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Can we teach kids about the most wonderful — and most sorrowful — time of the year?TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — This isn’t a week when coach Todd Bowles feels he needs to find the right words to ensure his Tampa Bay Buccaneers are motivated to face the last-place Carolina Panthers. The Bucs (8-7) have won eight of the last nine meetings between the NFC South rivals, including the past three with Baker Mayfield at quarterback. It hasn’t exactly been smoothly sailing against the Panthers (4-11), though, for the three-time defending division champions. And, with at least a share of first place on the line Sunday, Bowles and his players say they are focused solely on rebounding from last week’s disappointing loss to the Dallas Cowboys. “We know it’s going to be a tough ballgame. It went overtime last time. They’re coached very well; they play very hard,” Bowles said, referencing Tampa Bay’s 26-23 win at Carolina on Dec. 1. “We know what’s at stake for us. It doesn’t need to be talked about. Everybody understands that,” Bowles added. “We’ve got to clean up our own mistakes, and we’ve got to play an error-free football game.” The Bucs are tied with Atlanta for the best record in the NFC South, however the Falcons (8-7) hold the tiebreaker after sweeping the season series between the teams. To claim a fourth straight division title, Tampa Bay needs to win remaining home games against the Panthers and New Orleans Saints while Atlanta loses at least once in the last two weeks of the regular season. If the Falcons hold on to win the South, the Bucs can earn a wild-card playoff berth if they win out and the Washington Commanders lose twice. Mayfield, who has resurrected his career since being released by Carolina two years ago, summed up the attitude in a resilient locker room. The Bucs have won four of five games following a four-game losing streak threatened their playoff hopes. “I keep saying it, this team has the mental makeup of a great team. We just have to continue to fight and find ways to win,” the quarterback said. “If we don’t take of business, we won’t be in the playoffs.” Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard cost his team the game four weeks ago against Tampa Bay when he fumbled on the second possession of overtime just after Carolina had reached field goal range. Mayfield responded by leading the Bucs back down the field for the winning field goal. The loss was devastating for Hubbard at the time, but he promised himself when the opportunity arose again he’d make the most of it. He did that this past Sunday, when he carried twice for 49 yards, including a 21-yard touchdown run in which he broke two tackles, in overtime to lift the Panthers to a 36-30 win over Arizona, knocking the Cardinals out of the playoff hunt. “I’d let it go, but it’s definitely been in the back of my head a little bit,” Hubbard said. “Like I said, when the next opportunity came, I told myself I’m going to get it back for them. To be able to have them trust me in that opportunity again, and to have it in that way is a blessing from God.” Bryce Young has shown solid progress in his decision making, particularly when the pocket begins to break down. Last week, the second-year QB ran for a career-best 68 yards, including a 24-yard touchdown. Young was benched after two games this season, but since returning to the lineup has played better, restoring some faith that perhaps the No. 1 overall pick in 2023 can be the team’s quarterback of the future. “Just time in the system and time as a team for us to come together,” Young said of why he has improved. “For me, being able to get reps, and get time with everyone. It’s just all of us being able to feed off of each other, and it’s been able to allow us to turn in the right direction.” The Panthers have been abysmal against the run, allowing nearly 200 yards per game on the ground over the last seven games. In the last meeting with Tampa Bay, Bucky Irving ran for a career-high 152 yards and a touchdown, so Carolina’s defense has a good idea of what's coming Sunday. Mayfield has beaten Carolina three times since joining the Bucs in 2023. All of the meetings have been close, though, with the Panthers losing twice by three points and Tampa Bay settling for three field goals in a 9-0 regular season-ending victory that clinched its third straight NFC South championship last January. “We know them well. They know us well,” Mayfield said. AP Sports Writer Steve Reed in Charlotte, North Carolina, contributed to this report. NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflAnother Washington Commanders game is in the books, and with it is another touchdown to superstar WR Terry McLaurin. That's right. McLaurin, with his franchise record-breaking 12th score of the season, has officially evolved out of the regular old "star" label. He's a superstar. Sunday's 36-33 victory against the Philadelphia Eagles was the fourth consecutive game in which McLaurin has found the end zone. He has six touchdowns in that span . In fact, the last time McLaurin was held scoreless was in Washington's first tilt against the Eagles this season on Nov. 14, when he caught only one pass for 10 yards. Out to make a statement against rookie DB Quinyon Mitchell in the return trip to D.C., "Scary Terry" caught five balls for 60 yards and the score. In total, McLaurin's 12 touchdown catches this season has nearly doubled his previous career-best of seven from back in his rookie year of 2019. He has also eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards on the season for the fifth-straight year , and could feasibly surpass his high of 1,191 yards from the 2022 season. McLaurin trails only Ja'Marr Chase (16) in touchdown catches in 2024, and ranks 10th in the NFL in receiving yards. Throughout his career he has been considered an upper-echelon receiver, but has never quite cracked the "elite" tier, primarily due to a lack of quality quarterback play. Prior to this season, his most consistent rapport was with Taylor Heinicke. There's no doubt about it now: McLaurin is elite. The amount of receivers in the league who are definitively better than him can be counted on one hand, and it's time the rest of the NFL acknowledges what Washington has always known.
Military families with loved ones in Children's Hospital Colorado can perhaps breathe a little easier this Christmas knowing their insurance will still be accepted in the new year. Children's Hospital had planned to move to a “non-network participating provider” with the TriWest Healthcare Alliance on Jan. 1, 2025, after negotiations between the hospital and the insurance provider broke down. The agreement reached in recent days will allow the hospital to remain in network with TRICARE, the health care insurance program for military service members, veterans and their families. TriWest will replace Healthnet in the western half of the United States on Jan. 1 as the new benefits administrator for TRICARE, the Gazette reported previously . "Under the new agreement, TRICARE patients will maintain full access to our care and services across Colorado," a Christmas Eve news release from Children's Hospital said Tuesday. The new agreement prevents military families from needing to seek prior authorization from the insurance provider for services, such as lab work or specialty visits. With five military installations and tens of thousands of veterans in El Paso County, the Colorado Springs hospital sees numerous patients who would have been impacted by the change. Last year, Children’s Hospital Colorado cared for 15,000 TRICARE patients, 10,300 of whom received services in southern Colorado, according to officials. The hospital shared the good news with impacted families on Christmas Eve. "Our patients are at the center of everything we do, and it was important to us to work with TriWest to achieve improvements in the new contract that will help us maintain access to care," said Greg Raymond, president of Children’s Hospital Colorado’s Southern Region in a written response to questions. Colorado Sens. John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet urged TriWest and Children's Hospital to come to an agreement last week to preserve care for those families when negotiations broke down. The potential loss of coverage stemmed from a disagreement over the Defense Health Agency cutting TRICARE reimbursement rates last year for children’s hospitals around the nation. Children's Hospital Colorado estimated at the time the it would see around $17 million cut from its Tricare reimbursements each year because of the changes that lowered reimbursements for outpatient services, according to a lawsuit the hospital filed against the Department of Defense. The TRICARE cuts have reduced outpatient reimbursements by 60%, amounting to losses of $2.4 million per month, said Greg Raymond, president of the hospital network's southern region that's based in Colorado Springs. He spoke to the Gazette for an earlier story . The nonprofit pediatric health system has lost money at its Colorado Springs location since it opened in 2019, but TRICARE's changes have deepened those losses, officials said. At $2.5 million a month, the hospital system would lose $30 million in a year. The hospital has discussed making substantial changes, such as cutting services as a result of lost revenue in the past. But it has not yet made any changes or made decisions about changes, Raymond said, in response to Gazette questions Tuesday. The hospital lost its case against the DOD in April with a judge ruling in favor of the governments' change in reimbursement. The new methodology focuses on hospitals' actual costs — rather than their historic reimbursements, Colorado Politics reported previously . The newly reached agreement will allow Children's Hospital Colorado to maintain care, the news release said. Although the hospital will need to work on additional long-term changes to the contract. “While we are optimistic about this first step in ensuring our military families continue to receive the care they need, TRICARE reimbursement rates remain well below the cost of providing care,” said Jena Hausmann, president and CEO of Children’s Colorado, the region’s nonprofit pediatric hospital system. "... If the federal TRICARE program does not fundamentally change the way it values children and child health, our healthcare system will struggle and access to pediatric care for military children will continue to be at risk in Colorado and across the country.” The government pointed out in its ruling that other children's hospitals across the country were expected to see increases in reimbursements.Wikipedia at Elon Musk's crosshairs, slams its $50 million DEI budget, calls it 'Wokepedia'Version Control: What’s the Best ‘Nosferatu’ to Watch?
AP News Summary at 6:01 p.m. EST
Icelandic airline PLAY is offering these holiday dealsA Cambodian court on Thursday convicted an opposition party leader of inciting social disorder and sentenced him to two years in prison, the latest legal assault on opponents and critics of the government of Prime Minister Hun Manet. RELATED The Phnom Penh Municipal Court also gave Nation Power Party president Sun Chanthy a permanent ban on voting or running for office and fined him four million riels ($1,000). He was convicted in absentia as he chose not to attend Thursday’s brief trial. Sun Chanthy, 41, was arrested in May this year at Phnom Penh International Airport after returning from a trip to Japan where he held a meeting with several hundred Cambodian overseas workers. He spoke there critically about Hun Manet’s government and urged that opposition political parties be allowed to operate more freely. In full: https://apnews.com/article/cambodia-hun-manet-repression-lawfare-sun-chanthy-f75d60b4cb614733fd2e107d63f1152f
Social Don't miss out on the headlines from Social. Followed categories will be added to My News. Within 24 hours of landing in Australia juggernaut streaming sensation IShowSpeed had to be rescued after a failed flip into Sydney Harbor, had his hat stolen by an overeager fan and then pulled off a theft of his own. So all in all just another day at the office for the 19-year-old American who has built a following of more than 33 million on YouTube with his wild stunts and access to some of the most famous people in the world. Known as Speed for short, the Ohio native born Darren Jason Watkins Jr has raced Paris Olympics 100m champion Noah Lyle in a 50m sprint, jumped over the top of a speeding Lamborghini, appeared on WWE and met the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama - all in the past few months. He began his tour of Australia and New Zealand in Sydney on Thursday and was immediately swarmed by young fans of his headline-grabbing approach to life. A young woman turns her back on Speed. Wearing a custom Socceroos jersey with his name on the back, Speed ventured to the Sydney Opera House, Taronga Zoo and then down to Bondi and drew a large crowd, with some parents travelling for hours on public transport with their