Jamaica Labour Party supporters will converge at the National Arena on Sunday. JLP Deputy Leader Desmond McKenzie ‹ › $('audio,video').mediaelementplayer(); JLP Deputy Leader Desmond McKenzie By Nakinskie Robinson With just over 72 hours until the Jamaica Labour Party's 81st annual conference, high ranking officials have set the stage for what they say will be a crucial part of the party's bid to secure an unprecedented third consecutive term. The conference will be held at the National Arena on Sunday, starting at 10 a.m. Deputy party leader, Desmond McKenzie, says the mass gathering will seek to reinforce that the JLP has been fully active in implementing policies that improve the lives of Jamaicans. He says the conference, which will be the last staging in the run up to the next parliamentary election, will deliver the party's intentions to the masses, free of political gamesmanship. "We're coming with a strong, clear message that will speak to the direction of the country," he said, adding that more policies to improve the lives of Jamaicans will be outlined. For the smooth running of the event, Mr. McKenzie said no weapons, including firearms, will be permitted at the venue. "We will not be allowing anything that could be considered dangerous inside the National Arena. The symbol of the Jamaican Labour Party is the bell.... We will be ensuring that party supporters have enough bells," he said, noting that vuvuzelas will not be allowed inside. The JLP deputy leader was speaking at a press briefing on Thursday. The annual conference will be held under the theme "Active and Strong" and will cost an estimated $76 million. The public is being advised to stay alert for traffic advisories in relation to Sunday's conference. ??? Mr. McKenzie said provisions are also being made to accommodate a possible change of venue to the National Stadium based on crowd size. ??? googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1531230668029-0'); });India not pursuing shared BRICS currency, analysts say
Scanlan: Time for legislators to protect women
NoneTrump selects longtime adviser Keith Kellogg as special envoy for Ukraine and Russia
It’s, quite literally, the end of an era for Taylor Swift . That’s right. After more than 150 performances around the globe, the 34-year-old is making the whole place shimmer one last time during the final stop on her Eras Tour in Vancouver, Canada, Dec. 8. And while the “Bejeweled” singer has commanded the attention of millions of fans both in-person and online throughout the world tour’s nearly two-year tenure, her unparalleled performances have also caught the attention of today’s biggest stars—including her boyfriend Travis Kelce . But celeb sightings are nothing new at The Eras Tour . Recently, Taylor’s longtime BFF Blake Lively attended the “Cruel Summer” singer’s concert in New Orleans with husband Ryan Reynolds . And based on the Deadpool actor’s rave review on social media, it’s safe to say he had the time of his life. “When I’m 95 yrs old and my wife and kids wheel me outside and into the sun so I can drink a sandwich, I’ll still be talking about seeing this show in New Orleans ,” the 48-year-old wrote on Instagram Oct. 31 . “Not just because it’s one of the best things I’ve seen/heard/felt. And not only because you see the staggering and positive economic impact this tour has on small businesses all over NOLA — a town that’s been thru so much for so long.” Ryan—whose oldest daughters with Blake, James , 9, and Inez , 7, even joined in on the fun during their godmother’s concert in Madrid—continued, “The main reason I’ll never forget this show is because it brings people together in so many ways. And in 2024, (where that feeling is scarce as hell) it’s a special and incredibly rare thing.” Indeed, the Eras Tour has brought together its fair share of celebs at every stop across the globe. Serena Williams was amongst the stars that showed up and showed out for Tay at the Oct. 18 show in Miami. The tennis legend had a fun night out with her daughters Olympia , 7, and Adira , 15 months—who she shares with husband Alexis Ohanian —and the trio even matched in sparkling Eras-approved outfits. That same weekend, Tom Brady enjoyed a boys night with his sons Jack , 17—whom she shares with Bridget Moynahan —and his and ex-wife Gisele Bündchen ’s son Benjamin , 15. And, of course, since her romance with Travis began, Taylor’s performed in front of the Kelce family. In Miami, Travis’ brother Jason Kelce and his wife Kylie Kelce —who previously went to her London shows—brought their elder daughters , Wyatt , 4, and Elliotte , 3. (Rest assured, Travis and Jason’s parents Donna Kelce and Ed Kelce have also cheered on Taylor at her shows.) But that is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Taylor’s famous fans. For more stars who have been spotted at The Eras Tour, keep reading. The comedian and wife Elle Key turned the Eras Tour into a date night in Toronto, Canada . He tweeted in November 2024, "And the night is just getting started! So excited to be at my first @taylorswift13 concert." Billy Joel "Our family attended the Taylor Swift concert at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami where Billy Joel/Elton John’s ‘Face to Face’ concert previously held the seating record," he wrote on Instagram. "Taylor’s second concert at Hard Rock Miami set a new record and ushered in a new era at Hard Rock Stadium. We were so happy to be a part of this record-breaking concert! Plus, we got to celebrate with her mama. Celebrating someone’s success does not negate your own. She is showing our girls all that is possible. Onward and upward." Ashley Tisdale "My little swiftie," the High School Musical alum wrote on October 2024. "Safe