Georgia protesters take to streets for third night over EU talks freeze
Ukraine’s ex-Army chief Valery Zaluzhny: ‘Third World War has begun’Brock Purdy will miss Sunday's game for the 49ers with a shoulder injuryLINCOLN — Coming off Saturday’s home finale win over Wisconsin, Nebraska football looks to end its regular season with a rivalry win at Iowa City against the Hawkeyes. Here is everything to know about Iowa for Friday’s battle for The Heroes Trophy. What : Nebraska at Iowa When: Nov. 29, 6:30 p.m. Where : Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City TV : NBC Series History : Nebraska holds an all-time record of 30-21-3 record against Iowa, but have lost eight of their past nine meetings. Last season, Nebraska lost, 13-10 to the Hawkeyes in Lincoln. Coaches : Nebraska — Matt Rhule is in his ninth season as a college football head coach and second with Nebraska. He holds an all-time coaching record of 58-55 and 11-12 with the Huskers. Iowa — Kirk Ferentz is in his 29th season as a college football head coach and 26th with Iowa. He holds an all-time coaching record of 215-144 and 203-123 with the Hawkeyes. Nebraska update : For the first time in eight seasons, Nebraska is headed to a bowl game after Saturday’s 44-25 home final win over Wisconsin at Memorial Stadium. The Huskers put up nearly 500 yards of offense in the win, with quarterback Dylan Raiola threw for 293 yards, while Emmett Johnson became Nebraska’s first 100-yard rusher of the season, finishing with 113. Dante Dowdell also scored three touchdowns. Iowa update : Iowa enters Friday’s season final winners of three of their past four games, including last Saturday’s 29-13 road win at Maryland. The Hawkeyes did so with a walk-on quarterback in Jackson Stratton, who finished with 76 passing yards. Kaleb Johnson, Iowa’s all-world rusher, was magnificent against, finishing with 164 yards and one touchdown. The Hawkeyes are one of the best rushing teams in the country, averaging 213 yards per game, and have a stout defense, allowing less than 18 points per game. Players to watch Nebraska — QB Dylan Raiola, RB Emmett Johnson, WR Jacory Barney Jr, DB Isaac Gifford, DL Ty Robinson, DB Malcolm Hartzog Jr. Iowa — QB Jackson Stratton, RB Kaleb Johnson, WR Jacob Gill, LB Jay Higgins, DL Aaron Graves, DB Quinn Schulte Prediction: Iowa 22, Nebraska 19
Jacksonville Defensive Coordinator Ryan Nielsen spoke to the media this week about what he’s seen from Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud. On his evaluation of Texans QB C.J. Stroud’s recent play Ryan: I'm really impressed with this player. He's a very good quarterback and he's a competitor. I think that when you watch the tape, you can feel his energy with the offense and the way he can extend and get off, break tackles and then get out of the pocket. It's extremely impressive [the way he] throws the ball down the field. The guy makes every throw. He's got some really good targets. I can't say enough good things about how he sees the field and where he throws in the coverage. I mean, the arm talent, no question about it. This guy, he's going to be a premier quarterback in our league for a long time. There's no doubt about it. He's going to be one of the top guys, and he's there right now. They won a lot of football games with the guy and he's been there for a year and a half. I'll tell you this though, the way Mixon’s [Texans RB Joe Mixon] running the ball too, like it's that combination—we didn't play him last time. Now he's back and so that'll be another good test. Our guys will be up to it. He's a good back. We can't just focus on the past game and say, ‘Hey, they're not running the ball because.’ I tell you what now, a couple of runs, he breaks and he's gone. It'll be a good test, real good test. We'll be ready for it.”
Griezmann double makes it nine wins in a row for Atletico after stunning 4-3 victory over SevillaEmi Martinez began the night by walking onto the field with his children and parading a pair of trophies for being the world’s best goalkeeper for the last two years. He finished it by producing an astonishing save that vindicated those awards. The Argentina international illuminated a 0-0 draw between his Aston Villa team and Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday by plucking the ball from behind him and scooping it off the goal line to deny Francisco Conceição what could have been the winner. Replays showed the ball was almost entirely over the line before Martinez hooked it clear, and the goalkeeper was quickly congratulated by his teammates. No save by Martinez will ever beat the one he pulled off for Argentina in the last seconds of extra time in the 2022 World Cup final , denying France striker Randal Kolo Muani and keeping teammate Lionel Messi’s dream alive of finally winning soccer’s biggest prize. He might just have run it close. It was fitting he produced his wonder save against Juve on the night he showed off the two Yashin Trophies he claimed at the Ballon d’Or awards ceremony in each of the past two years. The most recent one came last month. As for Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio, he finished the game relieved that what appeared to be a mistake in the final seconds of stoppage time didn't cost his team. Di Gregorio spilled a cross under pressure from Villa defender Diego Carlos and Morgan Rogers was there to poke the ball into the net. A goal was awarded by the on-field referee but after a two-minute check, it was ruled out for a foul on Di Gregorio by Carlos. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
DAMASCUS, Syria — Ousted Syrian leader Bashar Assad fled to Moscow and received asylum from his longtime ally, Russian media said Sunday, hours after a stunning rebel advance seized control of Damascus and ended his family’s 50 years of iron rule . Thousands of Syrians poured into streets echoing with celebratory gunfire and waved the revolutionary flag in scenes that recalled the early days of the Arab Spring uprising, before a brutal crackdown and the rise of an insurgency plunged the country into a nearly 14-year civil war. Syrian opposition fighters celebrate Sunday after the Syrian government collapsed in Damascus, Syria. Omar Sanadiki, Associated Press The swift events raised questions about the future of the country and the wider region. “Our approach has shifted the balance of power in the Middle East," President Joe Biden said , crediting action by the U.S. and its allies for weakening Syria’s backers — Russia, Iran and Hezbollah. He called the fall of Assad a “fundamental act of justice” but also a “moment of risk and uncertainty,” and said rebel groups are “saying the right things now” but the U.S. would assess their actions. Russia requested an emergency session of the U.N. Security Council to discuss Syria, according to Dmitry Polyansky, its deputy ambassador to the U.N., in a post on Telegram. Syrian President Bashar Assad listens May 19, 2023, during the Arab summit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Saudi Press Agency The arrival of Assad and his family in Moscow was reported by Russian agencies Tass and RIA, citing an unidentified source at the Kremlin. A spokesman there didn't immediately respond to questions. RIA also said Syrian insurgents had guaranteed the security of Russian military bases and diplomatic posts in Syria. Earlier, Russia said Assad left Syria after negotiations with rebel groups and that he gave instructions to transfer power peacefully. The leader of Syria's biggest rebel faction, Abu Mohammed al-Golani , is poised to chart the country’s future. The former al-Qaida commander cut ties with the group years ago and says he embraces pluralism and religious tolerance. His Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, or HTS, is considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the U.N. In his first public appearance since fighters entered the Damascus suburbs Saturday, al-Golani visited the Umayyad Mosque and described Assad's fall as “a victory to the Islamic nation.” Calling himself by his given name, Ahmad al-Sharaa, and not his nom de guerre, he said Assad had made Syria “a farm for Iran’s greed.” A man tries to take a lamp Sunday as people search for belongings in the ransacked private residence of Syrian President Bashar Assad in the Malkeh district of Damascus, Syria. Hussein Malla, Associated Press The rebels face the daunting task of healing bitter divisions in a country ravaged by war and split among armed factions. Turkey-backed opposition fighters are battling U.S.-allied Kurdish forces in the north, and the Islamic State group is still active in remote areas. Syrian state television broadcast a rebel statement saying Assad was overthrown and all prisoners had been released. They urged people to preserve the institutions of “the free Syrian state,” and announced a curfew in Damascus from 4 p.m. to 5 a.m. An online video purported to show rebels freeing dozens of women at the notorious Saydnaya prison, where rights groups say thousands were tortured and killed . At least one small child was seen among them. “This happiness will not be completed until I can see my son out of prison and know where is he,” said one relative, Bassam Masr. "I have been searching for him for two hours. He has been detained for 13 years.” Rebel commander Anas Salkhadi appeared on state TV and sought to reassure religious and ethnic minorities, saying: “Syria is for everyone, no exceptions. Syria is for Druze, Sunnis, Alawites, and all sects.” “We will not deal with people the way the Assad family did," he added. People gather Sunday in Manbij, Syria, to celebrate the fall of the Syrian government. Ugur Yildirim, Dia Damascus residents prayed in mosques and celebrated in squares, calling, “God is great.” People chanted anti-Assad slogans and honked car horns. Teenage boys picked up weapons apparently discarded by security forces and fired into the air. Soldiers and police fled their posts and looters broke into the Defense Ministry. Families wandered the presidential palace, walking by damaged portraits of Assad. Other parts of the capital were empty and shops were closed. “It’s like a dream. I need someone to wake me up," said opposition fighter Abu Laith, adding the rebels were welcomed in Damascus with “love.” Rebels stood guard at the Justice Ministry, where Judge Khitam Haddad said he and colleagues were protecting documents. Outside, residents sought information about relatives who disappeared under Assad. Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Feed | SoundStack | All Of Our Podcasts The rebels “have felt the pain of the people,” said one woman, giving only her first name, Heba. She worried about possible revenge killings by the rebels, many of whom appeared to be underage. Syria’s historically pro-government newspaper al-Watan called it “a new page for Syria. We thank God for not shedding more blood.” It added that media workers should not be blamed for publishing past government statements ordered from above. A statement from the Alawite sect that formed the core of Assad's base called on young Syrians to be “calm, rational and prudent and not to be dragged into what tears apart the unity of our country.” The rebels mainly come from the Sunni Muslim majority in Syria, which also has sizable Druze, Christian and Kurdish communities. In Qamishli in the northeast, a Kurdish man slapped a statue of the late leader Hafez Assad with his shoe. An opposition fighter steps on a broken bust of the late Syrian President Hafez Assad on Sunday in Damascus, Syria. Hussein Malla, Associated Press The rebel advances since Nov. 27 were the largest in recent years, and saw the cities of Aleppo, Hama and Homs fall within days as the Syrian army melted away. The road to Damascus from the Lebanese border was littered with military uniforms and charred armored vehicles. Russia, Iran and Hezbollah, which provided crucial support to Assad, abandoned him as they reeled from other conflicts. Syrian opposition fighters take a selfie Sunday at the damaged entrance of the Iranian embassy in Damascus, Syria. Hussein Malla, Associated Press The end of Assad’s rule was a major blow to Iran and its proxies, already weakened by conflict with Israel . Iran said Syrians should decide their future “without destructive, coercive, foreign intervention.” The Iranian Embassy in Damascus was ransacked after apparently having been abandoned. Hossein Akbari, Iran’s ambassador to Syria, said it was “effectively impossible” to help the Syrian government after it admitted the insurgents' military superiority. Speaking on Iranian state media from an undisclosed location, he said Syria's government decided Saturday night to hand over power peacefully. “When the army and the people could not resist, it was a good decision to let go to prevent bloodshed and destruction,” Akbari said, adding that some of his colleagues left Syria before sunrise. Syrians gather Sunday to celebrate the arrival of opposition fighters in Damascus, Syria. Omar Sanadiki, Associated Press Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, speaking on state TV, said there were concerns about the “possibility of civil war, disintegration of Syria, total collapse and turning Syria into a shelter for terrorists.” Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi Jalali has said the government was ready to “extend its hand” to the opposition and turn its functions over to a transitional government. A video on Syrian opposition media showed armed men escorting him from his office to a hotel. Syrians celebrate the fall of Bashar Assad's government Sunday in the town of Bar Elias, Lebanon, near the border with Syria. Hassan Ammar, Associated Press The U.N.’s special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, has called for urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an “orderly political transition.” The Gulf nation of Qatar, a key regional mediator, hosted an emergency meeting of foreign ministers and top officials from eight countries with interests in Syria late Saturday, including Iran, Saudi Arabia, Russia and Turkey. Majed al-Ansari, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, said they agreed on the need “to engage all parties on the ground," including the HTS, and that the main concern is “stability and safe transition.” Israeli soldiers walk Sunday near armored vehicles parked along the so-called Alpha Line that separates the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights from Syria. Matias Delacroix, Associated Press Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israeli troops had seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights established in 1974, saying it was to protect Israeli residents after Syrian troops abandoned positions. Israel’s military later warned residents of five southern Syria communities to stay home for their safety, and didn’t respond to questions. Israel captured the Golan in the 1967 Mideast war and later annexed it. The international community, except for the U.S., views it as occupied, and the Arab League on Sunday condemned what it called Israel’s efforts to take advantage of Assad’s downfall to occupy more territory. ___ Sewell reported from Beirut. Associated Press writers Bassem Mroue, Sarah El Deeb and Kareem Chehayeb in Beirut; Samar Kassaballi, Omar Sanadiki and Ghaith Alsayed in Damascus; Jon Gambrell in Manama, Bahrain; Josef Federman in Doha, Qatar; and Tia Goldenberg in Jerusalem, contributed. People wave Syrian opposition flags at City Hall Square in Copenhagen, Denmark, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (Emil Nicolai Helms/Ritzau Scanpix via AP) Emil Nicolai Helms People attend a rally celebrating the fall of Syrian President Bashar Assad's government, at central Syntagma square, in