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Will New Year's Eve be loud or quiet? What are the top 2025 resolutions? AP-NORC poll has answersNew Delhi, Dec. 5: The Union Cabinet to-day decided to lift the ban on donations by companies to political parties and to raise the permissible limit. The Companies Act would be amended for the twin purpose possibly at the next session of Parliament. It is not considered feasible to attempt this legislation at the current sitting which is to close on December 20. The original ceiling fixed in the Companies Act (Section 293-A), prior to the imposition of the ban on donations to political parties, was ₹25,000 or 5% of the average net profits of a company during the three financial years immediately preceding, whichever is greater. Under the proposed amendment, the ceiling will be ₹50,000 or 5% of the average net profits during the three preceding financial years. Published - December 06, 2024 02:05 am IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit From the Archives
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NEW YORK — Vincent Trocheck said after Friday’s game he felt there’s been a cloud over the New York Rangers during their recent struggles. Winning brings sunshine that can clear away those clouds. Losses like the one on Sunday, a 7-5 setback against Seattle , do not. The Rangers found themselves in an ideal position midway through the game. They were up two goals and controlling play against a team they’d already beaten this season. A disastrous six-minute stretch to end the second period derailed it all. New York allowed three goals in 5:18 to fall behind, then gave up two more to start the third. A strong push late wasn’t enough to erase the mistakes. Advertisement Friday’s win against Pittsburgh offered a reprieve from the cloud, but it wasn’t a permanent fix. “Control as much of the game as you want, but if you’re going to let up some chances that your goalie has no shot at saving, it’s going to bite you,” Adam Fox said. Here are three takeaways from the loss, which drops the Rangers to 2-7-0 in their past nine games. Too many breakdowns On the surface, New York’s defensive effort doesn’t look too bad. The Rangers gave up only 22 shots, tied for the fewest they’ve allowed all season. They had 69.27 percent of the five-on-five expected goal share, per Natural Stat Trick, and outchanced Seattle 27-11 during those minutes. “That’s all great and all, but you’ve got to keep pucks out of the net,” said K’Andre Miller , who played more than 23 minutes and had two points. “You can’t give up six goals a night and expect to win in this league.” But Seattle’s scoring opportunities were loud. Oliver Bjorkstrand scored on a tap-in to open the scoring for the Kraken, and Brandon Tanev got past Ryan Lindgren and finished another backdoor goal. In the third period, Shane Wright got a step on Kaapo Kakko and redirected an Eeli Tolvanen pass for a goal. All three of those goals involved a Kraken player with a dangerous chance alone in front of the net. “We were in place,” a frustrated Peter Laviolette said after the game. “We needed to do a better job in those situations and in those areas. The difference between two inches and two feet in any sport is a lot. We were there. We just needed to be a little bit tighter.” The second-period meltdown Tanev’s goal came with 5:54 left in the second period, and just over a minute later, Tolvanen found open ice in the slot and buried a pass from Bjorkstrand. Then, in the final minute of the period, Bjorkstrand tipped a Brandon Montour pass past Jonathan Quick , giving Seattle its first lead of the day. Advertisement “Just some breakdowns, a lot of the same stuff we’ve been talking about,” Fox said. “I thought we controlled a lot of the play, but we talk about those big mistakes and we had a couple of them right in a row there.” “There wasn’t a momentum change,” Laviolette added. “They had those opportunities and they scored. That was it.” The Artemi Panarin -Trocheck- Alexis Lafrenière line, which generated plenty offensively, was on the ice for two of those goals. “There were definitely breakdowns,” said Trocheck, who added the Rangers need to do a better job paying attention to details. The goalie battle Philipp Grubauer was far from perfect, but he kept the Kraken alive with the Rangers threatening to take a 4-1 lead midway through the second. Fox put a perfect pass on Panarin’s stick, setting him up with a look at a seemingly vacated net. Grubauer got across his crease just in time to make a glove save on Panarin. Fox pointed out the play as a big moment after the game; Seattle stayed within two goals and had a scoring barrage later in the period. Quick was in net for the Rangers with newly extended Igor Shesterkin away from the team while his wife is giving birth to their second child. As the Rangers lamented after the loss, they gave up far too many chances in front of their goalie. “I think we can be a little harder around our net, tying up sticks, boxing guys out and just making Quickie’s life a little bit easier,” Miller said. “We’ve got to be better for him.” But no goalie will be thrilled after allowing six goals on 21 shots. Any of the goals would have been hard saves. The backdoor tap-ins are hard to pin on him, but perhaps he could’ve made an elite save on one of the other goals. It’s hard to pile blame on Quick considering strong goaltending has carried the Rangers this year, but New York could have used a difficult save Sunday, perhaps on the Tolvanen goal. Seattle got one from Grubauer on Panarin, and that was the difference in the game. Quick’s save percentage dipped from .936 to .915 on Sunday. He’s now 5-2-0 on the year. (Photo: Danny Wild / Imagn Images)“Cassoulet, that best of bean feasts, is everyday fare for a peasant but ambrosia for a gastronome.” ~ Julia Child When winter heads our way, bringing chilly temperatures and close, dark nights, my thoughts turn to Cassoulet, the iconic comfort food from southwestern France. It has it all – juicy beans, duck leg confit, sausages and sometimes pork or lamb, slowly simmered in well-seasoned broth, then baked in a wide-mouthed, glazed terra-cotta dish called a cassole . Like any truly traditional dish, there are multiple versions, all claiming to be the “authentic one.” Cassoulet originated in southwestern France. Toulouse claims it — and so does Castelnaudary and Carcassonne — and the recipes vary. Toulouse adherents eschew adding cubed pork. Castelnaudary purists add a bit of lamb, while Carcassonne’s adds partridge. In most restaurants, cassoulets are served in an individual cassole , bubbling with hot juices,and with a bit of duck leg peeking through the top. But at Hostellerie Etienne , a vast indoor- outdoor restaurant on the edge of a forest near Castelnaudary, the cassoulets come to the table in family-size cassoles , big enough to serve two, four, six or even 10 people, so you can share the dish with your dining companions. I don’t know if Etienne’s even has a single-serving bowl size. I didn’t see one, when I was there as the guest of a bean trader from Castelnaudary. According to him, Etiennne’s has the best cassoulet anywhere, and they use the Lauragais lingot beans known as the Castelnaudary bean. Copious doesn’t begin to describe the cassoulet scene there, with stacks of cassoles lined up in Etienne’s kitchen, next to caldrons of simmering beans, ready to be filled and popped into the vast ovens. Here in the Bay Area, we have our own go-to restaurants for cassoulets. Some, like the Left Bank Brasseries in San Jose, Menlo Park, Oakland and Larkspur, and Reve Bistro in Lafayette, only serve it during the winter months as a special. (Reve will be serving cassoulet Dec. 10-14, for example, and Jan. 7-11; reserve it when you reserve your table.) Others, such as Bistro Jeanty in Yountville and Le Central in San Francisco, always have it on the menu. Both Reve Bistro and Bistro Jeanty use cassoles made by potter Kathy Kernes at her Crockett Pottery in Crockett, and they are every bit as beautiful and as practical as those you’ll find in southwestern France. Kernes’ makes cassoles in six sizes ($38-$210), ranging from individual to “extra large plus,” which is very large indeed. (Browse the possibilities at www.crockettpottery.com.) Reve Bistro offers take-out cassoulets if you pre-order the week the dish is on the menu. Pick it up — in a takeout container, not a cassole! — then heat it at home. Just note that chef-owner Paul Magu-Lecugy only makes a limited number of portions. “It’s time consuming,” he says, noting for him, it is a two-day process. Le Central’s cassoulet is one of the more elaborate around, with lamb, pork shoulder and boudin blanc, as well as the all-important duck leg confit and slightly garlicky Toulouse sausage. Left Bank uses chef-owner Roland Passot’s recipe (see below) and keeps it simple, limiting the meats to duck leg confit and Toulouse sausages. (Don’t panic. If you’re making this at home, some specialty markets sell duck confit.) The beans are key to cassoulet. Once cooked, they should not be mushy, but hold their shape after the long cooking. In France, tradition calls for either Tarbais beans, a plump, white bean, or lingot beans — a strain of cannellini beans — in making cassoulet. As Passot suggests in his recipe below, you can substitute cannellini beans or Great Northern beans. Rancho Gordo produces a variety called cassoulet , a West Coast-grown bean from the Tarbais strain. Cassoulet isn’t difficult to make. It just requires time and patience. You can make it a couple of days ahead, refrigerate it and then slowly reheat it. That way, there’s nothing to do on the day of but sip a glass of wine while the beans and meats slowly heat to bubbling. Add a green salad and some crusty bread, and you’ll have the perfect winter meal. Or put your coat on and head to one of our local restaurants, where the cooking is done for you. All you need is a reservation. Left Bank Brasserie Cassoulet Serves 6 to 8 INGREDIENTS Beans: 4 cups dried lingot beans (white kidney, cannellini or Great Northern, will all work) 1 small carrot, peeled and chopped 1 small onion, diced (about 3⁄4 cup) 1 clove garlic, chopped 1 pound slab bacon or extra thick-cut bacon, cut into 1-inch cubes 2 sprigs of thyme 1 bay leaf Cassoulet: 1⁄4 cup duck fat (lard will do in a pinch) 2 pounds pork butt cut in 2-inch cubes 1 cup onions, diced small 4 cloves garlic, chopped 1⁄4 cup tomato paste 1 small can diced tomatoes 11⁄2-2 cups reserved bean water 6 Toulouse sausages 1 small garlic sausage 4 confit duck legs, purchased or homemade (see note below) 1 cup panko bread crumbs 1 teaspoon garlic, chopped 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped 1⁄4 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil Note: If you are making your own duck confit, start the night before by rubbing the duck legs with a “green salt” mixture — kosher salt, parsley, a couple of bay leaves and thyme ground together. The next day, rinse the duck legs well, pat dry and place in an oven-safe cooking vessel with enough duck fat to cover the legs. Roast in a 225-degree oven for 21⁄2 to 3 hrs. DIRECTIONS The night before, place the beans in a deep pot and add enough water to cover by 2 inches. Let beans soak overnight. The next day, rinse the beans well. Add the rinsed beans, carrots, onions, garlic, bacon, thyme and bay leaf to cold water and cook, over low heat, until the beans are tender. Strain the beans, saving the water, and set aside the beans. In a large braising pan, melt the duck fat over medium high heat. Once the pan is hot, brown the pork butt pieces without stirring. When beginning to brown, start stirring, making sure you scrape the bottom if it starts to caramelize. The pork doesn’t need much color, but it does need to cook in the duck fat for a while. Add lots of salt and pepper. This is not a shy dish. When the pork is nice and brown on all sides, add the 1 cup onions and garlic, and sauté until the onions are soft and cooked through. Add the tomato paste, diced tomatoes and reserved liquid from the beans. Stir, using a rubber spatula to clean the side of the pot. Preheat your oven to 250 degrees. Bring the heat under the braising pan up to high. Once at a rolling boil, turn down to low heat and add all the sausages. When they are cooked through, remove and set aside. Slice the garlic sausage in half and cut into 1-inch pieces. Return the whole and sliced sausages back to the pot along with the cooked beans. Continue to cook on low heat until the pork is cooked through. Taste for seasoning; add more salt and pepper if needed. Transfer the beans and pork to a heavy, wide mouth, earthenware, clay or cast iron baking dish that can hold 5 to 6 quarts. Bake at 250 degrees for about 11⁄2 hours, checking at least every 30 minutes. It may require a bit more time. If the dish is starting to look too dry, add a small amount of reserved bean broth or chicken stock. Add warmed duck legs to the cassoulet and make a breadcrumb topping by combining the panko, garlic, parsley, thyme and extra virgin olive oil. Return the dish to the oven and continue baking until the crumbs brown on the top. — Courtesy Roland Passot, Propriétaire, Chef Culinary Officer, Vine HospitalityLuke Fickell isn’t risking another philosophy shift in hiring his next offensive coordinator. It’s meat and potatoes time for the University of Wisconsin football team. Fickell, who’s entering his third year as Wisconsin's coach, finalized a deal to hire Jeff Grimes away from Kansas, a BadgerExtra source said Sunday. The move signals a desire to reestablish Wisconsin’s identity as a run-first unit. Grimes’ tenure at Kansas was just this season, but he did help the Jayhawks rush for 212.1 yards per game (5.5 per carry), a metric that ranked 12th in the FBS. Wisconsin football transfer portal tracker: 15 Badgers announce intentions to enter Grimes’ biggest challenge will be injecting some explosiveness in an offense that was halted against its better opponents. The Badgers ranked 119th out of 134 FBS teams in plays that gained 10 or more yards (134) and 129th in plays that gained 20 or more yards (36). Bringing in a run-centric offense to generate big plays might be counterintuitive to some, but Grimes’ scheme has shown the ability to pop long runs and use deep passes to get behind defenses. Here are five takeaways from Wisconsin’s hiring of Grimes. Jeff Grimes spent three seasons as offensive coordinator at Baylor. There were hotter names in the coaching world that Fickell and Wisconsin could’ve tried to lure to Madison. UNLV offensive coordinator Brennan Marion was a popular name floated for the Badgers, as were those with ties to Fickell like Notre Dame offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock or quarterbacks coach Gino Guidugli. But Grimes’ history as an offensive lineman and coach mesh with what the Badgers recognize as the strength of their roster. Grimes can work with the existing brain trust that improved the Badgers' line significantly from 2023 to 2024, namely line coaches AJ Blazek and Casey Rabach. And Grimes can work closely with tight ends coach Nate Letton about how the Badgers need to block the front in Grimes’ scheme. He’s run an offense heavy on wide-zone concepts and will use jet sweeps and end-arounds to either get to the edge quickly or take advantage of defenses not playing things honest. Another plus for Grimes is he’s proven to not need to bring a handful of assistants with him to install his offense. Wisconsin’s been pleased with the performances of its offensive assistants, and some like Letton and receivers coach Kenny Guiton have deep ties with Fickell. Which Power 4 schools Wisconsin football battled for 2025 recruits What it costs to acquire Grimes is not yet known. Grimes will owe Kansas some liquidated damages, better known as buyout money, and Wisconsin’s likely to be paying Grimes in a similar range it was paying Longo. Longo was making $1.25 million at Wisconsin while Grimes was set to make $1 million at Kansas, plus a $300,000 retention bonus payable in July. Fickell made it known during his signing day news conference that he had eyes on multiple hires for the offense. Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell describes vision for new offense “There's an opportunity for us to put it together the right way and even create some different things,” Fickell said. “There's a possibility of not just hiring an offensive coordinator, but also hiring a quarterback coach as well.” Picking Grimes to lead the offense necessitates hiring a quarterbacks coach. Grimes has coached offensive lines and tight ends as well as being a run-game coordinator, but he hasn’t coached quarterbacks. Wisconsin needs to develop four-star quarterbacks Mabrey Mettauer and Carter Smith so it can get off the bicycle of requiring help from the transfer portal at the sport's most important position. The Badgers may still require a portal addition in the quarterback group this winter as sixth-year senior Tyler Van Dyke is still deciding on his future as he rehabs a torn right ACL, but Mettauer and Smith both fit the mold of mobile quarterbacks with big arms that have been successful under Grimes. Offensive coordinators typically coach quarterbacks because of the time spent together and the connection the QB on the field needs to have with a coordinator to be successful. However, Fickell has led staffs where the OC didn’t lead the quarterbacks. Denbrock’s last four seasons at Cincinnati under Fickell, which included the team’s runs to a New Year’s Six game (2020) and the College Football Playoff (2021), he coached tight ends while Guidugli coached quarterbacks. 3 Florida coaches break down Wisconsin football's 4-star 2025 quarterback Finding the right hire to bring along the young quarterbacks now becomes as important as finding the right offensive coordinator. Michigan fired Kirk Campbell on Dec. 3 and he’d be an intriguing fit at Wisconsin. Campbell was the QB coach for the Wolverines during their CFP national championship in 2023, but had a rough 2024 as the offensive coordinator. He has knowledge of helping quarterbacks against Big Ten defenses and how to thrive in run-first schemes in which their throws’ importance are amplified. Grimes’ passing attack will challenge defenses down the field, so long as he has a quarterback with the aggressiveness to do so. Why the most convenient excuse for Wisconsin football's struggles no longer applies Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels this year threw 23.6% of his passes at least 20 air yards down field, according to PFF. That was tied for fourth most among FBS quarterbacks. Baylor ranked in the top 30 for deep pass attempts in 2023 despite requiring multiple quarterbacks to play significant snaps due to injuries. Zach Wilson became a deadly deep-ball thrower in Grimes’ final year at BYU with the eventual No. 2 NFL draft pick. Wilson had nearly 1,300 yards on those passes alone with 2020. Daniels posted on social media that he’s staying at Kansas despite Grimes’ departure, so Grimes won’t come as a combo package with his standout QB. However, he’ll know what he’s looking for as the Badgers attack the transfer portal, which opens Monday. National signing day 2025: 24 recruits sign with Wisconsin football Recruiting outlets list coaches as key recruiters for particular recruits, and Grimes has reeled in some highly regarded prospects at Auburn, LSU, BYU and Baylor in the last 15 years. Grimes was the primary recruiter for 2023 tight end Matthew Klopfenstein, a four-star recruit by 247Sports and ESPN, according to 247Sports. He was also credited by 247Sports as the primary recruiter of former BYU quarterback Jacob Conover, the No. 109 player in the 2019 class by ESPN. 247Sports’ profile of Grimes attributes a primary or secondary recruiter title for two five-star commits within its composite rankings, offensive linemen Christian Westerman (2011 for Auburn) and Maea Teuhema (2015 for LSU). Then there’s several four-star offensive line recruits such as Jordan Diamond (2012 for Auburn) and Austin Deculus (2017 for LSU). Rivals also credited Grimes as one of the recruiters for 2011 offensive lineman Greg Robinson, a four-star and top-100 recruit. Jumping down the rabbit hole of reactions on social media to Grimes' interest/hire was mixed. There were Wisconsin fans who responded negatively, but some also countered with nuance regarding Grimes’ Broyles Award finalist resume and advanced stats that shined favorably upon the hire. 3 things that stood out from Wisconsin football's 24 recruits who signed this week The reply section to ESPN reporter Pete Thamel’s tweet was filled with Kansas fans not necessarily heartbroken over the news, a similar reaction to some North Carolina faithful when Longo left for Madison. But Grimes and his scheme also were in the first year of taking over the Jayhawks’ offense after replacing Andy Kotelnicki’s unique attack. Kotelnicki — who had followed Kansas coach Lance Leipold to UW-Whitewater, Buffalo and Kansas — moved on to Penn State, where the Nittany Lions offense scored 33.3 points and racked up 442.8 yards per game during the regular season. Kansas averaged 34.8 points and 446.1 yards per game under Kotelnicki in 2023. Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Will Pauling (6) celebrates with Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Braedyn Locke (18) after a touchdown on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Vinny Anthony II (8) celebrates after catching a long pass on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers running back Tawee Walker (3) looks for a hole on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin cornerback Nyzier Fourqurean puts his hands on his head after missing an interception Saturday at Camp Randall. Oregon Ducks defensive back Jabbar Muhammad (7) runs downfield on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Braedyn Locke (18) drops back to pass on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell talks to officials on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Braedyn Locke (18) passes from the pocket on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL Oregon Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) throws a pass on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Nyzier Fourqurean (3) wraps up Oregon Ducks wide receiver Gary Bryant Jr. (2) on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers running back Tawee Walker (3) watches an overthrown pass fall incomplete on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Christian Alliegro (28) flexes after making a stop at the line of scrimmage on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL Oregon Ducks wide receiver Gary Bryant Jr. (2) dives for a pass on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Will Pauling (6) gets in to the end zone for a touchdown on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Vinny Anthony II (8) reaches for a pass in the end zone on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin quarterback Braedyn Locke is hit by Oregon defensive end Matayo Uiagalelei while he throws Saturday at Camp Randall. Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Nyzier Fourqurean (3) runs back an interception on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers linebacker John Pius (0) fights Oregon Ducks’ linemen on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL The Oregon Ducks take the field on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL The Wisconsin Badgers student section cheers on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Braedyn Locke (18) looks to pass on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Vinny Anthony II (8) runs downfield on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers running back Tawee Walker (3) looks to the sideline after converting on a fourth down on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL Oregon Ducks tight end Terrance Ferguson (3) yells after getting a first down on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL Oregon Ducks running back Jordan James (20) trots in to the end zone for a touchdown on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL Oregon Ducks defensive end Matayo Uiagalelei (10) stands over Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver C.J. Williams (4) after making a tackle on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin defensive lineman Ben Barten makes a tackle on Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel on Saturday at Camp Randall. Wisconsin Badgers safety Hunter Wohler (24) and Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Christian Alliegro (28) tackle Oregon Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL Oregon Ducks defensive end Matayo Uiagalelei (10) comes down with an interception during Wisconsin Badgers’ last drive on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL The Oregon Ducks celebrate after an interception in the fourth quarter on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL Fans dressed as The Grinch wait for the game between Wisconsin and Minnesota on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Tackett Curtis (4) celebrates after a tackleon Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Braedyn Locke (18) looks to pass on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers tight end Riley Nowakowski (37) and Minnesota Golden Gophers linebacker Cody Lindenberg (45) watch as a pass falls incomplete on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Christian Alliegro (28) celebrates after making a stop in the backfield on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver Daniel Jackson (9) catches a ball over his shoulder on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell watches the big screen during a timeout on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Braedyn Locke (18) is sacked on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver Daniel Jackson (9) runs downfield on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Braedyn Locke (18) cocks his arm back to pass on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Minnesota Golden Gophers running back Darius Taylor (1) runs to the sideline on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin and Minnesota scuffle on the sideline on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers safety Hunter Wohler (24) and Minnesota Golden Gophers tight end Jameson Geers (86) battle for the ball in the air on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Vinny Anthony II (8) is pounced on by a Minnesota Golden Gophers defender on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver Elijah Spencer (11) comes down with a catch on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Max Brosmer (16) is stuffed at the goal line on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers running back Tawee Walker (3) runs along the line of scrimmage on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers running back Tawee Walker (3) is stopped at the line of scrimmage by Minnesota Golden Gophers defenders on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers running back Darrion Dupree (13) is sent backwards while running with the ball on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Minnesota Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Vinny Anthony II (8) sees the ball in to his arms before dropping a pass on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers running back Darrion Dupree (13) tries to slip a tackle on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Braedyn Locke (18) catches a wide snap with one hand on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Trech Kekahuna (2) takes a hit from Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Kerry Brown (14) on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers running back Tawee Walker (3) runs through a hole on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Minnesota Golden Gophers running back Darius Taylor (1) is mobbed by Wisconsin Badgers defenders on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Minnesota Golden Gophers linebacker Cody Lindenberg (45) celebrates after making a stop on fourth down on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL The Minnesota Golden Gophers celebrate after defeating the Wisconsin Badgers on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Minnesota Golden Gophers place kicker Dragan Kesich (99) chops down the goal post with the Paul Bunyan Axe on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL The Minnesota Golden Gophers celebrate with Paul Bunyan’s Axe on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Minnesota Golden Gophers tight end Jameson Geers (86) catches a touchdown pass on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Vinny Anthony II (8) looks to catch a pass for a touchdown on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Fans dance during a song on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers place kicker Nathanial Vakos (90) and Wisconsin Badgers punter Gavin Meyers (28) react after a missed field goal on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Braedyn Locke (18) throws a pass downfield on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers running back Darrion Dupree (13) tries to slip a tackle on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Minnesota Golden Gophers place kicker Dragan Kesich (99) chops down the goal post with the Paul Bunyan Axe on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Minnesota Golden Gophers linebacker Cody Lindenberg (45) celebrates after making a stop on fourth down on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Fans dance during a song on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL The Minnesota Golden Gophers celebrate with Paul Bunyan’s Axe on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers running back Tawee Walker (3) runs through a hole on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Vinny Anthony II (8) looks to catch a pass for a touchdown on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Braedyn Locke (18) throws a pass downfield on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Minnesota Golden Gophers tight end Jameson Geers (86) catches a touchdown pass on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers place kicker Nathanial Vakos (90) and Wisconsin Badgers punter Gavin Meyers (28) react after a missed field goal on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Minnesota Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Vinny Anthony II (8) sees the ball in to his arms before dropping a pass on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL The Minnesota Golden Gophers celebrate after defeating the Wisconsin Badgers on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Braedyn Locke (18) catches a wide snap with one hand on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Minnesota Golden Gophers running back Darius Taylor (1) is mobbed by Wisconsin Badgers defenders on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Trech Kekahuna (2) takes a hit from Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Kerry Brown (14) on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver Daniel Jackson (9) catches a ball over his shoulder on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Christian Alliegro (28) celebrates after making a stop in the backfield on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers running back Tawee Walker (3) runs along the line of scrimmage on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell watches the big screen during a timeout on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver Daniel Jackson (9) comes down with a touchdown catch on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Braedyn Locke (18) cocks his arm back to pass on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers tight end Riley Nowakowski (37) and Minnesota Golden Gophers linebacker Cody Lindenberg (45) watch as a pass falls incomplete on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers tight end Riley Nowakowski (37) and Minnesota Golden Gophers linebacker Joey Gerlach (19) watch as a ball batted in the air falls on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Fans dressed as The Grinch wait for the game between Wisconsin and Minnesota on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Max Brosmer (16) is stuffed at the goal line on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Minnesota Golden Gophers running back Darius Taylor (1) runs to the sideline on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Braedyn Locke (18) is sacked on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver Daniel Jackson (9) runs downfield on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers running back Tawee Walker (3) is stopped at the line of scrimmage by Minnesota Golden Gophers defenders on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver Elijah Spencer (11) comes down with a catch on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers safety Hunter Wohler (24) and Minnesota Golden Gophers tight end Jameson Geers (86) battle for the ball in the air on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Braedyn Locke (18) looks to pass on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Vinny Anthony II (8) is pounced on by a Minnesota Golden Gophers defender on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin and Minnesota scuffle on the sideline on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Tackett Curtis (4) celebrates after a tackle on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers running back Darrion Dupree (13) is sent backwards while running with the ball on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers running back Darrion Dupree (13) tries to slip a tackle on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Minnesota Golden Gophers place kicker Dragan Kesich (99) chops down the goal post with the Paul Bunyan Axe on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Minnesota Golden Gophers linebacker Cody Lindenberg (45) celebrates after making a stop on fourth down on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Fans dance during a song on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers running back Tawee Walker (3) runs through a hole on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Braedyn Locke (18) throws a pass downfield on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers place kicker Nathanial Vakos (90) and Wisconsin Badgers punter Gavin Meyers (28) react after a missed field goal on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Minnesota Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Vinny Anthony II (8) sees the ball in to his arms before dropping a pass on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Braedyn Locke (18) catches a wide snap with one hand on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Minnesota Golden Gophers running back Darius Taylor (1) is mobbed by Wisconsin Badgers defenders on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Trech Kekahuna (2) takes a hit from Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Kerry Brown (14) on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver Daniel Jackson (9) catches a ball over his shoulder on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Christian Alliegro (28) celebrates after making a stop in the backfield on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers running back Tawee Walker (3) runs along the line of scrimmage on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell watches the big screen during a timeout on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver Daniel Jackson (9) comes down with a touchdown catch on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers tight end Riley Nowakowski (37) and Minnesota Golden Gophers linebacker Cody Lindenberg (45) watch as a pass falls incomplete on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers tight end Riley Nowakowski (37) and Minnesota Golden Gophers linebacker Joey Gerlach (19) watch as a ball batted in the air falls on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Fans dressed as The Grinch wait for the game between Wisconsin and Minnesota on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Max Brosmer (16) is stuffed at the goal line on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Minnesota Golden Gophers running back Darius Taylor (1) runs to the sideline on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver Daniel Jackson (9) runs downfield on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers running back Tawee Walker (3) is stopped at the line of scrimmage by Minnesota Golden Gophers defenders on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver Elijah Spencer (11) comes down with a catch on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers safety Hunter Wohler (24) and Minnesota Golden Gophers tight end Jameson Geers (86) battle for the ball in the air on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Get local news delivered to your inbox!
FOOTBALLER Marcus Rashford is fighting fit — after taking up boxing and mixed martial arts. The Manchester United and England striker , 27, has been working out in a boxing gym. He has also had sessions with a trainer who specialises in Muay Thai, a form of martial arts favoured by cage fighters. Rashford was left out of the England squad for this month’s Nations League games. Instead, he went to New York and watched a UFC cage fight and basketball game. A source said: “Marcus has really started to get into fighting in recent years. “He’s always enjoyed watching boxing with his mates but he’s also developed an interest in MMA as the sport has become more popular. “The club know and have no problem with it. “They just think it’s great extra fitness training.” Rashford is hoping to win the favour of new head coach Ruben Amorim , who backed his recent trip to New York .
Darnold gives Vikings another gem with career-high 377 yards in 27-25 win over Packers MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Sam Darnold added another exploit to his career-altering season, passing for a personal-best 377 yards and three touchdowns as the Minnesota Vikings hung on to beat the Green Bay Packers 27-25 for their ninth consecutive victory. The Vikings are 14-2. They set up a final-week showdown in Detroit for both the division title and the No. 1 seed for the playoffs in the NFC. Jordan Love’s only touchdown pass for the Packers came with 2:18 left to pull the Packers within two points. Darnold responded with two completions for first downs to seal the game. 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. Moment of silence for former President Jimmy Carter held before the Falcons-Commanders game LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — A moment of silence was held for former President Jimmy Carter before the Atlanta Falcons' game at the Washington Commanders. The Georgia native served as the 39th president of the United States at the White House less than 10 miles away from 1977-81. Falcons owner Arthur Blank in a statement called Carter an inspirational global humanitarian. Carter died earlier Sunday at the age of 100 in Plains, Georgia. He also has a connection to the NFL as the first president to host the Super Bowl champions at the White House when he welcomed the Pittsburgh Steelers there in 1980. NFC's No. 1 seed comes down to Vikings-Lions showdown at Detroit in Week 18 The NFC’s No. 1 seed will come down to the final week when the Detroit Lions host the Minnesota Vikings. The winner takes the NFC North and gets a first-round playoff bye and home-field advantage until the Super Bowl. The loser gets the No. 5 seed and must play on the road in the wild-card round. The Vikings held on for a 27-25 victory over the Green Bay Packers to set up the high-stakes showdown in Week 18. The Lions visit the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night. Win, lose or tie, they have to beat the Vikings for a second time this season. 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. 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. 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.Gophers football adds Nebraska wideout Malachi Coleman via portal
Syria latest: Russian state news agencies report Assad has arrived in Moscow and been granted asylum
“Cassoulet, that best of bean feasts, is everyday fare for a peasant but ambrosia for a gastronome.” ~ Julia Child When winter heads our way, bringing chilly temperatures and close, dark nights, my thoughts turn to Cassoulet, the iconic comfort food from southwestern France. It has it all – juicy beans, duck leg confit, sausages and sometimes pork or lamb, slowly simmered in well-seasoned broth, then baked in a wide-mouthed, glazed terra-cotta dish called a cassole . Like any truly traditional dish, there are multiple versions, all claiming to be the “authentic one.” Cassoulet originated in southwestern France. Toulouse claims it — and so does Castelnaudary and Carcassonne — and the recipes vary. Toulouse adherents eschew adding cubed pork. Castelnaudary purists add a bit of lamb, while Carcassonne’s adds partridge. In most restaurants, cassoulets are served in an individual cassole , bubbling with hot juices,and with a bit of duck leg peeking through the top. But at Hostellerie Etienne , a vast indoor- outdoor restaurant on the edge of a forest near Castelnaudary, the cassoulets come to the table in family-size cassoles , big enough to serve two, four, six or even 10 people, so you can share the dish with your dining companions. I don’t know if Etienne’s even has a single-serving bowl size. I didn’t see one, when I was there as the guest of a bean trader from Castelnaudary. According to him, Etiennne’s has the best cassoulet anywhere, and they use the Lauragais lingot beans known as the Castelnaudary bean. Copious doesn’t begin to describe the cassoulet scene there, with stacks of cassoles lined up in Etienne’s kitchen, next to caldrons of simmering beans, ready to be filled and popped into the vast ovens. Here in the Bay Area, we have our own go-to restaurants for cassoulets. Some, like the Left Bank Brasseries in San Jose, Menlo Park, Oakland and Larkspur, and Reve Bistro in Lafayette, only serve it during the winter months as a special. (Reve will be serving cassoulet Dec. 10-14, for example, and Jan. 7-11; reserve it when you reserve your table.) Others, such as Bistro Jeanty in Yountville and Le Central in San Francisco, always have it on the menu. Both Reve Bistro and Bistro Jeanty use cassoles made by potter Kathy Kernes at her Crockett Pottery in Crockett, and they are every bit as beautiful and as practical as those you’ll find in southwestern France. Kernes’ makes cassoles in six sizes ($38-$210), ranging from individual to “extra large plus,” which is very large indeed. (Browse the possibilities at www.crockettpottery.com.) Reve Bistro offers take-out cassoulets if you pre-order the week the dish is on the menu. Pick it up — in a takeout container, not a cassole! — then heat it at home. Just note that chef-owner Paul Magu-Lecugy only makes a limited number of portions. “It’s time consuming,” he says, noting for him, it is a two-day process. Le Central’s cassoulet is one of the more elaborate around, with lamb, pork shoulder and boudin blanc, as well as the all-important duck leg confit and slightly garlicky Toulouse sausage. Left Bank uses chef-owner Roland Passot’s recipe (see below) and keeps it simple, limiting the meats to duck leg confit and Toulouse sausages. (Don’t panic. If you’re making this at home, some specialty markets sell duck confit.) The beans are key to cassoulet. Once cooked, they should not be mushy, but hold their shape after the long cooking. In France, tradition calls for either Tarbais beans, a plump, white bean, or lingot beans — a strain of cannellini beans — in making cassoulet. As Passot suggests in his recipe below, you can substitute cannellini beans or Great Northern beans. Rancho Gordo produces a variety called cassoulet , a West Coast-grown bean from the Tarbais strain. Cassoulet isn’t difficult to make. It just requires time and patience. You can make it a couple of days ahead, refrigerate it and then slowly reheat it. That way, there’s nothing to do on the day of but sip a glass of wine while the beans and meats slowly heat to bubbling. Add a green salad and some crusty bread, and you’ll have the perfect winter meal. Or put your coat on and head to one of our local restaurants, where the cooking is done for you. All you need is a reservation. Serves 6 to 8 Beans: 4 cups dried lingot beans (white kidney, cannellini or Great Northern, will all work) 1 small carrot, peeled and chopped 1 small onion, diced (about 3⁄4 cup) 1 clove garlic, chopped 1 pound slab bacon or extra thick-cut bacon, cut into 1-inch cubes 2 sprigs of thyme 1 bay leaf Cassoulet: 1⁄4 cup duck fat (lard will do in a pinch) 2 pounds pork butt cut in 2-inch cubes 1 cup onions, diced small 4 cloves garlic, chopped 1⁄4 cup tomato paste 1 small can diced tomatoes 11⁄2-2 cups reserved bean water 6 Toulouse sausages 1 small garlic sausage 4 confit duck legs, purchased or homemade (see note below) 1 cup panko bread crumbs 1 teaspoon garlic, chopped 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped 1⁄4 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil Note: If you are making your own duck confit, start the night before by rubbing the duck legs with a “green salt” mixture — kosher salt, parsley, a couple of bay leaves and thyme ground together. The next day, rinse the duck legs well, pat dry and place in an oven-safe cooking vessel with enough duck fat to cover the legs. Roast in a 225-degree oven for 21⁄2 to 3 hrs. The night before, place the beans in a deep pot and add enough water to cover by 2 inches. Let beans soak overnight. The next day, rinse the beans well. Add the rinsed beans, carrots, onions, garlic, bacon, thyme and bay leaf to cold water and cook, over low heat, until the beans are tender. Strain the beans, saving the water, and set aside the beans. In a large braising pan, melt the duck fat over medium high heat. Once the pan is hot, brown the pork butt pieces without stirring. When beginning to brown, start stirring, making sure you scrape the bottom if it starts to caramelize. The pork doesn’t need much color, but it does need to cook in the duck fat for a while. Add lots of salt and pepper. This is not a shy dish. When the pork is nice and brown on all sides, add the 1 cup onions and garlic, and sauté until the onions are soft and cooked through. Add the tomato paste, diced tomatoes and reserved liquid from the beans. Stir, using a rubber spatula to clean the side of the pot. Preheat your oven to 250 degrees. Bring the heat under the braising pan up to high. Once at a rolling boil, turn down to low heat and add all the sausages. When they are cooked through, remove and set aside. Slice the garlic sausage in half and cut into 1-inch pieces. Return the whole and sliced sausages back to the pot along with the cooked beans. Continue to cook on low heat until the pork is cooked through. Taste for seasoning; add more salt and pepper if needed. Transfer the beans and pork to a heavy, wide mouth, earthenware, clay or cast iron baking dish that can hold 5 to 6 quarts. Bake at 250 degrees for about 11⁄2 hours, checking at least every 30 minutes. It may require a bit more time. If the dish is starting to look too dry, add a small amount of reserved bean broth or chicken stock. Add warmed duck legs to the cassoulet and make a breadcrumb topping by combining the panko, garlic, parsley, thyme and extra virgin olive oil. Return the dish to the oven and continue baking until the crumbs brown on the top. — Courtesy Roland Passot, Propriétaire, Chef Culinary Officer, Vine HospitalityStock markets to end 2024 with positive returns despite roller coaster ride
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ATLANTA — Georgia Republicans can subpoena Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis about her romantic relationship with Nathan Wade, the outside attorney she hired to lead her 2020 election interference case against former and future President Donald Trump and his allies, a judge has ruled. The decision by Fulton County Superior Court Judge Shukura Ingram was published Monday. It is the latest blow to Willis in regard to her prosecution of Trump. On Nov. 19, the Georgia Court of Appeals disqualified Willis and her office from the case due to her relationship with Wade. Ingram rejected Willis’ arguments that GOP leaders of a state Senate committee didn’t have the authority to issue a pair of subpoenas in August seeking documents and her testimony. But the judge gave Willis until Jan. 13 to explain why the subpoenas shouldn’t be enforced. “(Willis) claims that the subpoenas are overbroad and seek privileged and/or confidential information,” the judge said in her order. “This may very well be true, but this court needs more details on the basis for these objections from (Willis) before ruling on (committee members’) application for enforcement.” Representatives for Willis did not immediately respond Friday to questions about the ruling. Sen. Greg Dolezal, one of the committee members, mentioned the ruling in a social media post Friday. “We’ll see you soon, Madam D.A.,” he wrote. Dolezal, R-Cumming, has unveiled plans to extend the life of the committee into 2025. He said Ingram’s ruling “follows the plain reading of the law as outlined in our committee.” “From open records laws to lawfully issued subpoenas, D.A. Willis seems to think she is above the law,” Dolezal said. “Once again, the courts ruled otherwise.” Ingram heard arguments from both sides during a Dec. 3 hearing in Atlanta. Willis claimed the subpoenas from the Senate’s Special Committee on Investigations were void because the committee and its members lacked legislative subpoena power, issued the subpoenas while the Senate was adjourned and violated part of the Georgia Constitution. Ingram disagreed. “It is undisputed that the General Assembly has the unenumerated and implied constitutional power to conduct investigations and the statutory authority to issue subpoenas for the purposes of such investigations,” she said. “Here, the Senate, as a chamber, empowered itself to issue subpoenas, which it was authorized to do.” The judge further said Willis failed to identify any authority to support her theory that the subpoenas could not be issued after the Legislature adjourned its regular session on March 28. Ingram also said the Georgia Constitution allows members of one branch of government to investigate members of another branch. The committee members offered to narrow the scope of the subpoenas, the judge noted. She gave them until Jan. 31 to respond to any objections Willis raises about enforcement of the subpoenas. Senators created the committee in January, just weeks after news surfaced that Willis had been in a romantic relationship with Wade. Members sought years worth of communications between Willis and Wade as well as information about his hiring and pay, the DA office’s federal grant funding and interactions with the White House, Justice Department and members of Congress regarding the elections case. They also sought to compel Willis’ attendance at a September hearing, which she declined to attend as she fought her summons in court.Jrue Holiday was the focus of a "bold" and "risky" strategy by the Grizzlies. It worked, but the Celtics now hope other opponents try it.
Following thefall of Assad's regime in Syria, efforts are underway to determinethe exact number and whereabouts of Azerbaijani citizens in thecountry, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan said in itsreport for 2024, reports. The Ministry noted that, in accordance with the "Rules forrepatriation, rehabilitation of Azerbaijani minor citizens livingin difficult conditions abroad," approved by the PresidentialDecree of the Republic of Azerbaijan on October 28, 2023,repatriation of Azerbaijani citizens continued throughout 2024. "From 2020 through 2024, the number of Azerbaijani citizensrepatriated from Syria reached 224, including 172 children and 52women. At the same time, after the fall of Assad's regime, effortsare being made to determine the exact number and location ofAzerbaijani citizens in Syria. Following the instructions of thePresident of the Republic of Azerbaijan, a total of 295 Azerbaijanicitizens were repatriated from the Republic of Iraq in recent years– 288 children and 7 women. Consular consultations were held throughout the year betweenAzerbaijan and Iraq, Hungary, Türkiye, Montenegro, Kazakhstan,Tajikistan, Luxembourg, Russia, Iran, Uzbekistan, Colombia, andGeorgia. Memoranda of Understanding were signed between the Ministry ofForeign Affairs of Azerbaijan and the foreign ministries ofHungary, Tajikistan, and Pakistan regarding cooperation in consularaffairs, along with bilateral agreements in this area with Albania,Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and Gambia," the ministry said.Some quotations from Jimmy Carter: We have a tendency to exalt ourselves and to dwell on the weaknesses and mistakes of others. I have come to realize that in every person there is something fine and pure and noble, along with a desire for self-fulfillment. Political and religious leaders must attempt to provide a society within which these human attributes can be nurtured and enhanced. — from 1975 book “Why Not the Best?” Our government can express the highest common ideals of human beings — if we demand of government true standards of excellence. At this Bicentennial time of introspection and concern, we must demand such standards. — “Why Not the Best?” I am a Southerner and an American, I am a farmer, an engineer, a father and husband, a Christian, a politician and former governor, a planner, a businessman, a nuclear physicist, a naval officer, a canoeist, and among other things a lover of Bob Dylan’s songs and Dylan Thomas’s poetry. — “Why Not the Best?” Christ said, “I tell you that anyone who looks on a woman with lust has in his heart already committed adultery.” I’ve looked on a lot of women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times. This is something that God recognizes I will do — and I have done it — and God forgives me for it. But that doesn’t mean that I condemn someone who not only looks on a woman with lust but who leaves his wife and shacks up with somebody out of wedlock. — Interview, November 1976 Playboy. This inauguration ceremony marks a new beginning, a new dedication within our Government, and a new spirit among us all. A President may sense and proclaim that new spirit, but only a people can provide it. — Inaugural address, January 1977. It’s clear that the true problems of our nation are much deeper — deeper than gasoline lines or energy shortages, deeper even than inflation and recession. ... All the legislation in the world can’t fix what’s wrong with America. ... It is a crisis of confidence. — So-called “malaise” speech, July 1979. But we know that democracy is always an unfinished creation. Each generation must renew its foundations. Each generation must rediscover the meaning of this hallowed vision in the light of its own modern challenges. For this generation, ours, life is nuclear survival; liberty is human rights; the pursuit of happiness is a planet whose resources are devoted to the physical and spiritual nourishment of its inhabitants. — Farewell Address, January 1981. We appreciate the past. We are grateful for the present and we’re looking forward to the future with great anticipation and commitment. — October 1986, at the dedication of the Carter Presidential Library and Museum. War may sometimes be a necessary evil. But no matter how necessary, it is always an evil, never a good. We will not learn to live together in peace by killing each other’s children. — December 2002, Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech. Fundamentalists have become increasingly influential in both religion and government, and have managed to change the nuances and subtleties of historic debate into black-and-white rigidities and the personal derogation of those who dare to disagree. ... The influence of these various trends poses a threat to many of our nation’s historic customs and moral commitments, both in government and in houses of worship. — From 2005 book “Our Endangered Values.” I think that this breakthrough by Barack Obama has been remarkable. When he made his speech (on race) a few months ago in Philadelphia, I wept. I sat in front of the television and cried, because I saw that as the most enlightening and transforming analysis of racism and a potential end of it that I ever saw in my life. — August 2008, commenting on then-Sen. Barack Obama’s candidacy. I think it’s based on racism. There is an inherent feeling among many in this country that an African-American should not be president. ... No matter who he is or how much we disagree with his policies, the president should be treated with respect. — September 2009, reacting to Rep. Joe Wilson’s shout of “You lie!” during a speech to Congress by President Barack Obama. I’m still determined to outlive the last guinea worm. — 2010, on The Carter Center’s work to eradicate guinea worm disease. You know how much I raised to run against Gerald Ford? Zero. You know how much I raised to run against Ronald Reagan? Zero. You know how much will be raised this year by all presidential, Senate and House campaigns? $6 billion. That’s 6,000 millions. — September 2012, reacting to the 2010 “Citizens United” U.S. Supreme Court decision permitting unlimited third-party political spending. I have become convinced that the most serious and unaddressed worldwide challenge is the deprivation and abuse of women and girls, largely caused by a false interpretation of carefully selected religious texts and a growing tolerance of violence and warfare, unfortunately following the example set during my lifetime by the United States. — From 2014 book “A Call to Action.” I don’t think there’s any doubt now that the NSA or other agencies monitor or record almost every telephone call made in the United States, including cellphones, and I presume email as well. We’ve gone a long way down the road of violating Americans’ basic civil rights, as far as privacy is concerned. — March 2014, commenting on U.S. intelligence monitoring after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks We accept self-congratulations about the wonderful 50th anniversary – which is wonderful – but we feel like Lyndon Johnson did it and we don’t have to do anything anymore. — April 2014, commenting on racial inequality during a celebration of the Civil Rights Act’s 40th anniversary. I had a very challenging question at Emory (University) the other night: “How would you describe the United States of America today in one word?” And I didn’t know what to say for a few moments, but I finally said, “Searching.” I think the country in which we live is still searching for what it ought to be, and what it can be, and I’m not sure we’re making much progress right at this moment. — October 2014 during a celebration of his 90th birthday. The life we have now is the best of all. We have an expanding and harmonious family, a rich life in our church and the Plains community, and a diversity of projects at The Carter Center that is adventurous and exciting. Rosalynn and I have visited more than 145 countries, and both of us are as active as we have ever been. We are blessed with good health and look to the future with eagerness and confidence, but are prepared for inevitable adversity when it comes. — From 2015 book, “A Full Life.”