megabucks slot machine Spurs travel to Premier League champions Manchester City on Saturday reeling from a disappointing home loss to Ipswich before the international break. The club’s problems have multiplied during the past fortnight with midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur handed a seven-match domestic ban on Monday and Cristian Romero (toe) joining a lengthy list of absentees. However, Postecoglou remains bullish about Tottenham’s progress and acutely aware of the scrutiny set to come his way if they stay 10th. “Christmas is a joyous occasion, irrespective, and I think it should be celebrated. If we’re still 10th then people won’t be happy, I won’t be happy, but we might not be 10th,” Postecoglou pointed out before nine games in 30 days. “Certainly for us I think it’s a significant period because you look at those games and we’ve got the league where we’ve got to improve our position and a couple of important European fixtures that can set us up for the back half of the year, also a Carabao Cup quarter-final. “At the end of that period we could be in a decent position for a strong second half of the year, so for us it is an important period. “You know there’s no more international breaks, so the full focus is here. You can build some momentum through that, or if things don’t go well you could get yourself into a bit of a grind. Ready for #MCITOT 👊 Go behind the scenes of training ahead of our trip to Manchester 🎥⤵️ pic.twitter.com/4jFZTCIwSz — Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) November 22, 2024 “Of course if we had beaten Ipswich, we’d be third and I reckon this press conference would be much different wouldn’t it? “I’m not going to let my life be dictated by one result, I’m sorry. I take a wider perspective on these things because I know how fickle it can be, but we need to address our position for sure. “And if we’re 10th at Christmas, yeah it won’t be great. There’d be a lot of scrutiny and probably a lot of scrutiny around me, which is fair enough, but that’s not where I plan for us to be.” Tottenham’s immediate efforts to move up the table will require them ending City’s two-year unbeaten home run in the Premier League. The champions have lost their last four matches in all competitions, but have some key personnel back for Saturday’s clash and will aim to toast Pep Guardiola’s new contract with a victory. Postecoglou was pleased to see Guardiola commit to a further two seasons in England, adding: “I love the fact that there’s a massive target out there that can seem insurmountable. “I look at it the other way. I go, ‘imagine if you knock him off, that’d be something’. “I’m at the stage of my life where I’d rather have the chance of knocking him off than missing that opportunity. “When greatness is around, you want to be around it. And hopefully it challenges you to be like that as well.” Saturday’s fixture will be Postecoglou’s 50th league game in charge of Spurs and he knows what is required to bring up three figures. A post shared by Premier League (@premierleague) “No European football, significant player turnover, change of playing style. Where did I think we’d be after 50 games? God knows. “It could have been a whole lot worse, but when you look at it in the current prism of we’re 10th, you’re going ‘it doesn’t look good’ and I understand that and we have to improve that. “But over the 50 games, I think there’s enough there that shows we are progressing as a team and we are developing into the team we want. “The key is the next 50 games, if they can be in totality better than the first 50? First, that means I’m here but second, I think we’ll be in a good space.”

Mr Pawar and his alliance members, in their frustration, have once again raised questions about the authenticity of EVMs, suggesting that the electronic voting system has been tampered with. This is not the first time such claims have surfaced. In the past, political figures from various parties have made similar allegations after losing elections. However, these claims have consistently lacked credible evidence. New Delhi: It’s been more than two weeks since the results for the Maharashtra assembly elections were announced with BJP-led Mahayuti crushing the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). Its also been three days since the new government has been in place in the state after a lot of deliberations. But it seems the opposition has still not come to terms with the results. NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar and his colleagues in MVA have been vocal about their dissatisfaction, particularly with the use of EVMs. While the frustration and disappointment following such a defeat are understandable, it is time for Mr Pawar to face an uncomfortable reality: the issue at hand is not the credibility of the voting machines but the failure to adapt to the changing dynamics of Indian politics. To begin with, let’s examine the call to return to paper ballots. Mr Pawar and his alliance members, in their frustration, have once again raised questions about the authenticity of EVMs, suggesting that the electronic voting system has been tampered with. This is not the first time such claims have surfaced. In the past, political figures from various parties have made similar allegations after losing elections. However, these claims have consistently lacked credible evidence. The Supreme Court of India, after thorough investigations, has upheld the legitimacy and security of EVMs. In fact, multiple studies and reports from various institutions have affirmed that EVMs are tamper-proof and offer a far more transparent and reliable system than the traditional paper ballots. EVMs have streamlined the voting process, reduced human errors It is critical to recognise the drawbacks of the paper ballot system, which, though familiar, has long been fraught with issues. Paper ballots are susceptible to widespread manipulation, booth capturing, and invalid votes. The logistical challenges of handling vast amounts of paper ballots make the entire process cumbersome, time-consuming, and prone to errors. The introduction of EVMs was not only a technological advancement but also a much-needed solution to these problems. EVMs have streamlined the voting process, reduced human errors, and curbed electoral malpractices. The introduction of Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) systems further enhances the security and transparency of the process, ensuring that the votes cast on EVMs can be verified. For Mr Pawar to advocate for a return to paper ballots is to advocate for a regression in the electoral process. It is an attempt to turn back the clock on progress in an era when technology is crucial to streamlining governance. If the MVA had won the elections, would Mr Pawar still be questioning the credibility of the EVMs, or would he have happily accepted the results, conveniently ignoring the reliability of the very same machines? The hypocrisy in the argument becomes apparent when we realise that the same parties now calling for a return to paper ballots had previously used the electronic voting system to their advantage when the results were in their favour. Are EVMs root cause of MVAs defeat? Pawar thinks so This brings us to the more critical issue at hand – the MVA’s loss in the elections. The root cause of this defeat is not the EVMs but the failure of the alliance to connect with the electorate. Political parties are not just fighting for power but must also fight for relevance. Elections are about ideas, vision, and leadership. They are a reflection of how well a political party can resonate with the people, address their concerns, and present solutions that appeal to the electorate. The BJP, despite its controversial policies and divisive rhetoric, has managed to retain the support of a significant portion of the Indian populace. It has focused on projecting a strong, decisive leadership, alongside initiatives that have resonated with large sections of the population. Mr Pawar, on the other hand, appears to be stuck in the past. The MVA alliance has failed to offer a cohesive, forward-looking alternative to the BJP. It has been bogged down by internal squabbles and a lack of clear direction. When political leaders focus more on internal politics and infighting than on addressing the needs and aspirations of the people, they risk losing touch with the electorate. The results of the Maharashtra elections are not an anomaly but a consequence of the MVA’s failure to present itself as a united, viable alternative to the ruling alliance. A sore loser always blames the EVMs The demand for paper ballots can be viewed as an attempt to distract from this larger issue. It is easier to blame the system than to confront the difficult truths about one’s own shortcomings. Accepting the outcome of the election means accepting that the opposition failed to connect with the people. It means acknowledging that the MVA did not put forth a strong enough case for governance, and voters chose the Mahayuti instead. Instead of focusing on the credibility of the EVMs, Mr Pawar should focus on what went wrong within his party and what needs to be done to rebuild trust with the people. The argument against EVMs is part of a broader trend of undermining institutions that form the bedrock of democracy. When political leaders refuse to accept the outcome of elections and question the integrity of the system, they undermine the very foundation of democracy. The credibility of our electoral process is built on the trust that citizens have in the system, and when political figures continue to make unfounded allegations about the system’s integrity, they risk eroding that trust. It becomes a dangerous game when politicians, after every defeat, question the very framework that sustains democracy. Such rhetoric only fuels suspicion and divisiveness, making it harder for people to believe in the electoral process. This is not how a functioning democracy operates. Pawar should focus on rebuilding his party’s connection with masses Rather than doubting the system, it would be far more constructive for Mr Pawar to look inward. The defeat of the MVA in Maharashtra should be seen as an opportunity for self-reflection, not an occasion to attack the system. The political reality is that sometimes you win, and sometimes you lose. The true test of a democratic leader is their ability to accept defeat graciously, learn from it, and work towards regaining the trust of the electorate. That is how politics can truly serve the people. Instead of looking for external factors to blame, Mr Pawar should focus on rebuilding his party’s connection with the people. This means addressing the issues that matter most to voters – from jobs and economic stability to healthcare and education. Acknowledging the challenges faced by the people and offering realistic, achievable solutions is the only way forward. Political leaders must evolve with the times, just as the political landscape evolves. Holding on to outdated tactics, whether in terms of electoral processes or political strategies, is a surefire way to remain irrelevant in the face of change. Mr Pawar, it’s time to wake up and smell the coffee. Rather than indulging in conspiracy theories or lamenting the results, focus on what matters: engaging with the people, understanding their needs, and offering a compelling vision for the future. If you truly care about democracy, it’s time to show respect for the process, accept the verdict, and begin the hard work of rebuilding your political credibility. That is the only way forward. Click for more latest Opinion Analysis news . Also get top headlines and latest news from India and around the world at News9. Prabhakar Jha is currently working as Chief Copy Editor at News9 Digital. He has over eight years of experience in this field. He has a keen interest in politics and world affairs.

