The Future of Gaming: ETR Brings New Dynamics

US billionaire Elon Musk backed Germany's Alternative for Germany (AfD) in a guest opinion piece for Germany's Welt am Sonntag newspaper published online that prompted the commentary editor to resign in protest. or signup to continue reading In the commentary, published in German by the flagship paper of the Axel Springer media group, Musk expanded on his post on social media platform X last week claiming that "only the AfD can save Germany." "The portrayal of the AfD as right-wing extremist is clearly false, considering that Alice Weidel, the party's leader, has a same-sex partner from Sri Lanka! Does that sound like Hitler to you? Please!" Musk said in the piece. Germany's domestic intelligence agency has classified the AfD at the national level as a suspected extremism case since 2021. Shortly after the piece was published online, the editor of the opinion section, Eva Marie Kogel, wrote on X that she had submitted her resignation, with a link to the commentary. "Democracy and journalism thrive on freedom of expression. This includes dealing with polarising positions and classifying them journalistically," the newspaper's editor-in-chief designate Jan Philipp Burgard and Ulf Poschardt, who takes over as publisher on January 1, told Reuters. They said discussion about Musk's piece, which had around 340 comments several hours after it was published, was "very revealing." Underneath Musk's commentary, the newspaper published a response by Burgard. "Musk's diagnosis is correct, but his therapeutic approach, that only the AfD can save Germany, is fatally false," he wrote, referencing the AfD's desire to leave the European Union and seek rapprochement with Russia as well as appease China. The AfD backing from Musk, who also defended his right to weigh in on German politics due to his "significant investments", comes as Germans are set to vote on February 23 after a coalition government led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz collapsed. The AfD is running second in opinion polls and might be able to thwart either a centre-right or centre-left majority, but Germany's mainstream, more centrist parties have pledged to shun any support from the AfD at national level. DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. WEEKDAYS Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. WEEKLY Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. WEEKLY Love footy? We've got all the action covered. WEEKLY Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. WEEKLY Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. WEEKDAYS Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. TWICE WEEKLY Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. WEEKLY Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarExpert, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. TWICE WEEKLY Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. AS IT HAPPENS Be the first to know when news breaks. DAILY Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily! Advertisement AdvertisementLONDON (AP) — A woman who claimed mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her in a Dublin hotel penthouse was awarded nearly 250,000 Euros ($257,000) on Friday by a civil court jury in Ireland. Nikita Hand said the Dec. 9, 2018, assault after a night of partying left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor testified that he never forced the woman to do anything against her will and said she fabricated the allegations after the two had consensual sex. His lawyer had called Hand a gold digger. The fighter, once the face of the Ultimate Fighting Championship but now past his prime, shook his head as the jury of eight women and four men found him liable for assault after deliberating about six hours in the High Court in Dublin. He was mobbed by cameras as he left court but did not comment. He later said on the social platform X that he would appeal the verdict and the “modest award.” Hand's voice cracked and her hands trembled as she read a statement outside the courthouse, saying she would never forget what happened to her but would now be able to move on with her life. She thanked her family, partner, friends, jurors, the judge and all the supporters that had reached out to her online, but particularly her daughter. “She has given me so much strength and courage over the last six years throughout this nightmare to keep on pushing forward for justice,” she said. “I want to show (her) and every other girl and boy that you can stand up for yourself if something happens to you, no matter who the person is, and justice will be served.” The Associated Press generally does not name alleged victims of sexual violence unless they come forward publicly, as Hand has done. Under Irish law, she did not have the anonymity she would have been granted in a criminal proceeding and was named publicly throughout the trial. Her lawyer told jurors that McGregor was angry about a fight he had lost in Las Vegas two months earlier and took it out on his client. “He’s not a man, he’s a coward,” attorney John Gordon said in his closing speech. “A devious coward and you should treat him for what he is.” Gordon said his client never pretended to be a saint and was only looking to have