Massive News for Nio Stock Investors!
Dealing with an ex over kids’ Christmas arrangements can be tricky... that’s putting it nicely. I did it for a decade and know that it’s often a total sh*tshow at a time of the year when the mental load is high, and tolerance levels are low. I recall the first time after our separation that I handed my three-year-old over to his dad for Christmas Day lunch. I had full care, so when my ex asked me for some time, of course, I agreed. But this was a man I left partly because he was a negligent parent; he smoked around our son – one day I even came across our 18-month-old chowing down on smokes after he discovered a packet on the kitchen bench. So suffice it to say I was a tad worried about what he’d be eating that day. *wry laugh In fact, I had a full-blown panic attack after he was collected. I’d never had one, so I called my mom, and she talked me down. But those hours waiting for him to return safely – with a dad who liked a drink, on a high-risk road safety day – were agony. I didn’t know how I was going to do it again next year. What I didn’t see coming is that I wouldn’t have to. By the time of the next Christmas, my ex was fully settled with a new partner, who had a large extended family. And we were one more year down the road of me with full care – a situation he never argued about. All of that meant was one, my ex had more important people to keep happy, and two, he was more accustomed than ever to not being fully involved with our kid. He asked to have him for a few hours on Boxing Day, and that was all. Over the years, the requests about Christmas, and the day especially, have varied, which was absolutely fine by me. I wasn’t going to encourage our son to spend time with someone he only intermittently saw, at such a special time. So this is a huge lesson I can share with you: Things change, kids change, needs change, jobs change: dynamics change. It’s very likely life won’t be like this forever. (I was lucky in that our situation mostly de-escalated over the years, so our safety increased. Of course, it’s very different for other families. I can only speak from my experience where family violence was resolved.) Do not panic, especially at Christmas, and on other special occasions, like birthdays and school holidays. Over time, the children will learn to speak up about what they want, and you’ll become more confident in advocating for them and yourself. Even when there are proper arrangements. Attitudes to shared care and co-parenting are not what they used to be. In many cases, children’s needs and preferences are heeded as much as possible. It is not just about the rights of the parent. Kids have rights, too. It is generally more accepted now that as kids get older, splitting time between homes becomes more challenging for them, and bonds can still be made and grow without mandates. You’ll see that your family doesn’t need to adhere to traditional ‘social norms’ and what works for some people might not be right for your situation. Whatever is agreed at the start just simply won’t be the same by the time they’re 16 – or likely much earlier. So my advice is if you’re handing your kids over at some point at Christmas this year... I understand it will be hard, but comfort yourself knowing it won’t be like this forever.Memphis beats No. 2 UConn 99-97 in overtime to tip off Maui Invitational
NoneSuperbuzz Announces Closing Of First Tranche Of Private Placement Of Special Warrants
ROHM’s PMICs for SoCs Adopted in Reference Designs for Telechips’ Next-Generation CockpitsJames May begs pub-goers to stop queuing for the bar as former Top Gear star brands the culprits 'un-British' for forming single file queues to get served
Greenland's leadership has expressed that the autonomous island will not be bought after President-elect Donald Trump expressed an interest in controlling the territory . "Greenland is ours. We are not for sale and will never be for sale. We must not lose our long struggle for freedom," Prime Minister Múte Egede said in a statement on Monday. Greenland's PM Mute Egede: Greenland is not for sale. pic.twitter.com/7RrEL71eYD On Sunday, Trump took to his social media app, Truth Social, to announce PayPal co-founder Ken Howery as his pick for US Ambassador to Denmark. In the post, he expresses the importance of American control over the territory of Greenland, reported the BBC. "For purposes of National Security and Freedom throughout the World, the United States of America feels that the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity," the President-elect wrote . "Ken will do a wonderful job in representing the interests of the United States." Howery responded to his own nomination by stating he was "deeply humbled," and that he hoped working with the U.S. embassy in Copenhagen and the U.S. consulate in Greenland would "deepen the bonds between our countries". While the island of Greenland is technically owned by Denmark, it operates autonomously under its own government. "We must not lose our long struggle for freedom," Egede continued in his statement. "However, we must continue to be open to cooperation and trade with the whole world, especially with our neighbors." Trump previously