to say Jupiter loved her first concert." Travis Kelce, Prince William, Princess Charlotte & Prince George Taylor made her relationship with Travis Instagram official June 21, 2024, with the help of the royal family as they all joined her backstage at her concert in Wembley Stadium in London. Prince William, Princess Charlotte & Prince George Taylor also took another selfie with the royal family at her Wembley show. Nicola Coughlan, Cara Delevingne & Jonathan Van Ness The trio united in the VIP tent in London on June 21, 2024. Leslie Mann & Jonathan Van Ness The Knocked Up actress also hung out with the Queer Eye alum at the Wembley concert. Travis Kelce & Jonathan Van Ness The NFL star was a true London Boy at Wembley Stadium with the Queer Eye star. Jonathan Van Ness & Nicola Coughlan Dearest reader, how adorable is this friendship? Gayle King & Channing Tatum The two bumped into each other at one of the singer's shows at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif. in August 2023. Channing Tatum The Step Up star showcased his dance moves. Christina Milian The "Dip It Low" singer and her teen daughter Violet were in a lavender haze at Taylor's Paris show in May 2024. Jessica Capshaw The Grey's Anatomy actress attended the Eras Tour in France in May 2024, captioning this pic with the Midnights lyric, "Cause we were in Paris." Travis Kelce & Rita Ora "It’s fair to say Sydney always delivers," Rita Ora captioned Instagram photos from Taylor's Feb. 23 show, including a snap with Travis Kelce . "Or shall we say our TayTay @taylorswift always delivers!” Taika Waititi, Taylor Swift & Rita Ora Taylor's dad Scott Swift delivered an epic photobomb. Katy Perry "Got to see an old friend shine tonight," Katy Perry captioned footage on Instagram from the Feb. 23 concert. Tom DeLonge & Rebel Wilson The Blink-182 rocker—whose band was playing near Taylor's Sydney venue on the same day—and the Pitch Perfect alum hung out in the VIP tent. The Oscar winner captioned the moment with friends in Mexico City, "Spamming u w really good @taylorswift Eras Tour content." The Pretty Little Liars star attended with friends Morgan Pesante , Katie Greenthal and Claire Leahy . "Omg??? @taylorswift putting on a show that was so good I can't even process," she wrote. "Nostalgic, empowering, and sparkly." The "Bad at Love" singer got in the spirit by making friendship bracelets to trade with fans during the last Los Angeles show. Mariska Hargitay & Savannah Guthrie "Still in the afterglow of the most magical night," the Law & Order: Special Victims Unit star wrote on Instagram Aug. 9 after a bejeweled night out in L.A. "Deepest gratitude to @taylorswift for your poetry and wisdom. You inspire us and connect us to our #delicate tenderness, joy, hope and strength—and most of all, our wish to live and love courageously." Sharing pics from an L.A. show, Chris Olsen quoted the T.Swift lyrics in his caption, "I DON'T KNOW HOW IT GETS BETTER THAN THIS." "Eras tour (Dylan's version)," the influencer captioned fits of her rocking a Stella McCartney outfit. "@taylorswift you are a goddess best night ever." Spencer Pratt & Heidi Montag The Hills stars filled a blank space in their calendar with a date night in Los Angeles at the Eras Tour. Heidi Montag captioned their pics, "This was the concert of a lifetime! Legendary! Thank you for the tickets @taylorswift." Jessica Alba & Cash Warren "@taylorswift with the fam," Jessica Alba wrote, "what a show!" She and husband Cash Warren celebrated their love story by taking their kids Honor , Haven and Hayes . The Mad Max star danced to "Shake It off" with her kids August and Jackson . "Thank you for the best birthday ever @taylorswift!!!" she wrote. "We had such a great f--king time." Paula Abdul & Vince Vaughn "What a SHOW," Paula Abdul wrote while posting for a photo with Vince Vaughn and Taylor's parents Scott and Andrea Swift in Los Angeles. James Kennedy, Paula Abdul, Scheana Shay & Ally Lewber The Vanderpump Rules stars made their wildest dreams come true on the floor with Paula. The "No One singer" attended the Aug. 5 show at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles with her 8-year-old son Genesis . The actress attended one of Swift's shows at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles with Anastasia Beverly Hills cosmetics founder Anastasia Soare and her daughter, Claudia .Trump selects longtime adviser Keith Kellogg as special envoy for Ukraine and Russia
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The Vegas Golden Knights shut out their opponent for the third time this season with a 3-0 win against the Calgary Flames Sunday night at T-Mobile Arena. This was the Golden Knights’ second shutout win against Calgary this season after a 5-0 decision two months ago (Oct. 28). Vegas also defeated the Oilers 1-0 on Dec. 3. The win extended Vegas’ winning streak to six games. Ilya Samsonov stopped all 31 shots he faced for his first shutout with the Golden Knights. He and the Vegas special teams, particularly the penalty kill, played key roles in the club’s 25th win of the season. The Golden Knights found themselves down two men late in the first period but were able to hold Calgary off the board to keep the game scoreless through 20 minutes. Vegas killed off the rest of the penalty at the start of the second and then took care of a delay-of-game minor halfway through the middle frame. It took nearly 36 minutes, but the Golden Knights scored the first goal of the contest for the third straight game after falling behind 1-0 in their previous five. Brett Howden netted what proved to be the game-winner with 4:01 remaining in the second period. Howden deflected Alex Pietrangelo’s shot in transition to finish off an