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fortune gems jili The long sports-filled Thanksgiving weekend is a time when many Americans enjoy gathering with friends and family for good food, good company and hopefully not too much political conversation. Also on the menu — all the NFL and college sports you can handle. Here's a roadmap to one of the biggest sports weekends of the year, with a look at marquee games over the holiday and how to watch. All times are in EST. All odds are by BetMGM Sportsbook. —NFL: There is a triple-header lined up for pro football fans. Chicago at Detroit, 12:30 p.m., CBS: Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and the Bears go against the Lions, who are one of the favorites to reach the Super Bowl in February. Lions favored by 10. New York at Dallas, 4:30 p.m., Fox: The Giants and Cowboys are both suffering through miserable seasons and are now using backup quarterbacks for different reasons. But if Dallas can figure out a way to win , it will still be on the fringe of the playoff race. Cowboys favored by 3 1/2. Miami at Green Bay, 8:20 p.m., NBC/Peacock: The Packers stumbled slightly out of the gate but have won six of their past seven games . They'll need a win against Miami to try to keep pace in the NFC North. Packers favored by 3. —College Football: Memphis at No. 18 Tulane, 7:30 p.m., ESPN. If college football is your jam, this is a good warmup for a big weekend. The Tigers try to ruin the Green Wave’s perfect record in the American Athletic Conference. Tulane is favored by 14. —NFL: A rare Friday showdown features the league-leading Chiefs. Las Vegas at Kansas City, 3 p.m. Prime Video: The Chiefs and quarterback Patrick Mahomes are 12-point favorites over the Raiders. —College Basketball: Some of the top programs meet in holiday tournaments around the country. Battle 4 Atlantis championship, 5:30 p.m., ESPN: One of the premier early season tournaments, the eight-team field includes No. 3 Gonzaga, No. 14 Indiana and No. 24 Arizona. Rady Children's Invitational, 6 p.m., Fox: It's the championship game for a four-team field that includes No. 13 Purdue and No. 23 Mississippi. —College Football: There is a full slate of college games to dig into. Oregon State at No. 11 Boise State, noon, Fox: The Broncos try to stay in the College Football Playoff hunt when they host the Beavers. Boise State favored by 19 1/2. Oklahoma State at No. 23 Colorado, noon, ABC: The Buffaloes and Coach Prime are still in the hunt for the Big 12 championship game when they host the Cowboys. Colorado favored by 16 1/2. Georgia Tech at No. 6 Georgia, 7:30 p.m., ABC: The Bulldogs are on pace for a spot in the CFP but host what could be a tricky game against rival Georgia Tech. Georgia favored by 19 1/2. —NBA. After taking Thanksgiving off, pro basketball returns. Oklahoma City at Los Angeles Lakers, 10 p.m., ESPN: The Thunder look like one of the best teams in the NBA's Western Conference. They'll host Anthony Davis, LeBron James and the Lakers. Story continues below video —College Football. There are more matchups with playoff implications. Michigan at No. 2 Ohio State, noon, Fox: The Wolverines are struggling one season after winning the national title. They could make their fan base a whole lot happier with an upset of the Buckeyes . Ohio State favored by 21. No. 7 Tennessee at Vanderbilt, noon, ABC: The Volunteers are a fairly big favorite and have dominated this series, but the Commodores have been a tough team this season and already have achieved a monumental upset over Alabama . Tennessee favored by 11. No. 16 South Carolina at No. 12 Clemson, noon, ESPN: The Palmetto State rivals are both hanging on the edge of the CFP playoff race. A win — particularly for Clemson — would go a long way toward clinching its spot in the field. Clemson favored by 2 1/2. No. 3 Texas at No. 20 Texas A&M, 7:30 p.m. ABC: The Aggies host their in-state rival for the first time since 2011 after the Longhorns joined the SEC. Texas favored by 5 1/2. Washington at No. 1 Oregon, 7:30 p.m., NBC: The top-ranked Ducks have been one of the nation’s best teams all season. They’ll face the Huskies, who would love a marquee win in coach Jedd Fisch’s first season. Oregon favored by 19 1/2. —NBA: A star-studded clash is part of the league's lineup. Golden State at Phoenix, 9 p.m., NBA TV: Steph Curry and the Warriors are set to face the Suns' Big Three of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. —NFL: It's Sunday, that says it all. Pittsburgh at Cincinnati, 1 p.m., CBS: Joe Burrow is having a great season for the Bengals , who are struggling in other areas. They need a win to stay in the playoff race, hosting a Steelers team that's 8-3 and won five of their past six. Bengals favored by 3. Arizona at Minnesota, 1 p.m., Fox: The Cardinals are tied for the top of the NFC West while the Vikings are 9-2 and have been one of the biggest surprises of the season with journeyman Sam Darnold under center. Vikings favored by 3 1/2. Philadelphia at Baltimore, 4:25 p.m., CBS: Two of the league's most electric players will be on the field when Saquon Barkley and the Eagles travel to face Lamar Jackson and the Ravens. Ravens favored by 3. San Francisco at Buffalo, 8:20 p.m. NBC/Peacock: The 49ers try to get back to .500 against the Bills , who have won six straight. Bills favored by 7. —NBA. The best teams in the Eastern Conference meet in a statement game. Boston at Cleveland, 6 p.m., NBA TV: The defending champion Celtics travel to face the Cavs , who won their first 15 games to start the season. —Premier League: English soccer fans have a marquee matchup. Manchester City at Liverpool, 11 a.m., USA Network/Telemundo. The two top teams meet with Manchester City trying to shake off recent struggles. —Auto Racing: The F1 season nears its conclusion. F1 Qatar Grand Prix, 11 a.m., ESPN2 – It's the penultimate race of the season. Max Verstappen already has clinched his fourth consecutive season championship . AP sports: https://apnews.com/sportshe coronavirus pandemic office traditions around the world, making working from home the new normal and Zoom meetings the favored way to catch up with colleagues and clients. But millennials, often bashed by their elders as being are keen for more reforms to the work-life balance, with new polling showing the generation is considerably in favor of adopting a four-day working week. The concept of the four-day working week is simple: employees work a day less than the standard five, which works out as 32 work hours instead of 40. Workers still have to complete the same amount of work in 80 percent of the time, while in many cases still taking home their full Numerous major companies have introduced a reduced week either every week or just some weeks, including Kickstarter, Bolt and Dolby. The idea is certainly Bernie Sanders, chair of the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, has pushed for four-day weeks in Congress. "The sad reality is, Americans now work more hours than the people of most other wealthy nations. And we’re going to talk about what that means to the lives of ordinary people," he told lawmakers at a health committee hearing in March. "In 2022, employees in the U.S., and I hope people hear this, 204 more hours a year than employees in Japan, and they’re hardworking people in Japan. 