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Vikings thrive under coach of year favorite O'Connell, a relatable state for Packers with LaFleurAs Victoria's ever-divided Liberal opposition meets to determine the future of the party, three contenders have put their hands up to replace embattled leader John Pesutto. or signup to continue reading Police spokesman Brad Battin, first-term MP Jess Wilson and Mornington MP Chris Crewther have announced their candidacy if a motion to challenge Mr Pesutto is successful. Before that takes place, the party must determine whether absent MPs can vote, which will be followed by a second vote on whether to return banished colleague Moira Deeming to the fold. After this, a spill motion is expected to be raised. Former party leader Michael O'Brien told reporters he would rather be at the cricket than in the party room but underscored the need for unity. "Unless we can win and hold government, then we can't enhance the freedom, prosperity and security of Victorians or Australians," Mr O'Brien said as he entered Parliament House.. "So we just need to knuckle down, get behind whatever decision is made today and win the next election for Victoria." Opposition financial spokeswoman Jess Wilson announced her candidacy after a deal to become leadership frontrunner Brad Battin's deputy came off the table. "The best way forward to defeat Jacinta Allan and Labor was with a unified leadership ticket," Ms Wilson said. "Unfortunately, it has been made clear to me that a unity ticket is no longer on the table. "Given that and after consulting my colleagues, I've decided to stand to offer them a choice." Mr Battin arrived for the vote flanked by supporters including Sam Groth, while Ms Wilson and Mr Pesutto entered parliament alone. Mr Pesutto entered the opposition party room with deputy David Southwick saying his thoughts were with Victorians experiencing bushfires and the first responders. "We'll deal with these matters in here but the most important thing for us in Victoria is to look out for each other," he said. Mr Crewther's eleventh-hour tilt at the top job came via an email to party members overnight, urging collegues for a "fresh start". "I hope that after today, whoever is chosen as a leader, we all unite behind that person, we all work together, because that's what the Victorians want, they don't want a divided team," he said entering the opposition party room. Mr Pesutto's job had been on shaky ground ever since he lost a defamation case brought against him by former colleague Moira Deeming. A Federal Court judge found the Liberal leader defamed Mrs Deeming by implying she was associated with Nazis who gatecrashed a controversial Melbourne rally she was at and ordered he pay her $315,000 and costs. Then came a shock when former tennis player-turned-politician Mr Groth quit his shadow cabinet post, citing his leader's refusal to stand down after the court loss. A party vote, brought on less than a week later to decide whether Mrs Deeming would be allowed back into the party, split the team down the centre with Mr Pesutto casting the tie-breaking vote to bar her from returning. The Hawthorn MP deemed the matter "resolved" only to propose a January 15 gathering to return the upper house MP to the fold a day later. But that last bid to quell tensions fell flat, with senior MPs Mr Groth, Richard Riordan, James Newbury, Mr Battin and Bridget Vallence signing a petition to meet on Friday to bring the issue to a head. The battle to helm Victoria's opposition comes less than two years before a pivotal state election at which the Labor government - increasingly on the nose with voters - will seek a rare fourth term. DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily! Advertisement Advertisement
HOUSTON (AP) — The Houston Texans certainly didn’t look like a playoff team in a rout by the Baltimore Ravens on Wednesday. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * HOUSTON (AP) — The Houston Texans certainly didn’t look like a playoff team in a rout by the Baltimore Ravens on Wednesday. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? HOUSTON (AP) — The Houston Texans certainly didn’t look like a playoff team in a rout by the Baltimore Ravens on Wednesday. With just one game left until the playoffs begin, the AFC South champions know they’ll have to get much better to be competitive in the postseason. “That’s not who we are. That’s not what we represent,” coach DeMeco Ryans said. “What we put out there on the field, that’s not Texans football. For anybody to come back and bounce back from it you’ve got to check yourself and make sure you’re playing with elite execution and elite energy.” The 29-point loss to the Ravens was Houston’s most lopsided defeat this season. The defense gave up a season-high 251 yards rushing and the offense was shut out, with the team’s only points coming on a second-quarter safety. Quarterback C.J. Stroud threw an interception and missed several throws in a performance he called “one of the worst games of my whole career.” He was asked how he and the team can move on from such a tough loss. “That’s the only thing we can do,” he said. “There is nothing in life you can go ... back and re-do, so it’s all about how you respond. You hit rock bottom; the only way is up. So, we still have a lot of hope. At the end of the day, we clinched our division. We still have an opportunity in the playoffs.” The Texans (9-7) went 0 for 2 in the red zone Wednesday to lower their red zone efficiency to 50.94% this season, which ranks 26th in the NFL. After their safety Wednesday, they had a chance to cut the lead or potentially tie the game when they had a first down at the 10-yard line. Joe Mixon ran for 7 yards on first down before the drive stalled. He was dropped for a 1-yard loss on second down before an incompletion by Stroud brought up fourth-and-4. Stroud threw a short pass to Mixon and he was stopped at the 1-yard line to give the Ravens the ball back. Lamar Jackson then led a 99-yard drive capped by a 9-yard touchdown pass to make it 17-2. What’s working Not much was working in this debacle. About the only good thing that happened for the Texans on Wednesday was a 45-yard kickoff return by Dameon Pierce in the second quarter to start the drive that ended with Mixon being stopped on fourth down. The second-year player is averaging 38.1 yards per return. What needs help The Texans managed just 58 yards rushing against the Ravens with Mixon gaining 26 yards on nine carries. Houston hasn’t reached 100 yards rushing in three straight games and four of its past five. The Texans must get their running game going to take some pressure off Stroud, who is working with a thin receiving group with Tank Dell and Stefon Diggs out for the season with knee injuries. Stock up WR John Metchie led the team with five receptions for 48 yards as he took on a bigger role in the offense in the first game without Dell. It’s the second-most yards Metchie has had in a three-year career where he missed his entire rookie season undergoing cancer treatments. Stock down Wednesday was the second time in three games where Mixon was held to fewer than 30 yards rushing. He started the season strong, running for at least 100 yards in six of his first eight games. But he’s struggled since then, reaching 100 yards just once in five games. Injuries G Shaq Mason missed Wednesday’s game after injuring his knee against the Chiefs and it’s unclear if he can return for the next game. ... C/G Juice Scruggs missed a fourth straight game with foot injury. Key number 59.2 — Stroud had a 59.2 passer rating in the loss, which is tied for the third-worst rating of his career. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Next steps After playing three games in 11 days, the Texans now have an extended break before wrapping up the regular season next weekend at Tennessee. Stroud will try and use this setback to get better. “There’s not sunny days if there is not days with rain,” he said. “It’s a rainy day but at the end of the day the sun will rise up tomorrow. We have another crack at this thing next week to keep rolling.” ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Advertisement AdvertisementHaiti’s health minister loses his job after a deadly gang attack on a hospital in the capital
CAIRO: The Arab League regional bloc called on Iran on Thursday (Dec 26) not to fuel "strife" in Syria, after the ouster of Tehran ally President Bashar al-Assad ended decades of rule by his clan . Assad's government crumbled on December 8 and he fled for Russia, another key backer of his rule, after an Islamist-led coalition of fighters wrested control of city after city until they reached Damascus. With Assad's fall, Iran lost a key ally in the region, just as its Lebanese proxy Hezbollah emerged massively weakened but not crushed from a year of war with Israel. The Arab League, which last year welcomed back Assad after a decade of isolation, emphasised the need to "respect Syria's sovereignty, territorial integrity and stability, to restrict weapons to the hands of the state, dissolve all armed formations and reject all destabilising foreign interventions". Syria's new authorities on Thursday launched an operation in a stronghold of Assad, after deadly clashes pitting their fighters against gunmen affiliated with the former government. The Arab League said it was "following with concern the events taking place in several Syrian cities and areas with the aim of igniting the sparks of conflict." It also said it "rejects the Iranian statements aimed at fuelling strife among the Syrian people", according to a statement from the secretariat. It did not specify which statements it was referring to. On Sunday, Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei predicted "the emergence of a strong, honourable group" in Syria following the ouster of Assad, saying the country's young men had "nothing to lose". Tehran's foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei lashed out on Thursday against unspecified media reports on Iran "interfering in Syria's internal affairs" as "baseless". Iran was committed to "supporting the territorial integrity and national unity of Syria and the formation of an inclusive political system," he said in a statement. Syria's new leaders have criticised Iran over its role in Syria over the years. "Iran must respect the will of the Syrian people and the sovereignty and safety of its country," Syria's new foreign minister wrote on social media site X on Tuesday. "We warn them against spreading chaos in Syria and hold them responsible for the consequences of their recent statements," he added.Hegseth meets with moderate Sen. Collins as he lobbies for key votes in the SenateSaquon Barkley is the NFL's version of Shohei Ohtani: Analysis
WASHINGTON (AP) — FBI Director Christopher Wray told bureau workers Wednesday that he plans to resign at the end of President Joe Biden's term in January, an announcement that came a week and a half after President-elect Donald Trump said he would nominate loyalist Kash Patel for the job. Wray said at a town hall meeting that he would be stepping down “after weeks of careful thought,” roughly three years short of the completion of a 10-year term during which he tried to keep the FBI out of politics even as the bureau found itself entangled in a string of explosive investigations, including two that led to separate indictments of Trump last year as well as inquiries into Biden and his son. “My goal is to keep the focus on our mission — the indispensable work you’re doing on behalf of the American people every day,” Wray told agency employees. “In my view, this is the best way to avoid dragging the bureau deeper into the fray, while reinforcing the values and principles that are so important to how we do our work.” The intended resignation was not unexpected considering that Trump had settled on Patel to be director and had repeatedly aired his ire at Wray, whom he appointed during his first term. But his departure is nonetheless a reflection of how Trump's norm-breaking style has reshaped Washington, with the president-elect yet again flouting tradition by moving to replace an FBI director well before his term was up and Wray resigning to avert a collision with the incoming administration. “It should go without saying, but I’ll say it anyway — this is not easy for me," Wray said. “I love this place, I love our mission, and I love our people — but my focus is, and always has been, on us and doing what’s right for the FBI.” Wray received a standing ovation following his remarks before a standing-room-only crowd at FBI headquarters and some in the audience cried, according to an FBI official who was not authorized to discuss the private gathering by name and spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated Press. Trump applauded the news on social media, calling it “a great day for America as it will end the Weaponization of what has become known as the United States Department of Injustice" and saying that Patel's confirmation will begin “the process of Making the FBI Great Again.” If confirmed by the Senate, Patel would herald a radical leadership transformation at the nation's premier federal law enforcement agency. He has advocated shutting down the FBI's Washington headquarters and called for ridding the federal government of “conspirators," raising alarms that he might seek to wield the FBI's significant investigative powers as an instrument of retribution against Trump's perceived enemies. Patel said in a statement Wednesday that he was looking forward to "a smooth transition. I will be ready to serve the American people on day one.” It's extremely rare for FBI directors to be ousted from their jobs before the completion of their 10-year terms, a length meant to insulate the agency from the political influence of changing administrations. But Trump has done it twice, placing Wray in the job in 2017 after firing Director James Comey amid an investigation into ties between Russia and the Republican president’s campaign. Despite having appointed Wray, Trump had telegraphed his anger with the FBI director on multiple occasions throughout the years, including as recently as the past week. In an interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press” that aired Sunday, Trump said, “I can’t say I’m thrilled with him. He invaded my home,” a reference to the FBI search of his Florida property , Mar-a-Lago, two years ago for classified documents from Trump’s first term as president. That search, and the recovery of boxes of sensitive government records, paved the way for one of two federal indictments against Trump. The case, and another one charging him with plotting to overturn the 2020 election, have both been dismissed by the Justice Department special counsel that brought them in light of Trump's November victory. Attorney General Merrick Garland praised Wray for having “served our country honorably and with integrity for decades.” He said: “Under Director Wray’s principled leadership, the FBI has worked to fulfill the Justice Department’s mission to keep our country safe, protect civil rights, and uphold the rule of law.” Natalie Bara, the president of the FBI Agents Association, said in a statement that Wray had led the FBI “through challenging times with a steady focus on doing the work that keeps our country safe. ” Throughout his seven years on the job, the self-professed "low-key, understated" Wray brought a workmanlike approach to the job, repeatedly preaching a “keep calm and tackle hard” mantra to bureau personnel despite a steady drumbeat of attacks from Trump and his supporters. He also sought to avoid public conflict when possible with the Trump White House, distancing himself and his leadership team from the FBI's Russia investigation over errors that took place before he took office and announcing dozens of corrective actions meant to prevent the recurrence of the surveillance abuses that plagued the inquiry. But there were other instances when he memorably broke from Trump — he did not agree, for instance, with Trump’s characterization of the Russia investigation as a “witch hunt." He made known his displeasure when the White House blessed the declassification of materials related to the surveillance of a former Trump campaign aide and contradicted a Trump talking point by stating that Ukraine had not interfered in the 2016 election. He repeatedly sought to keep the focus on the FBI's day-to-day work, using the bulk of his resignation announcement to praise the bureau's efforts in countering everything from violent crime and cyberattacks to Chinese espionage and terrorism. Yet as he leaves office at a time of heightened threats , much of the public focus has been on the politically sensitive investigations of his tenure. Besides the inquiries into Trump, the FBI in recent years also investigated Biden's handling of classified information as well as Biden's son Hunter for tax and gun violations. Hunter Biden was pardoned by his father last week. A particular flashpoint came in August 2022, when FBI agents searched Mar-a-Lago — an action officials defended as necessary given the boxes of documents that were being concealed at the Palm Beach property and the evidence of obstruction that the Justice Department said had been gathered. Trump railed against the FBI over that search and has kept up his criticism ever since. Trump was angered by Wray's comment at a congressional hearing that there was “some question about whether or not it’s a bullet or shrapnel” that struck Trump's ear during an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania in July. The FBI later stated unequivocally that it was indeed a bullet. Before being named FBI director, Wray worked at a prestigious law firm, King & Spalding, where he represented former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie during the “Bridgegate” scandal. He also led the Justice Department’s criminal division for a period during President George W. Bush’s administration. Eric Tucker, The Associated Press‘Squid Game 2’ Trailer: This Time, the Players Fight Back
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Stock indexes drifted to a mixed finish on Wall Street as some heavyweight technology and communications sector stocks offset gains elsewhere in the market. The S&P 500 slipped less than 0.1% Thursday, its first loss after three straight gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.1%, and the Nasdaq composite fell 0.1%. Gains by retailers and health care stocks helped temper the losses. Trading volume was lighter than usual as U.S. markets reopened following the Christmas holiday. The Labor Department reported that U.S. applications for unemployment benefits held steady last week, though continuing claims rose to the highest level in three years. Treasury yields fell in the bond market. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. Stocks wavered on Wall Street in afternoon trading Thursday, as gains in tech companies and retailers helped temper losses elsewhere in the market. The S&P 500 was up less than 0.1% after drifting between small gains and losses. The benchmark index is coming off a three-day winning streak. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 10 points, or less than 0.1%, as of 3:20 p.m. Eastern time. The Nasdaq composite was up 0.1%. Trading volume was lighter than usual as U.S. markets reopened after the Christmas holiday. Chip company Broadcom rose 2.5%, Micron Technology was up 1.3% and Adobe gained 0.8%. While tech stocks overall were in the green, some heavyweights were a drag on the market. Semiconductor giant Nvidia, whose enormous valuation gives it an outsize influence on indexes, slipped 0.1%. Meta Platforms fell 0.5%, Amazon was down 0.4%, and Netflix gave up 0.7%. Tesla was among the biggest decliners in the S&P 500, down 1.4%. Health care stocks helped lift the market. CVS Health rose 1.4% and Walgreens Boots Alliance rose 3.9% for the biggest gain among S&P 500 stocks. Several retailers also gained ground. Target rose 3.1%, Ross Stores added 1.8%, Best Buy was up 2.5% and Dollar Tree gained 3.6%. Traders are watching to see whether retailers have a strong holiday season. The day after Christmas traditionally ranks among the top 10 biggest shopping days of the year, as consumers go online or rush to stores to cash in gift cards and raid bargain bins. U.S.-listed shares in Honda and Nissan rose 4.2% and 15.9%, respectively. The Japanese automakers announced earlier this week that the two companies are in talks to combine. Traders got a labor market update. U.S. applications for unemployment benefits held steady last week , though continuing claims rose to the highest level in three years, the Labor Department reported. Treasury yields turned mostly lower in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury fell to 4.58% from 4.59% late Tuesday. Major European markets were closed, as well as Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia. Trading was expected to be subdued this week with a thin slate of economic data on the calendar. Still, U.S. markets have historically gotten a boost at year’s end despite lower trading volumes. The last five trading days of each year, plus the first two in the new year, have brought an average gain of 1.3% since 1950. So far this month, the U.S. stock market has lost some of its gains since President-elect Donald Trump’s win on Election Day, which raised hopes for faster economic growth and more lax regulations that would boost corporate profits. Worries have risen that Trump’s preference for tariffs and other policies could lead to higher inflation , a bigger U.S. government debt and difficulties for global trade. Even so, the U.S. market remains on pace to deliver strong returns for 2024. The benchmark S&P 500 is up roughly 26% so far this year and remains near its most recent all-time high it set earlier this month — its latest of 57 record highs this year. Wall Street has several economic reports to look forward to next week, including updates on pending home sales and home prices, a report on U.S. construction spending and snapshots of manufacturing activity. AP Business Writers Elaine Kurtenbach and Matt Ott contributed.
