LOS ANGELES — Until he sustained a season-ending knee injury last week in the Western Conference final, Galaxy playmaker Riqui Puig was having a tremendous season. So I heard. I watched Puig play only twice this year, once in the Galaxy's season-opening 1-1 draw with Inter Miami and a second time in his team's Fourth of July defeat to LAFC at the Rose Bowl. Outside of short highlight clips on social media, I never saw the former Barcelona prospect, not even when he assisted on the goal that sent the Galaxy to the MLS Cup final. That wasn't a reflection of my interest. Some of my friends will make fun of me for publicly admitting this, but I like Major League Soccer. I covered the league in my first job out of college and have casually kept up with it since. I take my children to a couple of games a year. My 11-year-old son owns Galaxy and LAFC hats but no Dodgers or Lakers merchandise. When flipping through channels in the past, if presented with the choice of, say, college football or MLS, I usually watched MLS. But not this year. While the MLS Cup final between the Galaxy and New York Red Bulls will be shown on Fox and Fox Deportes, the majority of games are now exclusively behind a paywall, courtesy of the league's broadcasting deal with Apple. MLS Season Pass subscriptions were reasonably priced — $79 for the entire season for Apple TV+ subscribers, $99 for non-subscribers — but I was already paying for DirecTV Stream, Netflix, Amazon Prime, PlayStation Plus and who knows what else. MLS became a casualty in my household, as well as in many others, and the possibility of being out of sight and out of mind should be a concern for a league that is looking to expand its audience. Which isn't to say the league made a mistake. This was a gamble MLS had to take. Now in the second year of a 10-year, $2.5 billion deal with Apple, MLS did what Major League Baseball is talking about doing, which is to centralize its broadcasting rights and sell them to a digital platform. Regional sports networks have been decimated by cord cutting, making traditional economic models unsustainable. The move to Apple not only increased the league's broadcast revenues — previous deals with ESPN, Fox and Univision were worth a combined $90 million annually, according to multiple reports — but also introduced a measure of uniformity in the league. The quality of the broadcasts are better than they were under regional sports networks. Viewers know where to watch games and when, as every one of them is on Season Pass and most of them are scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. local time either on Wednesday or Saturday. "That's been fueling our growth and driving our fan engagement," MLS Commissioner Don Garber said Friday at his annual state of the league address. Apple and MLS declined to reveal the number of League Pass subscribers, but the league provided polling figures that indicated 94% of viewers offered positive or neutral reviews of League Pass. The average viewing time for a game is about 65 minutes for a 90-minute game, according to Garber. In other words, the League Pass is well-liked — by the people who have it. The challenge now is to increase that audience. The launch of League Pass last year coincided with the arrival of Lionel Messi, which presumably resulted in a wave of subscriptions. But the league can't count on the appearance of the next Messi; there is only one of him. MLS pointed to how its fans watch sports on streaming devices or recorded television than any other U.S. sports league, as well as how 71% of its fans are under the age of 45. The league also pointed to how it effectively drew more viewers to the Apple broadcast of Inter Miami's postseason opener with a livestream of a "Messi Cam' on TikTok, indicating further collaborations with wide-reaching entities could be in its future. Garber mentioned how Season Pass is available in other countries. The commissioner also made note of how Apple places games every week in front of its paywall. "What we have, really, is a communication problem," Garber said. "This is new, and we've got to work with Apple, we've got to work with our clubs and we've got to work with our partners to get more exposure to what we think is a great product." The greatest benefit to the league could be Apple's vested interest in improving the on-field product. MLS insiders said Apple has not only encouraged teams to sign more high-profile players but also pushed the league to switch to a fall-to-spring calendar more commonplace in other parts of the world, reasoning that doing so would simplify the process of buying and selling players. The on-field product is what matters. The on-field product is why MLS continues to face competition for viewers from overseas leagues. The on-field product is why the league hasn't succeeded in converting every soccer fan into a MLS fan. And ultimately, if casual viewers such as myself are to pay to watch the Galaxy or LAFC on a screen of some kind, the on-field product will be why. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!Mincey scores 27, UMass-Lowell knocks off UMass 96-83hulu sport betting 。

I ditched my best friend’s wedding to go to work – I cut up my maid of honour dress too, but SHE’S the bad guy hereNone

