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With the first third of the season now complete, NHL teams have had time to evaluate their playoff chances and their rosters. Statistically speaking, the Montreal Canadiens are still “in the mix” and a strong run could enhance their chances of securing a playoff spot. Realistically speaking, they are still a long shot. The Habs management team of Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes does not want to appear as if they are giving up on the season and trading veterans could certainly give that impression. But holding on to veterans, falling short of the playoffs and losing three or four players to free agency is also a risk. The Canadiens are walking a bit of a tightrope here. The Value of Leadership The argument can be made that keeping these veterans on the roster for their leadership qualities is worth something, but how much? The Canadiens may only be able to hold on to these players until season end and could lose them for nothing. That means that the leadership provided by this group could conceivably end with the last game of the regular season. Among the “young veterans” the defence has already gained a lot of experience and continues to do so. Forwards like Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield and now Patrik Laine have also begun to establish themselves as leaders. In addition, players acquired in trades, some could possibly bring NHL experience with them; acquisitions don’t always have to be prospects and draft picks. Upon further review keeping the group of veterans who are pending free agents may not be critical and could actually be detrimental in the long run if the Canadiens lose them, getting nothing in return. Template for a Trade Using that framework, we can see the kind of trade the Canadiens might be open to making. It is intended only as an example of how Kent Hughes might proceed. The first step would be to analyze what the Canadiens need. Christian Dvorak may be heading for the exits, so a left-shot center comes to mind, preferably one who has the potential to play in the top six. A physical right shot defenceman is another need, at least in the short term. Given that David Reinbacher likely won’t be ready for next season, a player with a year or two left on his contract would be ideal. Other than that, quality prospects and draft picks are always welcome. The second step is to consider who the team might be open to trading, and the Canadiens have a host of veterans that could be available. That group includes David Savard, Jake Evans, Christian Dvorak, Joel Armia and others. The team also boasts a solid pipeline of prospects and a wealth of draft picks. Because NHL teams are limited to a roster of 23 players and an NHL contract limit of 50 players, it would not be a stretch to say that some of these assets are also available. The Canadiens also have some cap room, particularly in the short term, that could be used as an incentive as could salary retention on one contract. The final step is to identify a dance partner. Teams that are legitimate playoff or Stanley Cup contenders are obvious candidates. Among that group, teams that could benefit from what the Canadiens have to offer rise to the top. Those teams would have to be able to provide a return that would interest Montreal, shortening the list even more. Enter the Vancouver Canucks. The discussion on Sportsnet 650 this morning revolved around the need for the Canucks to add a right shot defenceman and a right shot center capable of playing in the bottom six. The names of Savard and Evans immediately come to mind. Potential Trade Pieces It’s a situation worth examining, but the salary cap immediately becomes an issue. The Canucks only have about $2.5 million in current cap space while Savard’s contract is for $3.5 million and Evans’ is for $1.7 million. Montreal could help solve that problem by accepting Vincent Desharnais and his $2.0 million contract as part of the return. He is at best a bottom pairing defenceman and maybe more suited to the AHL but his contract is only for one more season and the Canadiens could probably live with it for that long. Montreal would be doing Vancouver a favour here as Desharnais simply hasn’t worked out for them. If Desharnais was part of the trade, it could still leave the Canucks relatively tight to the cap. Montreal could retain salary on Savard, but I suspect they would be loathe to do that, preferring to use salary retention in a trade that involved Dvorak or Armia. One option would be to include 29-year-old Danton Heinen in the deal, swapping his $2.25 million contract for that of 26-year-old Michael Pezzetta and his $812.5k contract. Apparently the Canucks have been deeply disappointed in Heinen’s play and while has been a more productive player than Pezzetta, it does remove about $1.4 million of cap liability for them; cap space that could be used at the deadline if the opportunity arose. The inclusion of Heinen would be a long shot. The key to this hypothetical trade, however, would be Aatu Raty, a 6-2 190 left hand center who was acquired from the Islanders in the Bo Horvat trade. At one point, Raty was considered to be among the top three picks available in the 2021 entry draft. His stock fell going into the draft as his skating was considered a weakness and the Islanders eventually selected him in the second round at 52nd overall. In 134 AHL games spread over four seasons, Raty has amassed 30 goals and 56 assists along with 44 minutes in penalties. While those aren’t earth shattering numbers they aren’t bad for a young player who has bounced between organizations and leagues over the last four seasons. Given that he was a key piece in the Horvat trade, Raty is an even longer shot that Heinen to be included in a trade. It’s hard to see the Canucks giving up on him. Trade Probabilities Multi-player trades typically take place in the off-season, making the likelihood of anything close to this trade between these two teams this season close to zero. It might be too many assets to be included in one trade, it could be that one team would have to include additional assets or it might be the wrong assets altogether. It could also possibly be the kind of trade Kent Hughes is willing to make. But would Vancouver? This hypothetical trade was put forward only to create some discussion around what factors could be considered when the Canadiens are in trade negotiations. As the fortunes of NHL teams rise and fall in the coming weeks, look for more trade speculation. This article first appeared on The Sick Podcast and was syndicated with permission.
