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With each team coming off a come-from-behind win, West Virginia and North Carolina Central square off Tuesday night in Morgantown, W.Va. West Virginia (6-2) has won two straight games and is in the midst of a 16-day, four-game homestand that kicked off with a 73-60 win over Georgetown in the Big 12-Big East Battle on Friday night. North Carolina Central (4-7) comes off a 78-77 road win over Gardner-Webb on Saturday night. Javon Small led the Mountaineers with a game-high 26 points against Georgetown as they overcame a second-half deficit with a decisive run. "The way we played in the second half (against Georgetown), I'll take that team everywhere," West Virginia coach Darian DeVries said. "You have to be able to do that every single night, every single possession you don't always get to go on a 16-0 run to pull you out of it. That's where we are still growing as a team." Eduardo Andre was questionable for the Georgetown game after he missed the Mountaineers' 83-76 overtime win against Arizona on Nov. 29. But the fifth-year senior center returned with four points, three rebounds and four blocks. "It was good to have him back in the lineup for a reason," DeVries said. "That presence, especially defensively and the ability to block shots, that's a huge deal for us." Against Gardner-Webb, Po'Boigh King led NCCU with 28 points, well above his 17.4 points per game average, as the Eagles rallied from a 17-point second-half deficit to win on a late 3-pointer from Isaac Parson. On offense, the Eagles take care of the ball. They are seventh in the nation in turnover margin at plus-7.5 per game. They seek extra possessions on defense and are second nationally with 18.9 turnovers forced per game "We're good enough, we just need to fine tune some things," NCCU coach LeVelle Moton said. "We've got to cross some T's, dot some I's and close. We can't be a really good basketball team until we get the mindset that when winning time presents itself in the last five minutes, (the other team) has to earn it." --Field Level MediaWashington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler sustained a concussion at the end of Sunday's 34-26 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Thanks for the feedback.American Airlines Group Inc. stock underperforms Thursday when compared to competitors
Five people are on a growing list of candidates running to be the next chair of the Democratic National Committee, but one of them is getting a lot of attention: former Baltimore Mayor and Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley. At a time when the party is still reeling from losing the White House and both chambers of Congress, the next DNC chair will be tasked with leading Democrats out of some deep introspection and into action. As O’Malley said Sunday, it’s not just a messaging problem that caused Democrats to lose. “It’s deeper than that,” he said Sunday morning on CNN’s “Inside Politics.” A “twice impeached, convicted felon is the person who we lost the hardest-working Americans to, and many of them that voted for him also agreed that he’s a pretty bad person. So this is not some moment for a caretaker DNC chair. Instead, we need a change-maker.” But how will O’Malley, who recently resigned as the head of the Social Security Administration to run for DNC chair, be the change-maker he says the party needs? He outlined a few steps on CNN and MSNBC: —A messaging shift to focus on winning back the working class and younger voters —Tactical changes in how Democrats deliver their messages —Boosting Democratic voter registration —Defending voting rights —Have a 57-state-and-territory strategy —Recruit candidates to run from the courthouse to city hall to the U.S. House —Reconnect with people’s concerns In an interview on MSNBC’s “Inside with Jen Psaki,” he compared the next DNC chair to a “wartime leader” and an “operational turnaround leader.” O’Malley also complained about the Democratic Party’s missteps. “One of the biggest wastes in our party is not the hundreds of millions we spent on ads that didn’t work, but it’s failing to tap into the great new leaders we have out there — many of them already serving as mayors, as governors, state treasurers, lieutenant governors,” O’Malley said. “We almost treat them like they’re not allowed to be at the big person table at Thanksgiving.” He also emphasized the need for a better communications strategy, claiming the party needs to create a center for digital communications excellence within the DNC. “Our candidates should not have to rely on their brother-in-law’s best guess as to where to place Facebook ads,” O’Malley said. “We should be able to provide the best marketing analytics, the best technology, the best techniques, so that our candidates can actually communicate that economic message.” On both CNN and MSNBC, O’Malley repeatedly highlighted the importance of Democrats reclaiming the economic message. “We have to return to the strength that is our party’s strength since the 1930s, which is that we are about the economic security of every man, woman and child in the nation,” he said on MSNBC. “And when we do those things, we can accomplish many other progressive goals, but first we have to reconnect with people’s concerns.” After painful November losses, O’Malley sees a party on the verge of some big wins if Democrats are willing to be aggressive. “The Democratic National Committee needs to figure out whether we want to mess around or whether we want to be ruthless about winning the next elections. I vote for winning elections,” he said. He listed multiple opportunities for wins: 36 governor’s races in two years, special elections, a chance to win back the House in 2026 and have House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jefferies as the next speaker. Though O’Malley is among five candidates running for DNC chair, he seems to be the one getting the most airtime, appearing for multiple television interviews in the last couple weeks. The election will be held Feb. 1 to replace outgoing DNC Chair Jaime Harrison. In addition to O’Malley, the other candidates include nonprofit executive-turned-Senate hopeful Robert Houton; author and former presidential candidate Marianne Williamson; Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party chair Ken Martin; and Wisconsin Democratic Party chair Ben Wikler. Houton, a Bethesda resident, won less than 1% of the Maryland Senate primary vote while making the fentanyl crisis central to his campaign. In a letter to DNC members, Houton said he would be “a fighter with passion and integrity to speak boldly and lead.” He told Democrats he grew up in Massachusetts and was inspired by the late U.S. Sen. Ted Kennedy from his home state. “In my formative years, my parents instilled in me the meaningful impact public service holds for my life of service to others,” Houton said. “I have never deviated from this calling.” He cited his deep faith and Catholicism in helping him to bring optimism and energy to the DNC. Williamson, the only woman running for DNC chair and the most recent candidate to jump into the race, said the Democratic Party has lost its connection with millions of Americans. She described the party as “a tarnished brand” in an interview with ABC News. In an exclusive interview with Newsweek, she said, “Many people are afraid of change. I think what Democrats should be most afraid of right now is not changing.” ©2024 Baltimore Sun. Visit baltimoresun.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.A birthday message for Sri Lanka’s new President: Don’t squander your mandate
Germany has pledged to tighten its law to make it easier to prosecute people-smugglers enabling small-boat crossings to Britain, as the two countries signed a new deal aimed at tackling immigration crime. Berlin confirmed plans to reform its legal framework make it a clear criminal offence to “facilitate the smuggling of migrants to the UK” as part of the agreement, the Home Office said. The Home Office said the move would give German prosecutors more tools to tackle the supply and storage of dangerous small boats. Both countries will also commit to exchange information that may help to remove migrant-smuggling content from social media platforms and tackle end-to-end routes of criminal smuggling networks as part of the deal. It comes ahead of the UK and Germany hosting the so-called Calais Group in London, which sees ministers and police from the two countries, alongside France, Belgium and the Netherlands, gather to discuss migration in Europe. Delegates are expected to agree a detailed plan to tackle people-smuggling gangs in 2025 at the meeting on Tuesday. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “For too long organised criminal gangs have been exploiting vulnerable people, undermining border security in the UK and across Europe while putting thousands of lives at risk. “We are clear that this cannot go on. “Germany is already a key partner in our efforts to crack down on migrant smuggling, but there is always more we can do together. “Our new joint action plan with deliver a strengthened partnership with Germany, boosting our respective border security as we work to fix the foundations, and ultimately saving lives.” Nancy Faeser, German federal minister of the interior said: “We are now stepping up our joint action to fight the brutal activities of international smugglers. “This is at the core of our joint action plan that we have agreed in London. “It will help us end the inhumane activities of criminal migrant smuggling organisations. “By cramming people into inflatable boats under threats of violence and sending them across the Channel, these organisations put human lives at risk.” She said that “many of these crimes are planned in Germany” and the deal would help to counter “this unscrupulous business with even more resolve.” “This includes maintaining a high investigative pressure, exchanging information between our security authorities as best as possible, and persistently investigating financial flows to identify the criminals operating behind the scenes,” Ms Faeser said. Shadow home secretary Chris Philp said the announcement “doesn’t go far enough”. “The British public deserves a serious plan to control our borders and stop criminal gangs,” he said. “The National Crime Agency has said a deterrent is necessary to reduce the number of crossings, yet Labour scrapped the only deterrent before it even got started. “Meanwhile the numbers of illegal immigrants coming here continue to climb, with an 18% increase compared to the same period last year, with more than 20,000 people having made the crossing since the election.”Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 35 points to help the Oklahoma City Thunder run their winning streak to 11 games with a 130-106 home victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday. The loss snapped the Grizzlies' two-game winning streak and was just their fourth in 18 games. The Thunder had a season-high 35 assists, led by eight from Jalen Williams. Without Ja Morant, who sustained a sprained AC joint in his right shoulder in Friday's win over New Orleans, and several other key players, Memphis didn't have an answer for the Western Conference-leading Thunder. The Grizzlies also were without Zach Edey (concussion) and Brandon Clarke (right knee soreness). While Memphis was without plenty of production, Oklahoma City's Luguentz Dort and Cason Wallace returned after missing Saturday's win in Charlotte. Playing on the second night of a back-to-back, Oklahoma City missed its first five shots and had two turnovers in the first three minutes before Gilgeous-Alexander got going. After falling behind 9-0, Oklahoma City took over. Gilgeous-Alexander made his first six shots, extending into the second quarter, and the Thunder led by as much as 29 in the first half. Gilgeous-Alexander kept his foot on the pedal deep into the second half, even with the game well under control. In the final seconds of the third quarter, Gilgeous-Alexander jogged to halfcourt, crossing with about three seconds left. Then Gilgeous-Alexander blew past Luke Kennard to get to the bucket, finishing with a scooping layup as Grizzlies center Jaren Jackson Jr. stepped his direction too late to contest the shot. It was Gilgeous-Alexander's 17th game with at least 30 points this season. Gilgeous-Alexander finished 14 of 19 from the floor -- 13 of 14 inside the arc -- as Oklahoma City outscored Memphis in the paint 56-36 for the game. Oklahoma City scored 33 points off Memphis' 21 turnovers. The Grizzlies shot a season-low 38.1 percent from the floor, with starters Jaylen Wells and Jackson combining to shoot just 5 of 29. Desmond Bane led Memphis with 22 points. Six other Oklahoma City scorers joined Gilgeous-Alexander in double figures, including 17 points off the bench from Ajay Mitchell and 16 from Aaron Wiggins. --Field Level Media
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World No. 1 Jannik Sinner defeated Tallon Griekspoor to deliver Italy the 2024 Davis Cup title over the Netherlands on Sunday in Malaga, Spain. Sinner, who won his first two Grand Slam titles this year at the Australian and U.S. opens, added a second straight Davis Cup to his sterling resume after Italy beat Australia in the finals last year. Italy's Matteo Berrettini swept past Botic van de Zandschulp 6-4, 6-2 in 78 minutes to open the match. Sinner and Griekspoor didn't break serve throughout the first set until Sinner ran away with the tiebreaker. Then, knotted 1-1 in the second set, Sinner won Griekspoor's next three service games to run out to a 5-2 lead. He grabbed a 40-0 lead in the eighth game but Griekspoor saved three straight match points to remain on life support. Sinner went up an advantage and finally finished the job on his fourth match point. His win meant a doubles match was not required to decide the final. "It has been an amazing year. I'm very proud of the whole team," Sinner said. "There is a lot of work behind it and I'm very happy to hold this trophy again. It was a very difficult day today, because anything can happen." Sinner hit 15 aces with just one double fault to Griekspoor's six aces. The World No. 1 committed only nine unforced errors and saved 2 of 3 break points. Berrettini had 16 aces against van de Zandschulp. --Field Level MediaCities with the fastest-growing home prices in Florida
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Sira Thienou scores 16 points, No. 18 Ole Miss women coast to 89-24 win over Alabama StateTweet Facebook Mail Ahead of New Year's Eve celebrations around the country, Australians are being warned of heavy penalties for any illegal fireworks use. SafeWork NSW has warned it will be carrying out compliance checks on scheduled displays with a "zero tolerance" approach to unsanctioned use. In every state and territory, strict regulations govern fireworks usage, with licensing and permits a broad requirement. READ MORE: Teen dies after falling from rope swing on Gold Coast People are being reminded of the heavy penalties for illegal fireworks. (Getty) The exception is the Northern Territory, where fireworks can be legally purchased and set off by any adult - but only for a strictly limited period of time on Territory Day in July. So any illegal New Year's Eve fireworks are still subject to penalties and fines - in the NT's case, of $1850. Penalties in New South Wales are substantially heavier, with unauthorised firework activity - including selling, buying, storing, transporting, and igniting them - subject to a $27,500 fine and 12 months in prison. READ MORE: Man shot dead, car set on fire in western Sydney Preparations for Sydney's New Year's Eve fireworks display are underway. (Supplied) Victoria Police, meanwhile, warned that illicit fireworks use this New Year's Eve could attract a 15-year jail sentence, or "thousands of dollars" in fines. "Over the years we've come across some serious injuries caused by illegal fireworks, from serious burns to open wounds and eye injuries," police posted in an online warning on Facebook. "But using fireworks in summer can also spark bushfires, which can destroy homes and communities. "It's just not worth the risk." READ MORE: Former US President Jimmy Carter dies at 100 People can face hefty fines and even prison sentences. (Getty Images/iStockphoto) Queenslanders face fines of over $52,000, and six months in prison. Even people licenced to use fireworks have to comply with strict regulations when putting on a display, including a substantial notice period. "Fireworks can be extremely harmful and may lead to death if handled incorrectly," SafeWork NSW head Trent Curtin said. Sun, celebration, sadness: Christmas in Australia and around the world View Gallery "Ensure you're keeping your friends and family safe by not risking anyone with illegal displays this holiday season and don't get caught with a fine for illegal fireworks during your New Year's celebrations. "We currently have over one hundred displays planned for New Year's Eve across the state, with numbers increasing each day, "SafeWork NSW has zero tolerance for illegal activity when handling fireworks. Only those with either a pyrotechnician or single-use licence are allowed." DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP : Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play .Suchir Balaji’s mother claims OpenAI whistleblower’s death wasn’t a suicide, Elon Musk shows support