
Former Fresno State quarterback Mikey Keene is transferring to Michigan with one year of eligibility remaining. Confirming earlier reports, Keene posted an image of himself in a Wolverines uniform on social media on Monday. Keene passed for 2,892 yards with 18 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 12 games for the Bulldogs in 2024. Fresno State opened the season with a 30-10 loss at Michigan on Aug. 31, with Keene throwing for 235 yards with one touchdown and two picks. Including two seasons at UCF (2021-22), Keene has completed 67.8 percent of his passes for 8,245 yards with 65 TDs and 28 interceptions in 39 games. Keene's competition for the starting job at Michigan includes incoming freshman Bryce Underwood, the 247Sports Composite's No. 1 overall player in the 2025 recruiting class. --Field Level MediaThe Transportation Security Administration has some reminders for those heading to airports during the holidays. “People seem to forget some of the more common and routine steps that they need to take when packing for a flight or when they are going through a checkpoint, perhaps because they’re focused on being at their destination and not focusing on what needs to happen before getting there,” said TSA officer Christopher Kirchein of John F. Kennedy International Airport. “Travelers sometimes ignore the advice that we give them,” said TeaNeisha Barker, a TSA uniformed adviser. “We are providing guidance so that they get through the checkpoint as simply and conveniently as possible. Not every airport has the same technology, so listen to the guidance we are offering.” “Passengers forget that knives and other weapons are not allowed through our checkpoints. It’s shocking to see so many people with knives,” said TSA officer Aisha Hicks of Philadelphia International Airport. “Weapons of any kind are prohibited through a TSA checkpoint.” TSA officers shared this list of the common things that travelers forget and should remember when coming to a security checkpoint. Ten things that travelers need to remember when preparing to go through the security screening process: • Remember that you cannot bring bottles of water, energy drinks, juice, coffee, soda or any filled insulated reusable container through a security checkpoint. However, they can finish their beverage and bring the empty bottle or container with them. • Remember to bring your ID to the checkpoint. • Remember when TSA officers remind you to remove everything from your pockets that it does not only mean metallic items such as keys and mobile phones, but it means everything, including non-metallic items such as tissues, lip balm, breath mints, etc. • Remember that you cannot bring a firearm through a checkpoint. Instead, pack your unloaded firearm in a locked hard-sided case and declare it at your airline check-in counter and the airline will ensure it is transported in the belly of the plane where nobody has access to it. • Remember that you need to remove your shoes when getting screened and then end up barefoot on the floor. It’s probably a good idea to wear socks. • Remember that children 12 and under are allowed to travel through a TSA PreCheck screening lane with a parent who has TSA PreCheck on their boarding pass. In addition, don’t forget that children up to the age of 18 can also come into the TSA PreCheck lane with their parent if they are on the same airline reservation as their parent. • Remember that passengers that appear 12 and under or 75 and older do not need to remove their shoes and light jacket. • Remember, if you are putting a lock on your luggage, make sure it is a TSA compatible lock so that if TSA officers need to open your luggage, they can unlock it and relock it. If the lock is not TSA compliant, TSA officers who need to open your luggage will cut off the lock, rendering it useless. • Remember that you can bring medications through a security checkpoint, even liquid medication. Just let the TSA officer know that you have liquid medication with you so it can be screened separately. • Remember to get a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license sooner rather than later because REAL ID goes into effect on May 7.
