COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Will Howard passed for two touchdowns and rushed for another, TreVeyon Henderson ran for a score and No. 2 Ohio State beat previously undefeated No. 5 Indiana 38-15 on Saturday. All Ohio State (10-1, 7-1 Big Ten, CFP No. 2) has to do now is beat Michigan at home next Saturday and it will earn a return to the Big Ten championship game for the first time since 2020 and get a rematch with No. 1 Oregon. The Ducks beat Ohio State 32-31 in a wild one back on Oct. 12. The Hoosiers (10-1, 7-1, No. 5 CFP) had their best chance to beat the Buckeyes for the first time since 1988 but were hurt by special teams mistakes and disrupted by an Ohio State defence that sacked Canadian quarterback Kurtis Rourke five times. “In life, all good things come to an end,” Indiana coach Curt Cignetti said. Late in the first half, Indiana punter James Evans fumbled a snap and was buried at his own 7-yardline with the Buckeyes taking over. That turned quickly into a 4-yard TD run by Henderson that gave the Buckeyes a 14-7 lead. Early in the second half, Caleb Downs fielded an Evans punt at the Ohio State 21, raced down the right sideline, cut to the middle and outran the coverage for a TD that put the Buckeyes up 21-7. It was the first time a Buckeye returned a punt for a touchdown since 2014. Howard finished 22 for 26 for 201 yards. Emeka Egbuka had seven catches for 80 yards and a TD. “Our guys just played with a chip today, and that’s the way you got to play the game of football,” Ohio State coach Ryan Day said. Indiana scored on its first possession of the game and its last, both short runs by Ty Son Lawson, who paced the Hoosiers with 79 rushing yards. Rourke, a 24-year-old from Oakville, Ont., is the brother of BC Lions QB Nathan Rourke. He was 8 for 18 for 68 yards. “We had communication errors, pass (protection), every time we dropped back to pass, something bad happened," Cignetti said. Indiana's 151 total yards was its lowest of the season. And it was the most points surrendered by the Hoosier's defence. The takeaway Indiana: Its special season was blemished by the Buckeyes, who beat the Hoosiers for the 30th straight time. Indiana was eyeing its first conference crown since sharing one with two other teams in 1967. That won't happen now. “Ohio State deserved to win,” Cignetti said. “They had those (third quarter scores), and we just couldn’t respond.” Ohio State: Didn't waste the opportunities presented by the Hoosiers when they got sloppy. The Buckeyes led 14-7 at the break and took control in the second half. An offensive line patched together because of multiple injuries performed surprisingly well. “We know what was at stake," Day said. “We don't win this game, and we have no chance to go to Indianapolis and play in the Big Ten championship. And that's real. We've had that approach for the last few weeks now, more than that.” Poll implications Some voters were obviously unsure of Indiana because it hadn't played a nationally ranked team before Ohio State. After this one, the Hoosiers will drop. All about Will Howard made history by completing 80% of his passes for the sixth time this season. No other Ohio State quarterback has done that. He completed his first 14 passes in a row and finished with a 85% completion rate. “I think Buckeye nation is now seeing, after 11 games, that this guy is a winner, he's tough, he cares about his teammates, he's a leader,” Day said. Up next Indiana hosts Purdue in the regular-season finale next Saturday. Ohio State hosts rival Michigan on Saturday. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football Mitch Stacy, The Associated Press
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu underwent successful surgery Sunday to have his prostate removed, hospital officials said, a procedure that came as he manages multiple crises including the war in Gaza and his trial for alleged corruption . Netanyahu, who has had a series of health issues in recent years, has gone to great lengths to bolster a public image of himself as a healthy, energetic leader. During his trial this month, he boasted about working 18-hour days, accompanied by a cigar. But as Israel's longest-serving leader, such a grueling workload over a total of 17 years in power could take a toll on his well-being. Netanyahu, 75, is among older world leaders including U.S. President Joe Biden, 82 , President-elect Donald Trump, 78 , Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva , 79, and Pope Francis , 88, who have come under scrutiny for their age and health issues. Netanyahu's latest condition is common in older men, but the procedure has had some fallout. The judges overseeing his trial accepted a request from his lawyer on Sunday to call off three days of testimony scheduled this week. The lawyer, Amit Hadad, had argued that Netanyahu would be fully sedated for the procedure and hospitalized for “a number of days.” Jerusalem's Hadassah Medical Center announced late Sunday that the procedure had been “completed successfully.” Justice Minister Yariv Levin, a close ally, served as acting prime minister during the operation. Netanyahu is expected to remain hospitalized for several days. With so much at stake, Netanyahu’s health in wartime is a concern for both Israelis and the wider world. As Israel’s leader, Netanyahu is at the center of major global events that are shifting the Middle East . With the dizzying pace of the past 14 months, being incapacitated for even a few hours can be risky. Netanyahu will be in the hospital at a time when international mediators are pushing Israel and Hamas to reach a ceasefire in Gaza and as fighting between Israel and Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels intensifies . Prostate issues are common and in many cases easily treatable. Still, the procedure puts a dent in Netanyahu’s image of vigor at a time when he would want to project strength more than ever, both to an Israeli audience navigating constant threats as well as to Israel’s enemies looking to expose its weaknesses. Netanyahu insists he is in excellent health. His office releases footage of him touring war zones in full protective gear flanked by military officers, or meeting with defense officials on windswept hilltops in youthful dark shades and puffer jackets. But that image was shattered last year when Netanyahu’s doctors revealed that he had a heart condition , a problem that he had apparently long known about but concealed from the public. A week after a fainting spell, Netanyahu was fitted with a pacemaker to control his heartbeat. Only then did staff at the Sheba Medical Center reveal that Netanyahu has for years experienced a condition that can cause irregular heartbeats. The revelation came as Netanyahu was dealing with massive anti-government protests. The news about a chronic heart problem stoked further anger and distrust during extreme political polarization in Israel. Last year, Netanyahu was rushed to the hospital for what doctors said likely was dehydration . He stayed overnight, prompting his weekly Cabinet meeting to be delayed. Earlier this year, Netanyahu underwent hernia surgery , during which he was under full anesthesia and unconscious. Levin served as acting prime minister during the operation. According to Netanyahu’s office, the Israeli leader was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection on Wednesday stemming from a benign enlargement of his prostate. The infection was treated successfully with antibiotics, but doctors said the surgery was needed in any case. Complications from prostate enlargement are common in men in their 70s and 80s, Dr. Shay Golan, head of the oncology urology service at Israel’s Rabin Medical Center, told Israeli Army Radio. Golan spoke in general terms and was not involved in Netanyahu’s care or treatment. He said an enlarged prostate can block proper emptying of the bladder, leading to a build-up of urine that can lead to an infection or other complications. After medicinal treatment, doctors can recommend a procedure to remove the prostate to prevent future blockages, Golan said. In Netanyahu’s case, because the prostate is not cancerous, Golan said doctors were likely performing an endoscopic surgery, carried out by inserting small instruments into a body cavity, rather than making surgical cuts in the abdomen to reach the prostate. The procedure lasts about an hour, Golan said, and recovery is quick. He said that aside from catheter use for one to three days after the procedure, patients can return to normal activity without significant limitations. AP correspondent Isaac Scharf contributed reporting.
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Thames Water says it will run out of cash in March as it scrambles to avoid a taxpayer bailout By JESSICA CLARK Updated: 17:03 EST, 10 December 2024 e-mail 1 View comments Thames Water has revealed it only has enough cash to survive until March. Britain’s biggest water supplier is scrambling to avoid a taxpayer bailout amid mounting losses and debts. The group is gearing up for a crunch week in its desperate bid to secure a £3billion rescue package from its creditors. And regulator Ofwat will also rule next week on whether the debt-laden firm can hike customer bills by 59 per cent over the next five years. Boss Chris Weston yesterday said Ofwat’s decision, due to be published on Thursday next week, was ‘fundamental’ to the struggling firm’s future as it seeks a new owner. He dismissed calls for an immediate break-up of the company, saying he was confident that Thames Water would receive a £3billion loan from its creditors. Deep water: Thames water is gearing up for a crunch week in its desperate bid to secure a £3bn rescue package from its creditors The loan – agreed by more than three quarters of its top-ranking creditors – is subject to its first court hearing on Tuesday next week, with a second date scheduled for January. Not all lenders have agreed to the rescue package, with some junior creditors refusing to back the plan. Without the funding, which will be paid in instalments, Thames Water only has enough money to survive until March. That has reignited concerns that the supplier may need to be rescued by the Government in a process known as a special administration. The loan, which will charge an interest rate of 9.75 per cent – far above market rates – would allow the company to continue operating until May 2026, by which time it expects to have completed its search for a new owner. RELATED ARTICLES Previous 1 Next Trump unleashes animal spirits to turbocharge US: But UK... Pound surges to highest level against the euro for more than... Share this article Share HOW THIS IS MONEY CAN HELP How to choose the best (and cheapest) stocks and shares Isa and the right DIY investing account Weston said he was ‘very comfortable’ with the level of interest shown by potential equity bidders. A £5billion proposal put forward by Covalis and French utility group Suez would see the embattled utility broken up, with the rump listed on London’s stock market. It could see the company hive off entire regions such as the Thames Valley. Meanwhile, a separate bid from Castle Water, a firm co-owned by Conservative party treasurer Graham Edwards, would pump around £4billion into Thames Water in return for a majority stake, with a plan for a listing within three years. Other potential bidders for the debt-laden utility business include Hong Kong-based firm CK Infrastructure Holdings, which owns Northumbrian Water. The chief executive declined to say if the company had received any additional offers. ‘They are credible parties and we will continue to work with them,’ Weston said. But Sharon Graham, general secretary of union Unite, said ‘corporate vultures’ are ‘looking to asset strip’. Final offers will be submitted in January after Ofwat’s ruling on bill increases. If Thames Water disagrees with Ofwat’s findings, it has two months to launch an appeal with the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). The watchdog would then have between six and 12 months to issue a decision. Net debt hit £15.8billion during the six months to the end of September, up from £14.7billion a year earlier, according to Thames Water’s latest accounts. The company recorded a £189.7million loss, compared to a profit of £172.3million in 2023. Thames Water blamed the swing into the red on £426.7million of one-off ‘exceptional items’, including around £51million handed over to advisors as it sought to secure an emergency funding package. Weston, who joined the company in January, said: ‘In the last six months we’ve made solid progress on the transformation and turnaround of Thames Water. ‘We’ve reached key milestones in establishing a more stable financial platform, agreeing a liquidity extension transaction proposal and progressing our equity raise process. ‘The next critical step is receiving an investable final determination, which is fundamental to our future.’ DIY INVESTING PLATFORMS AJ Bell AJ Bell Easy investing and ready-made portfolios Learn More Learn More Hargreaves Lansdown Hargreaves Lansdown Free fund dealing and investment ideas Learn More Learn More interactive investor interactive investor Flat-fee investing from £4.99 per month Learn More Learn More Saxo Saxo Get £200 back in trading fees Learn More Learn More Trading 212 Trading 212 Free dealing and no account fee Learn More Learn More Affiliate links: If you take out a product This is Money may earn a commission. These deals are chosen by our editorial team, as we think they are worth highlighting. This does not affect our editorial independence. Compare the best investing account for you Share or comment on this article: Thames Water says it will run out of cash in March as it scrambles to avoid a taxpayer bailout e-mail Add comment Some links in this article may be affiliate links. If you click on them we may earn a small commission. That helps us fund This Is Money, and keep it free to use. We do not write articles to promote products. We do not allow any commercial relationship to affect our editorial independence. More top storiesUnconvincing Canada tops Germany 3-0 at world juniors
AP 12:16 JST, December 30, 2024 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. “They told me I’m old as hell,” James quipped. By NBA standards, they’re not wrong. He was dubbed “The Kid from Akron” when the Ohio native entered the league with a limitless future nearly 22 years ago. He’s now the 40-year-old from Los Angeles with wisps of gray in his beard. His milestone birthday comes Monday, one that will make him the first player in NBA history to play in his teens, 20s, 30s and 40s. Such a feat has happened a couple of dozen times in baseball before. It has happened in hockey — Gordie Howe was a five-decade player, appearing in the NHL from his teens to his 50s — but never in the NFL or the NBA. Until now. James is making more basketball history and creating a club all of his own. “In some ways he’s a freak of nature,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said. “I’ve been around a lot of great players and he’s one of the hardest-working players I’ve been around. I mean, he doesn’t take a day off. He seems to not take an afternoon off. He’s always working on some part of his body. You meet with him and he’s always soaking something or eating something with some contraption attached to him.” A 40th birthday, in NBA terms, means the on-court end is near. James will become the 30th player to appear in a regular-season game with a “4” as the first digit of his age; only nine logged more than 51 games after that birthday. He’ll be the 32nd player to play after turning 40 overall; Tim Duncan and Danny Schayes both turned 40 during playoff runs in what became their final seasons. And for the most part, big numbers are largely nonexistent at that age. Only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (who did it three times), John Stockton (twice), Michael Jordan, Robert Parish and Karl Malone have averaged more than 10 points in a season after turning 40. Jordan averaged 22.4 points in 30 games after turning 40 in his final season with Washington; Malone is the most recent to do it, averaging 13.2 points in 42 games after turning 40 while with the Lakers in 2003-04. James, meanwhile, is still putting up All-Star level numbers: 23.5 points, 9 assists and 7.5 rebounds per game. Forget how doing that at 40 is unheard of. Doing that at 30 is practically unheard of. The only players to have those numbers in all three categories in a season after turning 30 are James (who did it at 33 and 35) and James Harden (who did it at 31). “The size, the strength and the IQ ... with his frame and the way he takes care of himself, he doesn’t have to be the best athlete on the planet. At one time he was,” Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. “We’re not talking about the best athlete in the association. He was the best athlete on the planet arguably, just size, strength, agility, explosiveness combined. But at this size and if he just wants to slow the game down and just play off his brain and IQ, he could do that for another decade. I doubt he’ll find interest in that. But he could.” Nobody knows when James will stop playing. And it surely isn’t going to get any easier: James wanted to play all 82 games this season and couldn’t, was widely criticized when the Lakers went through a slump earlier this season and took tons of backlash when his team drafted his son Bronny in the second round last summer in what many thought was simple nepotism. He has always been a lightning rod. If his play declines at 40, his naysayers will be lined up to revel in that. “It’s a lot harder, physically and emotionally, to face what those guys face night after night after night,” Golden State coach Steve Kerr said of top NBA stars getting up in years, like James and the Warriors’ Stephen Curry — who’ll turn 37 in March. “There’s a reason players have to retire. You know, they can’t do it forever.” James won’t either. But even while playing alongside elite 30-year-olds like Giannis Antetokounmpo, James — who reportedly spends more than $1.5 million annually on his fitness and has an on-site mechanic of sorts at all times for anything his body needs in personal athletic training guru in Mike Mancias — has shown how to play long past what used to be considered an NBA player’s peak years. “What he’s done is incredible, never been done, especially at the level he’s playing,” Antetokounmpo said. “For me, I always look at the other players that kind of set the blueprint for us, and this is something that’s never been done before. I definitely want to play late into my career, like 37, 38, 39, as much as my body can allow me to play. But I have to do a good job of taking care of my body, which I believe I do, but he kind of set the path for us, set the blueprint for us. We’ve just got to follow.” The accolades are countless: James is the NBA’s all-time scoring leader, has a place in the GOAT conversation, most minutes played, four NBA championships, three Olympic gold medals, 20 and likely soon to be 21 All-Star selections, oldest to do this, oldest to do that, generational wealth with a net worth exceeding $1 billion, and on and on and on. It begs the question: What does one get a 40-year-old who has everything? “I don’t even know,” lamented Bronny James — another example of how James is one of one, becoming the first dad in NBA history to have his son as a teammate. James has hinted that the end is near. “Don’t make me feel old right now,” he said, only half-kiddingly, when asked earlier this month about the looming 40th birthday. He is under contract for next season but hasn’t offered any guarantees about how long he will play, saying he isn’t “going to play that much longer, to be completely honest” and insisting that he won’t be “playing till the wheels fall off” because he doesn’t want to disrespect the game. No player scored more points in his teens than James did. Same goes for his 20s. Only Malone and Abdul-Jabbar scored more points in their 30s than James. And now, here comes his 40s, with James still going strong. It’s the final decade of a basketball career like none other. “Fans pay attention every time he steps on the court because they’re watching one of the greatest ever and still playing an incredibly high level, despite turning 40 this month,” Silver said. “I marvel at him.”
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ARIES Today, focus on studies, career, and entertainment. There might be some expenditure on house, vehicle, education, medical bills, or children. Finance: Expect expenses for entertainment, health, property, or premiums. Career: Success is likely in fields such as education, politics, medical, and public services. Domestic & Love Life: Disputes or ill health involving family members, particularly your mother or children, may arise. Health: Potential issues include back pain, eye problems, throat, cough, or skin ailments. Lucky Number: 6 / 9 Lucky Colour: Pink / Red TAURUS Today, enjoy travel, communication, and entertainment with possible family involvement. Finance: Expect expenditures for property, travel, children, or communication. Career: Beneficial for those in tourism, journalism, entertainment, or politics. Domestic & Love Life: You’ll try to balance family time, possibly with a picnic or a family party. Health: Some may experience back pain, ear issues, throat problems, or cough. Lucky Number: 6 / 8 Lucky Colour: Pink / Blue GEMINI Today is ideal for communication, household activities, and travel. Finance: Expenses related to health, travel, or education are expected. Career: Doctors, politicians, and professionals in communication, publication, or hotels may see success. Domestic & Love Life: Be mindful of disputes or health issues involving family members. Health: Possible health concerns include throat problems, toothaches, or heart issues. Lucky Number: 5 Lucky Colour: Green CANCER Today, focus on family time, travel, and entertainment. Finance: Expenditures on health, travel, and communication are likely. Career: Opportunities will come for those in medicine, journalism, and literature. Domestic & Love Life: Family travel or potential health issues in the family may occur. Health: Be cautious of toothaches, colds, or throat pain. Lucky Number: 2 / 6 Lucky Colour: Silver / Pink LEO Today, your investments might mature, and travel is indicated. Finance: Expect expenses on education, travel, or vehicles. Career: Beneficial for those in finance, tourism, or communication. Domestic & Love Life: Enjoy a long drive or travel with family. Health: Be mindful of blood pressure, back pain, or throat problems. Lucky Number: 1 Lucky Colour: Orange VIRGO Today, focus on career and self-reliance. Finance: Travel and health expenses are indicated. Career: Success comes for those in tourism, communication, advertising, or consulting. Domestic & Love Life: You might struggle to balance job responsibilities and family time. Health: Some may experience bronchitis, back pain, or knee pain. Lucky Number: 5 Lucky Colour: Green LIBRA Today is ideal for career, study, and travel. Finance: Expect expenses related to travel or education. Career: Fields like banking, tourism, law, and marketing will bring success. Domestic & Love Life: A long journey or religious activity with family is possible. Health: Watch for throat pain or knee pain. Lucky Number: 5 / 6 Lucky Colour: Green / Pink SCORPIO Success is indicated, but there may be obstacles in education or travel. Finance: Expenses related to health, study, or self-growth. Career: Those in politics, education, or journalism will thrive. Domestic & Love Life: Balance between family and professional duties may cause stress. Health: Potential issues include skin problems, asthma, or knee pain. Lucky Number: 2 / 9 Lucky Colour: Silver / Red SAGITTARIUS Today, you will face challenges but find solutions. Finance: Expenses related to education, health, or travel. Career: Occultists, researchers, and those in tourism or publication will succeed. Domestic & Love Life: Family disputes or health concerns are indicated. Health: Be cautious of indigestion, heart issues, or BP problems. Lucky Number: 1 / 3 Lucky Colour: Orange / Yellow CAPRICORN Today guarantees success in business or career but challenges in personal life. Finance: Expect expenses for travel, education, or family. Career: Fields like communication, finance, or publication will see gains. Domestic & Love Life: Disputes with your spouse may arise. Health: Some may suffer from bronchitis or throat issues. Lucky Number: 6 / 8 Lucky Colour: Pink / Blue AQUARIUS You may be overwhelmed by responsibilities today. Finance: Expenses related to business, health, or children are expected. Career: Cybersecurity, finance, or politics will bring benefits. Domestic & Love Life: Disputes with children or maternal family may occur. Health: Be cautious of bronchitis, throat problems, or surgeries. Lucky Number: 6 / 8 Lucky Colour: Pink / Black PISCES Today is a day of celebration and studies. Finance: Expenses for parties, education, or entertainment are likely. Career: Fields like law, education, and journalism will bring success. Domestic & Love Life: Enjoy time with family and resolve any issues. Health: Some may experience back pain, asthma, or cough. Lucky Number: 3 / 9 Lucky Colour: Red / Yellow
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NEW DELHI: Researchers at Indian Institute of Management (IIM) at Lucknow, Amritsar and Kashipur have combined to develop a new framework to guide the country's capital market players and banking sectors in adopting technologies that would enable them to use software without installing them. Referred to as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) technologies, these are cloud-based services that deliver software applications over the Internet, eliminating the need for organisations to install and maintain software on their own servers. While SaaS is widely used globally, its adoption in India, particularly among regulated industries, has been slow. The research delves into the reasons for this hesitation and offers insights into how firms can assess risks involved in adopting SaaS. The research has been published in the prestigious Journal of Organisational Computing and Electronic Commerce. "Popular SaaS applications include Google Drive and Microsoft 365. While SaaS offers cost savings and flexibility, its adoption in India has been slow, especially in highly regulated industries, due to concerns over data security, privacy, and compliance with stringent regulations," said IIM Lucknow professor Arunabha Mukhopadhyay, who led the research. "The research addresses these concerns by introducing a risk-based IT governance framework, designed to help organisations in regulated sectors assess the risks associated in using cloud-based software. The framework focuses on how top management makes these decisions, especially about data security, loss of control, and regulatory compliance," he told PTI. Other members of the team included Swati Jain from IIM Amritsar and Shubhendu Dutta from IIM Kashipur. The team found that decisions about adopting SaaS in regulated industries depend largely on how leadership views and manages risks. The researchers developed a model that considers factors such as the organisation's risk tolerance, security measures, and internal processes. If the perceived risks are deemed too high, the model suggests taking steps to mitigate them before adopting SaaS. If the risks are manageable, the organisation can proceed with the adoption. "Our study, which includes a case study of a capital market firm, shows that organisations make decisions about SaaS adoption not just by evaluating the technology itself but by carefully assessing the risks involved. We emphasise the importance of managing risks related to data security and regulatory compliance," Mukhopadhyay said. "The framework we developed helps organisations evaluate these risks and make more informed decisions about whether to adopt SaaS. The practical implications of the study are significant. SaaS providers can leverage these findings to tailor their offerings to better meet the needs of companies in regulated industries, addressing their security and compliance concerns. "For organisations, especially in banking and capital markets, understanding how to evaluate and manage risks will help them adopt SaaS solutions more confidently. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the factors influencing technology adoption, particularly in sectors where regulatory requirements and security concerns are paramount," he added.
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