777pub com download for android latest version Iowa moves on without injured quarterback Brendan Sullivan when the Hawkeyes visit Maryland for a Big Ten Conference contest on Saturday afternoon. Former starter Cade McNamara is not ready to return from a concussion, so Iowa (6-4, 4-3) turns to former walk-on and fourth-stringer Jackson Stratton to lead the offense in College Park, Md. "Confident that he'll do a great job," Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said of Stratton on his weekly radio show. "He stepped in, did a really nice job in our last ballgame. And he's got a good ability to throw the football, and he's learning every day. ... We'll go with him and see what we can do." Iowa had been on an upswing with Sullivan, who had sparked the Hawkeyes to convincing wins over Northwestern and Wisconsin before suffering an ankle injury in a 20-17 loss at UCLA on Nov. 8. Stratton came on in relief against the Bruins and completed 3 of 6 passes for 28 yards. Another storyline for Saturday is that Ferentz will be opposing his son, Brian Ferentz, an assistant at Maryland. Brian Ferentz was Iowa's offensive coordinator from 2017-23. "We've all got business to take care of on Saturday," Kirk Ferentz said. "I think his experience has been good and everything I know about it. As a parent, I'm glad he's with good people." Maryland (4-6, 1-6) needs a win to keep its hopes alive for a fourth straight bowl appearance under Mike Locksley. The Terrapins have dropped five of their last six games, all by at least 14 points, including a 31-17 loss at home to Rutgers last weekend. "It's been a challenging last few weeks to say the least," Locksley said. The challenge this week will be to stop Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson, who leads the Big Ten in rushing yards (1,328) and touchdowns (20), averaging 7.1 yards per carry. "With running backs, it's not always about speed. It's about power, vision and the ability to make something out of nothing," Locksley said. "This guy is a load and runs behind his pads." Maryland answers with quarterback Billy Edwards Jr., who leads the Big Ten in passing yards per game (285.5) and completions (268). His top target is Tai Felton, who leads the conference in catches (86) and receiving yards (1,040). --Field Level Media

Hail Flutie: BC celebrates 40th anniversary of Miracle in MiamiMissed Out on Investing in Nvidia? Here's 1 Artificial Intelligence (AI) Chip Stock to Buy on the Dip

The Detroit Lions will play without two high draft picks in rookie cornerbacks Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. while possibly getting back veteran Emmanuel Moseley against the host Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. Arnold was downgraded Saturday from questionable to out because of a groin injury. He was limited at practice on Thursday and participated in a full practice on Friday. The Lions drafted Arnold with the 24th overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Alabama. Arnold, 21, has started all 10 games and has 38 tackles and six passes defended. Rakestraw (hamstring) was placed on injured reserve after not practicing all week. He already had been ruled out for Sunday's game. Detroit picked Rakestraw in the second round (61st overall) out of Missouri. He has played in eight games and has six tackles. Rakestraw, 22, has played on 46 defensive snaps (8 percent) and 95 special teams snaps (42 percent). Moseley had full practice sessions all week and was activated from injured reserve on Saturday but was listed as questionable for Sunday. The 28-year-old is in his second season with Detroit and appeared in one game last season before going on IR in October 2023. He was placed on IR on Aug. 27 with a designation to return. Moseley played from 2018-22 for the San Francisco 49ers and had 162 tackles, four interceptions -- one returned for a touchdown -- and 33 passes defensed in 46 games (33 starts). Detroit elevated linebacker David Long on Saturday for game day. Long, 28, signed with the practice squad on Tuesday after the Miami Dolphins released him on Nov. 13. He had started six of eight games for the Dolphins this season and had 38 tackles. In other Lions news, the NFL fined wide receiver Jameson Williams $19,697 for unsportsmanlike conduct for making an obscene gesture during a touchdown celebration in last Sunday's 52-6 home win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, the NFL Network reported Saturday. Williams, 23, scored on a 65-yard pass from Jared Goff with 12:55 remaining in the third quarter. --Field Level MediaProspects for President Yoon's impeachment are dim with ruling party boycotting voteBOSTON — 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... 