NoneAs we settled down, I wasted no time in diving straight into the interview. I began by asking Zuo about the inspiration behind his new hairstyle, to which he responded with a grin, "I wanted to do something different, something that would make people look twice. The monkey is a symbol of playfulness and agility, traits that I admire. So, I decided to channel that energy into my hair."
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Fourth-ranked Penn State has a chance to do something it has never done under James Franklin — go unbeaten on the road. The Nittany Lions (9-1, 6-1 Big Ten) face the Minnesota Golden Gophers (6-4, 4-3) Saturday at 3:30 p.m. on CBS. As for its success on the road this season, the Nittany Lions are 4-0 on the road for the first time since 2011, and have posted three 4-1 seasons under Franklin (2018, 2022, 2023). “Our mindset is it’s a business trip,” Senior cornerback Jalen Kimber said after Wednesday’s practice. “It doesn’t matter where we play. That’s just that standpoint. We’ve got to go on the road, we’ve got to take care of business and make sure we come back 1-0 — that’s really our mindset.” WHO ARE THE GOLDEN GOPHERS? Minnesota last played on Nov. 9, losing 26-19 to Rutgers on the road. In that game, the Golden Gophers led 16-14 through three quarters, but managed only a field goal after that as the Scarlet Knights scored 12 fourth-quarter points for the comeback victory. Minnesota allowed 349 total yards in the game, as Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis threw for 240 yards and three touchdowns in the game. Offensively, the Golden Gophers couldn’t get their run game going — finishing with just 35 yards rushing on 19 carries in the loss. For the season, Minnesota fields the Big Ten’s eighth-best scoring unit at 26.7 points per game. “They’ve got a pro-style offense,” Kimber said. “They have a real experienced quarterback, good running back and a good group of receivers. I feel like we have a challenge ahead of us, and we’ll be ready. I think it’ll be a good challenge for us. It’s a different style offense than we’ve seen the past few weeks, but I think we’ll be ready.” Minnesota’s calling card this year has been its ball-hawking zone defense. Not only do the Golden Gophers rank 12th in the country in scoring defense, surrendering just 17.7 points per game, they’re also tied for fourth in the country in interceptions with 16. Minnesota’s pass defense also ranks in the top 20 in the country at 176.6 yards per game, which should pose a stiff test for the Penn State passing game. “They do have some ball hawks in their secondary, but they make plays when the plays come to them,” Penn State quarterback Drew Allar said Wednesday. “I can’t have any unforced errors. I can’t just give them opportunities, because they’ll capitalize on it. A decent amount of their picks have actually been forced by their D-line, whether it’s like a batted, tipped pass that just falls into a linebacker or the quarterback getting hit, and the ball obviously is inaccurate when the quarterback is getting hit and it just finds a way to their hands.” FRANKLIN WANTS MORE TURNOVERS Story continues below video During his weekly press conference Monday afternoon, Penn State coach James Franklin noted his team’s lack of takeaways in his team’s 49-10 win over Purdue last week. Interestingly enough, the Nittany Lions failed to create any turnovers against the worst teams on their schedule (Kent State, UCLA and Purdue), but still won those games handily. At its current pace, the Nittany Lions won’t match last season’s takeaway total. In 13 games last season, Penn State created 24 turnovers but only have 14 this season. Franklin believes creating more turnovers by causing fumbles and making plays to intercept passes would give the team a huge lift. “We’re playing some of the best defensive football in all of college football right now,” Franklin said. “The first thing is, shots on goal is what we call it, is making sure the second man in is stripping and punching at the football. A few years ago, we were causing a decent amount of fumbles but not recovering them, so making sure we’re doing both at a high level. We’re doing a pretty good job of (pass breakups) and contested catches, and we’ve got to come down with a few of those. There’s been a couple that are 50/50 balls, and the way the rules are in college football, the tie goes to the offense. “We’ve got to find a way to win a few more of those, and we’ve got to get other guys involved rather than Jaylen Reed. J-Reed’s been the one guy that’s really disruptive in terms of turning the ball over. The next step is not just the confidence of breaking the ball up, but actually going after the ball.” According to Kimber, the emphasis on trying to be more aggressive defensively has been received, but the key is to not compromise their assignments trying to hunt takeaways. “Sometimes you definitely have to be more aggressive and conscious of it, because if you’re not conscious of it, then you’re not going to really do it,” Kimber said. “You’re