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Vikings have ruled out tight end Josh Oliver. What does that mean for the running game?

Hegseth meets with moderate Sen. Collins as he lobbies for key votes in the SenateIt’s not hard to understand the value tight end Josh Oliver brings to the Vikings. ADVERTISEMENT Just listen to the way people talk about him. “He’s an animal,” tight end T.J. Hockenson said. “Once he gets his hands on somebody, it’s kind of like, ‘Good luck.'” It was similar sentiment from offensive coordinator Wes Phillips. “He’s the best blocking tight end in the league, and that’s no disrespect to anybody else,” Phillips said. “We will take Josh over anybody in this league in the role that he’s in. It’s not only that he’s physically imposing as a 270-pound man. It’s the attitude that he plays with out there.” ADVERTISEMENT What are the Vikings losing now that Oliver has been ruled out with an ankle injury? His absence will be felt most when the Vikings try to run the ball against the Chicago Bears on Sunday afternoon at Soldier Field. Though he has proved he can contribute in the passing game, Oliver has been a force in the running game since signing with the Vikings. There have been multiple times this season that Oliver had singlehandedly carved out space for running back Aaron Jones to go to work. That’s partially why Hockenson has played only about 50% of the offensive snaps since returning from a torn anterior cruciate ligament a few weeks ago. Even if the Vikings are often telegraphing a run when Oliver is on the field, they don’t care because they feel that strongly about his ability as a blocker. “You see it every single week,” Phillips said. “He’s moving large men and putting them on the ground.” ADVERTISEMENT It’s safe to assume Oliver would suit up for the Vikings if he were able to do so. He’s been playing through a wrist injury for the past few weeks, for example, and has still been extremely effective at the point of attack. How tough is it to replace Oliver in a vacuum? “It’s a big challenge because of all the things he does on a snap in and snap out basis,” head coach Kevin O’Connell said. “We will see some guys make some impacts on some different downs and distances than we have maybe seen up to this point.” ADVERTISEMENT The only other players on the injury report for the Vikings are tight end Nick Muse (hand) and edge rusher Gabe Murphy (knee). Both players were officially listed as questionable and being full participants in the walkthrough on Friday afternoon at TCO Performance Center. ______________________________________________________ This story was written by one of our partner news agencies. Forum Communications Company uses content from agencies such as Reuters, Kaiser Health News, Tribune News Service and others to provide a wider range of news to our readers. Learn more about the news services FCC uses here .