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. Michael Dwyer, AP File 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. File Photo “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. JOE SKIPPER, AP File “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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) Ellen Schmidt Mike Tyson, left, fights Jake Paul during their heavyweight boxing match, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) 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) 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) Carolyn Kaster President-elect Donald Trump attends UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) 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) Ben McKeown Be the first to knowHail Flutie: BC celebrates 40th anniversary of Miracle in Miami

Pundits agree on Aston Villa VAR decision vs Juventus as Ollie Watkins reaction speaks volumesLSU running back Caden Durham (29) runs the ball in the second half between the Tigers and the Gators, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Fla. Florida won 27-16. Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save LSU (6-4, 3-3 SEC) is set to play Vanderbilt (6-4, 3-3) in its penultimate game of the regular season. The Tigers are in the midst of a three-game skid, losing to Texas A&M, Alabama and Florida. The Tigers are unranked in AP Top 25 after climbing as high as No. 8 in the country thanks to a six game win-streak. The biggest culprit to their woes as of late has been their offensive struggles. Since leading the Aggies 17-7 at halftime a month ago, LSU can barely put points on the scoreboard. It has scored just 35 points over the past 10 quarters and has three touchdowns in 27 drives, averaging 4.6 yards per play. For LSU to avoid a fourth consecutive loss, it’ll need to limit turnovers, produce in the redzone and have an effective running attack. Follow along here for live updates and analysis from LSU's home game against Vanderbilt, which kicks off Saturday at 6:45 p.m. in Baton Rouge.

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For the last four years, Parker Smith has admired the Carlisle 1,000-point banner that bedecks a portion of the wall in Gene Evans Gymnasium. Names like Billy Owens, Jeff Lebo and his own head coach, Andre Anderson, reserve space on the 18-player pennant. The four-digit milestone has been a target of Smith’s since he dressed as a freshman. Consider the goal achieved, the mission accomplished. A 19th name has been carved out. In Saturday’s Carlisle Classic championship game opposite Hempfield, and with Thundering Herd pioneers like Owens in attendance, Smith joined the esteemed club when he guided in a finger-roll layup with 4:35 remaining in the first quarter. The basket accounted for Smith’s fourth and fifth points of the afternoon, and it was the springboard to a 25-point performance that launched Carlisle to a convincing 61-33 win over the Black Knights. The 38th annual title was the Herd’s (3-0) second straight after defeating Mechanicsburg 68-63 last year. “Parker’s left a huge impact,” Anderson said. “He started as a freshman, and you saw him grow over the years. We all know the phenomenal athlete he is, but just the way that he's evolved as a basketball player, it’s huge. He’s a special player. You can throw defenses at him, and he still has the athleticism to get by, make shots — he can do it all. He's turned himself into a phenomenal defensive player as well. So I can't say enough about the kid.” Smith was showered with a standing ovation and was swarmed by teammates once the milestone layup trickled through the net. It wasn’t the only show-stopping moment the senior produced, as he amassed 18 first-half points — he scored 18 total in Friday’s opener against Susquehanna Township — to accent a 35-14 halftime lead. “I was just so excited,” Smith said. “There’s a lot of big names on that list. It just proves that the hard work pays off.” The payoff coursed through the Carlisle bench with eight players reaching the scoring column. Sophomore Tyler Royal emerged in the third quarter with nine points — including a 3-point play and a pair of stick backs — and finished with 13 total. Meanwhile, Luke Fischer and Masyn McMeekin recorded five each and deposited a trey apiece amid a 10-1 first-quarter start. “That was probably our third key, was to not back down if we get up earlier,” Anderson said. “We wanted to get that lead, not back down and keep our foot on the pedal. And the guys did that. And it didn't just come from our first five, it came from the bench as well.” Hempfield made little headway, minus a seven-point surge from Spencer Troyer (nine total) to limit a 16-9 first quarter deficit. The Black Knights couldn’t harness the momentum, and the Herd lead swelled to 48-18 by the closing remarks of the third quarter. Carlisle credited Friday’s turbulence against Township as tune-up for Saturday’s unfoldings. Despite different teams and diverse play styles, the Indians gave the Herd a wake-up call. “Everyone needs a game, that one game where you kind of get bullied a little,” Smith said. “I feel like it definitely shaped us.” Smith also shaped his mark in the Herd history books. Once a wide-eyed freshman, four years of dedication culminated with his 1,000th point and an embracing from the entire Carlisle community Saturday afternoon. “He makes our life as coaches a little easier,” Anderson said, “and coaching in this league is tough. So to have him, it means a lot.” “It’s amazing,” Smith said. “It’s going to be here forever.” Big Spring's Aidan Sallie, right, looks for room to shoot around Archbishop Carroll's Ian Willliams during the second quarter of the PIAA Class 4A first-round game at Big Spring High School. Sallie was the Bulldogs’ ticket to a memorable and wild 2023-24 ride. As a junior, he averaged 22.4 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game and eclipsed 1,000 points for his career. In addition to the individual accolades, the guard-forward combo helped usher Big Spring to a program-best 19 wins, the Bulldogs’ first PIAA tournament appearance and their first District 3 final since 1963. Sallie was tabbed a Class 4A All-State second team selection and was named the Mid-Penn Colonial All-Division Player of the Year. Carlisle's Parker Smith dribbles the ball down the court during the second quarter of the consolation game against Boiling Springs in the 2023 Boiling Springs Alumni Tournament at Boiling Springs High School. Smith will defend his Mid-Penn scoring title in his final waltz on the Gene Evans Gymnasium floor. The heartbeat to a hungry Thundering Herd outfit, Smith looks to upgrade averages of 23 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.4 steals and 2.1 assists he posted as a junior. Carlisle finished the 2023-24 campaign at 18-6 and a spot shy of the state tournament and will lean on its Commonwealth first team honoree to clear last year’s shortcomings. Cumberland Valley's Nolan Buzalka, right, looks for an open teammate to pass to around Chambersburg's JJ Kelly during the first quarter of the District 3 Class 6A championship game at the Giant Center. The spitting image of unselfishness, Buzalka headlines a promising Eagle flock that soared to historic heights last winter. With Buzalka running the point, CV captured its first Mid-Penn and District 3 6A titles in program history and collected its first PIAA tournament win since 1995. Individually, head coach David Vespignani’s conductor averaged 13.4 points, 9.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game. Mechanicsburg's Josh Smith, center, shoots for two points during the first quarter of the 2024 District 3 Class 5A championship game against Hershey at the Giant Center. The orchestrator of the Wildcat offense, Smith is ready to replicate last year’s symphony of District 3 gold and a run to the PIAA quarterfinals with the Wildcats bumped from Class 5A to 6A this season. Dubbed a 5A All-State third team pick, the then-junior poured in averages of 18.1 points, 7.3 boards and 3.7 assists per game. He also hurdled the 1,000-point threshold for his career and made the Keystone All-Division first team list. Trinity's Owen Schlager, right, shoots for two points over Columbia's Arthur Poindexter during the first quarter of the District 3 Class 3A championship game at the Giant Center. The two-time defending All-Sentinel Player of the Year, Schlager sets sail on a senior season rife with potential. The Siena College commit steered the Shamrocks to a 2023-24 Mid-Penn Capital title and a District 3 Class 3A runner-up result and was awarded a 3A All-State first team nod. Schlager paced Trinity in several statistical categories, including points per game (23.7), rebounds (6.6), assists (2.7) and steals (1.7), and recorded his 1,000th career point. Christian Eby is a sports reporter for The Sentinel and cumberlink.com . You can contact him at ceby@cumberlink.com and follow him on Twitter at: @eby_sports Sent weekly directly to your inbox! Sports Reporter {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.

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Wole Osinupebi It’s the season of emigration in Nigeria. Young people and the not-so-young believe economic migration will solve the challenges they face living here. And indeed, there are challenges. What is usually not factored into the plans is the fact that wherever one goes has its own issues. And this varies from place to place. Unemployment and underemployment are rife in Nigeria. Electricity, potable water supply, transportation and security are of poor quality or non-existent. Even when one has a job, the pay is low and prospects for growth opaque. Going abroad therefore seems a viable option because it appears people are paid very well and all the comforts of life are accessible and in abundant supply. The first thing to note are the environmental challenges, culture and weather. Many Nigerians are stumped by racism, where you’re hated and treated badly simply because of the colour of your skin. It’s something most of us in this part of the world have no experience with. Of course, there’s racism in Nigeria. Nigerians are treated badly by fair (and not so fair) skinned immigrants in Nigeria, but usually take it in their stride. The bad behaviour is attributed to mental challenges with the perpetrator. This is probably why Nigerians don’t react badly to racist behaviour. However, in Europe and America, racism is not necessarily overt, but it’s there. So, expect it. Language is another cultural issue. It’s amazing to discover that English spoken in English speaking countries like the USA, Canada and the UK is not the English we speak. It takes some time before you begin to ‘hear’ them. Then, they have idioms and turns of phrase which are related again to culture. After culture is weather. Most of us are surprised at how cold it can get in the Northern hemisphere. Note that it get’s really cold in South Africa and East Africa too. But never like Europe and America. It never goes below 22degC in West Africa except perhaps in elevated places like Mambilla or Obudu in Nigeria. After leaving Nigeria, some of our people have had to come back because they couldn’t handle the cold. Cost of living is usually a surprise because it’s at a scale far higher than here. Transportation by bus and train in the UK is very expensive compared to Nigeria. A three hour train ride could cost over a 100 pounds if you don’t book well in advance. You will pay over a 1000 pounds for a tiny flat of 1.5 rooms. Electricity costs are not cheap and taxes cannot be dodged. If income does not exceed expenditure by some margin, life becomes intolerable. And it’s difficult to get a decent income when one is an undocumented immigrant. And then there are legal issues. Children cannot be reprimanded in a hard way, neither is corporal punishment acceptable, it is considered to be abuse. And it could become a matter for the government welfare department. Wives could request that their husbands leave the home under an accusation of potential violent behaviour. The police will enforce this request when invited. There are good reasons for these stipulations, but they are also open to manipulation, and in the hands of an immoral people, weaponized and used as part of the ammunition in marital disputes. Here in Nigeria the balance of power in marriage tilts to the advantage of men, across the Atlantic, this is reversed. Without considering this shift men continue in the way of their ancestors in the Northern Hemisphere with painful outcomes. On food. It is interesting to see Nigerians and other Africans trying to replicate food they ate at home in their new places of abode. When travelling back after some time at their native homes, bags are filled with food and condiments. This is because food is cultural, and habits extremely difficult to change. Since most Nigerian meals are full of spices and peppers, adjusting to bland food is tortuous. After going without home food for a while, it seems like one has not eaten for a long while. In effect there’s a psychological sensation of starvation even though it’s not real, mounting further pressure on mental health and the feeling of well-being. There are however advantages. The major benefits of living in the West and the developed world in general are the functioning infrastructure such as electricity, potable water, roads and then schools, healthcare and an atmosphere of security. There’s also a feeling that even if one has a relatively rough time, the children would do better. So, because of the perceived advantages, many will sell all their possessions, even borrow money in order to move to Europe/America. Depending on the visa requirements of the targeted country, intending emigrants arrange themselves to fit. It’s either you gain admission for a course that will allow you bring spouse and children, or get qualifications for an on-demand profession. Unfortunately, the target nations keep adjusting their requirements as the initial gentle trickle of immigration became a massive influx. The authorities in the targeted countries restrict the admission of certain skin