phlboss casino login New coach Chris Holtmann has been tasked with rebuilding DePaul to the point where it can return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2004. Northern Illinois coach Rashon Burno knows what it takes to steer DePaul to the NCAAs because he was the starting point guard on the 2000 team that made the tournament -- the Blue Demons' only other NCAA appearance since 1992. Perhaps they can compare notes Saturday afternoon when Burno leads the Huskies (2-3) back to his alma mater as DePaul (5-0) hosts its sixth straight home game in Chicago. Last season, Burno's NIU squad helped accelerate DePaul's need for a new coach -- as the Huskies waltzed into Wintrust Arena and owned Tony Stubblefield's Blue Demons by an 89-79 score on Nov. 25. The Huskies built a 24-point second-half lead before coasting to the finish line. Can history repeat for NIU? There's just one problem with using last year's game as a potential barometer for Saturday's rematch: Almost no players on this year's teams were part of last year's squads. At DePaul, only assistant coach Paris Parham remains as Holtmann had the green light to bring in an all-new roster. UIC graduate transfer Isaiah Rivera (16.0 ppg, .485 3-point rate) and Coastal Carolina transfer Jacob Meyer (15.4 ppg, .406 on 3s) lead a balanced attack that focuses on getting half its shots from beyond the arc. At NIU, Burno retained only two players who competed against DePaul last year -- Ethan Butler and Oluwasegun Durosinmi -- and they combined for three points in 26 minutes in that game. The Huskies' main players used the transfer portal to join such programs as Kansas, Wisconsin, Penn State, Colorado State, James Madison, Georgia State and Niagara. With every starting job open, Butler has jumped into the lineup and produced 11.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and 1.4 steals per game. Transfers Quentin Jones (Cal Poly) and James Dent (Western Illinois) pace the Huskies with 14.4 and 14.0 points per game. NIU is on a two-game losing streak, most recently a 75-48 home defeat at the hands of Elon on Wednesday. Holtmann hopes to have Arkansas transfer Layden Blocker for Saturday's game. Blocker missed Tuesday's 78-69 win over Eastern Illinois with a quad injury. With the combo guard unavailable, point guard Conor Enright handed out a career-high 11 assists in a season-high 38 minutes. "We need (Blocker)," Holtmann said. "I don't want to play Conor 38 minutes." --Field Level Media

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Jennifer Lopez got an unexpected Christmas gift from Ben Affleck amid divorce

Buffalo Bills activate All-Pro star Matt Milano in huge boost as he prepares to play his first game in 14 months READ MORE: Bills clash with the 49ers under threat as team asks fans for help By DANIEL MATTHEWS Published: 21:43 GMT, 30 November 2024 | Updated: 21:45 GMT, 30 November 2024 e-mail 19 shares View comments Matt Milano is this weekend in line to play his first game for the Buffalo Bills since October 2023 after the linebacker was activated from injured reserve. Come Sunday night, when the Bills take on the San Francisco 49ers at a snowy Highmark Stadium, it will have been 420 days since Milano suited up for game. The former All-Pro has been out since the Bills faced the Jaguars in London last season and his return is a huge boost for the Super Bowl hopefuls. Milano missed Buffalo's first 11 games of the NFL season after suffering a bicep tear back in mid-August. It came after the key defensive weapon suffered a season-ending leg injury against Jacksonville. The Bills have also elevated quarterback Mike White and tight end Zach Davidson from the practice squad, with defensive tackle DeWayne Carter downgraded to out. San Francisco, meanwhile, has been boosted by the news that Brock Purdy is set to return for their potentially season-defining game against the Bills . Matt Milano is this weekend set to play his first game for the Buffalo Bills since October 2023 The former All-Pro has been out since the Bills faced the Jaguars in London last season Read More Josh Allen's ex claims she's been hacked after brutal CTE Instagram dig at QB amid his engagement to Hailee Steinfeld Buffalo's Highmark Stadium is caked in snow just a day before this Sunday's showdown against the San Francisco 49ers . Temperatures had already fallen below freezing by Saturday afternoon, with up to 4ft of snow expected before Sunday's NFL clash. But Buffalo was already painted white a day earlier as the weather turned brutal in Western New York. Footage and pictures from Orchard Park showed the area around Highmark Stadium covered in snow, with visibility very limited and cars battling slushy roads. Ahead of Sunday's game, the Bills put a call out for volunteers to help clear the stadium in anticipation of the winter snow. 'The rate of pay will be $20 per hour with food and hot beverages provided,' the team said. London Buffalo Bills Share or comment on this article: Buffalo Bills activate All-Pro star Matt Milano in huge boost as he prepares to play his first game in 14 months e-mail 19 shares Add commentMaharashtra Assembly Polls: Decoding the Saffron Tsunami

