
And single people are more likely to use mobility tools compared to those who are married, according to researchers from University College London (UCL) and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM). Researchers looked at information from a group of more than 12,000 adults in England aged 50 to 89 who were tracked over a 13-year period. At the start of the study, 8,225 adults had no mobility difficulty and did not use mobility assistive products (MAPs). Some 2,480 were deemed to have “unmet need” and 1,375 were using mobility aids. During the follow-up period, there were 2,313 “transitions” where people went from having no mobility issues to needing some help with getting around. And 1,274 people started to use mobility aids. Compared with men, women were 49% more likely to transition from not needing mobility aids to needing to use them, according to the study which has been published in The Lancet Public Health. But were 21% less likely to go on to use mobility aids when they needed them. The authors said their study showed “barriers to access” for women. For both men and women, with every year that passed during the study period the need for mobility aids increased. People who were older, less educated, less wealthy or reported being disabled were more likely to “transition from no need to unmet need, and from unmet need to use”, the authors said, with this indicating a “higher prevalence of mobility limitations and MAP need overall among these groups”. They added: “Finally, marital or partnership status was not associated with transitioning to unmet need; however, single people were more likely to transition from unmet need to use compared with married or partnered people.” Jamie Danemayer, first author of the study from UCL Computer Science and UCL’s Global Disability Innovation Hub, said: “Our analysis suggests that there is a clear gender gap in access to mobility aids. “Though our data didn’t ascertain the reason why participants weren’t using mobility aids, other research tells us that women are often more likely than men to face obstacles such as cost barriers as a result of well-documented income disparities between genders. “Many mobility aids are designed for men rather than women, which we think may be a factor. “Using mobility aids can also make a disability visible, which can impact the safety and stigma experienced by women, in particular. “There’s a critical need for further research to identify and break down the barriers preventing women from accessing mobility aids that would improve their quality of life.” Professor Cathy Holloway, also from UCL, added: “Not having access to mobility aids when a person needs one can have a big impact on their independence, well-being and quality of life. “Our analysis suggests that women, in particular, regardless of other factors such as education and employment status, are not getting the support that they need.” Professor Shereen Hussein, senior author of the study and lead of the social care group at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said: “The research provides compelling evidence of gender disparities in accessing assistive technology, suggesting that cost, design bias, and social stigma are likely to disproportionally affect women. “This underscores the need for inclusive, gender-sensitive approaches in the design, production and inclusivity of assistive technologies.”Wall Street sees another positive year ahead
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Tudor and Cashel Township held a Lunch and Learn at their community centre on Nov. 26, where the township’s Historical Society presented to attendees on how Tudor and Cashel came to be through time. Made possible by the Ontario Seniors Accessibility Grant, there was also a hot lunch of soup, sandwiches and dessert provided by Wattle and Daub Café. Councillor Elain Holloway comments on this look back into Tudor and Cashel’s past to Bancroft This Week. The Lunch and Learn on Nov. 26 was facilitated by the Tudor and Cashel Historical Society’s Bob Clarke, Marie Whittaker and Gina Sikama, although Sikama was unable to attend due to another commitment, but sent her regards. Holloway told the crowd that they were an amateur historical society and what they know and what they found out they collected themselves through research and conversations through their lives here over the decades. “Their hope is to encourage you to become more involved, if not with the township’s history but with that of your own families. There’s a history that goes away if you don’t have that history and hang on to it,” she says. Clarke said that there was so much history and so much had changed over the past 175 years and that as they go through it, hopefully they’ll answer some of the attendees’ questions. “We’re just going to skim the surface today. If