Published 2:45 pm Tuesday, December 24, 2024 By Ernest Bowker Porter's Chapel Academy quarterback Jase Jung is the 2024 Vicksburg Post Offensive Player of the Year. The senior rushed for 3,712 yards and 48 touchdowns this season, and broke every Warren County season, game, and career rushing record. (Ernest Bowker/The Vicksburg Post) NASH MORGAN/QB/SO./WARREN CENTRAL — Two-year starter passed for 1,372 yards and nine touchdowns ... scored three rushing touchdown ERIC COLLINS JR./RB/SR./WARREN CENTRAL — Excellent senior running back rushed for 1,084 yards and 13 touchdowns ... averaged 6.9 yards per carry ADEN GREER/RB/SR./WARREN CENTRAL — Other half of Vikings’ great backfield tandem had 1,002 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns DECOREY KNIGHT JR./RB/SR./VICKSBURG — Vicksburg High’s all-time leading rusher had 1,169 yards and six TDs this season ... MHSAA Class 6A All-State selection ... caught 24 passes for 442 yards and four TDs ... had three kick return touchdowns MADDOX LYNCH/WR/SR./WARREN CENTRAL — Warren Central’s all-time leader in receptions and receiving yardage caught 42 passes for 459 yards and three touchdowns ... also served as WC’s punter and averaged 31.4 yards per punt JAYLON WINTERS/WR/SR./WARREN CENTRAL — Big-play threat averaged 17.9 yards per reception ... caught 28 passes for 502 yards and five touchdowns JACKSON BLACKMON/OL/JR./PORTER’S CHAPEL — Two-year starter on PCA’s offensive line helped the team rush for more than 4,600 yards and 62 touchdowns WILLIE EDMOND/OL/SR./VICKSBURG — MHSAA Class 6A All-State selection helped the Gators rush for more than 1,500 yards this season CONLEY JOHNSTON/OL/SR./PORTER’S CHAPEL — MAIS All-Star paved the way for the Eagles to rush for more than 4,600 yards ... also a standout on defense, with 80 tackles, seven sacks, and 11 tackles for loss MICKELL JONES/OL/SR./VICKSBURG — First-team All-Region 2-6A selection helped the Gators rush for more than 1,600 yards as a team CARMELO CLARK/OL/SR./WARREN CENTRAL — Another first-team All-Region 2-6A offensive lineman who helped the Vikings reach the Class 6A semifinals for the first time since 1994. SPENCER SMITH/OL/SR./WARREN CENTRAL — Big piece of an offensive line that blocked for two 1,000-yard rushers ... first-team MHSAA All-Region 2-6A selection JONAH ARTMAN/K/JR./WARREN CENTRAL — MHSAA Class 6A All-State selection made 10 of 12 field goal attempts and 44 of 47 PATs ... set Warren County’s record for most career field goals, with 27 BEAU BROGDON/P/JR./ST. ALOYSIUS — All-MAIS Class 4A selection averaged 37 yards per punt to help St. Al reach the second round of the playoffs AUSTON MOORE/ATH./JR./PORTER’S CHAPEL — Outstanding two-way player rushed for 600 yards and 10 touchdowns ... had 51 tackles, two sacks and two fumble recoveries on defense The 2024 high school football season was a good one for Warren County’s teams. Warren Central reached the MHSAA Class 6A semifinals, St. Aloysius and Porter’s Chapel Academy both reached the second round of the playoffs, and 10 individual Warren County and school records were set. A dozen players were also selected to the MHSAA or MAIS all-state teams , and nine played in state all-star games. This week we celebrate all of their accomplishments by unveiling the 2024 Vicksburg Post All-County offensive team for Warren County. The 15-man squad is led by Porter’s Chapel Academy quarterback Jase Jung, the Post’s Offensive Player of the Year. Jung set every single-game, season and career rushing record on the books in Warren County. He finished with 3,712 rushing yards and 48 touchdowns this season, and 6,422 yards and 87 touchdowns for his career. In Week 2 against Delta Academy Jung set the Warren County single-game records for yards (532) and touchdowns (7). That was the first of his five 300-yard rushing games this season. In the first 100 years of football in Warren County, there had been nine total and no one had more than one. The 14 other members of the All-County offense, as well as the 18 chosen for the All-County defense, all had excellent seasons. Scroll through the photo gallery above to see who made the team and their achievements. The All-County offense also appears in our Tuesday print edition, available now. The defense will be in the Dec. 28-29 print edition and online this weekend. Congratulations to all! Ernest Bowker is The Vicksburg Post's sports editor. He has been a member of The Vicksburg Post's sports staff since 1998, making him one of the longest-tenured reporters in the paper's 140-year history. The New Jersey native is a graduate of LSU. In his career, he has won more than 50 awards from the Mississippi Press Association and Associated Press for his coverage of local sports in Vicksburg.