Athens, Greece, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Yorgos Karahalis) Yorgos Karahalis People wave Syrian opposition flags at City Hall Square in Copenhagen, Denmark, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (Emil Nicolai Helms/Ritzau Scanpix via AP) Emil Nicolai Helms People gather to react following the fall of Syrian president Bashar Assad’s government, in Trafalgar Square, in London, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali) Alberto Pezzali People wave Syrian opposition flags at City Hall Square in Copenhagen, Denmark, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (Emil Nicolai Helms/Ritzau Scanpix via AP) Emil Nicolai Helms People gather to react following the fall of Syrian president Bashar Assad’s government, in Trafalgar Square, in London, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali) Alberto Pezzali People attend a rally celebrating the fall of Syrian President Bashar Assad's government, at central Syntagma square, in Athens, Greece, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Yorgos Karahalis) Yorgos Karahalis Members of the Syrian community in Finland wave a Syrian flag and celebrate in Helsinki, Finland, Dec. 8, 2024. (Roni Rekomaa/Lehtikuva via AP) Roni Rekomaa People attend a rally celebrating the fall of Syrian President Bashar Assad's government, at central Syntagma square, in Athens, Greece, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Yorgos Karahalis) Yorgos Karahalis Syrians wave opposition flags and give out sweets during a spontaneous rally in Wuppertal, Germany, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, following the fall of Syrian president Bashar Assad’s government. (Christoph Reichwein/dpa/dpa via AP) Christoph Reichwein Syrians celebrate the fall of the Assad regime in Syria at a demonstration in Stockholm, Sweden, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (Jonas Ekstroemer/TT News Agency via AP) Jonas Ekströmer A Syrian man waves a flag during a spontaneous demonstration celebrating the fall of the Assad regime, in Nicosia, Cyprus, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias) Petros Karadjias People gather to celebrate the Syrian government fall at Faith mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel) Emrah Gurel Syrians wave Syrian opposition flags at a rally in Wuppertal, Germany, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, following the fall of Syrian president Bashar Assad’s government. (Christoph Reichwein/dpa/dpa via AP) Christoph Reichwein People wave Syrian opposition flags at City Hall Square in Copenhagen, Denmark, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (Emil Nicolai Helms/Ritzau Scanpix via AP) Emil Nicolai Helms Syrians living in France gather on Republique square after the Syrian government fell early today in a stunning end to the 50-year rule of the Assad family, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Paris. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard) Aurelien Morissard People gather to celebrate the Syrian government fall at Faith mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel) Emrah Gurel People gather to celebrate the Syrian government's fall, in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel) Emrah Gurel Syrians living in France hug during a rally on Republique square after the Syrian government fell early today in a stunning end to the 50-year rule of the Assad family, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Paris. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard) Aurelien Morissard People gather to react following the fall of Syrian president Bashar Assad’s government, in Trafalgar Square, in London, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali) Alberto Pezzali People gather to celebrate the Syrian government fall at Faith mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel) Emrah Gurel People attend a rally celebrating the fall of Syrian President Bashar Assad's government, at central Syntagma square, in Athens, Greece, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Yorgos Karahalis) Yorgos Karahalis A Syrian man waves a flag during a spontaneous demonstration celebrating the fall of the Assad regime in Nicosia, Cyprus, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias) Petros KaradjiasWhen it comes to buying security cameras for your home, there is a lot to consider. How big is your home, how many cameras do you need, is your Wi-Fi strong enough for multiple cameras, and just how much is it all going to cost? There's also the question of whether to hire a professional to install your cameras or to take the DIY route. While 44% of consumers hire a pro, according to Consumer Affairs , most people go it alone. That's not necessarily a bad thing, especially if it saves you money. However, research turns out to be the most important step to avoid making some common security camera installation mistakes. From the small print in the product description to the laws that apply to your neighborhood and property, things can go sideways if you click "add to cart" without thinking ahead. Home security cameras are more affordable and ubiquitous than ever, with around 10.8 million U.S. households employing a DIY security system. Still, they're not always simple, even though the drop in burglary incidents since 2011 may have something to do with the rise in residential security camera usage. Choosing between Ring and Blink is an important decision, but it's not the only consideration while planning for home security cameras. You might be making one of these common mistakes — or multiple — during installation. One of the main reasons many people buy security cameras is to deter potential crime. For homeowners, the motivation could be anything from high local crime rates to a history of holiday package thefts in the neighborhood. The few statistics you can find on home security cameras seem to suggest that cameras do help prevent burglaries and other crimes. Some professionals in the security camera industry propose that homes equipped with security cameras are 300% less likely to be burglarized than homes without them. xRiver Run Law points out that camera footage has to be relevant, authenticated, and not violate privacy laws to be admissible in court. State laws vary on security camera recordings, and privacy regulations also come into play. For example, in Georgia, surveillance cameras are allowed in public spaces if they're in plain sight, while in Hawaii, consent is required to film people. California law specifies that confidential communications cannot be filmed, and the presence of such communications in crime footage can complicate legal matters. While cameras can add a layer of security to your home, it's not ideal to rely on them entirely for peace of mind or legal action. Thus, you still need to lock your doors, keep an eye out for suspicious behavior, stow away valuables, and ensure compliance with state laws on the admissibility of camera footage in court. Plenty of people use security cameras inside their homes for everything from monitoring pets while they're away to checking on kids when the babysitter is over. Even inside your own home, however, there are laws governing the use of security cameras. The same laws that apply to cameras outside often extend to inside the house as well. For example, security cameras are generally legal in common areas like your living room, where there's no reasonable expectation of privacy as there would be in a bathroom or even inside a closet. Recording audio can also become a legal issue, especially if you live in a state where all parties must consent to being recorded. Even if you're not using audio and video recordings for legal purposes, having that footage could create liability if it's shared publicly. In California, for example, each person featured in an audio recording must consent. In Arkansas, however, only one person involved in the communication (e.g., the person recording) must consent for the recording to be legal. Hidden cameras are also subject to different rules than ones you can easily spot, whether they record audio or both audio and video. Even if you suspect someone of a crime inside your home, placing a hidden camera in their bedroom is likely illegal. On a similar note, you also can't have a camera pointing into your neighbor's private areas — more on that later. For most people who own property, there aren't too many limits on where and how you can use your security cameras. For example, laws govern the use of public spaces, but privacy is not part of the use of a public space. The general lack of expectation of privacy is the reason why people are allowed to film (for social media or any other reason) in places like parks and on public transportation with no repercussions — or consent forms from their subjects. Still, if you rent a home or live in a community with a Homeowners Association (HOA), there might be shared spaces where cameras aren't allowed. HOAs often have their own governing documents that include specific rules, which you'll need to follow even if they don't apply elsewhere. Plus, while it's usually legal to position cameras facing the street, over sidewalks, or even looking over your fence, that doesn't mean it won't upset the neighbors. Other rules also apply when you share space with other people. If you have roommates, for example, it's prudent to let them know where you plan to install the cameras and what they can see. Even if you live alone on a ton of property, it's smart to check your local regulations on where cameras can be placed and what they can monitor. [Featured image by Alex Knight via Wikimedia Commons | Cropped and scaled | CC BY-SA 3.0 ] Overlooking a neighbor's property is one of the worst places to install a security camera . It's a bad idea not just because of the potential for conflict with your neighbors but also because it could escalate tensions if you're already having problems with them. Additionally, pointing cameras off your property can be illegal, especially if you have a clear view of private areas. Even if your cameras aren't aimed into your neighbor's windows (which is definitely illegal in California, for example), you still need to be careful about what you're recording. Cameras that point into your neighbor's backyard are also a legal no-no because that's your neighbor's private space. The same laws that make it okay to record inside your home or your backyard also make it illegal to do so in your neighbors' private spaces. You can also get in trouble if you live in a highly commercial area. Cameras that are perceived as monitoring nearby businesses could cause issues, even if you're putting them up to address criminal activity. The potential for retaliation is also very real, unfortunately, which is something many people don't think of when installing security cameras. [Featured image by WrS.tm.pl via Wikimedia Commons | Cropped and scaled | CC BY-SA 3.0 ] Depending on what type of security camera system you buy, backup power might be an important consideration. One of the biggest mistakes involved with security camera installation is not thinking about how you'll maintain power to your system. Wired cameras may be the most convenient most of the time, as they stay powered when your home has electricity. However, installing the wiring can be a challenge for many homeowners. Plus, if your power goes out, so do your cameras. Battery-powered cameras are another option, which is what I have at my house. We do go through a lot of batteries in our motion-detecting Blink cameras , but likely not as many as we would with continuously recording cameras. One complicating factor with battery-powered cameras, however, is that they may require a bridge to connect to your Wi-Fi. Blink cameras use a sync module (their term for a bridge) as a receiver for all the cameras, and the receiver then "talks" to your app over the Wi-Fi. When our power goes out, so does the sync module that's plugged in inside the house, so backup power comes into play again. Solar-powered security cameras can solve some of these issues — albeit not always the sync module one — and only rely on a few hours of sunlight to charge up. Most solar-powered cameras also remain plugged in all the time, so there's almost constant charging happening. Even if your cameras continuously record, this might be an energy-efficient way to keep them running. Reading the fine print is a must with any major purchase, and even if they're inexpensive, home security cameras are definitely a major purchase. There are so many things to consider, but if you're in a hurry to get cameras up, you might overlook things like compatibility, storage solutions, and how your footage is protected. Compatibility is important whether you're looking to connect your cameras to a smart home system (like Alexa, Siri, or Google) or planning to operate them from your smartphone. Some cameras are only compatible with specific voice assistants, so this is an important thing to check before buying. That doesn't mean you always have to choose a smart home-branded camera, though; there are third-party cameras that work with Google Home , for example. Storage is another essential consideration, especially because some brands (like Ring) charge a monthly subscription fee for video storage. A Basic Ring plan for $5 a month doesn't seem like much, but it does add up over time. There are also some potential security concerns with Ring cameras based on reports from consumers. For example, one case revealed that a Ring employee was spying on consumers via their video footage. No matter which camera system you go with, it's important to make sure your smart camera footage is secure , and reading the fine print is part of that. Local storage is one way to lock things down, but dual-factor authentication is another feature to look for. Most cameras don't record continuously, something that I quickly found out while shopping around for cameras a few years ago. While technology has definitely improved since then, it's still hard to find affordable cameras that continuously record. Battery usage is another concern if you're not wiring the cameras. Continuous recording might be the best way to ensure your home remains secure, but it takes a lot of energy and disk space. In my experience, motion-detecting cameras that record one clip at a time are pretty good at turning on when something passes by. I have plenty of footage of leaves blowing around my driveway, deer stopping to stare, and even spiders crawling across the camera lens. Yet these cameras weren't sensitive enough to pick up eggs flying through the air, let alone people a few dozen feet away slinging them over my fence. Continuous recording might have shed more light, but those cameras were massively expensive at the time. Even without continuous recording, I have hundreds of video clips to sort through (or just mass delete) daily. On top of expecting every camera system to offer continuous recording, another mistake is assuming you need to save all that footage in case you need it later. Do you really need hours upon hours of footage from your cameras — and are you paying to store it? If you have a large house or a lot of property, plotting your camera setup is an important preparatory step. As advanced as modern security cameras are, there is such a thing as being out of range of either your W-iFi or the sync module the cameras require. Plus, some cameras, like Roku's less expensive outdoor option , require wired power, which might be more difficult to coordinate. With Blink cameras, there are also some specific requirements with the sync module's distance from both your Wi-Fi system and the cameras themselves. Blink says the sync module "should be able to communicate" with your cameras as long as they are within 100 feet in any direction. However, Blink also notes that "unusually dense construction materials" can cut that distance down. Thus, if you have a two-story home or unconventional building materials, the functional distance might be shorter. I've had my cameras spaced less than 100 feet from the module and used trial and error to find a spot where the module could connect to both the Wi-Fi and all three cameras in our system. It was annoying, but knowing what to expect ahead of time can help make the process easier. My best advice is to plot out your cameras ahead of time — even measuring 100 feet by hand — and then turn them on to check the connection before calling the project done. Alternatively, shop for cameras with a longer range instead. You might think that security cameras should cover every square inch of your home to deter criminals. Or, you might think that lesser-noticed entry points need extra security because, after all, what criminal waltzes in the front door? But as it turns out, most criminals enter through easier points of entry like front doors/windows, says security company ADT, so you might be wasting your time installing tons of cameras at every vantage point. ADT's research suggests that 34% of criminals don't even break in; they check the doorknob and walk into the house. Another 23% of burglars use windows for entry, and not the second story, either. First-floor windows are seemingly the most susceptible; only 2% of criminals head to the second story for access. Nearly as many burglars use the back door as they do windows (22%), while garage doors (9%) and basements (4%) are lesser-used modes of entry. Your main takeaway from that data might be simply to lock your front and back doors and put locks on your windows. The secondary takeaway is that you might not need a dozen cameras monitoring each corner of your property, especially when a highly visible camera by the main entries could help deter a would-be criminal. That's not to say you shouldn't use more cameras if you have them, but in the interest of saving money and effort, start with the main locations and consider the basement and garage door as afterthoughts. [Featured image by cogdogblog via Wikimedia Commons | Cropped and scaled | CC BY-SA 3.0 ] Most security cameras are rated for outdoor use, and you wouldn't buy an indoor-only camera to put outside. Yet not all security cameras can handle all weather conditions, and over time, they might begin to break down. My Blink security cameras have withstood temperatures of up to around 105 degrees Fahrenheit, but not in direct sunlight. They've also managed to continue functioning at below-freezing temperatures, albeit with a coat of ice over the lens. However, we do place them with some cover from rain, wind, heat, and cold, which might have made all the difference — and kept them running over five years. Before installing your cameras, observe how the weather impacts the areas where you want to place them. For example, note whether there's enough shade under the eaves to cover your camera while still getting a good view of the front door and sidewalk. If you need to install cameras on trees, like I have, check out how well they withstand wind, or you might get hours of footage of branches swaying. Also consider the advice of the manufacturer when it comes to temperature and weather expectations. Direct sunlight can make surfaces far hotter than the ambient temperature, meaning your camera's housing might get hotter than the 113-degree limit Blink states for its devices. This advice also applies to any accessories — particularly after-market ones — for installing or charging your cameras. Security cameras might help deter thieves, and they may offer peace of mind and some level of convenience when you're away from home. However, as ADT's data on break-ins proves, cameras aren't everything, especially if you don't lock your doors. Using other security features — locks being the primary tool in your arsenal — can help protect your home even further and offer more peace of mind. You can find technology like alarms and window sensors at Home Depot to round out your security setup, and many devices are compatible with your smart home system. Arming your home can be as simple as telling Alexa that it's bedtime, at which point your connected devices will power up and start recording video and audio, flipping on floodlights when movement is detected outside, and locking the doors plus windows in every room and on every floor. Installing security cameras is a great way to complement your smart home equipment, and I admit it helps alleviate some of my security anxiety. Even though we don't live in the city anymore, I still have my cameras up to monitor our home and keep an eye on wildlife that doesn't always behave. Of course, I also lock my home and car doors, use sensors to detect motion, and have floodlights to scare away the skunks — and possible intruders.NASSAU, Bahamas — At the tail end of a forgettable trip to Paradise (Island), the Arizona Wildcats found one of their key privileges had been taken away. They could have really used it this time, too. Normally able to quickly escape an away game via a charter flight that has minimal security and bag hassles, the Wildcats instead were subject to the madness that was Lynden Pindling International Airport on Saturday morning, just like everyone else. It actually had nothing to do with their 1-2 performance in the Battle 4 Atlantis, nor their 3-4 overall record, but simply because all U.S.-bound passengers face the same procedures regardless of their flight style. Still, it might have felt that way. Motiejus Krivas’ limited production and Tobe Awaka’s reliability prompted Tommy Lloyd to put Awaka in the starting lineup all week in the Bahamas. The Wildcats had to wade through a theme-park-style line that snaked tightly back and forth, skirted past a glass barrier, then snaked back and forth and around until hitting a security screening for U.S.-bound flights. Then they faced additional queuing for U.S. Customs and immigration pre-clearance. The whole process took so long that Arizona’s charter was delayed nearly two hours from its scheduled departure time, meaning the Wildcats’ plans to arrive before kickoff of the UA-ASU football game were pretty much shot. But just after Tommy Lloyd made it through all that, before making his way to the Wildcats’ overcrowded gate area, the UA coach still had half a smile left on his face. “We’ll be all right,” he said. Part of his team’s troubles could be attributed to a November in which Arizona played only two lower-level opponents at home before opting to play at Wisconsin, host Duke and then enter the always competitive Battle 4 Atlantis field. That was nearly the opposite approach of a team that schedules softies leading up to Thanksgiving or even afterward. Both can backfire: Too hard a schedule and you risk losing too many games and maybe your confidence. Too easy, and you won’t be prepared for higher-level play and the NCAA Tournament down the road. “The art of scheduling,” Lloyd said. Then there was some simple math: The Battle 4 Atlantis featured seven high-level teams, three of them ranked, and a proud mid-major program in Davidson. Not everyone was going to go home happy. “Coming here, one team is going to go 0-3, a couple teams are going to go 1-2 a couple are going to go 2-1 and one team is going 3-0,” Lloyd said. “Our hope was to come here and find a way to try to get to 3-0. We didn’t do that. We ended up in the one and two slot. That’s our reality. “We’re gonna wear it. We own it. We’ll take responsibility for it and see if we can make the necessary changes to flip it.” Lloyd and the Wildcats have basically two weeks to do so. They have only a Dec. 7 home game against Southern Utah before facing UCLA in Phoenix on Dec. 14, allowing plenty of time for practice, video review and deep thoughts. Maybe even positive thoughts. Guard Caleb Love tried one out during the postgame news conference after West Virginia beat Arizona 83-76 in overtime in the Atlantis third-place game Friday. “I still believe we’re a good team,” Love said. “It’s early in the season and I’m not panicking. We just know once we get back to Tucson we’re gonna regroup and figure this thing out.” West Virginia (40-39) outrebounded Arizona despite the Wildcats’ height advantage, Nov. 29, 2024. There are many places for them to start working on. Here’s a few of them: Find their 7-footers While the Imperial Ballroom’s 26-foot ceiling still left plenty of room above Motiejus Krivas and Henri Veesaar, neither one appeared comfortable all week. Krivas averaged just 8.3 points and 4.0 rebounds in UA’s three games, while playing 16.6 minutes off the bench behind Tobe Awaka, while Veesaar averaged 3.7 points and 2.3 rebounds despite averaging 24 minutes a game. Although Trey Townsend hit a groove as UA’s starting power forward after a slow start to the season, averaging 15.3 points and shooting 58.1% over the three games, center is still a question mark. Lloyd gave Krivas the start on Nov. 22 against Duke but Krivas’ limited production and Awaka’s reliability prompted Lloyd to put Awaka back in the starting lineup all week in the Bahamas. “If he’s going to eventually start, I wanted him to earn it,” Lloyd said of Krivas. “I’m kind of waiting for him to do that. It’s nothing against Tobe; it’s just me trying to kind of figure out a way to take advantage.” Get tougher Both Oklahoma (38-34) and West Virginia (40-39) outrebounded Arizona despite the Wildcats’ height advantage and that didn’t tell the whole story. While Lloyd complained the Wildcats were out-toughed physically against Oklahoma, the Wildcats also lost the mental game on Friday. West Virginia had played two overtime games just to get to a third one Friday against Arizona, but the Mountaineers didn’t let it faze them. “Going to the overtimes, you’re not really thinking much about how tired you are,” said West Virginia forward Tucker DeVries, who led the Mountaineers with 26 points. “I think the team that gives in the quickest and thinks about how tired they are is going to fold. I thought our group just stuck with it and just continued to focus on the next play.” Trey Townsend hit a groove as UA's starting power forward after a slow start to the season, averaging 15.3 points and shooting 58.1% over the three games. Emotional control Just as Love did at Wisconsin on Nov. 14, guard KJ Lewis committed what became a costly technical foul against Oklahoma. Love extended an arm out for a light shove on Wisconsin’s John Blackwell after fouling him, giving Wisconsin four ensuing free throws. They hit all four, expanding their lead from 9-8 to 13-8 while Love eventually fouled out with just six points. Lewis drew a T for taunting after his 3-pointer pulled UA within four points with 15 minutes left against the Sooners. But Oklahoma’s Jeremiah Fears took advantage by hitting both ensuing technical free throws, and UA’s momentum was slowed. Oklahoma won 82-77. Lewis finished with five points and was held out of the starting lineup against West Virginia as a result. “We’ve gotta exhibit more winning habits,” Lloyd said. “We’re gonna have to look deep within to find those.” Who: Arizona (3-4) vs. Southern Utah (6-2) When: Noon, Saturday, Dec. 7 Where: McKale Center TV: CBSSN Radio: 1290-AM, 107.5-FM Contact sports reporter Bruce Pascoe at bpascoe@tucson.com . On X(Twitter): @brucepascoe Respond: Write a letter to the editor | Write a guest opinion Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Reporter
Georgia quarterback Carson Beck on Saturday announced his plans to enter the NFL Draft, five days after having season-ending elbow surgery. Beck, a fifth-year senior, made his NFL plans official on social media. He suffered a right elbow injury in the first half of the Bulldogs’ 22-19 overtime win over Texas in the SEC championship game Dec. 7 in Atlanta. Beck had surgery Monday to repair his ulnar collateral ligament in the elbow. The procedure was performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles. Beck is expected to begin throwing next spring. He could have returned for a sixth season but instead will enter the NFL Draft. Beck posted on Instagram: “The past five years at the University of Georgia have been nothing short of a dream come true and I will forever cherish the memories that have been made.” Gunner Stockton, who took over for Beck in the second half against Texas, will make his first start for Georgia on Wednesday in the Sugar Bowl against Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. Beck has started every game of the 2023 and 2024 seasons. He was 24-3 as a starter. Beck passed for 3,941 yards with 24 touchdowns and only six interceptions in 2023 but had more difficulties with turnovers this season as he passed for 28 touchdowns with 12 interceptions. He completed 7 of 13 passes for 56 yards before his injury in the SEC championship game. Georgia coach Kirby Smart stuck with Beck despite a midseason string of eight interceptions in three games. “Obviously, you look at the stats, and they aren’t the same stats as the year before,” offensive coordinator Mike Bobo said Saturday when reflecting on Beck’s career. “The goal in this league is to win the SEC championship. And he was the quarterback of that team that got us to that game and put us in that position.” Added offensive guard Tate Ratledge: “I think Carson should be remembered as a great player. He’s who got us to this point of the season.” Stockton, a sophomore, completed 12 of 16 passes for 71 yards with one interception against Texas. He signed with Georgia as a highly recruited in-state player from Rabun County High School, where he broke Trevor Lawrence’s state high school record for most career touchdown passes and Deshaun Watson’s state record for combined rushing and passing touchdowns in a career. “Obviously when he was in high school, he was one of the best to ever do it in Georgia,” Bulldogs linebacker Chaz Chambliss said of Stockton before adding that he “just has that fire in him.” Georgia was preparing to start Stockton before announcing Beck’s season-ending injury. Stockton will attempt to join a short list of quarterbacks who have been promoted from backup jobs to win national championships. The list includes Georgia’s Stetson Bennett, who began the 2021 season as the backup to JT Daniels before taking over the starting job in October. Lawrence took over for Kelly Bryant during Clemson’s 2018 championship season. The best comparison to Stockton’s challenge during the CFP era may be Cardale Jones on the 2014 Ohio State national championship team. Jones’ first start was the Big Ten championship game following an injury to J.T. Barrett, who began the preseason as the expected backup before Braxton Miller’s injury. Stockton led Georgia to a touchdown on his first drive against Texas and has had extra practice time during the Bulldogs’ break after receiving a first-round bye in the playoff. “To see his growth since he’s been here, he’s been waiting patiently, he’s been sitting and putting his time in and he’s been working while he was waiting,” Georgia safety Malaki Starks said Friday. “And now he gets a chance to go out there and prove what he can do. And, you know, I believe in him 100%.” Starks, who is from Jefferson, Ga., often faced Stockton’s Rabun County teams in high school. “He’s always been, you know, that guy, you know, since I’ve been growing up,” Starks said. “He’s an easy guy to follow. I mean, Gunner is a great guy, you know, very respectful, great parents. I mean, he’s the guy that you want to lead. And a lot of guys have confidence in him. And I think you saw it during games in the SEC (championship game), how much the guys believed in him.”
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UCLA football has one last chance to make an impressionIn this interview, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Quidax, an African-focused digital assets exchange, Buchi Okoro, speaks on digital assets and crypto industry in Nigeria, the new regulatory frameworks by the SEC and the opportunities for cryptocurrencies in Nigeria. How has the crypto industry been performing recently? The past few months have been remarkable. Bitcoin and cryptocurrency, in general, have seen significant growth, thanks, partially to the Trump-Pump, or Trump Effect, following the election of President-elect Donald Trump. This is creating more optimism, interest and activity in the market. This is an exciting time for the industry, as more people are recognizing its potential. His nomination of pro-crypto advocate Paul Atkins to lead the Securities and Exchange Commission further improved confidence in the market and indicates President-elect Trump’s potentially favorable stance on cryptocurrencies. We have also observed increased regulation and licensing efforts, which are positive developments. These steps provide clarity and a structured framework for operators to participate in the ecosystem. The Nigerian crypto industry is experiencing a pivotal moment, and it’s fantastic to see stakeholders moving toward creating a robust and sustainable market. The Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in particular has taken commendable steps, including bringing operators into the sandbox and issuing licenses under a well-defined framework. This bold move has made it easier for companies like Quidax to engage in the ecosystem confidently and securely. What has Quidax’s experience been like working with the SEC? Our journey with the SEC has been long and evolving. We started the process some time ago, but things shifted dramatically in 2024 with the arrival of the new administration at the SEC, led by the Director-General, Dr. Emomotimi Agama. This leadership team truly understands cryptocurrency and digital assets, and their knowledge was evident in the new licensing framework they developed. Engaging with the SEC now is like night and day compared to previous years. The new leadership, including the board, Director-General, and executive commissioners, brought a fresh perspective. Their proactive approach has been a game changer, making it easier for operators to align with regulatory expectations. Do you feel the new SEC administration understands digital assets better than before? Absolutely. The current administration has demonstrated a deeper understanding of digital assets, and this clarity is reflected in how they engage with the industry. As the No 2 worldwide in crypto adoption, as stated by ChainAnalysis report, Nigeria has an important role to play in the global cryptocurrency ecosystem, and the SEC’s framework enables us to participate meaningfully and capture value locally from the global industry. Having this structure in place ensures that operators, investors, and the government can all benefit. It’s a significant step forward for digital inclusion and economic growth. What is the broader impact of cryptocurrency in Nigeria? Cryptocurrency offers immense potential for Nigeria. On a personal level, it provides individuals with opportunities to invest, earn, and create wealth. Beyond that, it drives innovation, job creation, and entrepreneurship. Nigeria is already ranked No. 2 globally in crypto adoption, according to ChainAnalysis. Without a clear framework, however, we risk losing out on foreign direct investment (FDI) in this space. In the absence of regulatory clarity, much of the value generated within Nigeria’s crypto ecosystem flows out, boosting foreign companies without benefiting our local economy. When you consider the tax revenue potential and the ability to support startups building in Nigeria, the opportunities are immense. With the right regulatory environment, we can unlock a new wave of growth and innovation. How does Quidax contribute to the crypto ecosystem? Our role is to provide a safe, secure, and reliable platform for crypto transactions. We ensure that customers are properly verified through Know Your Customer (KYC) processes and that their investments are secure. We are also committed to collaboration. Whether it’s working with regulators, law enforcement, or other stakeholders, our goal is to create a safe ecosystem for everyone. Quidax enables customers to seamlessly buy, sell, and move digital assets within a regulated environment, making it easier for people to participate in the crypto economy. What is your outlook for the crypto industry in 2025? Globally, 2025 will likely be an exciting year for cryptocurrency. The optimism following recent market rallies, driven partly by global events like the U.S. election, suggests continued momentum. I’m cautiously optimistic about sustained growth in the market. In Nigeria, the crypto industry is poised for even greater impact. Cryptocurrency provides a unique avenue for Nigerians to connect with the global economy, offering opportunities for financial growth and innovation. With platforms like Quidax leading the way, we’ll see increased adoption, better education, and a more vibrant ecosystem. Is Nigeria’s regulatory environment ready to support the crypto industry’s growth? The current framework is a massive leap forward compared to where we were just a few years ago. However, regulation is an evolving process, especially in an industry as dynamic as crypto. As operators, regulators, and other stakeholders continue to learn and adapt, I believe we’ll see even more refined policies that ensure investor safety and market stability. This is the SEC’s primary mandate and we’re committed to working closely with the regulators to build a thriving and secure ecosystem.
It came as a surprise that President Joe Biden unconditionally pardoned his son Hunter, a convicted felon, after repeatedly vowing that he would not. For the past few months, each time Biden or his press secretary was asked whether a pardon was in the cards, they both emphatically said no. So much for one of the president's favorite lines, "I give you my word as a Biden." Hunter, who was facing a potential sentence of years in prison for tax evasion and lying on a federal firearms application, is now free to pursue his career as a middling painter of overpriced art. I admit that when I first heard the pardon news, I thought, "Good for you, Joe! Why should you follow the rules when no one on Planet Trump does? Let the people who voted to return a sex-offending, defaming, defrauding felon to the White House get a tiny taste of their own medicine." On second thought, however, it's more complicated than that. How can any of us be outraged at the way Trump and those in his circle seem immune from the consequences of their malign actions if we applaud Biden's pardon of his son for crimes he has either been convicted of or pleaded guilty to? How can we be outraged that Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner received $2 billion from the murderous Saudis if we think it's perfectly fine for Hunter Biden to be paid millions of dollars for sitting on the board of Burisma, the Ukrainian energy company that was under investigation for corruption while his father was vice president and overseeing White House policy on Ukraine? The real outrage is the general lack of accountability for the illegal, unethical or immoral behavior of children born into wealth and privilege whose only "talents" are their ability to exploit their proximity to powerful people. Nepo babies gonna nepo baby. Hunter Biden was charged with lying on a gun purchase form, having claimed on penalty of perjury that he was not using drugs when, as he recounts in his memoir, he was a raging coke and meth addict. He was also charged with evading more than $1 million in taxes, which he has since paid, along with penalties and interest. Was he unfairly singled out? Maybe, but he still broke the law. As President Biden stated in announcing the pardon, "Without aggravating factors like use in a crime, multiple purchases, or buying a weapon as a straw purchaser, people are almost never brought to trial on felony charges solely for how they filled out a gun form. Those who were late paying their taxes because of serious addictions, but paid them back subsequently with interest and penalties, are typically given non-criminal resolutions." All true, which is why the government originally offered Hunter a deal that would have allowed him to avoid prison. He was to plead guilty to two misdemeanor counts of failing to pay his 2017 and 2018 taxes on time, and to agree to a diversion program that would allow him to avoid prosecution on the charge that he lied when he bought a handgun in 2018. But a federal judge put the plea deal on hold last year, saying she did not want to "rubber stamp" an unorthodox and complex agreement that was reached without her input. Republicans piled on, filing an amicus brief complaining that the deal was too lenient and that the investigation was tainted by political interference from the Biden administration. At that point, with the plea deal in tatters, Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed a special counsel to the case. A month later, in September 2023, then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy opened his sham impeachment investigation of the president, claiming Biden lied about his knowledge of his son's business affairs. The House's eventual report basically found that Hunter used his daddy's name to enrich himself. Yawn. Last summer, after a salacious trial that, as the New York Times put it, "made painfully public Mr. Biden's crack addiction, reckless behavior and ruinous spending," a federal jury found Hunter guilty of three felony counts related to the gun application. In September, Hunter Biden avoided tormenting his family with another trial by pleading guilty to nine federal tax charges. "There has been an effort to break Hunter -- who has been five and a half years sober, even in the face of unrelenting attacks and selective prosecution," President Biden's statement said. "In trying to break Hunter, they've tried to break me -- and there's no reason to believe it will stop here. Enough is enough." Hunter may have been singled out for prosecution, but Hunter did in fact screw up. And President Biden, who has often said that Americans in the Trump era are engaged in a "battle to save the soul of the nation," has shown that he, too, will warp justice for his own ends. I thought he was better than that. Robin Abcarian Robin Abcarian is an opinion columnist at the Los Angeles Times. The views expressed here are the writer's own. -- Ed. (Tribune Content Agency)JPMorgan analysts are offering a fresh perspective on managing market volatility: betting on the VIX (volatility index) while trimming downside hedges on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF SPY . Here's what they're suggesting and why. Elevated SPY Skew Reflects Investor Caution The S&P 500’s options market has been buzzing as investors brace for uncertainties like recession fears and conflicting signals from central banks, particularly the Federal Reserve and the Bank of Japan. This demand for protection has made SPY put options pricey, with their skew—a measure of demand for downside protection—hitting elevated levels. Read Also: Major US Stock Futures Slide, Small-Caps Buck Trend: Market Strategist Flags This As The ‘Stronger Times Of The Year For Stocks’ VIX Calls: A Cheaper Hedge Against Market Swings Meanwhile, the VIX, often called the "fear gauge," has seen its call options gain popularity as investors see their relative value. Compared to the expensive SPY puts, VIX calls appear cheaper while offering a way to hedge against market swings. JPMorgan's Strategy: Balance Risk & Cost JPMorgan analysts argue this divergence presents a golden opportunity. Their trade idea? Go "long" on VIX calls—essentially betting on market volatility increasing—while going "short" on SPY puts to take advantage of their inflated pricing. This approach balances the premium costs and offers a smart hedge if the markets turn turbulent. Why It Matters In simple terms, the analysts believe this strategy lets investors stay prepared for market shocks without overpaying for protection. The setup is designed to be premium-neutral, meaning no additional upfront costs, while targeting a sweet spot in relative value. As market dynamics evolve, this trade might appeal to those who want to play the volatility game smartly. But as with any market bet, timing and risk tolerance will be key. Read Next: Dollar, Treasury Yields, Stocks Fall In Tandem After October Inflation Uptick Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Romeo Lavia 's withdrawal at half time of Chelsea 's win against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon was precautionary, boss Enzo Maresca revealed. Tottenham had taken a 2-0 lead after just 11 minutes, but a resurgent second-half display ensured that the Blues took all three points back to Stamford Bridge, with the visitors ultimately winning 4-3 . The result means that Chelsea are second in the Premier League after 15 matches, just four points fewer than leaders Liverpool . However, midfielder Lavia did not appear in the second half, but Maresca has insisted that the Belgian's issue was only minor, telling reporters: "Unfortunately he felt something in his hamstring in the last minutes of the first-half. Now, he's walking without any pain. It was a small thing. "Since we started, I don't like to lose players for five, six, seven games in a row. Even if Romeo was playing fantastic, we tried to change because he had a problem." Lavia's substitution was ultimately not costly, with Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandes taking control in the second 45 minutes, the latter of whom scored Chelsea's third of the match. The duo have faced significant criticism since their arrival at Stamford Bridge, but Fernandez has already scored three goals and produced eight assists for the Blues this season, while Caicedo has been praised for his excellent performances with and without the ball. Maresca has not chosen the same double pivot in midfield in any of his side's last six games, but his team still managed to win five times. The Chelsea boss has previously noted the improvement's from Fernandez in terms of his attacking output, but has also highlighted his improved understanding of his midfield role, saying: "[Fernandez] is improving a lot especially in terms of understanding the game and the position. "This is what we need from the attacking players. He has many things he can do better but not only him, all of the players." Maresca appears to have succeeded where Thomas Tuchel , Graham Potter , Mauricio Pochettino and Frank Lampard failed, with the Italian maximising the immense talent at his disposal. Though Liverpool have a game in hand on Chelsea, it is difficult to count the Blues out of the title race, especially after both Arsenal and Manchester City dropped points against Fulham and Crystal Palace respectively. Chelsea are also the league's top goalscorers having found the back of the net 35 times this campaign, and with their schedule relatively more straightforward than the likes of Arsenal , who have to compete in the Champions League as opposed to the Conference League. One area of concern for Maresca could be his side's defensive showings, as while their record of 18 conceded is the joint third best in the top flight, they have kept just three clean sheets in the Premier League this term. Regardless, Chelsea are certainly well positioned to capitalise should Liverpool drop more points, and there is no reason to think the Blues cannot have a successful 2024-25 season.