NoneA former Penticton support worker who claimed discrimination for refusing to take the COVID-19 vaccine has had her complaint against the B.C. General Employees' Union dismissed by the Labour Relations Board. According to the Nov. 22 decision, Amie Harbor claimed that her employer had constructively dismissed her for failing to disclose her vaccination status, and alleged that the union had provided bad faith and discriminatory representation when she filed a grievance with them. Harbor started work for Thomspon Community Services (TCS) in 2018 and stopped in 2021 after the public health order requiring vaccinations against the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic went into effect. Ahead of the order coming into effect, Harbor declined to share her vaccination status with her employer and had informed them that she was seeking an accommodation due to her "strongly and conscientiously held political beliefs" that align with those of the BC Libertarian Party. To support her request, she attached a letter of support from Keith MacIntyre, the party's leader. According to the Labour Relations Board's decision, Harbor's employer then informed her that before it could make an accommodation assessment, needed her to disclose her vaccination status. TCS also requested evidence of more long-term involvement with the BC Libertarians, asking for any membership receipts or documentation. "In terms of the letter of this date from Mr. MacIntyre, we have received several very similar letters and will require more substantive evidence of your long-term political belief and participation with the British Columbia Libertarian Party," TCS was quoted as saying. TCS also noted in its reply to Harbor's accommodation request that she should notify the union of her request and also asked how her case was different from a BC Human Rights Tribunal case heard already that year. Harbor did not provide any of that information, and once the deadline arrived, was placed on an unpaid leave due to failing to meet the requirements of the provincial health order. A year later, Harbor went to the union to ask about filing a grievance over the issue. The union then contacted TCS, which informed both them and Harbor that it remained willing to end the leave should the public health order be lifted or if Harbor discloses her vaccination status for TCS to do an assessment. A month after that, Harbor officially filed a grievance claiming that TCS had constructively dismissed her from employment, discriminated against her, psychologically harassed and terminated without cause. All of the claims were denied by TCS, and the union initially forwarded the case to arbitration, before deciding otherwise. A staff representative then informed Harbor that the union had decided against going to arbitration after further review and multiple other arbitrations that had found ineligibility to work under a public health order offering just cause for termination. Harbor then appealed the decision not to go to arbitration to the Union's Area Grievance Appeal Committee, which finally dismissed the appeal in February of 2024. The provincial appeal committee declined to hear a further appeal of the area committee's decision. As a result, Harbor brought forward a complaint against the union, claiming that they had made representations and responded to her grievance based on "a pre-determined, discriminatory position regarding employees and vaccine choice." To back up her argument, she pointed to publications made by the union in advance of the public health order taking effect which had sections pointing out accommodations could be applied for on a medical basis, which Harbor argued disregarded political beliefs. The Labour Relations Board rejected Harbors arguments, stating that the staff representative had explicitly considered her accommodation request for her political beliefs, and came to the decision not to advance the grievance to arbitration due to a lack of compelling evidence of success. "Similarly, the GAC considered the issue of the applicant’s request for an exemption due to her political belief in its decision dated February 1, 2024," reads the Board's decision. "Again, there is no indication in the GAC’s response to the Applicant that it relied on a view that there could be, or should be, no exemptions for pollical beliefs." The board also noted that Harbor had waited a year before filing the grievance, that Harbor had not disclosed her status to even begin the accommodation assessment, and that she had not provided any additional material as requested by TCS.

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NoneChandigarh: Punjab social security, women, and child development minister Dr Baljit Kaur on Friday directed the officials concerned to intensify efforts to protect children from begging. The minister said the state govt was implementing the ‘ Jeevanjot Project ’ to eradicate child begging . The project aims to rescue children engaged in begging, rehabilitate them, and ensure they are guided towards a life free from exploitation, she said. As part of the campaign, 187 children have been rescued in various districts of the state since July. Of these, 18 children, who lacked shelter, have been placed in state-run children’s homes where they are being provided education, nutrition, healthcare, and other essential services, said the minister, adding the remaining children had been reunited with their parents through child welfare committee. Additionally, 15 children are set to benefit from the sponsorship scheme, steps are also being taken to enroll 80 children in schools. Three children have been admitted to anganwadi centres. Under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, Punjab govt has registered seven govt-run children’s homes and 39 non-governmental homes in the state. We also published the following articles recently Minister Nehru distributes nutritional kits to children in Trichy K.N. Nehru, the minister of municipal administration, launched the second phase of the "Uttachchathai Uruthi Sei" program in Trichy, providing nutritional support to malnourished children and mothers. The initiative, costing 22 crore, aims to benefit over 76,700 malnourished infants and their mothers across Tamil Nadu. Nehru distributed nutritional kits containing essential items like ghee, dates, and iron tonic. 19 children rescued, 4human traffickers held Nineteen children, bound for suspected child labor in Punjab and Haryana factories, were rescued from a train in Muzaffarpur. The Railway Protection Force (RPF), acting on a tip-off, apprehended four alleged traffickers during the operation. The children, hailing from Bihar's impoverished districts, were enticed with promises of monthly wages. Children from Tiljala shed community enjoy a fun-filled day out on Childrens Day Children from the Tiljala Shed community experienced a memorable Children's Day celebration at a renowned Park Street restaurant. The event, organized by a community development organization, treated the children to a specially curated menu, live entertainment, and engaging games.Britney Spears celebrated her 43rd birthday officially as a single woman. The pop star, whose birthday was Dec. 2, was declared legally single by the state of California seven months after finalizing her divorce from ex-husband Sam Asghari. The required six-month waiting period following the former couple reaching a settlement in May after 14 months of marriage is over, according to Rolling Stone. Spears and Asghari reportedly split amicably despite him citing irreconcilable differences in his divorce filing in Aug. 2023. The actor and fitness trainer walked away from the marriage with nothing mote than his clothes and his truck, TMZ reported. The “Toxic” singer reportedly paid his rent for a few months after he moved out. “The divorce was amicable and the prenup was not challenged,” an unidentified source told People magazine of the split in May. “Britney is continuing to flex her freedom and is moving on.” Although Spears has yet to publicly discuss the dissolution of her third marriage, she flexes expressions of her newfound freedom regularly on social media with attention-grabby postings. “The day I married myself,” she captioned an Instagram video last month, while prancing around in a wedding dress. “Bringing it back because it might seem embarrassing or stupid, but I think it’s the most brilliant thing I’ve ever done.” She reportedly moved on to a “tumultuous relationship” with her landscaper, Paul Soliz, while Asghari has been romantically linked to Los Angeles-based property agent Brooke Irvine, according to TMZ.

According to Sky Sport Italia, Napoli are eager to bring in veteran Brazil international defender Danilo from Juventus in January after he was linked with Manchester United. The Bianconeri are already seeking a new centre-back for mid-season after losing Gleison Bremer and Juan Cabal for the rest of the campaign to torn anterior cruciate ligaments. There had , as he has been getting very little playing time in Turin since Thiago Motta took over from Max Allegri, so The surprising new development from is that Napoli are interested in keeping Danilo within Serie A by calling him over to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Coach Antonio Conte reportedly believes that he would bring valuable experience to the side, effectively replacing fellow Brazilian Juan Jesus. Danilo turned 33 in July and has been at Juventus since a €37m transfer from Manchester City in the summer of 2019. His current contract will expire at the end of this season and he has made 12 appearances this term between Serie A and the Champions League, but only four of those were in the starting XI.

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The Friedkin Group expect to complete their takeover of Everton before Christmas, talkSPORT understands. Roma supremo Dan Friedkin is close to being granted Premier League approval to buy Farhad Moshiri's 94.1 per cent stake in the Toffees. Moshiri agreed the sale in September and is set to walk away with virtually nothing from the deal, agreed in September, as Friedkin is clearing Everton's debts of around £600m. The British-Iranian businessman first acquired a 49.9 per cent stake in Everton in 2016 before increasing his share of the ownership in the years since. Meanwhile, Friedkin purchased Roma in 2020 and is currently the Serie A side's president. Under his ownership, the Giallorossi have not finished lower than seventh and won their first European trophy for 61 years (the Conference League) in 2022. It has been a turbulent spell for the Toffees after they breached the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability rules in recent seasons. Sean Dyche's side had a ten-point deduction reduced to six points on appeal last term before later being hit with another two-point penalty. Despite the punishments, Everton finished 15th in the table, 14 points clear of the relegation zone. So far this season, the Toffees have won three of their 14 league matches and are five points above the drop zone. It is also their final campaign at Goodison Park before moving to a new stadium. After 132 years at the venue, Everton will move across Liverpool to Bramley-Moore Dock ahead of the 2025/26 season. However, shocking footage emerged last week of flooding at the uncompleted new ground . Videos of water cascading down the stairs of a stand circulated on social media after Storm Darragh brought severe weather conditions to Merseyside. The adverse weather also prompted Saturday's Merseyside Derby to be postponed. A new date for the fixture has yet to be confirmed by the Premier League. Everton return to action after their extended break this weekend ahead of a busy festive schedule for Dyche and his players. The Toffees travel to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal on Saturday afternoon.Watch gift guide: 15 timepieces under S$200 to S$3,000, from Timex, Swatch, Tudor and more

thletes in the spotlight often face scrutiny beyond their performances, especially when their personal lives intertwine with their professional careers. , rookie pitcher for the and boyfriend of gymnastics sensation , found himself in the crosshairs of social media after announcing a charitable pledge. What should have been a celebratory moment-a matching donation to the -became fodder for fans, who turned his generous act into an internet punchline. came via himself as part of , an initiative designed to amplify charitable causes. The foundation, dedicated to supporting veterans and their families, received a significant boost thanks to . This pledge, coupled with his high-profile connection to , seemed poised to spotlight the positive impact of athletes using their wealth for good. Instead, online communities, including , turned their attention to , teasing his involvement as an extension of her financial success. Comments ranged from lighthearted jokes to outright roasting. One quipped, The jab referenced , where she briefly held the number two spot among collegiate athletes, before sliding to fourth behind and . Despite the jokes, still places her firmly among the elite earners in college sports, highlighting her continued influence even as her gymnastics career winds down. , meanwhile, is no financial slouch. Selected first overall in the , he earned a record-breaking signing bonus-the largest ever in Paired with a base salary, is estimated near . With an impressive and in his first season, his earning potential in arbitration and free agency is expected to soar, potentially rivaling in the near future. A shift in expectations for athletes The mockery wasn't entirely malicious. For every detractor, there were fans . One commenter exclaimed, These underscore a broader conversation about the evolving expectations placed on athletes. Modern sports icons are increasingly not just for their on-field accomplishments but also for how they leverage their platforms to drive social change. wasn't just about fulfilling a pledge; it marked a growing trend of athletes engaging in philanthropy. High-profile examples include school initiative and equity investments in underrepresented communities. Fans now expect their sports heroes to be role models both in the game and in the world. Beyond the teasing While the jokes might sting, . The foundation, lauded for its work supporting veterans, benefits immensely from like Skenes'. For veterans and their families, such financial support translates into like adapted homes, mental health resources, and community programs. Both are reshaping the narrative around athletes in their respective fields. As they navigate public scrutiny and online commentary, their focus on giving back and remains their strongest defense. Whether fans are laughing with them or at them, one thing is clear:

After a thrilling double-overtime win over Fresno State, California Baptist makes the nearly 2,500-mile trip to Orlando to face Central Florida on Sunday. The Lancers (5-3) capped their time at the Acrisure Holiday Invitational in Palm Springs, Calif., with an 86-81 victory over the Bulldogs on Wednesday. That followed a last-second, 79-77 loss to SMU the day before. Dominique Daniels Jr. played 45 minutes against Fresno State and led California Baptist with 29 points. He paces the Lancers with 20.3 points per game, while Kendal Coleman averages 15.1 points and is shooting 59.7 percent form the floor. However, coach Rick Croy's team has struggled from 3-point range, shooting just 30.7 percent entering its first true road game this season. UCF (5-2) is coming off of an 84-76 win over Milwaukee last Wednesday despite being outrebounded 41-31. The Knights were helped by the heroics of senior guard Darius Johnson, who had 28 points as he shot a career-best 8-for-10 from beyond the arc. "Darius was terrific," UCF coach Johnny Dawkins said. "He's so comfortable in his leadership role now, he's leading our team and running the show, and our new players are becoming more comfortable playing with him. He's been a rock for us this season, and you love to see it out of a senior point guard." "I had an extraordinary night shooting the ball from three," Johnson said. "I rarely think that would happen again, but it's great. I know my teammates are going to have nights like that as well." Johnson is among the nation's leaders in minutes per game (36.6) and is shooting a team-high 50 percent from 3-point range (23 of 46). He, along with his fellow guard Jordan Ivy-Curry, are each averaging 16.9 points to lead UCF. The Knights opened the season with an impressive win over Texas A&M, now No. 20 in the AP poll, but lost both games at last weekend's Greenbrier Tip-Off, including a triple-overtime defeat against LSU on Sunday. UCF has not reached the NCAA Tournament since 2018-19. This will be the first meeting between the Knights and the Lancers, who will each have time off afterwards. UCF won't play until Dec. 8 against Tarleton State, while California Baptist is idle until its Dec. 11 game at San Diego State. --Field Level Media