NoneThe Miami Hurricanes, who once appeared to be a near-lock for the College Football Playoff, are not playing for a national title. Instead, they will play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl in Orlando. That bowl berth against Iowa State is a let-down for fans with dreams of a sixth national title in their minds, as well as players hoping to compete for a championship. However, Miami’s trip to Orlando and the lead-up to it are still crucial periods for the Hurricanes for multiple reasons. First, it’s a chance for the program to achieve something it has not done in more than two decades: win 11 games. Although the 11th win won’t get them closer to a championship, it is a good sign of the program’s progress over Mario Cristobal’s tenure. It would also end UM’s five-game losing streak in bowls. “We’re not satisfied,” Cristobal said. “We want to win every single game. We won 10. We were close on the other two, but close isn’t good enough. We want progress. We’re hungry and driven to get better, and so that’s what our focus is on: to improving as a football program, to getting better, to moving into the postseason with an opportunity against a great football team like this and putting our best on the field.” There are signs the Hurricanes will show up at close to full strength for the bowl game. Running back Damien Martinez announced he was going to play, and star quarterback Cam Ward said in a video call posted on social media that he intends to play, as well. “We’re trying to win our first bowl game in 20 years,” Ward said in the video, mistaking the length of UM’s long bowl losing streak. “We’re going hard.” Playing in the bowl game also provides the opportunity for the Hurricanes to get in several practices between now and the game. That means Miami can develop its young players and prepare them for next season during both the practices and the bowl game itself. “It’s extremely valuable,” Cristobal said. “You really don’t have many opportunities throughout the course of the year — time is limited more and more each season with your student-athletes. I want to state this and be very clear: it’s very important, it’s ultra-important for the University of Miami to continue to develop and grow and progress by stressing the importance of offseason opportunities ... You learn a lot about your team and learn a lot about your people and your program when you head to the postseason.” Of course, there are potential negatives. Players can get hurt; Mark Fletcher Jr. suffered a foot injury in the Pinstripe Bowl last year that cost him all of spring practice. A poor performance can also potentially set the tone for next season, like how Florida State, fresh off a playoff snub last year, suffered a devastating loss against Georgia in the Orange Bowl and went on to a dismal 2-10 season this year. “This is the ending of ’24 and the beginning of ’25,” Cristobal said. “This is the last opportunity to be on the field and carry some momentum into the offseason. So it is, in essence, it is the most important game because it’s the next game. “There’s a lot of excitement in the form of opportunity for our guys. Our guys love to play football. The chance to play one more time with this special group — this is a special group of guys now. They’ve worked hard to really change the trajectory of the University of Miami, and they want to continue to elevate the status and the culture at the University of Miami. So certainly a ton to play for.” ____ Get local news delivered to your inbox!1bet999 。

Local charities are encouraging generous donors to make contributions on Dec. 3, known nationally as “Giving Tuesday.” “It’s an annual event for us. For at least 10 years we’ve been promoting Giving Tuesday, which is a great way to give back to the community at the end of the year,” said Ellen Luton, president of United Way of Aiken County. “We would encourage everyone to give because it’s a great cause to give locally to our Aiken community, especially after Hurricane Helene,” Luton said. “We’ve seen a lot more need following that event. If anybody is able to give we would welcome their contribution,” she said. Links for donating are on the organization’s website and Facebook page. United Way of Aiken County helps support 30 local nonprofit agencies. The organization’s annual fundraising campaign runs from late August through October. “We had a lot of support during our annual fundraising campaign. Area businesses participate in that through workplace giving and corporate donations, and individuals participate as well,” Luton said. Giving Tuesday is like a bonus at the end of the annual campaign, she said. “After Cyber Monday and Small Business Saturday and Black Friday, it’s nice to donate whatever coins you have leftover to a good cause,” Luton said. USC Aiken is tracking Giving Tuesday donations to its annual fund on a speedometer that increases by one MPH with each contribution. MPH in this case stands for “Many Pacers Helping,” said Carlos Baxley, Leadership Giving Officer for USCA’s Office of Advancement. Last year’s effort raised $33,000 from 105 donors, Baxley said. The first $5,000 in donations this year will be matched by an anonymous donor. “We need support not only from our Pacer family at USCA but from the larger Aiken community as well,” Baxley said. Contributions can be made through USCA’s website . St. Mary Help of Christians School is raising money on Giving Tuesday to stock its STEM center. “In today's world, technological advancements are happening at a rapid pace. To keep up with the ever-changing landscape, St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic School will use your generous donation this day of giving to ensure that our new STEM Center is well-equipped with the necessary resources to prepare students for the technology-driven careers that await them in the future,” according to a release by the school. The first $25,000 in donations will be matched by an anonymous donor. Contributions may be made through the school’s website . “With your support, our students will have access to state-of-the-art tools and emerging technologies. This will enable them to develop essential skills in a world where the ability to think critically and creatively will develop the Christian leaders of tomorrow,” the school said. Other local groups seeking support on Giving Tuesday include: The Aiken Standard Community Christmas Card Friends of the Animal Shelter The Cumbee Center Golden Harvest Food Bank SPCA Albrecht Center Friends of the Aiken County Library Friends of the Nancy Carson Library The Salvation ArmyAnalysis: After Juan Soto's megadeal, could MLB see a $1 billion contract? Probably not soon

Rams finally ran the ball well in New Orleans, and it kept them in the playoff race

AP Business SummaryBrief at 4:21 p.m. ESTThe judge said he’ll make his decision after Combs’ lawyers and federal prosecutors file letters, due Monday, addressing outstanding issues.NoneOWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — The biggest question facing the Baltimore Ravens right now has little to do with Lamar Jackson or even a defense that started the season poorly. It's about a kicking conundrum that has turned into a crisis. Can the Ravens make it to the Super Bowl with Justin Tucker? One of the more surprising subplots of this NFL season has been Tucker's decline from one of the greatest of all time to a week-in, week-out liability. Sunday's loss to Philadelphia might have been the nadir — he missed two field goals and an extra point in a game the Ravens ultimately lost 24-19 . “Points were at a premium in the game. They have been in a few of these games. Sometimes we haven't made the most of our opportunity to score points,” coach John Harbaugh said Monday. "We're racking our brains, talking to Justin, looking at what we're doing. I'm very confident that it's going to get fixed. I believe it will. It has to. “And he's the guy to get it fixed.” Harbaugh has given every indication that he's standing by Tucker, who is in his 13th season and is under contract through 2027. When he's at his best, he's the type of kicker that gives his team a clear advantage in close games, but this season he has missed eight field goals. Sunday showed that against a good defensive team, the Ravens (8-5) can't simply assume their excellent offense will pile up points. There almost certainly will be close games in the weeks to come. Tucker's ability to come through will be tested again, and it's hard for Baltimore to feel too confident at the moment. “When he was hitting, three or four years ago, hitting bombs, we were going 57, 58, 56 pretty regularly," Harbaugh said. “That's tightened up a little bit.” What's working The Ravens continue to do a good job stopping the run. Although Saquon Barkley did eventually surpass the 100-yard mark late in the game, Baltimore held the Eagles to 140 yards on the ground, well below their usual output. What needs help Even beyond Tucker's problems, Sunday wasn't a great showing by Baltimore's special teams. Tylan Wallace was shaky returning punts, and the Ravens had to start four drives inside their own 20 and two inside their own 10. “They had great bounces, and they downed right down in there,” Wallace said. "I’m pretty sure we’ll come back and talk about those and see what we can do to avoid those.” Stock up The Ravens' defense continued to show signs of improvement, holding Philadelphia to 252 total yards. “I think we’ve just locked in on some things, and we’re playing our deep coverages better, bottom line,” Harbaugh said. "You watch the coverage, you watch the guys’ spacing, positioning, eyes, the communication, the checks that get made, and you just keep chasing doing the right things. It’s not (that we) changed the defense. We’re just playing it a lot better.” Stock down Harbaugh was vague on receiver Diontae Johnson's situation. He was active Sunday but didn't play, and he has only one catch in four games since the Ravens acquired him in a trade from Carolina. “I’m going to have to wait just to clarify it,” Harbaugh said. "There’s some moving parts there that we’re going to have to figure out and explore and just see where we’re at. I know that’s not the answer you want, but that’s the best I can do in fairness to everybody right now.” Injuries The Ravens were missing pass-rushing ace Kyle Van Noy (hamstring/neck) on Sunday, and WR Rashod Bateman was dealing with knee soreness. Key stats Through his first 12 seasons, Tucker made field goals at a 90% clip. That's dropped to 70% this season. He had a 95% success rate from under 50 yards, and that's dipped to 83%. Next steps The Ravens have this week off before a Dec. 15 road game against the New York Giants. Then comes a home matchup with Pittsburgh that may determine whether Baltimore has any shot to win the AFC North. ___ AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl Noah Trister, The Associated Press

NoneNHL-worst Blackhawks fire coach Luke Richardson

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Hours after Unusual Machines, a Florida -based drones manufacturer, announced it had hired Donald Trump Jr. as an adviser, its stock prices nearly doubled while social media users were left scratching their heads. "Don Jr joining our board of advisors provides us unique expertise we need as we bring drone component manufacturing back to America," Allan Evans, CEO of Unusual Machines, stated in a press release obtained by The Guardian. He added that Trump Jr., who is also the second-biggest shareholder in the $36.5 million company, is "a globally recognized business leader" and "best-selling author" who will "bring a wealth of experience" to the role despite the president-elect's son's claim to fame being his tenure at the Trump Organization, The Guardian reported . "The need for drones is obvious. It is also obvious that we must stop buying Chinese drones and Chinese drone parts," Trump Jr. said on Wednesday. "I love what Unusual Machines is doing to bring drone manufacturing jobs back to the USA." While Evans and Trump Jr. celebrated this new chapter for the manufacturer, social media users wondered what "expertise" the eldest Trump child is bringing. "Remember when MAGA cried for years that Hunter Biden, an attorney who went to Yale and served on the board of directors for many companies, cried that Hunter Biden was unqualified to advise an energy company?," X user @ArtCandee shared. "WTF does Don Jr. know about drones?" Lil Jon performs during roll call at the Democratic Convention pic.twitter.com/OYADgYt1qb "Not like it's rocket science, smh, they're drones. Also don jr likely won't be selling state secrets while being a crackhead," one X user argued. 🚨Breaking 🚨The Federal Court has granted our request for an Emergency Hearing to secure injunctive relief. Donald Trump, @realdonaldtrump , the RNC, Trump, Trump for President Inc. 2024, Turning Point and The NRA are required to appear in court September 3rd, 2024 at the... "Don Jr. knows a lot about drones. He is one...," another X user commented. A tale of two roll calls: RNC vs. DNC pic.twitter.com/2oW1F6Ar0f "The Trump family GRIFT begins,' X user @Keithph51198130 lamented. Originally published by Latin TimesConstruction of a boardwalk and outdoor classroom in the wetlands area at Woodrow Wilson High School could begin in the next month. Nate Sydnor, executive director of the Piney Creek Watershed Association, said the project has been put out to bid, and the organization is waiting on a “notice to proceed” from the West Virginia Division of Highways, which is expected to take four weeks. The Woodrow Wetlands Project has been in the works since 2022 after the pond, where the wetland is now located, was drained to deter the goose population from continuing to take up residence. At the time, the school had received several citations from the health department due to the high levels of fecal bacteria found in the pond, courtesy of the geese, as well as all the geese droppings on the school campus that were carried into the school by foot traffic and then spread further throughout the school. Plans for the wetlands project include a boardwalk with two 80-foot walking ramps connected on either side of a 32-by-32-square-foot outdoor classroom, a wheelchair-accessible walking pavilion and additional flora and fauna around that area. Sydnor said initial bidders on the project had it costing upward of $200,000, but they were able to find a way to reduce those costs without compromising the project. “This issue with the original bids is that the pond filled back up, which caused some