GORDON CHANG: Watch Out — Xi Is Going To Confront TrumpThe Nora Eccles Harrison Museum of Art’s gift shop has added a Christmas-themed section featuring garlands, books, toys and hand-crafted ornaments, which will run through Dec. 31. As it stands, NEHMA’s gift shop currently offers many different items geared towards exhibits they have showcased in the past such as jewelry, books, clothing, ceramics and more. They also sell artwork from local artists. Calvin Knapp, a marketing and public relations coordinator for NEHMA, said the museum staff viewed the addition of holiday products as an easy decision to make. “With all of the festivities going on in Logan, NEHMA just really wanted to be a part of that in any way we can,” Knapp said. “We have that really awesome, kind of gift shop space going on in our lobby already and it just felt like a natural fit to put some holiday items out there that fit the timing perfectly.” The Twelve Days of Kindness by Sophie Beer is a book featured in the holiday section at the museum. NEHMA’s Coordinator of Events and Visitor Services Chiara Elwood Sorensen said one reason the book was chosen was due to children often visiting the museum. Elwood Sorensen said though the book is holiday-themed, she hopes it shares a lesson with kids that charitable acts can happen all throughout the year. “This is a way to kind of bring that home,” Elwood Sorensen said. “Especially for our kids who come to the museum...really delightful illustrations.” The book is one of a five-book series titled, It’s Cool to be Kind. While stocking-stuffers can range from candy to trivial toys, Knapp reflected on what gift-giving represents. “I think when you give a gift... the thought and care that’s gone into making that product really translates when it’s given as a gift representing your care for that person,” Knapp said, later adding, “The more thought and quality behind the gift, the more of an impact it has.” NEHMA will also offer a sale at the gift shop from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 14, where members of the museum will receive a 30% discount and the public will receive a 15% discount. There will also be hot chocolate, cider, other refreshments and activities for kids. To become a member of the museum or for more information, visit NEHMA’s website .US lawmakers back Covid Chinese lab leak theory after two-year probe
AP Business SummaryBrief at 4:50 p.m. ESTEnglishman Davis scores late to rescue point for Udinese and Lecce steals win at VeneziaRobert Skoglund hams it up for the camera as he leaves a board meeting at Maine Public offices in Lewiston in 2007. Photo by Doug Jones Two Maine humorists sat on a porch, talking about a show they just gave at the library on Chebeague Island. Gary Crocker was asking his friend Robert Skoglund – known to Mainers as “The humble Farmer” – about the rather mild laughter that Skoglund’s stories seemed to elicit. He didn’t get one raucous belly laugh the whole night. “He thought that was great. He didn’t want those kind of laughs. He said the difference between a comedian and a humorist is that a comedian makes you laugh, and it’s over,” said Crocker, 76, remembering that show some years ago. “But a humorist makes you laugh and makes you think about what he said and maybe even change some things you’re doing in your life. He said, ‘Believe me, those people are probably laughing right now, thinking about what I said.’ ” Skoglund died Saturday at the age of 88 at his home in St. George, after nearly 50 years of entertaining people around the state with his understated Maine musings and humor. He was best known for his music and storytelling radio show “The humble Farmer,” which ran on Maine Public radio for 29 years, until 2007. He wrote a weekly column for many newspapers, including for the Portland Press Herald over the last decade. He also made local access TV shows and podcasts, published two books and performed all around Maine and the country. On Monday, he was still making people chuckle because of an obituary video that he made about a month ago and that Crocker posted online after Skoglund’s death. Skoglund had called Crocker on the phone and said, “I want you to film my demise,” then explained he didn’t actually want his death filmed; he just wanted to be filmed talking about it. The minute-and-a-half video begins with Skoglund sitting in a chair, a breathing tube across his face, speaking into the camera: “Hi there, I’m Robert Skoglund, the humble Farmer, and I just died.” He then puts a makeshift kerchief on his head, picks up a phone and uses a high-pitched voice to talk to someone on the other end of the line, in his strong Maine accent. “Hi there, Sophie, did you hear that the humble Farmer just died? It’s just as well. Anyone who looked like he did weren’t hardly fit to be seen out on the street,” Skoglund said. “No cremation. I heard they’re gonna smoke him. Yeah, he always was a ham. No, no, t’weren’t cancer that killed him, t’was public opinion.” Fans and friends praised Skoglund on Monday as an authentic example of Maine wit and wisdom, in all its understated and self-mocking glory. He was born and raised in St. George, a fishing and farming town on a peninsula south of Thomaston, had a master’s degree in linguistics from the University of Rochester in New York, and started telling and writing stories for public consumption in the 1970s. He was teaching school in Maine when he started doing his weekly show, “The humble Farmer,” on Maine Public Radio in 1978. Skoglund said he didn’t want the “h” in humble capitalized when referring to him or his radio show, because it was “more humble” without it. The popular radio show combined Skoglund’s passion for jazz from the 1920s, ’30s and ’40s with his stories, thoughts and commentary. It was his blending of wit and politics that eventually got his show canceled by Maine Public Radio managers, who said he was violating the network’s standards for political neutrality. Skoglund’s conflict with management began in 2003, during the Iraq War and the presidency of George W. Bush. Not referring to Bush by name, Skoglund talked on air about “flag-wavin’ folks” showing their support for a “weasely faced war monger from way down South who didn’t even get most of the popular vote.” His show was canceled in 2007 after he read a letter on air critical of a government spending cap in Maryland similar to one being voted on in Maine. “I will always remember how he took a stand then, and I admired him for that,” said John Brooking, 58, a longtime fan from Westbrook. “And I’ll always remember how welcoming he was to people.” Brooking, along with his wife and two young children, were among the many fans of Skoglund’s radio show who took him up on his offer to come by anytime for a spaghetti supper. Though he was in demand as a speaker and entertainer around the country, he seemed to always find time to squeeze in more time with Mainers. John Harris, a longtime volunteer at the Owls Head Transportation Museum, remembers seeing Skoglund at an antique car event in Rockland and asking him, spur of the moment, if he’d speak at the event’s banquet that evening. He told Harris he had done a recent engagement for $1,800, but Harris said he couldn’t give him more that $50. Skoglund replied, “I’ll be there.” The humble Farmer, Robert Skoglund, left, attends his 70th high school reunion with next-door neighbor Jerry Hall. Courtesy of Robert Skoglund Skoglund’s radio shows and his columns were largely about people and everyday life. He referred often to his wife as “Marsha, the almost perfect woman,” in a way that was endearing but also relatable. Who among us is perfect? He wrote his last column for the Press Herald in June, and it was about Marsha and other strong women, mostly. Skoglund’s Maine sensibility came through to both native Mainers and people who came to adopt the state as their own, said Nick Mills, a longtime radio journalist who worked in Boston and New York but who grew up in Thomaston. While some performers from away have become famous for doing Maine humor – notably Marshall Dodge and Bob Bryan with their “Bert and I” recordings in the late 1950s and early 1960s – Skoglund was the genuine article. “He had that dry Maine wit and gentle sense of humor; he embodied it,” said Mills, 82, of Rockland. “He made people smile and chuckle, he didn’t get side-splitting laughs. But he was so much fun to listen to.” We invite you to add your comments. We encourage a thoughtful exchange of ideas and information on this website. By joining the conversation, you are agreeing to our commenting policy and terms of use . More information is found on our FAQs . You can modify your screen name here . 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Vikings staying on track and in control behind Sam Darnold's composure and confidenceVikings staying on track and in control behind Sam Darnold's composure and confidence
Experts at Nigeria’s agricultural sector, the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), and Heifer International Nigeria workshop, on Monday, called for a data-driven, de-risked mechanization model as a critical step to addressing Nigeria’s food security challenges. Stakeholders engaged in insightful workshop discussions, addressing best practices for improving mechanization in Nigeria. Topics included land cluster farming to improve efficiency; training programs for tractor operators and technicians; empowering youth and women in agriculture; and ensuring sustainability through IoT-enabled tracking and maintenance systems. Speaking during a workshop in Abuja, the Country Director of Heifer Nigeria, Dr. Lekan Tobe, lamented the poor management of existing mechanized equipment, which has led to inefficiencies and waste across the country. The workshop, themed “Implementation of the 10,000 Tractors Initiative with a Focus on the 2,000 Tractor Pilot Phase,” brought together key stakeholders from across the public and private sectors to deliberate on innovative strategies to enhance agricultural mechanization. He expressed concern over the low level of mechanized farming in the country, revealing that only 10% of Nigerian farmers utilize modern farming equipment. “At NADF, our ethos is rooted in interrogating policy and fostering collaboration to create impactful frameworks. Today’s workshop hosted in collaboration with Heifer Nigeria exemplifies this approach, as we engage with stakeholders to listen and refine strategies for the tractorization and mechanization program,” Tobe said. “As part of the first phase of this initiative, we are on track to acquire and assemble 2,000 John Deere tractors and implements by the end of Q1 2025, with deployment set for Q2 2025. Our goal is to establish unique models of mechanization, backed by Key Performance Indicators that can be implemented and monitored across the country to evaluate the success of these models. Together, we are building a robust foundation to advance agricultural productivity in Nigeria.” In her presentation on different tractor financing and operating models at the workshop, the Country Managing Director of Hello Tractor, Dr. Nneka Enwonwu, emphasized that: She said: “Effective mechanization requires innovative financing models. At Hello Tractor, we focus on addressing the financing and operational barriers that hinder access to mechanization. “By leveraging data-driven solutions like our Pay-As-You-Go model and technology-enabled tracking, we ensure tractors are efficiently utilized and maintained. This approach, combined with strategic partnerships and scalable solutions such as mechanization hubs, is transforming the mechanization landscape across Africa. “Together, we can build a sustainable and inclusive framework that empowers farmers, boosts productivity, and drives agricultural development in Nigeria and beyond.”Adobe Inc. stock rises Wednesday, still underperforms market
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments on Wednesday in a case that could shape the way gender-affirming health care is provided in the U.S. — specifically for minors. The case in question comes from Tennessee, where the state banned medical care such as puberty blockers, hormone therapy and surgery for transgender minors regardless of parental consent and recommendations from a health care provider. Tennessee’s ban, as it was passed, would require transgender minors who already received gender-affirming care to stop their treatments within nine months of the law’s effective date as well as establish a path of legal action against medical professionals who provide the treatments. RELATED STORY | Ohio governor signs bill limiting bathroom use by transgender students Shortly after the state’s legislation passed the ban in 2023, the American Civil Liberties Union sued on behalf of three families with transgender youths and a Memphis-based medical doctor who wanted to block the ban from going into effect. The U.S. Justice Department later joined in opposition to the law. The plaintiffs argue that Tennessee’s ban violates the 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause by discriminating against trans youth on the basis of sex. Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti has said the law is meant to protect minors from harm in the state. In the lower courts, he claimed that there is uncertainty around the risks and benefits of transition care for minors. RELATED STORY | Supreme Court will take up state bans on gender-affirming care for minors Over half of the states in the U.S. have enacted some type of ban on gender-affirming care for minors to date. The Supreme Court’s decision in the case US v. Skirmetti could have implications across the country. If the Supreme Court rules that Tennessee’s ban is unconstitutional, then similar bans passed by other states could also be deemed unconstitutional. But if the high court affirms that laws prohibiting healthcare for transgender minors do not violate the equal protection clause, then those bans could remain in place.New CapMetro rapid routes making huge impact, report says
Penn State notes: Linemen Anthony Donkoh, Alonzo Ford Jr. suffer long-term injuriesGREEN BAY, Wis. -- Luke Musgrave had no idea just how serious his ankle injury was when it first happened in the Green Bay Packers ' Week 4 loss to the Minnesota Vikings . The second-year tight end finished that game and even suited up for the next one, although he did not take the field in the Week 5 win over the Los Angeles Rams . He even practiced one day the following week before the Packers shut him down. Nearly 11 weeks after he last played in a game, Musgrave returned to practice on Wednesday and revealed that he sustained a torn ligament in his left ankle that required surgery by Dr. Robert Anderson in Charlotte, North Carolina. Editor's Picks Why Jayden Reed didn't get the ball and how Packers aim to change that Latest NFL Week 15 buzz: What we're hearing on potential coaching openings and the Falcons' QB situation NFL playoff clinching scenarios for Week 15: Which teams can secure a postseason berth this weekend? "We didn't know that it probably needed surgery until after the Rams week," Musgrave said Wednesday. Musgrave said he did only individual drills in Wednesday's practice, so it's unlikely he will be cleared to play for Sunday's game at the Seattle Seahawks ; he would need to be added to the active roster, although the Packers still have an open spot on their 53-man. But the hope is that Musgrave could return well before a possible playoff rematch against the Seahawks -- or whoever the Packers would face in a wild-card playoff game. "I think it's as soon as practical," Musgrave said when asked about a timeline to return. "I don't know if there's a timeline, but as soon as possible that they'll let me go, I'll go." Musgrave, who has only five catches for 22 yards this season, has missed 15 of a possible 30 games since he entered the league as a second-round pick in 2023. He missed six games last season because of a lacerated kidney. In the meantime, Tucker Kraft (39 catches for 521 yards and seven touchdowns) has become the Packers' go-to tight end. But the oft-anticipated, seldom-seen combination of Kraft and Musgrave might finally come to fruition as the Packers (9-4) make their playoff push. Picked one round apart -- Musgrave in the second round and Kraft in the third -- in the 2023 NFL draft, the pair of tight ends have been on the field at the same time for only 125 total snaps in their careers, according to ESPN Research. Only 54 of those have been this season. "It would be big-time," Packers quarterback Jordan Love said. "I think the last time we had it was really during training camp, having both those guys out there. And it definitely changes the plays we call and some of the formations we have and personnel groupings. "It's been tough not having Luke out there, so to get him back healthy and back out on the field would be big time." The Packers got more promising injury news on Wednesday, when cornerback Jaire Alexander (knee) was a full participant in practice for the first time since his last game action on Nov. 17 against the Bears. Receiver Romeo Doubs also was a full participant for the first time since his concussion on Nov. 24, a sign that he's in the final stage of the concussion protocol. Linebacker Edgerrin Cooper also practiced Wednesday for the first time since the hamstring injury that has kept him out of the past three games. However, the Packers could be without a pair of defensive backs because safety/nickelback Javon Bullard (ankle) did not practice and safety Evan Williams practiced on a limited basis but was still in the concussion protocol.A Nebraska defensive leader from this season who had previously announced his return in 2025 has changed course and will transfer. Defensive end Jimari Butler said last week he intended to remain with the Huskers for a sixth and final year but pivoted Monday and will enter the portal. The 6-foot-5, 260-pounder from Alabama started 10 games this fall with 22 tackles and a fumble recovery. His seven stops for loss are third most on the team and his 371 defensive snaps were 10th most among the Blackshirts. Butler last week laid out why he would stay with NU once more, describing plans to get a master’s degree in criminal justice after talking with his mother and evaluating his NFL draft stock. He reflected on his previous dalliance with the portal – he entered when Nebraska made a coaching change at the end of the 2022 season but ultimately stayed. “It was kind of a panic move because I didn’t know what to expect,” Butler said. “But I’ve seen my growth as a player and I just wanted to give it another year.” People are also reading... ‘I don’t care who’s played': Nebraska’s Dana Holgorsen on personnel changes at tight end Search warrants lead to arrest of man in narcotics investigation Blue Springs family to host 2025 Cattleman's Ball They fell in love with Beatrice. So they opened a store in downtown. At the courthouse, Nov. 30, 2024 La Segoviana finds new home in Court Street Plaza Hospice foundation helps with extra support At the courthouse, Nov. 23, 2024 Board of Supervisors denies permit for Filley telecom tower Fall Farmers Market and Brunch planned for Saturday 'The Message' religious sect sprouts destructive groups across globe Dale G. Lunsford Shatel: Emotions are still simmering, but Nebraska delivered the bottom line for 2024 — a bowl game Sound waves: What others are saying about Nebraska's loss to Iowa Spreading kindness one butterfly at a time The pivot came in the wake of defensive coordinator leaving to take the same position at Florida State. Butler is the fourth Husker to turn to the portal Monday and second defensive lineman after rotational player Vincent Jackson. Butler’s departure means all three of NU’s starting D-linemen are moving on after seniors Ty Robinson and Nash Hutmacher exhaust their eligibility following the upcoming bowl game. Junior lineman Elijah Jeudy indicated Sunday he would return for his senior year. Asked why so many players stayed with Nebraska last offseason, Butler called the culture “a different vibe.” “It’s more family-oriented,” Butler said. “But you eat what you kill in the program so if you produce you’re going to play.” Butler has appeared in 37 career games with 65 tackles and 17 TFLs in three-plus seasons as a steady contributor. Get local news delivered to your inbox!
NoneSANTA BARBARA, Calif. , Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Traccom Inc. (Pink Open Market Symbol: TRCC) is pleased to announce that on November 13, 2024 , it acquired all of the capital stock of Vulcain, Inc. ("Vulcain"). As a result of the acquisition, Vulcain has become a wholly owned and main operating subsidiary of Traccom effective immediately. Upon completion of the transaction on November 13, 2024 , Vulcain shareholders were issued 117,813,680 shares of common stock of Traccom in exchange for the acquisition of 100% of the capital stock of Vulcain. This represents 95% of the fully diluted shares of Traccom after the issuance thereof. With the transaction, Vulcain added three members to the Traccom board of directors, with Greg Duffell as CEO, President and CFO, Peter Stockmann as President of the Americas, and replaced Traccom's management. This marks a significant milestone for Vulcain. The company will broaden its market presence in the growing opportunity for Artificial Intelligence (AI) based data solutions. "Trading as a public entity on the Pink Open Market is an important step for Vulcain as we continue to evolve and expand our reach within the Causal AI and Knowledge Management sector," said Greg Duffell , CEO of Traccom. "This transaction will provide us with greater access to capital, enhance our visibility in the marketplace, and allow more investors to participate in our growth story." Becoming a publicly traded company will allow Vulcain to enhance their visibility. This reflects the company's commitment to increasing shareholder value and advancing its corporate growth strategy in Causal AI and Knowledge Management space. Former Traccom CEO and continuing Board member, Harry Steck stated, "For Traccom's shareholders, this transaction provides the opportunity to be invested in one of today's most exciting industries with an impressive technology and management team." Vulcain has commercialized casual AI solutions across various industries including leading US brands in the Consumer-Packaged Goods (CPG) sector to generate annual recurring revenues (ARR) for the company. Vulcain is planning a next phase of expansion into Insurance, Healthcare, Financial Services and other industries. Vulcain uses causal machine learning algorithms and human domain experts to provide high quality causal features necessary for an accurate AI solution. Vulcain's Causal AI Platform includes causal reasoning models to provide predictive outcomes that identify and explain event risks and opportunities for businesses. Vulcain will continue to focus on bringing human domain knowledge into AI solutions and driving value for organizations seeking to unleash the knowledge from their vast amounts of data, content and domain expertise. Key Highlights: The company is at the intersection of human and artificial intelligence, leading the charge to AI 3.0 with high value feature solutions for business. Vulcain's Causal AI platform is used for harmonizing, testing, and validating data for extracting and commercializing knowledge. The Vulcain platform combines hundreds of millions of AI ready data sets and human domain knowledge to provide a ready to use solution that can be customized, scaled and adapted for customer use-cases and human intervention. With a commitment to human-AI, excellence, sustainability, and customer-centric solutions, the company believes that it is poised for long-term growth and success in the global AI marketplace. For more information about the company and its wholly owned subsidiary Vulcain, Inc., visit www.vulcain.ai . Forward-Looking Statements This press release may include ''forward-looking statements.'' All statements pertaining to our future financial and/or operating results, future events, or future developments may constitute forward-looking statements. The statements may be identified by words such as "expect," "look forward to," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "seek," "estimate," "will," "project," or words of similar meaning. Such statements are based on the current expectations and certain assumptions of our management, of which many are beyond our control. These are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and factors. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize or should underlying expectations not occur or assumptions prove incorrect, actual results, performance, or our achievements may (negatively or positively) vary materially from those described explicitly or implicitly in the relevant forward-looking statement. We neither intend, nor assume any obligation, to update or revise these forward-looking statements in light of developments which differ from those anticipated. You are urged to carefully review and consider any cautionary statements and the Company's other disclosures filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of the document in which they are contained. Contact: [email protected]
"Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum." Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC "Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" To keep reading, please log in to your account, create a free account, or simply fill out the form below.
What a difference a fraction of an inch can make. Having one of the 33 bones in his spine out of alignment by less than half an inch apparently diminished Luigi Mangione’s quality of life to the point that his lower legs felt like they were on fire. At other times, the 26-year-old charged with murdering the chief executive of UnitedHealthcare seesawed between pain and numbness in his lower back and genital area. Social media posts believed to be written by Mangione indicated he was diagnosed with spondylolisthesis, a back condition that emerged during childhood and became debilitating after an accident during a surfing lesson in 2022. “My back and hips locked up after the accident,” wrote a Reddit user whose biographical details align with Mangione’s. The user, whose account has been deleted, also complained that “intermittent numbness has become constant.” “I’m terrified of the implications,” the user wrote, according to CNN . Mangione is accused of fatally shooting Brian Thompson outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel last week, and evading capture for five days. His attorney said the Ivy League graduate intended to plead not guilty to the murder charge. Back pain isn’t the only health condition that plagued Mangione — the Reddit account included posts about brain fog and Lyme disease — but spondylolisthesis appears to have been the most taxing. There are many reasons why a segment of the spine can move out of alignment. Spondylolisthesis ( pronounced spawn-duh-low-lis-THEE-sus) can begin before birth if the spine doesn’t develop properly in utero. Or it can occur suddenly if an accident or injury thrusts one of the vertebrae out of position. A fracture in the part of the bone that links the vertebrae together can become so big that a segment of the spine can’t be held in place. A bone-weakening disease like osteoporosis or even a spinal tumor can disturb the vertebrae’s alignment as well. Most often, spondylolisthesis is a consequence of aging. The older we get, the more the cushiony disks that separate the vertebrae thin out. When the bones aren’t held as tightly in place, it’s easier for one to wind up where it doesn’t belong. Any part of the spine can be affected by spondylolisthesis, but it’s most common in the lower back. (The Reddit user who is believed to be Mangione indicated that his misaligned bone was at the bottom of his lumbar spine, just above the pelvis.) Wherever it occurs, having a spinal bone out of place can affect the nerves around the spine. Back pain is a typical symptom, but the pain can spread all the way down the legs and to the feet if one of the sciatic nerves is involved. The discomfort can also manifest as a pins-and-needles tingling sensation. In Mangione’s case, the symptoms seem to have kicked into high gear while surfing in Hawaii in 2022. The Reddit user said he “experienced sciatica for the first time” while on the water, according to Business Insider , though it’s not clear whether the painful condition caused his accident or resulted from it. Things went from bad to worse a few weeks later, when he “slipped on a piece of paper,” he said. “My right glute locked and right leg shut down for a week. Couldn’t support any weight on it.” He also experienced a “near-constant burning/twitching in both ankles/calves.” Pain isn’t the only symptom of spondylolisthesis. With a part of the spine out of place, patients may have back stiffness, be unable to stand for more than a few minutes, or have trouble walking. These problems can get worse if left untreated. Other potential complications include urinary or bowel incontinence, the Cleveland Clinic says . Initial treatment usually includes rest to relieve stress on the spine and painkillers such as Advil, Motrin, Aleve or Tylenol to help with pain and reduce inflammation. If over-the-counter medications aren’t enough, doctors may prescribe corticosteroid medications or a cortisone injection. Once the time for rest has passed, specific exercises can strengthen muscles in the abdomen and lower back to better support the spine. A brace or corset may also be needed, especially if the problem was caused by a fracture that needs to heal. The only way to actually move the bone back into place is with surgery, and that may be necessary if serious problems persist. The goal of the surgery depends on the cause of the patient’s spondylolisthesis, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. If a fractured bone is to blame, surgeons can shore it up by fusing it to another vertebrae using screws and rods. Mangione had spinal fusion surgery in 2023 after living with pain for a year and a half. He shared a picture of a post-operative X-ray with one of his former roommates from his time in Hawaii. The image “looked heinous, with just giant screws going into his spine,” the ex-roommate, R. J Martin, told CNN. On Reddit, the user believed to be Mangione reported that the surgery was a success. “Within 7 days of the fusion I was on zero pain meds,” he wrote, according to ABC News . If a fracture isn’t the problem but a misaligned disk is compressing nearby nerves, surgeons may perform a laminectomy. That procedure removes part of the bone and nearby ligaments to create more space for the nerves. Sometimes surgical patients have both treatments, the academy says. Although Mangione seemed pleased with the results of his surgery, he was not happy that it took so long for him to receive it. The Reddit user said he had feared he would be “destined to chronic pain and a desk job for the rest of my life.” He advised other Reddit users to exaggerate their symptoms — such as pretending they couldn’t lift the front of their foot or urinating in their clothes on purpose — in order to get surgery sooner.Analysis: Week 12 full of sloppy play, especially on special teams
Incoming Trump 'border czar' Tom Homan opens up about efforts to combat migrant crime on 'Jesse Watters Primetime.' Arizona’s top law enforcement officer said in a recent interview she is unafraid to stand up to President-elect Trump on immigration enforcement. Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes told the U.K.'s Guardian any plans to construct deportation centers, which she previously called "concentration camps," in the Grand Canyon State would be a nonstarter. Mayes defended Dreamers, beneficiaries of the Obama-era DACA program, saying any federal attempts to send them to their home countries would be "a bright red line for me." "I will not stand for an attempt to deport them or undermine them," Mayes said. "I will do everything I can legally to fight [family separation or construction of deportation camps]. MD MAYOR PUSHING IMMIGRANT LEGAL ADVOCACY FUND TO REBUFF TRUMP AGENDA President Trump and Thomas Homan, acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, talk during a law enforcement roundtable on sanctuary cities in the Roosevelt Room at the White House March 20, 2018, in Washington, D.C. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images) "Not on our soil." The Dreamer moniker originates from the DREAM Act — Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors. It was first proposed by Sen. Richard Durbin, D-Ill., and the late Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, in 2001 and has been reintroduced in several succeeding sessions of Congress by Durbin but has never become law. Most recently, it was proposed in 2023 by Durbin and his Republican counterpart in Senate Judiciary Committee leadership, Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina. Former President Obama borrowed pieces of the legislation when he instituted DACA, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Trump previously tried to get rid of DACA but was stopped by the Supreme Court in DHS v. University of California. MARYLAND GOVERNOR DEFENDS $190K TRUMP-CENTRIC CONSULTANT CONTRACT AS PRESIDENT-ELECT MOVES IN NEXT DOOR "I think the Supreme Court will ultimately see the merits of protecting them," Mayes said of Dreamers. "We want to give the courts the opportunity to make the right decision here, and we’ll be making very strong arguments on that proposition." In previous comments reported by the Arizona Mirror, Mayes said the issue with mass deportation proposals from people like Trump and "border czar"-designate Tom Homan is that they can lead to abuses of the system. Mayes has said she wants to see violent criminal offenders and drug cartel members removed from the U.S. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Kris Mayes (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File) In the Guardian interview, Mayes credited near-complete border-state cooperation on the matter of immigration. New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez, California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Mayes are "united," she said, adding Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is the one border state lawman who is not. "[W]e are going to fight for due process and for individual rights," she said of herself, Torrez and Bonta. Mayes also acknowledged the fentanyl crisis and a porous border, saying Arizonans rightly want it rectified. She reportedly said more federal resources should be spent on additional Border Patrol and prosecutions of cartel-connected people, as opposed to Trump’s idea of using the National Guard to help deport illegal immigrants . "[W]hen Arizonans voted for Donald Trump, they did not vote to shred the Arizona and U.S. Constitution [and] I strongly believe that," she told the Guardian. Fox News Digital reached out to Team Trump and some members of Arizona’s Republican congressional delegation for comment on Mayes’ Guardian interview but did not receive a response by press time. Charles Creitz is a reporter for Fox News Digital. He joined Fox News in 2013 as a writer and production assistant. Charles covers media , politics and culture for Fox News Digital. Charles is a Pennsylvania native and graduated from Temple University with a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism. Story tips can be sent to charles.creitz@fox.com.
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One Crowley ISD high school’s football season has come to an end, while another’s — just 3 miles away — will see at least one more game. Though Crowley High School fell to Denton Guyer High School Nov. 30 in a 44-7 loss in its Class 6A Division II regional, North Crowley High School advanced to the quarterfinals of the Class 6A Division I tournament after its Nov. 30 win against Coppell High School. North Crowley, located near the border of Fort Worth and Crowley, is the only public high school team from Fort Worth that still has a chance to win a trophy and bring a state championship to the city. Down 21-13 with just minutes remaining in the first half against Coppell, North Crowley found itself in unfamiliar territory. During the team’s historic 10-0 regular season — which propelled them to No. 9 in MaxPrep’s national high school football rankings — the Panthers had taken a losing score into halftime just once, against DeSoto High School in early September. The game ended with a 57-51 North Crowley win. Get essential daily news for the Fort Worth area. Sign up for insightful, in-depth stories — completely free. Since then, North Crowley has outscored opponents 622-125 on its path to the regional finals. In the final minutes of the first half, and the entirety of the second half of Saturday’s game, North Crowley outscored Coppell 21-3 on its way to a 35-24 win to reach the quarterfinals. The win forces a case of deja vu for the Panthers, who will take on Allen High School for the second year in a row at 2 p.m. Dec. 7. North Crowley, now 13-0, will aim to end its opponent’s similarly flawless season at Mansfield’s Vernon Newsom Stadium. Crowley High School, which has earned only eight seasons above a .500 win percentage out of its last 20, ended its historic 8-5 season with a loss to Denton Guyer High School. Crowley found itself down 30-0 at halftime and was never able to recover, scoring a single touchdown in the third quarter to avoid a shutout. Crowley High School senior Derrick Tasby Jr. catches a pass for a touchdown during a playoff matchup against Denton Guyer on Nov. 30, 2024. (Marshall Gardner | Cowtown Images) A member of the Crowley High School Mighty Eagle Band performs during halftime of a Nov. 30, 2024, playoff game against Denton Guyer. (Marshall Gardner | Cowtown Images) Crowley High School senior Jonathan Blake returns a Denton Guyer punt during a playoff matchup on Nov. 30, 2024. (Marshall Gardner | Cowtown Images) A member of the Crowley High School Talonettes dances during halftime at a Nov. 30, 2024, playoff game against Denton Guyer. (Marshall Gardner | Cowtown Images) Crowley High School quarterback Caleb Williams looks for a receiver down field during a Nov. 30, 2024, playoff game against Denton Guyer. The senior’s season ended with a 44-7 loss. (Marshall Gardner | Cowtown Images) Despite the loss, Crowley’s 8-5 record is the school’s best performance in football since the 2019-20 season, when the Eagles went 9-2 but lost to Colleyville Heritage High School in a bi-district playoff game. Though North Crowley High School is the final public high school team within Fort Worth still standing, one other Tarrant County school is still in the running. Southlake Carroll High School will face the team that ended Crowley High’s playoff hopes when it takes the field against Denton Guyer at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 7 in the Class 6A Division II quarterfinals. Matthew Sgroi is an education reporter for the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at matthew.sgroi@fortworthreport.org or @matthewsgroi1 . At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here . Your support makes TRIPLE the impact today. Tomorrow is Giving Tuesday ! Don’t miss your chance to triple your impact and support local news. Every gift up to $5,000 will be tripled before 11:59 PM on Dec. 3! Related Fort Worth Report is certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative for adhering to standards for ethical journalism . Republish This Story Republishing is free for noncommercial entities. Commercial entities are prohibited without a licensing agreement. Contact us for details. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License . Look for the "Republish This Story" button underneath each story. To republish online, simply click the button, copy the html code and paste into your Content Management System (CMS). Do not copy stories straight from the front-end of our web-site. You are required to follow the guidelines and use the republication tool when you share our content. The republication tool generates the appropriate html code. You can’t edit our stories, except to reflect relative changes in time, location and editorial style. You can’t sell or syndicate our stories. Any web site our stories appear on must include a contact for your organization. If you use our stories in any other medium — for example, newsletters or other email campaigns — you must make it clear that the stories are from the Fort Worth Report. In all emails, link directly to the story at fortworthreport.org and not to your website. If you share our stories on social media, please tag us in your posts using @FortWorthReport on Facebook and @FortWorthReport on Twitter. You have to credit Fort Worth Report. Please use “Author Name, Fort Worth Report” in the byline. If you’re not able to add the byline, please include a line at the top of the story that reads: “This story was originally published by Fort Worth Report” and include our website, fortworthreport.org . You can’t edit our stories, except to reflect relative changes in time, location and editorial style. Our stories may appear on pages with ads, but not ads specifically sold against our stories. You can’t sell or syndicate our stories. You can only publish select stories individually — not as a collection. Any web site our stories appear on must include a contact for your organization. If you share our stories on social media, please tag us in your posts using @FortWorthReport on Facebook and @FortWorthReport on Twitter. by Matthew Sgroi, Fort Worth Report December 2, 2024Opposition Gathers Momentum: Push for a Vote of Non-confidence Against TrudeauEAGAN, Minn. (AP) — The game had suddenly gone sideways for the Minnesota Vikings , their 11-point lead on the Chicago Bears having evaporated in the closing seconds. They straightened it out in overtime, no sweat, because Sam Darnold simply hasn't been fazed. Save for his occasional rash of turnovers, in games the Vikings still managed to win, Darnold proved again on Sunday in defeating the Bears that he's directing a passing attack with the potential to be one of the NFL 's most potent. “I think he’s a mentally tough guy. I think he’s a physically tough guy. I think he’s confident in the guys around him, and I think he’s confident in our system,” coach Kevin O'Connell said after the 30-27 victory. “I think when he just continues to play quarterback at a high level, I think we’re a tough team.” After the defense forced the Bears to punt on the opening possession of overtime, Darnold led the Vikings on a 68-yard drive to set up the game-ending field goal while overcoming a 7-yard sack on the first play and two subsequent setbacks with a false start and a holding penalty. On third-and-10 from the 21, he hit Jordan Addison near the sideline for 13 yards. On first-and-15 from the 29, Darnold threaded a throw to Justin Jefferson for 20 yards after he'd muscled his way through Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson on a post route for the clutch catch after he'd been all but silenced all afternoon by a defense determined to constantly bracket him with double coverage. On second-and-11 from the 48, Darnold connected with a wide-open T.J. Hockenson underneath for 12 yards. Then two plays later off a second-and-8 play-action fake, he found Hockenson again on a deep corner route for 29 yards to put Parker Romo in prime position for the walk-off winner. “Just execute. It’s as simple as that. Just one play at a time," said Darnold, who went 22 for 34 for 330 yards and two touchdowns without a turnover. “I think I tell the guys that every single time in the huddle, but that’s my mindset every single time I’m out there on the field, especially in that situation.” Even when Jefferson continues to draw an extraordinary amount of coverage , the Vikings with Addison, Hockenson, Aaron Jones and the rest of their crew running O'Connell's system have proven they have an offense that can go win a game when it's required. That wouldn't be possible without Darnold, whose career rebirth has helped spark the Vikings (9-2) become one of the league's biggest surprises in what's now its most difficult division. “He’s cool, calm, collected,” Hockenson said. "That’s what you want as the leader of the huddle.” The Vikings' defense ranks ninth in the league on third downs, allowing a conversion rate of 34.5% after limiting the Bears to a 6-for-17 performance. The Vikings are tied for first on fourth downs with an allowance of 36.4% after the Bears went 2 for 3. Both conversions came in the fourth quarter during touchdown drives. The Vikings also rank fourth in the NFL in opponent points per drive (1.52). The Vikings had seven possessions that crossed the 20-yard line in Chicago, but only three of them yielded touchdowns. Their lone turnover was the type of game-altering giveaways they've struggled to eliminate this month, a fumble by Aaron Jones at the 1-yard line that ruined a promising first drive. The Vikings are tied for 20th in the league in red zone touchdown rate (53.9%) and are 17th in goal-to-go touchdowns (72%). Addison had eight catches for 162 yards, both career highs, and a touchdown on nine throws from Darnold. The second-year wide receiver has had a quieter season than his rookie year, but he stepped up in a significant way on an afternoon when Jefferson was as smothered by the opposing secondary as ever. TE Johnny Mundt had the onside kick glance off his shin as he charged toward the coverage, and the first kicking team recovery in the NFL this season helped the Bears extend the game. Mundt also had the false start on the overtime drive. His lone catch was a 7-yard gain when he was stopped short of the goal line, one play before the lost fumble. Mundt played 33 of 71 snaps and Hockenson took 48 snaps with Oliver out. The Vikings lost LT Cam Robinson (foot) and LB Ivan Pace (hamstring) to injuries in the first quarter against the Bears, and O'Connell said on Monday those players were still in "evaluation mode." Oliver (ankle) will have an opportunity to return after being sidelined last week. 101.7 — Darnold's passer rating, which ranks ninth in the NFL. Darnold has posted a 100-plus passer rating in nine of 11 games this season. He had only 12 such performances in 56 career starts before joining the Vikings. The Vikings have four of their next five games at home, starting with Arizona (6-5) this week, Atlanta (6-5) on Dec. 8 and a rematch with Chicago (4-7) in a Monday night game on Dec. 16. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
A Michigan woman says she plans to quit her job after winning a huge lottery prize. The 47-year-old woman bought a Ace of Spades instant game in Pontiac, according to a news release from the Michigan Lottery. “I buy lottery tickets regularly, always hoping to win big,” said the player. “When I scratched off my Ace of Spades ticket and saw I won $2 million, I was thrilled and couldn’t believe it was real! I called my mom right away to tell her the big news.” Now, she said she plans to make some major life changes. “Winning is a huge relief and is going to allow me to quit my job and relax,” she said. The woman chose to get her prize as a one-time lump sum payment of roughly $1.3 million. “Congratulations to the lucky player on her big win,” lottery officials said. Pontiac is around 30 miles north of Detroit. Many people can gamble or play games of chance without harm. However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families. If you or a loved one shows signs of gambling addiction, you can seek help by calling the national gambling hotline at 1-800-522-4700 or visiting the National Council on Problem Gambling website. Lottery player wins life-changing prize in Iowa. Now, it’s ‘instant retirement’ time Lottery player thought he won $600, but realized it was much more. ‘Started screaming’ Wife teased husband about playing lottery, then he wins big. ‘She’s not laughing now’