expressed an interest in controlling the autonomous territory in the past, even attempting to use the U.S.' positive relations with Denmark to achieve this goal. "Denmark essentially owns it. We're very good allies with Denmark. We protect Denmark like we protect large portions of the world," Trump said in 2019. "Strategically, it's interesting, and we'd be interested, but we'll talk to them a little bit. It's not number one on the burner," he continued. This provoked a response from Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who called the idea "absurd". "Greenland is not Danish. Greenland is Greenlandic. I persistently hope that this is not something that is seriously meant," Frederiksen said. Originally published by Latin Times.The Minnesota Wild’s in-game entertainment folks make sure that no matter what happens on the ice, home games are quite a spectacle of music and light. But after nearly a month, Wild forward Joel Eriksson Ek had done more than enough of watching the show. On Sunday, Eriksson Ek returned to the Wild lineup after missing the previous 11 games with a lower-body injury. “It’s never fun being injured. So yeah, happy to be back for sure,” said Eriksson Ek, following the team’s morning skate at TRIA Rink. During a Dec. 3 home win over Vancouver, Eriksson Ek left the ice during overtime after a collision with Canucks winger Jake DeBrusk. “I think we hit each other’s knees,” Eriksson Ek said. “So yeah, just an unlucky play.” The Wild went 5-6-0 with their top-line center missing, including a season-worst, four-game losing streak. While Kirill Kaprizov missed a second consecutive game and his third of the season on Sunday, Minnesota coach John Hynes struck an optimistic note about getting two-thirds of the team’s standard top line back together to face Ottawa. “It was nice that he had a full practice yesterday and feels good, so getting him back is obviously always a benefit,” he said. “With who he is as a player, who he is as a guy and what he means to our team, it’s good.” In 22 games with the Wild this season, Eriksson Ek has five goals and eight assists for 13 points, normally playing center between Kaprizov and Mats Zuccarello, when all three are healthy. That has been a rarity this season, as the trio has combined to miss 29 games among the 37 that the Wild have played. World Juniors 2026 prep underway While the Ottawa Senators were in Minnesota on Sunday, around two dozen folks from the State of Hockey are in Ottawa this week, attending the 2025 World Junior Hockey Championship and planning for a year from now when the world’s best young hockey talent comes to Minnesota. The Senators’ home rink and a secondary site in Ottawa are hosting the 2025 event, while starting in December 2025 the games will be played at 3M Arena at Mariucci in Minneapolis and Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. The Twin Cities last hosted the World Juniors — which is considered second only to the Olympics among global hockey events — in 1982, with the since-demolished Met Center used as one of the rinks. The group visiting Ottawa included officials from both local arenas, several people from Minnesota Sports and Events and Minnesota hockey legend Lou Nanne, who is one of the local ambassadors for the 2026 World Juniors.
NJIT defeats Morehead State 78-69On their third and final game of the Maui Invitational, the Cyclones had the cushion to hang loose for the final few minutes. Iowa State blew Colorado out 99-71 after splitting its first two games by narrow margins. Iowa State’s defense flummoxed the Buffaloes, who turned the ball over 18 times. The Cyclones converted those mistakes into points, dominating fastbreak points 22-4. On Iowa State’s first possession out of halftime, the Cyclones dialed up a screen to get Milan Momcilovic open in the corner. The sweet-shooting sophomore from Pewaukee, Wisconsin swished the shot to reach 21 points, a new career-high. He ties his mark from last season's game against Virginia Tech. Colorado forward Andrej Jakimovski (23) shoots against Iowa State forward Milan Momcilovic (22) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game at the Maui Invitational Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Lahaina, Hawaii. Momcilovoc scored 18 of his 24 points in the first half. He finished the game nine-of-13 from the field and six-of-9 from 3-point range. His shooting helped put the Cyclones up 45-34 at halftime. He scored back-to-back buckets in the first half to put ISU up 30-22, and the Cyclones led for the game's final 31:15. The top line of any opponent’s keys to beating Iowa State will read something like this: Hold onto the basketball. Live-ball turnovers killed Colorado on Wednesday and led to 37 Iowa State points (compared to 20 for Colorado). Iowa State guard Tamin Lipsey, left, goes up for a basket against Colorado guard Javon Ruffin (11) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game at the Maui Invitational Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Lahaina, Hawaii. Iowa State turned Colorado over 18 times. Point guard Tamin Lipsey made four steals while guard Nate Heise and forwards Brandt Chatfield and Dishon Jackson each went for two. Even