An on-field interaction between a UW-Madison Police officer and a Nebraska football assistant coach after Saturday's game was a "misunderstanding" that ended in an apology, a police spokesperson said. Lt. Adam Boardman, one of the UWPD officers escorting University of Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell to the locker room amid fans rushing the field after a 44-25 Huskers victory, turned away to grab Nebraska offensive line coach Donovan Raiola by the arm, video posted to social media showed. That followed an apparent exchange of words between Raiola and Fickell and Badgers assistant offensive line coach Casey Rabach, who were walking in opposite directions. The context of the discussion wasn't apparent from the video, but Fickell and Raiola both pointed at the other, and Rabach later pointed at Raiola. Boardman and Raiola talked for about 15 seconds after Boardman pried Raiola away from a hug with Nebraska running backs coach EJ Barthel. UWPD spokesperson Marc Lovicott said it was a "misunderstanding amid a pretty chaotic scene." He said Boardman made contact with an "unknown individual who had approached" Badgers coaches as they were leaving the field. "Once it was confirmed that the individual was a member of the Nebraska coaching staff, the UWPD officer apologized for the misunderstanding," Lovicott wrote in an email Tuesday. "The interaction concluded cordially with a handshake." Lovicott said UW Police has made contact with counterparts at Nebraska "and they're also considering it a misunderstanding." Raiola played for Wisconsin from 2002 to 2005. "I don't want speculate without knowing, obviously Donny went to Wisconsin, so I don't know if there was some history there with somebody or something," said Nebraska coach Matt Rhule, who said he was shown video of the incident Monday. "When I asked Donny about it, he was like, 'No big deal.' Things happen after games and people are emotional, but he seemed to kinda brush it off." Fickell said he didn't know much about the interaction when he was asked about it at his weekly news conference Monday. "I mean, I don't know if he was talking to Casey, somebody said something, I don't know," Fickell said. "I just said it looked like maybe he said something to me, but I had no idea. And I had no idea that that was even something. So if it was, I didn't spend a whole lot of time thinking about it." — Lincoln Journal Star reporter Luke Mullin contributed to this report. Get local news delivered to your inbox!
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India’s vibrant and diverse cultural landscape offers limitless opportunities for travelers. With a surge in startups in travel experiences , exploring unique adventures has become more accessible than ever. These startups blend technology, personalization, and local expertise to deliver curated travel experiences. Whether it’s thrilling adventures, immersive cultural tours, or offbeat destinations, here’s a list of the top 10 best Indian startups in travel experiences for 2025 that are reshaping the way we explore. 1. Thrillophilia Thrillophilia has become a household name for adventure enthusiasts. Offering curated experiences across India and globally, it caters to thrill-seekers and families alike. Why It Stands Out : Over 15,000 curated travel experiences Adventure activities like trekking, rafting, and camping Easy online booking and customer support Thrillophilia ensures high-quality, verified experiences for travelers seeking excitement. 2. WanderOn WanderOn is a startup that focuses on group travel experiences for millennials. Their trips are designed to bring like-minded travelers together. Key Features : Group travel packages for adventure and leisure Customizable itineraries Hassle-free arrangements with experienced trip leaders With its community-driven approach, WanderOn has captured the hearts of young explorers. 3. The Blueberry Trails Specializing in bespoke travel, The Blueberry Trails crafts offbeat itineraries that offer a mix of adventure and culture. What Makes It Unique : Focus on personalized travel planning Experiences include road trips, nature treks, and cultural tours Handpicked local stays and activities This startup is ideal for travelers looking for authentic and offbeat experiences. 4. India Someday India Someday is a travel consultancy startup that helps independent travelers plan their trips across India. Why It’s Popular : Personalized trip planning based on budget and preferences Expert advice on accommodations and activities Strong focus on sustainable tourism Their customized approach has made India Someday a preferred choice for international travelers. 5. Unventured Unventured focuses on eco-friendly and immersive travel experiences, offering tours that combine adventure with cultural exploration. Highlights : Cycling tours through scenic routes Guided cultural and heritage experiences Commitment to responsible travel practices Unventured is perfect for travelers seeking a sustainable way to explore India’s beauty. 6. Offbeat Tracks True to its name, Offbeat Tracks focuses on experiences in unexplored destinations, offering a mix of adventure and cultural immersion. Key Offerings : Remote Himalayan treks and homestays Curated cultural tours in lesser-known regions Personalized trip planning Their dedication to showcasing hidden gems makes them a standout in the travel startup space. 