New York City mayor meets with Trump's 'border czar' to discuss how to go after 'violent' criminals
Kosovo arrested several suspects Saturday after an explosion at a key canal feeding two of its main power plants, while neighbouring Serbia rejected accusations of staging the blast. The explosion Friday near the town of Zubin Potok, which sits in an ethnic Serb-dominated area in Kosovo's troubled north, damaged a canal that supplies water to hundreds of thousands of people and cooling systems at two coal-fired power plants that generate most of Kosovo's electricity. As security forces swarmed the area around the canal, whose concrete walls were left with a gaping hole gushing water, Prime Minister Albin Kurti visited the site and announced authorities had arrested several people. Law enforcement "carried out searches" and "collected testimony and evidence, and the criminals and terrorists will have to face justice and the law," he said. The arrests follow a security meeting late Friday, when Kurti pointed the finger at Serbia. "The attack was carried out by professionals. We believe it comes from gangs directed by Serbia," he told a press conference, without providing evidence. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic hit back Saturday, denying the "irresponsible" and "baseless accusations". "Such unfounded claims are aimed to tarnish Serbia's reputation, as well as to undermine efforts to promote peace and stability in the region," he said in a statement to AFP. Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric had earlier suggested on X that the Kosovar "regime" could itself be behind the blast, calling for an international investigation. The main political party representing Serbs in Kosovo, Serb List, also condemned the attack "in the strongest possible terms". AFP journalists at the scene saw water leaking heavily from one side of the reinforced canal, which runs from the Serb-majority north of Kosovo to the capital, Pristina. However, electricity supplies to consumers were running smoothly on Saturday morning, with authorities having found an alternative method to cool the plants, said Kosovo's Economy Minister Artane Rizvanolli. Repair work was ongoing, authorities said, while Kurti confirmed workers had managed to restore water flows to 25 percent capacity. The United States strongly condemned the "attack on critical infrastructure in Kosovo", the US embassy in Pristina said in a statement on Facebook. "We are monitoring the situation closely... and have offered our full support to the government of Kosovo to ensure that those responsible for this criminal attack are identified and held accountable." Turkey's foreign ministry also condemned the attack, adding: "We call on all parties to exercise restraint to avoid escalation in the region." The NATO-led KFOR peacekeeping mission for Kosovo joined the calls for restraint. "It is important that facts are established and that those responsible are held accountable and brought to justice," it said in a statement. The force is providing security in the surrounding area and has offered logistical, explosives removal and engineering support to the Kosovo authorities, it added. The European Union's ambassador to Kosovo, Aivo Orav, joined the international condemnation, saying on X: "The incident needs to be investigated and those responsible brought to justice." Animosity between ethnic Albanian-majority Kosovo and Serbia has persisted since the end of the war between Serbian forces and ethnic Albanian insurgents in the late 1990s. Kosovo declared independence in 2008, a move that Serbia has refused to acknowledge. Kurti's government has for months sought to dismantle a parallel system of social services and political offices backed by Belgrade to serve Kosovo's Serbs. Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama on Saturday denounced "the act of sabotage on the critical water supply infrastructure in the Iber-Lepenc Canal" in comments on X, calling it "a serious crime that endangers the lives of Kosovo's citizens and undermines the process of normalizing relations in our region." Friday's attack came after a series of violent incidents in northern Kosovo, including the hurling of hand grenades at a municipal building and a police station earlier this week. ih/ach/giv/jhb/sbk
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Legendary department chain to close doors of ‘huge’ branch forever in DAYSNEW YORK (AP) — New York City Mayor Eric Adams met with President-elect Donald Trump's incoming “border czar” on Thursday, with the Democratic mayor expressing an enthusiasm to work with the incoming administration to pursue violent criminals in the city while Trump promises mass deportations. The mayor's meeting with Tom Homan, who will oversee the southern and northern borders and be responsible for deportation efforts in the Trump administration, came as Adams has welcomed parts of the president-elect's hardline immigration platform. Adams told reporters at a brief news conference that he and Homan agreed on pursuing people who commit violent crimes in the city but did not disclose additional details or future plans. “We’re not going to be a safe haven for those who commit repeated violent crimes against innocent migrants, immigrants and longstanding New Yorkers,” he said. “That was my conversation today with the border czar, to figure out how to go after those individuals who are repeatedly committing crimes in our city.” Homan said the two connected as career law enforcement officers and that he came away from the meeting with “a whole new outlook on the mayor.” “I’ve called him out this past year, many times, about being more of a politician than a police officer. I was wrong,” Homan said during an interview with Dr. Phil McGraw on his Merit TV network. “He came through today as a police officer and a mayor that cares about the safety and security of his city.” The meeting marked Adams' latest and most definitive step toward collaborating with the Trump administration, a development that has startled critics in one of the country's most liberal cities. In the weeks since Trump’s election win, Adams has mused about potentially scaling back the city’s so-called sanctuary policies and coordinating with the incoming administration on immigration. He has also said migrants accused of crimes shouldn’t have due process rights under the Constitution, though he eventually walked back those comments. The mayor further stunned Democrats when he sidestepped questions last week on whether he would consider changing parties to become a Republican, telling journalists that he was part of the “American party.” Adams later clarified that he would remain a Democrat. For Adams, a centrist Democrat known for quarreling with the city's progressive left, the recent comments on immigration follow frustration with the Biden administration over its immigration policies and a surge of international migrants in the city. He has maintained his positions have not changed and argues he's trying to protect New Yorkers, pointing to the law-and-order platform he has staked out throughout his political career and while running for mayor. At his news conference Thursday, Adams reiterated his commitment to New York’s generous social safety net. “We’re going to tell those who are here, who are law-abiding, to continue to utilize the services that are open to the city, the services that they have a right to utilize, educating their children, health care, public protection,” he said. “But we will not be the safe haven for those who commit violent acts.” While the education of all children present in the U.S. is already guaranteed by a Supreme Court ruling, New York also offers social services like healthcare and emergency shelter to low-income residents, including those in the country illegally. City and state grants also provide significant access to lawyers, which is not guaranteed in the immigration court as they are in the criminal court. Still, Adams’ recent rhetoric has been seen by some critics as an attempt to cozy up to Trump, who could potentially offer a presidential pardon in his federal corruption case. Adams has been charged with accepting luxury travel perks and illegal campaign contributions from a Turkish official and other foreign nationals looking to buy his influence. He has pleaded not guilty. Homan, who was Trump’s former acting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement director, also met this week with Republicans in Illinois, where he called on Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, both Democrats, to start negotiations over how Trump's mass deportation plans, according to local media. While meeting with Adams, Homan said, “We traded ideas, we traded, strategies. He told me what he liked and didn’t like about immigration policies. ... There’s things we don’t agree on, but we agree on the most important things.” Separately, New York City officials this week announced continued efforts to shrink a huge emergency shelter system for migrants because of a steady decline in new arrivals. Among planned shelter closures is a massive tent complex built on a federally owned former airport in Brooklyn, which advocates warned could be a prime target for Trump's mass deportation plan. Elsewhere, Republican governors and lawmakers in some states are rolling out proposals that could help Trump carry out his promised deportations. Izaguirre reported from Albany, New York.KP CM removes Mashal Yousafzai as special assistant following interview on PTI protestsCVR Energy Announces Pricing of Proposed Senior Secured Term Loan B Facility, 2025 Capital Expenditure Outlook, New Employment Agreement with Dave Lamp
Kosovo arrests blast suspects, Serbia denies involvement
