The mood of this year’s White House holiday decorations tilts between calm and chaos, between rooms that evoke peace on earth and good will toward men, and others that simply advise visitors to eat, drink and get in a good laugh whenever you can. The decor is not so much a fantasyland of elves and flying reindeer, but a statement of stubborn good will and wishful thinking about the best that the season can inspire.
CONWAY, S.C. (AP) — Jestin Porter scored 24 points, including four in overtime, and Middle Tennessee knocked off Ohio 83-81 on Thursday. Kamari Lands sank a 3-pointer with 4.2 seconds left in regulation to tie it at 75-all. Porter shot 9 for 18 (3 for 6 from 3-point range) and 3 of 4 from the free-throw line for the Blue Raiders (4-1). Essam Mostafa added 19 points while shooting 6 of 9 from the field and 7 for 10 from the line while he also had 13 rebounds. Lands had 10 points and went 4 of 12 from the field (2 for 6 from 3-point range). The Bobcats (1-4) were led in scoring by AJ Brown, who finished with 19 points. AJ Clayton added 18 points, 11 rebounds and two steals for Ohio. Jackson Paveletzke also had 15 points, six rebounds, 11 assists and two steals. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Vertigo3d CSM strategy ProShares Large Cap Core Plus ETF ( CSM ) started investing operations on 7/13/2009 and tracks the Credit Suisse 130/30 Large Cap Index. It has a dividend yield of 1.02% and an expense ratio of 0.45%. As described in the Quantitative Risk & Value (QRV) provides you with risk indicators and data-driven, time-tested strategies. Get started with a two-week free trial now. Fred Piard, PhD. is a quantitative analyst and IT professional with over 30 years of experience working in technology. He is the author of three books and has been investing in data-driven systematic strategies since 2010. Quantitative Risk & Value Learn more Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of AMZN, GOOGL, META either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
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Shocking News for Intel: Government Funding Falls ShortGastronomic Day dedicated to the white prawn While it may seem strange to some, these festivities were actually to celebrate the centenary of the Fishermen’s Guild with the inaugural Gastronomic Day dedicated to the White Prawn. This significant event is a collaborative effort organised by the Brotherhood of Fishermen and the Town Council, aimed at showcasing and honouring this prized seafood that is integral to the region’s culinary heritage. Gastronomic Day featured the official launch of the ‘Gamba Blanca de Calpe’ The day featured the official launch of the new brand “Gamba Blanca de Calpe,” a strategic initiative designed to promote and elevate this iconic product of Calpe’s gastronomy. The campaign aimed to place the white prawn in the spotlight, underlining its unique contributions to the local dining scene and enhancing its recognition beyond the municipality Most Read on Euro Weekly News The Gastronomic Day took place in Calpe’s Plaza Mayor, commencing at 12 noon. Attendees were afforded the opportunity to sample white prawns prepared using various traditional methods, including boiled, fried, and served with rice. This culinary experience highlighted the versatility and exquisite flavour of the local catch. In addition to the seafood tastings, there was a vibrant lineup of activities designed to entertain all ages. Furthermore, 50 per cent of the bar service proceeds were donated to support those affected by the recent DANA floods in Valencia. Bons Consum Javea This year, the campaign is set to amount to an impressive total of €634,000, which will provide residents with the opportunity to transform €50 euros into €100 to spend at participating local shops. The initiative is made possible thanks to a substantial grant of €317,000 from the Alicante Provincial Council. As a result, every registered resident of who is over 18 years of age will have the chance to purchase a voucher worth €100 by only paying €50. Bons Consum Javea aims to reach 6,340 residents This year’s campaign aims to reach a staggering 6,340 residents, effectively doubling the number of beneficiaries compared to previous editions. This significant increase enables a broader segment of the Javea community to take advantage of the initiative, thereby promoting purchases across a diverse selection of 106 local establishments that span various sectors. Vouchers can be purchased online through the official website, bonsconsum.xabia.es. The shopping period will extend until December 15, allowing residents ample time to take advantage of this valuable opportunity. For those aged 65 and over who prefer a physical card and do not utilise the mobile application, the procedure will require purchasing the voucher online first. After payment, individuals can schedule an appointment to collect their physical card. Urban Area Improvements The first phase of this project has already started and is focused on the redevelopment of Pau, Mayor, and Bufo streets. Central to this transformation is a design that fosters a more tranquil lifestyle, prioritising pedestrian access and safety. The redevelopment will integrate these streets into a unified platform, removing architectural barriers to