l james
l james
Pune: The civic body plans to step up action against littering in public places by doubling the number of flying squad vehicles. Ten new vehicles will be added to the flying squads, which will catch offenders found violating solid waste management guidelines for public sanitation. Earlier, PMC had only 8 vehicles. Fines will be levied for offences like spitting in public places, using banned plastic, garbage burning, and throwing trash in public areas. Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has filed over 72,000 cases and collected fines of Rs 4 crore from violators since Oct 2023. PMC has confiscated nearly 6,000 kg of banned plastic in a year's time. As per the directives of PMC, manufacturing, importing, stocking, distribution, and sale of single-use plastic has been banned. These items include plastic and polypropylene bags. PMC has given directives based on the lines of the central govt's order in 2022. The ban has been introduced on wrapping or packaging films around sweet boxes, plastic cutlery, straws, and plastic sticks for balloons and ear buds, invitation cards, cigarette packets, etc. According to PMC officials, the civic administration has been carrying out the drive at 15 ward offices. The squad vehicles are being used at multiple ward offices. But after the induction of 10 more vehicles, each ward office will have one dedicated vehicle. "As more vehicles are available, the civic staff will be able to carry out more actions with the added vehicles. Awareness about public sanitation is being done," said Sandip Kadam, head of PMC's solid waste department. According to citizens, new-age technologies should be used to prevent nuisances such as spitting in public places. "Littering may lead to health hazards. Spitting can lead to spread of airborne diseases. Burning of garbage can also be hazardous to health and environment," said Ketaki Paranjape, a resident of Sinhagad Road. Chinmay Joshi of Katraj said that more manpower should be deployed at locations like markets, traffic signals, and bus stops. "Many private and public establishments have CCTVs near such crowded places. These are being used to catch traffic violators and solve criminal cases. The administration should also keep a watch on people defacing or littering civic areas using these cameras," he said. "After any celebration in the city, the streets lie in squalor. It takes a few days, and sometimes constant follow ups with the ward offices for the litter to be cleared. I have noticed lack of garbage bins along Wanowrie, NIBM Road and Camp, which may be the reason why there is so much litter around," said Shruti Desai, a resident of Wanowrie. As per civic officials, the action is being taken under special solid waste management guidelines approved by PMC in 2016. These guidelines have described a number of offences. These include garbage burning, open defecation, non-segregation of wet and dry garbage, throwing trash in public places, not handing over garbage to ragpickers. Along with the regular action, drives to catch the offenders are also carried out during festive periods. The fine ranges between Rs 200 and Rs 1,000 for each offence. Pune: The civic body plans to step up action against littering in public places by doubling the number of flying squad vehicles. Ten new vehicles will be added to the flying squads, which will catch offenders found violating solid waste management guidelines for public sanitation. Earlier, PMC had only 8 vehicles. Fines will be levied for offences like spitting in public places, using banned plastic, garbage burning, and throwing trash in public areas. Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has filed over 72,000 cases and collected fines of Rs 4 crore from violators since Oct 2023. PMC has confiscated nearly 6,000 kg of banned plastic in a year's time. As per the directives of PMC, manufacturing, importing, stocking, distribution, and sale of single-use plastic has been banned. These items include plastic and polypropylene bags. PMC has given directives based on the lines of the central govt's order in 2022. The ban has been introduced on wrapping or packaging films around sweet boxes, plastic cutlery, straws, and plastic sticks for balloons and ear buds, invitation cards, cigarette packets, etc. According to PMC officials, the civic administration has been carrying out the drive at 15 ward offices. The squad vehicles are being used at multiple ward offices. But after the induction of 10 more vehicles, each ward office will have one dedicated vehicle. "As more vehicles are available, the civic staff will be able to carry out more actions with the added vehicles. Awareness about public sanitation is being done," said Sandip Kadam, head of PMC's solid waste department. According to citizens, new-age technologies should be used to prevent nuisances such as spitting in public places. "Littering may lead to health hazards. Spitting can lead to spread of airborne diseases. Burning of garbage can also be hazardous to health and environment," said Ketaki Paranjape, a resident of Sinhagad Road. Chinmay Joshi of Katraj said that more manpower should be deployed at locations like markets, traffic signals, and bus stops. "Many private and public establishments have CCTVs near such crowded places. These are being used to catch traffic violators and solve criminal cases. The administration should also keep a watch on people defacing or littering civic areas using these cameras," he said. "After any celebration in the city, the streets lie in squalor. It takes a few days, and sometimes constant follow ups with the ward offices for the litter to be cleared. I have noticed lack of garbage bins along Wanowrie, NIBM Road and Camp, which may be the reason why there is so much litter around," said Shruti Desai, a resident of Wanowrie. As per civic officials, the action is being taken under special solid waste management guidelines approved by PMC in 2016. These guidelines have described a number of offences. These include garbage burning, open defecation, non-segregation of wet and dry garbage, throwing trash in public places, not handing over garbage to ragpickers. Along with the regular action, drives to catch the offenders are also carried out during festive periods. The fine ranges between Rs 200 and Rs 1,000 for each offence. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , Location Guesser and Mini Crossword .Here’s How Trump Admin Could Help Crush Censorship IndustrySeattle doctor rushing to do trans surgeries before Trump inauguration slammed in scathing ad campaign
Interim director takes over ITDrop in Boxing Day footfall ‘signals return to declining pre-pandemic levels’Drop in Boxing Day footfall ‘signals return to declining pre-pandemic levels’
RQI: REIT Downturn Makes Pricing More Attractive (Rating Upgrade)QDPL: An Alternative To The 4% Rule For Retirement
Yocan UNI 3.0: Innovation Meets Futurism in Vaping
King Charles joins celebs at Royal Variety Performance without Camilla as Queen recovers from chest infectionEmboldened by the view from the top of the NFC North, the Detroit Lions are out to eliminate nightmare holiday gatherings when the Chicago Bears come to town Thursday for a lunchtime division duel. The Lions (10-1) are streaking one direction, the Bears (4-7) the other in the first matchup of the season between teams on opposite ends of the division. Riding a nine-game winning streak, their longest since a 10-game streak during their first season in Detroit in 1934, the Lions are burdened by losses in their traditional Thanksgiving Day game the past seven seasons. Three of the defeats are courtesy of Chicago. The Bears and Lions get together for the 20th time on Thanksgiving -- the Bears have 11 wins -- this week in the first of two meetings between the teams in a 25-day span. Detroit goes to Soldier Field on Dec. 22. "I think there's two things," Campbell said of the Thanksgiving losing streak. "Number one -- Get a W. And it's a division win that's why this huge. Number two is because the players are going to get a couple of days off. So, they have family, friends in, it'd be nice to feel good about it when you're with everybody because it's just not real fun. It's not real fun to be around." Detroit (10-1) owns the best record in the NFC but the Lions aren't even assured of a division title. Minnesota sits one game behind them and Green Bay is two games back. The Bears (4-7) sit in last place and would likely need to run the table to have any chance of making the playoffs. The Lions have been dominant in all phases and haven't allowed a touchdown in the past 10 consecutive quarters. Detroit's offense ranks first in points per game (32.7) and second in total yardage (394.3) The Lions defense has not given up a touchdown in the last 10 quarters. Rookie placekicker Jake Bates has made all 16 of his field goal attempts, including four from 50-plus yards over the past three games. Chicago shows up in a foul mood. The Bears are saddled with a five-game losing streak and Chicago's defense has been destroyed for nearly 2,000 total yards in the last four games. The Bears failed to reach the 20-point mark four times in five outings since they last won a game. In their latest defeat, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and the offense perked up but they lost to Minnesota in overtime, 30-27. "We have to play complementary football for us to be able to win these games," coach Matt Eberflus said. "The games we have won, we have done that. The games we have been close we've missed the mark a little bit. Over the course of the year, it's been one side or the other, this side or that side. In this league you have to be good on all sides to win. That's what we are searching for." Williams threw for 340 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. The wide receiver trio of DJ Moore, Keenan Allen and Romeo Odunze combined for 21 receptions and two touchdowns while tight end Cole Kmet caught seven passes. "What I've been impressed with is just how he has grown," Campbell said. "He has grown every game but these last two I really feel like he's taken off and what they're doing with him has been really good for him and he just looks very composed. He doesn't get frazzled, plays pretty fast, and he's an accurate passer, big arm, and he's got some guys that can get open for him." Detroit's banged-up secondary could be susceptible against the Bears' veteran receivers in their bid to pull off an upset on Thursday. The Lions put two defensive backs on injured reserve in the past week and top cornerback Carlton Davis isn't expected to play due to knee and thumb injuries. Detroit offensive tackle Taylor Decker (knee) and top returner Kalif Raymond (foot) are also expected to miss the game, though Campbell expressed optimism that running back David Montgomery (shoulder), formerly of the Bears, would play. Bears safety Elijah Hicks was listed as a DNP for Tuesday's walkthrough. --Field Level MediaVanquishing Bears, Thanksgiving losing streak tops Lions' holiday list
Shares of SEGRO PLC .css-321ztr-OverridedLink.css-321ztr-OverridedLink:any-link{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;color:rgba(54,119,168,1);border-bottom:1px solid;border-bottom-color:rgba(54,119,168,1);}.css-321ztr-OverridedLink.css-321ztr-OverridedLink:any-link.css-321ztr-OverridedLink.css-321ztr-OverridedLink:any-link svg{fill:rgba(54,119,168,1);}.css-321ztr-OverridedLink.css-321ztr-OverridedLink:any-link:hover{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;color:rgba(47,112,157,1);border-bottom:1px solid;border-bottom-color:rgba(47,112,157,1);}.css-321ztr-OverridedLink.css-321ztr-OverridedLink:any-link:hover.css-321ztr-OverridedLink.css-321ztr-OverridedLink:any-link:hover svg{fill:rgba(47,112,157,1);} .css-1vykwuz-OverridedLink{display:inline;color:var(--color-interactiveLink010);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}@media screen and (prefers-reduced-motion: no-preference){.css-1vykwuz-OverridedLink{transition-property:color,fill;transition-duration:200ms,200ms;transition-timing-function:cubic-bezier(0, 0, .5, 1),cubic-bezier(0, 0, .5, 1);}}@media screen and (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce){.css-1vykwuz-OverridedLink{transition-property:color,fill;transition-duration:0ms;transition-timing-function:cubic-bezier(0, 0, .5, 1),cubic-bezier(0, 0, .5, 1);}}.css-1vykwuz-OverridedLink svg{fill:var(--color-interactiveLink010);}.css-1vykwuz-OverridedLink:hover:not(:disabled){color:var(--color-interactiveLink020);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1vykwuz-OverridedLink:hover:not(:disabled) svg{fill:var(--color-interactiveLink020);}.css-1vykwuz-OverridedLink:active:not(:disabled){color:var(--color-interactiveLink030);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1vykwuz-OverridedLink:active:not(:disabled) svg{fill:var(--color-interactiveLink030);}.css-1vykwuz-OverridedLink:visited:not(:disabled){color:var(--color-interactiveVisited010);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1vykwuz-OverridedLink:visited:not(:disabled) svg{fill:var(--color-interactiveVisited010);}.css-1vykwuz-OverridedLink:visited:hover:not(:disabled){color:var(--color-interactiveVisited010);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1vykwuz-OverridedLink:visited:hover:not(:disabled) svg{fill:var(--color-interactiveVisited010);}.css-1vykwuz-OverridedLink:focus-visible:not(:disabled){outline-color:var(--outlineColorDefault);outline-style:var(--outlineStyleDefault);outline-width:var(--outlineWidthDefault);outline-offset:var(--outlineOffsetDefault);}@media not all and (min-resolution: 0.001dpcm){@supports (-webkit-appearance: none) and (stroke-color: transparent){.css-1vykwuz-OverridedLink:focus-visible:not(:disabled){outline-style:var(--safariOutlineStyleDefault);}}}.css-1vykwuz-OverridedLink.css-1vykwuz-OverridedLink:any-link{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;color:rgba(54,119,168,1);border-bottom:1px solid;border-bottom-color:rgba(54,119,168,1);}.css-1vykwuz-OverridedLink.css-1vykwuz-OverridedLink:any-link.css-1vykwuz-OverridedLink.css-1vykwuz-OverridedLink:any-link svg{fill:rgba(54,119,168,1);}.css-1vykwuz-OverridedLink.css-1vykwuz-OverridedLink:any-link:hover{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;color:rgba(47,112,157,1);border-bottom:1px solid;border-bottom-color:rgba(47,112,157,1);}.css-1vykwuz-OverridedLink.css-1vykwuz-OverridedLink:any-link:hover.css-1vykwuz-OverridedLink.css-1vykwuz-OverridedLink:any-link:hover svg{fill:rgba(47,112,157,1);} SGRO rallied 2.79% to £7.73 Friday, on what proved to be an all-around positive trading session for the stock market, with the FTSE 100 Index UKX rising 1.38% to 8,262.08.The search tool of OpenAI's ChatGPT might be open to manipulation through the use of hidden talent, besides returning malicious codes from across the websites that it searches, a new investigation has revealed. The research, conducted by The Guardian, tested the AI chatbot's response to a query about summarising the web pages containing hidden content. During the testing, it was found that the hidden content could contain instructions from third parties which can alter its responses. This is also called 'prompt injection'. Also, it may contain content that has been specifically designed to influence the response of the AI chatbot. It must be noted that ChatGPT has been made available to paying customers, while OpenAI has urged users to consider making it their default search tool. What probe suggests Through its research, The Guardian noted that techniques, like prompt injection, can be used maliciously by some people. Giving an example, it stated that this can cause ChatGPT to provide a positive assessment of some product, which otherwise has negative reviews on the same page. "A security researcher has also found that ChatGPT can return malicious code from websites it searches," read the report. Key takeaways During the research, the ChatGPT was provided with a fake website's URL specifically designed to look like a product page for a camera. After being asked whether to buy the camera or not, the AI chatbot in reply gave a "positive but balanced assessment, highlighting some features people might not like," the report noted. The response, however, came out only positive when hidden text included instructions to it to return a favourable review. This was noted even when the page had negative reviews for the product, highlighting how hidden text might get used to "override the actual review score." If the ChatGPT s earch system is released fully in its current state, there is ‘high risk’ of people coming up with websites that are specifically aimed towards deceiving users, said Jacob Larsen, a cybersecurity researcher at CyberCX. Larsen added, “This search functionality has come out (recently) and it’s only available to premium users... “They’ve got a very strong (AI security) team there, and by the time that this has become public, in terms of all users can access it, they will have rigorously tested these kinds of cases".What's the diagnosis for ASX healthcare shares in 2025?
‘Beatles ’64’ Review: David Tedeschi’s Disney+ Doc Sees the British Invasion from the Inside OutAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) in waterways presents a critical threat . If commonly used antibiotics are deemed useless, decades of progress in human medicine and agriculture could be undermined. By 2050, AMR could cause 10 million deaths annually, according to the UN Environment Programme . But AMR is not just a human health issue. It also contributes to a decline in water quality and is exacerbated by water pollution, particularly from sources such as sewage and agricultural runoff. So, it’s a significant environmental concern with far-reaching implications. Addressing AMR in water is challenging because water systems are complex and can carry many different types of resistant bacteria. The lack of efficient, scalable and globally accessible methods to monitor AMR in water makes it difficult to mitigate this growing threat. I recently published a review in the Sustainable Microbiology journal that identifies key trends in AMR detection methods and highlights significant gaps. Rivers, lakes and wastewater systems around the world act as reservoirs and pathways for resistant superbugs and their genes, allowing AMR to spread across ecosystems, affecting wildlife, agriculture and human populations. River water is the most studied source of water samples, making up 42% of AMR-related research studies. Other water sources, including lakes and wastewater, may also play a key role in spreading resistant genes but, without detailed analysis, will remain misunderstood. Most AMR research comes from three countries: the US (17%), China (10%) and Brazil (9%). This shows where the focus is, but many other regions, especially low-income countries, are not well studied. This is concerning because AMR may be even more serious in these areas, yet data is lacking. To detect AMR, scientists primarily use two advanced molecular methods: polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (used in 57% of studies) and metagenomics (27%), alongside traditional culture-based methods that involve growing bacteria in a lab. Culture-based methods are simpler and cheaper than molecular methods but cannot be used onsite. They also can’t detect dead bacteria or hidden resistance genes. PCR amplifies specific DNA sequences for detection and can be used to identify specific bacteria. Metagenomics is a technique that analyses all of the genetic material from entire microbial communities within a sample, offering a broader perspective. These advanced methods are better at detecting AMR in rivers, lakes and oceans. They can find both known and new types of resistance, making them more useful for thorough monitoring. In Brazil , scientists used metagenomics to search for all of the different resistance genes present in waterways in different cities. This technique can detect patterns of resistance that regular tests can’t. While these methods are time-consuming and complicated (because they need specialised equipment and trained staff) and can be expensive, costing thousands of euros, they could be used more widely if funding is available. This would help track antibiotic resistance around the world, making it easier to find and fight. One Europe-wide study shows that culture methods failed to find all the resistance genes in contaminated river systems in ten countries, while advanced metagenomic techniques were able to identify them. So, molecular tools are crucial for understanding the true extent of AMR. My review shows a shift towards molecular techniques as the gold standard for AMR detection. It highlights the inadequacies of traditional culture-based methods and the need for integrated approaches that combine molecular techniques such as PCR (for detecting specific resistance genes) with metagenomics (for broader microbial community analysis). For example, wastewater monitoring programs could use PCR to quickly identify key resistance genes in hotspots while employing metagenomics to map the diversity of resistant organisms. This would offer a more balanced approach that optimises cost, efficiency, and accessibility. A hybrid approach By mapping global research efforts, I identified underrepresented regions such as sub-Saharan Africa and southeast Asia. I also found that certain water sources were underrepresented, particularly rivers in low-income countries. Without more equitable and comprehensive AMR surveillance, those will not be accounted for. To make accurate AMR detection more accessible to all, hybrid approaches that combine the comprehensive detection capabilities of molecular methods with the affordability of culture-based methods will be essential. Governments around the world must prioritise investments in technologies that are not only scientifically robust but also economically viable, particularly for low- and middle-income countries. New methods such as PCR and metagenomics can help us fight the spread of drug resistance. If we can make these methods cheaper and easier to use it could help us manage wastewater better, improve global tracking of drug resistance and make decisions that protect both people and the environment from superbugs. Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like? Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 40,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.Doha Forum: Experts Call For Turning AI Into Tool For Benefit Of Humanity
OTTAWA — Peter Anholt tried to keep things light as he emerged from one of the elevators at Canada’s hotel. The temperature had been turned way up on the veteran hockey executive and the country’s under-20 program after a stunning upset some 12 hours earlier. “You only want to talk to me when things are bad, eh?” Anholt joked to reporters Saturday morning. “Is that how this works?” That is indeed what happens when a powerhouse with a record 20 gold medals expected to roll over an opponent suffers one of its worst all-time defeats at the tournament. Canada was embarrassed on home soil 3-2 by Latvia — a country it had thumped by a combined 41-4 score across four previous meetings — in a shocking shootout Friday. Coming off a disastrous fifth-place finish last year in Sweden and having talked a lot about upping their compete level and preparation, the Canadians looked disjointed for long stretches against the plucky, hard-working Latvians. The power play finally clicked late in the third period, but stands at 1-for-7 through two games, while the top line of Easton Cowan, Calum Ritchie and Bradly Nadeau has yet to translate its pre-tournament chemistry into success in the spotlight. “We’re certainly trying to problem solve, but not throw the baby out with the bath water,” said Anholt, who heads the world junior setup. “We’ve got to be really careful.” Canada, which picked up a solid 4-0 victory over Finland to open its tournament Thursday, had plenty of offensive zone time and directed 57 shots at Latvian goaltender Linards Feldbergs. Included in that total, however, were far too many one-and-done efforts from the perimeter with little traffic in front. There were, of course, desperate spurts — especially late in regulation and in 3-on-3 overtime — but not nearly enough for a roster peppered with first-round NHL draft picks and top prospects. “We played really, really hard,” Anholt said in defending his players. “We controlled the puck lots. We created some chances. Their goalie was really good and they defended really good ... 99 times out of 100 we win that game.” Hoping for a big response Sunday against Germany before meeting the United States on New Year’s Eve to tie a bow on round-robin action in Group A, Canada will have to push ahead minus one of its best players. Star defenceman Matthew Schaefer was injured Friday and is done for the tournament after he slammed into Latvia’s net and skated off favouring his left shoulder area. “Tough blow for the kid,” Anholt said. “The way he plays the game, he plays it at such a high speed.” Cowan, a Toronto Maple Leafs first-round selection, said Canada remains confident despite Friday’s ugly result in the nation’s capital. “We’re good,” said the 19-year-old from Mount Brydges, Ont. “Everyone’s lost a hockey game before.” But not like that — or to that opponent on that stage. “Bit of a (crappy) feeling,” said Nadeau, a Carolina Hurricanes prospect from St-Francois-de-Madawaska, N.B. “We all know what this group is capable of. Losing that game is not our standard. “We’ll bounce back.” Some corners of social media exploded following the Latvian debacle, with heavy criticism directed at head coach Dave Cameron and the team’s overall roster construction. “We’re not really worried about it,” defenceman and Ottawa native Oliver Book, who like Cowan is back from last year’s team, said of the outside noise. “We know we didn’t play well.” Canada appears poised to mix things up against the Germans. Vancouver Canucks prospect Sawyer Mynio of Kamloops, B.C., is set draw in for Schaefer, while Anholt indicated there’s a good chance forward Carson Rehkopf will get his first crack at the 2025 tournament as a returnee. The 19-year-old Seattle Kraken second-round pick from Vaughan, Ont., has scored a combined 78 goals over his last 97 regular-season and playoff games in the Ontario Hockey League. “Great player,” Cowan said. “He finds ways.” Anholt said taking a big-picture approach is key in challenging moments. “Let’s not panic,” he said. “The world hasn’t fallen in. It’s hard, but we’ll learn from it.” It’s something Canada will have to do under intense scrutiny. “People are gonna love you and people are gonna hate you,” said Cowan, who has a goal an assist through two games. “Gotta keep doing you.” Anholt, who was also at the helm 12 months ago when Canada never got in gear, isn’t getting 2024 vibes from this year’s group. “Not even in any way, shape or form,” he said. “We’ve just got to take care of business.” They get a first shot at redemption Sunday.Interview : Eli Belotsercovsky: “One of my main tasks was to see how we can strengthen our relationship with Mauritius”Canada's financial intelligence agency aiming to provide crucial info in real time
Texas Instruments announces award agreement for CHIPS and Science Act fundingBOSTON — By the end of a game that is supposed to be a reward for a season well played, North Carolina looked like a football program in such perilous straits it would be willing to pay someone like Bill Belichick something like $50 million to fix things. QED. As the new coach might say, the Tar Heels are on to Belichick. Saturday’s 27-14 loss to Connecticut in the Fenway Bowl started poorly and fizzled to the end, not unlike the Tar Heels’ season, one that began with reasonable optimism and a win at Minnesota before descending into a series of trials and tribulations that saw Mack Brown fired before the regular season was over en route to a 6-7 finish and fifth straight bowl loss. On Friday, J.J. Jones took pains to make sure Brown wasn’t forgotten, reminding people that he was the reason why every player on the roster was here even if things hadn’t worked out the way they had planned. But just as Brown’s final game at North Carolina saw N.C. State dancing on the Kenan Stadium turf instead, the season’s final game under interim coach Freddie Kitchens — who will remain on Belichick’s new staff — was nothing to remember. “It’s a disappointing result for us,” Kitchens said. “I thought our guys kept fighting all the way to the very end. We just kind of ran out of time there but we never gave up. These guys have been through a lot these last three weeks. The ability to show up for work every day has been unbelievable to see with these guys. I commend them for everything they’ve done these last few weeks.” With all the injuries and critical opt-outs, including offensive lineman Willie Lampkin on the eve of the game after practicing all month, the Tar Heels weren’t exactly at full strength to start. When quarterback Jacolby Criswell went down clutching at his shoulder after a seven-yard scramble in the first quarter, they were left with true freshman Michael Merdinger, who not only had yet to take a snap this season but is currently in the transfer portal. It took North Carolina 29 minutes and 37 seconds to achieve a first down, and only Chris Culliver’s 95-yard kickoff return prevented a first-half shutout. By the time UNC figured out, midway through the fourth quarter, that its best offensive play was a direct snap to running back Caleb Hood — a quarterback in high school who became, essentially, the Tar Heels’ fifth quarterback of the season — it was too late for anything but a consolation touchdown pass to John Copenhaver. That 17-yard strike from the Richmond County product was the third completion and first passing TD of Hood’s career, to go with two rushing and one receiving, and Copenhaver’s 10th and final TD catch at UNC. Of the Tar Heels’ 206 yards of offense, 139 came in the fourth quarter. Still, not only was this postscript to the Brown Era a third straight loss — and UNC’s second debacle in the Boston area in six weeks — it ended the Triangle’s football winning streak against UConn, a seven-game run going back 17 years to Duke’s 45-14 home loss to open a 1-11 season. Kitchens is now the other half of the answer to a trivia question, with Ted Roof. The ACC also had won the first two editions of the Fenway Bowl, a run noted on the manual scoreboard on the Green Monster, one of several nice touches that capitalized on the historic venue. (Although they don’t dump clam chowder on the winning coach. Yet.) Which is good, because the football wasn’t particularly picturesque. Connecticut opened with a leadoff double to right — a 47-yard run down the first-base line on the first play from scrimmage — and never really looked back. Defense, in a statement that tests the bounds of obvious, was never this North Carolina’s team strength. Shorn of offense with Criswell hurt and Omarion Hampton preparing for the draft, the Tar Heels struggled to keep up. Any thoughts Jones and others might have harbored of winning one for Mack evaporated quickly on both sides of the ball. “At the end of the day, we need to do a little better than that, in my opinion,” defensive lineman Beau Atkinson said. You could say things didn’t end well, but they rarely do. A program in dramatic transition looked very much the part on Saturday. The players probably deserved better than this, for sticking it out to the bitter end of a season racked with disappointment and loss, but even their minds were clearly preoccupied with what happens next, whether that’s in Chapel Hill or elsewhere. Why wouldn’t they be? They’re only human. “I’m definitely ready for the offseason now that this game is over,” said Atkinson, who is eligible to return. “And just ready to go to work and try to get me and the rest of the D-line and this defense as a whole better. That’s my main focus now.” If they weren’t looking forward before, there’s nothing else left now. The final punctuation has been applied to Brown’s second stint at UNC. It’s officially the Belichick Era. They’re on to TCU. ©2024 The News & Observer. Visit at newsobserver.com . Distributed at Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
OTTAWA — Here's how notable Canadian politicians and business groups are reacting to U.S. president-elect's threat to impose a 25 per cent tariff on all goods coming from Canada: "The fact is we need them, and they also need us. Canada is the largest market for the U.S. in the world, larger than China, Japan, the U.K. and France combined." "This is a moment when Canada needs to be united. We need to be strong, and we need to be smart." Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland ——— "I'm calling on Prime Minister Trudeau to put partisanship aside, and in the spirit of Team Canada, to accept that he cannot go ahead with quadrupling the carbon tax to 61 cents a litre." "Next, he has to cancel all tax increases; tax increases on work, investment and making stuff in Canada." "I don't want to stop drug overdoses to please Donald Trump. I want to stop drug overdoses so that there's not one more mother with her face buried in a pillow, sobbing that she just lost her kid." Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre ——— "We want to have a strong Team Canada, Team Manitoba approach to incoming U.S. administration. This is our most important ally and our biggest trading partner by far." "It would mean a recession for our province. We can't have that happening, especially as we're starting to make progress on health care, education and making a lot of good investments. We want to keep that momentum going." "First and foremost, hitting that target of two per cent spending on defence. That gets us in the game just to be taken seriously as a security partner with the U.S. If we don't do it, it's going to become a trade problem." Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew ——— "We buy more American stuff than France, than China and Japan and the United Kingdom combined. So, we are negotiating, I believe, from a position of strength. But also Americans are dependent on what we produce." B.C. Premier David Eby ——— "It's like a family member stabbing you right in the heart." "To compare us to Mexico is the most insulting thing I've ever heard from our friends and closest allies, the United States of America." "A message to president-elect Trump: there's no closer ally, there's no other country in the world that has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with our American counterparts, our friends, our family." Ontario Premier Doug Ford ——— "The incoming U.S. administration has valid concerns related to illegal activities at our shared border. We are calling on the federal government to work with the incoming administration to resolve these issues immediately, thereby avoiding any unnecessary tariffs on Canadian exports to the U.S." Alberta Premier Danielle Smith ——— "We have, from Quebec to (the) United States, $87 billion of exportation and only $43 billion of importation. So we cannot start a war and we have to do everything we can to not have these tariffs." Quebec Premier François Legault ——— "Imposing tariffs wouldn't just harm Canada's economy — it would also hurt U.S. manufacturers by increasing their costs and disrupting the deeply integrated supply chains that make North American manufacturing globally competitive." Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters ——— "Being America's 'nice neighbour' won't get us anywhere in this situation. President-elect Trump's intention to impose 25 per cent tariffs signals that the U.S.-Canada trade relationship is no longer about mutual benefit. To him, it's about winners and losers — with Canada on the losing end." "We're facing a significant shift in the relationship between longstanding allies. Canada's signature approach needs to evolve: we must be prepared to take a couple of punches if we're going to stake out our position. It's time to trade 'sorry' for 'sorry, not sorry.'" Candace Laing, Canadian Chamber of Commerce president and CEO ——— "The damage from such tariffs will not stop at the workplace. Families will feel the economic strain, and entire communities will suffer as good jobs disappear and opportunities shrink. This is not just a trade issue; it’s about protecting the future of workers and their families." "In the long term, the government must focus on a new industrial strategy for Canada to protect our workers from the whims of any U.S. administration. We call on the government to send a clear message: we will not let our workers and industries become collateral damage, we will stand strong, act boldly, and prioritize Canadian workers." Bea Bruske, Canadian Labour Congress president ——— This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 26, 2024. Nojoud Al Mallees, The Canadian Press
So ends one of the wildest weeks in recent memory for the Nebraska football program. The one-week overlap of high school recruiting, transfer portal entries, coaching changes and bowl game decisions meant there were highs and lows for Nebraska fans to go through — but the program’s leader wasn’t bothered by the departures and changes that hit the Huskers. “If we have good players and we have good coaches, then people are gonna come try to get them,” Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule said on Wednesday. “If no one’s trying to take our players, it means we’re in trouble.” With news to break down in each of those areas, let’s drop into coverage: Nebraska’s defensive coaching staff will look much different in 2025 compared to 2024, but Rhule is hopeful that the defense itself won’t change much. Defensive coordinator Tony White is off to Florida State and has taken defensive line coach Terrance Knighton with him, a major blow to a Nebraska defense that ranked inside the top 20 nationally each of the last two seasons. Knighton was one of Rhule’s best hires for his initial Nebraska coaching staff. The defensive line, presumed to be a question mark in 2023, instead became a strength of the team. Players like Ty Robinson and Nash Hutmacher reached new heights under Knighton’s coaching, while several young Huskers also made an impact up front. There’s plenty of returning talent in the defensive line room even after some roster turnover, but NU’s next defensive line coach will have big expectations to continue Knighton’s good work at the position. As for White, he implemented his 3-3-5 scheme to great success a year ago, but Nebraska lined up slightly differently this fall with a four-man rush utilized far more often than in 2023. He’ll be a good fit at Florida State, while Nebraska has turned to John Butler in the interim to lead its defense. There’s no doubting Butler’s pedigree as a former NFL defensive mind, and his influence showed up in the way the Nebraska defense operated this season. Whether it’s Butler or an external hire who leads the Nebraska defense next season, continuity on that side of the ball is the expectation. “The defense isn’t going to change, but the offense is going to be better,” Rhule said. That optimism is underscored by the return of Dana Holgorsen as Nebraska’s offensive coordinator. Having brought in his own wide receivers coach, Daikiel Shorts Jr., Holgorsen will begin transforming the Nebraska offense this spring after the team’s bowl game. Nebraska signed a 20-player recruiting class on Wednesday that is loaded with talent across the board. While recruits can still sign with teams in February, expect Nebraska to be finished along the recruiting trail — and that means it’s time to take stock of the players in its 2025 recruiting class. Here are five of those signees who should impact the long-term future of the Husker football team. First up is linebacker Dawson Merritt. The highest-ranked signee in NU’s 2025 class was an Alabama commit for a reason, and it’s because the pass-rushing potential he shows. Set to be an off-ball linebacker and hybrid edge rusher at Nebraska, Merritt is the type of player who can make an impact early in his collegiate career. If he reaches his long-term potential, Merritt should be an NFL prospect when he leaves Nebraska. Nebraska also landed a top playmaking prospect in wide receiver Cortez Mills. Another wide receiver recruit, Isaiah Mozee, will provide an impact — but Mills is the all-around prospect who could dominate targets in a year or two’s time. The fast, athletic pass-catcher knows how to run himself open against coverage and excels at winning in one-on-one situations. Quarterback Dylan Raiola will like playing with Mills. In the secondary, cornerback Bryson Webber should be a starter down the road. His status as a former wide receiver gives him the ball skills Nebraska is after the spot, and Webber’s long, athletic frame will help him against opposing wide receivers. He may not be a day-one starter at cornerback, but Webber will make the position his own in the years which follow. Another explosive playmaker on offense is running back Jamarion Parker. Having signed alongside Bishop Neumann’s Conor Booth, Parker could be the lightning to Booth’s thunder as a one-two running back punch in the years which follow. A big-play threat and tough runner, Parker is an all-around talent who Nebraska and Holgorsen will find a way to utilize. The final pick is linebacker Christian Jones. Hard-nosed, athletic inside linebackers are hard to come by, but Jones is one of the rare few who could have a future at the position. He’s a top athlete who could push for playing time early in his career. For those interested, here are the five players I identified from NU’s 2024 class one year ago: Dylan Raiola, Carter Nelson, Willis McGahee IV, Mario Buford and Grant Brix. While Jacory Barney Jr. is a notable miss from that list, all but Brix played in at least 10 games and had an impact as freshmen. Nebraska’s transfer portal entrants have begun trickling out, and there will be many more which follow as a result of the 105-player roster limit teams must abide with next season. Many of the toughest departures to stomach have come on defense, where a veteran-heavy group will look much different in terms of its personnel next season. Defensive lineman Jimari Butler, a two-year starter at the position, has decided to move on. So have linebackers Mikai Gbayor and Stefon Thompson — who might’ve been starters next season — and rising young defenders Princewill Umanmielen, James Williams and Kai Wallin. Williams, Wallin and Umanmielen were all impactful defenders for Nebraska this fall, but their status as pass-rushing specialists still left room for improvement as all-around defenders. Butler and Gbayor, however, would’ve been pegged as no-doubt veteran starters, so their choice to move on will impact NU’s defensive strength. No entry was more surprising than that of running back Emmett Johnson, a player who emerged as NU’s top rusher late in the 2024 season. The up-and-down nature of Johnson’s Nebraska career — he showed flashes down the stretch in 2023 and was hardly utilized this fall prior to Holgorsen taking over — may have impacted his decision to seek out a new opportunity. Nebraska’s transfer portal targets will become clearer in the coming days, but one player has already stated his interest in the Huskers. Fresno State linebacker Phoenix Jackson, a multi-year starter at the position, announced on social media that Auburn, Indiana, Nebraska and SMU are the four teams he’s considering transferring to. Prior to learning its bowl opponent, Nebraska had a light week of practice before things get intense later this month. The Huskers practiced on Tuesday and Thursday last week with its veterans sitting out as younger players got reps in front of their coaches instead. Rhule said he expects Nebraska to practice from Tuesday to Thursday this week, with another day on Saturday during which the Huskers could bring transfer portal visitors to campus. “Being in bowl practice right now is exactly what this team needs, exactly what we need moving forward,” Rhule said. “I saw guys practice (Tuesday) and look like I haven’t seen them look all year.” After his firing at Nebraska, former head coach Scott Frost didn’t need to rush into his next coaching job, instead waiting for a situation and school that made sense for him. While it didn’t work out in Lincoln, there’s no denying the success Frost had at UCF. The in-state talent around the school and Frost’s offense made for a great fit, even if he only had two seasons to show it. The Knights are no longer in the AAC, though, instead having moved to a new-look Big 12 which has the makings of a difficult conference. It’s a good fit for Frost, but there’ll still be an element of pressure for him to deliver results and show that he can rebuild the program once again. Get local news delivered to your inbox!