though the Cyclones played their third game in less than 72 hours, they looked to push the ball down the floor each time they forced a turnover and created fastbreak looks. Iowa State forward Brandton Chatfield reacts after a basket by a teammate against Colorado during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game at the Maui Invitational Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Lahaina, Hawaii. Iowa State won 99-71. Don’t get discouraged by Iowa State’s fifth-place finish in the Maui Invitational. That’s a success. Iowa State head coach T. J. Otzelberger claps on the sideline during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Iowa State at the Maui Invitational Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Lahaina, Hawaii. Iowa State lost its opening game against Auburn and got sent to the loser’s bracket. Want to know who else got sent to the loser’s bracket? No. 2 UConn, the team defending back-to-back NCAA Championships. There’s a strong likelihood all eight teams in the field: UConn, Memphis, Colorado, Michigan State, Auburn, North Carolina, Dayton and Iowa State make the NCAA Tournament. So for Iowa State, this week was about seeing where it is at nationally after an The Cyclones looked fantastic in stretches against No. 4 Auburn and a Dayton team ranked No. 35 in the Kenpom rankings. Iowa State’s schedule continues to build in difficulty with a matchup at home against No. 10 Marquette on Dec. 4 (7 p.m. ESPN+). Get local news delivered to your inbox!Warren Buffett is marking the holiday season by donating $1.1 billion in stock to charities on Monday while he also made updates to his will. Buffett's Donations Buffett, the 94-year-old investing titan and chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, announced on Monday he will renew his Thanksgiving tradition of giving by donating $1.1 billion worth of Berkshire Hathaway stock to four of his family's foundations. This is not the first time Buffett has given sizable donations as he and his family began donating with the distribution of his late wife's $3 billion estate after her death in 2004. Donations grew after Buffett announced plans in 2006 to make annual gifts to the foundations run by his kids along with the one he and his wife started, as well as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. If Buffett and his first wife had never given away any of their Berkshire shares, the family's fortune would be worth nearly $364 billion, making him the world's richest man, but Buffett said he had no regrets about his giving over the years. To date, the Gates Foundation has received the lion's share—$55 billion—though Buffett's contributions will cease after his passing with his children taking the reins of his philanthropic mission. Updates to Buffett's Will New details have also been shared about the future of Buffett's $147 billion fortune, which will be distributed over a decade by his three kids following his death. In addition, while Buffett has long entrusted his three children—Howard, Peter and Susie—with the responsibility of successors he has now named undisclosed successors in case they are unable to fulfill the task due to the possibility his children could die before giving it all away. While he didn't identify the successors, he said his kids all know them and agree they would be good choices. "Father time always wins. But he can be fickle—indeed unfair and even cruel—sometimes ending life at birth or soon thereafter while, at other times, waiting a century or so before paying a visit," the 94-year-old Buffett said in a letter to his fellow shareholders. "To date, I've been very lucky, but, before long, he will get around to me. There is, however, a downside to my good fortune in avoiding his notice. The expected life span of my children has materially diminished since the 2006 pledge. They are now 71, 69 and 66." Buffett has said he still has no interest in creating dynastic wealth in his family and believes "hugely wealthy parents should leave their children enough so they can do anything but not enough that they can do nothing." This principle has shaped his family's legacy, as well as the massive fortune amassed through Berkshire Hathaway's savvy investments and compounding returns. Despite his extraordinary wealth, Buffett has famously led a modest lifestyle, residing in the same Omaha home for decades and avoiding extravagant displays of riches. "As a family, we have had everything we needed or simply liked, but we have not sought enjoyment from the fact that others craved what we had," he said. Meanwhile, Buffett also reiterated on Monday a key piece of advice to every parent to share their wills with family while still alive. This practice, he said, will help to make sure they have a chance to explain their decisions about how to distribute their belongings, as well as prevent any confusion and discord. Though Buffett remains at the helm of Berkshire Hathaway, he has delegated much of the company's operational duties. His chosen successor, Greg Abel, is poised to lead the conglomerate after Buffett's death, ensuring the continuity of the empire he built. This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.