Benjamin Netanyahu’s wife is said to have instructed a former aide to organise protests against political opponents. Israel’s attorney general has ordered police to open an investigation into Benjamin Netanyahu’s wife on suspicion of harassing political opponents and witnesses in the Prime Minister’s corruption trial. The Israeli Justice Ministry made the announcement in a message late on Thursday, saying the investigation would focus on the findings of a recent report by the Uvda investigative programme into Sara Netanyahu. The programme uncovered a trove of WhatsApp messages in which Mrs Netanyahu appears to instruct a former aide to organise protests against political opponents and to intimidate Hadas Klein, a key witness in the trial. The announcement did not mention Mrs Netanyahu by name and the Justice Ministry declined further comment. Earlier on Thursday, Mr Netanyahu blasted the Uvda report as “lies”. It is the latest in a long line of legal troubles for the Netanyahus, highlighted by the PM’s ongoing corruption trial. Mr Netanyahu is charged with fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes in a series of cases alleging he exchanged favours with powerful media moguls and wealthy associates. He denies the charges and says he is the victim of a “witch hunt” by overzealous prosecutors, police and the media.Dec. 26—Jason Mackey: Hello, everyone. Thanks for finding my weekly chat. You know the drill. We'll get started in a few minutes. Tom: So when the Steelers schedule rolled out, literally everyone said they would need to win early and probably lose in the brutal second half. So they did exactly what they needed to do and what everybody thought they would do but somehow the world is still ending? Please explain Jason Mackey: You want me to explain how the entire Steelers fanbase reacts to something? I don't know if I can do that, Tom. I do know — and I wrote this for A1 today — that the Steelers are where about where thought they would be. 10-6 or 10-7, maybe 11-6 ... but still flawed and a coin flip to win a football game. I'm not sure if that's much different than what you're saying. Tom: Are you suprised the Pens are playing Jarry so much? Jason Mackey: I'm not. I think they know they need to find out what they have in him. One, it allows him to get into a rhythm. I think it might help him get comfortable. At minimum, you know what you have. Covering Tristan, I've always found him to be the type of guy who does better when he's involved with the group, not doing things on his own like a backup would. Stairway to seventh seed: Jason: what a disaster. As of right now what would be your 2025 QB plan? 12 days ago I thought they would give Wilson a Baker Mayfield like 3 yr $100m deal. Now I think it is between Wilson at say $22m per, Fields at $14-16m, or other. It is hard to evaluate a QB playing behind this line with this group of WRs, but I say go with the younger, cheaper Fields. Am I over-reacting? Jason Mackey: I think you're overreacting. I don't have an answer on that right now because I'm not against it. I do think 3 years, $100 million is probably high. But if Wilson leads them to a playoff win or two, I'd probably feel differently about it. I think you just need to see how the balance of this plays out, honestly. I know that's an unsexy answer, but it's kind of where I'm at with all of it. Brad: It seems like the Steelers defense is really mad at one person talking about it can't just be 10 guys on the same page. Who are they criticizing? Jason Mackey: I don't know if it's one guy all the time. It's kinda true of defense writ large. If everyone isn't on the same page, you're gonna have problems. Stairway to seventh seed: Connor Heyward's offsides penalty yesterday was obviously the least of our concerns, but what does it say about the accountability on this team that such a fringe NFL player who has made no contribution on offense and a limited one on special teams can commit a half dozen or so pre-snap penalties this year and still be on the roster? Jason Mackey: Yeah, he does get penalized a lot. More than he should for his role, no doubt. I don't know what it says, but probably that stuff like that is being tolerated more than it should. demosthenes98: Happy Boxing Day! Since this is a holiday celebrated in Canada and has a name with connotations of socially acceptable violence, I have to ask—what's your all-time favorite hockey fight? Jason Mackey: Alex Semin vs. Marc Staal. demosthenes98: Andrew McCutchen has contributed many things to the Pirates over the course of his lengthy association with them, not the least of which is leadership. With that in mind, which move shows more leadership? Is it meekly returning to put lipstick on the proverbial pig? Or is it telling the low-character liars on Federal Street NO, then going public with it and the reasons why? Jason Mackey: I'm not sure it's either. Cutch wants to come back. He likes it here. He thinks they can win. You're free to disagree or get mad at Bob Nutting. But the premise of your question doesn't make sense based on what I know about Cutch. He hit 20 homers last year. Had a pretty respectable OPS. Would have to think he'd have a job somewhere if he really wanted it. He wants to be here. demosthenes98: Is it possible that the Pitt football team isn't as good as they looked when they were 7-0 or as bad as they've looked since then? That, instead of being world-beaters or bottom-feeders, they're just...okay? Jason Mackey: Yeah, that's possible. If not likely. Erryg: How concerned are you that Russell Wilson may not be the solution at QB? Jason Mackey: I don't know. I think he can be a solution. I just don't know if he would be worth $30 million. His return will be about how much he wants, what he's willing to accept, etc. We've been talking about Russ for $100 million over three. I'd have a hard time with that. But if he wanted $45 million over three, that's a different discussion. artie bridge: Jason, After three straight debacles, what specific steps can we take to get this train back on track? And, is the post-season already all but lost? Jason Mackey: Their only postseason hope might be beating a bad Texans team. Actual steps: communicating better, tackling better, not turning it over, leaning on Jaylen Warren, involving George Pickens even more ... yeah, there's stuff they can do. But the defense does have to improve. Seferg: Are there any quarterbacks in this year's draft that you would trade up for? Jason Mackey: Honestly, no. I'd rather see them preserve picks to address other areas of need, chiefly defensive line, defensive back and wide receiver. Seferg: How would you grade the Pirates trade for Horwitz? Fair, gave up too much or we got a great deal? Jason Mackey: I don't hate it as much as I originally did. He's one of those players who probably requires some nuance and