SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 3, 2024-- Udemy (Nasdaq: UDMY), a leading online skills marketplace and learning platform, today announced that Avaya Chief Revenue and Customer Experience Officer, Marylou Maco, and Toast Chief Technology Officer, Debra Chrapaty, have been appointed to its Board of Directors. “We are excited to welcome two experienced leaders, Marylou Maco and Debra Chrapaty, to our Board,” said Sohaib Abbasi, Chairman of Udemy’s Board of Directors. “Marylou and Debra have impressive track records at high-growth technology companies. Their leadership and expertise will be instrumental in guiding our next phase of growth.” “The world of work is undergoing rapid transformation, fueled by the widespread adoption of generative AI, and with its focus on meeting customer needs, Udemy is the company best-positioned to help organizations bridge the growing skills gap,” said Maco. “I am excited to work with the Board and Udemy’s leadership team to leverage my experience to help execute their strategic plans and drive value for all stakeholders." “Having a strategic approach to learning and development is essential for all companies as the shelf life of technology skills continues to shorten, and the demands of nearly every role across an organization are changing rapidly,” said Chrapaty. “Udemy’s ability to help organizations stay ahead in today’s evolving landscape is unparalleled. I’m excited to bring my experience and insights to support the company’s strategic vision in addressing these critical needs for organizations around the world.” Chrapaty has served as the Chief Technology Officer of Toast, a restaurant technology and end-to-end cloud platform company, since 2022. At Toast, Chrapaty leads technical planning and operations, architecture, infrastructure, data, AI, and product engineering. Before Toast, Chrapaty served as the Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Amazon Alexa from 2020 to 2022, where she led product growth and monetization, third-party skills and devices, and international product expansion. Prior to Amazon, Chrapaty served in multiple leadership roles at Wells Fargo from 2018 to 2020, including Chief Technology Officer, where she led a technology transformation for the third-largest bank in the U.S. From 2014 to 2018, Chrapaty served as Chief Operating Officer at Declara, a transformational learning company that uses AI and machine learning to accelerate skills development. Earlier in her career, Chrapaty also held leadership positions at Cisco, Microsoft, and Zynga. Chrapaty currently serves on the board of Forge Global Holdings, Inc. She received a bachelor’s degree in economics from Temple University, an MBA in Information Systems from New York University's Stern School of Business, and participated in the Director’s Consortium, a post-graduate education program for directors serving on public company boards at Stanford University. Maco has served as Chief Revenue and Customer Experience Officer at Avaya, a global leader in enterprise CX, since 2023. At Avaya, Maco is responsible for driving go-to-market strategy, sales channels, customer success, and field operations. Prior to this role, Maco served as the Executive Vice President of Worldwide Sales and Field Operations at Genesys from 2020 to 2023. Before Genesys, Maco served in several sales executive leadership positions, including at CognitiveScale, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and Oracle. Notably, Maco spent more than two decades at Cisco, and while serving as the company’s Vice President of Worldwide Enterprise Software Sales and Global Business Transformation, she spearheaded a multi-year, global transformation that aligned assets and cloud-consumption across a $6 billion portfolio. Maco currently serves on the board of Avaya Holdings Corp. Maco attended Penn State University, where she studied management and related support services. About Udemy Udemy (Nasdaq: UDMY) transforms lives through learning by ensuring everyone has access to the latest and most relevant skills. Through the Udemy Intelligent Skills Platform and a global community of diverse and knowledgeable instructors, millions of learners gain expertise in a wide range of technical and professional skills — from generative AI to leadership . The Udemy marketplace provides learners with thousands of up-to-date courses in dozens of languages, offering a variety of solutions to achieve their goals. Udemy Business empowers enterprises to offer on-demand learning for all employees, immersive learning for tech teams through Udemy Business Pro, and cohort learning for leaders through Udemy Business Leadership Academy. Udemy Business customers include Fender R, Glassdoor, On24, The World Bank and Volkswagen. Udemy is headquartered in San Francisco with hubs in Austin and Denver, USA; Ankara and Istanbul, Türkiye; Dublin, Ireland; Melbourne, Australia; and Chennai, Gurugram, and Mumbai, India. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding Udemy’s expectations relating to our business strategies and plans; market growth; and our market position and potential market opportunities. The words “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “potential,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “could,” “would,” “project,” “plan,” “target,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on potentially inaccurate assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expected or implied by the forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from the results predicted and reported results should not be considered as an indication of future performance. The potential risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from the results predicted include, among others, those risks and uncertainties included under the caption "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in our publicly available filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this release is as of the date hereof, and we undertake no duty to update this information unless required by law. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241203328900/en/ CONTACT: Investor Contact Dennis Walsh Vice President, Investor Relations dennis.walsh@udemy.comMedia Contact Risha Tyagi Senior Global Corporate Communications Manager press@udemy.com KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA CALIFORNIA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: TECHNOLOGY HUMAN RESOURCES BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL SERVICES SOFTWARE CONTINUING TRAINING EDUCATION ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SOURCE: Udemy Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/03/2024 04:05 PM/DISC: 12/03/2024 04:06 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241203328900/enBETHESDA, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 3, 2024-- LucyRx, a next-generation pharmacy benefits manager recognized for its commitment to personalized service and high-quality patient care, will assume pharmacy benefit operations of Citizens Rx. The agreement brings over 100,000 new members from 35 self-insured client organizations under LucyRx’s administration. By leveraging LucyRx’s operational capabilities, Citizens Rx members will experience a seamless transition with no disruption in care. Members will continue using their existing ID cards, toll-free support number and member portal, with access to the same trusted team of account managers and clinical pharmacists. The business collaboration reflects a shared commitment to maintaining continuity and elevating the overall member experience through innovative pharmacy benefit management. Following an extensive evaluation process, LucyRx was selected for its innovative approach which sets it apart in a crowded marketplace. Key differentiators included: Operational Excellence : Streamlined processes and optimized efficiency with cloud-based claims processing and LucyIQ, a proprietary AI driven analytics platform. High-Touch Account Management : Personalized, proactive client support delivered by a dedicated team that anticipates client needs and drives sustained success. Clinical Innovation : Tailored programs designed to more effectively manage complex conditions, reduce unnecessary prescription drug spend, and enhance health outcomes for members. Transparency and Trust : Full visibility into pricing, performance metrics, and cost savings opportunities with strong, lasting client relationships. "We are excited to have the opportunity to showcase our commitment to exceptional service for these members," said Susan Thomas, Chief Commercial Officer at LucyRx. "Our team is dedicated to exceeding expectations by offering tailored solutions that anticipate needs and drive meaningful value through every interaction." About LucyRx LucyRx is an independent, next-generation pharmacy benefits manager transforming the industry with data clarity, fiduciary alignment, and a commitment to putting people first. Built on decades of leadership experience, LucyRx was founded to challenge outdated norms and create meaningful change. At the heart of LucyRx’s mission is LucyIQ, an advanced AI-powered analytics platform delivering actionable insights that empower plan sponsors to manage benefits, lower costs and improve care. Our solutions make prescription management more accessible, understandable, and personal. Launched in 2023 with a $500 million capital investment, LucyRx partners with over 65,000 pharmacies and serves over 1,200 clients nationwide. For more information, visit www.lucyrx.com . View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241203521890/en/ CONTACT: Tricia Bancroft tbancroft@lucyrx.com 516-241-6157 KEYWORD: MARYLAND UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: TECHNOLOGY HEALTH TECHNOLOGY PROFESSIONAL SERVICES SOFTWARE DATA ANALYTICS GENERAL HEALTH PHARMACEUTICAL HEALTH DATA MANAGEMENT ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SOURCE: LucyRx Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/03/2024 04:05 PM/DISC: 12/03/2024 04:05 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241203521890/en

XPO Provides North American LTL Operating Data for November 2024

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Syrians poured into streets in celebration on Sunday after a stunning rebel advance reached the capital, ending the Assad family’s 50 years of iron rule . Russian state news agencies were reporting that President Bashar Assad and his family had arrived in Moscow and were given asylum. Russia said Assad left the country after negotiations with rebel groups and that he had given instructions to transfer power peacefully. Joyful crowds gathered in central squares in Damascus, waving the Syrian revolutionary flag. Others ransacked the presidential palace and residence. Abu Mohammed al-Golani , a former al-Qaida commander who cut ties with the group years ago leads the biggest rebel faction in Syria and is poised to chart the country’s future. He made his first public appearance since fighters entered the Damascus suburbs Saturday, at the capital’s sprawling Umayyad Mosque, and called himself by his given name, Ahmad al-Sharaa. He said Assad’s fall was “a victory to the Islamic nation.” The rapidly developing events have shaken the region. Lebanon said it was closing all its land border crossings with Syria except for one that links Beirut with Damascus. Jordan closed a border crossing with Syria, too. Israel has issued warnings to villages in southern Syria and its forces seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights. Here's the Latest: Russian state news agencies reported that ousted Syrian President Bashar Assad has arrived in Moscow with his family and been given asylum. The agencies, Tass and RIA, cited an unidentified Kremlin source. The Associated Press was not immediately able to verify the reports but had contacted the Kremlin for comment. CAIRO — The Arab League on Sunday condemned Israel for taking advantage of Syrian President Bashar Assad's downfall by moving into more Syrian territory. Hours after Assad’s overthrow, Israel announced it had seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights that was established by a cease-fire agreement with Syria in 1974. In a statement, the Arab League said Israel illegally sought to occupy more territories. But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the 50-year-old agreement regarding Syrian territory had collapsed and that Syrian troops had abandoned their positions, necessitating Israel taking over as a “temporary defensive position.” UNITED NATIONS — The United Nations secretary-general is marking the “fall of the dictatorial regime” in Syria and says the future of the country is “is a matter for the Syrians to determine.” A statement by Antonio Guterres also called for calm and the protection of the rights of all Syrians as well as of diplomatic and consular facilities in Syria. He said there is much work ahead to ensure an “orderly political transition to renewed institutions,” and he called on the international community to ensure that “any political transition is inclusive and comprehensive and that it meets the legitimate aspirations of the people of Syria, in all their diversity.” KYIV, Ukraine - Ukraine’s top diplomat on Sunday responded to Assad’s ouster by describing him as a “dictator” who relied on Russia to prop up his rule - a reference to the military campaign Moscow has waged in Syria since September 2015, teaming up with Iran to allow Assad’s government to fight armed opposition groups and reclaim control over most of the country. "Assad has fallen. This has always been and will be the case with all dictators who bet on Putin. He always betrays those who rely on him,” foreign minister Andrii Sybiha said in a post on X. In a separate update on the social network, Sybiha said Kyiv was ready to take steps towards restoring relations with Syria, severed months into Russia’s full-scale invasion of the neighboring state. Kyiv broke off diplomatic ties after Damascus in June 2022 recognized Kremlin-occupied parts of eastern Ukraine as independent territories, in a move welcomed by Moscow and decried by the West as a clear violation of Ukrainian sovereignty. JERUSALEM — The Israeli military has issued a warning to residents of five villages and towns in southern Syria to stay inside their homes for their safety. “The fighting in your area is forcing the IDF to act,” the IDF’s Arabic-language spokesman said on X. The military didn’t respond to questions. Earlier, Israel said its troops had seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights established in 1974, saying it was to protect Israeli residents after Syrian troops abandoned their positions. Defense Minister Israel Katz said on X that the IDF has been instructed to “seize the buffer zone and control points to ensure the protection of all Israeli communities in the Golan Heights – Jewish and Druze – so that they are not exposed to threats from the other side.” Israel captured the Golan in the 1967 Mideast war and later annexed it. The international community, except for the United States, views it as occupied. BEIRUT - The leader of the largest insurgent group in Syria visited the Syrian capital’s sprawling Umayyad Mosque and declared that the victory against President Bashar Assad “is a victory to the Islamic nation.” Ahmad al-Sharaa, who was formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, made his first public appearance and remarks since fighters entered Damascus. He told hundreds of people at the historic mosque that Assad had made Syria “a farm for Iran’s greed.” He added that Assad made Syria a base for the illegal amphetamine Captagon that brought cash to Assad’s circles. Al-Sharaa, the leader of the jihadi Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, said Sunday that the victory was achieved because of “God and the blood of martyrs.” He said that he left Syria 20 years ago and since then his heart has longed for this movement. LONDON — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed the end of Assad’s rule as he called for peace and the protection of civilians. “The Syrian people have suffered under Assad’s barbaric regime for too long and we welcome his departure,” Starmer said. He said the U.K. was focused on a political solution to restore peace and stability. “We call on all sides to protect civilians and minorities and ensure essential aid can reach the most vulnerable in the coming hours and days,” he said. AMMAN, Jordan — The vast majority of the Jordanian people are welcoming the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime and the success of the Syrian revolution. “There is no doubt that I felt overwhelming joy at the fall of the Assad regime," said Badi Al-Rafaia, Engineer, union activist and member of the Islamic Action Front. "There is no doubt that we are happy with what happened in Syria, happy with the success of the revolution, happy with the Syrian people getting rid of an oppressor and criminal who treated the Syrian people and made the Syrian state a failed state.” Al-Rafaia said that Jordan is benefiting from what happened in Syria, and "we hope that Jordan will help the revolution succeed and not work against it.” Amman resident Muhab al-Majali said the fall of the Assad regime is “The end of every unjust and tyrannical rule, and more than that, it mortgaged the country and its people to the Iranians, who abandoned it in minutes... I believe that the future is beautiful and prosperous for the Syrians.” BERLIN — The International Committee of the Red Cross is calling for safe humanitarian access and protection of civilians in Syria after the fall of Bashir Assad’s government. “Our teams in Syria, including in Damascus, have been closely monitoring the fast-evolving security and humanitarian situation in coordination with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent,” the ICRC’s head of delegation in Syria, Stephan Sakalian, said in a written statement Sunday. The ICRC is “responding wherever possible, with further efforts underway, as hundreds of thousands of people need care and humanitarian assistance,” he said. Sakalian called “on all parties to urgently enable safe and unhindered access for medical and humanitarian workers to reach those in need, to protect civilians, and to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law.” BAGHDAD — The Iraqi government said in a statement Sunday that it “supports all international and regional efforts seeking to open a dialogue” for Syria “leading to the adoption of a pluralistic constitution that preserves the human and civil rights of Syrians, and supports cultural, ethnic and religious diversity.” The statement from government spokesperson Bassem al-Awadi, said that Iraq understands “the necessity of respecting the free will of all Syrians, and stresses that the security of Syria, the unity of its territories, and the preservation of its independence are of utmost importance, not only for Iraq but also for its connection to the security and stability of the region.” It cautioned against “interfering in Syria’s internal affairs, or supporting one party for the benefit of another.” Iraq, which has a close relationship with Iran - once a strong ally of former Syrian President Bashar Assad - has taken in some 2,000 Syrian army soldiers who fled the country amid the advance of armed opposition groups. CAIRO — The head of Yemen’s internationally recognized government welcomed the fall of the government of President Bashar Assad of Syria. “It’s a historic moment,” Rashad al-Alimi, who chairs the ruling presidential council, wrote on X platform of Assad’s downfall. “It’s time for the Iranian regime to stop meddling in Yemen, respect its sovereignty and identity.” Al-Alimi, who is backed by Saudi Arabia, was referring to Iran’s support of Houthi rebels who are at war with Yemen’s internationally recognized government for a decade. DAMASCUS — Families wandered through the high-ceilinged halls of the presidential palace in Damascus on Sunday, along with some armed men. Some paused to take family portraits or selfies on the few remaining couches against the backdrop of mosaiced walls, while others walked out with chairs and other items under their arms. On the massive parking lot out front, cars drove in circles honking ecstatically. In central Damascus’ Umayyad Square, drivers passing by also honked jubilantly, while young men piled onto a tank abandoned in the square. But for some the celebration was bittersweet. “I am very happy, but this happiness will not be completed until I can see my son out of the prison and know where is he is,” said Damascus resident Bassam Masr. “I have been searching for him for two hours - he has been detained for 13 years.” TEHRAN, Iran — Iran says the Syrian people should decide their country’s future “without destructive, coercive foreign intervention.” The Foreign Ministry statement issued Sunday marked Iran’s first official reaction to the overthrow of President Bashar Assad, who it had strongly backed through nearly 14 years of civil war. Assad’s government was a close ally of Iran that served as a crucial conduit between it and Lebanon’s Hezbollah. The rebels who toppled Assad view Iran as a hostile foreign influence, and the abandoned Iranian Embassy in Damascus was ransacked as they entered the city. The Foreign Ministry statement said Iran supports Syria’s unity and national sovereignty, and hopes to see “the end of military conflicts, the prevention of terrorist activities and the start of a national dialogue” with the participation of all groups. “It is expected that the wise and farsighted relations of the two nations will continue based on mutual ties and interests,” the statement said. TEL AVIV, Israel – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Israeli forces have seized a buffer zone in the Golan Heights established by a 1974 ceasefire agreement with Syria. He spoke from an overlook near the border between Syria and the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights, after Syrian rebels tore through the country and dramatically ended Assad’s rule on Sunday morning. Netanyahu said the 50-year-old agreement had collapsed and that Syrian troops had abandoned their positions, necessitating the Israeli takeover as a “temporary defensive position.” Israel captured the Golan Heights in the 1967 Mideast war and annexed it. The international community, except for the United States, views it as occupied Syrian territory. Satellite images analyzed by the Associated Press show that as early as September, Israel began construction of what could possibly be a new road right along the so-called Alpha Line that separates the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights from Syria . The United Nations confirmed that Israeli troops entered the demilitarized zone during the work. The United Nations maintains a peacekeeping force in the demilitarized zone called the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force, or UNDOF, with around 1,100 peacekeepers from Fiji, India, Kazakhstan, Nepal, and Uruguay. After the 1973 Mideast war, the U.N. Secretary Council voted to create UNDOF to patrol a roughly 400 square kilometer (155 square mile) demilitarized zone and maintain the peace there. MASNAA, Lebanon — At Lebanon’s Masnaa crossing into Syria, the mood was festive Sunday with some local Lebanese residents handing out congratulatory sweets to Syrians lined up to return to their country. Sami Abdel-Latif, a refugee from Hama who was heading to Syria to join his wife and four children, said while the future in Syria is still uncertain, “anything is better than Bashar.” He said he expected some chaos initially but that eventually the situation would settle down. “Look at Aleppo now,” he said, referring to the first major city taken over by opposition forces more than a week ago, where life has continued more or less as normal. Abdel-Latif, a construction worker, said he is also hoping that there will now be plentiful work in Syria to rebuild. Malak Matar, who was preparing to return to Damascus, said, “This is a feeling we’ve been waiting 14 years for. “You feel yourself psychologically free - you can express yourself,” he said. “The country is free and the barriers have been broken down.” Now, he said, “Syrians have to create a state that is well-organized and take care of their country. It’s a new phase.” DAMASCUS, Syria — An Associated Press journalist in Damascus reported airstrikes in the area of the Mezzeh military airport, southwest of the capital Sunday. The airport has previously been targeted in Israeli airstrikes, but it was not immediately clear who launched Sunday's strike. The Israeli military refused to comment on the airport strike. Israel often does not publicly claim responsibility for attacks in Syria. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based war monitor, reported that Israeli warplanes also targeted warehouses belonging to the Syrian army’s Fourth Division and another former military site outside of Damascus Sunday. On Saturday and Sunday, the Israeli military sent additional troops to the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights to bolster Israel’s presence along the border between Israel and Syria. Agricultural areas along the border were declared closed military zones and some schools shifted to online classes in anticipation of unrest. MOSCOW — Russia’s Foreign Ministry claimed Sunday that Bashar Assad had left Syria after negotiations with rebel groups, and gave “instructions” to “transfer power peacefully.” In a post on the Telegram messaging app on Sunday, the ministry said Moscow had not directly participated in these talks. It also said it has been following the “dramatic events” in Syria “with extreme concern." It also said Russian troops stationed in Syria have been put on high alert and that as of early afternoon Sunday, there was “no serious threat” to the security of Russia’s military bases there. Russia has waged a military campaign in Syria since September 2015, teaming up with Iran to allow Assad’s government to fight armed opposition groups and reclaim control over most of the country. While Russia now concentrates the bulk of its military resources in Ukraine, it has maintained a military foothold in Syria and keeps troops at its bases there.LPL Financial to present at the Goldman Sachs Financial Services ConferenceSyria’s Assad and his family in Moscow: Russian media

The Minnesota Vikings entered week 14 of the NFL season with a lot to lose and everything to prove. Yes, the Vikings are one of the hottest teams in the league and facing the Atlanta Falcons, who have been falling apart in recent weeks, and came in on a three-game losing streak. But still, it was Kirk Cousins’ first appearance in U.S. Bank Stadium since leaving for a multi-year payday in Atlanta. Playoff implications? This game had them. The Falcons are trying to stay afloat atop the NFC South, arguably the worst division in football. For Minnesota, a loss would mostly eliminate them from contention in the NFC North, after the Detroit Lions moved to 12-1 on the season, Thursday night. A gaudy win/loss record is great, but if you finish second in your division, the best seed you can get for the playoffs is No. 5. What we learned about the Minnesota Vikings in 42-21 route vs Atlanta Falcons We don’t have to worry about any of that, though. Because Sunday, the Minnesota Vikings did things against the Atlanta Falcons that their doubters have been calling for all season. It started with a fully rehabilitated Sam Darnold throwing for five touchdown passes (all to Jordan Addison and Justin Jefferson), as Kirk Cousins watched from the opposing sideline and simultaneously crumbled down the stretch. And in the 4th quarter, the Vikings finally showed their finishing skills, something they’ve failed to do for much of the season. You want to talk about one-score games? Too bad, because the Falcons couldn’t even keep this one within two scores, thanks to a last minute defensive stop that held the final score at 42-21, their third-largest margin of victory in 2024 and their first three-score win since week three (34-7 vs HOU). Sam Darnold’s best NFL game ever Look, this isn’t really an argument. All it takes is a quick look at the stats to tell you this was Sam Darnold’s best ever performance as an NFL quarterback. His statline is enormous... 22-of-28 (78.6%) | 347 Yards | 12.4 YPC | 5 Touchdowns | 0 Interceptions. Sam Darnold finished 22-of-28 for 347 yards & 5 TDs against the Falcons, including 292 yards & 4 TDs on dropbacks over 2.5 seconds. Darnold currently leads the NFL in completions (180), yards (2,635), and TDs (23) on dropbacks over 2.5 seconds this season. Powered by @awscloud pic.twitter.com/vMqBlxtTtG It’s the first time Darnold has ever thrown for five touchdowns, during his professional career. Only two other times in his career has Sam ever thrown for four touchdowns in one game. It was also a career high in passing yards. His previous was 341, which he did once as a rookie, and once in relief last season for the San Francisco 49ers. Oh, and his 157.9 QB Rating is his highest ever... by nearly 30 points. His previous high also came with the Vikings, a week 8 Thursday night loss vs the LA Rams, where Sam posted a 128.7. Yes, he got a little help from his friends, who apparently range from Justin Jefferson to Jordan Addison ... and maybe even the football gods. But for the most part, this was Darnold taking yet another step in his development under Kevin O’Connell & Co’s multi-step recovery plan for struggling quarterbacks who have been ruined by previous stops in the league. Calm, cool and collected. Sam Darnold hits @JJettas2 DEEEEEP for 6. : @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/FsQMTn2d4z Sam Darnold for MVP I don’t usually do this, but today, it feels right. Not only was week 14 of the 2024 NFL season vs the Atlanta Falcons Sam Darnold’s best game ever, it probably gets him back into the top-five for NFL MVP odds. But most importantly for the former USC star and his family, he put more hypothetical cash into his future bank account. If you think Sam Darnold would make Baker Mayfield or Geno Smith money ($25-$35 million per season for three or more years), as has been suggested multiple times this week, then what do you think he will make as a finalist for NFL MVP, up next to Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow? Seem crazy? Well, it will be difficult to climb over those two frontrunners, who both have over 29 touchdowns and 5 or less interceptions, to go with ~3,000 yards or more passing. Jackson also has 678 yards and 3 TDs on the ground. But after today’s game, Sam Darnold is up to 3,299 passing yards, 25 touchdowns and just 10 interceptions, which should place him top five in yards, touchdowns and air yards per attempt, at around 8.5 yards, when the dust settles on week 14. By the QB numbers, Sam should be top four in MVP odds this week, in a second tier with Jared Goff, behind Burrow and Jackson. So he may not be an NFL MVP favorite quite yet, but he has absolutely pushed himself into the conversation, after today’s performance. 3!!! : @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/mRjaEZ1iS3 Minnesota Vikings learning how to close This takeaway is right up there with Sam Darnold’s performance, when it comes to expectations that NFL pundits, and even Minnesota Vikings fans, have for this 2024 squad. Yes, they were already 10-2, prior to Sunday’s victory. But it was an inability to close and a propensity to let lesser teams hang around, that has cost the Vikings, when it comes to everyone’s 2025 Super Bowl prediction. As the division rival Lions rip teams apart, week-after-week, Minnesota has mostly skirted by most of their opponents. Not this afternoon. Not vs the Atlanta Falcons. After being outgained 257 to 119 in total yards during the first half, the Vikings offense found its rhythm in the second half, going off for 314 yards and 4 touchdowns (three by air, one by ground). On defense, the numbers don’t look great. Brian Flores’ group gave up 496 total yards to the Falcons, who actually outgained the Vikings’ total of 433. But when it counted, Minnesota’s defense made plays, intercepting Kirk Cousins twice in big moments. Our former QB has now thrown 8 interceptions and 0 touchdowns in his last four games. Kirk Cousins has 0 touchdowns and 8 interceptions over the last 4 games. You drafted Michael Penix Jr. for this moment, make the switch Falcons. pic.twitter.com/tUWI6lTgOY The Vikings won the turnover battle 3-0, held the Falcons on two of their three 4th down attempts and outscored the Atlanta Falcons 28-11 in the second half. Sure, they didn’t start as fast as they wanted, but they held a 14-10 lead at half, and put together one of the better 60-minute performances of the 2024 season, so far. This article first appeared on Minnesota Sports Fan and was syndicated with permission.Worrying Fan Emerges of Ibrahima Konate After Liverpool 2-0 Real Madrid

Trump selects longtime adviser Keith Kellogg as special envoy for Ukraine and Russia

NoneSEATTLE (AP) — The Seattle Seahawks rode their dominant defense to a big win over a division rival to vault into first place in the NFC West. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * SEATTLE (AP) — The Seattle Seahawks rode their dominant defense to a big win over a division rival to vault into first place in the NFC West. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? SEATTLE (AP) — The Seattle Seahawks rode their dominant defense to a big win over a division rival to vault into first place in the NFC West. No, it isn’t 2013. These are the 2024 Seahawks, who, after struggling mightily against the run earlier this season, held the visiting Arizona Cardinals to 49 rushing yards in Sunday’s 16-6 victory. The defensive line kept Kyler Murray under consistent pressure thanks to a dominant performance from Leonard Williams, the secondary flew around to smack away passes, and safety Coby Bryant scored on a 69-yard pick-6. Sunday’s defensive performance was reminiscent of the Seahawks of a decade ago and a promising sign that first-year coach Mike Macdonald’s system is starting to click. Macdonald, who coordinated Baltimore’s NFL-best defense last year, was leading one of the worst rush defenses in the league earlier this season. But Seattle consistently stuffed the Cardinals, who came in as the fifth-best running team in the league at 149.4 yards per game. “Three games in a row now we played pretty decent on defense,” Macdonald said. “There is an expectation and standard here throughout the course of our Seahawks history that we’re trying to live up to and build on. So that’s the idea.” At 6-5, the Seahawks drew even with the Cardinals in the tightly bunched division. The teams play each other again in two weeks at Arizona. What’s working Last month’s trade for linebacker Ernest Jones IV has clearly paid off. Seattle hasn’t allowed a running back to rush for more than 79 yards since its Week 8 loss to Buffalo, which was Jones’ first game in a Seahawks uniform. He has led the team in tackles in every game he’s played and has helped resurrect the run defense. What needs help The Seahawks’ run game continues to underperform. Seattle got 65 yards on the ground Sunday, with the Cardinals holding Kenneth Walker III to 41 yards on 16 attempts. Zach Charbonnet had 22 yards on six carries. Walker hasn’t topped 100 yards since Week 1. Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb needs to think of something different to get the running backs involved. Stock up Williams single-handedly disrupted the Cardinals with 2 1/2 sacks, four quarterback hits, three tackles for loss and one pass defensed. “I thought he was dominant,” Macdonald said. “I knew he played great and then I looked at the stat line and he played out of his mind.” The Seahawks finished with five sacks, seven quarterback hits, five tackles for loss and six pass deflections against the Cardinals, shutting down a team that had averaged 29.3 points over its previous three games. Stock down Geno Smith finished with 254 yards passing and a touchdown, but he threw another momentum-stalling interception. Smith was picked off on a third-and-6 play on the Arizona 18-yard line at the start of the fourth quarter, ending an 11-play, 73-yard drive. Smith has an NFL-most 12 interceptions this season, more than in either of his previous two seasons as the Seahawks’ full-time starter. “That was a huge drive for us. ... Obviously made a terrible mistake down there, something I got to clean up,” Smith said. “But it was a big drive. We wanted to put the game ahead at least two scores.” The offensive line has contributed to the problem. Guard Anthony Bradford left with an ankle injury, and the line struggled to protect Smith, who was sacked five times. Injuries Macdonald said Bradford is expected to miss next week’s game. Key number 77 — Jaxon Smith-Njigba led the team with six catches for 77 yards and a touchdown, marking the fourth consecutive game that Smith-Njigba has led the team in receptions. He topped 100 yards receiving in the previous two games. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. “He’s getting open,” Smith said. “He’s catching the ball. He’s doing a great job in the screen game. All-around great player. I just think the way that teams are playing us coverage-wise, I feel like it’s the ultimate sign of respect.” Up next The Seahawks play at the struggling New York Jets on Sunday. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Advertisement Advertisement

Israel launches new strikes on Lebanon as leaders draw closer to ceasefire with HezbollahBy JUAN A. LOZANO, Associated Press HOUSTON (AP) — An elaborate parody appears to be behind an effort to resurrect Enron, the Houston-based energy company that exemplified the worst in American corporate fraud and greed after it went bankrupt in 2001. If its return is comedic, some former employees who lost everything in Enron’s collapse aren’t laughing. “It’s a pretty sick joke and it disparages the people that did work there. And why would you want to even bring it back up again?” said former Enron employee Diana Peters, who represented workers in the company’s bankruptcy proceedings. Here’s what to know about the history of Enron and the purported effort to bring it back. Once the nation’s seventh-largest company, Enron filed for bankruptcy protection on Dec. 2, 2001, after years of accounting tricks could no longer hide billions of dollars in debt or make failing ventures appear profitable. The energy company’s collapse put more than 5,000 people out of work, wiped out more than $2 billion in employee pensions and rendered $60 billion in Enron stock worthless. Its aftershocks were felt throughout the energy sector. Twenty-four Enron executives , including former CEO Jeffrey Skilling , were eventually convicted for their roles in the fraud. Enron founder Ken Lay’s convictions were vacated after he died of heart disease following his 2006 trial. On Monday — the 23rd anniversary of the bankruptcy filing — a company representing itself as Enron announced in a news release that it was relaunching as a “company dedicated to solving the global energy crisis.” It also posted a video on social media, advertised on at least one Houston billboard and a took out a full-page ad in the Houston Chronicle In the minute-long video that was full of generic corporate jargon, the company talks about “growth” and “rebirth.” It ends with the words, “We’re back. Can we talk?” Related Articles Enron’s new website features a company store, where various items featuring the brand’s tilted “E” logo are for sale, including a $118 hoodie. In an email, company spokesperson Will Chabot said the new Enron was not doing any interviews yet, but that “We’ll have more to share soon.” Signs point to the comeback being a joke. In the “terms of use and conditions of sale” on the company’s website, it says “the information on the website about Enron is First Amendment protected parody, represents performance art, and is for entertainment purposes only.” Documents filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office show that College Company, an Arkansas-based LLC, owns the Enron trademark. The co-founder of College Company is Connor Gaydos, who helped create a joke conspiracy theory that claims all birds are actually surveillance drones for the government. Peters said that since learning about the “relaunch” of Enron, she has spoken with several other former employees and they are also upset by it. She said the apparent stunt was “in poor taste.” “If it’s a joke, it’s rude, extremely rude. And I hope that they realize it and apologize to all of the Enron employees,” Peters said. Peters, who is 74 years old, said she is still working in information technology because “I lost everything in Enron, and so my Social Security doesn’t always take care of things I need done.” “Enron’s downfall taught us critical lessons about corporate ethics, accountability, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. Enron’s legacy was the employees in the trenches. Leave Enron buried,” she said. Follow Juan A. Lozano on X at https://x.com/juanlozano70Is Washington positioned for long-term success in the Big Ten? We aren't convinced, for a variety of reasons. Subscribe to continue reading this article. Already subscribed? To login in, click here.

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Zilinskas shot 11 for 20 (5 for 10 from 3-point range) and 5 of 5 from the free-throw line for the Jaguars (3-5). Jarvis Walker scored 13 points while going 3 of 9 from the floor, including 2 for 5 from 3-point range, and 5 for 7 from the line. Timaris Brown and Sean Craight both added 11 points. Darius Ford led the Bulldogs (4-4) in scoring, finishing with 20 points, six rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Anthony Bryant added 17 points for Alabama A&M. Chad Moodie also had 16 points and three blocks. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

Riyadh : The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s King Salman on Wednesday, November 27, inaugurated the Riyadh Metro project. The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) described the project as the backbone of the public transport network in Riyadh. During the opening ceremony, the King watched a documentary film, explaining the key features of a major public transport project during his prosperous era. The new metro system aims to cater to the increasing population’s needs, reduce traffic congestion, and enhance air quality. The project comprises a 176 kilometre network of six automated metro lines, 85 stations, and 183 trains, all designed and technically advanced. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques views an introductory video about the Riyadh Metro — one of the Kingdom’s major projects during his prosperous reign — distinguished by its standout design and technological features, with a network that spans 176 kilometers across 6 lines... pic.twitter.com/qyN6AMvvaY The metro will be operational daily from 6 am to midnight from December 1. The lines will open in stages over two months, starting with blue, yellow, purple on December 1, red and green on December15, and orange on January 5, 2025. Speaking on the occasion, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman thanks the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for his support and patronage of the Riyadh Public Transport Project, including metro and bus systems, from concept to execution. “The Riyadh Public Transport Project, which spans metro and bus networks, is the culmination of concerted efforts made by King Salman and the outcome of his visionary leadership while serving as the Chairman of the High Commission for the Development of Arriyadh, the predecessor of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City,” he added.