The Taipei District Prosecutors Office (TDPO) on Thursday Ko Wen-je, the former mayor of Taipei and leader of the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), for bribery and other corruption offenses in connection with a real estate development project known as the Core Pacific City redevelopment project. The prosecutors sought an imprisonment sentence of 28 years and six months for Ko Wen-je. Taipei’s prosecutors accused Ko Wen-je of accepting bribes exceeding $500.000 related to a property development project in Taipei during his tenure as the city’s mayor from 2018 to 2022. Additionally, Ko Wen-je was indicted for embezzling $2 million in political donations to pay the salaries of his campaign staff during the 2024 presidential election. Taipei’s District Chief Prosecutor Kao Yi-shu in a press conference that Wen-je violated his oath of office and Taiwanese law by accepting bribes. He added that authorities possessed sufficient evidence, including excuses and pretense, pointing out the politician’s poor attitude following the crime. The requested prison sentence for Ko Wen-je 15 years for bribery along with sentences of five years and six years for two cases of embezzlement and two and a half years for breach of public trust. These charges fall under and . In response, the TPP its leader’s indictment, asserting it is politically motivated. The party criticized the prosecutors for failing to provide evidence or a money trail to prove that Ko Wen-je received bribes and claimed that the proposed 28-year prison sentence was based on “fabricated charges”. Ko Wen-je is a Taiwanese politician who served as the mayor of Taipei from 2014 to 2022 and founded the in 2019. He was also the TPP’s candidate for the 2024 presidential election, which he lost to the current President Lai Ching-te. His indictment comes four months after his in August due to corruption suspicions in Taipei’s shopping center project, known as the . The prosecution office accused Ko Wen-je and several other officials of illegally increasing the floor area ratio of the Core Pacific City redevelopment project when he was mayor in collusion with the real-estate company to raise the property’s financial value. However, he was a few days after his arrest based on an order from the Taipei District Court due to a lack of evidence, as investigators could not prove that he was aware his decisions were illegal and that they benefited the developers. 38 Santee Sioux hanged by US for rebellion On December 26, 1862, 38 Santee Sioux men were hanged in a mass execution for their roles in a rebellion against US authorities in Minnesota which left hundreds dead and made refugees of some 40,000 white settlers.Government annuities promised under a treaty with the Sioux had failed to arrive on schedule and credit for purchases was not advanced in the meantime, threatening the tribe with starvation. The Santee Sioux Tribe's members were deported first to South Dakota and ultimately to Nebraska, where they remain today.Learn more about the . Louis XVI put on trial during French Revolution On December 26, 1792, Romain de Sèze, a defense attorney for deposed King Louis XVI, presented a defense of his client. The former King was on before a French Revolutionary court on thirty-three charges, including treason and other crimes against the state. He was convicted on January 15, 1793 executed by guillotine on the following January 21.None
Dallas, TX, Dec. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Game Day just got a whole lot better! Starting December 26, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit is rolling out its fan-favorite Game Day Packs , the perfect lineup to tackle any sports celebration. Each pack comes loaded with 24 pit-smoked wings tossed in your choice of sauce, two large sides, Texas Toast, ranch dressing, pickles, and onions —everything you need to score big on flavor. “Our pit-smoked wings deliver the authentic barbecue taste that Dickey’s is known for,” said Laura Rea Dickey , CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. “Whether you go for classic barbecue, tangy buffalo, or bold sriracha, we have a sauce that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser for your game day gathering.” And here’s the MVP offer: From December 26 through March 31, 2025 , Dickey’s Rewards members will earn double points for every Game Day Pack purchase. Not a member yet? Signing up for the Big Yellow Cup Rewards program is quick and easy, giving you the chance to save on future meals while enjoying game day favorites now. “Rewards programs are a win for both our guests and our brand,” said Roland Dickey, Jr., CEO of Dickey’s Capital Group. “This double-points promotion encourages loyalty while providing exceptional value. It’s the perfect way to reward our fans while they cheer on their favorite teams.” The Game Day Pack is a slam dunk for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a playoff watch party, celebrating the Super Bowl, or gearing up for March Madness. Packed with flavor and designed to share, these meals are an easy way to make every game day a winner. “Our loyalty program helps us connect with our guests in a meaningful way,” added Laura Rea Dickey. “According to industry research, loyalty programs are a top consideration for diners choosing an everyday dining option. By offering double rewards on our Game Day Packs, we’re giving guests another reason to choose Dickey’s for their sports celebrations.” Getting