igt gaming careers Athletic director Paul A. Bryant announced the decision in a statement. The Bulldogs went 6-6 this season, including a 4-4 Southwestern Athletic Conference mark, and won three straight games before a season-ending loss to Florida A&M. Maynor finished 40-32 at Alabama A&M, including a 28-21 SWAC record. Maynor led Alabama A&M to its first SWAC championship in 15 years during the shortened 2021 season that played in the spring. The Bulldogs went 5-0 and beat Arkansas-Pine Bluff 40-33 to claim the program's second SWAC football title. Maynor is a former Arena Football League player who played quarterback for Winston-Salem State and North Carolina A&T. The program suffered a tragedy when linebacker Medrick Burnett Jr. died last week from an injury sustained during the annual Magic City Classic against in-state rival Alabama State on Oct. 26. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football

KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdullah Al-Yahya, reaffirmed the GCC’s steadfast commitment to upholding Syria’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity during his speech at the 46th extraordinary meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council, held in Kuwait on Thursday. “We strongly oppose all forms of external interference and reaffirm our full support for the Syrian people’s right to determine their own future,” declared Al-Yahya, who is the ministerial council’s chair. He emphasized that the council is calling for the resumption of an inclusive political process, ensuring participation from all parties. The GCC’s top diplomats met to discuss developments in Syria and Lebanon following the fall of Bashar Al-Assad’s regime, which collapsed earlier this month when anti-regime groups took control of Damascus. On December 8, the Zionist entity launched a military campaign in Syria, advancing into the Syrian buffer zone in the occupied Golan Heights to search for weapons and Hezbollah collaborators. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu initially called the Zionist entity’s presence “temporary,” he later stated it would continue until a new security arrangement is made with Syria’s new authority. A final statement issued following the meeting affirmed that the Golan Heights are Syrian Arab land and condemned the Zionist entity’s decisions to expand settlements in the occupied Golan Heights. To support Syria’s economic recovery, the council called for lifting sanctions against Syria and urged all partners, states, and organizations to provide full support to the Syrian people. The council emphasized its continued commitment to offering humanitarian assistance. Gulf countries also affirmed support for efforts aimed at achieving a comprehensive and inclusive transitional process that fulfills the Syrian people’s aspirations for stability, development, and a dignified life. “The GCC urges the international community to intensify efforts toward achieving a comprehensive and sustainable political solution,” said Al-Yahya. He also underscored the importance of providing care for refugees and displaced persons, advocating for their voluntary and safe return in accordance with international standards. The council welcomed the steps taken to ensure civilian safety, prevent bloodshed, achieve national reconciliation, and preserve Syria’s state institutions and resources. Additionally, the decision to disarm militias and armed factions and restrict the use of weapons to the state was endorsed. Jasem Mohammed Al-Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), praised the Syrian Interim Government for its efforts in ensuring a peaceful power transition and protecting civilians. He noted that these steps are essential for Syria’s stability and its return to a key regional and international position. “Achieving national reconciliation and fostering dialogue are crucial for realizing the aspirations of the Syrian people for security, stability, and prosperity,” he asserted. Since the collapse of president Bashar Al-Assad’s regime earlier this month, the Zionist entity has bombed Syrian military assets in Syria and sent troops into a buffer zone in the occupied Golan Heights. Zionist officials have called the incursion a temporary measure to ensure the entity’s security but have not said when troops would be withdrawn. Condemning the Zionist entity’s repeated aggression toward Syria, Al-Budaiwi described such actions as blatant violations of international law. “(The Zionist entity)’s continued attacks on Syrian territories, including its occupation of the buffer zone and the decision to expand settlements in the occupied Syrian Golan, violate international law and UN resolutions. The international community must take responsibility and act to halt these aggressions,” he declared. Serious concern for Lebanon Turning to Lebanon, Al-Yahya expressed deep concern over the country’s ongoing challenges, reaffirming the GCC’s full support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. “We reject any foreign interference in Lebanon’s internal affairs,” he stated. Al-Yahya also highlighted the significance of the upcoming presidential elections, scheduled for January 9, 2025, calling them “a genuine opportunity to restore stability in Lebanon.” The council emphasized the importance of adhering to UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and preserving Lebanon’s national unity. In this context, Al-Yahya emphasized: “We cannot turn a blind eye to the ongoing Zionist aggressions against Arab territories in Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine, nor to the brutal practices targeting the Palestinian people. These acts constitute a blatant violation of international law, humanitarian law, and the principles of sovereignty.” The GCC countries, he highlighted, “reaffirm their unwavering stance in supporting the just Palestinian cause and emphasize that the Palestinian people’s rights are inalienable, particularly their right to establish an independent state based on the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital.” He called for reopening dialogue to achieve justice for Palestine. “It is imperative to revive the peace process and ensure the resumption of negotiations to achieve a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue.”Over half of Nigeria's cyber attacks, target government, finance — Report

The future of the Astrodome is being reassessed as the Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation (HCSCC) has commissioned a study to explore its next steps: refurbishment or demolition. Kirksey Architecture, a Houston-based firm, has been assigned to analyze the costs of two options for the iconic structure—restoring essential utilities, including plumbing and HVAC systems, to make the building operational, or evaluating the expenses involved in its demolition. According to a report by KHOU , the study will provide an assessment that stops short of full historic preservation, focusing on "fundamental systems" to resume a basic level of operations within the Astrodome. The initiative aligns with HCSCC's ongoing efforts to ensure the NRG Park facilities continue to serve the residents of Harris County efficiently. A contrasting cost analysis for demolition will also form a part of the study. "The Astrodome has been a symbol of Houston's innovation and community pride for decades, since 1965," Bishop James Dixon, HCSCC Chairman stated. The examination of options comes amid a campaign spearheaded by the Astrodome Conservancy, which is promoting a transformation of the iconic dome. This proposal, dubbed "Vision: Astrodome," is being factored into HCSCC's master planning process for NRG Park. The outcome of the study, expected within a few months as reported by Click2Houston , will crucially inform the decisions on whether the Astrodome can be feasibly repurposed for the future, or if Houstonians will bid farewell to their "Eighth Wonder of the World".Behind Donald Trump's Win, The Misplaced Optimism Of The White Liberal

Chiefs earned a rest after their third win in 11 days. For some, the rest could be 24 days KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs earned a much-deserved extended rest after their Christmas Day rout of the Pittsburgh Steelers, which capped an unbeaten stretch of three games in 11 days and clinched them the No. Dave Skretta, The Associated Press Dec 26, 2024 10:46 AM Dec 26, 2024 11:05 AM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Kansas City Chiefs safety Jaden Hicks (21) breaks up a pass intended for Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) during the second half of an NFL football game, Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Freed) KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs earned a much-deserved extended rest after their Christmas Day rout of the Pittsburgh Steelers, which capped an unbeaten stretch of three games in 11 days and clinched them the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs . That extended rest? Well, it can be just about as long as Chiefs coach Andy Reid wants it to be. The Chiefs (15-1) face the Broncos in their regular-season finale next weekend, a game whose kickoff remains up in the air. But it will be at least 10 days after their 29-10 win in Pittsburgh, a nice rest for a weary team whose bye was back in Week 6. But with nothing to play for in that game, Reid could conceivably give some of his most important players the entire week off ahead of the playoffs. And now that the Chiefs have a first-round bye , that means they wouldn't face anybody until at least Jan. 18 in the divisional round, meaning a full 24 days between games. “It's been almost 10 weeks of football, grinding on this short schedule at the very end of the year,” Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said. “We'll see how Week 18 goes — who plays, who doesn't play. That's up to Coach. But having this break, getting healthy, getting ourselves ready for the playoffs, it was super important, especially with the guys we have banged up.” The Chiefs dominated the Steelers without four-time All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones, who was resting his sore calf on Wednesday. They also have not had cornerback Chamarri Conner, who has been out with a concussion, or D.J. Humphries, the former Pro Bowl left tackle who appeared in one game for Kansas City before straining his hamstring. All of them figure to be healthy for the playoffs. The same for guys who have been dealing with minor injuries, such as right tackle Jawaan Taylor, who played against the Steelers despite straining his hamstring the previous week against Houston, and running back Isiah Pacheco, who dinged up his ribs in the win in Pittsburgh. “It will definitely help with some of the guys that are banged up, to get guys back, freshened up a little bit,” said Reid, who has rested important players in Week 18 in the past, including last season against the Chargers. “I think it will be a positive for us.” The trick is to decide exactly how much rest to give everyone. For those dealing with injuries, that full 24-day span without a game could be exactly what they need. For others, it might be too long between games, and getting at least a half of play against the Broncos would help prevent some rust from setting in. “I was just talking to my family about it,” Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie said. “My rookie year, we were able to get, you know, all home games, and you just can't be out (on the road) in the playoffs. I mean, I'm excited to go out there. I know we got the first round, you know, off, but I mean, I can't wait to play now.” What’s working The Chiefs won the Super Bowl last season with a wide receiver group that — outside of Rashee Rice — was lacking in dynamic ability. But with the trade for DeAndre Hopkins, the return of Hollywood Brown from an injury and the emergence of rookie Xavier Worthy, the Chiefs have gone from a position of peril to one of profound strength. What needs help The Chiefs have struggled to the run the ball consistently the past few weeks. Pacheco gained just 18 yards on six carries before hurting his ribs against Pittsburgh, and Kareem Hunt was held to 20 yards on nine carries — a 2.2-yard average. Stock up Worthy has smashed through the rookie wall, just as Rice did at this point last season, and has proven to be more than a speedster. He had eight catches for 79 yards and a touchdown Wednesday, giving him at least five catches in each of his past five games. Stock down Pacheco has not been the same after missing more than two months to injury. He has been held to 55 yards rushing or fewer in each of his past five games, and he's averaging just 2.7 yards per carry over his past three. Injuries There were no significant injuries sustained against the Steelers. Key number 77 — Travis Kelce caught his 77th touchdown pass, breaking a tie with Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez for the Chiefs record. Kelce finished with eight catches for 84 yards and a score against Pittsburgh, making him the third tight end in NFL history with at least 1,000 receptions. Gonzalez had 1,325 and Jason Witten had 1,228 while Kelce has 1,004 and counting. Next steps The Chiefs get the long weekend off before deciding who will play in Denver in their regular-season finale. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Dave Skretta, The Associated Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Get your daily Victoria news briefing Email Sign Up More Football (NFL) Former NFL star Mayes pulling for Panthers' Hubbard to break his NFL rushing mark Dec 26, 2024 10:39 AM It might've been Christmas, but it sure feels like Groundhog Day for the reeling Steelers Dec 26, 2024 10:25 AM Lions try to close in on NFC's top seed when they visit the eliminated 49ers Dec 26, 2024 10:02 AMThe Dyson Supersonic hair dryer is already on sale for Black Friday — grab it for $100 off now

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