Every day, the personnel of the North American Aerospace Defense Command, better known as NORAD, monitor and defend the skies over the United States and Canada. On Christmas Eve, they add one more duty: monitoring and tracking Santa Claus in his sleigh as he journeys around the world to deliver presents. Excited children can track his progress toward their homes with the NORAD Tracks Santa website, www.noradsanta.org , and app providing up-to-the-minute information about his whereabouts, along with a bevy of holiday games, music and activities. While tracking doesn’t begin until Santa takes off on Dec. 24, the website’s games, music and other fun are available now. Photos from fighter pilots and video from NORAD Santa Cams in space appear almost hourly on the website Christmas Eve. Tracking opportunities are also offered through social media on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and X (formerly known as Twitter), as well as on partner platforms Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM and OnStar. For nearly 70 years, NORAD and its predecessor, the Continental Air Defense Command, in Colorado Springs has tracked Santa’s sleigh on its journey, providing children and children at heart with a little high-tech Christmas magic. The tradition began by accident, when a 1955 Colorado Springs-based Sears Roebuck & Co. advertisement misprinted the telephone number for children to call and speak to Santa. The misprinted number instead reached the CONAD commander’s operations “hotline.” Rather than disappoint the children who called expecting Santa, the operations director at the time, Col. Harry Shoup, had his staff check the radar for signs of Santa and his sleigh making his way from the North Pole and provide updates on his location to children who called. Today, the tradition continues, with new technology to access the information. On Tuesday, trackers worldwide can call 1-877-HI-NORAD to ask our live operators about Santa’s location from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. PST Also on Tuesday, website visitors will see Santa’s flight from 3 a.m. to 11 p.m. PST.
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Ruhullah joins students protest against reservation Suhail Bhat SRINAGAR, Dec 23: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today assured a delegation of protesting students that the Cabinet Sub-Committee formed to review the reservation policy in Jammu and Kashmir will submit its report within six months. The students are protesting against the reservation policy in Jammu and Kashmir implemented after the abrogation of Article 370. Following the meeting, Omar posted on X: “The beauty of democracy is the right to be heard & dialogue in a spirit of mutual cooperation. I have made certain requests and given assurances to the representatives of the Open Merit Students Association. This channel of communication will remain open without intermediaries.” “We met the Chief Minister and held discussions on the reservation issue for about 30 minutes. The crux of the discussion was that the Chief Minister has asked for six months for the Sub-Committee to complete its work,” one of the student leaders told reporters after meeting the Chief Minister at his residence. National Conference leader and Lok Sabha member from Srinagar Aga Ruhullah Mehdi earlier led a protest outside the residence of Omar to support the demand for “rationalisation” of reservations in Jammu and Kashmir. The protesters, carrying placards with slogans like “Justice for Open Merit” and “Eradicate Draconian Rule 17,” gathered outside the residences of the Chief Minister on Gupkar Road in Srinagar. Leaders from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), including Iltija Mufti and Waheed Parra, as well as Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) legislator Sheikh Khursheed, also participated in the demonstration. During a passionate address to the gathering, Mehdi, who had recently raised the issue in Parliament, called on the Government to either adjust the reservation policy in accordance with the population proportions of reserved categories or implement the Supreme Court’s 50% cap on reservations. “I made a commitment to the students that I would stand with them, and today we are here to demand justice. I am with them and will support them in taking this to its logical conclusion,” he said. He said, adding only be satisfied when the students’ concerns were fully addressed The protests were sparked by dissatisfaction with the reservation policy introduced following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. Students claimed that reducing the open merit quota to 40% or less violates Supreme Court directives. “It has led to an unfair distribution of medical seats,” an MBBS student said, adding that this year only 29% of seats were filled by students from the open merit category while the rest were distributed among the reserved categories. A five-member delegation, which was formed during the protest and represented students from Central, South, and North Kashmir, met with the Chief Minister to present their concerns and demands. After the meeting, a student representative briefed the media about the deliberations. “We spoke with him for half an hour, presenting all our queries and citing official data to suggest possible solutions. CM provided actionable points. For instance, he mentioned issues related to the 10% EWS quota and Rule 17, which fall within the Government’s domain and can be addressed immediately. He assured us that these matters would be resolved. He also mentioned that the Sub Committee will address other broader concerns in a time-bound manner, promising a resolution within six months. However, he clarified that six months is the upper limit, and decisions could happen sooner,” he said. The delegation also raised the issue of the 76.5% open category reservation. “He assured us that the Sub Committee