. Everything in my life is perfect, apart from my love life. It would be nice if that would change. 'I'll be completely honest, this year I really struggled on Valentine's Day. I remember, I woke up and thought, I am not going to look at social media. 'It's not that I'm heartbroken or upset, but just because I knew it's not going to make me feel great because I didn't have a Valentine, I don't have a girlfriend. James broke up with Stella Turian in November after a year-long romance and said 'It's not that I'm heartbroken or upset, but just because I knew social media was not going to make me feel great because I didn't have a Valentine, I don't have a girlfriend. 'But, I couldn't help it. There was times where I'd just have a little glance and all you would see was couples. Everyone's madly in love. Everyone's happy. 'Everyone's out on dates. There's flowers, there's balloons, there's chocolates, there's date nights or trips or happily married couples - and yeah, it did start to affect me a little bit.' James also admitted to OK! magazine that following the breakdown of his last relationship he lost his confidence. He explained he was worried he wouldn't meet anyone new or have the chance to settle down but he revealed that's all changed now. He added that Nicoline is his biggest supporter and knew it was love when she said she liked his singing. And Nicoline has slotted into the reality star's life with ease with James exposing her to a proper Essex night out and even a Sunday roast which the model says is her new favourite food. The beauty has also been welcomed with open arms into the TOWIE family, meeting many of James's friends, including Mark Wright and Joey Essex. TOWIE James Argent Share or comment on this article: James Argent reveals he's moving in with his girlfriend Nicoline Artursson and they already 'want a family' just four months after they met at a supermarket e-mail Add commentWill Kamala Harris run for California governor in 2026? The question is already swirling
PARADISE ISLAND, Bahamas — Nice starts are always good, but finishing strong is just as important. The Baylor women's basketball team beat Villanova, 73-62, on Monday afternoon thanks to a 20-9 surge in the fourth quarter to finish in third place at the Battle 4 Atlantis Tournament. “The challenge in these tournaments is playing three games in three days, with both teams coming off a loss,” Baylor head coach Nicki Collen said. “You’ve got to get right up and do it all over again.” Four Baylor players scored in double figures, led by Aaronette Vonleh, who made eight of her 11 shots and scored 19 points. Sarah Andrews hit three 3-pointers and finished with 15 points, while Jada Walker had 11 points and a team-high five assists and Darianna Littlepege-Buggs scored 11 points and nine rebounds, which tied Bella Fontleroy for the most on the team. “It’s just the flow of the game, every game is going to be a little bit different,” Collen said. “We don’t need to be ball-dominant with any person on our team. We need to take what the defense gives us. It’s reading what’s there.” The Bears dominated the Wildcats, 40-12, in the paint but had 20 turnovers, the fourth time in seven games Baylor had 20 or more turnovers. “We had some travels, but if you take away the illegal screens, I thought our offensive execution was good,” Collen said. “We talked about moving that basketball and being two-sided. We did a good job of playing into side ball screens.” The Bears face off against New Orleans on Friday at 2 p.m. at Foster Pavilion. Baylor didn’t start the game with a ton of energy, turning the ball over four times in a three-minute span and falling behind after a quick 6-0 run by the Wildcats less than five minutes into the first quarter. The Bears hit six of their final seven shots in the first quarter, but the Wildcats made all four of their 3-point tries in the period to maintain their lead. Baylor hit its first six shots of the second quarter, including a 3-pointer from Felder and a pair of driving layups from Walker to tie the game, but Villanova continued to shoot the lights out, hitting its first six 3-pointers. “At the beginning, we were trying too hard to pressure them, and they got downhill against us and it put us in rotation, and when you get in rotation against Villanova, they’re going to pick you apart at the arc,” Collen said. “Starting six-for-six, that was tough.” The Wildcats missed 15 shots in a row in a span that stretched from the five-minute mark of the third quarter to the midway point of the third quarter, the Bears outscored them 12-0 to take the lead. Vonleh made four layups and Andrews hit a 3-pointer in the first three minutes of the fourth quarter to help the Bears push their lead to six points. “That’s what helped us finish the game off strong,” Vonleh said. “We found something that was working and kept doing it. It was nice to just execute and get some bucket to go in and be able to finish the game the way we wanted to.” Fontleroy hit her first 3-pointer of the game during a 9-0 run for the Bears to clinch the win. “I thought we played the game really simply today,” Collen said. “The game doesn’t have to be complicated when you have players that are good in space. That stretch was really important that we understood what was working and you don’t have to be tricky when things are working.” Be the first to knowALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) — Google, already facing a possible breakup of the company over its ubiquitous search engine , is fighting