Keep dreaming about that white Christmas, New York. The Big Apple was blanketed in a light layer of snow Tuesday morning, marking the first time in more than two decades there has been snow on Christmas Eve — but it won’t last. The sun is expected to break out for the festivities on Wednesday and bring in warmer temperatures, meaning the sprinkles of snow will mostly melt before dinner hits the table. “We hope you enjoyed it while it was here this morning,” FOX Weather meteorologist Stephanie van Oppen told The Post. One inch of snow was logged at Central Park Tuesday morning — the most that has fallen in the Big Apple on Christmas Eve since two inches dropped in 1998, van Oppen noted. The snow clouds quickly moved through the I-95 corridor and were pushed offshore before noon, taking with it any chance of snow falling on Christmas Day. Wednesday is forecasted to be sunny with a high of 35 degrees, meaning that an overnight dip into the high 20s won’t be enough to save the snow from melting away on the holiday. Temperatures are expected to rise to the 40s for the remainder of the week, with van Oppen forecasting that the chances of the Big Apple seeing snow for the remainder of the calendar year remain slim — but a snowless Christmas has become something New Yorkers are accustomed to. The metro area saw a light dusting on Christmas Day 2017, but the last time there was measurable snow for the holiday was in 2002, when 5 inches was dropped on the city. New Yorkers, however, were more than happy with the sprinkles that landed this year. “It’s more than we have had for so long — which is nothing!” Meagan Finn, 26, told The Post. “It’s not as much as I would have liked, but I’ll take it, I’ll enjoy it.” Social worker Susan Ginsberg shared the same sentiment, noting that she would have much preferred a blizzard: “But I’ll take anything, I’ll take this over nothing.” “It’s just peaceful and playful, and the fact that it is Christmas and people are with their families, it’s just hearkens back to family and childhood,” Ginsberg continued. “Every year, we hope that it will snow and it just hasn’t happened, but this year it was lovely to walk outside and see the snow on the ground.” Julian Gonsalves, 67, was reminded of the iconic holiday song, “I’m Dreaming of a white Christmas” upon waking up this morning, adding that his dream has come true after so many years. “Without snow, there is no Christmas. It’s a boring Christmas because snow is what makes Christmas,” the security guard said. “Forget about the food — It makes me feel like this is the true Christmas. This is what Christmas is about.” Jim Thornton and Emma Sherston of the UK nearly missed the rare snowfall — the couple extended their trip to the Big Apple because Thorton had a strong feeling the flakes would come for the holiday. “We’re really excited about a white Christmas, really excited! We are from the UK and this is the first white Christmas we’ve had in about 20 years. We don’t usually get snow until January or February, if we get snow at all. Usually, we just get rain and cloud,” Thorton said. “I think it just makes it feel like a more traditional Christmas than a cold grey day. I associate snow with Christmas, traditionally. We just don’t normally have it but we think about it.” The couple joked that they brought the snow to the city, with Sherston adding that seeing the white fluff brings “childish excitement.” “To wake up and it’s white outside, so different. It’s exciting, whatever age you are. It’s that childish excitement.”