just going to be worried about tackling the guy or getting the PBU. That’s where practice comes into play. You come out here and practice it. You overemphasize it in practice. You know, it only translates to the game.” Blowing out Purdue Penn State delivered in all three phases against Big Ten-worst Purdue last week — riding superstar Tyler Warren, a quietly efficient performance from Drew Allar and its dominant defense to its sixth Big Ten win of the season. After his team outgained the Boilermakers 539-302, Franklin called the win the best game his team has played overall. Warren finished with eight catches and three carries for 190 total yards with two total touchdowns. Allar went 17-of-19 for 247 yards and three touchdowns and got a chance to watch the fourth quarter from the sidelines in the win. Allar’s 89.5 completion percentage was a new career-high. The Nittany Lions also got back to their ground-and-pound ways, rolling up 234 yards on the ground. In its last two games, Penn State has rushed for 500 yards on 74 carries. Defensively, Penn State held its fourth opponent this season to 10 points or fewer and has now held 18 of its last 21 Big Ten opponents to fewer than 100 yards rushing. Series history On Saturday, the Nittany Lions and Golden Gophers collide for the 17th time in program history. Penn State owns a 10-6 edge in the series and has won four road games against the Golden Gophers. In the last meeting in 2022, Penn State beat Minnesota 45-17 in Beaver Stadium. Sean Clifford threw for 295 yards and four touchdowns. Nicholas Singleton rushed for 79 yards and two scores. Curtis Jacobs led PSU with 14 tackles, including two tackles for loss. Ji’Ayir Brown had an interception, which he returned 35 yards.Lewis Hamilton ended his glorious 12-year spell at Mercedes with cheers and tears yesterday after finishing a rousing fourth from starting 16th in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The seven-time world champion, who will turn 40 before he races with Ferrari next season, stirred emotions with his driving and his words after a classic recovery drive that saw him pass teammate George Russell on the final lap. “When he (race engineer Pete Bonnington) said ‘hammer time’ I did notice, in the moment, that it was the last time I’m going to hear that,” said an emotional Hamilton afterwards. “It really clicked for me in that moment. “It was a really, really hard race naturally where I was, I didn’t get as great a start as this one here, my teammate next season (pointing to nearby Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc) and the first stint was really, really difficult. “I wasn’t losing hope, but it just wasn’t going as well as I thought it would. I didn’t give up, I kept pushing and thinking ‘come on, we can get there’ and switched on to the different tyres and the car came alive. I wanted to finish on as much as a high and give every ounce of me to the team as they have given to me all these years.” Before spinning ‘donuts’ in his car to the cheers of a chanting crowd and posing for photographs with individual team members, Hamilton had spoken eloquently of his feelings and his love for the ‘silver arrows’ team in radio exchanges. “That was the drive of a world champion,” said Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff. The drive of a world champion. Amazing!” Bonnington said: “Stellar drive today bud, it’s been a pleasure all the way.” Hamilton replied: “The pleasure’s been mine. We dreamed alone, but together we believed and as a team we achieved things, thank you for all the courage, the determination and the passion for seeing me and supporting me. “What started out as a leap of faith turned into a journey into the history books. We did everything together and I’m so grateful to everyone back at the factory from the bottom of my heart. All the best.” Bonnington added: “It’s been an amazing journey and I’m so grateful to have been a part of this chapter of your life and best of luck for the next one.” In a final comment, team boss Toto Wolff said: “We love you too and you’re always going to be part of the family. And if we can’t win, you should win.” In 12 seasons, Hamilton started 246 races with Mercedes, a record for a driver with a single team. He won 84, secured 13 other podium finishes and claimed 78 pole positions and six of his seven drivers’ world championships. In a final social media post, he wrote: “It’s been real. I love you all.” Related Story NBK Automobiles unveil Mercedes-Benz campaign QU launches 4th World Congress on Engineering and Technology
