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First Period_None. Penalties_Gostisbehere, CAR (Slashing), 0:42; Orlov, CAR (Roughing), 20:00; Ekblad, FLA (Roughing), 20:00; Svechnikov, CAR (Roughing), 20:00. Second Period_1, Florida, Ekblad 1, 6:42. 2, Florida, Samoskevich 5 (Barkov, Tkachuk), 19:59 (pp). Penalties_Lundell, FLA (Cross Checking), 13:37; Tkachuk, FLA (Roughing), 17:01; Svechnikov, CAR (Delay of Game), 19:14. Third Period_3, Florida, Bennett 12 (Luostarinen, Lundell), 8:19. 4, Florida, Barkov 6 (Reinhart, Tkachuk), 11:37 (pp). 5, Florida, A.Boqvist 1 (Greer), 11:48. 6, Florida, Rodrigues 6 (Verhaeghe, Schmidt), 13:01 (pp). Penalties_Kotkaniemi, CAR (Roughing), 6:12; Bennett, FLA (Interference), 6:12; Walker, CAR (Tripping), 10:22; Necas, CAR (Slashing), 12:09; Kotkaniemi, CAR (Holding), 19:00. Shots on Goal_Carolina 11-7-2_20. Florida 9-10-16_35. Power-play opportunities_Carolina 0 of 2; Florida 3 of 6. Goalies_Carolina, Perets 0-0-0 (7 shots-6 saves), Carolina, Martin 3-4-1 (28-23). Florida, Knight 4-4-0 (20-20). A_18,648 (19,250). T_2:39. Referees_Jean Hebert, Dan O'Rourke. Linesmen_Jonathan Deschamps, Libor Suchanek.
Direct Line founder Sir Peter Wood says Aviva must raise its offerTV star Charlotte Crosby said she has tightened security around her home with 24-hour monitored CCTV and patrol dogs, days after masked thieves carrying a machete attempted to rob her home. The former Geordie Shore star, who is nearly eight months pregnant, thanked a security company “for all the hard work this week” after adding the protections to her home. “Trebling our security measures, worth every penny to feel safe again in my own home,” the 34-year-old said in a post to her Instagram story. “Scumbags are gunna get a big shock the next time they even step foot on any perimeter of my land.” It comes after her fiance, Jake Ankers, said on social media that a group of men carrying a machete entered their home on Thursday evening while they were in the house with their two-year-old daughter. The businessman said one of the four men “had a red balaclava on” and was carrying the weapon at the top of the stairs. Durham Constabulary were alerted at 7pm on Thursday to reports of an aggravated burglary in Houghton-le-Spring, a town in the Sunderland area. A spokeswoman for the force said: “Officers attended the area, however the suspects left the scene before their arrival. “Nobody was injured in the incident and no items are believed to have been taken.” She added that an investigation is under way and anyone with information is asked to contact police. After the incident, Crosby was admitted to hospital after experiencing “serious pains” in her stomach, but confirmed her baby is “all fine”. Ankers appeared with the reality star on BBC Three reality show Charlotte In Sunderland. Crosby is best known for appearing in the MTV reality series Geordie Shore and winning the 12th series of Celebrity Big Brother in 2013. She and Ankers got engaged in October 2023 after she gave birth to their first child in 2022.
