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lucky name On Monday, U.S. Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth announced that the U.S. Department of Energy's Bioenergy Technologies Office is awarding the University of Illinois $10 million in federal funding. That money, says crop sciences Professor DoKyoung Lee, will help take studies on "purpose-grown energy crops" to the next level to prove that the science works on a large scale. Lee said that official term, "purpose-grown energy crop," means pretty much exactly what it sounds like when you break it down: crops that have the necessary components to be good for creating fuel and are grown specifically for that purpose, not for food or anything else. Most people are already familiar with the concept of corn being used to create ethanol to power cars, but UI researchers are looking at crops that can create fuel to power airplanes. Lee said this is important in creating sustainability across the transportation industry. "By 2035-40, we are expecting pretty much all passenger and small fleet vehicles to use electricity or hydrogen or something like that," Lee said. "But an airplane cannot run by a battery. Maybe in the future we'll have a completely different form of a battery and it won't be a problem, but especially going continent-to-continent, long-distance flights, it's obviously not going to be batteries." Using plants to make fuel would be more environmentally friendly than using fossil fuels, and would make the United States more energy-independent. Different plants can be used to make different kinds of fuel, but Lee said that many of those used in jet fuel are already native to Illinois and the Midwest, which means they would also be healthy for the local ecosystem. Miscanthus and switchgrass sequester carbon from the atmosphere and can be produced on land that isn't suitable for annual production of crops like corn and soybeans, Lee said. Lee and other UI researchers have been working with these plants for some time to understand how they can be used to make fuel, but this $10 million grant will allow them to begin expanding tests. He said the plan is to plant energy crops across many acres and harvest them with large-scale machinery to begin understanding large-scale production. "It's basically exactly the same as what farmers are going to do," Lee said. "We are trying to see how this crop can help farmers' revenue generation while farmers can provide the biggest step for sustainable aviation fuel production and at the same time, they can provide another benefit to society and our environment."

Aaron Rodgers insists there's nothing uncertain about his status for the New York Jets' game Sunday at Buffalo. “There's no way I'm not playing,” the quarterback said during a video call Tuesday. Rodgers acknowledged he has “a little MCL” issue in a knee, but added: “I've had a lot worse. I lucked out. I avoided major stretchage of the MCL.” Rodgers was hurt in the Jets’ 19-9 loss to the Los Angeles Rams last Sunday but remained in the game. “I’m gonna play,” Rodgers said of the game against the Bills. “It feels pretty good.” Rookie left tackle Olu Fashanu’s promising first season is over, though, as the first-round pick was placed on injured reserve with an injury to the plantar fascia in his left foot. Interim coach Jeff Ulbrich said earlier Tuesday that it was “just too early to tell” what Rodgers' availability might be, but he was optimistic about the 41-year-old quarterback's chances. “If I’m a betting man," Ulbrich said, “I’m betting on Aaron Rodgers to play.” Rodgers said he didn't need an MRI on the knee, the latest ailment in what has been an injury-filled season. He earlier dealt with knee, hamstring and ankle issues that hindered his play at times. One of the four-time MVP's goals entering the season was playing in all 17 games after being limited to four snaps in his debut last year because of a torn Achilles tendon. “I definitely felt like at midseason that was going to be difficult,” Rodgers said of playing in every game. “But right now, it looks like, for sure, 16. And hopefully get through this one and get to 17.” The Jets held a walkthrough Tuesday and their next full practice is Thursday, giving Rodgers some extra time to recover. Rodgers has 24 touchdown passes and eight interceptions this season, and he's one TD throw from becoming the fifth player in NFL history with 500 for his career in the regular season. While his plans for the final two games appear clear, his playing future beyond this season is uncertain. Rodgers has another year left on his deal with the Jets, but the team is looking for a new general manager and head coach. Whether the quarterback will be part of the new regime's plans will be a major storyline this offseason. During an appearance Monday on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Rodgers suggested he could be released the day after the regular season ends. He said there's also a chance he could be retained but acknowledged he's going to take some time to decide if he even wants to play in a 21st NFL season. “I think anything is truly possible,” Rodgers said Tuesday of potentially being released. "Whether it happens or not, I’m sure that there will be decisions that, I don’t think there will be surprises where there’s like, ‘Oh, I don’t know what we want to do with certain people.’ I think there’s going to be some decisions that want to be made the day after the season or a couple days after the season, so I don’t know. I’m just not naive. “There’s not zero percent in my mind. I don’t think it’s a high percentage. I think there’s probably a conversation to be had, but I’m just not naive to that being a zero percent chance. I think it’s more than a zero percent chance and less than a certainty, so somewhere in the middle.” Rodgers said he hasn't spoken recently to owner Woody Johnson and doesn't necessarily think the lack of any indication of whether he's wanted back means he won't be. “I would be surprised if there was a conversation now because there’s so many uncertainties,” he said. “There’s a GM that has to get hired, I would assume first, and then he’s going to be part of hiring the head coach, so I have to be in the plans of multiple people, starting with the ownership and then the GM and then the head coach." Rodgers added that if he's told the Jets want him back, it would mean they see him as an important part of trying to change the culture of a team that hasn't made the postseason in 14 years. “That’d be special to hear that,” he said, “but if they don’t, again, no offense at all will be taken.” Fashanu had a solid first NFL season after being the 11th overall draft pick in April out of Penn State. He began the year as veteran Tyron Smith's backup before filling in at right tackle for two games when Morgan Moses was injured. Fashanu, who played only left tackle in college, also stepped in at right guard for an injured Alijah Vera-Tucker against Houston. When Smith was lost for the season with a neck injury last month, Fashanu took over as the starter and excelled in five starts. He was hurt midway through the fourth quarter against the Rams and was seen on crutches in the locker room after the game. Ulbrich said he believed Fashanu would need surgery, but the team later clarified that a procedure won't be required. “It's unfortunate,” Ulbrich said. “He's having a great rookie season. But at the same time, these injuries sometimes give you an opportunity to step back and really start absorbing some of the information as you were kind of thrown into the fire. He'll use it as an opportunity to grow, I know that.” The Jets signed veteran kicker Greg Joseph to the practice squad and he'll compete with Anders Carlson for the job this week. Ulbrich said Greg Zuerlein, on IR since late October with a knee injury, also could be in the mix. Carlson, the fourth kicker used by the Jets this season, missed an extra point and a 49-yard field goal try late in the fourth quarter against the Rams. He is 8 of 10 on field goal tries and 9 for 11 on extra points in five games with New York. “We'll see how it goes and we'll put the best guy out there,” Ulbrich said. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflDeputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan addressed the critical issue of cannabis proliferation during his visit to Bhalagarulu village in Alluri Sitarama Raju district. The address was part of a review of the implementation of government schemes in the region. Speaking at the Pinakota Panchayat gathering, Pawan Kalyan expressed grave concern over the increasing cannabis addiction among youth. "The widespread availability of cannabis is ruining young lives and fostering criminal behaviour in our society," he stated. The Deputy CM emphasised that the lure of quick money has led many individuals into the illegal drug trade, often resulting in imprisonment. To tackle this crisis, the ASR District Police has launched "Swachh Sankalpam," a comprehensive anti-drug awareness campaign. This initiative employs advanced technology, including drone cameras, to locate and destroy cannabis plantations. Additionally, the programme provides farmers with alternative crop seeds, encouraging them to abandon cannabis cultivation. The campaign adopts a holistic approach, focusing on rehabilitation and prevention. A newly established de-addiction centre at Paderu District Hospital will offer treatment for cannabis addiction. Meanwhile, skill development programmes are being implemented to create employment opportunities for tribal youth. Concluding his address, the minister urged citizens to actively participate in police awareness campaigns and fully utilise government schemes. "By staying away from drugs and engaging in productive activities, we can build a brighter future for our region," he emphasised.

Nova Scotia Liberals saw support crumble after campaign linking them to Trudeau

A look back at 2024 in photosMid-inclination orbit provides more SAR-imaging opportunities at middle latitudes of the globe for ICEYE customers. HELSINKI, Finland , Dec. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ICEYE, the global leader in SAR satellite operations for Earth Observation and persistent monitoring, announced today that it has launched two new satellites to its constellation of SAR satellites. Both satellites expand the availability of ICEYE's latest imaging technology to deliver additional 25 cm imaging capacity. The satellites were integrated via Exolaunch and launched as part of the Bandwagon-2 rideshare mission with SpaceX from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, USA . Both satellites have established communication, and early routine operations are underway. With today's launch, ICEYE has successfully launched 40 satellites into orbit since 2018, with nine satellites launched in 2024 alone.

Fans of the hit CBS series Fire Country will have to wait a little longer for new episodes as the show is currently on a holiday hiatus. Here’s everything you need to know about the return of Fire Country Season 3, upcoming episodes, and where to catch up on the drama. Is ‘Fire Country’ New Tonight? If you were hoping for a fresh episode of Fire Country on Wednesday, December 21, the answer is, unfortunately, no. Tonight’s CBS schedule is packed with holiday-themed programming. CBS aired a rerun of Fire Country Season 2, Episode 5, titled “This Storm Will Pass,” at 10:00 p.m. ET. 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The wait for fresh episodes won’t last forever. Fire Country will officially return to CBS with new episodes on Friday, January 31, 2025, at 9:00 p.m. ET, as per a report by Decider. Also Read : Tragic Party City CEO cries on video call as he announces layoffs and nationwide store closures after 40 years in business This midseason return is part of CBS’s revamped winter schedule, ensuring fans can dive back into the fiery action soon after the holidays. Where to Watch ‘Fire Country’ Episodes Online For those who want to catch up on past episodes or watch the latest ones live, there are multiple options available, as mentioned in a report by Decider: Streaming Services: Every episode of Fire Country is available to stream on Paramount+. Season 1 is also streaming on Netflix, offering fans another platform to relive the story. Live Streaming: New episodes can be streamed live on CBS, CBS.com, or the CBS app with a valid cable login. Cable Alternatives: If you don’t have cable, services like fuboTV, Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV Stream, and YouTube TV offer live CBS streaming. Many of these services, including fuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV, provide free trials for eligible subscribers. When Will ‘Fire Country’ Season 3, Episode 9 Be on Paramount+? For fans eager to stream the next episode after its CBS premiere, Fire Country Season 3, Episode 9 will be available on Saturday, February 1, 2025, on Paramount+, as per the Decider report. Looking Ahead to ‘Fire Country’ Season 3 With its gripping storytelling and intense action, Fire Country continues to capture audiences’ attention. The midseason return promises to pick up where the drama left off, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. While the wait may be disappointing, the new episodes arriving in January are sure to deliver the excitement that has made Fire Country a standout series. Also Read: Alarming for Americans: Pakistan becomes one of the few handful of nations that can strike the United States; here's how it can attack the big apple In the meantime, fans can relive the show’s memorable moments through reruns, streaming platforms, and rewatching Fire Country Season 3 episodes to gear up for what’s next. Mark your calendars for January 31—it’s bound to be a scorching return! FAQs Who is the serial arsonist in Fire Country? In Episode 17 of Fire Country, Jake finds himself falsely accused of arson. The real culprit turns out to be Alex Shawcross, who was impersonating Colin O'Reilly, the son of CAL FIRE legend Kevin O'Reilly. Do Jake and Cara get together? It wasn’t until she returned to Edgewater years later to help her mother sell her house that their friendship was rekindled, eventually blossoming into a romantic relationship despite Cara's history with Bode. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )

A t first, in mid-November, the mysterious lights were seen blinking across the night skies of New Jersey. Then, they spread. Reports of incandescent flying objects were logged in New York, Pennsylvania and Maryland. Bystanders in Virginia Beach said they saw an aircraft “unlike any other they’ve seen”. Sightings have now come from as far afield as Louisiana, Florida and Arizona. People across the US are looking up. No one seems to know for certain where these enigmatic flying objects are from or who is controlling them. But several lawmakers and much of the general public seem dead-set on one answer: a swarm of drones. “The American people deserve answers as to what the hell is going on,” the representative Pat Ryan, a New York Democrat, said on Tuesday . “We’ve got a serious national security issue.” The representative Chris Smith, a New Jersey Republican, raised even more alarms on Saturday, attributing the “elusive maneuvering” of the drones to “major, military-power sophistication”, perhaps that of Russia, China, Iran or North Korea. On Thursday, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) banned drones from flying at all in parts of New Jersey for a month. Drone and national security experts are telling people to please calm down. They say they’re taking the matter seriously and there’s little to worry about. What appears to be happening in New Jersey right now is a perfect storm that’s coalesced around a lack of concrete information, confusion about what drones actually look like in night skies and a contagion effect. “In my experience, it was very, very common for objects in the night sky, such as manned aircraft, planets and even satellites or the International Space Station to be mistaken for a drone at night,” Tom Adams, a retired FBI special agent on the agency’s counter-unmanned aircraft team, said. A group of federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, the FAA and the Department of Defense, issued a joint statement on Tuesday saying they had examined the tips from concerned citizens and assessed that the sightings are a mix of lawful drones, airplanes, helicopters and “stars mistakenly reported as drones”. Nothing about the sightings should cause alarm, the agencies said. “We have not identified anything anomalous and do not assess the activity to date to present a national security or public safety risk over the civilian airspace in New Jersey or other states in the north-east,” they added. People started reporting the drones in the skies over northern New Jersey just before Thanksgiving, one of the busiest travel times of the year in the US. People said the aerial objects appeared to be hovering in formation and returned night after night. “We’re all completely unnerved,” one local resident, Julie Shavalier, told NBC News in early December, saying she repeatedly saw the lights floating in the sky up through dawn. “I didn’t sleep last night.” More people in the north-east started going out after dark and gazing at the sky – and more supposed drone sightings racked up. The FBI said it’s gotten more than 5,000 reports over the last few weeks; only about 100 required further investigation. The New York City police department said it received 120 calls just last weekend, more than in the whole month of November. The timing of the sightings coincides with air traffic delays at nearby Newark airport , which can lead to longer in-air holding patterns, and a bustling holiday season in a region packed with airports. What many people in New Jersey are actually seeing are those airplane holding patterns, said Will Austin, president of Warren County Community College, which specializes in drone training programs. “Much like that old saying: ‘To a hammer, the whole world’s a nail.’ Well, in New Jersey right now ... to the person on the ground staring intensely at the sky, every light is a drone,” said Austin. The retired FBI agent, Adams, agreed. He’s now the director of public safety for DroneShield, which provides counter-drone defense systems. “With some of the hysteria going on, I think there’s some misidentification of those types of activities as ‘Hey, here comes a drone swarm’ or ‘There’s a swarm of drones flying over the ocean’, when it’s just a lot of aircraft stacked up to land at JFK [airport],” Adams said. Night skies can be deceiving, many drone experts say. In the dark, there’s an optical illusion that makes it hard to tell whether an object is close or far away. “I spent 30 years flying a helicopter in the navy,” said John Slaughter, director of the University of Maryland’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems Research and Operations Center. “And I’ll tell you, if it’s 100 metres away or if it’s 40 miles away, you don’t know how far that is.” “People are seeing lights in the night sky – that’s the only fact we really know,” he said. Slaughter said people are still likely seeing drones, but it’s not the mass swarms being reported. Around 1 million drones are registered with the FAA nationwide, and on an average day about 8,500 are in flight, according to the Department of Defense . Drones and airplanes can have the same combinations of red, green and white light systems, making it difficult to distinguish between them at night, especially without an indication of distance. Sign up to TechScape A weekly dive in to how technology is shaping our lives after newsletter promotion Last weekend, drones were spotted hovering near the Wright-Patterson air force base in Ohio. Officials said the base wasn’t affected, but they did close the airspace for nearly four hours. This also happened at Boston’s Logan airport, which ended in the arrest of two men , and at New York’s Steward airfield. Federal security officials have maintained that they’re taking drone sightings seriously but have offered little information about what exactly is going on, frustrating local lawmakers and residents. “Security officials always walk a thin line between offering too much information, which could highlight vulnerabilities, and too little, which can stoke undue fear,” said Brett Feddersen, chair of the counter-uncrewed aircraft systems working group for the Security Industry Association. “I think the US government initially underestimated the public concern and did not offer the right information.” Feddersen said that it’s gotten better over the last couple of days. The FAA temporarily grounded all drones in parts of New Jersey and created a “what to know about drones” page . Federal agencies have held press conferences and released statements outlining what they’re doing to track the drones. And homeland security said it had deployed an advanced drone-detection radar to New Jersey, according to the New York Times , and it hasn’t yet found anything out of the ordinary. “The vast majority of these drones are going to probably be recreational or hobbyist,” said air force Maj Gen Pat Ryder, the Pentagon’s press secretary, on Tuesday . It’s possible some could be up to malign activities, he continued, “but for the vast majority that is not the case”. Slaughter, from the University of Maryland, said that, in the drone world, people talk about threats with “the three C’s”. “You’ve got the clueless, the careless and the criminal,” Slaughter said. “The vast majority just don’t even know they’re doing something wrong – that’s the clueless. Then you have a group of people who understand they’re doing something wrong and just don’t care ... And then you’ve got this tiny, tiny little group of people who’s doing something criminal, dropping contraband into a prison, that kind of thing.” One way to tell the difference between a drone and an airplane is how they fly, Slaughter said. The drones people see are known as multi-copters, which have several rotors that let them take off and land vertically and take quick sharp turns. “Aircraft can’t do that,” Slaughter said. “They move in a very smooth and straight, steady way.” James McDanolds, a drone expert who teaches at the Sonoran Desert Institute, said there are apps, like Drone Scanner, that are helpful in identifying drones. He advises people to check these before calling the police. Other apps like Flightradar24 show nearby airplanes. McDanolds said he was driving in north-eastern Pennsylvania last week and thought he saw a drone. He pulled over and checked Flightradar24. No immediate aircraft appeared. After studying the flying object, he concluded it was likely a drone. “People are definitely sighting drones,” McDanolds said. “But, by checking those tools ... it helps diminish a lot of calls that go into law enforcement that may have just been a manned aircraft.” As security officials have tried to tamp down worries, Donald Trump weighed in on the drone drama last week. “Can this really be happening without our government’s knowledge,” he wrote on Truth Social . “I don’t think so! Let the public know, and now. Otherwise, shoot them down!!!” Other elected officials, including Richard Blumenthal, the Democratic senator from Connecticut, and Jeff Van Drew, the Republican representative from New Jersey, have also called for the drones to be shot down . Drone experts say that’s a bad idea. Not only is it illegal, but it could put the public at risk of falling debris. Austin, from Warren County Community College, said that if someone were up to nefarious deeds, they probably wouldn’t turn the drone’s lights on. “I’m going to go completely in pitch-dark, probably paint my drone black,” he said. “You’re never going to know I’m out there.” Austin says the fact that airports have been shut down because of drone sightings is actually a good sign. It means the FAA caught something that was violating controlled airspace and took it seriously enough to temporarily ground planes. He says that if swarms of drones were actually near sensitive locations, the public would know about it. “I feel for the people at the FAA,” Austin said. “They’ve created the safest airspace in the history of the United States, but like everybody else, they can’t prove a negative.”T he Biden Administration commuted the sentences of 37 federal death row inmates on Monday. The last-minute move has been widely criticized, and justifiably so. The clemency has devastated some family members of the victims. Families that the Biden Administration didn't bother to consult or even notify that the monsters that raped and murdered their loved ones would be shown mercy. Does anyone believe Joe Biden had the decency to first warn the victims' families that clemency was coming for killers? Of course not. Biden is both corrupt and fundamentally indecent. Some of those family members are speaking out. Victim’s shattered kin wants Biden to ‘explain to our faces’ stunning death-row Christmas clemency https://t.co/8HsGsrKBIm pic.twitter.com/EMatOxEheK Alex Snell, the brother of Amanda Snell, spoke to the New York Post about the commuted sentence of Jorge Avila-Torrez, who murdered his sister in 2009. President Biden needs to explain his death-sentence commutations “to our faces,” says the furious brother of a young female naval officer murdered by one of the “despicable’’ clemency recipients. “I’d rather see it go back to the way it was, where he was sentenced to death,” said Alex Snell, 42, of Jorge Avila-Torrez, who fatally strangled Snell’s 20-year-old sister, Amanda Snell, in her Arlington, Va., barracks in July 2009. “He should have gotten that penalty,” Snell told The Post of the killer — who also sexually assaulted and murdered two little girls and raped a grad student. In a sweeping act of clemency, Biden lowered the death-penalty sentences of 37 of the feds’ 40 current death-row inmates to life in prison without parole Snell called Biden's act of clemency for the man who killed his sister 'Despicable.' President Biden needs to explain his death-sentence commutations “to our faces,” says the furious brother of a young female naval officer murdered by one of the “despicable’’ clemency recipients. It's highly unlikely that anyone from the Biden Administration will reach out to the victim's families. Looking family members in the eye when you are about to show mercy to their loved one's murderers would take courage, and courage is something Biden is gravely lacking. Brandon Council was sentenced to death for the murders of Donna Major and Katie Skeen during a 2017 bank robbery. Donna's family spoke to Fox News about Council's commutation. Watch. Donna Major’s family SLAMS Joe Biden for granting clemency to her kiIIer right before Christmas without speaking to them pic.twitter.com/GrSYOURxTO Donna's daughter, Heather Turner, requested a face-to-face meeting with the Pardon Attorney in May. Those requests were denied. This administration was not tone-deaf; they just didn't care. The Biden administration released a statement attempting to spin their spineless decision to commute the death sentences of some of our nation's worst offenders as a moral one. I am commuting the sentences of 37 individuals on federal death row to life sentences without the possibility of parole. This action is consistent with my Administration's moratorium on federal executions, except for cases involving terrorism and hate-motivated mass murder. pic.twitter.com/Obxfytxxbb If there were truly courage to Biden's convictions, would he not have granted clemency to all 40 death row inmates? If it were truly a moral choice, why are there exceptions to his morality? If he can not in good conscience allow the next administration to resume executions, then why leave three men on death row to execute? The political stunt has rubbed salt in the wounds of the families who lost loved one and they are pissed. They're not alone. Joseph Biden is filth... https://t.co/xCrfYi3x8a No doubt Biden would pardon this sicko if he were on federal death row https://t.co/cnzUhfctTf Biden's legacy, from the open border to this spineless act of clemency, will be as the president who neutered America. At every opportunity, both domestically and internationally, the Biden administration has projected weakness. Thankfully, this invertebrate of an administration will end in less than a month. It may be too late for the families affected by this cowardly decision, but at least on January 20th, this country will get her spine back.

McClain's 14 lead Texas Southern over Texas A&M-Kingsville 80-72Philadelphia (8-2) at Los Angeles Rams (5-5) Sunday, 8:20 p.m. EST, NBC/Peacock BetMGM NFL odds: Eagles by 3. Against the spread: Eagles 6-4; Rams 4-6. Series record: Eagles lead 23-20-1. Last meeting: Eagles beat Rams 23-14 in Inglewood, Calif. on Oct. 8, 2023. Last week: Eagles beat Washington 26-18; Rams beat New England 28-22. Eagles offense: overall (5), rush (1), pass (22), scoring (7). Eagles defense: overall (1), rush (7), pass (2), scoring (6). Rams offense: overall (17), rush (26), pass (T-7), scoring (21). Rams defense: overall (23), rush (18), pass (22), scoring (22). Turnover differential: Eagles plus-2; Rams plus-4. Eagles player to watch RB Saquon Barkley. Barkley combined for 198 scrimmage yards and two scores, rushing 26 times for 146 yards (5.6 average) while adding two receptions for 52 yards against Washington. With 1,137 rushing yards through 10 games, Barkley only trails Baltimore’s Derrick Henry for the NFL lead. He had his sixth 100-plus yard rushing game this season, which is the most in the NFL. Rams player to watch S Kam Kinchens. The rookie third-round pick from Miami had eight tackles, one tackle for loss, an interception and a forced fumble against the Patriots as he continues to come on strong. Kinchens has three picks in the past three games. Key matchup Eagles QB Jalen Hurts vs. Rams’ defensive line. Hurts shredded Los Angeles for 303 yards passing and 72 yards rushing last season despite the presence of superstar DT Aaron Donald. After Donald retired, the Rams turned to a committee approach to get after the passer, and it has worked with rookie OLB Jared Verse and DT Braden Fiske fitting in well next to second-year OLB Byron Young and DT Kobie Turner. But they can only unleash their excellent pass rush skills by limiting Philadelphia on early downs. Hurts has been at his dual-threat best over the past five games, accounting for 15 total touchdowns (six passing, nine rushing) against two turnovers. Key injuries Eagles defensive end Bryce Huff had surgery on his left wrist on Thursday, a move that could allow him to return toward the end of the season. ... WR DeVonta Smith (hamstring) was ruled out on Friday. ... Rams RT Rob Havenstein (ankle) got in two limited practices this week but is doubtful to play. Havenstein sat out the previous two games because of the ailment. Series notes The Eagles have won all three games in Los Angeles since the Rams moved back in 2016. ... Overall, Philadelphia has won seven of the past eight. The only setback came in Week 2 of the 2020 pandemic season. Stats and stuff Barkley has passed 100-plus scrimmage yards in eight of 10 games. That is tied with LeSean McCoy (2011) and Brian Westbrook (2007) for the most by an Eagle through 10 games. His 198 yards were his second most as an Eagle (199 in Week 9). ... The Eagles have allowed two passing touchdowns during their winning streak. Only one opponent has topped 200 passing yards against them in this stretch, with Cincinnati throwing for 222 in Week 8. ... Hurts leads all NFL quarterbacks with 11 touchdown runs and is second only to Henry's 13 scores for the Ravens. ... WR A.J. Brown leads the league in receptions of 30 yards or longer. He is averaging 18.7 yards per catch, the best mark of any player with at least 30 grabs. ... Even before he hurt his wrist, Huff struggled in his first season in Philadelphia with just 2 1/2 sacks and four quarterback hits. His snap count has dipped since he was injured ahead of a game earlier this month against Jacksonville. Huff had 17 1/2 sacks in four seasons with the Jets before he signed a three-year, $51 million free-agent deal with the Eagles. ... Philadelphia has run for at least 150 yards and two touchdowns in five straight games, something it hadn't accomplished since 1949. ... Rams WR Puka Nacua caught his first touchdown of the season in New England. He has at least seven receptions and 98 yards in three of his past four games, with only a second-quarter ejection in Seattle having limited Nacua since he returned from a knee injury. ... WR Cooper Kupp has 614 receptions through his first 98 games, which is fourth most in NFL history through 100 games. Julio Jones (619) is third. ... RB Kyren Williams averaged a season-high 5.7 yards per carry, finishing with 86 yards on 15 attempts versus the Patriots. ... Verse has 11 tackles for loss and 4 1/2 sacks through his first 10 games. Verse is pressuring the quarterback on 20.2% of pass rush snaps, which ranks second in the league overall. ... The Rams were 2 of 8 (25%) on third down against New England, their third straight game converting 25% or worse. ... QB Matthew Stafford has not been sacked in each of Los Angeles’ past three wins. Fantasy tip Don’t be discouraged using Stafford, Kupp and Nacua against Philadelphia's pass defense. All three put up solid fantasy numbers in last season’s meeting, even as the Eagles sat on the ball for nearly 38 minutes. Stafford had 222 yards and two scores, finding Kupp eight times for 118 yards and Nacua seven times for 71 yards and a touchdown, so they'll find ways to produce. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL The Associated PressI have never been to the USA, but one of the first things I’d like to do when I visit is try GM food. It might sound odd, but it stems from a long-standing curiosity – if GM or genetically modified food is as harmful as some narratives in India claim, why has the USA allowed its citizens to consume it for over 30 years? It’s baffling that a nation like ours, known for embracing and adapting cutting-edge technologies, has hesitated for so long to approve GM crops, which hold immense potential to transform farmers’ lives. Unfortunately, activism, short-sightedness, and legal hurdles have stalled the progress of GM technology in India. For more than a decade, we have been trapped in a stifling status quo, denying farmers the choice to embrace the progressive, globally accepted, and undeniably beneficial GM technology. While the world has moved forward, we seem to be stuck in a time warp. In January 2013, Mark Lynas, a prominent environmentalist and a leading voice against GM crops, shocked the world by reversing his stance. Speaking at the Oxford Farming Conference, Lynas admitted he had been wrong to oppose GM technology and highlighted its critical role in addressing food security and environmental challenges. Later, in April 2013, at Cornell University, Lynas described the controversy surrounding genetically modified organisms (GMOs) as “one of the greatest science communications failures of the past half-century.” Lynas emphasized how millions – perhaps billions – of people had been led to believe in a baseless conspiracy theory, fueling fear and misunderstanding about an entire class of technologies on a global scale. He said, “The only way conspiracy theories die is when more and more people wake up to reality and reject them.” He expressed hope for a tipping point where widely accepted myths are eventually recognized as the “foolish nonsense” they always were. I must admit, after years of enduring activists spewing baseless rhetoric against GM technology in India, Lynas’s arguments felt like a breath of fresh air. They compelled me to delve deeper into the GM debate. I immersed myself in extensive reading, engaged with farmers, scientists, and agribusiness leaders, and examined the global adoption of GM technology. What I discovered was that the Indian discourse on GM technology is heavily colored by misinformation, fear-mongering, and the persistent efforts of vested interests to derail pro-technology initiatives. This environment not only stifles progress but also denies Indian farmers and consumers access to innovations that have transformed agriculture in many parts of the world. It is a reflection of how narratives can be manipulated to stall advancements with immense potential to benefit millions. Lynas’s perspective is far from isolated. Agriculture scientist Stuart J. Smyth, in his 2019 paper The Human Health Benefits from GM Crops published in the Plant Biotechnology Journal, highlights the impact of GM crops over 25 years of commercial production. Smyth observed that GM crops represent the fastest-adopted agricultural technology in history, embraced by millions of farmers, particularly in developing nations. The benefits have been striking: a 37% reduction in chemical use, a 22% increase in yields, and a 68% boost in farm profits. While the economic and environmental advantages are well-documented, Smyth draws attention to the less-discussed yet critical health benefits – significantly reduced pesticide poisoning cases by minimizing applications and exposure to harmful insecticides. Bt cotton, in particular, addresses pest-related issues directly through its genetic traits, reducing crop damage and consequently lowering the need for pesticide applications and improving the quantity and quality of yields. This also enhances farmer safety and well-being. This impact has been particularly evident in countries like China, India, Pakistan, and South Africa, where reductions in pesticide-related health issues have been quantified, offering a powerful example of the transformative potential of GM technology. Another remarkable yet underappreciated advantage of GM crops is eloquently detailed by Smyth in his paper. Smyth highlights how GM crops have made meaningful contributions to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goals 1 (reducing poverty) and 2 (reducing hunger). Enhanced yields from GM crops have bolstered household incomes, reducing poverty, while simultaneously improving food security. The adoption of biofortified GM crops has further addressed micronutrient deficiencies, increasing the availability of essential nutrients. Smyth emphasizes the profound health benefits of nutritionally enhanced foods, which improve an individual’s nutrient intake and help prevent or manage leading causes of death, such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension. Little surprise globally, the adoption of GM crops has soared. As per data from the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA) – from a modest 1.7 million hectares in 1996 to 191.7 million hectares by 2018, and a record 206.3 million hectares by 2023. Today, 27 countries cultivate 11 different GM crops, with developing nations increasingly embracing this technology to bolster food security and improve farmer livelihoods. In stark contrast, India’s approach has been hesitant. Bt cotton, introduced over two decades ago, remains the sole GM crop legally approved for cultivation. Yet its adoption has been transformative. By 2020, out of 125.84 lakh hectares of cotton cultivation in India, a staggering 117.47 lakh hectares – over 93% – was dedicated to Bt cotton. Despite this success, other GM crops remain entangled in regulatory hurdles. India cannot afford to let fear and misinformation dictate its agricultural policies. As a country grappling with food security challenges, a rising import bill for edible oils, and climate stressors, GM technology offers solutions that are too valuable to ignore. To build trust, the government should prioritize transparent communication, educate the public on the science behind GM crops, and ensure that regulatory decisions are based on evidence. India must learn from global successes and empower our farmers with the tools they need to thrive in the 21st century. Lynas’s transformation is a reminder that embracing science often means letting go of outdated beliefs. India must now make its own U-turn, from hesitation to wholehearted adoption of GM technology, so that our farmers, economy, and environment can reap the benefits.

New coach Chris Holtmann has been tasked with rebuilding DePaul to the point where it can return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2004. Northern Illinois coach Rashon Burno knows what it takes to steer DePaul to the NCAAs because he was the starting point guard on the 2000 team that made the tournament -- the Blue Demons' only other NCAA appearance since 1992. Perhaps they can compare notes Saturday afternoon when Burno leads the Huskies (2-3) back to his alma mater as DePaul (5-0) hosts its sixth straight home game in Chicago. Last season, Burno's NIU squad helped accelerate DePaul's need for a new coach -- as the Huskies waltzed into Wintrust Arena and owned Tony Stubblefield's Blue Demons by an 89-79 score on Nov. 25. The Huskies built a 24-point second-half lead before coasting to the finish line. Can history repeat for NIU? There's just one problem with using last year's game as a potential barometer for Saturday's rematch: Almost no players on this year's teams were part of last year's squads. At DePaul, only assistant coach Paris Parham remains as Holtmann had the green light to bring in an all-new roster. UIC graduate transfer Isaiah Rivera (16.0 ppg, .485 3-point rate) and Coastal Carolina transfer Jacob Meyer (15.4 ppg, .406 on 3s) lead a balanced attack that focuses on getting half its shots from beyond the arc. At NIU, Burno retained only two players who competed against DePaul last year -- Ethan Butler and Oluwasegun Durosinmi -- and they combined for three points in 26 minutes in that game. The Huskies' main players used the transfer portal to join such programs as Kansas, Wisconsin, Penn State, Colorado State, James Madison, Georgia State and Niagara. With every starting job open, Butler has jumped into the lineup and produced 11.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and 1.4 steals per game. Transfers Quentin Jones (Cal Poly) and James Dent (Western Illinois) pace the Huskies with 14.4 and 14.0 points per game. NIU is on a two-game losing streak, most recently a 75-48 home defeat at the hands of Elon on Wednesday. Holtmann hopes to have Arkansas transfer Layden Blocker for Saturday's game. Blocker missed Tuesday's 78-69 win over Eastern Illinois with a quad injury. With the combo guard unavailable, point guard Conor Enright handed out a career-high 11 assists in a season-high 38 minutes. "We need (Blocker)," Holtmann said. "I don't want to play Conor 38 minutes." --Field Level MediaNo. 7 Tennessee outscored UT Martin by 28 points in the second half in routing the visiting Skyhawks 78-35 on Friday afternoon in Knoxville. Chaz Lanier scored a game-high 18 points for the Volunteers (7-0), who expanded on a 35-20 halftime lead with a 43-15 second half. Felix Okpara had 10 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks, helping Tennessee command the paint along with Igor Milicic, who added nine points and 13 rebounds. Zakai Zeigler nearly had a double-double with 11 points and nine assists. The Volunteers used their size to their advantage, outscoring UT Martin 36-10 in the paint and out rebounding the Skyhawks 49-24. That included 20 offensive rebounds for Tennessee, which led to 19 second-chance points. UT Martin (2-5) was cold coming out of the locker room after halftime, missing its first eight shots. Conversely, the Vols started the second half with a nine-point run to extend their lead to 24 points. The Vols never let the Skyhawks score consecutive baskets in the first half, holding UT Martin to 25 percent shooting (4 of 16) from beyond the arc and allowing a total of only three points from the starting five. For the game, guard Josue Grullon led UT Martin with 15 points. The leading scorer in the Ohio Valley Conference entering Friday at 18.2 points per game, Grullon has not started any game for head coach Jeremy Shulman. Most of the Skyhawks' points -- 28 of 35 -- came from their reserves. The starting five combined to score seven points -- six points from Matija Zuzic and a free throw for Lamine Niag. The starters went a combined 2 of 18 from the floor, while UT Martin as a team shot 22.6 percent (12 of 53) from the field. The Skyhawks made 5 of 7 free-throw attempts and made 18 turnovers. The Volunteers, who got 23 points off the bench, were 8-for-10 and had 11 turnovers. Tennessee improved to 6-0 all-time against UT Martin since 1993. --Field Level MediaMexico's president discussed migration and drug trafficking with US President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday -- two issues he had raised as justification for raising import tariffs on America's southern neighbor. Claudia Sheinbaum said she had had "an excellent conversation" with Trump, just hours after her economy minister warned that the cost to US companies of Trump's tariffs would be "huge." "We discussed Mexico's strategy regarding the phenomenon of migration," Sheinbaum said on X, adding she had told Trump that caravans of migrants "are not arriving at the northern border because they are being attended to in Mexico." They also discussed "strengthening collaboration on security issues" as well as "the campaign we are conducting in the country to prevent the consumption of fentanyl," the president said. Trump on Monday said he would impose tariffs of 25 percent on Mexican and Canadian imports and 10 percent on goods from China. "This Tariff will remain in effect until such time as Drugs, in particular Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country!" Trump wrote on his Truth Social page. The Republican, who won an election in which illegal migration was a top issue, has vowed to declare a national emergency on border security and use the US military to carry out a mass deportation of undocumented migrants. Mexican Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard said Wednesday some "400,000 jobs will be lost" in the United States if Trump followed through on his threat. He cited a study based on figures from US carmakers that manufacture in Mexico. - 'A shot in the foot' - Ebrard said the tariffs would also hit US consumers hard, citing the US market for pickup trucks -- most of which are manufactured in Mexico. The tariffs, the minister said, would add $3,000 to the cost of a new vehicle. "The impact of this measure will chiefly be felt by consumers in the United States... That is why we say that it would be a shot in the foot," Ebrard told reporters, speaking alongside Sheinbaum at her regular morning conference. Mexico and China have been particularly vociferous in their opposition to Trump's threats of a trade war from day one of his second presidential term, which begins on January 20. Sheinbaum has declared the threats "unacceptable" and pointed out that Mexico's drug cartels exist mainly to serve drug use in the United States. China has warned that "no one will win a trade war." During his first term as president, Trump launched full-blown trade hostilities with Beijing, imposing significant tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars of Chinese goods. China responded with retaliatory tariffs on American products, particularly affecting US farmers. The United States, Mexico and Canada are tied to a three-decade-old largely duty-free trade agreement, called the USMCA, that was renegotiated under Trump after he complained that US businesses, especially automakers, were losing out. jla/cb/mlr/bjt

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