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ATLANTA — On Jan. 18 and 19 the AT&T Playoff Playlist Live! will be held at State Farm Arena in advance of the College Football Playoff national championship on Jan. 20. The star-studded lineup was announced Thursday at a news conference at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Performances will include Lil Wayne and GloRilla on Saturday; and Camila Cabello, Myles Smith and Knox on Sunday. On game day, the Allstate Championship Tailgate, taking place just outside Mercedes-Benz Stadium in the Home Depot Backyard, will feature country acts on the Capital One Music Stage, including global superstar Kane Brown and iHeartCountry “On The Verge” artist Ashley Cooke. The concerts are just two of the festivities visiting fans can enjoy in the days leading up to the big game. The fan experience for both ticket holders and the general public has been a focus for event planners. All weekend long, an estimated 100,000 people from across the country are expected to attend fan events preceding kickoff. “It will be an opportunity for fans of all ages to come together to sample what college football is all about, and you don’t have to have a ticket to the game to be a part of it,” said Bill Hancock, executive director of the CFP in a press release. “We’ve worked closely with the Atlanta Football Host Committee to develop fan-friendly events that thousands will enjoy come January.” On Saturday, Jan. 18, Playoff Fan Central will open at the Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta. The free, family-friendly experience will include games, clinics, pep rallies, special guest appearances, autograph signings and exhibits celebrating college football and its history. That day, fans can also attend Media Day, presented by Great Clips, which will feature one-hour sessions with student-athletes and coaches from each of the College Football Playoff national championship participating teams. ESPN and social media giants X, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok will be taping live broadcasts from the event. On Sunday, Jan. 19, the Trophy Trot, both a 5K and 10K race, will wind its way through the streets of downtown Atlanta. Each Trophy Trot participant will receive a T-shirt and finisher’s medal. Participants can register at atlantatrackclub.org . On Sunday evening, the Georgia Aquarium will host the Taste of the Championship dining event, which offers attendees the opportunity to indulge in food and drink prepared by local Atlanta chefs. This premium experience serves as an elevated exploration of local cuisine on the eve of the national championship. Tickets to the Taste of the Championship event are available on etix.com . Atlanta is the first city ever to repeat as host for the CFP national championship. The playoff was previously held in Atlanta in 2018. “We are honored to be the first city to repeat as host for the CFP national championship and look forward to welcoming college football fans from around the country in January,” said Dan Corso, president of the Atlanta Sports Council and Atlanta Football Host Committee. “This event gives us another opportunity to showcase our incredible city.” The College Football Playoff is the event that crowns the national champion in college football. The quarterfinals and semifinals rotate annually among six bowl games — the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Capital One Orange Bowl, Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential and the Allstate Sugar Bowl. This year’s quarterfinals will take place on Dec. 31, 2024 and Jan. 1, 2025, while the semifinals will be Jan. 9-10, 2025. The CFP national championship will be Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. For additional information on the College Football Playoff, visit CollegeFootballPlayoff.com . Get local news delivered to your inbox!Donald Trump announces bold target to end 'transgender lunacy' in women's sports on return as PresidentTaxation is not merely a tool for generating revenue; it is a cornerstone for fostering national balance and ensuring the collective survival of all citizens. Recognising this, Nigeria has, with wisdom, exempted many essential goods and services such as agricultural produce, fertilisers, certain baby products, and healthcare items from taxation or VAT. This policy ensures that food items like rice, maize, sorghum, millet, beans, and meat—produced in states like Kano, Borno, Adamawa, and Taraba, etc —can reach markets in Enugu, Lagos, and Port Harcourt, where they are accessible to Nigerians at reasonable prices. Conversely, products such as fertilisers, agricultural machinery, baby items, and healthcare essentials manufactured in industrial hubs like Aba, Ibadan, Warri, and Lagos, etc, remain affordable across the country, including the northern states, because they are VAT-exempt. This interconnected economic framework fosters interdependence among states and promotes equitable access to essential goods, irrespective of geographic location. However, the current discourse surrounding the proposed tax reform bill, particularly its provisions on VAT, has raised concerns about fairness and equity. Rather than serving as a unifying mechanism, the proposed VAT contributions and their sharing formula have become a source of tension, with some Nigerians—especially from the North—perceiving the system as skewed in favour of economically dominant states like Lagos. This perception has fueled suspicions, leading to terms like “Lagos colonialism” being used to describe the perceived imbalance in resource allocation and benefit distribution in the new VAT bill if passed into law by the two chambers of the National Assembly To address these concerns, the tax reform bill must be designed not only to generate revenue but also to reflect the principles of fairness, inclusivity and Nigeria’s complex politics. Taxation policies should be a tool for strengthening national unity, ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of region or state, feels an equitable share of the nation’s prosperity. There is no need to rush to nowhere- the government must patiently engage in transparent dialogue and adopt a balanced approach that considers the diverse economic contributions and needs of all states. One of the key reasons for the rejection of the bills by the North is because the President Tinubu administration is facing growing suspicion among many northerners due to certain policies, programmes, and appointments. This is a troubling development for a government that, prior to coming to power, proudly counted the North as its political stronghold and key support base. Such distrust is damaging not only for the administration’s credibility but also for national unity. To maintain the confidence of all Nigerians, it is crucial for the government to address these concerns transparently, ensuring that its actions reflect inclusivity and fairness. Economy and politics often intertwine. When political backlash outweighs economic benefits, retreat and consultations are essential. The Tinubu government must strive to deliver on its promises while fostering trust across all states and demographics, particularly among those who placed their faith in its leadership. In essence, taxation should not be seen as a divisive tool but as a bridge that connects the unique strengths of each state and region, fostering a truly united and prosperous Nigeria.