there’s an interest in another one of these presentations that deals with logging or mining, we’ll certainly give it an effort to do that,” he says. Clarke told Bancroft This Week back in 2020 in the Bancroft This Week article “Tudor and Cashel’s history illuminates residents’ souls,” that they’d gotten the idea to pursue the historical society from the history section on the township’s website in 2017, as resident Joan Donaldson had preserved quite a bit of the area’s history. “The history of the area here is quite a story, going back to the 1850s. A lot of the older folks are passing and their stories are going to be lost and have been lost. But there’s a lot of their siblings and relatives in the area so that that history can still be preserved. So basically, we live here on the Heritage Trail and the old hotel which used to be called Rickett’s Hotel and the railroad went right by and the station was out front of the place. Well, the history kind of grows on you and I started collecting a bit of information on the railroad and then it kind of snowballed,” he said at the time. On Nov. 26, Holloway presented what Sikama would have said that day, based on some notes provided, called “where it began to now,” going from Upper Canada to the establishment of Canada in 1867, and from the initial farming that didn’t pan out too well, to mining and logging that sustained Tudor and Cashel over the years. “Today, people travel to Bancroft to Belleville to Trenton and points in between to make a living. They could work closer to home but they don’t and this is their home. It’s where they want to live, hunt and fish. The lumber industry will continue, mine exploration, and maybe someday land will be cleared and farmed again using new machinery and technology. Whatever the occupation, families live in Tudor and Cashel because their roots are here and because the rocks, trees, wetlands and lakes draw their heart strings,” she says. Whittaker went next, giving the crowd a taste of what it was like toward the end of the farming era (1850 to 1950) and what family life was like, based upon her own personal experiences. She said life was never dull and there was always something to do. She recalled many memories of life on the Ridge at her family’s farms. “I have vague memories of using coal oil lamps in my Uncle George’s house. I’m not sure when the hydro came to the Ridge, but it was quite an event when the telephones came in. Each house got their own ring and very little privacy,” she says. Clarke finished off the presentation by looking at the early settlers to Tudor and Cashel and the reasons why they came and persevered in the area, like free 50 to 100 acre lots, hope for a better life, and the logging and mining industries. He then looked at the histories of Tudor Township, established in 1865 and Cashel Township, established in 1869 before they amalgamated in 1897 and the history of Tudor and Cashel since then. For instance, Clarke talked about the history of the Central Ontario Railroad and the effect it had on Tudor and Cashel, initially transporting iron ore and later logs through the area, and the effect that the building of Hwy 62 had on the railroad traffic over time, until the last train came through in 1975 and the tracks were removed in 1980. Clarke concluded by says that there’s just so many stories they could spend days telling folks what they’ve been able to pull together from various sources over the years. “We’re going to try to come up with some way to preserve this for the next generation. Most people really aren’t that interested in it until later in life when they think ‘oh, wonder what that was all about?’” he says. Clarke told Bancroft This Week that he hoped the presentation answered a few questions for people in attendance and that it was just interesting. “What we’re trying to do is get an interest in this just so that this stuff preserves. We’re even doing a book that’s in the editing stages but it just skims off the top of what we could put in it and if there’s interest we could do more. It’s to get the next generation thinking ‘okay, we’ll carry on with this,’” he says. Holloway told Bancroft This Week that the Historical Society Lunch and Learn was the best attended, drawing residents including those from neighbouring townships. “The presentation was excellent, very informative giving a glimpse at how Tudor and Cashel came to be. I believe the participants were equally captivated, evident with their interaction and comments, leaving wanting to learn even more. There is so much more yet to share and Bob Clarke, Marie Whittaker and Gina Sikama are eager to come again. The Ontario Seniors Accessibility Grant has provided excellent opportunities for our residents, reducing isolation and encouraging ongoing participation,” she says. “It was an excellent presentation.”