your hands on a Game Day Pack is easy. Order online at dickey’s.com or through the Dickey’s app. Members of the Big Yellow Cup Rewards program will automatically earn double points on qualifying purchases, making this promotion the ultimate play for flavor and savings. “Double the points and double the flavor—that’s what we’re all about with this promotion,” said Roland Dickey, Jr. “Game Day Packs bring people together for good food and good times, making every game day special.” Don’t fumble this opportunity to bring bold barbecue to your game day lineup. Order your Game Day Pack today and enjoy double the rewards all season long. About Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. Founded in 1941 by The Dickey Family, Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. is the world’s largest barbecue concept and continues as a third-generation family-run business. For over 80 years, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit has served millions with its signature Legit. Texas. Barbecue.TM Slow-smoked over hickory wood-burning pits, Dickey’s barbecued meats are paired with a variety of southern sides. Committed to authentic barbecue, Dickey’s never takes shortcuts—because real barbecue can’t be rushed. With over 866 restaurants across eight concepts in the U.S. and several countries, Dickey’s Barbecue Franchise and Dickey’s Restaurant Brands continues to grow under the leadership of Roland Dickey, Jr., CEO of Dickey’s Capital Group, and Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, Inc. Dickey’s has been recognized on Newsweek’s 2022 "America’s Favorite Restaurant Chains" list, Nation’s Restaurant News 2024 top fast-casual brands for value, and USA Today’s 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards. The brand has also ranked in the Top 20 of Fast Casual’s “Top 100 Movers and Shakers” for four of the past five years. Additional accolades include Entrepreneur's Top 500 Franchise and Hospitality Technology’s Industry Heroes list. The brand has been featured by Fox News, Forbes, Franchise Times, The Wall Street Journal, and People Magazine . For more information, visit www.dickeys.com . For information about becoming a franchise partner, visit www.dickeysfranchise.com . Attachment Pit Smoked Wings
CLEMSON, S.C. -- LaNorris Sellers' 20-yard touchdown run with 1:08 to play gave No. 16 South Carolina its sixth straight win, a 17-14 victory over 12th-ranked Clemson on Saturday. Sellers, a freshman in his first season as starter, finished with 166 yards rushing and two scores as the Gamecocks (9-3, 4-1 SEC, No. 15 CFP) continued a run that has seen them defeat four ranked opponents this month. Clemson (9-3, 5-2 ACC, No. 12) drove to the South Carolina 18 with 16 seconds left — well within reach of a tying field goal — when Cade Klubnik was intercepted by Demetrius Knight Jr. The Gamecocks, who were 3-3 after losing at Alabama in mid-October, have given the College Football Playoff selection committee plenty to consider with their second-half charge. Much of the credit goes to the maturing Sellers, who has played with poise under most circumstances. He shook off an early fumble and a late interception in this one as South Carolina won its second straight at rival Clemson. On his game-winning run, Sellers spun away from defender Peter Woods, moved right and cut to his left to reach the end zone. It was the latest amazing show put on Sellers, who twice rallied South Carolina in the fourth quarter in a 34-30 victory over Missouri two weeks ago, when he had career highs with 353 yards and five TD passes. The Tigers also were hoping to play their way into the CFP's 12-team field. But their offense had too many costly mistakes and their defense could not corral Sellers, who finished 13 of 21 passing for 164 yards. Still, there could be postseason hope for Clemson, which will cross its fingers and hope Syracuse can pull off an upset over No. 8 Miami later Saturday that would get the Tigers into the Atlantic Coast Conference title game next week against SMU. Both teams came in on highs, the Tigers having won three straight and the Gamecocks five in a row, including three consecutive over ranked opponents Texas A & M, Vanderbilt and Missouri. But neither team found its offensive rhythm in the opening half. Sellers was sacked by T.J. Parker and turned the ball over as Parker recovered with South Carolina inside the Clemson 20. The Tigers drove to the South Carolina 11 and turned down a chip-shot field goal to go for it on fourth-and-1. But Mafah was stopped way short by Jalon Kilgore and Knight. Klubnik had scoring runs of 13 and 18 yards for the Tigers. South Carolina: What a run by the Gamecocks, who before the season were picked 13th in the SEC and now may find themselves part of the national championship playoff field. Clemson: The Tigers lost to both ranked SEC opponents they faced this season, first to No. 1 Georgia to start the year and then to rival South Carolina. South Carolina and Clemson both await their postseason games. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football