ensure smooth accessibility for all residents. This redesign will also include the addition of rest areas featuring benches and landscaped gardens, allowing for a more pleasant experience throughout the area. Improvements include transforming the market One of the most eagerly anticipated projects is the rehabilitation of the Municipal Market, set to commence in December. This renovation aims to transform the market into an open and versatile space that accommodates a wide range of activities. Finally, a new park-and-ride facility is planned, featuring 73 car parking spaces—three of which will be designated for individuals with reduced mobility—and 12 motorcycle parking spaces. Strategically situated at the municipality’s entrance along the Xabia road, this facility will provide easy access and panoramic views of the Tossal Gros and Montgo mountains. New helipad to speed up response times This site marks the first of its kind in the public domain within the region, and its establishment has earned it a place within the broader Regional Emergency Plan. These enhancements to emergency response infrastructure will significantly improve the efficiency of medical and rescue operations in the region. By facilitating quicker access for ambulances and rescue helicopters, response times can be dramatically reduced, ensuring that those in need of urgent assistance receive the care they require as swiftly as possible. The new helipad has been conveniently located for maximum efficiency Strategically situated, this new helipad is conveniently located halfway between La Cala, the historic town centre, and the mountainous Puig Campana area. The municipal plot spans 3,000 square meters and is positioned between Carrer Moraira and Carrer Oliva, in the Balcon de Finestrat neighbourhood. This prime location facilitates the simultaneous landing of two helicopters during emergencies: one designated for rescue operations, which brings the person in danger, and a second medical helicopter, which is available for more critical cases requiring immediate transportation to hospitals. For less urgent situations, ambulances also have direct road access to this site, allowing for the swift transfer of patients to nearby medical facilities, including the Regional Hospital of Villajoyosa. Improved Lighting in rural roads This ambitious project has a considerable budget of €201,381.62, as detailed in a proposal presented by the Councillor for Public Space, Francis Muñoz. This project is necessary because deficiencies in the existing lighting along various segments of the rural road network in Benidorm have been identified. According to Muñoz, these roads are crucial for ensuring connectivity and mobility for local residents. The current inadequacies pose significant safety risks not only for pedestrians but also for cyclists and drivers, thus potentially impacting the overall perception of safety among both residents and visitors. Improved lighting to reduce the risk of accidents and potential crime activities To address these concerns, the project aims to enhance road and pedestrian safety across rural areas, in an effort to mitigate the risks associated with accidents and potential criminal activities. The councillor emphasised that the initiative is not just about upgrading existing infrastructures but also about integrating sustainable technology to promote energy efficiency. The design of this project includes a thorough assessment of areas needing urgent lighting improvements. It will focus on incorporating energy-efficient LED lighting and establishing new lines within the public lighting network. This approach will ensure minimal energy consumption and contribute positively to reducing the municipality’s carbon footprint. This project represents a significant step forward in ensuring safer travel and improved living conditions for all residents in these areas. Families at risk to receive subsidy This funding is specifically designed to assist families and individuals who are experiencing various forms of vulnerability and risk. The announcement was made by the mayor of the area, Anna Lanuza, who highlighted the importance of this support in the current socio-economic climate. According to the municipal head of Social Welfare, this type of financial assistance is crucial for vulnerable families, ensuring that they can adequately address their essential needs. Moreover, the subsidy extends its support to refugees from Ukraine, who have sought safety and stability in since the onset of the conflict. While the number of aid applications from these refugees has decreased in 2024 compared to previous years, the need for support remains. Subsidy will cover a wide range of requirements including essentials Assistance will cover a wide range of basic requirements, including but not limited to the purchase of essential items such as food, clothing, cleaning products, and personal hygiene supplies. Additionally, the subsidy assists with medical expenses, such as medications, as well as necessary school supplies for children. Another critical aspect of this aid is its support for housing stability, which includes the payment of rent and essential utilities like water, electricity, gas, and other forms of fuel. In this way, it aims to safeguard the well-being of struggling households.
