The Washington Commanders released 2023 first-rounder Emmanuel Forbes on Saturday, cutting ties with another high draft pick from the previous regime. All of previous coach Ron Rivera's first-rounders — including edge rusher Chase Young in 2020, linebacker Jamin Davis in ‘21 and wide receiver Jahan Dotson in '22 — are now gone. Forbes never showed progress to the new staff led by coach Dan Quinn and was a healthy scratch twice this season and did not play in two other games during which the 23-year-old was in uniform. It's unclear if Forbes' release means anything about the status of cornerback Marshon Lattimore , the Commanders' trade deadline pickup in early November who still has not played for them because of a hamstring injury. Lattimore was listed as doubtful for Washington's home game Sunday against Tennessee. The Commanders (7-5) also put running back Austin Ekeler on injured reserve because of a concussion . They elevated kicker Zane Gonzalez and defensive tackle Carl Davis from the practice squad in preparation for facing the Titans (3-8). Washington has lost three in a row to fall from first place in the NFC East to the conference’s final wild-card spot. The most recent loss, last weekend against division rival Dallas, came when Austin Seibert missed his second extra point of the game, which would have tied it with 21 seconds left. Seibert went on IR earlier in the week with a groin injury that Quinn said the kicker reported Monday. While injuries have piled up as the Commanders await their late bye week, the choice of Forbes has been second-guessed since the moment Rivera's front office chose the 166-pound Mississippi State defensive back with the 16th pick over Christian Gonzalez and others. Gonzalez was selected next, by New England, and has started 16 games for the Patriots. Forbes was benched last season by Rivera, who was in charge when Washington selected Davis ahead of offensive lineman Christian Darrisaw in '21 and traded down to take Dotson the following year instead of safety Kyle Hamilton or receiver Chris Olave. Forbes has two interceptions and 12 passes defensed in 20 games. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
Boston Consulting Group and Jones Day Highlight Success in Dallas' Premier Luxury Lifestyle Office Destination DALLAS , Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Harwood International is proud to celebrate an extraordinary year, with 341,163 square feet of office space leased across the vibrant Harwood District . As Dallas' premier destination for luxury lifestyle office spaces, the District continues to attract world-class tenants with its unique blend of design-forward workspaces, walkability, and unparalleled amenities. This year's achievements include a landmark lease with global law firm Jones Day at the upcoming Harwood No. 15 and Boston Consulting Group 's (BCG) 7-year lease renewal for 69,624 square feet at Harwood No. 6 . Since 2008, Boston Consulting Group has called the Harwood District home. Known globally for its innovative approach to management consulting, technology, and design, BCG's decision to renew at Harwood No. 6 highlights the enduring appeal of Saint Ann Court . Designed by Shimoda Design Group , this 26-story architectural icon offers luxury lifestyle amenities such as the Rockefeller Sky Gardens, a private fitness center, The Ann & Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum: The Samurai Collection , and on-site dining at Saint Ann Restaurant & Bar and MICHELIN-recommended Mercat Bistro . Harwood No. 15, the next chapter in the District's evolution, will redefine the luxury lifestyle office with cutting-edge innovation, sustainability, and world-class design. The tower, designed by Kengo Kuma & Associates , represents the fourth collaboration between Harwood International and the world-renowned architectural firm. Set to break ground in 2025, Harwood No. 15 will provide an inspiring workplace experience that integrates modern sophistication with comfort and convenience. Spanning 19 city blocks, the Harwood District is a vibrant community that harmonizes hospitality, art, green space, and a Walk Score of 94—one of the highest in Dallas . With occupancy rates consistently exceeding 90 percent and some of the highest leasing rates in the market, the District has cemented its reputation as a destination for companies seeking a luxury lifestyle office experience. Harwood International's success is deeply rooted in its 40+ years of expertise, creating thoughtfully curated spaces where businesses and their employees thrive. This expertise extends beyond office leasing to include a robust hospitality portfolio of 20+ restaurants and the luxury boutique Hôtel Swexan , which earned MICHELIN recognition in 2024. Harwood's culinary excellence, exemplified by MICHELIN-recognized Stillwell's Steakhouse and Mercat Bistro, enhances the luxury lifestyle office environment, ensuring that tenants enjoy concierge-level service, exquisite dining, and exceptional experiences. As the Harwood District continues to grow, it exemplifies how thoughtful, design-forward development creates harmony between work and life. About Harwood International Founded in 1988, Harwood International is an international real estate firm with offices and developments in select niche markets including Dallas , Geneva , and London's West End. The company is recognized globally as a purveyor for building the finest developments in terms of design, location, and quality while creating cultural experiences within them that are beyond exceptional. Harwood International's leadership is based on its world- class experience, name-brand architecture, exacting finishes, and a focus on energy efficiency and green space. The firm has received numerous design and community awards, including recognition by ENR for the Best Office Project in the World for its Rolex Building. Please visit harwoodinternational.com for more information. View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/harwood-international-celebrates-exceptional-year-with-nearly-350-000-square-feet-leased-in-the-harwood-district-302338523.html SOURCE Harwood InternationalSteelers WR George Pickens returns to practice, hopeful to play against Chiefs PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens was a full participant in practice on Monday, opening the door for him to return from a three-game absence on Wednesday when Pittsburgh hosts the Kansas City Chiefs. Canadian Press Dec 23, 2024 2:01 PM Dec 23, 2024 2:05 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens walks on the field as teammates work out prior to an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens was a full participant in practice on Monday, opening the door for him to return from a three-game absence on Wednesday when Pittsburgh hosts the Kansas City Chiefs. Pickens hasn't played since tweaking his hamstring earlier this month. The Steelers (10-5) have struggled to generate much in their passing game with their leading receiver watching from the sideline in sweatpants. Though Monday's practice was a walkthrough, Pickens said he felt good and hopes he'll be able to face the two-time defending Super Bowl champions. The 23-year-old was going through post-practice drills on Dec. 6 when he felt his hamstring tighten up, forcing him to miss the first games of his three-year career. Pittsburgh has gone 1-2 in his absence, including back-to-back losses to Philadelphia and Baltimore in which Russell Wilson passed for just 345 yards while missing one of the NFL's top downfield threats. Wilson is encouraged by the way the sometimes mercurial Pickens — who has been flagged and fined multiple times this season for infractions ranging from facemasks to unsportsmanlike conduct — has remained engaged. “He’s been great in the midst of his little trial here over the past few weeks,” Wilson said. “And so we’re excited to have him back if that’s the case fully and let him do his thing.” Safety DeShon Elliott (hamstring) and defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (groin) were also listed as full participants on Tuesday. Neither veteran has played since getting hurt against Cleveland on Dec. 8. While Pickens, Elliott and Ogunjobi could be available as Pittsburgh tries to hold off Baltimore for the AFC North lead, cornerback Joey Porter (knee) and WR Ben Skowronek (hip) are likely out after missing practice for a second straight day. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl The Associated Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Get your daily Victoria news briefing Email Sign Up More Football (NFL) Bills offense is 'Cooking,' with running game adding a powerful new dimension Dec 23, 2024 1:43 PM Titans keep losing as coach Brian Callahan tries to show some progress Dec 23, 2024 1:31 PM Heavy ground game gives Anthony Richardson a chance to shine in Colts' latest victory Dec 23, 2024 1:29 PMDoes Billionaire Ken Griffin Know Something Wall Street Doesn't? The Citadel Chief Sold More than Half His Broadcom Stock and Is Piling Into Another Artificial Intelligence (AI) Stock-Split Stock Instead
NoneBy Chen Tianhao, Zhao Li (ECNS)-- China's innovative practices in green agricultural development provide valuable insights for the world, said Vinod Ahuja, the representative ad interim of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations for China, in an exclusive interview with China News Network at the ongoing Second China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) in Beijing on Wednesday. Transforming Agriculture is Imperative Ahuja noted that agriculture is increasingly under pressure from challenges such as climate change, overexploitation of natural resources, and the impacts of geopolitical conflicts on food systems. According to statistics, over 700 million people worldwide remained hungry in 2023. "That's a very big number," he said. “Given the pressures that we face,the evolution of technology, and changing consumer demands and consumer patterns, we believe that our food systems need to go through a transformation," Ahuja remarked. He emphasized that a critical aspect of this transformation is the greening of agriculture, including reducing its carbon and water footprints and making supply chains more sustainable. He highlighted China's significant progress in technological innovation, stressing that spreading these innovations globally while learning from other countries' experiences to accelerate China's own innovation is one of FAO's primary objectives in working with China. "So, it's a two-way process," Ahuja added. "We are here to work with China, for China and from China." China's Contributions Offer Global Insights Discussing China's role in sustainable agricultural development, Ahuja pointed out that the country has made significant contributions in technology, agricultural practices, and policy innovation. He particularly emphasized China's success in integrating environmental standards into its development policies. This innovative policy approach, he said, provides valuable lessons for the world. "I think China has offered a number of solutions, and we have a number of lessons that we can take forward. So, we are now also going to do a comparative study of domestic policies across China, India, the U.S., Japan, Europe, so that we can see how different countries are dealing with these common challenges,” Ahuja stated. "Different countries are dealing with it in a different context and in their own ways, but there are lessons that we can learn from each other,” he added. He also highlighted China's significant progress in reducing agricultural pollution. For example, concerns over the use of inorganic fertilizers and their impact on soil and water quality have been widespread. However, through the promotion of biological fertilizers and other sustainable practices, China has successfully improved soil health and water resources. These experiences, Ahuja noted, could serve as important references for regions like South Asia and Africa, where the adoption of such technologies faces more challenges. Achieving a “Win-Win” Outcome with Food Security and Green Development Ahuja highly praised China’s dual approach to ensuring food security and achieving green development. He believes that the goals of food security and carbon neutrality are not mutually exclusive but can be pursued simultaneously through comprehensive policies. "I think we have the knowledge and the technologies. It's just that we need an integrated policy that can drive both food security as well as green development,”Ahuja said. “I think China has introduced a number of very innovative policy measures that we can learn from,” he noted. Ahuja pointed out that China has successfully balanced the demands for food security and green development through policy innovation, demonstrating that achieving a "win-win" outcome is possible. Looking ahead, Ahuja expressed strong confidence in the continued collaboration between FAO and China. He emphasized that China's experience in green agricultural transformation is incredibly valuable, and FAO will continue to work closely with China to promote the global sharing of technologies and policies.