kids to get a brush with fame. But not everyone was eager to meet him. Speed tried what the kids these days call his “rizz” on a young woman at the beach but was brutally denied as she turned her back and showed no interest in having a chat. And that wasn’t his only mishap. Speed blows up at a young fan who stole his hat. Picture: X One overeager fan snatched a hat Speed was gifted and attempted to escape with it, but the streamer noticed immediately and chased him down and berated him. “What the f*** wrong with you bro, this a gift! Don’t steal my hat,” he said. Speed grabs a young fan and steals his Portugal jersey. Picture: X Speed live streams a backflip into Sydney Harbor. Picture: X Speed, a huge Ronaldo fan, had a very different approach after noticing a young fan wearing a Portugal jersey. The Aussie kid offered to swap, but after he removed the top, Speed snatched it and took off. “Give me your f***ing shirt,” he said as he walked off. “Give me your f***ing shirt, bro.” He was able to escape the crowds and find a secluded spot on Sydney Harbor for his next stunt - a backflip into the water near Watson’s Bay. But his attempt went awry as he over-rotated and landed flat on his back, emerging from the water calling for help. “Help! Help! Ah, that s*** hurt,” he said, as another swimmer moved towards him to help him out of the water. He later revealed he’d lost an earring in the dive and offered a $1000 reward for anyone who could find it for him. Streamers and video content creators like Speed, Logan Paul, KSI and MrBeast have amassed huge following in recent years. More Coverage ‘Absolute zoo’: Country set to be ‘overrun’ Jason Murphy Porn star’s ‘disturbing’ sex act horrifies Rebekah Scanlan Originally published as Global YouTube star IShowSpeed brutally denied by Bondi baddie Join the conversation Add your comment to this story To join the conversation, please log in. Don't have an account? Register Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout More related stories Social ‘Control’: Musk’s chilling warning to Aussies The billionaire owner of X Elon Musk has called out the Albanese government’s new social media to stop young teenagers accessing social media. Read more Social List of apps to be banned for teens A full list of apps that teens will be banned from under new laws has been released. Read more
Red Sox acquire reliever Jovani Morán from Twins for utility player Mickey GasperUwill Founder & CEO Michael London Named Innovator in HealthcareAfter five quarters of stagnation, the EU economy returned to modest growth in the first three quarters of the year, while the disinflation process continued. According to the European Commission Autumn Forecast, the conditions for a continued gradual pick-up in growth in 2025 and 2026 are in place. Financial conditions are easing; the labour market remains strong; the disinflationary process is seen as solidly in place; and households’ disposable incomes are set to continue expanding. Elevated uncertainty at home and abroad is estimated to have exerted a considerable drag on growth and is likely to continue doing so. Fostering a more predictable economic environment could further lift growth over the forecast horizon. The forceful tightening of financial conditions contributed to five consecutive quarters of broad stagnation in the EU from late 2022 through 2023, but largely achieved its goal of a steady decline in inflation. Remarkably, the labour market has continued to show resilience — a soft landing under challenging circumstances. In 2024, the EU economy returned to growth. Despite recovering purchasing power, many households restrained their consumption and opted instead to save more due to lingering inflationary concerns and, to a lesser extent, higher interest rates (Baldassarri et al. 2024). Bobasu et al. (2024) also highlight the role of declining housing prices and uncertainty. By mid-year, the household saving rate had risen significantly to 14.8%, three percentage points above its pre-pandemic long-term average. At the same time, investment contracted sharply. Even net of one-off transactions in intellectual property, residential construction continued declining and equipment investment fell sharply, too. Beyond still tight financial conditions and falling profit margins, Revoltella et al. (2024) point to the role of elevated energy costs and uncertainty. With growth of imports lagging behind growth of exports, net trade turned out to be the main driver of growth. Weakening contribution from net trade and fiscal consolidation will impact growth... According to the Commission’s Autumn Forecast (European Commission 2024), merchandise and services exports will continue to expand. But import growth will also rise on the back of higher demand. Trade dynamics are thus projected to remain favourable but net trade will no longer prop up EU growth. Fiscal consolidation is underway. The EU general government deficit is projected to have resumed its decline this year, supported by revenue windfalls and restrained spending, though high interest rates are weighing on public debt. Fiscal policy is estimated to exert a mildly contractionary impact on the EU economy, particularly in 2024 due to the phasing out of ‘energy measures’ that provided support to private investments, especially housing renovations in Italy. In 2025, the contractionary impact of national fiscal policies on economic activity is expected to be offset by the accelerated utilisation of EU funds, including the Recovery and Resilience Fund. The forecast for 2025 however does not include the draft budgetary plans for a few member states – Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Spain – which had not been submitted to the Commission by the cutoff date. For 2026, the fiscal projections in the Autumn Forecast do not include the still unspecified measures needed to achieve the adjustment path planned in member states’ medium-term fiscal-structural plans. The proper implementation of the plans is estimated to imply a slightly contractionary EU fiscal stance in 2026 which, also depending on the nature of the underpinning measures, can be expected to weigh on the GDP growth outlook. ...while credit conditions are set to ease markedly With energy inflation cooling, overall inflation resumed its downward trend in August. Looking forward, the disinflation process hinges upon easing price pressures in services, as nominal wage growth slows down and productivity resumes growing. All signs point to a solid disinflationary trend. The ECB has lowered interest rates three times since May, and further substantial loosening (125 basis points) is expected by the end of 2025. Financial conditions are also easing markedly, as retail rates are set to keep falling and credit standards to keep loosening. Domestic demand is set to rebound, while service inflation keeps easing Although the labour market has loosened somewhat, job creation continues, especially benefiting women, older workers, and foreign-born jobseekers. Employment growth is projected to slow down further, with job intensity of growth converging towards pre-pandemic rates. Wage growth, following a peak in 2023, is set to slow yet should continue to outpace inflation, restoring real purchasing power for households. Households, having accumulated savings and improved their financial positions, are expected to lower their saving rates slightly, leading to gradual acceleration in consumption growth. Households, having accumulated savings and improved their financial positions, are expected to lower their saving rates slightly, leading to gradual acceleration in consumption growth. A global recovery for manufacturing and trade of goods, coupled with easing conditions and improving profit margins, set the stage for a rebound in investment. Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) funding is also set to help businesses transition to energy-efficient, low-emission production, though ongoing structural changes could challenge segments of manufacturing, especially energy-intensive and automotive sectors. Residential construction remains subdued in 2025, but is expected to recover by 2026 – leading to a broad-based acceleration of investment. The Autumn Forecast sees a gradual acceleration of economic activity, amidst further decelerating inflation The forecast projects moderate real GDP growth of 0.9 % for the EU in 2024 and an acceleration to 1.5% and 1.8%, respectively, in 2025 and 2026. Inflation is expected to halve in 2024 and continue easing. However, elevated uncertainty, at home and abroad, is weighing on the EU economy. Elevated uncertainty is estimated to exert a heavy toll on economic activity, especially investment Uncertainty – proxied by the Economic Policy Uncertainty (EPU) index by Baker et al. (2016) – has been on the rise, particularly over the last few quarters. Elevated uncertainty reflects heightened geopolitical tensions, especially in the EU’s eastern and south-eastern neighbourhood, but also domestic political instability, especially in France and Germany. To quantify the effects of uncertainty on the economy, a vector autoregressive (VAR) model 2 was used to gauge how sudden increases in uncertainty influence investment and GDP within the euro area. Results suggest that each unexpected surge in uncertainty, equivalent to a one standard deviation shock, exerts a cumulative drag of approximately 0.45 percentage points on GDP growth within a year. Investment is particularly sensitive to these conditions: faced with a murky economic outlook, companies often defer or cancel spending, particularly on capital projects, until greater clarity emerges. 3 Consumption, though less impacted than investment, is not immune as households tend to increase precautionary savings. A progressive decline of uncertainty would significantly boost GDP growth over the forecast horizon Looking forward, a scenario analysis 4 further underscores the economic stakes associated with different uncertainty paths. If uncertainty in the euro area were to return to pre-pandemic levels by the end of the forecast period, it could boost GDP by up to 1.2 percentage points, given the positive effects this would have on restoring confidence in both private consumption and business investment. Under a more optimistic scenario, where uncertainty reverts to levels seen before the Global Financial Crisis, the boost to GDP could reach as high as 1.7 points. However, if uncertainty were to rise by another 50% above current post-pandemic levels, the implications would be adverse, resulting in an estimated 0.6% reduction in GDP, further depressing both consumption and investment growth across the region. While the impact of an individual uncertainty shock eventually dies out, repeated exposure to episodes of high uncertainty can leave lasting scars by making businesses and households more risk-averse. This ‘hysteresis effect’ leads firms and individuals to adopt a more cautious outlook even once stability returns. EU policymakers must strive to foster a more predictable economic environment. Much of the uncertainty affecting the EU originates beyond its borders. Stability in domestic policy, even amid global turbulence, would go a long way towards ensuring that businesses and households feel secure enough to invest and spend, bolstering economic growth in the process. Creating clear and stable policy signals will be crucial to support investment and consumption. Source: CEPR
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On 5 December 2024, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Divisions of Clearing and Risk, Data, Market Oversight, and Market Participants issued a staff advisory on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) by CFTC-regulated entities (the Advisory). 2 The Advisory comes nearly a year after CFTC staff (Staff) issued a Request for Comment on the Use of Artificial Intelligence in CFTC-Regulated Markets, which garnered 26 responses and helped to inform the CFTC’s guidance. 3 Importantly, the Advisory does not create any new compliance obligations for derivatives market participants who use AI solutions. Instead, consistent with the CFTC’s “technology neutral” approach, Staff took this opportunity to remind registered entities that they must continue to comply with existing compliance obligations, whether using AI or any other technology, either directly or with a third-party service provider. The Advisory highlights a number of AI use cases by derivatives market participants, and the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA) and CFTC regulatory requirements that may be implicated by each of the use cases. Chairman Rostin Behnam, in what is likely to be one of his last key acts as head of the agency, remarked that the Advisory is the CFTC’s first step engaging with market participants on the topic of AI. However, as noted in the Advisory, there is likely more to come. As AI technology evolves and as derivatives market participants develop other innovative use cases, there is potential for future rulemakings or guidance by the CFTC. Below, we set forth an overview of the key elements of the Advisory. Under the Advisory, Staff explicitly states its expectation that all CFTC-regulated entities will assess the risks of using AI and will update their policies, procedures, controls, and systems, as appropriate under applicable CEA and CFTC regulatory requirements. Whether developing its own AI solutions or using a third-party AI offering, a regulated entity remains responsible for compliance with existing laws and regulations. Although Staff articulates this expectation with respect to entities that are registered with the CFTC in some capacity, all market participants should consider adhering to this standard, i.e., performing a risk assessment and following generally accepted standards for the development, operation, reliability, capacity, and security of the systems that use AI technology. As AI usage evolves and as existing AI tools are materially updated, market participants should consider conducting another risk assessment. As discussed below, Staff articulated use cases for which various registration categories may consider deploying AI technology and identified core principles and regulatory obligations that could be implicated by these uses. We consider a number of these below. Commissioner Kristin N. Johnson, who has long been an advocate for enhanced oversight and protective measures related to AI, issued a statement concurrent with the publication of the Advisory. In it, she described her vision for an AI Fraud Task Force within the Division of Enforcement and increased enforcement resources to effectively supervise market participants. She also called for a formal policy of enhanced penalties on those who use AI to engage in fraud or other illegal activities, especially when they lure vulnerable investors using AI (including the use of so-called “deepfakes”). Finally, Commissioner Johnson advocated for an interagency task force focused on AI and an open dialogue to gather information about market participants’ use and adoption of AI technologies. The risk of AI technology has been on the CFTC’s radar and will continue to be a priority, even under the new administration. CFTC-regulated entities should anticipate continued engagement by the CFTC on this topic and should take Staff’s expectations set forth in the Advisory seriously, despite the fact that it is not formal CFTC guidance or a rulemaking. In light of this Advisory, market participants may consider documenting each use case for how they deploy AI, any risk assessments that have taken place, and descriptions of how policies and procedures were updated to reflect the risk of the use of AI technology. Any market participant contemplating a new AI tool may need to consider their existing compliance obligations and whether any of these obligations are implicated by the use of the technology. Footnotes 1 Rostin Behnam, Chairman, Comm. Fut. Trading Comm’n, Statement of Chairman Rostin Behnam on the Staff Advisory Related to the Use of Artificial Intelligence by CFTC-Registered Entities and Registrants (Dec. 5, 2024), https://www.cftc.gov/PressRoom/SpeechesTestimony/behnamstatement120524?utm_source=govdelivery . 2 Press Release Number 9013-24, Comm. Fut. Trading Comm’n, CFTC Staff Issues Advisory Related to the Use of Artificial Intelligence by CFTC-Registered Entities and Registrants (Dec. 5, 2024), https://www.cftc.gov/PressRoom/PressReleases/9013-24 . 3 Press Release Number 8853-24, Comm. Fut. Trading Comm’n, CFTC Staff Releases Request for Comment on the Use of Artificial Intelligence in CFTC-Regulated Markets (Jan. 25, 2024), https://www.cftc.gov/PressRoom/PressReleases/8853-24 .AUSTIN, Texas — Death row inmate Robert Roberson III will not appear Friday at a Texas House hearing, the chair of the committee holding the hearing said. Roberson, 58, was set to testify before the House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence after the committee’s chair issued a subpoena Tuesday. The Texas attorney general’s office has derailed the committee’s efforts for a second time, requesting a protective order in the county where Roberson is housed. “My expectation was that we would have Robert Roberson here to speak with us, but that won’t be happening today,” Moody said. Roberson’s attorney Gretchen Sween said she had planned to be at the hearing with Roberson. She said Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office has interfered with the committee’s “lawful right” to take his testimony. “And now they have done so again—relying on baseless and vague smears and cheap fear-mongering to justify an act seemingly without legal basis. The real ‘fear’ at play here seems to be that seeing and hearing from Robert will make it clear to the public that an innocent man sits on death row who is also a gentle soul with a pronounced disability. Texans deserve better.” Roberson was sentenced to death in 2003 for reportedly fatally shaking his 2-year-old daughter, Nikki. His lawyers have since argued his prosecution relied on “junk science” by proving Nikki showed a triad of symptoms associated with “ shaken baby syndrome ,” a medical determination that has broadly come under scrutiny by scientists and doctors. Roberson of Palestine, Texas, has maintained his innocence through more than two decades on death row and two previous execution dates. He was most recently scheduled to die by lethal injection in Huntsville on Oct. 17 , but his execution was stayed following a last-minute intervention by Texas state Reps. Joe Moody, D-El Paso, and Jeff Leach, R-Allen, who subpoenaed Roberson to testify at a committee hearing on Oct. 21. Leach and Moody said the hearing was to address how the junk science law that allows people to contest their convictions based on new scientific evidence was applied in his appeals. The potential for Roberson’s appearance drew national attention, but the plan did not pan out after Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton raised “security and logistical concerns.” Sween, Roberson’s attorney, previously rejected an option for Roberson, who is autistic, to testify virtually. She said his unfamiliarity with the technology and “deficits in social and emotional processing” would “profoundly” limit the committee’s ability to assess his credibility. In his absence, the committee led a nine-hour hearing that included testimony from talk show host Phillip McGraw, also known as “Dr. Phil,” author John Grisham and a juror from Roberson’s capital murder trial who said she would have voted not to convict Roberson had the full circumstances of his daughter’s death been presented. The Texas Supreme Court later ruled the subpoena was valid, but said lawmakers could not use the maneuver to halt executions. ©2024 The Dallas Morning News. Visit dallasnews.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell's stirring locker room tribute to his team last week at Seattle was respectfully interrupted by seven-year veteran right tackle Brian O'Neill, who flipped the script on the game ball awards by tossing one to the boss in honor of his second 13-win season in three years. The Vikings have obliterated even the most optimistic of external predictions for this transitional season, taking a sparkling 13-2 record into their matchup against the Green Bay Packers that has made O'Connell the current favorite for the NFL Coach of the Year award. “It’s a credit to who he is as a person, as a coach and as a leader,” tight end T.J. Hockenson said. “We’re very fortunate to be able to play under him.” The Vikings can not only win the NFC North for a second time in three seasons, but get the No. 1 seed with a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the NFC tournament if they beat both the Packers at home on Sunday and the Detroit Lions on the road next week. Don't expect the Vikings to ponder that possibility, though, as tantalizing as it would be. “It can be a very tired cliché to talk about going 1-0 until you’ve systematically built your entire operation daily of just trying to do that every single day,” O'Connell said after Minnesota's eighth consecutive victory . “These guys, it’s not a cliché at that point. It becomes part of your football foundation and the makeup of your locker room, of your leadership, your coaching staff.” The Packers could be forgiven for being less than impressed by the impact O'Connell has made, for a reason beyond simply him coaching their biggest rival. Green Bay enjoyed even better out-of-the-gate success under coach Matt LaFleur, who was hired in 2019 and won 13 regular-season games in each of his first three years. Though they're in third place at 11-4, two games behind the Lions and the Vikings, the Packers too have secured a place in the playoffs even if they can't win their loaded division. They'll likely be the visiting team as long as they're alive this postseason. "I think that just all of us going against one another, it’s forced you to be at your best every week," LaFleur said. “You can’t afford a slip-up, just to keep up with everybody.” The road team has won each of the past three matchups in this series. The Packers are 0-4 against the teams with the top three records in the NFC: Detroit, Minnesota and Philadelphia. “We’ve got to be able to go win these games against the really good teams in the league and set ourselves up for the situation we’ll be in for the playoffs,” quarterback Jordan Love said. Aaron Jones rushed for 93 yards on 22 carries for Minnesota in a 31-29 victory at Green Bay on Sept. 29. Released by the Packers for salary cap relief in favor of their premier free agency addition, the three-plus-years-younger Josh Jacobs, Jones just hit the 1,000-yard mark last week and can't hide from the significance of facing his former team. "They respect you because they were on your team or they've seen the work that you put in, but you want to gain their respect in another way from playing against them, like, ‘Man, this dude is really as good as I thought he was,’" Jones said. Jacobs, for his part, is fourth in the NFL entering Week 17 with 1,216 rushing yards for the most by a Packers player in a season since Ryan Grant (1,253) in 2009. The earlier matchup this season featured seven combined turnovers, four by the Packers and three by the Vikings. Both of these teams are among the NFL's best in the turnover department, with Green Bay at a plus-12 margin and Minnesota at a plus-10. The Packers have allowed a total of three sacks and have committed just two turnovers over their past five games. The Vikings are eagerly anticipating the return of second-year linebacker Ivan Pace, the sparkplug who has missed four games on injured reserve with a hamstring strain. They’ll be cautious with him and the tricky nature of that injury, but getting Pace back in the middle of the action with fellow linebacker Blake Cashman would be a big boost to the play-calling options for defensive coordinator Brian Flores. “He flies around. When he blitzes, he’s as impactful as anybody, and when you can really get him and Cash out there at the same time, they both can really play to their strengths,” O’Connell said. “They’re both really good blitzers. Cash is phenomenal in coverage and reading the quarterback, and when you can kind of pair those guys together, run and pass, that’s when we’re at our best.” Brayden Narveson missed both of his field-goal attempts for Green Bay, from 37 and 49 yards, in the two-point decision at Lambeau Field in Week 4. The Packers released Narveson a couple of weeks later in favor of 11-year veteran Brandon McManus, who has gone 16 of 17 on field-goal tries including game-winners as time expired against Houston and Jacksonville. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFLBuccaneers looking to beat NFC South-rival Panthers and bolster hopes for a playoff berth
India News Today Live Updates on December 27, 2024 : Agri-entrepreneurship scheme faces lukewarm response despite rural growth
Mettler-Toledo International Inc. to Present at the 43rd Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare ConferenceBLOOMINGTON — Illinois Wesleyan University is partnering with For A Better Tomorrow to host the second STEAM Olympics Competition. The competition will be available to local students in first grade through high school for the multi-day event from Feb. 22-23 and March 1-2. The event will take place at the Center for Natural Sciences, 201 E. Beecher St. in Bloomington, and will feature more than 10 activities in technology, engineering, arts and mathematics to offer hands-on learning with 3D printing, art workshops, essay writing, science and math tests, as well as a science fair. Registered participants and their families will also have access to optional laboratory tours on Illinois Wesleyan and Illinois State university campuses to witness real-world applications of STEAM fields. “New workshops have been added — including the design-a-thon, speech and debate, and the STEAM Quest — each designed to challenge participants and celebrate their talents,” said Dakesa Piña, vice president of inclusion excellence at IWU. Piña is leading the event in partnership with For a Better Tomorrow, which is a Bloomington-based organization that strives to promote social justice through philanthropy and nurturing future generations of servant leaders within the community. "We had 235 registrations and 128 students who participated in the inaugural STEAM Olympics. This is a testament to the need for such an event in our community and the quality of volunteers who brought their enthusiasm to the planning," said Sambisvarao Gurijala, 2025 STEAM Olympics co-chair. The STEAM Olympics will conclude with an award ceremony and keynote address, with medals presented to the top scorers in each grade. The school with the most medals will win a championship trophy and cash prize. Proceeds will benefit both IWU and FBT to support various initiatives, including grants for local and global projects for FBT and needs-based scholarships for IWU students who are actively involved with social justice and community engagement. Registration is available at forbettertomorrow.org/steam . Early registrations are available at a discounted price until Dec. 31. Participation will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis. Event fees will be waived for individuals with financial barriers. For more information about the STEAM Olympics or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, contact Sam Gurijala at sambasiva306@gmail.com or 309-838-5254. The festival raises money For a Better Tomorrow, which helps children and the needy local and abroad Contact Kaitlyn Klepec at (309) 820-3345. Want to see more like this? Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox. Courts and Public Safety Reporter {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Details On Nolan’s “Odyssey” IMAX CamerasAfter an emotional farewell address to the media and fans less than 24 hours prior, Daniel Jones was released by the New York Giants on Friday. Team president John Mara revealed in a statement that the 27-year-old quarterback, who was benched on Monday for the remainder of the season, "came to see me this morning and asked if we would release him. We mutually agreed that would be best for him and for the team.” Jones will be subject to waivers, making him eligible to be signed on Monday after 4 p.m. ET if he's not claimed by a team before then. Expected to go unclaimed, it's "more realistic" that Jones could sign with a new team on Tuesday or Wednesday, according to The Athletic's Dianna Russini . Former NFL quarterback-turned-analyst Robert Griffin III weighed in on social media Friday, making it very clear that the Dallas Cowboys have a unique opportunity in front of them. © Kirby Lee-Imagn Images "The Dallas Cowboys have an opportunity to do the funniest thing with Daniel Jones 🤌🏾," Griffin wrote on X, alluding to the upcoming Thanksgiving Day game between the Giants and Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on Thursday. Though highly unlikely, if the Cowboys were to claim Jones off waivers or sign him as a free agent by early next week, a scenario exists where the sixth-year veteran quarterback could suit up for an NFC East rival and play against the Giants less than a week after parting ways with his former team. The Dallas Cowboys have an opportunity to do the funniest thing with Daniel Jones 🤌🏾 However, NFL insider Josina Anderson reported Friday that Dallas is "not currently pursuing" Jones' services. With Dak Prescott out for the remainder of the season, the Cowboys are currently starting Cooper Rush under center, and have former No. 3 overall pick Trey Lance waiting in the wings. Before being cut, Jones was in the second season of the four-year, $160 million contract extension signed in March 2022. Griffin added in a follow-up X post, "To this day, it is baffling that some people were okay with the Giants paying Daniel Jones, but fought tooth and nail against the Ravens paying Lamar Jackson." Related: Robert Griffin III Didn't Hesitate When Naming Best Team in the NFL Related: NFL Considering Big Potential Changes Involving Cowboys?Numerology Predictions Today, December 27, 2024: Read your personalized forecast for numbers 1 to 9 Numerology, the mystical study of numbers and their influence on our lives, provides unique insights into our daily experiences and challenges. Based on the vibrational energies of the date and your personal number, today's forecast offers guidance to help you navigate career, relationships, health, and more. Whether you're a determined Number 1 or a compassionate Number 9, discover what the numbers have in store for you on this December day. Let the power of numerology guide your decisions and inspire your path forward. 1 (Those born on the 1st, 10th, 19th, and 28th of any month, are blessed with the Number 1) This is not the best time to handle government-related matters or pursue official approvals. You might find delays in payments or decisions, which could heighten your frustration. Stay patient and avoid pushing too hard to resolve such issues immediately, as the cosmic energies favor patience over aggression today. Use this time to reflect on alternative strategies for managing your financial concerns. Additionally, this is a day to maintain a low profile in professional dealings, as miscommunication or hasty decisions may backfire. Embrace flexibility in your approach and consider seeking advice from trusted mentors or colleagues. On the personal front, focus on grounding activities like journaling or meditation to calm your mind. Patience is your greatest ally now, and by practicing it, you'll set the stage for smoother progress in the coming weeks. Remember, persistence and calm can turn today's challenges into tomorrow's victories. 2 (Those born on the 2nd, 11th, 20th, or 29th of any given month, are ruled by the Numerology number 2) Duties and responsibilities may feel overwhelming today, leaving you emotionally drained and longing for some solitude. Your sensitivity is heightened, making you prone to bouts of self-pity. Avoid succumbing to these feelings and remember that this phase is temporary. Instead of retreating entirely, try to focus on small, manageable tasks that don’t demand too much emotional energy. Your lack of sociability today may lead others to misinterpret your actions as aloofness, but this is a day to prioritize self-care rather than external validation. Ground yourself through creative pursuits like music, art, or writing. Channeling your emotions productively will help lighten the emotional load. Be gentle with yourself and avoid harsh self-criticism. Take a step back from heavy conversations and instead focus on activities that bring you peace. By maintaining balance, you’ll find a renewed emotional strength that helps you navigate the days ahead. 3 (Those born on the 3rd, 12th, 21st, or 30th of any month are ruled by the Numerology number 3) Today, you’re feeling highly motivated to tackle unresolved issues, but this determination comes with a heightened level of irritability. You may find it challenging to maintain composure, especially in family interactions, where tensions seem to be simmering. Avoid reacting impulsively to disagreements, as it could escalate minor issues into bigger conflicts. This is an excellent time to focus on communication, but remember to approach discussions with empathy and patience. Professionally, you are driven to clear backlogs and complete tasks, so make the most of this energy to be productive. However, avoid overloading yourself, as this could amplify your edginess. Spend some time reflecting on the root causes of tension, particularly in your personal relationships, and consider proactive steps to resolve them. Meditation or physical exercise can be great outlets for your restless energy. By channeling your focus constructively, you’ll emerge stronger and more in control by day’s end. 4 (Those born on the 4th, 13th, 22nd, or 31st of any given month, are ruled by the Numerology number 4) Today may feel stagnant for you, as your usual drive and focus seem to be lacking. You might find yourself waiting for opportunities to come your way rather than actively pursuing them. This passive approach could lead to frustration if you set unrealistic expectations for things to happen effortlessly. While it’s natural to experience low-energy days, try to reframe this lull as an opportunity for introspection. Use the time to evaluate your goals and align them with actionable steps. Avoid falling into the trap of complacency—small efforts today can prevent bigger hurdles later. In personal relationships, there might be a tendency to withdraw or expect others to reach out first. Instead, take the initiative to nurture connections. Engage in grounding activities like decluttering your space or organizing tasks; these can help you feel a sense of achievement. With patience and gentle effort, this phase will pass smoothly. 5 (Those born on the 5th, 14th, or 23rd of any month, are ruled by the Numerology number 5) You’re feeling sharp and inquisitive today, with a mind that’s probing deeply into various matters. While this mental intensity can be an asset, it may also lead to conflicts if you become too overbearing in expressing your opinions. Be mindful of respecting boundaries in your conversations, as others may feel overwhelmed or defensive if you push too hard. This is a good day for brainstorming and coming up with innovative ideas, but ensure you approach discussions with diplomacy. On the personal front, you may feel a bit restless or impatient with routine activities. Take a short break to indulge in something spontaneous or adventurous—it could recharge your energy and lighten your mood. Balancing your assertiveness with empathy will ensure your ideas are well-received and your relationships remain harmonious. Keep in mind that collaboration often brings better results than confrontation, so seek common ground in your interactions. 6 (Those born on the 6th, 15th, or 24th of any month, are ruled by the Numerology number 6) Today, you are brimming with energy, but it manifests as aggression and competitiveness, which may not be conducive to smooth interactions with others. Your short temper and impatience can create tension in both personal and professional relationships. Take care to avoid letting minor irritations escalate into significant disputes. Family dynamics may be particularly strained, as your mood makes others hesitant to engage with you. While it’s natural to feel driven, channeling this energy constructively is key. Focus on physical activities like exercise or a creative project to release pent-up frustrations in a healthy way. Professionally, this is not an ideal day to make major decisions or take on new challenges. Instead, use this time to address smaller tasks that require attention to detail. Practicing mindfulness and self-awareness will help you navigate the day with greater ease and prevent your fiery energy from creating unnecessary conflict. 7 (Those born on the 7th, 16th, or 25th of any month, are ruled by the Numerology number 7) Today, you may find yourself under the influence of a close friend or confidant who suggests a path or decision that doesn’t align with your values. This could cause some inner conflict as you weigh the pros and cons of their advice. Trust your intuition—it is particularly strong today and will guide you to make decisions that are true to your personal integrity. Avoid acting impulsively or succumbing to external pressure. This is also a good day for introspection and spiritual growth. Spending time in solitude, journaling, or meditating can help you process your thoughts and reaffirm your boundaries. Professionally, focus on tasks that require creativity and introspection rather than collaboration. You have the strength to resist compromises that don’t align with your core beliefs. Remember, your authenticity is your greatest asset, and staying true to yourself will bring clarity and peace as the day unfolds. 8 (Those born on the 8th, 17th, or 26th of any month, are ruled by the Numerology number 8) The daily grind has been taking its toll, and today is the perfect opportunity to step away from your routine. You’re in need of a break to recharge your energy and regain perspective. Consider taking a day off or engaging in activities that spark joy and creativity. This could mean exploring a new hobby, taking a nature walk, or even spending time with loved ones in a relaxed setting. Professionally, try to delegate tasks or prioritize lighter responsibilities to ease the pressure. Avoid overcommitting or taking on new projects today. On the personal front, reconnecting with your inner child by indulging in playful or creative pursuits can bring much-needed relief. This pause will not only rejuvenate your spirit but also allow you to approach future challenges with renewed vigor and insight. Remember, self-care is not indulgence; it’s essential for long-term success and balance. 9 (Those born on the 9th, 18th, or 27th of any month, are ruled by the Numerology number 9) Today is a day of optimism and confidence for you, making it an excellent time to socialize and share your ideas with others. Your positive aura attracts support and admiration, especially for any projects or ventures you’re working on. This is an opportune moment to network and connect with people who can help you advance your goals. Your leadership qualities shine today, so don’t shy away from taking the initiative in both professional and personal settings. However, ensure you balance your enthusiasm with humility to maintain harmony in relationships. On the personal front, your charisma makes you a source of inspiration to those around you. Use this energy to foster connections and strengthen bonds with loved ones. Trust in your abilities and seize the opportunities that come your way. With your strong self-belief and determination, success is well within your grasp. 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To the editor: To the person who disparaged me in the recent Tele-Talk, why are you so mad at me? Is it because you think I have TDS? Definitely. Are you mad because of what I have to say? Or because the truth hurts? Ninety percent of what I submitted to the Conway Daily Sun are direct quotes from your fearless (again) leader, either from his comments on Truth Social or from what he said at his rallies. My recent letter pointed out that in a Time magazine interview, he claimed he could do nothing about the rising cost of groceries, a direct opposite of what he was spouting at his rallies. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.
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