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PLAINS, Ga. — Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States and a Nobel Peace Prize winner whose post-White House life was steeped in fighting for human rights and personally helping build homes through Habitat for Humanity, has died. He was 100. Carter passed away Sunday afternoon in Plains, Georgia, The Carter Center announced . The organization shared in Feb. 2023 that the former president had entered home hospice care. A few months later, the family shared that former first lady Rosalynn Carter was diagnosed with dementia. She passed away in November 2023. While family members have since shared they didn’t expect the former president to go on much longer after Rosalynn’s death, Carter defied expectations and on Oct. 1 became the first U.S. president to live a full century. James Earl Carter, Jr. was born in Plains, Georgia, on Oct. 1, 1924. Peanut farming and devotion to the Baptist Church were mainstays of his upbringing. After graduating from the Naval Academy in 1946, Carter went on to marry Rosalynn Smith. After he served seven years as a naval officer, Carter returned to Plains. He first entered the political world in 1962, serving two terms in the Georgia state senate. Eight years later, Carter was elected governor of Georgia, and held that office from 1971 to 1975. Carter was the Democratic nominee for president in 1976 and went on to defeat incumbent Pres. Gerald Ford in the general election, 297 electoral votes to 240. Carter is the last Democratic presidential nominee to win the states of Alabama, Mississippi and Texas. “I would hope that the nations of the world might say that we had built a lasting peace, based not on weapons of war, but on international policies that reflect our own most precious values,” Carter said in his inaugural address. Among his accomplishments in the Oval Office, Carter helped calm tensions in the Middle East as he facilitated the Camp David Accords, signed by Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin in 1978. Carter also created two new cabinet-level departments – the Department of Energy and the Department of Education. But there were controversies, particularly in the final 14 months of his presidency. The Iran Hostage Crisis saw 66 American diplomats and citizens held hostage in the U.S. Embassy in Iran. In an attempt to free the hostages, Carter ordered a military operation that failed, killing eight American servicemen. After 444 days, the hostages were freed on January 20, 1981 -- the day Carter's successor, Ronald Reagan, took office. Carter also ordered a U.S. boycott of the 1980 Summer Olympic Games in Moscow to protest the Soviet Union invading Afghanistan. Sixty other nations also boycotted. The Soviets would return the gesture by boycotting the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. Carter lost a bid for a second term to Reagan in what was both an electoral vote and popular vote landslide . After leaving Washington, Carter’s spent his time advancing human rights around the world. In 1982, he established The Carter Center in Atlanta. “I’ve been humbled to get to know people around the world and to see that, in effect, all people on earth are the same in the eyes of God, and should be the same in the eyes of each other – worthy of respect, care and love,” Carter said. His work abroad won him the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize. Carter also continued to give back at home through his involvement with Habitat for Humanity. He also taught Sunday school and was a deacon at the Maranatha Baptist Church of Plains. "We can choose to alleviate suffering. We can choose to work together for peace. We can make these changes — and we must," Carter once said. Carter holds the distinction of living longer than any other former president. He and wife, Rosalynn, also hold the record of the longest-married couple in presidential history – with the couple celebrating their 77th wedding anniversary on July 7, 2023. Carter is survived by three sons, one daughter, 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Next up in 5 Example video title will go here for this video Next up in 5 Example video title will go here for this videoAmber Heard empathizes with Blake Lively. After the Gossip Girl alum filed a legal complaint against her It Ends With Us costar and director Justin Baldoni-which includes allegations that he engaged in a campaign to ruin her reputation amid her own concerns about him on set-the Aquaman star reflected on her own experience with public vitriol amid her and Johnny Depp’s infamous defamation trial. “Social media is the absolute personification of the classic saying ‘A lie travels halfway around the world before truth can get its boots on,'” Heard expressed in a statement to NBC News Dec. 23. “I saw this firsthand and up close. It’s as horrifying as it is destructive.” Indeed, Lively’s legal filing, obtained by E! News, alleges that Baldoni, as well as It Ends With Usproducer Jamey Heath, hired crisis public relations expert Melissa Nathan, who also represented Depp amid his trial against Heard, and has counted Drake and Travis Scott as past clients-to combat Lively’s on-set sexual harassment allegations. In response to Heard’s statement to NBC News, Bryan Freedman, an attorney representing Baldoni, shared a note to E! News. “The only correlation between both individuals,” Freedman said in part of the statement, “was that for decades every move they have made has been out there for everyone to see, widely filmed and documented for the public to make up their own minds-which they did, organically.” Lively’s complaint, filed with the California Civil Rights Department and obtained by E! News, includes alleged text messages from Nathan to a publicist for Baldoni in which she says, “You know we can bury anyone,” in relation to Lively’s reputation. Heard-who has since relocated to Spain-was sued by Depp for defamation in 2019 after she had written an op-ed piece alleging she was the victim of domestic violence the prior year. In a 2022 verdict, the jury found Heard liable for defamation-which she later appealed.Starmer to visit troops serving on Russian border in push for Ukraine support