AP Trending SummaryBrief at 5:07 p.m. ESTCalifornia’s two best known “progressive” prosecutors were doing what they promised the voters who elected them. Pamela Price, elected as Alameda County District Attorney in 2022, implemented a policy to guard against racial biases in sentencing enhancements and exposed the exclusion of Black and Jewish people from death penalty juries. A court-order to review those biases is currently underway. George Gascón, a former San Francisco police chief first elected as Los Angeles County District Attorney in 2020, established policies that prohibited his prosecutors from pursuing exorbitant sentencing enhancements, transferring juvenile cases into adult courts, and advocating against offender reentry at parole board hearings. But their movement suffered a serious setback in this month’s election when Price failed to defeat a recall, and Gascón lost his bid for reelection in a landslide to Nathan Hochman, a former federal prosecutor who ran for attorney general as a Republican two years ago. Those defeats followed on the heels of San Francisco’s former progressive district attorney, Chesa Boudin , who was recalled in 2022. The ousting of the two district attorneys punctuates a change in statewide views on law enforcement and public safety approaches. California voters this election overwhelmingly approved Proposition 36 , a tough-on-crime measure that stiffened penalties for some drug and theft crimes. “You can’t just burn the system down,” said Anne Marie Schubert, former Sacramento County District Attorney, who battled former Gov. Jerry Brown over his criminal justice policies. “They get elected and then all of a sudden, they implement policies that are so far removed from being a real prosecutor who is seeking balance and accountability.” It’s a sobering moment for criminal justice advocates who backed progressive prosecutors around the nation over the past decade. “All successful movements experience setbacks, and the movement to course correct the criminal justice system is no different,” said Anne Irwin, founder and director of the criminal justice advocacy group Smart Justice California. “We will regroup and continue to fight for the values that animate our work.” Nearly a decade ago, criminal justice advocates looked to who they saw as the most important decision makers in the state’s criminal justice ecosystem – prosecutors. In an attempt to counteract the over-incarceration of Black and brown people that resulted from decades of tough-on-crime prosecution, leaders of the movement encouraged prosecutors to use tools that weren’t entirely dependent on incarceration as a way to address harm in a community. According to Cynthia Chandler, policy director for Price, that has meant addressing the root causes of violence and giving prosecutors flexibility in how they respond to crime, such as sending more people to diversion programs as an alternative to incarceration. “Ultimately, what’s behind the vision of a progressive prosecutor is a prosecutor who is committed to the ethical mandate placed on prosecutors to search for truth and justice,” Chandler said. “And the search for truth is not furthered by seeking out a pound of flesh.” The movement picked up in 2016 with funding from Democratic mega-donor George Soros . For the most part, progressive prosecutors have been on the rise since then, with candidates finding success in places such as Chicago, Philadelphia and Brooklyn. This election, two progressive prosecutors won their races in Orlando, Florida and Austin, Texas. But UC Berkeley political science professor Eric Schickler says progressive defeats in California suggest the need for recalibration. “Social movements often come onto the scene with a very big, bold kind of vision,” Schickler said. “And to the extent that they’re successful and then get involved in actual governance, there tend to be forces that push back. It’s hard to change everything all at once. There’s built-in resistance both bureaucratically and also in public opinion.” In California, these district attorneys faced an additional hurdle because the state allows voters to recall prosecutors before their term is up. Price lost her office just two years into a six-year term. “Some of these prosecutors have been put in really tricky positions, and particularly with the ones who faced a recall, (they) were barely able to implement anything in office before wealthy interests had mobilized to gather enough signatures to try to drive them out,” said Becca Goldstein, assistant professor of Law at UC Berkeley. Dan Schnur, a political analyst and professor at the University of Southern California attributes the defeat of Price and Gascón to ideological and management factors. When voters expressed growing concern over what they viewed as a lenient response to public safety and criminal justice, Schnur said the DAs failed to recognize them. “The best politicians are those who are able to adjust to and address those changes in public opinion,” Schnur said. “Those who aren’t able to adjust become former elected officials.” In the wake of their defeats, criminal justice reform advocates are taking a closer look at their strategy. Boudin, now executive director of UC Berkeley’s Criminal Law & Justice Center, said criminal justice reform advocates have to do a better job of messaging the vision for their policies. “You can’t expect elected prosecutors to do the work of solving homelessness and substance use. They don’t have the tools (or) the mandate...so how can we, as a movement, make sure that we’re not just electing progressive prosecutors, but we’re electing mayors and boards of supervisors and city councils who are willing to do the policy work of solving these problems?” he said. “Because if we keep dumping them on the criminal justice system, it’s not going to work.” District attorneys, he said, cannot and should not be expected to solve all of the world’s problems. “To think that it is the DA’s job to clean up Skid Row, it’s absurd,” said Garrett Miller, president of the Los Angeles Public Defenders’ union. “That is a societal failure...it’s not just the DA, nor is it really his responsibility — even though he may claim it is.” It It’s unclear who will succeed Price. The Alameda County Board of Supervisors will appoint an interim replacement to lead the office until 2026. In Los Angeles County, the choice is definitive, with Hochman expected to make sweeping changes as soon as he replaces Gascon on Dec. 2. “We’re definitely afraid for our clients,” Miller said. “It’s a drastic change. Many more will do significantly more time. That’s the reality of it.” Michele Hanisee, president of the Association of Deputy District Attorneys of Los Angeles, said “everyone’s really excited” to see Hochman take over. “We’re immediately going to see the highly trained professionals of this office use their experience and knowledge to make decisions about the best outcomes for cases based upon the facts — rather than on blanket policies,” she said. “Which is the best thing for the defendants, for the victims, and for public safety.” Alameda County Chief Public Defender Brendan Woods said district attorneys in the mold of Gascón and Price “moved prosecution in the right direction, but it really is the direction it should have been moving in all along.” “I think there’s a space for prosecutors to do the right thing, independent of your label,” he continued. In Alameda County, Price was recalled with roughly 65% of votes. Nathan Hochman defeated Gascón with roughly 60% of votes. “To be truthful, I would like to believe it’s the end of (the progressive prosecutor movement),” Schubert said. “Any mainstream career prosecutor is going to tell you, yes – we support reforms. But at the end of it all, it cannot be extreme. It must be driven by the facts in the law. Every case is unique.” Those concerns were echoed by Napa County District Attorney Allison Haley, who backed Prop. 36. “There seems to be this sort of sentiment that everyone, if they just took a class, would get better and engage in no more criminal activities. That kind of naivete is harmful,” Haley said. “That can be true for many of the people we see through the criminal justice system. But we’ve done too good of a job of sanitizing what we do, because I believe that there exists cruelty.” Groups that supported Gascón and Price say their defeats don’t necessarily signal a far departure from voters’ investment in criminal justice reform. Proponents of Prop. 36, for example, talked about steering more people convicted of drug crimes to treatment . Hochman changed his political