would consult all stakeholders and ensure a fair and just solution,” the student representative said. However, the six-month time frame has drawn apprehension as major exams and recruitment cycles are ongoing. “Omar himself mentioned inclusivity but suggested that faster decisions are needed for the process to be meaningful. Regarding recruitment, no specific assurances were given,” the representative added. When asked if he was satisfied with the outcome of the meeting between the students and the Chief Minister, Ruhullah said that his satisfaction was immaterial. “If the students are satisfied, I am satisfied. The good thing is that the process of the Sub Committee has been made time-bound. Earlier, it was open-ended,” Mehdi said. He also clarified that it was wrong to call the event a protest, describing it instead as “an assembly of people to discuss” the reservation policy. PDP leader and MLA Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra called for urgently addressing the reservation policy issue. “We are not here for political mileage. The future of our youth cannot be neglected. With the alarming unemployment rate in Jammu and Kashmir and the absence of a robust private sector, public sector opportunities are crucial for our youth,” he said. PDP leader Iltija Mufti slammed the Government for its inaction. “It has been a month since the Cabinet Sub-Committee was formed, but there has been no progress. Hollow promises won’t suffice; the Government must act decisively,” she said. She urged the administration to demonstrate leadership during this crisis. “This is a test of governance. A fair and time-bound resolution to the reservation policy issue is what we expect,” she said. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq extended his support for the protesters in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “The issue of reservations should be addressed with justice and fairness. The current policy undermines the interests of the general/open merit category. I appeal to the authorities to address their concerns immediately.”Key details about the man accused of killing of UnitedHealthcare's CEO
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Roivios Initiates Landmark Study to Demonstrate Safety and Efficacy of an Innovative Renal Assist Device for Cardiac Surgery Patients With Kidney Disease NASSAU, Bahamas , Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Roivios , a pioneering clinical-stage medical device company dedicated to revolutionizing kidney health, proudly announces that its research and development arm, 3ive Labs, has secured approval for an Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) from the FDA. This approval paves the way for a pivotal trial of the JuxtaFlow Renal Assist Device (RAD), marking a transformative step forward in enhancing outcomes for cardiac surgery patients with renal insufficiency. The GRADIENT ( G roundbreaking R enal A ssist D evice I ntervening to EN hance cardio T horacic surgery outcomes) trial is designed to address the critical need for renal support among cardiac surgery patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). These patients often face increased risks of postoperative complications, such as worsening renal dysfunction, which can lead to extended ICU stays and increased mortality. "The GRADIENT Trial offers an invaluable opportunity to further explore renal support during cardiac surgery," said Dr. Evelio Rodriguez , a renowned heart surgeon at Ascension Saint Thomas in Nashville, TN , and the National Principal Investigator of the GRADIENT trial. "The JuxtaFlow device offers new hope for some of our most vulnerable patients." JuxtaFlow RAD is an innovative device designed to potentially improve kidney function during times of acute stress. By applying a gentle suction to the kidney's outlet, it aims to enhance blood filtration more efficiently. This groundbreaking approach was recognized with an FDA Breakthrough Device Designation in April. The GRADIENT study will be a prospective, multicenter, randomized, controlled, open-label trial that plans to enroll patients with renal insufficiency (eGFR 15-60 ml/min) undergoing elective or urgent cardiac surgery requiring CPB. The study seeks to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the JuxtaFlow RAD to sustain or enhance renal function during and following CPB surgery. "Achieving Breakthrough Device Designation was instrumental in securing IDE approval," noted John Erbey , Chief Executive Officer at Roivios. "This initiative is the culmination of a decade of technological and clinical advancements in addressing kidney disease management challenges. Our ongoing dialogue with the FDA is paving the way for more effective management, empowering patients to thrive. We are eager to commence IDE enrollment and explore the JuxtaFlow RAD's potential to improve surgical outcomes and enhance patient quality of life." For more information about Roivios and the JuxtaFlow Renal Assist Device, please visit Roivios.com . About JuxtaFlow RAD The JuxtaFlow RAD is a pioneering investigational device set to transform kidney support therapy. Acknowledging the harmful effects of fluid accumulation and pressure on the kidneys, Roivios has advanced beyond traditional blood filtration methods that can further stress the kidneys. By applying mild, controlled negative pressure within the kidney's collecting system, the device has the potential to maintain and improve filtration and support recovery. This novel approach holds promise for a compelling value proposition by preserving kidney function and expediting patient recovery, ultimately reducing hospital stays and associated costs. Equipped with a proprietary specialized catheters and pump, the device optimizes kidney function during critical recovery periods, such as post-surgery. Currently, the JuxtaFlow RAD is under investigation and is not available for sale in any