excellent passing play that involved almost everyone on the ice. Alex Pietrangelo. like if you agree pic.twitter.com/922fiOWgLk The goal was originally credited to Pietrangelo but was later announced as Howden’s 15th of the year; he is now tied with Ivan Barbashev for the team lead. Nearly 15 minutes into the third period, Vegas got some much-needed breathing room on the team’s fourth power play of the night. After generating six shots on a very dangerous — albeit unsuccessful — power play in the first period, the Golden Knights had two uneventful efforts, including one midway through the third. However, on their second consecutive opportunity in the period, the Golden Knights finally broke through, as Victor Olofsson beat a stingy Dan Vladar on the one-timer for his eighth goal and fifth power-play tally of the year. POWER PLAY GOALOFSSON 🙂↕️⛄️ pic.twitter.com/QSteBwDLZL With just seven seconds on the clock, Tanner Pearson scored an empty-net goal to seal the win for Vegas; it was his second point of the game after recording the secondary assist on Howden’s marker. Shea Theodore also came away with multiple points after assisting on the Olofsson and Pearson goals. It was a solid team effort by the Golden Knights, who got off to another strong start despite being unable to finish early. The Golden Knights were comfortable in a tight game and were able to hold on to the lead, which was a struggle earlier this season. Samsonov was a big part of that, as he made a number of difficult and timely saves. The penalty kill, which was arguably the team’s weakest link early in the season, has transformed into one of the club’s best assets, and it was on full display tonight. The power play also cashed in with a clutch goal in the final six minutes of regulation. The top unit moved the puck well, opening things up for Olofsson on the right side. Like Friday’s game against the Sharks, though, this game was probably closer than it should have been, especially since Calgary was in the second half of a back-to-back. That being said, the Golden Knights never trailed, did a lot of things well and ultimately took care of business in a winnable game. Vegas is now 15-3-0 on home ice this season. Notably, the Golden Knights have collected 44 of a possible 52 points against Western Conference teams this season and remain in first place in the league with 53 points (25-8-3). The Golden Knights will wrap up 2024 Tuesday against Nick Suzuki and the Montreal Canadiens.Saudi Arabia halves desalination costs, boosts efficiency by 80%, official saysDRIVERLESS Knight Rider-style buses are set to hit UK roads in days as thousands brace for the terrifying new concept. The self-driving motors will soon be zooming along the streets of Central Milton Keynes. 6 Self-driving buses will be trialled in Milton Keynes next week Credit: smartcityconsultancy 6 David Hasselhoff as Michael Knight and K.I.T.T. a famously driverless car in Knight Rider Credit: Getty - Contributor 6 An inside look of one of the driverless vehicles Credit: smartcityconsultancy Photographs of the StreetCAV, a 'plug-and-play' shuttle, show a pod-like vehicle with bars and handles like any normal bus. Except it's almost impossible to tell which end is the front, because there's no space for a driver's seat. Instead, the entire pod has room for passengers, with seats along either side and a central door. Before it is given the green light, the buses will be trialled in the city centre in December, MK Citizen reported. read more in motors TOW THE LINE What the squares and circles on a car bumper are for HIDDEN GEMS Classic cars sat in barn for 40 years sell for 10 TIMES original value If successful, the vehicles should be ready to board its first passengers in 2025. The driverless shuttles are currently on display in the town's Smart City Experience Centre. Zenzic’s CAM Supply Chain UK programme was launched by the government to help bring the UK in the running for world-leader in development of self-driving vehicles. It has pumped money into the ambitious project, which will be lead by the Smart City Consultancy (SMCCL). Most read in Motors SHUT DOWN Crucial motorway bridge used by 80,000 Brits every day shuts in BOTH directions Biker's code 5 motorcycle hand signals every motorbike rider should know DRIVE TIME Plymouth Barracuda signed by F1 legend set to sell for eye-watering price CHEAP AS CHIPS Best cheap cars for new drivers as millions brace for huge rule change “The StreetCAV project has been going for some time now so we are absolutely thrilled that it is finally at a stage where we can reveal it to the world," Ian Pulford, CEO at SMCCL, said. “Thanks to the partners we’ve been fortunate to involve in the project, we truly believe we have developed a solution which can change the future of urban mobility while making our towns and cities smarter, greener, and more inclusive. "We have also worked rigorously to ensure public safety. Working closely with Milton Keynes City Council, BT and ECS, we will establish a city centre control room, connected by a specifically designed communications network, provided by CableFree, which will in-turn allow the Ohmio vehicles to be supervised and managed remotely. “It really has been a fantastic project to work on and we can’t thank all of our partners and funders enough for their continued work and support.” Tesla opens 17 ‘Self-Serve’ test centres so customers can try driverless EVs Mark Cracknell, program director at Zenzic, added: “We are proud to have supported the development of StreetCAV and to have worked with all of the partners involved in this pioneering project. “Should the trial prove a success, it could lay the foundations for a more connected, inclusive, and resilient transportation network not only for Milton Keynes, but for towns and cities across the globe. “It is a perfect example of how, by working more collaboratively and bringing together industry, academia and the public sector, the UK can lead the way in accelerating the self-driving revolution.” The Sun Online has reached out to Milton Keynes Council for comment. TICKET TO THE FUTURE Milton Keynes isn't the only town which could soon have driverless motors roaming around its streets. In early 2023, The Sun Online reported how self-driving, zero-emission shuttles will be piloted in Sunderland after receiving £6m in government and industry funding. The Sunderland Advanced Mobility Shuttle project added it would trial three self-driving Aurrigo Auto-Shuttles. A safety driver will be on board the shuttles just in case. These futuristic-looking vehicles will transport passengers on public roads between Sunderland Interchange, Sunderland Royal Hospital and the University of Sunderland City Campus. The initiative is led by Sunderland City Council in partnership with Aurrigo, Stagecoach, Angoka Ltf, Newcastle University and Bai Communications. The project has received a £3m government grant matched by industry pros - which totals £6m. Liz St Louis, director of Smart Cities at Sunderland City Council, said to Chronicle Live : "Leveraging the power of 5G technology and Sunderland’s leading smart city infrastructure. Read more on the Scottish Sun FESTIVE FIZZ Coca-Cola Christmas truck in Scotland: Dates, locations & all you need to know AND RELAX Scots seaside hotel with outdoor hot tub and firepit named UK's top spa resort "The focus of our ambitious project partners is underpinned by an ethos of leaving no one and nowhere behind. "Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAVs) will provide huge social, industrial and economic benefits across the world and we’re hugely optimistic about a technology-fuelled future, powered by local expertise, right here in Sunderland." 6 Two young passengers take in the view from outside Credit: smartcityconsultancy 6 If successful, the buses will begin boarding passengers in 2025 Credit: smartcityconsultancy 6 A model of one of the buses in on display in Milton Keynes' Smart City Experience Centre Credit: smartcityconsultancy
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ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — John Elway says any remorse over bypassing Josh Allen in the 2018 NFL draft is quickly dissipating with rookie Bo Nix's rapid rise, suggesting the Denver Broncos have finally found their next franchise quarterback. Elway said Nix, the sixth passer selected in April's draft, is an ideal fit in Denver with coach Sean Payton navigating his transition to the pros and Vance Joseph's defense serving as a pressure release valve for the former Oregon QB.
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Russia's Uranium Gambit: A Wake-Up Call for U.S. Energy IndependenceBiden subtly slams Trump while paying tribute to the late Jimmy Carter: ‘Can you imagine...’Solar plant installation: CREST gets UT nod to cover 10 marla houses tooDAILY MAIL COMMENT: The folly of councils' seaside shirkers By DAILY MAIL COMMENT Published: 01:00, 30 December 2024 | Updated: 01:15, 30 December 2024 e-mail View comments ‘Opportunity is missed by most people,’ goes a phrase attributed to Thomas Edison, ‘because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work’. His attitude towards diligence should provide a mantra for every serious worker, but in the topsy-turvy world of local government a very different set of priorities is allowed to prevail. As we disclose today, council workers have been permitted to ‘work from the beach’ more than 2,000 times since the pandemic. The number of employees granted permission to log on via their laptops from abroad is soaring each year. In one astonishing example, an employee was allowed to work from the Spanish party island of Ibiza for almost four years. How can the taxpayer benefit when workers are so out-of-synch with colleagues and devoid of proper managerial supervision? In some cases, council staff were given permission to clock in from distant time zones – Australia, New Zealand and so on – meaning they were likely to never be at work at the same time as their colleagues. It risks embedding delay into every piece of work they were asked to complete. A woman working on a beach (stock). As we disclose today, council workers have been permitted to ‘work from the beach’ more than 2,000 times since the pandemic. The number of employees granted permission to log on via their laptops from abroad is soaring each year ‘Opportunity is missed by most people,’ goes a phrase attributed to Thomas Edison (pictured), ‘because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work’. His attitude towards diligence should provide a mantra for every serious worker A beach in Sydney. In some cases, council staff were given permission to clock in from distant time zones – Australia, New Zealand and so on – meaning they were likely to never be at work at the same time as their colleagues No wonder local authorities are so often accused of being unresponsive and wasteful, especially as it emerged last week that nearly a quarter of council tax revenues are now being splurged on staff pensions. Read More EXCLUSIVE REVEALED - How councils let staff work from the BEACH! Remarkably, some town halls acknowledged they have formal policies offering employees the chance to work from abroad for a set period of time. It is just one more example of the growing gulf being cultivated in Sir Keir Starmer’s Britain. On one side are the cosseted public sector workers, to whom Labour is in hock, and on the other are private sector employees and entrepreneurs who have been called upon to shoulder the bills for our increasingly bloated state. Labour, predictably, has refused to condemn the rising number of seaside shirkers. Another reminder, if one were needed, that this Government works for its trade union paymasters – and not for you. A taxing year ahead Until now, the true scale of Labour’s tax-and-spend mentality has been a bleak, looming but largely theoretical concept. This week, the Government’s first all-out attack on aspiration comes into force with a vengeance as VAT is imposed on private school fees. As if a tax on education was not enough, a raft of further punitive rises will follow in the coming weeks and months. These will include Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ imposition of a heavier National Insurance burden on employers, which is likely to manifest itself in the form of falling headcounts and smaller pay rises. Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, has had the brass neck to claim middle-class parents actually support Labour’s tax on private education Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ imposition of a heavier National Insurance burden on employers is likely to manifest itself in the form of falling headcounts and smaller pay rises Still in denial about the full effect of her vindictive policies, Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, has had the brass neck to claim middle-class parents actually support Labour’s tax on private education. Some of those who dared to criticise the policy were guilty of ‘nothing short of scaremongering’, she crowed. Do Ms Reeves and Ms Phillipson believe the public will still be offering them thanks when pay levels stagnate? Or when job opportunities narrow? Or when the grocery bill increases again due to the Government’s net zero food packaging levy? Those who voted for all this will have a series of bitter pills to swallow in the coming year. But they will be unable to claim ignorance of one timeless, inescapable truth – a vote for Labour means fewer pounds in your pocket. Share or comment on this article: DAILY MAIL COMMENT: The folly of councils' seaside shirkers e-mail Add comment
After a thrilling conference championship Saturday and a drawn-out reveal show Sunday, the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff field is set. The first true tournament in FBS history has plenty to love -- and elements to loathe. What Went Right: Unique opening-round matchups Whether the first round proves to be more competitive than the four-team Playoff's often lopsided semifinal matchups remains to be seen. Until then, there is at least intrigue in the historic rarity of the four pairings. One opening-round matchup -- ACC automatic qualifier Clemson at Texas -- is a first-time encounter between two programs that combine for seven claimed national championships. Of the other three, the most recent contest occurred in 1996 when Tennessee topped Ohio State in the Citrus Bowl. The Vols and Buckeyes meet as the No. 9 and No. 8 seeds at Ohio State's Horseshoe, with the winner advancing to face top overall seed Oregon. SMU, a perhaps surprising final at-large selection given the Mustangs' dearth of high-profile wins, meets Penn State for the third time ever and first since 1978. The Nittany Lions scored a 26-21 come-from-behind win in Happy Valley, where they will again host SMU. The Penn State victory ended a 30-year stalemate after the first and only meeting in the 1948 Cotton Bowl produced a 13-13 tie. Here's hoping the third part of a 76-year trilogy is as closely contested as the initial two. Meanwhile, the matchup with the most previous installments is the closest in proximity -- less than 200 miles separate in-state counterparts Indiana and Notre Dame -- and the most lopsided. The Fighting Irish and Hoosiers last played in 1991, with Notre Dame's 49-27 win marking its sixth straight victory by multiple scores. Indiana's last win in the series came in 1950, a 20-7 Hoosiers victory in Bloomington. What Went Right: Boise State's big opportunity Although not the first outsider to reach or win a Bowl Championship Series game, Boise State's 2007 Fiesta Bowl victory over Oklahoma was arguably the most pivotal moment in building support for outsiders to compete for the national championship. The Broncos spent two decades knocking on the door, beginning with their perfect 2004 regular season, extending through two Fiesta Bowl wins, and withstanding the heartbreak of late-season losses in 2010 and 2011. The celebration in response to Boise State being part of the bracket -- and not just in, but as the No. 3 seed with a bye into the quarterfinals -- marked a culmination of generations of effort for just this opportunity. What Went Right: ‘Football weather' comes to the postseason From the birth of the bowl system with the first-ever Rose Bowl Game, college football's postseason has resided primarily in warm-weather destinations. This makes sense for the original purpose of bowl games as showcases and celebrations of a team's regular-season performance, but less so for the goal of crowning a national champion. After decades of playing what often amounted to road games in the postseason, northern teams get their opportunity to host. Three of the four first-round contests are in such climates -- though Indiana won't be particularly disadvantaged by weather when playing Notre Dame in South Bend. With average December highs in Pennsylvania in the 30s, SMU will need its heaters on the sideline at Penn State's Beaver Stadium. The more intriguing trip, however, is Tennessee's to Ohio State. Longtime college football fans know the arguments about SEC teams playing in Big Ten country late in the year. Pitting two high-quality teams from the two leagues head-to-head in such conditions is a highlight of this new postseason system. And, given Tennessee and Ohio State have two of the nation's best defenses, expect a style of play befitting what is often described as football weather. What Went Wrong: More teams means more politicking When Mack Brown seemingly spent as much time on TV campaigning in 2004 as that year's presidential candidates, George W. Bush and John Kerry, his Texas Longhorns were among a small collection of teams vying for BCS bids. With the 12-team Playoff opening the top postseason opportunities to as many as 20 teams realistically, the political campaign ads that mercilessly ended in early November were replaced by the politicking of college football figures. Iowa State athletic director Jamie Pollard spent last week taking shots at SMU and other programs over strength of schedule -- a point neglecting that the Cyclones' losses came to unranked Texas Tech and sub-.500 Kansas. Arizona State's thorough dismantling of Iowa State in the Big 12 Championship Game solved that debate at the proverbial ballot box. However, brace yourself for an offseason of recount demands coming out of the SEC. Alabama's exclusion at 9-3, while 11-2 SMU landed the final at-large spot, is sure to play into the same controversy that South Carolina coach Shane Beamer leaned into last week. Beamer told The State (Columbia, S.C.) last week that his program may consider changing its nonconference scheduling in response to its seemingly inevitable Playoff snub. It's an odd position, given South Carolina's three losses all came in-conference, and the Gamecocks' nonleague slate included sub-.500 teams Old Dominion, Akron and FCS Wofford. But then again, how often are political campaign pitches rooted in logic? What Went Wrong: Quantity over quality? A more salient position in Beamer's case for South Carolina is that the Gamecocks scored quality wins during a season-ending, six-game streak. With its Rivalry Week defeat of Clemson, South Carolina added a victory over a Playoff qualifier to complement victories over Texas A&M and Missouri. Alabama, meanwhile, boasts wins over No. 2 overall seed Georgia and that same South Carolina team in contention. SMU's resume might be the most likely to draw ire, given the Mustangs received the last at-large berth. However, SMU beat nine- and eight-win Duke and Louisville, with two losses by a combined six points. Indiana should be the more contentious at-large choice, with the Hoosiers beating only one team that finished above .500: 7-5 Michigan. Indiana's only other matchup with an above-.500 opponent was a 38-15 blowout at Ohio State. That's something Alabama and South Carolina have in common with Indiana, as all three teams lost in routs. Alabama dropped a 24-3 decision late in the season at Oklahoma that presumably doomed the Crimson Tide's chances, while South Carolina lost to Ole Miss 27-3. To that end, there are arguments to be made for and against every team that was on the bubble. No system will ever appease all parties. What Went Wrong: Seeding conundrum Much of the Playoff's very existence flies in the face of college football tradition. One facet of how the field was set that upholds tradition in its own small way is rewarding teams for winning their conferences by reserving the four first-round byes for league champions. When this format was implemented, however, the committee could not have envisioned that two of the top five conference champions would not be ranked in the top 10. Because three-loss Clemson survived a furious SMU comeback in the ACC championship game, and Arizona State caught fire after underwhelming losses to Texas Tech and Cincinnati to win a weak Big 12, the committee was in the unusual position of having to slot a non-power conference champion and double-digit-ranked team in a top-four spot. This first edition of the Playoff seems likely to be the last to use this format, even if this scenario seems like an outlier. --Kyle Kensing, Field Level MediaDRIVERLESS Knight Rider-style buses are set to hit UK roads in days as thousands brace for the terrifying new concept. The self-driving motors will soon be zooming along the streets of Central Milton Keynes. 6 Self-driving buses will be trialled in Milton Keynes next week Credit: smartcityconsultancy 6 David Hasselhoff as Michael Knight and K.I.T.T. a famously driverless car in Knight Rider Credit: Getty - Contributor 6 An inside look of one of the driverless vehicles Credit: smartcityconsultancy Photographs of the StreetCAV, a 'plug-and-play' shuttle, show a pod-like vehicle with bars and handles like any normal bus. Except it's almost impossible to tell which end is the front, because there's no space for a driver's seat. Instead, the entire pod has room for passengers, with seats along either side and a central door. Before it is given the green light, the buses will be trialled in the city centre in December, MK Citizen reported. read more in motors TOW THE LINE What the squares and circles on a car bumper are for HIDDEN GEMS Classic cars sat in barn for 40 years sell for 10 TIMES original value If successful, the vehicles should be ready to board its first passengers in 2025. The driverless shuttles are currently on display in the town's Smart City Experience Centre. Zenzic’s CAM Supply Chain UK programme was launched by the government to help bring the UK in the running for world-leader in development of self-driving vehicles. It has pumped money into the ambitious project, which will be lead by the Smart City Consultancy (SMCCL). Most read in Motors SHUT DOWN Crucial motorway bridge used by 80,000 Brits every day shuts in BOTH directions Biker's code 5 motorcycle hand signals every motorbike rider should know DRIVE TIME Plymouth Barracuda signed by F1 legend set to sell for eye-watering price CHEAP AS CHIPS Best cheap cars for new drivers as millions brace for huge rule change “The StreetCAV project has been going for some time now so we are absolutely thrilled that it is finally at a stage where we can reveal it to the world," Ian Pulford, CEO at SMCCL, said. “Thanks to the partners we’ve been fortunate to involve in the project, we truly believe we have developed a solution which can change the future of urban mobility while making our towns and cities smarter, greener, and more inclusive. "We have also worked rigorously to ensure public safety. Working closely with Milton Keynes City Council, BT and ECS, we will establish a city centre control room, connected by a specifically designed communications network, provided by CableFree, which will in-turn allow the Ohmio vehicles to be supervised and managed remotely. “It really has been a fantastic project to work on and we can’t thank all of our partners and funders enough for their continued work and support.” Tesla opens 17 ‘Self-Serve’ test centres so customers can try driverless EVs Mark Cracknell, program director at Zenzic, added: “We are proud to have supported the development of StreetCAV and to have worked with all of the partners involved in this pioneering project. “Should the trial prove a success, it could lay the foundations for a more connected, inclusive, and resilient transportation network not only for Milton Keynes, but for towns and cities across the globe. “It is a perfect example of how, by working more collaboratively and bringing together industry, academia and the public sector, the UK can lead the way in accelerating the self-driving revolution.” The Sun Online has reached out to Milton Keynes Council for comment. TICKET TO THE FUTURE Milton Keynes isn't the only town which could soon have driverless motors roaming around its streets. In early 2023, The Sun Online reported how self-driving, zero-emission shuttles will be piloted in Sunderland after receiving £6m in government and industry funding. The Sunderland Advanced Mobility Shuttle project added it would trial three self-driving Aurrigo Auto-Shuttles. A safety driver will be on board the shuttles just in case. These futuristic-looking vehicles will transport passengers on public roads between Sunderland Interchange, Sunderland Royal Hospital and the University of Sunderland City Campus. The initiative is led by Sunderland City Council in partnership with Aurrigo, Stagecoach, Angoka Ltf, Newcastle University and Bai Communications. The project has received a £3m government grant matched by industry pros - which totals £6m. Liz St Louis, director of Smart Cities at Sunderland City Council, said to Chronicle Live : "Leveraging the power of 5G technology and Sunderland’s leading smart city infrastructure. Read more on the Scottish Sun FESTIVE FIZZ Coca-Cola Christmas truck in Scotland: Dates, locations & all you need to know AND RELAX Scots seaside hotel with outdoor hot tub and firepit named UK's top spa resort "The focus of our ambitious project partners is underpinned by an ethos of leaving no one and nowhere behind. "Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAVs) will provide huge social, industrial and economic benefits across the world and we’re hugely optimistic about a technology-fuelled future, powered by local expertise, right here in Sunderland." 6 Two young passengers take in the view from outside Credit: smartcityconsultancy 6 If successful, the buses will begin boarding passengers in 2025 Credit: smartcityconsultancy 6 A model of one of the buses in on display in Milton Keynes' Smart City Experience Centre Credit: smartcityconsultancy
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Saquon Barkley knew the Eagles season rushing record could be his on Sunday with the type of stellar performance that has become the standard during his first season in Philadelphia. As for the exact moment Barkley hit the milestone, he wasn't sure — until the “MVP!” chants echoed throughout the Linc after a 9-yard run in the fourth quarter . “The records are great, they put a smile on your face,” Barkley said, “but the season is far from over.” Needing 109 yards to break LeSean McCoy's record, Barkley rushed for 124 yards and pushed his season total to 1,623 in a 22-16 victory over Carolina . Barkley needed just 13 games to pass McCoy, who rushed for 1,607 yards in 2013. He also overtook Wilbert Montgomery, who had 1,512 yards in 1978. “I never wrote the goal down to break it,” Barkley said. “You're always aware of it. That's how I train. That's how I operate in the offseason. I want to be great.” Barkley also maintained his pace to break Eric Dickerson’s NFL single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards, set in 1984 with the Los Angeles Rams. “That would be extremely cool to do,” Barkley said. “If it happens, it happens, and not with the mindset of, I'm scared to go try to do it. Whatever it takes to win football games.” Barkley is averaging 124.8 yards per game. At that pace and with one more game to play than Dickerson, he would become the top single-season rusher in NFL history. He needs 483 yards yards over the final four games to top Dickerson’s 40-year-old record. He averaged 6.2 yards on 20 carries against the Panthers to help the Eagles win their ninth straight game. McCoy, who was inducted into the team's Hall of Fame this season, remains the franchise’s rushing leader with 6,792 yards. Referencing his old uniform number, McCoy congratulated Barkley on social media with “a lot of love, coming from 2-5." “Being a fan of Shady's growing up, and seeing the spectacular things he was able to do with the ball in his hand, to be able to have my name mentioned with him definitely means a lot,” Barkley said. Barkley left the New York Giants in the offseason and signed a three-year deal worth $26 million guaranteed to join the Eagles, who made him the highest-paid running back in franchise history. The 27-year-old has been worth every dollar. Barkley is among the favorites for league MVP, according to BetMGM Sportsbook. Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen was the only player with better MVP odds entering Sunday. Barkley has a franchise-record nine 100-yard rushing games in a season. Although he was held out of the end zone Sunday, he began the day leading the league with four rushing touchdowns of 25-plus yards. Barkley, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft, topped 1,000 yards three times in his six seasons with the Giants. He finished with 1,312 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns in 2022 and rushed for 1,307 yards and 11 scores as a rookie. Eagles general manager Howie Roseman, who had been unwilling to spend on elite running backs, pounced on Barkley and the decision was celebrated as a success in Philly from the first game of the season. Barkley rushed for two scores and caught a TD pass in the opener against Green Bay. His three touchdowns were the most by an Eagles player in his debut since Terrell Owens in 2004. Barkley only soared in production and popularity from there, his highlight reel stamped by a reverse leap over the head of a Jacksonville defender last month. He's since vaulted over every running back ahead of him on the Eagles rushing list — and has a chance at NFL history. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFLHow Revolutionary Trends Will Shape the Future of Global Travel in 2025: New Report Highlights
Former US President Jimmy Carter has died, aged 100Saquon Barkley sets Eagles season rushing record and has Dickerson's NFL mark in his sights
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Saquon Barkley knew the Eagles season rushing record could be his on Sunday with the type of stellar performance that has become the standard during his first season in Philadelphia. As for the exact moment Barkley hit the milestone, he wasn't sure — until the “MVP!” chants echoed throughout the Linc after a 9-yard run in the fourth quarter . “The records are great, they put a smile on your face,” Barkley said, “but the season is far from over.” Needing 109 yards to break LeSean McCoy's record, Barkley rushed for 124 yards and pushed his season total to 1,623 in a 22-16 victory over Carolina . Barkley needed just 13 games to pass McCoy, who rushed for 1,607 yards in 2013. He also overtook Wilbert Montgomery, who had 1,512 yards in 1978. “I never wrote the goal down to break it,” Barkley said. “You're always aware of it. That's how I train. That's how I operate in the offseason. I want to be great.” Barkley also maintained his pace to break Eric Dickerson’s NFL single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards, set in 1984 with the Los Angeles Rams. “That would be extremely cool to do,” Barkley said. “If it happens, it happens, and not with the mindset of, I'm scared to go try to do it. Whatever it takes to win football games.” Barkley is averaging 124.8 yards per game. At that pace and with one more game to play than Dickerson, he would become the top single-season rusher in NFL history. He needs 483 yards yards over the final four games to top Dickerson’s 40-year-old record. He averaged 6.2 yards on 20 carries against the Panthers to help the Eagles win their ninth straight game. McCoy, who was inducted into the team's Hall of Fame this season, remains the franchise’s rushing leader with 6,792 yards. Referencing his old uniform number, McCoy congratulated Barkley on social media with “a lot of love, coming from 2-5." “Being a fan of Shady's growing up, and seeing the spectacular things he was able to do with the ball in his hand, to be able to have my name mentioned with him definitely means a lot,” Barkley said. Barkley left the New York Giants in the offseason and signed a three-year deal worth $26 million guaranteed to join the Eagles, who made him the highest-paid running back in franchise history. The 27-year-old has been worth every dollar. Barkley is among the favorites for league MVP, according to BetMGM Sportsbook. Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen was the only player with better MVP odds entering Sunday. Barkley has a franchise-record nine 100-yard rushing games in a season. Although he was held out of the end zone Sunday, he began the day leading the league with four rushing touchdowns of 25-plus yards. Barkley, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft, topped 1,000 yards three times in his six seasons with the Giants. He finished with 1,312 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns in 2022 and rushed for 1,307 yards and 11 scores as a rookie. Eagles general manager Howie Roseman, who had been unwilling to spend on elite running backs, pounced on Barkley and the decision was celebrated as a success in Philly from the first game of the season. Barkley rushed for two scores and caught a TD pass in the opener against Green Bay. His three touchdowns were the most by an Eagles player in his debut since Terrell Owens in 2004. Barkley only soared in production and popularity from there, his highlight reel stamped by a reverse leap over the head of a Jacksonville defender last month. He's since vaulted over every running back ahead of him on the Eagles rushing list — and has a chance at NFL history. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL