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live casino in philadelphia The cellular telephone or rather its modern incarnation – the smartphone – has become almost an extension of our body. It is 24/7 with us, giving us updates about our near and dear and also about the wider world. It enables us to do a thousand and one things in addition to the basic function of telephony. Even that has become so advanced that we can talk to another person on the other side of the world face to face free (save for the data charges). Smartphones enable us to go to any corner of the World Wide Web with a single touch. But for most people, this means easy access to social media or new media including Facebook, X, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger, Reddit, Telegram and BlueSky. In fact, this is how most people get their “news fix” in the morning – not the traditional newspaper, TV or radio. Just half an hour after waking up, they know what their friends and relatives are up to and also what world leaders are up to. Double-edged sword But like most things in life, the smartphone is like a double-edged sword. It is not only a treasure trove of information, but also a minefield of misinformation. For example, reliable sites on the Internet will give you the correct facts on vaccines and vaccination, but Facebook et al is full of misinformation on the same subject. Millions of people were misled by such false posts and did not take the Covid-19 vaccine and some of them did not survive the pandemic. What is even more worrying is the proliferation of smartphones among children, including even those still in the kindergarten. The Internet and the deep labyrinth known as the “dark web” is a dangerous place for children to be. Children can also access content that is unsuitable for them. Many children have been lured online by sexual predators. Many others are bullied online, a process termed cyber bullying. Unable to bear these taunts, some children, even in Sri Lanka, have taken the extreme step of taking their own lives. Educators also complain that smartphones are a major source of distraction, negatively impacting students’ ability to concentrate on lessons. Incoming notifications, or even the mere proximity of a mobile device, can be a distraction resulting in students losing their attention from the task at hand. Leaving all that aside, looking at a screen virtually all day long can harm the developing eyes of children and also inhibit their physical activities. The GEM Report’s gender edition highlighted how social media can negatively affect mental health while reinforcing harmful gender norms. It found that girls are twice as likely as boys to suffer from eating disorders exacerbated by social media use. Facebook’s own research revealed that 32 percent of teenage girls felt worse about their bodies after using Instagram. The report further noted alarming trends related to TikTok’s algorithm, which targets teenagers with body image content every 39 seconds and promotes content related to eating disorders every eight minutes. For the past several years, educationists around the world have been alarmed by these developments to the point where they began to call for a ban on mobiles for schoolchildren during school hours. Their call was based on everyday observations as well as scientific research. At home, of course, it is up to the parents or guardians to restrict smartphone usage or give the children free rein. In response, several countries have taken steps to ban phones in the classrooms, at least for children aged less than 16. Parents have also universally applauded the move while even the children have somewhat grudgingly warmed up to the idea. Overall, a new analysis from the UNESCO Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report team found that more than 60 countries now ban smartphones in classrooms by law or policy. Algeria, Cambodia, Chile, Egypt, Finland, Hungary, Kazakhstan, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Niue and the Russian Federation are some of the countries that have introduced bans. Getting rid of smartphones from schools in Belgium, Spain and the United Kingdom was found to improve learning outcomes, according to a study cited in the report, especially for students that were not performing as well as their peers. Sweden has implemented a ban on cell phones for students in Grades 1-9 during school hours, including breaks. In France, cell phones are completely banned in schools due to their potential to distract students, with exceptions made for people with disabilities. Bangladesh teachers and students have been banned from bringing mobile phones in classrooms, while Uzbekistan mandates that students turn off their devices before lessons commence and are only allowed to use their phones to communicate with parents or legal guardians in cases of justified and urgent need. In Scotland (United Kingdom) and the Netherlands, cell phone use is restricted to educational purposes only. In November 2023, the Dutch Government unveiled plans to extend the ban on mobile phones in classrooms to include primary and special schools, with exceptions being made for medical needs or educational purposes. Partial or total restrictions on cell phone use can also be found in Bulgaria, Greece, Latvia, Portugal, Switzerland, and Türkiye. These regulations are often accompanied by guidelines on screen time and policies aimed at limiting social media use within educational settings. In the morning before class starts, one by one, the students at the Würenloser Gesamtschule near Zürich in Switzerland turn off their smartphones and drop them into a simple wooden box at the front of their classroom. The devices will remain there until the gong rings at the end of their school day. “I don’t even take it to school anymore,” one 12th-Grader said. “It only distracts me.” His peers agree. “We talk more with each other instead of everybody staring at their screens,” his friend said. “Major problem” According to a recent Pew research, 70 percent of high school teachers believe phone distraction is a “major problem,” and a third of the students said they are distracted by digital devices during lessons. On average, US teenagers spend nearly five hours a day on social media, according to a recent Gallup survey. The social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, who wrote the bestseller The Anxious Generation, has expressed concern about the “rewiring” of an entire generation and noticed clear links between rising phone addiction and declining mental health. But educationists say that the solution is not as simple as banning all digital devices. The problem is not the use of these devices per se, but excessive use and the kind of content that students access. Students who spend one to five hours per day on digital devices including tablets and laptops for learning at school and home score significantly higher in their mathematics lessons than those who spend no time on such devices, according to a recent OECD report: Studies have also shown that simply taking digital devices away is not an entirely successful strategy. Children need alternatives that can prove more enriching than digital and social media temptations. These can be group activities, sports, quiz programs, music and dance, school clubs, broadcasting and debating societies and foreign language classes. Some countries have gone even further, suggesting total social media bans for schoolchildren under 16, at school and home. Australia is the first country to take this extreme step, with its Parliament approving the measure last week. Under this proposal, Australia has passed a law to prevent children under 16 from creating (and accessing) accounts on social media platforms. This has attracted both plaudits (from parents and educationists) and criticism (from social media companies, human rights advocates and even social media experts). “This is about protecting young people — not punishing or isolating them,” said Australia’s Communications Minister Michelle Rowland. She cited exposure to content about drug abuse, eating disorders and violence as some of the harms children can encounter online. However, it is not exactly clear how the law could be implemented as it is difficult for the State to “police” online accounts. It has also raised privacy concerns. The law requires social media platforms to take “reasonable steps” to verify the age of users and prohibit those under 16 from opening accounts. However, it is rather easy to give false dates of birth and other information online, as the social media companies do not have tools to verify them. There is also a debate on which platforms could be subjected to the ban. The Australian Government has named TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) as sites it is likely to include. Three broad categories of platforms will be exempt: messaging apps (like WhatsApp and Facebook’s Messenger Kids); gaming platforms; and services that provide educational content, including YouTube, Vimeo and Khan Academy. Access platforms Those 15 and under will also still be able to access platforms that let users see some content without registering for an account, such as TikTok, Facebook and Reddit. However, some experts have suggested that the social media companies should devote more resources to content moderation and removal of harmful content, an argument that has its merits. Other countries are looking at the Aussie experiment before taking similar steps. This brings us to the question whether Sri Lanka should follow these examples. There have been several reports of children here causing self-harm to themselves over social media posts and comments. There is no doubt that parents should exercise some control over their children’s online habits. Many devices have parental control settings, but it is even better not to provide young children with digital devices of their own. If the parents give their devices to children, it is better to set a time limit. Quite apart from social media, some mobile games can be extremely violent and could have a corrosive influence on young minds. As we said earlier, it is a minefield out there on the Internet and parents and teachers have to guide young ones with care.

Ares Commercial Real Estate Co. (ACRE) To Go Ex-Dividend on December 31stTexans foiled by mistake after mistake in 32-27 loss to TitansThe Los Angeles Rams awoke to some troubling news on Monday morning, just hours after their blowout loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Night Football . According to NFL Network’s Clayton Holloway, wide receiver DeMarcus Robinson, a key contributor to the Rams offense this season, and one of Matthew Stafford’s favorite targets, was arrested early Monday morning on suspicion of driving under the influence. According to a release from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) West Valley Area office, Robinson, 30, was cited and later released to a responsible party. The incident occurred around 5:13 a.m. on northbound US-101, where CHP officers observed a white Dodge sedan clocking speeds north of 100 mph. After initiating a traffic stop, officers identified the driver as Robinson and reported signs of alcohol impairment. The arrest is a stark contrast to Robinson’s standout performance just hours earlier, where he caught a touchdown pass in the Rams’ losing effort at SoFi Stadium. The loss marked another frustrating chapter in what has been an uneven aseason for the Rams, who have struggled to find consistency in a tough NFC West division. Robinson, now in his ninth NFL season, has been one of the bright spots for Los Angeles this year. Leading the team with six touchdown receptions, the veteran wideout has been a reliable target for quarterback Matthew Stafford, recording 26 catches for 384 yards over 11 starts. His role as a leader on the field has been evident, making this incident all the more disheartening for fans and teammates alike. Drafted in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs, Robinson spent six years in Kansas City, where he earned a Super Bowl ring. A journeyman since, he had a one-year stint with the Baltimore Ravens before joining the Rams in 2023. His experience and knack for finding the end zone have made him a valuable piece in Sean McVay’s offense. Monday’s arrest is a sobering reminder of the responsibilities that come with being in the public eye, especially for athletes who serve as role models both on and off the field. While details about the incident are still emerging, the Rams organization has yet to issue a formal statement regarding Robinson’s arrest. For now, the focus will undoubtedly shift to how this situation is handled moving forward. The NFL’s personal conduct policy could come into play, and any potential disciplinary actions from the league or the team remain to be seen. For a franchise looking to rebound from a disappointing loss, this incident adds another layer of adversity. And for Robinson, a moment of poor judgment threatens to overshadow a career marked by resilience and productivity.

10 years of Labor: More to build, less to make, and we’re poorer than beforeBATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Cam Carter hit five 3-pointers and finished with 23 points, Vyctorius Miller added 20 points and LSU never trailed Sunday night in a 110-45 win over Mississippi Valley State, the Tigers' 21st consecutive victory when scoring at least 100 points. LSU's 65-point margin of victory was its largest since the Tigers beat Grambling by 75 (112-37) on Nov. 20, 1999 and is the third biggest against a Division-I opponent in program history. The 110 points were the most by LSU since a 119-108 win over North Florida on Dec. 12, 2015. Carter scored 11 points — including three 3-pointers — in the first six minutes to make it 18-6 and LSU led by double figures the rest of the way. The Delta Devils went 0 for 6 from the field and committed five turnovers as LSU scored 17 consecutive points to take a 28-point lead with 7:44 left in the first half and led 55-13 at halftime. The Tigers allowed the seventh-fewest points in a half by an opponent in program history. Mississippi Valley State (2-11) is averaging 46.2 points and is winless with a scoring margin of minus-44.2 in 11 games against Division-I opponents this season. LSU (11-2) has won three games in a row since a 74-64 loss to SMU at the Compete 4 Cause Classic in Frisco, Texas, on Dec. 14. Jordan Spears and Daimion Collins added 15 points apiece for the Tigers, who shot 66% (46 of 70) from the field and made 12 3s. Alvin Stredic led Mississippi Valley State with eight points. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

NORTH HUNTINGDON, Pa. – The Penn Cambria football team’s incredible season ended one game short of an appearance in the PIAA Class 3A championship game on a frigid Friday night at Norwin High School. District 7 champ Avonworth rode its one-two Neal Brothers rushing attack and a stout defense to a 16-6 victory over Penn Cambria in the state semifinal round. PHOTO GALLERY | Avonworth ends Penn Cambria's historic run in 3A state semifinal But coach Nick Felus and his District 6-3A champion Panthers left the snowy turf at Knights Stadium to the cheers and chants from a large crowd of fans who withstood temperatures in the mid-20s and occasional snow showers. This group of Panthers made history and brought a community together, especially over the past month in winning the program’s first District 6 football title and two state playoff wins, as well as a Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference championship. WTAJ | Penn Cambria vs. Avonworth “Hell of a ride,” said Penn Cambria senior Gavin Harrold, whose 62-yard touchdown run in the second quarter gave the Panthers a 6-3 halftime lead. “I wouldn’t want to go to battle with anyone else. We played as hard as we could. Sometimes you just can’t come out with the ‘dub.’ That’s what happened. “Hats off to them. A great team. I’m sad it ends.” Penn Cambria closed a 14-1 season. Avonworth takes a 12-3 record into next Saturday’s PIAA championship game against undefeated District 11 Northwestern Lehigh, a 31-14 winner over District 4 Danville. “We love these guys so much. This senior class, now it’s going to hurt,” Penn Cambria’s Felus said after leading an emotional, postgame team huddle in the end zone. “It’s going to sting but what they did for the program and the community is second to none.” The Panthers roster included 11 seniors who were key in a “Mountain Mentality” resurgence. “They’re going to be able to look back and understand how much of an impact they had,” Felus said. “We had an unbelievable season. It didn’t end the way we wanted it to end, but we’re not going to let this one game define what this group did for our program and our community.” Avonworth junior Luca Neal gained 254 yards and scored both of his team’s touchdowns. He had 27 carries, most out of a wildcat formation. His brother senior Nico Neal gained 62 yards on 16 carries. Nov. 23 in the District 7 title game win over Central Valley, Nico Neal had 102 rushing yards and two TDs at Acrisure Stadium. “We just wanted to stay to our game plan,” Avonworth coach Duke Johncour said. “The Neal boys are tough hard runners. We knew we eventually could punch one in, and we did. “Our kids are resilient,” he said. “They’re in shape. They’re physical. They’re tough. “They’re downhill.” Neither team scored in the first quarter, although both squads had some success moving the ball on their opening drives. Penn Cambria stopped Avonworth’s Luca Neal for a loss of 1 on fourth-and-1 to take over at the Panthers 38-yard line with 1:13 left in the first quarter. But the possession ended in a third punt by Brady Jones. Behind Luca Neal’s 60 rushing yards, Avonworth moved 66 yards in 13 plays. Facing a fourth-and-4 from the Penn Cambria 8, the Antelopes called on Calder Mahan, who booted a 25-yard field goal with 4:06 remaining in the half. Penn Cambria answered quickly. Harrold got around the end and used a downfield block by junior quarterback Brady Jones, who lined up at receiver, to run 62 yards to the end zone to give the Panthers a 6-3 advantage with 2:30 on the clock. “We saw the outside started to get open. We just hit that side. Great blocks by everyone,” Harrold said. As usual, Penn Cambria lined up for a two-point conversion, but took an encroachment penalty, pushing the ball back to the 7. The ensuing pass attempt sailed through the end zone. “Just an unbelievable effort,” Felus said of the TD run. “That’s what Gavin does. Brady Jones, as a quarterback, lined up at wide receiver and made an unbelievable block.” Avonworth moved to the Panthers 42 in six plays but the drive stalled. Penn Cambria ran out the first-half clock, holding a three-point lead. Early in the third quarter, Nico Neal ran 51 yards to the end zone, but a holding penalty negated the touchdown. Four plays later, the Panthers senior Mason Mento and sophomore Corbin Vinglish stopped Nico Neal on a fourth-and-1 at the Penn Cambria 42. Penn Cambria advanced to the Avonworth 23, but Jones and senior Derek Hite narrowly missed connecting on a fourth-down pass that went a bit high and out of the end zone. Luca Neal ran 65 yards for a touchdown to give the Antelopes a 9-6 lead with 4:39 left in the third quarter. “That’s a great team,” Johncour said of the Panthers. “He broke through the line on that one and made a huge play. He’s a talented player.” Avonworth had an opportunity to pull away after recovering a Penn Cambria fumble at the Panthers’ 45 right after the touchdown. The Antelopes ran 13 plays and got to the 11-yard line, but Penn Cambria junior defensive back Blake Lilly intercepted a pass in the end zone and returned to the 28 with 9:16 remaining in the game. “Our kids battled for all four quarters,” Felus said. “It was one of those games where (Avonworth) tried to control the ball, especially in the fourth quarter. It didn’t feel like we had the ball a lot. “We just weren’t opportunistic enough to take advantage of a few things, but the effort was unbelievable,” he said. “The kids played so hard. The community support was unbelievable.” Luca Neal scored on a 2-yard run with 1:08 remaining, and Mahan booted the extra point. “That last drive sealed the deal,” Johncour said. “That was a great drive.” Harrold gained 97 yards and Jones passed for 30 against a stingy Antelopes defense. “They’re a very good team, well-coached,” Johncour said. “They had athletes all over the field. Our defense played lights out again. We had one blown gasket on a defensive play. “We missed a line. That 12 (Harrold) is going to make you pay for it. He did.” Penn Cambria under sixth-year head coach Felus has emerged from a once-struggling program to a state semifinalist. “We set a standard,” Harrold said. “Ever since I was in seventh grade, Coach Felus came in as head coach and had us working. At first, we were hesitant. Is this going to pay off? “You can tell it paid off. It was a hell of a journey working up from seventh grade the whole way up to now. I just can’t thank Coach Felus enough.” Mike Mastovich is a sports reporter and columnist for The Tribune-Democrat. He can be reached at 814-532-5083. Follow him on Twitter @Masty81. (c)2024 The Tribune-Democrat (Johnstown, Pa.) Visit The Tribune-Democrat (Johnstown, Pa.) at www.tribune-democrat.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Politics / Democrats Must Do Everything They Can to Block the Dangerous Nonprofit Bill Chuck Schumer and Mike Johnson attend a Menorah lighting to celebrate the eight-day festival of Hanukkah, in the US Capitol on Tuesday, December 12, 2023. (Tom Williams / CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images) While President-elect Donald Trump doesn't return to office until January 20, Congress is already advancing the most sweeping and dangerous terrorism legislation in a generation, which would give him the power to shut down legitimate civil society groups doing important charitable, community organizing, human rights, and humanitarian work. Earlier this week, the House passed HR 9495, an amendment to the tax code that would empower the Treasury Department to unilaterally brand nonprofit groups as "terrorist supporting organizations" and suspend their charitable tax exemption, without giving the groups any due process or access to the evidence against them. The resulting stigma of such a designation would almost certainly be enough to scare off banks, likely depriving these groups of the ability to function altogether. The drive to kill nonprofits is dangerous no matter who is president, and, in the past few weeks, most House Democrats appear to have woken up to the risks of the legislation. Fifty-two Democrats voted to support the bill as recently as last week, but by the time a subsequent vote came around on Thursday, only 15 voted in favor. But that was still enough to give Republicans the votes they needed to pass it. Going forward, the demand from everyone watching this process should be clear: Even one Democratic vote is one too many, and Senate Democrats should promise that they will not support the legislation. It's not hard to see the reason behind this sudden attack on nonprofits. The bill's sponsors have made no secret of their desire to smear certain nonprofits connected with campus protests against Israel's war on Gaza as working at the behest of Hamas—a... https://www.thenation.com/authors

Memphis beats No. 2 UConn 99-97 in overtime to tipoff Maui Invitational LAHAINA, Hawaii (AP) — Tyrese Hunter scored 17 of his 26 points after halftime to lead Memphis to a 99-97 overtime win against two-time defending national champion and second-ranked UConn in the first round of the Maui Invitational. Hunter shot 7 of 10 from 3-point range for the Tigers, who were 12 of 22 from beyond at the arc as a team. PJ Haggerty had 22 points and five assists, Colby Rogers had 19 points and Dain Dainja scored 14. Tarris Reed Jr. had 22 points and 11 rebounds off the bench for the Huskies. Alex Karaban had 19 points and six assists, and Jaylin Stewart scored 16. Judge rejects request to sideline a San Jose State volleyball player on grounds she’s transgender A judge has rejected a request to block a San Jose State women’s volleyball team member from playing in a conference tournament on grounds that she’s transgender. Monday’s ruling by U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Kato Crews in Denver will allow the player to continue competing in the Mountain West Conference women’s championship in Las Vegas this week. His order also upholds the seedings and pairings in the tournament. The ruling comes after a lawsuit was filed by nine current players against the Mountain West Conference challenging the league’s policies for allowing transgender players to participate. The players argued that letting her compete was a safety risk and unfair. Pitcher Yusei Kikuchi and Los Angeles Angels agree to a $63 million, 3-year contract, AP source says A person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press left-hander Yusei Kikuchi and the Los Angeles Angels have agreed to a $63 million, three-year contract. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal, first reported by the New York Post, was subject to a successful physical. An All-Star with Seattle in 2021, Kikuchi was 9-10 with a 4.05 ERA this year for Toronto and Houston, which acquired him on July 30. Kikuchi was 5-1 with a 2.70 ERA in 10 starts with the Astros. He is 41-47 with a 4.57 ERA in six seasons. Conference title games a chance at a banner, bragging rights and, for some, a season-wrecking loss Indiana should be able to breathe easy. The Hoosiers have very little chance of making it to the Big Ten championship game. In the Southeastern Conference, Georgia has a spot in the league title game but with that comes a lot of worry. Conference title games give teams a chance to hang a banner, but for national title contenders it is an additional chance for a season-wrecking loss — even with an expanded 12-team College Football Playoff field. US goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher is retiring from international soccer U.S. women’s national team goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher is retiring from international soccer. Naeher is on the team’s roster for a pair of upcoming matches in Europe but those will be her last after a full 11 years playing for the United States. Naeher was on the U.S. team that won the Women’s World Cup in 2019 and the gold medal at this year's Olympics in France. She’s the only U.S. goalkeeper to earn a shutout in both a World Cup and an Olympic final. Formula 1 expands grid to add General Motors' Cadillac brand and new American team for 2026 season LAS VEGAS (AP) — Formula 1 will expand the grid in 2026 to make room for an American team that is partnered with General Motors. The approval ends years of wrangling that launched a federal investigation into why Colorado-based Liberty Media, would not approve the team initially started by Michael Andretti, who has since stepped aside. The 11th team will be called Cadillac F1 and be run by new Andretti Global majority owners Dan Towriss and Mark Walter. The team will use Ferrari engines its first two years until GM has a Cadillac engine built for competition in time for the 2028 season. Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew is out for the season with a broken collarbone HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — Las Vegas Raiders coach Antonio Pierce said Monday that quarterback Gardner Minshew is out for the rest of the season with a broken collarbone. Pierce said Aidan O’Connell is on injured reserve with a broken thumb. He could be available to start when the Raiders visit the Kansas City Chiefs on Friday. The Raiders also could turn to Desmond Ridder. He replaced Minshew when he was injured late in Sunday’s 29-19 loss to the Denver Broncos. UCLA moves up to No. 1 in AP Top 25 women's basketball poll for first time in history UCLA has earned the school's first No. 1 ranking in in The Associated Press Top 25 women's basketball poll. The Bruins knocked off the previous top team, South Carolina, which had held the No. 1 spot for the previous 23 polls. UCLA moved up four spots. UConn remained No. 2. Notre Dame pulled off its own upset, beating then-No. 3 USC and moving up to third. South Carolina dropped to fourth, Texas is fifth and USC fell to sixth. Iowa is in the poll for the first time in the post-Caitlin Clark era, coming in at No. 22. Kansas stays at No. 1 ahead of showdown vs. No. 11 Duke; Ole Miss, Mississippi St back in AP Top 25 Kansas remained solidly entrenched at No. 1 in the AP Top 25 men’s college basketball poll ahead of its showdown with Duke in Las Vegas. The Jayhawks received 51 of 62 first-place votes from the national panel of media, putting them well ahead of two-time reigning national champion UConn, which was second with six first-place votes. Gonzaga was third with two first-place votes, Auburn was next with three, and Iowa State rounded out a top five that was unchanged from the previous week. Xavier, Ole Miss and Mississippi State entered the poll at the expense of Illinois, St. John's and Rutgers. Wake up the ghosts! Texas, Texas A&M rivalry that dates to 1894 is reborn AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Any Texas or Texas A&M player who grew up in the state has heard the lore of the rivalry between the two schools, a grudge match that dates to 1894. But for more than a decade it has been only ghostly memories of great games and great plays made by heroes of the distant past. That changes this week when one of college football’s great rivalries is reborn after a 12-year hiatus. Third-ranked Texas plays at No. 20 Texas A&M with a berth in the conference championship game on the line.JACKSONVILLE STATE 86, EAST CAROLINA 78

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump said Saturday he intends to nominate 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." Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.

GCC-4001 is under clinical development by Artiva Biotherapeutics and currently in Phase I for Lupus Nephritis. According to GlobalData, Phase I drugs for Lupus Nephritis have an 84% phase transition success rate (PTSR) indication benchmark for progressing into Phase II. GlobalData tracks drug-specific phase transition and likelihood of approval scores, in addition to indication benchmarks based off 18 years of historical drug development data. Attributes of the drug, company and its clinical trials play a fundamental role in drug-specific PTSR and likelihood of approval. GCC-4001 overview GCC-4001 (AB-101) is under development for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, pemphigus vulgaris, granulomatosis with polyangiitis and microscopic polyangiitis, B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia, peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCL), angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), R/R classical Hodgkin lymphoma, lupus nephritis (LN) and autoimmune disorders. The therapeutic candidate is an allogeneic, non-engineered, cord blood-derived natural killer (NK) cell therapy. It is administered through intravenous route and is being developed based on AlloNK platform. Artiva Biotherapeutics overview Artiva Biotherapeutics is a biotechnology company developing allogeneic natural killer (NK) cell therapies to treat hematologic cancers or solid tumors. It is investigating AB-101, an allogeneic NK cell therapy used for the treatment of B-cell malignancies; AB-201, a CAR-NK (chimeric antigen receptor-modified natural killer) cell therapy targeting HER2 positive solid tumors; and AB-202 against CD19 positive B-cell malignancies. Artiva Biotherapeutics utilizes its proprietary CAR (chimeric antigen receptor) platform to improve NK cells’ therapeutic activity and tumor-targeting capability. Artiva Biotherapeutics is headquartered in San Diego, California, the US. For a complete picture of GCC-4001’s drug-specific PTSR and LoA scores, This content was updated on 12 April 2024 From Blending expert knowledge with cutting-edge technology, GlobalData’s unrivalled proprietary data will enable you to decode what’s happening in your market. You can make better informed decisions and gain a future-proof advantage over your competitors. , the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to produce this article. GlobalData’s Likelihood of Approval analytics tool dynamically assesses and predicts how likely a drug will move to the next stage in clinical development (PTSR), as well as how likely the drug will be approved (LoA). This is based on a combination of machine learning and a proprietary algorithm to process data points from various databases found on GlobalData’s .Michael Gray Jr., Byron Ireland rally Nicholls to 76-75 victory over LouisianaSTEPHENVILLE, Texas (AP) — Victor Gabalis and Kayvon Britten each accounted for two touchdowns, Darius Cooper had 190 yards receiving with a score and No. 13 seed Tarleton State won its inaugural FCS playoff game with a 43-29 victory over unseeded Drake on Saturday in a first-round matchup. Tarleton State (10-3) will travel to No. 4 seed South Dakota (9-2) in a second-round game on Dec. 7. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.IOWA CITY — Jahmal Banks let out a deep breath that would have been visible a few minutes earlier on the Kinnick Stadium field as the pom-pom atop his red stocking cap bobbed. What’s left? The Nebraska senior receiver hadn’t really considered it yet. His spirits — not to mention body temperature — were too down in the moments after another walk-off loss to Iowa. Regular season over, with this fifth defeat in six games stinging more as the numbness began to wear off. “Get better,” Banks said finally. “Craft. At the end of the day, it’s still football. For the people who are going to be with us, we’ll give everything we have. And just keep going.” The day after the Iowa game has been Blacker Saturday for Nebraska for most of the last decade. It usually marks the end of games and the beginning of an offseason of reflection and roster change while other teams play in December and January. People are also reading... These Huskers will be busier. Early signing day moved up even earlier this cycle from mid-December to Wednesday and NU — at 19 known commits into the weekend and potential targets still in the balance — will try to close better than it did in Iowa City. The transfer portal opens Dec. 9 and coach Matt Rhule has said he expects upwards of 50 players to enter as the program begins to trim its roster from 150-plus on the way to next year’s mandated maximum size of 105. Of course, Nebraska will be an active shopper in the free-agent market, too. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola runs with the ball against Iowa on Friday at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. Unlike the past seven seasons, though, bowl season will also include a Nebraska bowl game. A year ago the matchups for possible bowls the Huskers are contenders for now — including the Music City, Guaranteed Rate, Pinstripe, GameAbove Sports and Duke’s Mayo — were announced the Sunday after conference championship weekend. That gives NU a full week to chew on yet another one-score loss before it has an opponent for which to prepare. While a crowd of Iowa players reveled in boisterous extended postgame interviews, only a few Huskers spoke. Those brief sessions — for just a few minutes each as the team hurried to pack up and return to Lincoln — were more about the future than the painful immediate past. Quarterback Dylan Raiola — like his new offensive coordinator, Dana Holgorsen — said he knew he would take at least a day or two off. “I’m not really sure what’s going to happen next, what bowl we’re going to or what’s going on,” the freshman said. “We’ll figure that out soon.” Senior defensive lineman Ty Robinson wore a straight face as he considered that his sixth and final college season would last longer than any of the others. Even with a likely NFL future coming, don’t count him as part of the modern trend of postseason opt-outs “Come back on Monday,” Robinson said. “It’s new for me so I don’t really know what to expect. I’m excited to be a part of it, though. I love this program. I love that I get to be able to practice and play football for the next few weeks and get to go to a bowl game.” Rhule — as angry as he was upset late Friday — said the Iowa result should “probably bother people” for a while. It should fester with younger players who will be back in red inside Kinnick Stadium in 2026. At some point, he said, Nebraska needs to finish. Chasing three points was the program’s season-long motto and ultimately the Hawkeyes were the ones who caught the triple. “It’s just where we’re at, you know what I mean?” Rhule said. “As dumb as that sounds, we have to get better. Have to get better.” Nebraska has objectively improved in areas from the beginning of the year. The defense was dominant save for one disastrous sequence on the 72-yard touchdown that began with a swing pass to Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson and included five missed tackles. The offense under Holgorsen moved and controlled the ball. But the shortcomings were on display, too. The Huskers forced no takeaways for a second time in November. Too many potential big plays on offense went unmade or unseen. Special teams featured another catastrophic moment on the muffed punt and a series of lesser miscues that consistently tilted field position toward the Hawkeyes. Friday wasn’t the season finale this time. Even it felt like it in the cold. “Losing this game doesn’t do justice to see all the success and the strides we’ve made as a team,” Raiola said. “But that’s what it is right now.” Photos: Nebraska football vs. Iowa on Black Friday — Nov. 29 Nebraska players, including Jacob Hood (center), turn to wave during the "Hawkeye Wave" on Friday in Iowa City. Nebraska assistant coach Garret McGuire looks on during warm up before the Iowa game, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska assistant coach Marcus Satterfield looks on during warm up before the Iowa game, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska fan Zachary Roth of Omaha dances in the cold during the Iowa game, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule talks with an official during the Iowa game on Friday at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. Nebraska's Jahmal Banks is tackled by Iowa's TJ Hall on Friday at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. Iowa's Kamari Moulton (center) is tackled by Nebraska's MJ Sherman (left) and Elijah Jeudy, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska's Carter Nelson (center) is tackled by Iowa's Deontae Craig (right) on Friday at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. Iowa's Quinn Schulte (left) tackles Nebraska's Nate Boerkircher, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska's Thomas Fidone picks up a pass against Iowa, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska's John Hohl reacts after missing a field goal against Iowa, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola runs with the ball against Iowa on Friday at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. Nebraska's Isaac Gifford (left) rips the ball away from Iowa's Jarriett Buie on Friday at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. The Nebraska defense stops Iowa on fourth down on Friday at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. Nebraska's Jahmal Banks picks up a pass next to Iowa's Deshaun Lee, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska's Emmett Johnson escapes a tackle by Iowa's Deshaun Lee, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule looks on during the Iowa game, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska's Dante Dowdell tries to break a tackle from Iowa's Jay Higgins (left) and Koen Entringer (4), Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska's Emmett Johnson fumbles under pressure from Iowa's Sebastian Castro (top) and TJ Hall (bottom), Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa's Drew Stevens (18) celebrates after making the game-winning kick against Nebraska, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa's Drew Stevens (18) celebrates after making the game-winning kick against Nebraska, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa's Luke Elkin (left) and Ty Nissen carry Heroes Game trophy after defeating Nebraska on Friday at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. Iowa's Drew Stevens (18) kicks a game-winning field goal through the arms of Nebraska's Ty Robinson (9) and Nash Hutmacher (0) on Friday at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. Nebraska's Dante Dowdell scores a touchdown against Iowa in the second quarter, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola carries the ball against Iowa, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa's Deontae Craig (bottom) pressures Nebraska's Dylan Raiola, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska's John Hohl (right) celebrates his field goal against Iowa, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska's Mikai Gbayor tips a pass by Iowa's Jackson Stratton on Friday at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. Iowa's Deontae Craig (left) and Aaron Graves (right) pressure Nebraska's Dylan Raiola on at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule (left) talks with Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz before the game, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Jesse Divis of David City, 17, braves the cold before the Nebraska game at Iowa, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule arrives before the Iowa game, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska special teams coordinator Ed Foley arrives before the Iowa game, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola arrives before the Iowa game, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. The Nebraska football team arrives arrives at Kinnick Stadium before the Iowa game, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa. The Nebraska football team arrives arrives at Kinnick Stadium before the Iowa game, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa. Nebraska offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen arrives at Kinnick Stadium before the Iowa game, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, in Iowa City, Iowa. Subscribe for the best Husker news & commentary Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Texans foiled by mistake after mistake in 32-27 loss to Titans

Trump attacks 'dumbest' 2023 debt limit extensionSTANFORD, Calif. — Andrew Luck is returning to Stanford in hopes of turning around a struggling football program that he once helped become a national power. Athletic director Bernard Muir announced Saturday that Luck has been hired as the general manager of the Stanford football team, tasked with overseeing all aspects of the program that just finished a 3-9 season under coach Troy Taylor. “I am a product of this university, of Nerd Nation; I love this place,” Luck said. “I believe deeply in Stanford’s unique approach to athletics and academics and the opportunity to help drive our program back to the top. Coach Taylor has the team pointed in the right direction, and I cannot wait to work with him, the staff, and the best, brightest, and toughest football players in the world.” Luck has kept a low profile since his surprise retirement from the NFL at age 29 when he announced in August 2019 that he was leaving the Indianapolis Colts and pro football. Cardinal alum Andrew Luck, left, watches a Feb. 2 game between Stanford and Southern California on Feb. 2 in Stanford, Calif. In his new role, Luck will work with Taylor on recruiting and roster management, and with athletic department and university leadership on fundraising, alumni relations, sponsorships, student-athlete support and stadium experience. “Andrew’s credentials as a student-athlete speak for themselves, and in addition to his legacy of excellence, he also brings a deep understanding of the college football landscape and community, and an unparalleled passion for Stanford football,” Muir said. “I could not think of a person better qualified to guide our football program through a continuously evolving landscape, and I am thrilled that Andrew has agreed to join our team. This change represents a very different way of operating our program and competing in an evolving college football landscape.” Luck was one of the players who helped elevate Stanford into a West Coast powerhouse for several years. He helped end a seven-year bowl drought in his first season as starting quarterback in 2009 under coach Jim Harbaugh and led the Cardinal to back-to-back BCS bowl berths his final two seasons, when he was the Heisman Trophy runner-up both seasons. Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck throws a pass during the first quarter of a Nov. 27, 2010 game against Oregon State in Stanford, Calif. That was part of a seven-year stretch in which Stanford posted the fourth-best record in the nation at 76-18 and qualified for five BCS bowl berths under Harbaugh and David Shaw. But the Cardinal have struggled for success in recent years and haven't won more than four games in a season since 2018. Stanford just finished its fourth straight 3-9 campaign in Taylor's second season since replacing Shaw. The Cardinal are the only power conference team to lose at least nine games in each of the past four seasons. Luck graduated from Stanford with a bachelor’s degree in architectural design and returned after retiring from the NFL to get his master’s degree in education in 2023. He was picked No. 1 overall by Indianapolis in the 2012 draft and made four Pro Bowls and was AP Comeback Player of the Year in 2018 in his brief but successful NFL career. Before the 2023 National Football League season started, it seemed inevitable that Bill Belichick would end his career as the winningest head coach in league history. He had won six Super Bowls with the New England Patriots and 298 regular-season games, plus 31 playoff games, across his career. Then the 2023 season happened. Belichick's Patriots finished 4-13, the franchise's worst record since 1992. At the end of the year, Belichick and New England owner Robert Kraft agreed to part ways. And now, during the 2024 season, Belichick is on the sideline. He's 26 wins from the #1 spot, a mark he'd reach in little more than two seasons if he maintained his .647 career winning percentage. Will he ascend the summit? It's hard to tell. Belichick would be 73 if he graced the sidelines next season—meaning he'd need to coach until at least 75 to break the all-time mark. Only one other NFL coach has ever helmed a team at age 73: Romeo Crennel in 2020 for the Houston Texans. With Belichick's pursuit of history stalled, it's worth glancing at the legends who have reached the pinnacle of coaching success. Who else stands among the 10 winningest coaches in NFL history? Stacker ranked the coaches with the most all-time regular-season wins using data from Pro Football Reference . These coaches have combined for 36 league championships, which represents 31.6% of all championships won throughout the history of pro football. To learn who made the list, keep reading. You may also like: Ranking the biggest NFL Draft busts of the last 30 years - Seasons coached: 23 - Years active: 1981-2003 - Record: 190-165-2 - Winning percentage: .535 - Championships: 0 Dan Reeves reached the Super Bowl four times—thrice with the Denver Broncos and once with the Atlanta Falcons—but never won the NFL's crown jewel. Still, he racked up nearly 200 wins across his 23-year career, including a stint in charge of the New York Giants, with whom he won Coach of the Year in 1993. In all his tenures, he quickly built contenders—the three clubs he coached were a combined 17-31 the year before Reeves joined and 28-20 in his first year. However, his career ended on a sour note as he was fired from a 3-10 Falcons team after Week 14 in 2003. - Seasons coached: 21 - Years active: 1984-98, 2001-06 - Record: 200-126-1 - Winning percentage: .613 - Championships: 0 As head coach of Cleveland, Kansas City, Washington, and San Diego, Marty Schottenheimer proved a successful leader during the regular season. Notably, he was named Coach of the Year after turning around his 4-12 Chargers team to a 12-4 record in 2004. His teams, however, struggled during the playoffs. Schottheimer went 5-13 in the postseason, and he never made it past the conference championship round. As such, the Pennsylvania-born skipper is the winningest NFL coach never to win a league championship. - Seasons coached: 25 - Years active: 1946-62, '68-75 - Record: 213-104-9 - Winning percentage: .672 - Championships: 7 The only coach on this list to pilot a college team, Paul Brown, reached the pro ranks after a three-year stint at Ohio State and two years with the Navy during World War II. He guided the Cleveland Browns—named after Brown, their first coach—to four straight titles in the fledgling All-America Football Conference. After the league folded, the ballclub moved to the NFL in 1950, and Cleveland continued its winning ways, with Brown leading the team to championships in '50, '54, and '55. He was fired in 1963 but returned in 1968 as the co-founder and coach of the Cincinnati Bengals. His other notable accomplishments include helping to invent the face mask and breaking pro football's color barrier . - Seasons coached: 33 - Years active: 1921-53 - Record: 226-132-22 - Winning percentage: .631 - Championships: 6 An early stalwart of the NFL, Curly Lambeau spent 29 years helming the Green Bay Packers before wrapping up his coaching career with two-year stints with the Chicago Cardinals and Washington. His Packers won titles across three decades, including the league's first three-peat from 1929-31. Notably, he experienced only one losing season during his first 27 years with Green Bay, cementing his legacy of consistent success. Born in Green Bay, Lambeau co-founded the Packers and played halfback on the team from 1919-29. He was elected to the Hall of Fame as a coach and owner in 1963, two years before his death. You may also like: Countries with the most active NFL players - Seasons coached: 29 - Years active: 1960-88 - Record: 250-162-6 - Winning percentage: .607 - Championships: 2 The first head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, Tom Landry held the position for his entire 29-year tenure as an NFL coach. The Cowboys were especially dominant in the 1970s when they made five Super Bowls and won the big game twice. Landry was known for coaching strong all-around squads and a unit that earned the nickname the "Doomsday Defense." Between 1966 and 1985, Landry and his Cowboys enjoyed 20 straight seasons with a winning record. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1990. - Seasons coached: 26 - Years active: 1999-present - Record: 267-145-1 - Winning percentage: .648 - Championships: 3 The only active coach in the top 10, Andy Reid has posted successful runs with both the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City. After reaching the Super Bowl once in 14 years with the Eagles, Reid ratcheted things up with K.C., winning three titles since 2019. As back-to-back defending champions, Reid and Co. are looking this season to become the first franchise to three-peat in the Super Bowl era and the third to do so in NFL history after the Packers of 1929-31 and '65-67. Time will tell if Reid and his offensive wizardry can lead Kansas City to that feat. - Seasons coached: 29 - Years active: 1991-95, 2000-23 - Record: 302-165 - Winning percentage: .647 - Championships: 6 The most successful head coach of the 21st century, Bill Belichick first coached the Cleveland Browns before taking over the New England Patriots in 2000. With the Pats, Belichick combined with quarterback Tom Brady to win six Super Bowls in 18 years. Belichick and New England split after last season when the Patriots went 4-13—the worst record of Belichick's career. His name has swirled around potential coaching openings , but nothing has come of it. Belichick has remained in the media spotlight with his regular slot on the "Monday Night Football" ManningCast. - Seasons coached: 40 - Years active: 1920-29, '33-42, '46-55, '58-67 - Record: 318-148-31 - Winning percentage: .682 - Championships: 6 George Halas was the founder and longtime owner of the Chicago Bears and coached the team across four separate stints. Nicknamed "Papa Bear," he built the ballclub into one of the NFL's premier franchises behind players such as Bronko Nagurski and Sid Luckman. Halas also played for the team, competing as a player-coach in the 1920s. The first coach to study opponents via game film, he was once a baseball player and even made 12 appearances as a member of the New York Yankees in 1919. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1963 as both a coach and owner. - Seasons coached: 33 - Years active: 1963-95 - Record: 328-156-6 - Winning percentage: .677 - Championships: 2 The winningest head coach in NFL history is Don Shula, who first coached the Baltimore Colts (losing Super Bowl III to Joe Namath and the New York Jets) for seven years before leading the Miami Dolphins for 26 seasons. With the Fins, Shula won back-to-back Super Bowls in 1972 and 1973, a run that included a 17-0 season—the only perfect campaign in NFL history. He also coached quarterback great Dan Marino in the 1980s and '90s, but the pair made it to a Super Bowl just once. Shula was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1997. Story editing by Mike Taylor. Copy editing by Robert Wickwire. Photo selection by Lacy Kerrick. You may also like: The 5 biggest upsets of the 2023-24 NFL regular season - Seasons coached: 23 - Years active: 1969-91 - Record: 193-148-1 - Winning percentage: .566 - Championships: 4 Chuck Noll's Pittsburgh Steelers were synonymous with success in the 1970s. Behind his defense, known as the Steel Curtain, and offensive stars, including Terry Bradshaw, Franco Harris, and Lynn Swann, Noll led the squad to four Super Bowl victories from 1974 to 1979. Noll's Steelers remain the lone team to win four Super Bowls in six years, though Andy Reid and Kansas City could equal that mark if they win the Lombardi Trophy this season. Noll was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993, two years after retiring. His legacy of coaching success has carried on in Pittsburgh—the club has had only two coaches (Bill Cowher and Mike Tomlin) since Noll retired. Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen returns to a tournament after a dispute over jeans is resolved NEW YORK (AP) — Top ranked chess player Magnus Carlsen is headed back to the World Blitz Championship on Monday. That's after its governing body agreed to loosen a dress code that got him fined and denied a late-round game in another tournament for refusing to change out of jeans. The International Chess Federation president said in a statement Sunday that he’d let World Blitz Championship tournament officials consider allowing “appropriate jeans” with a jacket, as well as other "minor deviations” from the dress code. Carlsen quit the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships on Friday. He said Sunday he would play — and wear jeans — in the World Blitz Championship. 'Sonic 3' and 'Mufasa' battle for No. 1 at the holiday box office Two family films are dominating the holiday box office, with “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” winning the three-day weekend over “Mufasa” by a blue hair. According to studio estimates Sunday, the Sonic movie earned $38 million, while “Mufasa” brought in $37.1 million from theaters in the U.S. and Canada. The R-rated horror “Nosferatu” placed third with an unexpectedly strong $21.2 million. Thanksgiving release holdovers “Wicked” and “Moana 2” rounded out the top five. Christmas Day had several big film openings, including the Bob Dylan biopic “A Complete Unknown,” the Nicole Kidman erotic drama “Babygirl” and the boxing drama “The Fire Inside.” Charles Shyer, ‘Father of the Bride’ and ‘Baby Boom’ filmmaker, dies at 83 An Oscar-nominated writer and filmmaker known for classic comedies like “Private Benjamin,” “Baby Boom” and “Father of the Bride," Charles Shyer has died. He was 83. On Sunday his daughter Hallie Meyers-Shyer told The Associated Press that he died Friday in Los Angeles. No cause was disclosed. Born in Los Angeles in 1941 to a filmmaker father, Shyer's big breakthrough came with co-writing “Private Benjamin” for which he and Nancy Meyers received an Oscar nomination. He and Nancy Meyers were frequent collaborators through their nearly 20-year marriage, including on the remake of “The Parent Trap," starring Lindsay Lohan. LeBron James at 40: A milestone birthday arrives Monday for the NBA's all-time scoring leader When LeBron James broke another NBA record earlier this month, the one for most regular-season minutes played in a career, his Los Angeles Lakers teammates handled the moment in typical locker room fashion. They made fun of him. Dubbed The Kid from Akron, with a limitless future, James is now the 40-year-old from Los Angeles with wisps of gray in his beard, his milestone birthday coming Monday, one that will make him the first player in NBA history to play in his teens, 20s, 30s and 40s. He has stood and excelled in the spotlight his entire career. Belgium will ban sales of disposable e-cigarettes in a first for the EU BRUSSELS (AP) — Belgium will ban the sale of disposable electronic cigarettes as of Jan. 1 on health and environmental grounds in a groundbreaking move for European Union nations. Health minister Frank Vandenbroucke tells The Associated Press that the inexpensive e-cigarettes have turned into a health threat since they are an easy way for teenagers to be drawn into smoking and get hooked on nicotine. Australia outlawed the sale of “vapes” outside pharmacies earlier this year in some of the world’s toughest restrictions on electronic cigarettes. Now Belgium is leading the EU drive. Belgium's minister wants tougher tobacco measures in the 27-nation bloc. Charles Dolan, HBO and Cablevision founder, dies at 98 Charles F. Dolan, who founded some of the most prominent U.S. media companies including Home Box Office Inc. and Cablevision Systems Corp., has died at age 98. Newsday reports that a statement issued Saturday by his family says Dolan died of natural causes. Dolan’s legacy in cable broadcasting includes founding HBO in 1972, Cablevision in 1973 and the American Movie Classics television station in 1984. He also launched News 12 in New York City, the first U.S. 24-hour cable channel for local news. Dolan also held controlling stakes in companies that owned Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, the New York Knicks and the New York Rangers. Snoop's game: Snoop Dogg thrills the crowd in the bowl that bears his name TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Miami of Ohio beat Colorado State in the Arizona Bowl, but Snoop Dogg was the main attraction. The Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl presented by Gin & Juice by Dre and Snoop was much a spectacle as a football game. Snoop Dogg seemed to be everywhere all at once, from a pregame tailgate to the postgame trophy presentation. Snoop Dog donned a headset on Colorado State's sideline, spent some time in the broadcast and even led both marching bands as conductor during their halftime performance. Snoop Dogg saved the best for last, rolling out in a light green, lowrider Chevy Impala with gold rims and accents, the shiny Arizona Bowl trophy in his hand as fans screamed his name. 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. 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. Norwegian chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen quits a tournament in a dispute over jeans NEW YORK (AP) — The International Chess Federation says top ranked player Magnus Carlsen has left the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships after refusing to change out of the jeans he wore to the competition. The federation said Friday that its regulations include a dress code that bars participants from wearing jeans at the event. The Norwegian chess grandmaster says he accepted a $200 fine but refused to change his pants out of principle before leaving the competition in New York. The federation said the dress code is designed to ensure professionalism and fairness for all participants.