Bronny James to play first G-League road game Thursday nightWASHINGTON — Donald Trump on Sunday pushed Russian leader Vladimir Putin to act to reach an immediate ceasefire with Ukraine, describing it as part of his active efforts as president-elect to end the war despite being weeks from taking office. “Zelenskyy and Ukraine would like to make a deal and stop the madness," Trump wrote on social media, referring to Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In a television interview that aired Sunday, Trump also said he would be open to reducing military aid to Ukraine and pulling the United States out of NATO . Those are two threats that have alarmed Ukraine, NATO allies and many in the U.S. national security community. Asked on NBC's “Meet the Press” if he were actively working to end the nearly 3-year-old Ukraine war, Trump said, “I am.” He refused to say if he had spoken to Putin since winning election in November. “I don’t want to say anything about that, because I don’t want to do anything that could impede the negotiation,” Trump said. Trump's call for an immediate ceasefire went beyond the public policy stands taken by the Biden administration and Ukraine and drew a cautious response from Zelenskyy. It also marks Trump wading unusually deeply into efforts before his Jan. 20 inauguration to resolve one of the major global crises facing the lame-duck Biden administration. Trump made his proposal after a weekend meeting in Paris with French and Ukrainian leaders in Paris, where many world leaders gathered to celebrate the restoration of Notre Dame cathedral after a devastating fire. None of the advisers traveling with him appeared to have expertise on Ukraine. Kyiv would like to close a deal, Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social. “There should be an immediate ceasefire and negotiations should begin.” “I know Vladimir well. This is his time to act. China can help. The World is waiting!” Trump added. He was referring to mediation efforts by China that many in the West have seen as favoring Russia. Zelenskyy described his discussions Saturday with Trump, brought together by French President Emmanuel Macron, as “constructive" but has given no further details. Zelenskyy cautioned that Ukraine needs a “just and robust peace, that Russians will not destroy within a few years.” “When we talk about an effective peace with Russia, we must talk first of all about effective peace guarantees. Ukrainians want peace more than anyone else. Russia brought war to our land,” he said Sunday in a post on the Telegram messaging app. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov responded to Trump's post by repeating Moscow’s long-standing message that it is open to talks with Ukraine. Peskov referenced a decree by Zelenskyy from October 2022 that declared the prospect of any talks “impossible” as long as Putin was Russia's leader. That decree came after Putin proclaimed four occupied regions of Ukraine to be part of Russia, in what Kyiv and the West said was a clear violation of Ukrainian sovereignty. Trump’s former national security adviser, retired Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster, warned there was no such thing as a quick fix to ending Russia’s war with Ukraine. “What I’m worried about is this kind of flawed idea that Putin can be placated, right, that Putin will come to some kind of a deal,” McMaster told “Fox News Sunday." “I think it’s really important for President Trump to adhere to his instinct in this connection ... peace through strength,” McMaster said, adding, “How about give them what they need to defend themselves, and then saying to Putin, ‘You’re going to lose this war?”’ While Trump has said before that he would like to see a quick ceasefire in Ukraine, his proposal Sunday was framed as a direct appeal to Russia. The quick responses from Ukraine and Russia demonstrated the seriousness with which they regarded the idea from the incoming American president. Both Trump and President Joe Biden pointed this weekend to Russia’s disengagement in Syria , where the Russian military largely moved out of the way while Syrian rebels overthrew the country’s Russian-allied president , as evidence of the extent to which the Ukraine war has sapped Russia’s resources. Biden said at the White House on Sunday that resistance from Ukraine had "left Russia unable to protect its main ally in the Middle East.” The Biden administration and other supporters of Ukraine have made a point of not being seen to press Ukraine for an immediate truce. Ukraine's allies fear a quick deal would be largely on the terms of its more powerful neighbor, potentially forcing damaging concessions on Ukraine and allowing Russia to resume the war again once it has built back up its military strength. Trump portrays himself as up to making fast deals to resolve conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East that have frustrated many of the Biden administration's own mediation efforts. There is no prohibition on incoming officials or nominees meeting with foreign officials, and it is common and fine for them to do so — unless those meetings are designed to subvert or otherwise affect current U.S. policy. The Logan Act bars private citizens from trying to intervene in “disputes or controversies” between the United States and foreign powers without government approval. But the 1799 statute has produced just two criminal cases, none since the 1850s and neither resulting in a criminal conviction. In the NBC interview taped Friday, Trump renewed his warning to NATO allies that