affiliation from a lifelong Republican to an independent before his run for district attorney. During his candidacy, he cited the need for more rehabilitation opportunities for incarcerated people and more community service programs for first-time, non-violent offenders. That tells some who supported progressive prosecutors that voters have not walked away from those values, but they’ve expressed frustration that things aren’t changing quickly enough, said Cristine Soto DeBerry, executive director of a nationwide organization that supports reform-oriented approaches to public safety. “I think there is a need and an eagerness from voters and residents in California to see a justice system that actually works – that’s not just a revolving door or a dungeon – and that we can find ways to problem solve, that we can find ways to rehabilitate people, that we can find better ways to help victims heal,” said Soto DeBerry. Irwin said California prosecutors who are “repudiating” their tough-on-crime identity signals a shift. “That’s really the story of the progressive prosecution’s evolution in California – that now, it’s become mainstream for candidates in prosecutor races up and down the state to actually embrace reform,” Irwin said. “They know that the approach they have taken for the last 30 years is no longer palpable for Californians. I really hope that they genuinely do the work of reform-minded prosecution rather than just paying it lip service at election time.”None
NoneAlex Mowatt ensured West Brom emerged from their Sky Bet Championship trip to high-flying Sunderland with some reward after his crucial block denied Chris Rigg a winner. The Baggies' skipper threw himself into the path of the teenager's second-half shot to ensure a contest dominated by the Wearsiders ended 0-0 in front of a crowd of 36,733 at the Stadium of Light. Regis Le Bris' men, who travel to leaders Sheffield United on Friday night, went into the game having drawn their last four against a side which had taken a point in seven of the last eight outings, and it was perhaps inevitable that there would be no winner as the hosts extended their unbeaten run to 10 games and the visitors theirs to nine. Alex Palmer was called upon to make his first save with eight minutes gone when, after miskicking at the first attempt, striker Wilson Isidor sent in a deflected follow-up which the Albion goalkeeper needed two attempts to grasp. Patrick Roberts blasted an 11th-minute free-kick wastefully into the defensive wall after Black Cats old boy Josh Maja had been penalised for handball, although the West Brom striker might have made amends in short order, but mistimed his attempt at a volley from Fellows' cross. Trending The visitors failed to make the most of Karlan Grant's 23rd-minute surge upfield after muscling teenager Tommy Watson off the ball, but it was the hosts who started to turn the screw once more. However, an increasingly scrappy game yielded few openings of note, although Kyle Bartley, drafted into the Baggies' starting line-up after the warm-up, had to block Watson's driven 37th-minute cross after he and Roberts had worked a clever short corner. Also See: Download the Sky Sports app Live EFL 2024/25 fixtures on Sky Sports+ Get more EFL to your phone with WhatsApp Watch EFL on Sky with NOW After a tepid conclusion to the first half, Sunderland returned determined to pick up the pace with Roberts and Rigg attempting to inject the devilment which had been largely lacking before the break. It was Rigg's 58th-minute pass to overlapping full-back Luke O'Nien which allowed Isidor to stab home his cross from close range, but an offside flag quickly killed the cheers of the home fans. Rigg and Jobe Bellingham both skied long-range attempts over as the home side's desperation mounted, but it took Mowatt's 69th-minute block to thwart Rigg after substitute Eliezer Mayenda had pulled the ball back. Roberts steered Hume's cross just past the far post, before Dan Ballard's goal-line clearance prevented substitute Lewis Dobbin from snatching victory against the run of play six minutes from time. The managers Sunderland's Regis Le Bris: To follow... West Brom's Carlos Corberan: To follow... The £250,000 is up for grabs with Super 6, and as always it is completely free to play. Entries by 3pm Saturday.
