kevin spacey blackjack movie Middle East latest: Displaced people return to south Lebanon as ceasefire appears to holdIt didn't take Syracuse first-year coach Fran Brown long to figure out the key matchup for Saturday afternoon's Atlantic Coast Conference game visiting Miami. "Syracuse has a really good quarterback," Brown said of Kyle McCord, "and Miami has a really good quarterback (Cam Ward)." With a win on Saturday, the No. 6 Hurricanes (10-1, 6-1 ACC) can clinch a berth in the league championship game against SMU. Miami is a 10 1/2-point favorite for Saturday's game. Syracuse (8-3, 4-3) has reached eight wins for just the fourth time since 2002, going 8-5 in 2010 and 2012 and 10-3 in 2018. However, the Orange haven't defeated a Top-10 team since knocking off Clemson in 2017. Miami leads the nation in scoring (44.7), and the Hurricanes will count on perfect passing conditions in Syracuse's dome. That could be huge for Ward, who leads the nation with 34 touchdown passes, ranking second in passing yards (3,774) and fourth in passing efficiency. Ward's top target is wide receiver Xavier Restrepo, who needs just 21 yards to reach 1,000 for the second straight season. Restrepo also ranks tied for seventh in the nation with 10 TD receptions. Ward has some other top targets, including 6-foot-4, 245-pound tight end Elijah Arroyo, who is a walking mismatch because of his size and speed. He leads Miami with 18.5 yards per reception. Hurricanes wide receivers Isaiah Horton and Jacolby George have combined for 12 TD passes, and Sam Brown has added two more. Each of them has more than 500 receiving yards this season. Miami's running game features battering ram Damien Martinez (739 yards, 5.5 average, eight TDs); versatile Mark Fletcher Jr. (499 yards, 5.7 average, six TDs); and game-breaking freshman Jordan Lyle (361 yards, 8.6 average, four TDs). Defensively, Miami's big-play man is safety Mishael Powell, who ranks second in the ACC with five interceptions. "He's all about winning," Miami coach Mario Cristobal said of Powell. "He's a smart, self-starting team player." On special teams, Miami kicker Andres Borregales ranks second in the ACC with 97 points. He is 52-for-52 on extra points and 15-for-16 on field goals. Meanwhile, McCord ranks No. 1 in the nation in passing yards (3,946) and tied for seventh in TD passes (26). McCord, a transfer from Ohio State, has also set Syracuse's single-season record for passing yards. In last week's 31-24 win over Connecticut, McCord passed for a career-high 470 yards. However, McCord is just 46th in the nation in passing efficiency, due in part to his high total of interceptions (12). Syracuse also has three of the top six pass-catchers in the ACC in terms of yards: tight end Oronde Gadsden II (810) and wide receivers Jackson Meeks (801) and Trebor Pena (743). Gadsden, who is from the greater Miami area, has had three straight 100-yard games. He is the son of former Miami Dolphins wide receiver Oronde Gadsden. Syracuse's run game is led by LeQuint Allen, who has rushed for 819 yards, a 4.3 average and 12 TDs. The issue for Syracuse could be its defense, which ranks 13th in the ACC in points allowed (27.8). Miami's defense is fourth (22.3). Even so, Syracuse coach Brown said he's excited about this matchup. "I heard Miami is going to come deep," Brown said of Miami fans. "It's going to be intense in the stands. It's going to be intense on the field. I think this is a game everyone wants to see." --Field Level Media

After 15 days of recovery, the €200 million superstar of Real Madrid has returned! The stage is set for a crucial Champions League showdown, as he gears up to make his first start since his injury. This momentous occasion marks a turning point for the team, who have suffered three consecutive defeats in his absence.Furthermore, Beijing's commitment to market reforms and opening up the Chinese economy to foreign investment has also played a significant role in driving the performance of Chinese concept stocks. The government's efforts to enhance regulatory transparency, protect intellectual property rights, and improve corporate governance standards have helped restore investor confidence in Chinese companies listed on US exchanges.