279 more hours than workers in the United Kingdom, and 470 more hours than workers in Germany." has contacted Sanders via email for comment and clarification on these figures. Outside of the Capitol, numerous companies and non-profits dedicated to revolutionizing the way we work are becoming more and more notable. Several trials have been run in the U.S., U.K. and Europe to explore the potential benefits of relaxing more and working less. And it seems the younger generations are keen to capitalize on this growing trend. Recent polling conducted exclusively for Newsweek by Redfield and Wilton Strategies found that millennials are most in favor of reducing their weekly work hours. Surveying 4,000 eligible U.S. voters between April 6 and 7, the poll found that 63 percent support transitioning to a four-day working week, with 46 percent believing it makes workers more productive. Millennials all other age groups, with nearly three-quarters (74 percent) of those surveyed wanting reduced working hours. Of those, nearly half (44 percent) said they were strongly in favor of a shorter working week, and a further 30 percent indicated general support for the idea. Only eight percent of millennials opposed the idea. Their opinions the oldest generations aged 59 and over, including Baby Boomers and In all, 50 percent of those born in 1964 and before support a four-day week, with almost a third saying they neither support nor oppose the idea, whereas less than a quarter (23 percent) of millennials indicated the same. regarding their experiences and opinions on making a four-day week work. The majority a considerable benefit to work-life balance being the best result of making the switch, with almost all reporting lower and higher This was certainly the case for Kickstarter, who worked with 4 Day Week Global to implement its reduced week in 2022. "At the height of the pandemic in 2020, it became very clear that the way we work is way more flexible than we thought," chief strategy officer Jon Leland said. "The benefits of improved life balance for employees far outweigh any costs, and ultimately benefit the organization through higher engagement and productivity. It may seem scary because it’s not the status quo but leadership requires taking risks and having the courage to challenge a status quo. I hope that more leaders are motivated to do that." Given advancements in technology that have been part of an ongoing work revolution throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, Lisa Countryman-Quiroz, CEO of non-profit JVS, said the traditional 40-hour workweek is outdated, and her company has benefitted as well as the of her employees. "The five-day workweek was created in a different time. It served its purpose, but today’s world is more fast-paced and technology-driven than our workplace predecessors could have imagined," she told . "Since implementing a four-day workweek, our results have been incredible. We’ve found our employees are more productive, report better work-life balance, and experience less burnout. Incredibly, our has been cut nearly in half." But like all things, such a change is not immune from problems. "Depending on the industry, compressing the same amount of work into fewer hours could lead to burnout, making it crucial to support the shorter workweek with and " Michael Baynes, co-Founder and CEO of Clarify Capital, told . "While the four-day workweek presents numerous possibilities, seems unlikely. Success will likely depend on and adaptation to meet the specific needs of each business." In certain sectors, such a drastic change is difficult to implement. Henry Criss, CEO of the Fraum Center for Restorative Health, said that the need for and flexibility in emergencies makes the four-day week unlikely for healthcare roles. "While I see the potential benefits of a four-day workweek in terms of staff wellbeing and cost efficiency, its implementation in a medical practice like ours would create more problems than it solves," he told . Highlighting that patient service is the most important element, he said the "unique challenges" of a compressed week aren’t as simple as "closing our doors one additional day each week without a strategy to manage or redistribute the " While the concept may not be as popular with older generations, younger folks in the millennial and Gen-Z brackets are likely to revolutionize the way we work, with businesses being encouraged to adapt to the needs of workers. Penny Zenker, a productivity expert and strategic business coach known as The Focusologist, said there is a growing number of young people entering the workforce who "tend to prioritize lifestyle over a traditional paycheck." She told Newsweek: "This generational shift underscores the importance for businesses to adapt to newer work preferences and expectations, including flexibility, technology integration, and more emphasis on lifestyle." "A four-day workweek attracts younger talent, who are motivated by better work-life balance. Societally, this shift to a shorter workweek can lead to reduced and better societal well-being, creating of benefits," Zenker said. – przewracać do góry nogami – leniwy – pakiet świadczeń związanych z wynagrodzeniem – nabrać rozpędu – odnotować (np. przepracowane godziny) – osoby uprawnione do głosowania – pozostawić w tyle – bardzo się różnić od czegoś – ciche pokolenie (urodzonych między rokiem 1928 a 1945) – zachwalać – wypalenie zawodowe – utrzymywanie pracowników – przewyższać koszty – środki utrzymania/do życia – wskaźnik obrotu – wydajna praca – płynny/usprawniony proces – uniwersalne rozwiązanie – skrupulatne/szczegółowe planowanie – konsekwencja, spójność – obciążenie pracą – podkreślać (znaczenie czegoś) – zgodność wartości – ślad węglowy – efekt domino Read the text and answer the following questions: 1. What major change in work habits did the coronavirus pandemic bring? 2. What work-life balance reform are millennials particularly interested in? 3. How does a four-day working week differ from a traditional five-day week in terms of hours worked? 4. What did Bernie Sanders point out about American work hours compared to other wealthy nations? 5. What were the findings of the Newsweek poll regarding millennials’ support for a four-day workweek? 6. How has Kickstarter benefited from implementing a four-day workweek? 7. What specific challenges are mentioned regarding the implementation of a four-day workweek? 8. Why might businesses need to adapt to a four-day workweek according to productivity experts? First, match the words to form collocations and verb phrases that will help you describe the issue presented in the article. Next, write down a sentence using each collocation and verb phrase. The sentences you create should relate to the topic being discussed in the text. ( ) work-life employee efficient streamlined staff generational wellbeing balance shift workflows processes burnout upend reduce outweigh challenge redistribute prioritize a status quo office traditions lifestyle the workload working hours costs Task description: Students will participate in a discussion about the four-day workweek. Task elements: 1. Summarize the key points of the text. What is the four-day workweek, and why is it being considered? What are some of the main benefits mentioned for a four-day workweek? 2. Explain in your own words why millennials are particularly in favor of the four-day workweek. Describe the contrasting opinions between millennials and the older generations about the four-day workweek. 