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Is Enron back? If it’s a joke, some former employees aren’t laughing
Support for the arts is in decline, which is detrimental to kids and our futureBiden says Assad’s fall in Syria is a ’fundamental act of justice,’ but ’a moment of risk’There’s no better time or opportunity to show how much better they are than this Sunday. That’s when the Bills (10-3) travel to play the NFC-leading Detroit Lions (12-1), who just happen to lead the NFL in scoring and feature the same dynamic style of offense as the Rams. “I think our mindset is just going to be attack,” Johnson said after practice Wednesday. “We can’t wait to play Sunday just to prove people wrong and prove to ourselves that how we played wasn’t who we are.” The Bills acknowledge having several excuses to lean on for why they unraveled in a 44-42 loss — riding a little too high after a division-clinching win, a cross-country trip and facing a more driven opponent in the thick of a playoff race. What’s unacceptable is the hesitancy their usually reliable defensive backs showed in coverage and the lack of pressure applied by their defensive front. The bright side is the substandard performance potentially serving as a late-season reminder of this not being the time to let their foot off the gas. “A lot of teams have scars on their way to having a darn good season. And we’re having a darn good season,” coach Sean McDermott said. “So what has to be in front of us this week is the opportunity that’s in front of us, quite frankly, to challenge that team,” he added, referring to Detroit. “You better bring your heart, you better bring your guts, you better put it on the line.” With a little bit of added fire, the Bills are going back to the basics on defense following an outing in which very little went right. The defense was off-balance from the start in being unable to stop the run, before eventually being picked apart in the passing game while allowing the Rams to score on each of their first six drives (not including a kneel-down to close the first half) in building a 38-21 lead. The most frustrating part was Buffalo’s inability to get off the field while allowing the Rams to convert 11 of 15 third-down chances. LA’s 73.3% third-down conversion rate was the third highest against Buffalo — and worst since Miami converted 75% of its chances in 1986 — since the stat was introduced to NFL gamebooks in 1973. “The recipe to lose a football game is what we did (Sunday) and it starts with me, first and foremost,” defensive coordinator Bobby Babich said Monday. “Move on and let it not happen again. Let it be a learning lesson. Failure is the best teacher.” The challenge is preparing for an exceptionally balanced Lions offense that ranks fourth in the NFL in both rushing and passing, and averaging 32.1 points per outing. The objective, McDermott said, is to not overcorrect but stick to the fundamentals that led to Buffalo winning seven straight before losing to Los Angeles. He placed an emphasis on winning at the line of scrimmage and forcing takeaways, something Buffalo failed to do last weekend for the first time this season. A little more urgency, would help, too. “It is a mentality. It is an attitude, and if you want to play good defense, that’s where it starts,” McDermott said. “There’s not a lot of shortcuts or ways around it. It’s got to be a mentality.” The message resonated even on offense, where quarterback Josh Allen nearly rallied the Bills to victory while becoming the NFL’s first player to throw three touchdown passes and rush for three more scores. “It was a case of you saw a team that’s fighting for their lives to try to make the playoffs in the Los Angeles Rams, and they came out ready to play. And maybe we didn’t have that type of urgency,” Allen said. “It forces us to know that we’ve got to be better. We know that.” LB Baylon Spector (calf) and DE Dawuane Smoot (wrist) returned to practice Wednesday, opening their 21-day windows to be activated off IR. ... Starting CB Rasul Douglas did not practice and could miss time after hurting his knee on Sunday. ... Buffalo has until this weekend to determine whether to activate OL Tylan Grable (groin) off IR.
Manmohan Singh's contributions transformed India, says CWC Resolution
Chef Tommy Banks, a Michelin-starred chef based in northeast England, urged the thieves who stole his work van — along with approximately 2,500 pies worth $32,000 — to embrace the holiday spirit and at least deliver the pies to help feed those in need. According to , Banks' refrigerated van was loaded with pies, bound for a Christmas market and left to charge overnight. When a colleague arrived in the morning to deliver the pies, the van was gone. Commercial real estate has beaten the stock market for 25 years — here's how savvy investors can Car insurance premiums in America are through the roof — and only getting worse. But less than 2 minutes can 5 minutes could — with no medical exam or blood test "I know you're a criminal, but maybe just do something nice because it's Christmas and maybe we could feed a few thousand people with these pies that you stole," Banks said in an Instagram video. CBS News reported that the North Yorkshire Police said the stolen van was later found abandoned more than 30 miles away from where it was taken. Banks had hoped the thieves would deliver the pies to a community center, shelter or somewhere where they could feed people in need rather than going to waste. But he they ended up being a write-off. With this sentiment in mind, here are a few ways to do your part over the holidays. Chef Tommy Banks' plea to the thieves who stole his meat pies serves as a reminder of the spirit of giving during the holiday season. While most of us won’t find ourselves in possession of 2,500 meat pies, we can all find ways to contribute. Here are three meaningful ways to give back this holiday season, some of which can even align with your financial goals. Donating to food banks can directly help people in your community. Food banks often see higher demand during the holidays, and donations of non-perishable items can make a big difference. suggests donating canned soups and stews, peanut butter, rice, pasta and canned beans. Specialty items like olive oil, salad dressings and marinades can also be helpful as long as the items don't require refrigeration. The organization also suggests asking if your local bank accepts personal care products and cleaning supplies, such as shampoo, soap, paper towels and bathroom cleaner, since those items often aren't covered by food assistance programs like . Cost-of-living in America is still out of control — If you can't donate money or purchase items, consider giving the gift of your time. Volunteering at a shelter or a community center is one of the most rewarding ways to give back to your community, and it won't cost you a dime. Many organizations need extra hands during the holidays to sort donations, distribute food or deliver holiday meals. Volunteering is also a great way to model generosity to kids and show the holidays aren't just about material gifts. If you're in a position to give financially, consider funding microloans through platforms like . Microloan platforms support small business owners and entrepreneurs, often in less developed economies. Loaning a small amount can help lift up entire communities by providing jobs and income. When the loan is repaid, you can reinvest those funds to help even more people. During the holidays, some platforms match donations, which can help your loan go even further. Finally, don't underestimate the power of small acts of kindness during the holiday season. Offering a ride to someone in need, sharing baked goods or shoveling a driveway for a neighbor can brighten someone's day while keeping your spending in check. Car insurance in America now costs a stunning $2,329/year on average — — most of which you can complete in just minutes Over 90% of Americans fall short of retiring with at least $1 million — here’sMarvell Technology, Inc. Reports Third Quarter of Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Results
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Tennessee has a new execution method, a single injection of pentobarbitalThe grand reopening of Notre Dame cathedral in Paris on Saturday was expected to be attended by around 50 heads of state and government. Joe Biden was not there to admire the magnificent splendour of the 850-year-old place of worship. But . The role reversal neatly symbolises how power is draining from one man to the other. Biden, now a lame duck, appears to be in decline both physically and politically, fading from America’s national stage and tarnishing his legacy with a pardon for his errant son. Trump, however, is already dominating the Washington agenda more than 40 days before he takes the oath of office. He has grabbed attention with and policy pronouncements. He has begun flexing his muscles with world leaders. To many Americans, it feels like he is president again already. “Biden’s presidency is ending with a series of whimpers rather than a bang and it feels like he’s shrinking into irrelevance as Trump is asserting himself,” said , a conservative author and broadcaster. “If you’re a foreign leader, you may talk to Biden out of politeness but you’re going to listen to Trump out of naked self-interest.” Traditionally, the US has only one president at a time in both practice and spirit. But since defeating Biden’s vice-president, Kamala Harris, in last month’s election, Trump has effectively set up a shadow presidency at Mar-a-Lago, his club in Florida long dubbed his “winter White House”. He’s already engaging with foreign leaders. His threat of 25% tariffs – taxes on foreign imports - led Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau to rush to Mar-a-Lago with a promise of . Trump also said Mexico had agreed to close its border, a claim contradicted by the Mexican president, Claudia Sheinbaum. Just as in his first term, Trump can shape affairs and move markets with a single social media post. He sent shares of US Steel down by writing on Truth Social that he would its proposed acquisition by Japanese-owned Nippon Steel. Mike Waltz, Trump’s pick for national security adviser, has credited Trump with bringing Israel and Lebanon to the negotiating table, although some have said there is no evidence that Trump had any direct involvement. The president-elect vowed “ ” if Gaza hostages were not released before his inauguration. Meanwhile, he is capitalising on the strong stock market, claiming it as a victory for his policies, and taking credit for the the reversal of diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) initiatives at companies such as Walmart. On Monday, the Trump transition team issued : “Promises Kept – And President Trump Hasn’t Even Been Inaugurated Yet.” It argued that Trump, who still has no official powers, is already securing the border, working towards international peace, propelling economic growth and dismantling “divisive, unchecked DEI”. Critics point out that economic indicators – including the stock market – have been trending in the right direction for a long time, while recent dramas in South Korea, Syria and Ukraine cast doubt on the notion that Trump’s “peace through strength” mantra is already paying dividends. Even so, Trump and his team are once again proving they can sell a narrative that suits them. , president of JoinTheUnion.us, a pro-democracy coalition, said: “It’s a combination of Trumpian bravado, further or final dismantling of whatever processes we took for granted for too long and their instinctual and maybe even unconscious ability to occupy a vacuum when they feel one.” He added: “If Biden’s going to spend most of his time overseas and do very little in the way of pushing back on this stuff, they’re going to take all the ground that’s ceded to them. Call it Maga, call it the 21st-century Republican party – if they see an opportunity, they take it. “They don’t worry about the outcome. They don’t worry about the consequences. They don’t worry about somebody saying, you can’t do that, you shouldn’t do that. They’re like, we’re going to go do it and good luck trying to stop us. Clearly, it spooked Trudeau enough to go flying to Mar-a-Lago.” In theory, Trump’s conversations with world leaders could violate the Logan Act, a federal statute prohibiting unauthorised private diplomacy with foreign nations. But only one person has ever been indicted for breaching it – and did not lead to a prosecution. Legal experts do not expect Trump to fall foul of it now. His actions do represent a break from past norms, however. Presidents-elect tend to maintain a respectful distance from the incumbent until it is their turn to occupy the White House. Franklin Roosevelt an invitation from the man he beat, Herbert Hoover, to take part a joint effort to pull the economy out of the Great Depression. , director of the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia, said: “I’m old enough to remember when presidents-elect disappeared. I don’t think we saw Kennedy three times except going to church back in the late fall of 1960. “Reagan appeared once in public after the election; they caught him going into a store for supplies or something. That’s what was expected. You didn’t interfere with your predecessor because he was still president.” But perception of Trump’s authority has been accelerated by Biden’s shrivelling influence. This week, Biden became the first sitting US president to visit Angola and the first since Barack Obama in 2015 to set foot in Africa. His speech received little coverage and has on the White House’s official YouTube channel. Biden, 82, is also facing fierce criticism from fellow Democrats for over federal crimes after previously pledging that he would not. Some regard it as a vote of no confidence in the justice system that Biden vowed to protect – and a gift to Trump in his ongoing efforts to undermine democratic institutions. The : “A Biden friend said the president seems older by the day — slower in walk, more halting in talk. To some Biden loyalists, his decline is a sad metaphor for his presidency: He started strong but will finish diminished.” By contrast, Trump, 78, is once again dominating headlines with a frenzy of round-the-clock social media posts and controversies. One cabinet pick had to withdraw due to sexual misconduct allegations; another is teetering because of claims he assaulted women and abused alcohol; a third presents to intelligence experts because of her willingness to believe conspiracy theories. The growing prominence of , the world’s richest man, also has nerves jangling. For Washington, there is a sense that the circus is back in town – or perhaps it never went away. Sykes, author of How the Right Lost Its Mind, said: “It feels like a continuation of the last four years where, even though Joe Biden has been the president, Donald Trump has felt like he was a politically dominating force for so long. “Unfortunately, when people look back on the Biden presidency, they’re going to comment on how low-profile and low-key Biden was in comparison to the man that he defeated. I’m not sure that there’s any historical parallel for that. The Trump show has been ongoing and sucking up all the oxygen for nearly a decade now.”
Vikings staying on track and in control behind Sam Darnold's composure and confidence
Sprawled out on the turf at his home stadium on homecoming, Brett Gabbert wondered if this was it. The fifth-year senior at Miami (Ohio) had suffered a horrific injury, breaking the tibia and fibula in his right leg against Toledo on Oct. 21, 2023. Michael Lev is a senior writer/columnist for the Arizona Daily Star , Tucson.com and The Wildcaster . “The most gruesome thing I’ve ever been a part of,” RedHawks coach Chuck Martin recalled. Martin tried to comfort his veteran quarterback as trainers and medical personnel surrounded him. The scene was surreal. Gabbert was in agony. “I remember laying on the field,” he said. “I was like, ‘Dang, this is really how I’m gonna go out?’” It wasn’t how Gabbert wanted his story to end. He already had come back from a broken left collarbone and a severe ankle sprain. He’d come back to Miami after a brief stint in the transfer portal to finish his career there the right way. This wasn’t that. So Gabbert decided to go for it. One more comeback. One final season of college football. Miami (Ohio) quarterback Brett Gabbert looks to throw a pass during the first half against Notre Dame on Sept. 21, 2024, in South Bend, Ind. Gabbert was back on the field less than a year after suffering a broken leg vs. Toledo. Despite the pain and frustration — hurdles both physical and psychological — Gabbert made it through to the other side. He started all 13 games this season for the RedHawks, and he’s about to make it 14 when Miami faces Colorado State in the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl on Saturday. As he practiced with his teammates Thursday morning at Arizona Stadium — flinging passes all over the yard — Gabbert wore a long white sleeve on his right leg. It was the only sign of the trauma he’d endured. ‘Like a war movie’ Miami trailed Toledo 21-10 late in the third quarter, but the RedHawks were on the doorstep. They faced second-and-goal from the 2-yard line. The call was a QB run. “I’m running into D-lineman, a bunch of big guys, O-line. It’s a big pileup,” Gabbert said. “My leg got caught, and I got bent backwards. Unfortunately, my tibia and fibula snapped.” Toledo defensive tackle Judge Culpepper, listed at 6-4, 293 pounds, got credited with the tackle. Gabbert is listed at 6 feet, 210. Teammates show their support for Miami (Ohio) QB Brett Gabbert, who needed surgery to repair a broken leg suffered against Toledo on Oct. 21, 2023. This was an uncommonly bad injury. Think Joe Theismann. Or Alex Smith. The kind of injury they show only once on TV. The kind that can end a career. “I was sitting there on the field trying not to look at it, holding his hand,” Martin said. “He was screaming. It was like a war movie.” In that moment, Gabbert was ready to walk away — metaphorically, at least. No one, including his coach, would have blamed him if he had. “‘I’m done. I can’t do this anymore,’” Martin recalled Gabbert saying as his leg was being cleaned, set and air-casted. “I’m like, ‘I’m with you, brother.’” When healthy, Gabbert had been Miami’s starter since 2019. That year, the younger brother of longtime NFL quarterback Blaine Gabbert became the first true freshman to start a season opener at quarterback in program history. He was named the MAC Freshman of the Year. Miami (Ohio) quarterback Blaine Gabbert gives a thumbs up after undergoing successful surgery to repair a broken right leg suffered against Toledo on Oct. 21, 2023. Because the pandemic season of 2020 didn’t count, and he appeared in only four games in 2022 (collarbone, ankle), Brett Gabbert had one more year of eligibility. But as the next several weeks unfolded, he wasn’t feeling it. “I was bedridden for probably three weeks,” Gabbert said. “I couldn’t move my leg. I’m in a wheelchair. ... I wasn’t even using crutches yet. I was pretty much helpless. I couldn’t do anything on my own. That was probably the hardest part.” Gabbert had all but made up his mind that his football-playing days were over. Then “someone special” sent him an inspirational text. He declined to say who it was. But the message “changed my perspective on the whole deal.” “I was like, ‘You know what? I’ll regret it for the rest of my life if I don’t at least try and come back from this.’ So that’s what I did,” Gabbert said. “I gave it everything I had — full well knowing that I might give it everything I have and it might not be enough.” Rehab isn’t fun. It will test your patience and resolve. Miami (Ohio) quarterback Brett Gabbert (5) prepares to take the snap during the first half against Miami (Fla.) on Sept. 1, 2023, in Miami Gardens, Fla. “We had to take it one step at a time,” Gabbert said. “There had to be small wins. It was like, ‘All right, you can bend your knee 10 more degrees.’ That was a big win in my book.” Gabbert repeatedly gave credit to everyone who helped him along the way, from first responders to doctors to physical therapists to trainers. He needed their encouragement during a period when it was so easy to feel discouraged. He truly couldn’t have done it without them. “They did everything perfect,” Gabbert said. “They got me where I am today.” From rusty to red-hot Gabbert missed most of the offseason. He was cleared to play in the Aug. 31 opener at Northwestern. But he had another mental obstacle to clear: taking a hit. “It’s in the back of your head,” Gabbert said. “Like, you hadn’t taken a hit in a long time, and the last one you did, you snapped your leg in half.” Fortunately, football is fast and furious. Once you’re on the field, there’s so much else to think about — especially for a quarterback. Gabbert got past it. Miami (Ohio) quarterback Brett Gabbert, left, carries the ball against Cincinnati on Sept. 16, 2023, in Cincinnati. But he wasn’t operating at full capacity after missing so much time. Over the first five games, Gabbert completed only 55.1% of his passes with a 5-7 touchdown-to-interception ratio. The RedHawks were 1-4. Then Gabbert got hot — and so did Miami. The RedHawks won their final seven regular-season games. Over that stretch, Gabbert posted a 60.9% completion rate with 16 touchdowns and three picks. Gabbert finished the season with a career-best 2,737 passing yards. He was named first-team All-MAC. He ranks in the top three in school history in passing yards, passing touchdowns and total offense. But one accomplishment stands above the rest. “Everybody at Miami, more than anything, was just happy to see Brett Gabbert make it through 14 games,” Martin said. ‘It means everything’ Why were RedHawks supporters rooting so hard for Gabbert? Because loyalty is a two-way street. Gabbert could have left Miami for a bigger school after his breakthrough season in 2021 (2,648 passing yards, 26-6 TD-INT). He could have left after the injury-shortened ‘22 campaign. If you’re a Group of Five player with talent, production and eligibility, it’s what you do nowadays. Miami (Ohio) quarterback Brett Gabbert (5) looks to throw against Cincinnati on Sept. 16, 2023, in Cincinnati. Gabbert did, in fact, enter the portal after the ‘22 season. He had played in only four games that year. He had suffered two significant injuries. “Nothing was really going right for me, and I was just frustrated,” he said. “I was mad at the world. I was just mad. “I made an impulse decision — something I regretted.” Gabbert quickly determined that he’d made a “stupid” choice. Why? “There’s 130 teams in FBS football,” he said. “So I’m one of 130 people in the world that gets to be a starter for a college football team.” Gabbert would have had no such guarantees at another school. There’s something to be said for appreciating what you have where you are. “Yeah, exactly,” Gabbert said. “I took for granted what I had and ... I realized that very quick.” Gabbert removed himself from the portal. He returned to Miami — he never left, really — with a renewed sense of purpose: Miami (Ohio) quarterback Brett Gabbert reacts after throwing a touchdown pass against Cincinnati on Sept. 16, 2023, in Cincinnati. “I want to be here. I committed to Miami. I want to stay here. I want to live up to that commitment.” Now Gabbert gets one more opportunity to wear the red and white alongside his teammates. A little over a year ago, that opportunity wasn’t promised. “It means everything,” Gabbert said. “Can’t wait.” Contact sports reporter/columnist Michael Lev at mlev@tucson.com . On X (Twitter): @michaeljlev. On Bluesky: @michaeljlev.bsky.social Respond: Write a letter to the editor | Write a guest opinion Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sports Reporter/ColumnistPep Guardiola admits he is questioning himself after Man City lose to JuventusRed Violet president James Reilly sells $372,500 in stockNone
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