CALGARY, Alberta, Nov. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gran Tierra Energy Inc . (“Gran Tierra” or the “Company”) (NYSE American:GTE)(TSX:GTE)(LSE:GTE) is pleased to report that another significant milestone has been achieved in Ecuador with a seventh successful oil discovery further confirming the significant potential of the Arawana / Zabaleta field area. In addition, we are excited to announce that Gran Tierra (by way of its wholly-owned subsidiary) has entered into a purchase and sale agreement with Logan Energy Corp. (“ Logan ”) (TSXV:LGN) pursuant to which Logan would acquire 50% and operatorship of a portion of Gran Tierra’s Simonette Montney assets (the “Assets”) for approximately C$52 million in cash, subject to customary adjustments. After the closing of the Transaction, Gran Tierra would retain 50 percent working interest in the Assets. The Transaction provides a growth-focused platform to advance Gran Tierra’s Montney development and is aligned with the Company’s corporate strategy of long-term value creation. All dollar amounts are in Canadian dollars, and production amounts are on an average working interest (“ WI ”) before royalties basis unless otherwise indicated. Per barrel (“ bbl ”) and bbls of oil equivalent per day (“ BOEPD ”) amounts are based on WI sales before royalties. Message to Shareholders Gary Guidry, President and Chief Executive Officer of Gran Tierra commented, “Gran Tierra is excited to announce its seventh Ecuador oil discovery from the Zabaletea-K1 well. This well was a pivotal exploration well that has further substantiated and delineated the Arawana / Zabaleta field area. The Zabaleta-K1 was drilled over 4 kilometers from the Arawana-J1 well drilled earlier this year and was charged with oil highlighting the magnitude of this discovery. The success of this well solidifies Gran Tierra’s understanding of the field area and will be a key pillar of development growth plans in South America for years to come.” Seventh Ecuador Oil Discovery Substantiates Significant Potential in the Arawana / Zabaleta Field Area The Zabaleta-K1 well is the fourth exploration well drilled in the Chanangue Block and marks the seventh oil discovery by Gran Tierra in Ecuador. The successful Zabaleta test further validates the proven Basal Tena geological model 4 kilometers away from Arawana-J1 and supports the significant potential of the Arawana / Zabaleta productive trend. Gran Tierra has run production casing, cemented and perforated the Basal Tena oil zone and has begun production testing. The Basal Tena oil zone was perforated over 21.5 ft of reservoir with 12.8 ft of net reservoir based on log evaluation. A jet pump was run and the well has produced at stabilized rates over 24 hours at 1,105 bbls of oil per day, 17-degree API gravity oil, a 2% water cut, and a gas-oil ratio of 59 standard cubic feet per stock tank barrel. The rig has been moved to drill the Zabaleta Oeste exploration well which was spud on November 21, 2024, which marks the fulfillment of the final exploration commitment in the Chanangue block. Message to Shareholders “We are also thrilled to announce the sale of a portion of our interest in the Simonette Montney play while keeping a material stake in its future growth. This strategic partnership with a top-tier operator, who already has established infrastructure in the area, will significantly accelerate development and generate near-term cash flow. We intend to use a portion of the proceeds to deliver value to our shareholders through development of other key assets in the portfolio and share buybacks, while also strengthening our balance sheet by reducing net debt. We are also pleased to monetize by diluting half of our interest in one of the assets recently acquired in the i3 Energy acquisition by selling approximately 4 percent of production, and 1P reserves we acquired for approximately 19 percent of total consideration while still maintaining material interest and value in the assets. This transaction validates Gran Tierra’s position as a top-tier growth focused mid cap E&P company,” commented Gary Guidry, President and Chief Executive Officer of Gran Tierra. Strategic Rationale Accelerates Simonette Asset Development: Leverages pre-development work and infrastructure completed by Logan to accelerate drilling on the Simonette Assets into the fourth quarter of 2024 from the first quarter of 2026. Partnering with a Leading Montney Operator: Simonette operations will be spearheaded by an industry-leading Montney oil producer with significant operating experience and proven track record of success. Strategic Infrastructure Already In-Place: Gain access to Logan’s area infrastructure, which eliminates the need for new projects, reduces upcoming capital spends and accelerates asset development timelines and value. Synergistic Operations Drive Cost Savings: Cost reduction across the combined asset base led by increased development scale, shared pad sites, personnel efficiencies, gathering pipelines and access to infrastructure. Attractive Transaction Metrics: Premium value realized for the Assets with an opportunity to capture additional upside through long-term asset development. Disposition Highlights: The Company maintains a 50% working interest in the Assets, which include approximately 25 net sections of Simonette Montney lands with 0.8 million bbls of oil equivalent (“ MMBOE ”) of Proved Developed Producing (“ PDP ”) reserves, 3.9 MMBOE of Proved (“ 1P ”) reserves and 13.8 MMBOE of (“ 2P ”) reserves, in each case, as at July 31, 2024 1 . On a net present value discounted by 10% after tax basis, the Assets were valued by GLJ Ltd. at $4.4 million for Proved Developed Producing reserves, $27.5 million for Proved reserves and $122.3 million for Proved plus Probable reserves. Finally, the Assets and stated NPVs include Logan’s acquisition of Gran Tierra’s entire interest in the gross overriding