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LOS ANGELES (AP) — Blake Snell and the Los Angeles Dodgers have finalized a $182 million, five-year contract. The reigning World Series champions announced the deal with the two-time Cy Young Award winner on Saturday. Snell, who turns 32 on Wednesday, went 5-3 with a 3.12 ERA in 20 starts for San Francisco this year, for one of only 16 individual shutouts in the major leagues this season. The left-hander struck out 145 and walked 44 in 104 innings. He was sidelined between April 19 and May 22 by a strained left adductor and between June 2 and July 9 by a strained left groin. Snell gets a , payable on Jan. 20, and annual salaries of $26 million, of which $13 million each year will be deferred. Because Snell is a Washington state resident, the signing bonus will not be subject to California income tax. Snell joins Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto atop Los Angeles’ rotation. Ohtani didn’t pitch this year while recovering from right elbow surgery but the two-way star is expected back on the mound in 2025. Snell won Cy Young Awards in 2018 with Tampa Bay and He is 76-58 with a 3.19 ERA in nine seasons with the Rays (2016-20), Padres (2021-23) and Giants. Because he turned down a qualifying offer from San Diego last November, the Giants were not eligible to give Snell another one and won’t receive draft-pick compensation. ___ AP MLB:In this context, Dembélé's resolute stance against the club's demands and expectations takes on a new significance. By refusing to budge on his decisions, he not only asserts his autonomy and independence but also appears to be sending a message of defiance to those who may have doubted his loyalty and commitment. In a way, his actions can be interpreted as a form of silent rebellion, a subtle act of resistance against a club that has been rocked by internal strife and external pressures.Chaos at Alex Salmond memorial as SNP's John Swinney booed by mourners

BOULDER, Colo. — A 72-year-old lifelong Colorado fan with end-stage kidney failure waited to the side of the field in his wheelchair for Travis Hunter and the rest of the Buffaloes. One by one, players strolled over and signed a football for Riley Rhoades, his face lighting up with each signature. Standing close by and taking in the scene was Jeremy Bloom. He's become a wish facilitator for older adults. Bloom, the former Colorado wide receiver and Olympic freestyle skier, started the Wish of a Lifetime foundation in 2008, which has made thousands of aspirations turn into reality for older adults. The list of granted wishes range from taking veterans back to the beaches of Normandy to helping late-in-life authors publish a book. He's staged concerts for musicians, assisted some in daredevil feats such as jumping out of an airplane and even lined up a meeting between an Olympic medalist and former President Barack Obama. People are also reading... For Rhoades, his wish was simply to return to Folsom Field again, the place where he used to have season tickets but hasn't attended a game since 2004. "Everybody has somebody in their life —a grandparent, friend, neighbor — at that age where you wish you had more resources to help," said Bloom, whose college career was cut short two decades ago when the NCAA denied his reinstatement to play football and still ski professionally after receiving endorsement money to fuel his Olympic dreams. "Nothing can compare to seeing someone else's eyes light up because you helped make their dream come true." Granting wishes The foundation is a tribute to his grandparents. But the concept began to take root when he was a teenager. He was in Japan for a World Cup freestyle skiing competition when a woman tried to hop on a crowded bus. There was no room, but everyone in front rose from their seats to make space. That stuck with him, along with seeing these acts of kindness for older adults all over Europe and Asia as he traveled. An idea formed — bring that same level of appreciation to the United States, with a wish-granting element. Bloom's organization has been a charitable affiliate of AARP since 2020. Special moment It was the yearning of Rhoades that brought the two of them to Folsom Field last weekend. Rhoades, who had season tickets at Colorado for 27 years, wanted to see the Buffaloes in person after watching the team's resurgence on television. A few years ago, Rhoades, who was born with spina bifida, was diagnosed with end-stage renal failure. Being among the 54,646 