geography. About Roivios Roivios is a clinical-stage medical device company committed to pioneering solutions for kidney health. Our lead product, the JuxtaFlow Renal Assist Device (RAD), is designed to preserve kidney function and offer a proactive approach to managing kidney disease. We aim to demonstrate improved renal outcomes, potentially reducing the need for dialysis, and lowering healthcare costs. Holding proprietary patents in key kidney technologies, we aim to revolutionize kidney disease management. With plans to extend its application beyond kidney disease to various medical settings, Roivios is preparing for a transformative U.S. launch, aiming to redefine kidney disease management and improve patient quality of life. Discover more at roivios.com . This release contains forward-looking statements subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ significantly. Media Contact : Kelly Krueger , Krueger PR, [email protected] SOURCE Roivios, ltdThe musical Follies, created by Stephen Sondheim (music and lyrics) and James Goldman (book), debuted on Broadway in 1971 under the direction of Harold Prince and Michael Bennett. This iconic work blends nostalgia, drama, and a profound exploration of regret and life choices. Set in a dilapidated theater, Follies tells the story of a group of former showgirls who gather for one final party before the building is demolished. The story unfolds over a single night, alternating between the present and memories of the past, exploring the youthful dreams and aspirations of the main characters as they confront their current realities. Through flashbacks, visions, and spectacular musical numbers, the play examines the passage of time and the emotional toll of life’s decisions. The musical focuses on two middle-aged couples: Sally and Buddy Plummer, and Phyllis and Ben Stone, who reunite at the party. Years earlier, Sally and Phyllis were showgirls in the famous (albeit fictional) "Weismann’s Follies," inspired by the Ziegfeld Follies. Meanwhile, Ben and Buddy were young, ambitious businessmen and admirers. During the reunion, the cracks in both relationships come to light. Sally remains in love with Ben, though he never fully reciprocated her feelings. Buddy, Sally's husband, is aware of her lingering affection for Ben and has carried on an affair with another woman. Meanwhile, Phyllis and Ben reveal a cold, distant relationship riddled with infidelity and resentment. Throughout the night, the characters confront their younger selves, who appear as ghosts on stage, reminding them of their aspirations, hopes, and choices. These interactions highlight the stark contrast between who they once were and who they've become, revealing the sacrifices they've made along the way. The show culminates in a surreal sequence known as "Loveland," where each character performs a number reflecting their internal struggles. This section includes some of the musical’s most memorable songs: "Losing My Mind": Sally confesses her obsession with Ben and her emotional emptiness. "The God-Why-Don’t-You-Love-Me Blues": Buddy expresses his frustration and despair over their failing relationship. "The Story of Lucy and Jessie": Phyllis examines her internal conflict between who she is and who she used to be. "Live, Laugh, Love": Ben attempts to maintain the facade of success but ultimately breaks down emotionally. By the end of the evening, the characters return to the present, marked by their introspective revelations. Although not all conflicts are resolved, there is a tacit acknowledgment of their realities and a sense of resignation—perhaps even acceptance—of the lives they have chosen. Core Themes The Passage of Time: The play delves into how time transforms people and erodes youthful dreams. Regret: Each character grapples with the "what ifs" of their lives. Nostalgia: Through musical numbers and flashbacks, the musical celebrates and mourns the golden days of the past. Duality: The characters face a clash between their younger, idealistic selves and their disenchanted adult versions. While the production presented at Act II PV blended several musical pieces not included in the original Follies, it stayed true to the storyline and script. Sondheim's score features a mix of musical styles from the golden age of theater and introspective, emotionally impactful songs. Follies received mixed reviews upon its debut but has become a success in Puerto Vallarta’s musical theater scene, known for its psychological depth, which some may find grotesque, yet its dazzling production evokes the sensation of watching a high-caliber musical. Local Adaptations of Broadway Musicals in Puerto Vallarta The artistic community in Puerto Vallarta (and other regions) often opts to stage adaptations of Broadway classics rather than complete productions. This decision stems from various artistic, logistical, and cultural factors: Copyright and Licensing: Producing a full Broadway show requires securing rights, which are costly and strictly regulated. Creating an "inspired" version allows for greater flexibility and avoids legal challenges. Production Costs: Full productions entail high expenses for sets, costumes, lighting, and special effects, which may be unfeasible for local groups. Adaptations offer a more economical solution, with selected scenes and tailored styles. Audience Preferences: Puerto Vallarta’s audience, comprising residents and tourists, may not be familiar with full productions or their intricate narratives. Adapted highlights and original scenes resonate more effectively, making the show accessible and engaging. Local Talent and Training: Broadway musicals demand advanced technical and artistic skills in singing, acting, and dancing. While Puerto Vallarta has significant talent, access to specialized training may be limited. This leads to creative reinterpretations using available resources. Artistic Innovation: Many local artists view adaptations as an