royalty over Logan’s land in the corresponding area of the Simonette Montney play. Consideration In addition to the initial cash consideration, Logan will carry the first development well in the Lower Montney region valued at $3 million net to Gran Tierra. Gran Tierra will obtain priority access and preferential terms on existing Logan owned infrastructure as part of the newly formed joint venture. Transaction Details Total consideration from Logan includes $52 million in cash proceeds and carried development of the first Simonette well drilled in the Lower Montney region for estimated non-cash proceeds of $3 million net to Gran Tierra. The purchase price will be subject to customary adjustments based on an effective date of September 1, 2024. As a result of the transaction, Gran Tierra expects to accelerate 2 wells at the 1-24 pad in the Simonette Montney area into the fourth quarter of 2024 which were originally anticipated to be drilled in the first quarter of 2026. Closing of the transaction is expected to occur by the end of 2024, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. (1) Based on the i3 Energy GLJ Report dated July 31, 2024. See “Presentation of Oil and Gas Information”. (2) Does not include the $3 million non-cash proceeds relating to the capital carry of the first Simonette well by Logan Contact Information For investor and media inquiries please contact: Gary Guidry President & Chief Executive Officer Ryan Ellson Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer +1-403-265-3221 info@grantierra.com About Gran Tierra Energy Inc. Gran Tierra Energy Inc. together with its subsidiaries is an independent international energy company currently focused on oil and natural gas exploration and production in Canada, Colombia and Ecuador. The Company is currently developing its existing portfolio of assets in Canada, Colombia and Ecuador and will continue to pursue additional new growth opportunities that would further strengthen the Company’s portfolio. The Company’s common stock trades on the NYSE American, the Toronto Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol GTE. Additional information concerning Gran Tierra is available at www.grantierra.com. Except to the extent expressly stated otherwise, information on the Company’s website or accessible from our website or any other website is not incorporated by reference into and should not be considered part of this press release. Investor inquiries may be directed to info@grantierra.com or (403) 265-3221. Gran Tierra’s Securities and Exchange Commission (the “ SEC ”) filings are available on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov. The Company’s Canadian securities regulatory filings are available on SEDAR+ at http://www.sedarplus.ca and UK regulatory filings are available on the National Storage Mechanism website at https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism. Forward Looking Statements and Legal Advisories: This press release contains opinions, forecasts, projections, and other statements about future events or results that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and financial outlook and forward looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws (collectively, “ forward-looking statements ”). All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release regarding our business strategy, plans and objectives of our management for future operations, capital spending plans and benefits of the changes in our capital program or expenditures, our liquidity and financial condition, and those statements preceded by, followed by or that otherwise include the words “expect,” “plan,” “can,” “will,” “should,” “estimate,” and “believes,” derivations thereof and similar terms identify forward-looking statements. In particular, but without limiting the foregoing, this press release contains forward-looking statements regarding: the benefits of the transaction, the use of proceeds from the sale of an interest in the Assets, the Company’s drilling program, access to infrastructure and capital expenditures, future net cash flows from oil and gas properties, and the Company’s future debt levels. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release reflect several material factors and expectations and assumptions of Gran Tierra including, without limitation, that Gran Tierra will continue to conduct its operations in a manner consistent with its current expectations, pricing and cost estimates (including with respect to commodity pricing and exchange rates), the ability of Gran Tierra to successfully develop and drill wells, the performance of Logan as operator of the Assets, and the ability of Gran Tierra to execute its business and operational plans in the manner currently planned. Among the important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to performance by Logan as operator in a manner different than currently expected by the Company and the factors detailed from time to time in Gran Tierra’s periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, without limitation, under the caption “Risk Factors” in Gran Tierra’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 filed February 20, 2024, and its other filings with the SEC. These filings are available on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based on certain assumptions made by Gran Tierra based on management’s experience and other factors believed to be appropriate. Gran Tierra believes these assumptions to be reasonable at this time, but the forward-looking statements are subject to risk and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Gran Tierra’s control, which may cause actual results to differ materially from those implied or expressed by the forward looking statements. All forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and the fact that this press release remains available does not constitute a representation by Gran Tierra that