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Sir Keir Starmer said he would be looking towards a “better, brighter future for every person” in a Christmas message following a turbulent year for the UK. The Prime Minister said the season was a time to remember the importance of “being there for one another”, including in “the more difficult times”. He also expressed hope for “peace, particularly in the Middle East as the birthplace of the Christmas story” amid spiralling conflict across the region. The message comes after a challenging first five months in office for the Labour Government and against the backdrop of a flatlining economy and rising inflation. Sir Keir said: “This Christmas, people will be travelling up and down the country. Heading home, visiting relatives and loved ones to celebrate together the hope and joy of this special season. “It’s a time to remind ourselves what’s really important. Family. Friendship. And fellowship between all people. “Being there for one another – in these celebrations, as well as the more difficult times.” To our military and veterans, the whole nation thanks you for the sacrifices you make to keep us safe. My government will serve you as you have served your country. I wish you and your families a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year. — Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) The Prime Minister sought to strike an optimistic note following another year of political upheaval for Britain, which saw Labour win a landslide victory after a surprise election called by Rishi Sunak in the summer. After taking office in July, the new Government made a series of unpopular decisions as ministers confronted the realities of creaking public services and strained national finances. As well as dealing with the economic inheritance, Sir Keir said he needed to fix a “broken society” which manifested itself in summer riots across the country after the Southport knife attack. Sir Keir said: “This Christmas, I will be hoping for peace, particularly in the Middle East as the birthplace of the Christmas story. “I’ll be looking towards a better, brighter future for every person and celebrating the joy and wonder that Christmas brings. “So, from my family to yours, I hope you have a very merry Christmas.” The message comes after revised official figures released on Monday indicated that UK gross domestic product (GDP) showed no growth between July and September. Downing Street defended the Government’s record so far when asked about the data, telling reporters: “We had to take those tough decisions to lay the foundations of growth such that we can then deliver the higher living standards over this Parliament that people want to see.” The Prime Minister also used his message to thank those spending Christmas serving others, including in the NHS and emergency services, the armed forces, churches and charities. “I know that this is not an easy time for everyone, and my thoughts are with all those who are lonely this Christmas. “Having a tough time, missing a loved one. You are not alone,” he said. Meanwhile, Kemi Badenoch said Christmas was a time to reflect on “all that’s happened in the year” and “support all of those people who need our assistance”. “I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone, not just in the Conservative Party or in my constituency, but across the country,” the Tory leader said. “For all that you have been doing in your communities, supporting each other and helping to keep all our towns, villages and places going. “I think that Christmas is a time for us to reflect on all that’s happened in the year. “Sometimes we have amazing years. “Sometimes, like when I lost my dad, we have difficult years and we’re commiserating, but we do it together. “But it’s a time for us to support all of those people who need our assistance, who need our help, who need our support.” She added: “And I’m looking forward to 2025. “I wish you all the very best for the New Year and all of the exciting things to come.” Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said: “This year, I’ve had the chance to spend time with some amazing young carers. “Incredible young people who will spend this Christmas doing what they do all year round; looking after loved ones who are ill or disabled. “Carers embody the Christmas spirit of love, selflessness and generosity. “So I hope we can all take some time to think of them, and keep them in our hearts. “And wish them – and everyone – a Christmas full of peace, joy and love.”Google names UK executive as president for Europe, Middle East and Africa
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DALLAS — Dallas Love Field Airport is investing in greener energy. The airport announced it bought energy-capturing pods from Dallas-based JetWind Power Corporation. Those pods take wind generated by planes at the airport and turn it into energy . According to the announcement, Love Field will receive thirteen pods from JetWind over three years, and six charging stations will be installed at the airport that directly draw power from the pods. According to JetWind, the pods provide a more predictable source of wind-generated energy and could also be used by railroads, roadways and heliports to provide more sustainable power. According to the announcement, JetWind has had prototypes stationed at Love Field since 2021. “We couldn’t be prouder to host JetWind during their prototype phase and help certify the benefits of this technology,” said Patrick Carreno, Director of Aviation. “It’s even more exciting to be their first customer after being a guinea pig!"
