Board Game '2045' Simulates Taiwan Invasion Amid Rising TensionsAfter playoff chances slip away, Miami and Iowa State looking to regroup at Pop-Tarts BowlMiLaysia Fulwiley put up 23 points and Chloe Kitts scored 19 points and grabbed 10 rebounds as No. 1 South Carolina routed Coppin State 92-60 on Thursday in Columbia, S.C. Te-Hina Paopao added 13 points and five assists for the Gamecocks (3-0). Joyce Edwards and Maryam Dauda each contributed 10 points for South Carolina, which shot 51.5 percent from the floor and compiled a 51-23 rebounding edge. Laila Lawrence scored 20 points and Angel Jones notched 17 for the Eagles (2-2). No. 8 Iowa State 80, St. Thomas (Minn.) 47 Audi Crooks shot 12-for-17 en route to 26 points and pulled down a game-high eight rebounds as the Cyclones topped the Tommies in Ames, Iowa. Sydney Harris registered 13 points while Addy Brown had 10 for Iowa State (4-0). Amber Scalia's 11 points paced St. Thomas (3-1). No. 10 Kansas State 86, Creighton 68 Ayoka Lee powered for 28 points in 16 minutes as the Wildcats topped the Bluejays in Manhattan, Kan. Kansas State (3-0) jumped out to a 22-9 lead after one quarter and rolled to the win. Temira Poindexter and Serena Sundell each had 12 points for the Wildcats, with Sundell adding eight assists and seven rebounds. Kennedy Townsend scored 16 points, Morgan Maly added 15 and Kiani Lockett had 11 for Creighton (1-2). No. 13 North Carolina State 79, Kent State 51 After leading by just five points at halftime, the Wolfpack expanded the lead in the third quarter and then cruised in the fourth to beat the Golden Flashes in Raleigh, N.C. Aziaha James paced NC State (2-1) with 20 points and nine rebounds, and Zamareya Jones scored 16 points. Kent State (1-2) got 17 points and eight rebounds from Bridget Dunn, plus 15 points from Jenna Batsch. No. 16 Duke 84, Dayton 49 Six players logged double-figure point totals for the Blue Devils in the one-sided victory over the Flyers at Durham, N.C. Ten players hit the scoresheet overall for Duke (3-1), which got a team-high 17 points from Jordan Wood. Toby Fournier added 15 points. Ivy Wolf had 14 points and seven rebounds, and Ajok Madol contributed 12 points for Dayton (2-1), which shot 32.1 percent from the floor and committed 24 turnovers. No. 17 Baylor 104, East Texas A&M 55 Darianna Littlepage-Buggs recorded 22 points and 11 rebounds as the Bears nearly doubled up the Lions in Waco, Texas. Aaronette Vonleh (18 points, 11 rebounds) also had a double-double for Baylor (2-1). Cora Horvath was the top offensive threat for East Texas A&M (2-2) with 22 points. No. 19 Ole Miss 80, Delaware State 42 Starr Jacobs hit 8 of 10 shots from the floor and scored 18 points as the Rebels pulled away from the Hornets in Dover, Del. Madison Scott, Kennedy Todd-Williams and Sira Thienou each put up 13 points for Ole Miss (2-1), which outscored Delaware State 43-21 in the second half. The Hornets (1-3) were led by Kiarra Mcelrath with 13 points and Mahogany Cottingham with 10. No. 22 Alabama 88, Alcorn State 59 Essence Cody amassed 18 points, eight rebounds and four blocks as the Crimson Tide thrashed the Lady Braves in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Aaliyah Nye scored 17 points, Eris Lester had 15 and seven rebounds, and Sarah Ashlee Barker chipped in with 14 points and three steals for the Crimson Tide (5-0). Destiny Brown was the only player in double figures for Alcorn State (1-3), scoring 12 points. No. 23 Illinois 84, Eastern Illinois 37 Reserve Jasmine Brown-Hagger hit 10 of 15 shots scored 23 points to lead the Fighting Illini to a laugher against the Panthers in Champaign, Ill. Gretchen Dolan added 13 points, Kendall Bostic produced 11 points and 12 rebounds and Adalia McKenzie also had 11 points for Illinois (3-0). Jayda Johnston finished with eight points for Eastern Illinois (0-3). --Field Level Media
INDIANAPOLIS , Dec. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- American Legion National Commander James A. LaCoursiere, Jr. , issued the following statement today concerning the passing of former President Jimmy Carter : "President Carter was a Legionnaire, a distinguished Navy veteran and a devout Christian. His commitment to human rights and community service was respected worldwide. He lived longer than any president in American history and made the most of his post-presidential years by strongly advocating for world peace and improving the lives of the disadvantaged. His energy, integrity and humility were admired by people across the political spectrum. President Carter's wife, Rosalynn, was a leader in mental health awareness. They will both be missed. Our condolences to the entire Carter family and the many lives that they have touched, especially in their home state of Georgia ." During an address to The American Legion's 1980 national convention, President Carter described his vision for America on the world stage. "We do not maintain our power in order to seize power from others. Our goal is to strengthen our own freedom and the freedom of others, to advance the dignity of the individual and the right of all people to justice, to a good life, and to a future secure from tyranny. In choosing our course in the world, America's strength serves American values," he said. About The American Legion The American Legion , the nation's largest veterans organization, is dedicated to the motto of "Veterans Strengthening America." Chartered by Congress in 1919, The American Legion is committed to mentoring youth and sponsoring wholesome community programs, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting a strong national security and continued devotion to service members and veterans. It has made suicide prevention its top priority through its Be the One mission . Nearly 1.6 million members in more than 12,000 posts across the nation and regions overseas serve their communities with a devotion to mutual helpfulness. Media contact: John Raughter , [email protected] , 317.630.1350 SOURCE The American LegionCarter's turbulent term in the White House was followed by more than three decades as an international envoy of peacemaking and democracy. What you need to know The longest-lived American president died on Sunday at his home in the small town of Plains, Georgia US President-elect Donald Trump said Americans owe Carter 'a debt of gratitude' Biden mourns 'extraordinary leader' US President Joe Biden mourned Carter's death, calling him a "dear friend" and "extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian." "Over six decades, we had the honor of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend. But, what’s extraordinary about Jimmy Carter, though, is that millions of people throughout America and the world who never met him thought of him as a dear friend as well," Biden said of himself and his wife Jill. The president said he will be ordering an official state funeral to be held in Washington. Empire State Building honors 'life and legacy' of Carter The Empire State Building in New York said it was reflecting the colors of the US flag in memory of the late president. "Tonight we will shine in Red White and Blue to honor the life and legacy of President Jimmy Carter," the Empire State Building said on social media. Carter 'worked tirelessly for a better, fairer world,' Bill Clinton says Former Democratic US President Bill Clinton mourned fellow Democrat Carter, saying he "worked tirelessly for a better, fairer world." In a joint statement with his wife, Hillary, Clinton said that the late president "lived to serve others -- until the very end." "Hillary and I met President Carter in 1975 and were proud, early supporters of his presidential campaign," Clinton said. Clinton served as president some 15 years after Carter. Trump says Americans owe Carter 'debt of gratitude' Republican President-elect Donald Trump mourned Carter, saying Americans owed the late Democratic president "a debt of gratitude." "The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans," Trump said on social media. "For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude." Former US President Jimmy Carter is Dead at age 100 Former US President Jimmy Carter has died at the age of 100. “My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love,” his son Chip Carter said. The Carter Center announced that there will be public events in Atlanta and Washington. After these events, there will be a private burial in Plains. Carter, who served from 1977 to 1981, was known for his humanitarian work and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. He passed away at his home in Plains, Georgia, after more than a year in hospice care. Final arrangements for the former president's state funeral are still pending, according to the center. rmt/lo (AFP, AP, dpa, Reuters)
Adam Pemble, AP journalist whose compassionate lens brought stories to life, dies at 52CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) — Miami probably was one win away from getting into the College Football Playoff. Iowa State definitely was one win away. Their consolation prize of sorts: playing one another. The Hurricanes and Cyclones — a meteorological matchup — have accepted bids to the Pop-Tarts Bowl, to be played Dec. 28 in Orlando, Florida. Iowa State (10-3) is looking for its first 11-win season in the program's 133-year history, and Miami (10-2) is seeking its first 11-win season since 2003. Miami's loss at Syracuse to close the regular season wound up being the game the Hurricanes could point to as the reason they missed out on the CFP. Iowa State could have played its way in and lost the Big 12 title game to CFP-bound Arizona State on Saturday. “I think everyone that doesn't get in feels disappointment,” Miami coach Mario Cristobal said. “We feel the onus of just doing better. Just do better, go forward, have an opportunity to get better.” It's essentially the same task for both teams: regrouping after seeing the playoff slip away. “I think that’s what’s made Iowa State football really special is our ability to have great resiliency," Cyclones coach Matt Campbell said. "And I know our kids are super-excited about the opportunity to finish off. Obviously (Saturday) was disappointing. But this group and this football team has the opportunity to just continue to fight.” A big question for Miami: whether quarterback Cam Ward will play. The likely Heisman Trophy finalist has thrown for 155 touchdown passes in his career at Incarnate Word, Washington State and Miami. That’s tied for the most by anyone in Division I (FBS and FCS) history; Case Keenum threw 155 in his career at Houston. Many draft-bound players not in the playoff will be opting out of bowl games over the coming weeks. There's been no indication from Miami yet that Ward or any other draft-bound player has made a decision. “I think it’s important that our guys, anyone playing and closing out the season, understands the importance of that next step for a program like ours," Cristobal said. "And I think our guys do.” 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-footballHemant Soren’s personal appeal drives INDIA bloc’s victory in tribal belt
An actual duck wanted a closer look at the Buccaneers’ game against the Panthers. In an unexpected and amusing twist during Sunday’s game between the Buccaneers and Panthers, a duck waddled onto the field, momentarily pausing the NFC South contest at Raymond James Stadium. The interruption took place during the third quarter and actually preceded a blocked punt that Tampa Bay returned for a touchdown, which gave the Buccaneers a 41-14 lead over the Panthers — where the score remained until the fourth. The duck appeared, seemingly unfazed by the high-stakes game — for the Bucs at least — unfolding around it. Though the appearance was fleeting, it added a humorous and memorable moment to what was otherwise a dominant 48-14 win by the Buccaneers. In the game, Tampa Bay was led by five touchdown passes from Baker Mayfield, who also collected 359 yards through the air. Former Oregon Duck Bucky Irving ran for 113 yards on 20 carries, while Mike Evans caught eight passes for 97 yards and two touchdowns. The Buccaneers improved to 9-7 with a victory, and they’ll await the results of the Falcons’ game against the Commanders on Sunday night to find out their status in the playoff race. A Falcons win would tie the Bucs for the NFC South lead. In the final week of the regular season, Tampa Bay will face the Saints, and the Falcons will host the Panthers.Former UTM Party Secretary General Patricia Kaliati has sparked controversy by blaming the late Saulos Chilima for her loss in the UTM party presidential elections. Kaliati, who was competing for the top spot, garnered a mere 20 votes, while her opponent, Dalitso Kabambe, secured an overwhelming 600 votes. In a voice clip circulating on social media, Kaliati is heard blaming Chilima’s spirit for her defeat. “How could Saulos allow me to lose the elections?” she lamented. Many have expressed surprise at Kaliati’s remarks, finding it unusual for the living to blame the dead. Kaliati’s comments have raised eyebrows, especially considering her previous stance as UTM Party Secretary General. In the past, she has spoken optimistically about the party’s prospects, even predicting that UTM would rake in more votes during the 2025 elections.
Jim Harbaugh, Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles Chargers celebrated in the locker room Saturday after they wrapped up a playoff spot with a 40-7 victory over the New England Patriots . But even as they realized one goal by making the postseason, Harbaugh tried to keep things focused on the road ahead by stressing: “There's more to do.” The Chargers (10-6) go into the regular-season finale at Las Vegas knowing they will be at least the AFC's sixth seed and avoid a trip to Buffalo for the wild-card round. Los Angeles currently is in line to face Baltimore in a Harbaugh Bowl rematch, but it has an outside shot at the fifth seed and a trip to Houston if Cincinnati beats Pittsburgh next weekend. While Harbaugh credited his players for the turnaround from five wins last year to double-digit victories this season, Herbert gave most of it to Harbaugh and first-year general manager Joe Hortiz. “They have done such a great job of getting the right guys here. You look in the locker room and everybody plays for each other,” Herbert said. “(Harbaugh's) a competitor, and he wants to win no matter what it is. It definitely shows, and it’s the way everyone fights for him, wants to play for him, and respects him.” Harbaugh is the fifth coach in NFL history to win at least 10 games in his first season with two teams. He is also the eighth to make the playoffs in his first season with two teams. “Very little to do with me. If it goes right, then it’s our players. They’re doing a great job. It’s gone bad a couple times. That’s on me,” he said. “I’ve been drinking the Kool-Aid here from day one, I can’t give enough credit to Derwin James, Justin Herbert, and those two in particular. And Khalil Mack and Rashawn Slater. I mean, stalwarts. Brad Bozeman has come in. He’s been a stalwart. There’s a bunch. There’s probably, like — I counted it up early. There was maybe 15, 15 stalwarts that we had, and it’s grown since then.” Even though the Chargers are 3-5 against teams with winning records at the time they've played them, they are 7-1 against teams that were at or under .500. Four of those wins against opponents with losing records have come by at least 17 points, the first time since 2017 the Bolts have won that many games by as big a margin. Since halftime of their Dec. 19 game against Denver, the Chargers have outscored the Broncos and Patriots 61-13 over six quarters. “That’s the type of football we want to be playing in December, January, and hopefully on. That’s the type of football you want to be playing, especially in these big games like that. It was really good to see,” Herbert said. What’s working Offensive coordinator Greg Roman has said throughout the season it's tough to use the full playbook when the Chargers have short drives. They came into Saturday's game ranked 26th with only 23 possessions of at least 10 plays, but they had four against the Patriots, leading to three touchdowns and a field goal. It was the first time since Week 10 last season against Detroit they have had at least four drives of double-digit plays. What needs help Kickoff return coverage. The Chargers have allowed nine kick returns of at least 30 yards, eighth most in the league. New England's Alex Erickson had three returns for 90 yards, including 34 and 31 yards. Stock up RB J.K. Dobbins was activated off injured reserve and provided a boost to the offense with 76 yards on 19 carries and a touchdown. Dobbins, who missed four games due to a knee injury, has set career highs in scrimmage yards (983) and rushing yards (842) in his first season with the Chargers. Stock down WR D.J. Chark was targeted four times but didn't have a catch. Chark was signed during the offseason to provide experience and speed to a young receiver group. However, he missed the first half of the season with a hip injury and has played sparingly since his return. He has three receptions on the season. Injuries Three starters — RB Gus Edwards (ankle), LB Denzel Perryman (groin) and OG Trey Pipkins (hip) — were inactive. WR Joshua Palmer (heel) and DB Elijah Molden (shin) were injured in the second half. Key numbers 77 and 1,054 — Receptions and receiving yards by Ladd McConkey, both records for a Chargers rookie. 5 — Consecutive seasons by Herbert with at least 3,000 passing yards and 20 touchdown passes, tied with Peyton Manning and Russell Wilson for the most to start a career. 2 — Sacks by Derwin James Jr. against the Patriots, the first time in the safety's seven-year career he has had multiple sacks in a game. What’s next The Chargers go for their first season sweep of the Raiders since 2018 in the regular-season finale. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL Joe Reedy, The Associated Press
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