numbers to grasp. Certainly not anyone who's gonna blow you away. But I still don't like that they gave up a bunch of young pitching to do it. Ortiz straight up, fine. Or the prospects. Just not both. Jason: Hi Jason! If the Steelers get a late game and the Ravens get an early game depending on the outcome should the Steelers rest as many starters as possible? They sure seem Jason Mackey: They probably should. But I also don't love it because I think this group probably needs some confidence. Maybe if you could have a good half and call it a day that would work. You certainly don't want to get anyone hurt. Jason: like there isn't much left in the tank and understandably so. Jason Mackey: I see this is the second part to your question. Joel: Jason, Happy Holidays to you and your family. Sorry you had to spend Christmas Day dealing with another Steelers debacle. I know that Tomlin is getting torched by frustrated Steelers fans, but isn't the core problem roster construction rather than coaching? Tell me a coach in this league who could win 10 games with this roster. So my critique of Tomlin (and Khan and Wylie) is around the inability to choose players that can win on game day against elite teams. Jason Mackey: I think the people fixating on Tomlin are ignoring the other factors. In other words, he's not absolved. But, yeah, it's an imperfect roster, to be kind about it. Players have also underperformed. But he's been around a while and hasn't helped himself with his performance of late. James of WV: Hi Jason, I hope your holiday season has been better than the Steelers. Jason Mackey: I can confirm that it has. Thanks, James. Jeff: Thanks for the chats Jason. World is clearly ending here in the Burgh...steelers reeling, pens fighting to just make playoffs and the pirates, well nothing seems to ever change. Question on the pirates do you see any younger arms in the minors making it to the bigs this year? I cannot believe we are dangling Jones. Without the starting pitching we lose 90 games! Oh and happy holidays Jason Mackey: They're not going to trade Jones. I doubt they trade Keller. I don't know if this is what you mean, but I'd expect Chandler, Harrington and Ashcraft to make their MLB debus this year. Jason Mackey: debuts* Country Roads JP: Hello Jason, I realize there's reason for pessimism about the Steelers but it seems they never do well on short weeks and I feel if they can regroup and rest over the next 10 days and get back to playing on Sundays again they will perform better plus there's a strong possibility they will open the playoffs against Houston which is their best case scenario. Jason Mackey: I don't disagree with you. The short week thing is real. And I don't think the Texans are very good. They could win that game. Bill in Clinton: Seriously, what will it take for Nutting to sell the team? Jason Mackey: I don't think he has any interest in selling. Sid: There's a lot of talk about RSNs and how teams like Yankees/Cubs/Dodgers are good, but small-market teams aren't. How secure are the Pirates with SNP, and what would happen if it fell through? Jason Mackey: I don't expect the Pirates to be long-term with SNP. I expect, when the next CBA is up for them to move to MLB's in-house model. Greg Brown: Will I call a Pirates World Series game before I retire? Jason Mackey: I sure hope so, Brownie. You deserve it my man. Sam: Is pedigree so important in sports that despite Jaylen Warren performing better than Najee Harris when he's in there, Harris' next contract was thought of as "too expensive" to be worth extending, but Warren is considered a no brainer signing this offseason? I know if you try bell cow status with a guy Warren's size he's liable to wear down, but if you did one of those blind resume graphics or simply watch how dangerous each one looks with the ball, you'd probably answer that Warren is worth more money. Just because he went to Alabama and was a #1 pick. Jason Mackey: Yeah, it has something to do with it, I'm sure. I think that's true at all levels. To be fair, he's also proven a lot more than Warren has. Jaylen Warren doesn't have four 1,000-yard seasons. Or one. But I agree with you: He's probably the better fit for the Steelers' offense right now. JR IN ATL: Hey Jason, do you think Tomlin's coaching tree has basically no branches because he feels threatened by coaches that might perform better than him as coordinators. I still think Flores would have been a much better coordinator than Austin, and we already had him in the building. Jason Mackey: Could be that. I'd also argue that he hasn't done a very good job hiring assistants. He might not have been threatened by Matt Canada. Matt Canada simply wasn't very good. It's probably a combination of both. But it is crazy how it has zero branches. Gary: Why do they only throw to Pickens along the sidelines? How about the middle of the field, WR screens, Reverse? With his speed and strength, I feel they are not tapping into all of his skills. Totally predictable like the rest of the offensive game plan. Jason Mackey: I agree they could go over the middle more. But (1) he's an outside receiver. He's also more likely to get man-to-man coverage that way, and that works to Pickens' benefit. When you consider the quarterback, Russ is short. It's not the easiest thing for him to see some of those routes. The truth: Was Arthur Smith an overrated hire? He obviously couldn't be worse than Canada, but he seems really middle of the road to me. He doesn't seem to scheme guys open, is always changing personnel, and is is very predictable at times. The offense only took off once Russ was named starter, and lately it's still very mediocre. Yesterday was an offensive coaching clinic by KC, and it looks like Smith isn't anywhere close to that. Jason Mackey: Yeah, I think that's fair. I don't think Arthur Smith has been a disaster by any stretch. But I also don't think he has delivered on the considerable excitement that surrounded his hire. I think he's been merely OK. Jason: I'm not sure why people are down on Wilson so much. The lack of a legit #2 WR and the horrible play of the OL should fall on Omar and the coaches not on Wilson. Yes he has had a few bad turnovers but besides him not sliding on the fumble last week the man is under pressure almost everytime he drops back to pass. Jason Mackey: A fair, balanced way of looking at it. There's a lot at play here. The Dude: Tomlin promised changes, since it certainly makes no sense to continue the way things are going. What changes do you expect to see for the Bengals game, and will any of them help? Jason Mackey: Sadly, he has promised them before — and then done nothing. I'm not expecting a ton to change. There's only so much he can do. Maybe a little more man coverage? They didn't do a good job in zone. Nate: Jason, friends of mine are all on the "Fire Tomlin" bandwagon. As someone who believes he is a top 5 coach in the league, my bigger concern is we don't have a franchise QB. You could have the greatest coach in the history of football but no QB makes it impossible to win the big one. Why does no one seem to realize this? Jason Mackey: I think people are aware you need a good quarterback to win. I also think people are frustrated with Tomlin and want to see the Steelers win a playoff game. Both can be true. Draft Milroe: Let's do the damn thing! Draft Milroe, sign Russ for 3 years, first year guaranteed, then let Milroe play when he is ready. I am sick of this not having a franchise QB thing! Jason Mackey: To each their own. If I bring Russ back, I'd probably use my draft resources differently. They need receivers. They're also thin at DL and DB. Kyser Sozay: If it turns out the Steelers go to Houston, then I would contend that things didn't turn out all that badly. Agree? Jason Mackey: If they go there and win ... Shane in Colrain: Did you see Pickens taking his helmet off after plays in the 4th quarter and screaming at the sidelines? Surprised he wasn't penalized. He should be benched by Tomlin for that since they were 3 scores down. Send a message. Thoughts? Jason Mackey: I saw it. You think Tomlin is suddenly gonna lose his you know what over that? I didn't love it, but benching Pickens only hurts the Steelers. Part of the problem they have with him. He's also done far worse that went unpunished. Shane in Colrain: Sam Darnald or Russell Wilson for QB next year? Jason Mackey: I'd want to know the prices for each. WTF: Please explain how Nutting can have one of the greatest arms of all time, yet not expand payroll while he's here? I am not asking for us to have a payroll of 200 million but to have Skenes here for 5 more years and not having a payroll eclipse 100 million is beyond baffling. Jason Mackey: I don't have a good answer for you. I'm with you. If now isn't the time to increase payroll, when is? I do think it'll go up some — like $5 million — but they should spend more. Tim Imperial: The offensive line has been a huge disappointment in pass pro, I say fire the o-line coach!!! Jason Mackey: They have two rookies and a sophomore starting. Three guys are out for the season with injuries. I agree it has ben bad, but I'm not sure the OL coach needs fired. Shane in Colrain: Baltimore cycles through OCs and DCs every couple of years with success. Why can't the Steelers find a guy who can be successful? Jason Mackey: More questions than my wife today, Shane. I don't know. But you bring up a good point. Other NFL teams seems to be able to do that fairly routinely. In Smith's defense, though, he's drawing up an offense for a group without a WR2. That's not his faut. Shane in Colrain: The best gift you got yesterday was...? Jason Mackey: Really, my wife and kids. But in terms of actual gifts, probably a T-shirt from my wife that says Lange, Prince & Cope, honoring the legendary announcers. Shane in Colrain: At least the Chiefs didn't score over 30 point. Silver lining? Jason Mackey: Oh, yeah. Surprised that wasn't a headline. The truth: George Pickens has the skills to warrant a huge deal, but he seems Jason Mackey: I would pay Pickens. Jules Winfield: I know folks are down on Russ at this point, but who you gonna get that's better? Assuming he can be had for between 15 and 20 million for a couple of years, he seems a better choice than Fields or some others. Right or wrong? Jason Mackey: I would take Russ over Fields, yes. I don't know what Darnold would want. But, yeah, if you can make it work financially, it probably does make the most sense to keep Russ. Jason: If the excuse is the Pirates won't spend because they are a small Jason Mackey: What excuse? Erryg: Will Cutch be the most expensive free agent signing for the Pirates this off season? Jason Mackey: Yes. But I think they will add some salary in the form of a trade or two. PQ: Jason, any current or former employee of the PG, including the old Pittsburgh Press, makes that catch on a ball tumbling to earth at free fall, no? Jason Mackey: Little surprised you dropped that, PQ. Jason: If the Pirates use the small market excuse for not spending would the Steelers and Pens use the same excuse if there was no cap in the NFL or NHL? Jason Mackey: They are vastly different businesses. That's not excusing the Pirates, but comparing MLB to any other sport is foolish given how its finances are derived. Mr. Smith: Jason, in retrospect, was a little too hasty on that whole college opportunity thing? Jason Mackey: We are on the overreaction rollercoaster something terrible today, folks! Gregg@7723ft : In all honesty, really, not being a doomsayer, I see the Steelers losing to Cincy and their playoff opener. Should that come to fruition....man, I don't know. There has to be some major changes, don't there? Jason Mackey: Yeah, that's a fair way of looking at things. I get it. I don't know if they'll win another game. I hope they do. That would be really ugly. And I would think if they don't win a game, yeah, that has to result in something. Seven: I hope you and your wonderful family are enjoying the holidays, Jason. I was hoping that the Steelers were one good offseason away from being a top tier team, but they still need a lot of help at DB, DL, WR and obviously QB will be a temporary fix at best. Do you see this team going deep into the playoffs next year? Jason Mackey: Not as currently constituted. They have to get better in several areas. They're a playoff team, sure. But going deep in the playoffs is what's tripping me up. Stash: Jason, did C Patt give Arthur a lucrative stock pick back in the day? Jason Mackey: Sure seems like it. Wild how much of a part of things he remains. Seven: I think that a well-deserved shout out is in order for the Penn State volleyball team, and also the football team's advance through the playoffs. Do you see the Lions winning on the blue field on New Year's Eve? Jason Mackey: Absolutely. Shout it, shout it, shout it out loud. And, yes, I do. Though they're playing at the Fiesta Bowl. That's not blue, is it? Stash: Jason, The Kinks have the best holiday song of all time. And it's not even close. Your thoughts? Jason Mackey: Um, no. My favorite rock 'n roll Christmas song is probably Tom Petty, Christmas All Over. Sully: Jason, I assume you are hearing less of those nasty fire Sully demands? Jason Mackey: Yes. Including fewer that come from my own mouth and fingers. Pretty amazing what this team has been able to do. Russ: Jason, was that fun till it lasted? Jason Mackey: It might not be over. I seriously could see Russ bouncing back against the Bengals. Jeff: is Ben trying for an outfield bat or is he going with Palacios, Yorke and Cook combo? Jason Mackey: I think Suwinski would be given first crack ahead of those guys. But I do expect them to