Kylian Mbappe’s spot-kick woe goes on as Real Madrid lose at Athletic BilbaoPresident-elect Donald Trump has petitioned a Georgia Appeals Court to terminate the criminal case accusing him of attempting to overturn his defeat in the 2020 election. Trump's legal team contends that ongoing legal proceedings violate the Constitution as he prepares for his second term. The lawyers argue that the case, prosecuted by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, should be dismissed entirely due to its political motivation. They cite the Justice Department's policy of not prosecuting a sitting president, referencing dropped cases and postponed sentencing elsewhere. Trump and 14 others are charged with racketeering in Georgia. His legal team highlights potential biases in the case and appeals to disqualify Willis from prosecution. The court has postponed oral arguments, leaving the case paused amid ongoing appeals. (With inputs from agencies.)Israeli attorney general orders probe into report that alleged Netanyahu's wife harassed opponents JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel’s attorney general has ordered police to open an investigation into Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s wife on suspicion of harassing political opponents and witnesses in the Israeli leader’s corruption trial. Canadian Press Dec 26, 2024 11:26 AM Dec 26, 2024 11:35 AM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel’s attorney general has ordered police to open an investigation into Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s wife on suspicion of harassing political opponents and witnesses in the Israeli leader’s corruption trial. The Israeli Justice Ministry made the announcement in a terse message late Thursday., saying the investigation would focus on the findings of a recent report by the “Uvda” investigative program into Sara Netanyahu. The program uncovered a trove of WhatsApp messages in which Mrs. Netanyahu appears to instruct a former aid to organize protests against political opponents and to intimidate Hadas Klein, a key witness in the trial. The announcement did not mention Mrs. Netanyahu by name, and the Justice Ministry declined further comment. But earlier Thursday, Netanyahu blasted the Uvda report as “lies.” The Associated Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message More World News India's former prime minister Manmohan Singh, architect of economic reforms, dies aged 92 Dec 26, 2024 10:38 AM India's former prime minister Manmohan Singh, architect of economic reforms, dies aged 92 Dec 26, 2024 9:35 AM Israeli strike kills 5 Palestinian journalists in Gaza. The military says they were militants Dec 26, 2024 5:21 AM Featured Flyer

Turning their toughest challenge so far this season into another runaway win, No. 7-ranked nationally Bradley Central knocked off fellow 2024 TSSAA STate Tournament participant Lincoln County Saturday afternoon in the Bearette Thanksgiving Challenge, at Jim Smiddy Arena. Breaking open a four-point difference in the opening minute of the second half, "PApa Bear" Jason Reuter's squad went on a 24-2, seven-minute hot streak to break the game open on their way to a 62-35 blowout. Having five state tournament qualifiers in their first half dozen games, Bradley Central (4-0) will head to Knoxville Tuesday for a battle of back-to-back state champions, facing DII-AA Knox Cathloic, which opened the campaign with four straight wins before falling to McMinn Central 63-39 Friday in the Farragut Thanksgiving Tournament. Continuing to start the season with an extremely tough schedule, the Bearettes will travel across town to battle archrival Cleveland, which is coming off a Class 4A Final Four run, Friday evening, in Raider Arena. After the teams evenly split the game's opening eight points, the Bearettes closed out the first frame with the final dozen markers for a 10-point (16-6) edge. Lincoln County (2-2) fought back to take the second quarter by a 12-9 margin to loser the deficit to single digits (25-17) at the intermission. Abby Bryan, who led all scorers with 19 points, netted a 3-ball and a free throw in the first 57 seconds of the third period, before the hosts flexed their muscles for 20 straight points over the final seven minutes of the period, pushing the difference back to 22 points (45-23). Bryan once again led the girls from Fayetteville in a short rally, netting the first eight points for thee visitors, but Arkansas signe Harmonie Ware countered the run with back-to-back fast break buckets off steals and assists by Walter State-bound Malia Wilcox. Wilcox then sparked 13-3 streak with her second long-range bomb of the day as the Bearette "D" held Lincoln County to just a trio of free throws in the final five minutes. Ware paced Bradley with17 points, hitting 6-fo-10 shots from the field, plus 4-for-5 at the free throw line, while grabbing a half dozen rebounds. Samford-bound Avary Brewer helped out witha trio of treys in her 13 points, plus she copped three steals and dished a pair of assists. Kennesaw State signee Tatianna Stovall posted a double-double for the victors with 10 points and 11 rebounds, plus she handed out four "dimes," swiped a pair of thefts and "swatted" two Lincoln County shot attempts. Netting just a half dozen points, 2024 Miss Tennessee Basketball finalist Kimora Fields was limited to just 14:33 on playing time after picking up two quick fouls early in the contest. Along with Bryan's 19, Lincoln County got 10 points from Molly Brown to account for more then 82.6% of its scoring.NEW YORK (AP) — A gunman killed UnitedHealthcare’s CEO on Wednesday in a “brazen, targeted attack” outside a Manhattan hotel where the health insurer was holding its investor conference, police said, setting off a massive search for the fleeing assailant hours before the annual Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting nearby. Brian Thompson, 50, was shot around 6:45 a.m. as he walked alone to the New York Hilton Midtown from a nearby hotel, police said. The shooter appeared to be “lying in wait for several minutes” before approaching Thompson from behind and opening fire , New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said. Police had not yet established a motive. “Many people passed the suspect, but he appeared to wait for his intended target,” Tisch said, adding that the shooting "does not appear to be a random act of violence.” Surveillance video reviewed by investigators shows someone emerging from behind a parked car, pointing a gun at Thompson’s back, then firing multiple times from several feet away. The gunman continues firing, interrupted by a brief gun jam, as Thompson stumbles forward and falls to the sidewalk. He then walks past Thompson and out of the frame. “From watching the video, it does seem that he’s proficient in the use of firearms as he was able to clear the malfunctions pretty quickly,” NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said. Thompson was shot at least once in the back and once in the calf, Tisch said. The shooter, who wore a jacket, face mask and large backpack, fled through Midtown on foot before pedaling an electric bike into Central Park a few blocks away, police said. The assailant remained at large Wednesday afternoon, sparking a search that included police drones, helicopters and dogs. “Brian was a highly respected colleague and friend to all who worked with him,” the insurer’s Minnetonka, Minnesota-based parent company, UnitedHealth Group Inc., said in a statement. "We are working closely with the New York Police Department and ask for your patience and understanding during this difficult time.” Police issued a poster showing a surveillance image of the man pointing what appeared to be a gun and another image that appeared to show the same person on a bicycle. Minutes before the shooting, he stopped at a nearby Starbucks, according to additional surveillance photos released by police on Wednesday afternoon. They offered a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction. Thompson’s wife, Paulette Thompson, told NBC News that he told her “there were some people that had been threatening him.” She didn’t have details but suggested the threats may have involved issues with insurance coverage. Eric Werner, the police chief in the Minneapolis suburb where Thompson lived, said his department had not received any reports of threats against the executive. The killing shook a part of New York City that's normally quiet at that hour, happening about four blocks from where tens of thousands of people were set to gather for Wednesday night’s tree lighting. Police promised extra security for the event. The hotel is also a short walk from other tourist sites, including the Museum of Modern Art and Radio City Music Hall, and is often dense with office workers and visitors on weekday mornings. Many security cameras are nearby. “We’re encouraging New Yorkers to go about their daily lives and their daily business but to be alert,” NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey said. Investigators recovered several 9 mm shell casings from outside the hotel and a cellphone from the alleyway through which the shooter fled. They were also searching Thompson's hotel room, interviewing his UnitedHealthcare colleagues and reviewing his social media, Kenny said. Police initially said the shooter rode into Central Park on a bicycle from the city’s bike-share program, CitiBike. But a spokesperson for the program’s operator, Lyft, said police officials informed the company Wednesday afternoon that the bike was not from the CitiBike fleet. Health care giant UnitedHealth Group was holding its annual meeting with investors to update Wall Street on the company's direction and expectations for the coming year. The company ended the conference early in the wake of Thompson's death. “I’m afraid that we — some of you may know we’re dealing with a very serious medical situation with one of our team members,” a company official told attendees, according to a transcript. “And as a result, I’m afraid we’re going to have to bring to a close the event today. ... I’m sure you’ll understand.” Thompson, a father of two sons, had been with the company since 2004 and served as CEO for more than three years. UnitedHealthcare is the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans in the U.S. and manages health insurance coverage for employers and state-and federally funded Medicaid programs. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz posted on the social platform X that the state is “sending our prayers to Brian’s family and the UnitedHealthcare team.” “This is horrifying news and a terrible loss for the business and health care community in Minnesota,” the Democrat wrote. Associated Press writers Tom Murphy in Indianapolis, Steve Karnowski in St. Paul, Minnesota, and Anthony Izaguirre in Albany, New York, contributed to this story. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly.

Each week, Yardbarker is monitoring the 2025 NFL Draft, scheduled for April 24-26 in Green Bay. From Boise State's elite running back to Michigan's star defensive tackle, here are five players we are tracking: Should this NFC East team target Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty? The Athletic's Jon Machota and Dane Brugler recently listed Jeanty (5-foot-9, 215 pounds) as a prospect who would make sense for the Dallas Cowboys in the first round. "I think you could make an argument that after [Colorado WR/CB] Travis Hunter, Jeanty is the best player in the draft," wrote Brugler. "If he's still on the board for the Cowboys, I think he would be tough to pass up." RB is one of Dallas' biggest needs. The Cowboys (7-8) rank 28th in the league in rushing yards (95.2). Why wouldn't they draft an RB who could break the FBS record for rushing yards in a season? Jeanty needs 132 rushing yards to surpass Pro Football Hall of Famer/former Oklahoma State star Barry Sanders' season rushing record (2,628 yards in 11 games in 1988). But hitting that number against Penn State's seventh-ranked run defense (100.4 YPG) in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal on New Year's Eve at 7:30 p.m. ET will be challenging. Alabama QB Jalen Milroe must make the most of his bowl game Milroe will play against Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl on New Year's Eve at 12 p.m. ET. 247 Sports' Alex Scarborough recently reported the QB plans to declare for the draft. Milroe may need an excellent performance to improve his grade. In Tankathon's latest mock draft , the Cleveland Browns (3-12) take him with pick No. 36. "His ball placement has been erratic, he has airmailed deep throws and he put too much zip on downfield passes at other times this year," wrote ESPN's Steve Muench recently. "So getting into an early rhythm is going to be important in this bowl game." Despite the concerns, Milroe (6-foot-2, 225 pounds) has produced solid numbers. In 12 starts, he has 3,371 yards (2,652 passing and 719 rushing) and 35 touchdowns (15 passing and 20 rushing). Texas RB Jaydon Blue gained momentum with superb CFP performance In a 38-24 win over Clemson in the first round of the CFP, Blue had 14 carries for 146 yards and two touchdowns, including a 77-yarder in the fourth quarter. JAYDON BLUE, HOW DO YOU DO?!?! A 77-YARD TOUCHDOWN TO MAKE IT A TWO-SCORE GAME VS. CLEMSON pic.twitter.com/cCzmh6V5W2 "With a terrific first step and acceleration, Blue is one of the most dangerous ball-carriers eligible for the 2025 NFL Draft," wrote The 33rd Team's Ian Valentino in his recent stock report. "Just a junior, Blue can carve out an argument to be a top-100 pick despite the setbacks." Through 13 games, Blue has 710 yards and eight TDs on 126 carries. However, he also has four fumbles. losing three. He should generate more buzz if he showcases better ball security throughout the CFP. No. 5 seed Texas (12-2) will face No. 4 seed Arizona State (11-2) in the quarterfinal on New Year's Day at 1 p.m. ET. Stanford WR Elic Ayomanor may have skills WR-needy teams covet Ayomanor (6-foot-2, 210 pounds) recently declared for the draft. In an interview with The Draft Network's Justin Melo, the Alberta, Canada native explained how he uses his size and speed to beat DBs. "I think it's a little bit of everything that allows my skill set to catch [DBs] off guard," Ayomanor said. "My speed and combination to shut it down and change direction at the top of routes that makes me a tough assignment in coverage." In 12 games, Ayomanor led Stanford (3-9) in receptions (63), receiving yards (831) and tied for first in TD catches (six). In Tankathon's mock draft, the Carolina Panthers (4-11) select him with pick No. 54. Michigan DT Kenneth Grant is a potential first-rounder On Thursday, Grant declared for the draft and confirmed he will skip the ReliaQuest Bowl. On his updated Big Board, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr . rated him his No. 4 DT. "Grant started only five games before this season, which means 2024 has been huge for his draft stock," wrote Kiper. "Considering his size, he has terrific athletic traits and explosion. His instincts stand out, too — he's an extremely alert football player." Grant (6-foot-3, 339 pounds) earned a third-team All-American nod after recording seven tackles for loss and three sacks in 12 games. In his latest mock draft, CBS Sports' Ryan Wilson has the Arizona Cardinals (7-8) selecting him with pick No. 16.

ST. LOUIS COUNTY — The prosecuting attorney here said Thursday he was again seeking the removal of a St. Louis County councilman and also pointed to what he described as a government cover-up that included possible grand jury leaks and illegal document tampering. Councilman Dennis Hancock, from Fenton, not only violated nepotism laws by hiring his stepdaughter, Hollie Galati, but he also worked with other government employees to retroactively save his own job, St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell said. Bell, at a press conference Thursday morning, released evidence his office has collected that he said supports the county’s effort to oust Hancock, including birth and marriage certificates, a property deed, emails, social media posts, county payroll records and other government documents. The prosecutor also provided a recording made in August of a phone call between Hancock and County Counselor Dana Redwing, the attorney for county government. In the conversation, Redwing tells Hancock that he had forfeited his office by hiring his stepdaughter, a violation of the Missouri Constitution’s prohibition against nepotism. Hancock, a former mayor, said “no one made (him) aware” of the rule. He then asked Redwing if he could rectify the matter by having Galati resign. Redwing told him no, that wasn’t option. “Councilman Hancock can step down and do the honorable thing,” Bell said Thursday. “If not, we are filing our quo warranto and according to the law, he should be removed immediately during this process.” His office filed the action later Thursday. Hancock’s lawyer, Kimberley Mathis, said on Thursday afternoon that she had not received information regarding any legal steps being taken against Hancock or a lawsuit against him. "I have heard from many reporters that there have been press releases and press conferences, but nothing actually filed in court," she said. The filing represents the second time Bell has attempted to oust Hancock over the nepotism violation. In August, he went to court to bar Hancock from participating in any official activity or exercising any authority until the nepotism case could be heard by a judge. After pressure on the judge for a swift ruling, though, Bell’s office dropped the filing in mid-November. Bell, who was elected last month to Congress, is expected to resign as prosecutor on Jan. 2. A dispute about Bell’s successor is currently in the courts. County Executive Sam Page, a Bell ally, asserts he has the authority to name an interim prosecutor; the state contends the governor names Bell’s replacement. A judge last week ruled for the state , but Page has said he plans to appeal. "Until I step down, I am the elected county prosecutor," Bell said Thursday. "There are one of two people who are going to be taking my role, both of which I have a lot of confidence in." Galati’s employment began on Aug. 19, with a salary of $51,888 per year and additional benefits, documents released Thursday show. After Hancock realized her hiring was in violation of nepotism laws, Bell says Hancock worked with St. Louis County Clerk Diann Valenti to alter the already-filed employment documents to show that she did not accept the job. Bell said Valenti changed the status in the system from “new hire” to “rejected” in the county’s ticketing and personal system, and asked another government employee to change fields in the personnel electronic ticketing employee action data page and messaging system. Valenti was also accused of requesting a screenshot of the data system reflecting that Galati was never employed at St Louis County. Bell said Valenti gave those screenshots to Hancock. He then forwarded the screenshots to a lobbyist who publicly distributed them. “I want to say this to not only our St. Louis County public, but also members of the media: you were lied to,” Bell said during Thursday’s press conference. “You were given false information. You were given a false narrative that that the Miss Galati was not hired. I saw the interviews, I saw the statements made by certain public officials that this did not happen, that the paperwork was never processed, when, in fact, it was.” Jane Dueker, a police union lobbyist, swiftly took to social media and identified herself as the lobbyist. “This record was not falsified,” she wrote. “Ms. Valenti is included in the workflow as the person who signs off employment. Ms. Galati told St. Louis County and Ms. Valenti she didn’t want to be employed or be paid. Upon that and upon being told employment could potentially violate the law, Ms. Valenti properly did her job and rejected the employment.” Valenti was indicted by a grand jury last week on forgery and other charges. Her attorney, Joe Hogan, told the Post-Dispatch he expected Bell’s successor to dismiss the case. Bell argued that Hancock’s removal was necessary “to prevent further misconduct and retaliation.” He told reporters he anticipates more charges to be filed in connection to the cover-up. “We started seeing evidence of information that was being leaked prior to us even announcing it,” Bell said. “For example, prior to a true bill even being approved by the grand jury. This information was being leaked, and that means that there’s a potential that someone in our office or in county government was doing that.”Injuries not slowing down Cavaliers, who face dinged-up Nuggets

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — Bryce Thompson scored 17 points, Marchelus Avery had 15 points and eight rebounds, and Oklahoma State beat Miami 80-74 on Friday in the consolation bracket of the Charleston Classic. Oklahoma State (4-1) will play in the fifth-place game on Sunday, while Miami (3-2) will try to avoid going winless in the tournament. Oklahoma State led 43-27 at halftime after making 8 of 15 from 3-point range, while Miami was just 8 of 27 overall. Four different Cowboys made a 3-pointer in the first half, with Brandon Newman making three. Thompson banked in a shot early in the second half to give Oklahoma State a 20-point lead at 49-29. Miami, which opened the game by missing 7 of 8 shots, went 1 for 8 from the field to begin the second half. Miami trailed by double figures the entire second half until Matthew Cleveland made a difficult shot in the lane while being fouled. He made the free throw to pull the Hurricanes within 75-67 with 49 seconds left. Arturo Dean restored a double-digit lead by making two free throws at 43.8. Thompson reached the 1,000 career points with the Cowboys on a shot in the lane with 13:01 left in the second half to give Oklahoma State a 55-38 lead. Nijel Pack scored 20 points and Brandon Johnson had 12 points and 10 rebounds for Miami. Cleveland finished with 11 points, and Lynn Kidd and Paul Djobet each had 10. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up . AP college basketball: andEagles seek 7th straight win while Rams try to keep pace in crowded NFC West race