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PITTSBURGH (AP) — The decorations outside Acrisure Stadium suggested Christmas. The play on the field by the home team hinted at another holiday entirely. Groundhog Day. Like Bill Murray in the iconic movie — set about 90 minutes northeast of Pittsburgh in Punxsutawney — it’s not that the Steelers are reliving the same day (or in their case, season) over and over exactly. It’s that no matter what plan they come up with in a frantic effort to get to the other side, they seem to end up right back where they started. Competitive sure. But a contender? Ehhhh. Despite a series of aggressive moves — particularly on offense — that was considerably “unSteeler-like” in the offseason, Pittsburgh finds itself in familiar territory following a 29-10 loss to Kansas City on Wednesday: likely heading on the road in the first round of the playoffs, perhaps as a considerable underdog. While there is still time for Pittsburgh (10-6) to turn it around before a first-round playoff game on the second weekend in January, it’s running out quickly. So too is the patience of those weary of being stuck on the treadmill of “good but hardly great” for far too long. RELATED COVERAGE Lions try to close in on NFC’s top seed when they visit the eliminated 49ers Penix and the Falcons at Daniels and the Commanders in prime-time meeting of 1st-round rookie QBs Texans look for answers after embarrassing 31-2 home loss to the Ravens Outside linebacker Alex Highsmith — who is 0-3 in the postseason since being drafted in 2020 — wondered aloud afterward if there’s enough “want to” on the roster. Safety DeShon Elliott bemoaned communication issues that have cropped up, the kind of thing that is tolerable in Week 2, not so much in Week 17. Coach Mike Tomlin described a performance against the Chiefs in which his team was outclassed at seemingly every turn “junior varsity.” That may be being charitable. And while the offense certainly has its issues (see below), the reality is the NFL’s highest-paid defense has lost its way during a three-game slide that has dimmed the considerable optimism that surrounded the club after Thanksgiving. Pittsburgh is allowing an average of 402 yards during the skid and while the Chiefs seemed to have plenty of juice at the end of the same three games in 11 days stretch the Steelers endured, their opponents appeared to be gassed. Patrick Mahomes did whatever he wanted as usual and Pittsburgh failed to get a single sack or produce a turnover. There were opportunities. Linebacker Mark Robinson forced a fumble on a punt return only to see someone in red-and-white fall on the loose ball. Linebacker Patrick Queen let a tipped pass in Kansas City territory fall through his arms for an incompletion. Earlier in the season, Pittsburgh was making those plays. Though it should be noted, the competition then wasn’t on the scale of what it has faced against Philadelphia, Baltimore and the two-time defending Super Bowl champions. The road has gotten considerably harder, just as the Steelers knew it would when the schedule was released in May. Like Phil Connors in “Groundhog Day,” however, knowing what’s coming and being able to navigate it are two different things. It took Connors a while to figure things out — anywhere from a few months to 25 or more years depending on who you ask — Pittsburgh doesn’t have eternity to get it right if it wants to avoid a quick first-round playoff exit for the fourth time in five years. It has just over two weeks. And the clock is ticking. Maybe all the way back to 6 a.m. Because it sure looks like it’s Groundhog Day. Again. What’s working Not much. One of the few bright spots on a difficult day was the 36-year-old Russell Wilson’s ability to make plays with his feet. He ran for a season-high 55 yards, his best single-game total since September 2023. What needs help One of the reasons Wilson had to run is because on some plays, he had no choice while playing behind a youth-laden offensive line that looks as if it is wearing down late in the season. The Chiefs sacked Wilson five times — some of which, to be clear, were because of Wilson’s indecisiveness — even with perennial Pro Bowl defensive end Chris Jones out while nursing a calf injury. Pittsburgh wants to be a team that imposes itself physically on the opponent. That has simply not happened during the current slide. The opponents have dictated the terms, particularly along the line of scrimmage. Turning that around this deep into a season may be a difficult ask. Stock up Jaylen Warren is becoming the more dynamic option at running back. Warren has 37 touches for 212 yards during the three-game slide, while Najee Harris has 31 touches for 144 yards. Harris could become a free agent in March after the Steelers declined to pick up his fifth-year option. While Harris — who has topped 1,000 yards rushing in each of his first four seasons — certainly has a future in the NFL, it seems increasingly likely that it will be elsewhere. Stock down Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. His egalitarian approach to play-calling allows everyone to get involved. That’s not a bad thing during the dog days in the middle of the season. It keeps players at all levels of the depth chart engaged and adds wrinkles opponents need to account for. Yet in the final weeks, the ball should be finding its way to the established difference-makers more frequently. Calling a run for Cordarrelle Patterson — the league’s oldest running back — on third-and-3 near midfield as Smith did late in the first half makes little sense. Injuries Perhaps the most jarring thing about Pittsburgh’s swoon is that the Steelers are generally healthy. Sure, they missed cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (knee) against Kansas City, but the rest of the 21 starters on offense and defense were in the lineup. Key number 0. The number of opening-drive touchdowns scored by the Steelers this season. For a group that has trouble “warming up to the game” as Tomlin likes to say, consistently being put in a position to play from behind against quality teams such as the ones Pittsburgh will see in the playoffs is inadvisable. Next steps Rest up, heal up and try to find a way to restore some of its swagger ahead of a meeting with AFC North rival Cincinnati on the first weekend in January. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflTraffic citations against Dolphins' Tyreek Hill dismissed after officers no-show at hearing
Artificial intelligence is expected to lead to human workforce reductions , but what about work-life balance? Speaking with BloombergTV in October 2023, JPMorgan Chase & Co. CEO Jamie Dimon noted how AI is already here and being used by thousands of his employees. Like many technology advancements, AI will eliminate jobs, but it may come with benefits for the worker, he said. “Your children are going to live to 100 and not have cancer because of technology,” Dimon previously told Bloomberg TV. “And literally they’ll probably be working three-and-a-half days a week.” His worry with the technology, he said, is that it is used "by bad people to do bad things." What is generative AI? Benefits, pitfalls and how to use it in your day-to-day. Dimon's view of AI counters usual doom and gloom Dimon is the CEO of JPMorgan Chase & Co., one of the largest banks in the world. He is worth $2.6 billion according to Forbes . Dimon has previously said that AI will bring changes comparable to "the printing press, the steam engine, electricity, computing and the Internet." But the boom in popularity of AI over the last few years has stoked concern about rapid innovation without guardrails and job loss. An IMF report found that 40% of jobs worldwide will be affected by machine learning, according to the World Economic Forum. But Dimon's comments indicate he sees some of those impacts as positive. He listed off a few ways his employees have been incorporating AI, like idea generation and note-taking. "People have to take a deep breath, okay? Technology's always replaced jobs," Dimon said. "It will add a huge value. And for JPMorgan, if it replaces jobs, then we hope to redeploy people." Kinsey Crowley is a trending news reporter at USA TODAY. Reach her at kcrowley@gannett.com, and follow her on X and TikTok @kinseycrowley.
Emboldened by the view from the top of the NFC North, the Detroit Lions are out to eliminate nightmare holiday gatherings when the Chicago Bears come to town Thursday for a lunchtime division duel. The Lions (10-1) are streaking one direction, the Bears (4-7) the other in the first matchup of the season between teams on opposite ends of the division. Riding a nine-game winning streak, their longest since a 10-game streak during their first season in Detroit in 1934, the Lions are burdened by losses in their traditional Thanksgiving Day game the past seven seasons. Three of the defeats are courtesy of Chicago. The Bears and Lions get together for the 20th time on Thanksgiving -- the Bears have 11 wins -- this week in the first of two meetings between the teams in a 25-day span. Detroit goes to Soldier Field on Dec. 22. "I think there's two things," Campbell said of the Thanksgiving losing streak. "Number one -- Get a W. And it's a division win that's why this huge. Number two is because the players are going to get a couple of days off. So, they have family, friends in, it'd be nice to feel good about it when you're with everybody because it's just not real fun. It's not real fun to be around." Detroit (10-1) owns the best record in the NFC but the Lions aren't even assured of a division title. Minnesota sits one game behind them and Green Bay is two games back. The Bears (4-7) sit in last place and would likely need to run the table to have any chance of making the playoffs. The Lions have been dominant in all phases and haven't allowed a touchdown in the past 10 consecutive quarters. Detroit's offense ranks first in points per game (32.7) and second in total yardage (394.3) The Lions defense has not given up a touchdown in the last 10 quarters. Rookie placekicker Jake Bates has made all 16 of his field goal attempts, including four from 50-plus yards over the past three games. Chicago shows up in a foul mood. The Bears are saddled with a five-game losing streak and Chicago's defense has been destroyed for nearly 2,000 total yards in the last four games. The Bears failed to reach the 20-point mark four times in five outings since they last won a game. In their latest defeat, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and the offense perked up but they lost to Minnesota in overtime, 30-27. "We have to play complementary football for us to be able to win these games," coach Matt Eberflus said. "The games we have won, we have done that. The games we have been close we've missed the mark a little bit. Over the course of the year, it's been one side or the other, this side or that side. In this league you have to be good on all sides to win. That's what we are searching for." Williams threw for 340 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. The wide receiver trio of DJ Moore, Keenan Allen and Romeo Odunze combined for 21 receptions and two touchdowns while tight end Cole Kmet caught seven passes. "What I've been impressed with is just how he has grown," Campbell said. "He has grown every game but these last two I really feel like he's taken off and what they're doing with him has been really good for him and he just looks very composed. He doesn't get frazzled, plays pretty fast, and he's an accurate passer, big arm, and he's got some guys that can get open for him." Detroit's banged-up secondary could be susceptible against the Bears' veteran receivers in their bid to pull off an upset on Thursday. The Lions put two defensive backs on injured reserve in the past week and top cornerback Carlton Davis isn't expected to play due to knee and thumb injuries. Detroit offensive tackle Taylor Decker (knee) and top returner Kalif Raymond (foot) are also expected to miss the game, though Campbell expressed optimism that running back David Montgomery (shoulder), formerly of the Bears, would play. Bears safety Elijah Hicks was listed as a DNP for Tuesday's walkthrough. --Field Level Media
The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has announced a by-election for Pambashe Constituency in Kawambwa District, Luapula Province. This follows the conviction of Patriotic Front (PF) Member of Parliament Ronald Chitotela, which led to the Speaker of the National Assembly declaring the seat vacant. Aspiring candidates must submit nomination papers on Tuesday, 7th January 2025, between 09:00 hours and 15:00 hours. Campaigns will begin on Wednesday, 8th January 2025, and end on Wednesday, 5th February 2025, at 18:00 hours. Candidates are required to have their nomination papers attested by authorized personnel and pay a non-refundable nomination fee as outlined by ECZ. Polling will take place on Thursday, 6th February 2025, from 06:00 hours to 18:00 hours. ECZ has urged voters in Pambashe Constituency to participate actively, emphasizing that every vote plays a vital role in shaping the future of their community. The Commission also reminded stakeholders to adhere to electoral guidelines and ensure peaceful campaigns. This by-election will fill an important National Assembly seat and significantly impact Zambia’s political landscape ahead of the next general election. For more information on the Electoral Commission of Zambia and upcoming elections, visit the official ECZ website . One after another by elections when the country is grappling with load shedding for Last one year and many challenges does not Go well for zambians.Environmental diplomacy Fortunately, after a decade’s struggle with smog, Pakistani Punjab has understood the urgency of climate action The art of downplaying a dilemma or a disaster has been mastered by Pakistani politicians. They have done so in the past – and continue this trend with the ongoing smog disaster. The public, unfortunately, mirrors this insensitivity. During Covid-19 lockdowns, people turned the streets into sightseeing tours with their families. Now, when Punjab’s government closed schools to safeguard children and reduce emissions, parents were seen taking their children to parks. This mutual insensitivity is exacerbating an already dire crisis. For a crisis like this, we need to have clarity and a united front. For far too long, developed nations have denied billions across the globe, in South Asian countries like Pakistan in particular, the right to a future safeguarded by climate-conscious actions. We are pretty much aware of a dark reality: our world has known weather warfare before. In the past, it was deliberate – an act of war. But if, today, developed nations refuse to extend a hand to regions like ours, then – while unintended – the outcome will be no less destructive. Make no mistake: this is not just an environmental crisis; this is climate warfare. And it is more dangerous than Fifth Generation Warfare and more unpredictable than any nuclear conflict. This requires stronger collaborations in the shape of regional climate diplomacy, partnerships that cross borders, and a commitment that transcends politics. South Asian countries like India and Pakistan have strived on every possible stage: economic front, sports arenas, and technological innovations. Competition is essential; it is survival. But there is one stage where competition must cease and cooperation must prevail: climate action. In this fight for our shared future, we cannot afford divisions, pride, or reluctance. The partnership between India and Pakistan would be of key importance, if it happens. Similarly, time is of the essence. Fortunately, after a decade’s struggle with smog, Pakistani Punjab has understood the urgency of climate action through Chaudhry Rehmat Ali’s Now or Never, and we expect our neighbour to do the same as Nehru’s Now or Never. This climate diplomacy is far greater than opening onion trade between the two countries – because climate is the new peace dialogue of the millennium. Climate is no longer just a part of any economy – it is our economy. Climate is no longer just another branch of governance - it is a mode of governance now. Climate should be our unbreakable stance on sustainability. To realise this vision, Punjab has crafted an all-encompassing climate policy: the Climate Resilient Punjab Vision and Action Plan 2024. This powerful declaration is a blueprint for action, grounded in the urgency of the moment and infused with the spirit of resilience. Time-sensitive initiatives of supreme significance have already been taken up with full funding from the Government of Punjab. Key components of this framework are set in motion, and every target is backed by the resources to make it real. Punjab is investing in climate finally. This policy plan was developed in close coordination with international bodies, organisations, donor agencies, stakeholders, and civil society, and now the most populous province is in a condition to collaborate, to create and adopt joint strategic actions that go beyond borders. We have already suffered for environmental crimes we didn’t commit. Pakistan doesn’t contribute even one per cent to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, yet, due to the actions of others, we are among the five most vulnerable nations to climate change. We, the citizens, call upon all our neighbours to come forward and work with us. You have a tremendous stake in this. I fully support exploring the universe and finding new planets to live on. But let’s not forget to fix the planet we already call home. The writer is a freelance journalist. He has also served as media adviser to the World Bank and Unicef-funded healthcare and tourism related projects in Punjab. He tweets/posts @EAAgop
It might've been Christmas, but it sure feels like Groundhog Day for the reeling Steelers
New York Giants star rookie wideout Malik Nabers (toe) missed practice Thursday and termed himself a game-day decision. He also is unsure if he will be able to participate on Friday. The Giants host the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. "I'm hoping so, it all depends on how it feels tomorrow, that's really it," Nabers said Thursday. Nabers, 21, has been one of the few bright spots for the Giants and leads the team with 97 receptions for 969 yards and four touchdown catches in 13 games (12 starts). Selected sixth overall out of LSU, Nabers has caught 10 or more passes on three occasions but has just one touchdown catch over the past 10 games. Though the Giants (2-13) are mired in a franchise-worst 10-game losing streak, Nabers isn't down about the situation. "We're happy where we're at," Nabers said. "Continue to grow every day. A lot of things to fix, a lot of things we can look back on in our rookie year and continue to try to get better for next year." In addition to Nabers, running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (ankle), center John Michael Schmitz (ankle), linebacker Micah McFadden (neck), cornerbacks Greg Stroman (shoulder/shin) and Dee Williams (toe) and safety Raheem Layne (knee) sat out practice Thursday. Quarterback Drew Lock (right shoulder) was a limited participant. --Field Level MediaCould your kids be working 3.5-day weeks thanks to AI? One CEO's projection