add an OF bat in some form or fashion. Either trade or via agency. Probably the latter. Gene: Do you think the reason the Steelers have lost the last 3 games is coaching injuries or that the team just can't win against great teams because of talent? Jason Mackey: I read this as coaching injuries. Like the Steelers lost their past three because Mike Tomlin pulled his hamstring. That made me laugh, and I think we need some of that today. I think it's all three, Gene. Injuries have exposed a lack of depth. Coaching decisions haven't been great, the game plan unimaginable. Players have also done a poor job executing. I don't think you can narrow it down to one thing. Jeff: So if it is Suwinski, and no other additions due to payroll and lack of trading partner, is this team as constructed now a playoff contender? Jason Mackey: No. I think they need to fix the bullpen. And I believe they will. I also think they'll add an outfield bat in some capacity. They did go 56-54 through 100 games last year and have a pretty solid starting staff. Kordell: The Steelers are not a serious organization any longer. Nepotism reigns, the defense can't even line-up correctly (see Worthy TD), and the top players make crucial mistakes at crucial times (Najee, Wilson, Freirmuth). Is a total house-cleaning in order? Jason Mackey: No. But points on the unserious organization comment. That's how you know things are bad around here. Baghdad_Ben: Jason — I see the question(s) about us being where we thought we would be. True, I have to agree we are. But, what has become clear is we are no closer to being a real contender. We still are featherweights against the good teams. Something in the Steeler's recipe is missing. The fan base is tired of hearing it is the players. No one ever seems to develop and improve outside of TJ Watt. Jason Mackey: I think that's probably an over-generalization. I think some linemen have improved. Jaylen Warren. Shoot, Pickens has improved since his rookie year. Payton Wilson has promise. You're upset because they lost, I can't it. I just don't totally agree with you here. Scorp: Does Teryl Austin get fired after the season? Jason Mackey: If they don't win again, I could see that happening. Jason: I live in Clearwater and can't wait for Spring Training. You have any tips on how to get Paul's autograph? I am really having bad luck when I go see them play against the Phillies lol Jason Mackey: I don't. Outside of the fact that he's probably not signing when he's pitching. That's his day, a work day. But I know he has been incredibly accommodating on days where he doesn't pitch. There's also a lot of interested. So, you might have to be patient. Bob: Where is the accountability with the coaching staff and players ? Tomlin won with Cowher's players and remaining coaches. Tomlin is a very poor game manager. A hugh issue is that his job will be there no matter what a game's outcome. Week 16, and he is just now reviewing and making changes. Time to go. Jason Mackey: I feel like you can copy/paste this response and use it every year Tomlin has been here. Shoot, there might be a billboard somewhere around tahn with this on it by now. Kordell: JMac — thanks for the long chat, insights are always great. Are players allowed to call time-outs? There were multiple plays where the defensive guys were gesturing, pointing, etc... and clearly not on the same page. If a player can call a time-out, you'd think that would be in order on some of those plays to avoid, you know, communication issues? Jason Mackey: Thanks, Kordell. Appreciate you stopping by. Yes, they are. Usually that would be the defensive captain or green dot guy, something of that nature. Jason: I think Gruden would be the perfect coach for the Steelers next year. Jason make it happen! Jason Mackey: Yeah, that's likely. Ha. Fun thought. Not gonna happen. Not in a billion years. Jeff: Given his history, I'm not confident Cherington can pull off any of the needed pieces. Jason Mackey: The past trade history is not good. I hear you. That being said, you only need one or two to hit. Ben has made some good moves (Bart, the Chandler draft pick looks solid, I don't hate IKF, Skenes though it was obvious, bringing up Jones, etc.) But yeah, the trade return hasn't matched what was going out. Guest: Howdy. Hope your holiday is a happy one. Read elsewhere about what a great job Hines is doing at Arizona State. And yet both Georgia and (even worse) the Steelers wouldn't hire him. What gives? Jason Mackey: I think they're vastly different jobs. Just because you're a solid HC or assistant somewhere, doesn't automatically make you a fit. May have something to do with Pickens. Maybe Azzanni has a specific personality type? I don't know. I'm not in those rooms. I'm just saying that we don't know everything there is to know about the Hines Ward situation. sam: who do you think will play rightfield for the pirates in 2025 Jason Mackey: Can I have two options? I'd go with Jack Suwinski or TBD. Not the pitching TBD we've come to know so well, but I do think they could acquire that guy still, possibly via trade. I do think they're gonna give Jack a chance to win the job. Jason Mackey: OK, everybody. Thanks so much for this. Really enjoyed it. Was bummed our site was down for last week's. Let's do this again real soon. (c)2024 the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Visit the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette at www.post-gazette.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Eagles Stars Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown Say Relationship Is 'Good' After Teammate Suggests Fissure
Israel’s attorney general has ordered police to open an investigation into Benjamin Netanyahu’s wife on suspicion of harassing political opponents and witnesses in the Prime Minister’s corruption trial. The Israeli Justice Ministry made the announcement in a message late on Thursday, saying the investigation would focus on the findings of a recent report by the Uvda investigative programme into Sara Netanyahu. The programme uncovered a trove of WhatsApp messages in which Mrs Netanyahu appears to instruct a former aide to organise protests against political opponents and to intimidate Hadas Klein, a key witness in the trial. The announcement did not mention Mrs Netanyahu by name and the Justice Ministry declined further comment. Earlier on Thursday, Mr Netanyahu blasted the Uvda report as “lies”. It is the latest in a long line of legal troubles for the Netanyahus, highlighted by the PM’s ongoing corruption trial. Mr Netanyahu is charged with fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes in a series of cases alleging he exchanged favours with powerful media moguls and wealthy associates. He denies the charges and says he is the victim of a “witch hunt” by overzealous prosecutors, police and the media.
World Rugby has unveiled the logo and wider branding for , which will be held across Australia for the third time in the tournament's history. It will be just the second occasion the event has been staged solely in Australia, with the inaugural tournament in 1987 co-hosted by New Zealand. But 24 years after the Wallabies were pipped by England in a thrilling decider in Sydney, an expanded 24-team competition will kick off in October 2027. So what are some of the key things you need to know? Never fear, we've compiled a list of some of the key details that we know so far. When does Rugby World Cup 2027 start? The opening game of the tournament will be played on Oct. 1. The venue for the match is yet to be decided, but it is expected to be in either Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane. Fifty-two games will be played across a six-week period, with the final taking place on Nov. 13. Where will Rugby World Cup 2027 games be played in Australia? World Rugby plans to formalise the host cities and venues in the first quarter of 2025, with an announcement expected to come some time in February. Twelve venues across nine cities; Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Townsville, Newcastle, Gold Coast; have already been shortlisted. Only three venues, Accor Stadium [Sydney], the Melbourne Cricket Ground and Optus Stadium [Perth] have the capacity to host the final. How many teams have qualified for Rugby World Cup 2027 so far? Half of the 24 nations competing in Australia have already been confirmed, by virtue of their finishes at the 2023 tournament in France. The teams that finished first, second or third in their pools at that event qualified automatically, they are; South Africa, New Zealand, England, Argentina, France, Wales, Fiji, Ireland, Australia, Scotland, Italy and Japan. How are the other competing teams for Rugby World Cup 2027 determined? There are four more spots on offer this time around, with qualifying opportunities beginning early in 2025 when the Europe Rugby Championship kicks off on Jan. 31. Four teams from that tournament will automatically qualify, while the top three ranked nations not already qualified [Japan, Fiji] from the 2025 Pacific Nations Cup will join them. The winners of Rugby Africa Cup 2025, Asia Rugby Championship 2025 and Sudamerica Rugby Championship 2025 will also qualify. A further spot will be confirmed via a playoff between the bottom-placed Pacific Nations Cup team and the second-placed Sudamerica nation, with the final position to be determined via a four-team cross-continental playoff. How will the new 24-team Rugby World Cup work? The tournament will be contested across six pools of four teams, with the seedings for those pools to be determined ahead of the draw. The top two teams in each pool, plus the four highest ranked third-placed teams, will then progress to a newly created Round of 16. The tournament will then cycle through its quarterfinals, semifinals and final thereafter. When will the draw for Rugby World Cup 2027 take place? World Rugby is planning on holding the draw either late in 2025 or early in 2026, once the qualification process has concluded. This is different to the 2023 process, when the draw was conducted almost three years prior to the tournament itself, resulting in some unfortunate quarterfinals matchups as teams' form fluctuated in the run to the World Cup. When will tickets for Rugby World Cup 2027 go on sale? World Rugby and the local organising committee are yet to confirm when tickets will be made available, but it is expected to follow, if not immediately follow, the finalisation of the tournament draw. What does the Rugby World Cup 2027 logo signify? According to World Rugby, the 2027 tournament logo embodies: "Australia as a country of light and energy, reflecting the spirit of its people while celebrating its rich heritage and the diverse social and cultural fabric of the country. The logo draws inspiration from Australia's natural beauty, with a vibrant orange hue evoking the warmth of its sun and distinctive earth. The lines take cues from the coastlines, layered rock formations, and winding rivers, seamlessly flowing with energy and converging around the Rugby World Cup ball at its core."Bali Nine homecoming a step closer after presidential approvalIREN Reports Q1 FY25 Results
Eagles stars Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown say relationship is 'good' after teammate suggests fissureIREN Reports Q1 FY25 ResultsNone
Unity's Reversal Is Already Here - Growing Bullish Support
12 Communication Services Stocks Moving In Thursday's Pre-Market SessionThe idea should be politically disqualifying: Imposing tariffs on imports raises prices paid by American consumers and businesses. No politician should be able to tell voters he’ll raise their costs, and receive their blessing. Yet Donald Trump does. He campaigned in the 2024 presidential race by promising aggressive new levies on imports from basically everywhere and won a convincing electoral college victory. Voters don’t seem to think Trump’s tariffs will harm them. Trump is now moving fast to put his tariffs into place once he takes office in January. He says one of his first-day priorities will be slapping a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada, and a new 10% levy on goods from China. Those are America’s top three trading partners , and they ship about $1.3 trillion in goods to the United States each year. If those taxes go into effect, they’d raise the cost of those imports by about $236 billion. Most economists say across-the-board tariffs impede efficiency , depress growth , and kill jobs . The Peterson Institute for International Economics estimates Trump’s full tariff plan would cost the typical household $2,600 per year in higher costs . Voters say, meh. Why the disconnect? Three reasons. First, tariffs are confusing. A recent Morning Consult poll asked voters about their views on tariffs and found that many people don’t even know what they are, exactly. Only 25% correctly said a tariff is a fee a US company pays to the US government to import a product. Sixty percent incorrectly said the foreign company or the foreign government pays the fee, and 15% said they don’t know. So most Americans mistakenly think somebody other than Americans pays the tariffs. Read more: How do tariffs work, and who really pays them? Yet 56% of Americans think US companies and consumers bear the majority of the costs imposed by tariffs. And they’re split on whether tariffs would be good or bad for the US economy. Thirty-eight percent think a 20% tariff would be good for the economy, while 41% think it would be bad, and 21% don’t know. The overall picture is that Americans have a poor understanding of tariffs and, not surprisingly, are conflicted about what they’re likely to accomplish. Second, Americans don’t feel like Trump’s tariffs caused any harm during his first term, when he placed new taxes on steel and aluminum imports and about half of all imports from China. Those tariffs did cause limited harm by raising costs to some US producers. But that came at a relatively benign time for the economy, when inflation was low and the massive COVID-era supply chain disruptions hadn’t happened yet. Trump also crafted those first-term tariffs in a way that raised the cost of intermediate goods, such as components, while keeping finished retail products off the list. Producers saw the price hikes but managed workarounds — such as getting components from Vietnam instead of China — that limited the impact felt by final purchasers, aka American shoppers. There was one exception: washing machines. Trump placed a 20% tariff on imported washing machines, which promptly raised the price of laundry equipment by 12% and boosted the profits of manufacturers. That’s a template for what’s likely to happen in Trump’s second term if he directly tariffs finished consumer goods. Third, Trump tends to threaten much larger tariffs than he actually imposes. When running for president in 2016, for instance, he said he might impose a 45% tariff on all Chinese imports. As president, however, he levied tariffs ranging from 7.5% to 25% on just half of Chinese imports, while exempting most finished consumer products. Trump watchers now understand that he threatens tariffs as a negotiating tactic. “While Trump is the 'Tariff Man' and will be willing to see through these proposals, we also see him as prepared and willing to back down in exchange for key policy concessions,” financial firm Raymond James explained in a Nov. 25 analysis. “The announcement of the tariffs — almost two months before Trump is sworn into office — should be viewed as a play to bring Mexico, Canada, and China to the negotiating table fairly early on." Trump wants China to crack down on illegal fentanyl shipments to the United States. He wants Mexico to do the same and also get better control of migrants passing through the country as they try to cross the US southwest border. It’s not clear what he wants from Canada, but he’ll assuredly come up with something. Economists versed in the unhappy history of tariffs worry that Trump will overplay his hand and tank the US economy. To many Americans, however, tariffs are an arcane concept that Trump uses to heckle adversaries with little impact on everyday life. If we’re lucky, it’ll stay that way. Rick Newman is a senior columnist for Yahoo Finance . Follow him on Twitter at @rickjnewman . Click here for political news related to business and money policies that will shape tomorrow's stock prices . Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo FinanceO’Shea stands by decision to keep playing Collaros after QB was hurt in Grey Cup