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Pete Hegseth's mother says The New York Times made 'threats' by asking her to comment on a story‘The moment is too hot right now’: Peabody and Fuzzies breakup comes as businesses navigate tense political climate
DENVER — So you're the most valuable player of that annual Thanksgiving Day backyard flag football game. Or played tackle football on any level. Or ran track. Or dabbled in basketball. Or toyed with any sport, really. Well, this may be just for you: USA Football is holding talent identification camps all over the country to find that next flag football star. It's "America's Got Talent" meets "American Idol," with the stage being the field and the grand prize a chance to compete for a spot on a national team. Because it's never too early to start planning for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, where flag football will make its Summer Games debut. Know this, though — it's not an easy team to make. The men's and women's national team rosters are at "Dream Team" status given the men's side has captured six of the last seven world championships and the women three in a row. To remain on top, the sport's national governing body is scouring every football field, park, track, basketball court and gym to find hidden talent to cultivate. USA Football has organized camps and tryouts from coast to coast for anyone ages 11 to 23. There are more than a dozen sites set up so far, ranging from Dallas (Sunday) to Chicago (Dec. 14) to Tampa (March 29) to Los Angeles (TBD) and the Boston area (April 27), where it will be held at Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots. The organization has already partnered with the NFL on flag football initiatives and programs. The numbers have been through the roof, with engagement on social media platforms increasing by 86% since flag football was announced as an Olympic invitational sport in October 2023. The participation of boys and girls ages 6 to 17 in flag football last year peaked at more than 1.6 million, according to USA Football research. "We pride ourselves on elevating the gold standard across the sport," said Eric Mayes, the managing director of the high performance and national teams for USA Football. "We want to be the best in the world — and stay the best in the world." Flag football was one of five new sports added to the LA28 program. The already soaring profile of American football only figures to be enhanced by an Olympic appearance. Imagine, say, a few familiar faces take the field, too. Perhaps even NFL stars such as Tyreek Hill or Patrick Mahomes, maybe even past pro football greats donning a flag belt for a country to which they may have ties. Soon after flag football's inclusion, there was chatter of NFL players possibly joining in on the fun. Of course, there are logistical issues to tackle before their inclusion at the LA Olympics, which open July 14, 2028. Among them, training camp, because the Olympics will be right in the middle of it. The big question is this: Will owners permit high-priced players to duck out for a gold-medal pursuit? No decisions have yet been made on the status of NFL players for the Olympics. For now, it's simply about growing the game. There are currently 13 states that sanction girls flag football as a high school varsity sport. Just recently, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles helped pave the way to get it adopted in Pennsylvania. Around the world, it's catching on, too. The women's team from Japan took third at the recent word championships, while one of the best players on the planet is Mexico quarterback Diana Flores. "Could flag football globally become the new soccer? That's something to aspire to," said Stephanie Kwok, the NFL's vice president of flag football. This type of flag football though, isn't your Thanksgiving Day game with family and friends. There's a learning curve. And given the small roster sizes, versatility is essential. Most national team members need to be a version of Colorado's two-way standout and Heisman hopeful Travis Hunter. Forget bump-and-run coverage, too, because there's no contact. None. That took some adjusting for Mike Daniels, a defensive back out of West Virginia who earned a rookie minicamp invitation with the Cleveland Browns in 2017. "If a receiver is running around, I'm thinking, 'OK, I can kind of bump him here and there and nudge him,'" Daniels explained. "They're like, 'No, you can't.' I'm just like, 'So I'm supposed to let this guy just run?!' I really rebelled at the idea at first. But you learn." The competition for an Olympic roster spot is going to be fierce because only 10 players are expected to make a squad. The best 10 will earn it, too, as credentials such as college All-American or NFL All-Pro take a backseat. "I would actually love" seeing NFL players try out, said Daniels, who's also a personal trainer in Miami. "I'm not going to let you just waltz in here, thinking, 'I played NFL football for five years. I'm popular. I have a huge name.' I'm still better than you and I'm going to prove it — until you prove otherwise." Around the house, Bruce Mapp constantly swivels his hips when turning a hallway corner or if his daughter tries to reach for a hug. It's his way of working on avoiding a "defender" trying to snare the flag. That approach has earned the receiver out of Coastal Carolina four gold medals with USA Football. The 31-year-old fully plans on going for more gold in Los Angeles. "You grow up watching Usain Bolt (win gold) and the 'Redeem Team' led by Kobe Bryant win a gold medal, you're always thinking, 'That's insane.' Obviously, you couldn't do it in your sport, because I played football," said Mapp, who owns a food truck in the Dallas area. "With the Olympics approaching, that (gold medal) is what my mind is set on." It's a common thought, which is why everything — including talent camps — starts now. "Everybody thinks, 'Yeah, the U.S. just wins,'" Daniels said. "But we work hard all the time. We don't just walk in. We don't just get off the bus thinking, 'We're going to beat people.'"
EVANSVILLE, Ind. (AP) — Cameron Haffner scored 13 points as Evansville beat Missouri State 57-40 on Sunday to snap a five-game losing streak. Haffner went 5 of 12 from the field (3 for 7 from 3-point range) for the Purple Aces (4-9, 1-1 Missouri Valley Conference). Joshua Hughes added 11 points, nine rebounds and four steals. Tayshawn Comer scored 11. Dez White finished with 12 points, four assists and six steals for the Bears (7-6, 0-2). Missouri State also got 10 points, 12 rebounds and two steals from Michael Osei-Bonsu. Zaxton King had eight points. Evansville carried a slim three-point lead into halftime, as Haffner led the way with seven points. Evansville took the lead for what would be the final time on Haffner's 3-pointer with 18:44 remaining in the second half. His team would outscore Missouri State by 14 points in the second half. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
Dr Manmohan Singh, the architect of India’s economic transformation and a two-time Prime Minister, passed away on Thursday at the age of 92. Renowned for his calm demeanour and sharp vision, Singh’s legacy is defined by the landmark reforms he implemented in 1991, which opened India to the global economy and steered the country away from the edge of economic collapse. Important Reforms By Dr Manmohan Singh As Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh introduced several transformative initiatives, including the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in 2005, which aimed to provide 100 days of guaranteed wage employment annually to rural households. The Civil Nuclear Deal with the United States in 2008 remains one of his hallmark achievements. Singh's government skillfully navigated the political and diplomatic hurdles to secure a deal that was crucial for India's energy future. The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 was passed under the Manmohan Singh government to give citizens the power to request information from public authorities and make the government more accountable. Dr Singh's government introduced the Right to Information Act (2005), which enhanced transparency and accountability by giving citizens access to public information. Singh's government also introduced the National Food Security Act (2013) which guaranteed subsidised food grains to nearly two-thirds of India’s population. During his tenure, India experienced strong GDP growth averaging 8.5 per cent, and his personal commitment to fostering peaceful relations with Pakistan played a key role in stabilizing bilateral ties. From 1982 to 1985, during his tenure as Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor, Manmohan Singh played a crucial role in stabilizing the Indian Rupee’s exchange rate against the US Dollar. In 1991, as Finance Minister under P.V. Narasimha Rao, Singh tackled India's economic crisis, marked by poor productivity and rising inflation. He drafted a successful policy that boosted India's foreign exchange reserves from under $1 billion to $10 billion between June 1991 and June 1993. Dr Singh stressed public investment to boost private sector involvement, viewing it as a major driver for expanding infrastructure. At the time, India's combined fiscal deficit was nearly 8 per cent of GDP, the highest among developing nations. By 2004, when Singh became Prime Minister, the economic reforms he implemented since 1991 began yielding results, with India's GDP growing over 8 per cent annually from 2003. Singh's liberal economic policies ushered in significant reforms in India's business landscape. IT giants like Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys, and WIPRO, along with pharmaceutical companies such as Ranbaxy and Dr Reddy's, shifted from the earlier 'Bombay Club' mentality to embrace a more global outlook. His policies also strengthened India's relations with OECD countries, including the UK, the US, Germany, Austria, and Italy. Additionally, India's GDP and foreign exchange reserves saw significant growth, while external debt and the debt service ratio experienced a sharp decline. To strengthen the Indian economy, Singh signed Free Trade Agreements and Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements with several countries, including Mauritius and ASEAN nations. These agreements not only accelerated India's economic growth but also enhanced its international relations. Also Read: Manmohan Singh, The Finance Minister Who Rescued India From Economic Collapse: A Look BackMUNICH (AP) — Bayern Munich fans protested against Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi during the teams’ Champions League match on Tuesday. The supporters in Bayern's stadium's Südkurve held up several banners making clear their opposition to the Qatari businessman during the first half of Bayern's 1-0 win. One banner showed Al-Khelaifi’s face with a line over it, another accused him of being “plutocratic” with an expletive, and more banners read: “Minister, club owner, TV rights holder, UEFA ExCo member & ECA chairman all in one?” The 51-year-old Al-Khelaifi is unpopular among the Bayern fans for his influence on European soccer as chairman of the European Club Association, Qatar Sports Investments — the owner of PSG — and the Qatari state-owned beIN media group. He also joined UEFA’s executive committee in 2019. Al-Khelaifi has long drawn scrutiny for apparent conflicts of interest because of his various roles. The ECA has a big influence on shaping the Champions League's playing format and commercial strategy, while beIN is one of the competition's major broadcast partners. In 2022, UEFA left Al-Khelaifi unpunished despite finding PSG guilty of misconduct for confrontations with match officials after losing in the Champions League. There were heated scenes involving Al-Khelaifi and then-PSG sporting director Leonardo after a defeat to Real Madrid. UEFA sanctioned Leonardo but did not cite Al-Khelaifi in its disciplinary statement, nor did it say why. Al-Khelaifi, a former tennis professional, is a longtime friend of Qatar’s ruling emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani , an International Olympic Committee member who is influential in global sports. Bayern fans had long protested against their own club’s sponsorship deals with Qatar, which was accused of human rights abuses before it hosted the 2022 World Cup. The fans eventually got their way last year when Bayern’s long-running sponsorship deal with Qatar Airways was not renewed. The Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper reported at the time that the decision came from Qatar. Sheikh Tamim was reportedly unhappy with the Bayern fans’ constant criticism and the club’s failure to distance itself from their protests. Kim Min-jae’s first-half header was enough for Bayern's victory, its seventh straight without conceding across all competitions. PSG forward Ousmane Dembelé was sent off early in the second half. AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
Black Friday deals are everywhere right now, and many of the major streaming services will probably announce special promotions to entice new customers soon, too. If you’re thinking about “cutting the cord,” or switching from a traditional cable provider to a streaming service , this might be a good time to try it. “The deals that will be coming out will be attractive to new subscribers and most likely will be basic plans with ads,” Chad Gammon, an Iowa-based certified financial planner, said in an email interview. While some streaming services might also offer deals on plans without ads, Gammon, who owns Custom Fit Financial, said they’ll come at a higher cost. So keep an eye out for the deals, but make sure you look at the terms and conditions, too. Some streaming services will roll out their Black Friday prices in the coming days — and some have already started offering deals. For example, ESPN+ is running a promotion offering 12 months for the price of nine, as long as subscribers choose the annual plan. That deal is good through Dec. 2. Last year’s Black Friday deals can be a good indication of what’s to come. "Past Black Friday deals, like Hulu's $1.99/month offer, really show the range of savings,” Clay Cary, a senior trends analyst at CouponFollow, said in a prepared statement. “More often than not, bundles like Disney+/Hulu/ESPN+ tend to give the most value if your household uses multiple platforms," Cary said. We contacted these services about their Black Friday plans. Disney+ said there are no deals to announce quite yet. Hulu and ESPN+ did not respond to requests for information. While you’re waiting for the deals to drop, consider the different streaming plans, your budget, and whether one service can give you all the programming you want. Streaming services present themselves as cheaper alternatives to cable companies with long contracts, poor service, lots of commercials and expensive monthly contracts. But do they make good on that promise? You might think you’re scoring a great streaming service deal only to realize it’s for the version with ads. Pay attention to other details, too. A streaming service might offer a seasonal deal, but on a plan that limits the number of devices that can stream at once, and video quality can vary. Crackdowns on password sharing have also hit the streaming world hard and frustrated many consumers — and the alternatives aren’t great. “Paid-sharing options, like Netflix's, haven't been popular because they feel like an extra charge without added value,” Cary said. “For budget-conscious viewers, these changes could push them toward free ad-supported services instead.” If you were hoping to cut ties with your cable provider, you might have to think twice. You’ll still need the internet to use your streaming service. Many households bundle cable and internet costs, so if you cut cable, you will need to get a price for an internet-only plan. If multiple people in your household are streaming at once, you might find your old internet speed isn’t cutting it. A boost in internet speed will cost more, so you’ll need to adjust your budget accordingly. If you’re a sports fan with kids in the house and a spouse who likes shows from premium channels, you might have to sign up for three different streaming services to get all the content you want. Signing up for multiple streaming services can get pricey and can also be a real headache. Gammon described this as “subscription fatigue,” where people subscribe to multiple services and end up not using them because they can’t find which programs are on which streaming service. To stay within your budget, Cary said consumers should focus “on platforms that align with what you actually watch rather than trying to subscribe to everything.” The excitement of scoring a cheap deal won’t last forever. “When promotional deals lapse, prices can spiral upward alarmingly, doubling in some cases,” Cary said. “To avoid such surprises, set a reminder before the discounted rate expires to review your subscription,” he said. Before signing up, ask yourself: How do streaming services fit into my budget? In a 50/30/20 budget , streaming services fit squarely into the 30% wants category, alongside travel, entertainment and dining out. If your budget is tight, check your current memberships, because some major retailers offer significant discounts or free subscriptions on streaming services. For example: While most of these offers are for base-level plans with ads, tapping into existing benefits is a low-stakes way to try out one of these platforms. More From NerdWallet Amanda Barroso writes for NerdWallet. Email: abarroso@nerdwallet.com . The article Black Friday Streaming Deals: Read the Fine Print First originally appeared on NerdWallet.LOS ANGELES (AP) — Southern California's notorious Santa Ana winds were predicted to return Monday night and utilities said they are prepared to cut power to hundreds of thousands of customers in areas where strong gusts could damage electrical equipment and spark wildfires. The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning for high fire risk with a rare “particularly dangerous situation,” or PDS, designation starting at 8 p.m. Monday into Tuesday for Los Angeles and Ventura counties. The last time PDS red flags went up was the first week of November, when powerful, dry winds fed the Mountain Fire , which destroyed at least 240 buildings, mostly homes, in Ventura County. Before that, a PDS red flag warning hadn't been issued for the region since 2020. “This event has the potential to be as strong as the November 5th-6th Santa Ana event that led to the Mountain Fire,” the weather service office for Los Angeles said Sunday on social media. Southern California Edison said it was considering targeted power shut-offs for more than 250,000 homes and businesses across seven counties starting Monday evening. Meanwhile San Diego Gas & Electric said it has notified nearly 117,500 customers that they might temporarily lose service to reduce the chance of wildfires. Santa Anas are dry, warm and gusty northeast winds that blow from the interior of Southern California toward the coast and offshore. They typically occur during the fall months and continue through winter and into early spring. In Northern California, the weather service said chances were increasing for an “impactful rainfall event” late in the week for the San Francisco Bay Area. Best trending stories from the week. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. You may occasionally receive promotions exclusive discounted subscription offers from the Roswell Daily Record. Feel free to cancel any time via the unsubscribe link in the newsletter you received. You can also control your newsletter options via your user dashboard by signing in.Canada’s Trudeau survives third no-confidence voteSANTA CLARA — When Isaac Guerendo trots onto the field with the first team Sunday at Levi’s Stadium, he will equal the same number of starts he had in five years of college football. Hard to believe, but Guerendo started exactly one time, and it came in his final college game at Louisville. Against USC in the Holiday Bowl, Guerendo carried 23 times for 161 yards and three touchdowns and added five receptions in a 42-28 loss. In 40 other games at Wisconsin and Louisville, Guerendo played in a shared backfield –something he’s done with the 49ers this season behind Jordan Mason and Christian McCaffrey . With McCaffrey on injured reserve with a PCL strain and Mason to follow soon with a high ankle sprain, Guerendo should get his biggest workload since his last college game. “I’m excited, but really it’s whatever it takes to win,” Guerendo said Wednesday as the 49ers (5-7) began preparations to host the Bears (4-8). “Whatever the plan looks like is what we’ll bring.” Guerendo will be backed up by Patrick Taylor Jr., who was on the roster earlier this season when McCaffrey was dealing with bilateral Achilles tendinitis, then re-signed to the practice squad. Taylor was promoted Tuesday, and the 49ers also made a waiver claim on former Jets running back Israel Abanikanda. “I think he’s ready to go,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said. “He had some ups and downs but got better through everything. I think he’s ready for this.” Guerendo, 6-foot and 219 pounds, has 42 carries for 246 yards and two touchdowns, averaging a gaudy 5.9 yards per carry. His 15-yard run in the third quarter was the 49ers’ lone touchdown in a 35-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills. The 49ers traded up to get Guerendo in the fourth round, only to see him sidelined with a hamstring strain in his first training camp practice. A speedy wide receiver at Avon High School in Indiana who also ran track and played basketball, Guerendo carried 10 times for 99 yards with a long run of 76 against Seattle and 14 times for 85 yards against Dallas. At Wisconsin, Guerendo played behind Jonathan Taylor, now a star running back for the Indianapolis Colts. He split time as a graduate student at Louisville with Jawhar Jordan, who rushed for 1,128 yards while Guerendo had 810 yards on 132 carries and a 6.1-yard average. The good news is Guerendo’s body hasn’t taken on the normal amount of abuse for a running back. And Guerendo feels he’s up to the challenge after playing 12 games with old-school running backs coach Bobby Turner. “I always give credit to Coach T for preparing everybody like they’re going to be the starter, so that when moments do come, you’re ready for it,” Guerendo said. McCaffrey appeared to have finally gotten untracked against the Bills, gaining 53 yards on seven carries before getting tripped up on a 19-yard burst in the second quarter. But the tackle injured his knee, Mason injured his ankle, and Guerendo became the lead runner for a team that is sixth in the NFL in rushing. Over time, Guerendo has become accustomed to the speed of the NFL game. “I think it takes guys some time,” Shanahan said. “You start to get a feel for it, if you’ve got the right stuff, you get more reps and the more you adjust to it. How hard you’ve got to hit stuff, how quick those holes close, how you have to hit it full speed and can’t hesitate. We’ve seen that stuff get better in practice and we’ve seen it carry over into games.” McCaffrey, meanwhile, took to social media in the form of a lengthy Instagram post to explain how he was feeling after his latest injury. He wrote of his love for football, how humbling it is and his desire to return. “This wasn’t my year, and sometimes when it rains, it pours,” McCaffrey wrote. “You can feel sorry for yourself and listen to the birds, or you can hold the line. I’m grateful for the support of everyone in my corner and promise I’ll work smarter and harder to come back better from this.” For those who dream big, Shanahan said with a six-week time frame, McCaffrey could conceivably return if the 49ers reach the postseason. THE INJURY LIST Those who didn’t practice Wednesday included edge rusher Nick Bosa (hips, obliques), left tackle Trent Williams (ankle), left guard Aaron Banks (concussion), Mason (ankle) and linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (ankle). Cornerback Deommodore Lenoir (knee), linebacker Dre Greenlaw (Achilles) and safety Talanoa Hufanga (wrist) were limited. Defensive tackle Jordan Elliott has cleared concussion protocol after missing the Buffalo game. Hufanga joined Greenlaw as practicing during a 21-day window. Shanahan said it’s more likely Greenlaw would be activated before a Thursday night game against the Los Angeles Rams on Dec. 12 than against Chicago. HUFANGA AND THE CLUB After recovering from an ACL tear last season, Hufanga has played in just two games this season. First, he was felled by an ankle injury, and then a wrist injury that needed surgery. When activated, he’ll play with a protective club on his right hand. “I was still dealing with the ankle. I was about to get it re-wrapped and for some reason my hand wouldn’t open,” Hufanga said. Hufanga said he’ll try to use the protective device as a benefit rather than a detriment. “I had a good friend back in the day who played with a club who had three picks in one game, so you never know,” Hufanga said. MOORE FARES WELL Left tackle Jaylon Moore acquitted himself well for the second straight game in starting in place of Williams. “It was OK, but you can always get better and that’s what I’m focusing on — the things I can get better at,” Moore said. Tight end George Kittle noted last week that Moore was at left tackle all through training camp during Williams’ holdout, so it’s not like he hasn’t been with the first team. “It definitely did help, especially being comfortable with the group,” Moore said. “The quarterback’s cadence, the guy you’re next to, all the small stuff comes into play.”
The Saints are making contingency plans to play without QB Derek Carr as they try to stay aliveNone
Orange-faced president elect is attempting to make himself some on the side - flogging a range of £10,000 signed guitars. The next US leader is not content with running one of the biggest nations in the world and has now launched his newest venture, a line of branded acoustic and electric guitars. He is selling the instruments, some which have been autographed by the man himself which will be the latest in his long list of merchandise that fans can buy. The “American Eagle Series,” the “Presidential Series,” the “Signature Edition” and “God Bless The USA” guitars will join his line of hats, trading cards, coins and watches that have previously gone on sale. He said 1,000 of each model will be made available to buy to the public - costing between $1,250 and $1,500 - and will feature an image of the American flag, a bald eagle and writing along the guitar’s neck that reads, “MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN” - very similar to the bright red hats many fans were spotted wearing on the campaign trail. Trump hasalso signed 275 of the “American Eagle” acoustic and electric guitars that are set to be sold at $10,000 each. The first 1,000 “Presidential Series” guitars will be numbered and sold for $2,000, while an unspecified number of “God Bless The USA” acoustic guitars will also be made available for $1,000. In the past few months he has also flogged Trump-branded Bibles which are said to have made him $300,000 in sales, as well as a range of trainers. The shoes were valued at $399 each and incredibly sold out, generating the multi-millionaire a further $399,000. Fans were quick to have their say on social media. One wrote “the orange grifter really is making sure to capitalise on his presidency” while another added “I’m sorry this can’t be real. America looked at Donald Trump and thought ‘the guy grifting trading cards, sneakers and guitars? Yeah give him the nuclear codes.” Another added: “We have a washed up QVC salesman as president.”ALLENTOWN, Pa. - Some Syrians say Hezbollah's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, foreshadowed the Assad regime toppling, as Hezbollah was key in Assad staying in power. Now that Assad is gone, many feel the country has a new opportunity, despite a terrorist organization now being in control. "The political freedom. They want civil laws. Sadly, the regime did not give that all to the people," said Aziz Wehbey. Born in Syria, the one-time head of the Syrian American Society in the Lehigh Valley, says hopes are high civil war will end in Syria. This, as 24-year President Bashar al-Assad's regime toppled over the weekend. In Syria, many residents celebrated the end of Assad, as Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham, a terrorist organization, now controls the government. "They still are a very conservative Sunni version of Islam. But nonetheless, they're limiting their goals now to sort of the reconstitution of the Syrian state. And the goal is to liberate the people of Syria from the Assad regime," said Brian Mello, a Middle East expert for Muhlenberg College. Mello added that volatility in the region will increase, as Iran, Turkey, and Israel will likely seek to influence the outcome. "My real question here, like, what will emerge in Syria? Will it be just a new type of dictatorship?" Mello said, wondering if stabilization in the country can come. Some local Christian Syrians called Assad a brutal dictator. Others are concerned about what this now means for Christians in Syria. Wehbey is confident the change will unify the country. "I'm looking forward to see people from the community going back to Syria and invest money in Syria and moving Syria for a bright future," he said. Wehbey and Mello both noted that more refugees are returning to Syria, since the regime toppled.None