opportunity to innovate and add their unique touch. Rather than mimicking the original musicals, they reimagine them, blending styles and reflecting Puerto Vallarta’s cultural identity. Event Length: Broadway musicals typically run for 2-3 hours, which may not suit local event audiences. Shorter, dynamic performances with selected scenes are more appropriate for local expectations and schedules. Venue Limitations: Smaller theaters and venues in Puerto Vallarta lack the technical infrastructure to replicate Broadway-scale productions, prompting adaptations to fit available spaces. Tourism Appeal: As a tourist destination, many productions aim to attract diverse visitors. Adaptations allow for eye-catching, unique elements that may not be in the original musical, catering to a heterogeneous audience. These choices reflect creativity, pragmatism, and adaptation to local conditions rather than a lack of capacity or interest. They democratize access to musical theater and enrich the local artistic scene with original and relevant reinterpretations.
Johnson's 22 help Winthrop take down Mercer 102-97
A million taxpayers will soon receive up to $1,400 from the IRS. Who are they and why now? Approximately 1 million taxpayers will automatically receive special payments of up to $1,400 from the IRS in the coming weeks. The money will be directly deposited into eligible people’s bank accounts or sent in the mail by a paper check. Most people shouldn't get their hopes up about receiving the cash. The IRS says it’s distributing about $2.4 billion to taxpayers who failed to claim a Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax returns after missing one of the COVID stimulus payments or receiving less than the full amount. The IRS says most taxpayers eligible for the federal stimulus payments received them. Bluesky finds with growth comes growing pains — and bots Bluesky has seen its user base soar since the U.S. presidential election, boosted by people seeking refuge from Elon Musk’s X, or wanting an alternative to Meta’s Threads and its algorithms. The platform grew out of the company then known as Twitter and was eventually intended to replace it. While this is still very much a pie in the sky, Bluesky’s growth trajectory could make it a serious competitor to other social platforms. With growth, though, comes growing pains. It’s not just human users who’ve been flocking to Bluesky but also bots, including those designed to create partisan division or direct users to junk websites. 'Sonic 3' bests 'Mufasa: The Lion King' at the box office NEW YORK (AP) — In the holiday season battle of big-budget family movies, Paramount Pictures’ “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” sped past the Walt Disney Co.’s “Mufasa: The Lion King” to take the top spot at the box office. The results came just ahead of the lucrative Christmas corridor in theaters. According to studio estimates, “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” debuted with $62 million in ticket sales over the weekend. “Mufasa,” however, was humbled in its opening weekend, coming in notably shy of expectations. It returned just $35 million in domestic ticket sales. Amazon and Starbucks workers are on strike. Trump might have something to do with it Amazon delivery drivers and Starbucks baristas are on strike in a handful of U.S. cities as they seek to exert pressure on the two major companies to recognize them as unionized employees or to meet demands for an inaugural labor contract. Strikes during busy periods like the holidays can help unions exercise leverage during negotiations or garner support from sympathetic consumers. One expert says he thinks workers at both companies are “desperate” to make progress before President-elect Donald Trump can appoint a Republican majority to the National Labor Relations Board. Workers at Starbucks, Amazon and some other prominent consumer brands are fighting for their first contracts after several locations voted to unionize. Farmers are still reeling months after Hurricane Helene ravaged crops across the South LYONS, Ga. (AP) — Farmers in Georgia are still reeling more than two months after Hurricane Helene blew away cotton, destroyed ripened squash and cucumbers and uprooted pecan trees and timber. Agribusinesses in other Southern states saw costly damage as well. The University of Georgia estimates the September storm inflicted $5.5 billion in direct losses and indirect costs in Georgia alone. In rural Toombs County, Chris Hopkins just finished harvesting his ravaged cotton crop and figures he lost half of it, costing him about $430,000. Poultry grower Jeffrey Pridgen in Georgia's Coffee County had four of his 12 chicken houses destroyed and others badly damaged. Farmers say more government disaster assistance is needed. Ex-OpenAI engineer who raised legal concerns about the technology he helped build has died Suchir Balaji, a former OpenAI engineer and whistleblower who helped train the artificial intelligence systems behind ChatGPT and later said he believed those practices violated copyright law, has died, according to his parents and San Francisco officials. He was 26. He was well-regarded by colleagues at the San Francisco company, where a co-founder this week called him one of OpenAI’s strongest contributors who was essential to developing some of its products. But he grew disillusioned with the company and told The Associated Press this fall he would “try to testify” in copyright infringement cases against it. Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge shows price pressures eased last month WASHINGTON (AP) — An inflation gauge that is closely watched by the Federal Reserve barely rose last month in a sign that price pressures cooled after two months of sharp gains. Prices rose just 0.1% from October to November. Excluding the volatile food and energy categories, prices also ticked up just 0.1%, after two months of outsize 0.3% gains. The milder inflation figures arrived two days after Federal Reserve officials, led by Chair Jerome Powell, rocked financial markets by revealing that they now expect to cut their key interest rate just two times in 2025, down from four in their previous estimate. Albania to close TikTok for a year blaming it for promoting violence among children TIRANA, Albania (AP) — Albania’s prime minister says the government will shut down video service TikTok for one year, blaming it for inciting violence and bullying, especially among children. Albanian authorities held 1,300 meetings with teachers and parents following the stabbing death of a teenager in mid-November by another teenager following a quarrel that started on TikTok. Prime Minister Edi Rama, speaking at a meeting with teachers and parents, said TikTok “would be fully closed for all. ... There will be no TikTok in the Republic of Albania.” Rama says the ban will begin sometime next year. Albanian children comprise the largest group of TikTok users in the country, according to domestic researchers. Stock market today: Wall Street rises to turn a dismal week into just a bad one NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks rose to turn what would have been one of the market’s worst weeks of the year into just a pretty bad one. The S&P 500 rallied 1.1% Friday to shave its loss for the week down to 2%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped nearly 500 points, and the Nasdaq composite gained 1%. A report said a measure of inflation the Federal Reserve likes to use was slightly lower last month than expected. It’s an encouraging signal after the Fed shocked markets Wednesday by saying worries about inflation could keep it from cutting interest rates in 2025 as much as earlier thought. Starbucks workers begin strikes that could spread to hundreds of US stores by Christmas Eve Workers at U.S. Starbucks stores have begun a five-day strike to protest a lack of progress in contract negotiations with the company. The strikes began in Los Angeles, Chicago and Seattle and could spread to hundreds of stores across the country by Christmas Eve. Workers at 535 of the 10,000 company-owned Starbucks stores in the U.S. have voted to unionize. The Starbucks Workers United union accuses the Seattle-based coffeehouse chain of failing to honor a commitment made in February to reach a labor agreement this year. Starbucks says the union prematurely left the bargaining table this week. It said Friday there's been no significant impact to store operations.Wiikwemkoong Leads the Way in Green Innovation with EV Infrastructure Project
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LOS ANGELES — After another loss, this one of the 37-20 variety to the Philadelphia Eagles , Rams head coach Sean McVay was once again asked about his offense’s third-down conversion rate. It’s been a recurring issue for the Rams (5-6) this season, especially in the previous three games in which the Rams failed to convert more than 25% of their attempts on third downs. But Sunday marked a new low, as the Rams went 0-for-8, their first time failing to convert a single third down all season. “There’s a lot of different reasons. It wasn’t one thing in particular,” McVay said. “But that hasn’t been successful enough. It’s been an area that we have to be better at, no doubt about it.” The Rams rank 31st in the NFL, ahead of only Cleveland, in third-down conversion percentage with a 31.71% mark. They are similarly 31st in estimated points added (EPA) on third downs at -0.287 per play. The Rams actually have a respectable success rate when running the ball on third down at 54.5%. But they aren’t getting into enough and-short situations to justify handoffs on third downs, as evidenced by Sunday’s performance. The Rams lined up for 11 third downs on Sunday, though three were nullified by penalty. They faced an average distance of 9.4 yards on those plays. This number is slightly inflated by two 10-yard penalties committed by the Rams on third downs; as far as what distance the Rams had earned through their work on first and second downs, the number is 7.9 yards. On their eight third-down plays that were allowed to stand, the Rams ran seven pass plays and one run, a white-flag handoff on third-and-13 that gained 8 yards. On the seven drop backs, quarterback Matthew Stafford completed 2 of 4 passes for 10 yards while being sacked three times, all on to-go distances of 9 or greater yards in which Philadelphia’s pass rushers knew what was coming. “We didn’t put ourselves in a lot of favorable ones today,” Stafford said. “You don’t do that against that defense, it’s going to be difficult. No doubt there are some that we can convert on, look back on but it takes great execution by everybody to convert on third down. We just gotta do a better job.” The Rams actually did move the sticks after one third down, a third-and-16, but did not get credit for it in the stat book because it came via a Philadelphia pass interference penalty. So then, what did the Rams do to put themselves in these unfavorable situations? Let’s take a look at the first and second downs in the second quarter or later, given the Rams did not reach third down until the second quarter. The Rams ran the ball 10 times and dialed up 24 drop backs on first and second downs after the first quarter; given the nature of the blowout loss, the imbalance in play calls is not surprising. On the 10 carries, the Rams managed 23 yards and allowed three tackles for loss. Stafford was also sacked twice while completing 14 of 22 attempts. And this is where inconsistent execution in the run game is hurting the Rams, a team that wants to power the ball down defenses’ throats using their big bodies on the line and duo blocking. The Rams have made a heavy investment in this aspect of the team over the last two years. The second-round pick spent on guard Steve Avila. Big contracts paid to interior linemen