Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): An international game called Ultimate Frisbee or Ultimate has changed the lives of over 150 Pardhi and Gond children. It drew them to education and took them away from addiction and beggary. These children living in and around Bhopal were once ragpickers and addicts. Ultimate, which was invented by an American in 1960s, is different from other organised games and sports in more ways than one. It is played by boys and girls together with no referee or umpire. Players call their own fouls. It promotes gender equality and inculcates a sense of fair play. All that is needed to play is a metallic disc and an open ground. Points are scored by passing the disc to a teammate in opposing team’s zone. Their team is named Flying Teetars. The team’s captain Abhishek learned the game with help of YouTube videos after he was introduced to it by an activist associated with an NGO called Muskan. Then, he went to Delhi where he learned the nuances of the game for four months. On his return, he persuaded boys and girls of his basti to get together and form a team. FP Photo The team played a Sectional Tournament in 2019 where it was in competition with teams from all over the country. And it won appreciation for excelling without the help of a coach and no access to a proper ground. In last five years, the team played tournaments in different places even as its members continued to study and persuade others to learn the game and play it. Abhishek was approached by a team from Madras to play at an international tournament in Malaysia. But there was no money. Ultimately, crowd-funding helped him to fly to Malaysia in July this year. Of the 150 children who had quit beggary and rag picking after they began playing the games, 20 have cleared Class 12 and are studying at Azim Premji University. “I am happy that the children of our community who could not get out of the slums are playing and studying across the country,” Abhishek said.
CAL ST.-FULLERTON (0-5) Hernandez 5-10 0-0 10, Levingston 5-8 0-0 10, Lagway 6-13 0-0 13, Stanton 3-9 3-4 9, Strachan 0-6 2-2 2, Falsdottir 2-5 1-2 7, Muniz 3-7 0-0 7, Totals 24-58 6-8 58 WASHINGTON (5-1) Daniels 3-9 2-5 8, Eke 0-1 0-0 0, Ladine 8-18 3-4 20, Sellers 4-7 1-2 9, Stines 3-9 0-0 7, Gillmer 2-5 0-0 5, McDonald 1-2 0-0 2, Briggs 0-1 0-0 0, Brown 1-1 0-0 3, Coppinger 2-6 2-2 8, Totals 24-59 8-13 62 Cal St.-Fullerton 15 22 14 7 — 58 Washington 17 17 21 7 — 62 3-Point Goals_Cal St.-Fullerton 4-9 (Lagway 1-2, Stanton 0-1, Falsdottir 2-2, Muniz 1-4), Washington 6-21 (Daniels 0-2, Ladine 1-5, Stines 1-6, Gillmer 1-3, Brown 1-1, Coppinger 2-4). Assists_Cal St.-Fullerton 12 (Hernandez 4), Washington 10 (Daniels 5). Fouled Out_Cal St.-Fullerton Levingston. Rebounds_Cal St.-Fullerton 25 (Lagway 7, Levingston 7), Washington 42 (Daniels 9). Total Fouls_Cal St.-Fullerton 16, Washington 17. Technical Fouls_None. A_1,575.Warriors at ‘inflection point’ after Christmas Day lossChelsea Rule Out January Move For Osimhen
Arab League urges Iran not to fuel 'strife' in SyriaA high-speed passenger train collided with a fire engine at a crossing on Saturday in Florida, injuring three firefighters and at least a dozen train passengers, authorities said. The crash happened at 10.45am in crowded downtown Delray Beach, multiple news outlets reported. The Brightline train was stopped on the tracks, its front destroyed, about a block away from the Delray Beach fire rescue truck, its ladder ripped off and strewn in the grass several yards away, The Sun-Sentinel newspaper reported. The Delray Beach Fire Rescue said in a social media post that three Delray Beach firefighters were in stable condition at a hospital. Palm Beach County Fire Rescue took 12 people from the train to the hospital with minor injuries. Emmanuel Amaral rushed to the scene on his golf cart after hearing a loud crash and screeching train brakes from where he was having breakfast a couple of blocks away. He saw firefighters climbing out of the window of their damaged truck and pulling injured colleagues away from the tracks. One of their helmets came to rest several hundred feet away from the crash. “The front of that train is completely smashed, and there was even some of the parts to the fire truck stuck in the front of the train, but it split the car right in half. It split the fire truck right in half, and the debris was everywhere,” Mr Amaral said. Brightline officials did not immediately comment on the crash. A spokesperson for the National Transportation Safety Board said it was still gathering information about the crash and had not decided yet whether it will investigate. The NTSB is already investigating two crashes involving Brightline’s high-speed trains that killed three people early this year at the same crossing along the railroad’s route between Miami and Orlando. More than 100 people have died after being hit by trains since Brightline began operations in July 2017 – giving the railroad the worst death rate in the United States. But most of those deaths have been either suicides, pedestrians who tried to run across the tracks ahead of a train or drivers who went around crossing gates instead of waiting for a train to pass. Brightline has not been found to be at fault in those previous deaths.
India News | How Manmohan Defended the Landmark 1991 Union Budget