7. Headout Headout is a travel startup offering on-demand access to local tours, events, and activities in major cities and destinations. What Sets It Apart : Real-time booking for attractions and activities App-based user interface for convenience Wide range of experiences, from city tours to outdoor adventures Headout has become a go-to for urban explorers and last-minute planners. 8. SeekSherpa SeekSherpa connects travelers with local experts for personalized tours and experiences. Why Travelers Love It : Access to local guides for authentic experiences Unique offerings like food trails, heritage walks, and photography tours Affordable and customizable packages This platform bridges the gap between tourists and local expertise. 9. Adventure Nation Adventure Nation is all about adrenaline-pumping activities. From trekking to paragliding, it offers a plethora of options for adventure lovers. Top Features : Specialized in adventure travel packages Verified safety standards and professional guides Wide range of options across India Adventure Nation is a paradise for thrill-seekers. 10. Padhaaro Padhaaro focuses on showcasing India’s rich heritage and culture through personalized experiences. Unique Offerings : Guided city tours by local experts Focus on cultural immersion and historical exploration Affordable pricing for international tourists With its tagline “Atithi Devo Bhava,” Padhaaro embodies the spirit of Indian hospitality. Why Startups in Travel Experiences Are Thriving The rise of startups in travel experiences can be attributed to evolving traveler preferences: Personalization : Travelers seek curated and authentic experiences. Technology Integration : Seamless bookings and real-time assistance make travel hassle-free. Diverse Offerings : From adventure activities to cultural immersion, startups cater to varied interests. Sustainability : Focus on eco-friendly practices appeals to conscious travelers. The Future of Startups in Travel Experiences in India The startups in travel experiences in India is poised for exponential growth, with startups leveraging cutting-edge technologies like AI and AR to enhance user experiences. Innovations in sustainable travel, community-based tourism, and hyper-localized offerings are likely to dominate the industry in the coming years. Conclusion The top 10 best Indian startups in travel experiences for 2025 are redefining how people explore and engage with India’s rich cultural and natural treasures. Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast, a cultural explorer, or a leisure traveler, these startups in travel experiences offer something for everyone. As they continue to innovate and expand, the future of travel in India looks incredibly exciting and inclusive.
Milestone deal for DAZN's position as the global home of sport. This acquisition establishes DAZN's sports platform in Australia , one of the world's most attractive sports markets. Foxtel Group will leverage DAZN's global reach, industry-leading technology and extensive content portfolio to further enhance the viewing experience for Australian sports fans. LONDON , NEW YORK , and SYDNEY , Dec. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- DAZN , a world-leading sports entertainment platform, has today announced an agreement to acquire Foxtel Group (' Foxtel ') from its majority shareholder News Corp and minority shareholder Telstra at an enterprise value of US$2.2 billion , subject to regulatory approval. The acquisition establishes DAZN as a leader in sports entertainment in Australia – a highly attractive sports market – while also expanding DAZN's global footprint and enhancing the group's standing as the global home of sport. The addition of Foxtel to DAZN brings the Group's pro-forma revenues towards US$6 billion and provides the additional content, expertise, and expansion opportunities to accelerate DAZN's growth trajectory. Foxtel is one of Australia's leading media companies, with 4.7 million subscribers, who will benefit from DAZN's extensive portfolio of sports content, platform technology, and global reach. From its beginnings as Australia's original pay-TV innovator, Foxtel has evolved to become a digital and streaming leader in sports and entertainment and the proposed transaction positions Foxtel for continued expansion as a digital-first, streaming-focused business. Foxtel will maintain its local character, led by the CEO, Patrick Delany , and his world-class management team. DAZN, a sports streaming platform with a truly global reach, is committed to growing the global audience for domestic Australian sports across the 200 territories in which it is available. Under the terms of the transaction, News Corp and Telstra will become minority shareholders in DAZN, enabling them to retain an interest in Foxtel. Shay Segev , Chief Executive Officer of DAZN, said: "Australians watch more sport than any other country in the world, which makes this deal an incredibly exciting opportunity for DAZN to enter a key market, marking another step in our long-term strategy to become the global home of sport. Foxtel is a successful business that has undergone a remarkable digital transformation in recent years, and we are confident that our global reach and relentless pursuit of innovation will continue to drive the business forward and ensure long-term success. "We are committed to supporting and investing in Foxtel's television and streaming services, across both sports and entertainment, using our world-leading technology to further enhance the viewing experience for customers. We are also committed to using our global reach to export