colours, usually brown and black. Not because they no longer need those skills but for political reasons. And also, the increased pressure on accommodation and services. Provision for schoolrooms, houses and healthcare are usually planned 10-20yrs in advance in developed countries, and is based on projected population growth. An influx of immigrants with their children over a short period adjusts existing projections and budgets upwards. This also impacts politics and elections. Then, getting a job doesn’t come easily. You will need to find out what works in your new environment. Just as the immigration process requires careful study and application, the employment requirements also. Same applies for those who prefer self-employment. It may be a good idea to understand the process of getting transcripts from your school before you leave Nigeria. Be prepared to do volunteer work in your new country if paying jobs don’t come quickly. This is so you have some track record of work in your new environment in your resume. Some people get recruitment consultants to guide them especially to rework their resume. This may cost money. Do note that getting a decent job without proper immigration documents is a mirage. And there are immigration document scams. Once abroad, you will discover that there are crooks everywhere, and not only in Nigeria. And without documents you’re as vulnerable as a new born baby. On top of this the police does not care for you since they see you as a criminal too. Overall, emigration is not new to mankind. Men have been moving from place to place for a very long time. But it’s useful to note that each country is different and requires adjustments. Some changes are obvious and adjustments easy. Some are more complex and adjustments will have to be learnt. But learn you must, or you’ll be miserable. And of course, home remains home if abroad is not working. Osinupebi wrote from Lagos.Trump isn't back in office but he's already pushing his agenda and negotiating with world leaders

Republican Sen. Kevin Cramer said that Matt Gaetz ’s nomination to head the Justice Department fizzled because it would have cost too much “political capital” for Donald Trump to try to push his confirmation through the Senate. In a lengthy interview with Politico , the North Dakotan was candid about the president-elect’s most controversial picks for his upcoming administration. Cramer lauded Gaetz’s decision this past Thursday to pull his name from contention, amid a slew of sexual misconduct allegations, which has paved the way for Trump to name a markedly more conventional nominee: former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi. ADVERTISEMENT “I would say whatever the circumstances are, this is one of the more positive things Matt Gaetz has done in a while,” Cramer told Politico. “I think in terms of his patriotism, in terms of his honor, in terms of his respect for the institutions, good for him to recognize that early on and prevent further wasting of the resources.” Cramer explained that Trump had told him as recently as Tuesday that he still hoped to push Gaetz’s nomination through, but that, in the end, the cost of doing so was apparently too great. “I’ve been everywhere just saying that the hill is very, very steep and the capital that you’d have to spend to succeed, much less probably not succeed, with the confirmation would be probably more than it would be worth,” he said. “I think that’s how he gamed it out. And good for him for not spending a lot more capital.” Cramer added that “political capital is our currency”—and that it’s “what you gather by doing things for people, with your partners, with your colleagues.” The risk for Trump, according to Cramer, was that he would have had to start heavily leveraging his capital for Gaetz to have a shot as attorney general. Even so, it still would have been a longshot. “Donald Trump would have had to spend a lot,” Cramer said. “If he was going to get Matt Gaetz across the finish line, he’d have to start transacting with some pretty strong skeptics. And it may very well be that there were not enough that were even persuadable.” Of another eyebrow raising Trump cabinet pick, prospective Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Cramer explained that he is a fan of the former Fox News host who faces a sexual assault allegation . “I think Pete, as a face of the military, as a warrior, as sort of a blue-collar, talented television personality, I think he gives hope to those people that say, there’s somebody at the top that actually understands my role in this military as opposed to just the general’s role,” Cramer said. The senator admitted, though, that he thought Hegseth should drop his controversial stance that women should be prohibited from combat roles in the U.S. military. “I think the landing position on it is simply the position that the requirement for combat readiness has to be the same for women as it is for men,” Cramer said. “And there are a lot of women who have met that standard that a lot of men could not. In which case, why would you not allow women in combat?”