Penn State football players offer thanks to their families, at home and at school [opinion]The Gunners delivered the statement Champions League victory their manager had demanded to bounce back from a narrow defeat at Inter Milan last time out. Goals from Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Magalhaes, Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard got their continental campaign back on track, lifting them to seventh place with 10 points in the new-look 36-team table. It was Arsenal’s biggest away win in the Champions League since beating Inter by the same scoreline in 2003. “For sure, especially against opposition we played at their home who have not lost a game in 18 months – they have been in top form here – so to play with the level, the determination, the purpose and the fluidity we showed today, I am very pleased,” said Arteta. “The team played with so much courage, because they are so good. When I’m watching them live they are so good! They were all exceptional today. It was a big performance, a big win and we are really happy. “The performance was there a few times when we have played big teams. That’s the level that we have to be able to cope and you have to make it happen, and that creates belief.” A memorable victory also ended Sporting’s unbeaten start to the season, a streak of 17 wins and one draw, the vast majority of which prompted Manchester United to prise away head coach Ruben Amorim. The Gunners took the lead after only seven minutes when Martinelli tucked in Jurrien Timber’s cross, and Saka teed up Havertz for a tap-in to double the advantage. Arsenal added a third on the stroke of half-time, Gabriel charging in to head Declan Rice’s corner into the back of the net. To rub salt in the wound, the Brazilian defender mimicked Viktor Gyokeres’ hands-over-his-face goal celebration. That may have wound Sporting up as they came out after the interval meaning business, and they pulled one back after David Raya tipped Hidemasa Morita’s shot behind, with Goncalo Inacio netting at the near post from the corner. But when Martin Odegaard’s darting run into the area was halted by Ousmane Diomande’s foul, Saka tucked away the penalty. Substitute Trossard added the fifth with eight minutes remaining, heading in the rebound after Mikel Merino’s shot was saved. A miserable night for prolific Sporting striker Gyokeres was summed up when his late shot crashed back off the post.
Mobile wallets that allow you to pay using your phone have been around for well more than a decade, and over those years they’ve grown in popularity, becoming a key part of consumers’ credit card usage. According to a "state of credit card report" for 2025 from credit bureau Experian, 53% of Americans in a survey say they use digital wallets more frequently than traditional payment methods. To further incentivize mobile wallet usage, some credit card issuers offer bonus rewards when you elect to pay that way. But those incentives can go beyond just higher reward rates. In fact, mobile wallets in some ways are becoming an essential part of activating and holding a credit card. For example, they can offer immediate access to your credit line, and they can be easier and safer than paying with a physical card. From a rewards perspective, it can make a lot of sense to reach for your phone now instead of your physical card. The Apple Card offers its highest reward rates when you use it through the Apple Pay mobile wallet. Same goes for the PayPal Cashback Mastercard® when you use it to make purchases via the PayPal digital wallet. The Kroger grocery store giant has a co-branded credit card that earns the most when you pay using an eligible digital wallet, and some major credit cards with quarterly rotating bonus categories have a history of incentivizing digital wallet use. But again, these days it's not just about the rewards. Mobile wallets like Apple Pay, Samsung Pay and PayPal can offer immediate access to your credit line while you wait for your physical card to arrive after approval. Indeed, most major issuers including Bank of America®, Capital One and Chase now offer instant virtual credit card numbers for eligible cards that can be used upon approval by adding them to a digital wallet. Additionally, many co-branded credit cards — those offered in partnership with another brand — commonly offer instant card access and can be used immediately on in-brand purchases. Credit cards typically take seven to 10 days to arrive after approval, so instant access to your credit line can be particularly useful if you need to make an urgent or unexpected purchase. Plus, they allow you to start spending toward a card’s sign-up bonus right away. As issuers push toward mobile payments, a growing number of merchants and businesses are similarly adopting the payment method. The percentage of U.S. businesses that used digital wallets increased to 62% in 2023, compared to 47% the previous year, according to a 2023 survey commissioned by the Federal