Australia's most popular sports to new markets around the world, and we will continue to promote women's and under-represented sports. "We're looking forward to working closely with Patrick Delany and his team, as well as News Corp and Telstra as shareholders in DAZN, to realise our ambitious vision for the future of sport entertainment." Siobhan McKenna , the Chairman of Foxtel , said the agreement with DAZN was international recognition of the transformation of Foxtel from an incumbent pay TV operator to a sports and entertainment digital and streaming leader. "Over the last seven years the Foxtel team, with the strong support of News, have achieved an extraordinary turnaround in an intensely competitive environment." Foxtel Group CEO, Patrick Delany , said: "Today's announcement is a natural evolution for the Foxtel Group, having reinvented the company over the past five years as Australia's most dynamic technology-led streaming company. "Kayo and Foxtel provide Australian sports fans with access to the best Australian and international sport and shows, including AFL, NRL and Cricket with 4.7 million subscribers. "We are excited by DAZN's commitment to the Australian market. They are experts in the sports media business and can play a significant role in supporting Foxtel as the business grows its streaming capabilities, bringing a bigger and better service to customers across entertainment, news and sport. They are a perfect match for us as we look toward this next era of growth. "We have been grateful for the support of News Corp while we reimagined the future of Foxtel. In 2019, when we merged Foxtel and Fox Sports we had many people questioning our future. "After launching Kayo later in 2019 and BINGE in 2020, today we are the largest Australian-based streamer of sport and entertainment, we have stabilised our Foxtel base and launched Hubbl to help consumers find all the streamed content they love all in one place. This wouldn't have been possible without the support and encouragement of News Corp." NOTES TO EDITORS About DAZN As a world-leading sports entertainment platform, DAZN streams over 90,000 live events annually and is available in more than 200 markets worldwide. DAZN is the home of European football, women's football, boxing and MMA, and the NFL internationally. The platform features the biggest sports and leagues from around the world – Bundesliga, Serie A, LALIGA, Ligue 1, Formula 1, NBA, Moto GP, and many more including the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. DAZN is transforming the way people enjoy sport. With a single, frictionless platform, sports fans can watch, play, buy, and connect. Live and on-demand sports content, anywhere, in any language, on any device – only on DAZN. DAZN partners with leading pay-TV operators, ISPs and Telcos worldwide to maximise sports exposure to a broad audience. Its partners include Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Sky, Movistar, Telenet, Vodafone, and many more. DAZN is a global, privately-owned company, founded in 2016, with more than 3,000 employees. The Group generated $3.2bn in revenue in 2023, having grown its annual revenues by over 50% on average from 2020 to 2023, through diverse revenue streams comprising subscriptions, advertising, sponsorship, and transactional. For more information on DAZN, our products, people, and performance, visit www.dazngroup.com . About Foxtel The Foxtel Group is one of Australia's leading media companies with 4.7 million subscribers. Its businesses include subscription television, streaming, sports production and advertising. The Foxtel Group is owned 65% by News Corp and 35% by Telstra. The Foxtel Group's diversified business includes Fox Sports, Australia's leading sports production company, famous for live sports and shows with the best commentators and personalities. It is also the home of local and global entertainment content and continues to be the partner of choice for the widest range of sports and international content providers based on established, long-term relationships, growing streaming audiences, and position as the largest Australian-based subscription television company. View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dazn-advances-global-expansion-with-acquisition-of-foxtel-a-leading-australian-sports-and-entertainment-media-group-302337994.html SOURCE DAZN
WASHINGTON D.C., DC — President Joe Biden said Sunday that the sudden collapse of the Syrian government under Bashar Assad is a “fundamental act of justice” after decades of repression, but it was “a moment of risk and uncertainty” for the Middle East. Biden spoke at the White House hours after after rebel groups completed a takeover of the country following more than a dozen years of violent civil war and decades of leadership by Assad and his family . Biden said the United States was monitoring reports of the whereabouts of Assad, with Russian state media saying he had fled to Moscow and received asylum from his longtime ally. The outgoing Biden administration and President-elect Donald Trump were working to make sense of new threats and opportunities across the Middle East. Biden credited action by the U.S. and its allies for weakening Syria's backers — Russia, Iran and Hezbollah. He said “for the first time” that they could no longer defend Assad's grip on power. “Our approach has shifted the balance of power in the Middle East," Biden said, after a meeting with his national security team. Trump said Sunday that Assad had fled