The Syrian government has condemned the Israeli incursion as a blatant violation of sovereignty and an act of aggression. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad described the Israeli action as a "dangerous escalation" that poses a threat to regional stability. The Syrian military has been placed on high alert, with troops mobilizing to defend key strategic positions in response to the Israeli advance.Drones, Planes or UFOs? Americans Abuzz Over Mysterious New Jersey Sightingsannounced that they have started formal talks for a potential merger, which would allow them to become the third-largest automaker in the world by sales. On the other hand, Honda revealed that it plans to before December 23 of next year, for an amount of up to 1.1 trillion yen (around 7 billion dollars). As a result of this news, Honda’s shares rose by 15.51%, which would mark , more than 16 years ago, if the gains hold. In contrast, Nissan’s shares fell by more than 1%. The agreement between both companies will focus on , taking advantage of economies of scale and creating synergies, according to Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe. A will be created to serve as the parent entity for both companies, and it will be listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The talks are expected to conclude by June 2025. Mitsubishi, a strategic partner of Nissan, has been invited to join the new group, and it is expected to make a decision by the end of . READ ALSO Honda reported an for the year ending in March 2024, while Nissan reached 568.7 billion yen. Together, the two companies would have a combined value of nearly 54 billion dollars, with Honda contributing the majority, approximately 43 billion dollars. Analysts suggest that the is due to Nissan’s financial difficulties and the restructuring of its long-term alliance with the French company Renault. In its latest quarterly report, announced plans to cut 9,000 jobs and reduce its global production capacity by 20%. The original Marysville plant has produced 11 million vehicles to date, and this number continues to grow. Currently, the company in the following countries: ranks as the most reliable luxury brand, with a score of 136 PP100, while Audi takes second place with 147 PP100. The company has established itself as one of the leading automakers in the world, whether with off-road sports cars or family sedans and crossovers. Here are the brand’s best vehicles: The name “Nissan” originates from the combination of two Japanese words: “Nihon” (Japan) and “Sangyo” (Industry), which together mean . Nissan, the well-known global car manufacturer, debuted in 1911 with the founding of the Kwaishinsha (Kaishinsha) in Tokyo. The is the most affordable model in both Mexico and the United States, priced at 17,820 dollars (359,675.32 Mexican pesos). However, don’t let its low cost deceive you, as it doesn’t mean it lacks quality. Although it’s economical, the Versa offers an excellent . Cancela en cualquier momento Acceso exclusivo a rankings y radiografías. Análisis profundos y casos de estudio de éxito. Historial de la revista impresa en formato digital. ¡Disfruta de lo mejor del marketing sin costo alguno por unmes!