3. Think of a typical workweek in your country. How do you think implementing a four-day workweek would change your daily routine and productivity? Choose a company or sector and discuss how a four-day workweek might be implemented there. What changes would be necessary? 4. Propose a plan for a company to transition to a four-day workweek. What steps should they take to ensure a smooth transition? Complete the following summary using information from the text. The __________ changed office work, making working from home and Zoom meetings common. Millennials, often criticized for being lazy, want more __________ and support a __________. This means working 32 hours instead of 40, often with the same pay. Major companies like Kickstarter have tried this, reporting better work-life balance and less __________. Polls show 74% of millennials support a four-day week. While older generations are less supportive, young people are pushing for changes in work habits, emphasizing __________.B.C. Premier David Eby said B.C. will slay its record-setting deficit of $9 billion through growth and sound fiscal planning, not "harsh austerity cuts" or "under-funding services" as he reached out to business leaders to make a case for investment in physical and social infrastructure. Eby made these comments while speaking in Vancouver Tuesday, (Dec. 10), at an event hosted by the B.C. Chamber of Commerce, which has previously raised concerns about B.C.'s fiscal direction. That tension surfaced during the opening of the informal question-and-answer session between Eby and Fiona Famulak, chamber president and chief executive officer. "We don't always agree, but we can always have — and we always do have — candid and frank conversations, and I know you are always up for tough questions, because you always answer them," Famulak said. "What you have just said minutes ago, a lot of good things have been said." Eby acknowledged relations could be better. "So my commitment is that you will find a government that is hoping, with your support, to hit reset on this relationship, to move forward with the tariff threat that we are facing in a unified way, with the massive opportunity in this province to deliver it for British Columbians and that four years from now...we can look back and go, 'man, we did a lot of good work together.'" Eby's prepared remarks touched on a range of subjects, including tomorrow's meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as well as provincial and territorial leaders to discuss threatened tariffs of 25 per cent on all Canadian goods by incoming-president U.S. Donald Trump. But if a singular theme ran through Eby's speech, it was his promise to reform permitting for natural resource projects. He pointed to yesterday's announcement that his government would free nine new wind energy projects from the required environmental assessments. He then added that those projects would go through a singular rather multiple permitting windows. Eby said these changes will help get these projects off the ground three to five years faster than otherwise in framing them as the first of many changes to speed up permitting in various areas. One of the central sectors concerned about permitting is the mining sector. More to come...None

Apple’s LLM Siri: The Voice Assistant Gets Smarter, But Can It Rival ChatGPT and Gemini?B. Metzler seel. Sohn & Co. Holding AG acquired a new stake in Vistra Corp. ( NYSE:VST – Free Report ) in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm acquired 6,643 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $787,000. A number of other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in VST. Thurston Springer Miller Herd & Titak Inc. acquired a new position in Vistra in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $30,000. CVA Family Office LLC lifted its holdings in Vistra by 1,505.9% during the 3rd quarter. CVA Family Office LLC now owns 273 shares of the company’s stock worth $32,000 after buying an additional 256 shares during the period. Redwood Wealth Management Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of Vistra in the 2nd quarter valued at about $26,000. ORG Wealth Partners LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Vistra in the third quarter valued at about $40,000. Finally, Fortitude Family Office LLC raised its position in shares of Vistra by 125.0% during the third quarter. Fortitude Family Office LLC now owns 360 shares of the company’s stock worth $43,000 after acquiring an additional 200 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 90.88% of the company’s stock. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of analysts have weighed in on VST shares. Guggenheim increased their target price on shares of Vistra from $133.00 to $177.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 8th. Morgan Stanley increased their price objective on shares of Vistra from $135.00 to $169.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research report on Friday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. began coverage on shares of Vistra in a report on Thursday, October 17th. They issued an “overweight” rating and a $178.00 target price on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada increased their price target on Vistra from $105.00 to $141.00 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a report on Thursday, October 3rd. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group boosted their price objective on Vistra from $99.00 to $137.00 and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 24th. Ten analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of “Buy” and an average price target of $149.10. Vistra Stock Performance Shares of VST opened at $161.92 on Friday. Vistra Corp. has a one year low of $34.61 and a one year high of $168.67. The company has a market cap of $55.09 billion, a PE ratio of 30.21, a P/E/G ratio of 2.14 and a beta of 1.09. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $127.24 and a 200-day moving average of $100.03. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.68, a current ratio of 1.11 and a quick ratio of 0.99. Vistra Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, December 31st. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 20th will be issued a dividend of $0.221 per share. This is an increase from Vistra’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.22. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, December 20th. This represents a $0.88 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.55%. Vistra’s payout ratio is currently 16.42%. Vistra announced that its board has initiated a stock repurchase plan on Thursday, November 7th that allows the company to repurchase $1.00 billion in shares. This repurchase authorization allows the company to reacquire up to 2.1% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase plans are often an indication that the company’s management believes its stock is undervalued. Vistra Profile ( Free Report ) Vistra Corp., together with its subsidiaries, operates as an integrated retail electricity and power generation company. The company operates through six segments: Retail, Texas, East, West, Sunset, and Asset Closure. It retails electricity and natural gas to residential, commercial, and industrial customers across states in the United States and the District of Columbia. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Vistra Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vistra and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .

Trump transition team says Cabinet picks, appointees were targeted by bomb threats, swatting attacks

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Arne Slot explains why Real Madrid were a ‘pain in the a**’ after Liverpool winThe Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has signed revised Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Eastern University of Sri Lanka (EUSL) and the South Eastern University of Sri Lanka (SEUSL), reinforcing its commitment to supporting the educational and career aspirations of undergraduates. The SEC began its partnership with national universities in 2008 through the signing of MoUs, and the MoUs were initially signed with the EUSL and SEUSL in 2010. This marked the start of a lasting partnership aimed at nurturing the development of future professionals in the capital market. The updated MoUs aim to offer valuable benefits to undergraduates, such as a cash award and Gold medal recognising academic excellence in capital market-related subjects, a cash award for the top research project in the capital market field, and opportunities for enhanced industry knowledge, hands-on learning experiences, and career development within the capital market and the SEC through internships. The revised Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were formally signed with the participation of key representatives from both universities and the SEC. SEC Deputy Director Tushara Jayaratne represented the Commission, while SEUSL was represented by its Acting Vice Chancellor Dr. U.L. Abdul Majeed, and EUSL by its Vice Chancellor Prof. V. Kanagasingham. The signing ceremony at SEUSL was also attended by Department of Management and Information Technology Head Prof. Sabraz Nawas and M. Farwis of Department of Accountancy and Finance. At EUSL, the MoU was signed in the presence of Deputy Vice Chancellor Dr. T. Prabaharan, Faculty of Graduate Studies Dean Prof. J. Kennedy, Faculty of Arts and Culture Dean Dr. V. Gunabalasingam, Department of Management Acting Head V.R. Ragel, Department of Commerce Head M.S. Thayaraj, Faculty of Commerce and Management National Link Coordinator T. Sellar and Healthcare Sciences Dean Prof. T. Sathaananthan. The SEC will continue to renew MoUs with other national universities, underscoring its dedication to broadening access to professional opportunities for students across the country. Through this initiative, the SEC seeks to inspire a new wave of young professionals, fostering academic excellence and innovative contributions to the capital markets sector.EastEnders fans have been utterly captivated by Kathy Beale's antics after she was seen getting tipsy in the latest episode aired on Wednesday (November 27). The drama unfolded with the shocking scene of Kojo Asare (Dayo Koleosho) lying motionless on the pavement, with Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) frantically calling for an ambulance, while Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) emerged from the darkness. At The Queen Vic, the festivities were in full swing as Elaine (Harriett Thorpe) and George (Colin Salmon) celebrated their wedding reception following a ceremony. Kathy (Gillian Taylforth) was seen enjoying a tipple with Linda Carter (Kellie Bright), Denise Fox (Diane Parish), and her sister Kim (Tameka Epson), where they gossiped about Cindy's "evil" nature. The group then decided it was time to let their hair down, leading to them dancing in their seats. Kathy couldn't resist teasing Denise next to her former flame Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) and even egged her on to rekindle things with Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara). She didn't stop there; Kathy also made a snide remark about her ex-husband Peter Beale. However, when word of Kojo's plight reached the pub, Kathy insisted that the party shouldn't stop, prompting her to break out her disco moves again. Later, a sloshed Kathy called her son Ian (Adam Woodyatt) a "weasel" and was seen stumbling around her cafe attempting to whip up a bacon sandwich, reports the Manchester Evening News . EastEnders fans were left in stitches over Kathy's drunken escapades, with many taking to social media to plead for more scenes like it. One fan tweeted: "Obsessed with drunk Kathy # EastEnders ." Another added: "Drunk Kathy # EastEnders love it", while a third fan chimed in: "I need more drunk Kathy please # EastEnders ." The hilarious scenes also sparked requests for "Need drunk Kathy every episode # EastEnders ", with another viewer praising: "I do love a drunk Kathy. She's hilarious. Makes a nice change from Linda # EastEnders ." Others enjoyed the dynamic between Kathy and other characters, noting: "Obsessed with drunk Kathy and Linda trying to persuade Denise to dance". The overall sentiment was clear, with one fan summing it up: "More drunk Kathy please! # EastEnders ."

From Maui to the Caribbean, Thanksgiving tournaments a beloved part of college basketballTikTok is challenging the federal government’s order to shut down its operations in Canada. The company filed in documents in Federal Court in Vancouver on Thursday. The government ordered the dissolution of TikTok’s Canadian business in November after a national security review of the Chinese company behind the social media platform. That means TikTok must "wind down" its operations in Canada, though the app will continue to be available to Canadians. TikTok wants the court to overturn the government’s order and to place a pause on the order while the court hears the case. It is claiming the minister's decision was "unreasonable" and "driven by improper purposes." The review was carried out through the Investment Canada Act, which allows the government to investigate any foreign investment with potential to harm national security. Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne said in a statement at the time the government was taking action to address "specific national security risks," though it didn’t specify what those risks were. TikTok’s filing says Champagne "failed to engage with TikTok Canada on the purported substance of the concerns that led to the (order.)" The company argues the government ordered "measures that bear no rational connection to the national security risks it identifies." It says the reasons for the order "are unintelligible, fail to reveal a rational chain of analysis and are rife with logical fallacies." The company's law firm, Osler Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, declined to comment, while Champagne’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A TikTok spokesperson said in a statement that the order would "eliminate the jobs and livelihoods of our hundreds of dedicated local employees — who support the community of more than 14 million monthly Canadian users on TikTok, including businesses, advertisers, creators and initiatives developed especially for Canada." This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 10, 2024. Darryl Greer and Anja Karadeglija, The Canadian Press

PORT-AU-PRINCE: Haiti’s foreign minister met with the French ambassador to the nation on Thursday over what the ministry branded as “unfriendly and inappropriate” comments from French President Emmanuel Macron as he left the G20 summit in Brazil. Macron had on Wednesday called the decision of the Caribbean country’s transitional presidential council to oust the prime minister earlier this month amid an escalation in gang warfare as “completely dumb.” “Honestly, it is Haitians who killed Haiti by letting in drug trafficking,” Macron was filmed saying in Brazil, before hailing ex-Prime Minister Garry Conille, who was ousted amid divisions with the council, as a great leader. “They are completely dumb, they should never have fired him,” he said. His remarks sparked outrage in Haiti, a former French colony. After Haiti freed itself from slavery and declared independence in 1804, it paid France a “debt” for lost property — including slaves — over more than a century that some activists say amounted to over $100 billion. Activists are seeking French reparations for the debt, which many blame for Haiti’s economic and political turmoil. Speaking in Chile on Thursday, Macron vowed that “France will never turn its face from a crisis... There will never be a double standard in face of tragedy, be it in Haiti, Venezuela, or at the gates of Europe.” France has pledged 4 million euros ($4.2 million) to a UN fund financing a deeply under-resourced security mission mandated to help restore security in Haiti, as well as funding for French and Creole classes for its troops. Haiti’s foreign ministry said that in the meeting French Ambassador Antoine Michon promised France would stay by Haiti’s side to help restore security and carry out elections.None

Jaipur, Dec 9 (IANS): A special session on sustainable mining was held on Monday at the Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre (JECC) in Sitapura, on the inaugural day of the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024. The session, titled ‘Sustainable Mining: Safeguarding the Future,’ brought together leading experts and policymakers to discuss the latest trends and challenges in resource conservation, decarbonisation, and the adoption of eco-friendly practices. Key topics included the role of AI-driven innovations and renewable energy in transforming the mining sector. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma highlighted the importance of the mining sector in the state, stating: "Our mining industry currently employs around 35 lakh people. We've also introduced a new M-Sand policy that is environmentally friendly and offers an alternative to high-quality building materials. This policy removes previous constraints such as the three-year experience requirement and a three-crore turnover condition for establishing units. "To support these units, we’ve introduced provisions for benefits under the Rajasthan Investment Promotion Scheme 2024." Union Minister of Coal and Mines, G. Kishan Reddy, emphasised the Government of India's commitment to self-reliance on mineral resources, stating: "Self-reliance on minerals is a central goal of Vision 2047. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, transformative reforms in the minerals sector have boosted production and enabled states to realize their full potential." Kishan Reddy praised Rajasthan's leadership in mineral extraction and technology, noting: "Rajasthan is a key player in India's mineral security, producing 52 out of 82 commercial minerals. It is the sole producer of critical minerals like zinc and silver, underscoring its national importance." He also lauded Rajasthan's forward-looking Minerals Policy 2024, which focuses on exploring critical minerals and streamlining the auction process, saying: "This progressive policy will strengthen resource security and promote sustainable exploration, aligning with India’s vision for a self-reliant, resource-secure future." T. Ravikanth, Principal Secretary, Mines & Petroleum, government of Rajasthan, shared the state's commitment to sustainable mining through policies like the Sand Policy 2024, Star Rating for Minor Minerals, and incentives for recovering metals from mining tailings. The session focused on advanced technologies and practices that minimise mining's ecological impact, with panelists discussing AI-driven predictive analytics, autonomous mining trucks, renewable energy integration, and mineral waste recycling. Topics also included decarbonisation initiatives, resource conservation, and sustainable social infrastructure development. Prominent personalities attending the event included Arun Misra, CEO of Hindustan Zinc Ltd & Executive Director at Vedanta Ltd.; Dr. Ranjit Rath, Chairman & Managing Director of Oil India Ltd.; David Joseph Finn, GM, Head of HZL GEOTECH Mining Operations; Andrew Hall, Director/CEO of Australian Mining Consultants; and Akshaydeep Mathur, Secretary General of the Federation of Mining Associations of Rajasthan.'It might pave the way for novel forms of artistic expression': Generative AI isn't a threat to artists — it's an opportunity to redefine art itself

Bills' letdowns on defense, special teams and clock management in loss to Rams are all too familiarSan Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy was limited with the right shoulder injury that sidelined him last week and there is growing concern about the long-term status of left tackle Trent Williams. Wednesday's practice was not the start to the NFL workweek head coach Kyle Shanahan had hoped after Purdy was unable to bounce back from a shoulder injury in Week 11. Brandon Allen started at Green Bay and the 49ers (5-6) lost 38-10 with the backup-turned-starter committing three turnovers. Williams was reportedly spotted in the locker room with a knee scooter and is experiencing pain walking. He played through an ankle injury against the Seattle Seahawks Nov. 17. Defensive end Nick Bosa (hip, oblique) also missed practice Wednesday, leaving the 49ers to spend the holiday plotting to play the Buffalo Bills (9-2) without the three Pro Bowlers again. "I don't know anyone who gets Thanksgiving off unless maybe you have a Monday night game. You just start a lot earlier and get the players out," Shanahan said. "We cram everything in so the players get out, tries to be home with the family by 5. I usually get home by 7 and they're all mad at me, then get back to red-zone (installation)." The 49ers are in danger of a three-game losing streak for the first time since Oct. 2021. Injuries have been a common thread since September when running back Christian McCaffrey was a surprise scratch with an Achilles injury for the opener. Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (ACL) is out for the season at a position dinged from top to bottom. Star linebacker Fred Warner also is ailing and said Wednesday that he fractured a bone in his ankle on Sept. 29 against the New England Patriots. The game against the Bills will mark his eighth straight game playing with the injury. "It's something I deal with every game," Warner said. "I get on that table before every game and get it shot up every single game just to be able to roll. But it's not an excuse. It's just what it is. That's the NFL. You're not going to be healthy. You've got to go out there, you've got to find ways to execute, to play at a high level and to win every single week." Shanahan wasn't interested in injury talk. He said the 49ers have not played well in the past two weeks, and puts part of his focus on getting more out of the running game with snow in the forecast on Sunday night. He's not in agreement with pundits who doubt McCaffrey's ability early into his return from injured reserve, with a per-carry average of 3.5 yards compared to 5.4 in 2023. "The speculation on Christian is a little unfair to him," Shanahan said. "Christian is playing very well. He's playing his ass off. To think a guy who misses the entire offseason is going to come back and be the exact same the day he comes back would be unfair to any player in the world." San Francisco opened the 21-day practice window for linebacker Dre Greenlaw, who tore his Achilles in the Super Bowl in February. His return date is unclear. --Field Level Media

Prep Rally | Sunday, November 24Priority Income Fund Announces 12.0% Annualized Total Cash Distribution Rate (on Class R Offering Price) with “Bonus” and “Base” Common Shareholder Distributions for December 2024 through February 2025 and Declaration of Preferred Stock Distributions for December 2024TikTok has helped Florida police track down the suspect in the murder of a woman who was fatally shot three years ago. Police say Benjamin Williams, known as “Bambi,” convinced his estranged girlfriend Joana Peca, 27, to meet him at a cemetery in St Petersburg on July 31, 2021. He reportedly told her that wanted to meet his infant son, but while she was sitting in a van with the baby, he allegedly shot her multiple times in the face, killing her. Her four-year-old son was also inside the vehicle at the time but both children were unharmed. It would take years and social media for her alleged killer to be caught. The break came when Jasmeen Alexander, a TikToker, posted a video about the murder on her true crime account. Alexander received a call from a person claiming they recognized the outstanding suspect as 41-year-old Williams, who was living in Mexico. The caller later went to the US Embassy and notified the Marshal Service who then called the St Petersburg Police Department, leading to the man’s arrest. Williams has been charged with first-degree murder for the 2021 shooting and two counts of child abuse, according to WFTS. Williams is now being held at the Pinellas County Jail without bond. Peca’s family is grateful he’s been arrested. “I feel a Christmas present for me and my little boys came early this year, and I couldn’t ask for more than that phone call I got from the police department,” Eleni Peca, the victim’s mother, told the outlet. “Three years and three months is too long. He was running, but he couldn’t hide anymore. All eyes on him, and finally, he is behind bars where he belongs.” The woman’s mother said she’ll miss her daughter’s smiles and how she used to play with her kids. St Petersburg Police Chief Anthony Holloway told Peca’s family at the news conference: “Nothing we do can replace the loss of your daughter, but at least, we have a dangerous person off the street.” Alexander said she’s glad her platform helped police catch Williams. “I cover so many cases every day, and it’s really heartbreaking,” she said. “Especially her case because her kids were in the car and I’m a mom. So, it really made me feel good that I could help bring some closure to her family.”Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save The United States Postal Service might have found a way to unite a nation bitterly divided after this month's election: It will release a Betty White stamp. The beloved actor known for roles in "The Golden Girls," "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," "Boston Legal" and others will be on a 2025 Forever stamp, USPS announced this past week. White died in late December 2021 , less than three weeks before her 100th birthday. The Postal Service hasn't announced a release date for the stamp. Betty White speaks Sept. 17, 2018, at the 70th Primetime Emmy Awards at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. “An icon of American television, Betty White (1922–2021) shared her wit and warmth with viewers for seven decades,” the Postal Service said in announcing the stamp, which depicts a smiling White based on a 2010 photograph by celebrity photographer Kwaku Alston . “The comedic actor, who gained younger generations of fans as she entered her 90s, was also revered as a compassionate advocate for animals.” Jersey Shore restaurants shift gears to survive in offseason Not too late! Voting closes at noon for The Press Football Player of the Week Galloway Township gymnastics center co-owner charged with sexually assaulting minor What does Spirit Airlines' bankruptcy mean for Atlantic City International Airport? Galloway man gets 3 years in Ocean City fatal crash Offshore wind company to buy vacant 1.5-acre Atlantic City lot for $1 million Atlantic City International Airport's 1 carrier, Spirit Airlines, files for bankruptcy Prosecutor still determined to find whoever is responsible for West Atlantic City killings Ocean City introduces new fees on rentals Jake Blum's 2-point conversion in OT propels Mainland Regional to second straight state final Which players did the Cape-Atlantic League coaches pick as the best of the best in fall sports? Friday’s New Jersey high school football playoff scores These Atlantic City area restaurants are serving Thanksgiving dinner Upper Township employees disagree on morale High school football scoreboard: Friday's semifinal winners, plus Saturday updates Boston-based artist Dale Stephanos created the digital illustration from Alston's photo. "I'd love to send a letter back to my 18-year-old self with this stamp on it and tell him that everything is going to be OK," Stephanos posted on Facebook . By Jordan Valinsky, CNN Regardless of personal politics, self-proclaimed supporters of Republican President-elect Donald Trump and Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris reacted with delight on social media. "Betty White was my hero, all of my life! I actually had a doll when I was a little girl I named Betty White," one Trump supporter posted on X , formerly Twitter. “Something to make this awful week a little better: We’re getting a Betty White stamp,” a pro-Harris X account posted. White combined a wholesome image with a flare for bawdy jokes . Her television career began in the early 1950s and exploded as she aged. “The only SNL host I ever saw get a standing ovation at the after party," Seth Meyers posted on Twitter after her death. "A party at which she ordered a vodka and a hotdog and stayed til the bitter end.” Allen Ludden and his wife Betty White, who love to play games, continue a two year gin rummy battle in which she's ahead by a cumulative 6,000 points in Westchester, N.Y. on April 29, 1965. They do it professionally on TV. He's the master of ceremonies on "Password," and she makes frequent guest appearances on game shows. They play games to relax at home. (AP Photo/Bob Wands) Allen Ludden and his wife Betty White admire magnolia blossoms on the lawn of their country home in Westchester, N.Y. on May 14, 1965. (AP Photo/Bob Wands) Actress Betty White in 1965. (AP Photo) Betty White shares a moment backstage at the 28th annual Emmy Awards with Ted Knight after they each won an Emmy for their supporting roles in "The Mary Tyler Moore Show." On the series Miss White played Sue Ann Nivens while Knight played newscaster Ted Baxter. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon) LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 17, 1976: (L-R) "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" co-stars - Ed Asner, Betty White, Mary Tyler Moore and Ted Knight - all won awards at the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences 28th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards held at the Shubert Theatre on May 17, 1976 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by TVA/PictureGroup/Invision for the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences/AP Images) Actress Betty White with Ted Knight at the Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, Sept. 13, 1981. (AP Photo/Randy Rasmussen) Betty White and Anson Williams don't seem to faze Buckeye, a St. Bernard, during an awards ceremony during which Williams was honored by the Los Angeles Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals as a friend and lover of animals. Ms. White presented a humanitarian plaque to Williams at the event, which was held in Hollywood, California, Friday, May 1, 1982. (AP Photo/Marc Karody) Actress Betty White with actor John Hillerman arriving at Emmy Awards, Sept. 22, 1985 in Pasadena, California. (AP Photo/LIU) Actresses Betty White Ludden, left, and Mary Tyler Moore, right, smile at each other in Los Angeles, Friday, June 22, 1985 during Annual Meeting of Morris Animal Foundation, at which Ludden announced her retirement as President of the animal health group, held at the Sheraton Universal Hotel in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Nick Ut) These four veteran actresses from the television series "The Golden Girls" shown during a break in taping Dec. 25, 1985 in Hollywood. From left are, Estelle Getty, Rue McClanahan, Bea Arthur and Betty White. (AP Photo/Nick Ut) Actress Betty White poses in Los Angeles, Ca. in June, 1986. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon) Betty White stands backstage at the NBC TV Bob Hope "I Love Lucy" special on Sept. 16, 1989. (AP Photo/Djansezian) Michael J. Fox and Betty White, winners of Emmys for best actor and actress in a comedy series, stand backstage at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California, Sunday, Sept. 21, 1986 after receiving their honors. (AP Photo/Douglas C. Pizac) Comedienne Betty White places her hand on the star that was presented posthumously to her husband, Allen Ludden, during ceremonies inducting him into the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Hollywood, Los Angeles, Thursday, March 31, 1988. Ludden was honored with the 1,868th star of the famed walkway — between those of White and Tyrone Power. (AP Photo/Nick Ut) Estelle Getty, who plays Sophia, poses with her new husband, who plays Max, and the other "Golden Girls" after taping of episode on Friday, night, Nov. 5,1988 in Hollywood. Left to right are Rue McCLanahan (Blanche), Getty, Gilford, Bea Arthur (Dorothy) and Betty White. (AP Photo/Ira Mark Gostin) Former cast members of the Mary Tyler Moore Show, sans Mary Tyler Moore, are reunited for the Museum of Television and Radio's 9th annual Television Festival in Los Angeles Saturday, March 21, 1992. From left are Gavin MacLeod, Valerie Harper, Cloris Leachman, Betty White and Ed Asner. (AP Photo/Craig Fujii) Actress Betty White, left, writer/producer David E. Kelley, actress Bridget Fonda, and actor Oliver Platt pose at the premiere of their movie "Lake Placid," Wednesday night, July 14, 1999, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Betty White, from "Golden Girls," and Mr. T, Lawrence Tureaud, from "The A Team," pose for photographers at NBC's 75th Anniversary Party, Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2002, in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Rene Macura) Actors Betty White, left, Georgia Engel, second left, Gavin MacLeod, center, Valerie Harper, second right, and John Amos pose for photographers during arrivals at CBS's 75th anniversary celebration Sunday, Nov. 2, 2003, in New York. (AP Photo/Louis Lanzano) Actress Betty White laughs as an African eagle roosts overhead at the Los Angeles Zoo Monday, Feb. 20, 2006, in Los Angeles, where White was honored as Ambassador to the Animals by the city for her decades of dedication to the humane treatment of animals. (AP Photo/Nick Ut) Betty White poses for photographers on the red carpet before Comedy Central's "Roast of William Shatner," Sunday, Aug. 13, 2006, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Rene Macura) Betty White arrives at the 34th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, on Friday, June 15, 2007. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Beatrice Arthur, left, Betty White, center, and Rue McClanahan, of the Golden Girls, arrive at the TV Land Awards on Sunday June 8, 2008 in Santa Monica, Calif. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles) Actor Henry Winkler, center, is seen Beatrice Arthur, right, and Betty White at the TV Land Awards on Sunday June 8, 2008 in Santa Monica, Calif. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles) In this Nov. 24, 2009 file photo, actress Betty White poses for a portrait following her appearance on the television talk show "In the House," in Burbank, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, File) Actress Betty White poses for a portrait on the set of the television show "Hot in Cleveland" in Studio City section of Los Angeles on Wednesday, June 9, 2010. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles) Actress Betty White is seen on stage at the Teen Choice Awards on Sunday, Aug. 8, 2010 in Universal City, Calif. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles) Betty White, a cast member in "You Again," poses with fans holding Betty White masks at the premiere of the film in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2010. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello) Actress Betty White wears a U.S. Forest Ranger hat after being named an Honorary Forest Ranger by the US Forest Service, at the Kennedy Center in Washington Washington, Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2010. White has stated in numerous interviews that her first ambition as a young girl was "to become a forest ranger, but they didn't allow women to do that back then". (AP Photo/Cliff Owen) Betty White, left, Bradley Cooper and Scarlett Johansson arrive at the MTV Movie Awards in Universal City, Calif., on Sunday, June 6, 2010. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles) Betty White, left, Kristen Bell, center, and Jamie Lee Curtis, cast members in "You Again," pose together at the premiere of the film in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2010. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello) Betty White, left, accepts the Life Achievement Award from Sandra Bullock at the 16th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) From left, actresses Betty White, Wendie Malick, Valerie Bertinelli, and Jane Leeves pose for a portrait on the set of the television show "Hot in Cleveland" in Studio City section of Los Angeles on Wednesday, June 9, 2010. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles) Alec Baldwin, left, and Betty White are seen on stage at the 17th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards on Sunday, Jan. 30, 2011 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) Betty White attends a book signing for her book 'If You Ask Me (And Of Course You Won't)' at Barnes & Noble in New York, Friday, May 6, 2011. (AP Photo/Charles Sykes) Actress Betty White attends a press conference prior to the taping of "Betty White's 90th Birthday: A Tribute To America's Golden Girl" on Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Vince Bucci) Actress Betty White arrives on a white pony as she is honored at a Friars Club Roast sponsored by Godiva, Wednesday, May 16, 2012 at the Sheraton Hotel in New York. (AP Photo/Starpix, Marion Curtis) Betty White, at left, attends her wax figure unveiling at Madame Tussauds on Monday, June 4, 2012 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Katy Winn/Invision/AP) From left, Sgt. 1st Class Chuck Shuck, Actress Betty White and The 2012 American Hero Dog Gabe pose during 2012 American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012, in Los Angeles, Calif. (Photo by Ryan Miller/Invision/AP) Betty White and Cloris Leachman onstage at the 24th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at the JW Marriott on Saturday, April 20, 2013 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Todd Williamson/Invision/AP) Ellen DeGeneres, left, presents Betty White with the award for favorite TV icon at the People's Choice Awards at the Nokia Theatre on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2015, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP) Betty White, left, speaks at the 70th Primetime Emmy Awards on Monday, Sept. 17, 2018, at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. Looking on from right are Alec Baldwin and Kate McKinnon. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP) Stay up-to-date on what's happening Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!

Lea Miller-Tooley hopped off a call to welcome the Baylor women’s basketball team to the Atlantis resort in the Bahamas, where 80-degree temperatures made it easy for the Bears to settle in on Paradise Island a week before Thanksgiving. About 5,000 miles west of the Caribbean nation, similar climes awaited Maui Invitational men's teams in Hawaii. They’ve often been greeted with leis, the traditional Hawaiian welcome of friendship. College basketball teams and fans look forward to this time of the year. The holiday week tournaments feature buzzworthy matchups and all-day TV coverage, sure, but there is a familiarity about them as they help ward off the November chill. For four decades, these sandy-beach getaways filled with basketball have become a beloved mainstay of the sport itself. “When you see (ESPN’s) ‘Feast Week’ of college basketball on TV, when you see the Battle 4 Atlantis on TV, you know college basketball is back,” said Miller-Tooley, the founder and organizer of the Battle 4 Atlantis men's and women's tournaments. “Because it’s a saturated time of the year with the NFL, college football and the NBA. But when you see these gorgeous events in these beautiful places, you realize, ‘Wow, hoops are back, let’s get excited.’” The Great Alaska Shootout was the trend-setting multiple-team event (MTE) nearly five decades ago. The brainchild of late Alaska-Anchorage coach Bob Rachal sought to raise his program’s profile by bringing in national-power programs, which could take advantage of NCAA rules allowing them to exceed the maximum allotment of regular-season games if they played the three-game tournament outside the contiguous 48 states. The first edition, named the Sea Wolf Classic, saw N.C. State beat Louisville 72-66 for the title on Nov. 26, 1978. The Maui Invitational followed in November 1984, borne from the buzz of NAIA program Chaminade’s shocking upset of top-ranked Virginia and 7-foot-4 star Ralph Sampson in Hawaii two years earlier. Events kept coming, with warm-weather locales getting in on the action. The Paradise Jam in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Cancun Challenge in Mexico. The Cayman Islands Classic. The Jamaica Classic. The Myrtle Beach Invitational joining the Charleston Classic in South Carolina. Numerous tournaments in Florida. Some events have faded away like the Puerto Rico Tipoff and the Great Alaska Shootout, the latter in 2017 amid event competition and schools opting for warm-weather locales. Notre Dame takes on Chaminade during the first half of a 2017 game in Lahaina, Hawaii. Miller-Tooley’s push to build an MTE for Atlantis began as a December 2010 doubleheader with Georgia Tech beating Richmond and Virginia Tech beating Mississippi State in a prove-it moment for a tournament’s viability. It also required changing NCAA legislation to permit MTEs in the Bahamas. Approval came in March 2011; the first eight-team Atlantis men’s tournament followed in November. That tournament quickly earned marquee status with big-name fields, with Atlantis champions Villanova (2017) and Virginia (2018) later winning that season’s NCAA title. Games run in a ballroom-turned-arena at the resort, where players also check out massive swimming pools, water slides and inner-tube rapids surrounded by palm trees and the Atlantic Ocean. “It’s just the value of getting your passport stamped, that will never get old,” Miller-Tooley said. “Watching some of these kids, this may be their first and last time – and staff and families – that they ever travel outside the United States. ... You can see through these kids’ eyes that it’s really an unbelievable experience.” ACC Network analyst Luke Hancock knows that firsthand. His Louisville team finished second at Atlantis in 2012 and won that year’s later-vacated NCAA title, with Hancock as the Final Four's most outstanding player. “I remember (then-coach Rick Pitino) saying something to the effect of: ‘Some of you guys might never get this opportunity again. We’re staying in this unbelievable place, you’re doing it with people you love,’” Hancock said. “It was a business trip for us there at Thanksgiving, but he definitely had a tone of ‘We’ve got to enjoy this as well.’” Maui offers similar vibes, though 2024 could be a little different as Lahaina recovers from deadly 2023 wildfires that forced the event's relocation last year. North Carolina assistant coach Sean May played for the Tar Heels’ Maui winner in 2004 and was part of UNC’s staff for the 2016 champion, with both teams later winning the NCAA title. May said “you just feel the peacefulness” of the area — even while focusing on games — and savors memories of the team taking a boat out on the Pacific Ocean after title runs under now-retired Hall of Famer Roy Williams. “Teams like us, Dukes, UConns – you want to go to places that are very well-run,” May said. “Maui, Lea Miller with her group at the Battle 4 Atlantis, that’s what drives teams to come back because you know you’re going to get standard A-quality of not only the preparation but the tournament with the way it’s run. Everything is top-notch. And I think that brings guys back year after year.” That’s why Colorado coach Tad Boyle is so excited for the Buffaloes’ first Maui appearance since 2009. “We’ve been trying to get in the tournament since I got here,” said Boyle, now in his 15th season. And of course, that warm-weather setting sure doesn’t hurt. “If you talk about the Marquettes of the world, St. John’s, Providence – they don’t want that cold weather,” said NBA and college TV analyst Terrence Oglesby, who played for Clemson in the 2007 San Juan Invitational in Puerto Rico. “They’re going to have to deal with that all January and February. You might as well get a taste of what the sun feels like.” Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo argues a call during the first half of a Nov. 16 game against Bowling Green in East Lansing, Michigan. Mi zzo is making his fourth trip to Maui. The men’s Baha Mar Championship in Nassau, Bahamas, got things rolling last week with No. 11 Tennessee routing No. 13 Baylor for the title. The week ahead could boast matchups befitting the Final Four, with teams having two weeks of action since any opening-night hiccups. “It’s a special kickoff to the college basketball season,” Oglesby said. “It’s just without the rust.” On the women’s side, Atlantis began its fourth eight-team women’s tournament Saturday with No. 16 North Carolina and No. 18 Baylor, while the nearby Baha Mar resort follows with two four-team women’s brackets that include No. 2 UConn, No. 7 LSU, No. 17 Mississippi and No. 20 N.C. State. Then come the men’s headliners. The Maui Invitational turns 40 as it opens Monday back in Lahaina. It features second-ranked and two-time reigning national champion UConn, No. 4 Auburn, No. 5 Iowa State and No. 10 North Carolina. The Battle 4 Atlantis opens its 13th men’s tournament Wednesday, topped by No. 3 Gonzaga, No. 16 Indiana and No. 17 Arizona. Michigan State Hall of Famer Tom Izzo is making his fourth trip to Maui, where he debuted as Jud Heathcote’s successor at the 1995 tournament. Izzo's Spartans have twice competed at Atlantis, last in 2021. “They’re important because they give you something in November or December that is exciting,” Izzo said. Any drawbacks? “It’s a 10-hour flight,” he said of Hawaii. Mike Tyson, left, slaps Jake Paul during a weigh-in ahead of their heavyweight bout, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in Irving, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) In this image taken with a slow shutter speed, Spain's tennis player Rafael Nadal serves during a training session at the Martin Carpena Sports Hall, in Malaga, southern Spain, on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) A fan takes a picture of the moon prior to a qualifying soccer match for the FIFA World Cup 2026 between Uruguay and Colombia in Montevideo, Uruguay, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich) Rasmus Højgaard of Denmark reacts after missing a shot on the 18th hole in the final round of World Tour Golf Championship in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri) Taylor Fritz of the United States reacts during the final match of the ATP World Tour Finals against Italy's Jannik Sinner at the Inalpi Arena, in Turin, Italy, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni) Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert (1) fails to pull in a pass against Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford (20) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/ Brynn Anderson) Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love, top right, scores a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears in Chicago, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) India's Tilak Varma jumps in the air as he celebrates after scoring a century during the third T20 International cricket match between South Africa and India, at Centurion Park in Centurion, South Africa, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski warms up before facing the Seattle Kraken in an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson) Kansas State players run onto the field before an NCAA college football game against Arizona State Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Manhattan, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) A fan rapped in an Uruguay flag arrives to the stands for a qualifying soccer match against Colombia for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Montevideo, Uruguay, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico) People practice folding a giant United States flag before an NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Brazil's Marquinhos attempts to stop the sprinklers that were turned on during a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying soccer match against Venezuela at Monumental stadium in Maturin, Venezuela, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos) Georgia's Georges Mikautadze celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the UEFA Nations League, group B1 soccer match between Georgia and Ukraine at the AdjaraBet Arena in Batumi, Georgia, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Tamuna Kulumbegashvili) Dallas Stars center Mavrik Bourque, right, attempts to score while Minnesota Wild right wing Ryan Hartman (38) and Wild goaltender Filip Gustavsson (32) keep the puck out of the net during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Ellen Schmidt) Mike Tyson, left, fights Jake Paul during their heavyweight boxing match, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Italy goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario misses the third goal during the Nations League soccer match between Italy and France, at the San Siro stadium in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno) Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki (88) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders during the second half of an NFL football game in Cincinnati, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) President-elect Donald Trump attends UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Fans argue in stands during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between France and Israel at the Stade de France stadium in Saint-Denis, outside Paris, Thursday Nov. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus) Slovakia's Rebecca Sramkova hits a return against Danielle Collins, of the United States, during a tennis match at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals at the Martin Carpena Sports Hall, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in Malaga, southern Spain. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) St. John's guard RJ Luis Jr. (12) falls after driving to the basket during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against New Mexico, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith) England's Anthony Gordon celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between England and the Republic of Ireland at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung) Katie Taylor, left, lands a right to Amanda Serrano during their undisputed super lightweight title bout, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner, right, tackles Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington, left, on a punt return during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) UConn's Paige Bueckers (5) battles North Carolina's Laila Hull, right, for a loose ball during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Greensboro, N.C., Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown) Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Now That the Election's Over, Chris Cillizza Says It's Safe to Admit Tim Walz Was a BAD Pick for VP