fans Saturday stirred up plenty of emotions for Rhoades, as he watched the 16th-ranked Buffaloes (8-2, 6-1 Big 12, No. 16 CFP) beat Utah. Colorado remains in the race for not only a conference title but a spot in the College Football Playoff. "It's just great to be back here again," Rhoades said as he pointed out the section where he used to watch games. "It's just ... so cool." For Bloom, the success that coach Deion Sanders has brought to the program means more reunions with teammates as they pass through town. "I've been through many years where nobody comes to visit," Bloom said. "It's fun that Boulder has become the epicenter of college football." Paying athletes Leading the way for Colorado this season have been quarterback Shedeur Sanders and two-way star Hunter, who's the Heisman Trophy frontrunner. But what particularly pleases Bloom is that Sanders, Hunter and the rest of college football players are able to finally profit through name, image and likeness. In his day, Bloom got caught in the NCAA crosshairs for wanting to play both sports and to have sponsors in one (skiing) so he could fund his Olympic aspirations. How time have changed. "I'm just really grateful that this generation of athletes gets to monetize their skills and ability," said Bloom, who finished sixth in moguls at the 2006 Winter Games in Italy. "It's the right thing." He's thrown his passion into fulfilling wishes such as learning ballet, riding in a Formula 1 pace car or taking a flight in a fighter jet. He's also helped reconnect families and friends, including a reunion for a trio of centenarian sisters who hadn't seen each other in more than a decade. This granted wish has stuck with Bloom: A person in Alabama wasn't able to travel after being diagnosed with end-of-life emphysema. So he asked for postcards to be sent, just to learn what made someone's town so special. He received 2,000 postcards from 26 different countries. "There's no end to the things that they've done for us in the world," Bloom said of older adults. "We're one of the organizations that reminds them that their dreams still do matter and that we still appreciate them and we cherish them." Get local news delivered to your inbox!Home Stretch Property Management Launched Turn Key Property Solutions to Address Saint Louis’ Real Estate Challenges

Tánaiste Micheál Martin said it was obvious from the early General Election 2024 indications that there was "a very clear route back to Government" for Fianna Fáil. However, Mr Martin warned that it was far too early to predict precisely what Coalition partners might be involved as he paid tribute to the Green Party, who are facing serious electoral losses, for their contribution to the three-party Coalition in the 33rd Dáil. The Tánaiste refused to comment on whether the Social Democrats, who are set to make major Dáil gains, will be the obvious Coalition partners for Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. Mr Martin was speaking as he arrived at the Nemo Rangers GAA complex in Cork where the South Central and North Central counts are being handled. The former Taoiseach will be elected on the first count after securing a whopping 14,000-plus first preference votes. He secured almost one-in-four first preference votes in Cork South Central. "There is a very clear route back to Government, although it is not fully determined," he said. "Because a lot will depend on those final seats I have spoken about." "We know very little at the moment - just tallies. In the majority of cases these will be reasonably accurate but then you have to work out geography, work out eliminations, work out distribution of surpluses. "It will be many, many counts before we really are in a position to look at the destination of the final two seats in five seaters and, in cases, the final two seats in four seaters. "Geography will be particularly important on the transfer area. What I am basically saying is that it is too early to call the exact type of Government that will be formed, the composition of the next Government. "But I think there will be a sufficiency of seats that aligns with the core principles that I outlined at the beginning of the campaign around the pro-enterprise economy, around positively pro-European Union position and a Government that will strongly push for home ownership - around parties that are transparently democratic in their affairs." Mr Martin has repeatedly ruled out Sinn Féin as a Coalition partner because of their economic policies. He said