President issues‌ pardon for son Hunter‌2024 witnessed tremendous innovations in robotics, from humanoids achieving human-like dexterity to giant robots working on train lines. Developers focused on problem-solving approaches to make these innovations. Tesla Optimus robot, Figure 02 robot, and Clone Robotics’ ghostly humanoid robot are some of the innovations that stunned enthusiasts of robotics this year. Here, we bring the top 7 robot stories from 2024. 1. Watch: Tesla Optimus robot catches high-speed tennis balls with new hand upgrade Developed by Tesla, Optimus humanoid robot features 40 electromechanical actuators, allowing human-like movement, bipedal walking, and precise object handling. The robot is described as a general-purpose, bi-pedal, humanoid robot capable of performing tasks that are unsafe, repetitive, or boring. Optimus is 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs 125 pounds. It features a human-like design and uses lightweight yet durable materials for versatility and efficiency. Its 2.3 kWh battery, managed by Tesla’s proprietary system, supports extended operation, balancing energy for light or intensive tasks. 2. China’s humanoid robot sets 4.6-foot record for longest standing jump ever Developed by Unitree Robotics, G1 humanoid robot recently set a new record for the standing long jump, showcasing advanced robotics capabilities in the field of agility and performance. The company claims that the G1 robot can perform a standing long jump of up to 1.4 meters, possibly the longest jump ever achieved by a humanoid robot of its size in the world, standing only 1.32 meters tall. The G1 now sports a sleek visor-like face, upgraded from its earlier air-gap design, and functional three-digit hands, replacing previous stumps. Standing 4.33 feet tall (1.32 meters), the G1 folds down to a compact 27 x 17.7 x 11.8 inches for easy storage, despite weighing 77 lbs (35 kg). Equipped with 3D LiDAR, a RealSense depth camera, and a noise-canceling microphone array, it responds to voice commands and provides audio feedback through a 5-W stereo speaker. 3. Watch: Ghostly white humanoid robot with water-powered muscles unveiled The humanoid robot is developed by Clone Robotics , a Polish robotics company. The robot is capable of human-like movements, although it looks creepy because it is so close to the real thing. The company claims that the Torso has an actuated elbow, a cervical spine (neck), and anthropomorphic shoulders with sternoclavicular, acromioclavicular, scapulothoracic and glenohumeral joints. The movements are achieved through a battery-operated system of pumps and valves circulating water. The Torso has a water container and uses a hydraulic system to push water through tubes to achieve the necessary flex and activate the tendons to replicate muscle movements. 4. China’s SEO1 humanoid robot is first to achieve human-like gait Designed with cutting-edge technology and aesthetics, SE01 has set a new benchmark for humanoid robotics, sparking excitement and industry-wide discussions about the future of human-robot interaction. One of SE01’s standout features is its advanced end-to-end neural network system. This breakthrough technology tackles a long-standing challenge in robotics: creating a natural, human-like gait. The SE01 achieves this with unprecedented smoothness and energy efficiency, moving fluidly whether stationary or in motion. The robot is developed by Shenzhen EngineAI Robotics. 5. 40-feet-tall humanoid robot with Wall-E-like head to work on train lines The giant robot with Wall-E-like head is being used by West Japan Railways to maintain train lines and perform other critical tasks. The robot is aimed at filling worker shortages in aging Japan as well as reduce accidents such as workers falling from high places. The giant machine is operated by a person who sits in a cockpit on the truck. Its powerful limbs and hands can be operated easily seeing via robot’s eyes that are equipped with cameras. By synchronizing their movements with the robot, the human operator can use the machinery to perform complex tasks that require both power and finesse. Jinki Ittai Co, a robotics technology developer, and Nippon Signal Co, an IT and electrical infrastructure firm, jointly developed the machine. 6. China’s EV maker XPENG unveils Iron robot with 60 joints to mimic human movements XPENG , known for its EVs, showcased its cutting-edge AI innovations in 2024. One of the standout reveals was the humanoid robot, Iron. Standing 5’8′′ tall and weighing 154 pounds (70 kilograms), Iron is already operational, working on Xpeng’s production lines. This robot is tasked with assembling the upcoming P7+ electric vehicle, highlighting its practical role beyond just display. With more than 60 joints and 200 degrees of flexibility, Iron can precisely handle delicate parts and carry out intricate activities like walking. A key part of Iron’s intelligence is the Turing AI chip, which has a 40-core CPU and is intended for AI-intensive jobs like robots, autos, and even flying automobiles. 7. Humanoid robot Figure 02 impresses at BMW plant with 400% efficiency upgrade Operating on a production line, the Figure 02 robot stunned robotics enthusiasts as it achieved a 400% increase in speed and a sevenfold improvement in success rate. The companies described these developments as a game-changer for autonomous manufacturing systems. The Figure 02 humanoid was also successfully tested earlier this year at BMW’s Spartanburg plant, marking the first time BMW integrated a humanoid robot into its production line. Figure 02 was shown performing up to 1,000 placements per day. This represents a milestone for humanoid robots in industrial applications.

Magic's Franz Wagner sidelined by torn obliqueLindsey Vonn competes in a pair of downhills, another step on her comeback trail at the age of 40

Andhra Pradesh: Star Health Insurance, India’s leading retail health insurance provider, has announced the launch of its innovative CSR program, "Star Arogya Digi Seva," in partnership with the Center for Chronic Disease and Control (CCDC). This initiative seeks to bridge healthcare gaps in rural communities by combining the power of telemedicine with Mobile Health Units to deliver essential medical services in remote underserved and unserved geographies. The program will initially serve 44 villages across 4 Aspirational Districts in Andhra Pradesh - Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, Vizianagaram, and Srikakulam - focusing on preventive healthcare and management of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. Dimple Raisurana Kapur, EVP & Head – Corporate Brand, Communications & Sustainability at Star Health Insurance, outlined the transformative nature of the project: “Star Arogya Digi Seva represents our unwavering commitment to social responsibility and sustainable community impact. We believe that quality healthcare must be accessible to everyone regardless of geography or socio-economic status. By integrating technology with mobile, on-the-ground services, we are developing a healthcare model that empowers underserved communities, promotes disease prevention, and improves overall well-being. This initiative reflects our deep commitment to preventive healthcare aligned with IRDAI’s mission of ‘Insurance for All’.” Through the “Star Arogya Digi Seva” initiative, Star Health Insurance harnesses technology to provide healthcare access. The free telemedicine service empowers individuals to connect with qualified healthcare professionals for consultations, advice, diagnostic services, and follow-up care. Additionally, the program includes educational outreach to increase awareness about diabetes and hypertension management, as well as iron nutrition to improve community health. Mobile Health Units extend this reach, ensuring that those in remote and underserved areas receive timely and vital medical attention. This effort is part of Star Health’s broader vision of delivering quality healthcare services throughout India, especially in areas with limited medical infrastructure. By addressing these gaps, Star Health not only strengthens its position as a pioneer in innovative healthcare solutions but also solidifies its role as a catalyst for positive change in society. Through this program, Star Health Insurance aims to make a tangible difference in the lives of thousands, creating a lasting impact on health equity and community resilience.

Rotary club to mark centennial next year

Freida McFadden's thriller 'The Housemaid' topped Amazon's UK best-selling book chart for the year, while Rory Stewart's candid memoir 'Politics On The Edge' led the biography category. Colleen Hoover's novel 'It Ends With Us', which saw a film adaptation this year, secured the second spot on the list, with social media playing a significant role in driving sales, according to the online retailer. The Amazon Books Most Sold list is compiled based on the number of copies sold and pre-ordered across both print and ebook formats. In fiction, the "romantasy" genre proved particularly popular, with Rebecca Yarros's 'Fourth Wing and Iron Flame' and several titles from Sarah J Maas' 'Court Of Thorns And Roses' series entering the top 20. Cookbooks were a hit in non-fiction, especially those focusing on air fryer recipes. 'Pinch of Nom Air Fryer' by Kay Allinson and 'Bored Of Lunch: The Healthy Air Fryer Book' by Nathan Anthony tapped into the gadget's trend, while Emily English's 'So Good' was the runner-up in cookbooks. Health-focused titles like Chris van Tulleken's 'Ultra-Processed People' and Tim Spector's 'The Food For Life' also featured among the top sellers, reflecting the public's concern over the cost-of-living crisis and an increased consciousness about the impact of diet on wellbeing. Stewart's memoir stood out as the bestselling biography, ranking at number 42 overall. Boris Johnson's 'Unleashed', however, did not make it onto this year's bestsellers list, having been released in October. Amazon's Most Read list, which is ranked by the average number of daily Kindle Readers and Audible listeners each week, has been dominated by JK Rowling, with all seven Harry Potter books still captivating readers years after their release. Zak Watts, UK books country manager at Amazon.co.uk, commented: "This year’s bestseller list tells a fascinating story about British readers in 2024." He added: "From the surge of popularity for romantasy, to our continued love affair with cosy crime, we’re seeing how our nation’s reading habits are a means of escapism and perhaps a much-needed departure from day-to-day reality."

South Korea's president avoids an impeachment attempt over short-lived martial lawSouth Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has staggered from scandal to crisis but he surprised everyone this week by declaring martial law -- only then to survive an impeachment vote. The plunge back to South Korea's dark days of military rule only lasted a few hours, and after a night of protests and high drama Yoon was forced into a U-turn in the early hours of Wednesday. But polls show a huge majority of citizens want him out and lawmakers voted Saturday on an impeachment motion brought by the opposition, who control parliament. But even though only eight of them needed to support the motion for it to pass, all but three MPs from Yoon's People Power Party (PPP) boycotted the vote and it failed. This is despite the PPP's leader Han Dong-hoon -- allegedly on an arrest list the night of the martial law declaration -- saying Yoon's resignation was "inevitable". On Saturday before the vote, Yoon spoke publicly for the first time in days, apologising for the "anxiety and inconvenience" he caused, but stopping short of throwing in the towel. Instead the 63-year-old said he would "entrust the party with measures to stabilise the political situation, including my term in office". Born in Seoul in 1960 months before a military coup, Yoon studied law and went on to become a star public prosecutor and anti-corruption crusader. He played an instrumental role in Park Geun-hye, South Korea's first female president, being convicted of abuse of power, imprisoned and impeached in 2016. As the country's top prosecutor in 2019, he also indicted a top aide of Park's successor, Moon Jae-in, in a fraud and bribery case. The conservative PPP, in opposition at the time, liked what they saw and convinced Yoon to become their presidential candidate. He duly won in March 2022, beating Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party, but by the narrowest margin in South Korean history. Yoon was never much loved by the public, especially by women -- he vowed on the campaign trail to abolish the ministry of gender equality -- and scandals have come thick and fast. This included his administration's handling of a 2022 crowd crush during Halloween festivities that killed more than 150 people. Voters have also blamed Yoon's administration for food inflation, a lagging economy and increasing constraints on freedom of speech. He was accused of abusing presidential vetoes, notably to strike down a bill paving the way for a special investigation into alleged stock manipulation by his wife Kim Keon Hee. Yoon suffered further reputational damage last year when his wife was secretly filmed accepting a designer handbag worth $2,000 as a gift. Yoon insisted it would have been rude to refuse. His mother-in-law, Choi Eun-soon, was sentenced to one year in prison for forging financial documents in a real estate deal. She was released in May 2024. Yoon himself was the subject of a petition calling for his impeachment earlier this year, which proved so popular the parliamentary website hosting it experienced delays and crashes. As president, Yoon has maintained a tough stance against nuclear-armed North Korea and bolstered ties with Seoul's traditional ally, the United States. Last year, he sang Don McLean's "American Pie" at the White House, prompting US President Joe Biden to respond: "I had no damn idea you could sing." But his efforts to restore ties with South Korea's former colonial ruler, Japan, did not sit well with many at home. Yoon has been a lame duck president since the opposition Democratic Party won a majority in parliamentary elections this year. They recently slashed Yoon's budget. In his Tuesday night televised address to the nation, Yoon railed against "anti-state elements plundering people's freedom and happiness" and his office has subsequently cast his imposition of martial law as a bid to break through legislative gridlock. But to use his political difficulties as justification for imposing martial law for the first time in South Korea since the 1980s is absurd, an analyst said. "Yoon invoked Article 77 of the South Korean constitution, which allows for proclaiming martial law but is reserved for 'time of war, armed conflict or similar national emergency', none of which appears evident," Bruce Klingner, a senior research fellow at the Heritage Foundation, told AFP. "Yoon's action is a damning reversal to decades of South Korean efforts to put its authoritarian past behind it," he said. burs-stu/ceb/mtpDecember 11 - Iowa State and Matt Campbell are in agreement on a new eight-year contract after the head coach led the Cyclones to their first 10-win season ever. The new deal runs through the 2032 season. Financial terms were not disclosed by the school Wednesday. No. 18 Iowa State (10-3) lost to Arizona State in the Big 12 championship game last weekend, knocking the Cyclones out of the College Football Playoff. Iowa State will play No. 13 Miami in the Pop-Tarts Bowl on Dec. 28 in Orlando, Fla. "It has been rewarding to see the amazing impact Coach Campbell, and his staff, have had over the past decade on our University, athletics department, and the young men in our football program," ISU athletic director Jamie Pollard said. "Given all the uncertainty currently facing college athletics, it was critical that we moved quickly to solidify the future of our football program. Matt is the perfect fit for Iowa State University and I am thrilled he wants to continue to lead our program." Campbell is 63-51 in nine seasons at Iowa State and will lead the Cyclones to their seventh bowl game in his tenure. He went 35-15 in five seasons at Toledo prior to being hired at Iowa State. --Field Level Media Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tab

The AP Top 25 men’s college basketball poll is back every week throughout the season! Get the poll delivered straight to your inbox with AP Top 25 Poll Alerts. Sign up here . GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) — Pjay Smith Jr. scored 23 points as Furman beat Princeton 69-63 on Saturday. Smith also added eight rebounds and four steals for the Paladins (9-1). Garrett Hien scored 10 points while going 5 of 10 and 0 of 4 from the free-throw line and added seven rebounds. Nick Anderson shot 3 for 9 from beyond the arc to finish with nine points. The Tigers (7-4) were led by Xaivian Lee, who posted 16 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Princeton also got 13 points and four assists from Dalen Davis. Caden Pierce also had 11 points and four steals. NEXT UP Up next for Furman is a Saturday matchup with South Carolina State at home, and Princeton hosts Monmouth on Tuesday. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .