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The year in review: Influential people who died in 2024Diego González, traveling surgeon: ‘I operate all over the world’
This is CNBC's live blog covering European markets. European markets are heading for a mixed open Wednesday as investors continued to assess the potential impact of President-elect Donald Trump 's plans to hike tariffs. The U.K.'s FTSE 100 index is expected to open 5 points higher at 8,267, Germany's DAX down 21 points at 19,285, France's CAC down 39 points at 7,160 and Italy's FTSE MIB down 173 points at 33,150, according to data from IG. Trump said Monday that one of his first acts in office would be to impose an additional 10% tariff on all Chinese goods entering the U.S., and threatened a 25% tariff on products from Mexico and Canada, ending a regional free trade agreement. Economists have warned of the potential inflationary impact of Trump's fiscal plan, which could see the U.S. Federal Reserve cutting interest rates at a slower pace. Overnight, Asia-Pacific markets were mixed Wednesday , following gains on Wall Street that saw the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average reach new intraday and closing records. U.S. stock futures were little changed on Wednesday morning as traders await the release of the Fed's favorite inflation gauge: the personal consumption expenditures price index. Earnings are set to come from Easyjet and data releases include German and French consumer confidence. CNBC Pro: 'Cargojet is expensive': Short seller bets against Canada's largest cargo airline A London-based hedge fund is betting against Cargojet , Canada's largest cargo airline, citing concerns about the company's aging fleet, accounting practices, and leadership style. The company did not respond to requests for comment from CNBC Pro. Edgar Allen, founder and chief investment officer of High Ground Investment Management, revealed his firm's bearish stance on Cargojet during the Sohn investment conference earlier this month. CNBC Pro subscribers can read more here. — Ganesh Rao CNBC Pro: U.S., China and more: Value investor reveals what to buy as Trump tariffs loom News that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's plans to hike tariffs on imports from China, Canada and Mexico sent ripples across global markets Tuesday. Peter Boockvar, chief investment officer at the U.S.-headquartered Bleakley Financial Group, revealed his take on the tariffs, as well as sectors — and stocks — he is watching globally. CNBC Pro subscribers can read more here. — Amala Balakrishner European markets: Here are the opening calls European markets are expected to open in mixed territory Wednesday. The U.K.'s FTSE 100 index is expected to open 5 points higher at 8,267, Germany's DAX down 21 points at 19,285, France's CAC down 39 points at 7,160 and Italy's FTSE MIB down 173 points at 33,150, according to data from IG. Earnings are set to come from Easyjet and data releases include German and French consumer confidence figures. — Holly EllyattNoneThe 2025 tax season in the United States is about to begin, and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is expected to start processing tax returns for the 2024 fiscal year by the end of January. This year, the IRS continues to offer various tax relief programs to reduce tax liabilities or increase refunds, including the Saver’s Credit, which could reach up to $2,000. According to the IRS, this credit is designed for individuals who make eligible contributions to retirement accounts, such as IRAs or employer-sponsored plans, as well as to ABLE accounts for individuals with disabilities. “You may be eligible for a tax credit for making eligible contributions to your IRA or employer-sponsored retirement plan. Additionally, you may be eligible for a credit for contributions to an Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) account, if you are the designated beneficiary” , the agency states. How to know if I am eligible for the Saver’s Credit? According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), you may qualify for the Saver’s Credit if you meet the following requirements: According to the IRS, the amount of this credit is determined based on your adjusted gross income reported on Form 1040. The percentage of the credit can be 50%, 20%, or 10% of the following: It is important to note that reinvestment contributions are not eligible for this credit. Additionally, the amount of your qualified contributions may be reduced if you have recently received a distribution from a retirement plan, an IRA arrangement, or an ABLE account. The maximum contributions that can qualify for the credit is $2,000 ($4,000 for married couples filing jointly). As a result, the maximum credit you can receive is $1,000 ($2,000 for married couples filing jointly). Please refer to the income table to determine the percentage of the credit that applies to you. To claim the Saver’s Credit, you must use Form 8880, titled “Credit for Qualified Retirement Savings Contributions,” as an attachment to your Form 1040. YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN Periodista deportivo egresado de ISIL y Máster en Gestión Deportiva en Johan Cruyff Institute. Cuento con 9 años de experiencia en medios digitales.
Insurgents reach gates of Syria’s capital, threatening to upend decades of Assad rule
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has begun sending over $72 million in refunds to consumers as part of a December 2022 settlement with Epic Games . The settlement resolved the FTC’s allegations that the Epic Games tricked consumers into making unwanted purchases, the regulator said in a Monday (Dec. 9) press release . The FTC sent 629,344 total payments Monday and will distribute more at a later date , according to the release. The average payment is around $114. The first distribution amount in this case is the seventh largest the FTC has ever sent, according to the regulator’s interactive dashboards for refund data. The FTC alleged that Epic Games, the maker of the video game Fortnite, tricked players into making unwanted purchases by using design tactics called “dark patterns ,” let children rack up unauthorized charges without parental involvement , and blocked some users who disputed unauthorized charges from accessing content they purchased , according to the release . When announcing the settlement in December 2022, FTC Chair Lina M. Khan said in a press release: “As our complaints note, Epic used privacy-invasive default settings and deceptive interfaces that tricked Fortnite users, including teenagers and children. Protecting the public, and especially children, from online privacy invasions and dark patterns is a top priority for the commission, and these enforcement actions make clear to businesses that the FTC is cracking down on these unlawful practices.” Epic Games said at the time in a statement posted on its website that the video game industry experiences fast-moving innovation, that player expectations are high and that decades-old statutes don’t specify how today’s gaming ecosystems should operate. “The laws have not changed, but their application has evolved and long-standing industry practices are no longer enough,” the firm wrote in the Dec. 19, 2022, statement. “We accepted this agreement because we want Epic to be at the forefront of consumer protection and provide the best experience for our players.” In the first round of payments sent Monday, half were sent in the form of PayPal payments and half were sent as checks, per the release . “Consumers selected their payment method when they completed their claim form ,” the release said.Trump is welcomed by Macron to Paris with presidential pomp and joined by Zelenskyy for their talks PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron has welcomed Donald Trump to Paris with a full a dose of presidential pomp. And they held an impromptu meeting with Ukraine’s Volodymr Zelenskyy on a day that's mixing pageantry with attention to pressing global problems. The president-elect's visit to France is part of a global a celebration of the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral five years after a devastating fire. Macron and other European leaders are trying to win Trump’s favor and persuade him to maintain support for Ukraine in its defense against Russia’s invasion. Syrian insurgents reach the capital's suburbs. Worried residents flee and stock up on supplies BEIRUT (AP) — Insurgents’ stunning march across Syria is gaining speed with news that they have reached the suburbs of the capital of Damascus. The government on Saturday was forced to deny rumors that President Bashar Assad had fled the country. The rebels’ moves around Damascus were reported by an opposition war monitor and a rebel commander. They came after the Syrian army withdrew from much of southern part of the country, leaving more areas, including two provincial capitals, under the control of opposition fighters. The advances in the past week were among the largest in recent years by opposition factions. The factions are by a group that has its origins in al-Qaida and is considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the United Nations. Trump isn't back in office but he's already pushing his agenda and negotiating with world leaders NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump is making threats, traveling abroad, and negotiating with world leaders. He has more than a month-and-a-half to go before he’s sworn in for a second term. But the president-elect is already moving aggressively to not only fill his Cabinet and outline policy goals, but also to try to achieve his priorities. In recent days, Trump has threatened to impose a 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico, two of the country’s largest trading partners. That led to emergency calls and a visit. And he's warned of “ALL HELL TO PAY” if Hamas doesn't release the hostages still being held captive in Gaza. South Korea's president avoids an impeachment attempt over short-lived martial law SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea’s embattled President Yoon Suk Yeol has avoided an opposition-led attempt to impeach him over his short-lived imposition of martial law. Most of Yoon's ruling party lawmakers boycotted a parliamentary vote Saturday to deny a two-thirds majority needed to suspend his presidential powers. The scrapping of the motion is expected to intensify protests calling for Yoon’s ouster and deepen political chaos in South Korea. A survey suggests a majority of South Koreans support the president’s impeachment. Yoon’s martial law declaration drew criticism from his own ruling conservative People Power Party. But the party also apparently fears losing the presidency to liberals. UnitedHealthcare CEO's shooting opens a door for many to vent frustrations over insurance The fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare's CEO has opened the door for many people to vent their frustrations and anger over the insurance industry. The feelings of exasperation, anger, resentment, and helplessness toward insurers aren’t new. But the shooting and the headlines around it have unleashed a new wave of patients sharing such sentiments and personal stories of interactions with insurance companies. Conversations at dinner tables, office water coolers, social gatherings and on social media have pivoted to the topic. Many say they hope the new amplified voices can bring about change for companies often accused of valuing profits over people. Days after gunman killed UnitedHealthcare's CEO, police push to ID him and FBI offers reward NEW YORK (AP) — Nearly four days after the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, police still do not know the gunman’s name or whereabouts or have a motive for the killing. But they have made some progress in their investigation into Wednesday's killing of the leader of the largest U.S. health insurer, including that the gunman likely left New York City on a bus soon after fleeing the scene. The also found that the gunman left something behind: a backpack that was discovered in Central Park. Police are working with the FBI, which on Friday night announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction. The DNC chair candidates discuss Joe Biden, Kamala Harris and winning Latino voters SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Four Democrats are running for Democratic National Committee chair, looking to take on the task of reinvigorating a party demoralized by a second loss to President-elect Donald Trump. Others may still get into the race as Democrats reckon with what went wrong in the 2024 election, which saw Trump gain with nearly every demographic group in a decisive repudiation of the incumbent party. The 448 DNC members will elect a successor for outgoing Chair Jaime Harrison on Feb. 1. The party’s Rules and Bylaws Committee is scheduled to meet next week to approve rules for the contest. 100-year-old Pearl Harbor survivor recalls confusion and chaos during Japanese bombing 83 years ago PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (AP) — The bombing of Pearl Harbor 83 years ago launched the United States into World War II. Two survivors are planning to return to the Hawaii military base on Saturday for a remembrance ceremony on the attack's anniversary. They are each over 100 years old. They will join active-duty troops, veterans and members of the public for a remembrance ceremony hosted by the Navy and the National Park Service. A third survivor was planning to join them but had to cancel due to health issues. The bombing killed more than 2,300 U.S. servicemen. An explosion destroys an apartment block in a Dutch city, killing at least 3 and injuring others THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — An explosion and fire has rocked a neighborhood in the Dutch city of The Hague, killing three people and injuring other people and destroying several apartments. The cause of the disaster is unclear. Emergency authorities said four people were rescued from the rubble and taken to the hospital. The mayor said rescuers were no longer looking for survivors but for eventual bodies, but could not specify how many people might still be unaccounted for. Residents of the northeastern neighborhood of Mariahoeve in The Hague heard a huge bang and screams before dawn. Dutch authorities have deployed a specialized urban search and rescue team to find victims. Do weighted blankets help you sleep better? Here's what to know NEW YORK (AP) — Weighted blankets are a popular choice to warm up in cold weather, but research on their effectiveness is limited. Such blankets come with extra heft in the form of glass beads, pellets or cotton. They're also more expensive than regular blankets. Scientists think the added pressure could calm the brain’s fight-or-flight response or signal the brain to produce what’s called the love hormone. There isn’t a ton of research on whether weighted blankets actually work, and the studies that do exist are on small groups. Experts say there’s no harm in giving them a try if you're willing to splurge.
PARIS — Howling winds couldn’t stop Notre Dame Cathedral ’s heart from beating again. With three resounding knocks on its doors by Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, wielding a specially designed crosier carved from fire-scorched beams, the monument roared back to life Saturday evening. For the first time since a devastating blaze nearly destroyed it in 2019, the towering Gothic masterpiece reopened for worship, its rebirth marked by song, prayer, and awe beneath its soaring arches. The ceremony, initially planned to begin on the forecourt, was moved entirely inside due to unusually fierce December winds sweeping across the Île de la Cité, flanked by the River Seine. Yet the occasion lost none of its splendor. Inside the luminous nave, choirs sang psalms, and the cathedral’s mighty organ, silent for nearly five years, thundered to life in a triumphant interplay of melodies. The restoration, a spectacular achievement in just five years for a structure that took nearly two centuries to build, is seen as a moment of triumph for French President Emmanuel Macron, who championed the ambitious timeline — and a welcome respite from his domestic political woes . The evening’s celebration, attended by 1,500 dignitaries, including President-elect Donald Trump, U.S. first lady Jill Biden, Britain’s Prince William, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, underscored Notre Dame’s enduring role as both a spiritual and cultural beacon. Observers see the event as Macron's, and his intention to pivot it into a fully fledged diplomatic gathering, while highlighting France’s ability to unite on the global stage despite internal political crises. As the cathedral’s largest bell, the 13-ton Emmanuel — which was not named after the French leader — tolled into the Paris night, signaling the start of the ceremony, the crowd inside Notre Dame fell into an expectant hush. Emmanuel, a legacy of King Louis XIV, had rung through centuries of French history, and its peal now resonated as a call to witness another epochal moment. Outside the cathedral’s monumental doors, Ulrich raised his fire-scarred crosier. “Brothers and sisters, let us enter now into Notre Dame,” he declared. “It is she who accompanies us on our path to peace.” With the congregation of over 2,500 people watching in silence, Ulrich struck the floodlit doors, the base of his crosier reverberating against the wood. Inside, the choir answered with soaring hymns, their voices filling the nave. Illuminations on the cathedral facade heightened the drama. On the final strike, the heavy doors swung open, revealing the glowing interior of restored blond Lutetian limestone. Adding to the ceremony’s visual splendor, Ulrich and the clergy wore vibrant liturgical garments designed by French fashion designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac. Known for his signature pop-art aesthetic, Castelbajac created 2,000 colorful pieces for 700 celebrants, blending modern elements with medieval touches. Flooded with light and song, the cathedral came alive in a moment of breathtaking spectacle. What had been a silent, soot-blackened ruin five years ago now blazed with renewed vitality, marking the culmination of a nearly $1 billion global effort to resurrect it. Speaking inside the cathedral, Macron expressed “gratitude” Saturday to those who saved, helped, and rebuilt Notre Dame, his voice reverberating through the nave. “I stand before you ... to express the gratitude of the French nation,” he said, before voices flooded the space with song, harmonies not heard in over five years. “Tonight, the bells of Notre Dame are ringing again. And in a moment, the organ will awaken,” sending the “music of hope” cascading through the luminous interior to Parisians, France, and the world beyond, he said. The celebration is expected to give a much-needed boost to the embattled French leader, whose prime minister was ousted this week , plunging the nation’s politics into more turmoil. Macron has called Notre Dame’s reopening “a jolt of hope.” Observers say he hoped the occasion would briefly silence his critics and showcase France’s unity and resilience under his leadership — a rare moment of grace in a presidency now facing a grave crisis. Inside Notre Dame, 42,000 square meters of stonework—equivalent to six soccer pitches—gleamed anew, revealing intricate carvings and luminous limestone. Above, 2,000 oak beams, nicknamed “the forest,” restored the cathedral’s iconic spire and roof. The great organ, dormant for over five years, roared back to life like a slumbering giant. With its 7,952 pipes—ranging from pen-sized to torso-wide—and a renovated console featuring five keyboards, 115 stops, and 30 foot pedals, it responded to Archbishop Laurent Ulrich’s command: “Wake up, organ, sacred instrument.” The first low rumble grew into a triumphant symphony as four organists pulled out the stops, weaving improvised responses to the archbishop’s invocations. Eight times, Ulrich addressed the organ; eight times, its voice filled the nave with breathtaking sound. Guests marveled at the spectacle, many capturing the moment on their phones. “It’s a sense of perfection,” said François Le Page of the Notre Dame Foundation, who last saw the cathedral cloaked in scaffolding in 2021. “It was somber then. Now, it’s night and day.” The Rev. Andriy Morkvas, a Ukrainian priest who leads the Volodymyr Le Grand church in Paris, reflected on his first visit to Notre Dame in over a decade. “I didn’t recognize it,” he said. “God is very powerful; He can change things.” He expressed hope that the cathedral’s revival could inspire peace in his homeland, drawing strength from the presence of Ukraine’s president. “I think that will have a big impact,” he said. “I hope Notre Dame and Mary will help us resolve this conflict.” The reopening of Notre Dame comes at a time of profound global unrest, with wars raging in Ukraine and the Middle East. For Catholics, Notre Dame’s rector said the cathedral “carries the enveloping presence of the Virgin Mary, a maternal and embracing presence.′′ “It is a magnificent symbol of unity,” Olivier Ribadeau Dumas said. “Notre Dame is not just a French monument — it is a magnificent sign of hope.” The international range of dignitaries coming to Paris underline the cathedral’s significance as a symbol of shared heritage and peace. Canadian visitor Noelle Alexandria, who had traveled to Paris for the reopening, was struck by the cathedral’s ability to inspire. “She’s been nearly ruined before, but she always comes back,” Alexandria said. “Not many of us could say the same after such tragedy, but Notre Dame can.” Guests entered through Notre Dame’s iconic western façade, whose arched portals adorned with biblical carvings were once a visual guide for medieval believers. Above the central Portal of the Last Judgment, the Archangel Michael is depicted weighing souls, as demons attempt to tip the scales. These stone figures, designed to inspire both awe and fear, set the stage for a ceremony steeped in history. Inside, the hum of hundreds of guests awaiting the service filled the cathedral with human sounds once more — a stark contrast to the construction din that echoed there for years. Tuners restoring the great organ often worked through the night to find the silence needed to perfect its 7,952 pipes, ranging from pen-sized to torso-wide. Notre Dame echoed to the sound of a sustained standing ovation after the showing of a short movie that documented the gargantuan rebuilding effort. Outside, the word “ MERCI ” — thank you — was projected against the cathedral’s iconic western facade. The movie showed the terrible wounds left by the inferno — the gaping holes torn into its vaulted ceilings and the burned roof. But that was followed by images of all types of artisans, many using traditional handicraft techniques, who collectively restored Notre Dame to look better now than ever. "We went from night to light," said one of the workers in the movie. Security will be high through the weekend, echoing measures taken during the Paris Olympics earlier this year. The Île de la Cité — the small island in the River Seine that is home to Notre Dame and the historic heart of Paris— is closed to tourists and non-residents. Police vans and barriers blocked cobblestoned streets in a large perimeter around the island, while soldiers in thick body armor and sniffer dogs patrolled embankments. A special security detail is following Trump. Public viewing areas along the Seine’s southern bank will accommodate 40,000 spectators, who can follow the celebrations on large screens. For many, Notre Dame’s rebirth is not just a French achievement but a global one — after the reopening, the cathedral is set to welcome 15 million visitors annually, up from 12 million before the fire.Rupert Murdoch has lost a bid to change his family trust to consolidate control of his media empire in the hands of his son Lachlan, the New York Times reported on Monday, citing a sealed court document. Nevada commissioner Edmund Gorman concluded in a decision filed on Saturday that Rupert Murdoch and his eldest son, Lachlan, who is the head of Fox News parent Fox Corp and News Corp, had acted in "bad faith" in their effort to amend the irrevocable trust, the Times reported. The court docket indicates Gorman issued a recommendation or order Saturday, but the document is not publicly available. The trust currently would divide control of the company equally among Rupert Murdoch's four oldest children - Lachlan, James, Elisabeth and Prudence - after his death. Rupert Murdoch proposed amending the family trust to solidify Lachlan's leadership of the family's media empire after the his death, and block any interference by three of Lachlan's siblings, who are politically moderate, the Times reported. Data Analysis Learn Power BI with Microsoft Fabric: Complete Course By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Web Development Java 21 Essentials for Beginners: Build Strong Programming Foundations By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Office Productivity Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Data Analysis Animated Visualizations with Flourish Studio: Beginner to Pro By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Web Development JavaScript Essentials: Unlock AI-Driven Insights with ChatGPT By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Mastering C++ Fundamentals with Generative AI: A Hands-On By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Learn InVideo AI: Create Videos from Text Easily By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Finance Crypto & NFT Mastery: From Basics to Advanced By - CA Raj K Agrawal, Chartered Accountant View Program Entrepreneurship Marketing & Sales Strategies for Startups: From Concept to Conversion By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) ChatGPT Mastery from Zero to Hero: The Complete AI Course By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Intermediate C++ Skills: Master Pointers, Structures and File Stream By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Future of Marketing & Branding Masterclass By - Dr. David Aaker, Professor Emeritus at the Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley, Author | Speaker | Thought Leader | Branding Consultant View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Java Programming with ChatGPT: Learn using Generative AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance A2Z Of Money By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Web Development Advanced C++ Mastery: OOPs and Template Techniques By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Design Microsoft Designer Guide: The Ultimate AI Design Tool By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Entrepreneurship From Idea to Product: A Startup Development Guide By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Marketing Performance Marketing for eCommerce Brands By - Zafer Mukeri, Founder- Inara Marketers View Program Office Productivity Mastering Google Sheets: Unleash the Power of Excel and Advance Analysis By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Office Productivity Excel Essentials to Expert: Your Complete Guide By - Study At Home, Quality Education Anytime, Anywhere View Program Under one scenario, three of the heirs could technically out-vote a fourth, setting up a battle over the future of the powerful media outlets, even as Lachlan Murdoch runs Fox and is sole chair of News Corp. In his opinion, Gorman said the plan to change the trust was a "carefully crafted charade" to "permanently cement Lachlan Murdoch's executive roles" inside the empire "regardless of the impacts such control would have over the companies or the beneficiaries" of the family trust, the Times said. A lawyer for Rupert Murdoch, Adam Streisand, said they were disappointed with the ruling and intended to appeal, the Times reported. The commissioner's ruling is subject to approval by a district judge, whose decision could be challenged in court. The trust was set up in Nevada, which is prized for its strict confidentiality rules. A spokesman for Rupert Murdoch, 93, could not immediately be reached for comment. Lachlan Murdoch did not respond to an email seeking comment. Lachlan's siblings James, Elisabeth and Prudence issued a joint statement expressing hope that the family would focus on mending relationships. "We welcome Commissioner Gorman's decision and hope that we can move beyond this litigation to focus on strengthening and rebuilding relationships among all family members," the siblings said. (Reporting by Dawn Chmielewski inLos Angeles; Katharine Jackson and Eric Beech; editing by Rami Ayyub and Deepa Babington) (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )None
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By Conor Ryan As rumors continue to swirl around Bill Belichick and his interest in the University of North Carolina’s head-coaching vacancy, the former Patriots head coach confirmed his conversations with the university on Monday afternoon. “I’ve had a chance this year to take a longer look at college football, it’s been interesting,” Belichick said during his weekly appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” on Monday. “It’s been a good year for me. I’ve learned a lot. I’ve had an opportunity to chat with Chancellor (Lee H.) Roberts and we’ve had a couple of good conversations. So we’ll see how it goes.” Ahead of Belichick’s appearance, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported on the same show that “talks are real” between Belichick and UNC, adding that Belichick met with university officials for five hours on Sunday. Belichick remained mum on the topic when asked about an extended meeting on Sunday with the Tar Heels. “Let’s just leave it at that, Pat,” Belichick said when asked to confirm the meeting. “I don’t want to give out too much information. I want to get my press conference aura back.” Even if Belichick does not have any experience coaching college football, he does have ties to UNC. Belichick’s father, Steve, was an assistant coach with the Tar Heels from 1953-55. Along with the desire to get back into the coaching ranks, a report from Ollie Connolly of The Guardian last week noted that Belichick wanted to have his son, Stephen, named as his successor as the Tar Heels head coach prior to accepting the deal. While Belichick didn’t want to go into specifics about his meeting with UNC, it’s clear that he’s done his homework about how he’d craft a collegiate program if given the reins at Chapel Hill. “If, and let me put it in capital letters: I-F. If I was in a college program, the college program would be a pipeline to the NFL for the players that had the ability to play in the NFL,” Belichick said Monday. “It would be a professional program — training, nutrition, scheme, coaching techniques — that would transfer to the NFL. “It would be an NFL program at a college level and an education that would get the players ready for their career after football, whether that was the end of their college career or at the end of their pro career. But it would be geared toward developing the player, time management, discipline, structure and all that.” "IF I was in a College program it would be a pipeline to the NFL for the players that had the ability to play in the NFL.. It would be a professional program at the College level.. I don't have any doubt that the players would be ready for the NFL" ~ Bill Belichick #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/JyMDtzs2yR Given how Belichick envisions the future of collegiate athletics and the pipeline he can carve out to the NFL ranks, he believes his resume in the NFL and connections at football’s highest level will help him if he makes the switch to the college game. “I feel very confident I have the contacts in the NFL to pave the way for those players that would have the ability to have the opportunity to compete in the NFL. Whether they’re good enough or not, I don’t know, but they would be ready for it — I don’t have any doubt about that. That would be the first comment I would make relative to the structure of the program. It would be an NFL program but not at the NFL level.” It appears as though a resolution to UNC’s courtship with Belichick will be reached in the near future. ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported Monday that a decision made by the university will be “expected this week.” Conor Ryan Conor Ryan is a staff writer covering the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox for Boston.com, a role he has held since 2023. Boston.com Today Sign up to receive the latest headlines in your inbox each morning. Be civil. Be kind.Hannah Hidalgo, Notre Dame overpower USC on the road in top-10 matchup