complications with construction,” Sydnor said. “So we excavated and drained that area and the new bids came in drastically lower.” Sydnor said the excavation was paid for by a $6,000 grant from the Carter Family Foundation. Sydnor explained that because the pond had refilled with water and sediment, contractors were unable to determine how deep the area was and were unable to plan accordingly, but that changed when the area drained and the ground became clearly visible. Fundraising efforts for the project have been led by two Woodrow Wilson students, Ram Asaithambi and Thomas Spencer, who’ve raised around $200,000 for the project since 2022. Sydor said the money raised by the students will be used as matching funds for a $117,500 grant from the West Virginia Division of Highways. Sydnor provided updates on the Woodrow Wetlands Project as well as other projects the Piney Creek Watershed Association is involved in at a Beckley Council meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 26. During the meeting, council approved a $1 lease with the Piney Creek Watershed Association for the use of a space in a former fire station located at 213 S. Kanawha St. in Beckley. Beckley City Attorney Bill File said an existing city ordinance allows the city to lease property to nonprofits at reduced rates. File added that the city will be responsible for paying the utilities for the building. Sydnor said having office space in Beckley will allow the Piney Creek Watershed Association to more easily engage with partners like the city of Beckley, the Raleigh County Commission, the Beckley Raleigh County Health Department, the Beckley Sanitary Board and West Virginia University Institute of Technology. “Being able to have an office centrally located to all the partners will help us collaborate in a variety of ways,” Sydnor said.

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US President Joe Biden leaves after delivering remarks at the White House on Nov 26. WASHINGTON - US President Joe Biden’s administration is preparing a US$725 million (S$973 million) weapons package for Ukraine, two US officials said on Nov 27, as the outgoing president seeks to bolster the government in Kyiv before leaving office in January. According to an official familiar with the plan, the Biden administration plans to provide a variety of anti-tank weapons from US stocks to blunt Russia's advancing troops, including land mines, drones, Stinger missiles and ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (Himars). The package is also expected to include cluster munitions, which are typically found in Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) rockets fired by Himars launchers, according to the notification, seen by Reuters. The formal notification to Congress of the weapons package could come as soon as Dec 2, one official said. The contents and size of the package could change in the coming days ahead of Mr Biden’s expected signature. It marks a steep uptick in size from Mr Biden’s recent use of so-called Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA), which allows the US to draw from current weapons stocks to help allies in an emergency. Recent PDA announcements have typically ranged from US$125 million to US$250 million. Mr Biden has an estimated US$4 billion to US$5 billion in PDA already authorised by Congress that he is expected to use before Republican President-elect Donald Trump takes office on Jan 20. The United States has not exported landmines in decades, and their use is controversial because of the potential harm to civilians. Although more than 160 countries have signed a treaty banning their use, Kyiv has been asking for them since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in early 2022 and Russian forces have used them on the front lines. The landmines that would be sent to Ukraine are “non-persistent” landmines, with a power system that lasts for just a short time, leaving the devices non-lethal. This means that - unlike older landmines - they would not remain in the ground, threatening civilians indefinitely. Russian forces currently are making gains in Ukraine at the fastest rate since the early days of the 2022 invasion, taking an area half the size of London over the past month, analysts and war bloggers said this week. The United States expects Ukraine to use the mines in its own territory, though it has committed not to use them in areas populated with its own civilians. Trump on Nov 27 tapped Keith Kellogg, a retired lieutenant general who presented him with a plan to end the war in Ukraine, to serve as special envoy for the conflict. Quickly winding down the Ukraine war was one of Trump’s central campaign promises, though he has avoided discussing how he would do so. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you. Read 3 articles and stand to win rewards Spin the wheel now