AP Trending SummaryBrief at 5:25 p.m. ESTThousands of protesters marched through Barcelona on Saturday demanding lower rents in Spain’s second city. Barcelona, which has already taken action to stop the spread of holiday rental apartments, is the latest Spanish city to see protests for cheaper housing. Backed by left-wing parties and unions, the demonstrators gathered in central Barcelona behind a giant banner declaring “Lower the rents”. “Today a new political cycle starts concerning housing,” Carme Arcarazo, spokesperson for the Catalan Tenants Union, the main organiser, told reporters. “Investors must not be allowed to come to our cities and play with the apartments like a game of Monopoly,” she added. The union would target “profiteers” who are taking “half of our salaries”, Arcarazo said. The demonstrators demanded a 50 percent cut in rents, leases with an unlimited term and a ban on “speculative” sales of buildings. They threatened to start a rent strike. An estimated 22,000 people took part in a similar demonstration in Madrid on October 13. Campaigns have been launched in other cities. According to the Idealista specialised website, rental prices per square metre have risen 82 percent across Spain over the past decade. The average salary has gone up by 17 percent in that time, according to the national statistics institute. Facing pressure over a housing crisis, the government in 2023 passed legislation calling for more social housing, greater restrictions on rents in high demand areas and penalties for owners who do not occupy properties. But rents have continued to rise while the government has battled city and regional authorities to get some parts of the law applied. With 2,400 staff representing 100 different nationalities, AFP covers the world as a leading global news agency. AFP provides fast, comprehensive and verified coverage of the issues affecting our daily lives.Delta Corporation Limited, Zimbabwe's leading producer of alcoholic beverages, has reassured consumers of ample supplies of its products during the upcoming festive season, following concerns over a recent shortage of Zambezi Lager in Bulawayo. The shortage, which persisted for a week, left supermarket refrigerators and sports bars in the city devoid of the popular green-bottled lager, sparking fears of potential supply challenges during the high-demand holiday period. Delta has addressed the issue, emphasizing that production is being ramped up to meet festive season requirements. Consumer Concerns and Vendor Challenges A survey of major supermarkets in Bulawayo revealed empty shelves where Zambezi Lager is typically stocked. In its place were imported beers and less popular local brands like Pilsner and Black Label cans. A supermarket manager, speaking anonymously, said, "We've faced persistent supply challenges from Delta for weeks. Customers are frustrated and even accuse us of hoarding stock, but that's not true." Sports bars in the city have also felt the pinch. A bartender along George Silundika Street confirmed limited availability of Zambezi cans, with quarts completely out of stock. "Most of our customers prefer quarts, but they're settling for cans as there's no other option," she said. Similarly, a bartender in Entumbane shared that their attempts to restock have been futile, leaving customers dissatisfied. One loyal Zambezi Lager fan, Vusumuzi Mangena, described his disappointment. "I'm a Zambezi addict and a loyal patron. Last weekend was miserable without my favorite lager. We're worried this might ruin our festive celebrations." Delta Corporation Reassures Consumers Patricia Murambinda, Delta Corporation's General Manager for Corporate Affairs, addressed the concerns, stating, "We are ramping up supply to meet the festive season demand. While there might be mismatches in brand or packaging availability, we are actively gauging demand to ensure adequate distribution." Murambinda's assurance mirrors Delta's past responses to shortages, such as those experienced in 2021, which were attributed to a spike in demand after Covid-19 restrictions were eased. The Zambezi Lager Legacy Since its launch in 1992, Zambezi Lager has undergone several repositioning campaigns to align with evolving consumer trends. Initially marketed as a tourist-focused brand, a 2005 campaign shifted its appeal to local consumers. The lager has since become a staple for many Zimbabweans, with its current "Follow the Call" campaign highlighting its local identity and refreshing taste. Delta's marketing manager, Irimayi Muzorewa, described the brand's essence as one of reward and relaxation. "Zambezi Lager takes you on a journey, offering a refreshing escape after a week of hard work. It's Zimbabwe's own rewarding lager," he said. Looking Ahead to the Festive Season With production ramping up, Delta is optimistic about meeting the holiday season's high demand. However, consumers and vendors alike will be watching closely to ensure their celebrations are accompanied by their favorite brews. For now, Delta's commitment to restoring normalcy provides a glimmer of hope for a festive season that "never runs dry."
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Sunday, December 29, 2024 In a landmark decision, Thailand ’s finance ministry announced plans to implement a global minimum corporate tax rate of 15% for multinational enterprises starting January 1, 2025. This move aligns with the globally agreed framework spearheaded by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to establish fair tax practices and set a baseline for global tax competition. The Global Minimum Tax framework, introduced by the OECD, is designed to prevent multinational corporations from exploiting tax havens to reduce their tax liabilities. Under the framework, companies with an annual global turnover exceeding 750 million euros ($781 million) will be subject to a minimum tax rate of 15%, regardless of where they operate. This policy aims to: USA, UK and Thailand Introduce Game-Changing Visa Rules for Travelers in 2025: New Report You Need to Know As a member of the OECD’s Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS), Thailand has pledged to adopt measures that enhance global tax transparency and compliance. The finance ministry’s announcement highlights the country’s commitment to fostering a fair and competitive tax environment while aligning with international standards. The introduction of the 15% global minimum tax rate will have significant implications for multinational corporations operating in Thailand. Key considerations include: Thailand’s adoption of the global minimum tax rate is expected to bolster its reputation as a transparent and cooperative member of the global business community. Potential benefits include: While the implementation of the global minimum tax presents numerous advantages, it also poses challenges for Thailand’s business and travel industries. These include: Thailand Targets Road Safety With Tougher Rules For New Year Festivities The travel and tourism sector, a cornerstone of Thailand’s economy, may experience indirect effects from the new tax policy. Key considerations include: The Thai government has emphasized its commitment to ensuring a smooth transition to the new tax policy. To this end, the Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with the OECD, will: China Joins Japan’s Visa Free Travel List Alongside Thailand, US, Canada, Singapore, Brazil, UK, France, Germany, South Korea, UAE, and Sixty Two Other Nations: What You Need to Know Thailand’s decision to implement a global minimum corporate tax rate represents a significant step forward in aligning with international tax standards. As the policy takes effect in 2025, it will reshape the country’s economic landscape, fostering transparency, equity, and global collaboration. For multinational enterprises and the travel industry, this development underscores the importance of adaptability and strategic planning in navigating a rapidly evolving global tax environment. Read Travel Industry News in 104 different regional language platforms Get our daily dose of news, by subscribing to our newsletters. Subscribe here . Watch Travel And Tour World Interviews here . Read more Travel News , Daily Travel Alert , and Travel Industry News on Travel And Tour World only.
We interviewed Suni Lee because we think you'll like her picks. Suni is a paid spokesperson for Amazon. E! may get a commission if you purchase something through our links. Some brands featured in this article are partners of Amazon's Creator Connections program, which means E! may make an increased commission on your purchase if you buy something through our links. Learn more . Black Friday savings are already rolling in, and there’s no better time to snag unbeatable deals on Amazon. With the holiday season just around the corner, Olympic gold medalist Suni Lee is here to share her expert shopping tips to help you navigate the biggest sale event of the year. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect gifts, stocking up on essentials, or treating yourself to something special, Suni’s advice will ensure you make the most of the deals. From her go-to product picks to the best times to shop for maximum savings, you’ll be ready to grab the best Amazon bargains without the stress. Project Cloud Genuine Suede Ankle Boots "They’re so cozy and feel incredibly luxurious, plus they’re really durable , which is super important to me. If I’m going to spend money on something, I want it to last a long time." More from Suni : "They’re also water-resistant and have a plush fur lining to keep your feet warm and dry. Plus, they come in so many colors!" Color Options : 6 Size Range : 5.5 to 11 Customer Ratings : 1,000+ 5-star Amazon reviews Dearmay Gold Bracelets Set of 6 "They’re so cute, but what really stands out is the quality . I buy a lot of my jewelry from Amazon—earrings, rings, literally everything—and it has never steered me wrong." More from Suni : "I love that it comes with so many pieces, and you can easily pair them with other bracelets you already have." Style Options : 8 Customer Ratings : 1,400+ 5-star Amazon reviews Odoly Suede Clogs "I love clogs! It feels