because close ally Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, “was not interested in protecting him any longer.” Those comments on Trump's social media platform came a day after he used another post to decry the possibility of the U.S. intervening militarily in Syria to aid the rebels, declaring, “THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT." The Biden administration said it had no intention of intervening. The U.S has about 900 troops in Syria, including forces working with Kurdish allies in the opposition-held northeast to prevent any resurgence of the Islamic State group. Biden said he intended for those troops to remain, adding that U.S. forces on Sunday conducted “precision air strikes" on IS camps and operations in Syria. U.S. Central Command said the operation hit more than 75 targets. “We’re clear-eyed about the fact that ISIS will try and take advantage of any vacuum to reestablish its credibility, and create a safe haven," Biden said, using a different acronym for the group. "We will not let that happen.” The Syrian opposition that brought down Assad is led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham , which the U.S. says is a terrorist organization with links to al-Qaida, although the group says it has since broken ties with al-Qaida. “We will remain vigilant,” Biden said. “Make no mistake, some of the rebel groups that took down Assad have their own grim record of terrorism and human rights abuses.” He added that the groups are “saying the right things now.” “But as they take on greater responsibility, we will assess not just their words, but their actions,” Biden said. A senior Biden administration official, when asked about contact with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham leaders after Assad's departure, said Washington was in contact with Syrian groups of all kinds. The official, who was not authorized to publicly discuss the situation and spoke on condition of anonymity, also said the U.S. has focused over the past several days on chemical weapons that had been controlled by the Assad government, aiming to ensure they were secured. Still, Assad's fall adds to an already tense situation throughout much of region on many fronts — including Israel's war with Hamas in Gaza and its fragile cease-fire with Hezbollah in Lebanon. Like Biden, Trump, who takes office in five-plus weeks, made a connection between the upheaval in Syria and Russia's war in Ukraine , noting that Assad's allies in Moscow, as well as in Iran, the main sponsor of Hamas and Hezbollah, “are in a weakened state right now.” Vice President-elect JD Vance , a veteran of the U.S.-led war in Iraq, wrote on own social media Sunday to express skepticism about the insurgents. “Many of ‘the rebels’ are a literal offshoot of ISIS. One can hope they’ve moderated. Time will tell,” he said, using another acronym for the group. Trump has suggested that Assad's ouster can advance the prospects for an end to fighting in Ukraine, which was invaded by Russia in February 2022. The president-elect wrote that Putin's government “lost all interest in Syria because of Ukraine” and the Republican called for an immediate cease-fire, a day after meeting in Paris with the French and Ukrainian leaders . Daniel B. Shapiro, a deputy assistant secretary of defense for the Middle East, said the American military presence will continue in eastern Syria but was “solely to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS and has nothing to do with other aspects of this conflict.” “We call on all parties in Syria to protect civilians, particularly those from Syria’s minority communities to respect international military norms and to work to achieve a resolution to include the political settlement,” Shapiro said. “Multiple actors in this conflict have a terrible track record to include Assad’s horrific crimes, Russia’s indiscriminate aerial bomb bombardment, Iranian-back militia involvement and the atrocities of ISIS," he added. Shapiro, however, was careful not to directly say Assad had been deposed by the insurgents. “If confirmed, no one should shed any tears over the Assad regime,” he said. As they pushed toward the Syrian capital of Damascus, the opposition freed political detainees from government prisons. The family of missing U.S. journalist Austin Tice renewed calls to find him. “To everyone in Syria that hears this, please remind people that we’re waiting for Austin,” Tice’s mother, Debra, said in comments that hostage advocacy groups spread on social media. "We know that when he comes out, he’s going to be fairly dazed & he’s going to need lots of care & direction. Direct him to his family please!” Tice disappeared in 2012 outside Damascus, amid intensification of what became a civil war stretching more than a decade. "We’ve remained committed to returning him to his family,” Biden said at the White House. "We believe he’s alive, we think we can get him back but we have no direct evidence to that yet. And Assad should be held accountable.” The president added: “We have to identify where he is." The U.S. has no new evidence that Tice is alive but continues to operate under the assumption that he is, according to a U.S. official. The official, who was not authorized to comment publicly, added that the U.S. will continue to work to identify Tice's whereabouts and to try to bring him home . ___ Associated Press writers Jon Gambrell in Manama, Bahrain, and Aamer Madhani and AP White House Correspondent Zeke Miller contributed to this report.