fun when she sent McGregor a message through Instagram after attending a Christmas party. He said Hand knew McGregor socially and that they had grown up in the same area. She said he picked her and a friend up in a car and shared cocaine with them, which McGregor admitted in court, on the way to the Beacon Hotel. Hand said she told McGregor she didn't want to have sex with him and that she was menstruating. She said she told him “no” as he started kissing her but he eventually pinned her to a bed and she couldn't move. McGregor put her in a chokehold and later told her, “now you know how I felt in the octagon where I tapped out three times,” referring to a UFC match when he had to admit defeat, she said. Hand had to take several breaks in emotional testimony over three days. She said McGregor threatened to kill her during the encounter and she feared she would never see her young daughter again. Eventually, he let go of her. “I remember saying I was sorry, as I felt that I did something wrong and I wanted to reassure him that I wouldn’t tell anyone so he wouldn’t hurt me again,” she testified. She said she then let him do what he wanted and he had sex with her. A paramedic who examined Hand the next day testified that she had never before seen someone with that intensity of bruising. A doctor told jurors Hand had multiple injuries. Hand said the trauma of the attack had left her unable to work as a hairdresser, she fell behind on her mortgage and had to move out of her house. Police investigated the woman’s complaint but prosecutors declined to bring charges, saying there was insufficient evidence and a conviction was unlikely. McGregor, in his post on X, said he was disappointed jurors didn't see all the evidence prosecutors had reviewed. He testified that the two had athletic and vigorous sex, but that it was not rough. He said “she never said ‘no’ or stopped” and testified that everything she said was a lie. “It is a full blown lie among many lies,” he said when asked about the chokehold allegation. “How anyone could believe that me, as a prideful person, would highlight my shortcomings.” McGregor’s lawyer told jurors they had to set aside their animus toward the fighter. “You may have an active dislike of him, some of you may even loathe him – there is no point pretending that the situation might be otherwise,” attorney Remy Farrell said. “I’m not asking you to invite him to Sunday brunch.” The defense said the woman never told investigators McGregor threatened her life. They also showed surveillance video in court that they said appeared to show the woman kiss McGregor’s arm and hug him after they left the hotel room. Farrell said she looked “happy, happy, happy.” McGregor said he was “beyond petrified” when first questioned by police and read them a prepared statement. On the advice of his lawyer, he refused to answer more than 100 follow-up questions. The jury ruled against Hand in a case she brought against one of McGregor’s friends, James Lawrence, whom she accused of having sex with her in the hotel without consent.Chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen returns to a tournament after a dispute over jeans is resolved

DETROIT – Starting in September of 2027, all new passenger vehicles in the U.S. will have to sound a warning if rear-seat passengers don't buckle up. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Monday that it finalized the rule, which also requires enhanced warnings when front seat belts aren't fastened. Recommended Videos The agency estimates that the new rule will save 50 lives per year and prevent 500 injuries when fully in effect, according to a statement. The new rule will apply to passenger cars, trucks, buses except for school buses, and multipurpose vehicles weighing up to 10,000 pounds. Before the rule, seat belt warnings were required only for the driver's seat. Under the new rule, outboard front-seat passengers also must get a warning if they don't fasten their belts. Front-center seats will not get a warning because NHTSA found that it wouldn't be cost effective. The agency said most vehicles already have warnings for the outboard passenger seats. The rule also lengthens the duration of audio and visual warnings for the driver's seat. The front-seat rules are effective starting Sept. 1 of 2026. Rear passengers consistently use seat belts at a lower rate than front passengers, the agency says. In 2022, front belt use was just under 92%, while rear use dropped to about 82%. About half of automobile passengers who died in crashes two years ago weren’t wearing belts, according to NHTSA data. The seat belt rule is the second significant regulation to come from NHTSA in the past two months. In November the agency bolstered its five-star auto safety ratings to include driver assistance technologies and pedestrian protection. Safety advocates want the Department of Transportation, which includes NHTSA, to finish several more rules before the end of the Biden administration, because President-elect Donald Trump has said he’s against new government regulations. Cathy Chase, president of Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, urged the department to approve automatic emergency braking for heavy trucks and technology to prevent impaired driving.

Stingray Group Inc. ( OTCMKTS:STGYF – Get Free Report ) was the target of a large drop in short interest in December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totalling 4,400 shares, a drop of 15.4% from the November 30th total of 5,200 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 700 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 6.3 days. Stingray Group Price Performance STGYF stock opened at C$5.16 on Friday. Stingray Group has a twelve month low of C$4.10 and a twelve month high of C$6.11. The company’s 50 day moving average is C$5.45 and its two-hundred day moving average is C$5.52. About Stingray Group ( Get Free Report ) Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Stingray Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Stingray Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .A Lotto player in Co Mayo will go into 2025 more than €5.4m richer after they scooped a massive festive jackpot. In last night’s Lotto draw, a player from Mayo grabbed €5,419,866m, which makes them the 35th National Lottery millionaire and the eleventh Lotto jackpot winner this year. Two other players from Dublin also got a Christmas boost as they claimed €40,000 each. The Mayo player joined other ten big winners from across the country, including five from Dublin, two from Limerick, and one each from Louth, Wexford and, most recently, Galway. The winning numbers in last night’s main Lotto draw were: 2, 4, 5, 10, 16, 17 and the bonus was 23. The store location where the winning ticket was purchased will be announced tomorrow. Meanwhile, two Dublin players matched five numbers plus the bonus and scooped €40,341 each. One Quick Pick ticket was purchased on Friday, December 27, from Schiels Supermarket in Malahide, Co Dublin, while the other Quick Pick was bought on the day of the draw from Tesco Extra in Millfield Shopping Centre in Balbriggan, Co Dublin. Three massive Lotto wins yesterday saw a Mayo player scooping €5.4 million while two Dublin players won 40,000 each. Stock Image. Today's News in 90 Seconds - December 29th National Lottery spokesperson Emma Monaghan said it was “an extraordinary night for Mayo and Dublin players, with three incredible wins.” "We now have a Mayo player who’s €5.4 million richer, claiming the title of the 35th National Lottery millionaire as we close out the year, and two Dublin players each securing a fantastic €40,000 prize,” she said. "Tomorrow, we’ll announce which Mayo store sold the winning Lotto Jackpot ticket, but for now, we’re urging all players in these counties to check their tickets carefully – one of them could be yours,” she added. The National Lottery has urged three Lotto players from Mayo and Dublin who purchased tickets for Saturday night’s Lotto to check their tickets carefully. They should sign the back of their tickets and keep them somewhere safe. The winners should also contact the National Lottery prize claims team on 1800 666 222 or email claims@lottery.ie who will make arrangements for them to collect their prize in Lottery headquarters.

The race to build a fault-tolerant quantum computer is heating up, and Google, despite its early lead, is facing stiff competition. While Google has made significant strides with its surface code approach to quantum error correction, other players are exploring diverse strategies with promising results. This article delves into the complexities of quantum error correction, explores alternative approaches gaining traction, and analyzes the potential implications for the future of quantum computing. Quantum computing holds the promise of revolutionizing fields like medicine, materials science, and artificial intelligence by solving problems that are intractable for classical computers. However, qubits, the building blocks of quantum computers, are extremely fragile and prone to errors. This is where quantum error correction (QEC) comes in. QEC is a crucial technique to protect quantum information from noise, ensuring the reliability of quantum computations. Google has been a pioneer in this field, achieving a significant milestone in 2019 by demonstrating quantum supremacy – performing a calculation on a quantum computer that would be practically impossible for a classical computer. Their approach relies heavily on the surface code, a technique that distributes quantum information across a two-dimensional grid of qubits, making it more resilient to errors. However, the surface code, while robust, requires a large number of physical qubits to encode a single logical qubit – a qubit that is protected from errors. This overhead poses a significant challenge in scaling up quantum computers to tackle real-world problems. The Rise of Alternative Approaches Recognizing the limitations of the surface code, researchers are actively exploring alternative QEC codes that offer potential advantages in terms of efficiency and resource requirements. Some of the prominent contenders include: Companies like Quantinuum and IonQ are actively pursuing these alternative approaches, demonstrating their potential in experimental setups. Quantinuum, for instance, recently achieved a breakthrough with its trapped-ion quantum computer, demonstrating high-fidelity operations using a color code. IonQ, on the other hand, is leveraging its trapped-ion technology to explore the capabilities of LDPC codes. The Challenges and Opportunities Ahead While these alternative approaches offer promising avenues for quantum error correction, they also come with their own set of challenges. For instance, color codes, despite their higher threshold, can be more complex to implement. LDPC codes, while efficient, require careful optimization for quantum applications. Bosonic codes, being a relatively new approach, require further research and development to demonstrate their scalability and practicality. The exploration of these diverse approaches highlights the dynamic nature of the quantum computing field. There is no one-size-fits-all solution for quantum error correction, and the optimal approach may vary depending on the specific hardware platform and application. My Perspective: A Journey Through the Quantum Realm My fascination with quantum computing began during my graduate studies in physics. The counterintuitive nature of quantum mechanics, with its superposition and entanglement, captivated my imagination. I delved into the theoretical foundations of quantum error correction, exploring the intricate mathematics and code constructions that underpin this crucial field. Over the years, I’ve witnessed the remarkable progress in quantum computing, from the early demonstrations of basic quantum gates to the achievement of quantum supremacy. I’ve had the opportunity to interact with leading researchers in the field, attend conferences, and contribute to the development of quantum algorithms. The current exploration of alternative QEC codes excites me as it signifies a maturing field. It’s not just about achieving quantum supremacy anymore; it’s about building practical, fault-tolerant quantum computers that can solve real-world problems. The Road to Fault-Tolerant Quantum Computing The development of efficient and scalable quantum error correction is paramount to realizing the full potential of quantum computing. While Google’s surface code has paved the way, the emergence of alternative approaches is crucial for driving innovation and pushing the boundaries of this field. The competition in quantum error correction is ultimately beneficial for the advancement of quantum computing. It fosters collaboration, encourages the exploration of diverse ideas, and accelerates the development of fault-tolerant quantum computers that will revolutionize various industries. This is an exciting time to be involved in quantum computing. We are witnessing the birth of a new technological era, and quantum error correction is at the forefront of this revolution.

Brett Moyer Sells 6,553 Shares of WiSA Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:WISA) Stock

BOSTON — Forty years ago, Heisman Trophy winner Doug Flutie rolled to his right and threw a pass that has become one of college football’s most iconic moments. With Boston College trailing defending champion Miami, Flutie threw the Hail Mary and found receiver Gerard Phalen, who made the grab while falling into the end zone behind a pair of defenders for a game-winning 48-yard TD. Flutie and many of his 1984 teammates were honored on the field during BC’s 41-21 victory over North Carolina before the second quarter on Saturday afternoon, the anniversary of the Eagles’ Miracle in Miami. “There’s no way its been 40 years,” Flutie told The Associated Press on the sideline a few minutes before he walked out with some of his former teammates to be recognized after a video of The Play was shown on the scoreboards. People are also reading... Recap: Here's how Joey Graziadei will win 'Dancing with the Stars' Zitel bound over to district court in death of child They fell in love with Beatrice. So they opened a store in downtown. At the courthouse, Nov. 16, 2024 Kidnapping in Nebraska prompted police chase that ended with 3 dead on I-29 in Missouri Chamberlain among seven inducted into Nebraska Baseball HOF No change in bond amounts in child abuse death case Harmonizers to perform Just Askin': Dana Holgorsen noncommittal on future, ranking a big week for Nebraska Athletics Clabaugh family presents Outstanding Educator award Inside Nebraska volleyball’s finishing kick for a Big Ten title: First up, Wisconsin Courthouse lighting ceremony planned for Sunday Historical society appoints board members, elects officers Believers bought airplane for dead preacher thinking he’d rise from grave to fly in it How one Virginia woman persevered through abuse, oppression in Christian 'cult' A statue commemorating Doug Flutie's famed "Hail Mary" pass during a game against Miami on Nov. 23, 1994, sits outside Alumni Stadium at Boston College. Famous football plays often attain a legendary status with religious names like the "Immaculate Reception," the "Hail Mary" pass and the Holy Roller fumble. It’s a moment and highlight that’s not only played throughout decades of BC students and fans, but around the college football world. “What is really so humbling is that the kids 40 years later are wearing 22 jerseys, still,” Flutie said of his old number. “That amazes me.” That game was played on national TV the Friday after Thanksgiving. The ironic thing is it was originally scheduled for earlier in the season before CBS paid Rutgers to move its game against Miami, thus setting up the BC-Miami post-holiday matchup. Boston College quarterback Doug Flutie rejoices in his brother Darren's arms after B.C. defeats Miami with a last second touchdown pass on Nov. 23, 1984, in Miami. “It shows you how random some things are, that the game was moved,” Flutie said. “The game got moved to the Friday after Thanksgiving, which was the most watched game of the year. We both end up being nationally ranked and up there. All those things lent to how big the game itself was, and made the pass and the catch that much more relevant and remembered because so many people were watching.” There’s a statue of Flutie winding up to make The Pass outside the north gates at Alumni Stadium. Fans and visitors can often be seen taking photos there. “In casual conversation, it comes up every day,” Flutie said, when asked how many times people bring it up. “It brings a smile to my face every time we talk about it.” A week after the game-ending Flutie pass, the Eagles beat Holy Cross and before he flew off to New York to accept the Heisman. They went on to win the 49th Cotton Bowl on New Year’s Day. Boston College quarterback Doug Flutie evades Miami defensive tackle Kevin Fagan during the first quarter of a game on Nov. 23, 1984, in Miami, Fla. “Forty years seem almost like incomprehensible,” said Phalen, also standing on the sideline a few minutes after the game started. “I always say to Doug: ‘Thank God for social media. It’s kept it alive for us.”’ Earlier this week, current BC coach Bill O’Brien, 55, was asked if he remembered where he was 40 years ago. “We were eating Thanksgiving leftovers in my family room,” he said. “My mom was saying a Rosary in the kitchen because she didn’t like Miami and wanted BC to win. My dad, my brother and I were watching the game. “It was unbelievable,” he said. “Everybody remembers where they were for the Hail Mary, Flutie pass.” Sports Week in Photos: Tyson vs. Paul, Nadal, and more Mike Tyson, left, slaps Jake Paul during a weigh-in ahead of their heavyweight bout, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in Irving, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) In this image taken with a slow shutter speed, Spain's tennis player Rafael Nadal serves during a training session at the Martin Carpena Sports Hall, in Malaga, southern Spain, on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) A fan takes a picture of the moon prior to a qualifying soccer match for the FIFA World Cup 2026 between Uruguay and Colombia in Montevideo, Uruguay, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Santiago Mazzarovich) Rasmus Højgaard of Denmark reacts after missing a shot on the 18th hole in the final round of World Tour Golf Championship in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri) Taylor Fritz of the United States reacts during the final match of the ATP World Tour Finals against Italy's Jannik Sinner at the Inalpi Arena, in Turin, Italy, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni) Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Tolbert (1) fails to pull in a pass against Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford (20) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/ Brynn Anderson) Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love, top right, scores a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears in Chicago, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) India's Tilak Varma jumps in the air as he celebrates after scoring a century during the third T20 International cricket match between South Africa and India, at Centurion Park in Centurion, South Africa, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski warms up before facing the Seattle Kraken in an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson) Kansas State players run onto the field before an NCAA college football game against Arizona State Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Manhattan, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) A fan rapped in an Uruguay flag arrives to the stands for a qualifying soccer match against Colombia for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Montevideo, Uruguay, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Matilde Campodonico) People practice folding a giant United States flag before an NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Brazil's Marquinhos attempts to stop the sprinklers that were turned on during a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying soccer match against Venezuela at Monumental stadium in Maturin, Venezuela, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos) Georgia's Georges Mikautadze celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the UEFA Nations League, group B1 soccer match between Georgia and Ukraine at the AdjaraBet Arena in Batumi, Georgia, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Tamuna Kulumbegashvili) Dallas Stars center Mavrik Bourque, right, attempts to score while Minnesota Wild right wing Ryan Hartman (38) and Wild goaltender Filip Gustavsson (32) keep the puck out of the net during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in St. Paul, Minn. (AP Photo/Ellen Schmidt) Mike Tyson, left, fights Jake Paul during their heavyweight boxing match, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Italy goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario misses the third goal during the Nations League soccer match between Italy and France, at the San Siro stadium in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno) Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki (88) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders during the second half of an NFL football game in Cincinnati, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) President-elect Donald Trump attends UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) Fans argue in stands during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between France and Israel at the Stade de France stadium in Saint-Denis, outside Paris, Thursday Nov. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus) Slovakia's Rebecca Sramkova hits a return against Danielle Collins, of the United States, during a tennis match at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals at the Martin Carpena Sports Hall, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in Malaga, southern Spain. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) St. John's guard RJ Luis Jr. (12) falls after driving to the basket during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against New Mexico, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith) England's Anthony Gordon celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between England and the Republic of Ireland at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung) Katie Taylor, left, lands a right to Amanda Serrano during their undisputed super lightweight title bout, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner, right, tackles Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington, left, on a punt return during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) UConn's Paige Bueckers (5) battles North Carolina's Laila Hull, right, for a loose ball during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Greensboro, N.C., Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown) Get local news delivered to your inbox!

MOORHEAD — When day breaks at Churches United for the Homeless, its CEO is busy helping lay out breakfast for guests at Micah’s Mission — a shelter for homeless men, women and families — and tidying up before the hustle and bustle of the day sweeps him away. For stepping up to save the 37-year-old nonprofit from crumbling this summer, and for all the long days since, Pastor Devlyn Brooks is The Forum's 2024 Area Person of the Year. “Up until now, I really hadn’t stopped to kind of look back and reflect” on the last few months, Brooks told The Forum. “It’s kind of the stuff of movies, to a certain degree, and to have been on the inside of that, it’s fairly indescribable.” Churches United’s plight was brought to light in August when newly hired Brooks told the public the organization needed to raise $200,000 by the end of the month to keep its doors open. The nonprofit saw unprecedented financial struggles in the last few years due to a drop in donations and a rise in costs following the COVID-19 pandemic. In October, Churches United laid off 20% of their staff to stay open, and by November, the nonprofit once again sought $200,000 to avoid closure. With their monthly budget sliced down to $125,000, Churches United continues raising money to make it through while holding out hope that longer-term salvation will arrive in the form of state funding in July 2025. From his first day, when he had to tell the nonprofit’s staff they might not get paid that week, to now, when a glimmer of hope is visible on the horizon, Brooks has been a champion for Churches United and staved off the tidal wave of harm its closing would cause. However, Brooks is quick to credit the hundreds who rallied around Churches United when they pleaded for help to keep the doors open and people in the metro fed, sheltered and cared for. “The community saved Churches United,” Brooks said. In the last five months, over 1,400 people gave what they could spare to keep Churches United afloat, he said, and volunteers flooded into their emergency shelter and food pantry. “It has been a miraculous outpouring of support saying that we believe the work that Churches United does is vital,” Brooks said. “And that’s done a whole lot to boost the morale of the folks here.” The most visible part of Churches United’s operation is the emergency shelter, community room and case management offices at 1901 First Ave. N. in Moorhead, but the nonprofit also helps feed people at emergency pantries and provides housing for people transitioning from shelters to independent living. Come July, the organization hopes to receive $900,000 annually from the state for two years, Brooks said, which means they would only have to raise half their operating budget from private donations instead of 80%, as they were when he started. “We need people to understand that, while we’re not in crisis, we’re not fixed,” Brooks said. Those looking to donate can visit churches-united.org/donate and readers wishing to volunteer can sign up at churches-united.org/volunteer. For Churches United Board President Jess Spieker Ferden, it’s fitting that Brooks is the Forum Area Person of the Year. “I can’t think of anybody that is more deserving of this,” Spieker Ferden said. “He is an absolutely amazing man. We are so grateful to have him as part of our team.” From the moment he started as interim CEO in August, Brooks had a plan and a magnetic confidence that drew the board, staff, guests and community together with a singular mission: save Churches United. "He is larger than life. He is just a really fantastic, upbeat, loud person. He is an incredible leader,” Spieker Ferden said. In early August, when Churches United teetered on the brink of closure, a guest approached Brooks and offered him all the money she had to help keep the doors open, Spieker Ferden said. “Here is somebody who needs the shelter and was willing to give up what little she had to ensure that it can still operate,” she said. That action was echoed by the community, which stepped up to keep Churches United open multiple times this year. Likewise, the staff at Churches United began shouldering more responsibility when the nonprofit was forced to make layoffs. “I can't show enough gratitude, love and respect for the Churches United staff," Spieker Ferden said. "They trusted Pastor Devlyn from the get-go.” Brooks was instrumental in saving Churches United, she said. “I don’t know that we would have ever found anybody who is as crazy as he is or as passionate about our mission as he is. Really, who is going to come aboard what everybody thought was a sinking ship?” Spieker Ferden said. Brooks’ life was shaped by the severe poverty and food scarcity he experienced growing up in Crookston, Minnesota. He was raised alongside his eight older siblings in a home that went years without running water. His mother drew them a bath in the yard each Saturday, and the family relied on an outhouse. There were limited resources for his hardworking and loving mother to draw on, he said, with no food pantry or homeless shelter around to turn to for help. Brooks studied hard and earned a grant for first-generation college students. He attended Bemidji State University, where he fell in love with writing and kicked off a prolific career in journalism that spanned 30 years: first as a reporter, then editor, manager and more. Brooks is currently a faith columnist for Forum Communications Company. He was drawn to pastoral work and began to serve at Faith Lutheran Church in Wolverton, Minnesota, in 2017. All those experiences prepared him for his current calling at Churches United. “I’m very grateful for that, and I see very much of the Holy Spirit in that path,” Brooks said. Ultimately, it was the support of his family and church community this year that allowed him to step up for Churches United, he said. No matter where life takes him, Brooks can rely on his wife and children for support and encouragement, he said, even through hard times. His family lost several loved ones in the last five years, he said, and his work frequently demanded much of his time between full-time jobs, seminary studies, pastoral work and now Churches United. “For any profession where you’re called to serve, if you don’t have the people standing around you, you’re not successful,” Brooks said. “I know a lot of times the community sees me out in front of a television camera, or me at an event, but they don’t see (my wife) Shelley, who’s picking up the pieces in our family behind the scenes.” It takes a lot for a small congregation to share their pastor with an organization that needs as much time as Churches United, he said, but Faith Lutheran didn’t hesitate to send him where his help was most needed. “I still believe that was very courageous,” Brooks said. “That’s made all the world of difference. I couldn’t have been doing what I’ve been doing here if our church wouldn’t have done that. And I’m extremely grateful.” In addition to Sunday sermons, Brooks spends 12 to 18 hours a day laboring for the benefit of Churches United and the people it serves. “The staff here still tease me about having the longest first day ever because, to some degree, that first day hasn't ended yet,” Brooks said. “Honestly, it’s been a roller coaster. It’s been like standing inside of a tornado.” Churches United was in crisis when he arrived. As such, the shelter and guests hadn’t been cared for as well as they could be, the staff was burnt out and relationships were frayed. His team worked to rebuild relationships in the community, beat the bushes for funders and organized their internal structure to prevent the daily implosions that were all too common before. Hope now grows in every corner of the organization, he said, in response to the community’s swell of support and the renewed partnerships across the metro. The bills are getting paid again, and they are no longer being hounded by vendors for overdue payments. They have enough money to fully stock up on toilet paper again. "When you’re in crisis, you don’t start to talk about the future," Brooks said. "Now we’re talking about the future which is, I think, amazing. We have money in our operating account on a regular basis when the week ends. ... We haven’t used our credit line now in several weeks, and so we actually have cash on hand at the end of the week. And the last time that happened was more than two years ago.” Staff are once again proud to say they work at Churches United, he said, and guests are taking more pride in their stays and pitching in to help fix things and keep the place clean. This change in fortune is a testament to the power of saying yes, Brooks said. It’s become acceptable, even expected, in our culture to say no when called upon to help, he said. “It’s very easy to say no, I don’t want to give any more money. It’s very easy to say no, I don’t want to give more time. I don’t want to serve on a board. I don’t want to go serve a meal," Brooks said. “I think our communities suffer because of that. And so I’ve tried to live in this model of saying yes. "I think we’re a pretty good example of what happens when you say yes." When they hired Brooks, Churches United needed a leader who would go out and talk to “anyone who would listen” about their work and the urgency of their financial situation, Compliance Officer Ginny Stoe told The Forum. Brooks hit the ground running and has hardly stopped since. “His first couple of months, I'm not sure the man even slept,” Stoe said. She knew Brooks deeply understood the vital role of Churches United and the devastating impact its closure would have. “If we had to close our doors, that would have been a catastrophic loss to the people we serve," Stoe said. “It could have been really deadly, especially this time of year.” He hasn’t slowed down, Stoe said. Brooks rallied the leadership team, energized the staff and revitalized the volunteer base. “Devlyn is such a blessing to Churches United,” Stoe said. “He is a man that uplifts other people, especially our guests and our staff. He is quick to jump in and help or offer a friendly hello.” His infectious enthusiasm, paired with a smirk that “lights up a room,” has kept Churches United open, made the staff hopeful and supported a community that cares for neighbors going through hard times. “He is the man of the year. He could have easily come in and really assessed the situation and said, 'You know what? It's too dire.' But he didn’t, not once,” Stoe said. “The man is just really selfless. He walked into a situation that not many people would, but he came in and he said 'I'm all in.'” 2023: Jake Wallin, Zachary Robinson, Andrew Dotas and Tyler Hawes, Fargo police officers who faced and stopped a potential mass shooter 2022: Nyamal Dei, Fargo School Board member 2021: Dorothy "Dot" Henke, founder of national snack brand Dot's Homestyle Pretzels 2020: Essential workers 2019: Matt Cullen, retired NHL player and local philanthropist 2018: U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer 2017: Carson Wentz, an NFL quarterback 2016: Gov. Doug Burgum, tech mogul, real estate developer and millionaire philanthropist 2015: Jessica Thomasson, CEO of Lutheran Social Services 2014: Sherrie Skuza, widow of Fargo police Lt. Jeff Skuza 2013: Craig Bohl, former North Dakota State University football coach 2012: U.S. Sen. Heidi Heitkamp 2011: David Berg, American Crystal Sugar CEO 2010: Denny Sanford, benefactor of Sanford Health 2009: Fargo Mayor Dennis Walaker 2008: Fargo-Moorhead youth for their volunteer efforts 2007: Tracy Briggs, former WDAY radio personality, organizer of World War II Honor Flights 2006: Joseph Chapman, then president of North Dakota State University