Metro Vancouver’s public transit provider showed off its winter preparations Monday, ahead of what’s expected to be a more severe season than in previous years. TransLink announced plans to increase the use of winter tires, deploy more buses with improved performance in slippery conditions, and implement new anti-icing solutions for overhead trolley wires — among other initiatives. President and General Manager of Coast Mountain Bus Company, Michael McDaniel, says it will be all “hands on deck” to keep Metro Vancouver moving. Coast Mountain will equip 600 TransLink buses with Michelin ‘Grip D’ tires — approximately 40 per cent of the fleet, and 100 more than last year. “We would expand more if the supplier had more supplies. This is a well-sought-after tread pattern right now across our country and in North America, so we are getting as many as we can,” said McDaniel. He says articulated buses — the extra-long vehicles with accordion-folding centres — can be difficult to control on slippery winter roads and often get pulled from deployment and replaced by lower-capacity buses. But this year, the company is launching 16 new articulated buses with “centre drive axles.” The company also uses an anti-icing solution on the overhead wires used by trolley buses. If that fails, the buses are equipped with brass cutters that slice ice as they go. Even with the new technology, McDaniel says the buses are only as good as the roads where they drive. “That’s why, just like every year, we have direct communication with each municipality. So that they can understand what our priority areas are, and they can help clear those.” TransLink says snow and ice are a problem for SkyTrains too, but it runs trains overnight and specialty trains throughout the day to help keep the tracks clear. The director of operations for SkyTrain and the West Coast Express, Will Steep, says employees monitor the front of trains and are ready to de-ice doors that get frozen shut. “As I’m sure many of you have seen, many of our staff use hockey sticks to do this because they are the perfect shape for removing snow from between the door and the body of the train. Having staff ready at station platforms to clear snow from the train doors has proven really effective and also allows us to have more employees on the ground ready to give customers directions as they need,” said Steep. During days of inclement weather, TransLink is urging riders to build in extra travel time and plan commutes using their Trip Planner app.
SEATTLE (AP) — The Seattle Seahawks rode their dominant defense to a big win over a division rival to vault into first place in the NFC West. No, it isn’t 2013. These are the 2024 Seahawks, who, after struggling mightily against the run earlier this season, held the visiting Arizona Cardinals to 49 rushing yards in Sunday's 16-6 victory . The defensive line kept Kyler Murray under consistent pressure thanks to a dominant performance from Leonard Williams, the secondary flew around to smack away passes, and safety Coby Bryant scored on a 69-yard pick-6. Sunday's defensive performance was reminiscent of the Seahawks of a decade ago and a promising sign that first-year coach Mike Macdonald’s system is starting to click. Macdonald, who coordinated Baltimore's NFL-best defense last year, was leading one of the worst rush defenses in the league earlier this season. But Seattle consistently stuffed the Cardinals, who came in as the fifth-best running team in the league at 149.4 yards per game. “Three games in a row now we played pretty decent on defense,” Macdonald said. “There is an expectation and standard here throughout the course of our Seahawks history that we’re trying to live up to and build on. So that’s the idea.” At 6-5, the Seahawks drew even with the Cardinals in the tightly bunched division. The teams play each other again in two weeks at Arizona. Last month's trade for linebacker Ernest Jones IV has clearly paid off. Seattle hasn't allowed a running back to rush for more than 79 yards since its Week 8 loss to Buffalo, which was Jones' first game in a Seahawks uniform. He has led the team in tackles in every game he's played and has helped resurrect the run defense. The Seahawks' run game continues to underperform. Seattle got 65 yards on the ground Sunday, with the Cardinals holding Kenneth Walker III to 41 yards on 16 attempts. Zach Charbonnet had 22 yards on six carries. Walker hasn’t topped 100 yards since Week 1. Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb needs to think of something different to get the running backs involved. Williams single-handedly disrupted the Cardinals with 2 1/2 sacks, four quarterback hits, three tackles for loss and one pass defensed. “I thought he was dominant,” Macdonald said. “I knew he played great and then I looked at the stat line and he played out of his mind.” The Seahawks finished with five sacks, seven quarterback hits, five tackles for loss and six pass deflections against the Cardinals, shutting down a team that had averaged 29.3 points over its previous three games. Geno Smith finished with 254 yards passing and a touchdown, but he threw another momentum-stalling interception. Smith was picked off on a third-and-6 play on the Arizona 18-yard line at the start of the fourth quarter, ending an 11-play, 73-yard drive. Smith has an NFL-most 12 interceptions this season, more than in either of his previous two seasons as the Seahawks' full-time starter. “That was a huge drive for us. ... Obviously made a terrible mistake down there, something I got to clean up,” Smith said. “But it was a big drive. We wanted to put the game ahead at least two scores.” The offensive line has contributed to the problem. Guard Anthony Bradford left with an ankle injury, and the line struggled to protect Smith, who was sacked five times. Macdonald said Bradford is expected to miss next week's game. 77 — Jaxon Smith-Njigba led the team with six catches for 77 yards and a touchdown, marking the fourth consecutive game that Smith-Njigba has led the team in receptions. He topped 100 yards receiving in the previous two games. “He’s getting open,” Smith said. “He’s catching the ball. He’s doing a great job in the screen game. All-around great player. I just think the way that teams are playing us coverage-wise, I feel like it’s the ultimate sign of respect.” The Seahawks play at the struggling New York Jets on Sunday. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflMark Few likes No. 3 Gonzaga's toughness after win over future Pac-12 'partner' SDSU
ENGLEWOOD — Nik Bonitto is a friend to his community and a nightmare to opposing quarterbacks. The Broncos outside linebacker volunteered last week for two hours at an event he organized with Food Bank of the Rockies to provide about 200 families with complete Thanksgiving meals. Bonitto personally handed out turkeys, stuffing and produce to food insecure Aurora residents seeking help around the holidays. “I feel like around this time of the year is the time for giving. I just wanted to do my part for the community. Do whatever I can,” Bonitto told The Denver Gazette after practice at Broncos Park. “I’m thankful for everything. Just life in general.” Bonitto wants to share. Because he’s eating well for the Broncos. Their third-year pro and second-round draft pick (Oklahoma) has joined the NFL’s elite pass rushers. Last week, in a road win over the Raiders, Bonitto strip-sacked Las Vegas quarterback Desmond Ridder for his 10th sack of the season. “Nik, since I got here, has always helped me with pass rush. It’s something he’s comfortable with, as you can tell. He’s always picking on it and really getting into the detail with it,” rookie outside linebacker Jonah Elliss said. “Obviously, it’s his speed. His feel for where the quarterback is on the field is elite. It’s something that’s unique. He’s rushing against his tackle, but he always knows where the quarterback is (located).” It made Bonitto the first double-digit Broncos sacker since 2018; going back to Von Miller (14.5) and Bradley Chubb (12). He's got five more games — starting at home Monday night against the Browns — to keep building on his breakout year. Did Bonitto envision reaching 10 sacks this season? “I always definitely knew I could do it. I don’t know if this makes sense. But it still doesn’t feel real. You know what I’m saying?” Bonitto told The Denver Gazette. “Just being able to say I did it, it’s still kind of funny to say. But I definitely had the confidence.” Bonitto’s path to NFL success is a lesson in patience. He was a four-star linebacker prospect from St. Thomas Aquinas High School (Ft. Lauderdale) who chose Oklahoma over Florida, Georgia, Illinois and others. But the Sooners redshirted Bonitto as a freshman. He stuck with it to be named second-team All American (AP) in 2020 and second-team All-Big 12 section in 2021. He posted 18.5 career sacks at OU. “I feel like really going back to high school, too. Going to the school I went to, there were always guys that were five stars and four stars ahead of me. To just continue the process, keep going, wait my turn. ... In college, having to do the same thing with redshirting. Being able to develop and keep getting better to the point where I could play. Obviously, the same thing here. It’s a process with everything. You can’t really get discouraged. I know I’ve been through it a lot in my life. Cleveland Browns WR Jerry Jeudy says 'it's time to perform' against the Broncos in Monday's return “So, it never kind of phased me.” NFL production didn’t happen overnight, either. Bonitto started in five games over his first two seasons. What changed in Year 3? “His improvement really came through the run game,” defensive coordinator Vance Joseph said. “The more you can play, the more chances you can rush. If you’re only ... a rusher, we can’t play you every down. As Nik improves, he’s gotten strong in the run game. He’s playing the run very well. That’s allowed him to have more rushes. Being a firmer player on the edge has allowed him to rush more often. Now his special trait has shown and that’s pass rushing. ... Obviously with multiple rushes, he is going to win his share.” Bonitto’s other special trait — kindness — was on display in Aurora last week. It began a few years ago when ex-Broncos safety Kareem Jackson first partnered with Food Bank of the Rockies to distribute Thanksgiving food. The Broncos released Jackson last December. That’s when Bonitto decided to take over the charitable effort. “What really resonated for us was the time that he took to be able to do something like this for our community,” said Joanna Wise, press relations manager at Food Bank of the Rockies. “Not only did it mean a lot to our neighbors who were able to attend that event, but I think it was also a great way for him to be able to his platform to raise awareness about the issue of hunger and hopefully inspire some other community members to get involved this holiday season.” Broncos outside linebacker Nik Bonitto (center) distributes Thanksgiving meals with teammates on Nov. 18, 2024, in Aurora with the help of Food Bank of the Rockies. Bonitto purchased the food, with a matching donation from the Broncos, to make the recent turkey giveaway happen. Bonitto also recruited several teammates — including OLB Jonathon Cooper, CB Keidron Smith and S Delarrin Turner-Yell — to join him at the event sponsored by Food Bank of the Rockies and the local nonprofit Aurora Community Connection. “It was really cool, especially with the guys who supported, to see how we can come together and help out the community,” Bonitto said. “I know they were really grateful to be a part of that. Seeing the people and the smiles it puts on their faces is huge for us. ... The way I was raised, I was always taught to not be selfish.” Bonitto will be eligible for a contract extension this offseason. His strong 2024 campaign ensures he will be well compensated as one of the NFL’s emerging top pass rushers. Does he envision himself playing long-term for the Broncos? Bonitto told The Denver Gazette: “A thousand percent.” “At the end of the day, this is the team that took a chance on me in the draft,” Bonitto continued. “They were able to get me and believed in me. So, I would definitely love to stay here and just be a part of this.”The five-part series will debut globally on December 10, following elite global players on and off the field as they compete in the US Open Polo Championship in Wellington, Florida. A trailer for the series titled Polo, executive produced by Harry and Meghan, was released on Thursday, giving a behind-the-scenes look at the “fast-paced and glamorous world of polo”. In a statement, Harry said: “This series offers audiences an unprecedented, behind-the-scenes look into the passion and determination driving some of the world’s elite polo players, revealing the grit behind the glamour. “We’re proud to showcase the true depth and spirit of the sport — and the intensity of its high-stakes moments.” It has been produced by the Sussexes’ Archewell Productions, having previously released three documentaries with Netflix as part of a multimillion-pound deal with the streaming giant. Heart Of Invictus, which aired last August, followed a group of service members on their road to the Invictus Games, the Paralympic-style sporting competition set up by Harry in 2014 for injured and sick military personnel and veterans. Netflix also released the documentary series Live To Lead and the controversial six-part Harry & Meghan documentary in December 2022. Harry and Meghan moved to the US in 2020 after stepping down from royal duties.
Sports on TV for Tuesday, Nov. 26
NoneNEW YORK (AP) — Technology stocks are dragging down the market as Friday as Wall Street closes out a holiday-shortened week. The S&P 500 fell 1.6%, with more than 80% of stocks in the benchmark index losing ground. The benchmark index was managing to hold onto a modest gain for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 475 points, or 1.1%, to 42,850 as of 11:35 a.m. Eastern time. The Nasdaq composite fell 2%. Technology stocks were the biggest drag on the market Friday. Semiconductor giant Nvidia slumped 2.4%. Its enormous valuation gives it an outsize influence on indexes. Other Big Tech stocks losing ground included Microsoft, with a 1.9% decline. A wide range of retailers also fell. Amazon fell 2% and Best Buy slipped 1%. The sector is being closely watched for clues on how it performed during the holiday shopping season. Energy was the only sector within the S&P 500 rising. It gained 0.4% as crude oil prices rose 1.2%. Investors don't have much in the way of corporate or economic updates to review as the market moves closer to another standout annual finish. The S&P 500 is on track for a gain of just under 25% in 2024. That would mark a second consecutive yearly gain of more than 20%, the first time that has happened since 1997-1998. The gains have been driven partly by upbeat economic data showing that consumers continued spending and the labor market remained strong. Inflation, while still high, has also been steadily easing. A report on Friday showed that sales and inventory estimates for the wholesales trade industry fell 0.2% in November, following a slight gain in October. That weaker-than-expected report follows an update on the labor market Thursday that showed unemployment benefits held steady last week. The stream of upbeat economic data and easing inflation helped prompt a reversal in the Federal Reserve's interest rate policy this year. Expectations for interest rate cuts also helped drive market gains. The central bank recently delivered its third cut to interest rates in 2024. Even though Inflation has come closer to the central bank's target of 2%, it remains stubbornly above that mark and worries about it heating up again have tempered the forecast for more interest rate cuts. Inflation concerns have added to uncertainties heading into 2025, which include the labor market’s path ahead and shifting economic policies under incoming President Donald Trump. Worries have risen that Trump’s preference for tariffs and other policies could lead to higher inflation , a bigger U.S. government debt and difficulties for global trade. Amedisys rose 4.5% after the home health care and hospice services provider agreed to extend the deadline for its sale to UnitedHealth Group. The Justice Department had sued to block the $3.3 billion deal, citing concerns he combination would hinder access to home health and hospice services in the U.S. The move to extend the deadline comes ahead of an expected shift in regulatory policy under Trump. The incoming administration is expected to have a more permissive approach to dealmaking and is less likely to raise antitrust concerns. In Asia, Japan’s benchmark index surged as the yen remained weak against the dollar. Stocks in South Korea fell after the main opposition party voted to impeach the country’s acting leader. Markets in Europe gained ground. Bond yields held relatively steady. The yield on the 10-year Treasury remained at 4.59% from late Thursday. The yield on the two-year Treasury slipped to 4.31% from 4.33% late Thursday. Wall Street will have more economic updates to look forward to next week, including reports on pending home sales and home prices. There will also be reports on U.S. construction spending and snapshots of manufacturing activity.Elizabeth Kyle Promotes Her Book – Better Kids Become Better Adults
Even Justin Baldoni’s publicist called him ‘unlikable’ before Blake Lively ‘smear campaign’
SAN DIEGO (AP) — Mark Few liked what he saw unfold at San Diego State's Viejas Arena when his No. 3 Gonzaga Bulldogs made their first foray outside of Spokane, Washington, this season. A double-digit victory in a packed, loud arena. Toughness from a deep, experienced lineup that once again is driven to win an elusive national championship. And, peeking a few seasons ahead, he saw an SDSU team that he views more as a future Pac-12 partner than rival. Behind big man Graham Ike and guard Ryan Nembhard, Gonzaga displayed its size, speed and strength in beating Brian Dutcher's young, hobbled squad 80-67 on Monday night. The Bulldogs returned the favor after SDSU won 84-74 last December at The Kennel in Spokane, which ended their 59-game nonconference winning streak. Both teams reached the Sweet Sixteen last season. Gonzaga is the only team in the nation to reach the Sweet Sixteen the last nine seasons as the Bulldogs extended their streak of NCAA Tournament appearances to 25 straight. Back in Spokane on Wednesday night, the Zags improved to 5-0 by routing Long Beach State 84-41, no doubt firing up expectations in the Lilac City and beyond. In a college sports climate dominated by NIL and the transfer portal, the Zags are stacked. Of the 12 possible players who could return from last year, 10 did, including all four starters. They returned 81% of last season's scoring and 71% of their rebounding. Six of its top seven scorers are back, along with 81.4% of minutes played. “We're tougher,” Few said. “We're physically tougher, we're mentally tougher, at least so far in the season. A lot of the same guys from last year. That's what happens when you stick around a couple of years. “You've got to have both to be able to go on the road in a place like this and dig out wins," Few added. "That's one thing San Diego State is going to bring. They're going to bring physicality, they're going to bring great athleticism, they're going to challenge you in every facet of the game.” Hoops powerhouse Gonzaga announced on Oct. 1 that it will move from the West Coast Conference, where it has dominated for most of the last quarter-century, into a Pac-12 conference being rebuilt around football. Beginning with the 2026-27 academic year, Gonzaga will become the eighth member along with holdovers Washington State and Oregon State, and fellow newcomers Boise State, San Diego State, Fresno State, Utah State and Colorado State from the Mountain West. While not as dominant as the Zags, the Aztecs have been one of the West Coast's best programs for several years, first under Steve Fisher and then Dutcher, his longtime assistant who is in his eighth season as head coach. “They're just going to be such a great partner, because they value basketball and they support basketball,” said Few, who's in his 26th season as head coach. “They understand, when you have a national program like we both have, it pays unbelievable dividends to the university, to the community, to the city and the state, like the Northwest and down here. They get that. We're looking for other like-minded places to partner with us.” Few said he would often chat with Fisher about the possibility of the Zags and Aztecs playing in the same conference. Fisher watches Aztecs games with his wife, Angie, from the second row above Steve Fisher Court. “We talked about it forever,” Few said. “I'm happy for Dutch. He's doing a great job." San Diego State reached its first Final Four in 2023, when Lamont Butler's thrilling buzzer-beater against Florida Atlantic lifted the Aztecs into the national championship game, where they lost 76-59 to UConn. SDSU was routed again by UConn, 82-52, in last season's Sweet Sixteen, while Gonzaga lost to Purdue. Gonzaga opened this season with a 101-63 win against then-No. 8 Baylor at the Spokane Arena. It was Gonzaga’s biggest victory margin over a top-10 opponent, over a team it lost to in the 2021 national title game in Indianapolis. Nembhard, who had 19 points and 10 assists against the Aztecs, said the Zags “did a really good job, actually,” of handling the pressure of playing at Viejas Arena. "Every time they went on a little run and the crowd got loud, we did a good job staying composed and trusting our offensive sets.” Nembhard will be gone when the Bulldogs and Aztecs are in the Pac-12 together, but thinks "the rivalry will be great. This is a great program. I played them a couple of times at Creighton, and they always gave us a tough game. They have a great fan base, a great coach over there, and they play really hard. I think it’ll be a great rivalry to come.” ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketballNone
Biden’s Thanksgiving holiday is part of a longer farewell as Trump’s return to White House nears
Bills vs. 49ers Under Snow Weather Warning for NFL Week 13; 2-3 Feet in ForecastPNG trailblazer wants Pacific Cup to launch AFL careers