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FOX45: O’Malley picks up endorsements for DNC chair from Maryland senators
After a week of absolutely insane headlines, Saturday Night Live's Weekend Update hosts Colin Jost and Michael Che had no shortage of material to dig into. Leading the charge was the massive social media frenzy over the shooting of... Chance TownsendJacob Holt scores 23 to help Sacramento State beat Stanislaus State 98-47
11. SMU Mustangs 11-2 (8-0 Atlantic Coast Conference regular season) What's next: at No. 6 Penn State, State College, Pa., Dec. 21, Noon ET Head coach: Rhett Lashlee (three seasons, 29-11 overall) About Lashlee: The 41-year-old is enjoying success in his first college head coaching gig and has guided the Mustangs to back-to-back 11-win seasons. He was offensive coordinator at SMU from 2018-19 before heading to Miami for two years and returning to take the head job. He was named Atlantic Coast Conference Coach of the Year this season. Resume SMU notched ranked wins over then-No. 22 Louisville and then-No. 18 Pitt but really served notice while racking up 66 points in a win over TCU. The Mustangs lost two games by a total of six points: 34-31 to Clemson in the ACC title game and 18-15 to BYU. Postseason history This is SMU's first trip to the playoffs during the CFP era. The Mustangs have lost their past four bowl games, including two under Lashlee. The program had a memorable run in the early 1980s behind stars like Eric Dickerson and Craig James but numerous NCAA violations sank the Mustangs and they eventually served a two-year death penalty. The road to Atlanta SMU hits the road for the first-round matchup at No. 6 Penn State. The winner advances to play No. 3 Boise State (12-1) in the quarterfinals in the Fiesta Bowl on Dec. 31. Names to Know QB Kevin Jennings He threw for 304 yards and three TDs in the ACC title game, his fourth game over 300 yards passing this season. Jennings had a strong regular season with 2,746 yards and 19 TDs in the air and four scores on the ground. He can hurt teams with his feet, proven by a 113-yard outing against Louisville. "What is new now is the amount of criticism I receive from everyone. I get a lot of comments and messages from people on social media always criticizing everything after each game," Jennings said. RB Brashard Smith Stellar runner averaging 5.9 yards per carry to go with 1,270 yards and 14 TDs on the ground. LB Kobe Wilson Stands out against both the run and the pass, leading the team in tackles (110) and adding three sacks and two interceptions. S Isaiah Nwokobia He has enjoyed an outstanding season with 91 regular-season tackles and three interceptions while patrolling the back end. He has nine career interceptions. DT Jared Harrison-Hunte A force with 6.0 sacks, one interception and 38 tackles. He's in his first season with SMU after four at Miami. He has 15 career sacks. --Field Level Media
There are severe recession fears after the Donald Trump administration takes over, but until now, no major signs of any depreciation of the stock market has taken place. For starters, Morgan Stanley is predicting that the US stock market is destined for a major bull run in the coming days, that will extend for quite some time. This clearly means that stock prices will be booming in the coming days if things stay on track as being predicted. Will the US stock markets see a major surge in the form of a bull run? According to a Market Watch report, Morgan Stanley is moving its rating on US stocks to overweight, and targeting 6,500 at the end of 2025, compared to a June 2025 target of 5,400. Moreover, there is a certain tendency of the US stock market to boom in December, which is often known the "Santa Claus rally. This phenomenon refers to the historical tendency for the stock market to rise during the Christmas season. Therefore, there are high chances that the US stock markets could take a positive surge in the coming months, which would technically mean that the S&P 500 could regain any points they lost in September and October. Institutional investors often engage in portfolio rebalancing and tax-loss harvesting before the year ends. This can lead to buying pressure on certain stocks, driving up their prices. This is indeed an important point which could benefit the stock market in the coming days. FAQs: Is the US stock market in crisis? The US stock market's current situation is being affected by a multitude of factors including the US Fed Rate cut, inflation fears and more. Web Development Advanced Java Mastery: Object-Oriented Programming Techniques By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Office Productivity Microsoft Word Mastery: From Beginner to Expert By - CA Raj K Agrawal, Chartered Accountant View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Java Programming with ChatGPT: Learn using Generative AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance A2Z Of Money By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Web Development C++ Fundamentals for Absolute Beginners By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance AI and Generative AI for Finance By - Hariom Tatsat, Vice President- Quantitative Analytics at Barclays View Program Web Development Intermediate Java Mastery: Method, Collections, and Beyond By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI for Everyone: Understanding and Applying the Basics on Artificial Intelligence By - Ritesh Vajariya, Generative AI Expert View Program Finance Crypto & NFT Mastery: From Basics to Advanced By - CA Raj K Agrawal, Chartered Accountant View Program Finance Financial Literacy for Non-Finance Executives By - CA Raja, Chartered Accountant | Financial Management Educator | Former AVP - Credit, SBI View Program Leadership Crafting a Powerful Startup Value Proposition By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Web Development Advanced C++ Mastery: OOPs and Template Techniques By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI-Powered Python Mastery with Tabnine: Boost Your Coding Skills By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Office Productivity Mastering Google Sheets: Unleash the Power of Excel and Advance Analysis By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Performance Marketing for eCommerce Brands By - Zafer Mukeri, Founder- Inara Marketers View Program Office Productivity Advanced Excel Course - Financial Calculations & Excel Made Easy By - Anirudh Saraf, Founder- Saraf A & Associates, Chartered Accountant View Program Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Neil Patel By - Neil Patel, Co-Founder and Author at Neil Patel Digital Digital Marketing Guru View Program Web Development Master RESTful APIs with Python and Django REST Framework: Web API Development By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development A Comprehensive ASP.NET Core MVC 6 Project Guide for 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Leadership From Idea to Product: A Startup Development Guide By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Leadership Building Your Winning Startup Team: Key Strategies for Success By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Astrology Vastu Shastra Course By - Sachenkumar Rai, Vastu Shashtri View Program Has the US Federal Reserve introduced a rate cut? Yes, the US Federal Reserve has introduced a 50 bps rate cut a few weeks before, and some more may be coming in soon, if reports are to be believed. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
Lewandowski joins Ronaldo and Messi in Champions League 100-goal club. Haaland nets 2 but City drawsSenior students in Surrey high schools will get a chance to take online classes next school year, in the board's latest strategy to free up classroom space. "Hybrid learning is a blend of face-to-face and online learning for students and in our context, for kids in the senior Grades 10, 11 and 12," explained Perry Smith, assistant superintendent for Guildford-area schools. Exploring hybrid learning is motivated by a "capital crunch" trustee Bob Holmes says the district is facing, as student enrolment outpaces available school space. While the permanent implementation of hybrid classes would be new, students got a taste for the model during the pandemic years when schools were running classes virtually. As well, teachers became accustomed to the model and likely have learned lessons to improve on this time around, district staff suggested. "We identified many benefits of hybrid learning in our secondary schools," Smith said, pointing to research on the topic to support the claim. The superintendent explained that students will have a choice of going home for their online blocks, staying at school in shared spaces or being out in the community, for example, at a library. For those students who do not have access to internet services or personal electronic devices, technology will be provided so the opportunity is more inclusive, Smith said. He added that the district would receive a grant to make this possible. "While there is a side benefit for students to get ready for the 21st century, as previous speakers have mentioned, the reality is that this was driven because we have such a shortage of space," chair Gary Tymoschuk said. The issue of overcrowding in Surrey Schools can be seen at nearly every school, with trustee Laurie Larsen noting Walnut Road Elementary, that is set to receive a prefabricated module. "They have had one playground for 800 students because the other playground has been cordoned off, they have no greenspace, they have no adequate parking for parents, visitors or for staff. Staff are double parking so they all have to know which teacher is in front of them so they can let them know when they have to leave," Larsen said. The trustee added that prefabs do not provide everything. "We appreciate the modulars, I don’t want to say that we don’t but the modulars do only give the classroom," Larsen said. "They don’t give the gym space, they don’t give any extra outdoor space, they don’t give any library space and especially for the gym so in that school, they have to have three assemblies for every event.. because the gym is too small and the occupancy is just over 300 people." Walnut Road also has nine portables on school site and with the addition of the modulars, whether those portables will remain on site is still unknown. According to the board, affording to relocate the portables may be a challenge. Staff recommended for the board to approve the implementation of up to three senior level courses in a hybrid learning model at secondary schools as a trial for next school year, available on an optional basis. The board unanimously passed the motion.BRAINERD — A new video scoreboard could be in place at Brainerd High School in time for next year’s football season, and it could raise some money for future athletic needs, too. The Brainerd School Board agreed on Tuesday, Dec. 10, to a proposal from the Brainerd Sports Boosters to purchase a Daktronics scoreboard and new audio system at no cost to the district. Activities Director Jack Freeman told the board the Sports Boosters would foot the bill for the scoreboard and audio system at a cost of $434,655 and donate it to the district. ADVERTISEMENT Brainerd, he said, is far behind other area districts when it comes to technology at the football field. He showed photos of video scoreboards at schools like Alexandria Elk River, Detroit Lakes, Rocori and St. Cloud Tech. “When our teams go on the road, this is what they see in opposing school stadiums,” he said. “And then they come back, and I hear, ‘When are we going to do this in Brainerd?’” Freeman said he’s researched the matter over the past couple years after hearing feedback from the community. He looked primarily at the model used in Alexandria, as it includes a feasible way to earn revenue. The scoreboard would be surrounded by 12 sponsorship panels available for businesses to pay for advertising. Six panels along the sides of the scoreboard would be founding partner panels and sold for $15,000 a year under a five-year contract. Six smaller panels underneath the board would be sold for $12,000 under a five-year contract as community partner panels. And to make the contracts even more enticing, they would also include advertising panels around the two video boards in the main high school gymnasium and in the aquatics center. “We’re trying to tie it all together so we’re not going out for multiple asks,” Freeman said. “We also thought it would help with negotiations and visibility, increasing the value of the ask.” The panels would bring in $162,000 in revenue each year, paying off the cost of the scoreboard in the first three years. That money would go back to the Boosters and put in a separate account that could be used for capital projects in the athletic department. “These would be your dream big projects,” Freeman said. “I want you to think about video boards in the stadium, lights at the softball field, a turf practice field with a bubble — those types of items.” The district could find creative ways, he added, to pair the money with long-term facilities maintenance funds in the district to address existing athletic infrastructure needs. The long-term facilities maintenance money, though, can only be used for existing infrastructure and not for new builds. ADVERTISEMENT Freeman highlighted the strong partnership the district has had with the Boosters for many years, noting the group is great at fundraising and has a proven track record and good reputation in the community. The Boosters would hold the money, but an agreement would be in place ensuring the money were to go back to the district in the event the relationship between the Boosters and the district were to sour in the future. The project would be a great way to connect with the business community, Freeman said, and would not require the district to allocate staff time and resources — or tax dollars — to the purchase. The existing scoreboard at the high school would be repurposed and moved either to the practice football field or Forestview Middle School, depending on the need. Board member Randy Heidmann said he was all for the project. “I just wish we had a math boosters club, a science boosters club, a reading boosters club,” he said. “... But this is absolutely fantastic.” Freeman said he thinks there will be a lot of excitement in the community about the sponsorship opportunity. Board Chair Kevin Boyles joked there would only be 11 panels to sell, as Dondelinger Chevrolet — run by board member DJ Dondelinger — would undoubtedly take one. “Stay in your lane there, Disco,” Dondelinger said as a tongue-in-cheek reply, referencing Boyles’s shiny, brightly colored shirt. ADVERTISEMENT Board member John Ward pointed out that, while the revenue from this project would be used only for athletic needs, it could free up more of the district’s money for academic endeavors. “From my perspective, it’s taking athletic needs and not having to compete with academic needs so that we don’t have the competitive kind of deal,” Ward said, calling the project a win-win. Interim Superintendent Peter Grant reminded the board any of the funds generated would lie in the hands of the Boosters and could not be used for anything other than athletics. Board member Sarah Speer said while that’s a valid concern, it’s still money the district does not have right now and wouldn’t have for anything in the future. Heidmann and Boyles both noted the optics of the project amid district budget concerns and making sure to clearly communicate with the community the money is coming from the Boosters and not from the district. Purchasing the scoreboard, Boyles emphasized, would not take away from any other financial needs in the district. “I think that the narrative can be controlled correctly and communicated correctly on how this is working — repeated, forceful communication that this is sports boosters money, that we’re not reducing class sizes for third graders and buying a half-million scoreboard,” Boyles said, noting the construction of the scoreboard would come around the same time the district is working on its budget. Ward reiterated the project would be positive for academic resources, as more of the district’s general fund could go toward those needs instead of athletic needs with the new revenue source. Board members unanimously approved the proposal. ADVERTISEMENT Freeman plans to begin securing sponsorships in January, to finalize contracts in April and to complete construction on the scoreboard in early July just in time for football season. THERESA BOURKE may be reached at theresa.bourke@brainerddispatch.com or 218-855-5860. Follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/DispatchTheresa .
It’s looking more and more likely the Vikings will be without veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore for a second straight game. He hasn’t played since suffering a hamstring injury against the Arizona Cardinals a couple of weeks ago. ADVERTISEMENT Though he has an extra 24 hours to prepare this week with the Vikings set to host the Chicago Bears on Monday night at U.S. Bank Stadium, the fact that Gilmore still hasn’t practiced in any capacity isn’t a good sign. After not participating in the walkthrough on Thursday afternoon at TCO Performance Center, Gilmore was listed as a non participant in practice on Friday afternoon. It would make sense for the Vikings to be cautious with Gilmore considering how important he’s been to the secondary this season. They want to make sure he’s back at 100 percent for the playoffs. In the absence of Gilmore, veteran cornerback Fabian Moreau has logged more playing time. There also has been more responsibility placed on fellow cornerbacks Byron Murphy Jr. and Shaq Griffin, with safety Josh Metellus also mixing in at nickel. ADVERTISEMENT It appears that edge rusher Pat Jones II is getting closer to making his return given that he was listed as a full participant in practice on Friday afternoon. He has been working through a knee injury and missed last Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons. Having Jones back would be a major boost for the Vikings on defense, as he has found a role as a situational pass rusher. He has a career high 7.0 sacks this season while showcasing the ability to apply pressure off the edge or up the middle. In response to his philanthropy near and far, safety Cam Bynum has been named the NFLPA Community MVP for Week 15. Not only has Bynum regularly used his platform in the NFL to help with natural disaster relief in the Philippines, he has continued to spread joy in and around the Twin Cities through charitable events hosted by his Bynum Faith Foundation. ADVERTISEMENT The NFLPA will donate $10,000 to his foundation or charity of choice. In turn, Bynum will take part in a special visit to a local school, children’s hospital, or community center. The recognition also makes Bynum eligible for the Alan Page Community Award, the NFLPA’s highest player honor, which includes an additional $100,000 donation to the winner’s charities. The rest of the injury report was good news for the Vikings as running back Aaron Jones (back), tight end Josh Oliver (wrist/ankle), and edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel (hip) were all listed as full participants. ADVERTISEMENT ______________________________________________________ This story was written by one of our partner news agencies. Forum Communications Company uses content from agencies such as Reuters, Kaiser Health News, Tribune News Service and others to provide a wider range of news to our readers. Learn more about the news services FCC uses here .Stock indexes closed mixed on Wall Street at the end of a rare bumpy week. The S&P 500 ended little changed Friday. The benchmark index reached its latest in a string of records a week ago. It lost ground for the week following three weeks of gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.2%. The Nasdaq composite edged up 0.1%. Broadcom surged after the semiconductor company beat Wall Street’s profit targets and gave a glowing forecast, highlighting its artificial intelligence products. RH, formerly known as Restoration Hardware, surged after raising its revenue forecast. Treasury yields rose in the bond market. On Friday: The S&P 500 fell 0.16 points, or less than 0.1%, to 6,051.09. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 86.06 points, or 0.2%, to 43,828.06. The Nasdaq composite rose 23.88 points, or 0.1%, to 19,926.72. The Russell 2000 index of smaller companies fell 14.19 points, or 0.6%, to 2,346.90. For the week: The S&P 500 is down 39.18 points, or 0.6%. The Dow is down 814.46 points, or 1.8%. The Nasdaq is up 66.95 points, or 0.3%. The Russell 2000 is down 62.10 points, or 2.6%. For the year: The S&P 500 is up 1,281.26 points, or 26.9%. The Dow is up 6,138.52 points, or 16.3%. The Nasdaq is up 4,951.37 points, or 32.7%. The Russell 2000 is up 319.82 points, or 15.8%.