like everyone is wearing Birks these days, and these are just so cute . They’re also designed for comfort, with a heel cup that molds to the shape of your foot the more you wear them." More from Suni : "Plus, they provide great arch support, which is super important for me since I have really flat arches from gymnastics. I also love the variety—they come in so many colors and are so fashionable. They totally give off a Pinterest-girl vibe!" Color Options : 5 Size Range : 5 to 14 Anrabess Oversized Crewneck Long Sleeve Fuzzy Sweater This ultra-soft, fuzzy oversized sweater is the perfect cozy layer for cooler days. Color Options : 28 Size Range : XS to XL Customer Ratings : 2,700+ 5-star Amazon reviews Sojos Retro Oval Sunglasses "They’re hypoallergenic, and I have very sensitive skin, so that’s a big plus for me. It’s also such a great gift idea for family—my little sister would absolutely love these." More Celebrity Fans : Sydney Warner Customer Ratings : 3,400+ 5-star Amazon reviews Color Options : 9 Panshi Large Dangle Drop Earrings " They’re hypoallergenic , and I have very sensitive skin, so that’s a big plus for me. It’s also such a great gift idea for family—my little sister would absolutely love these." Color Options : Gold and Silver Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask "I love these! They are literally the best masks I’ve ever used . I love how hydrating they are—they moisturize and plump my skin with hyaluronic acid, leaving me feeling like a brand-new person when I wake up in the morning." More from Suni : "It’s so refreshing and cooling when you first put it on. Also, I’m such a kid, but I think it’s so cool that it turns clear overnight. I literally look forward to seeing what it looks like when I wake up!" Kitsch Metal Claw Clips "I feel like people do hate on claw clips, but I think claw clips are so cute. You can make it messy. You can make it super, super put together. You can do so much with it." More from Suni : "I take really good care of my hair because it’s so important to me that it’s super shiny and healthy. I used to dye it and use heat on it every single day, and it got so fried that I had to cut it and start fresh and this is gentle on my hair." Shark HT202 SmoothStyle Heated Comb + Blow Dryer Brush "The Shark SmoothStyle helps me style and smooth my hair at a lower temperature , which is so much better for it. Plus, it can be used on dry or wet hair without reaching damaging heat levels." More from Suni : "I take really good care of my hair because it’s so important to me that it’s super shiny and healthy. I used to dye it and use heat on it every single day, and it got so fried that I had to cut it and start fresh and this is gentle on my hair." SolaWave Wrinkle Retreat Light Therapy Face Mask "It helps rejuvenate and firm the skin , plus it’s portable and rechargeable with a handheld controller, and the fit is adjustable." More from Suni : "The mask is FDA-approved, so you know it’s effective at boosting ingredients, reducing wrinkles, and tackling visible signs of aging on the face. Best of all, it only takes 10 minutes, which is super convenient!" Baimei IcyMe Gua Sha & Jade Roller Facial Tools "I like to use it more in the morning just because my face is a lot puffier. I try to keep up with it. It works really well ." More Celebrity Fans : Kyle Richards , JoJo Fletcher , Lisa Barlow , Cassie Randolph , Rachael Kirkconnell . Customer Ratings : 27,200+ 5-star Amazon reviews Color Options : 5 TheraGun Mini Massage Gun "I’ve been using the Theragun for years! As an athlete, it’s probably one of my favorite things ever . It goes with me to all of my competitions, and even when I’m just traveling, it’s a lifesaver. More from Suni : "It comes with different attachment heads you can swap out depending on how your body feels or what you need. Plus, it’s super portable, so you can bring it everywhere. It’s amazing—you can even connect it to Bluetooth for step-by-step guidance in an app. Honestly, you need it!" More Celebrity Fans : Gwyneth Paltrow , Charli D'Amelio , Remi Bader , Matt James , Britt Stewart , Dylan Barbour , Romain Bonnet . Customer Ratings : 5,700+ 5-star Amazon reviews Color Options : 4 Paris Hilton Air Fryer "It makes cooking so easy—it’s like having several appliances in one ! There are so many different cooking settings, whether I’m frying, roasting, or baking—there’s a setting for everything." More from Suni : "Cleaning it up is a breeze. Honestly, I’m pretty lazy when it comes to cooking, so it’s perfect for me. I can just pop something in there, and it’s ready so fast." Color Options : 2 Marycele Candle Warmer Lamp This candle warmer lamp lets you enjoy your favorite scents without lighting the wick, offering a safer, longer-lasting fragrance experience. Color Options : 13 Customer Ratings : 2,100+ 5-star Amazon reviews Dyson V11 Origin Cordless Vacuum The Dyson cordless vacuum makes cleaning a breeze with its powerful suction and lightweight design—perfect for quick, hassle-free cleanups around the house. Hatch Restore 2 Sunrise Alarm Clock The