Rep. Lori Trahan, D-Mass., said Saturday that she and her family had been targeted by a bomb threat and that local police are working with the U.S. Capitol Police to investigate the incident. “This morning, I was made aware of a bomb threat targeting my family and me. I am grateful to the excellent officers at the Westford Police Department who responded swiftly to make sure we were safe and who are now working with the United States Capitol Police and Massachusetts State Police regarding this incident,” Trahan said in a statement. “It’s a good time to say the obvious: threats of violence and intimidation have no place in our country,” Trahan added. Westford Police Department Capt. Michael Breault said the department was made aware of the threat via email Saturday morning, at which point they responded to Trahan’s home and notified the Capitol Police and the Massachusetts State Police. Breault said the state police's bomb squad did not find a device and cleared the residence for safety. He added that there appears to be no threat to public safety at this time. The Capitol Police and the Massachusetts State Police did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The threat against Trahan comes a week after several members of Congress and some of President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet picks were targeted with bomb threats and swatting incidents. At least seven Democratic lawmakers from New England were notified of bomb threats targeting their homes as they prepared to celebrate Thanksgiving last week, though no bombs were ultimately found. Among them was another Massachusetts Democrat, Rep. Seth Moulton. The Capitol Police, charged with protecting members of Congress, said in January the department has investigated more than 8,000 cases involving threats against lawmakers, an increase from 7,500 investigated threats the year before. The final statistics for 2024 have not been released.The long sports-filled Thanksgiving weekend is a time when many Americans enjoy gathering with friends and family for good food, good company and hopefully not too much political conversation. Also on the menu — all the NFL and college sports you can handle. Here's a roadmap to one of the biggest sports weekends of the year, with a look at marquee games over the holiday and how to watch. All times are in EST. All odds are by BetMGM Sportsbook. —NFL: There is a triple-header lined up for pro football fans. Chicago at Detroit, 12:30 p.m., CBS: Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and the Bears go against the Lions, who are one of the favorites to reach the Super Bowl in February. Lions favored by 10. New York at Dallas, 4:30 p.m., Fox: The Giants and Cowboys are both suffering through miserable seasons and are now using backup quarterbacks for different reasons. But if Dallas can figure out a way to win , it will still be on the fringe of the playoff race. Cowboys favored by 3 1/2. Miami at Green Bay, 8:20 p.m., NBC/Peacock: The Packers stumbled slightly out of the gate but have won six of their past seven games . They'll need a win against Miami to try to keep pace in the NFC North. Packers favored by 3. —College Football: Memphis at No. 18 Tulane, 7:30 p.m., ESPN. If college football is your jam, this is a good warmup for a big weekend. The Tigers try to ruin the Green Wave’s perfect record in the American Athletic Conference. Tulane is favored by 14. —NFL: A rare Friday showdown features the league-leading Chiefs. Las Vegas at Kansas City, 3 p.m. Prime Video: The Chiefs and quarterback Patrick Mahomes are 12-point favorites over the Raiders. —College Basketball: Some of the top programs meet in holiday tournaments around the country. Battle 4 Atlantis championship, 5:30 p.m., ESPN: One of the premier early season tournaments, the eight-team field includes No. 3 Gonzaga, No. 14 Indiana and No. 24 Arizona. Rady Children's Invitational, 6 p.m., Fox: It's the championship game for a four-team field that includes No. 13 Purdue and No. 23 Mississippi. —College Football: There is a full slate of college games to dig into. Oregon State at No. 11 Boise State, noon, Fox: The Broncos try to stay in the College Football Playoff hunt when they host the Beavers. Boise State favored by 19 1/2. Oklahoma State at No. 23 Colorado, noon, ABC: The Buffaloes and Coach Prime are still in the hunt for the Big 12 championship game when they host the Cowboys. Colorado favored by 16 1/2. Georgia Tech at No. 6 Georgia, 7:30 p.m., ABC: The Bulldogs are on pace for a spot in the CFP but host what could be a tricky game against rival Georgia Tech. Georgia favored by 19 1/2. —NBA. After taking Thanksgiving off, pro basketball returns. Oklahoma City at Los Angeles Lakers, 10 p.m., ESPN: The Thunder look like one of the best teams in the NBA's Western Conference. They'll host Anthony Davis, LeBron James and the Lakers. —College Football. There are more matchups with playoff implications. Michigan at No. 2 Ohio State, noon, Fox: The Wolverines are struggling one season after winning the national title. They could make their fan base a whole lot happier with an upset of the Buckeyes . Ohio State favored by 21. No. 7 Tennessee at Vanderbilt, noon, ABC: The Volunteers are a fairly big favorite and have dominated this series, but the Commodores have been a tough team this season and already have achieved a monumental upset over Alabama . Tennessee favored by 11. No. 16 South Carolina at No. 12 Clemson, noon, ESPN: The Palmetto State rivals are both hanging on the edge of the CFP playoff race. A win — particularly for Clemson — would go a long way toward clinching its spot in the field. Clemson favored by 2 1/2. No. 3 Texas at No. 20 Texas A & M, 7:30 p.m. ABC: The Aggies host their in-state rival for the first time since 2011 after the Longhorns joined the SEC. Texas favored by 5 1/2. Washington at No. 1 Oregon, 7:30 p.m., NBC: The top-ranked Ducks have been one of the nation’s best teams all season. They’ll face the Huskies, who would love a marquee win in coach Jedd Fisch’s first season. Oregon favored by 19 1/2. —NBA: A star-studded clash is part of the league's lineup. Golden State at Phoenix, 9 p.m., NBA TV: Steph Curry and the Warriors are set to face the Suns' Big Three of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. —NFL: It's Sunday, that says it all. Pittsburgh at Cincinnati, 1 p.m., CBS: Joe Burrow is having a great season for the Bengals , who are struggling in other areas. They need a win to stay in the playoff race, hosting a Steelers team that's 8-3 and won five of their past six. Bengals favored by 3. Arizona at Minnesota, 1 p.m., Fox: The Cardinals are tied for the top of the NFC West while the Vikings are 9-2 and have been one of the biggest surprises of the season with journeyman Sam Darnold under center. Vikings favored by 3 1/2. Philadelphia at Baltimore, 4:25 p.m., CBS: Two of the league's most electric players will be on the field when Saquon Barkley and the Eagles travel to face Lamar Jackson and the Ravens. Ravens favored by 3. San Francisco at Buffalo, 8:20 p.m. NBC/Peacock: The 49ers try to get back to .500 against the Bills , who have won six straight. Bills favored by 7. —NBA. The best teams in the Eastern Conference meet in a statement game. Boston at Cleveland, 6 p.m., NBA TV: The defending champion Celtics travel to face the Cavs , who won their first 15 games to start the season. —Premier League: English soccer fans have a marquee matchup. Manchester City at Liverpool, 11 a.m., USA Network/Telemundo. The two top teams meet with Manchester City trying to shake off recent struggles. —Auto Racing: The F1 season nears its conclusion. F1 Qatar Grand Prix, 11 a.m., ESPN2 – It's the penultimate race of the season. Max Verstappen already has clinched his fourth consecutive season championship . ___ AP sports: https://apnews.com/sportsBeirut, Dec 7 (AP) Insurgents' stunning march across Syria accelerated on Saturday with news that they had reached the gates of the capital and that government forces had abandoned the central city of Homs. The government was forced to deny rumours that President Bashar Assad had fled the country. The loss of Homs is a potentially crippling blow for Assad. It stands at an important intersection between Damascus, the capital, and Syria's coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus — the Syrian leader's base of support and home to a Russian strategic naval base. Also Read | 'Matter of Immense Pride for India': PMO on Archbishop George Jacob Koovakad's Elevation As Cardinal by Pope Francis. The pro-government Sham FM news outlet reported that government forces took positions outside Syria's third-largest city, without elaborating. Rami Abdurrahman who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said Syrian troops and members of different security agencies have withdrawn from the city, adding that rebels have entered parts of it. The insurgency announced later Saturday that it had taken over Homs. The city's capture is a major victory for the rebels, who have already seized the cities of Aleppo and Hama, as well as large parts of the south, in a lightning offensive that began November 27. Analysts said rebel control of Homs would be a game-changer. Also Read | South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Survives Impeachment Over Martial Law Declaration As His Party Leaders Boycott Vote. The rebels' moves around Damascus, reported by the monitor and a rebel commander, came after the Syrian army withdrew from much of southern part of the country, leaving more areas, including several provincial capitals, under the control of opposition fighters. For the first time in the country's long-running civil war, the government now has control of only three of 14 provincial capitals: Damascus, Latakia and Tartus. The advances in the past week were among the largest in recent years by opposition factions, led by a group that has its origins in al-Qaida and is considered a terrorist organisation by the US and the United Nations. In their push to overthrow Assad's government, the insurgents, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, or HTS, have met little resistance from the Syrian army. The rapid rebel gains, coupled with the lack of support from Assad's erstwhile allies, posed the most serious threat to his rule since the start of the war. The UN's special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, on Saturday called for urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an “orderly political transition”. Speaking to reporters at the annual Doha Forum in Qatar, he said the situation in Syria was changing by the minute. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, whose country is Assad's chief international backer, said he feels “sorry for the Syrian people”. In Damascus, people rushed to stock up on supplies. Thousands went to Syria's border with Lebanon, trying to leave the country. Many shops in the capital were shuttered, a resident told The Associated Press, and those still open ran out of staples such as sugar. Some were selling items at three times the normal price. “The situation is very strange. We are not used to that,” the resident said, insisting on anonymity, fearing retributions. “People are worried whether there will be a battle (in Damascus) or not.” It was the first time that opposition forces reached the outskirts of Damascus since 2018, when Syrian troops recaptured the area following a years-long siege. The UN said it was moving noncritical staff outside the country as a precaution. Assad's status Syria's state media denied social media rumours that Assad left the country, saying he is performing his duties in Damascus. He has had little, if any, help from his allies. Russia, is busy with its war in Ukraine. Lebanon's Hezbollah, which at one point sent thousands of fighters to shore up Assad's forces, has been weakened by a yearlong conflict with Israel. Iran has seen its proxies across the region degraded by regular Israeli airstrikes. US President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday posted on social media that that the United States should avoid engaging militarily in Syria. Pedersen said a date for talks in Geneva on the implementation a UN resolution, adopted in 2015, and calling for a Syrian-led political process, would be announced later. The resolution calls for the establishment of a transitional governing body, followed by the drafting of a new constitution and ending with UN-supervised elections. Later Saturday, foreign ministers and senior diplomats from eight key countries, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Egypt, Turkiye and Iran, along with Pederson, gathered on the sidelines of the Doha Summit to discuss the situation in Syria. In a statement issued late Saturday, the participants affirmed their support for a political solution to the Syrian crisis “that would lead to the end of military activity and protect civilians”. They also agreed on the importance of strengthening international efforts to increase aid to the Syrian people. The insurgents' march Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, said insurgents were in the Damascus suburbs of Maadamiyah, Jaramana and Daraya. Opposition fighters were marching toward the Damascus suburb of Harasta, he added. A commander with the insurgents, Hassan Abdul-Ghani, posted on the Telegram messaging app that opposition forces had begun the “final stage” of their offensive by encircling Damascus. HTS controls much of northwest Syria and in 2017 set up a “salvation government” to run day-to-day affairs in the region. In recent years, HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani has sought to remake the group's image, cutting ties with al-Qaida, ditching hard-line officials and vowing to embrace pluralism and religious tolerance. The shock offensive began November 27, during which gunmen captured the northern city of Aleppo, Syria's largest, and the central city of Hama, the country's fourth largest city. Opposition activists said on Saturday that a day earlier, insurgents entered Palmyra, which is home to invaluable archaeological sites had been in government hands since being taken from the Islamic State group in 2017. To the south, Syrian troops left much of the province of Quneitra including the main Baath City, activists said. Syrian Observatory said government troops have withdrawn from much of the two southern provinces. The Syrian army said in a statement that it carried out redeployment and repositioning in Sweida and Daraa after its checkpoints came under attack by “terrorists." The army said it was setting up a “strong and coherent defensive and security belt in the area”, apparently to defend Damascus from the south. The Syrian government has referred to opposition gunmen as terrorists since conflict broke out in March 2011. Diplomacy in Doha The foreign ministers of Iran, Russia and Turkiye, meeting in Qatar, called for an end to the hostilities. Turkiye is a main backer of the rebels. Qatar's top diplomat, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, criticised Assad for failing to take advantage of the lull in fighting in recent years to address the country's underlying problems. “Assad didn't seize this opportunity to start engaging and restoring his relationship with his people,” he said. Sheikh Mohammed said he was surprised by how quickly the rebels have advanced and said there is a real threat to Syria's “territorial integrity”. He said the war could “damage and destroy what is left if there is no sense of urgency” to start a political process. (AP) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)