to beat back another attack by the U.S. Department of Justice alleging monopolistic conduct, this time over technology that puts online advertising in front of consumers. The Justice Department and Google made closing arguments Monday in a trial alleging Google's advertising technology constitutes an illegal monopoly. U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema in Alexandria, Virginia, will decide the case and is expected to issue a written ruling by the end of the year. If Brinkema finds Google has engaged in illegal, monopolistic conduct, she will then hold further hearings to explore what remedies should be imposed. The Justice Department, along with a coalition of states, has already said it believes Google should be forced to sell off parts of its ad tech business, which generates tens of billions of dollars annually for the Mountain View, California-based company. After roughly a month of trial testimony earlier this year, the arguments in the case remain the same. During three hours of arguments Monday, Brinkema, who sometimes tips her hand during legal arguments, did little to indicate how she might rule. She did, though, question the applicability of a key antitrust case Google cites in its defense. The Justice Department contends Google built and maintained a monopoly in “open-web display advertising,” essentially the rectangular ads that appear on the top and right-hand side of the page when one browses websites. Google dominates all facets of the market. A technology called DoubleClick is used pervasively by news sites and other online publishers, while Google Ads maintains a cache of advertisers large and small looking to place their ads on the right webpage in front of the right consumer. In between is another Google product, AdExchange, that conducts nearly instantaneous auctions matching advertisers to publishers. In court papers, Justice Department lawyers say Google “is more concerned with acquiring and preserving its trifecta of monopolies than serving its own publisher and advertiser customers or winning on the merits.” As a result, content providers and news organizations have never been able to generate the online revenue they should due to Google’s excessive fees for brokering transactions between advertisers and publishers, the government says. Google argues the government's case improperly focuses on a narrow niche of online advertising. If one looks more broadly at online advertising to include social media, streaming TV services, and app-based advertising, Google says it controls as little as 10% of the market, a share that is dwindling as it faces increased and evolving competition. Google alleges in court papers that the government’s lawsuit “boil(s) down to the persistent complaints of a handful of Google’s rivals and several mammoth publishers.” Google also says it has invested billions in technology that facilitates the efficient match of advertisers to interested consumers and it should not be forced to share its technology and success with competitors. “Requiring a company to do further engineering work to make its technology and customers accessible by all of its competitors on their preferred terms has never been compelled by U.S. antitrust law,” the company wrote. Brinkema, during Monday's arguments, also sought clarity on Google’s market share, a number the two sides dispute, depending on how broadly the market is defined. Historically, courts have been unwilling to declare an illegal monopoly in markets in which a company holds less than a 70% market share. Google says that when online display advertising is viewed as a whole, it holds only a 10% market share, and dwindling. The Justice Department contends, though, that when focusing on open-web display advertising, Google controls 91% of the market for publisher ad servers and 87% of the market for advertiser ad networks. Google says that the “open web display advertising” market is gerrymandered by the Justice Department to make Google look bad, and that nobody in the industry looks at that category of ads without considering the ability of advertisers to switch to other forms of advertising, like in mobile apps. The Justice Department also contends that the public is harmed by the excessive rates Google charges to facilitate ad purchases, saying the company takes 36 cents on the dollar when it facilitates the transaction end to end. Google says its “take rate” has dropped to 31% and continues to decrease, and it says that rate is lower than that of its competitors. “When you have an integrated system, one of the benefits is lower prices," Google lawyer Karen Dunn said Monday. The Virginia case is separate from an ongoing lawsuit brought against Google in the District of Columbia over its namesake search engine. In that case, the judge determined it constitutes an illegal monopoly but has not decided what remedy to impose. The Justice Department said last week it will seek to force Google to sell its Chrome web browser , among a host of other penalties. Google has said the department's request is overkill and unhinged from legitimate regulation. In Monday's arguments, Justice Department lawyer Aaron Teitelbaum cited the search engine case when he highlighted an email from a Google executive, David Rosenblatt, who said in a 2009 email that Google’s goal was to “do to display what Google did to search," which Teitelbaum said showed the company's intent to achieve market dominance. “Google did not achieve its trifecta of monopolies by accident,” Teitelbaum said.
Caregiver son struggles with guilt over not doing enough
Daily Post Nigeria Corporate governance foundation for success, sustainability of the telecoms industry in Nigeria Home News Politics Metro Entertainment Sport News Corporate governance foundation for success, sustainability of the telecoms industry in Nigeria Published on November 25, 2024 By Daily Post Staff The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has highlighted how governance frameworks will not only ensure compliance but also promote innovation, trust, and long-term value in the ecosystem. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO), in his address at the recent 2024 Annual Corporate Governance Conference, in Lagos made this assertion. The conference was tagged: “Corporate Survival and Sustainability: The New Face of Governance.” Maida, harped on the significance of corporate governance in organisations, affirming that the concept remains the foundation for success, sustainability of the telecoms industry in Nigeria. He also disclosed the Commission is about to release its revised corporate governance code by updating the 2016 version with a key focus on the introduction of mandatory sustainability reporting for telecoms operators in the country. The EVC explained that this initiative aims to align the sector with global Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards, promoting greater transparency and support sustainable development within Nigeria’s telecoms space. Dr. Maida also highlighted how sustainability reporting involves organisations to disclose information about their ESG performance. This practice provides stakeholders—including investors, customers, and regulators—with insights into how telecoms operators manage risks and opportunities related to sustainability. Key components include reporting on carbon emissions, resource usage, labour practices, community engagement, and data privacy, stated Maida. He further explained essence of sustainability in corporate governance, noting “such practices are no longer optional but essential for the long-term success of telecoms companies.” He stated that in today’s fast-evolving world, corporate governance is not just a regulatory requirement—it’s the foundation of the telecom industry’s success and sustainability. He declared: “As leaders, it’s our responsibility to ensure our governance frameworks are robust, adaptable, and in tune with the changing global landscape.” Underscoring the significance of good governance in the telecoms sector of Nigeria’s economy, Maida as well presented findings from a comprehensive NCC analysis evaluating corporate governance among telecoms operators in Nigeria. According to him, the major indicators examined in the survey included Board composition, diversity, effectiveness, ethical conduct, compliance, risk management, and corporate social responsibility. The analysis, NCC Executive Vice-Chairman stated, indicated a strong correlation between effective governance and regulatory compliance, with companies not excelling in governance facing poor financial performance. This observation demonstrates that “good governance is not merely a regulatory obligation but a strategic necessity for sustainable business success,” Maida asserted. Key elements of future of corporate governance in telecoms industry Besides expatiating on the correlation between effective governance and regulatory compliance in the industry, Dr. Maida further enumerated the essential components shaping the future of corporate governance in the telecoms sector. According to him, these include Adaptability. As digital transformation and emerging technologies redefine the landscape, governance frameworks must adapt while ensuring accountability, he noted. Data Privacy and Security: With telecom operators handling vast amounts of sensitive data, robust data protection measures are imperative. He also warned that “data breaches could have dire consequences for both individual companies and the sector as a whole.” He equally stressed the need for “governance frameworks” that prioritise data security through comprehensive policies and compliance protocols in the ecosystem. The EVC/CEO of the telecoms sector regulatory Commission averred: “Corporate governance is not just a regulatory organisation; it is the foundation for the success and sustainability of our industry.” The Executive Vice-Chairman as well highlighted the impressive growth of Nigeria’s telecommunications industry since its liberalisation in 2001. He said: “From just 305,000 active phone lines in 2001, we now boast over 150 million active telecoms subscribers.” Maida restated the telecoms sector’s significant contributions to the West African country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to include job creation, and economic empowerment for millions of Nigerians. Related Topics: NCc Don't Miss Removal of CCT Chairman Justice Danladi Umar unconstitutional – Bauchi lawyers You may like Be more transparent with yours data billings – NCC tells network providers NCC to resolve telecoms, banks’ USSD debt issue with CBN NCC moves towards digital justice Subscribers to be exposed to only seven data tariff plans – NCC NCC to create new role of corporate officers in line with governance in telecoms industry NCC committed to transparency, accountability in communications sector – Maida Advertise About Us Contact Us Privacy-Policy Terms Copyright © Daily Post Media Ltd
Turkey, traffic and thanks: Joe Biden’s visit to Staten Island (live updates)The Buffalo Bills will enter their Week 12 bye week right in the middle of the playoff race in the AFC. The Bills even got some help in their pursuit of the top seed in the conference after "Thursday Night Football." The Cleveland Browns defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers, 24-19, in a surprising upset on Thursday. Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images Before the game, despite the Bills having the same amount of losses as Pittsburgh, the Steelers controlled their own destiny for the AFC's top seed, since they face the Kansas City Chiefs later on in the season, and would be able to finish the season with a better conference record than Buffalo. However, with the loss, the Steelers are now a full game behind the Bills, and no longer control their destiny over Buffalo. The Bills are still 0.5 games behind the Chiefs for the first-round bye, but they now have some breathing room with Pittsburgh behind them. Related: Shocking Bills vs. Chiefs Viewership Numbers Revealed If the Chiefs lose this weekend to the Carolina Panthers, the Bills would have sole possession of the No. 1 seed in the AFC. It would be the first time since 1993 that the Bills have been in that position if they could hold on until the playoffs. Buffalo does still have plenty of formidable opponents coming up, with games against the San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions approaching in the coming weeks. Regardless, the Bills can rest through their bye week and look to come out of it even healthier than before as they enter the final stretch of the season. Related: Bills Coach Outlines 'Scary' Bye Week Plan
BOULDER, Colo. — A 72-year-old lifelong Colorado fan with end-stage kidney failure waited to the side of the field in his wheelchair for Travis Hunter and the rest of the Buffaloes. One by one, players strolled over and signed a football for Riley Rhoades, his face lighting up with each signature. Standing close by and taking in the scene was Jeremy Bloom. He's become a wish facilitator for older adults. Bloom, the former Colorado wide receiver and Olympic freestyle skier, started the Wish of a Lifetime foundation in 2008, which has made thousands of aspirations turn into reality for older adults. The list of granted wishes range from taking veterans back to the beaches of Normandy to helping late-in-life authors publish a book. He's staged concerts for musicians, assisted some in daredevil feats such as jumping out of an airplane and even lined up a meeting between an Olympic medalist and former President Barack Obama. For Rhoades, his wish was simply to return to Folsom Field again, the place where he used to have season tickets but hasn't attended a game since 2004. "Everybody has somebody in their life —a grandparent, friend, neighbor — at that age where you wish you had more resources to help," said Bloom, whose college career was cut short two decades ago when the NCAA denied his reinstatement to play football and still ski professionally after receiving endorsement money to fuel his Olympic dreams. "Nothing can compare to seeing someone else's eyes light up because you helped make their dream come true." The foundation is a tribute to his grandparents. But the concept began to take root when he was a teenager. He was in Japan for a World Cup freestyle skiing competition when a woman tried to hop on a crowded bus. There was no room, but everyone in front rose from their seats to make space. That stuck with him, along with seeing these acts of kindness for older adults all over Europe and Asia as he traveled. An idea formed — bring that same level of appreciation to the United States, with a wish-granting element. Bloom's organization has been a charitable affiliate of AARP since 2020. It was the yearning of Rhoades that brought the two of them to Folsom Field last weekend. Rhoades, who had season tickets at Colorado for 27 years, wanted to see the Buffaloes in person after watching the team's resurgence on television. A few years ago, Rhoades, who was born with spina bifida, was diagnosed with end-stage renal failure. Being among the 54,646 fans Saturday stirred up plenty of emotions for Rhoades, as he watched the 16th-ranked Buffaloes (8-2, 6-1 Big 12, No. 16 CFP) beat Utah. Colorado remains in the race for not only a conference title but a spot in the College Football Playoff. "It's just great to be back here again," Rhoades said as he pointed out the section where he used to watch games. "It's just ... so cool." For Bloom, the success that coach Deion Sanders has brought to the program means more reunions with teammates as they pass through town. "I've been through many years where nobody comes to visit," Bloom said. "It's fun that Boulder has become the epicenter of college football." Leading the way for Colorado this season have been quarterback Shedeur Sanders and two-way star Hunter, who's the Heisman Trophy frontrunner. But what particularly pleases Bloom is that Sanders, Hunter and the rest of college football players are able to finally profit through name, image and likeness. In his day, Bloom got caught in the NCAA crosshairs for wanting to play both sports and to have sponsors in one (skiing) so he could fund his Olympic aspirations. How time have changed. "I'm just really grateful that this generation of athletes gets to monetize their skills and ability," said Bloom, who finished sixth in moguls at the 2006 Winter Games in Italy. "It's the right thing." He's thrown his passion into fulfilling wishes such as learning ballet, riding in a Formula 1 pace car or taking a flight in a fighter jet. He's also helped reconnect families and friends, including a reunion for a trio of centenarian sisters who hadn't seen each other in more than a decade. This granted wish has stuck with Bloom: A person in Alabama wasn't able to travel after being diagnosed with end-of-life emphysema. So he asked for postcards to be sent, just to learn what made someone's town so special. He received 2,000 postcards from 26 different countries. "There's no end to the things that they've done for us in the world," Bloom said of older adults. "We're one of the organizations that reminds them that their dreams still do matter and that we still appreciate them and we cherish them." Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Article content How in God’s name could anyone call themselves Christian and support a womanizer, misogynist and convicted felon? White Evangelical Christians were Trump’s strongest backers. The most striking theme of the election was he had been chosen by God. Yet even before the assassination attempt, millions of Americans already felt guided by their faith to support Trump. What makes so many see this man as sent from God? Trump declared: “Many people have told me that God spared my life in that assassination attempt to save our country and to restore America to greatness.” Franklin Graham is a Trump believer and has no doubts that Trump was chosen by God. “We believe the president will defend religious freedom where the Democrats would not.” Many evangelicals believe that Jews should populate the whole of biblical Israel and trust Trump to make it happen. Some Christians overlook his character because during his first term as president he delivered on his promise by appointing three anti-abortion judges to the U.S. Supreme Court. “Donald Trump’s really the first president who’s not only vocalized an anti-abortion stance but also put action behind it,” a supporter said. Trump pledged to “protect Christians in our schools, in our military and our government.” Many supporters dispute all the accusations or see him as an imperfect but powerful champion. “People support President Trump not for his piety but for his policies,” a minister said. “There were some faith issues important to evangelicals, but evangelicals are Americans who care about immigration and the economy.” Not only white, non-Hispanic evangelicals supported Trump. So did Latino evangelicals and Catholics. A minister said some members of his congregation voiced concerns about Trump’s personality but not his policies. In the face of declining church attendance, Trump said: “I know you’re in decline, I know your children and grandchildren don’t attend church. But if you elect me, I’m going to restore power to the Christian churches.” For some Christians, their faith guided them to the opposite impression of Trump. A minister was dismayed at the election result. “Trump has demeaned and debased just about anybody he could, from immigrants to minorities to women to those who are disabled,” he says. “White conservative Republican Christianity that ignores character is just hypocritical.” As for his appeal to ordinary Christians, Trump’s “Making America Great Again” holds hope of restoring the country’s Christian character. Christians who vote for the candidate who supports their concerns most are putting God second to the world and its values. They are Christians in name only and conveniently ignore Jesus’s teachings about caring for the homeless, hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and the prisoners. A minister encouraged his congregation to stop looking for perfection in presidential candidates, saying Christians should vote for the person who embraces their values most. They need to stop looking for politicians to do only what God can do. And Christians need to stop looking to God to reflect their political beliefs. Those roles are not interchangeable. Reach Gene Monin at adios43@yahoo.com Share this Story : PASTOR GENE MONIN: How in God’s good name could Christians vote for Trump? Copy Link Email X Reddit Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr4 easy, comforting bean dishes for fall
Even in this banner season for military academy football — complete with winning streaks, national rankings and a conference championship — the biggest goal remains the same. For Army: Beat Navy. For Navy: Beat Army. With the college football landscape changing at a furious rate, the significance of this matchup adds a dose of tradition to mid-December, amid all that talk about the transfer portal and the new expanded playoff. "We've had a good year. You make it a great year by winning this game coming up on Saturday. Frankly, that's just the way it goes around here," Army coach Jeff Monken said. "It's a game and a season really all of its own. We don't apologize for talking about it all the time. We talk about it all the time, and it's 365 days a year." Saturday in Landover, Maryland, is the 125th matchup between Army and Navy, and although these two programs are long removed from their days winning national titles and Heisman Trophies, this is a historic moment in the rivalry. The Black Knights and Midshipmen have combined for 19 wins this season, their highest total ever entering this game. Army (11-1) is ranked 19th in the AP poll after beating Tulane last week to win the American Athletic Conference — the first league title of any kind in the team's 134-year history. Navy (8-3) was ranked as well earlier this season after starting with six straight victories. "I knew we were going to be an improved football team," Navy coach Brian Newberry said. "Didn't know exactly what that was going to look like. I think certainly we've improved in a lot of different areas. I'm excited about the season we've had." This was Army's first season in the AAC, putting the Black Knights and Midshipmen in the same league, although their annual matchup is considered a nonconference game. For a while, there was a chance the teams could meet twice, with a conference championship clash coming before the regularly scheduled Army-Navy game, but that didn't happen. Their most prominent common opponent came from outside the league. Notre Dame handed both Navy and Army its first loss, beating the Midshipmen 51-14 and the Black Knights 49-14. Within the AAC, both teams beat Temple, UAB and East Carolina. Army beat Tulane and Rice and Navy lost to those two teams. Army and Navy also each won its nonconference game against Air Force. Those victories over Air Force mean this season's Commander-In-Chief's Trophy comes down to the Army-Navy game. It's the first time since 2017 that both teams enter this game with a shot at the trophy. It's also the first time since 2017 that both teams enter the game with bowl bids secured. Navy faces Oklahoma in the Armed Forces Bowl and Army takes on Marshall in the Independence Bowl. This year's Army-Navy game is at the Washington Commanders' home stadium in Landover. It was also held there in 2011. This is the first time the game has been in Maryland since Baltimore hosted it in 2016. Baltimore is also up next in 2025. Army quarterback Bryson Daily has 29 rushing touchdowns this season, which is tied for the FBS lead with running back Ashton Jeanty, Boise State's Heisman finalist. Only one QB in FBS history has run for more TDs in a season than Daily. That was Navy's Keenan Reynolds, with 31 in 2013. "You come here to play in this game. The biggest stage possible, millions of people watching and a sold-out NFL stadium. It's awesome," Daily said. "None of the games that happened before this matter. We're going into this game like we're 0-0, they're 0-0 because that's just how you have to come into this game." Navy's closest game this season — win or lose — was a 56-44 win over Memphis. The Midshipmen are the only FBS team that hasn't had a game this season decided by eight points or fewer. AP Sports Writer Stephen Whyno contributed to this report. Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Expect disruptions as the Mongrel Mob farewells its Napier president 'Heil Dogg' this weekend, police say. 'Heil Dogg' is also known as Angus Benson and Angus Ratima. His body is at his mother's home in Maraenui, and will be taken to the nearby gang headquarters on Friday, where he will lie for his last night and for poroporoaki (farewell) before a funeral service on Saturday in Marewa. Extra police have been brought in from across the country and a number of roading checkpoints have resulted in two vehicles being seized, four breath tests failed and one arrest for disorder. There have also been a handful of people who've had gang insignia taken off them under new laws banning patches in public . Hawke's Bay area commander Inspector Lincoln Sycamore told RNZ police were expecting a large number of people to attend the tangi. "We know that Benson had a wide reach within the community both from a family perspective and whatever other interests he had... real strong in the rugby fraternity. "We are expecting a large number of people to come pay their respects from whatever walks of live they happen to choose - but certainly, and I'll emphasise, that he was a community member as well as whatever other things he chose to do." Police have brought in extra officers from all over the country, including public order teams and gang disruption units. "Essentially everybody that can wear a blue uniform from within our own capacity is what we've deployed out and about... Our focus is high visibility and to provide that reassurance and to be able to react to anything should we need to. "We think we've got the right sort of capacity to respond to whatever we need to at the time." 'Really gentle, really polite and caring' Police said Benson's death was not being treated as suspicious. and would be referred to the coroner. Locals RNZ spoke to in Maraenui said everyone was in disbelief that Benson was dead. "The whole community is in shock, no one can believe what's happened - they're still coming to terms with it. The community is really pulling together and it's quite sombre, Heil's was a really good guy, he was a really good customer," said one person. Benson was the leader of the Mongrel Mob's Barbarian chapter in Napier, but Maraenui Four Square owner Multitude Parihar remembered him as a customer who loved Kapiti ice cream . "He was really gentle, really polite and really caring. Even his dad was a regular customer. Feeling so sad for them." Parihar said there had been an influx of gang members into Maraenui, but no issues had arisen. "Yeah it's a lot, very busy. Expecting a lot tomorrow and on Saturday." Around the corner at the Mongrel Mob's Napier headquarters, a marquee and food truck had been set up on the lawn and a social media post warned tangi attendees about road closures at Benson's mother's house nearby, urging everyone to behave. A source told RNZ the tangi was expected to be peaceful, and gang members would respect the new laws banning patches in public. One local said the police presence had been over the top. "The community spirit, the family spirit is amazing. Everyone is looking out for each other but they want the police to bugger off and leave them to it." Sycamore said there had been been a variety of interactions at checkpoints. "Anecdotal feedback ranges from, 'Hey it's really great to see police here doing what you're doing,' through to, 'I've been stopped a number of times and I'm over it...' but probably in stronger language than that." Benson's body will be moved down the street to the gang pad on Saturday for a poroporoaki - a farewell - before his funeral service at the Napier Tech Sports Club in Marewa on Saturday. "The public can be assured police are ready to respond to any issues if and when they arise, and will maintain high visibility until funeral commemorations have concluded. "There will be no tolerance for breaches of the law, including the Gangs Act 2024, nor for any unsafe or intimidating behaviour," said Sycamore. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.The Wallabies are trusting in some backline wizardry, handing a debut to winger Harry Potter and returning Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii to the starting line-up for the Scotland Test match. And after a "complicated" week in Edinburgh when frozen pitches limited their training options, coach Joe Schmidt was left grateful to his hosts for allowing them to have a run-out at Murrayfield on Friday. The Wallabies are hoping to continue their hot form in the cold with Suaalii set for his biggest examination yet in the gold as he returns to start at outside centre for the third leg of their British Isles grand slam bid on Sunday (Monday AEDT). In a side featuring six changes from that which crushed Wales last Sunday, Schmidt will also hope for a touch of magic from Potter, the English-born back who will become Wallaby No.989 in the city where his fictional namesake was invented. Schmidt has also shown faith in openside flanker Carlo Tizzano to step in for key forward Fraser McReight, who's getting a break after his 80-minute, 21-tackle shift against Wales. "Forty years on, we'd love to emulate it, but we're not trying to emulate it," said Schmidt, when asked about the prospect of the Wallabies moving to within one win of matching the 1984 Wallabies' 'grand slam'. "We're just trying to win this weekend and trying to have a good week's training, or a good week's preparation." Easier said than done as plummeting temperatures disrupted preparations. "We've been quite limited in what we've done," admitted Schmidt. "The grounds have been frozen but the Scottish Rugby Union were super today, they let us train at Murrayfield so we could actually get a session on the grass. We're very appreciative." Schmidt says he has full confidence in offering chances to his squad, with 26-year-old utility back Potter being the 18th Wallabies debutant of 2024 on the left wing, replacing the benched Max Jorgensen. It's a big moment for the Western Force's London-born Potter, who earned his spurs in England when starring in Leicester's Premiership title triumph. "We're trying to let Max heal a bit. He's just a kid of 20, who's still growing into the game. He's an exciting young prospect, but we just thought Harry's played a lot in this hemisphere, and quite successfully, so it's a good opportunity to give him his first start," said Schmidt. With Samu Kerevi's tour over after his red card against Wales, Len Ikitau will revert to the No.12 shirt with Suaalii at 13. After his head injury, Jake Gordon returns to take over the scrum-half berth from Nic White. Up front, Harry Wilson returns to the No.8 and the captaincy, while Tizzano comes in at seven and the tireless Rob Valetini moves to blindside flanker. Jeremy Williams comes back into the second row in place of Nick Frost, who also put in a full shift, complete with galloping try, against Wales. "They both played 80 minutes, and accumulated quite a bit of fatigue and a few knocks," said Schmidt, of McReight and Frost. "They're both okay. "Carlo played both South African games and the two games in Argentina, he made 66 out of 67 tackles, got half a dozen turnovers and added value ... I think it's a vote of confidence for how Carlo went." Prop Taniela Tupou was fit to play but has been left out as he continues to recover from a knee injury.Ashlon Jackson scores career-best 30 points as No. 13 Duke beats No. 9 Kansas State 73-62
TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Miguel Tomley scored 28 points as Weber State beat Pepperdine 68-53 in the Desert Division championship game of the Arizona Tip-Off on Saturday night. Tomley shot 7 for 12 (6 for 7 from 3-point range) and 8 of 8 from the free-throw line for the Wildcats (4-4). Blaise Threatt added 21 points and seven rebounds. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.The global governing body believes that it could help ‘develop the virtual running scene’ World Athletics is considering a World Treadmill Championships. The global governing body, in an effort to broaden the sport to new markets, wants to ‘develop the virtual running scene’. If the concept materialises, then World Athletics – who are already close to signing a deal with a technology partner for it – will follow the likes of rowing and cycling in having a global championships using gym equipment. The World Indoor Rowing Championships, which started in 2018, sees athletes – over a variety of disciplines – compete against each other on rowing machines. In cycling, you’ve got an Esports World Championships, where competitors ride bikes indoors on turbo trainers, using a virtual platform. “There are millions of people around the world that just go to the gym and run on the treadmill,” . “We should create products for those people. We should have a Treadmill World Championships. You are an athlete if you go for a 30-minute run on a treadmill or if you win an Olympic gold medal in the 100m. It is all athletics.” World Athletics’ decision to advocate for a global treadmill competition shouldn’t be particularly surprising, given the fitness and running world has experienced a recent boom in popularity. For example, Hyrox – a fitness competition that combines five miles of running and eight functional workout stations – has witnessed a 1000% increase in participation over the past five years. In regards to running’s popularity, next year’s London Marathon saw a world record-breaking 840,318 people apply in the public ballot for an entry at the event. That was up from 578,304 applications for this year’s edition, a 45.3% increase in just twelve months. Sebastian Coe, president of World Athletics, when asked about a treadmill championships, added: “You might have to watch this space, but ultimately, why not? We have to embrace and we have got to take our sport to where people are. That is crucial. “Whether it is through virtual, whether it is through Esports, whether it is through treadmill, these are all the things that we want to really explore.”