Hatch Restore is your perfect sleep companion , offering personalized sound, light, and sleep-wake routines to help you fall asleep faster and wake up refreshed. More Celebrity Fans : Kyle Richards , Meredith Duxbury Customer Ratings : 1,300+ 5-star Amazon reviews Color Options : 3 Dyson Hot+Cool AM09 Jet Focus Heater and Fan Effortlessly control your space's temperature with this sleek, year-round solution that delivers targeted airflow for both cooling and heating needs. Customer Ratings : 1,000+ 5-star Amazon reviews E!: What makes Amazon the ultimate shopping hack for Black Friday and Cyber Monday? SL: Shopping on Amazon has just made my life so much easier, especially during the holiday season. My Prime membership also saved me so much time with unlimited, fast, free shipping. There are tons of products with same-day and one-day, delivery, which saves my life. E!: Do you have any shopping tips to make the most out of Black Friday shopping? SL: There will be millions of deals launching every day throughout Amazon's Black Friday Week and Cyber Monday Deals events, which run from November 21 to December 2, 2024. So, it's good to come back often and discover new deals on products that I love. Plus, you can also check out Amazon's Holiday Shop , which is a one-stop destination for gifting and holiday must-haves. E!: What else do smart shoppers need to know? SL: Amazon just launched a new immersive Virtual Holiday Shop , which is perfect if you need inspiration for gift-giving. It’s 3D and creates an experience that feels like being in a physical store. It’s so cool! Plus, with over 300 top gifts and toys, you have to check it out. The Holiday Shop is amazing. Look at it every single day. Black Friday is the day following Thanksgiving in the United States, traditionally marking the start of the holiday shopping season. The term "Black Friday" originated in the 1960s and refers to the point in the year when retailers begin to turn a profit, moving from being "in the red" (indicating losses) to "in the black" (indicating profits). Retailers offer significant discounts and promotions, attracting millions of shoppers looking for the best deals. Online Black Friday deals can often be just as good, if not better, than in-store deals. Many retailers offer exclusive online discounts and free shipping options. Plus, shopping online allows you to avoid crowds and shop from the comfort of your home. Trust us, we recommend not storming the local Macy’s and instead finding the best deals from us. To prepare for Black Friday, start by making a shopping list of items you want and compare prices in advance to catch the best deals. Be sure to bookmark your favorite retailers and set up accounts for faster checkout. Sign up for our E! Insider Shop newsletter for exclusive access to deals, and follow us on Instagram for real-time updates on flash sales. While Black Friday 2024 will take place on November 29th, many brands start their sales online on Thanksgiving evening or even days prior, allowing shoppers to take advantage of deals before the official day begins. So far, Coach , Lululemon , and Michael Kors have already marked down tons of items. However, these deals won't last forever—most sales will continue through Cyber Monday, while some may end sooner depending on stock availability. Be sure to shop early to avoid missing out on your favorite items! We have already put together a list of the best deals to shop this Black Friday , featuring all of our favorite brands and products. If you’re looking for a specific brand, we've seen incredible discounts from Dyson , Nordstrom Rack , Kate Spade , Lululemon , JCPenney , Amazon , and many others. Whether you're shopping for stylish activewear , luxury handbags , or classic wardrobe staples , these brands are offering some of the most impressive deals of the season. Amazon’s Black Friday Deals begin on November 21, launching Amazon’s Black Friday Week event, which runs through November 29. During this time, shoppers can access incredible deals across over 35 categories, including electronics, home goods, apparel, and beauty. Following Black Friday Week, Amazon’s Cyber Monday event will take place from November 29 to December 2, offering even more discounts on popular items. With new deals dropping daily, it's the perfect time to snag holiday must-haves and take advantage of some of the best savings of the season. Shop at amazon.com/blackfriday for Black Friday Week and at amazon.com/cybermonday for Cyber Monday deals. You can find the best holiday gifts on Amazon by visiting the Holiday Shop , where you can browse curated gift guides designed to help you complete your shopping list. The Holiday Shop features gifts for everyone, including the Top 100+ Gifts , hosting must-haves , and options to shop by theme or price point. Plus, you'll find popular items like most-loved gifts under $10 and stocking stuffers , making it easy to find the perfect present for any budget. If you want to do more celeb-inspired holiday shopping, you'll love these recommendations from Vanessa Hudgens .
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed reporters on Saturday following the team's final practice before their Monday night primetime matchup against the Detroit Lions. With the 49ers enduring a disappointing 2024 season, questions have emerged about whether Shanahan might seek his third defensive coordinator in as many years. However, Shanahan used the opportunity to reaffirm his confidence in first-year defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen despite the team's struggles. "I think Nick has done a good job as a coach," Shanahan said. "No one's happy with our results by any means. I think he's been thrown in a number of situations that I think will make him better going forward." Shanahan expressed optimism that Sorensen's challenging first year in the role will be a valuable learning experience. Sorensen, who joined the 49ers in 2022 as a defensive assistant following coaching stints with the Seattle Seahawks and Jacksonville Jaguars, has faced his share of adversity this season. Injuries have plagued the team, and the defense has not been spared from their impact. The head coach also highlighted instances in which Sorensen has been able to adapt during games, even under challenging circumstances. "I've watched him adjust to a bunch of different situations, kind of be in a couple of situations on a couple games when there wasn't much of an answer, and he still had to try to find one," Shanahan said. "So, I think this year was good for him, and I know he's going to be a good coach and better for it going forward." This article first appeared on 49ers Webzone and was syndicated with permission.Hail Flutie: BC celebrates 40th anniversary of Miracle in Miami
Iowa moves on without injured quarterback Brendan Sullivan when the Hawkeyes visit Maryland for a Big Ten Conference contest on Saturday afternoon. Former starter Cade McNamara is not ready to return from a concussion, so Iowa (6-4, 4-3) turns to former walk-on and fourth-stringer Jackson Stratton to lead the offense in College Park, Md. "Confident that he'll do a great job," Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said of Stratton on his weekly radio show. "He stepped in, did a really nice job in our last ballgame. And he's got a good ability to throw the football, and he's learning every day. ... We'll go with him and see what we can do." Iowa had been on an upswing with Sullivan, who had sparked the Hawkeyes to convincing wins over Northwestern and Wisconsin before suffering an ankle injury in a 20-17 loss at UCLA on Nov. 8. Stratton came on in relief against the Bruins and completed 3 of 6 passes for 28 yards. Another storyline for Saturday is that Ferentz will be opposing his son, Brian Ferentz, an assistant at Maryland. Brian Ferentz was Iowa's offensive coordinator from 2017-23. "We've all got business to take care of on Saturday," Kirk Ferentz said. "I think his experience has been good and everything I know about it. As a parent, I'm glad he's with good people." Maryland (4-6, 1-6) needs a win to keep its hopes alive for a fourth straight bowl appearance under Mike Locksley. The Terrapins have dropped five of their last six games, all by at least 14 points, including a 31-17 loss at home to Rutgers last weekend. "It's been a challenging last few weeks to say the least," Locksley said. The challenge this week will be to stop Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson, who leads the Big Ten in rushing yards (1,328) and touchdowns (20), averaging 7.1 yards per carry. "With running backs, it's not always about speed. It's about power, vision and the ability to make something out of nothing," Locksley said. "This guy is a load and runs behind his pads." Maryland answers with quarterback Billy Edwards Jr., who leads the Big Ten in passing yards per game (285.5) and completions (268). His top target is Tai Felton, who leads the conference in catches (86) and receiving yards (1,040). --Field Level Media
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