he did not see continued U.S. participation in the Western military alliance as a given during his second term. Trump has long complained that European and the Canadian governments in the mutual-defense bloc are freeloading on military spending by the U.S., by far the most powerful partner in NATO. NATO and its member governments say a majority of countries in the bloc are now hitting voluntary targets for military spending , due in part to pressure from Trump in his first term. Asked whether he would consider the possibility of pulling out of NATO, Trump indicated that was an open question. “If they’re paying their bills, and if I think they’re treating us fairly, the answer is absolutely I’d stay with NATO,” he said. But if not, he was asked if he would consider pulling the U.S. out of the alliance. Trump responded, “Absolutely. Yeah, absolutely.” Trump expressed the same openness when asked if Ukraine should brace for possible cuts in U.S. aid. “Possibly,” he said. U.S. arms and other military support are vital to Ukraine's efforts to fend off invading Russian forces, and Biden has been surging assistance to Ukraine before leaving office. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Saturday announced nearly $1 billion more in longer-term weapons support to Ukraine. Austin spoke to his Ukrainian counterpart Sunday about the status of the war and U.S. military backing, the Pentagon said. Russian forces kept up their grinding advance in eastern Ukraine, taking the village of Blahodatne, according to a statement Sunday by Russia’s defense ministry. If confirmed, that gain would bring Russian forces a step closer toward capturing the town of Velyka Novosilka and disrupting a key logistics route for the Ukrainian army, military analysts said. Stay Informed: Subscribe to Our Newsletter Today
Stock market today: Wall Street slips as technology stocks drag on the market NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks slipped as Wall Street closes out a holiday-shortened week. The S&P 500 fell 1.6% Friday and the the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 475 points, or 1.1%. The Nasdaq composite is down 2%. Technology stocks were the biggest drag on the market. The S&P 500 is still headed for its second consecutive annual gain of more than 20%, the first time that has happened since 1997-1998. In Asia, Japan’s benchmark index surged as the yen remained weak against the dollar. Stocks in South Korea fell after the main opposition party voted to impeach the country’s acting leader. 10 tips from experts to help you change your relationship with money in 2025 NEW YORK (AP) — As the calendar changes to 2025, you might be thinking about how to approach your relationship with money in the new year. Whether you’re saving to move out of your parents’ house or pay off student loan debt, financial resolutions can help you stay motivated. If you’re planning to make financial resolutions for the new year, experts recommend that you start by evaluating the state of your finances in 2024. Then, set specific goals and make sure they’re attainable for your lifestyle. A 9th telecoms firm has been hit by a massive Chinese espionage campaign, the White House says WASHINGTON (AP) — A top White House official says a ninth U.S. telecoms firm has been confirmed to have been hacked as part of a sprawling Chinese espionage campaign that gave officials in Beijing access to private texts and phone conversations of an unknown number of Americans. Administration officials said this month that at least eight telecommunications companies, as well as dozens of nations, had been affected by the Chinese hacking blitz known as Salt Typhoon. But Anne Neuberger, a deputy national security adviser, said Friday that a ninth victim had been identified after the administration released guidance to companies about how to hunt for Chinese culprits in their networks. Most Americans blame insurance profits and denials alongside the killer in UHC CEO death, poll finds WASHINGTON (AP) — Most Americans believe health insurance profits and coverage denials share responsibility for the killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO — although not as much as the person who pulled the trigger. So says a new poll from NORC at the University of Chicago. It finds that about 8 in 10 Americans say that the person who committed the killing has “a great deal” or “a moderate amount” of responsibility for the Dec. 4 shooting of Brian Thompson. Still, some see suspect Luigi Mangione as a heroic figure. About 7 in 10 adults say coverage denials or health insurance profits also bear at least “a moderate amount” of responsibility for Thompson’s death. Another jackpot surpasses $1 billion. Is this the new normal? Remember this moment because it probably won’t last: A U.S. lottery jackpot is projected to soar above $1 billion, and that's still a big deal. Friday’s Mega Millions drawing is worth an estimated $1.15 billion. The prize has evoked headlines across the country, despite the nation's top 10 jackpots already having boasted