Justin Herbert tosses 3 TDs, Chargers clinch a playoff spot with a 40-7 rout of Patriots FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Justin Herbert threw three touchdown passes and the Los Angeles Chargers clinched their second playoff appearance in three seasons with a 40-7 victory over the New England Patriots. The win also secured the fourth postseason appearance in Jim Harbaugh’s five seasons as an NFL coach, adding to the three he made during his stint with the San Francisco 49ers. Herbert finished 26 of 38 for 281 yards to become the third player in NFL history with at least 3,000 passing yards and 20 touchdown passes in each of his first five seasons. The Patriots have lost six straight games, their second such losing streak of the season. They are now 2-14 the last two seasons at home. Dallas' Naji Marshall gets 4-game suspension, Phoenix's Jusuf Nurkic is banned 3 games for fight The NBA has suspended Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall for four games and Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic for three games for their roles in an on-court fight during Friday night’s game. Dallas forward P.J. Washington was suspended for one game. All of the suspensions are without pay. Nurkic was called for an offensive foul while being guarded by Daniel Gafford with 9:02 left in the third quarter before the altercation quickly escalated. Nurkic confronted Marshall before taking an open-handed swing at his head and then Marshall responded with a punch. Washington quickly shoved Nurkic to the ground before the teams were separated. The NBA said Marshall “attempted to further engage Nurkic in a hostile manner in the corridor outside the locker rooms.” Shohei Ohtani to become a father for the 1st time in 2025 LOS ANGELES (AP) — Shohei Ohtani is adding a newcomer to his family lineup. The Los Angeles Dodgers superstar has posted on his Instagram account that he and wife Mamiko Tanaka are expecting a baby in 2025. The photo shows the couple's beloved dog, Decoy, as well as a pink ruffled onesie along with baby shoes and a sonogram that is covered by a baby emoji. Ohtani announced in February that he had married Tanaka, a former professional basketball player from his native Japan. The news from the intensely private player stunned Ohtani's teammates and his fans. Eli Manning and Antonio Gates are among the finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Two-time Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning, former Defensive Players of the Year Luke Kuechly and Terrell Suggs, and prolific tight end Antonio Gates are among the finalists for the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame class. The Hall on Saturday announced the names of the 15 modern-era finalists who advanced from a group of 25 to the final stage of voting. The selection committee will vote next month to pick the class of between three and five modern-era players that will be announced the week of the Super Bowl. Georgia QB Carson Beck announces plan to enter NFL draft after season-ending elbow injury Georgia quarterback Carson Beck has announced his plans to enter the NFL draft, five days after having season-ending elbow surgery. The fifth-year senior made his NFL plans official on social media. Beck suffered a right elbow injury in the first half of the Bulldogs’ 22-19 overtime win over Texas in the Southeastern Conference championship game on Dec. 7. Beck had surgery on Monday to repair his ulnar collateral ligament in the elbow. He is expected to begin throwing next spring. Backup Gunner Stockton will make his first start in the Sugar Bowl against Notre Dame on Wednesday. Victor Wembanyama plays 1-on-1 chess with fans in New York Victor Wembanyama went to a park in New York City and played 1-on-1 with fans on Saturday. He even lost a couple of games. Not in basketball, though. Wemby was playing chess. Before the San Antonio Spurs left New York for a flight to Minnesota, Wembanyama put out the call on social media: “Who wants to meet me at the SW corner of Washington Square park to play chess? Im there,” Wembanyama wrote. It was 9:36 a.m. And people began showing up almost immediately. Mavs star Luka Doncic is latest pro athlete whose home was burglarized, business manager says DALLAS (AP) — Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks is the latest professional athlete whose home has been burglarized. The star guard’s business manager tells multiple media outlets there was a break-in at Doncic’s home Friday night. Lara Beth Seager says nobody was home, and Doncic filed a police report. The Dallas Morning News reports that jewelry valued at about $30,000 was stolen. Doncic is the sixth known pro athlete in the U.S. whose home was burglarized since October. Star NFL quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes of Kansas City and Joe Burrow of Cincinnati are among them. The NFL and NBA have issued security alerts to players over the break-ins. Panthers place 1,000-yard rusher Chuba Hubbard on IR for final 2 games with strained calf CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Carolina Panthers have shut down leading rusher Chuba Hubbard for the final two games of the season because of a strained calf. He was placed on injured reserve Saturday. Hubbard was limited in practice Friday with a knee injury and was listed as questionable to play Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After practice, Hubbard complained of pain and had an MRI, which revealed a grade two calf strain, according to the team. Hubbard ran for 1,195 yards and 10 touchdowns this season. He becomes the third Panthers running back to be placed on injured reserve this season, joining Miles Sanders and rookie Jonathan Brooks. Patriots QB Drake Maye returns to game after evaluation for head injury vs. Chargers FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye has returned to the game after being evaluated for a head injury following a blow to the helmet in the first quarter of New England’s matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers. Maye was scrambling near the sideline on third down of the Patriots’ first possession of the game when he was hit by Chargers cornerback Cam Hart. Maye stayed down on the turf for several seconds before eventually getting up and jogging off the field on his own power. He briefly sat on the bench before going to the medical tent and then the locker room. He was replaced by backup Jacoby Brissett in the next series. But Maye returned at the 10:15 mark of the second quarter. Corbin Burnes and Arizona Diamondbacks agree to $210 million, 6-year deal, AP source says PHOENIX (AP) — Corbin Burnes and the Arizona Diamondbacks have agreed to a $210 million, six-year contract, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal was pending a successful physical. The 30-year-old Burnes was perhaps the top free agent pitcher on the market after going 15-9 with a 2.92 ERA for Baltimore last season. The Orioles acquired the right-hander in a February trade after he spent his first six major league seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers.Lea en español For many people, this time of year is all about the shopping. And there's a fair chance many feel less than joyful about the prospect. If fulfilling your lengthy list feels overwhelming, learning what brain science and evolutionary psychology say about shopping and gift-giving might help you understand exactly why you're stressed – and even point you toward a healthier, happier holiday season. Our reactions are encoded into our nervous system, said Dr. Beth Frates, a part-time associate professor in the department of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Harvard Medical School in Boston. "By understanding these brain responses, people can develop strategies to manage stress better, such as setting realistic expectations, focusing on mindfulness and simplifying holiday preparations," said Frates, who also is the immediate past president of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. People are also reading... The idea of exchanging gifts at this time of year can be traced back to pagan solstice celebrations. But the drive to share with another is as old as humanity itself, said Dr. Diego Guevara Beltran, a postdoctoral fellow in psychology at the University of Arizona in Tucson who studies cooperation and generosity. The science of generosity is more about survival than stocking stuffers, Guevara Beltran said. Sharing food gave early humans an evolutionary advantage. "Generosity is just one of the ways by which we can accumulate resources, be it wealth itself or friendships or work partners or more attractive, more intelligent mates," he said. Sharing with other people, Guevara Beltran said, is "a signal that communicates how much you value them, their welfare, your relationship with them." Research has shown that helping people makes us feel good. Part of that, he said, is because when someone is part of a community, they feel protected. One way this manifests is through the act of giving gifts. But to derive happiness from gift-giving, the giver needs to feel both that it was not an obligation and that it was effective, according to the 2019 World Happiness Report . That means it could be stressful to be in a culture where gift-giving feels mandatory, or if we can't see that a gift helped someone, Guevara Beltran speculated. It also might be stressful if gift-giving becomes a competition to show that you care about somebody more than the others around them. Our brains on shopping Stressful shopping can cause several physiological responses to kick in, Frates said. First is the "fight or flight" reaction that comes with stress. The release of chemicals that increase our heart rate, raise our blood pressure and intensify our breathing evolved to give us bursts of energy to escape danger. Frates said that while holiday stressors are not life-threatening, they can still trigger the stress response. The pressure to stay within budget could create a sense of scarcity, she said. "This taps into an evolutionary response, where the fear of losing resources like money can feel urgent and distressing." The holiday season also involves a lot of choices. "The brain has limited capacity for decision-making, and making multiple decisions can lead to decision fatigue," Frates said. "This fatigue reduces the ability to self-regulate and cope, which can lead to heightened stress responses when confronted with even minor setbacks, like a long line or out-of-stock item." The stress of needing to complete tasks within a limited time can intensify the fight-or-flight response, she said, as the brain interprets the ticking clock as a sense of urgency or threat. Meanwhile, Frates said, holiday shopping can also trigger brain chemicals that affect our feelings. "Dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, is released when we anticipate something exciting or enjoyable, like finding a great gift or finding a good deal," she said. "This anticipation can feel rewarding even before any actual purchase is made." For some people, this dopamine boost can make shopping a relaxing experience. "It provides a temporary distraction from other stressors and allows them to focus on something positive, creating a 'holiday high,'" Frates said. For some people, that can be problematic. "When shopping becomes a way to chase that next dopamine hit, it can lead to excessive spending or impulsive purchases," she said. "This can become a trap, particularly during the holidays, when deals, sales and gift-giving pressures are everywhere." Understanding how all these processes work can help people recognize why they feel the way they do and adopt strategies to cope, Frates said. Here are some of her suggestions. 1. Start with self-care before shopping Prioritizing self-care means people can be their best selves and make good decisions, Frates said. So, "eat food that is delicious and nutritious. Get seven to nine hours of sleep. Make sure to enjoy physical activity. Take walks when you can and invite friends along. Practice stress reduction like meditation or yoga to help you calm your body and mind." Before going shopping, try taking deep breaths using stress-relieving techniques such as 4-7-8 breathing (inhale through your nose for four counts, hold for seven counts, and exhale through your mouth for eight) or box breathing (inhale through the nose for four counts, hold your breath for four, exhale for four, then hold for four). 2. Be strategic Don't shop when you're hungry, tired, lonely or stressed, Frates said. And don't start shopping 15 minutes before a store closes or a website's online deals end, she said. That's setting yourself up for triggering the fight-or-flight response. 3. Be mindful Before making a purchase, take a moment to consider whether it's truly needed or whether it's an impulsive choice. To avoid overindulging, set a specific budget or limit yourself to a couple of hours or specific shopping days. "This keeps dopamine-driven spending in check while still allowing for the enjoyable aspects of holiday shopping," Frates said. Look for post-shopping activities that provide rewards without the financial cost. That can satisfy your brain's desire for more dopamine in a healthier way. "Plan enjoyable, stress-relieving activities after shopping, like going for a walk, spending time with friends or indulging in a hobby," she said. 4. Bring a friend Not only does this support healthy social connections, Frates said, but if things start feeling stressful, "you have a buddy, and you have a support system right there for you." 5. Rethink the focus of the season "With gift-giving, we need to change mindsets in order to be able to manage the stress," Frates said. The holidays could be used to emphasize social connections, she said. "Thinking about the connection with the person and making gift-giving more about deepening the connection than anything else, I think, will really help to reduce the stress around the process," she said. So instead of scouring shops and websites for the "perfect" gift, think about making a meaningful and personal one, she suggested. It could be a poem, a painting, a song or a framed photograph that captured a special time. 6. Lessons for children It's easy to get caught up in the hunt for a hard-to-get item, Frates said. But ask yourself what the holiday means in your family's traditions. "Is it about getting that perfect gift for the child? Or is it about celebrating the meaning of that holiday?" So instead of having children ask for one specific toy, or a specific brand of clothing, teach them to leave a little leeway on their lists. "It is a good reminder to express to children that this season is about giving and sharing what we can in the best way that we can," she said, "and sometimes the exact gift is not available." Encouraging such an attitude can be a tall order, Frates said, but it's a place to start. "A simple mindset shift could be the difference between a stressful holiday shopping season or a joyful journey to find meaningful gifts for people you care about." American Heart Association News covers heart and brain health. Not all views expressed in this story reflect the official position of the American Heart Association. Copyright is owned or held by the American Heart Association, Inc., and all rights are reserved. Build your health & fitness knowledge Sign up here to get the latest health & fitness updates in your inbox every week!
LSU outlasts UCF 109-102 in triple-OT affairA 64-YEAR-OLD man who has been living on the streets since 1995 wants to reunite with his family for the New Year. Vernon Miller, who admitted that he was once a substance abuser living on the streets of Port of Spain, San Juan, San Fernando and even as far away as Icacos, says he has cleaned up his life after receiving help from a Government agency as well as a church. Miller came to Express House in Port of Spain, yesterday morning, saying that he wanted help to find his younger sisters and an older brother whom he said he had lost contact with. He gave their last known address as Silvermill, San Juan. He recalled that his sisters were renting an apartment there in 1995 but since then he cannot tell if they had changed their names or moved away from the San Juan area. He said all his siblings had the same surname since they had the same mother and father and gave their names as Angela, Margaret, Marjorie, Mary and his older brother Allan. He said he also had a 38-yearold daughter by the name of Vanessa. Miller told the Express that he spent some time in prison between 1999 and 2003 for drug possession and added that his road to recovery began in 2021 shortly before the socially displaced centre on Riverside Plaza in Port of Spain had closed its doors in 2022. 'I went to the socially displaced centre in Port of Spain and was helped by a woman named Mrs Wells She advised me to seek help in church. I started to go to church. I started to go the Wesleyan Church in San Juan where pastor Brian Lewis had taken me and along with his wife, they followed up with me until I recovered from that dark place. That illness,' Miller said, adding that at the beginning of his journey they would come to Riverside Plaza and pick him up routinely to go to church with them. In explaining what motivated him to seek help at the shelter in 2021, Miller said it began with his participation with former street dweller and soca singer Uncle Ellis (Ellis Reid) who sang 'I Doh Mind' in 2017. Miller said he was the one pushing Uncle Ellis around in the shopping cart in the music video. In the video, Uncle Ellis had said at the introduction that on the streets of Port of Spain he was subjected to unnecessary abuse by passers-by because he was living on the streets and labelled a cocaine user. Ellis also stated during the song's introduction that he wanted to be 'a beacon of light' for the people lying down on the street. 'I want to be an example. I want to motivate people living on the street. Not because we living on the street means we are not human,' Ellis said then. Miller said, 'I was dancing on the streets and many artistes began singing about 'Oscar' (Miller's street name) and I said look at this nah. Artistes were singing and saying, we got to say a prayer for Oscar and they were reaching out to me. I was fascinated in the way these people (soca artistes) were putting their words into music about me and I realised it was something that God was working out in my life like in a way to assist.' He said he realised he had to transform his life so others could inherit something good from his change. Elaborating on the help he got at the socially displaced centre at Riverside Plaza, Miller commended the patience of the manager named Wells. He said that he could hold a conversation with her, 'and she gave me words of wisdom such as how to keep myself in order to go back into society and about going to church. She gave me whatever I wanted.' He said that he was content to stay at the centre at that time and lamented that it was now closed. Asked about the ways the centre for socially displaced people at Riverside Plaza had helped him, Miller said at the time it was comfortable for him. 'Food was there, shelter was there, care-taking was in that area,' he said. However, Miller pointed out that a lot also depended on the people going for help there and if they actually wanted the change in their life. He asked his family to contact him at the Wesleyan Church in San Juan. Serious about change When the Express contacted Pastor Brian Lewis' wife, who asked that her name not be used, she said what was much noticeable about Miller when she first met him through his interactions with her husband at the church, was his seriousness in wanting to change. She said she noticed that demeanour even though Miller was still living on the streets. 'My husband would have kept in touch. Well, at the time the CSDP (Centre for Socially Displaced People) was closing off and placing them in different places. The first place was somewhere in Maraval and we would have arranged for someone to pick him up every Sunday to bring him to church until he moved to Champs Fleurs where we would pick him up and bring him to church. And then the last place was in San Juan where we continued to pick him up and then now he is no longer there,' she said. She recalled that Miller was also very hungry for the word of God. 'I remember him learning off whole passages in the book of Psalms and would have written songs and sang it in church. So much so, that one of the students in class said she remembered him being a vagrant in the Criosee (San Juan) and she was so shocked to see him in church.' Pastor Lewis' wife reminded that people reacted to life's challenges in different ways and said, ultimately, people had choices to make, noting that one of those choices was turning to God.CHRISTMAS is already a distant memory for our political leaders. They have gorged themselves on one too many turkey sandwiches and swigged the last of Granny’s Baileys. The rest of us will be happy if we are able to shed our excess Christmas pounds with a few extra star jumps down the gym. But for Labour , the Tories and Reform UK , the stakes are a great deal higher. As their hangovers fade, the party leaders are turning to 2025 and their New Year resolutions . So I’ve got a few suggestions of my own. Top of the list for PM Keir Starmer must be avoiding a recession . Read More on Opinion Our economy is flatlining . High Streets , once packed with bargain-hunters shopping in the sales, are eerily quiet. Pubs are shutting early. Angry farmers blockade the streets. Rachel Reeves’ decision to drop a £40billion tax bomb in her Budget is looking more nutty than Keir Starmer’s vegetarian Christmas dinner . The PM MUST get growth going. That means slashing red tape and cutting — not hiking — taxes. Most read in The Sun Next up, Sir Keir must fix the NHS . He says tax rises are worth it to cut hospital waiting lists. Well, he had better cut them then. NHS reforms are due to be unveiled next month. These must be a game-changer. We all love the NHS, but we can’t bankrupt ourselves to pay for it. So the PM needs to slash waste, not just keep throwing billion after billion of taxpayer cash at it. Third on the PM’s to-do list should be a relationship with Donald Trump’s White House . They don’t seem ideal partners for a bromance, but who knows? A full-blown free trade deal may be too much of a tall order but the PM will need to use all of Britain’s soft power to avoid trade tariffs. Expect an invite for Trump to visit Britain and King Charles . Given the President’s love for Scotland, may I suggest laying on a few Tunnock’s tea cakes and shortbread over a cuppa at the Palace? Or, better still, Balmoral? Last but not least, Sir Keir must crack down on the Channel crisis. More than 150,000 migrants have crossed since the crisis began in 2018 . Britain can have no faith in its security if it cannot control its borders. Illegal immigration must come down. Shaking up British politics As the new Tory leader, Kemi Badenoch faces a daunting challenge in 2025. The Conservatives were once the natural party of government. But they were crushed at the last election and are hated by many. This year, Kemi needs to roll up her sleeves and thrust herself into the centre of politics if she wants to grab the attention of voters. With charismatic Nigel Farage on her right and Keir Starmer wielding a huge majority on her left, there is no time for Kemi to go quiet and spend months pondering the finer points of policy. She needs to show she can bloody her opponents. If I were her, I would attack Labour relentlessly on tax. Kemi must also show she can breathe new life — and members — into her party base. Comeback kid After all, Reform say they now have more paid-up supporters than the Tories. Comeback kid Nigel Farage had a brilliant 2024. Finally elected to parliament, the Reform UK leader has five MPs, four million votes and is the insurgent shaking up British politics, perhaps for ever. But he must not let his victories go to his head like one too many glasses of cut-price prosecco. There is chatter that Elon Musk will donate £80million to Reform. But talk is cheap, and Farage needs to bank that cheque. With his pal Trump in the White House, Farage is offering to be a helpful middle man between the new President and No10. Keir should consider taking him up on this offer if it helps Britain avoid crippling US trade tariffs. The year 2025 looks set to be quite a ride for our political leaders. They should buckle up. THE Guinness shortage is real. I popped into my local on Friday night only to discover they had run out. The barmaid said they had run dry over Christmas, telling me: “There is a national shortage, you know.” A group of lads were also aghast that their favourite tipple was off. What else should they order, they wondered aloud. In the end one went for a G&T. I didn’t see that coming. DRAGON DEBORAH TO FIRE UP RACE FOR MAYOR? DRAGONS’ Den star Deborah Meaden is in the frame to be Labour’s next candidate for London Mayor. Sadiq Khan is widely expected to stand down when he finishes his current term – and the unofficial race to succeed him is already under way. Labour MPs Dawn Butler and Dr Rosena Allin-Khan have their eyes on the job – which Boris Johnson did before becoming PM. But I’m told some party insiders are keen for a big-hitter away from Westminster and want the TV Dragon as their candidate. A senior Labour Party source said: “Deborah’s name is being talked about. “She has star power and business know-how, and she is close to Rachel Reeves.” Deborah ran a multimillion-pound family holiday business before finding fame on the hit BBC TV show. She has posted several messages on Twitter/X which are supportive of Labour and the Chancellor. In one, she defended Ms Reeves over accusations the Labour politician had sexed up her CV. In another she praised Ms Reeves for “getting on with it” by appointing a commissioner to investigate Covid corruption. Labour may be pitching hard for Deborah to be their woman in City Hall. But it remains to be seen if the telly star will invest – or tell them: “I’m out”. FOOTIE A FAMILY AFFAIR I READ that Prince Louis is an Aston Villa fan like his dad, Prince William . There is nothing unusual about that – most kids “inherit” their football team from their mum or dad or siblings. But not me. We grew up in North London – bang on the border between Tottenham and Arsenal territory. Yet I wanted to copy my brother who was a Man United fan. But my brother said no. Instead he told me I could support his second-favourite team – Ipswich Town . Being the eager younger sibling, I agreed. I even got an Ipswich Town scarf for my Christmas present and named my pet goldfish (won at the local fair) John Wark, after the team’s legendary midfielder. After a couple of years I clocked that my brother actually had no interest in Ipswich Town and the whole thing had been a wind-up on me. I gave up Ipswich Town and joined most of my classmates in supporting Arsenal instead. I think I still have the scarf somewhere though . . . COMMON TRAITS . . . THE Traitors is all about deception, betrayal and backstabbing. So it should come as no surprise that a high-flying Labour Party staffer applied to go on the TV show. The party aide thought his experience in the dark arts of political spin would make him the ideal contestant. An insider said: “Politics is all about shifting alliances and being able to plunge the knife when you need to. It is the ideal training ground for The Traitors.” But it seems that the treachery and skullduggery of Westminster was too much for BBC bosses to stomach. The Labour Party aide did not get a spot on the show. Well, who would trust a politico who said they are “100 per cent faithful”? PRICE POSSE NEED LIMITS WE have all seen them in our local supermarket – aisle lurkers who wait for the shop assistant with the yellow stickers to discount the food. Before you know it, they have nabbed all the best cut-price gear. Mouth-watering steaks, lamb chops and posh bangers are scooped up in the blink of an eye and you are left with a manky old tub of coleslaw and some half-price runner beans. I fell foul of another type of aisle-lurker the other day – the half-price Itsu one. The High Street sushi chain flogs all its fresh food at half price 30 minutes before closing time. I go every Saturday night when I work late, so I can get a posh sushi meal for a fiver. Last week I arrived bang on time only to find the aisles barren. At the checkout there was a man with a massive bag of sushi swag in it. He must have picked up 20 platters of the stuff. It was enough to feed the five thousand! Turns out there is no limit to how many half-price Itsus you can buy. I left, hungry and disappointed. Now I love a bargain as much as the next girl, but should there be a limit to how many discounts an aisle-lurker can bag? NEW Year’s Eve is nearly here and that means fireworks . Cities around the world will light up with dazzling displays as people see in 2025 with a bang. But a friend of mine has had to ditch his New Year’s Eve fireworks display because a neighbour complained it scares her horses. Of course people love their pets, and some animals get spooked by loud noises. But fireworks are a great tradition and are only let off on New Year’s Eve or Bonfire night. And the occasional wedding. Live and let live. READ MORE SUN STORIES Let us firework lovers enjoy the one or two days a year we can let them off. You can mollycoddle your pets all year round!
Adrian was spotted at the service sporting a jacket bearing the crest of his beloved Baggies in tribute to the star, with an interview he gave on their bond also resurfacing amidst the funeral. The TV presenter recalled on his BBC Radio 5 Live show in the wake of Liam's death about how their friendship kicked off: "I got to know him when he first did 'X Factor'. "He came up to me and said, 'Up the Albion' - he was a West Brom fan. "Just as a sign as to how massive he was, I remember we snuck him into a Boxing Day game and I think his mum and dad came and sat with me. "But we managed to secrete our man up in the commentary gantry so he didn't get bothered. "Then a friend of mine texted me to ask, 'Why are West Brom trending number one on Twitter?' "I went, 'Well, it could be because Liam Payne is here and he tweeted he was here and the whole world went mad for it'." Liam was a season ticket holder at West Brom's home ground the Hawthorns, and the club paid tribute to him following his unexpected death. It said on social media: "We're shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Baggies fan and musician, LiamPayne. "Our thoughts are with Liam's family, friends and loved ones at this tragic time."Alex Ovechkin is expected to miss 4 to 6 weeks with a broken left legPep Guardiola’s side avoided the indignity of a sixth successive defeat in all competitions and looked on course for a welcome victory thanks to a double from Erling Haaland – the first from the penalty spot – and a deflected effort from Ilkay Gundogan. Yet Guardiola was left with his head in hands as Feyenoord roared back in the last 15 minutes with goals from Anis Hadj Moussa, Sergio Gimenez and David Hancko, two of them after Josko Gvardiol errors. FULL-TIME | A point apiece. 🩵 3-3 ⚫️ #ManCity | #UCL pic.twitter.com/6oj1nEOIwm — Manchester City (@ManCity) November 26, 2024 Arsenal delivered the statement Champions League win Mikel Arteta had demanded as they swept aside Sporting Lisbon 5-1. Arteta wanted his team to prove their European credentials, and goals from Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Gabriel, Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard got their continental campaign back on track in style following the 1-0 defeat at Inter Milan last time out. A memorable victory also ended Sporting’s unbeaten start to the season, a streak of 17 wins and one draw, the vast majority of which prompted Manchester United to prise away head coach Ruben Amorim. Putting on a show at Sporting 🌟 pic.twitter.com/Yi9MgRZEkl — Arsenal (@Arsenal) November 26, 2024 Paris St Germain were left in serious of danger of failing to progress in the Champions League as they fell to a 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena. Kim Min-jae’s header late in the first half was enough to send PSG to a third defeat in the competition this season, leaving them six points off the automatic qualification places for the last 16 with three games to play. Luis Enrique’s side, who had Ousmane Dembele sent off, were deservedly beaten by Bayern who dominated chances and possession. 🔔 FULL TIME – Victory at home! +3 in the #UCL 👏❤️ #FCBayern #MiaSanMia | #FCBPSG #UCL pic.twitter.com/BYE23dXXih — FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) November 26, 2024 Elsewhere, Atletico Madrid were 6-0 winners away to Sparta Prague, Julian Alvarez and Angel Correa each scoring twice whilst there were also goals from Marcos Llorente and Antoine Griezmann. Barcelona ended tournament debutants Brest’s unbeaten start with a 3-0 victory courtesy of two goals from Robert Lewandowski – one a penalty – and Dani Olmo. Lewandowski’s first was his 100th Champions League goal, only the third man to reach the mark after Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. A Castello Lukeba own goal saw Inter Milan go top of the standings with a narrow 1-0 win over RB Leipzig at San Siro, whilst Bayer Leverkusen were emphatic victors against Red Bull Salzburg, Florian Wirtz scoring twice to move Xabi Alonso’s side into the automatic qualification places. Atalanta continued their strong start, albeit whilst conceding a first goal in Europe this season in a 6-1 win away to Young Boys, whilst Tammy Abraham scored the decisive goal as AC Milan beat Slovan Bratislava 3-2.
LSU outlasts UCF 109-102 in triple-OT affairNoneWEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump said Saturday that he wants real estate developer Charles Kushner , father of Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, to serve as ambassador to France. Trump made the announcement in a Truth Social post, calling Charles Kushner “a tremendous business leader, philanthropist, & dealmaker." Kushner is the founder of Kushner Companies, a real estate firm. Jared Kushner is a former senior Trump adviser who is married to Trump’s eldest daughter, Ivanka. The elder Kushner was pardoned by Trump in December 2020 after pleading guilty years earlier to tax evasion and making illegal campaign donations. Prosecutors alleged that after Charles Kushner discovered his brother-in-law was cooperating with federal authorities in an investigation, he hatched a scheme for revenge and intimidation. Kushner hired a prostitute to lure his brother-in-law, then arranged to have the encounter in a New Jersey motel room recorded with a hidden camera and the recording sent to his own sister, the man’s wife, prosecutors said. Kushner eventually pleaded guilty to 18 counts including tax evasion and witness tampering. He was sentenced in 2005 to two years in prison — the most he could receive under a plea deal, but less than what Chris Christie, the U.S. attorney for New Jersey at the time and later governor and Republican presidential candidate, had sought. Christie has blamed Jared Kushner for his firing from Trump’s transition team in 2016, and has called Charles Kushner’s offenses “one of the most loathsome, disgusting crimes that I prosecuted when I was U.S. attorney.” Trump and the elder Kushner knew each other from real estate circles and their children were married in 2009. Tucker reported from Newtown, Pennsylvania.Holiday shopping doesn't have to be stressful
Outcry over Labour's plans for free weight loss jabs on the NHS as majority of Brits believe people should pay for treatment privately
Man City collapse ‘difficult to swallow’ – Pep GuardiolaLauren Betts, No. 5 UCLA get past No. 17 Louisville
Fat Joe is making sure his Bronx neighborhood is all stocked up for the Thanksgiving holiday and you gotta call him a pro Turkey giver at this point -- he's been doing it for over a decade!!! TMZ Hip Hop caught a few minutes with the super busy Joe on Tuesday outside his Up NYC boutique and the line was around the corner!!! Joe tells us it's one of his proudest moments as a native New Yorker to give back to the streets that molded him. He's also hosting another turkey drive at the other location and estimates he'll feed thousands of people!!! And, everyone who turned out got a turkey and plenty of fixins ... Joe says they also handed out mac and cheese, rice, fresh produce and more!!! Don't forget, Joe's not one of those rap stars who only pops up to the hood when there's a convenient photo op involved ... he's donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to BX schoolkids in the past year and received an honorary doctorate in May.No song in the history of pop has had an effect quite like Band Aid’s “Do They Know it’s Christmas?” The 1984 star-studded supergroup charity single raised £8m for famine relief in Ethiopia, becoming the second-biggest selling song of all time in the UK; the Band Aid Charitable Trust, set up in the song’s wake, has since raised £150m for charitable causes. Last week, the 40th anniversary “Ultimate Mix” of the song, an oddly moving but rather strange mash-up of three previous versions, featuring digitally enhanced duets between George Michael and Robbie Williams and three generations of Bono, was released – this time amid a fierce debate over its lyrics, messaging, and reductive portrayal of a primitive, homogenous “Africa”. Ed Sheeran had already made clear his thoughts on the use of his vocals from 2014’s Band Aid 30. “My approval wasn’t sought on this new Band Aid 40 release, and had I had the choice, I would have respectfully declined the use of my vocals,” Sheeran wrote on Instagram stories. “A decade on and my understanding of the narrative associated with this has changed.” This reflects the opinion that has been spreading in the public consciousness for years: that “Do They Know it’s Christmas?” shouldn’t be treated as a helpful little Christmas ditty, or even a well-meaning but of-its-time piece of pop philanthropy. No – with lyrics that claim Africa has no snow, rain or rivers, asks if Christian countries are aware that it’s Christmas and include Bono’s infamous line “well, tonight thank God it’s them instead of you”, the song displays an arrogance and ignorance of its subject. Add the project’s reliance on distressing images of nameless victims of famine to push its narrative, and the theory goes, Band Aid is in fact damaging and patronising, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and upholding colonial tropes. Read Next Why I want Gabriel Fauré played at my funeral Sheeran is by far from the first high-profile figure to speak out. He was responding to a comment from Fuse ODG, the British-Ghanian afrobeats artist who has been an avowed critic of Band Aid. “I recognised the harm that initiatives like it inflict on Africa,” Fuse ODG said. “While they may generate sympathy and donations, they perpetuate damaging stereotypes that stifle Africa’s economic growth, tourism and investment, ultimately costing the continent trillions and destroying its dignity, pride and identity.” Even Ethiopia’s prime minister, Abiy Ahmed, has weighed in, saying last weekend that it’s “frustrating to see our nation’s ancient history, culture and diversity and beauty reduced to doom and gloom”. Ahmed called the original track “admirable” but says “a good cause that has not evolved with the times might end up doing more harm than good”. It’s no shock that Bob Geldof, the song’s co-writer and Band Aid’s belligerent mastermind, gives such thought short shrift: he recently dismissed such concerns as a “wealthy-world argument”, which was more polite than what he called the claims to Times Radio in February: “The greatest load of bollocks ever.” In response to a critical article in The Conversation that pre-dated Sheeran’s comment, Geldof argued: “This little pop song has kept hundreds of thousands if not millions of people alive... ‘Colonial tropes’, my arse.” It is to be expected in our more enlightened times that “Do They Know...” should come under increased scrutiny – although in the context of the era, the song was a genuine, heartfelt expression of support with the best of intentions. The lyrics, written by Geldof and Band Aid partner Midge Ure of Ultravox, were in response to a shocking BBC Six O’Clock News feature by Michael Buerk in October 1984 that exposed the devastating Ethiopian “Biblical famine” to the nation with horrific images of death and starvation. Watching with his partner Paula Yates and their young daughter Fifi, Geldof was so distressed and angry – he later called what he’d witnessed a “monstrous human crime, a moral and intellectual absurdity” – that he sought to do something to help. As a pop star who’d enjoyed chart-topping success with Irish post-punkers The Boomtown Rats, he did what he knew how. And so Geldof, armed with the quickly-penned “Do They Know It’s Christmas?”, hastily called on the great and the good of 80s pop, cajoling 37 of the era’s biggest stars – including George Michael, Sting, Bono, Paul Young, Paul Weller, Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, and Bananarama – to make history for a noble cause. The recording of the song itself has become a legendary pop tale, shown in a new BBC4 documentary restored from the archives of the Band Aid Trust: The Making of Do They Know It’s Christmas? . Using footage recorded in Notting Hill between 11am and 7pm one Sunday, it reveals a charming but chaotic process as Geldof and Ure try to steer a studio full of good-natured but egotistical pop stars to finish the song in time for Christmas. It was Geldof as a sheer force of nature – with his potent mix of charm, intelligence, wit, arrogance and righteousness – that turned Band Aid into a phenomenon. On the surface its charity-minded altruism seemed to fly in the face of the era’s growing capitalist, me-first attitude (“there’s no such thing as society” as then-prime minister Margaret Thatcher famously put it) – but actually its mix of individual star power, glamour, commercialism and corporate machinery (the single was launched on the front page of the Daily Mirror with the headline “Billion Dollar Band!”) chimed with the prevailing ethos. It worked beyond even Geldof’s imagination, and Band Aid fever swept the nation. Read Next 'We signed for £1m - then got £125 a week': The brutal reality of 90s boybands The success of Band Aid spawned Live Aid, the legendary 1985 multi-venue benefit concert that raised £114m for Ethiopia, as well as the charity single industry. Band Aid itself has been re-recorded three times to reflect modern pop trends: in 1989, Band Aid 2, with Kylie Minogue , Jason Donavan and Wet Wet Wet, was produced by hitmakers Stock, Aitken and Waterman; in 2004, when Band Aid 20, featuring Chris Martin, Robbie Williams, Thom Yorke and Dido, reached number one, there was little argument over the song’s content – the biggest controversy was over who got to sing Bono’s original line. The Darkness’s Justin Hawkins had sung it on the day of recording; the absent Bono flew into the studio at the last minute and pulled rank. But by 2014, the tide of public opinion was beginning to turn. When Band Aid 30 was recorded with a host of new stars such as Sheeran, One Direction and Sam Smith – this time to raise money for the Ebola crisis in Western Africa – criticism of the song was cranking up. Lily Allen refused to take part, calling the project “smug”; Damon Albarn suggested the song had a limited view of charity. Emelie Sande, who sang on the track, apologised for the lyrics, saying she and African superstar Angelique Kidjo had suggested new ones that hadn’t made the cut. Some lyrics were tweaked to be more sensitive: Bono now sang “well tonight we’re reaching out and touching you” instead of the original controversial words. Bono, who according to Geldof had been uncomfortable with the line since 1984, wrote in his 2022 memoir Surrender that Band Aid/Live Aid was disempowering and condescending, and admitted his own complicity in what he called “white saviour syndrome”. But Sheeran’s intervention, more high-profile, timely and direct in its criticism than any famous pop figure previously, has put the focus on the problematic nature of Band Aid like never before. Both Geldof and Ure have reiterated that, in Geldof’s words, “FFS, it’s a pop song” – as if a few rhyming couplets written in haste for a good cause 40 years ago should ever be taken so literally, and held to modern standards. Still, that Band Aid causes outright offence to an increasing number of people is undeniable. Geldof remains a true believer: he recently “put in a call” to Sheeran to convince him he’s wrong, and that the millions of lives saved and then improved through better education and healthcare – work that continues to this day – is Band Aid’s true legacy. Geldof’s gift of the gab and powers of persuasion are legendary – but it seems as though, 40 years on from his greatest achievement, he’s fighting a losing battle to convince people Band Aid hasn’t become a relic. Band Aid Trust: The Making of Do They Know It’s Christmas? is streaming on BBC iPlayer
Kristin Juszczyk and Claire Kittle proved that BFFs who slay tighter stay together Kristin, 30, who is married to husband Kyle Juszczyk , and Claire, 30, who’s the wife of George Kittle , twinned in custom snowsuits while cheering on their men at the San Francisco 49ers vs. Green Bay Packers game on Sunday, November 24. Designed by Kristin, the red snowsuits featured a fitted silhouette, a zip-up design, black fur cuffs and collars and their husbands respective football numbers, as well as last names. Kristin, for her part, accessorized with a black belt featuring gold hardware, a sparkly necklace and dark sunglasses. She added hidden embroidery to her jumpsuit with the jingle that Kyle, 33, uses to help people spell his last name: “Zebra, cat, zebra, yellow kitten.” Kristin glammed up her look even more with gold hoop earrings, soft curls and a black fuzzy bucket hat . She completed her ensemble with black boots. Claire’s snowsuit also had an easter egg on her arm, which read, “The people’s tightest tight-end,” referencing George’s position. Claire tied her look together with long red nails, a leather belt that cinched her waist, oversized sunglasses and an 85 necklace representing George’s jersey number. She teamed her look with a slicked-back updo. You have successfully subscribed. By signing up, I agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive emails from Us Weekly Check our latest news in Google News Check our latest news in Apple News The dynamic duo hilariously made snow angels — in the grass — in the video while laughing in a social media video . They concluded the clip by hyping each other up with a chest bump. “IYKYK!! Where’s the snow at?!?! 🤣❄️ Had to bring back the matching snowsuits but make it game day edition!! 🏈,” Kristin captioned the post, prompting celebrity friends and fans to compliment her seamstress skills in the comments section. Taylor Lautner , who has also worn Kristin’s custom designs, commented, “Wowwwww,” as his wife, Tay Lautner , gushed, “Obsessed.” Olivia Culpo , who tied the knot with 49ers’ Christian McCaffrey over the summer, added, “I love it 😂😂😂.”ARLINGTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 15: Jake Paul in action against Mike Tyson fight during LIVE On ... [+] Netflix: Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson at AT&T Stadium on November 15, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images for Netflix © 2024) Jake Paul defeated Mike Tyson via unanimous decision on Friday, November 15, in the main event of Netflix’s grand kickoff for live sports streaming. The event drew more than 108 million viewers and garnered Tyson and Paul massive paydays. With Tyson likely headed for retirement and Paul seemingly entertaining potential challengers, here is a list of four potential opponents who could be next for The Problem Child. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. GUADALAJARA, MEXICO - JUNE 19: Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. gestures during a fight against Anderson ... [+] "Spider" Silva as part of the Tribute to the Kings at Jalisco Stadium on June 19, 2021 in Guadalajara, Mexico. (Photo by Manuel Velasquez/Getty Images) The former world middleweight champion and second-generation star is way past his prime. However, at 38, he’s 20 years younger than Tyson, and he fought four months ago, taking a unanimous decision over MMA fighter Uriah Hall. Chavez has called out Paul on multiple occasions, including a recent Instagram post that concluded with, “Jake, it’s time.” Because of Chavez’s built-in fanbase ( 750,000 followers on Instagram ), which has carried over from his legendary father’s diehard following, he can make a strong case to MVP Promotions that he should be Paul’s next opponent. iOS 18.1.1—Update Now Warning Issued To All iPhone Users Leak Reveals Trump Crypto Bombshell As Bitcoin Suddenly Surges Toward $100,000 Price Could Matt Gaetz Get His House Seat Back—Or Be Named Senator? What To Know After He Bails As Trump’s Attorney General Pick This fight would be winnable for Paul but would represent a step up in competition compared to Tyson and most of the opponents The Problem Child has faced in his boxing career. Tommy Fury Tommy Fury during a press conference at Leonardo London. Picture date: Tuesday November 19, 2024. ... [+] (Photo by John Walton/PA Images via Getty Images) The British boxer is the only man who has defeated Paul in a boxing match. The two met in 2023, and Fury won by split decision. Fury is the younger brother of boxing superstar Tyson Fury, and he’s scheduled to fight former MMA fighter Darren Till in January 2025. "He's only got one defeat and that's to me, so it's inevitable that we are going to get back in the ring,” Fury said on Wednesday. "I know I'm going to be an improved fighter, and with him, the [fights] he's taking and what he's doing, I'm not sure if he's going to improve that much." If Fury beats Till, there is a definite story in that rematch. It’s a fight that could be sold as one Paul has a chance of losing—which is something millions of people would tune in to see. Canelo Alvarez LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 14: Canelo Alvarez speaks during a press conference after defeating ... [+] Edgar Berlanga at T-Mobile Arena on September 14, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Omar Vega/Getty Images) A fight between Paul and Canelo could challenge the bout with Tyson in terms of pure viewership. Canelo is nearly as famous as Tyson but is more current because he’s active and still considered one of the best fighters in the world. This fight would be extremely risky for Paul because he would be incredibly overmatched in skill and experience. Paul is a naturally bigger man than Canelo, but his size advantage isn’t likely to negate what the Mexican icon has in boxing acumen. Canelo has the kind of loyal fanbase who will show up to watch him fight anyone. The concept of him protecting the sport from someone viewed as an outsider is one that can easily be sold. The problem with this fight is that Paul would be at a massive disadvantage, which, in his position, represents a risk he doesn’t need to take. Conor McGregor Conor McGregor at the "Road House" Premiere as part of SXSW 2024 Conference and Festivals held at ... [+] the Paramount Theatre on March 8, 2024 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Hubert Vestil/SXSW Conference & Festivals via Getty Images) The biggest and most appropriate opponent on this list is McGregor. A Paul-McGregor fight would likely be the biggest combat sports event in history. It’s also a fight that Paul probably should win if it is contested in a boxing ring. McGregor boxed Floyd Mayweather Jr. unsuccessfully back in 2017, and he is the smaller man. He has also not appeared to be in fighting shape—mentally or physically—as of late. Nevertheless, he is still a straw capable of stirring the proverbial drink. The major drawback for this fight is McGregor’s contract with the UFC. He still has two fights left on his current deal, and the UFC has seldom allowed fighters under contract to pursue these kinds of outside ventures. This issue is part of the reason Francis Ngannou left for the Professional Fighters League. That said, the UFC made an exception with McGregor for the Mayweather fight because of the size of the event. It’s beginning to look less likely McGregor will return to the UFC’s Octagon, and one wonders if they would be interested in co-promoting a fight like this with MVP Promotions to capitalize on McGregor’s drawing power.They say man and dog have a unique bond, unbreakable in fact – could this bond be reiterated in the form of a tablet that can increase the lifespan of both species effectively? Scientists think so. A San Francisco based bio-technology organisation has unleashed plans to study the relationship between human life and dog life, with active testing in the works to see if a longevity enacting drug made for dogs can have similar impacts on us. Loyal potential Loy-002, a compound and accessible pill for dogs, is reported to launch in the market as soon as early 2025, with grand promises of slowing and even reversing metabolic changes associated with aging in dogs. The substance aims to reduce frailty by suppressing specific age driven increases in insulin, thus reducing the risk of disease, promoting better all-round health. Most Read on Euro Weekly News ‘Living nostradamus’ gives cryptic predictions for 2025 Scientists discover 'giant' worms hidden below the seafloor Astro-photographer captures cosmic grinch! With many similarities between man and dog in regard to environmental habits, compared with common controls in most clinical trials, mice, for instance, the results of studies into the promise of this drug truly could spell a great potential for human health in the future. Loyal founder, Celine Halioua, is supremely optimistic. Major investment into testing “Finding out how to prevent canine age-related decline is a really strong proxy for doing the same with humans because dogs get similar age-related diseases. Lab mice cannot be justly compared as dogs can”. And with over $125 million raised from keen investors already, with much of the appeal of the drug coming from the fast-track method of testing due to shorter dog lifespans, as opposed to human trials, it’s clear to see the traction Loyal is generating. FDA to approve alternative drug by Dog Aging Project The concept of dog longevity testing is not solely limited to Loyal’s efforts however, as Rapamycin is currently undergoing clinical approval, with FDA supposedly set to give the all-clear depending on the outcome of intensive studies conducted by the Dog Aging Project. Researchers of the campaign, organised at the laboratories in the University of Washington, are brimming with excitement to see how positive effects on dogs could correlate in humans, considering Rapamycin is already a regularly used human immunosuppressant. The co-founder of the project, UW biogerontologist Daniel Promislow told the Guardian: “Our study is light years ahead of anything that’s been done on humans, or can be done on humans”. Studies conducted will amass the equivalent of a forty year long trial on humans, in just five years, concluding ultimately if the key to enhancing our health can be found in canine supplementation. Jamie Justice, professor of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine at Wake Forest University School of Medicine offered a valuable, conservative insight: “The Dog Aging Project is still five years away from releasing any results, and thus at this time researchers cannot test canine longevity drugs on humans, no matter how positive results are on dogs”. Follow all the latest health news across Europe here on Euro Weekly News.
President-elect Donald Trump accused Democrats of breaking the law based on reports that Vice President Kamala Harris ' 2024 presidential campaign paid for the endorsement of celebrities like singer Beyoncé and media personality Oprah Winfrey . Newsweek has reached out to Harris' 2024 campaign and the Democratic National Committee ( DNC ) via email for comment late Saturday afternoon. Why It Matters Celebrity endorsements can boost a political campaign by reaching demographics they might have trouble reaching otherwise. Celebrities and online influencers have a lot of sway in the court of public opinion, which politicians could use to their advantage during an election cycle. Disclosing any paid-for endorsements can help bring more transparency into the election process, giving fans of celebrities and influencer audiences more insight into why their idols may choose to endorse a candidate. What To Know Trump posted on his Truth Social platform Saturday morning, "Are the Democrats allowed to pay $11,000,000, $2,000,000, and $500,000 to get the ENDORSEMENT of Beyoncé, Oprah, and Reverend Al [Sharpton]?" He added: "I don't think so! Beyoncé didn't sing, Oprah didn't do much of anything (she called it 'expenses'), and Al is just a third rate Con Man. So what is going on here??? Totally against the law, and I have heard there are many others!!!" It is not illegal for political campaigns to pay for endorsements. A spokesperson for the Federal Election Commission (FEC) told the fact-checking site Verify that "no provisions in the FEC rules specifically address paid endorsements of federal candidates." However, federal candidates are legally obligated to disclose payments made in exchange for endorsements, according to the FEC spokesperson. What People Are Saying Winfrey , who appeared at the vice president's final campaign rally in Philadelphia , has denied claims that she was paid for her endorsement. "Not true. I was paid nothing, ever," she told TMZ last month. Campaigns may pay for expenses related to celebrity events. Winfrey's production company Harpo Productions was paid by the Harris campaign for production costs for a September livestreaming event with the vice president and Winfrey, a Harpo spokesperson told Variety in November. However, the spokesperson said Winfrey was "at no point during the campaign paid a personal fee, nor did she receive a fee from Harpo." Beyoncé, who spoke at one of Harris' campaign rallies in Houston, was also accused of being paid to endorse Harris, but multiple fact-checking sites debunked the claim. FactCheck.org said a Harris campaign official told them the claim "is not true." PolitiFact said that it had found "no evidence" for the claim and that Beyoncé's publicist told them it was "beyond ridiculous." Meanwhile, the Washington Free Beacon reported in November that the Harris campaign donated two payments of $250,000 to Reverend Al Sharpton's nonprofit National Action Network, weeks before the MSNBC host conducted his interview with the vice president on October 20. Sharpton held rallies for Harris three days after his interview with the vice president aired. An MSNBC spokesman told the Washington Free Beacon in a subsequent article last month that the network was "unaware" of the contributions. What Happens Next It's unlikely that Trump's post will have any legal impact on Harris, her 2024 campaign or Democratic Party , but it might further influence the narrative among the president-elect's base that the Democrats cheat in elections, a claim Trump repeatedly made in the wake of his 2020 election loss to now-President Joe Biden . However, there is no evidence to suggest widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election.
Kongsberg signs record air defense deal with NetherlandsDURHAM, N.C. (AP) — Duke coach Manny Diaz says quarterback Maalik Murphy will face discipline “internally” after extending both of his middle fingers skyward in celebration after throwing a long touchdown pass early in the weekend win against Virginia Tech . Diaz said Monday that Murphy's exuberant gesture, caught on the ACC Network national broadcast, was directed at offensive coordinator Jonathan Brewer in the booth after a bit of practice “banter” from a few days earlier. Diaz said the Texas transfer just let his excitement get away from him but still called it “unacceptable in our program." “There was a practice in the middle of last week when we throwing post after post after post, and we weren't completing them,” Diaz said. “And it was again and again and again and again. And at the end of that, there was a remark made in jest that, ‘If you throw a post for a touchdown in the game, then you can flick me off,’ from Coach Brewer.” Murphy's gesture came after he uncorked a deep ball from deep in Duke's own end and caught Eli Pancol perfectly in stride across midfield, with Pancol racing untouched for an 86-yard score barely 2 minutes into the game. As he began skipping downfield to celebrate, Murphy chest-bumped teammate Star Thomas and then extended both arms in the air with his middle fingers raised. Brewer said Monday he missed the gesture in real time, but then saw it on a replay moments later. “Some things you say on the field when you're coaching obviously isn't meant to be taken literally when you're trying to get after somebody in that world,” Brewer said. Murphy threw for 332 yards and three touchdowns with three interceptions in the 31-28 win for the Blue Devils (8-3, 4-3 Atlantic Coast Conference), who close the regular season at Wake Forest. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-footballAP Sports SummaryBrief at 5:33 p.m. EST
If Ohio State head coach Ryan Day is trying to make a statement against Michigan this afternoon, he's got a funny way of showing it. Despite being 20-point favorites over Michigan this weekend, Ohio State hasn't been able to create any separation. Fans thought the Buckeyes would finally get the upper hand in the third quarter when the defense intercepted a pass from Davis Warren to given the offense incredible field position, but Day's coaching ultimately doomed the team. After wasting a first-down play on a run that gained zero yards, Day dialed up a short pass and then another run on 3rd and 10. Naturally, fans at Ohio Stadium booed the coaching staff for its lack of aggression. To make matters worse, kicker Jayden Fielding missed a 34-yard field goal. Even though Day doesn't call the plays for Ohio State, he's under fire for allowing Chip Kelly's offense to be so conservative all game long. Ben Jackson/Getty Images "Ryan Day is a coward. A damn coward," one fan said. Another fan declared, "Fire Ryan Day immediately after this game." "This is on Ryan Day now because he keeps allowing Chip Kelly to call these plays," a social media user commented. "Ryan Day is going to mess around and get fired when he actually wins against Michigan.. this is worse than any of the 3 times he lost," a fourth person wrote. Day came into this weekend with a 1-3 record all-time against Michigan. He won his first meeting before dropping three in a row. If Ohio State ends up losing this game, Day should be fired. There's no reason for the Buckeyes to be struggling in this matchup. As crazy as this may sound, the final quarter of "The Game" could very well decide Day's future in Columbus. Related: Ryan Day Has To Be Fired If Ohio States Loses To Michigan As Double-Digit FavoritesThree stock recommendations from Rajesh Palviya for the coming week
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The gap between expectation and reality can be a big one and the tight chess match between England and the United States did not quite provide the action to match the clash-of-the-titans narrative that had been set up before the game. In front of 78,346 fans eager to see who would come away from the showpiece friendly in better shape, the European champions, led by Sarina Wiegman, or the Olympic gold medallists, led by London-native Emma Hayes, the answer was neither. Hayes had been jovial before kick-off, declaring: “Life is so short, I want to have a good time.” The football in the first half did not quite deliver the good vibes the hyped-up crowd had been hoping for. After lasers, fireworks, smoke and thundering music, it was all a little bit flat, an intricate battle of strategy instead of a barnstormer. The visiting team were the relatively more organised and efficient side when on the ball and their press stifled England when off it, limiting them to two touches in the area in the first half to USA’s 15 in England’s, but Wiegman’s side weren’t particularly poor either. Jess Naz, making her third appearance for the Lionesses, was excellent ahead of Lucy Bronze on the right, tracking back to cover when the Chelsea full-back would go on a marauding run and causing problems for the USA at the back, although the quality of the final ball eluded her. Mary Earps, preferred in goal to Hannah Hampton on this occasion, with Hampton having played here last time out, was assured between the sticks, forced to leap into action twice in the first half. She had to push away Alyssa Thompson’s effort six minutes in and denied Casey Krueger after Thompson’s strike was deflected into her path by Bronze’s block. The action on the pitch lacking in bite, attention was easily drawn to the touchline, where arguably the two best managers in women’s football were at work, gesticulating periodically, Hayes sometimes pausing with arms crossed, Wiegman with them clasped behind her back. There was one change for the USA after break, Emma Sears swapped with Yazmeen Ryan. Both were collecting their third caps and benefiting from the absence of the potent forward trio of Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman and Mallory Swanson. There was a bit more energy after the restart, the crowd more vocal, willing the game poised on a knife-edge to tip one way or the other. Within four minutes, the net was bulging, the USA captain, Lindsey Horan, having poked in from close range, but the flag was up for offside. Hayes punched the air in glee before doing so again in frustration. England were brighter too, there was more control and patience in possession. It was reflected in the stats, with the Lionesses going from two touches in the opposition box to 10 in the space of the next 20 minutes. Sign up to Moving the Goalposts No topic is too small or too big for us to cover as we deliver a twice-weekly roundup of the wonderful world of women’s football after newsletter promotion Download the Guardian app from the iOS App Store on iPhone or the Google Play store on Android by searching for 'The Guardian'. If you already have the Guardian app, make sure you’re on the most recent version. In the Guardian app, tap the Menu button at the bottom right, then go to Settings (the gear icon), then Notifications. Turn on sport notifications. It was almost disaster for the home side just past the hour mark, though, when Alex Greenwood was adjudged to have handled the ball in the area in blocking Ryan’s shot. But replays showed the ball clearly came off the Manchester City defender’s chest and VAR stepped in, with the referee, Lina Lehtovaara, overturning her on-field decision after viewing the pitchside monitor. The arrival of Korbin Albert in place of Thompson prompted the loudest reaction from the crowd in the first 73 minutes, boos ringing around the stadium for the player that had been forced to apologise for posting homophobic content on social media in March. Experience arrived in the form of Fran Kirby and the Euros matchwinner, Chloe Kelly, for England but the home team struggled to find gaps in a solid visiting backline marshalled by the exceptional centre-half Naomi Girma. It was the USA that looked the more likely to take the lead in the closing stages, but the stalemate was a fair result. Against top opposition, Hayes and Wiegman will have learned a lot and there is work to do. For Wiegman, that will have to be done quickly, with Nations League football in the new year and England’s defence of their European title in the summer.Coastal Carolina 48, Georgia St. 27Man City stumble again while Arsenal and Bayern Munich earn dominant wins