the incoming Government will have challenges most especially in tackling Ireland's housing issue. "Also I acknowledge that there are many people out there who are suffering, who are under pressure notwithstanding the optics of the economy in terms of statistics (that it is) doing quite well. "Many people are feeling the pressure because of the cost of living issues - we still have unfinished business with housing, to be frank, we have a lot more houses to build. "That was a challenge in this election." Mr Martin warned against "racing too far ahead" in terms of speculating about the formation of the next Government before even a substantial number of TDs have even been returned. "I genuinely would have to caution that the final seats cannot be determined. I remember in 2020, late on the evening of the count we looked to be in a very good position for closing the deal on eight seats - but we didn't close any of them by the following day." Mr Martin admitted he was "very pleased" with Fianna Fáil's overall general election campaign - and repeated that he believed the party had fielded arguably its greatest selection of candidates ever. "You will understand my wariness of the final predictions as to the final destination of the seats." The Tánaiste said he had no idea how long it would take after the final counts to hammer out a Coalition deal. "It remains to be seen (formation of Government). There will have to be negotiating teams and I would like to think that the Dáil can do it (a Government agreement) than it did the last time." "This is not easy - whatever parties engage in the discussions...very detailed work will have to be done in terms of a Programme for Government." Mr Martin said opinion polls consistently underestimated Fianna Fail support. "There is an issue. I could’ve had a better evening last night if the polls had been a bit more accurate. The polls give Fianna Fáil heart attacks all the time. We should respect the process. "Believe me, there will be a lot of twists and turns before this is over. I’m going through the permutations myself at home in different constituencies. “I’m ringing a few candidates and you pick up the local knowledge. "Geography will play a part in this as well transfers. We will win new seats. New TDs will be elected. "And that is always positive for a political party, that there is new blood coming in as well and a fresh injection of young blood coming into the party. "And that is very positive. "With a few balances of the ball we could do quite well here, but I am very conscious here that a lot will depend on the transfers. "It is a very different environment now but it is has been a very strong effort on behalf of the volunteers across the length and breadth of the country. "I have been sustained by some great people around the country from 2011 onwards and there is a great belief in many of those whose families belong to the party historically, they didn’t give up and they believed in the founding fathers of the party, the values of the party. "Mary always says I’m at glass half full person but part of me feels we are only another 2% away from even better results. But it is very competitive." Mr Martin added that he wanted to specifically mention the Green Party. "I want to pay tribute to all those who served in the last Dail, and who may lose seats. "I think the Green Party made a very positive contribution to Government. I think some good constructive positive policies emerged from the last government. "I think the last government had to weather very significant external shocks from Covid. I think the long shadow of Covid is over this election too. "I will always remember Angela Merkel at the commencement of Covid saying she equated Covid to world war in terms of its long-term impact on politics and society and so on. "That probably hasn’t been analysed to the degree it should. But if you look at the cost-of-living crisis, it has its genesis within Covid. "If you look at healthcare where a lot of waiting lists dramatically because of the emergency that Covid was. And there were a lot of impacts on society from it. And we weathered it and we came through us and then we had the war in Ukraine. So the Greens to their credit, didn’t buckle over the 4.5 years. "Being in government can be difficult for any political party. It is to the credit of the Greens that they went into government. We had challenges, we had different priorities, but this government went full term and I think Ireland was for the better for it."

In addition to its stunning visuals and expertly choreographed fight scenes, "明末" also excels in its storytelling. The film weaves a tale of honor, sacrifice, and redemption that resonates with audiences of all ages. As the young martial artist faces insurmountable odds and grapples with his inner demons, viewers are taken on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth that is both inspiring and thought-provoking.Horoscope Today: Astrological prediction for December 1, 2024The Liberal candidate in a federal byelection in British Columbia says she is applying for Métis membership after a local group questioned her claims of Indigenous identity. Madison Fleischer says in a written statement that she self-identifies as Métis based on what she knows about her great-grandmother’s heritage and is “collecting the necessary documentation to go through the application process” for citizenship with B.C.‘s Métis Nation. In the meantime, Fleischer, who is the candidate in the Dec. 16 byelection in Cloverdale-Langley City, says she has removed “Métis” from her social media profile descriptions to ensure there is “no confusion” about her Indigenous status. Her response comes after the Waceya Métis Society — which describes itself as a chartered community representing Métis people in the Langley and White Rock regions of B.C.‘s Lower Mainland — said in a release that it “wishes to distance itself from Madison’s claims of Métis identity.” The society says it met with Fleischer over the weekend to discuss her claims of Métis identity but was “disappointed that she could not provide any evidence to support her Métis heritage.” The attention on Fleischer comes after Edmonton Centre Liberal MP Randy Boissonnault left cabinet last week amid questions about his shifting claims of Indigenous heritage and his business dealings. In her statement, Fleischer says she has “always been vocal about not yet holding Métis Nation British Columbia citizenship.” The Waceya Métis Society says it has asked Fleischer to “properly research and verify her Indigenous heritage before making any further public assertions.” “In this meeting, Madison was unable to substantiate her claims with any documentation or historical connections to Métis communities,” the society says about their Nov. 23 meeting with Fleischer. “The integrity of Métis identity is not to be taken lightly, especially in public office, where the representation of our community must be accurate, respectful, and legitimate.” Cloverdale-Langley City was previously held by Liberal John Aldag, who resigned to run for MLA with the B.C. New Democrats. Aldag was defeated by B.C. Conservative candidate Harman Bhangu in the Langley-Abbotsford seat in the Oct. 19 provincial election. Fleischer, whose Liberal party biography calls her a small-business owner who operates a public relations firm in Langley, is going up against candidates including federal Conservative Tamara Jansen, who held the seat from 2019 to 2021 before losing a close race to Aldag. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 27, 2024.Swifties live-streaming Eras Tour concerts say they’re part of a ‘community’

Why this Nigerian woman doesn’t see herself moving back from the US

RIYADH: The 37th International Conference of Latin American and Caribbean Muslims is being held in Sao Paulo, Brazil, under the theme “Shariah education in Latin American and Caribbean countries, and its impact on preserving identity,” from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1. Organized by the Islamic Dawah Center in Brazil in collaboration with the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, the three-day event brings together ministers, scholars, researchers and specialists from Arab, Islamic, Latin American and Caribbean countries. The conference promotes Islamic education among Muslim minorities, the religion’s role in preserving identity and social cohesion, and addressing challenges facing Muslim minority communities. Saudi Arabia’s presence reflects its commitment to supporting Islam and Muslims, promoting moderation and balance, and strengthening the connection of Muslim minority communities to Islamic values that foster harmony, according to the Saudi Press Agency. Awwad Al-Anzi, undersecretary for Islamic affairs at the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, represented the Kingdom and delivered the opening speech on behalf of Minister Abdullatif Al-Asheikh. He said that education is the “foundation of virtuous deeds,” guiding correct beliefs and practices, and highlighted the role of Shariah education in clarifying concepts and combating ignorance. Al-Anzi praised Saudi Arabia’s commitment to education, noting its mandatory education policy and substantial investment in the sector, which has positively impacted society. He also highlighted the Kingdom’s focus on applied sciences and scholarships, enabling it to produce distinguished graduates across various fields. Additionally, he underscored Saudi Arabia’s global contributions to education, including building schools and universities, offering scholarships to Muslim students and fostering scientific partnerships. Al-Anzi reviewed the Ministry of Islamic Affairs’ efforts in spreading Shariah education worldwide through its cultural and Islamic centers. Ahmed Ali Al-Saifi, head of the Islamic Dawah Center, expressed gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their steadfast support of Muslims in Latin America and the Caribbean, particularly in bolstering religious and educational institutions. He highlighted the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs for its diligent oversight of mosques and religious institutions in the region. Al-Saifi saids that the forum aims to address challenges in teaching Arabic and Shariah sciences, and establish Shariah and Arabic language departments in major universities to meet the growing demand for Shariah education. He expressed hope that the conference would produce scientific recommendations and scholarly works that support its mission. Federal Deputy Vicentinho Paulo da Silva delivered a speech on behalf of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, highlighting the respectful relationship between the government and Brazil’s Muslim community, and acknowledging their vital role in the country’s development. He noted the strong ties between Brazil and Saudi Arabia, built on solidarity, sovereignty and mutual respect, highlighting Brazil’s high regard for Arabs, particularly through its relationship with Saudi Arabia. Delegation leaders praised Saudi Arabia, represented by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, for sponsoring the event and enriching it with contributions from ministry experts and Saudi university professors. Hassan Musa, deputy chairman of the Swedish Fatwa Council, expressed gratitude to the Saudi leadership for their efforts in serving Islam and Muslims, and promoting moderation worldwide.COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Dominic Zvada kicked a 21-yard field goal with 45 seconds left and Michigan stunned No. 2 Ohio State 13-10 on Saturday, likely ending the Buckeyes ’ hopes of returning to the Big Ten title game. Kalel Mullings broke away for a 27-yard run, setting up the Wolverines (7-5, 5-4) at Ohio State's 17-yard line with two minutes remaining in the game. The drive stalled at the 3, and Zvada came on for the chip shot. Ohio State (10-2, 7-2, No. 2 CFP) got the ball back but couldn't move it, with Will Howard throwing incomplete on fourth down to seal the Wolverines' fourth straight win over their bitter rival. “You come to Michigan to play this game,” Zvada said. “So, it's the biggest one of the year. It's the one that everyone looks forward to, and to be able to come in here and take the win, it's amazing.” This Ohio State loss in the “The Game” might have been the toughest of the past four because Michigan was unranked and wrapping up a disappointing season. The Wolverines were also playing without a couple of top players: tight end Colston Loveland and cornerback Will Johnson. The Buckeyes were favored by 21 points, the widest point spread for this rivalry since 1978, according to ESPN Stats and Info. Records — and point spreads, for that matter — rarely mean much when these two teams meet. “Our defense played outstanding," Michigan coach Sherrone Moore said. "We held a high-powered offense to 10 points, 77 rushing yards.” The Buckeyes were off all afternoon. Howard was 19 for 33 for 175 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions and Jayden Fielding missed two field-goal attempts. The run game was hardly there. “It's hard, man,” an emotional Howard said. “I really don’t have much right now. I do know we're a two-loss team. We're going to get into the playoffs and make a run. But, I mean, this one hurts.” Mullings was Michigan's primary weapon. He rushed for 116 yards and the Wolverines only touchdown of the game in the first half as neither team could get much going offensively on the frigid afternoon. “They made plays, we made plays, so as the game wore on you could definitely, slowly feel them starting to lose confidence, lose that energy and lose that faith,” Mullings said. Howard was clunky all day. In the first half he threw an interception from deep in his own territory that led to Michigan's touchdown. He went out for a play in the second quarter to be checked for a head injury. After the game, he said he was fine. “We're very disappointed, and never thought this would happen right here,” Ohio State coach Ryan Day said. “We expected to win this game and go play in the Big Ten championship game.” After the game, Michigan players attempted to plant their flag at midfield and were confronted by Ohio State players. A skirmish ensued as both teams pushed and shoved before being separated. Michigan: Did just enough and caught Ohio State on an off day. Ohio State: It's inexplicable how badly the Buckeyes played in their biggest game of the season. They would need No. 4 Penn State and No. 10 Indiana to lose later Saturday in order to make it into the Big Ten title game next week. The Buckeyes will fall. There has been talk all season about how many of the Ohio State team leaders, including receiver Emeka Egbuka, running back TreVeyon Henderson and defensive end Jack Sawyer, chose to return for another year instead of entering the NFL draft because they wanted to beat Michigan at least once. Those players were inconsolable after the game. One of them, linebacker Cody Simon, was asked how he felt. “I just can't speak that right now,” Simon said. “I feel like we let the whole Buckeye nation down.” Michigan will wait for a minor bowl game. Ohio State, assuming either Penn State or Indiana wins on Saturday, will see how the final College Football Playoff rankings shakeout on Dec. 8. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football . Sign up for the AP’s college football newsletter: https://apnews.com/cfbtop25

Dodgers announce 5-year contract with LHP Blake Snell