Gran Tierra believes these forward-looking statements continue to be true as of any subsequent date. Actual results may vary materially from the expected results expressed in forward-looking statements. Gran Tierra disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law. In addition, historical, current and forward-looking sustainability-related statements may be based on standards for measuring progress that are still developing, internal controls and processes that continue to evolve, and assumptions that are subject to change in the future. Presentation of Oil and Gas Information All reserves value, future net revenue and ancillary information contained in this press release have been prepared by i3 Energy plc’s (“ i3 Energy ”) (which was acquired by Gran Tierra Energy on October 31, 2024) independent qualified reserves evaluator GLJ Ltd. (“ GLJ ”) in a fair market value report with an effective date of July 31, 2024 (the “ i3 Energy GLJ Report ”) and calculated in compliance with National Instrument 51-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities (“ NI 51-101 ”) and the Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation Handbook (“ COGEH ”), unless otherwise expressly stated. Barrel of oil equivalents (“ boe ”) have been converted on the basis of six thousand cubic feet (“ Mcf ”) natural gas to 1 bbl of oil. Boe’s may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A boe conversion ratio of 6 Mcf: 1 bbl is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. In addition, given that the value ratio based on the current price of oil as compared with natural gas is significantly different from the energy equivalent of six to one, utilizing a boe conversion ratio of 6 Mcf: 1 bbl would be misleading as an indication of value. The following reserves categories are discussed in this press release: Proved, Proved plus Probable and Proved plus Probable plus Possible and Proved Developed Producing. Proved reserves are those reserves that can be estimated with a high degree of certainty to be recoverable. It is likely that the actual remaining quantities recovered will exceed the estimated proved reserves. Probable reserves are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than proved reserves. It is equally likely that the actual remaining quantities recovered will be greater or less than the sum of the estimated proved plus probable reserves. Possible reserves are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than probable reserves. There is a 10% probability that the quantities actually recovered will equal or exceed the sum of Proved plus Probable plus Possible reserves. Proved developed producing reserves are those proved reserves that are expected to be recovered from completion intervals open at the time of the estimate. These reserves may be currently producing or, if shut-in, they must have previously been on production, and the date of resumption of production must be known with reasonable certainty. Certain terms used in this press release but not defined are defined in NI 51-101, CSA Staff Notice 51-324 – Revised Glossary to NI 51-101 Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities (“ CSA Staff Notice 51-324 ”) and/or the COGEH and, unless the context otherwise requires, shall have the same meanings herein as in NI 51-101, CSA Staff Notice 51-324 and the COGEH, as the case may be. Estimates of net present value and future net revenue contained herein do not necessarily represent fair market value. Estimates of reserves and future net revenue for individual properties may not reflect the same level of confidence as estimates of reserves and future net revenue for all properties, due to the effect of aggregation. There is no assurance that the forecast price and cost assumptions applied by GLJ in evaluating i3 Energy’s reserves will be attained and variances could be material. There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of crude oil and natural gas reserves. The reserves information set forth in the i3 Energy GLJ Report are estimates only and there is no guarantee that the estimated reserves will be recovered. Actual reserves may be greater than or less than the estimates provided therein. All evaluations of future net revenue contained in the i3 Energy GLJ Report are after the deduction of royalties, operating costs, development costs, production costs and abandonment and reclamation costs but before consideration of indirect costs such as administrative, overhead and other miscellaneous expenses. It should not be assumed that the estimates of future net revenues presented in this press release represent the fair market value of the reserves. References to a formation where evidence of hydrocarbons has been encountered is not necessarily an indicator that hydrocarbons will be recoverable in commercial quantities or in any estimated volume. i3 Energy’s reported production is a mix of light crude oil and medium, heavy crude oil, tight oil, conventional natural gas, shale gas and coal bed methane for which there is not a precise breakdown since i3 Energy’s oil sales volumes typically represent blends of more than one product type. Well test results should be considered as preliminary and not necessarily indicative of long-term performance or of ultimate recovery. Well log interpretations indicating oil and gas accumulations are not necessarily indicative of future production or ultimate recovery. If it is indicated that a pressure transient analysis or well-test interpretation has not been carried out, any data disclosed in that respect should be considered preliminary until such analysis has been completed. References to thickness of “oil pay” or of a formation where evidence of hydrocarbons has been encountered is not necessarily an indicator that hydrocarbons will be recoverable in commercial quantities or in any estimated volume. Disclosure of Reserve Information and Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors Unless expressly stated otherwise, all estimates of proved, probable and possible reserves and related future net revenue disclosed in this press release have been prepared in accordance with NI 51-101. Estimates of reserves and future net revenue made in accordance with NI 51-101 will differ from corresponding estimates prepared in accordance with applicable SEC rules and disclosure requirements of the U.S. Financial Accounting Standards Board (“ FASB ”), and those differences may be material. NI 51-101, for example, requires disclosure of reserves and related future net revenue estimates based on forecast prices and costs, whereas SEC and FASB standards require that reserves and related future net revenue be estimated using average prices for the previous 12 months. In addition, NI 51-101 permits the presentation of reserves estimates on a “company gross” basis, representing Gran Tierra’s working interest share before deduction of royalties, whereas SEC and FASB standards require the presentation of net reserve estimates after the deduction of royalties and similar payments. There are also differences in the technical reserves estimation standards applicable under NI 51-101 and, pursuant thereto, the COGEH, and those applicable under SEC and FASB requirements. In addition to being a reporting issuer in certain Canadian jurisdictions, Gran Tierra is a registrant with the SEC and subject to domestic issuer reporting requirements under U.S. federal securities law, including with respect to the disclosure of reserves and other oil and gas information in accordance with U.S. federal securities law and applicable SEC rules and regulations (collectively, “ SEC requirements ”). Disclosure of such information in accordance with SEC requirements is included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and in other reports and materials filed with or furnished to the SEC and, as applicable, Canadian securities regulatory authorities. The SEC permits oil and gas companies that are subject to domestic issuer reporting requirements under U.S. federal securities law, in their filings with the SEC, to disclose only estimated proved, probable and possible reserves that meet the SEC’s definitions of such terms. Gran Tierra has disclosed estimated proved, probable and possible reserves in its filings with the SEC. In addition, Gran Tierra prepares its financial statements in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles, which require that the notes to its annual financial statements include supplementary disclosure in respect of the Company’s oil and gas activities, including estimates of its proved oil and gas reserves and a standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows relating to proved oil and gas reserve quantities. This supplementary financial statement disclosure is presented in accordance with FASB requirements, which align with corresponding SEC requirements concerning reserves estimation and reporting.
Top names the Orioles have eyes on in trade marketHARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Democratic Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania conceded his reelection bid to Republican David McCormick on Thursday, as a statewide recount showed no signs of closing the gap and his campaign suffered repeated blows in court in its effort to get potentially favorable ballots counted. Casey’s concession comes more than two weeks after Election Day, as a grindingly slow ballot-counting process became a spectacle of hours-long election board meetings, social media outrage, lawsuits and accusations that some county officials were openly flouting the law. Republicans had been claiming that Democrats were trying to steal McCormick’s seat by counting “illegal votes.” Casey’s campaign had accused of Republicans of trying to block enough votes to prevent him from pulling ahead and winning. In a statement, Casey said he had just called McCormick to congratulate him. “As the first count of ballots is completed, Pennsylvanians can move forward with the knowledge that their voices were heard, whether their vote was the first to be counted or the last," Casey said. The Associated Press called the race for McCormick on Nov. 7, concluding that not enough ballots remained to be counted in areas Casey was winning for him to take the lead. As of Thursday, McCormick led by about 16,000 votes out of almost 7 million ballots counted. That was well within the 0.5% margin threshold to trigger an automatic statewide recount under Pennsylvania law. But no election official expected a recount to change more than a couple hundred votes or so, and Pennsylvania's highest court dealt him a blow when it refused entreaties to allow counties to count mail-in ballots that lacked a correct handwritten date on the return envelope. Republicans will have a 53-47 majority next year in the U.S. Senate. ___ Follow Marc Levy at twitter.com/timelywriter Marc Levy, The Associated Press
Knight stops 20 shots, Florida rolls past Carolina 6-0 for 2nd win over 'Canes in as many daysOttawa, Dec. 09, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Métis National Council (MNC) is proud to announce the election of Victoria Pruden as the new President of the MNC. This moment marks MNC's continued commitment to advancing the rights of the Métis Nation nationally and internationally. President Pruden takes the helm following the establishment of a clear presidential mandate by the MNC's General Assembly, which prioritizes implementation of critical reforms to the organization's mandate and bylaws. As the second consecutive woman to be elected to this position, President Pruden emphasizes the vital importance of the inclusion of Métis women's voices into every aspect of Métis leadership and politics. President Pruden brings a wealth of experience working with the Métis Nation, a deep connection to Métis culture, and