US agencies should use advanced technology to identify mysterious drones, Schumer saysPlayers must be assigned female at birth or have transitioned to female before going through male puberty to compete in LPGA tournaments or the eight USGA championships for females under new gender policies published Wednesday. The policies, which begin in 2025, follow more than a year of study involving medicine, science, sport physiology and gender policy law. The updated policies would rule out eligibility for Hailey Davidson, who missed qualifying for the U.S. Women's Open this year by one shot and came up short in LPGA Q-school. Davidson, who turned 32 on Tuesday, began hormone treatments when she was in her early 20s in 2015 and in 2021 underwent gender-affirming surgery, which was required under the LPGA's previous gender policy. She had won this year on a Florida mini-tour called NXXT Golf until the circuit announced in March that players had to be assigned female at birth. “Can't say I didn't see this coming,” Davidson wrote Wednesday on an Instagram story. “Banned from the Epson and the LPGA. All the silence and people wanting to stay ‘neutral’ thanks for absolutely nothing. This happened because of all your silence.” LPGA commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan, who is resigning in January, said the new gender policy "is reflective of an extensive, science-based and inclusive approach." By making it to the second stage of Q-school, Davidson would have had very limited status on the Epson Tour, the pathway to the LPGA. The LPGA and USGA say their policies were geared toward being inclusive of gender identities and expression while striving for equity in competition. The LPGA said its working group of experts advised that the effects of male puberty allowed for competitive advantages in golf compared with players who had not gone through puberty. “Our policy is reflective of an extensive, science-based and inclusive approach,” said LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan, who announced Monday that she is resigning in January. "The policy represents our continued commitment to ensuring that all feel welcome within our organization, while preserving the fairness and competitive equity of our elite competitions.” Mike Whan, the former LPGA commissioner and now CEO of the USGA, said it developed the updated policy independently and later discovered it was similar to those used by swimming, track and field, and other sports. United States Golf Association CEO Mike Whan said the new policy will prevent anyone from having "a competitive advantage based on their gender." “It starts with competitive fairness as the North star,” Whan said in a telephone interview. “We tried not to get into politics, or state by state or any of that stuff. We just simply said, ‘Where would somebody — at least medically today — where do we believe somebody would have a competitive advantage in the field?’ And we needed to draw a line. “We needed to be able to walk into any women's event and say with confidence that nobody here has a competitive advantage based on their gender. And this policy delivers that.” The “Competitive Fairness Gender Policy” for the USGA takes effect for the 2025 championship season that starts with the U.S. Women's Amateur Four-Ball on May 10-14. Qualifying began late this year, though there were no transgender players who took part. “Will that change in the years to come as medicine changes? Probably,” Whan said. “But I think today this stacks up.” The LPGA “Gender Policy for Competition Eligibility” would apply to the LPGA Tour, Epson Tour, Ladies European Tour and qualifying for the tours. Players assigned male at birth must prove they have not experienced any part of puberty beyond the first stage or after age 12, whichever comes first, and then meet limitation standards for testosterone levels. The LPGA begins its 75th season on Jan. 30 with the Tournament of Champions in Orlando, Florida. Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, foreground right, dives toward the end zone to score past San Francisco 49ers defensive end Robert Beal Jr. (51) and linebacker Dee Winters during the second half of an NFL football game in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus) Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green goes up for a dunk during the second half of an Emirates NBA cup basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) South Carolina guard Maddy McDaniel (1) drives to the basket against UCLA forward Janiah Barker (0) and center Lauren Betts (51) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer) Mari Fukada of Japan falls as she competes in the women's Snowboard Big Air qualifying round during the FIS Snowboard & Freeski World Cup 2024 at the Shougang Park in Beijing, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) LSU punter Peyton Todd (38) kneels in prayer before an NCAA college football game against Oklahoma in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. LSU won 37-17. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma misses a catch during the fourth day of the first Test cricket match between South Africa and Sri Lanka, at Kingsmead stadium in Durban, South Africa, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, left, is hit by Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey, center, as Eagles wide receiver Parris Campbell (80) looks on during a touchdown run by Barkley in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough) Los Angeles Kings left wing Warren Foegele, left, trips San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini, center, during the third period of an NHL hockey game Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, in San Jose, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez) Olympiacos' Francisco Ortega, right, challenges for the ball with FCSB's David Miculescu during the Europa League league phase soccer match between FCSB and Olympiacos at the National Arena stadium, in Bucharest, Romania, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru) Brazil's Botafogo soccer fans react during the Copa Libertadores title match against Atletico Mineiro in Argentina, during a watch party at Nilton Santos Stadium, in Rio de Janeiro, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Bruna Prado) Seattle Kraken fans react after a goal by center Matty Beniers against the San Jose Sharks was disallowed due to goaltender interference during the third period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Seattle. The Sharks won 4-2. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson) New York Islanders left wing Anders Lee (27), center, fight for the puck with Boston Bruins defensemen Parker Wotherspoon (29), left, and Brandon Carlo (25), right during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Elmont, N.Y. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Jiyai Shin of Korea watches her shot on the 10th hole during the final round of the Australian Open golf championship at the Kingston Heath Golf Club in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake) Mathilde Gremaud of Switzerland competes in the women's Freeski Big Air qualifying round during the FIS Snowboard & Freeski World Cup 2024 at the Shougang Park in Beijing, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Andy Wong) Lara Gut-Behrami, of Switzerland, competes during a women's World Cup giant slalom skiing race, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Killington, Vt. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) New York Islanders goaltender Ilya Sorokin cools off during first period of an NHL hockey game against the Boston Bruins, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Elmont, N.Y. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Brazil's Amanda Gutierres, second right, is congratulated by teammate Yasmin, right, after scoring her team's first goal during a soccer international between Brazil and Australia in Brisbane, Australia, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Pat Hoelscher) Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) tries to leap over Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Joshua Williams (2) during the first half of an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Friday, Nov. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga) Luiz Henrique of Brazil's Botafogo, right. is fouled by goalkeeper Everson of Brazil's Atletico Mineiro inside the penalty area during a Copa Libertadores final soccer match at Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko) Gold medalists Team Netherlands competes in the Team Sprint Women race of the ISU World Cup Speed Skating Beijing 2024 held at the National Speed Skating Oval in Beijing, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (33) reaches for an incomplete pass ahead of Arizona Cardinals linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. (2) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr) Melanie Meillard, center, of Switzerland, competes during the second run in a women's World Cup slalom skiing race, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Killington, Vt. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) England's Alessia Russo, left, and United States' Naomi Girma challenge for the ball during the International friendly women soccer match between England and United States at Wembley stadium in London, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) Sent weekly directly to your inbox!
COLUMBUS — Almost all the predictions said No. 8 Ohio State (10-2) would play No. 9 Tennessee (10-2) in the first round of the College Football Playoff and that is exactly what was announced on Sunday afternoon. The Buckeyes and Volunteers will play at 8 p.m. Saturday Dec. 21 at Ohio Stadium, the latest in the year OSU has ever played a home night game. “We’re fired up. We’re obviously excited about playing the first playoff game in Ohio Stadium. Night game. Eight o’clock. Our guys are going to be fired up about this,” Day said at a press conference on Sunday. Until a stunning 13-10 loss to Michigan on Nov. 30, Ohio State appeared to be in position to possibly get one of the four first-round byes in the 12-team College Football Playoff field. But a bad game by the Buckeyes’ offense, particularly by the offensive line, against Michigan knocked them out of contention for one of those spots. Season-ending injuries to left tackle Josh Simmons and center Seth McLaughlin took away Ohio State two best offensive linemen and also left it without depth at offensive line. So OSU will be spending some time in practice the next two weeks installing new people or changes to things that didn’t work on the offensive line. “We feel confident in who we are and where we are when we’re playing at our best. We also have to make adjustments and make corrections and fix the things that need to be fixed coming off the last game. That has to happen,” Day said. “It’s similar to kind of what happened on defense in the Oregon game when you saw some of the adjustments that were made. To the naked eye it was like what really was different? But there were differences. That’s how it’s going to be here – up front and how we’re running the ball and how we’re operating. Some of that is execution and some of it is making sure we put the guys in the right position.” “I know who is going to be in the mix. I’m not going to give you that right now. We have two weeks that we have to dive into and identify what gives us the best chance in two weeks to go win this thing. We’ll look at it and make sure it’s right but there will be some guys in the mix – Luke Montgomery will be in the mix, Josh Padilla will be in the mix. We’ll make sure it’s right. Based on how they practice, we’ll figure out how it’s going to look,” Day said. “Taking a couple of key injuries did set us back. But these guys have what it takes to go make this run. So we’ve got to help them and I think there are ways to do that. “I’ve definitely been spending some time with the offense. We’ll look at it and whatever makes the most sense to win this game, we’ll do. Whatever it takes. We’ve already been looking at Tennessee. Now we know for sure. We’ll have a really clear game plan, probably by Tuesday. I’ll make sure I’m a big part of it.” If Ohio State beats Tennessee it would play its second-round playoff game in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1 against No. 1-seeded Oregon, which won a regular-season matchup against the Buckeyes 32-31 in October. The Ducks got a first-round bye. Winning the national championship would require OSU to win four games. “We’ve got to win the first game and build from there. I don’t think there is one person in this building who is looking way down the road. You’ve got to win this game,” Day said.
