TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are determined to not get ahead of themselves. Sunday’s began a six-game, regular season-ending stretch in which the Bucs (5-6) will face five opponents that currently have losing records. The victory coming out of the team’s bye week stopped a four-game skid and moved the three-time defending NFC South champions within one game of first-place Atlanta in the division. The Falcons swept the season series, so the Bucs essentially trail the Falcons by two games with six remaining. They’re in a good position to chase their fifth consecutive playoff berth, but can hardly assume they’ll benefit from having an easy remaining schedule. “We’re hoping it builds confidence. We have belief that we’re still sitting and controlling our own destiny,” quarterback Baker Mayfield said of beating the Giants. “But it’s not just going to happen,” Mayfield added. “So, we have to take it one week at a time. And you find the recipe for success within your work week. ... You try to emulate that week after week and continue to build it.” The Los Angeles Chargers, who entered Monday night’s game against Baltimore at 7-3, are the only opponent remaining on Tampa Bay’s schedule that currently has a winning record. The Bucs will face division rival Carolina (3-8) twice in the next six weeks. They’ll also host Las Vegas (2-9) and New Orleans (4-7) and play the Chargers and Dallas Cowboys (4-7) on the road. “We can’t get comfortable,” rookie running back Bucky Irving said. “We just got to keep our foot on the gas and keep running.” What’s working The offense continues to put up big numbers, finishing with 450 yards against the Giants. It’s the fifth time Tampa Bay has gained more than 400 yards this season. The Bucs have now scored 30-plus points six times, second in the NFL behind Buffalo’s eight. What needs help There wasn’t a lot to fault in the team’s performance against the Giants, although coach Todd Bowles said both the offense and defense could have been done a better job closing out the game late. “For the most part we executed on both sides of the football,” Bowles said. “Still like to have finished the game a little better, but they came back (from the bye week) mentally tougher, and they came ready to play.” Stock up Irving averaged more than 7 yards per carry in rushing for 87 yards on 12 attempts. He also had six receptions for 64 yards, finishing with a season-high 151 yards from scrimmage. Stock down Just when it looked as if the defense was beginning to trend the right way health-wise, the Bucs lost safety Jordan Whitehead (pectoral) and linebacker Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (ankle) to injuries on Sunday. Injuries Bowles said Monday he was still awaiting an update on the severity of Whitehead’s injury. Tryon-Shoyinka has an ankle sprain. LT Tristan Wirfs (knee) sat out against the Giants and his status will be evaluated as the week progresses. Key number 11. With wide receiver Mike Evans back on the field after missing three games with a hamstring injury, Mayfield completed passes to 11 different players, tying a team record. “He obviously changed the game, even when he’s not getting the ball,” Mayfield said. “It’s huge that we have him in.” Next up At Carolina, the second of three consecutive games vs. last-place teams the Bucs will face during their stretch run. They’ll also host the Panthers on Dec. 29. “It’s an NFC South battle, and all of them are going to be hard. None of them are going to be easy,” Bowles said. “I think (coach) Dave (Canales) has done an excellent job taking on that team and it’s taking over his personality right now,” Bowles added. “They’re playing pretty good football. ... It’s going to be a tough battle.” ___ AP NFL:
Odronextamab ASH Presentations Underscore Impressive Potential in Earlier Lines of Treatment and Additional Types of Lymphoma
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First dog-friendly cruise scheduled for 2025. Organizers hope it turns into a recurring event.Financial Institutions, Inc. Announces Launch of Common Stock OfferingCarl Banks rips Malik Nabers in hot-mic moment on Giants postgame show
Financial innovation is just as much to blame as the technological sort S INCE AMERICA elected Donald Trump as president on November 5th, the value of its listed firms has increased by $3.7trn, more than the entire worth of London’s stockmarket. The S & P 500 is up by nearly 30% this year. At 23 times its forward earnings, the index has rarely been so highly rated by investors. Nor, in recent years, have its constituents been able to borrow more cheaply. The cost for risky companies of raising funds is at its lowest relative to Treasury bonds since the spring of 2007. Everywhere you look, there are signs of exuberance. This month the price of bitcoin reached $100,000. And all this is happening despite positive real interest rates. Explore more Discover more NASA is an obvious target for Elon Musk’s axe Its Moon programme is a mess. But DOGE is likely to struggle to cut it to size America’s gambling boom should be celebrated, not feared The gambling frenzy is mostly about people being free to enjoy themselves France steps into deep trouble It has no government and no budget, and is politically gridlocked Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea should resign, or be impeached His coup attempt was foiled. But grave tests still remain for the country Joe Biden abused a medieval power to pardon his son The president’s reversal is understandable, humane and wrong Lessons from the failure of Northvolt Governments blew billions on a battery champion. Time to welcome foreign investors instead
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MoFA spokesperson expresses Qatar's welcome of positive steps by Syrian opposition
BEAVERTON, Ore., Nov. 25, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Advantage Media Partners, a top digital marketing agency in Beaverton, Oregon, announces the addition of 15 new team members to strengthen its services, with a primary focus on search engine optimization (SEO). This strategic expansion reflects the company's commitment to helping businesses improve their online visibility, drive organic traffic, and achieve higher rankings on search engines. The new hires will enhance SEO capabilities and support key departments, including Google Advertising, Web Development, and Sales. This growth positions Advantage Media Partners to meet the rising demand for robust digital marketing solutions. "SEO is essential for businesses to stand out in today's competitive online environment,” said Nathan Baker, VP of Advantage Media Partners. "Our expanded team enables us to deliver even better results for our clients.” Why SEO Matters Advantage Media Partners specializes in delivering SEO strategies that drive measurable results, from increased website traffic to improved search rankings. The agency focuses on in-depth keyword research, on-page optimization, link building, and analytics to provide a comprehensive SEO experience. Local businesses also benefit from the agency's expertise in Local SEO, designed to dominate local search results in Beaverton and beyond. These services are tailored to small and medium-sized businesses looking to grow their digital presence effectively. About Advantage Media Partners Located at 8700 SW Creekside Pl, Beaverton, OR, Advantage Media Partners is a trusted digital marketing agency offering SEO, web design, and social media marketing. Known for its client-focused approach, the company consistently delivers customized strategies that align with business goals. Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Contact: (888) 475-7532 Website: www.AdvantageMediaPartners.com SEO-Related FAQ 1. Why is SEO important? SEO improves visibility, drives organic traffic, and builds credibility for businesses. 2. Who benefits from your SEO services? Businesses of all sizes, including local service providers and national brands. 3. How can I schedule an SEO consultation? Call (888) 475-7532 or visit our website to book a free consultation. Keywords: SEO services, local SEO experts, boost website traffic, search engine optimization Beaverton. For media inquiries, contact: Eric Wade Advantage Media Partners Email: [email protected] Phone: (888) 475-7532
Lara Trump: My Last Name Is Not the Reason Why I’d Get Senate Job
Bill Brennan and Adam Kinzinger join The LeadArticle content Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland’s recent testimony before the Senate to support the government’s proposed temporary two-month GST holiday has faced significant backlash. Recommended Videos Senators criticized the measure as a flawed piece of fiscal policy driven more by political survival than sound economics. The proposal is particularly troubling because it could lead to unintended consequences, including opportunity pricing by grocers that may impact even non-taxable food items. The concern lies in how grocers might exploit this temporary tax break. By subtly raising prices on non-taxed goods, retailers could create additional inflationary pressures at the grocery store — a scenario that would further strain Canadian households already grappling with rising costs. Temporary measures like this GST holiday can also disrupt pricing strategies, encouraging grocers to adjust overall margins to compensate for the two-month tax break, leading to higher prices on non-taxable food even after the holiday ends. Essentially, consumers could end up paying more in the long term for food that is currently not subject to GST. Canadians need to know this. The Senate, often referred to as the “chamber of sober second thought,” has played an important role in scrutinizing this legislation to ensure it truly benefits Canadians. Observers have noted that with a fractured government prioritizing political survival, many recent proposals emerging from the House of Commons seem rushed and poorly conceived. The GST holiday debate has also reignited broader discussions about the ethics and practicality of taxing food. The NDP has announced plans to introduce a motion to permanently eliminate the GST on grocery store food. This measure deserves serious consideration, as Canadians currently pay between $1 billion and $1.5 billion annually in GST on groceries—a figure that continues to grow each year. Recommended video Part of the issue lies with “shrinkflation,” which has led to a growing number of food items becoming taxable. For example, a box of six granola bars is not taxed, but a box of five is. Similarly, a container of ice cream over 500 ml is non-taxable, while a smaller one is taxed. Food economists estimate that 25 to 100 items each year cross into taxable territory due to such arbitrary thresholds. This fiscal inconsistency disproportionately affects consumers and adds to the inefficiencies of Canada’s tax regime. Some proponents of food taxation argue that taxing less nutritious items, such as sugary snacks or beverages, can discourage unhealthy consumption. However, studies highlight that empirical evidence does not support this claim. In Canada, no studies have conclusively shown that food taxes result in meaningful reductions in sales or significant changes in consumption habits. The soda tax implemented in Newfoundland and Labrador in 2022 provides a clear example. While the tax generated $6.1 million in its first year, revenue nearly doubled to $12 million in the following fiscal year—indicating that soda consumption increased. Economists attribute this outcome to the supply chain’s ability to absorb the tax and maintain consistent retail prices, effectively neutralizing any deterrent effect. This policy, instead of promoting healthier choices, became a straightforward revenue-generating mechanism. Taxing food is both ineffective and regressive. It disproportionately penalizes lower-income households, who often rely on lower-cost, less nutritious options out of necessity or limited awareness. Education and consumer awareness, they argue, are far more effective tools for encouraging healthier eating habits. The GST holiday debate has exposed how Canadians have become increasingly conditioned to view taxes as a tool for influencing behaviour, despite little evidence to support this belief. A permanent removal of the GST on grocery store food would represent a meaningful step toward addressing food affordability while respecting consumer choice. Rather than relying on punitive taxes, the focus should shift to education, access to affordable nutritious foods, and policies that support healthier lifestyles without imposing additional financial burdens on consumers. — Dr. Sylvain Charlebois is the director of the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University and co-host of The Food Professor Podcast.Memphis beats No. 2 UConn 99-97 in overtime to tip off Maui Invitational
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If they aren’t the respective biggest and smallest offensive skill-position players in the NFL, each is close to it. The long and the short of it is Darnell Washington and Calvin Austin III are evolving into significant pieces of the Pittsburgh Steelers offense. After relatively little usage in the passing game in 2023 while each was playing in the NFL for the first time, Washington and Austin are increasingly favored targets — particularly since Russell Wilson took over as quarterback six weeks ago. Over the past five games, the diminutive but speedy Austin and the towering, imposing Washington have combined for 21 catches on 34 targets, 314 receiving yards and three total touchdowns. While those statistics aren’t necessarily eye-popping, they do correlate with the Nos. 3-4 receiving options for a team that has known quantities in WR1 George Pickens and a bona fide No. 1 tight end in Pat Freiermuth but has been struggling to find other weapons. Washington and Austin were just behind Pickens and Freiermuth (four receptions each) with three receptions apiece during the Steelers’ most recent outing, a 24-19 defeat at the Cleveland Browns. Austin led the team in receiving yards (78), including a 46-yard third-down play and a 23-yard touchdown catch that gave the Steelers a fourth-quarter lead. “He just did a great job of getting open,” Wilson said of the 46-yard catch after the game. “He did a great job of just really making a play. Then I think the one for the touchdown, I knew how to get the ball off. They were about to hit me, and I just had to let it go down the middle to Calvin. He did a great job and just threw it and anticipated where he was going to be. He made a heck of a catch, heck of a route, and that was awesome.” Over the past five games — the Steelers won four — Austin leads the team in touchdowns with three. Though that includes a 73-yard punt-return TD against the New York Giants, Austin’s two receiving touchdowns are tied with Pickens for the most over that stretch. For the season — including a 55-yard touchdown from Justin Fields in Week 4 — Austin’s three receiving touchdowns are tied with Freiermuth for most on the team. “Coach (Mike) Tomlin always talks about guys who can create space in a non-vertical area,” wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni said recently. “Who is that player on every team? And (Austin) is our guy that way. He does a great job of that. That’s his gift, that’s what he was blessed with, that twitch and that awareness on how to work individuals.” Generously listed at 5-foot-9, 162 pounds, Austin requires gifts such as quickness and special awareness. But if Austin creates space (as Azzanni calls it) “non-vertically,” Washington has a rare ability to create space vertically — as in, literally so. His official listing of 6-7, 264 pounds probably doesn’t do him justice. Steelers tight ends coach Alfredo Roberts recently was speaking about Washington when he said, “You don’t expect a guy who is 6-7 and 300-plus — uh oh ... I said that out loud?” No joke — it would almost take two Austins to make for the mass of one Washington. “He’s a big man, and yet he’s shown (receiving ability) in practice, he’s shown it in training camp that he can be consistent in the passing game,” Roberts said. “So it makes it easy for the play-caller to get it off the call sheet. He’s done it early in games, and he’s rewarded us with some big plays.” Nicknamed “Mount,” Washington had his first career touchdown earlier this season in Denver, and he’s recorded a pair of receptions of at least 25 yards while making 11 catches in five games with Wilson throwing. Consider that Washington had only seven receptions last year as a rookie. Austin, in his first pro season on the field (2022 was spent on injured reserve), had only 12 catches. He and Washington each already have blown past career highs in catches and yards. Each a mid-round draft pick, Austin and Washington entered the league with unique skill sets (speed and size, respectively), but observers wondered if Austin was too small and Washington, well, too big to be viable receiving threats. The contrast between them couldn’t be greater — and perhaps that’s part of what Wilson and coordinator Arthur Smith are leveraging in deploying Washington and Austin more often. “It builds my confidence getting the ball in my hands and getting more comfortable with it,” Washington said. “Because at this level I didn’t really have that many opportunities, so I feel like each catch it keeps building my confidence as a person with the ball in my hands and run after.”Terre Haute's Tommy John misses Hall of Fame induction once againA man rides his motorcycle past a burning government armored vehicle south of Hama, Syria, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. Ghaith Alsayed | AP DAMASCUS — The Syrian government collapsed early Sunday, falling to a lightning rebel offensive that seized control of the capital of Damascus and sent crowds into the streets to celebrate the end of the Assad family’s 50 years of iron rule. Syrian state television aired a video statement by a group of men saying that President Bashar Assad had been overthrown and all detainees in jails had been set free. The man who read the statement said the opposition group known as the Operations Room to Conquer Damascus called on all opposition fighters and citizens to preserve state institutions of “the free Syrian state.” The statement emerged hours after the head of a Syrian opposition war monitor said Assad had left the country for an undisclosed location, fleeing ahead of insurgents who said they had entered Damascus following a remarkably swift advance across the country. Many of the capital’s residents were in disbelief at the speed at which Assad lost his hold on the country after nearly 14 years of civil war. As daylight broke over Damascus, crowds gathered to pray in the city’s mosques and to celebrate in the squares, chanting “God is great.” People also chanted anti-Assad slogans and honked car horns. In the streets, teen boys picked up weapons that had apparently been discarded by security forces and fired them in the air. Soldiers and police officers left their posts and fled, and looters broke into the headquarters of the Ministry of Defense. Videos from Damascus showed families wandering into the presidential palace, with some emerging carrying stacks of plates and other household items. “I did not sleep last night, and I did not accept to sleep until I heard the news of his fall,” said Mohammed Amer Al-Oulabi, 44, who works in the electricity sector. “From Idlib to Damascus, it only took them (the opposition forces) a few days, thank God. May God bless them, the heroic lions who made us proud.” Meanwhile, organizations that had previously been close to Assad’s government attempted to distance themselves from it. Syria’s al-Watan newspaper, which was historically pro-government, wrote: “We are facing a new page for Syria. We thank God for not shedding more blood. We believe and trust that Syria will be for all Syrians.” The newspaper added that media workers should not be blamed for publishing government statements in the past. “We only carried out the instructions and published the news they sent us,” it said. “It quickly became clear now that it was false.” A statement from the Alawite sect — to which Assad belongs and which has formed the core of his base — called on young Syrians to be “calm, rational and prudent and not to be dragged into what tears apart the unity of our country.” “We were and still are advocates of peace and advocates of unity,” it said. The statement called for “the language of reason and dialogue to prevail over all parties in the service of Syria and its great people.” Syrian Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi Jalali said in a video statement that the government was ready to “extend its hand” to the opposition and turn its functions over to a transitional government. He later told Saudi television network Al-Arabiyya that he does not know where Assad and the defense minister are. He said he lost communication with Assad late Saturday. Rami Abdurrahman of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights told The Associated Press that Assad took a flight Sunday from Damascus. State television in Iran, Assad’s main backer in the years of war in Syria, reported that Assad had left the capital. It cited Qatar’s Al Jazeera news network for the information and did not elaborate. Opposition forces had not reached Damascus since 2018, when Syrian troops recaptured areas on the outskirts of the capital following a yearslong siege. The night before, opposition forces took the central city of Homs, Syria’s third largest, as government forces abandoned it. The city stands at an important intersection between Damascus, the capital, and Syria’s coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus — the Syrian leader’s base of support and home to a Russian strategic naval base. The rebels had already seized the cities of Aleppo and Hama, as well as large parts of the south, in a fast-moving offensive that began Nov. 27. The advances in the past week were by far the largest in recent years by opposition factions, led by a group that has its origins in al-Qaida and is considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the United Nations. In their push to overthrow Assad’s government, the insurgents, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, or HTS, have met little resistance from the Syrian army. HTS controls much of northwest Syria and in 2017 set up a “salvation government” to run day-to-day affairs in the region. In recent years, HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani has sought to remake the group’s image, cutting ties with al-Qaida, ditching hard-line officials and vowing to embrace pluralism and religious tolerance. “Golani has made history and sparked hope among millions of Syrians,” said Dareen Khalifa, a senior adviser with the International Crisis Group and an expert on Syrian groups. “But he and the rebels now face a formidable challenge ahead. One can only hope they rise to the occasion.” The U.N.’s special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, called Saturday for urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an “orderly political transition.” Speaking to reporters at the annual Doha Forum in Qatar, he said the situation in Syria was changing by the minute. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, whose country is Assad’s chief international backer, said he feels “sorry for the Syrian people.” The Israeli military said Sunday it has deployed forces in a demilitarized buffer zone along its northern frontier with Syria following the rebel offensive there. The military, which said it also sent troops to “other places necessary for its defense,” said the deployment was meant to provide security for residents of the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights.