Animal Healthcare Market Next Big Thing | Big Giants Elanco, Bayer, Phibro Animal HealthThe agreements include local electric car assembly, solar panel manufacturing, slow-release fertilizer production, algae farming, and a medical city in the Dhabeji SEZ KARACHI: Chinese and Pakistani diplomats signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) for five major projects in transport, health, energy, and agriculture with the support of the Sindh government. The agreements include initiatives for the local assembly of electric cars, manufacturing of solar panels, production of slow-release fertilizers, algae farming, and the establishment of a medical city in the Dhabeji Special Economic Zone. The signing ceremony was hosted by Sindh Energy Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah at his office and attended by Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon and Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Syed Qasim Naveed Qamar. Chinese investors expressed significant interest during their visit to Sindh, which included meetings with Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and former President Asif Ali Zardari. The Chinese ambassador to Pakistan was also present during these discussions. Former President Zardari assured the Chinese delegation of full support from both federal and provincial governments for their investments in Pakistan. Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon highlighted the longstanding and exemplary friendship between China and Pakistan, noting its foundation was laid by Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. He recalled that during the Pakistan Peoples Party’s government in 2008, President Zardari initiated the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, envisioning it as a tool to enhance bilateral ties and boost Pakistan’s economy. Memon emphasized that Sindh has played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s success in global Public-Private Partnership rankings, as the province has executed several major projects under this model. He noted the province’s ability to attract investments for mega-initiatives, many of which are currently operational and contributing to the economy. During the event, Memon announced that Chinese investors have expressed a keen interest in establishing a state-of-the-art medical city in Pakistan. This facility, to be located in the Dhabeji Special Economic Zone, is expected to create 50,000 jobs. The Sindh government has assured its full support for the medical city, which would include tax exemptions and incentives to attract investors. Memon also highlighted plans to introduce electric vehicle (EV) taxis under a government initiative aimed at creating job opportunities for youth. This scheme, initiated on the directives of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and former President Zardari, will also help reduce emissions and provide affordable transport options. Special Assistant to the Chief Minister, Syed Qasim Naveed Qamar, emphasized the potential for local value addition in natural resources. He criticized the current practice of exporting unprocessed granite, which is later sold back in Pakistan after processing. He committed to efforts to ensure local granite processing to maximize economic benefits. Minister Memon further highlighted the vast coal reserves in the Thar region, estimated to be in the tens of billions of tons, capable of producing affordable electricity for several centuries. These resources, he said, would play a significant role in addressing Pakistan’s energy deficit. He announced plans for a coal gasification plant on 200 acres of land, alongside solar parks to diversify the province’s energy mix. Sindh Energy Minister Nasir Hussain Shah underscored the government’s efforts to ensure affordable electricity for the public. He revealed plans to set electricity rates at Rs18 per unit for solar energy produced by the upcoming solar parks, with regulatory oversight provided by the Sindh Energy Power Regulatory Authority (SEPRA) and Sindh Transmission and Distribution Company (STDC). Shah also highlighted Sindh’s lack of representation in K-Electric, despite the presence of three federal representatives, which limits the province’s say in decisions regarding load-shedding and tariff structures. He reiterated the Sindh government’s vision, aligned with Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, to make cheap electricity accessible to the public. The Dhabeji Special Economic Zone remains central to Sindh’s investment strategy, as it is the only zone directly connected to CPEC. The government offers a ten-year tax exemption for industries established in the zone, aiming to attract both local and international investors. The agreements signed during the event are expected to strengthen ties between Pakistani and Chinese businesses, enabling technology and business model exchange while contributing to Pakistan’s economic growth. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() );
BARCELONA, Spain (Reuters) -Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski scored twice as the hosts cruised to a 3-0 win over French side Brest on Tuesday, with the Polish striker joining Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as the only players to pass the 100 goals mark in the competition. The victory lifted Barca to second in the 36-team table on 12 points from five games, one point behind Inter Milan and level with third-placed Liverpool, who host Real Madrid on Wednesday. Brest dropped to ninth spot with 10 points. Lewandowski put Barcelona ahead after being fouled by goalkeeper Marco Bizot and converting from the spot in the 10th minute, scoring his 100th Champions League goal. After successive LaLiga games without a victory, and still missing injured teenage winger Lamine Yamal, Barca returned to winning ways with a dominant display as they created 19 scoring attempts against a side who did not have a shot on target. But the wasteful hosts squandered several chances to extend their lead and were almost caught out by a couple of counter attacks before Dani Olmo got their second with a fine individual goal after dribbling past two defenders and firing home. Lewandowski wrapped up the win in added time with a tidy finish inside the far post from Alejandro Balde’s assist. “I’m very happy, very happy. 101 goals in the Champions League is great number,” Lewandowski told Movistar Plus. “I didn’t think I could score so many goals in the Champions League. To join Messi and Ronaldo ... I guess they are good, right? PATIENCE NEEDED Despite faltering domestic league form Barca top LaLiga, four points ahead of Real Madrid who have a game in hand. “We haven’t been playing well in LaLiga lately, but we have a lot of games to play yet. We just have to be patient, we’ll score more goals in the end,” added Lewandowski. “We’re looking to win every game. If I can score goals to help the team, all the better. We have to win every game until the end of the season.” At 36, Lewandowski has been in top form this term, scoring 22 goals in 19 games in all competitions for Barcelona. He is the leading scorer in the Champions League this season with seven goals in five games and in LaLiga with 15 goals and two assists in 14 matches. Lewandowski’s first Champions League goal was for Borussia Dortmund in a 3-1 win over Olympiakos Piraeus in October 2011. With the German side he netted 17 goals in 28 Champions League games in three seasons and took his tally to new heights after moving to Bayern Munich, scoring 69 goals in 78 games in eight campaigns before joining Barcelona two years ago. However, Lewandowski still has a mountain to climb to surpass former Barca great Messi’s 129 Champions League goals, with Ronaldo holding the record on 140. Fourth on the list is Karim Benzema, with 90 goals and now playing in Saudi Arabia. The closest player to Lewandowski who is still active in the Champions League is his former Bayern teammate Thomas Muller with 54. (Reporting by Fernando Kallas; Editing by Ken Ferris) Disclaimer: This report is auto generated from the Reuters news service. ThePrint holds no responsibilty for its content. var ytflag = 0;var myListener = function() {document.removeEventListener('mousemove', myListener, false);lazyloadmyframes();};document.addEventListener('mousemove', myListener, false);window.addEventListener('scroll', function() {if (ytflag == 0) {lazyloadmyframes();ytflag = 1;}});function lazyloadmyframes() {var ytv = document.getElementsByClassName("klazyiframe");for (var i = 0; i < ytv.length; i++) {ytv[i].src = ytv[i].getAttribute('data-src');}} Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() );
Mondee Announces Receipt of Non-Compliance Letter from Nasdaq; Prasad Gundumogula takes leave ...
Dana Hull | (TNS) Bloomberg News Jared Birchall, Elon Musk’s money manager and the head of his family office, is listed as the chief executive officer. Jehn Balajadia, a longtime Musk aide who has worked at SpaceX and the Boring Co., is named as an official contact. Related Articles National Politics | Trump’s picks for top health jobs not just team of rivals but ‘team of opponents’ National Politics | Biden will decide on US Steel acquisition after influential panel fails to reach consensus National Politics | Biden vetoes once-bipartisan effort to add 66 federal judgeships, citing ‘hurried’ House action National Politics | A history of the Panama Canal — and why Trump can’t take it back on his own National Politics | President-elect Trump wants to again rename North America’s tallest peak But they’re not connected to Musk’s new technology venture, or the political operation that’s endeared him to Donald Trump. Instead, they’re tied to the billionaire’s new Montessori school outside Bastrop, Texas, called Ad Astra, according to documents filed with state authorities and obtained via a Texas Public Information Act request. The world’s richest person oversees an overlapping empire of six companies — or seven, if you include his political action committee. Alongside rockets, electric cars, brain implants, social media and the next Trump administration, he is increasingly focused on education, spanning preschool to college. One part of his endeavor was revealed last year, when Bloomberg News reported that his foundation had set aside roughly $100 million to create a technology-focused primary and secondary school in Austin, with eventual plans for a university. An additional $137 million in cash and stock was allotted last year, according to the most recent tax filing for the Musk Foundation. Ad Astra is closer to fruition. The state documents show Texas authorities issued an initial permit last month, clearing the way for the center to operate with as many as 21 pupils. Ad Astra’s website says it’s “currently open to all children ages 3 to 9.” The school’s account on X includes job postings for an assistant teacher for preschool and kindergarten and an assistant teacher for students ages 6 to 9. To run the school, Ad Astra is partnering with a company that has experience with billionaires: Xplor Education, which developed Hala Kahiki Montessori school in Lanai, Hawaii, the island 98% owned by Oracle Corp. founder Larry Ellison. Ad Astra sits on a highway outside Bastrop, a bedroom community about 30 miles from Austin and part of a region that’s home to several of Musk’s businesses. On a visit during a recent weekday morning, there was a single Toyota Prius in the parking lot and no one answered the door at the white building with a gray metal roof. The school’s main entrance was blocked by a gate, and there was no sign of any children on the grounds. But what information there is about Ad Astra makes it sound like a fairly typical, if high-end, Montessori preschool. The proposed schedule includes “thematic, STEM-based activities and projects” as well as outdoor play and nap time. A sample snack calendar features carrots and hummus. While Birchall’s and Balajadia’s names appear in the application, it isn’t clear that they’ll have substantive roles at the school once it’s operational. Musk, Birchall and Balajadia didn’t respond to emailed questions. A phone call and email to the school went unanswered. Access to high quality, affordable childcare is a huge issue for working parents across the country, and tends to be an especially vexing problem in rural areas like Bastrop. Many families live in “childcare deserts” where there is either not a facility or there isn’t an available slot. Opening Ad Astra gives Musk a chance to showcase his vision for education, and his support for the hands-on learning and problem solving that are a hallmark of his industrial companies. His public comments about learning frequently overlap with cultural concerns popular among conservatives and the Make America Great Again crowd, often focusing on what he sees as young minds being indoctrinated by teachers spewing left-wing propaganda. He has railed against diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, and in August posted that “a lot of schools are teaching white boys to hate themselves.” Musk’s educational interests dovetail with his new role as Trump’s “first buddy.” The billionaire has pitched a role for himself that he — and now the incoming Trump administration — call “DOGE,” or the Department of Government Efficiency. Though it’s not an actual department, DOGE now posts on X, the social media platform that Musk owns. “The Department of Education spent over $1 billion promoting DEI in America’s schools,” the account posted Dec. 12. Back in Texas, Bastrop is quickly becoming a key Musk point of interest. The Boring Co., his tunneling venture, is based in an unincorporated area there. Across the road, SpaceX produces Starlink satellites at a 500,000-square-foot (46,000-square-meter) facility. Nearby, X is constructing a building for trust and safety workers. Musk employees, as well as the general public, can grab snacks at the Boring Bodega, a convenience store housed within Musk’s Hyperloop Plaza, which also contains a bar, candy shop and hair salon. Ad Astra is just a five-minute drive away. It seems to have been designed with the children of Musk’s employees — if not Musk’s own offspring — in mind. Musk has fathered at least 12 children, six of them in the last five years. “Ad Astra’s mission is to foster curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking in the next generation of problem solvers and builders,” reads the school’s website. A job posting on the website of the Montessori Institute of North Texas says “While their parents support the breakthroughs that expand the realm of human possibility, their children will grow into the next generation of innovators in a way that only authentic Montessori can provide.” The school has hired an executive director, according to documents Bloomberg obtained from Texas Health and Human Services. Ad Astra is located on 40 acres of land, according to the documents, which said a 4,000-square-foot house would be remodeled for the preschool. It isn’t uncommon for entrepreneurs to take an interest in education, according to Bill Gormley, a professor emeritus at the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University who studies early childhood education. Charles Butt, the chairman of the Texas-based H-E-B grocery chain, has made public education a focus of his philanthropy. Along with other business and community leaders, Butt founded “Raise Your Hand Texas,” which advocates on school funding, teacher workforce and retention issues and fully funding pre-kindergarten. “Musk is not the only entrepreneur to recognize the value of preschool for Texas workers,” Gormley said. “A lot of politicians and business people get enthusiastic about education in general — and preschool in particular — because they salivate at the prospect of a better workforce.” Musk spent much of October actively campaigning for Trump’s presidential effort, becoming the most prolific donor of the election cycle. He poured at least $274 million into political groups in 2024, including $238 million to America PAC, the political action committee he founded. While the vast majority of money raised by America PAC came from Musk himself, it also had support from other donors. Betsy DeVos, who served as education secretary in Trump’s first term, donated $250,000, federal filings show. The Department of Education is already in the new administration’s cross hairs. Trump campaigned on the idea of disbanding the department and dismantling diversity initiatives, and he has also taken aim at transgender rights. “Rather than indoctrinating young people with inappropriate racial, sexual, and political material, which is what we’re doing now, our schools must be totally refocused to prepare our children to succeed in the world of work,” Trump wrote in Agenda 47, his campaign platform. Musk has three children with the musician Grimes and three with Shivon Zilis, who in the past was actively involved at Neuralink, his brain machine interface company. All are under the age of five. Musk took X, his son with Grimes, with him on a recent trip to Capitol Hill. After his visit, he shared a graphic that showed the growth of administrators in America’s public schools since 2000. Musk is a fan of hands-on education. During a Tesla earnings call in 2018, he talked about the need for more electricians as the electric-car maker scaled up the energy side of its business. On the Joe Rogan podcast in 2020, Musk said that “too many smart people go into finance and law.” “I have a lot of respect for people who work with their hands and we need electricians and plumbers and carpenters,” Musk said while campaigning for Trump in Pennsylvania in October. “That’s a lot more important than having incremental political science majors.” Ad Astra’s website says the cost of tuition will be initially subsidized, but in future years “tuition will be in line with local private schools that include an extended day program.” “I do think we need significant reform in education,” Musk said at a separate Trump campaign event. “The priority should be to teach kids skills that they will find useful later in life, and to leave any sort of social propaganda out of the classroom.” With assistance from Sophie Alexander and Kara Carlson. ©2024 Bloomberg News. Visit at bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Israel launches new strikes on Lebanon as leaders draw closer to ceasefire with HezbollahThe Berea City Council unanimously adopted a motion authorizing an agreement with Safe Haven Baby Boxes, a non-profit organization that facilitates the installation of boxes to safeguard abandoned infants. Berea Fire Chief Shawn Sandlin presented the idea at Tuesday’s Berea City Council meeting, noting a donor has already stepped forward with $15,000 to build a box at Berea Fire Department Station 2 on Glades Road. Sandlin said a baby box allows parents in crisis to safely give up an infant without fear of recourse. “It’s a safe, compassionate and secure option for mothers in crisis who are unable to care for a newborn baby,” Sandlin said. “It provides a safe and anonymous way to surrender an infant to a firefighter.” Sandlin explained a compartment will be installed at Station 2, and once the outer door of the baby box is closed, it is locked from the inside, ensuring the child will be safe until a firefighter arrives, typically in a matter of minutes. When the door is closed, a signal is immediately sent to both dispatch and the firefighters in the station to let them know a child has been left. The baby will be checked out by medical professionals before being turned over to social services, Sandlin said. Sandlin added that while he wasn’t initially sure if the service was needed in Berea, he decided that residents in southern Madison and surrounding counties like Jackson, Rockcastle and Garrard might have need for the box. “Our mission is to safeguard life, property and the environment, so this falls under saving life, our main priority,” Sandlin said. “I think it’s a great way to provide an option to a mother in crisis.” Councilman Steve Caudill motioned to support the project, Ronnie Terrill seconded, and Cora Jane Wilson, Jerry Little, Katie Startzman, Teresa Scenters and Jim Davis all voted for the measure. With additional support from Mayor Bruce Fraley and City Administrator Rose Beverly, the fire department is pursuing the project and the boxes are under construction, Sandlin said. Cora Jane Wilson, Jim Davis, and Teresa Scenters expressed thanks for the baby box, which they said could change the course of someone’s life, or perhaps even save a life. Said Scenters: “The highlight of this night for me, and I wasn’t expecting to hear this, was the baby box. and Shawn, I want to thank you for your willingness to embrace that. That’s life-changing and I appreciate it,” Scenters said.
Pakistani security forces have launched an operation to disperse supporters of imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khan who had gathered in the capital to demand his release from prison. The latest development came hours after thousands of his supporters, defying government warnings, broke through a barrier of shipping containers blocking off Islamabad and entered a high-security zone, where they clashed with security forces, facing tear gas shelling, mass detentions and gunfire. Tension has been high in Islamabad since Sunday when supporters of the former PM began a “long march” from the restive north-west to demand his release. Khan has been in a prison for more than a year and faces more than 150 criminal cases that his party says are politically motivated. Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, led the protest, but she fled as police pushed back against demonstrators. Hundreds of Khan’s supporters are being arrested in the ongoing night-time operation. Interior minister Mohsin Naqvi told reporters that the Red Zone, which houses government buildings and embassies, and the surrounding areas have been cleared. Leaders from Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, or PTI, have also fled the protest site. Earlier on Tuesday, Pakistan’s army took control of D-Chowk, a large square in the Red Zone, where visiting Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko is staying. Since Monday, Mr Naqvi had threatened that security forces would use live fire if protesters fired weapons at them. “We have now authorised the police to respond as necessary,” Mr Naqvi said Tuesday while visiting the square. Before the operation began, protester Shahzor Ali said people had taken to the streets because Khan had called for them. “We will stay here until Khan joins us. He will decide what to do next,” Mr Ali said. Protester Fareeda Bibi, who is not related to Khan’s wife, said people have suffered greatly for the last two years. “We have really suffered for the last two years, whether it is economically, politically or socially. We have been ruined. I have not seen such a Pakistan in my life,” she said. Authorities have struggled to contain the protest-related violence. Six people, including four members of the security services, were killed when a vehicle rammed them on a street overnight into Tuesday. A police officer died in a separate incident. Dozens of Khan supporters beat a videographer covering the protest for the Associated Press and took his camera. He sustained head injuries and was treated in hospital. By Tuesday afternoon, fresh waves of protesters made their way unopposed to their final destination in the Red Zone. Mr Naqvi said Khan’s party had rejected a government offer to rally on the outskirts of the city. Information minister Atta Tarar warned there would be a severe government reaction to the violence. The government says only the courts can order Khan’s release. He was ousted in 2022 through a no-confidence vote in Parliament. In a bid to foil the unrest, police have arrested more than 4,000 Khan supporters since Friday and suspended mobile and internet services in some parts of the country. Messaging platforms were also experiencing severe disruption in the capital. Khan’s party relies heavily on social media and uses messaging platforms such as WhatsApp to share information, including details of events. The X platform, which is banned in Pakistan, is no longer accessible, even with a VPN. Last Thursday, a court prohibited rallies in the capital and Mr Naqvi said anyone violating the ban would be arrested. Travel between Islamabad and other cities has become nearly impossible because of shipping containers blocking the roads. All education institutions remain closed.
AVAIO Digital Partners has signed an agreement with the Appomattox County Economic Development Authority (EDA) for the purchase of a 452-acre business and industrial site in Appomattox. AVAIO Digital plans to develop the site into a $3 billion data center campus with substantial on-site green power, a news release states. AVAIO Digital has confirmed 300 megawatts of power from Central Virginia Electric Cooperative and Dominion Energy and the site is fully zoned for data centers, strategically located atop major long-haul fiber lines with direct links to major hubs, and is cleared and ready for rapid construction. “We are delighted to be working with Appomattox County, Virginia to make a major investment in the region’s digital and electrical infrastructure that will address the growing demand for digital services in a highly sustainable manner,” Mark McComiskey, managing partner of AVAIO Digital, said in the release. Gov. Glenn Youngkin said the project exemplifies the state’s strategy of expanding Virginia’s thriving data center industry beyond traditional hubs, bringing high-tech jobs and significant investment to communities across the commonwealth. Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Feed | SoundStack | All Of Our Podcasts “By leveraging Virginia’s world-class digital infrastructure and business-friendly environment, we’re creating opportunities for economic growth and diversification in every region of our state,” he said in the release. The EDA has played a crucial role in enabling this project, Chairman Garet Bosiger said in the release. “We’re thrilled to support AVAIO Digital in this transformative project. It represents a major opportunity for economic growth and technological advancement in our community,” Bosiger said. The Appomattox Data Hub is part of AVAIO Digital’s expanding portfolio of hyperscale projects across the U.S and western Europe. AVAIO Digital has secured more than 1.2 gigawatts of power from utilities at sites across the country and is moving to build out at full capacity with almost 600 megawatts available by 2027, the release states. The company’s focus on green power generation, sustainable practices and innovative design positions it as a leader in the next generation of data center infrastructure.
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Adviser to Finance Minister Khurram Schehzad visited Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) to discuss strategies for enhancing the depth and performance of capital markets. During his meeting with PSX Chief Executive Officer Farrukh Sabzwari and senior management of the stock market, Schehzad was provided a comprehensive overview of the strategic initiatives aimed at unlocking the potential of capital markets. The PSX CEO emphasised that despite challenges, Pakistan's capital markets had immense potential, adding that through a well-formulated strategy, the bourse could realise the potential and significantly contribute to the economy. Schehzad reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting the capital market's growth and recognised its role in stabilising and underpinning growth of the country's economy. He urged the PSX management to formalise recommendations for structural changes and privatisation of state-owned enterprises, which could advance the government's goals and boost market capitalisation. Furthermore, he recommended the rebranding and repositioning of the Growth Enterprise Market (GEM) board that could function as a platform for venture capital and startup fund raising. Several key initiatives were planned and discussed during the meeting, which included concrete steps for high-value listings to increase market capitalisation and attract foreign investment, setting an ambitious target to widen investor base to 2% of the national population within three years and engaging brokers and mutual funds in the campaign. It was agreed to introduce new investment products such as exchange-traded funds (ETFs), options markets and derivatives to enhance market attractiveness. Among modern trading strategies, algorithmic trading and robo-advisory services will be explored while drawing insights from successful implementations in countries like China. Schehzad called on the PSX and Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) to jointly develop a roadmap, aimed at increasing Pakistan's weight in the MSCI Frontier Markets index, ultimately leading to its inclusion in the Emerging Markets index. It was agreed to form a formal committee comprising the PSX, SECP, and State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to leverage each entity's strengths. This initiative will foster financial inclusion, enhance public awareness and promote seamless digitalisation. The FinMin adviser praised the re-launch of cash-settled futures as a significant step towards developing the derivatives market. He stressed that collaboration with Chinese capital markets was critical to facilitate cross-border investment opportunities, broaden market access and stimulate investor participation. With these initiatives, Pakistan's capital markets will achieve significant growth and drive economic development and stability. COMMENTS Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive. For more information, please see our
SEATTLE (AP) — The Seattle Seahawks rode their dominant defense to a big win over a division rival to vault into first place in the NFC West. No, it isn’t 2013. These are the 2024 Seahawks, who, after struggling mightily against the run earlier this season, held the visiting Arizona Cardinals to 49 rushing yards in Sunday's 16-6 victory . The defensive line kept Kyler Murray under consistent pressure thanks to a dominant performance from Leonard Williams, the secondary flew around to smack away passes, and safety Coby Bryant scored on a 69-yard pick-6. Sunday's defensive performance was reminiscent of the Seahawks of a decade ago and a promising sign that first-year coach Mike Macdonald’s system is starting to click. Macdonald, who coordinated Baltimore's NFL-best defense last year, was leading one of the worst rush defenses in the league earlier this season. But Seattle consistently stuffed the Cardinals, who came in as the fifth-best running team in the league at 149.4 yards per game. “Three games in a row now we played pretty decent on defense,” Macdonald said. “There is an expectation and standard here throughout the course of our Seahawks history that we’re trying to live up to and build on. So that’s the idea.” At 6-5, the Seahawks drew even with the Cardinals in the tightly bunched division. The teams play each other again in two weeks at Arizona. What’s working Last month's trade for linebacker Ernest Jones IV has clearly paid off. Seattle hasn't allowed a running back to rush for more than 79 yards since its Week 8 loss to Buffalo, which was Jones' first game in a Seahawks uniform. He has led the team in tackles in every game he's played and has helped resurrect the run defense. What needs help The Seahawks' run game continues to underperform. Seattle got 65 yards on the ground Sunday, with the Cardinals holding Kenneth Walker III to 41 yards on 16 attempts. Zach Charbonnet had 22 yards on six carries. Walker hasn’t topped 100 yards since Week 1. Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb needs to think of something different to get the running backs involved. Stock up Williams single-handedly disrupted the Cardinals with 2 1/2 sacks, four quarterback hits, three tackles for loss and one pass defensed. “I thought he was dominant,” Macdonald said. “I knew he played great and then I looked at the stat line and he played out of his mind.” The Seahawks finished with five sacks, seven quarterback hits, five tackles for loss and six pass deflections against the Cardinals, shutting down a team that had averaged 29.3 points over its previous three games. Stock down Geno Smith finished with 254 yards passing and a touchdown, but he threw another momentum-stalling interception. Smith was picked off on a third-and-6 play on the Arizona 18-yard line at the start of the fourth quarter, ending an 11-play, 73-yard drive. Smith has an NFL-most 12 interceptions this season, more than in either of his previous two seasons as the Seahawks' full-time starter. “That was a huge drive for us. ... Obviously made a terrible mistake down there, something I got to clean up,” Smith said. “But it was a big drive. We wanted to put the game ahead at least two scores.” The offensive line has contributed to the problem. Guard Anthony Bradford left with an ankle injury, and the line struggled to protect Smith, who was sacked five times. Injuries Macdonald said Bradford is expected to miss next week's game. Key number 77 — Jaxon Smith-Njigba led the team with six catches for 77 yards and a touchdown, marking the fourth consecutive game that Smith-Njigba has led the team in receptions. He topped 100 yards receiving in the previous two games. “He’s getting open,” Smith said. “He’s catching the ball. He’s doing a great job in the screen game. All-around great player. I just think the way that teams are playing us coverage-wise, I feel like it’s the ultimate sign of respect.” Up next The Seahawks play at the struggling New York Jets on Sunday. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Shane Lantz, The Associated Press