Google has unveiled Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking, an experimental AI model that represents a significant advancement in reasoning and operational transparency. This innovative model introduces a feature called “ ” reasoning, allowing users to follow its step-by-step decision-making process. By supporting multimodal inputs, including text and images, Gemini 2.0 is designed for a wide range of users, from developers to non-technical audiences. It is freely accessible through AI Studio, making sure widespread availability without financial barriers. Have you ever wondered how artificial intelligence actually “thinks”? AI decisions can often feel like a black box, making it hard to connect with the reasoning behind them. But what if you could see the step-by-step logic leading to an AI’s conclusions? That’s what Google’s latest innovation, Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking, aims to deliver. By introducing Chain of Thought reasoning, this experimental model not only but also explains its process—like having a conversation with a smart friend who walks you through their reasoning. What makes Gemini 2.0 even more exciting is its versatility. It’s free to use through AI Studio, supports both text and image inputs, and even corrects itself when it makes mistakes. In a world where AI often feels out of reach or overly technical, Gemini 2.0 stands out as a transparent and approachable tool. Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking introduces advanced “Chain of Thought” reasoning, allowing step-by-step transparency in decision-making and logical analysis. The model supports multimodal inputs (text and images), making it versatile for both technical and non-technical users across various applications. Key innovations include an expanded context window (up to 32,000 tokens), self-correction mechanisms, and transparent reasoning for enhanced trust and usability. Real-world applications span education, healthcare, creative industries, and more, with potential future expansions to include audio and video modalities. Freely accessible via AI Studio, Gemini 2.0 encourages community feedback to refine its capabilities and align with user needs. Gemini 2.0 stands out due to its focus on logical reasoning and transparency, offering a range of advanced features that enhance its functionality and usability. These include: The ability to process both text and images expands its potential applications across various fields. It excels in logical analysis and iterative problem-solving, delivering precise and reliable outputs. The model dynamically refines its responses during the reasoning process, making sure improved accuracy over time. These features collectively position Gemini 2.0 as a powerful tool, surpassing earlier AI models and offering a competitive alternative to other systems, such as OpenAI’s 01 preview. Gemini 2.0 is designed to address tasks that require complex reasoning, making it highly versatile across a range of real-world scenarios. Its practical applications include: It can solve puzzles, analyze hypothetical scenarios, and provide well-reasoned solutions. The model identifies patterns, interprets visual data, and draws logical conclusions from images. By adapting its approach based on feedback or new data, it continuously improves its performance. This adaptability ensures that Gemini 2.0 is valuable for both technical professionals and everyday users, whether for professional projects, educational purposes, or casual problem-solving. Here are additional guides from our expansive article library that you may find useful on Google Gemini AI. Gemini 2.0 integrates innovative research and development from DeepMind, incorporating advanced techniques to enhance its reasoning and usability. Some of the key technical innovations include: With the ability to process up to 32,000 tokens, the model can handle lengthy and complex interactions without losing coherence. Seamless integration with APIs enables its use in both text-based and image-based tasks, broadening its utility. Users can trace the logic behind the model’s conclusions, fostering trust and a deeper understanding of its decision-making process. These advancements make Gemini 2.0 not only a powerful AI tool but also one that is accessible and user-friendly, bridging the gap between advanced research and practical applications. One of the most new aspects of Gemini 2.0 is its ability to process multimodal inputs, such as combining text and images for cross-modal reasoning. This capability opens up new possibilities in various fields, including: Enhancing learning experiences by allowing interactive problem-solving and visual-textual integration. Assisting in diagnostic reasoning by analyzing medical images alongside patient data for more informed conclusions. Supporting design, storytelling, and content creation by seamlessly integrating visual and textual elements. Looking ahead, Google has hinted at the potential expansion of the Gemini series with “Pro” and “Ultra” versions. These future iterations may incorporate additional modalities, such as audio and video, further broadening the model’s capabilities. User feedback will play a crucial role in shaping these developments, making sure that the model evolves to meet real-world needs effectively. Gemini 2.0 is freely available through AI Studio, making it accessible to a wide audience without subscription fees or hidden costs. Google actively encourages users to provide feedback on the model’s performance, fostering a collaborative approach to its development. By involving the community, Google aims to refine Gemini 2.0 and align its capabilities with practical applications and user expectations. This open-access approach not only provide widespread access tos advanced AI technology but also ensures that the model continues to evolve based on real-world use cases and insights from a diverse range of users. Media Credit:
