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Croatia's President Zoran Milanovic will face conservative rival Dragan Primorac in an election run-off in two weeks' time after the incumbent narrowly missed out an outright victory on Sunday, official results showed. The results came after an exit poll, released immediately after the polling stations closed, showed that Milanovic, backed by the opposition left-wing Social Democrats, had scooped more than 50 percent of the first round vote and would thus avoid the January 12 run-off. Milanovic won 49.11 percent of the first round vote and Primorac, backed by the ruling conservative HDZ party, took 19.37 percent, according to results released by the state electoral commission from nearly all of the polling stations. Such a strong lead for Milanovic, whom surveys labelled a favourite ahead of the vote, raises serious concerns for Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic's HDZ. The election comes as the European Union and NATO member country of 3.8 million people struggles with biting inflation, widespread corruption and a labour shortage. Among the eight contenders, centre-right MP Marija Selak Raspudic and green-left MP Ivana Kekin followed the two main rivals, the exit poll showed. They each won around nine percent of the vote. Croatia's president commands the country's armed forces and has a say in foreign policy. But despite limited powers, many believe the office is key for the political balance of power in a country mainly governed by the HDZ since independence in 1991. "All the eggs should not be in one basket," Nenad Horvat, a salesman in his 40s, told AFP. He sees Milanovic, a former leftist prime minister, as the "last barrier to all levers of power falling into the hands of HDZ", echoing the view of many that was reflected in Sunday's vote results. The 58-year-old Milanovic has been one of Croatia's leading and most colourful political figures for nearly two decades. Sharp and eloquent, he won the presidency for the Social Democrats (SDP) in 2020 with pledges to advocate tolerance and liberalism. But he used the office to attack political opponents and EU officials, often with offensive and populist rhetoric. Milanovic, who condemned Russia's aggression against Ukraine, has nonetheless criticised the West's military aid to Kyiv. That prompted the prime minister to label him a pro-Russian who is "destroying Croatia's credibility in NATO and the EU". Milanovic countered that he wanted to protect Croatia from being "dragged into war". "As long as I'm president no Croatian soldier will wage somebody else's wars," he said this month. Milanovic regularly pans Plenkovic and his HDZ party over systemic corruption, calling the premier a "serious threat to Croatia's democracy". "I'm a guarantee of the control of the octopus of corruption... headed by Andrej Plenkovic," he said during the campaign. For many, the election is a continuation of the longstanding feud between two powerful politicians. "This is still about the conflict between the prime minister and president," political analyst Zarko Puhovski told AFP. "All the rest are just incidental topics." Primorac, a 59-year-old physician and scientist returning to politics after 15 years, campaigned as a "unifier" promoting family values and patriotism. "Croatia needs unity, global positioning and a peaceful life," he told reporters after casting his ballot in Zagreb, adding that he would later attend a mass. Primorac repeatedly accused Milanovic of "disgracing Croatia", a claim that resonated with his supporters. ljv/bcTEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu underwent successful surgery Sunday to have his prostate removed, hospital officials said, a procedure that came as he manages multiple crises including the war in Gaza and his trial for alleged corruption . Netanyahu, who has had a series of health issues in recent years, has gone to great lengths to bolster a public image of himself as a healthy, energetic leader. During his trial this month, he boasted about working 18-hour days, accompanied by a cigar. But as Israel's longest-serving leader, such a grueling workload over a total of 17 years in power could take a toll on his well-being. Netanyahu, 75, is among older world leaders including U.S. President Joe Biden, 82 , President-elect Donald Trump, 78 , Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva , 79, and Pope Francis , 88, who have come under scrutiny for their age and health issues. Netanyahu's latest condition is common in older men, but the procedure has had some fallout. The judges overseeing his trial accepted a request from his lawyer on Sunday to call off three days of testimony scheduled this week. The lawyer, Amit Hadad, had argued that Netanyahu would be fully sedated for the procedure and hospitalized for “a number of days.” Jerusalem's Hadassah Medical Center announced late Sunday that the procedure had been completed successfully and that the prime minister had woken up. Netanyahu thanked his doctors. His office said he was "fully alert" and was taken to an underground recovery unit fortified against potential missile attacks. Netanyahu was expected to remain in the hospital for several days of observation. Justice Minister Yariv Levin, a close ally, served as acting prime minister during the operation. With so much at stake, Netanyahu’s health in wartime is a concern for both Israelis and the wider world. As Israel’s leader, Netanyahu is at the center of major global events that are shifting the Middle East . With the dizzying pace of the past 14 months, being incapacitated for even a few hours can be risky. Netanyahu will be in the hospital at a time when international mediators are pushing Israel and Hamas to reach a ceasefire in Gaza and as fighting between Israel and Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels intensifies . Prostate issues are common and in many cases easily treatable. Still, the procedure puts a dent in Netanyahu’s image of vigor at a time when he would want to project strength more than ever, both to an Israeli audience navigating constant threats as well as to Israel’s enemies looking to expose its weaknesses. Netanyahu insists he is in excellent health. His office releases footage of him touring war zones in full protective gear flanked by military officers, or meeting with defense officials on windswept hilltops in youthful dark shades and puffer jackets. But that image was shattered last year when Netanyahu’s doctors revealed that he had a heart condition , a problem that he had apparently long known about but concealed from the public. A week after a fainting spell, Netanyahu was fitted with a pacemaker to control his heartbeat. Only then did staff at the Sheba Medical Center reveal that Netanyahu has for years experienced a condition that can cause irregular heartbeats. The revelation came as Netanyahu was dealing with massive anti-government protests. The news about a chronic heart problem stoked further anger and distrust during extreme political polarization in Israel. Last year, Netanyahu was rushed to the hospital for what doctors said likely was dehydration . He stayed overnight, prompting his weekly Cabinet meeting to be delayed. Earlier this year, Netanyahu underwent hernia surgery , during which he was under full anesthesia and unconscious. Levin served as acting prime minister during the operation. According to Netanyahu’s office, the Israeli leader was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection on Wednesday stemming from a benign enlargement of his prostate. The infection was treated successfully with antibiotics, but doctors said the surgery was needed in any case. Complications from prostate enlargement are common in men in their 70s and 80s, Dr. Shay Golan, head of the oncology urology service at Israel’s Rabin Medical Center, told Israeli Army Radio. Golan spoke in general terms and was not involved in Netanyahu’s care or treatment. He said an enlarged prostate can block proper emptying of the bladder, leading to a build-up of urine that can lead to an infection or other complications. After medicinal treatment, doctors can recommend a procedure to remove the prostate to prevent future blockages, Golan said. In Netanyahu’s case, because the prostate is not cancerous, Golan said doctors were likely performing an endoscopic surgery, carried out by inserting small instruments into a body cavity, rather than making surgical cuts in the abdomen to reach the prostate. The procedure lasts about an hour, Golan said, and recovery is quick. He said that aside from catheter use for one to three days after the procedure, patients can return to normal activity without significant limitations. AP correspondent Isaac Scharf contributed reporting.AP News Summary at 4:10 p.m. EST

LONDON : Replacing Kop idol Juergen Klopp at Anfield looked to many like mission impossible for Dutchman Arne Slot when he was named as the German's successor in May. Now the appointment looks like a masterstroke halfway through his maiden Premier League campaign. Liverpool's 5-0 thrashing of West Ham United on Sunday put Slot's side eight points clear of surprise second-placed side Nottingham Forest and 14 ahead of champions Manchester City. They have lost only once in all competitions this season and Slot can look back on an almost perfect 2024. His Feyenoord side were unbeaten from the turn of the year to when he left as they finished runners-up to PSV Eindhoven. The only side to get the better of Liverpool this season are Nottingham Forest and the way Slot's side have ended the year, a 20th title for the club now looks in their grasp. "Compliments to Nottingham Forest. They were the one," Slot said after his side's rout of West Ham at the London Stadium. While Slot inherited a high-quality squad and has not had to instigate a major rebuild, the tweaks he has made to Liverpool's style have put them in total control of the table. They are a little more pragmatic than they were under Klopp's high-octane pressing game, but Slot has still retained Liverpool's attacking verve, evidenced by the fact they have scored 45 goals in 18 games including 14 in the last three. SALAH FACTOR The 46-year-old has benefited hugely from Mohamed Salah having what promises to be his best-ever season at Liverpool despite the ongoing saga of the Egyptian's contract talks. Salah's goal on Sunday took his tally for the season to 20 and his two assists mean he has been involved in 30 goals in 18 Premier League games for Liverpool this season. The 32-year-old Salah has been involved in 52 goals in all competitions in 2024 (29 goals, 23 assists), which is more than any other player in Europe's big five leagues. "Mo and the word extraordinary is something I've heard a lot in the last six months," Slot told reporters. "He truly deserves this and probably for the eight years, but I am involved in the last half-year. I don't think he keeps surprising us because we know what a player he is and we know he is able to do so. We can only hope he can keep bringing these performances in, but I would like to add that if he scores there's also a lead-up to him scoring. "So there are also other players that bring him into these positions, but if you bring Mo in these positions, he is extraordinary. Definitely." While Slot was delighted to see five different players on the scoresheet on Sunday, a first clean sheet in five games was equally satisfying after his side conceded nine goals in their previous four. "Clean sheets are one of the reasons why you win a lot. If every time you have to score two, three or four goals it is difficult," he said. "At the moment we do but it is not sustainable for a longer period of time. "Sometimes you need a win by keeping a clean sheet and scoring one or two."U.S. small-cap stocks are delivering a standout performance in November, aligning with a well-established seasonal trend that often paves the way for a strong December. Historically, small caps tend to excel in the final two months of the year, with November’s impressive gains often rolling into December as part of the so-called “Santa Rally.” The Russell 2000 index, the leading benchmark for small-cap equities, has climbed an impressive 8% this November, on track for the second-best monthly performance of the year. See Also: Google, Anthropic Deal In Jeopardy As Regulators Look To Break Up Search Monopoly Data spanning more than two decades shows that November delivered the highest average returns for small-cap stocks. From the year 2000 onward, the iShares Russell 2000 ETF IWM , has averaged a 2.6% gain in November, marking it as the strongest month of the year. What's even more striking is the reliability of this trend—79% of the time, the month ends with small-cap stocks in the green. The Russell 2000 has ended November in negative territory only four times: A decline of 9.97% in 2000, 6.97% in 2007, 11.93% in 2008, and 4.33% in 2021. In all other years, small-cap stocks have delivered gains during the month. The strongest rally occurred in November 2020, when the Russell soared 18.24% buoyed by the discovery of the Covid-19 vaccine. Yet, history suggests this isn't the time to cash out just yet. Investors tempted to take profits after November's gains might reconsider, as December historically ranks as the second-best month for small caps. On average, the Russell 2000 rose 1.46% in December, with 67% of years showing positive performance. The combination of these two months often gives small-cap investors a powerful year-end boost. Russell 2000 Monthly Seasonality: November And December Show The Highest Average Gains Why Are Small Caps Outperforming in November 2024? As of late November, the Russell 2000's 8% rally far surpasses the 4% rise of the S&P 500, tracked by the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust SPY . This outperformance is being driven by three major catalysts: 1. Federal Reserve Rate Cuts The Federal Reserve has shifted into rate-cut mode, lowering rates by 25 basis points in November following a 50-basis-point reduction in September. Policymakers have signaled that further cuts are likely, albeit at a slower pace, as long as inflation continues to decelerate. Lower interest rates disproportionately benefit small-cap companies, which rely more heavily on bank financing than their larger-cap counterparts. With borrowing costs falling, small businesses are better positioned to invest, grow, and improve profitability, giving them a significant tailwind compared to multinational firms. 2. Political Tailwinds From 2024 Elections The outcome of the 2024 U.S. elections — a Republican trifecta (presidency, Senate and House of Representatives) — has fueled optimism among small-cap investors expecting the Trump administration to roll back regulations. Additionally, the potential reintroduction of trade tariffs could act as a buffer for small-cap businesses by reducing competition from international firms facing higher regulatory or import costs. Financial services and industrial stocks, heavily represented in small-cap indices, have been among the top beneficiaries of this shift. 3. Economic Resilience The U.S. economy is showing remarkable resilience by delivering strong GDP growth rates. The Atlanta Fed's GDPNow estimate pegs fourth-quarter real GDP growth at 2.6%, following robust gains of 3.0% and 2.8% in the second and third quarters, respectively. The labor market, a key indicator of economic health, also remains resilient. Despite disruptions from strikes and hurricanes affecting October payrolls data, jobless claims have fallen to their lowest levels in seven months in mid-November, indicating a tight labor market and sustained consumer confidence. These factors collectively underpin the performance of small-cap stocks, which are often more sensitive to domestic economic trends. What's Next For Small Caps? With November's gains already in the books, historical patterns suggest that small caps could keep their momentum into December. Whether fueled by seasonal trends, macroeconomic tailwinds, or political optimism, small-cap stocks are positioning themselves as a standout opportunity for year-end trading. Now Read: 7 US Natural Gas Stocks To Watch As Henry Hub Prices Surge 50% In November Image: Shutterstock © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Saquon Barkley wanted to be a student in team history before he had a chance to make some with the Eagles. The running back who had just signed with Philadelphia for $26 million guaranteed took a deep dive on some of the franchise’s greats out of the backfield. He learned about Wilbert Montgomery. Brushed up on LeSean McCoy. Barkley then put them in his sights — and this week against Carolina, he could become the top single-season rusher in Eagles history. Get past those two Eagles Hall of Famers and the target narrows: McCoy has a chance to break Eric Dickerson's NFL single-season rushing mark of 2,105 yards, set in 1984. “That's your goal,” Barkley said. “You want to come in here, you want to leave a legacy on a place, on a franchise.” Here's where things stand with Barkley in his pursuit of records: — Barkley has an NFL-best 1,499 yards rushing through 12 games, an average of 124.9 yards per game. At that pace and with one more game to play than Dickerson, he would surpass the NFL mark that's stood for 40 years. — Barkley needs to run for 108 yards against the Panthers to break McCoy's Eagles record of 1,607 yards set in 2013. Montgomery ran for 1,512 yards in 1978. “I'm aware of the things I can accomplish,” Barkley said. “The way I accomplish that is sticking to the script.” The Eagles (10-2) have won eight straight to take control of the NFC East and remain in the hunt for the No. 1 seed in the conference. Barkley — with a little help from Jalen Hurts — has largely led the way and moved into MVP consideration. The former New York Giant also ranks third in the league with 11 rushing touchdowns. It's reasonable to expect Barkley to pile on the yards against Carolina (3-9). The Panthers are 32nd in the league against the run and just allowed Tampa Bay's Bucky Irving to run for a career-high 152 yards last week (he had never broken 100). “It’s incredible what he is doing. The record has stood up for a while. I mean 17 games or 14 games, it’s ridiculous,” Panthers defensive lineman Shy Tuttle said. “It’s a record that has been held for a long time and whoever breaks it, Saquon or someone else, it’s an incredible achievement.” Barkley leads the NFL with four rushing touchdowns of 25-plus yards this season and tied Montgomery for the most 100-yards games in an Eagles season with eight. “You get to see the player on Sundays. We get to see the person every other day during the week,” offensive coordinator Kellen Moore said. “He’s special. At the end of the day, he’s a special teammate, special person. The way he connects with everyone, rallies everyone together. He’s one of the best.” Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard is eager to get back on the field and put last week behind him. Carolina’s leading rusher had a costly fumble in overtime last Sunday against Tampa Bay as the Panthers were driving for a potential game-winning field goal, resulting in a 26-23 loss to division rival Tampa Bay. A dejected Hubbard remained on the bench for several minutes after the loss. “You definitely use it as motivation,” Hubbard said. “I have come a long way and I know what it’s like to play great football. That was a big mistake on my end, but I don’t just lose all of the work I have put in because of that one mistake.” Bryce Young is beginning to show he can be a factor with his legs, scoring on a 10-yard run last week against the Buccaneers. However, Young still receives plenty of good-natured ribbing from his teammates when it comes to his sliding ability, which the QB has previously admitted is limited because he wasn’t much of a baseball player. “He definitely has to work on his slide,” Hubbard said. “He has been making people miss so he hasn’t had to slide like that a lot. I mean I’m not trying to hate on my dog’s slide but it’s just a work in progress. He will be all right.” Panthers guard Robert Hunt said it’s always interesting playing in Philadelphia because of the team’s passionate fan base. Last year, while Hunt was playing for the Dolphins, he said an Eagles fan attempted to board the Miami team bus. “They have some characters there — some people who don’t really give a damn,” Hunt said. “He was trying to trash-talk us. But he was confident and that is what makes them them.” Hunt said the fan never made it on the bus. “Aw hell no, we would have stomped that boy,” Hunt said with a laugh. “He tried. He was talking his noise. Good for him. I don’t want to say you want a fan base like that, but you want a fan base that cares about the team.” AP Sports Writer Steve Reed in Charlotte, North Carolina, contributed to this report. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL

Seibert misses an extra point late as the Commanders lose their 3rd in a row, 34-26 to the Cowboys

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OROVILLE — Butte County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect in Wednesday’s shooting at Feather River Adventist School as Glenn Litton, 56. According to Sheriff Kory Honea, investigators determined Litton’s motivation for the shooting on a typed on a note found on his body, as well as subsequent correspondence to other people. Honea said evidence indicates Litton targeted the school because of its affiliation with the Seventh-Day Adventist church. Litton held a belief the Seventh-Day Adventists were involved in the genocide and oppression of Palestinians, as well as the U. S. attack on Yemen, according to Honea. Honea said Litton’s most recent activity is described as being homeless, and that he spent time between the Sacramento and Chico area. Litton had a lengthy criminal history and history of mental health issues, and he was first imprisoned in 1991 for theft with and other convictions include theft fraud forgery in 1990s to early 2000s, Honea said. Litton was reported to have severe mental health issues from the age of 16 moving forward. Honea said there was no official diagnosis. Litten was most recently arrested on Nov. 12 for being inside a stolen pickup and for possession of false identification under the name of “Michael Sanders.” He was released from San Mateo County Jail on Nov. 21, took a bus to the Chico area, and stayed in various hotels in the Chico area. On Dec. 4, Litton was was in the vicinity of the Motel 6 in Chico, and around 7:45 a.m. he got onto a bus at Second and Salem streets in Chico, then exited the bus at Montgomery and Myers in Oroville, carrying a large duffel bag. This was when Litton was driven by an Uber driver to the school to attend an appointment he made with school administration and to carry out the shooting, according to Honea. Litton’s story was that his daughter recently moved to Gridley, and he wanted his grandson to go to the Feather River school. “As it turns out, that was all a lie,” Honea said. “It appears to us that story was a ruse to set up an appointment so that he could gain access to the campus.” Honea said the man claimed to be a lieutenant for an organization called The International Alliance. Investigators believe there are no organizations that call themselves The International Alliance and “is active in this regard.” “There’s nothing we’ve found no information to believe that this organization has some kind of military structure,” Honea said. Honea also identified the two boys injured in the shooting as Roman Mendez, 6, and Elias Wolford, 5. Mendez sustained two gunshot wounds resulting in internal injuries, Honea said. Wolford was shot one time in the abdomen that resulted in internal injuries. The boys continue to be in critical but stable condition as they continue treatment at local hospitals, according to a social media update posted at 10 a.m. Thursday by the Butte County Sheriff’s Office. “It is likely they will need a number of surgeries going forward,” Honea said. “The fact that they are still with us is a miracle and something we can be hopeful for.” The shooting was reported at 1:08 p.m. Wednesday at the school near Highway 99 and Cox Lane. First responders found two boys injured and one man lying on the ground, dead from an apparent self-inflected gunshot wound. An investigation to learn about the shooting is being coordinated by the Butte County Sheriff’s Office, the Butte County District Attorney’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Sacramento. A vigil for the victims will be held 5:30 p.m. Friday at the Oroville Convention Center, 1200 Myers St. The vigil will have cards at a table to sign that will be delivered to the injured boys, Oroville Mayor David Pittman said. All schools under the jurisdiction of the Northern California Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church closed today in light of the shooting, according to an email by the organization Thursday afternoon. Oroville schools have remained open following the shooting, said Butte County Office of Education communication officer Travis Souders. As a result of Wednesday’s shooting, the Oroville Police Department stated in a news release Thursday that it increased its presence Thursday at all Oroville school campuses, and the department encouraged anyone experiencing anxiety to reach out to school counselors or local resources available in our community. “Our officers, including our school resource officers, are trained for situations like this and are dedicated to maintaining a safe environment for students, educators and families,” the department stated. “Officers will remain on campus to offer visible support and ensure everyone’s safety during this difficult time.” While Feather River Adventist School is a private school unaffiliated with the Butte County Office of Education, Souders said the tragedy was felt throughout the district. “We’re part of the same community,” said Souders. “We’re helping support them as much as we can.” Northern California Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church provided a statement Wednesday that reads: “We are deeply saddened by the events that occurred today. “Our students, faculty, and staff at Feather River (school) have been reunited with their families. Two of our students are being treated for their injuries. Join us as we lift up these children and their families in prayer. Today, the Northern California Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church will close its schools to allow everyone to spend time with their families,” the organization stated. “We are grateful for the brave officers of the Butte County Sheriff’s (Office) who acted quickly to protect our students. We will continue to work closely with Sheriff Kory Honea and his team during this investigation.” After the shooting, the senior advisor to the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, Sophia Sokolowski, called Oroville Mayor David Pittman to offer support. Pittman put the White House in contact with Butte County Chief Administrative Officer Andy Picket, whom they also offered support and asked how they may be of assistance in this time. “I appreciate their contact to reach out to us to help assist with any needs,” Pittman said. The North Valley Community Fund has started a fund on its website to help the victims and their families at https://www.nvcf.org/funds/feather-river-adventist-school-victims-fund . “Like so many in the community, we are stunned by the shooting of two kindergarten students at Feather River Adventist School near Oroville,” stated the foundation. “We’ve opened up a fund to provide financial support for medical bills and other expenses for the victims injured and their families. “ Online, GoFundMe is monitoring its platform to help fundraisers for those affected, said GoFundMe Communications Manager Jasmine Han.( MENAFN - GlobeNewsWire - Nasdaq) NEW YORK, Dec. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C., a nationally recognized stockholder rights law firm, is investigating potential claims against Sezzle Inc. (“Sezzle” or the“Company”) (NASDAQ: SEZL) on behalf of Sezzle stockholders. Our investigation concerns whether Sezzle has violated the federal securities laws and/or engaged in other unlawful business practices. Click here to participate in the action. On December 18, 2024, Hindenburg Research published a report alleging, among other things, that:“Sezzle seems to be boosting its near-term subscription numbers with sketchy enrollment practices. The company has faced numerous customer complaints for enrolling users into recurring monthly subscriptions without their awareness, according to user complaints and the company's own FAQ.” Following this report, the price of the Company's stock dropped. If you purchased or otherwise acquired Sezzle shares and suffered a loss, are a long-term stockholder, have information, would like to learn more about these claims, or have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact Brandon Walker or Marion Passmore by email at ... , by telephone at (212) 355-4648, or by filling out this contact form . There is no cost or obligation to you. About Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C.: Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C. is a nationally recognized law firm with offices in New York and California. The firm represents individual and institutional investors in commercial, securities, derivative, and other complex litigation in state and federal courts across the country. For more information about the firm, please visit . Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes. Contact Information: Bragar Eagel & Squire, P.C. Brandon Walker, Esq. Marion Passmore, Esq. (212) 355-4648 ... MENAFN23122024004107003653ID1109025587 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.

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Lil Wayne, GloRilla, Camila Cabello to perform at College Football National Championship

Garrett Wilson clearly isn’t happy. And his future with the New York Jets seems murkier than ever. The star wide receiver wants to win more than anything, but three losing seasons to start his NFL career have taken their toll. Wilson has been an extremely bright spot for the Jets during that span, setting team receiving records and establishing himself as one of the top players in the NFL at his position. He’s the fourth-most targeted player in the league this season. But he still believes he could do more — and that he can help the Jets (4-11) win. Wilson had six catches for 54 yards on Sunday in New York’s 19-9 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Four of his seven targets came during the Jets’ final drive. Davante Adams had 13 targets and clearly has been the favorite target of Aaron Rodgers — not surprising since they played together eight years in Green Bay. But Wilson has seemed almost an afterthought lately. “I don’t know, to be honest with you, man,” Wilson said after the game when asked why he wasn’t more involved in the offense. “I’ve just got to go out and put my best foot forward and hope that things fall my way. I’d love to be involved, love to make an impact on the game, but if people see it differently, then it’s out of my control. RELATED COVERAGE Bryce Young has added key element to his game in Year 2, showing an ability to scramble, make plays There’s no defending Jaguars GM Trent Baalke, especially amid his latest free-agent class Titans keep losing as coach Brian Callahan tries to show some progress “So, just trying to do what I can do.” That came a few days after Wilson was noncommittal on whether he can see himself staying with the Jets long term if they offer him a contract extension after the season. He had a similar response after the game. “At the end of the day, we’ve got to find ways to get Garrett the ball more often,” interim coach Jeff Ulbrich said Monday. “He’s one of the best players on our team, if not one of the best players in this league, especially at his position, so the progression for a lot of different reasons from a coverage standpoint took (Rodgers) off Garrett, but at the same time, we’ve got to find ways to get him the ball, for sure.” Wilson is due for an extension after this season, but the Jets have control over his contract through the 2027 season. There are rumblings that Wilson, who ranks among the league leaders with 90 receptions and 987 yards receiving, could seek a trade. The Jets’ next general manager and coach will have to make decisions on the futures of several players, including Rodgers, but Wilson also will be a priority in the team’s offseason conversations. “If you weren’t frustrated, I think that would bother me to an extent,” Ulbrich said. “I think he’s just one of those ultimate competitors that wants the ball, not for selfish reasons. Just from the standpoint he knows he can help our team win if he does have the ball in his hands.” What’s working Fast starts. The Jets have scored touchdowns on their opening possession in each of their last two games after previously not doing so all season. What needs help With the team out of the playoff hunt, Ulbrich was aggressive. The Jets went for it on fourth down five times against the Rams and converted just twice. Two of the stops led to points for Los Angeles. After Breece Hall was stuffed on fourth-and-1 at the Jets 33 in the second quarter, the Rams kicked a field goal to tie it. On their first possession of the second half, the Jets went for it on a fourth-and-4 from the Rams 13 instead of kicking a field goal. But Rodgers’ fade pass to Adams was incomplete, ending a 14-play, 78-yard drive. Los Angeles followed by kicking another tying field goal. Stock up CB D.J. Reed. The veteran defensive back has arguably been the Jets’ best cornerback this season. Reed is scheduled to be a free agent during the coming offseason and could be in for a big payday. Whether to bring him back will be a major topic of conversation for the Jets’ new regime. Stock down K Anders Carlson. He briefly provided some stability as the Jets’ fourth kicker this season but has struggled lately. Carlson missed an extra point, his second of the season, and was wide right on a late 49-yard field goal try that would’ve made it a one-score game and given the Jets a chance at a comeback attempt against the Rams. Ulbrich said there’s a chance there could be another change this week. Injuries Rookie LT Olu Fashanu is dealing with a foot injury. The first-round pick was seen on crutches after the game, but Ulbrich said Fashanu was still getting tests done to determine the severity of the injury. ... DT Quinnen Williams was inactive with a hamstring injury. He tested it before the game and was scratched. Ulbrich said there’s a chance he’ll play this week. ... CB Sauce Gardner (hamstring) and S Tony Adams (ankle) left the game with injuries. Key number 0 — The Jets scored 9 points and had no punts in the loss to Los Angeles. They joined the 1991 Colts — a 16-7 loss to the Patriots in the season opener — as the only teams in the Super Bowl era to score fewer than 10 points and not punt. What’s next The Jets travel for their last road game of the season to Buffalo, where they’ll take on the AFC East rival Bills. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

The presidential candidate of the Mozemo party, Ivana Kekin, gave a speech after the election results, in which she received 8.87% of the vote, which is over 143,000 votes. “We started this campaign on 10 September and we have grown thanks to your support, your volunteer work and your donations. I would like to remind you that we received 1,300 donations, with an average of 30 euros. We have received twice as many individual donations as all the other seven candidates combined. We are not backed by patrons, tycoons or companies with vested interests – just ordinary citizens, pensioners, students and workers who believe in the idea of a better and healthier Croatia. This was our first candidature in a presidential election. I thank the party for the support it has given me every day,” said Kekin. She reflected on the challenges of the election campaign: “ The election campaign was dirty, it was hard, and there were many low blows , but as we can see, those who relied on it did not benefit from it. In this country, citizens rightly fear that the HDZ will take over the few remaining institutions and spaces of freedom. That was demonstrated in this election, and fortunately that won’t happen here.” Kekin also addressed the voters and explained her choice for the second round: “I can proudly say that our voters stood by our party and supported the unexpected success of Zoran Milanovic. I must say that I disagree with him on many issues, but in a fortnight I will go to the polls and vote for Milanovic.” She emphasised the importance of public interest in politics: “The task of our generation is to fight for a welfare state, and we have built a core group that is ready to take up this challenge with us. The message I received most often in those three months was: ‘Don’t give up.’ Let me say from here – I will not give up or remain silent. There is no way I will stop fighting for the things that matter to the majority. I will fight even harder. We have the local elections ahead of us and that’s what we need to focus on. Together we will continue the fight.”