Home Franchise Concepts' Leading Window Covering Brand Promotes and Expands Roles for Veteran Team Members to Drive Collaboration, Growth and Innovation IRVINE, Calif. , Dec. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Budget Blinds, a leader in window coverings, today announced significant changes to its executive leadership team, positioning the company for continued success and industry disruption. Effective immediately, the brand has promoted Tracy Christman to Chief Operating Officer; and expanded roles for Amy Campbell to Vice President of Marketing, Product Design & Strategy; and Nicholas (Nick) Petropoulos as Director of Information Technologies. As part of Home Franchise Concepts' family of brands, these executive changes reflect the leading franchise platform's commitment to setting industry standards and laying the groundwork for building exponential future growth opportunities. Home Franchise Concepts, a subsidiary of JM Family Enterprises, places an emphasis on strategic leadership development to continue positioning its brands as industry front-runners. Budget Blinds' restructuring aligns with its strategic vision to become the most revered brand in the window coverings industry, while pursuing its primary objectives of operational excellence and innovative customer experience. "We're on the verge of transformational changes that will redefine Budget Blinds' presence in the industry," said Heather Nykolaychuk , President of Budget Blinds. "Earlier this year, we introduced a new business model for our franchisees to enhance brand reinvestment and elevated our strategic planning process to incorporate input from key stakeholders, including our franchisees, fostering greater buy-in and alignment to our long-range plan. As such, with their combined experience and expertise, we are confident that as Tracy, Amy and Nick take on their new or expanding roles, they will ignite our bold new direction, benefiting our associates, franchisees, vendor partners and customers." Additional details on Budget Blinds' leaders and their expanded roles are outlined below: These organizational changes, coupled with the brand's proactive engagement of key stakeholders, position Budget Blinds for improved performance and sustainable growth. The brand is confident that this new structure will foster collaboration and drive innovation, ensuring Budget Blinds remains the leader in window coverings while Home Franchise Concepts continues to reinvest in the brand for future growth. Budget Blinds looks forward to providing enhanced franchisee support, more efficient operations and the development of products and services that truly resonate with our consumers. "We strive to be regarded with deep respect and admiration by all who work and partner with us, through championing high-standards of child-safety, product quality and exceptional experiences rooted in trust and brand reputation," continued Nykolaychuk. "We're excited for the bright future we have ahead, and look forward to the lasting impact Tracy, Amy and Nick will bestow on the Budget Blinds legacy." With Budget Blinds contributing to the success of Home Franchise Concepts, the parent company plans to execute even more innovative strategies and remain ambitious in implementing new tactics to generate additional awareness and support for its family of brands. With new shifts in leadership, Home Franchise Concepts is focused on ongoing operational and technology improvements and is dedicated to enhancing the support for its family of brands. To learn more about Home Franchise Concepts and franchise development opportunities, visit homefranchiseconcepts.com . For more information specific to Budget Blinds, please visit budgetblinds.com . About Budget Blinds Budget Blinds ® is the largest window covering franchise in North America, offering custom blinds, shutters, shades, drapery, and more for residential and commercial consumers in more than 10,000 communities in the U.S. and Canada. Budget Blinds' over 900 business owners, and 1,500 locations, have dressed more than 25 million windows since the brand's founding in 1992. Budget Blinds is part of the Home Franchise Concepts family of home improvement goods and services brands. About Home Franchise Concepts Home Franchise Concepts® , is one of the world's largest franchising systems in the home improvement goods and services space, among the world's largest franchise businesses and a recognized leader in franchisee-franchisor relationships. Home Franchise Concepts' brands including AdvantaClean® , Aussie Pet Mobile®, Bath Tune-Up® , Budget Blinds® , Concrete Craft® , Kitchen Tune-Up®, Lightspeed RestorationTM , PremierGarage® , The Tailored Closet®, and Two Maids® are supported by more than 2,600 franchise territories in the U.S., and Canada . For information on franchise opportunities, please visit http://homefranchiseconcepts.com/ . About JM Family Enterprises JM Family Enterprises, Inc. was founded by automotive legend, Jim Moran in 1968. It is a privately held company with more than $20 billion in revenue and more than 5,000 associates. Rooted in automotive and united in its strong culture and core values, JM Family is in the business of helping other businesses succeed. As a long-term partner, it is invested in its companies, associates and its communities. Driven by exceptional performance, current