Former Fresno State quarterback Mikey Keene is transferring to Michigan with one year of eligibility remaining. Confirming earlier reports, Keene posted an image of himself in a Wolverines uniform on social media on Monday. Keene passed for 2,892 yards with 18 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 12 games for the Bulldogs in 2024. Fresno State opened the season with a 30-10 loss at Michigan on Aug. 31, with Keene throwing for 235 yards with one touchdown and two picks. Including two seasons at UCF (2021-22), Keene has completed 67.8 percent of his passes for 8,245 yards with 65 TDs and 28 interceptions in 39 games. Keene's competition for the starting job at Michigan includes incoming freshman Bryce Underwood, the 247Sports Composite's No. 1 overall player in the 2025 recruiting class. --Field Level Media
Chase Hawks Rough Stock Rodeo at First Interstate Arena at MetraPark Saturday, Dec. 21 Bareback: 1. (tie) Bradlee Miller, and Sam Petersen, 88.5, $8,825 each; 3. (tie) Mason Clements, Cole Franks and Garrett Shadbolt, 86.5, $3,885 each; 6. Clay Jorgenson, 86, $1,665; 7. Lane McGehee, 83.5, $1,332; 8. (tie) Richmond Champion, Bronc Marriott and Weston Timberman, 83, $333 each. Saddle bronc: 1. Lucas Macza, 88.5, $9,945; 2. Riggin Smith, 85.5, $7,625; 3. (tie) Kade Bruno and Isaac Diaz, 84.5, $4,641 each; 5. (tie) Chase Brooks, Wyatt Casper and Sage Newman, 83.5, $1,768 each; 8. Jesse Kruse, 83, $995. Bull riding: 1. Jake Lockwood, 86, $9,945; 2. (tie) Ethan Skogquist and Stran Smith, 83.5, $6,630 each; 4. Hawk Whitt, 80, $3,647; 5. Dylan Rice, 79, $2,321; 6. Trey Holston, 78, $1,658; 7. Chase Dougherty, 75.5, $1,326; 8. Jate Frost, 73, $995. Photos: 2024 Chase Hawks Rough Stock Rodeo Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!US to Ukraine: Draft 18-year-olds to fight Russia
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MTCIT launches digital campaign to advance innovationNagpur: Following the Mahayuti alliance 's unprecedented victory in the Maharashtra assembly elections , securing a commanding 235 of 288 seats, Vidarbha is the focal point of speculation over cabinet appointments. With the BJP, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) sharing the spoils, leaders from Vidarbha are actively lobbying for ministerial roles. Fadnavis Set for CM, Other Big Names The top job appears destined for deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis , whose leadership was instrumental in the win. His administrative expertise and sway over Vidarbha make him the natural choice to succeed Eknath Shinde, who is likely to take a significant cabinet portfolio. Senior BJP leaders like Sudhir Mungantiwar, known for his work as forest minister, and Chandrashekhar Bawankule, who made a comeback with a resounding victory in Kamptee, are expected to play key roles. Bawankule is also expected to be guardian minister of Nagpur. From the Shiv Sena, former minister Sanjay Rathod, could return, but for the controversy over his alleged involvement in a TikTok star's death. NCP's Dharmaraobaba Atram, who served as Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) minister in the Shinde cabinet, is also likely to retain his position. Promising Contenders Vidarbha's BJP bastion has produced several young and dynamic leaders. Hingna MLA Sameer Meghe, with third consecutive win, is a strong contender for a cabinet berth. Four-time MLA Krishna Khopde, who won with a record margin of over one lakh votes, is also in the fray. In Bhandara, three-time MLA Narendra Bhondekar, who switched to the Shiv Sena before the elections, is also in the race. MLC Parinay Fuke, PWD and forest minister in Fadnavis's previous govt, is another hopeful. However, his MLC status from Bhandara could prove a hurdle. From Gondia, former social justice minister Rajkumar Badole, who defected to NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) to contest the elections, is being considered. BJP's Vinod Agrawal, a 2019 independent winner who joined the party before the elections, is also in contention. Veterans Eye Ministerial Roles Wardha's Sameer Kunawar, who retained his Hinganghat seat for the third time, is vying for a ministerial role. In Buldhana, either four-time MLA from Jalgaon (Jamod) Sanjay Kute, or seven-time winner from Malkapur Chainsukh Sancheti, may secure a cabinet berth. From Yavatmal, BJP's Ashok Wooike (Ralegaon MLA) and NCP's Indranil Naik (Pusad MLA), both three-time winners, are potential candidates for minister of state (MoS) positions. Amravati district also has strong contenders, including Ravi Rana of Yuva Swabhiman Paksha (Badnera MLA), BJP's Pratap Adsad (Dhamangaon Railway MLA), and Sulbha Khodke (Amravati City MLA). Balancing Aspirations and Realities As cabinet formation discussions intensify, the BJP-led Mahayuti faces the daunting task of balancing regional representation, political seniority, and alliance dynamics. Vidarbha, with its mix of veteran politicians and rising stars, is poised to play a pivotal role in the new govt.
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