Channeling ChristmasHawks vs. Lakers Injury Report Today – December 6
As the company moves forward with its restructuring efforts, it will be important for all stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue and collaboration to ensure that the process is carried out in a fair and transparent manner. Ultimately, the success of the company will depend on its ability to adapt to changing market conditions, innovate, and effectively manage its resources while also taking into consideration the well-being of its employees.The New York Mets landed Juan Soto this winter. His addition will not be the only major change to their team as they could lose an All-Star pitcher to a division rival. FanSided's Zachary Rotman noted that the Atlanta Braves could target José Quintana in free agency after missing out on Los Angeles Dodgers Walker Beuhler. "Juan Soto gets most of the attention, obviously, but the New York Mets have completely revamped their rotation, not only re-signing Sean Manaea, but bringing in guys like Clay Holmes, Frankie Montas, and Griffin Canning as well," wrote Rotman. "By bringing in those arms, the Mets let Luis Severino walk, and Jose Quintana is likely headed in that same direction." Quintana has a 3.74 career ERA. He was an All-Star in 2016. He has not been back to the All-Star Game but has been a steady arm in the league throughout his career. He has topped 30 starts nine times in his career. The Mets would hate to see him sign with a division rival, but the Braves have a need and are on a budget. Spotrac projects him to sign a two-year, $16 million deal. Quintana closed out the season strong and could be an asset to the Braves who need to replace Max Fried's innings. "Quintana had a 0.74 ERA in his last six starts and didn't allow an earned run in either of his first two postseason starts. When the Mets needed him the most, he pitched as well as he ever had," wrote Rotman. "Yes, he'll be 36 in January, and yes, he had his share of clunkers this past season as well, but it's hard to imagine that the Braves will get better bang for their buck than by signing Quintana to a cheap one-year deal to round out their rotation." More MLB: Dodgers blockbuster trade pitch lands All-Star CF to replace Teoscar Hernández
Trump convinced Republicans to overlook his misconduct. But can he do the same for his nominees?NEW DELHI: Ousted Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s son and adviser on Tuesday described allegations of corruption involving the family in the 2015 awarding of a $12.65 billion nuclear power contract as “completely bogus” and a “smear campaign”. Bangladesh’s Anti Corruption Commission said on Monday it had launched an enquiry into allegations of corruption, embezzlement and money laundering in the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project, backed by Russia’s state-owned Rosatom. A deal for two power plants, each with a capacity of 1,200 megawatts, was signed in 2015. The commission has alleged that there were financial irregularities worth about $5 billion involving Hasina, her son Sajeeb Wazed and her niece and British treasury minister Tulip Siddiq, through offshore accounts. Siddiq and Rosatom did not respond to Reuters requests for comment. A spokesperson for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Siddiq had denied any involvement in the claims and that he had confidence in her. Siddiq would continue in her role, the spokesperson added. In August, Bangladeshi media quoted Rosatam as rejecting an earlier media allegation of corruption, saying it was “committed to transparent working practices, strict anti-corruption policies, and openness in all procurement processes”. Bangladesh protesters enter TV station owners, journalists sacked Wazed, speaking on behalf of the family, said they were the targets of a political witch hunt in Bangladesh. “These are completely bogus allegations and a smear campaign. My family nor I have ever been involved or taken any money from any government projects,” he told Reuters from Washington, where he lives. “It is not possible to siphon off billions from a $10 billion project. We also don’t have any offshore accounts. I have been living in the U.S. for 30 years, my aunt and cousins in the UK for a similar amount of time. We obviously have accounts here, but none of us have ever seen that kind of money.” Reuters could not contact Hasina, who has not been seen in public since fleeing to New Delhi in early August following a deadly uprising against her in Bangladesh. Since then, an interim government has been running the country. The government in Dhaka said on Monday it had asked India to send Hasina back. New Delhi has confirmed the request but declined further comment. Wazeb said the family had not made a decision on Hasina’s return to Bangladesh and that New Delhi had not asked her to seek asylum elsewhere.
First and foremost, it is crucial to acknowledge that China and South Korea have maintained a complex and multifaceted relationship over the years. Both countries are important economic partners, with extensive trade ties and significant investments in each other's economies. Additionally, they have collaborated on various diplomatic issues, such as addressing regional security challenges and promoting multilateral cooperation. However, the recent political instability in South Korea could test the strength of their bilateral relationship.
The Nintendo Alarm Clock, a collaboration between the iconic gaming company and a renowned clock manufacturer, was first announced last year to much fanfare. With its sleek design and classic Nintendo-themed alarm tones, it quickly became a must-have item for gamers and nostalgia enthusiasts alike. After an initial pre-order phase that sold out within hours, fans have been eagerly waiting for the opportunity to purchase their own Nintendo Alarm Clock.
Apartments are in high demand Families priced out of Brisbane’s red-hot housing market are driving a surge in apartment demand, with units costing as little as a quarter of the median house price. Exclusive data has pinpointed the suburbs where units deliver the best value — not only slashing costs compared to freestanding houses but also offering generous living space. Research by SuburbData also highlighted a divide between luxury suburbs, where apartments were far cheaper than houses, and more affordable areas, where unit prices were as much as 70 per cent of houses but had comparable floor space. This Auchenflower unit sold for $741,000 Leading the list of 29 suburbs was ritzy Teneriffe, where a typical unit priced at $908,000 was just 22 per cent of the jaw-dropping median house price of $4.11m. Buyers in Paddington and Auchenflower also benefitted, with units priced at 34.6 and 33.8 per cent of houses, providing proximity to the city without the hefty outlay. SuburbData’s analysis shows units in key family-oriented areas still delivered on space, with those in Taigum and Highgate Hill offering 38.5 and 36 per cent of the typical house block size. In Taigum, units averaged 2.4 bedrooms compared to 3.6 for houses, with a typical buy-in of 71.6 per cent of the median house price of $809,000 — a balance attracting young families seeking space without breaking the budget. A three-bedroom apartment in Kedron sold for $675,000 More affordable markets were Redbank Plains in Ipswich, where units cost $513,000 and typically offer one quarter of the space of freestanding houses, and Michelton, where the average apartment value of $597,000 was half the price of a house. The research considered relative house and unit prices in each suburb, as well as typical floor space or house block size and number of bedrooms in the respective dwelling types. The growing preference for units reflected broader lifestyle changes, according to industry experts. PropTrack’s latest Home Price Index showed Brisbane apartment prices surged 17 per cent over the past year to a median value of $670,000 in October, outpacing houses which were up 12 per cent to $970,000. A three-bedroom apartment in Kedron sold for $675,000 MORE NEWS ‘Unfair’ bank policy stopping thousands from owning a home Surprise factor making homes 10pc cheaper Revealed: the lifestyle hotspots in line for 100 new homes SuburbData analyst Jeremy Sheppard said the research showed where some of the best unit buying opportunities were in the current market. “There’s the potential for buyers to get good value in a location where they want to live but can’t afford a house,” Mr Sheppard said. He noted that the gaps between unit and house prices were at record highs in some areas, suggesting apartment buyers could get more value than usual. A common theme among the markets where units were selling for hundreds of thousands of dollars less than similarly-sized houses in the area was a long history of house subdivisions nearby. Highgate Hill apartment sold for $825,000 “Unit sizes tend to be fairly similar across areas, while houses can vary,” he said. “Often the best value units are in established areas where most of the houses are on smaller blocks.” But Mr Sheppard also cautioned buyers to be highly selective in the types of units they targeted. “One of the problems with units is that oversupply can be a real killer of the long-term value,” he said. “It’s best to try to avoid units in high-rise buildings and rather focus on boutique blocks where there are only a few apartments there. “A good sign is if there’s no lift. It means there will be less apartments jammed into the same building and the strata fees are often lower.” Hotspotting director Terry Ryder said inner-city unit markets were leading growth. Picture: Supplied Hotspotting director Terry Ryder said the trend mirrored other states, with inner-city areas leading the charge. Bowen Hills was recognised as Australia’s top Supercharged Suburb by the Hotspotting Spring 2024 Price Predictor Index, indicating potential for future price growth. “In areas like Newstead, Bowen Hills, Fortitude Valley, and the Brisbane CBD, units are in high demand and often preferred over houses,” Mr Ryder said. “This precinct is desirable for its close proximity to the CBD and is benefitting from ongoing improvements to connectivity and amenities, such as the $6.3b Cross River Rail project.” TOTAL Property Group managing director Adrian Parsons said younger, high-net-worth buyers aged between 35 and 45 were leading demand for luxury apartments, while working families were drawn to convenience, lifestyle and affordability. ABS figures show 32 per cent of interstate arrivals were aged between 25 and 44 years. Total Property Group director Adrian Parsons said younger buyers were active in the luxury apartment sector. Picture: Glenn Hampson. “The market in southeast Queensland has matured and there’s now a significant focus on apartment living, which has become more desirable because of the high level of luxury amenities developers are adding within the apartment buildings,” Mr Parsons said. “The way people are living has changed. Technology has given us the freedom to live and work where we want to, while on the other hand we have become increasingly busy. “People in their prime working years either don’t have time, or do not want to maintain a house and yard and this has changed the way younger people view their living environments. “The introduction of larger, two and three-bedroom apartment residences in key locations is attracting young families, who traditionally would have purchased a house with a yard. It makes sense these days as children are spending less time outdoors and when they do go outside, they are happy to play at a local park or the beach,” he said. Elisa McMahon said house-sized apartments were selling fast. Picture: Josh Woning McMahon Estate Agents principal Elisa McMahon has just settled 11 house-sized apartments in Park Lane Residences, a project in Lutwyche — all to owner-occupiers. “The majority of apartments are three-bedroom plus a multi-purpose room, or four bedrooms,” Ms McMahon said. As well as downsizers, the buyers were made up of families with school-aged children looking for a more affordable option in an inner-city market, she said. “What I’m finding interesting is apartments seem to be accelerating in price growth at the same pace as houses, or actually outperforming them in some markets.” Ms McMahon said many young, professional singles and couples were also opting for an apartment over a house because of affordability and lifestyle preferences. “Since 2014, we’re really seeing people starting to make the downsizing move (to an apartment) earlier as Brisbane’s lifestyle and entertainment precincts improved,” she said. “We’re now delivering beautiful, owner-occupied stock compared to the investor-driven apartment product on the market 10 years ago.” Unit in Teneriffe sold for $810,000 TOP VALUE UNIT MARKETS Suburb/units typical value/unit prices as % of houses TENERIFFE/$908000/22.1 KANGAROO POINT/$821000/39.8 HIGHGATE HILL $903000/ 44.5 PADDINGTON $789000/ 34.6 AUCHENFLOWER $691000/33.8 WEST END $790000/ 47.4 WOOLLOONGABBA $709000/ 46 GORDON PARK $667000/ 39.6 CLAYFIELD $696000/ 36.7 WINDSOR $614000/ 38.6 KEDRON $635000/ 45.3 CANNON HILL $651000 /53.4 ALDERLEY $744000/ 49.6 SHERWOOD $690000/ 44.4 LUTWYCHE $656000/ 56.2 TAIGUM $580000/ 71.6 NORMAN PARK $776000/55.8 WOODY POINT $780000/ 103.6 WYNNUM $801000/ 64.8 MITCHELTON $597000/ 54.1 NUNDAH $629000/ 55.7 GREENSLOPES $673000/ 51.5 WYNNUM WEST $666000/ 70.5 MORNINGSIDE $714000/ 77.7 REDBANK PLAINS $513000/ 73.5 CARINA $809000 /72.6 REDCLIFFE $712000/ 83.8 COORPAROO $698000/ 52.5 ANNERLEY $662000/ 61.3 * source: SuburbData
On the other hand, there is also interest from other top clubs in Europe who are closely monitoring the situation with a view to potentially making a move for Ter Stegen if he becomes available. This has added another layer of complexity to the negotiations, as Barcelona must balance their financial constraints with the need to retain a key player of Ter Stegen's caliber.
Of course, engaging with all Syrian groups will not be without its challenges. The conflict in Syria is highly complex, with various factions and interests at play. Building trust and finding common ground among different groups will require patience, perseverance, and skillful diplomacy. However, the Biden administration is prepared to invest the time and effort necessary to help facilitate a peaceful transition in Syria.OpenAI's legal battle with Elon Musk reveals internal turmoil over avoiding AI 'dictatorship'
Will Anderson good to go for Texans, Shaq Mason ruled outGRAND FORKS — The Myra Foundation this year gave more than $700,000 to Grand Forks County organizations, bringing the foundation's all-time total of monetary awards to more than $13.5 million. All told, 2024's awards came to $715,510, given to 74 organizations. The foundation — which began distributing funds in 1957 — "continues to both give and grow," according to its president. ADVERTISEMENT “It was the first private charitable foundation of its kind in the state of North Dakota," John Botsford said in a release sent to the media. "No one at the time could have imagined its long-term impact. Our board feels very fortunate to play a part.” Botsford is among three trustees who administer the foundation. The others are Tracy Kennedy and Emily Montgomery. The Myra Foundation was created from the estate of John E. Myra to award grants within Grand Forks County. Grants are awarded to charities in Grand Forks County for charitable, character building and educational purposes. According to the release, "this year's recipients include local schools and scholarships, health care organizations, rural emergency services, social assistance organizations, arts groups, youth causes and many more." This year's recipients were: Altru Family YMCA; Altru Health Foundation; Art Matters; ArtWise; BIO Girls; Circle of Friends Animal Shelter/Humane Society of Grand Forks; City of Gilby, North Dakota; Great American Folk Show; Community Violence Intervention Center; Edna Ralston Library; Emerado Cemetery; Emerado Park District; Empire Arts Center; FIRST Robotics Team #8188 Grand Force; Girl Scouts - Dakota Horizons; Grand Cities Children's Choir; Grand Forks Children's Museum, Inc; Grand Forks Children's Museum, Inc Naming Rights; Grand Forks Chorales, Inc.; Grand Forks County 4-H Organization; Grand Forks County Historical Society; Grand Forks Foundation for Education, Inc. – The Big Red Reading Bus; Grand Forks Girls Fastpitch; Grand Forks Parks & Recreation Foundation; Grand Forks Public Library; Grand Forks Public Schools 2025 Jazz Festival; ADVERTISEMENT Grand Forks Senior Center; Greater Grand Forks Community Corrections Advisory Board; Greater Grand Forks Community Theatre; Greater Grand Forks Fair & Exhibition; Gro.UND Learning Gardens; Hospice of the Red River Valley; Journey Home Animal Rescue; Larimore Fire Protection District; Larimore Football; Larimore Park Board; LHS Trap Team; Listen Center Inc. Manvel Community Center Incorporated; Manvel Museum (Manvel Heritage Center); Manvel Park Board; MyAlly Health Patient Financial Assistance; MyAlly Health Prescription Medication Assistance; ND Ballet Company; NDSU Extension Grand Forks County Gardening Saturday; North Dakota Museum of Art; North Dakota Shakespeare Festival; North Dakota-Manitoba District of the Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition; Northern Lights Council of Boy Scouts of America Inc.; Northern Valley Youth Orchestras; Northlands Rescue Mission Inc; Northwood Deaconess Health Center; Operation Homefront, Inc.; Prairie Harvest Mental Health; Public Art Commission; Red River Valley Athletics.org; Santa Claus Girls; Sox For Kids; Special Olympics North Dakota; St. Joseph's Social Care; The Arc Upper Valley; the Empty State Theatre; The Grand Forks Salvation Army; The Summer Performing Arts Company; The Village Family Service Center; Third Street Clinic; Thompson Wrestling Club; United Day Nursery Inc.; United Way of Grand Forks, East Grand Forks & Area; University of North Dakota Foundation; University Park Neighborhoods; Valley Senior Living Foundation; Women's Fund; Youth Works DIVERT.
As the investigation into the incident continues, [official department/organization] has urged the public to remain calm and to report any similar incidents or concerns regarding public health and safety. The proactive response by the authorities in providing prompt medical treatment and stabilizing the conditions of those affected is a testament to their dedication to ensuring the well-being of the community.Manchester City face yet another must-win match on Sunday when they take Manchester United at the Etihad. Sunday’s is a chance for Pep Guardiola’s side to get one over on their arch-rivals and also an opportunity for them to snap out of their recent poor run. They enter Sunday’s match with one win in their past ten games, which is unheard of during their era of dominance. They will enter Sunday’s match with only three senior defenders available for selection. Ruben Dias, Kyle Walker and Josko Gvardiol are available for the derby. However, John Stones, Manuel Akanji, Nathan Ake and Rico Lewis will all . Their absence will force Pep Guardiola to think outside of the box to cover the loss of four crucial players. But in a run of games where it has appeared that nothing has worked perhaps an idea from left field could spark the world champions back to life. How Pep Guardiola covers the loss of almost the entire defence is now something to watch for ahead of Sunday’s match. Does Jahmai Simpson-Pusey start alongside Ruben Dias? That would allow Manchester City to start with their traditional back four. Or will the City manager try something completely out of left field? Perhaps Matheus Nunes will start at right-back as a wing-back and allow Guardiola to start with a back three? That idea has merit but the question of who will start on the left-hand side of that formation would still be unanswered. Perhaps playing Nunes at right-back and Gvardiol at left-back with Walker and Dias at centre-back might be Pep’s best move for Sunday’s match. An idea from outside the box may help Manchester City spark to life at the Etihad. The tried and true just hasn’t resulted in a change of City’s fortunes of late. Whatever Pep Guardiola decides to do with his defensive make up on Sunday his team must pick up all three points against Manchester United. The world champions need a win to revive their stuttering Premier League campaign. A win over their arch rivals may also spark Manchester City back to life. Perhaps trying something different could prove to be the catalyst for that to occur at the Etihad.