subsidiaries are in the automotive, financial services, franchising and specialty distribution industries. Its family of companies includes: Southeast Toyota Distributors , JM&A Group , World Omni Financial Corp. (dba Southeast Toyota Finance ), JM Lexus , Home Franchise Concepts ®, Futura Title & Escrow and Rollease Acmeda . Interact with JM Family on Facebook , Instagram and LinkedIn . Contact: Margo Williams mwilliams@fish-consulting.com View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/budget-blinds-announces-strategic-changes-to-executive-leadership-team-302324283.html SOURCE Home Franchise ConceptsNoneENGLEWOOD, Colo. — John Elway says any remorse over bypassing Josh Allen in the 2018 NFL draft is quickly dissipating with rookie Bo Nix's rapid rise, suggesting the Denver Broncos have finally found their next franchise quarterback. Elway said Nix, the sixth passer selected in April's draft, is an ideal fit in Denver with coach Sean Payton navigating his transition to the pros and Vance Joseph's defense serving as a pressure release valve for the former Oregon QB. "We've seen the progression of Bo in continuing to get better and better each week and Sean giving him more each week and trusting him more and more to where last week we saw his best game of the year," Elway said in a nod to Nix's first game with 300 yards and four touchdown throws in a rout of Atlanta. For that performance, Nix earned his second straight NFL Rookie of the Week honor along with the AFC Offensive Player of the Week award. "I think the sky's the limit," Elway said, "and that's just going to continue to get better and better." In a wide-ranging interview with The Associated Press, Elway also touted former coach Mike Shanahan's Hall of Fame credentials, spoke about the future of University of Colorado star and Heisman favorite Travis Hunter and discussed his ongoing bout with a chronic hand condition. Elway spent the last half of his decade as the Broncos' GM in a futile search for a worthy successor to Peyton Manning, a pursuit that continued as he transitioned into a two-year consultant role that ended after the 2022 season. "You have all these young quarterbacks and you look at the ones that make it and the ones that don't and it's so important to have the right system and a coach that really knows how to tutelage quarterbacks, and Sean's really good at that," Elway said. "I think the combination of Bo's maturity, having started 61 games in college, his athletic ability and his knowledge of the game has been such a tremendous help for him,'" Elway added. "But also Vance Joseph's done a heck of a job on the defensive side to where all that pressure's not being put on Bo and the offense to score all the time." Payton and his staff have methodically expanded Nix's repertoire and incorporated his speed into their blueprints. Elway lauded them for "what they're doing offensively and how they're breaking Bo into the NFL because it's a huge jump and I think patience is something that goes a long way in the NFL when it comes down to quarterbacks." Elway said he hopes to sit down with Nix at some point when things slow down for the rookie. Nix, whose six wins are one more than Elway had as a rookie, said he looks forward to meeting the man who won two Super Bowls during his Hall of Fame playing career and another from the front office. "He's a legend not only here for this organization, but for the entire NFL," Nix said, adding, "most guys, they would love to have a chat with John Elway, just pick his brain. It's just awesome that I'm even in that situation." Orange Crush linebacker Randy Gradishar joined Elway in the Pro Football Hall of Fame this year, something Elway called "way, way overdue." Elway suggested it's also long past time for the Hall to honor Shanahan, who won back-to-back Super Bowls in Denver with Elway at QB and whose footprint you see every weekend in the NFL because of his expansive coaching tree. Elway called University of Colorado stars Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders "both great athletes." He said he really hopes Sanders gets drafted by a team that will bring him along like the Broncos have done with Nix, and he sees Hunter being able to play both ways in the pros — but not full time. Elway said he thinks Hunter will be primarily a corner in the NFL but with significant contributions on offense: "He's great at both. He's got great instincts, and that's what you need at corner." It's been five years since Elway announced he was dealing with Dupuytren's contracture, a chronic condition that typically appears after age 40 and causes one or more fingers to permanently bend toward the palm. Elway's ring fingers on both hands were originally affected and he said now the middle finger on his right hand is starting to pull forward. So, he'll get another injection of a drug called Xiaflex, which is the only FDA-approved non-surgical treatment, one that he's endorsing in an awareness campaign for the chronic condition that affects 17 million Americans. The condition can make it difficult to do everyday tasks such as shaking hands or picking up a coffee mug. Elway said what bothered him most was "I couldn't pick up a football and I could not imagine not being able to put my hand around a football." Get local news delivered to your inbox!
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