Kevin Dotson and Jonah Jackson. The addition of Blake Corum in the third round in April to take some of the load off starting back Kyren Williams. Related Articles Los Angeles Rams | Alexander: Rams-Eagles was Saquon Barkley’s show Los Angeles Rams | Rams running out of time to fix offense after loss to Eagles Los Angeles Rams | Rams prepare for primetime Eagles game as NFC West heats up Los Angeles Rams | Philadelphia Eagles at Rams: Who has the edge? Los Angeles Rams | Rams’ ultra-competitive pass rush thrives working ‘five as one’ But 11 games into the season, injuries and shuffling rotations along the offensive line have made that goal difficult to achieve. But that doesn’t stop the Rams in believing it can still be their identity. “I think we know what we’re really about and how to get where we want to get. I think we’ll lean a little bit more on the run,” Dotson said in the post-game locker room Sunday. “I feel like our run game is a little I guess underrated. I feel like we run it pretty good when we actually get it all set. It’s just the matter of fact of getting ourselves in situations where running is better.” “When you’re looking at a lot of third-and-longs and the opportunity for a rush to kind of play with their hair set on fire, it definitely presents a lot of difficulties for anybody in this league,” receiver Puka Nacua added. “It’s the physical game of football that has been playing for a long time and it starts in the trenches and being able to make sure that we can protect our back and not allowing safeties to kind of cap off on some of our hits and stuff like that, being able to get to that second level with a great push.”
Giants release quarterback Daniel Jones just days after benching him EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — The Daniel Jones era in New York is over. The Giants quarterback was granted his release by the team just days after the franchise said it was benching him in favor of third-stringer Tommy DeVito. New York president John Mara said Jones approached the team about releasing him and the club obliged. Mara added he was “disappointed” at the quick dissolution of a once-promising relationship between Jones and the team. Giants coach Brian Daboll benched Jones in favor of DeVito following a loss to the Panthers in Germany that dropped New York's record to 2-8. Conor McGregor must pay $250K to woman who says he raped her, civil jury rules LONDON (AP) — A civil jury in Ireland has awarded more than $250,000 to a woman who says she was raped by mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor in a Dublin hotel penthouse after a night of heavy partying. The jury on Friday awarded Nikita Hand in her lawsuit that claimed McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her in 2018. The lawsuit says the assault left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor testified that he never forced her to do anything and that Hand fabricated her allegations after the two had consensual sex. McGregor says he will appeal the verdict. Week 16 game between Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers flexed to Thursday night spot The Los Angeles Chargers have played their way into another prime time appearance. Justin Herbert and company have had their Dec. 22 game against the Denver Broncos flexed to Thursday night, Dec. 19. Friday’s announcement makes this the first time a game has been flexed to the Thursday night spot. The league amended its policy last season where Thursday night games in Weeks 13 through 17 could be flexed with at least 28 days notice prior to the game. The matchup of AFC West division rivals bumps the game between the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals to Sunday afternoon. NBA memo to players urges increased vigilance regarding home security following break-ins MIAMI (AP) — The NBA is urging its players to take additional precautions to secure their homes following reports of recent high-profile burglaries of dwellings owned by Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis and Kansas City Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. In a memo sent to team officials, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, the NBA revealed that the FBI has connected some burglaries to “transnational South American Theft Groups” that are “reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices.” Red Bull brings wrong rear wing to Las Vegas in mistake that could stall Verstappen's title chances LAS VEGAS (AP) — Max Verstappen is suddenly in jeopardy of being denied a fourth consecutive Formula 1 title Saturday night. Red Bull apparently brought the wrong rear wing to Las Vegas and GPS data showed its two cars to be significantly slower on the straights than both McLaren and Mercedes, which led both practice sessions. Red Bull says it doesn’t have a replacement rear wing in Las Vegas to fix the issue and little chance of getting two flown in from England ahead of the race. Caitlin Clark to join Cincinnati bid for 16th National Women's Soccer League team WNBA star Caitlin Clark has joined Cincinnati’s bid for an expansion National Women’s Soccer League team. Major League Soccer franchise FC Cincinnati is heading the group vying to bring a women’s pro team to the city. The club issued a statement confirming Clark had joined the bid group. NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman has said the league plans to announce the league’s 16th team by the end of the year. The league's 15th team will begin play in 2026 in Boston. Aaron Judge won't be bothered if Juan Soto gets bigger contract from Yankees than his $360M deal NEW YORK (AP) — Aaron Judge won’t be bothered if Juan Soto gets a bigger deal from the New York Yankees than the captain’s $360 million, nine-year contract. Speaking a day after he was a unanimous winner of his second MVP, Judge says “It ain’t my money” and adds "that’s never been something on my mind about who gets paid the most.” Judge led the major leagues with 58 homers, 144 RBIs and 133 walks while hitting .322. Soto batted .288 with 41 homers, 109 RBIs and 129 walks in his first season with the Yankees, then became a free agent at age 26. In a 'Final Four-type weekend,' two top-6 clashes put women's college basketball focus on West Coast LOS ANGELES (AP) — Two games featuring four powerhouse teams has put the focus in women's college basketball on the West Coast this weekend. JuJu Watkins and No. 3 Southern California host Hannah Hidalgo and No. 6 Notre Dame on Saturday. Top-ranked South Carolina visits Lauren Betts and fifth-ranked UCLA on Sunday. Both games are nationally televised and the arenas are expected to be packed. WNBA scouts will be on hand to check out some of the nation's top talent. Two teams will come away with their first losses of the season. USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb calls it “a Final Four-type weekend.” A documentary featuring Watkins will air on NBC ahead of USC's game, which leads into the Army-Notre Dame football game. Noodles and wine are the secret ingredients for a strange new twist in China's doping saga Blame it on the noodles. That's what one Chinese official suggested when anti-doping leaders were looking for answers for the doping scandal that cast a shadow over this year's Olympic swim meet. Earlier this year, reports that 23 Chinese swimmers had tested positive for a banned heart medication emerged. None were sanctioned because Chinese authorities determined the swimmers were contaminated by traces of the drug spread about a hotel kitchen. In a strange twist, the leader of China's anti-doping agency suggested this case could have been similar to one in which criminals were responsible for tainting noodles that were later eaten by another Chinese athlete who also tested positive for the drug. Athletes see climate change as threatening their sports and their health. Some are speaking up BAKU, Azerbaijan (AP) — Pragnya Mohan has been a professional triathlete for nearly a decade, but summers in her native India are now so hot that she can’t train there anymore. And she worries about a day when heat around the world kills her sport entirely. She was among athletes who spoke at the United Nations climate summit in Azerbaijan about the threat global warming poses to them, to fans and to sport itself. They described how extreme weather is making training and competing difficult or impossible. With billions of fans worldwide, some athletes and leagues are trying to get more people to care, and act, on climate change.The O.N. Jonas Foundation announces this year’s Arts-in-Education grant recipients. The foundation oversees two major grant entities: the Seretean Foundation grants for elementary schools and the Lorberbaum Foundation grants for middle and high schools. Teachers in Dalton, Murray County and Whitfield County schools may apply for grants to expand and enhance arts instruction in visual arts, music, theater or dance. Students at Westwood, Valley Point and Chatsworth elementary schools will benefit from this year’s Seretean grants. Megan Walker’s Westwood students will create silhouettes of children at play. Under the direction of Kaylee Fissel, additional barred instruments will be incorporated into Valley Point students’ music education. Sheri Carr’s Chatsworth students will create arts and crafts for a Celebration of Cultural Diversity. The Seretean grants began in 2011. Due to their success in enhancing arts learning in area elementary schools, in 2021 the Lorberbaum Foundation established grants for middle and high school arts. Students at Dalton High School, Northwest Whitfield High School and Murray County High School will benefit from this year’s Lorberbaum grants. The addition of a classroom music technology studio will provide Rodney Gipson’s students at Dalton High with hands-on experience and practical knowledge to prepare them for a career in music production. Josh Ruben’s students at Northwest Whitfield High will produce masque theatre — they will construct masks, research storytelling traditions, write scripts and perform short plays. An additional trailer at Murray County High will provide increased storage capacity for Holly Kinsey’s band students, allowing prop and technology inventory to increase. Submitted by the O.N. Jonas Foundation.Matt Gaetz says he won't return to Congress next year after withdrawing name for attorney general WASHINGTON (AP) — Matt Gaetz is not coming back to Congress. The Florida Republican said Friday he has no intention of serving another term in the House now that he is no longer President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for attorney general. Gaetz withdrew as the nominee this week amid growing fallout from the allegations of sexual conduct against him. Gaetz denies the allegations. Gaetz didn't lay out his plans now that he's out of office, saying only, “I’m still going to be in the fight, but it’s going to be from a new perch." After Gaetz's withdrawal on Thursday, Trump named former Florida attorney general Pam Bondi to lead the Justice Department. Vance takes on a more visible transition role as he works to boost Trump's most controversial picks WASHINGTON (AP) — After several weeks working behind closed doors, Vice President-elect JD Vance returned to Capitol Hill this week in a new, more visible role. He's been helping Donald Trump’s most contentious Cabinet picks try to win confirmation in the Senate, where he has served for the last two years. Vance spent part of Wednesday at the Capitol with Rep. Matt Gaetz sitting in on meetings with Trump’s controversial choice for attorney general. On Thursday, Vance was back, this time accompanying Pete Hegseth. Vance is expected to accompany other nominees for meetings over the coming weeks as he tries to leverage the two years he has spent in the Senate to help push through Trump’s picks. Beyond evangelicals, Trump and his allies courted smaller faith groups, from the Amish to Chabad Donald Trump’s lock on the white evangelical vote is legendary, but he didn't focus exclusively on large religious voter blocs. He and his allies also wooed smaller religious groups, away from the mainstream. He posted a tribute to Coptic church members on social media and met with members of Assyrians for Trump — two smaller Christian communities with Middle Eastern roots. He visited the grave of the revered late leader of an Orthodox Jewish movement. His allies sought votes from the separatist Amish community. While Trump won decisively, the outreaches reflected aggressive campaigning in what was expected to be a tight race. NATO and Ukraine to hold emergency talks after Russia's attack with new hypersonic missile KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — NATO and Ukraine will hold emergency talks Tuesday after Russia attacked a central city with a hypersonic ballistic missile that escalated the nearly 33-month-old war. Ukraine's parliament canceled a session Friday over the security threat. In a stark warning to the West, President Vladimir Putin said in a nationally televised speech Thursday that the attack with the intermediate-range Oreshnik missile was retaliation for Kyiv’s use of U.S. and British longer-range missiles capable of striking deeper into Russian territory. Putin said Russia is launching production of the Oreshnik, saying it's so powerful that several of them fitted with conventional warheads could be as devastating as a strike with strategic — or nuclear — weapons. Texas education board approves optional Bible-infused curriculum for elementary schools AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas’ education board has voted to allow Bible-infused teachings in elementary schools. The approval Friday follows other Republican-led states that have pushed this year to give religion a larger presence in public classrooms. The curriculum adopted by the Texas State Board of Education is optional for schools to adopt, but they’ll receive additional funding if they do so. Parents and teachers who opposed the curriculum say the lessons will alienate students of other faith backgrounds. Supporters argue the Bible is a core feature of American history and that teaching it will enrich learning. 2 men convicted of charges related to human smuggling after scheme led to an Indian family’s death FERGUS FALLS, Minn. (AP) — A prosecution spokesperson says a jury has convicted two men of charges related to human smuggling for their roles in an international operation that led to the deaths of a family of Indian migrants who froze while trying to cross the Canada-U.S. border during a 2022 blizzard. Harshkumar Ramanlal Patel and Steve Shand each faced four charges related to human smuggling before being convicted Friday. Patel is an Indian national. Shand is an American from Florida. They were arrested after the family froze while trying to cross the desolate border during a 2022 blizzard. Northern California gets record rain and heavy snow. Many have been in the dark for days in Seattle FORESTVILLE, Calif. (AP) — A major storm with heavy snow and record rain that's moving through Northern California has toppled trees, closed roads and prompted evacuations in some areas after knocking out power to hundreds of thousands of people in Washington and Oregon. Forecasters warn that the risk of flash flooding and rockslides will continue through Friday. The National Weather Service has extended a flood watch for areas north of San Francisco as a plume of moisture known as an atmospheric river inundates Northern California and the Pacific Northwest. Up to 16 inches of rain is forecast in Northern California and southwestern Oregon. The storm system unleashed winds earlier this week that left two people dead and hundreds of thousands without power in Washington. Archaeologists discover 4,000-year-old canals used to fish by predecessors of ancient Maya WASHINGTON (AP) — Using drones and Google Earth imagery, archaeologists have discovered a 4,000-year-old network of earthen canals in what’s now Belize. The research published Friday in Science Advances shows that long before the ancient Maya built temples, their predecessors were already altering the landscape of Central America’s Yucatan peninsula. The ancient fish canals were used to channel and catch freshwater species such as catfish. These structures were used for around 1,000 years — including during the “formative” period when the Maya began to settle in permanent farming villages and a distinctive culture started to emerge. California case is the first confirmed bird flu infection in a US child Health officials are confirming bird flu in a California child — the first reported case in a U.S. minor. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced confirmatory test results on Friday. Officials say the child had mild symptoms, was treated with antiviral medication and is recovering. The child’s infection brings the reported number of U.S. bird flu cases this year to 55, including 29 in California. State officials have said the child lives in Alameda County, which includes Oakland, and attends day care, but released no other details. Giants release quarterback Daniel Jones just days after benching him EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — The Daniel Jones era in New York is over. The Giants quarterback was granted his release by the team just days after the franchise said it was benching him in favor of third-stringer Tommy DeVito. New York president John Mara said Jones approached the team about releasing him and the club obliged. Mara added he was “disappointed” at the quick dissolution of a once-promising relationship between Jones and the team. Giants coach Brian Daboll benched Jones in favor of DeVito following a loss to the Panthers in Germany that dropped New York's record to 2-8.