ONTARIO, Calif. , Dec. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A Holiday Story to Brighten the Road Ahead It's the festive season—a time for family, togetherness, and the joy of giving. But imagine this: it's Christmas Eve, and you're driving with loved ones to see sparkling lights or deliver gifts, only to have the dreaded check engine light flicker on. Such an unexpected disruption can easily cast a shadow on the holiday cheer. This very scenario echoes the experience that inspired Mr. Jin, the founder of VDIAGTOOL , to create tools that ensure no journey, whether a holiday trip or a routine errand, is derailed by car troubles. Where It All Began The spark for VDIAGTOOL ignited in 2015. Mr. Jin was preparing for a delightful spring outing with his family when car troubles unexpectedly put their plans on hold. Hours of waiting for a mechanic dampened the day, leaving him thinking there had to be a better way. When a friend later recounted a similar experience, it clicked: Why can't drivers handle car diagnostics on their own? Fueled by this vision, Mr. Jin began a journey to turn frustration into innovation. He assembled a team of mechanics worldwide who has over 20 years of hands-on experience average. Step by step, they achieved milestones, bringing the vision of empowering drivers to life. Building a Vision VDIAGTOOL set out with a clear mission: simplify car diagnostics, testing, and maintenance for everyone. Catering to DIY enthusiasts and professional technicians alike, the brand combines affordability with intuitive design. Whether it's an amateur checking their car's health or a seasoned mechanic fine-tuning a vehicle, VDIAGTOOL tools are designed to make the process efficient and hassle-free. From Concept to Creation True to Mr. Jin's philosophy, "We are customers first, then merchants," VDIAGTOOL's journey began with a deep understanding of user needs. The first product—a code reader—was crafted to balance simplicity and functionality. Over time, the team expanded its offerings, overcoming challenges through open collaboration and persistence. Each product, from automotive diagnostic tools to battery testers and circuit testers—all engineered for quality, reliability, and innovation. A Glimpse at Our Milestones Throughout its history, VDIAGTOOL has built a diverse product lineup, including: Introducing the VD70S As we celebrate our progress, we're thrilled to unveil the VD70S —Building on the success of the VD70 and VD70 Lite.The VD70S is the artwork of the dedication and expertise of our 200+ technicians and mechanics. Their passion and hard work have driven every innovation, enabling the release of this cutting-edge scanner tablet. This relentless pursuit of excellence continues to push boundaries, bringing easy, accessible car repair to families worldwide. With its advanced connectivity and upgraded features, the VD70S represents the pinnacle of our efforts to combine innovation with reliability. Spreading Joy Worldwide Unti l to day, VDIAGTOOL has grown to a team of over 200 engineers worldwide, with numerous patents and intellectual property under its belt and available in over 50 countries. Our mission is simple: to create user-friendly, affordable tools that make car repairs easy and accessible , j ust like the guiding star of the holiday season, our tools provide drivers everywhere with peace of mind, and ensuring every journey is as smooth as possible. Your Trusted Holiday Companion This Christmas Holidays season and beyond, VDIAGTOOL is here to keep your travels safe and joyful. Whether it's a Christmas road trip or a daily commute, let us light the way, ensuring you and your loved ones arrive safely and happily wherever the road leads. Happy Holidays from VDIAGTOOL—Your Trusted Partner in Every Journey! For more information, please visit https://www.vdiagtool.com/ For Purchase, please visit https://vdiagtools.com/ ABOUT VDIAGTOOL Established in 2018 by a team of industry experts with over 20 years of experience in automotive repair and maintenance, VDIAGTOOL is dedicated to the research, development, manufacturing, and sales of automotive diagnostic and maintenance tools, as well as testing equipment. Make automotive diagnostics, maintenance and testing easier, affordable and more efficient. Media Contact: Full company name: VDIAGTOOL Company website: www.vdiagtool.com Name: Jerry Chen Email id: Support@vdiagtool.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vdiagtool-makes-car-diagnostics-great-again-302331963.html SOURCE VDIAGTOOL Technology Co, LtdOlivia Olson scored 18 points, including eight straight to open the fourth quarter, as the No. 23 Michigan Wolverines survived a 60-54 scare from the Northwestern Wildcats in the Big Ten opener for each team in Ann Arbor, Mich. Northwestern (4-4, 0-1 Big Ten) led throughout the third quarter and took a four-point lead into the fourth, but Olson capped her 8-0 burst with a 3-pointer, and Syla Swords also nailed a trey to put the Wolverines (8-1, 1-0) ahead 50-44. Michigan has won eight straight games since opening the season with a six-point loss to then-No. 1 South Carolina. Caileigh Walsh's 3-pointer put the Wildcats back in front 53-52 with 3:36 to go. Michigan responded by scoring eight of the game's last nine points, six by Jordan Hobbs. Hobbs finished with 16 points and teammate Mila Holloway had 10. Kyla Jones led Northwestern with 14 points and Walsh notched 10 before fouling out. No. 4 Texas 93, James Madison 62 Madison Booker, Jordan Lee and Rori Harmon dominated the first half as the Longhorns clobbered the host Dukes in Harrisonburg, Va. Booker scored 21 points, Lee added 20 and Harmon 19 by combining on 25-of-33 shooting. They had 49 of their points in the first half as Texas (7-1) piled up a 58-29 halftime lead. The Longhorns, who entered seventh in the nation in scoring at 90 points per game, shot 54 percent for the game to 40 percent for the Dukes. Roshala Scott led James Madison (7-3) with 22 points and Peyton McDaniel and Ashanti Barnes had 12 apiece. McDaniel added eight rebounds for the Dukes, who had 24 turnovers. No. 10 Notre Dame 93, Syracuse 62 The Fighting Irish pulled away from a seven-point halftime lead to demolish the host Orange in the ACC opener for both schools. The trio of Sonia Citron, Hannah Hidalgo and Olivia Miles led Notre Dame's win with double-doubles. Citron had 25 points and 11 rebounds, Hidalgo racked up 24 and 10, respectively, and Miles shone with 20 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. Hidalgo, third in Division I in scoring (24.6 ppg), netted nine points and Citron had eight in the third quarter, as Notre Dame (7-2, 1-0 ACC) outscored Syracuse (4-6, 0-1) 29-13 to pull away. Keira Scott posted 16 points and Sophie Burrows tacked on 13 for the Orange, who shot only 32.5 percent. The Irish shot 50 percent and thrived despite 20 turnovers. No. 16 North Carolina 72, Coppin State 46 The Tar Heels built a comfortable halftime lead and used its bench players freely in devouring the Eagles in Chapel Hill, N.C. North Carolina (9-1) entered second-best in the nation in scoring defense at 49.1 points per game and excelled again, holding Coppin State to 27.3 percent shooting. Meanwhile, the Tar Heels shot 44.4 percent while having 12 players enter the scoring column, led by Maria Gakdeng's 10 points on 5-of-6 shooting. Reniya Kelly scored six of her eight points in the first quarter as North Carolina took a 23-13 lead. The Tar Heels grew the lead to 46-27 by intermission. Tiffany Hammond and Angel Jones scored 12 points apiece for Coppin State (6-5), and Laila Lawrence added 10 points with 10 rebounds. No. 18 Ole Miss 85, Tennessee State 38 The Rebels had more points by halftime than the Lady Tigers scored in the game after jumping out to a 14-2 lead in the first quarter and 44-19 by intermission. Kennedy Todd-Williams led Ole Miss (6-3) with 15 points and seven rebounds, and Sira Thienou added 12 and six, respectively. The Rebels shot 46 percent for the game. Ole Miss began the day seventh in the nation in scoring defense at 49.8 points allowed per game, and it punished Tennessee State to the tune of 23.6 percent shooting and 22 forced turnovers. XaiOnna Whitfield led the Lady Tigers (4-6) with 10 points. No. 20 Iowa State 82, Central Michigan 56 Audi Crooks scored 19 points on 9-of-12 shooting and added 10 rebounds as the Cyclones slammed the Chippewas in Ames, Iowa. Emily Ryan netted 10 of her 12 points in the first quarter and Crooks scored nine in the period as Iowa State (8-2) jumped out to a 31-13 lead and enjoyed a cushion of at least 18 points the rest of the way. Addy Brown added 18 points for the Cyclones, who shot 52.5 percent and rolled despite having 20 turnovers. Jayda Mosley led Central Michigan (3-6) with 11 points and Madi Morson and Ayanna-Sarai Darrington added 10 apiece. The Chippewas shot only 33.3 percent from the floor and had 26 turnovers. No. 24 Michigan State 89, DePaul 61 The unbeaten Spartans put four scorers in double figures as they systematically disposed of the Blue Demons in East Lansing, Mich. Jaddan Simmons finished with 18 points, five rebounds and five assists, and Julia Ayrault stuffed the stat sheet with 17 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and three steals for Michigan State (9-0). Emma Shumate and Jocelyn Tate had 12 and 10 points, respectively. Jorie Allen put up 15 points, 11 boards, seven assists and three steals and Grace Carstensen also notched 15 points for DePaul (3-7), which shot just 28.8 percent despite hitting 9 of 18 of its 3-point attempts. The Spartans led by seven after one quarter and 17 at halftime before coasting through the second half. No. 25 Nebraska 84, Minnesota 65 Strong first quarters by Callin Hake and Amiah Hargrove sent the Cornhuskers on their way to pinning the first loss on the Golden Gophers in the Big Ten Conference opener for each team. Hake scored eight of her 11 points in the first period and Hargrove eight of her 10 as Nebraska (8-1, 1-0 Big Ten) seized a 27-11 lead and never looked back. Hargrove scored eight of the Cornhuskers' 10 straight points to end the quarter. Alberte Rimdal led the winners with 12 points and Alexis Markowski added 11 with nine rebounds. Mallory Heyer collected 12 points and eight rebounds for Minnesota (10-1, 0-1). Tori McKinney scored 11 points and Grace Crocholski and Alexsia Rose 10 apiece, but the Golden Gophers hit just 35.2 percent of their shots. --Field Level Media