Reserve Financial Services. Wider acceptance is potentially good news for the average American, who according to Experian has about four credit cards. While that won’t necessarily weigh down your wallet, it can be hard to manage multiple cards and rewards categories at once. Mobile wallets offer a more efficient way to store and organize all of your workhorse cards, while not having to carry around ones that you don't use often. They can also help you more easily monitor your spending and rewards, and some even track your orders' status and arrival time. Plus, paying with a digital wallet offers added security. That’s because it uses technology called tokenization when you pay, which masks your real credit card number and instead sends an encrypted "token" that’s unique to each payment. This is unlike swiping or dipping a physical card, during which your credit card number is more directly accessible. And again, because a mobile wallet doesn't require you to have your physical cards present, there's less chance of one falling out of your pocket or purse. The article Activating Your Credit Card? Don’t Skip the Mobile Wallet Step originally appeared on NerdWallet.Former President Bill Clinton, 78, hospitalizedDimopoulos shines in double OT and Northern Illinois beats Fresno State 28-20 in Idaho Potato Bowl
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Walmart's DEI rollback signals a profound shift in the wake of Trump's election victoryMr Carter, a former peanut farmer, served one term in the White House between 1977 and 1981, taking over in the wake of the Watergate scandal and the end of the Vietnam War. After his defeat by Ronald Reagan, he spent his post-presidency years as a global humanitarian, winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. His death on Sunday was announced by his family and came more than a year after he decided to enter hospice care. He was the longest-lived US president. His son, Chip Carter, said: “My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights and unselfish love. “My brothers, sister and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs. “The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honouring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.” World leaders have paid tribute to Mr Carter, including US President Joe Biden, who was one of the first politicians to endorse Mr Carter for president in 1976 and said the world had “lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian”. He said: “Over six decades, we had the honour of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend. But, what’s extraordinary about Jimmy Carter, though, is that millions of people throughout America and the world who never met him thought of him as a dear friend as well. Our founder, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, passed away this afternoon in Plains, Georgia. — The Carter Center (@CarterCenter) “With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among us. “He saved, lifted, and changed the lives of people all across the globe.” Irish President Michael D Higgins said Mr Carter was “a principled man who dedicated his life to seeking to advance the cause of peace across the world”. He added: “On behalf of the people of Ireland, may I express my sympathies to President Carter’s children and extended family, to President Joe Biden, to the people of the United States, and to his wide circle of colleagues and friends across the globe.” Mr Carter is expected to receive a state funeral featuring public observances in Atlanta and Washington DC before being buried in his home town of Plains, Georgia. A moderate democrat born in Plains in October 1924, Mr Carter’s political career took him from the Georgia state senate to the state governorship and finally, the White House, where he took office as the 39th president. His presidency saw economic disruption amid volatile oil prices, along with social tensions at home and challenges abroad including the Iranian revolution that sparked a 444-day hostage crisis at the US embassy in Tehran. But he also brokered the Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel, which led to a peace treaty between the two countries in 1979. After his defeat in the 1980 presidential election, he worked for more than four decades leading the Carter Centre, which he and his late wife Rosalynn co-founded in 1982 to “wage peace, fight disease, and build hope”. Under his leadership, the Carter Center managed to virtually eliminate Guinea Worm disease, which has gone from affecting 3.5 million people in Africa and Asia in 1986 to just 14 in 2023. Mrs Carter, who died last year aged 96, had played a more active role in her husband’s presidency than previous first ladies, with Mr Carter saying she had been “my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished”. Earlier this year, on his 100th birthday, Mr Carter received a private congratulatory message from the King, expressing admiration for his life of public service.
STILLWATER — Oklahoma State’s quarterback competition got a little more interesting on Sunday following a commitment from TCU backup Hauss Henjy, who has already changed his social media to represent the Cowboys. 247Sports ranked Henjy as the 17th quarterback and the 198th overall player in its transfer rankings. On3 ranked him 33rd among transfer quarterbacks. Rivals hasn't updated his rankings since he entered the portal, but had Henjy eighth among high school quarterbacks when he signed with TCU in the 2024 class. 247Sports and On3 ranked Henjy 12th and 21st, respectively, as a high school quarterback prospect. Henjy reunites with Oklahoma State’s new offensive coordinator, Doug Meacham. The transfer quarterback redshirted in 2024 after carrying the ball 15 times for 65 yards, including a 48-yard performance on only eight carries in a 20-13 win over Cincinnati on Nov. 30. Henjy was the Horned Frogs’ most effective runner that day and six of his rushes came on TCU’s final drive and burned 4:10 off the clock to leave Cincinnati with only one minute left to attempt a comeback. People are also reading... Berry Tramel: John Mateer has the OU quarterback job, but Michael Hawkins has the opportunity How to care for your mental health OU linebacker Kobie McKinzie on fiancée Kinzie Hansen: 'She's the Alpha of my family' OU defensive coordinator hot board: Who will Brent Venables hire to replace Zac Alley? Rep. Steve Bashore: Time for Oklahoma to end mandatory 6% markup on consumer goods Judge denies Ryan Walters' motion to dismiss defamation suit Four northeastern Oklahoma educators' teaching certificates suspended Tulsa's Country Bird Bakery named one of the best in the U.S. Bill Haisten: What would Mike Holder do? At OSU, it’s time to talk Berry Tramel: OU football hot seat doesn't necessarily mean ejection seat for Brent Venables The Christmas story behind the lights on 29th Street. Why is that one tree a different color? Berry Tramel: A sad Sooner season comes to a merciful end with loss to Navy Berry Tramel's college football picks: Why OU will be hard-pressed to beat Navy Tulsa school board votes to proceed with Jennettie Marshall, E’Lena Ashley lawsuit Tres Amigos to close after 13 years The new Cowboy’s familiarity with Meacham could give him a leg up in the competition this spring. However, he lacks more game experience than both OSU quarterbacks Garret Rangel (five starts) and Maealiuaki Smith (two starts). Then there’s Zane Flores, who has yet to see the field after an injury prematurely ended his redshirt freshman season this fall.Harnessing nature’s fury: Can glacial floods provide renewable energy?
The Prime Minister said the season was a time to remember the importance of “being there for one another”, including in “the more difficult times”. He also expressed hope for “peace, particularly in the Middle East as the birthplace of the Christmas story” amid spiralling conflict across the region. The message comes after a challenging first five months in office for the Labour Government and against the backdrop of a flatlining economy and rising inflation. Sir Keir said: “This Christmas, people will be travelling up and down the country. Heading home, visiting relatives and loved ones to celebrate together the hope and joy of this special season. “It’s a time to remind ourselves what’s really important. Family. Friendship. And fellowship between all people. “Being there for one another – in these celebrations, as well as the more difficult times.” To our military and veterans, the whole nation thanks you for the sacrifices you make to keep us safe. My government will serve you as you have served your country. I wish you and your families a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year. pic.twitter.com/LphMZog6np — Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) December 22, 2024 The Prime Minister sought to strike an optimistic note following another year of political upheaval for Britain, which saw Labour win a landslide victory after a surprise election called by Rishi Sunak in the summer. After taking office in July, the new Government made a series of unpopular decisions as ministers confronted the realities of creaking public services and strained national finances. As well as dealing with the economic inheritance, Sir Keir said he needed to fix a “broken society” which manifested itself in summer riots across the country after the Southport knife attack. Sir Keir said: “This Christmas, I will be hoping for peace, particularly in the Middle East as the birthplace of the Christmas story. “I’ll be looking towards a better, brighter future for every person and celebrating the joy and wonder that Christmas brings. “So, from my family to yours, I hope you have a very merry Christmas.” The message comes after revised official figures released on Monday indicated that UK gross domestic product (GDP) showed no growth between July and September. Downing Street defended the Government’s record so far when asked about the data, telling reporters: “We had to take those tough decisions to lay the foundations of growth such that we can then deliver the higher living standards over this Parliament that people want to see.” The Prime Minister also used his message to thank those spending Christmas serving others, including in the NHS and emergency services, the armed forces, churches and charities. “I know that this is not an easy time for everyone, and my thoughts are with all those who are lonely this Christmas. “Having a tough time, missing a loved one. You are not alone,” he said. Meanwhile, Kemi Badenoch said Christmas was a time to reflect on “all that’s happened in the year” and “support all of those people who need our assistance”. “I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone, not just in the Conservative Party or in my constituency, but across the country,” the Tory leader said. “For all that you have been doing in your communities, supporting each other and helping to keep all our towns, villages and places going. “I think that Christmas is a time for us to reflect on all that’s happened in the year. “Sometimes we have amazing years. “Sometimes, like when I lost my dad, we have difficult years and we’re commiserating, but we do it together. “But it’s a time for us to support all of those people who need our assistance, who need our help, who need our support.” She added: “And I’m looking forward to 2025. “I wish you all the very best for the New Year and all of the exciting things to come.” Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said: “This year, I’ve had the chance to spend time with some amazing young carers. “Incredible young people who will spend this Christmas doing what they do all year round; looking after loved ones who are ill or disabled. “Carers embody the Christmas spirit of love, selflessness and generosity. “So I hope we can all take some time to think of them, and keep them in our hearts. “And wish them – and everyone – a Christmas full of peace, joy and love.”
BOSTON (AP) — Two men, including a dual Iranian American citizen, have been arrested on charges that they exported sensitive technology to Iran that was used in a drone attack in Jordan that killed three American troops early this year and injured dozens of other service members, the Justice Department said Monday. The criminal case in federal court in Massachusetts charges the men, identified as Mahdi Mohammad Sadeghi and Mohammad Abedininajafabadi, with export control violations. U.S. officials blamed the January attack on the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iran-backed militias that includes Kataib Hezbollah. Three Georgia soldiers — Sgt. William Jerome Rivers of Carrollton, Sgt. Breonna Moffett of Savannah and Sgt. Kennedy Sanders of Waycross — were killed in the Jan. 28 drone attack on a U.S. outpost in northeastern Jordan called Tower 22. In the attack, the one-way attack drone may have been mistaken for a U.S. drone that was expected to return back to the logistics base about the same time and was not shot down. Instead, it crashed into living quarters, killing the three soldiers and injuring more than 40. Tower 22 held about 350 U.S. military personnel at the time. It is strategically located between Jordan and Syria, only 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the Iraqi border, and in the months just after Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel, and Israel’s blistering response in Gaza, Iranian-backed militias intensified their attacks on U.S. military locations in the region. Following the attack, the U.S. launched a huge counterstrike against 85 sites in Iraq and Syria used by Iran's Revolutionary Guard and Iranian-backed militia and bolstered Tower 22’s defenses. ____ Tucker and Copp reported from Washington. Steve Leblanc, Eric Tucker And Tara Copp, The Associated PressStarmer to visit troops serving on Russian border in push for Ukraine support
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Aidan O'Connell and the Las Vegas Raiders played with a lot of energy — and looked pretty sharp — for a last-place team that had every excuse to be sluggish and sleep-deprived. O'Connell passed for two touchdowns, tight end Brock Bowers broke two rookie NFL records , and the Raiders won for just the fourth time this season, 25-10 over the struggling New Orleans Saints on Sunday. The convincing victory came after flight delays so long on Saturday that players didn't get into their New Orleans hotel until after midnight — less than 12 hours before kickoff. “These guys didn’t blink, flinch," Raiders coach Antonio Pierce said with a satisfied grin. "We got in at 1 o'clock in the morning, got up this morning and rolled.” Bowers' seven catches for 77 yards gave him 108 receptions for 1,144 yards this season, eclipsing Mike Ditka's 1961 rookie tight end mark of 1,067 yards receiving and Puka Nacua's 2023 mark of 105 catches by a rookie at any position. Bowers also surpassed Darren Waller's franchise mark of 107 receptions in a season, which had stood since 2020. “It's pretty shocking to me,” Bowers said of his records, saying he had “no clue what to expect, coming from college to the NFL.” Ameer Abdullah rushed for 115 yards for the Raiders (4-12) — the journeyman running back's first 100-yard game in his 10 NFL seasons. “I'm not surprised by it,” Abdullah said. “I put a lot of work in. I'm very consistent. ... I'm happy for it, but I still think there's a lot more out there for me.” O'Connell finished with 242 yards passing, including a 3-yard TD pass to Jakobi Meyers and an 18-yarder to Tre Tucker as the Raiders won their second straight on the heels of a 10-game skid. “Better late than never,” O'Connell said. “We have a resilient bunch of guys and I'm sure it was probably harder for people to believe that when we were losing a lot of games.” Daniel Carlson kicked four field goals — his longest from 54 yards — for Las Vegas. With former Raiders QB Derek Carr unable to suit up for the Saints (5-11) because of his injured left, non-throwing hand, rookie Spencer Rattler received his fifth career start. He remained winless as a starter after completing 20 of 36 passes for 218 yards and one TD with two interceptions. Saints interim coach Darren Rizzi cited dropped passes, untimely penalties and breakdowns in pass blocking as the leading causes of his team's offensive anemia. “I felt like Spencer really never got settled in there, and he was moving around,” Rizzi said. “And he made some plays moving around, to his credit.” Rattler also rushed for 46 yards to finish as New Orleans' leading rusher for a second straight week. “It’s no secret our team is in a dark time right now,” Saints linebacker Demario Davis said. The Saints used trickery to take an early 7-3 lead . Running back Kendre Miller took what looked like a toss sweep to the right before throwing a lateral back to his left, where Rattler caught it and threw 30 yards downfield to wide-open tight end Foster Moreau in the end zone. Las Vegas moved in front for good on O'Connell's short scoring pass to Meyers with a minute left in the second quarter. Travel trouble After congregating for their flight on Saturday, only to learn of mechanical issues with their plane, Raiders players were sent home for several hours. “It was pretty weird,” O’Connell said. “I kind of got back home and my wife and my dog both looked at me like, ‘What are you doing here?’ It was fun to be home for an extra couple hours but last night was a late night.” The Raiders returned to team headquarters for meetings that normally would have been held in their New Orleans hotel before finally flying two times zones east. “It was kind of funny when we came in this morning," O'Connell said. “It was really a lot of juice from a lot of guys that I think kind of saw it as a challenge and tried to just enjoy it.” Injuries Saints: Miller left the game with concussion symptoms in the second quarter. LB Jaylan Ford appeared to seriously injure his lower right leg on punt coverage in the fourth quarter. DE Payton Turner left with an ankle injury. WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling briefly went down, but walked off on his own, after a hard collision over the middle. Up next Raiders: Host the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. Saints: Visit Tampa Bay on Sunday. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Brett Martel, The Associated Press
PM looks to ‘brighter future’ at Christmas and ‘wishes for peace in Middle East’The Portland Trail Blazers hope to head home for Thanksgiving on a happier and healthier note when they conclude a five-game trip Wednesday night against the Indiana Pacers. The Trail Blazers stagger into Indianapolis after a short-handed 123-98 drubbing at the hands of the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday. Five regulars -- Scoot Henderson, Kris Murray, Matisse Thybulle, Donovan Clingan and Deandre Ayton -- all sat out with injuries. Things went from bad to worse when Portland lost two starters -- Jerami Grant and Robert Williams III -- during Monday's loss. Grant injured his left knee while Williams suffered a concussion. It's possible the Trail Blazers, playing for the fifth time in eight days on the road, could be as many as seven players down for the trip finale. Not having Grant might be the biggest blow. He went for 34 and 37 points when the Trail Blazers, who only won 21 games last year, shockingly swept the season series from the Pacers. Following Monday's defeat, Portland coach Chauncey Billups practiced a speech he might have to give again in Indianapolis. "We hung in. Couldn't make shots," he lamented. "We just, at the end of the day, didn't have enough bodies." The Trail Blazers did have two of their brightest prospects - Anfernee Simons and Shaedon Sharpe - together for just the seventh time this season against the Grizzlies. However, they were not able to duplicate the success of their previous game at Houston, when they teamed for 49 points, as they combined to shoot just 6-for-26 and total 20 points against the Grizzlies. Portland figures to need to have all guns blazing against the high-powered Pacers, who have scored 111 or more points in seven straight games, including 115 and 114 in their last two outings: wins over the Washington Wizards and New Orleans Pelicans, respectively. One game after balanced scoring led the way in the victory over the Wizards, Tyrese Haliburton surged out of a recent slump with 34 points and 13 assists. The positives for Haliburton are doubly good news for the Pacers. His 12-for-23 night from the field was a welcome relief after he'd shot just 32.9 percent over his previous five games and found himself addressing a possible slump. "It's part of basketball," he admitted. "I've just gotta keep trusting myself, working hard. I'll figure it out. Just put my head down, keep working. I'll figure it out." Not slumping in the least, Pascal Siakam contributed a total of 36 points, 13 rebounds and 13 assists during the two-game winning streak. He made 13 of his 27 shots (48.1 percent) in those games. The Trail Blazers haven't seen the Pacers since the night Siakam made his Indiana debut in Portland last January. He had 21 points. Portland's win that night was its 12th of the season. The Trail Blazers went just 9-32 the rest of the way. Thanks in large part to Siakam, the Pacers rebounded from its loss in Portland to finish 23-17 and reach the Eastern Conference Finals. The Pacers haven't swept Portland in a season series since 2008. -Field Level Media This article first appeared on Field Level Media and was syndicated with permission.