billion-dollar payouts. Jonathan Cohen is the author of the book “For a Dollar and a Dream: State Lotteries in Modern America.” He says he expects jackpots to continue to grow in size. Larger payouts attract more media attention, increase ticket sales and bring in new players. How the stock market defied expectations again this year, by the numbers NEW YORK (AP) — What a wonderful year 2024 has been for investors. U.S. stocks ripped higher and carried the S&P 500 to records as the economy kept growing and the Federal Reserve began cutting interest rates. The benchmark index posted its first back-to-back annual gains of more than 20% since 1998. The year featured many familiar winners, such as Big Tech, which got even bigger as their stock prices kept growing. But it wasn’t just Apple, Nvidia and the like. Bitcoin and gold surged and “Roaring Kitty” reappeared to briefly reignite the meme stock craze. Richard Parsons, prominent executive who led Time Warner and Citigroup, dies at 76 NEW YORK (AP) — Richard Parsons, one of corporate America’s most prominent Black executives who held top posts at Time Warner and Citigroup, has died. He was 76. Parsons died Thursday at his Manhattan home. He was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2015 and cited “unanticipated complications” from the disease for cutting back on work a few years later. Financial services company Lazard confirmed his death. Parsons was a longtime member of the company's board. His friend Ronald Lauder told The New York Times that the cause of death was cancer. Parsons stepped down Dec. 3 from the boards of Lazard and Lauder’s company, Estée Lauder, citing health reasons. He had been on Estée Lauder’s board for 25 years. Israel strikes Houthi rebels in Yemen's capital while the WHO chief says he was meters away JERUSALEM (AP) — A new round of Israeli airstrikes in Yemen has targeted the Houthi rebel-held capital of Sanaa and multiple ports. The World Health Organization’s director-general said Thursday's bombardment took place just “meters away” as he was about to board a flight in Sanaa. He says a crew member was hurt. The strikes followed several days of Houthi attacks and launches setting off sirens in Israel. Israel's military says it attacked infrastructure used by the Houthis at the airport in Sanaa, power stations and ports. The Israeli military later said it wasn’t aware that the WHO chief was at the location in Yemen. At least three people were reported killed and dozens injured in the Sanaa airport strike. Holiday shoppers increased spending by 3.8% despite higher prices New data shows holiday sales rose this year even as Americans wrestled with still high prices in many grocery necessities and other financial worries. According to Mastercard SpendingPulse, holiday sales from the beginning of November through Christmas Eve climbed 3.8%, a faster pace than the 3.1% increase from a year earlier. The measure tracks all kinds of payments including cash and debit cards. This year, retailers were even more under the gun to get shoppers in to buy early and in bulk since there were five fewer days between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Mastercard SpendingPulse says the last five days of the season accounted for 10% of the spending. Sales of clothing, electronics and Jewelry rose. Finland stops Russia-linked vessel over damaged undersea power cable in Baltic Sea FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Finnish police say authorities detained a ship linked to neighboring Russia as they investigate whether it damaged a Baltic Sea power cable and several data cables. It was the latest incident involving disruption of key infrastructure. Police and border guards boarded the Eagle S and took control as they investigate damage to the Estlink-2 undersea power cable. The cable brings electricity from Finland to Estonia across the Baltic Sea. The cable went down on Wednesday. The incident follows damage to two data cables and the Nord Stream gas pipelines. Both have been termed sabotage.Furthermore, certain health conditions can affect how much sleep an adult needs. Chronic conditions such as depression, anxiety, and sleep apnea can disrupt sleep patterns and may require individuals to get more sleep to compensate for the poor quality of rest they experience.In a world where compassion and empathy prevail, the story of the 39 search and rescue dogs who failed their exam but are now seeking adoption serves as a reminder of the enduring bond between humans and animals, and the power of second chances. Let us continue to support and uplift these incredible dogs as they embark on a new chapter in their lives, filled with love, companionship, and joy.As the interview drew to a close, I couldn't help but be impressed by Zuo's confidence and creativity. His bold choice to embrace the "Monkey Zuo" hairstyle was a testament to his willingness to stand out and express himself fearlessly. As we parted ways, I couldn't help but feel inspired by Zuo's adventurous spirit and his ability to turn heads with a single hairstyle.