Ireland's 22 help Nicholls State take down New Orleans 73-70
GRAND FORKS — The latest defense authorization bill expands mental health care access for North Dakota’s military service members and adds new provisions for countering threats posed by unmanned drones. Those are among the provisions touted by North Dakota’s two U.S. senators in the annual National Defense Authorization Act. President Joe Biden signed the bill into law Monday after it passed by divided votes in the House and Senate. ADVERTISEMENT Language in the latest NDAA includes an order to establish a counter-UAS task force combatting drone incursions onto U.S. military bases and several provisions for current service members’ mental health care, including measures singling out pilots of U.S. combat drones. Drone incursions have been reported in recent weeks over U.S. military bases in England and Germany, while residents of several eastern states have reported seeing numerous unidentified lighted drones flying overhead, though U.S. officials say most of the latter incidents have been manned aircraft. Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., said the NDAA “helps formalize what (the Defense Department) is already doing” to combat unwanted drone use, citing the counter-UAS goals of Project ULTRA and ongoing efforts to integrate drones into U.S. airspace at the Northern Plains UAS Test Site. Project ULTRA — which stands for UAS logistics, traffic, research and autonomy — seeks to boost national security and operational efficiency of unmanned aerial system operations. “The interesting thing about Grand Forks is we’ve built an ecosystem where, I’ve talked about us being the tip of the spear against China; we’re the tip of the spear in developing drone and counter-drone,” Hoeven said. Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., has championed a provision that expands the number of mental health providers certified under military health insurance provider TRICARE. Cramer said he pushed for the expanded access in response to a pair of suicides among Grand Forks Air Force Base personnel in the past several years. “The standards to join TRICARE are so stringent now, they don’t take into account that some states like North Dakota only have certain accreditations and certifications that are available to them,” Cramer said. “If you don’t get the right credential — it’s not that it’s a better credential, just the right one — your providers don’t meet the standard for TRICARE.” ADVERTISEMENT He’s also pushed for a provision creating a combat status identifier for pilots of remotely piloted aircraft involved in combat operations. Cramer cited as inspiration the 119th Wing of the North Dakota National Guard, which flies MQ-9 Reaper unmanned planes. “Our remote pilots are treated differently when it comes to things like PTSD potential or depression or mental health challenges as the result of, say, a kill shot,” he said. “I wanted to make sure the remote pilots are given the same type of consideration as somebody that’s in the cockpit of an airplane.” This year’s NDAA also authorizes $1.9 million in planning and design funding for maintenance on Grand Forks Air Force Base’s runway — one of Cramer’s pet projects — and reauthorization for the Space Development Agency’s mission, including its recently-established Operations Center North at Grand Forks Air Force Base. Hoeven said his office is working to appropriate another $450 million toward an advanced fire control system built off the SDA’s network of low-Earth orbit satellites. Other North Dakota-specific provisions in this year’s NDAA include authorization for funding to update the UH-72 Lakota helicopters used by the North Dakota National Guard and funding authorization to modernize Minot Air Force Base’s nuclear capabilities. Policy measures, like more provider options for mental health care or the counter-UAS task force, became law with the passage of the NDAA. ADVERTISEMENT However, NDAA provisions that require funding — like nuclear modernization or the runway study — will need to pass in a separate defense appropriations bill. “An authorization just says that it’s approved,” Hoeven explained. “In defense appropriations, we allocate the dollars to do it, and if we don’t provide those dollars for the NDAA, for those authorizations or programs, then obviously they don’t advance.” The federal government is currently operating at last year’s funding levels via a continuing resolution set to expire in March. Congress will have to attempt to pass a defense appropriations bill before then or pass another continuing resolution. The NDAA usually passes with significant bipartisan support. This year, however, the bill passed with significant dissent from both House and Senate Democrats after a last-minute amendment by House Speaker Mike Johnson added language barring TRICARE from covering some gender-affirming care for transgender children of service members. Both Hoeven and Cramer expressed support for Johnson’s amendment, which blocks gender-affirming care “that could result in sterilization” — though medical professionals say hormone therapy (like puberty blockers) generally does not cause infertility. Cramer said providing gender-affirming care did not support military readiness and dismissed concerns about the mental health impact of denying that care to minors. “(The amendment) has a much lower priority than caring for people who are stressed out by the fact that they’re a warfighter,” he said. “We need them to be healthy, we need them to be ready for war, and puberty blockers, gender-affirming care, just simply don’t do either of those things.” ADVERTISEMENT Hoeven said gender-affirming care was hurting military readiness and recruiting and decried providing gender-affirming care as a “social experiment,” a phrase also used by Cramer. President-elect Donald Trump is widely expected to reinstate a ban on transgender service members in the U.S. Armed Forces, as he did in his first administration. North Dakota’s U.S. senators also dismissed concerns that the Johnson provision could affect bipartisanship or productivity in the next Congress. The Senate ultimately passed the NDAA 85-15, while less than half of the House’s Democrats supported the act. More Democrats attacked Johnson’s last-minute addition while saying they felt compelled to vote for the broader bill. “I’m hopeful Democrats will come around and join us with what we’ve always done with our military, which is support our professional, great men and women in uniform who do such an outstanding job, not a bunch of social policies that shouldn’t be in there,” Hoeven said. He also said he expects the embattled House speaker, who holds one of the smallest House majorities in history, to be reelected next year. ADVERTISEMENT Cramer called this year’s NDAA a loss for the political left but said he “wouldn’t read a whole lot” into the dissent, pointing out the bill had continued its decades-long streak of passing into law despite partisan gridlock. The 118th Congress, which ends Jan. 3, has been called one of the least productive Congresses in decades, and is by some counts the least productive in U.S. history.Raspberry Pi 500: X Best Features Of The New Keyboard ComputerAP News Summary at 4:15 p.m. EST
The Texas Supreme Court on Friday overturned a lower court ruling that state Attorney General Ken Paxton testify in a whistleblower lawsuit at the heart of impeachment charges brought against him in 2023. The court on Friday said Paxton’s office does not dispute any issue in the lawsuit by four former Paxton employees and agreed to any judgment in the case. “In a major win for the State of Texas, the state Supreme Court has sided with Attorney General Paxton against former OAG employees whose effort to prolong costly, politically-motivated litigation against the agency has wasted public resources for years," a statement from Paxton's office said. An attorney for one of the plaintiffs declined immediate comment, and a second attorney did not immediately return a phone call for comment. The former employees allege they were improperly fired or forced out for bringing to the FBI allegations that Paxton was misusing his office to protect a friend and campaign donor, who in turn, they said, was helping the attorney general to conceal an extramarital affair. The Supreme Court ruling noted that the Texas governor and Legislature have expressed a desire to hear testimony from the witnesses prior to agreeing to appropriate funds to settle the lawsuit. The court said forcing Paxton, First Assistant Attorney General Brent Webster, Chief of Staff Lesley French Henneke and senior advisor Michelle Smith to testify earlier could improperly be used for legislative purposes in deciding any appropriation. Under the preliminary deal , Paxton agreed to apologize to the former employees for calling them “rogue” employees, settle the case for $3.3 million and ask the state to pay for it, prompting the state House to reject the request and begin its own investigation, leading to the vote to impeach him. Paxton was ultimately acquitted after a Senate trial. The Supreme Court termed its ruling conditional upon the lower trial court complying with the decision, while saying it is “confident the trial court will comply” with the order.Win a 12-night cruise around New Zealand on Celebrity EdgeShare Tweet Share Share Email Predictive analytics, a subset of advanced analytics, uses statistical algorithms, machine learning techniques, and data mining to analyze historical data and make predictions about future outcomes. In finance, this approach has become a cornerstone for enhancing decision-making, reducing risks, and identifying opportunities. But how does predictive analytics contribute to financial health? And why is seeing the big picture crucial ? The Importance of Financial Health Financial health reflects the stability and sustainability of an individual, business, or economy. For individuals, it entails consistent income, manageable debt, and savings for future needs. For businesses, financial health involves maintaining profitability, ensuring liquidity, and managing risks effectively. Predictive analytics provides tools to assess, monitor, and improve these aspects by offering data-driven insights. Why Predictive Analytics Matters in Financial Management Proactive Decision-Making: Instead of reacting to financial issues, predictive analytics allows entities to anticipate and mitigate problems before they escalate. Risk Management: By analyzing historical patterns, businesses can identify potential risks and devise strategies to counteract them. Optimized Investments: Insights derived from predictive models can help optimize investment decisions, ensuring maximum returns. Key Applications of Predictive Analytics in Financial Health Credit Scoring and Risk Assessment Credit scoring is one of the most common applications of predictive analytics in finance. By evaluating historical borrowing and repayment data, predictive models can determine the likelihood of a borrower defaulting on a loan. Furthermore, This information helps lenders make informed decisions, minimizing potential losses. For example, financial institutions use machine learning models to evaluate creditworthiness by considering multiple factors, such as income, credit history, and spending habits. These models go beyond traditional credit scoring methods, providing a comprehensive risk profile for borrowers. Fraud Detection Financial fraud poses a significant threat to individuals and organizations alike. Predictive analytics plays a pivotal role in identifying unusual patterns that may indicate fraudulent activities. Machine learning algorithms analyze vast amounts of transactional data, flagging anomalies in real time. For instance, if a credit card is suddenly used in a different country or for unusually large purchases, predictive models can detect these anomalies and trigger alerts. This proactive approach enhances security and reduces financial losses. Portfolio Management Investors and portfolio managers rely on predictive analytics to make data-driven decisions. By analyzing market trends, economic indicators, and historical performance, predictive models provide insights into the future performance of assets. This enables better asset allocation, diversification, and risk management. For example, robo-advisors use predictive analytics to recommend personalized investment strategies based on an investor’s goals, risk tolerance, and financial situation. These automated tools make investing accessible and efficient. Cash Flow Forecasting Accurate cash flow management is vital for businesses to ensure liquidity and avoid financial crises. Predictive analytics helps companies forecast cash inflows and outflows by analyzing historical data, seasonal trends, and market conditions. This foresight allows businesses to plan expenditures, manage debts, and seize growth opportunities effectively. Personal Financial Planning Individuals can leverage predictive analytics for budgeting and long-term financial planning. In as much as, Tools like budgeting apps and financial planning software use predictive models to analyze spending habits and forecast future financial needs. These insights empower users to make informed decisions, save effectively, and achieve financial goals. The Role of Data in Predictive Analytics Data is the backbone of predictive analytics. Without accurate and comprehensive data, predictive models cannot deliver reliable insights. In financial health, data sources include: Historical Financial Data: Past transactions, income statements, and balance sheets provide the foundation for analysis. Market Trends: Economic indicators, stock market data, and industry trends help predict future scenarios. Behavioral Data: Insights into consumer behavior, such as spending habits and preferences , enrich predictive models. Challenges in Implementing Predictive Analytics Data Quality and Accessibility The accuracy of predictive models depends on the quality of data. Incomplete, outdated, or biased data can lead to flawed predictions. Additionally, accessing sensitive financial data often involves navigating complex privacy regulations and security concerns. Integration with Existing Systems Implementing predictive analytics requires integrating advanced tools with existing financial systems. This process can be challenging and time-consuming, especially for organizations with legacy systems. Expertise and Costs Building and maintaining predictive models demand skilled data scientists and significant investments in technology. Moreover, For smaller businesses or individuals, these costs can be prohibitive. Best Practices for Leveraging Predictive Analytics Define Clear Objectives Identify specific financial goals and align predictive analytics efforts with these objectives. Whether it’s reducing credit risks, improving savings, or optimizing investments, clarity in goals ensures effective implementation. Invest in Quality Data Ensure access to accurate, comprehensive, and up-to-date data. Implement robust data governance practices to maintain data integrity and compliance. Embrace Automation Automation simplifies predictive analytics processes, making them more accessible and efficient. Tools like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning can automate data analysis, model building, and insights generation. Monitor and Update Models Predictive models must evolve with changing market conditions and new data. Thus, Regular monitoring and updates ensure models remain relevant and reliable. Future Trends in Predictive Analytics for Financial Health The field of predictive analytics continues to evolve, driven by advancements in technology and increasing demand for data-driven insights. Key trends include: Integration with Artificial Intelligence AI-powered predictive analytics can process vast amounts of data at unprecedented speeds, uncovering deeper insights and enhancing accuracy. Additionally, AI-driven tools like natural language processing and deep learning are expected to revolutionize financial analytics. Real-Time Analytics Real-time predictive analytics enables faster decision-making by providing immediate insights. This capability is particularly valuable in volatile markets or fraud detection scenarios. Increased Accessibility As technology becomes more affordable, predictive analytics tools are becoming accessible to small businesses and individuals. Furthermore, This democratization of analytics empowers more users to benefit from data-driven insights. Conclusion Predictive analytics is transforming financial health by enabling proactive decision-making, enhancing risk management, and optimizing financial strategies. Additionally, By seeing the big picture, individuals and businesses can navigate uncertainties, seize opportunities, and achieve sustainable growth. While challenges exist, the future of predictive analytics in finance holds immense potential, promising greater accessibility, efficiency, and impact. Furthermore, Embracing this innovative approach is not just an option—it’s a necessity for thriving in an increasingly data-driven world. 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Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli have one of the most promising young coaches in football with Matthias Jaissle at the helm. The 36-year-old German has built a strong reputation as a forward-thinking and dynamic manager with a bright future ahead of him. Jaissle is currently 17 months into his Al-Ahli tenure, having left Salzburg to move to Jeddah in the summer of 2023. He won two Austrian Bundesliga titles there and, at 33, became one of the youngest coaches to qualify for the Champions League group stage when Salzburg beat Brondby in the 2020 play-offs. Al-Ahli are one of four PIF-owned clubs in Saudi Arabia and boast the likes of Ivan Toney, Roberto Firmino, Riyad Mahrez and Franck Kessie. Yet when Jaissle initially took charge, he was inheriting a side that had only just gained promotion from the Saudi second tier and there was work to be done to put in place a football philosophy and infrastructure. “It was a huge opportunity at an ambitious club,” Jaissle told GIVEMESPORT. “I had two really successful seasons with Salzburg, and I was fully prepared for a third. Then Al-Ahli made a sudden approach. The timing wasn't great, but I grabbed the chance with both hands. It all happened very fast, so it was a tough couple of days as I made my final decision to leave Salzburg. “Al-Ahli set out a clear and long-term vision. They want to win titles. There was also the appeal of getting to know a new culture and league. And, I have to be honest, the money was a factor as well." "I also wanted to coach top stars, and I was lucky enough to manage some talented players at Salzburg as well. I think to be a good coach and leader you need to work with big names and know how to manage different egos. "The Al-Ahli role is complex and wide-ranging. We had just got promotion back to the Saudi Pro League when I joined, so it was about building a plan at all levels of the club – from the youth team to the first team. I was hired to implement a philosophy and I saw this job as the natural next step in my career.” Rangnick, Tuchel and Klopp Influence Jaissle Jaissle’s move into management so young was certainly not planned. He instead had aspirations as a player to represent Germany, having come through Stuttgart’s youth system under Thomas Tuchel before joining Ralf Rangnick's Hoffenheim in 2007. By February 2009, the highly-rated centre-back had won his first and only Germany Under-21 cap against the Republic of Ireland. But just a month later, and with Germany assistant Hansi Flick watching from the stands, Jaissle ruptured his knee ligaments against Hannover. Sadly, the injury proved to be the beginning of the end of his playing career, and after several setbacks, he eventually retired in 2014. “My knee injury was a shock,” said Jaissle, who made 68 appearances for Hoffenheim. “Probably the only advantage of it was that I could start management earlier. I am still young for a coach but have quite good experience already. I would still love to be playing, even at 36. I kick every ball when given the chance in training! I like to think I'd be in my last season now as a player if I was fit, but that’s life, and I am grateful for the next chapter and the opportunities I have had so far.” Rangnick was one of the first people to reach out to Jaissle after he hung up his boots. The former Manchester United interim manager was sporting director at Red Bull at the time and would set Jaissle on a path to management by enrolling him as a trainee in Red Bull's youth development programme, starting with a stint with Leipzig's Under-16s. Jaissle would go on to become assistant to Alexander Zorniger at Brondby, having befriended him when he was in charge at Leipzig, before returning to Red Bull to manage Salzburg’s Under-18s. He next moved to Liefering in January 2021, guiding the Austrian side to an impressive second-place finish in his half-season in charge. That feat didn't go unnoticed at Salzburg, who hired Jaissle in July 2021 to succeed Jesse Marsch. Jaissle went on to win back-to-back Austrian Bundesliga titles as well as the 2022 Austrian Cup before leaving for Al-Ahli. “I have had quite a unique coaching path, eventually leading me here to the Al-Ahli job in Saudi Arabia,” said Jaissle. “I have always tried to be authentic as a coach and find my own way. Of course, I have influences. Ralf Rangnick played a big part in developing my ideas because I played under him for most of my playing career. And in my youth, I had Thomas Tuchel, so I have followed his principles and career. "Then there's Jurgen Klopp – I often looked at the transitions he put in place with Liverpool. In possession, I like how Pep Guardiola finds structure and balance. And there's a lot to take from Roberto De Zerbi’s build-up as well. It’s a constant learning process. And in the next few years, I'm sure there will be a different coach to draw inspiration from. It’s not about copying other coaches, it’s just about being inspired by them. "Due to my past at both Salzburg and Leipzig, I have this identity in my blood to put stress on the opponent as high up the pitch as possible. I want my teams to play in a really intense and aggressive way. And I want to score goals from offensive transitions." "I am always refining my style, but essentially, and I know it’s easy to say, we want dominance in all phases of the game. So firstly, controlling the transition phases is important, but you also need to find good solutions in possession, especially now we are often facing a low block. "When our opponents ‘park the bus’, it’s about being creative and disciplined and finding a good structure to create as many chances as possible without being wild on the pitch. It's a never-ending process because you always need to develop your ideas as a coach without abandoning your roots. "At Salzburg, I played a 4-4-2 with a diamond midfield. At Al-Ahli, we use a 4-2-3-1 system. You have to adjust to the squad you have as well as the circumstances. For example, the temperature can be a factor. This was a learning process for me, to adapt without losing my principles. I don’t worry too much about the exact formation. It's fluid. "For instance, Bobby [Firmino] can be a No.10, a false nine or a second striker, and the way our wingers attack full-backs, it’s almost like the eights in a diamond midfield. So there are some small differences in positions compared to my team at Salzburg, at least on paper, but the principles remain the same." GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Matthias Jaissle has won 128 of his 189 matches in management, suffering just 28 defeats along the way Al-Ahli Targeting AFC Champions League Glory Al-Ahli are currently fifth in the Saudi Pro League, 13 points behind leaders Al-Ittihad with a winter break now ongoing. Jaissle has navigated a challenging start to the season following three losses in the opening six league games, and Al-Ahli suffered a shock exit to second-tier side Al-Jandal in the King Cup. As a result, Jaissle was under growing pressure heading into the Jeddah Derby, which Al-Ahli also lost 1-0 to Al-Ittihad. Al-Ahli's board chose to avoid any knee-jerk reactions and backed Jaissle to turn form around, a decision that has now paid off. Since that defeat to Jeddah rivals Al-Ittihad in late October, Al-Ahli have recorded four consecutive Saudi Pro League victories, including coming from 2-0 down at Al-Taawoun last time out to eventually win 4-2. “I was under some pressure,” admitted Jaissle. “It was a tough start to the season off the back of a difficult transfer window over the summer. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get our needs met in the market, and it has taken some time to find a solution. Thankfully, we have turned our form around after the Jeddah Derby. After that bad result against Al-Ittihad, even though it was only a tight loss, we have had a strong few months. "After the Jeddah Derby, we analysed everything in detail – on and off the pitch. We had a lot of internal talks and gave clear communication to the players. We stressed we must maintain unity. That was our main focus, and it's helped us get back on track. All credit to the players. We stuck together as a team and showed we can deal with adversity. As a coach, I am really proud of this. “In our last game, to come from 2-0 down against Al-Taawoun and win, that's a good example of the progress we have made. The two goals we conceded came out of nothing, and they shook us, but we kept our focus and stuck together. There was no bad body language, only pure belief we could come back and get three points. And to close the year in this way, it gives us momentum for when the league starts up again in January.” Al-Ahli are likely not title contenders this season, but they have high hopes of a deep run in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League – a tournament they finished runners-up in back in 2012. Al-Ahli qualified after finishing third in the Saudi Pro League in 2023/24 and have already qualified for the last 16 after winning their opening five group stage games, setting a new club-record in the process. “We are taking the AFC Champions League very seriously,” said Jaissle. “We are looking to stay in the tournament for as long as possible. The clear goal of Al-Ahli is to win silverware. That’s what we are working towards. In the short-term, it’s just all about improving, but in the medium- to long-term we want trophies. "We need to be realistic in the Saudi Pro League this season, and just climb up the table, but the AFC Champions League is a one-off cup competition and with the talent we have got, I think anything is possible in the knockout stage.” Toney Acclimatising and Dreaming of England Selection Al-Ahli already had an accomplished squad heading into last summer. Four-time Premier League winner Mahrez joined from Manchester City in 2023, and scored 12 goals last season, while club captain Firmino, highly-rated Spanish midfielder Gabri Veiga, ex-Roma defender Roger Ibanez, former Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessie, Turkish centre-back Merih Demiral and ex-Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy all arrived in Jaissle's first window in charge. Last summer proved far quieter. With Saudi Deadline Day approaching, only 21-year-old midfielder Alexsander had signed from Fluminense for around £8m. All that changed on a dramatic British Deadline Day, though, when Ivan Toney switched from Brentford for around £40m on a four-year contract. Toney had only returned to action in January this year following an eight-month ban for breaches of The FA’s betting rules, but in his last full season for Brentford he scored 20 Premier League goals in 2022/23. It was a frantic close to the window for Al-Ahli as dealmakers simultaneously negotiated for Toney and Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, knowing only one of the two was possible unless a high-profile player left or was deregistered because Saudi Pro League clubs can only field eight foreigners over the age of 21. Toney is currently Al-Ahli’s joint-top scorer alongside Mahrez with six goals, but Jaissle believes the best is yet to come from the England striker. “We had the possibility to go for Ivan and add more goals, and hopefully we’ll have a lot of success with him,” said Jaissle. “The final few days of the summer window were a bit hectic as the club decided which targets they were going to go for. There was a lot of speculation, and it was a bit of a mad rush. “Ivan has already said how it’s always difficult to adapt to a new culture, country, league and playing style. It takes a bit of time. He's working hard, and we all hope he'll find consistency and his best performances in order to deliver the expectations we have for him.” Toney is still only 28 and was called up to England’s Euro 2024 squad. He came off the bench as England lost 2-1 to Spain in the final, and also scored a no-look penalty in the quarter-final shoot-out victory over Switzerland. Making Tuchel’s squad for the 2026 World Cup is by no means guaranteed, even if he scores freely in Saudi Arabia, but Toney is not giving up on selection just yet. "If people see me coming here as damaging my England chances, I can't really change that," Toney told GIVEMESPORT in October. "All I can do is focus on myself and play well, and who knows what could happen. If I was to get back involved in the mix on the international stage, then I'm ready for it. If not, it is what it is. "Of course, I'm targeting the 2026 World Cup. I've got to aim for those kinds of tournaments. This league is tough. Everyone has their opinion about it, but it doesn't mean it's always factual. Whatever will be, will be." “I don’t know how Thomas [Tuchel] sees it,” added Jaissle. “He didn’t reach out so far to me and ask about Ivan. Let’s see if he does. That’s something I’ll leave to Thomas. It's entirely up to him. My focus is just on getting the best out of Ivan. The only way to get picked for England is to score regularly for Al-Ahli. If he plays well for us, he’ll at least give Thomas a decision to make.” Al-Ahli Aim to Bolster Three Positions in January Despite Toney’s high-profile arrival, Jaissle was disappointed with Al-Ahli’s summer business and believes further reinforcements are required in January. The most pressing task is to replace Allan Saint-Maximin, who left for Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce over the summer. Jaissle also wants to sign a midfielder and full-back. “Our needs were clearly communicated over the summer,” said Jaissle, who has ex-Chelsea head of scouting Lee Congerton as his sporting director. "We wanted a left-winger, to fill the void left by Allan Saint-Maximin, a holding six and left full-back. That's still the case now. "Of course, we welcome Ivan, and the goals he brings, and also Alexsander, but overall it was not the best transfer window. The last two, in fact, in terms of improving the squad in the way I wanted, have not been ideal. It’s never easy in January, but we will do the best we can to address key areas in order to find squad depth and balance.” Three Saudi clubs are interested in signing Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford in the January transfer window. GIVEMESPORT understands that Al-Ahli are one of the clubs considering a move for Marcus Rashford, but won’t move unless the Manchester United winger makes it clear he is open to relocating to Saudi Arabia. Rashford has to decide whether a 2025 switch to the Saudi Pro League might hamper his chances of England selection ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Al-Ahli’s fans, meanwhile, are calling for 2024 African Ballon d’Or winner Ademola Lookman – an ambitious target, and one who is not expected to leave Serie A leaders Atalanta in January. Firmino could potentially be a high-profile outgoing next month, but despite links with Fenerbahce, Jaissle is delighted with his captain. The ex-Liverpool playmaker struggled last season, scoring just nine goals in all competitions, three of which came on his debut against Al-Hazem. However, this campaign, the Brazilian already has six goals in 19 games. "Bobby has responded very well," said Jaissle. "It wasn't easy for him in the beginning. My door is always open, and I try to stay close to the players and find solutions both for and with them. I am happy with how Bobby handled a tough period last year. I put him on the bench a couple of times and he responded really professionally. Now he’s so important for us, on and off the pitch. "And for me, it's been a learning experience trying to get the best out of a big star like Bobby. All players, regardless of their stature, just have to understand my principles and know they have the freedom to be flexible and creative within them. It comes down to open communication, respect and trust. "I think it’s about building a bond. But big stars or not, footballers are really not too different once they have the ball at their feet, so in that respect, it was perhaps easier than expected dealing with this kind of situation, especially with a player like Bobby who is just a top professional." Al-Ahli are also expected to tap into the Saudi market in January. The club already has several Saudi national team players. Firas Al-Buraikan is one of the Kingdom's most decorated footballers, having won 47 caps for his country. He even got an assist for Saleh Al-Shehri's equaliser against Argentina as Saudi Arabia stunned the eventual champions 2-1 in the 2022 World Cup group stage. In the absence of a Saint-Maximin replacement, the 24-year-old is currently playing as a left-winger but could move into a more advanced or central position in the second half of the season. Goalkeeper Adbulrahman Al-Sanbi, 23, and 22-year-old defender Rayan Hamed have both received recent call-ups this year, and midfielder Ali Al-Asmari – who has been at Al-Ahli since 2017 – has won five caps for Saudi Arabia. For Jaissle, the job isn’t just about managing foreign players, but developing Saudi talent. “We are definitely not solely looking for, or reliant on, players from abroad,” said Jaissle. “We have plenty of Saudi players on our wish list, and we count on our Academy. This is the vision of both the club and the country – to raise the level of Saudi talent. “The top-notch foreign players can also help young Saudi players grow. Working with Academy talent, and trying to support their career path, is something I'm used to from my time at Salzburg. Along with a few established internationals like Firas, we also have a couple of Saudi Under-21 national team players in our squad – like Mohammed Sulaiman and Abdulkarim Darisi – and it’s exciting for me to watch how fast they are developing. The standard of Saudi players, and of the league overall, has definitely improved even in the relatively short time I have been here. It’s impressive how fast the Saudi Pro League is evolving.” Jaissle's West Ham Links and Long-Term Future Jaissle remains committed to Al-Ahli, but with his stock continuing to rise, it’s no surprise to see him linked with other vacancies. He has recently been discussed by West Ham United in case the Hammers choose to part ways with head coach Julen Lopetegui. Jaissle is viewed by West Ham technical director Tim Steidten as a potential fit, although no approach has been made to date. GIVEMESPORT also understands Jaissle is a possibility for Stuttgart if Sebastian Hoeness leaves this summer. “Being mentioned in relation to West Ham or any high-profile job is obviously flattering,” said Jaissle. “It makes me proud to be linked with top clubs. But I don’t focus on rumours like this. I have an agent who deals with any opportunities, should they arise, and my full focus is on Al-Ahli. This is the only job I can currently control and influence. I am committed to Al-Ahli, and I want to achieve something great here. “I do often think about my own development, and sometimes talk to my agent about the possible next steps and what I dream of. But I always reflect on my playing career, and how I made all these future plans, then suddenly the injury came and I had to cancel all my dreams. That's when I decided to stay in the present." "I am putting all my energy into doing the best job I possibly can with Al-Ahli. It's a big and special club, and it deserves 100 percent of my attention. Since arriving, I have really felt the love for football here. When you walk through Jeddah, you see how much Al-Ahli means to the fans. I hope I can bring titles and trophies here." Jaissle is clearly driven and highly intelligent but, above all, he is refreshingly humble and grounded. His ability to get the best out of both young and established names clearly makes him well-positioned to win Al-Ahli their first piece of major silverware since 2016. The belief in the industry is that Jaissle has the potential to be an elite coach for many years to come. And given his unique football upbringing and success to date, it's natural some of Europe's best clubs already have Jaissle on their radar. All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 27/12/2024Last-minute golf gifts GOLF Looking for a great present for a golfer in your life this holiday season? Look no further. We’ve compiled a list of great gifts that any golf junkie would love, and the best part is they’ll arrive in time to unwrap them before the new year. Keep reading to check out seven of the best last-minute golf gifts. This GPS speaker combo from Blue Tees is a must-have accessory for any golfer. The powerful speaker delivers studio-quality sound that elevates any round, while the premium GPS features are like having a caddie in your pocket. Receive yardages to the front, middle and back of the green, as well as on-course hazards. It can also record your driving distance and your score. And with a 10+ hour battery life, you won’t have to worry about it dying halfway through your round. The 10-foot putting mat from Well Putt is a great tool for any golfer who wants to improve their performance on the greens during the offseason. Use the visual aids and unique two-way design to dial in your distance control, boost your accuracy and increase your consistency. You’ll also gain access to the WellPutt app, which includes tips for maximizing your practice on the mat and over 50 drills that will take your putting to the next level. Upgrade your on-course style with these iconic golf shoes from Nike. They’re everything you know and love from the vintage Air Max 1, like the signature four-window design, plus the added traction and stability of a spikeless golf shoe. With these on your feet, you’ll look as good as you feel. And, right now, you can get them at a discount for a limited time. What golfer wouldn’t love some fresh ammo going into this upcoming golf season. And this Callaway bundle on Fairway Jockey is a great gift option. Wrap both boxes for a quick and easy last-minute gift or include the individual sleeves with a hat, new glove or even a gift card to create a thoughtfully curated arrangement. If you prefer to walk your rounds, this push cart from Bag Boy is one of the best options on the market. The collapsable design makes it easy to store and transport. Then, when you’re ready to use it, the one-step open design makes it a breeze to set up before rounds. It also has Top-Lok Technology that prevents your bag from twisting throughout the round. And, with additional features like a scorecard console, built-in accessory bag, umbrella holder and even a cup holder, everything will have its place. Now, you can carry your on-course essentials with you without straining your back. Travel golf bags are always a great gift for players who like to travel or have a big trip scheduled for the following year, and this specific bag takes the cake. I’ve had this exact travel bag for the past 10 years and I keep coming back to it no matter how many other bags I’ve tried. I particularly love the durability and size of this bag, especially living in a shoebox apartment in NYC. It stores easily without compromising the padding and structure needed to keep my clubs safe during their journey. While this course tracking peg board might not arrive in time to unwrap this year, it’s a great gift for any golfer and certainly worth mentioning. Proudly display the incredible courses you’ve played with this stylish piece of home decor, crafted from solid Walnut. Latest In Gear Golf.com EditorST. ALBANS CITY — As each morning reminds us: It’s cold outside. Every winter, our planet tilts its northern half away from the sun, shortening the days and lowering the temperatures, yet everybody needs a place to stay warm. This year more than most, the follow-up question has become: “At what price?” As the debate around energy use continues, Vermont and its residents face the age-old challenge of finding the best way to heat their homes at the cheapest cost. From heat pumps to wood stoves, there are more options available than ever, but the conversation has also gotten more complicated, especially as the state wrestles with its own age-old problem — keeping taxes low. To get a comprehensive solution to your heating needs, the Messenger recommends talking to a professional heating specialist. But in the meantime, here’s our next best effort to explain what Vermonters need to know as they deal with another cold winter and rising heating costs. Layers, movement and energy In Vermont, most of the state’s underlying social issues are related to housing in some way, and heat joined the list this summer, thanks in part, to the Clean Heat Standard. But then, Vermont has always been cold. So what changed his past year? Like everything else since the COVID-19 pandemic, the latest conversation around indoor heating has been spurred by rising costs, changing demographics and a lackluster housing stock. Admittedly, explaining all that isn’t going to help anyone actually keep their homes warm. Instead, this past week, I sat down with Dwight Decoster, who thinks a lot about how to keep a place toasty. He’s the head of the Champlain Valley Weatherization program, a Colchester-based nonprofit where he and his team upgrade 240 homes per year as part of a state-funded program. To meet with Decoster, a homeowner can apply to the program through the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity, where applicants are weighed and ranked according to need. There’s a point system, but if you fit the state’s criteria, Decoster’s crew could show up to take a look over your property and start identifying the best ways to bring it up to 21st century heating standards. Through the program, a client can get their homes weatherized for free. “It’s one of the best kept secrets in Vermont ,” he said. To get started with a new client, Decoster said it requires two visits by energy experts to lay out what they do with each house, because it takes so much time to help people wrap their heads around the concept of what they want to do. Decoster said he tends to start his conversations about heat by relating it to how people get ready to go outside in the winter. To weatherize your home — like to weatherize yourself — you start with putting on your hat. Since heat rises, Decoster and his team look into the roof and the attic to make sure everything is nice and tight. Then, they focus on the foundation to keep your footers dry, followed by the final check — the exterior walls. To keep the warm air in and your house zipped up, they usually add a few layers — usually including some sprayed cellulose insulation — and then you essentially have a house buttoned up for the winter. The weatherized results should better encapsulate the thermal energy that’s generated in a house. Every home has some sort of heat-generating device, but Decoster said a house that leaks hot air is essentially throwing away the energy costs needed to generate it. “The (investment) payback on air sealing is like seven years,” he said. “The average payback on insulation is 10 to 12 years. So you see how obviously, customers want to get their biggest bang for their buck. But air sealing and insulation need to go together.” Decoster and his crew often start with a blower to kick-off each weatherization project. The machine forces air into a house, and a thermal imaging device can identify the various sources heat may be leaking from. Decoster compared the process to trying to stop up the light that can be seen outlining a closed door. If a door’s gap isn't tight enough, that’s plenty of space for it to shine through. Heat functions in the same way, as thermal energy moves toward a colder low pressure space. Usually, weatherization involves adding more insulation, but Decoster said doing so is kind of moot until those holes can be tightened up. Along those same lines, any homeowner can make necessary adjustments today to help prevent heat from escaping, he said. Check to make sure there is a weather strip on your door. For a quick test, Decoster said shut your front door, turn out the lights inside, turn on the porch lights and check for any silhouetting. Lock your windows at night. Even with double locking windows, the extra pressure against the frame creates a better air seal. Look on the outside of the house, by taking a walk around it. Check for any faults in air paths that could lead in and out, like range hoods or bathroom fans. Insulate your attic hatch. Decoster said he spent an hour adding a weather strip to the attic when he first moved into his house, and it can completely change the airflow throughout a structure. If you’re a little more DIY, Decoster said spraying insulation can be done by a relatively handy person. He recommends cellulose over fiberglass insulation, as it's cheaper and much greener from an environmental perspective. History and energy use Ask energy expert Jim Stiles about the most efficient heating solution he can think of, and he heads underground. “The one that has really captured my attention for many decades now is the groundsource heat pumps, or sort of, twist on that, a thermal energy network,” he said. Stiles is the chair of the City of St. Albans Climate & Energy Advisory Committee. The group’s focus has been on fixing up city property to find cost efficiencies, but he can imagine a much bigger mission of helping establish an underground thermal network for the city. The idea is far from being a reality any time soon, but the concept behind the technology is to create a system of underground pipes that holds thermal energy — via warm water or coolant — that each building attached to the system could easily share. It’s kind of like huddling for warmth, but on a streetwide level and if huddling was more of a shared utility. “It’s ideal in terms of where you most hope to be,” Stiles said. “For the people and places where it makes good engineering sense, it has other advantages because of the reduced demand for electricity.” While such a system could be beneficial for Vermont, Stiles recognizes the steep ask required for such a system. The infrastructure would include installing underground pipes — likely taking a few million in grant funding — and there’s no previous success to point to in Vermont to show the proof of concept. In the grand scheme, however, the concept does solve the basic problem for Vermonters, Stiles said. There’s a natural lack of heat in Vermont’s northern climate, and a row of weatherized homes connected to a thermal network would be able to capture a lot of the heat that currently goes to waste in many of Vermont’s neighborhoods. The cost to do it, however, is just too much in the current economic climate, especially as oil companies tend to sink millions into securing their holds on energy markets, Stiles noted. “It’s there, but it’s value engineering,” Decoster said. “A lot of these really energy efficient builders, they'll give you a package. ‘This is the most energy efficient I can build. And we back off from there.’” But then again, that’s how most efficiency upgrade discussions tend to head. In the long run, energy efficiency saves money, but the upfront costs are usually too expensive until there are more adopters. Decoster gave his own example. He knows people in the climate field who can construct houses that heat and cool themselves, adapt to the weather, have zero emissions and can generate their own electricity. Getting to green is possible. But making that technology affordable, that’s another question. “In Vermont, you’d be talking the top tenth of 1% that can afford that technology, the average Vermonter, no way,” Decoster said. “In my house, I have a wife who’s really good who knows when to put the shades up when she wants them. She knows how the air flows in her house.” As for the debate around the Clean Heat Standard, those rhetorical guidelines around the latest climate tech have hyper-focused on air source heat pumps. Underground systems, as considered by Stiles, also use heat pumps, but the difference primarily lies in the source of the heat itself. Air from Vermont’s cold winters — compared to the earth a few hundred feet down — tends to be much colder, making it a worse heat source for a heat pump. Using them as the only source of heat was generally frowned upon by those interviewed for this piece, due to their inefficiencies related to Vermont’s climate. The Vermont Public Utility Commission, however, is still hacking out new rules to try to encourage the use of heat pumps, although the final details could end up being much different. With that said, everyone interviewed for this piece encouraged the use of heat pumps as a secondary source, as they still deliver heating efficiencies. This past May, Americans for Prosperity — a conservative think tank — even ended up sending out a five-part mailer campaign to stir up a political defense against the Clean Heat Standard, as it tied into complaints around affordability. The policy’s effectiveness was also under contention. As proposed, the Clean Heat Standard’s stated goal was to essentially lower the overall amount of energy used by Vermont by giving fuel providers and distributors the additional task of helping Vermonters with the transition to cleaner alternatives. In theory, the effort would have shielded Vermont residents from the ebbs and flows of gas prices, which are affected by much bigger players in the world — both private and public — than the State of Vermont. Instead, the effort is currently leaning toward a much simpler solution set of some sort of fee system to collect incentive dollars to help pay for heat pump house conversions, although the exact rules — as well as the policy’s effectiveness — are still in contention. They are due in January. Getting a heat pump Most people have seen a heat pump without recognizing it. Like electrical panels, air conditioners and cell towers, the devices are literally designed to be as inconspicuous as possible. Vermont, as a state, is one of the earliest adopters of the device, installing 63,000 of the units last year. “It’s kind of like a small filing cabinet tipped on its side horizontally, connected to a refrigerant line,” he said. Some sit outside a home like an air conditioner. Some are fitted inside a house’s already-installed heating system, with mini-splits functioning as space heaters. The really fancy ones take advantage of underground thermal systems, as Stiles preferred. VGS technicians install a ductless mini-split heatpump at a residential dwelling. To create heat, they essentially function like reverse air conditioners, pulling heat from one source to shoot hot air into an enclosed space, or to warm up liquid when attached to a water heater. Installing them, however, can be tricky. Tim Perrin, VGS’s director of energy management and services, explained some of the considerations with me this past week over Zoom. Many households can benefit from a heat pump, Perrin said, but so much depends on the set-up of each house and its existing heating source. In Vermont, for example, roughly 6 in 10 households rely on gas-powered furnaces attached to a central air system. In such cases, Perrin said even an air source heat pump could help carve out some efficiencies, as the heat pump can do much of the heavy lifting to bring a home up to higher temperature before it becomes a better trade-off to switch to a primary fuel source and warm a space up the rest of the way. Usually, the time to switch between two heating sources is when the temperature measures between 40 and 50 degrees. The extra device also gives property owners some options, Perrin said. They can switch to whatever heating option works best at each temperature, and if there’s a major upswing in fuel prices, households can more easily adapt. But that doesn’t mean that heat pumps can be programmed and forgotten. There is something of a learning curve to running the devices, Perrin said. Unlike a central heating system, where you can set a temperature and wait for the furnace to kick in, heat pumps can be a little more finicky. They require annual cleaning, and heat exchange is often localized — depending on the design, of course. Relatedly, solutions often require some customization to fit each space. Like Decoster, Perrin also stressed the importance of weatherization attached to all these conversations. Heating a space is a combination of both generation and retention, and there’s not much point in addressing one without tackling the other. In older houses, for example, past construction techniques often created houses that were a little more loose and actually encouraged air flow, Stiles said, which robbed the house of its heat. Instead, people hunkered down in limited parts of the house, dressed with the expectation of the cold. “They dressed very warm and lived very cold in the winter,” Stiles explained. These days, we’ve made some progress. During a custom-fit, Perrin said a heat pump expert will examine the space to double check for weatherization issues, as well as, begin the conversation around potential conversion. “This is where understanding the heating needs of a home might be effective to find that technical balance point,” Perrin said. “At some point, the outside air temperature is just able to heat the home and it starts to be necessary to have some sort of supplemental heating source to support the home on really cool days.”
In November 2020, Raspberry Pi disrupted its established line of single-board computers (or SBCs for short) with the release of the Raspberry Pi 400 , essentially a more user-friendly version of the Raspberry Pi 4 SBC that the company released over a year earlier. Instead of being a bare board intended mainly for use by dedicated tinkerers, the Pi 400 came prebuilt in a case with a keyboard built into it as well as a microSD card with Raspberry Pi OS pre-installed. It still needed a power supply, HDMI cable, and a mouse, but aside from the lack of a power supply, you can say the same thing about the stock version of Apple's Mac Mini. Now, in December 2024, 14-plus months after the release of the Raspberry Pi 5, the Pi 400 has gotten a follow-up, the Raspberry Pi 500, which was announced on December 9. As its predecessor was to the Raspberry Pi 4, the Raspberry Pi 500 is to the Raspberry Pi 5, the same board thrown in a cute little keyboard case. There are other differences, though, like the addition of a heatsink, which had to happen given the Pi 5's beefier CPU. If you want, you can spend an extra $30, for a total of $120, to get a kit that includes the USB Type-C power supply, HDMI cable, and mouse. In addition, the Pi 500 was announced alongside another new product, the 15.6-inch Raspberry Pi Monitor. Let's take a look at some of the more attractive features of the Raspberry Pi 500. In the upgrade from the Raspberry Pi 4 to the Raspberry Pi 5, one complicating factor was that the Raspberry Pi 5 was the first model that needed a heatsink and fan to live up to its full potential. For basic computing, you don't need one, but if you're going to really push the CPU and GPU by, for example, emulating PlayStation 2 games on your Raspberry Pi 5 ? Then you definitely needed some extra cooling help. "The takeaway here is that you really want to invest in an active cooler this time," said popular emulation authority Modern Vintage Gamer on YouTube . "I wouldn't recommend using a Raspberry Pi 5 with anything substantial without an active cooler." Raspberry Pi — the company — was clearly aware of this, as it has various official coolers and cooler cases available for the bare boards. With the Raspberry Pi 500 being a prebuilt, self-contained version of the Raspberry Pi 5, one would hope that it has a cooling solution built-in. That's doubly true since its predecessor, the Raspberry Pi 400, doesn't have any kind of cooling apparatus. Sure enough, the Pi 500 includes a built-in aluminum heatsink. However, being a passive cooler, it raises the question of whether a Pi 500 can be pushed to the performance levels of a Pi 5 since there's no fan to help pull the heat away. So far, it looks good, with Tom's Hardware describing the heatsink's performance as "remarkable," even when overclocking the CPU. If you've wanted a Raspberry Pi 5 for serious classic gaming because of the overall bang for your buck but were discouraged by the need to buy an aftermarket case and/or heatsink, much less assemble the parts yourself, then you're in luck. The Raspberry Pi 500 is a Raspberry Pi 5 with an aluminum heatsink in a snazzy-looking keyboard case, all pre-built, and comes with a 32GB microSD card. This all only retails for $10 more, at $90, than a bare Raspberry Pi 5 board sans microSD card. It's still missing a USB Type-C power supply — Raspberry Pi is obviously assuming you have plenty of those lying around — and the HDMI cable needed to connect it to a TV or monitor, though you can grab a "Desktop Kit" that includes those items and an HDMI cable for an additional $30. With reviews of the performance of the heatsink being very positive so far, it looks like this is a very solid alternative to the Raspberry Pi 5, even for gaming, especially if you'd prefer to have something fully prebuilt. Regardless, if you've been on the fence about a Raspberry Pi 5, the negligible increase in price makes the Pi 500 an incredibly tempting alternative to the Pi 5 for anyone looking to use it more as a general-purpose desktop computer. One of the coolest things about the Raspberry Pi 500 (and previously the Raspberry Pi 400) is that you don't technically don't need any additional input devices to use it. That's because the case is also the keyboard. As of this writing, the official Raspberry Pi website doesn't have a specs page up yet for the Pi 500 that includes its physical dimensions, but the footprint of the Pi 400 measures a little over 11 inches across, giving a decent indication of how big it might be. Your mileage may vary as to whether or not that's comfortable enough for regular use, especially since, with the simultaneous release of the Raspberry Pi Monitor, the Pi 500 is explicitly positioned as a desktop computer replacement. However, if your plan is to use the Raspberry Pi 500 as a classic gaming hub or something else that you'd ideally be using with something like a wireless gamepad as the primary input device, then the keyboard size doesn't matter as much. If you look at it as a way for you to be able to easily set up your Raspberry Pi 500 without having to keep a USB keyboard around the house, then it's pretty enticing. And if you have tiny hands, then it's probably even more enticing as an all-in-one desktop computer, making it an interesting choice as, for example, a child's starter computer. Sure, the Raspberry Pi 500 is basically just a Raspberry Pi 5 in a package that's friendlier for the average user. But it's still a Raspberry Pi 5 at heart, and the Raspberry Pi 5 is easily the most powerful model in the history of the single-board computer series to date. That's particularly tantalizing if you're interested in using Raspberry Pi 5 to run a classic console emulation-centric operating system like RetroPie or Batocera . If you're a fan of video games from the sixth generation of consoles or earlier, then the Raspberry Pi 5 and Raspberry Pi 500 are both capable of smoothly running the vast majority of emulators and games you throw at them. Raspberry Pi boards aren't yet capable of emulating games from the original Microsoft Xbox , but the Pi 5 — and thus the Pi 500 — has the horsepower to do a great job with the Sega Dreamcast, Nintendo GameCube, and, to a lesser extent, the Sony PlayStation 2. We haven't seen any specific reviews yet looking at how the Pi 500's passive cooling handles emulation of those consoles, which was better off with an active cooler on the Pi 5. But with Tom's Hardware verifying in its review that the heatsink keeps the system on a chip sufficiently cool even when overclocking, it seems like the Pi 500 should be able to easily compete with the Pi 5 when it comes to heavy loads like 3D game emulation. If you were already in the market for Raspberry Pi's existing keyboard computer, the Raspberry Pi 400, then the best feature may simply be the overall spec improvements in the Raspberry Pi 500. The jump from the 4/400 to the 5/500 is pretty significant, even before you get to the computers' raw horsepower. The networking is now significantly faster, with the ethernet going from 1 gigabit to 2.5 gigabits per second and the Wi-Fi leaping a generation from Wi-Fi 5 to Wi-Fi 6. The display output is also upgraded, as the device's two micro-HDMI ports are now capable of feeding 4K displays at 60Hz. On the inside, the 500's system on a chip is a lot beefier, with the 500's Broadcom BCN12712 ARM Cortex A76 CPU delivering about two to three times the performance of the 400's Broadcom BCM2711 ARM Cortex A72. On the GPU side, the 500's VideoCore VII, which supports OpenGL ES 3.1 and Vulkan 1.2, is also a significant upgrade from the 400's VideoCore VI, which supported up to OpenGL ES 3.1 and Vulkan 1.0. The GeekBench scores for the new CPU speak pretty loudly, as, from the Pi 400 to the Pi 500, the single-core score jumps from 249 to 892, while the multi-core score is 717 to 2112, living up to the promises of tripled performance. If you're in the market for one of Raspberry Pi's keyboard computers, the Pi 500 is a lot beefier, especially for gaming purposes.Lewis scores 18 as Toledo knocks off Defiance 111-49When Jimmy Carter was elected in 1976, he did something no other Democrat has been able to accomplish since — win Texas. Part of his victory can be chalked up to where the state was politically at the time. “We should understand the 1976 election in Texas as part of a gradual transformation that occurred over several decades,” Mark Lawrence, the director of the LBJ Presidential Library, told The Texas Newsroom. It was President Dwight Eisenhower, a Republican, who won Texas in both presidential elections in the 1950s. But the next decade was a different story. In the 1960s it was three Democratic candidates — President John F. Kennedy, President Lyndon B. Johnson, and Hubert Humphrey — who won Texas’ popular vote. “But thereafter you see that the state really shifted pretty dramatically toward the Republicans,” Lawrence said. “The one exception was 1976 when Jimmy Carter won by a small margin.” Carter snagged Texas from Republican candidate Gerald Ford by just 4 points. Overall, Carter received 297 electoral votes to Ford’s 240. So, why was Carter the exception? Lawrence cited several elements that contributed to Carter’s victory here, including “Carter’s stature as a white Southerner.” “I think Texas voters, like voters across the South, were inclined to give him a close look, because he looked like them, sounded like them, came from the South — which was somewhat unusual in the history of the United States after the Civil War,” Lawrence said. From left, President Gerald Ford, Lady Bird Johnson and President Jimmy Carter at the LBJ Presidential Library on April 13, 2000. Natasha Altema McNeely, an associate professor of political science at University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley, said Carter was also able to win because he garnered the Black and Hispanic votes in states across the South. “His success in Texas is a more specific example of his success across the South,” McNeely said, adding that he also earned the vote of southern non-Hispanic voters and unions. But Carter’s presidency was as short-lived as his support from Texas voters. In his 1980 reelection bid, Carter lost to Republican Ronald Reagan by a landslide. Reagan beat Carter by 14 points in Texas. McNeely said the 1980 political environment created new difficulties for Carter. It was a controversial — and transitional — time in America. “With the candidacy of Ronald Reagan, you have Republicans really emphasizing religious beliefs ... smaller government, more effective government ... states rights,” McNeely said. In contrast, McNeely said Carter’s focus on human rights and social welfare “didn't quite appeal to many voters across the South, including Texas.” Another key moment McNeely said led to Carter’s defeat was the 1979 Iranian hostage crisis. That’s when, as the U.S. Department of State describes it, “Iranian students seized the embassy and detained more than 50 Americans, ranging from the Chargé d’Affaires to the most junior members of the staff, as hostages.” The Americans were held hostage for 444 days. Many sharply criticized Carter for how he handled the hostage negotiations, including his Republican opponent. While McNeely acknowledges Carter’s significant impact on American politics, she believes his greatest legacy — particularly in Texas — happened after he left the Oval Office. For 35 years, Carter partnered with Habitat for Humanity to build homes for people. In Texas, they built homes after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. “He was here in Texas in 2014 in Dallas, helping to build houses and repair houses,” McNeely said. “So, I think that was one of the many lasting components of his legacy outside of his political career." Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request.