a commitment to advancing the rights and aspirations of Métis across the Homeland. As a proud Métis citizen, President Pruden has dedicated her career to fostering unity, advocating for self-determination, and ensuring the voices of all Métis citizens are heard. With a strong foundation in leadership, collaboration, and cultural preservation, President Pruden is poised to continue guiding the Métis National Council toward a future grounded in transparency, ethical governance, and the collective vision of our ancestors. Reflecting on this new chapter, President Pruden expressed gratitude and determination to start this important work immediately: ''I am a Michif woman of proud and rich Métis ancestry from a mixed-heritage Métis family. I am passionate about ethical politics and healing work and want to continue on President Caron's commitment to supporting Elders and Matriarchs and elevating the voices of Métis Women at the MNC. I am committed to our ancestors' vision to work respectfully with one another to build a bright future that all Métis people deserve. '' '' Over the last few years, the Métis National Council has been re-built into a transparent, accountable, and ethical organization. I'm looking forward to continuing that work on behalf of Métis citizens, to continue the work to build a prosperous future and to progress the dreams of the Métis Nation.” Under the leadership of President Pruden, the MNC will continue to advance the shared priorities of its Governing Members and the Métis Nation. This election signals a promising way forward for the MNC, as the organization turns its attention to building on its legacy of advocacy and reform. By working together and fostering unity, the MNC will continue to fulfill the vision of its ancestors while paving the way for future generations. -30- Since 1983, the Métis National Council has been the national and international voice of the Métis Nation within Canada. Through the Canada-Métis Nation Accord, the MNC advocates on behalf of its Governing Members to advance Métis rights and interests within their respective jurisdictions, including the implementation of the Métis Nation's inherent right to self-determination and self-government. The MNC is committed to accountability and transparency within its operations, and to its relationships with MNC Governing Members. CONTACT: Melissa Lagace Métis National Council [email protected]None
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Patrick Mahomes paced up and down the Chiefs’ sideline, yelling toward everyone yet no one in particular. His first-half pep talk, a waste. His body, bruised. His frustration, public for all to see. If you didn’t know any better — if you didn’t check the date on this column — you might have guessed I ripped the scene from Christmas Day a year earlier. Except for just one tiny detail. The Chiefs won. They beat the Las Vegas Raiders 19-17 on Friday at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, and for all of the close, funky conclusions that have defined this season, we have a masterpiece: a botched snap. A year after the Raiders robbed the Chiefs of a Christmas Day celebration, they gifted them a victory when center Jackson Powers-Johnson snapped the ball before quarterback Aidan O’Connell expected it. Nick Bolton pounced on it. That’s how the Chiefs just beat the worst team in football. Look, the Chiefs are still a very good team, but with the record of a very great team requesting to be judged on the curve of the very best teams the league has to offer. That’s not some unfair grading system we invented for them — it’s how they judge themselves. Been that way for a while now. And about the only positive thing I can offer from Friday’s game — other than, you know, the win — is to wonder if perhaps the outcome will convince Raiders owner Mark Davis that head coach Antonio Pierce is a good fit for the job. The Chiefs’ offense gained just 4.9 yards per play, the third-worst mark among the 12 teams to play the Raiders this season. The Chiefs defense allowed 6.9 yards per play, 1.3 more yards per play than anyone had allowed the Raiders this year. Chiefs coach Andy Reid botched a fourth-down decision in which he elected to put the end of the game in the hands of that defense, rather than his quarterback. Everyone shared some blame. But for all of that, there are no bigger concerns than the root of Mahomes’ outburst. Left tackle. For the third time this year, Reid benched his left tackle in-game, enacting a full-on state of emergency that sent Joe Thuney, an All-Pro guard, to protect Mahomes’ blindside. To hell with it, Reid apparently said, and who could blame him? Starting left tackle Wanya Morris, who doubles as the replacement for the first guy KC benched this season, allowed 11 pressures and a career day not from Maxx Crosby, but from K’Lavon Chaisson — who had eight pressures, per Next Gen Stats. A ticket-taker slows traffic more efficiently than Morris slowed the Raiders’ navigation to his quarterback. On three occasions, Chaisson reached Mahomes is less than 2 1/2 seconds. Those plays were over before they started. “He’s playing against a couple of good players,” Reid said of Morris. “But you gotta do better than what we did there.” At one point, visibly frustrated, Mahomes stretched out both arms from his sides and turned his palms skyward, as if to ask the very question that will hover over the rest of the Chiefs’ quest for the NFL’s first three-peat: What now? Well, it sure seems like one of the most important players to the Chiefs’ Super Bowl hopes just became someone who hasn’t put on a football uniform in more than 11 months — someone who has never put on a Chiefs uniform. D.J. Humphries, you’re up. After spending the past 11 months out of football — not even a practice since his ACL injury with the Arizona Cardinals last December — the Chiefs have little choice but to ask Humphries to step into one of the most important jobs in the sport. A risky solution. I’ll listen for others. The Chiefs have survived subpar left tackle play in this era. They’re almost stuck with it, given the constraints of their salary cap paired with their draft position falling at the end of every round. Donovan Smith was below average a year ago, even if time has elevated that memory. Heck, Cam Erving protected Mahomes at one point. They’ve managed. This is different. They aren’t even giving Mahomes a chance. Before the season, I could not offer you a single example of a left tackle flat-out whiffing on an edge rusher. I’m sure it’s happened. I don’t remember it. Today, if asked for that example, I would reply with a question: Which one? Morris continually elected to just try to punch at Chaisson. He came about as close as a 58-year-old boxer on Netflix. To Morris’ credit, and this will be dismissed more quickly than it should, he remained by his locker as media entered the room after the game. He took every last question he was asked. “There’s no better time to learn than when you get your (rear-end) beat,” Morris told me, and he did not say rear-end. “It sucks to get your (rear-end) beat, but when you get your (rear-end) beat, you can have two responses: You can lay down, or you can get back up and try something new. I’m going to get back up and try something new.” What’s becoming obvious: The Chiefs cannot afford him that chance. They cannot afford their second-round pick, Kingsley Suamataia, that chance, either. A year ago, the Raiders supplied the Chiefs a wake-up call: They’d better take the rest of the season seriously if they intended to make another Super Bowl run. This year, the wake-up call is how drastically one position can derail their plans. On a first-half drive Friday, Mahomes completed a no-look pass to tight end Noah Gray for 26 yards. A few plays later, tight end Travis Kelce lateraled a ball to running back Samaje Perine for a first down. Three more plays later, Mahomes absorbed a shot to the chest but managed to somehow flick a pass to receiver Justin Watson, who made a contested catch for a touchdown. A no-look. A lateral. A contested catch, which this team almost never makes. That once comprised the look of a team showing off. On Friday, it comprised the requirements for scoring. It was the recipe for the only time the Chiefs reached the end zone. Those plays I glossed over? They were interrupted by the constant pressure. Even the touchdown should have been interrupted by the pressure. A miraculous throw, really. But the Raiders — and that outburst — illuminated something in the process. Even a franchise savior has a limit. ©2024 The Kansas City Star. Visit kansascity.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Authorities in Pakistan launch operation to clear Khan supporters from capital
Spotting designer knockoffs is now easier than ever. French luxury brand Lacoste is using Vrai, an AI technology developed by Cypheme, a leader in anti-counterfeit artificial intelligence, to catch scammers returning counterfeit items. Trained on thousands of images of genuine merchandise, Vrai aims to distinguish real products from fakes with 99.7% accuracy, according to Semafor. At its warehouses, Lacoste employees can snap a picture of a returned item with Vrai and verify its authenticity. The AI model can detect subtle discrepancies, from a slight variation in color to an extra tooth in the brand's signature crocodile logo. Represenatives for Lacoste and Cypheme did not respond to Business Insider's request for comment, The technology combats return fraud — a growing practice of exploiting return and refund processes for financial gain. Often, it involves returning different items for a refund. Some companies have even received after customers banked refunds for items like televisions. Total returns for the retail industry came to $743 billion in merchandise in 2023, according to a report released by the National Retail Federation and Appriss Retail. US retailers lost a little over $100 billion in return fraud, or around $13.70 for every $100 returned, up from $10.40 per $100 in 2022. Major retailers are frequent targets of such scams. In July, accusing a Telegram group of stealing more than 10,000 items through fraudulent returns. Members of the group fabricated stories to convince Amazon customer service to refund their accounts, sometimes even using falsified police reports. Amazon, along with other online giants like Walmart, Target, and Wayfair, were also targeted by a that recruited legitimate shoppers to purchase items, have them refunded, and then keep or resell the goods. According to a federal indictment, the group exploited a policy that allows customers to get refunds without physically returning items—an option many retailers have implemented to reduce return costs for both themselves and consumers. Read the original article onDear Prime Minister and Ministers, We will be straightforward. We had believed that, beneath the realities of political life, you were principled people, with a deep respect for your office and for the law, including international law. We had assumed that you valued Australia’s international standing enough to ensure our adherence to these laws. We had hoped that you, as representatives of the Australian people, would take Australia’s responsibilities as a member of the international community of nations very seriously. As Australia has signed and ratified the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Conventions (specifically the Genocide Convention, the Children’s Rights Convention and the Refugee Rights Convention), we had expected ethically coherent and legally appropriate actions from you in response to the unspeakable harm Israel has unleashed on Palestine. We have been hoping and waiting in vain. Nothing in the past twelve months has propelled you into meaningful action. No number of Palestinian children killed or maimed and traumatised for life; no number of Palestinians, including minors, tortured and raped in Israeli prisons and detention camps; no number of civilians driven from place to desolate place in forced evacuations. No amount of wanton destruction of Palestinian towns, villages, schools, hospitals, farmland, universities, homes, markets, libraries, museums, cultural and religious sites, refugee camps, trees, animals, or essential civilian infrastructure (such as water purification plants, solar energy panels, and sewerage systems); No level of deliberate starvation inflicted; no amount of humanitarian aid blocked; no type of illegal or experimental weapon used on a captive population, inflicting previously-unknown injuries impossible to treat due to the catastrophic conditions. None of these egregious crimes has awoken any humanitarian impulse. No number of UN and other aid workers murdered; no number of doctors and nurses killed or kidnapped; no number of journalists shot dead; no amount of indiscriminate or AI targeted bombing; No number of petitions and open letters by medical professionals, by legal experts, by journalists, by trauma specialists, by holocaust historians, by academics and students, by human rights groups, by dismayed and horrified citizens both young and old of every faith and background; no number of impassioned speeches in the UN assembly; not even the measured and explicit rulings of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) calling for an immediate and unconditional stop to Israel's illegal onslaught, its unlawful occupation and apartheid regime; None of it has prompted any recourse to appropriate diplomatic response. You must be aware of the ongoing horror. It is your duty to remain up to date about events of such momentous nature. Therefore, you know, or should know, of the many credible reports debunking Israel’s lies and propaganda, including those about what happened on October 7th. You know, or should know, that the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) acknowledges activating the Hannibal Directive, thus deliberately killing many Israelis lest they become hostages; that no babies were beheaded; and that there is no verifiable evidence of systematic rape. Furthermore, that Israel refuses to cooperate with the UN body attempting to report on the horrific events of that day. Likewise, it would be irresponsible of you not to have familiarised yourselves with the historical context of current events. You know, or should know, that Israel’s genocidal war on the Palestinian people did not begin on October 8th 2023; and that the Gaza Ghetto uprising was the logical and full-blown outcome of decades-long incremental ethnic cleansing, ruthless siege, brutal military occupation, and cruel apartheid. Does it not worry you that Australia, through trading with Israel, including with weapons and surveillance companies, and providing diplomatic cover in the UN, entailing subservience to the US and to our own Israel lobby, is complicit in Israel’s crimes? Israel has made it abundantly clear that it does not want a ceasefire, not even at the cost of its own citizens’ lives. Nor will it countenance a Palestinian State. On the contrary, it is expanding its lethal attacks on the illegally occupied West Bank, with the obvious objective of de facto annexation. It aims to annihilate the Palestinian people and their identity by brute force, while provoking surrounding countries and risking escalation to regional war. Israel has become a rogue state, operating with impunity and blaming its victims. The UN long ago concluded that Israel’s control over the Gaza Strip constitutes occupation, thus denying Israel any right to “defend” itself. The ICJ has left the world in no doubt that this occupation and siege are unlawful, along with Israel’s military occupation of the West Bank, and its annexation of the Golan Heights. The ICJ has also concluded that Israel practices apartheid. Its ruling calls on all countries to withdraw support for Israel while it continues to act unlawfully, and has clearly spelled out that whoever insists on enabling these crimes is complicit. Are you therefore not only defying the highest court in the world, but even justifying Israel’s genocidal onslaught in Gaza, its occupation and apartheid? Could it be that you cannot find the courage to deviate from the “ironclad commitment” of the US and take a sovereign decision? Does your ambition to propel Australia into the top ten players in the global armaments industry outweigh your obligation to restore our country’s increasingly damaged international reputation? Maybe you are being bullied by the Israel lobby, including the right-wing Christian Zionist movement in this country? It is no longer plausible to claim that criticism of the State of Israel, condemnation of its barbarity, and the demand for Israel to respect international law are antisemitic. Perhaps it is convenient for you to have cover for your apparent inhumanity and your own contempt for international law. However, after more than a year of prevarication and appalling inaction, do you deserve the benefit of the doubt? Australians sickened by Israel’s shocking violence and outraged by its impunity are reeling. We want to know why you have not implemented the most peaceful and effective way of bringing this hellish catastrophe to an end: a complete boycott, sanctions and divestment policy on Israel? Surely that would be the least Australia could, and should, do. We are asking these blunt questions because we demand accountability from our government. We expect a substantive, comprehensive, and timely response. History will not absolve Israel, nor its allies, be they willfully blind or not. Sincerely, [Click to see the endorsements so far. To sign on and provide your name and organisation, title and/or position if any).]
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