.F7~օ)1 Z&@CA Solution to Football's Fake-Injury Problem
Inventus Mining Commences 80-Hole Drill Program at Pardo Receives OJEP Funding Support and ...DALLAS — Third base has quickly become the hot topic of discussion for the Cardinals this “hot stove” season, particularly as it pertains to eight-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove Award winner Nolan Arenado and his future in St. Louis. Depending upon your perspective, Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak either added heat to the situation with his straightforward comments on Monday, or he simply acknowledged the already rising temperature. Mozeliak’s declaration that he intends to try to trade Arenado this winter likely directly affects the future of the Cardinals’ other Nolan. If the Cardinals execute an Arenado trade, Nolan Gorman instantly becomes a front-runner to take over at third base. When asked about Gorman’s best fit defensively with the current roster, Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol hedged. “It’s hard to speak to that definitively,” Marmol said. “We don’t know what our roster is going to look like in a few weeks. Once we get past some of this, we’ll have a better understanding. But right now, he’s ready to do whatever he’s asked to do, and he’s in a good head space to be able to do that.” Regarding the specific fit at third base for Gorman, Marmol walked a tightrope and tacitly acknowledged the fit without disregarding the fact that Arenado remains a Cardinal for the moment. “He feels comfortable at multiple positions — third, second,” Marmol said of Gorman. “He came up as a third baseman. He’s obviously done a nice job at second. He turns a good double play. He’ll do whatever he’s asked to, and he’s in a good spot, mentally, to be able to do it.” Coming off a productive season in 2023 when he led the team in home runs (27) and slugging percentage (.478), Gorman had wildly varying stretches at the plate in 2024. Gorman, 24, slashed .196/.261/.363 with four home runs through his first 28 games (26 starts). Then the left-handed-hitting slugger’s offense picked up in May to the tune of a .242/.359/.561 with six home runs in 21 games (19 starts). After a dreadful June, he again experienced an uptick in July (.262/.304/.477 in 20 games). However, his at-bats featured too much swing-and-miss. He registered a whiff rate of 38.7% and a strikeout rate of 37.6%, both among the bottom 1% in the majors. Ultimately, Gorman’s struggles outweighed his periods of success this past season, and he ultimately finished the year back in the minors. Both Mozeliak and Marmol expressed optimism in the impact newly hired hitting coach Brant Brown will have on Gorman’s performance this coming season. Brown has already made a trip to Arizona and spent time with Gorman since joining the coaching staff in late October. “I think he’s in a really good spot Brownie was able to spend some time with him and just candidly speak to what he feels, what he feels hasn’t gone well,” Marmol said. “Here is what I like about Brownie: He’s able to speak different languages in a sense of if someone is a highly analytical, he’s able to speak to that. If someone is more off feel he’s able to speak to the swing and has a really, really good understanding of that swing. If someone wants to just talk about mechanics, he can do that. He’s been able to relate to a variety of our guys how they like taking in information.” In Gorman’s case, that means understanding how Gorman’s “gather” plays a crucial role in his success or lack thereof in the batter’s box. Marmol characterized Brown’s ability to speak to that as “amazing.” Not only did Gorman begin his professional career in the minors as a third baseman, but defensive metrics show that Gorman struggles more when fielding balls hit to his right. At third base, the foul line is to Gorman’s right and cuts down the amount of territory he’ll have to cover in that direction. Gorman’s fit at third also potentially opens up more time at second base for Brendan Donovan, who improved defensively at that position this past season. Intriguing prospect Thomas Saggese, who the Cardinals acquired at the trade deadline in 2023, also seems to fit best defensively at second base. If the old adage about needing power hitters at the corner infield positions still applies, Gorman might be the biggest power threat the Cardinals currently have along with Willson Contreras. This coming season, Contreras will shift from catcher to first base. In a season that the Cardinals profess will be about opportunity for their young players, Gorman and third base almost seem a destined match. “Nolan Gorman, what is he if he gets 550 plate appearances,” Mozeliak said. “Is he going to be someone that can put up 35 home runs but still have a strong on-base percentage and slug to go with it or is it going to be too much swing and miss? If he becomes the hitter we believe he’s capable of, we believe he can be that middle-of-the-order bat.” How did Mozeliak respond to notion of it being difficult to find the sort of playing time that will grant Gorman 550 at-bats with the current roster? “It’s not hard, ultimately, the roster is going to have to change a little bit,” Mozeliak said. “As far as mapping it out as we’re currently constructed, you could argue it is (hard), but my point is the roster is going to change between now and the time we get to February.” Lynn Worthy @LWorthySports on X (formerly Twitter) lworthy@post-dispatch.com Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Bucks get second crack at NBA Cup semis vs. Trae Young, Hawks
S&P/TSX down more than 100 points, U.S. markets mixed ahead of rate decision
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Two Department of Homeland Security agents in Utah sold drugs that were previously seized as evidence through an informant in an illegal scheme that brought in up to $300,000, according to court documents. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Two Department of Homeland Security agents in Utah sold drugs that were previously seized as evidence through an informant in an illegal scheme that brought in up to $300,000, according to court documents. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Two Department of Homeland Security agents in Utah sold drugs that were previously seized as evidence through an informant in an illegal scheme that brought in up to $300,000, according to court documents. The agents sold an illicit synthetic drug commonly known as “bath salts” to a confidential informant once or twice a week beginning last spring through early December, according to an FBI affidavit filed in the case. The transactions typically involved one ounce (28 grams) of the drug for $5,000 that would then be sold by the informant at a higher cost. The informant, who has a lengthy criminal history, had been recruited while in prison by federal agents to work for them upon his release. But in addition to conducting legitimate controlled buys from suspected drug dealers, the informant said he was compelled by the agents to engage in illegal sales, the affidavit said. Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent David Cole was arrested in Salt Lake on Friday and charged in U.S. District Court with a single count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. He was ordered to be detained during an initial court appearance on Monday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dustin Pead. A second Homeland Security special agent — identified in court documents only as “Person A” — also sold drugs to the informant, according to the court documents. But it was not immediately clear if that agent also could face charges. Cole’s attorney, Alexander Ramos, declined to directly address the criminal allegations and said he was still trying to gather information about the case. “Dave has many years of service to his community as an outstanding agent with HSI and holds a great reputation among the federal law enforcement community,” Ramos said. He added that he looked forward to responding to the allegations in court. Ingestion of synthetic bath salts, also known as Alpha-PVP or cathinone, can lead to bizarre behavior such as paranoia and extreme strength, according to authorities who say it’s similar to methamphetamine, cocaine or ecstasy. They are unrelated to actual bathing products. During searches of the agents’ homes, government vehicles, work cubicles and a safety deposit box, investigators seized more than $67,000 in cash, an unspecified quantity of apparent “bath salts” and other evidence, the affidavit said. “Based on an average of one or two drug buys per week, involving 25 grams of bath salts and the amount of $5,000 each buy, it is estimated that Cole and Person A have profited approximately $150,000 to $300,000 in illegal proceeds,” FBI Special Agent Tristan Hall said in a court affidavit. The investigation began after the informant’s defense attorney contacted the U.S. Attorney in Utah in October to report that Cole and the second agent had required him to engage in potentially unlawful acts. The informant then cooperated with the FBI “for monetary value and out of fear for his personal safety,” the affidavit said. The informant said Cole and the second agent got the drugs that they sold to him from evidence seized in a prior Homeland Security investigation, according to the affidavit. The second agent “appears to have evidence custodian duties,” according to the affidavit, which said officials were still verifying the informant’s allegations. Other details offered by the informant were confirmed through surveillance and other sources, the affidavit said. If found guilty, Cole could face up to 10 years or more in prison, according to court documents. In a motion seeking his detention, federal prosecutors said they had serious concerns that Cole might try to obstruct the case by interfering with witnesses, harming himself or fleeing. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. FBI spokesperson Sandra Barker declined to comment on the case or whether anyone else was being investigated. Cole and the second agent had their Homeland Security investigation credentials suspended but have not been fired, according to the affidavit. The Department of Homeland Security did not respond to emails seeking comment Tuesday. An arraignment for Cole is scheduled on Dec. 20 in Salt Lake City. ___ Brown reported from Billings, Montana. Advertisement Advertisement
Saquon Barkley tops 2,000 yards rushing and moves within 100 of Dickerson's record PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Saquon Barkley became the ninth running back in NFL history to top 2,000 yards rushing in a season, reaching the milestone with a 23-yard run in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys. That rush gave Barkley 2,005 yards with one game left and left him exactly 100 yards from Eric Dickerson’s record of 2,105, set in 1984 for the Los Angeles Rams. Barkley could potentially top the record in next week’s finale against the New York Giants. However, that game will be mostly meaningless for the Eagles, who could opt to rest Barkley to protect him from injury ahead of the playoffs. Bills clinch the AFC's No. 2 seed with a 40-14 rout of the undisciplined Jets ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Josh Allen threw two touchdown passes and ran for another score and the Buffalo Bills clinched the AFC’s No. 2 seed with a 40-14 rout of the New York Jets. The Bills put the game away by capitalizing on two Jets turnovers and scoring three touchdowns over a 5:01 span in the closing minutes of the third quarter. Buffalo’s defense forced three takeaways overall and sacked Aaron Rodgers four times, including a 2-yard loss for a safety in the second quarter. The five-time defending AFC East champion Bills improved to 13-3 to match a franchise single-season record. Saquon Barkley tops 2,000 yards rushing as Eagles beat Cowboys 41-7 to clinch NFC East PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Saquon Barkley rushed for 167 yards to top 2,000 on the season, backup quarterback Kenny Pickett ran and threw for scores before departing with injured ribs, and the Philadelphia Eagles clinched the NFC East title by routing the Dallas Cowboys 41-7. Barkley has 2,005 yards and needs 101 in next week’s mostly meaningless regular-season finale to top Eric Dickerson and his 2,105 yards for the Los Angeles Rams in 1984. The Eagles led 24-7 in the third quarter when Pickett was drilled by defensive end Micah Parsons, ending his first start in place of the concussed Jalen Hurts. Penn State coach James Franklin says Nick Saban should be college football's commissioner SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Penn State coach James Franklin believes college football needs a commissioner and he even has a candidate in mind: former Alabama coach Nick Saban. Franklin made the suggestion Sunday at Penn State’s College Football Playoff quarterfinals media day ahead of the Fiesta Bowl. The sixth-seeded Nittany Lions are preparing for their game against No. 3 seed Boise State on Tuesday. The veteran coach was responding to a question about Penn State’s backup quarterback situation after Beau Pribula transferred to Missouri before the playoff. Pribula’s decision highlighted some of the frustrating aspects of a new college football world in the Name, Image and Likeness era and the transfer portal, forcing players to make tough decisions at inopportune times. Mayfield throws 5 TD passes and Bucs keep playoff, NFC South hopes alive with 48-14 rout of Panthers TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Baker Mayfield threw for 359 yards and five touchdowns to help the Tampa Bay Buccaneers keep their division and playoff hopes alive with a 48-14 rout of the Carolina Panthers. The team’s fifth win in the past six weeks nudged the first-place Bucs a half-game ahead of Atlanta for the best record in the NFC South at 9-7. The Falcons played on the road later Sunday night at Washington. Atlanta holds the tiebreaker in the division race and can end Tampa Bay’s three-year reign as NFC South champions by beating the Commanders and winning again next week at home against the last-place Panthers. Lakers send D'Angelo Russell to Nets in trade for Dorian Finney-Smith, Shake Milton LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Lakers have traded guard D’Angelo Russell to the Brooklyn Nets for forward Dorian Finney-Smith and guard Shake Milton. The Lakers also sent forward Maxwell Lewis and three second-round draft picks to Brooklyn. Russell averaged a career-low 12.4 points per game for the Lakers this season in a diminished role under new coach JJ Redick. Finney-Smith is a steady 3-and-D wing who fills an obvious need for the Lakers. Russell is being traded by the Lakers to the Nets for the second time in his career. He also made the move in 2017. LeBron James at 40: A milestone birthday arrives Monday for the NBA's all-time scoring leader When LeBron James broke another NBA record earlier this month, the one for most regular-season minutes played in a career, his Los Angeles Lakers teammates handled the moment in typical locker room fashion. They made fun of him. Dubbed The Kid from Akron, with a limitless future, James is now the 40-year-old from Los Angeles with wisps of gray in his beard, his milestone birthday coming Monday, one that will make him the first player in NBA history to play in his teens, 20s, 30s and 40s. He has stood and excelled in the spotlight his entire career. Rising Sun Devils: Arizona State looks to pull off another big surprise at the Peach Bowl ATLANTA (AP) — As they prepare for Arizona State’s biggest game in nearly three decades, the guys who made it happen aren’t the least bit surprised to be rated a nearly two-touchdown underdog in the College Football Playoff. That’s a familiar position for the Sun Devils. They've been an underdog most of the season. Of the eight teams still vying for a national championship, there’s no bigger surprise than 11-2 Arizona State. The Sun Devils went 3-9 a year ago and were picked to finish dead last in their first season in the Big 12 Conference. Now, they're getting ready to face Texas in the Peach Bowl quarterfinal game on New Year’s Day. Penn State's polarizing QB Drew Allar puts critics on mute and keeps winning games SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Even when Penn State quarterback Drew Allar gets some praise, it’s usually a backhanded compliment. They say he’s a good game manager and stays within himself, or that he doesn’t try to do too much. They mention he might not be flashy, but he gives the team a chance to win. And here’s the thing about Penn State since Allar stepped under center: The Nittany Lions have won games. A lot of them. Sometimes that’s hard to remember considering the lukewarm reception he often gets from fans. The polarizing Allar has another chance to quiet his critics on Tuesday, when Penn State plays Boise State in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals at the Fiesta Bowl. Feels like 1979: Nottingham Forest moves into 2nd place behind rampant Liverpool in Premier League The Premier League table is starting to have a 1979 kind of feel to it with Liverpool at the top of the standings and Nottingham Forest in second place as the closest challenger. Liverpool padded its lead with a 5-0 rout of West Ham on Sunday while upstart Nottingham Forest climbed into second place by beating Everton 2-0 to continue its surprising push for a Champions League place. Manchester City marked Pep Guardiola's 500th game in charge by beating Leicester 2-0 but is still 14 points behind Liverpool having played a game more.The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament has approved the 2025 consolidated budget for the community, amounting to 418,062,927 Units of Account (UA). This allocation, finalized during the Parliament’s Bureau meeting in Abuja, covers funding for the ECOWAS Commission, Parliament, agencies, and special projects, with a focus on peace and security initiatives. The parliament also adjusted its budget with a 1a 4.21% increase for the West African Health Organization (WAHO), raising its allocation to 71,596,777 UA. In contrast, the ECOWAS Parliament’s budget has been reduced by 19.5%, bringing it down to 18,696,897 UA. Beyond financial matters, the Parliament raised concerns over the looming exit of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from ECOWAS, a move scheduled for January 29, 2025. The legislative body has called for an extension of the withdrawal deadline to allow for further negotiations, stressing the need to maintain regional unity and prevent the disintegration of West Africa’s economic and political framework. During its Abuja meeting, the ECOWAS Parliament also reviewed ten Community Acts referred to by the ECOWAS Commission, addressing critical areas such as energy, transportation, and education. Additionally, the Bureau held an interactive session with the Programme for Women’s Political Participation in Africa, focusing on strategies to increase female representation in governance across the sub-region.
Michigan aims to cap lost season by beating Ohio State
It seemed like companies couldn’t hire information technology analysts fast enough in 2014 when Michael Deneen began his IT career. Job counts nationally soared in the 2010s and early 2020s, but then the market flattened and a profession that looked like it might grow uninterrupted started shedding jobs. Laid off twice this year from Minnesota IT jobs, Deneen said he’s found it hard to snag the next gig. “Before I could have three, four offers lined up and would have to choose between them,” the Columbia Heights man said. “It’s like I’m struggling to even get a foot in the door in places that I’m more than qualified for.” ADVERTISEMENT Even with the state’s relatively low 3.5 percen t unemployment rate, some mid-career Minnesotans and those just coming out of college are seeing a job market now that worries them. Recent layoffs at Cargill in the Twin Cities and last week’s announcement that Arctic Cat, the Minnesota snowmobile maker, will shutter its manufacturing operations next year in Thief River Falls and St. Cloud, have added to the anxiety. Analysts say Minnesota’s job market remains robust, but for some there’s a skills matchup problem as some sectors grow while others flatten or decline. “I’m not gonna lie, it’s been hard,” Deneen said of finding the next IT job. “I’ve had a lot of self-doubt now, like questioning is this really an industry I am good at? Is this something I should even be in anymore? I’m also 40. It’s like, I can’t really switch careers at this point.” Health care, government, leisure and hospitality and transportation are among the Minnesota sectors that continue to show strong job growth, according to state data. Other industries are growing slower, including construction and manufacturing. “We’ve heard from some folks that maybe it has taken a little longer than what they remember in the past if they were previously unemployed. Some individuals don’t say that at all,” said Sara Garbe, workforce development supervisor at the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. “November and reaching December, we certainly see a slowdown of hiring and folks may mention things like that they’ve heard from recruiters that maybe a decision won’t be made until after the holidays or after the first or the last quarter of the year,” added Garbe, whose staff works with new job seekers and those in mid-career. For recent college grads who haven’t landed work, the holiday season can bring its own pressures. ADVERTISEMENT Raina Hofstede, 22, studied English at Harvard University. Since graduating in May and coming back to Minnesota, she said job prospects have been nearly nonexistent. “I feel kind of directionless in the time period that I’m waiting,” said Hofstede, who grew up in Coon Rapids. “I feel like I really want to plan. I’m at a point where, like, I’d love to get things moving.” She’s applied to post-undergrad internships and career-advancing work. She’s looking into publishing, creative writing spaces and museums and hopes a stint working in comedy clubs while at Harvard might intrigue an employer. The search and the uncertainty around it is a grind, she acknowledged. “I think, as time goes on, and this feels sad, but I think as time goes on, my belief in myself slowly drops a little bit more with more rejections, and so I feel like I’ll be applying to less and less competitive things as I move forward,” Hofstede said. ' Minnesota showed strong steady job growth coming out of the Great Recession in 2009, reaching nearly 3 million jobs by February 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic torpedoed that growth — the state lost more than 400,000 jobs, nearly 14 percent of its employment, in the span of a few months. Job counts didn’t return permanently to pre-pandemic levels until September last year. The current state and national unemployment rates are relatively low, although they have ticked up over the past year. Minnesota’s unemployment rate is lower than the U.S. unemployment rate at 4.2 percent. Based on the most recent data, Minnesota has six unemployed people for every 10 job openings where nationally there are nine unemployed people for every 10 openings. ADVERTISEMENT Knowing that doesn’t make it easier for those looking for work, waiting for answers from prospective employers. “It just kind of feels like they have no respect for a candidate or their time, or them as a person,” Deneen said of the current market. “It’s an entire game, and it shouldn’t be this way.” Garbe said technology is transforming job searches in ways that may make landing work more challenging for some in mid-career or just starting out. Companies are using automated systems or in some cases artificial intelligence systems to screen applicants before a human gets to them. She encourages job seekers to reach out to one of DEED’s more than 50 CareerForce offices across the state where analysts can review resumes or cover letters with job seekers and offer help with writing and strategy. They can also connect people to needed training or certifications. Garbe also suggests reflecting on what you’ve accomplished to boost your self-confidence if you get overwhelmed. Social media has become a resource for job seekers as they look. Groups on Reddit like r/StudentJobSearch have become a space for venting and advice with conversations about job searching and applications. LinkedIn is also seeing similar support groups, including two Deneen is in that focus on networking and project management. ADVERTISEMENT Hofstede said she’s found solace leaning on those around her who are going through these same experiences. She and a group of new graduates meet at their public library to sift through job postings and work on cover letters and resumes together. “Something of a little community of people who are unemployed and looking for jobs, and I like having the friends support,” she said. “It is harder to go through something uncertain like this alone.”Linda Annis offered a holiday message for shoppers: don’t let Christmastime Grinches steal your Christmas or your Christmas cheer. Annis, executive director of Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers, gave her annual tips for a crime-free Christmas at a home in Cloverdale Dec. 9. “Every year, we ask the Grinch himself to help us remind people to follow some very common-sense precautions,” she said. “Nonetheless, every year we hear stories of people who still take chances with their valuables and their personal safety. That’s why we like to come out as the shopping season heats up with some helpful reminders, and a few things people might not have thought about.” Annis, who is also a Surrey city councillor, said the message is “especially important” as the year draws to a close and concerns with crime and public safety are riding. “Now is not the time to let down our guard when it comes to porch pirates, purse snatchers, home break-ins, parking lot B&Es and online fraudsters,” she said. “If you see a crime in action, call 9-1-1 or the local police right away. And if you have information about what nefarious deeds somebody’s up to, or see a suspicious person in the neighbourhood, but want to remain anonymous, call us at Crime Stoppers.” She added if anyone has information, they can telephone Crime Stoppers, use the P3 smartphone app to report crime anonymously, or visit solvecrime.ca. “Your anonymity is guaranteed by the Supreme Court of Canada. You’ll never be questioned or called to testify.” Annis, the Grinch, and little Cindy Lou Who teamed up to stage safety scenarios. Their efforts helped illustrate the dos and dont’s for the holidays as it pertained to shopping, both at stores and online. Annis ended her remarks with a few red hot, Grinch-thwarting tips to help prevent the onset of some Christmas blues. Ask neighbours to help keep an eye on your front door for deliveries. Some thieves actually follow delivery trucks to people’s homes so they can steal parcels as soon as the truck is gone. Use your video camera feeds to watch for both deliveries and crooks. Maybe you’ll spot someone stealing your Christmas lawn display, or packages from your porch. Where programs exist, register your doorbell and home security cameras to help police quickly find recordings of neighbourhood crimes. Voluntary programs in some cities, like Project Iris in Surrey, could help police solve a break-in or other crime at your house or your neighbour’s. Does the website you’re buying from, and the merch you buying, look legit? Maybe it’s cheaper that it really should be? Organized retail crime costs Canadians almost $5 billion a year, so buy from established businesses, not unknown sources. Shoplifted or stolen goods may be sold online or through flea markets, with the money often going to gangs dealing in drugs or illegal weapons. Think about who might be watching your sunny vacation pics on social media. Remember, your post from the beach tells the whole world you’re not at home – and that includes thieves. Large empty boxes outside your home tell everyone what valuable goodies are inside your house to steal. Boxes from that gaming computer, 65-inch TV, or other expensive gifts should be stored out of sight until the cardboard can be recycled. You can also close blinds to keep people from seeing inside your house. Etch your valuables in case they’re stolen. Ask local police to help etch your property with your driver’s license number. Also photograph valuables showing make, model and serial number. Theft is getting worse, so don’t leave valuables visible in your car. Before you lock up your car to go shopping, leave nothing visible inside. Not even pocket change or empty bottles or cans. And don’t fill your car with gifts and then go back into more stores. Someone may be watching what you’ve bought. Find a busy, well-lit section of the parking lot and lock your gifts out of sight in the trunk. Leave your garage door opener at home or in your pocket. A thief who takes your remote sitting from your console, and finds your address somewhere in the car, considers that an open invitation to come open your garage for a look. Watch your pockets in busy stores. Keep purses and wallets where you can keep track of them and thwart pickpockets who look to take advantage while jostling with holiday crowds. Visit for more info.