LAHORE: An antiterrorism court on Saturday extended the interim pre-arrest bail of Imran Khan’s sisters Aleema Khan and Uzma Khan and PTI Secretary General Salman Raja in two separate cases till December 06. The court also allowed a one-time exemption from personal appearance for Raja and Khan’s sister. The court also discharged PTI leaders Akmal Khan Bari and Habibur Rehman from a case related to violence during a protest on October 06. The police had arrested the two leaders and presented them before the court, seeking permission to shift them to jail for their identification parade. The lawyers claimed that their clients were arrested on political grounds and that these arrests were part of a strategy to suppress PTI protests planned for November 24. The court after hearing arguments in detail discharged both leaders. Copyright Business Recorder, 2024New Canadians, non-traditional demographics boost minor hockey uptake in B.C.
Tyne and Wear Metro chiefs remain hopeful of making digital tickets available on iPhones, after years of frustration. Transport bosses have been urged to finally deliver a “seamless” experience for Apple users who are currently unable to keep Metro tickets on their phone. A Pop card app allowing customers to buy and store tickets was released for Android phones in 2020, but has remained off limits for iPhones. That means that many passengers have no choice but to obtain a physical Pop card if they want to access its cheaper travel prices, worth up to £1.60 per day, or be left to pay more expensive rates when buying paper tickets from a machine. Conservative and Labour councillors in North Tyneside united on Thursday night in calling for Metro operator Nexus to resolve the problem and deliver the upgrade. A motion from Tory councillor Ian McAlpine complained that the Metro’s payment system “needs further improvement to match the modern experience in places like London and Manchester”. Keep up to date with all the latest breaking news and top stories from the North East with our free newsletter Nexus has previously explained that the technology required to store a Pop card has only been available to use via Google Pay and not in the Apple Wallet. However, it told the Local Democracy Reporting Service on Friday that Apple is now planning to roll out the tech to its UK devices and that the Metro wants to become an “early adopter” – with plans to upgrade Metro station gates in 2025. David Bartlett, head of multimodal smart ticketing at Nexus, said: “We remain committed to rolling out Metro’s mobile smart ticketing offer to Apple iPhones. We want more customers to enjoy Pop Pay As You Go on a wide variety of digital wallets, such as those on Apple devices. “Although available in other countries, products such as Oyster and Pop cannot currently be stored in the Apple Wallet. However, Apple has announced its intention to bring that functionality to the UK. We hope to be an early adopter of this technology when it becomes available. “An upgrade to our ticketing and gating systems will be required in order to achieve this. This includes new smartcard readers for our gates and validators. This stage of the project is in progress, and we expect the new readers to be installed during the first half of 2025.” Metro passengers are also not able to tap in and out at stations using contactless credit or debit cards, whether physical or digital, as users of the London Underground and Manchester’s tram system can. Coun McAlpine’s motion, passed unanimously by the council, warned that people are increasingly reliant on digital wallets and that the lack of iPhone access leaves some passengers paying “over the odds due to the necessity in many cases to purchase physical tickets at machines”. He added: “As well as having to queue every journey to use the machine, they also have to know in advance whether or not they'll be making a return journey. POP cards remove this complexity because the resident always benefit from the lowest, capped, fare.” Join our Breaking News and Top Stories WhatsApp community for all the latest news direct to your phone. To join you need to have WhatsApp on your device. All you need to do is choose which community you want to join, click on the link and press 'join community'. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the ChronicleLive team. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you’re curious, you can read our privacy notice . CLICK HERE TO JOINDec. 26—Jason Mackey: Hello, everyone. Thanks for finding my weekly chat. You know the drill. We'll get started in a few minutes. Tom: So when the Steelers schedule rolled out, literally everyone said they would need to win early and probably lose in the brutal second half. So they did exactly what they needed to do and what everybody thought they would do but somehow the world is still ending? Please explain Jason Mackey: You want me to explain how the entire Steelers fanbase reacts to something? I don't know if I can do that, Tom. I do know — and I wrote this for A1 today — that the Steelers are where about where thought they would be. 10-6 or 10-7, maybe 11-6 ... but still flawed and a coin flip to win a football game. I'm not sure if that's much different than what you're saying. Tom: Are you suprised the Pens are playing Jarry so much? Jason Mackey: I'm not. I think they know they need to find out what they have in him. One, it allows him to get into a rhythm. I think it might help him get comfortable. At minimum, you know what you have. Covering Tristan, I've always found him to be the type of guy who does better when he's involved with the group, not doing things on his own like a backup would. Stairway to seventh seed: Jason: what a disaster. As of right now what would be your 2025 QB plan? 12 days ago I thought they would give Wilson a Baker Mayfield like 3 yr $100m deal. Now I think it is between Wilson at say $22m per, Fields at $14-16m, or other. It is hard to evaluate a QB playing behind this line with this group of WRs, but I say go with the younger, cheaper Fields. Am I over-reacting? Jason Mackey: I think you're overreacting. I don't have an answer on that right now because I'm not against it. I do think 3 years, $100 million is probably high. But if Wilson leads them to a playoff win or two, I'd probably feel differently about it. I think you just need to see how the balance of this plays out, honestly. I know that's an unsexy answer, but it's kind of where I'm at with all of it. Brad: It seems like the Steelers defense is really mad at one person talking about it can't just be 10 guys on the same page. Who are they criticizing? Jason Mackey: I don't know if it's one guy all the time. It's kinda true of defense writ large. If everyone isn't on the same page, you're gonna have problems. Stairway to seventh seed: Connor Heyward's offsides penalty yesterday was obviously the least of our concerns, but what does it say about the accountability on this team that such a fringe NFL player who has made no contribution on offense and a limited one on special teams can commit a half dozen or so pre-snap penalties this year and still be on the roster? Jason Mackey: Yeah, he does get penalized a lot. More than he should for his role, no doubt. I don't know what it says, but probably that stuff like that is being tolerated more than it should. demosthenes98: Happy Boxing Day! Since this is a holiday celebrated in Canada and has a name with connotations of socially acceptable violence, I have to ask—what's your all-time favorite hockey fight? Jason Mackey: Alex Semin vs. Marc Staal. demosthenes98: Andrew McCutchen has contributed many things to the Pirates over the course of his lengthy association with them, not the least of which is leadership. With that in mind, which move shows more leadership? Is it meekly returning to put lipstick on the proverbial pig? Or is it telling the low-character liars on Federal Street NO, then going public with it and the reasons why? Jason Mackey: I'm not sure it's either. Cutch wants to come back. He likes it here. He thinks they can win. You're free to disagree or get mad at Bob Nutting. But the premise of your question doesn't make sense based on what I know about Cutch. He hit 20 homers last year. Had a pretty respectable OPS. Would have to think he'd have a job somewhere if he really wanted it. He wants to be here. demosthenes98: Is it possible that the Pitt football team isn't as good as they looked when they were 7-0 or as bad as they've looked since then? That, instead of being world-beaters or bottom-feeders, they're just...okay? Jason Mackey: Yeah, that's possible. If not likely. Erryg: How concerned are you that Russell Wilson may not be the solution at QB? Jason Mackey: I don't know. I think he can be a solution. I just don't know if he would be worth $30 million. His return will be about how much he wants, what he's willing to accept, etc. We've been talking about Russ for $100 million over three. I'd have a hard time with that. But if he wanted $45 million over three, that's a different discussion. artie bridge: Jason, After three straight debacles, what specific steps can we take to get this train back on track? And, is the post-season already all but lost? Jason Mackey: Their only postseason hope might be beating a bad Texans team. Actual steps: communicating better, tackling better, not turning it over, leaning on Jaylen Warren, involving George Pickens even more ... yeah, there's stuff they can do. But the defense does have to improve. Seferg: Are there any quarterbacks in this year's draft that you would trade up for? Jason Mackey: Honestly, no. I'd rather see them preserve picks to address other areas of need, chiefly defensive line, defensive back and wide receiver. Seferg: How would you grade the Pirates trade for Horwitz? Fair, gave up too much or we got a great deal? Jason Mackey: I don't hate it as much as I originally did. He's one of those players who probably requires some nuance and numbers to grasp. Certainly not anyone who's gonna blow you away. But I still don't like that they gave up a bunch of young pitching to do it. Ortiz straight up, fine. Or the prospects. Just not both. Jason: Hi Jason! If the Steelers get a late game and the Ravens get an early game depending on the outcome should the Steelers rest as many starters as possible? They sure seem Jason Mackey: They probably should. But I also don't love it because I think this group probably needs some confidence. Maybe if you could have a good half and call it a day that would work. You certainly don't want to get anyone hurt. Jason: like there isn't much left in the tank and understandably so. Jason Mackey: I see this is the second part to your question. Joel: Jason, Happy Holidays to you and your family. Sorry you had to spend Christmas Day dealing with another Steelers debacle. I know that Tomlin is getting torched by frustrated Steelers fans, but isn't the core problem roster construction rather than coaching? Tell me a coach in this league who could win 10 games with this roster. So my critique