By Pat Graham The Associated Press DENVER — So you’re the most valuable player of that annual Thanksgiving Day backyard flag football game. Or played tackle football on any level. Or ran track. Or dabbled in basketball. Or toyed with any sport, really. Well, this may be just for you: USA Football is holding talent identification camps all over the country to find that next flag football star. It’s “America’s Got Talent” meets “American Idol,” with the stage being the field and the grand prize a chance to compete for a spot on a national team. Because it’s never too early to start planning for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, where flag football will make its Summer Games debut. Know this, though — it’s not an easy team to make. The men’s and women’s national team rosters are at “Dream Team” status given the men’s side has captured six of the last seven world championships and the women three in a row. To remain on top, the sport’s national governing body is scouring every football field, park, track, basketball court and gym to find hidden talent to cultivate. USA Football has organized camps and tryouts from coast to coast for anyone ages 11 to 23. There are more than a dozen sites set up so far, ranging from Dallas (Sunday) to Chicago (Dec. 14) to Tampa (March 29) to Los Angeles (TBD) and the Boston area (April 27), where it will be held at Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots. The organization has already partnered with the NFL on flag football initiatives and programs. The numbers have been through the roof, with engagement on social media platforms increasing by 86% since flag football was announced as an Olympic invitational sport in October 2023 . The participation of boys and girls ages 6 to 17 in flag football last year peaked at more than 1.6 million, according to USA Football research. “We pride ourselves on elevating the gold standard across the sport,” said Eric Mayes, the managing director of the high performance and national teams for USA Football. “We want to be the best in the world — and stay the best in the world.” Flag football was one of five new sports added to the LA28 program. The already soaring profile of American football only figures to be enhanced by an Olympic appearance. Imagine, say, a few familiar faces take the field, too. Perhaps even NFL stars such as Tyreek Hill or Patrick Mahomes, maybe even past pro football greats donning a flag belt for a country to which they may have ties. Soon after flag football’s inclusion, there was chatter of NFL players possibly joining in on the fun. Of course, there are logistical issues to tackle before their inclusion at the LA Olympics, which open July 14, 2028. Among them, training camp, because the Olympics will be right in the middle of it. The big question is this: Will owners permit high-priced players to duck out for a gold-medal pursuit? No decisions have yet been made on the status of NFL players for the Olympics. For now, it’s simply about growing the game. There are currently 13 states that sanction girls flag football as a high school varsity sport. Just recently, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles helped pave the way to get it adopted in Pennsylvania. Around the world, it’s catching on, too. The women’s team from Japan took third at the recent word championships, while one of the best players on the planet is Mexico quarterback Diana Flores . “Could flag football globally become the new soccer? That’s something to aspire to,” said Stephanie Kwok , the NFL’s vice president of flag football. This type of flag football though, isn’t your Thanksgiving Day game with family and friends. There’s a learning curve. And given the small roster sizes, versatility is essential. Most national team members need to be a version of Colorado’s two-way standout and Heisman hopeful Travis Hunter. Forget bump-and-run coverage, too, because there’s no contact. None. That took some adjusting for Mike Daniels, a defensive back out of West Virginia who earned a rookie minicamp invitation with the Cleveland Browns in 2017. “If a receiver is running around, I’m thinking, ‘OK, I can kind of bump him here and there and nudge him,’” Daniels explained. “They’re like, ‘No, you can’t.’ I’m just like, ‘So I’m supposed to let this guy just run?!’ I really rebelled at the idea at first. But you learn.” The competition for an Olympic roster spot is going to be fierce because only 10 players are expected to make a squad. The best 10 will earn it, too, as credentials such as college All-American or NFL All-Pro take a backseat. “I would actually love” seeing NFL players try out, said Daniels, who’s also a personal trainer in Miami. “I’m not going to let you just waltz in here, thinking, ‘I played NFL football for five years. I’m popular. I have a huge name.’ I’m still better than you and I’m going to prove it — until you prove otherwise.” Around the house, Bruce Mapp constantly swivels his hips when turning a hallway corner or if his daughter tries to reach for a hug. It’s his way of working on avoiding a “defender” trying to snare the flag. That approach has earned the receiver out of Coastal Carolina four gold medals with USA Football. The 31-year-old fully plans on going for more gold in Los Angeles. “You grow up watching Usain Bolt (win gold) and the ‘Redeem Team’ led by Kobe Bryant win a gold medal, you’re always thinking, ‘That’s insane.’ Obviously, you couldn’t do it in your sport, because I played football,” said Mapp, who owns a food truck in the Dallas area. “With the Olympics approaching, that (gold medal) is what my mind is set on.” It’s a common thought, which is why everything — including talent camps — starts now. “Everybody thinks, ‘Yeah, the U.S. just wins,’” Daniels said. “But we work hard all the time. We don’t just walk in. We don’t just get off the bus thinking, ‘We’re going to beat people.’”As we approach 2025, cosmetic surgery trends in India are undergoing significant shifts, with a growing demand for natural, subtle enhancements that reflect changing beauty ideals. Influencers, celebrities, and fitness enthusiasts are driving these trends, creating a blend of global influences with Indian preferences. New Delhi: As we approach 2025, cosmetic surgery trends in India are undergoing significant shifts, with a growing demand for natural, subtle enhancements that reflect changing beauty ideals. Influencers, celebrities, and fitness enthusiasts are driving these trends, creating a blend of global influences with Indian preferences. Dr. Anmol Chugh, Lead Consultant, Plastics & Aesthetics Centre, CK Birla Hospital, Director, Imperio Clinics, Gurgaon, spoke about the cosmetic procedures that may take over 2025. Click for more latest Health news . Also get top headlines and latest news from India and around the world at News9. Simran Arora is a Chief Sub Editor for the health beat at News9. With 6 years of experience in the industry, she looks at news, features and every unique development in the health sector.Kaylene Smikle scored 16 points and made a couple of key baskets down the stretch to help the No. 10 Maryland women’s basketball team hold off George Mason, 66-56, in a matchup of unbeatens Saturday afternoon at the Navy Classic in Annapolis. Maryland (7-0) led by as many as 15 points in the second quarter, but George Mason (6-1) rallied and took the lead late in the third. The Terrapins led by two with just more than three minutes to play when Smikle stole the ball and made a layup while being fouled. The free throw pushed the lead to 58-53, and a putback by Smikle put Maryland up by seven.
A day after defeating Saipan in their opening game of the World Baseball Softball Confederation U-12 World Cup Oceania Qualifiers, Guam slayed a giant. On Saturday, at Jose C. Guerrero Stadium in Hagåtña, Guam defeated Australia 12-5. Throughout the six-inning game, a full game at the U-12 level, Guam’s pitchers Messiah Elm and Noah Lizama allowed only three hits, one walk and struck out five batters. While Guam’s pitching carried the youngsters to victory, Australia’s effort from the mound aided in their defeat. For Australia, six pitchers combined for 13 walks and five hits. Messiah Elm told The Guam Daily Post that Guam won because they practiced hard and had excellent teamwork. “Man, I'm so proud of them. They came a long way. Good job,” said Guam’s head coach Jarett Elm, who is also Messiah’s father. “I don't know what to say. He's come a long ways, worked hard to get where he's got to be. Proud of him,” Jarett Elm said of Messiah. Very early in the contest, Australia’s pitching woes led to several free passes and runs. In the first inning, Ezekiel Coughlin pitched four walks and didn’t finish the inning and was replaced by Luku Masuda. With bases loaded and one out, control issues plagued Masuda. After dishing up a bases-loaded walk and a wild pitch, Guam’s Messiah Elm and Alexander Fejeran scored. In the second inning, Australia answered Guam’s challenge. Whereas Australia struggled from the mound, a trio of fielding errors and a wild pitch led to Australia’s first two runs. After Brock Harding and Masuda scored, Australia tied the game 2-2. Later, in the fourth inning, a base hit from Guam’s Chad Atalig Jr. drove in Thomas Morrison II. Then, in the fifth inning, Guam had three hits. Rai Cruz opened the inning with a double, his third extra-base hit of the tournament. Atalig and Brennon Naputi both hit singles. In the bottom of the sixth inning, Australia’s last chance to add runs and try to tie the game, Lizama led Guam to victory. After giving up a single to Phillip Toye, a sharply hit line drive from Jackson Harris was snatched out of the air by first baseman Kingston San Nicolas. As Toye ran to second base, San Nicolas stepped on the bag and completed the unassisted double play. With two away, Lizama got Marcus Zucconi to ground out to Messiah Elm at shortstop, who gunned down Zucconi at first base. Standings • Guam, 2-0 • Australia, 2-1 • Saipan, 0-3The state’s top road safety bureaucrat has rejected suggestions that new high-tech cameras that can catch wrongdoers on West Australian roads en masse are revenue-raisers. Road Safety Commissioner Adrian Warner joined Road Safety Minister David Michael on Monday to announce the rollout of the six mobile cameras from Australia Day. Road Safety Commissioner Adrian Warner and Road Safety Minister David Michael. The smart cameras, leased for five years at a cost of $22 million, can easily spot motorists using their phones or driving without a seatbelt and will be deployed to deter the behaviours that make up a large reason for so many of the fatalities on WA roads. A camera pointed at just one lane on the Kwinana Freeway near Salter Point last month spotted more than 6300 people using their mobiles while driving, and 5100 not wearing their seatbelts. Had that camera been used to issue fines, it could have netted the Road Trauma Trust account anywhere from $5 million to $10 million, depending on the severity of the offences. The rollout of the new cameras will coincide with a three-month grace period where motorists breaking the law will be issues with a caution instead of a fine. Warner said this demonstrated the cameras were not about revenue-raising, but changing behaviours. “It’s anything but revenue raising, that’s why we’re doing caution notices,” he said. “This is about drivers changing their behaviour. We have a culture problem. We need to address it, and these cameras are the first step in doing that.” Warner said 99 per cent of people wore seatbelts, but 20 per cent of people who died in crashes weren’t wearing seatbelts. “That should tell you something,” he said. The announcement comes as WA records its worst road toll in almost 10 years, with 182 deaths. Michael said in this context now was the time for the technology to become a vital and permanent tool to be used across the state. “The message is clear and simple: these cameras are coming, slow down, buckle up and put your phone away,” he said. Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter .During Easter break from college many years ago, my father and I were sitting by his pool having a beer together. He was upset that his medical malpractice insurance might be increasing tenfold for his specialty, and was blaming political decisions for being at least part of the reason. After a brief period of silence, he says "It's a good thing we have politics to employ politicians, because a lot of them couldn't get a job doing anything else". I remember laughing out loud at his off the cuff comment, and I have never forgotten it. Might be an appropriate statement again considering national election results and possible pending government post nominations. Karl Appell Northwest side Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star. Follow these steps to easily submit a letter to the editor or guest opinion to the Arizona Daily Star. Respond: Write a letter to the editor | Write a guest opinion Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. Catch the latest in Opinion Get opinion pieces, letters and editorials sent directly to your inbox weekly!In Gaza's crowded tent camps, women wrestle with a life stripped of privacy
Even when his Baltimore Ravens faced fourth down at their 16-yard line in the second quarter, John wasn't giving up the ball without a fight. The Ravens converted that fourth down and two others on their way to a 30-23 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday night, giving their coach a third victory in three matchups against his brother. It was the first time they'd faced off since Baltimore beat San Francisco — then coached by Jim Harbaugh — in the Super Bowl at the end of the 2012 season. “We grew up in the same room and have always lived our life side by side, but that’s not what the game is about,” John Harbaugh said. “The game really is about the players, and the players are always going to win the game or lose the game or whatever.” On this night, it was Baltimore's players who shined. Specifically Derrick Henry, who rushed for 140 yards. Lamar Jackson threw a couple of touchdown passes, and the defense was solid, allowing touchdowns on the first and last Los Angeles drives but not much in between. “I’m proud of our guys,” John Harbaugh said. “I’m proud of the way they came out and responded after the first 10 points — we were down 10-0, and our guys stepped up.” After converting fourth-and-1 at their 16 late in the second quarter, the Ravens scored on a 40-yard pass from Jackson to Rashod Bateman, taking the lead for good at 14-10. Baltimore's other two fourth-and-1 conversions came on a 14-play touchdown drive that spanned the end of the third quarter and start of the fourth. “We’re just confident that we’ll end up converting on those fourth downs, and we did a great job blocking,” said Henry, who converted the last two of the fourth downs. "All we had to do was make a play, and we did.” The Ravens got back to their identity a bit, rushing for 212 yards. And it wasn't just Henry and Jackson contributing. Justice Hill broke free for a 51-yard touchdown that made it 30-16 in the fourth. “Nobody wants to stand in front of (Derrick Henry) every single play, every single run,” Hill said. "You can do it one time, two times, three times, but when you have to do it 20 to 25 times, it starts to wear down. I’m glad we stuck with the run game this game, and it played out for us.” There were still too many penalties, with the Ravens flagged nine times for 102 yards. Baltimore played a pretty clean game until the fourth quarter, so several of those flags came after the Ravens had the game reasonably under control, but this is still an area of concern. With star linebacker Roquan Smith out because of a hamstring injury, Malik Harrison led the Ravens with a dozen tackles. “It’s a lot of people that doubted me coming into this game, so I’m happy I was able to ball out and show them that I can be in this league, and I can play at a high level,” Harrison said. There was a time when Isaiah Likely seemed as if he might be supplanting Mark Andrews as Baltimore's top tight end threat, but Likely went without a catch Monday. He did, however, recover the onside kick that effectively ended the game. Although Smith was out, DT Travis Jones (ankle) and C Tyler Linderbaum (back) were able to start. Jackson has now thrown 22 touchdown passes with no interceptions on Monday nights, with a passer rating of 124.3. The Ravens have one more game before their open date, and it's a showdown this weekend against a Philadelphia team that has won seven in a row. Saquon Barkley (1,392) of the Eagles and Henry (1,325) have both surpassed 1,300 yards rushing already. Nobody else in the NFL has more than 1,000. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflORLANDO, Fla. — UCF coach Gus Malzahn is resigning after four seasons with the school. ESPN’s Pete Thamel was the first to report the move, which will see Malzahn to leave to take the offensive coordinator job at Florida State. Malzahn previously worked with FSU coach Mike Norvell during their time at Tulsa under then-coach Todd Graham from 2007-08. The Knights ended a disappointing 4-8 season in which they lost eight of their last nine games, the longest losing streak since 2015. Malzahn, 59, was in the fourth year of a contract through 2028. His buyout, it is reported, would have been $13.75 million. He finished 27-25 at UCF but lost 16 of his last 22 games and was a dismal 4-14 in two seasons in the Big 12. After back-to-back nine-win seasons in 2021-22, the Knights went 6-7 in 2023 and 4-8 in 2024. This season started with high expectations as Malzahn made sweeping changes to the program. He retooled the strength and conditioning department and hired Ted Roof and Tim Harris Jr. as defensive and offensive coordinators, respectively. He also added nearly 50 new players to the roster, leaning heavily on the transfer market. UCF started by winning its first three games against New Hampshire, Sam Houston and a thrilling comeback at TCU, but offensive struggles saw the Knights tumble through a TBD-game losing streak to finish the season. Terry Mohajir hired Malzahn on Feb. 15, 2021, six days after he was hired to replace Danny White. The move came eight weeks after Malzahn had been fired at Auburn after eight seasons of coaching the Tigers. The two briefly worked together at Arkansas State in 2012 before Malzahn left for the Auburn job. “When he [Mohajir] offered the job, I was like, ‘I’m in.’ There wasn’t thinking about or talking about ...,” Malzahn said during his introductory press conference. “This will be one of the best programs in college football in a short time. This is a job that I plan on being here and building it.” UCF opened the 2021 season with non-conference wins over Boise State and Bethune-Cookman before traveling to Louisville on Sept. 17, where quarterback Dillon Gabriel suffered a fractured collarbone in the final minute of a 42-35 loss. Backup Mikey Keene would finish out the season as Gabriel announced his intention to transfer. The Knights would finish the season on the plus side by accepting a bid to join the Big 12 Conference in September and then by defeating Florida 29-17 in the Gasparilla Bowl. Malzahn struck transfer portal gold in the offseason when he signed former Ole Miss quarterback John Rhys Plumlee. Plumlee, a two-sport star with the Rebels, helped guide UCF to the American Athletic Conference Championship in its final season. However, Plumlee’s injury forced the Knights to go with Keene and freshman Thomas Castellanos. The team finished with losses to Tulane in the conference championship and Duke in the Military Bowl. Plumlee would return in 2023 as UCF transitioned to the Big 12 but would go down with a knee injury in the final minute of the Knights’ 18-16 win at Boise State on Sept. 9. He would miss the next four games as backup Timmy McClain took over the team. Even on his return, Plumlee couldn’t help UCF, on a five-game losing streak to open conference play. The Knights got their first Big 12 win at Cincinnati on Nov. 4 and upset No. 15 Oklahoma State the following week, but the team still needed a win over Houston in the regular-season finale to secure a bowl bid for the eighth straight season. From the moment Malzahn stepped on campus, he prioritized recruiting, particularly in Central Florida. “We’re going to recruit like our hair’s on fire,” Malzahn said at the time. “We’re going to go after the best players in America and we’re not backing down to anybody.” From 2007 to 2020, UCF signed 10 four-star high school and junior college prospects. Eight four-star prospects were in the three recruiting classes signed under Malzahn. The 2024 recruiting class earned a composite ranking of 39 from 247Sports, the highest-ranked class in school history. The 2025 recruiting class is ranked No. 41 and has commitments from three four-star prospects. Malzahn has always leaned on the transfer market, signing 60 players over the past three seasons. Some have paid huge dividends, such as Javon Baker, Lee Hunter, Kobe Hudson, Tylan Grable, Bula Schmidt, Amari Kight, Marcellus Marshall, Trent Whittemore, Gage King, Ethan Barr, Deshawn Pace and Plumlee. Others haven’t been as successful, such as quarterback KJ Jefferson, who started the first five games of this season before being benched for poor performance. Jefferson’s struggles forced the Knights to play musical chairs at quarterback, with true freshman EJ Colson, redshirt sophomore Jacurri Brown and redshirt freshman Dylan Rizk all seeing action at one point or another this season. This season’s struggles led to several players utilizing the NCAA’s redshirt rule after four games, including starting slot receiver Xavier Townsend and kicker Colton Boomer, who have also entered the transfer portal. Defensive end Kaven Call posted a letter to Malzahn on Twitter in which he accused the UCF coaching staff of recently kicking him off the team when he requested to be redshirted. ©2024 Orlando Sentinel. Visit orlandosentinel.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Aidan O'Connell shows in loss to Chiefs that he is the Raiders' QB for the rest of seasonMOUNT PLEASANT – After she was handed the keys to the town of Mount Pleasant, retired tennis star Shelby Rogers had one question. “What can I use these for?” Rogers asked Mount Pleasant Mayor Will Haynie. Lowcountry teams sweep state tennis titles The question was ironic, because it was the town of Mount Pleasant that was one key to helping Rogers unlock her tennis potential years ago. “It’s where I started,” Rogers said as kids practiced at the Mount Pleasant Tennis Complex on Thursday afternoon. “And if I wasn’t from here, I would not have had the career I’ve had.” Rogers, who is 32 and retired this year at the U.S. Open in August, was honored by her hometown on Nov. 21, and will be inducted into the S.C. Tennis Hall of Fame this weekend in Hilton Head. Haynie declared Nov. 23 “Shelby Rogers Day” in Mount Pleasant, and said that Rogers will act as the grand marshal of the Mount Pleasant Christmas parade. Rogers also will have a court named after at the tennis complex on Whipple Road. Charleston's Emma Navarro wins, Shelby Rogers heads for prime time at US Open “I spent a lot of time here at Whipple Road, running around the courts and the fields, playing tag,” Rogers said. “The memories are flooding back tonight, and having everyone here to share this moment is really special.” One person on hand was tennis coach Bryan Minton, who gave Rogers her first lesson when she was seven years old at the Family Circle Tennis Center on Daniel Island. “The first day I saw here, I told the tennis director, “This girl has some potential, do you mind if I take her under my wing?” Minton said. “So yeah, it was literally the first day I saw her.” Born in Mount Pleasant, Rogers turned pro when she was 17 after a dominant junior career. She won more than $5.6 million in her pro career, rising to a high of No. 30 on the WTA Tour in August of 2022. Rogers reached the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open and the French Open. She earned a reputation as a giant-killer on the WTA Tour, with victories over stars such as Serena Williams, Simona Halep, Ash Barty, Petra Kvitova and Elena Rybakina. Tributes for Charleston tennis star Shelby Rogers after retirement news Growing up, Rogers famously worked as a ballkid at the Family Circle Cup on Daniel Island and played in the tournament (now the Credit One Charleston Open) 13 times. She's also been an analyst on TV broadcasts, and plans to be on hand for the Charleston Open next year.
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DEAR ABBY: When my son got married in 2003, we had many good times with him and his wife. Things have changed now that we have cellphones. It’s nearly impossible to have a relationship with her because when they come to our home, she’s always on her phone. My son talks to his dad, and I’m left sitting there wondering what I should do. Would you say anything to your daughter-in-law about this? She immediately gets on the phone when she arrives and stays on it most of the time. It wasn’t like this when cellphones weren’t as prolific. It hurts my feelings that she comes all the way to my house only to socialize with her Facebook friends and not us, because we rarely see them. Should I speak up? I don’t want to start trouble and I don’t want to isolate them. I love them, but I think it’s rude that she’s on her phone the whole time they’re here. It makes me feel like I’m not good enough for her to talk to me. I have two other daughters-in-law who may get on their phones occasionally, but not like this one. – Off the Phone in Kentucky DEAR OFF: Of course what your daughter-in-law is doing is rude. It is also insensitive. It won’t stop unless you and your husband say something. When you do, do not couch your message in terms of being “rude.” Instead, tell her it hurts your feelings and gives you the impression that she doesn’t value your company as much as you do hers. It also impedes high-quality visiting. If you express it this way, it may make her less defensive, because it is the truth. DEAR ABBY: My fiance and I have been together for many years. I have never really liked his mother – for valid reasons. She belittles and is disrespectful to her son. The last straw was when she came by two months ago and made a derogatory comment about him to me. (He was not present.) It was false, and I called her out on it. She, of course, had no rebuttal. She is negative even in her personal life and often lies. I talked to my fiance about this, and he does address the issues with her, but not in a way that makes her understand she must either respect him or risk no longer having a relationship with him. She uses others, is two-faced and rarely bathes. I am considering breaking off our engagement at this point. I’m tired of this woman’s lack of respect. Should I walk away from this relationship? – Disgusted and Appalled in the East DEAR DISGUSTED: If your tolerance level has reached its limit, you may have to walk away. However, I do not think you should give your fiance an ultimatum in which he must decide between you and his mother. As obnoxious and odiferous as she is, she is still his mother. I do think you should suggest that he talk with a licensed psychotherapist about his relationship with her. If it is as unhealthy as you have described, he might then, on his own, decide to distance himself from her. Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.Who is Amelia Carter? Has NYC fire victim really been identified?President-elect Donald Trump wants the U.S. to take over Greenland and take back control of the Panama Canal. Trump said in social media posts he wanted to take ownership of Greenland from Denmark and the Panama Canal back from Panama. “For purposes of National Security and Freedom throughout the World, the United States of America feels that the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity,” Trump said in a post. Greenland has been part of the Kingdom of Denmark since 1814. It now operates as an autonomous territory. Officials from Greenland and and Denmark said they are not interested in selling or turning over the Arctic island "Greenland is ours. We are not for sale and will never be for sale. We must not lose our long struggle for freedom," Greenland Prime Minister Múte Egede said in a written comment, according to Reuters and other outlets. Danish officials echoed the sentiment. “In a complex security political situation as the one we currently experience, transatlantic cooperation is crucial,” the Danish prime minister’s office told media outlet Anadolu Ajansı "As far as statements about Greenland, the Prime Minister's Office has no comments other than reference to what was stated by the Premier of Greenland about Greenland not being for sale, but open for cooperation,” the Danish statement continued. The U.S., Russia and China have all had increased strategic and military interests in the Arctic region. Climate change and melting ice packs could open up more shipping channels. FILE - Large Icebergs float away as the sun rises near Kulusuk, Greenland, Aug. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana, File) Trump also wants the U.S. to take back control of the Panama Canal. The U.S. built the crossing connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. It opened in 1914. Former President Jimmy Carter gave the canal to Panama in 1978. Trump wants it back. “The Panama Canal is considered a vital national asset for the United States, due to its critical role to America’s economy and national security,” Trump said “If the principles, both moral and legal, of this magnanimous gesture of giving are not followed, then we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to us, in full, and without question. To the officials of Panama, please be guided accordingly,” Trump said. There have been concerns about China’s influence over Panama and the canal and the fees charged to U.S. and other ships. “We’re being ripped off at the Panama Canal like we’re being ripped off everywhere else,” Trump said. Panama President José Raúl Mulino said the canal is “not negotiable” “I want to express precisely that every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjacent area belong to Panama, and will continue to,” Mulino said in a statement. President-elect Donald Trump speaks at AmericaFest, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri) Trump replied on social media, “We’ll see about that.” Trump, who takes office next month, has also mused about Canada joining the U.S. and will press for European NATO members to contribute more to the alliance’s military budgets. Get any of our free daily email newsletters — news headlines, opinion, e-edition, obituaries and more.
New York City Could Have First White Christmas in 15 YearsIs university worth it? Yes, for both students and societyOkoro 1-1 0-0 2, N.Johnson 0-3 0-0 0, Lary 3-11 3-3 10, Lovejoy 4-14 6-8 15, Kuac 2-5 0-0 5, Nadeau 5-15 2-2 13, Geeter 2-5 0-1 4, Gondrezick 2-4 0-0 5, Mitchell 1-2 0-0 2, Kalambay 0-0 1-2 1, Hurst 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 20-60 12-16 57. Spillers 3-5 1-2 7, Abass 1-1 2-3 4, Cosby 4-12 0-0 11, Hildreth 1-10 3-4 5, Sallis 12-18 2-2 31, Harris 1-7 1-2 4, Friedrichsen 0-3 0-0 0, T.Johnson 2-5 0-0 5. Totals 24-61 9-13 67. Halftime_Wake Forest 36-23. 3-Point Goals_Detroit 5-19 (Gondrezick 1-2, Lovejoy 1-2, Lary 1-3, Kuac 1-4, Nadeau 1-8), Wake Forest 10-35 (Sallis 5-9, Cosby 3-11, Harris 1-4, T.Johnson 1-4, Friedrichsen 0-3, Hildreth 0-4). Rebounds_Detroit 41 (Nadeau 9), Wake Forest 29 (Spillers 9). Assists_Detroit 11 (Lovejoy 6), Wake Forest 16 (Sallis 4). Total Fouls_Detroit 14, Wake Forest 18. A_8,705 (14,665).