China might need an additional 10 trillion yuan (US$1.4 trillion) to lift domestic consumption to restore investors’ confidence, according to HSBC Asset Management’s investment outlook for 2025. With another trade war looming with the US and a property sector that is showing no signs of a revival, China will need to seek growth by boosting domestic demand, said Caroline Yu Maurer, head of China and core Asia equities. She said 10 trillion yuan would be sufficient to stimulate consumer spending and restore investor confidence in Chinese stocks, adding that the cash injection does not have to happen in one go or in one year, but investors would like to see a path to get there. Since late September, Beijing has introduced a slew of measures to boost its economy, from cutting interest rates to lowering the down payment ratio for buying property. These efforts pushed Chinese stocks into a rally rarely seen in years. However, the bull run soon lost steam, as the much-anticipated stimulus for the ailing property market and sluggish consumer spending failed to have the desired effect. China’s benchmark CSI 300 Index has fallen by 10 per cent since a peak in mid-October, while the Hang Seng Index, which includes many big mainland Chinese companies, has lost nearly 17 per cent. 02:54 Trump threatens new anti-drug tariffs on ‘day 1’ for China, Canada, MexicoFact one: has transformed the way we enjoy our favorite songs, albums and podcasts, offering millions of tracks from virtually anywhere at your fingertips. Fact two: gone are the days of listening to filler because it's easier not to – is a playground chant that does its best to ruin the Beatles' – now you can listen to what you want, when you want. Heck, thanks to the streaming services' built-in algorithms, you can even open your horizons to stuff you've never heard of, instead of listening to for 94,584th time on the sly because Taylor Swift taught you how to feel. With so many options available, choosing the right service can feel overwhelming. Fear not, though – whether you’re an audiophile searching for the pristine sound quality that exposes Pulp's multi-channel mixing desk approach to , a completist seeking Frank Zappa's vast back catalog, or someone who wants great value for the whole -loving family, there’s a platform tailored to your needs. The best service for you depends a few things, including your budget, file quality preferences, device compatibility and whether you value personalized playlists or exclusive content. But we'll get to all of that. Relax, grab a mug or glass of something, and read on. Though and dominate the market in 2024, slightly more niche platforms such as and cater to specialized needs, such as high-resolution audio, specific sub-genres or even (whisper it) actual human advice, and relative newcomers and have their own offerings too. After extensive testing, we're going to break down the leading options, highlight key features, explore pricing tiers and evaluate extras that could sway your decision. Go ahead and (right in...) Each music streaming platform has its own unique strengths – and these might make choosing which is right for you all the easier. is the standout one-size-fits-all option, thanks to its robust free tier and exceptional personalization features like , Discover Weekly, and year-end . The service is ideal for users who love discovering new music and sharing playlists with friends on social media. , on the other hand, is perfect for those immersed in the Cupertino giant's ecosystem – so those that have an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or iPod – offering seamless integration with devices, lossless, hi-res and spatial audio, and expertly curated playlists. Love a bit of karaoke? Check out . It's free with your Music subscription and basically, it allows you to turn the vocal in almost any track right down... so that you can provide it! For audiophiles, delivers hi-fi-quality sound with its newly streamlined Individual plan, and also offers better artist royalties. is a no-brainer choice for Amazon Prime members, blending affordability with a growing library of HD and Ultra HD tracks, and excels in combining video content with audio, offering a unique appeal for those who enjoy discovering rare or niche tracks. Additionally, platforms like and Idagio cater to more specialized audiences, (people who know what they want, want it in hi-res, and can live without the social media stuff) providing high-resolution audio and a focus on classical music respectively. First up, library size and content variety are essential. Most major services boast catalogs of 80 to 100 million songs, but the availability of niche genres, podcasts (and increasingly video podcasts), live albums and other exclusive content can vary, and might make a difference. Sound quality is another crucial factor, especially if you’re an audiophile who enjoys the slightest background 'oooh' from Mick Jagger in . While most services provide standard streaming quality, platforms like Tidal and Qobuz stand out with high-resolution audio options. There have been long-term rumours of Spotify adding a HiFi service – and CEO Daniel Ek even confirmed a "deluxe" version was set to launch at some point – but so far we haven't seen it. Personalization and curated playlists can enhance your experience by helping you discover new music. Spotify is renowned for its algorithm-driven recommendations, while Apple Music emphasizes human-curated playlists from experts like DJs and artists. Device compatibility is also vital – your preferred service should work seamlessly across smartphones, smart speakers, gaming consoles and more. If you have an iPhone, Apple Music naturally integrates deeply, while Spotify works well more broadly. Offline listening is a must-have feature for travelers, and social features like playlist sharing and music discovery through friends add a layer of interactivity, with Spotify leading the charge. Pricing could be a significant factor when choosing a music streaming service. For those looking to save, Spotify and YouTube Music offer free ad-supported tiers, though these come with limitations such as lower audio quality and no offline listening. Premium plans now typically start at £9.99 or $9.99 per month, providing ad-free listening, offline downloads, and enhanced sound quality, although many services have raised prices in recent years due to inflation. Audiophile services including Tidal, Apple Music and Qobuz charge more for high-resolution audio (there's no free Apple Music tier – and the service ), but their offerings justify the extra cost for those who prioritise sound. Family plans are an excellent choice for households, offering multiple profiles for around £15 or $15 per month. Students can often enjoy discounted rates, with some services providing up to 50% off. (Here's , if you wanted that...) Bundles are also worth checking out: Amazon Music Unlimited is cheaper for Prime members, and Apple Music can be included in the Apple One subscription bundle. Many services offer free trials lasting one, three or even six months, making it easy to explore features before committing, and there may well be deals around during the holiday season. Beyond obvious differences such as price and device compatibility, there are several other things to consider. Exclusive content is a significant draw for some users. Spotify leads the way with its popular podcasts and artist exclusives, while Apple Music offers live radio and unique releases. Smaller platforms can also sometimes offer exclusive content. Podcasts and video content are increasingly important for modern streaming services. Spotify integrates podcasts seamlessly, while YouTube Music shines with its blend of video and audio. Some platforms also cater to niche audiences, such as Idagio for classical music enthusiasts or Bandcamp for those who prefer supporting independent artists by buying (and streaming) music directly. User experience is another factor. A clean interface, intuitive navigation and reliable search functionality can significantly enhance your enjoyment of the service and make discovering new music easier. Put Taylor down, you don't need to listen to her . Ultimately, the best music streaming service depends on your personal priorities and preferences, principally among them what content you want to listen to. If you value personalized playlists and social features, Spotify remains a top choice. Apple Music is a natural fit for users in the Apple ecosystem, offering high-quality audio and excellent device integration. Audiophiles might gravitate toward Tidal or Qobuz for their superior sound quality, while budget-conscious listeners might prefer Amazon Music Unlimited or YouTube Music for their affordability and unique offerings. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The ideal service for you will depend on your sound quality needs, content preferences, and budget. Do you have one of the that supports AirPlay? That's an Apple Music thing; it works using your wi-fi to give you better quality audio. It's worth checking the spec sheet of the speaker (or speakers) you have, to better understand what might work best for you. Or, if you've just signed up for Apple Music and want to really make your playlists sing (any Bluetooth speaker will play files from your service over Bluetooth, but your home wi-fi offers better bandwidth and thus, improved audio) our guide to the is the place to head. Free trials are an excellent way to explore your options and find the platform that resonates most with your listening habits. Spotify is the biggest service around, but there are plenty of reasons to pick another option – including hi-res audio and spatial audio content, as well as wireless speakers that support AirPlay or Tidal connect, say. Happy discovering!
YWCA Clinton offers seniors guidance to activate free gym membershipsCricket: Nigeria, Botswana secure spots in 2025 Africa Regional T20 World Cup Qualifier Final
In the first round of Croatia's presidential election, incumbent president Zoran Milanovic secured the highest vote percentage with 49.1%, just shy of the required majority. Consequently, Milanovic will face Dragan Primorac, who garnered 19.35% of the vote, in a second-round election set for January 12. Milanovic, representing the opposition Social Democrats, was outspoken against the current government led by the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ). Nevertheless, he delivered a conciliatory message, pledging to support the government during uncertain times and emphasizing his vision for a Croatia with strong national interests. The HDZ-backed candidate, Primorac, sees the upcoming runoff as a pivotal opportunity to draw support from right-wing voters whose preferences were split among other candidates in the initial round. Around 3.8 million Croatians were eligible to vote, with a turnout of 46%, according to official data. (With inputs from agencies.)
U.S. senator says mysterious drones spotted in New Jersey should be 'shot down, if necessary'
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The guy on the Philly sports talk radio station had something to say, and he started to vent about the perceived strained relationship between star quarterback Jalen Hurts and standout wide receiver A.J. Brown. Why weren’t these two Pro Bowl Eagles on the same page? Why had their personal and professional relationship changed even with Philadelphia enjoying tremendous success? It was football gossip usually ripe for a hot-take host or fed-up fan to stir up on the air — only in this instance, the temperature check came from inside the locker room. Normally respected team leader Brandon Graham, who is sidelined with a triceps injury, noted in a radio appearance that “ things have changed ” between Hurts and Brown in the wake of a stale passing game in last week’s win over Carolina. An apologetic Graham walked back his comments. Hurts and Brown both insisted their relationship was cool in front of media hordes more appropriate for the Super Bowl. As for the rest of the Eagles, they were ready to squash the so-called controversy. “We are moving on,” offensive lineman and Christmas song crooner Jordan Mailata said. “It is the Pittsburgh Steelers this week. Not the A.J. Brown and Jalen Show. It is the Pittsburgh Steelers. That’s it.” Oh yeah, the Steelers! Lost in the brouhaha ignited in a Philly sports bar is the fact that sitting — and winning — on the western side of Pennsylvania are the Steelers (10-3). Unlike most matchups in series history, this one Sunday at the Linc comes with the tantalizing appeal of a potential Super Bowl preview. The Steelers have won seven of eight, and the Eagles (11-2) have won nine straight and could clinch the NFC East with a win and a Washington loss or tie. It's the first time the teams — among the original eight NFL teams — will play each other when they both have a double-digit win total. Both teams are in strong position for a playoff run — the Eagles led by Saquon Barkley and his pursuit of Eric Dickerson's NFL season rushing record; Russell Wilson and the soft-schedule Steelers atop the AFC North in large part thanks to six wins against teams that currently have losing records. “I do like playing really good people, I think there's growth in it,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. “You've got to get the job done. But man, I think there's significant growth in pitting your collective talents and skills versus big-time opponents and they're certainly that.” Will the drama out of Philly this week affect the Eagles? They certainly don't think so and neither do the oddsmakers — the Eagles are 5 1/2-point favorites, per BetMGM. “What I’ve noticed about this football team is they’re so locked in and determined to get better each day,” Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said. “We don’t really want anyone else talking to us about anything other than the Pittsburgh Steelers.” Good luck with that, Coach. Maybe playing the Steelers on Sunday at home can snap the Eagles out of their offensive malaise. Hurts threw three TD passes to Brown in a 35-13 win in 2022. Barkley watch Barkley leads the NFL in rushing with 1,623 yards, 216 yards ahead of Baltimore’s Derrick Henry. He is averaging 124.8 yards per game. At that pace, and with one more game to play than Dickerson had, he would become the top single-season rusher in NFL history. He needs 483 yards over the final four games to top Dickerson’s 40-year-old record. Barkley is on pace for 2,122 yards, which would put him just 17 yards beyond Dickerson’s 2,105 in 1984. Barkley doesn’t need much of a reminder from his 2020 performance when, while playing for the New York Giants, he ran into a Pittsburgh defense that seemed reminiscent of its famed Steel Curtain. The Steelers held Barkley to 6 yards on 15 carries. Bye, George The Steelers will have to find a way forward against the NFL’s toughest defense without wide receiver George Pickens, who will miss his second straight game with a hamstring injury. Pittsburgh survived last week against Cleveland, with Mike Williams and Scotty Miller — afterthoughts of late — coming off the bench to make an impact. While Tomlin believes “the strength of the pack is the pack,” the reality is the Steelers don’t have anyone who can stretch the field like Pickens, who leads the team in receptions (55) and yards (850) by a wide margin. It’s a challenge, but considering the way Wilson has spread the ball around — eight players caught passes against the Browns — he won’t lack for options. “Everybody in the receiver room has a different skill set, different strengths,” Calvin Austin III said. “The coaching staff knows that and they know how to put us in position to be able to show that.” Playoff preview The cross-state trip to Philadelphia, where the Steelers haven’t won in nearly 60 years, is the start of an 11-day stretch in which Pittsburgh faces three teams likely bound for the playoffs. While Tomlin is leaning into the “nameless, gray faces” mantra he uses for every opponent, his players know facing the Eagles, Ravens and Chiefs in such a short period is a litmus test for what’s to come in January. “That’s why I’m in the league, period,” linebacker Patrick Queen said. “When you sign up to play football, you want to play at the highest level. ... I love to play the game the right way. I think these next few games is going to show that and it starts with the Eagles.” ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Dan Gelston, The Associated PressConners, Tate lead Appalachian State over Sam Houston 66-63