of Tomlin (and Khan and Wylie) is around the inability to choose players that can win on game day against elite teams. Jason Mackey: I think the people fixating on Tomlin are ignoring the other factors. In other words, he's not absolved. But, yeah, it's an imperfect roster, to be kind about it. Players have also underperformed. But he's been around a while and hasn't helped himself with his performance of late. James of WV: Hi Jason, I hope your holiday season has been better than the Steelers. Jason Mackey: I can confirm that it has. Thanks, James. Jeff: Thanks for the chats Jason. World is clearly ending here in the Burgh...steelers reeling, pens fighting to just make playoffs and the pirates, well nothing seems to ever change. Question on the pirates do you see any younger arms in the minors making it to the bigs this year? I cannot believe we are dangling Jones. Without the starting pitching we lose 90 games! Oh and happy holidays Jason Mackey: They're not going to trade Jones. I doubt they trade Keller. I don't know if this is what you mean, but I'd expect Chandler, Harrington and Ashcraft to make their MLB debus this year. Jason Mackey: debuts* Country Roads JP: Hello Jason, I realize there's reason for pessimism about the Steelers but it seems they never do well on short weeks and I feel if they can regroup and rest over the next 10 days and get back to playing on Sundays again they will perform better plus there's a strong possibility they will open the playoffs against Houston which is their best case scenario. Jason Mackey: I don't disagree with you. The short week thing is real. And I don't think the Texans are very good. They could win that game. Bill in Clinton: Seriously, what will it take for Nutting to sell the team? Jason Mackey: I don't think he has any interest in selling. Sid: There's a lot of talk about RSNs and how teams like Yankees/Cubs/Dodgers are good, but small-market teams aren't. How secure are the Pirates with SNP, and what would happen if it fell through? Jason Mackey: I don't expect the Pirates to be long-term with SNP. I expect, when the next CBA is up for them to move to MLB's in-house model. Greg Brown: Will I call a Pirates World Series game before I retire? Jason Mackey: I sure hope so, Brownie. You deserve it my man. Sam: Is pedigree so important in sports that despite Jaylen Warren performing better than Najee Harris when he's in there, Harris' next contract was thought of as "too expensive" to be worth extending, but Warren is considered a no brainer signing this offseason? I know if you try bell cow status with a guy Warren's size he's liable to wear down, but if you did one of those blind resume graphics or simply watch how dangerous each one looks with the ball, you'd probably answer that Warren is worth more money. Just because he went to Alabama and was a #1 pick. Jason Mackey: Yeah, it has something to do with it, I'm sure. I think that's true at all levels. To be fair, he's also proven a lot more than Warren has. Jaylen Warren doesn't have four 1,000-yard seasons. Or one. But I agree with you: He's probably the better fit for the Steelers' offense right now. JR IN ATL: Hey Jason, do you think Tomlin's coaching tree has basically no branches because he feels threatened by coaches that might perform better than him as coordinators. I still think Flores would have been a much better coordinator than Austin, and we already had him in the building. Jason Mackey: Could be that. I'd also argue that he hasn't done a very good job hiring assistants. He might not have been threatened by Matt Canada. Matt Canada simply wasn't very good. It's probably a combination of both. But it is crazy how it has zero branches. Gary: Why do they only throw to Pickens along the sidelines? How about the middle of the field, WR screens, Reverse? With his speed and strength, I feel they are not tapping into all of his skills. Totally predictable like the rest of the offensive game plan. Jason Mackey: I agree they could go over the middle more. But (1) he's an outside receiver. He's also more likely to get man-to-man coverage that way, and that works to Pickens' benefit. When you consider the quarterback, Russ is short. It's not the easiest thing for him to see some of those routes. The truth: Was Arthur Smith an overrated hire? He obviously couldn't be worse than Canada, but he seems really middle of the road to me. He doesn't seem to scheme guys open, is always changing personnel, and is is very predictable at times. The offense only took off once Russ was named starter, and lately it's still very mediocre. Yesterday was an offensive coaching clinic by KC, and it looks like Smith isn't anywhere close to that. Jason Mackey: Yeah, I think that's fair. I don't think Arthur Smith has been a disaster by any stretch. But I also don't think he has delivered on the considerable excitement that surrounded his hire. I think he's been merely OK. Jason: I'm not sure why people are down on Wilson so much. The lack of a legit #2 WR and the horrible play of the OL should fall on Omar and the coaches not on Wilson. Yes he has had a few bad turnovers but besides him not sliding on the fumble last week the man is under pressure almost everytime he drops back to pass. Jason Mackey: A fair, balanced way of looking at it. There's a lot at play here. The Dude: Tomlin promised changes, since it certainly makes no sense to continue the way things are going. What changes do you expect to see for the Bengals game, and will any of them help? Jason Mackey: Sadly, he has promised them before — and then done nothing. I'm not expecting a ton to change. There's only so much he can do. Maybe a little more man coverage? They didn't do a good job in zone. Nate: Jason, friends of mine are all on the "Fire Tomlin" bandwagon. As someone who believes he is a top 5 coach in the league, my bigger concern is we don't have a franchise QB. You could have the greatest coach in the history of football but no QB makes it impossible to win the big one. Why does no one seem to realize this? Jason Mackey: I think people are aware you need a good quarterback to win. I also think people are frustrated with Tomlin and want to see the Steelers win a playoff game. Both can be true. Draft Milroe: Let's do the damn thing! Draft Milroe, sign Russ for 3 years, first year guaranteed, then let Milroe play when he is ready. I am sick of this not having a franchise QB thing! Jason Mackey: To each their own. If I bring Russ back, I'd probably use my draft resources differently. They need receivers. They're also thin at DL and DB. Kyser Sozay: If it turns out the Steelers go to Houston, then I would contend that things didn't turn out all that badly. Agree? Jason Mackey: If they go there and win ... Shane in Colrain: Did you see Pickens taking his helmet off after plays in the 4th quarter and screaming at the sidelines? Surprised he wasn't penalized. He should be benched by Tomlin for that since they were 3 scores down. Send a message. Thoughts? Jason Mackey: I saw it. You think Tomlin is suddenly gonna lose his you know what over that? I didn't love it, but benching Pickens only hurts the Steelers. Part of the problem they have with him. He's also done far worse that went unpunished. Shane in Colrain: Sam Darnald or Russell Wilson for QB next year? Jason Mackey: I'd want to know the prices for each. WTF: Please explain how Nutting can have one of the greatest arms of all time, yet not expand payroll while he's here? I am not asking for us to have a payroll of 200 million but to have Skenes here for 5 more years and not having a payroll eclipse 100 million is beyond baffling. Jason Mackey: I don't have a good answer for you. I'm with you. If now isn't the time to increase payroll, when is? I do think it'll go up some — like $5 million — but they should spend more. Tim Imperial: The offensive line has been a huge disappointment in pass pro, I say fire the o-line coach!!! Jason Mackey: They have two rookies and a sophomore starting. Three guys are out for the season with injuries. I agree it has ben bad, but I'm not sure the OL coach needs fired. Shane in Colrain: Baltimore cycles through OCs and DCs every couple of years with success. Why can't the Steelers find a guy who can be successful? Jason Mackey: More questions than my wife today, Shane. I don't know. But you bring up a good point. Other NFL teams seems to be able to do that fairly routinely. In Smith's defense, though, he's drawing up an offense for a group without a WR2. That's not his faut. Shane in Colrain: The best gift you got yesterday was...? Jason Mackey: Really, my wife and kids. But in terms of actual gifts, probably a T-shirt from my wife that says Lange, Prince & Cope, honoring the legendary announcers. Shane in Colrain: At least the Chiefs didn't score over 30 point. Silver lining? Jason Mackey: Oh, yeah. Surprised that wasn't a headline. The truth: George Pickens has the skills to warrant a huge deal, but he seems Jason Mackey: I would pay Pickens. Jules Winfield: I know folks are down on Russ at this point, but who you gonna get that's better? Assuming he can be had for between 15 and 20 million for a couple of years, he seems a better choice than Fields or some others. Right or wrong? Jason Mackey: I would take Russ over Fields, yes. I don't know what Darnold would want. But, yeah, if you can make it work financially, it probably does make the most sense to keep Russ. Jason: If the excuse is the Pirates won't spend because they are a small Jason Mackey: What excuse? Erryg: Will Cutch be the most expensive free agent signing for the Pirates this off season? Jason Mackey: Yes. But I think they will add some salary in the form of a trade or two. PQ: Jason, any current or former employee of the PG, including the old Pittsburgh Press, makes that catch on a ball tumbling to earth at free fall, no? Jason Mackey: Little surprised you dropped that, PQ. Jason: If the Pirates use the small market excuse for not spending would the Steelers and Pens use the same excuse if there was no cap in the NFL or NHL? Jason Mackey: They are vastly different businesses. That's not excusing the Pirates, but comparing MLB to any other sport is foolish given how its finances are derived. Mr. Smith: Jason, in retrospect, was a little too hasty on that whole college opportunity thing? Jason Mackey: We are on the overreaction rollercoaster something terrible today, folks! Gregg@7723ft : In all honesty, really, not being a doomsayer, I see the Steelers losing to Cincy and their playoff opener. Should that come to fruition....man, I don't know. There has to be some major changes, don't there? Jason Mackey: Yeah, that's a fair way of looking at things. I get it. I don't know if they'll win another game. I hope they do. That would be really ugly. And I would think if they don't win a game, yeah, that has to result in something. Seven: I hope you and your wonderful family are enjoying the holidays, Jason. I was hoping that the Steelers were one good offseason away from being a top tier team, but they still need a lot of help at DB, DL, WR and obviously QB will be a temporary fix at best. Do you see this team going deep into the playoffs next year? Jason Mackey: Not as currently constituted. They have to get better in several areas. They're a playoff team, sure. But going deep in the playoffs is what's tripping me up. Stash: Jason, did C Patt give Arthur a lucrative stock pick back in the day? Jason Mackey: Sure seems like it. Wild how much of a part of things he remains. Seven: I think that a well-deserved shout out is in order for the Penn State volleyball team, and also the football team's advance through the playoffs. Do you see the Lions winning on the blue field on New Year's Eve? Jason Mackey: Absolutely. Shout it, shout it, shout it out loud. And, yes, I do. Though they're playing at the Fiesta Bowl. That's not blue, is it? Stash: Jason, The Kinks have the best holiday song of all time. And it's not even close. Your thoughts? Jason Mackey: Um, no. My favorite rock 'n roll Christmas song is probably Tom Petty, Christmas All Over. Sully: Jason, I assume you are hearing less of those nasty fire Sully demands? Jason Mackey: Yes. Including fewer that come from my own mouth and fingers. Pretty amazing what this team has been able to do. Russ: Jason, was that fun till it lasted? Jason Mackey: It might not be over. I seriously could see Russ bouncing back against the Bengals. Jeff: is Ben trying for an outfield bat or is he going with Palacios, Yorke and Cook combo? Jason Mackey: I think Suwinski would be given first crack ahead of those guys. But I do expect them to add an OF bat in some form or fashion. Either trade or via agency. Probably the latter. Gene: Do you think the reason the Steelers have lost the last 3 games is coaching injuries or that the team just can't win against great teams because of talent? Jason Mackey: I read this as coaching injuries. Like the Steelers lost their past three because Mike Tomlin pulled his hamstring. That made me laugh, and I think we need some of that today. I think it's all three, Gene. Injuries have exposed a lack of depth. Coaching decisions haven't been great, the game plan unimaginable. Players have also done a poor job executing. I don't think you can narrow it down to one thing. Jeff: So if it is Suwinski, and no other additions due to payroll and lack of trading partner, is this team as constructed now a playoff contender? Jason Mackey: No. I think they need to fix the bullpen. And I believe they will. I also think they'll add an outfield bat in some capacity. They did go 56-54 through 100 games last year and have a pretty solid starting staff. Kordell: The Steelers are not a serious organization any longer. Nepotism reigns, the defense can't even line-up correctly (see Worthy TD), and the top players make crucial mistakes at crucial times (Najee, Wilson, Freirmuth). Is a total house-cleaning in order? Jason Mackey: No. But points on the unserious organization comment. That's how you know things are bad around here. Baghdad_Ben: Jason — I see the question(s) about us being where we thought we would be. True, I have to agree we are. But, what has become clear is we are no closer to being a real contender. We still are featherweights against the good teams. Something in the Steeler's recipe is missing. The fan base is tired of hearing it is the players. No one ever seems to develop and improve outside of TJ Watt. Jason Mackey: I think that's probably an over-generalization. I think some linemen have improved. Jaylen Warren. Shoot, Pickens has improved since his rookie year. Payton Wilson has promise. You're upset because they lost, I can't it. I just don't totally agree with you here. Scorp: Does Teryl Austin get fired after the season? Jason Mackey: If they don't win again, I could see that happening. Jason: I live in Clearwater and can't wait for Spring Training. You have any tips on how to get Paul's autograph? I am really having bad luck when I go see them play against the Phillies lol Jason Mackey: I don't. Outside of the fact that he's probably not signing when he's pitching. That's his day, a work day. But I know he has been incredibly accommodating on days where he doesn't pitch. There's also a lot of interested. So, you might have to be patient. Bob: Where is the accountability with the coaching staff and players ? Tomlin won with Cowher's players and remaining coaches. Tomlin is a very poor game manager. A hugh issue is that his job will be there no matter what a game's outcome. Week 16, and he is just now reviewing and making changes. Time to go. Jason Mackey: I feel like you can copy/paste this response and use it every year Tomlin has been here. Shoot, there might be a billboard somewhere around tahn with this on it by now. Kordell: JMac — thanks for the long chat, insights are always great. Are players allowed to call time-outs? There were multiple plays where the defensive guys were gesturing, pointing, etc... and clearly not on the same page. If a player can call a time-out, you'd think that would be in order on some of those plays to avoid, you know, communication issues? Jason Mackey: Thanks, Kordell. Appreciate you stopping by. Yes, they are. Usually that would be the defensive captain or green dot guy, something of that nature. Jason: I think Gruden would be the perfect coach for the Steelers next year. Jason make it happen! Jason Mackey: Yeah, that's likely. Ha. Fun thought. Not gonna happen. Not in a billion years. Jeff: Given his history, I'm not confident Cherington can pull off any of the needed pieces. Jason Mackey: The past trade history is not good. I hear you. That being said, you only need one or two to hit. Ben has made some good moves (Bart, the Chandler draft pick looks solid, I don't hate IKF, Skenes though it was obvious, bringing up Jones, etc.) But yeah, the trade return hasn't matched what was going out. Guest: Howdy. Hope your holiday is a happy one. Read elsewhere about what a great job Hines is doing at Arizona State. And yet both Georgia and (even worse) the Steelers wouldn't hire him. What gives? Jason Mackey: I think they're vastly different jobs. Just because you're a solid HC or assistant somewhere, doesn't automatically make you a fit. May have something to do with Pickens. Maybe Azzanni has a specific personality type? I don't know. I'm not in those rooms. I'm just saying that we don't know everything there is to know about the Hines Ward situation. sam: who do you think will play rightfield for the pirates in 2025 Jason Mackey: Can I have two options? I'd go with Jack Suwinski or TBD. Not the pitching TBD we've come to know so well, but I do think they could acquire that guy still, possibly via trade. I do think they're gonna give Jack a chance to win the job. Jason Mackey: OK, everybody. Thanks so much for this. Really enjoyed it. Was bummed our site was down for last week's. Let's do this again real soon. (c)2024 the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Visit the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette at www.post-gazette.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Fruster scores 15, Eastern Illinois beats Blackburn 99-55
Hungry Sabalenka ready for more Grand Slam successIn 2024, Africa has taken center stage on the global development agenda, demonstrating the continent’s resilience and its deepening ties with the Global South in the international arena. From the 19th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement and the 3rd South Summit held in Uganda to the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit, Africa has showcased its determination and capability to unite the Global South in achieving shared development and pursuing modernization. According to the International Monetary Fund, Africa is one of the fastest-growing regions in the global economic landscape in 2024. Amid rapid and profound changes in the world, the vast continent’s potential and vitality have solidified its role as a key player in shaping the future. GROWTH ENGINE OF FUTURE Amid a complex and evolving global landscape, African nations are seeking self-reliant development through regional integration. According to the African Development Bank, Africa’s economic growth is projected to rebound to 3.7 percent in 2024, exceeding the global average, and climb to 4.3 percent in 2025, making it the world’s second-fastest-growing region after Asia. Many African countries held elections this year. From the Comoros in East Africa to Senegal in West Africa, most elections were conducted smoothly and orderly. The new governments have placed economic development at the forefront of their agendas, recognizing that self-reliance is essential for carving out a competitive position on the global stage. To this end, African countries are accelerating the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The agreement has been enacted in several nations, including South Africa, Ghana and Kenya. According to a report by Al-Mal News, an Egyptian daily, intra-regional trade is projected to grow from 192.2 billion U.S. dollars in 2023 to 520 billion dollars by 2030 following the launch of the AfCFTA. The World Bank forecast that the AfCFTA could increase the continent’s income by 7 percent by 2035 and lift 30 million people out of extreme poverty. Meanwhile, countries are ramping up investments in technological innovation and talent development, driving industrial upgrades through initiatives such as establishing research funds and developing technology parks. According to a report by the International Telecommunication Union, the number of internet users in Africa has surged from 181 million in 2014 to nearly 646 million in 2024, and this figure could exceed 1.1 billion by 2029, which will enable Africa to integrate more effectively into the global economy. Africa’s development is fueled not only by its strong internal momentum but also by the rise of the Global South. At this year’s G20 summit in Brazil in November, China outlined its eight actions for global development, including pursuing high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and supporting African development. These pragmatic measures have been widely recognized by developing countries. Moreover, China, Brazil, South Africa and the African Union (AU) jointly launched an Initiative on International Cooperation in Open Science to bring the benefits of global scientific and technological innovation to the Global South. “We committed ourselves to have a vision that transcends national borders and individual interests while recognizing that the force of Africa resides in its unity,” said Moussa Faki Mahamat, chairperson of the AU Commission, at the fourth Ordinary Session of the sixth parliament of the Pan-African Parliament in South Africa in November. RISING POWER OF AFRICA In 2024, Africa has reaffirmed its strong commitment to building a more just and equitable international order. This is evident in its advocacy for reforms in global governance, efforts to mediate geopolitical crises and advancements in energy transition. On Jan. 1, Egypt and Ethiopia officially joined BRICS, marking another African addition to BRICS cooperation following South Africa’s participation. The expansion of the BRICS membership highlights the bloc’s intention to enhance multilateral cooperation and uphold the voice and interests of developing countries at various international and regional forums, said Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi. In November, the AU participated as a full member in the G20 summit for the first time, joining others to call for a fairer international financial system, advocating for debt relief, and safeguarding the interests of developing countries. On Dec. 1, South Africa assumed the G20 presidency, becoming the first African nation to hold this position. The theme of its presidency, “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability,” reflects a distinct African vision for future global governance. The AU’s entry into the G20 “provides a platform for African nations to address critical global issues,” said Balew Demissie, a communication and publication consultant at the Policy Studies Institute of Ethiopia. “Through its participation, the AU can address challenges such as poverty, underdevelopment, and climate vulnerability while strengthening regional solidarity and increasing Africa’s influence on global policy decisions,” Demissie said. Analysts observed that Africa is reassessing its developmental trajectory, seeking to break free from the constraints of Western development models and striving for political, economic and cultural independence. This shift is often described as Africa’s “second awakening” since the national liberation movements in the mid-to-late 20th century. Over the past year, countries such as Niger, Senegal and Chad have called for the withdrawal of the U.S. and French military forces from their territories. Africa is no longer content to be the “silent majority” and is emerging as a key force in reshaping the international order, with African leaders actively pursuing political solutions to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict within multilateral frameworks and underlining their resolve to promote global peace, development and justice. The AU’s Agenda 2063 envisions Africa as “an integrated, prosperous and peaceful continent, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena.” To achieve this vision, African countries are playing an active role in Global South partnerships. “Africa has a stake in a truly multilateral global order,” said Mwangi Wachira, former World Bank economist and advisor to the Kenyan government. “Hopefully, it will have more than a token role in the ongoing drive for an equitable multilateral global order.” UNITED EFFORTS TOWARD MODERNIZATION In September, the FOCAC Summit held in Beijing marked another historic milestone in China-Africa relations and for the broader Global South. China and Africa vowed to join hands to implement 10 partnership actions to advance modernization. As a member of the Global South, China has consistently advocated for an open global economy, and helped developing countries, particularly African nations and the least-developed countries, to actively participate in international industrial cooperation and benefit from economic globalization. In November, the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai showcased a range of African products, including South African avocados, Tanzanian honey and Mauritian sugar, which made their debut this year. The expo highlighted China’s commitment to openness and its efforts to help African products gain access to the vast Chinese and global markets. Devesh Dukhira, chief executive of the Mauritius Sugar Syndicate, said that the Chinese market’s long-term contribution will be substantial, thanks to the CIIE and the China-Mauritius Free Trade Agreement. By synergizing the Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Development Initiative with Agenda 2063 and African nations’ development strategies, China and African countries are continuously exploring new areas of collaboration. Starting Dec. 1, China has given all the least-developed countries with which it has diplomatic relations, including 33 African nations, zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines, becoming the first major developing country and the first major economy to take such a measure. This policy will boost African industrial growth, create jobs and reduce poverty. In March this year, Chinese and African scholars jointly released the China-Africa Dar es Salaam Consensus, emphasizing the agreement among Global South countries on development path and philosophy. The Communist Party of China (CPC) convened its third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee in July, laying out a blueprint for further deepening reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization, which provides valuable insights for African nations exploring their modernization paths, African experts said. With a shared history of overcoming colonial oppression and achieving independent development, Africa is poised to take its turn in shaping its destiny, said Humphrey Moshi, director of the Center for Chinese Studies at the University of Dar es Salaam of Tanzania.