Biden calls for Assad to be 'held accountable'
All three major US stock indexes scored record closing highs on Wednesday as technology shares rallied after upbeat results from Salesforce and as comments by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell gave a late boost to the market. or signup to continue reading The economy is stronger than it appeared in September when the central bank began cutting interest rates, allowing policymakers to potentially be a little more cautious in reducing rates further, Powell said at a New York Times event. Powell's comments overall along with a Fed economic activity report added to the upbeat tone in the market, said Peter Cardillo, chief market economist at Spartan Capital Securities in New York. The Fed said in a summary of surveys and interviews from across the country known as the "Beige Book" that US economic activity has expanded slightly in most regions since early October. Powell "was very upbeat about economy, and he said we're making progress on inflation ... that's good news for stocks in general," Cardillo said. Investors expect a third consecutive interest-rate cut at the central bank's December 17-18 meeting. Salesforce jumped 11 per cent and hit an all-time high after the enterprise cloud company beat analyst estimates for third-quarter revenue and raised the lower end of its annual revenue forecast. Other cloud companies also advanced. The S&P 500 technology index hit a record closing high, along with the communication services and consumer discretionary indexes. Also in the tech space, Marvell Technology rallied 23.2 per cent and also hit a record high after the chipmaker forecast fourth-quarter revenue above analyst estimates. An index of semiconductors rose 1.7 per cent, while Nvidia was up 3.5 per cent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 308.91 points, or 0.69 per cent, to 45,014.44, the S&P 500 gained 36.59 points, or 0.60 per cent, to 6,086.47 and the Nasdaq Composite gained 254.21 points, or 1.30 per cent, to 19,735.12. Investors eagerly await monthly US jobs data due on Friday and jobless claims data on Thursday. Earlier Wednesday, US private payrolls data showed a modest increase in November. Separately, a survey from the Institute for Supply Management showed US services sector activity slowed in November after big gains in recent months. The final reading of the S&P services survey was revised lower to 56.1. "Recent economic data has pretty much confirmed the Fed will cut rates in December," said Sam Stovall, chief investment strategist at CFRA Research in New York. Friday's jobs report is "like the granddaddy of employment reports this week," he said. Advancing issues outnumbered decliners by a 1.2-to-1 ratio on the NYSE. There were 367 new highs and 79 new lows on the NYSE. On the Nasdaq, 2,372 stocks rose and 1,930 fell as advancing issues outnumbered decliners by a 1.23-to-1 ratio. Volume on US exchanges was 13.06 billion shares, compared with the 14.89 billion average for the full session over the last 20 trading days. DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily! Advertisement Advertisement
Jubilation and gunfire as Syrians celebrate the end of the Assad family's half-century ruleThe white-bearded Christian saint whose acts of generosity inspired America’s secular Santa Claus figure is known worldwide — but Saint Nicholas’ origin story is not. The legends surrounding jolly old St. Nicholas — celebrated annually on Dec. 6 — go way beyond delivering candy and toys to children. St. Nicholas was a fourth century Christian bishop from the Mediterranean port city of Myra (in modern-day Turkey). “Much of the rest is legend. There’s not really a lot of hard historical evidence about St. Nicholas,” said the Rev. Nicholas Ayo, author of “Saint Nicholas in America: Christmas Holy Day and Holiday.” But whether the stories are true is not so much the point, said Ayo, an 89-year-old retired Notre Dame University professor named after St. Nicholas. “There’s no Santa Claus that lands on the roof, but there’s a desire in people’s heart for an unconditional love that doesn’t depend on your behavior, but the fact that you’re somebody’s child.” Devotion to St. Nicholas — also referred to as St. Nick — spread during the Middle Ages across Europe and he became a favorite subject for medieval artists and liturgical plays, according to the Encyclopedia Britannica. He is the patron saint of Greece and Russia, Moscow and New York, as well as charities, children and pawnbrokers. He also is the patron saint of sailors. In 1807, Italian sailors took the remains of St. Nicholas from Myra to the seaport of Bari, on the southeast coast of the boot of Italy. They built a church in his honor; relics believed to be his are kept in Bari’s 11th century basilica of San Nicola. St. Nicholas Day is celebrated every year on Dec. 6, typically by filling the stockings and shoes children leave out overnight with sweets and toys. It also is a fitting date for the patron saint of sailors. “The December feast day of Saint Nicholas coincides with the beginning of the winter storm season on the Mediterranean,” Ayo wrote. Legends surrounding St. Nicholas’ generosity appear in texts ranging from medieval manuscripts to modern-day poems, including how he interceded on behalf of wrongly condemned prisoners and miraculously saved sailors from storms. One of the most famous legends, Ayo said, features the aging father of three young women who didn’t have means to pay for their dowry. St. Nicholas is said to have thrown gold pieces into the man’s window. “It is the quintessential Nicholas,” Ayo wrote. “It requires no miracle, no credulity from the hearer, and no superstition at any level. What is needed is only a generous heart ready to give of his wealth in a self-effacing way that others may come to know a deep love in their life.” k inspired Santa Devotion to St. Nicholas seems to have faded after the 16th century Protestant Reformation, except in the Netherlands where his legend remained as Sinterklaas. In the 17th century, Dutch Protestants who settled in New York brought the Sinterklaas tradition with them. “The Dutch had St. Nicholas on the bow of the first ship that went into New York harbor,” Ayo said. Eventually, St. Nicholas morphed into the secular Santa Claus. Artist Thomas Nast, an engraver in Morristown, New Jersey, who illustrated the front cover of Harper’s magazine for many years, played a key role in the transformation, Ayo said. “He followed the description of Santa Claus or Saint Nicholas — and Clement Clarke Moore’s ‘Twas the Night before Christmas’ poem,” Ayo said. “So, that’s how that got changed. But in Europe, the bishop shows up in bishop’s clothing at the door sometimes.” Get local news delivered to your inbox!
WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump said he can't guarantee that his promised tariffs on key U.S. foreign trade partners won't raise prices for American consumers and he suggested once more that some political rivals and federal officials who pursued legal cases against him should be imprisoned. The president-elect, in a wide-ranging interview with NBC's “Meet the Press” that aired Sunday, also touched on monetary policy, immigration, abortion and health care, and U.S. involvement in Ukraine, Israel and elsewhere. Trump often mixed declarative statements with caveats, at one point cautioning “things do change.” A look at some of the issues covered: Trump has threatened broad trade penalties, but said he didn’t believe economists' predictions that added costs on those imported goods for American companies would lead to higher domestic prices for consumers. He stopped short of a pledge that U.S. an households won't be paying more as they shop. “I can’t guarantee anything. I can’t guarantee tomorrow,” Trump said, seeming to open the door to accepting the reality of how import levies typically work as goods reach the retail market. That's a different approach from Trump's typical speeches throughout the 2024 campaign, when he framed his election as a sure way to curb inflation. In the interview, Trump defended tariffs generally, saying that tariffs are "going to make us rich.” He has pledged that, on his first day in office in January, he would impose 25% tariffs on all goods imported from Mexico and Canada unless those countries satisfactorily stop illegal immigration and the flow of illegal drugs such as fentanyl into the United States. He also has threatened tariffs on China to help force that country to crack down on fentanyl production. ”All I want to do is I want to have a level, fast, but fair playing field,” Trump said. He offered conflicting statements on how he would approach the justice system after winning election despite being convicted of 34 felonies in a New York state court and being indicted in other cases for his handling of national security secrets and efforts to overturn his 2020 loss to Democrat Joe Biden. “Honestly, they should go to jail,” Trump said of members of Congress who investigated the Capitol riot by his supporters who wanted him to remain in power. The president-elect underscored his contention that he can use the justice system against others, including special prosecutor Jack Smith, who led the case on Trump’s role in the siege on Jan. 6, 2021. Trump confirmed his plan to pardon supporters who were convicted for their roles in the riot, saying he would take that action on his first day in office. As for the idea of revenge driving potential prosecutions, Trump said: “I have the absolute right. I’m the chief law enforcement officer, you do know that. I’m the president. But I’m not interested in that." At the same time, Trump singled out lawmakers on a special House committee who had investigated the insurrection, citing Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., and former Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo. “Cheney was behind it ... so was Bennie Thompson and everybody on that committee,” Trump said. Asked specifically whether he would direct his administration to pursue cases, he said, “No,” and suggested he did not expect the FBI to quickly undertake investigations into his political enemies. But at another point, Trump said he would leave the matter up to Pam Bondi, his pick as attorney general. “I want her to do what she wants to do,” he said. Such threats, regardless of Trump's inconsistencies, have been taken seriously enough by many top Democrats that Biden is considering issuing blanket, preemptive pardons to protect key members of his outgoing administration. Trump did seemingly back off his campaign rhetoric calling for Biden to be investigated, saying, “I’m not looking to go back into the past.” Trump repeatedly mentioned his promises to seal the U.S.-Mexico border and deport millions of people who are in the U.S. illegally through a mass deportation program. “I think you have to do it,” he said. He suggested he would try to use executive action to end “birthright” citizenship under which people born in the U.S. are considered citizens — although such protections are spelled out in the Constitution. Asked specifically about the future for people who were brought into the country illegally as children and have been shielded from deportation in recent years, Trump said, “I want to work something out,” indicating he might seek a solution with Congress. But Trump also said he does not “want to be breaking up families” of mixed legal status, “so the only way you don’t break up the family is you keep them together and you have to send them all back.” Long a critic of NATO members for not spending more on their own defense, Trump said he “absolutely” would remain in the alliance “if they pay their bills.” Pressed on whether he would withdraw if he were dissatisfied with allies’ commitments, Trump said he wants the U.S. treated “fairly” on trade and defense. He waffled on a NATO priority of containing Russia and President Vladimir Putin. Trump suggested Ukraine should prepare for less U.S. aid in its defense against Putin’s invasion. “Possibly. Yeah, probably. Sure,” Trump said of reducing Ukraine assistance from Washington. Separately, Trump has called for an immediate cease-fire . Asked about Putin, Trump said initially that he has not talked to the Russian leader since Election Day last month, but then hedged: “I haven’t spoken to him recently.” Trump said when pressed, adding that he did not want to “impede the negotiation.” The president-elect said he has no intention, at least for now, of asking Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell to step down before Powell's term ends in 2028. Trump said during the campaign that presidents should have more say in Fed policy , including interest rates. Trump did not offer any job assurances for FBI Director Christopher Wray, whose term is to end in 2027. Asked about Wray, Trump said: “Well, I mean, it would sort of seem pretty obvious” that if the Senate confirms Kash Patel as Trump's pick for FBI chief, then “he’s going to be taking somebody’s place, right? Somebody is the man that you’re talking about.” Trump promised that the government efficiency effort led by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will not threaten Social Security. “We're not touching Social Security, other than we make it more efficient,” he said. He added that “we're not raising ages or any of that stuff.” He was not so specific about abortion or his long-promised overhaul of the Affordable Care Act. On abortion, Trump continued his inconsistencies and said he would “probably” not move to restrict access to the abortion pills that now account for a majority of pregnancy terminations, according to the Guttmacher Institute, which supports abortion rights. But pressed on whether he would commit to that position, Trump replied, “Well, I commit. I mean, are -- things do -- things change. I think they change.” Reprising a line from his Sept. 10 debate against Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump again said he had “concepts” of a plan to substitute for the 2010 Affordable Care Act, which he called “lousy health care.” He added a promise that any Trump version would maintain insurance protections for Americans with preexisting health conditions. He did not explain how such a design would be different from the status quo or how he could deliver on his desire for “better healthcare for less money.” Barrow reported from Atlanta. Associated Press writers Adriana Gomez Licon in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Jill Colvin and Michelle L. Price in New York contributed to this report.US journalist Austin Tice, who disappeared in Syria in 2012, believed to be alive: BidenGRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) — Tai'Reon Joseph scored 28 points off the bench to lead UTSA over North Dakota 95-85 on Sunday. Joseph shot 8 of 11 from the field, including 6 for 8 from 3-point range, and went 6 for 7 from the free-throw line for the Roadrunners (5-5). Primo Spears scored 16 points while shooting 4 for 12 (3 for 5 from 3-point range) and 5 of 5 from the free-throw line. Damari Monsanto finished 4 of 4 from 3-point range and 3 for 4 from the line to finish with 15 points. The Fightin' Hawks (4-8) were led by Treysen Eaglestaff, who finished with 24 points, four assists and two steals. Dariyus Woodson added 23 points. Deng Mayar contributed 14 points and 10 rebounds. UTSA took the lead with 19:02 to go in the first half and did not relinquish it. The score was 39-34 at halftime, with Monsanto racking up nine points. UTSA used a 9-0 run in the second half to build a 13-point lead at 55-42 with 15:16 left in the half before finishing off the win. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .