haha 777 jili Pro Picks is a weekly column where AP Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi shares his picks for upcoming games. For all previous Pro Picks, head here . ___ Playoff berths, draft positioning and more are up for grabs in Week 17. There’s going to be plenty of football on television this holiday week with the NFL playing games on five out of six days, starting with a doubleheader on Christmas Day featuring four of the AFC’s top five teams. Patrick Mahomes and the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs visit Russell Wilson and the Pittsburgh Steelers on Wednesday. Then, two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens take on C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans. The Bears host the Seahawks on Thursday night and there are three games on Saturday, making Sunday’s schedule light at nine games. The Lions-49ers wrap up the weekend on Monday night. Pro Picks goes for another winning week. Los Angeles Chargers (9-6) at New England (3-12) Line: Chargers minus 4 The Chargers would clinch a wild-card spot with a victory over the Patriots, who battled hard against the Bills. Los Angeles is 9-2 against the spread as favorites. Justin Herbert is 9-0 ATS in the Eastern time zone in his career. The Patriots have lost eight straight home games in December. BEST BET: CHARGERS: 23-16 Denver (9-6) at Cincinnati (7-8) Line: Bengals minus 3 Joe Burrow and the Bengals have to win to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. They’re favorites for the 12th time this season despite a losing record. The Broncos would clinch a wild-card berth with a win. They’re 11-4 ATS. UPSET SPECIAL: BRONCOS: 23-22 Kansas City (14-1) at Pittsburgh (10-5) Line: Chiefs minus 3 The Chiefs can set a franchise record for wins in the regular season and wrap up the No. 1 seed along with home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs as they continue their quest for a third straight Super Bowl title. Kansas City got another playmaker when wide receiver Marquise Brown made his season debut. Mahomes is 3-0 with 14 touchdowns and no interceptions in his career vs. Pittsburgh. The scuffling Steelers are trying to snap a two-game losing streak after missing an opportunity to clinch the AFC North. Wide receiver George Pickens should return from a hamstring injury and he’ll open up the passing game for Wilson and the offense. CHIEFS: 24-20 Baltimore (10-5) at Houston (9-6) Line: Ravens minus 5 1/2 The Ravens have won five in a row over the Texans, including 34-10 in a divisional playoff game last season. Baltimore can move into first place in the AFC North with a win and loss by Pittsburgh. But Jackson and Derrick Henry face a tough challenge against Houston’s defense. Stroud and the Texans are reeling after losing receiver Tank Dell to a devastating knee injury. RAVENS: 23-19 Seattle (8-7) at Chicago (4-11) Line: Seahawks minus 3 1/2 The Seahawks have to win to maintain slim playoff hopes. The Bears have lost nine straight. Geno Smith and Jaxon Smith-Njigba should have a big day against Chicago’s pass defense. SEAHAWKS: 26-20 Arizona (7-8) at Los Angeles Rams (9-6) Line: Rams minus 6 A four-game winning streak has the Rams on the verge of securing the NFC West. Los Angeles aims to avenge a lopsided loss to Arizona in Week 2. The Cardinals were eliminated from the playoffs and are reduced to playing spoiler. With Kyren Williams leading the rushing attack, the Rams don’t have to rely on Matthew Stafford’s passing as much. RAMS: 26-16 New York Jets (4-11) at Buffalo (12-3) Line: Bills minus 10 The Bills will know going in if they have a shot at the AFC’s No. 1 seed. If the Chiefs beat the Steelers and lock it up, Buffalo’s main priority will be keeping Josh Allen and everyone healthy. Still, they can rest in Week 18. After a subpar effort against the Patriots, the Bills can’t take Aaron Rodgers and the Jets lightly. BILLS: 27-16 Las Vegas (3-12) at New Orleans (5-10) Line: Raiders minus 1 The Raiders already hurt their draft positioning by beating the Jaguars last week. Another win could further knock them down and negatively impact their quest for a franchise quarterback. But coach Antonio Pierce wants to win and the players don’t care about draft slots. The Saints can’t get to the end of the season fast enough. RAIDERS: 20-16 Carolina (4-11) at Tampa Bay (8-7) Line: Buccaneers minus 8 The Panthers have embraced the spoiler role and coach Dave Canales will try to derail his former team’s playoff hopes. Bryce Young keeps improving and Chuba Hubbard is having a career year. The Buccaneers would’ve lost to Carolina last month if Hubbard didn’t fumble in overtime. Baker Mayfield and a turnover-prone offense have to overcome a depleted defense that couldn’t stop Cooper Rush and the Cowboys. BUCCANEERS: 26-20 Tennessee (3-12) at Jacksonville (3-12) Line: Jaguars minus 1 The winner of this one really loses because it’ll be costly in the race for draft positioning. TITANS: 19-17 Indianapolis (7-8) at New York Giants (2-13) Line: Colts minus 8 The Giants have come too far to lose the No. 1 pick in the draft. The Colts are clinging to slim playoff hopes. Jonathan Taylor and Anthony Richardson combined for 308 yards and four TDs against the Titans. They could have similar results against New York. COLTS: 27-16 Dallas (7-8) at Philadelphia (12-3) Line: Eagles minus 9 1/2 The Cowboys are left to play for a winning record after being eliminated from the playoff race. The Eagles still need a win to secure the NFC East, but are almost locked into the No. 2 seed. If Jalen Hurts can’t play because of a concussion, Dallas has a shot against Kenny Pickett. Saquon Barkley is 268 yards away from breaking Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record. He could have a big day facing the fifth-worst run defense in the NFL. EAGLES: 24-17 Green Bay (11-4) at Minnesota (13-2) Line: Vikings minus 1 The Vikings are two wins away from the NFC’s No. 1 seed with Sam Darnold. Let that sink in. But those won’t be easy victories. Minnesota has to beat Green Bay and then Detroit on the road to win the NFC North and get home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. The Vikings defeated the Packers 31-29 in Green Bay in September. They’re getting the Packers on short rest off a Monday night rout. The Vikings have been overlooked and underrated. This is a statement game. VIKINGS: 27-22 Miami (7-8) at Cleveland (3-12) Line: Dolphins minus 6 1/2 Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins still have slim playoff changes and get an opportunity to win a game in cold weather. A loss helps the Browns hold onto a top-five pick in the draft. DOLPHINS: 25-16 Atlanta (8-7) at Washington (10-5) Line: Commanders minus 4 The Falcons regained control of their NFC South hopes when the Buccaneers lost. Now, they have a tough test against the Commanders with Michael Penix Jr. making his second start facing off against Jayden Daniels in another matchup between rookie QBs. Daniels beat Caleb Williams and the Bears earlier this season on a Hail Mary. Washington clinches a playoff berth with a win or a loss by Tampa Bay. COMMANDERS: 24-23 Detroit (13-2) at San Francisco (6-9) Line: Lions minus 4 The Lions aim to avenge their loss in the NFC championship game, though this matchup lost its luster because the 49ers are eliminated from the playoff race. Detroit clinches the NFC’s No. 1 seed with a win if the Packers beat the Vikings. If Minnesota beats Green Bay, the Lions have to beat the Vikings in Week 18 to win the division and secure the top seed so the result against San Francisco won’t matter. In that case, Dan Campbell could choose to rest some of his starters in preparation for a winner-take-all regular-season finale. LIONS: 26-23 ___ Last week: 12-4. Against spread: 8-7-1 Overall: Straight up: 168-72. Against spread: 131-105-4. Prime-time: Straight up: 39-14. Against spread: 29-23-1. Best Bet: Straight up: 9-7. Against spread: 8-8. Upset Special: Straight up: 9-7. Against spread: 9-7. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Rob Maaddi, The Associated PressITV I'm A Celebrity's Oti Mabuse shares powerful message after cruel weight comments

LOS ANGELES , Dec. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Cadiz, Inc. (NASDAQ: CDZI / CDZIP) ("Cadiz," the "Company"), a California water solutions company, today announced that its Board of Directors has declared the following cash dividend on the Company's 8.875% Series A Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock (the "Series A Preferred Stock"). Holders of Series A Preferred Stock will receive a cash dividend equal to $560.00 per whole share. Holders of depositary shares, each representing a 1/1000 fractional interest in a share of Series A Preferred Stock (Nasdaq: CDZIP), will receive a cash dividend equal to $0.56 per depositary share. The dividend will be paid on January 15, 2025 , to applicable holders of record as of the close of business on January 3, 2025 . About Cadiz, Inc. Founded in 1983, Cadiz, Inc. (NASDAQ: CDZI) is a California water solutions company dedicated to providing access to clean, reliable and affordable water for people through a unique combination of water supply, storage, pipeline and treatment solutions. With 45,000 acres of land in California , 2.5 million acre-feet of water supply, 220 miles of pipeline assets and the most cost-effective water treatment filtration technology in the industry, Cadiz offers a full suite of solutions to address the impacts of climate change on clean water access. For more information, please visit https://www.cadizinc.com . Safe Harbor Statement This release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. "Forward-looking statements" describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as "anticipates", "expect", "may", "plan", or "will". Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, projections, predictions, expectations, or beliefs about future events or results and are not statements of historical fact, including statements regarding the Company's expectations regarding payments of dividends in the future. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. These and other risks are identified in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"), including without limitation our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings subsequently made by the Company with the Commission. All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made and are based on management's assumptions and estimates as of such date. We do not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of the receipt of new information, the occurrence of future events or otherwise. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cadiz-inc-declares-quarterly-dividend-for-q4-2024-on-series-a-cumulative-perpetual-preferred-stock-302339009.html SOURCE Cadiz, Inc.In 2024, Denton bid farewell to academic visionaries, former city leaders and journalists who left legacies for students. They were remembered for building college programs, mentoring athletes, leading the city through change and pursuing truth. Nov. 20, 1943-Jan. 9, 2024 This University of North Texas professor taught and researched environmental science for 32 years. Kenneth Dickson contributed more than 225 publications in his field — the environmental connections between water, energy, agriculture, natural resources, as well as sustainability. He was credited with bringing just over $20 million into UNT. Kenneth Dickson His ideas around connection inspired the Environmental Education, Science and Technology Building on the UNT campus, which brought together offices, classrooms, experimental and educational spaces where scientists and faculty across the range of environmental studies can exchange ideas and inspire the next generation. As the founding director of the Elm Fork Education Center, Dickson created space for children to experience the excitement of discovery. His aim was to open doors for his students as others had opened doors for him. d. Jan. 28, 2024 Argyle Middle School Principal Scott Gibson, 49, died after an accident in another state. Gibson taught in Denton and Northwest ISD schools, then joined Argyle ISD as an assistant principal at Argyle Middle School in 2006. He became the principal in 2009. He is remembered as an engaging leader who inspired staff members and created a positive learning environment for Argyle students. Gibson was inspired by his parents' dedication to their students and followed their footsteps into education. March 8, 2007-Feb. 3, 2024 The 16-year-old Denton High School student was killed in a shooting at Denia Park. Family, friends and classmates remembered Ely Mendez Gomez as a free-spirited and respectful teen who had a host of hobbies and interests and faithfully walked the family dog. His death left an absence in the lives of his peers, and teachers recalled a positive, quiet young man in their classes. June 19, 1948-April 9, 2024 UNT professor John Spencer Baen, an Argyle resident, built his academic career as a key player and teacher in the G. Brint Ryan College of Business real estate program. Baen died suddenly in Costa Rica, where he was on a fishing trip with friends. Baen taught in the Mean Green real estate program for nearly 40 years, after earning a Ph.D. in real estate from Texas A&M University in 1982. He was a prolific academic writer, authoring 70 articles and five books. He served as a representative of the American Real Estate Society and director of the International Real Estate Society. He was a co-founder and principal of Real Capital Investments, a retail investment brokerage firm. Mark Burroughs, at the time Denton's mayor-elect, is pictured in 2008. Nov. 3, 1957-May 2, 2024 Former Denton Mayor Mark Burroughs died unexpectedly in the spring. At age 66, Burroughs left his mark as a father, grandfather, attorney and public servant. Burroughs was the second of seven children who excelled in school, in debate and math clubs as well as a French horn player at Klein High School. He went to Stephen F. Austin State University and finished in three years, getting degrees in history, business and political science. He earned his law degree at the University of Texas School of Law and practiced in Houston and Fort Worth before opening a practice with Gregory J. Sawko in Denton. Burroughs served three terms on the Denton City Council as an at-large member. He worked on regional agency boards and committees in North Texas and worked with local and regional transportation and clean air groups. He kept a busy civic calendar as well, lending his time and talent to the arts and public broadcasting. He served as the mayor of Denton from 2008 to 2014, applying his knowledge and experience to local growth and city leadership. May 2, 1954-May 3, 2024 Mike Sutton poses for a portrait inside Big Mike’s Coffee at 1306 W. Hickory St. in 2009. Sutton said he opened the shop to fill the void left by the closing of Kharma Cafe, a longtime coffeehouse on Fry Street. “It’s important to honor the community down here — it’s important to bring it back or people will stop coming to Fry Street,” he told the Denton Record-Chronicle in 2009. "Big" Mike Sutton could seem gruff, but locals remember him as a Fry Street business owner whose heart was as big as his personality. Sutton died in Missouri, where he had retired, the day after his 70th birthday. Sutton was best known for his business Voyager’s Dream on Hickory Street near UNT, selling crystals, hand drums, new age music and all sorts of trinkets meant to make you feel centered. He was also a dedicated pacifist who turned his car into a “deathmobile,” writing the names, ages and hometowns of U.S. service members killed in Afghanistan and Iraq. He ran several times for the Denton City Council from 2008 to 2011, filing for a recount in his last bid after losing the District 3 race by 29 votes. Sutton turned Voyager's Dream into Big Mike’s Coffee in 2009 before selling it to a new owner and retiring. As Aura Coffee, it still serves as a hub for the community. April 29, 1945-June 13, 2024 Attorney Mike Gregory shared his experience and skills as a public servant as a lawyer, a seminar leader and eventually as an adjunct professor at Texas Woman's University and UNT as an undergraduate law lecturer. Mike Gregory Gregory, a graduate of the University of Texas and its School of Law, began his law practice in 1974. He was a board-certified family law specialist and a certified mediator. He lent his time to the local and state bar association, serving as president of the Denton County Bar, president of the Denton County Collaborative Professionals, president of the Texas Academy of Family Law Specialists and director of the State Bar of Texas. He was named Denton County Bar Association Member of the Year in 2014-15. In 2018, he was appointed by the Texas Supreme Court as a member of the Board of Disciplinary Appeals. He was a devoted volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America. North Texas Hall of Fame running back Abner Haynes, left, talks with UNT President Neal Smatresk during the school’s dedication of Unity Plaza in 2022. Haynes died in July at the age of 86. Sept. 19, 1937-July 17, 2024 UNT Athletics Hall of Fame member Abner Haynes’ legacy on the football field is considerable, but the role he and Leon King played in the integration of the South might be even more impactful. Haynes, who died at the age of 86 in Dallas, and King were the first Black players to integrate a football program at a four-year Texas school. Haynes was a two-time all-Missouri Valley Conference running back, led North Texas to an appearance in the 1959 Sun Bowl and was named an All-American by Time magazine that season. He went on to play for the Dallas Texans, who later became the Kansas City Chiefs. He led the American Football League in rushing in 1960 and was its first Player of the Year. UNT’s history as a pioneer of integration in the South is a source of pride for the school, which honored Haynes and King with the opening of Unity Plaza in 2022, featuring busts of both Haynes and King. Grammy Award-winning musician Shaun Martin, left, performs with gospel superstar Kirk Franklin in 2016 during a rehearsal in Dallas. d. Aug. 3, 2024 Dallas musician Shaun Martin, singer and keyboardist of Denton-born jazz band Snarky Puppy and a UNT graduate, died in August at the age of 45. While Martin was still a student at Dallas' Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, he began working with gospel choir director Kirk Franklin and later became his music director. As a music major in college, Martin worked with Erykah Badu on her second album, Mama’s Gun . It was also at UNT where he joined a group of student musicians to create Snarky Puppy, a jazz fusion band that went on to win five Grammy Awards. Martin himself has won seven Grammys: three as a Snarky Puppy member and four for his work with Franklin. Dec. 31, 1950-Aug. 11, 2024 Herschel Voorhees was a Denton High School alumna and a UNT graduate who spent 40 years in medicine. The bulk of his career was spent serving as the chief of staff and executive director of the UNT Health and Wellness Center, where students could get primary health care on campus. Voorhees was an outdoorsman and an outspoken advocate for students and for medicine. He applied his curiosity to medicine and the many trails and parks he hiked. Fort Worth musician Daron Beck, formerly of Denton, died in August at the age of 48. He’s shown posing for a portrait in Dallas in 2020. June 19, 1976-Aug. 22, 2024 Daron Beck, best known as the vocalist and keyboardist of experimental sci-fi synth-doom duo Pinkish Black, died after an illness at his home in the Fort Worth area. Beck previously lived in Denton, where his bands in the ’90s and early 2000s included Pointy Shoe Factory, Maxine’s Radiator and Thorazine Dreams. In 2005, he appeared in an episode of American Idol , making an impression on the judges with his audition although he didn’t advance in the competition. “I knew they were going to play me up as some kind of weirdo freak, but I’d rather be that than American Idol anyway,” he told the Denton Record-Chronicle at the time. May 6, 1975-Oct. 8, 2024 Ryan High School defensive coordinator Aaron De La Torre, shown in a 2019 photograph. Aaron De La Torre, a college athlete who turned pro, then went into high school coaching, died suddenly on Oct. 8. He grew up in Irving and played football at Stephen F. Austin State University and then played with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Dallas Cowboys and in NFL Europe before retiring from playing professionally. De La Torre settled in Denton as Ryan High School's assistant football coach. He was in his seventh season when he died. He coached with his son, Alex, for two years, including the the program’s journey to the 2019 state championship game, in which his youngest son, Kolt, was a player. While his leadership on the field is missed, the mentorship De La Torre gave to students is a bigger loss, friends and family said. Oct. 8, 1932-Dec. 11, 2024 Retired journalist, editor, teacher and author Keith Shelton died this month after a short time in hospice care. Shelton cut his teeth on the country's biggest modern stories. Keith Shelton He began as a city hall reporter for the Wichita Falls Record-News and then the Dallas Times-Herald . In Dallas, Keith covered the assassination of John F. Kennedy, as well as the careers of four other presidents. He also covered the tenure of Gov. John Connally. He served on the Texas Supreme Court Task Force on Judicial Ethics, became president of the Dallas Press Club and served as secretary of the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas, later becoming its director. He was named the editor of the Denton Record-Chronicle in 1965. He later served as managing editor and then executive editor of the Record-Chronicle, the Lewisville News and the Grapevine Sun . His work with Denton Publishing Co. spanned 35 years. Shelton launched a 23-year tenure as a member of journalism faculty at UNT. He earned his master's degree in journalism, taught three future Pulitzer Prize winners and became the first faculty adviser to the student newspaper. He transitioned to director of news and information services and journalist in residence in the 1990s and early 2000s, as he became the sole caregiver of his late wife, a polio survivor. In his retirement, Shelton chronicled his work as a reporter in Chance: My Life as a Series of Chances. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request.

Online debate over foreign workers in tech shows tensions in Trump's political coalitionCaitlin Clark honored as AP Female Athlete of the Year following her impact on women's sports Caitlin Clark has been named the AP Female Athlete of the Year after raising the profile of women’s basketball to unprecedented levels in both college and the WNBA. She led Iowa to the national championship game, was the top pick in the WNBA draft and captured rookie of the year honors in the league. Fans packed sold-out arenas and millions of television viewers followed her journey on and off the court. Clark's exploits also put other women's sports leagues in the spotlight. A group of 74 sports journalists from AP and its members voted on the award. Other athletes who received votes included Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles and boxer Imane Khelif. Clark’s only the fourth women’s basketball player to win the award since it was first given in 1931. Soprano Angel Blue sings her first Metropolitan Opera 'Aida' in a new production Angel Blue, one of the most admired singers of her generation, is headlining the Metropolitan Opera’s first new production of Verdi’s “Aida” in 36 years. The 40-year-old takes on the title role of the enslaved Ethiopian princess torn between love for an Egyptian warrior and loyalty to her country. It’s a part that comes weighted with history, especially for a Black soprano at the Met, where Leontyne Price embodied the role from her first performance in 1961 until her retirement in 1985. Blue tells The Associated Press she’s long looked up to Price, and directors who have worked with her say the singer is ready for the challenge. Blue’s Met debut in ‘Aida’ will happen New Year’s Eve. Centuries-old angels uncovered at Boston church made famous by Paul Revere BOSTON (AP) — Conservators have uncovered eight angels in a historic Boston church that counted Paul Revere as a bell ringer and played a pivotal role in the Revolutionary War. The angels were painted in the early 18th century but painted over in 1912 as part of a renovation of the Old North Church. Inspired by research showing the existence of at least 20 angels, conservators for the past four months have been removing the white paint that covered the eight angels located on the balcony's arches in the church sanctuary. The public is now able to view them. Swiss Olympic snowboarder Sophie Hediger dies in avalanche, aged 26 Swiss Olympic snowboarder Sophie Hediger has died following an avalanche at a mountain resort. The country's skiing federation says the incident took place at the Arosa resort in Switzerland. The 26-year-old Hediger competed at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics in the women’s snowboard cross and the mixed team version of the same event. Hediger achieved her first two World Cup podium finishes in the 2023-24 season. Her best result was a second place in St. Moritz in January. NFL on Netflix: Christmas Day games are a 1st for streaming giant Netflix will have one of its biggest days since the site launched in 1998 when it carries two NFL games for the first time on Christmas. “NFL Christmas Gameday on Netflix” kicks off with a two-hour pregame show at 11 a.m., before Pittsburgh hosts Kansas City. Baltimore faces Houston in the second game. The streaming giant agreed to a three-year contract in May to carry Christmas Day games. Magic and lights draw crowds to an alpine village in Washington state for Christmas LEAVENWORTH, Wash. (AP) — Freshly baked pretzels, shining tree lights and sleds in the snow lend a ruddy warmth to an unlikely collection of Bavarian-themed chalets in the mountains of Washington state. Decades ago, the town of Leavenworth was a near ghost town, one of the poorest parts of the Pacific Northwest. The mines and the sawmill had closed, and even the railroad left. That’s when desperate business owners took a serious gamble -- reinventing the community in the vision of an alpine village. More than half a century later, the result brings tourists from near and far -- especially during the holidays, when Leavenworth takes on the flavor of a German Christmas market. Bill Clinton is hospitalized with a fever but in good spirits, spokesperson says WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President Bill Clinton was admitted Monday to MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington after developing a fever. The 78-year-old was admitted in the “afternoon for testing and observation,” Angel Urena, Clinton’s deputy chief of staff, said in a statement. “He remains in good spirits and deeply appreciates the excellent care he is receiving,” Urena said. Packers clinch playoff berth with 1st shutout in NFL this season, 34-0 over Saints GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Josh Jacobs gained 107 yards from scrimmage and scored a touchdown for a sixth straight game as the Green Bay Packers clinched a playoff berth while producing the first shutout of the NFL season, 34-0 over the hapless New Orleans Saints. Green Bay improved to 11-4 and earned its fifth postseason appearance in six years. New Orleans played without injured quarterback Derek Carr and running back Alvin Kamara. Rookie Spencer Rattler started and went 15 of 30 for 153 yards with an interception and a fumble. The Packers have won nine of their last 11 games. Prosecutors withdraw appeal of dismissed case against Alec Baldwin in fatal movie set shooting SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico prosecutors won’t pursue an appeal of a court’s decision to dismiss an involuntary manslaughter charge against Alec Baldwin. The actor had been charged in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during a rehearsal on a movie set outside Santa Fe in October 2021. Special Prosecutor Kari Morrissey withdrew on Monday the appeal of a July decision at trial to dismiss the charge. The decision to drop the appeal solidifies the decision by Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer halfway through trial to dismiss the case on allegations that police and prosecutors withheld evidence from the defense. An all-Filipino crew is set to make history in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race SYDNEY (AP) — There have been plenty of “firsts” in the history of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race which was first held in 1945. An all-Filipino crew of 15 sailors will make it another when the annual ocean classic begins in Sydney Harbor on Thursday. With veteran sailor Ernesto Echauz at the helm, Centennial 7 will embark on the 628-nautical mile race. The boat itself is no stranger to the race. Previously, the TP52 yacht was known as Celestial and claimed the Sydney to Hobart overall handicap victory in 2022 under Sam Haynes after being runner-up the year before.

Bukayo Saka injury timeline revealed by Mikel Arteta as Arsenal suffer stinging blowFORT WORTH — With seconds remaining and a decision to be made, Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables made no hesitation — he wanted to go for the win. “We made that decision earlier in the drive,” he said. “Liked our look, liked our opportunities there.” The Sooners (6-7) lined up for a two-point conversion attempt, but would be stopped by Navy (10-3) in the game’s final moments as the Midshipmen held on for the 21-20 win Friday at the 2024 Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl at Texas Christian University. “We got exactly what we thought we were going to get,” Venables said. “And we’ve worked hard in that situation all year long...we knew if (the game) was under 30 seconds, we were going to go for two.” And Navy head coach Brian Newberry agreed with the Sooners' offensive call. “They had momentum right there and struggled after scoring 14,” Newberry said. “I thought that was the right decision, I think I would have done the same thing.” The Sooners struck first in their opening drive, using the legs of Michael Hawkins and Gavin Sawchuk to power for 45 of the 65-yard march — with Sawchuk barreling into the end zone for the 21-yard score. “Gavin (Sawchuk) started off really hot and did well early." Venables said. “We played all four backs, and they all touched the ball.” After a defensive stop, Oklahoma took back over possession. With Hawkins scrambling and changing directions on a broken play, he connected with Zion Kearney with a dime for the 56-yard touchdown and 14-0 lead after the first quarter. “He was really good, great rhythm early and late,” Venables said of Hawkins, who finished the day with 247 passing yards and 61 rushing yards. The Midshipmen defense held strong on a fourth-down stop deep into its own territory to take over possession early in the second quarter, but the Sooners returned the favor to force a Navy punt — with the Midshipmen pinning OU on its own eight-yard line. Sooners rolled to midfield, but it’d be Navy with another fourth-down stand to take back over on the OU 45. The Midshipmen capitalized on the opportunity, with Alex Tecza punching it in and putting Navy on the board and leading to a 14-7 OU lead at the half. “We just came out pretty strong. Second quarter we got a little relaxed and didn’t take what they gave us,” Hawkins said. “We weren’t together as a team. Going into a game like this, you have to be together.” After a defensive start for most of the third quarter, it’d be Navy’s Blake Horvath breaking things open — faking out the defense for the longest run in school history at 95 yards to tie up the game. Horvath, who finished the day with 155 rushing yards, said he was just as surprised as anyone else that he pulled off the feat. “Plenty of guys faster than me,” he joked. “But it wouldn’t be the longest without Brant Chatman and the offensive line.” The Midshipmen weren’t done yet, forcing a fumble and recovery at the Sooner 26. But a missed Navy field goal attempt gave Oklahoma the ball once more on their own 21. The Sooners would take the drive into the fourth quarter, but a 52-yard field goal attempt went right of the posts to keep the game even with 12:06 to play. Navy burned up the clock as it churned down the field, with Horvath capping off a 66-yard drive with a six-yard rushing score to give the Midshipmen their first lead of the game with 4:34 remaining. The Sooners wasted no time in working their way down the field. It’d be Hawkins throwing a dart to Jake Roberts in the right corner of the end zone with six seconds left. OU opted to go for the win with its two-point conversion try — but the Midshipmen defense held on to seal the victory. Venables said he took full responsibility for not only the game, but the roller coaster of a season as a whole. “Everything falls on me. When we’re dropping it and not converting fourth down, giving up explosive runs, everything falls at my feet,” he said. “Really disappointed in myself. I need to be a lot better. We went 6-7 and we did a lot of things right, but we have to be a lot better.” But despite everything, he also expressed immense pride in his team’s fight and how they represented their school. “I am hurt for the players because I know they’ve worked hard. Its easy to take shots at the coaches, but everyone is disappointed,” Venables said. “I am not embarrassed of the fight, commitment and the work that these guys have represented. We have to be better. This is a game of performance and work, and we fell short of that this year.” And as tight end Jake Roberts said, adrenaline and emotion flashing across his face, he’s proud of the work put in by he and his teammates — and excited for the future of Oklahoma football. “Obviously it’s not the year we wanted to have. Obviously a lot of disappointment but a ton of growth. Learn how to come back to work when you don’t want to,” he said. “Although it’s disappointing, not going to say I would change anything. I’m excited to see what Team 131 does. You take the adversity, you learn from it and move on.”

The NFL wished Taylor Swift a Happy Birthday with a TikTok of her and Travis Kelce’s most memorable moments—on and off the field. Kelce’s employer posted the video of the singer and his relationship, which already has racked up over 1 million views. The caption read, “Karma is the guy on the @Chiefs saying happy bday to me.” The clips showed Kelce and Swift celebrating his wins at games, the pair at her concerts, and her glitzed out in Chiefs gear. “If you told me 2 years ago I would be following the NFL on tiktok and not falling asleep everytime a game is on TV... never would’ve believed it,” wrote one commenter. “Happy birthday Taylor. Thank you for uniting the Swifties and the Football Fans together in the name of art and sport,” another wrote. Swift has been seen at many Chiefs games since the beginning of her relationship with the tight end, with him visiting her at some of her tour dates. karma is the guy on the @Chiefs saying happy bday to me 🎶 #taylorswift #traviskelce #nfl #kansascitychiefs Saturday Night Live alum Pete Davidson , known best to some for his past relationships with Kim Kardashian , Ariana Grande , Kate Beckinsale , and more famous women, now says he doesn’t want to be known as “this f---ing loser who just dates people,” in a new interview for W Magazine . to promote his new role as creative director for colorful sock brand Doublesoul, Davidson told the outlet his feeling that he was one of “a handful of celebs every couple of years” that the media “destroys,” after multiple run-ins with tabloids over his famous exes. “For some reason, I’m one of the people they chose to go after,” he said. But, he added, “It’s actually, in a way, a blessing, because it allowed me to take a step back and evaluate things. What do you want to be? Who are you?” Davidson said he only wants to be seen publicly “when it’s movie, stand-up, charity, or business ventures” and to focus on his stand-up career. “I’m someone who is from Staten Island, wanted to do stand-up, and if I got to do anything else because of stand-up, it was a miracle.” Posters are a great way to celebrate your favorite fandom. But if you’re looking for that real “WOW!” factor, nothing beats Fathead . For 17 years, Fathead has been an industry leader in officially licensed graphic wall art across sports and entertainment. You can even create personalized products, making big-head cutouts and life-size wall decals from your own photos. Installing the decals is a breeze. Unroll the decal and lie it flat. Wipe down your wall with a damp cloth. After the wall is dry, peel off the decal backing and apply it slowly, smoothing out any bubbles as you go. Need to adjust? No problem— Fathead decals can be peeled off and reapplied easily. No matter your favorite football team, Fathead has a wall decal for them . Free Shipping The basketball season has just tipped off. Celebrate your favorite player with a life-size wall decal. Free Shipping From everyone’s favorite web-slinging New Yorker to the fourth-wall breaking merc with a mouth, Fathead’s superhero decals burst with vibrant colors. You’ll marvel at how they bring your walls to life. Free Shipping If you buy something from this post, we may earn a small commission. The iconic sitcom Malcolm in the Middle will hit screens for the first time in 18 years, with a limited run of four episodes set to premiere on Disney+ . Frankie Muniz, who will reprise his role as Malcolm, announced the reboot Friday, along with Bryan Cranston and Jane Kaczmarek, who play his parents. The original creator of the show will also return as a writer. The new series follows Malcolm returning home with his daughter for his parents’ 40th wedding anniversary, according to Deadline . Christopher Kennedy Masterson, who played the eldest brother Francis, and Justin Berfield, who played the middle child Reese, are likely to be asked to reprise their roles. Though it’s unlikely that Erik Per Sullivan, who plays the youngest brother Dewey, will make an appearance. He quit acting in 2010 and has not appeared at any reunions. Malcolm in the Middle first premiered on Fox in 2000 and ran for seven seasons. Its success as a family comedy is credited with paving the way for other single-camera sitcoms. Legendary quarterback Aaron Rodgers is finally opening up about his strained relationship with his family. In his new documentary, Aaron Rodgers: Enigma , Rodgers explained that he has “stunted emotional intelligence” because of the lack of open emotion in his home growing up. “I think I saw my dad cry when my grandfather passed. And that might have been it,” Rodgers shared. “There wasn’t space for emotion.” Rodgers’ brother, Jordan, first opened up about the family’s rift during his time on The Bachelorette in 2016. During a hometown date with his now-wife JoJo Fletcher, the family explained that while they “miss” Rodgers, they no longer have a relationship with him. In a 2017 profile with The New York Times , Rodgers’ father, Ed, confirmed that he hadn’t spoken to his son in three years. “Fame can change things,” he said. At the time, Rodgers said he didn’t want to talk about his family publicly. In the doc, Rodgers spoke about his family while participating in an ayahuasca ceremony. The quarterback said the psychedelic drug allows users to “model a new way of thinking about masculinity, or what it means to be a man.” Scouted selects products independently. If you purchase something from our posts, we may earn a small commission. Consuming cannabis as an adult feels very different than doing so as a fresh-faced 21-year-old—so why should your smoking habits make your space feel like a disheveled college dorm room? NWTN Home’s collection of chic smoking essentials offers a more elevated way to enjoy cannabis in the comfort of your home. NWTN Home is a smokeware brand bringing craftsmanship to the cannabis industry by designing what they call “homeware for the high-minded.” Its weed-associated products are built to double as elegant and functional houseware items , helping you upgrade your home into a full smoking sanctuary. Plus, they make the perfect holiday gifts for your favorite creative cannabis connoisseur! This hand-poured, marbled ashtray rests atop a sleek melamine rolling tray and includes a helpful brass tool that can assist in your rolling process, making it the perfect blend of form and function. This standout stackable flower pot ashtray set is a surefire solution to keep your space clean—and your houseguests impressed. No cannabis collection is complete without something to smoke out of! These avant-garde gravity bongs are inspired by vintage housewares and designed to seamlessly blend into your barware and greenware set-ups. Released bodycam footage shows Paris Hilton’s ex-fiancé, Chris Zylka, in a chaotic brawl with police after a failed carjacking. Police in a Cleveland suburb first responded to reports of a shirtless, barefoot man walking in traffic in freezing temperatures on Dec. 4, local outlet WKBN first reported. Zylka was found in the middle of an intersection, where he allegedly tried to break into a woman’s car. He pointed a cell phone at the cops and began foaming at the mouth, leading officers to believe he was under the influence of drugs, according to the police report. Footage shows Zylka struggling with police officers and resisting arrest even after being tasered in the leg twice. He was then put in an ambulance by paramedics. The actor is now facing felony charges of assault and attempt to commit an offense, as well as misdemeanor disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and aggravated menacing. Hilton and Zylka started dating in 2017 after being friends for years. He proposed in early 2018 during a ski trip in Aspen, Colorado, but they called off their engagement in November that same year. Vanderpump Rules alum James Kennedy is refusing to apologize for his domestic violence arrest . “We are in the process of conducting our own investigation into the allegations levied by the Burbank Police Department against James,” Kennedy’s attorneys said in a statement to the Daily Mail . “We understand that there were no injuries and we are hoping that, after careful review, the city’s attorneys will decide not to file formal charges.” Police were called to Kennedy’s home on Tuesday because of an argument between Kennedy and a woman. That night, Kennedy attended Kathy Hilton’s Christmas party with girlfriend Ally Lewber, though it’s unknown if she is the victim. Police told People that after an investigation, they arrested the reality star for misdemeanor domestic violence. He later posted $20,000 bail. A source at the Christmas party told People that Kennedy was acting “super aggressive.” “He was acting so erratic, running back and forth to the bar and body-checking people along the way,” the source alleged. “He appeared inebriated. Spent the evening mostly alone but when he did speak to people, he appeared irritated and rude.” A doctor has rubbished Brandi Glanville’s scary medical theory about her “deflated” face , saying he’s concerned about an infection that started via an injection. The 52-year-old Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum claims doctor s told her that it may have been caused by “a parasite that jumps around my face.” But Dr. Terry Dubrow, from Botched , has said he’s “concerned about an infectious process”. He told TMZ : “It’s an infectious process or a foreign body reaction to something she’s had injected.” A foreign body reaction is the response of biological tissue to any foreign material in the tissue, despite it often being inert and nontoxic, according to ScienceDirect.com Dubrow added: “Brandi needs a diagnosis... she has to figure out if there’s a microorganism in there. It’s not gonna be a parasite, it’s not gonna be something she ate... it’s going to be something that got into her bloodstream though, and seeded some foreign body.” Dubrow thinks Glanville either has a micro bacterium, a type of bacteria, or a fungus, a type of organism. Sick it! pic.twitter.com/hrtAzRwOCW A Buckingham Palace maid was arrested this week after she allegedly went “crazy” following a staff Christmas party which saw glasses and punches thrown in a London bar. A report in The Sun said as many as 50 royal servants gathered for an after-party following drinks at the palace Tuesday when the maid, 24, took a swing at a bar manager, threw glasses, and was ultimately arrested for common assault, criminal damage, and being drunk and disorderly. She was released after 24 hours with a fine. “The group walked in and this one girl just got hysterical,” a source told The Sun . “She started smashing glasses and abusing our staff members, so we had to call the police. I’ve never seen one person get that crazy during a night out. She was on another level.” A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: “We are aware of an incident outside the workplace involving a number of Household staff who had previously attended an early evening reception at the Palace. While this was an informal social gathering, not an official palace Christmas party, the facts will be fully investigated, with a robust disciplinary process followed in relation to individual staff and appropriate action taken.” Scouted selects products independently. If you purchase something from our posts, we may earn a small commission. Apparently, boosting prostate health can actually be pleasurable—at least, that’s what premium sexual wellness brand MysteryVibe says. The Molto, an ultra-slim and bendable prostate vibrator designed by a doctor, is engineered to be the same size and width as a doctor’s finger and to mimic similar motions to that performed during an exam, allowing for not only intense prostate (the prostate is often hailed as the male ‘G-spot’) and anal stimulation but also a release of prostatic fluids. According to the brand, some studies have found that excess prostatic fluid can lead to inflammation and pressure, so not only is this a sex toy , but it’s also possibly an investment in your prostate health. Think of it almost like a lymphatic massage for your prostate—except one that can give you intense orgasms, too. Made with body-safe silicone, the multifunctional and gender-fluid vibrator is powered by one “anatomically-placed” motor that delivers potent yet precise vibration to the anus and prostate without feeling bulky or inflexible. It’s a great sex toy for those new to anal play or who are looking for an ultra-sleek vibrator with possible health-boosting benefits. The prostate vibrator is equipped with 16 vibration settings and eight pre-set vibration patterns, allowing for superior control and customization. Plus, the device comes with access to a catalog of vibration patterns with the free MysteryVibe smartphone app. Best of all? Because the Molto vibrator is an FDA-registered class II medical device, it’s also FSA/HSA eligible. Is Melania Trump finally back in action? The incoming first lady is joining Donald Trump on Sunday for a private dinner at Mar-a-Lago with Akie Abe, the widow of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, according to reports. Her husband, who was assassinated at a political rally in 2022, reportedly won over Trump during his first term with the proven combination of golf and flattery. Trump and Akie Abe have stayed close, with the president-elect regularly calling her to check in, a source told CNN. Melania Trump is scheduled to attend Sunday’s dinner, her latest public appearance after being largely absent on the campaign trail earlier this year. She also accompanied her husband to the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday for Trump’s ringing of the opening bell. Melania has always been a somewhat reluctant first lady, and it’s still not clear how much time she plans to spend in Washington after Trump takes office in January. She did, however, tell Fox & Friends last week that at least she knows what to expect this time around. Trump is set to have a private dinner this Sunday with Akie Abie, the widow of the late Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, a person familiar says. The dinner will take place at Mar-a-Lago and Melania Trump is expected to attend. Trump and Mrs. Abe have maintained a close... The woman who accused three Duke University lacrosse players of rape in 2006 has admitted she fabricated the entire story—18 years after her case captivated the nation before quickly falling apart. Crystal Mangum, the woman at the center of the scandal who is serving a prison sentence for the murder of her boyfriend years later, confessed to lying about the assaults in a new podcast interview. “I testified falsely against them by saying that they raped me when they didn’t and that was wrong, and I betrayed the trust of a lot of other people who believed in me, and made up a story that wasn’t true because I wanted validation from people and not from God,” Mangum told the podcast Let’s Talk with Kat . Mangum, who was working as an exotic dancer who performed at a lacrosse team party in March 2006, called the three lacrosse players she previously accused her “brothers,” and asked for their forgiveness. “I hurt my brothers, and I hope that they can forgive me, and I want them to know that I love them and they didn’t deserve it. I hope they can forgive me.” The charges against the three lacrosse players were dropped by then-North Carolina Attorney General (and current Governor) Roy Cooper in 2007. The Durham County prosecutor who charged the Duke students was eventually disbarred and convicted of contempt of court for giving the defense incomplete DNA test results that would have excluded the lacrosse players, local station WRAL reported at the time. More than 18 years after the Duke lacrosse allegations, Crystal Mangum admits that she made it all up. "I testified falsely against [the lacrosse players] by saying that they raped me when they didn't...I made up a story that wasn't true...I hope that they can forgive me." pic.twitter.com/3yMjbQTQXH

Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, the leaders of Trump's new "Department of Government Efficiency," have found themselves at odds with some of Trump's far-right supporters over their support for H-1B visas, which allow foreign skilled professionals to work in America. The debate was sparked over the Christmas holiday when , a conservative social media figure who faced criticism when she traveled with President-Elect Donald Trump on some campaign stops, criticized Trump's appointment of Silicon Valley entrepreneur Sriram Krishnan as his senior policy adviser for artificial intelligence. Criticizing a post from Krishnan where he advocated the removal of country caps for green cards, Loomer called the appointment "deeply disturbing," prompting an online battle between the business leaders who say the work visas are essential to employing high-qualified foreign and Trump supporters who argued it was a way for business leaders to have cheap labor rather than provide job opportunities for Americans. Both Ramaswamy and Musk made numerous posts on X claiming H-1B visas are essential because American culture doesn't prioritize success in science and engineering careers compared to other countries. "Our American culture has venerated mediocrity over excellence for way too long (at least since the 90s and likely longer). That doesn't start in college, it starts YOUNG," Ramaswamy posted on X. "A culture that celebrates the prom queen over the math olympiad champ, or the jock over the valedictorian, will not produce the best engineers," he added. Musk, who has said he once worked in the United States on an H-1B visa, said he has depended on these work visas for the operation of his tech companies and that they are essential due to the number of skilled workers needed to handle the rise of new technologies. "OF COURSE my companies and I would prefer to hire Americans and we DO, as that is MUCH easier than going through the incredibly painful and slow work visa process," he posted. "HOWEVER, there is a dire shortage of extremely talented and motivated engineers in America." Loomer and other far-right conservatives have also argued that the expansions of such programs would go against Trump's immigration crackdown. While she and others have accused Musk and Ramaswamy of hindering Trump's aggressive immigration proposals, the business leaders have argued that any such reforms would not hinder the program's extensive vetting process. "Maybe this is a helpful clarification: I am referring to bringing in via legal immigration the top ~0.1% of engineering talent as being essential for America to keep winning," Musk wrote on X. "This is like bringing in the Jokic's or Wemby's of the world to help your whole team (which is mostly Americans!) win the NBA," he said, referencing two foreign-born basketball stars. Now, the business leaders are being accused of using Trump for their own personal gain. "We are substituting a third world migrant invasion for a third world tech invasion. Same shit," Loomer posted on X. "Except this invasion won't be done by rapist foreigners who look and smell like garbage. It will be done by career leftist tech billionaires who hate Trump deep down inside." Further showing a divide among conservatives over the issue, former Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley also weighed in, pushing back on a post from Ramaswamy and arguing American workers should be prioritized over . "There is nothing wrong with American workers or American culture," she said. "All you have to do is look at the border and see how many want what we have. We should be investing and prioritizing in Americans, not foreign workers." In June, David Sacks, who will be the president-elect's AI and crypto czar, interviewed Trump for his "All In" podcast and asked Trump if he would expand H-1B work visas for after fixing the border -- to which Trump said "yes." In that same episode, Trump also promised to award all international graduates with green cards, saying, "I want to do, and what I will do, is you graduate from a college, I think you should get, automatically as part of your diploma, a green card to be able to stay in this country. That includes junior colleges, too." His campaign later walked back that promise, saying there would be a vetting process. "He believes, only after such vetting has taken place, we ought to keep the most skilled graduates who can make significant contributions to America," Karoline Leavitt, incoming White House press secretary, said in a statement to ABC News at the time. "This would only apply to the most thoroughly vetted college graduates who would never undercut American wages or workers."

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The California Highway Patrol shared the results of its Christmas Maximum Enforcement Period, a focused effort that ran from 6:01 p.m. on Dec. 24 to 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 25. Related Story: Over the two-day operation, CHP officers made 308 DUI arrests across the state and issued 3,835 citations for speeding, seatbelt violations, and other traffic infractions. In total, officers reported 7,622 enforcement actions. DUI Arrests About One-Third of Christmas 2023 During the 2023 Christmas MEP, the CHP reported that 20 people died on the state highways. Officers also arrested more than 900 people for DUI last year over the 18-hour period. Related Story: “The holidays should be a time of celebration, not tragedy. Let’s continue to prioritize safety and responsibility on the road,” the CHP said in a statement. The annual enforcement campaign is designed to reduce traffic-related incidents during the holidays by targeting impaired driving and other unsafe behaviors, authorities noted. Related Story: —FSK Completes Public Offering of $100 million 6.125% Unsecured Notes Due 2030

Why Elastic (ESTC) Stock Is Up TodayOnce upon a time, reinvention was not part of our lexicon. Life was predictable growing up in the ’50s and ’60s. Our grandparents were the fountain of wisdom and virtue, much revered in the community. No significant events, culturally and politically, were held without their blessing. We sought their foresight and judgment; they could do no wrong. But that era passed with their demise. So much has changed since. The societal changes and upheavals in the larger community were gradual and passive. The stability of the postwar decades began to unravel by the mid ’80s and early ’90s. The collapse of the Soviet Union, the rise of cable networks, and the beginnings of the internet were the political and social alterations of that decade. It was not until the rapid rise of social media, along with significant societal eruptions like same-sex marriage, that the rise of LGBTQI and the transgender phenomenon jolted us out of our laissez-faire attitude toward homosexuality and drug abuse. The Pope’s recent declaration is a testament to a major realignment of long-held views when he came full circle, and recognized that religion is the most divisive human invention that has caused much misery throughout history. The natural change process, called natural selection, is a slow adaptation mechanism. Without human intervention, coping with environmental changes like climate change could take tens of thousands of years or more. It has never been a problem in the past millennia because humanity constantly collaborated with nature in the hunting-gathering-agricultural phase of civilization. The Advent of the Enlightenment years and later, “Big Science” left us unable to change fast enough to keep up with major environmental upheavals. Today’s extinction rate is estimated to be 1,000-10,000 times higher than the natural extinction rate. Entrenched belief has held us back more often than most people realize. The wisdom of the old folks (matatanda) is highly overrated. They have no clue about the realities of today. We are saddled with slogans that ring hollow in today’s paradigm: “Ang hindi lumingon sa pinanggalingan ay hindi makakarating sa pupuntahan. (If you don’t look back on where you came from, you won’t make it to where you’re going.)” This is one of those regressive BS that holds us back. It’s more like, “Ang hindi tumitingin sa pupuntahan ay hindi makakarating sa patutunguhan. (If you’re not looking where you’re going, you’re not going to get there.)” Filipinos are very often cultural casualties of superstitious rubbish. We have to stop passing on this nonsense to our children. Political dynasties (80 percent in the Philippines, the world’s highest) are so unrelenting that reinventing our politics is becoming a distant dream. It’s the one institution that can bring enormous changes to this country. But as long as we have foxes in the hen house, our legislators see only a trough from which they can fatten themselves. In this era of political realignment and globalization, our country’s ability to reinvent itself is hamstrung by people who are disciples of the past and who can only see through the lens of kindred souls with the same ideas and biases. The generational divide has never been so vast. Dynastic politics offers nothing but roadblocks to self-realization. Humans have been on a rush since the Enlightenment. We innovate to respond to our immediate needs, whether to increase our food supply, mitigate environmental concerns, provide cutting-edge health care, or become more responsive to socioeconomic concerns. The most innovative countries show a trajectory of progress. Based on our population and resourcefulness, the Philippines should rank much better than we do. (In the list of most innovative countries in 2024, we are No. 53, and tiny Singapore is No. 4, after the United States.) Being innovative, after all, is dependent on creativity and resourcefulness. Many countries with fewer human capital are trending higher than us. In fact, we have been victims of our early successes; we sat too long on our laurels. Our system became stale, our educational standards have gone down, our political leaders got busy enriching themselves, our people have become disillusioned, and talent started migrating elsewhere. Our creative outputs have been victims of religious subjugation; we are beset by doubt and internal fear brought on by 500 years of theological colonialism. Who is going to lead us at the turn of the century? We will be at the mercy of the descendants of today’s dynasty and the continued control of oligarchs. If the future generation of Filipinos chooses to stay put, staying engaged will prove consequential. Until our political leadership reinvents itself into a benevolent stewardship, our country’s future remains at the margins. —————- Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . Edwin de Leon is Canada-based, and an occasional contributor to Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Stock market today: Indexes close mixed as traders hold out hope for a Santa Claus rallyWhen Supreme Court justices debated Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming care yesterday, they kept calling the science “evolving” and “uncertain. ” Last year, Tennessee made it illegal for doctors to provide gender-affirming care to trans teens. Their reason? The state claims it needs to make sure young people don’t become “disdainful of their sex” — that’s the actual language in the law. That’s not how medicine works, doctors say. “When we ban care or slow down care, we’re affecting an entire age cohort and putting them at risk for worse mental health,” says Dr. Carl Streed Jr., who leads the World Professional Association for Transgender Health’s U.S. chapter and runs research at Boston Medical Center’s GenderCare Center, told USA Today . The state’s case leans heavily on claims about medical uncertainty. But Dr. Joshua Safer, who heads Mount Sinai’s transgender medicine center in New York, also told USA Today the approach for treating trans youth is already “conservative” and carefully individualized. “We try to be thoughtful and conservative when we support parents and kids,” he said. What Tennessee’s law actually does is block doctors from using the same medications for trans kids that they can freely prescribe to other youth for different conditions. It’s this bizarre contradiction that’s now before the Supreme Court. Major medical organizations filed receipts with the Court in the form of amicus briefs. The American Academy of Pediatrics brought the data : Studies show that access to puberty blockers and hormone therapy, when prescribed according to established guidelines, significantly reduces mental health crises for trans youth who need them. But Tennessee’s case relies heavily on six doctors—and that’s where things get sketchy. A recent investigation by Accountable.US found that courts have repeatedly called out four of these experts for: These are the basic facts that got buried in court: While Justice Roberts called this an “evolving situation,” medical groups say the basic science is solid. What’s actually evolving is the political fight—25 states have passed similar bans despite major medical associations opposing them. RECOMMENDED • silive .com Popular ‘90s band cancels upcoming shows after singer ends up in hospital Dec. 5, 2024, 12:47 p.m. Dear Abby: I just found out my fiance is secretly bisexual or gay Dec. 4, 2024, 6:00 a.m. The American Medical Association’s position is clear: “Trans and non-binary gender identities are normal variations of human identity and expression.” They warn that blocking care access can have “tragic health consequences.” The Court will rule by June. At stake isn’t just Tennessee’s law— similar bans in 25 other states could be affected. For trans teens and their doctors caught in the middle, the wait continues.

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