The U.S. Supreme Court said it will decide on Jan. 10, 2025, whether to hear an unusual racial gerrymandering appeal from North Dakota. The lead appellee is former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, a Republican, who is being sued in his official capacity. Burgum’s term ended on Dec. 15. President-elect Donald Trump, who will be inaugurated on Jan. 20, has nominated Burgum to be U.S. Secretary of the Interior. Burgum will likely be replaced as a litigant with the new Republican governor, Kelly Armstrong, which is the usual practice when a government official leaves office midway through a lawsuit. Two Republican-affiliated voters sued to challenge a redistricting plan passed by the state legislature. The redistricting plan approved by a lower court allows the state to create two new minority-majority state legislative subdistricts in the state House to help elect local Native Americans. In the state’s eyes, the problem with the case it won is that a three-member panel of federal district judges assumed that attempting to comply with the federal Voting Rights Act (VRA) justifies racial discrimination in validating the new subdistricts. The VRA, enacted in 1965, prohibits racial discrimination in voting and was intended to enforce the 15th Amendment, which forbids the federal government from denying or abridging a citizen’s right to vote “on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.” The plan that is the subject of the case passed the state legislature in 2021 and bisected two existing two-member districts in the state House of Representatives to create two new Native American-majority subdistricts that would each be represented by a single member. The new political subdivisions include Indian reservations. The other appellant, Paul Henderson, is active in the state GOP. The two filed their lawsuit as voters, alleging that the plan amounted to unconstitutional racial gerrymandering that discriminates against non-minority voters. At trial, they argued the newly drawn subdistricts violated the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment, while the state argued it had reason to believe the subdistricts were required by Section 2 of the VRA. That section prohibits voting practices or procedures that discriminate on the basis of race, color, or membership in a large language minority group. In November 2023, a three-judge panel of the U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota dismissed the lawsuit at the behest of North Dakota and the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation. The so-called MHA Nation, also known as the Three Affiliated Tribes, is located on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation, near New Town, North Dakota. The panel granted summary judgment to the state and the tribe, finding “that the state’s actions to draw the subdistricts in districts 4 and 9 satisfy strict scrutiny.” Courts use the strict scrutiny test when reviewing legislative or executive branch enactments that infringe on constitutional rights. A government interest is deemed compelling, and therefore in satisfaction of the test, when it is essential or necessary, as opposed to a matter of preference, choice, or discretion. Whenever a case involving compliance with Section 2 as a defense to racial gerrymandering has come before the High Court, the justices have struck down the plan in dispute, the voters argued in the statement. “As a matter of first principles, the state is unable to defend the basis” for the summary judgment, specifically, the district court’s assumption that attempting to comply with the VRA justifies racial discrimination,” the brief stated. If complying with a federal statute requires the state to engage in racial discrimination, “the proper conclusion is not that the statute excuses the state’s discrimination, but that the statute is invalid,” the brief stated, quoting Justice Clarence Thomas’s dissent in Allen v. Milligan (2023). Alabama had asked the Supreme Court to weaken Section 2, arguing the U.S. Constitution required such remedial action, and the court refused. Burgum urged the Supreme Court to “reexamine the foundation” of the district court ruling’s “assumption.” He asked the Supreme Court to vacate the panel’s decision and “make clear that a state’s attempted compliance with Section 2 of the VRA cannot provide a compelling justification for making race the predominate consideration in the design of an election map.” Prelogar said in a brief that the voters challenging the redistricting do not live in an affected subdistrict so they lack legal standing. Standing refers to the right of someone to sue in court. The parties must show a strong enough connection to the claim to justify their participation in a lawsuit. She also said the district court was correct when it upheld the use of race to create the subdistrict. The Epoch Times reached out to Walen’s attorney, Bryan Paul Tyson of Clark Hill in Atlanta, Georgia, the office of North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley, and the U.S. Department of Justice for comment. No replies were received by publication time.