XRP Climbs to $1.90 While 1Fuel Revolutionizes Cross-Chain Trading for Early InvestorsThe dollar fell and Bitcoin’s rally stalled as traders viewed Donald Trump’s pick of Scott Bessent for Treasury Secretary as a measured choice, tempering some of the more fevered bets spurred by the president-elect’s victory. The greenback declined against major peers with the Aussie and euro leading gains, while Bitcoin fell below $97,000 before paring losses. Equity futures in Australia and Japan point to early gains Monday after US stocks rose 0.4% on Friday. Contracts in Hong Kong were steady. The early moves indicate elements of the so-called Trump Trade are cooling after the incoming president named Bessent, who runs macro hedge fund Key Square Group, to oversee the US government debt market, tax collection and economic sanctions. While Bessent indicated he’ll back Trump’s tariff and tax cut plans, investors expect he will prioritize economic and market stability over scoring political points. “Following his other nominations, and the drawn-out battle among the contenders for the Treasury job, you could literally hear the sigh of relief from financial markets participants in the US when Bessent was announced,” Erik Nielsen, chief economics advisor at UniCredit Bank GmbH wrote in a note to clients. Bessent’s nomination may ease some concerns over Trump’s impact on other countries’ economies and currencies around the world. The dollar has now climbed for eight straight weeks, the longest advance in more than a year, as traders continued to price Trump’s fiscal policies including sweeping trade tariffs and persistent economic growth. The euro fell to a two-year low and the Swiss franc slid to the weakest against the greenback since July as speculative investors turned the most bullish on the dollar since late June. US stocks rose on Friday, with the S&P 500 gaining 0.4% as beneficiaries of the incoming administration’s looser regulation and business-friendly stance climbed. The Treasury curve flattened, with yields on 2-year notes climbing after strong US business activity data. Benchmark 10-year yields edged lower. Australia’s equivalent fell seven basis points in early Monday trading. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine helped to push West Texas Intermediate crude above $71 a barrel while gold traded at over $2,700 an ounce, and had its best week since March 2023. This week, traders in Asia will be closely monitoring Japan’s inflation data after Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda last week indicated the December policy meeting is live. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand is expected to cut its key rate on Wednesday. Elsewhere, a swath of inflation and growth readings in Europe are due. The Federal Reserve’s November meeting minutes, consumer confidence and personal consumption expenditure data, the central bank’s preferred gauge of inflation, will be closely parsed to help assess the outlook for rate cuts next year. “Equity bulls will want to see a healthy bounce in the consumer data, married with a below consensus read on PCE inflation,” said Chris Weston, head of research at Pepperstone Group in Melbourne. “With US swaps now implying a 36% chance of a 25 basis point cut from the Fed on 18 Dec, weaker US data would see pricing for a 25 basis point cut rise back above 50%, which should support equity risk and be a headwind for the US dollar.” Some of the main moves in markets: Currencies Cryptocurrencies Bonds Stocks This story was produced with the assistance of Bloomberg Automation. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.

ATLANTA — On Jan. 18 and 19 the AT&T Playoff Playlist Live! will be held at State Farm Arena in advance of the College Football Playoff national championship on Jan. 20. The star-studded lineup was announced Thursday at a news conference at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Performances will include Lil Wayne and GloRilla on Saturday; and Camila Cabello, Myles Smith and Knox on Sunday. On game day, the Allstate Championship Tailgate, taking place just outside Mercedes-Benz Stadium in the Home Depot Backyard, will feature country acts on the Capital One Music Stage, including global superstar Kane Brown and iHeartCountry “On The Verge” artist Ashley Cooke. The concerts are just two of the festivities visiting fans can enjoy in the days leading up to the big game. The fan experience for both ticket holders and the general public has been a focus for event planners. All weekend long, an estimated 100,000 people from across the country are expected to attend fan events preceding kickoff. “It will be an opportunity for fans of all ages to come together to sample what college football is all about, and you don’t have to have a ticket to the game to be a part of it,” said Bill Hancock, executive director of the CFP in a press release. “We’ve worked closely with the Atlanta Football Host Committee to develop fan-friendly events that thousands will enjoy come January.” On Saturday, Jan. 18, Playoff Fan Central will open at the Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta. The free, family-friendly experience will include games, clinics, pep rallies, special guest appearances, autograph signings and exhibits celebrating college football and its history. That day, fans can also attend Media Day, presented by Great Clips, which will feature one-hour sessions with student-athletes and coaches from each of the College Football Playoff national championship participating teams. ESPN and social media giants X, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok will be taping live broadcasts from the event. On Sunday, Jan. 19, the Trophy Trot, both a 5K and 10K race, will wind its way through the streets of downtown Atlanta. Each Trophy Trot participant will receive a T-shirt and finisher’s medal. Participants can register at atlantatrackclub.org . On Sunday evening, the Georgia Aquarium will host the Taste of the Championship dining event, which offers attendees the opportunity to indulge in food and drink prepared by local Atlanta chefs. This premium experience serves as an elevated exploration of local cuisine on the eve of the national championship. Tickets to the Taste of the Championship event are available on etix.com . Atlanta is the first city ever to repeat as host for the CFP national championship. The playoff was previously held in Atlanta in 2018. “We are honored to be the first city to repeat as host for the CFP national championship and look forward to welcoming college football fans from around the country in January,” said Dan Corso, president of the Atlanta Sports Council and Atlanta Football Host Committee. “This event gives us another opportunity to showcase our incredible city.” The College Football Playoff is the event that crowns the national champion in college football. The quarterfinals and semifinals rotate annually among six bowl games — the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, Vrbo Fiesta Bowl, Capital One Orange Bowl, Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential and the Allstate Sugar Bowl. This year’s quarterfinals will take place on Dec. 31, 2024 and Jan. 1, 2025, while the semifinals will be Jan. 9-10, 2025. The CFP national championship will be Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. For additional information on the College Football Playoff, visit CollegeFootballPlayoff.com . Respond: Write a letter to the editor | Write a guest opinion Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!Jake Neighbours' shootout goal gives Blues 3-2 win over SharksWall Street’s rally stalls as Nasdaq pulls back from its recordIn Acts 16, we see Paul and Silas facing severe consequences after freeing a slave girl from a spirit of divination. If you’ve never read the story, I encourage you to check it out; it’s pretty cool. Instead of receiving gratitude, they were beaten and thrown into the innermost prison, their feet locked in stocks. In that dark place, they had every reason to complain or fall into despair. I’m sure you’ve been there before, in a dark season where you feel stuck and see no way out. Yet, at midnight, they made a bold choice: they began to pray and sing hymns to God. Their decision to worship — a deliberate act of faith — stands in stark contrast to the natural inclination to grumble when faced with hardship. As Christians, we must recognize two essential truths when navigating trials. First, spiritual opposition is a part of our journey. The Christian life isn’t a cruise ship; it’s more like a battleship. Facing challenges comes with the territory, and understanding that we’re in a spiritual battle equips us to withstand those difficulties. Second, trials are not random; they are part of God’s divine plan. Like Paul and Silas, we will encounter obstacles, but these experiences are tailored for our growth and provide an opportunity to glorify God. Through these trials, God teaches us resilience and deepens our faith. When we choose to praise in the midst of adversity, we activate a powerful force. The praise of Paul and Silas was the sound of hope in the den of despair, leading to an incredible miracle—an earthquake that opened doors and unfastened their chains. Their worship wasn’t just a way to cope; it became a catalyst for God’s power to break through. This profound act of faith not only liberated them but also captivated the attention of the jailer, who soon sought salvation, bringing his entire household to faith. I imagine that God and the angels of heaven looked upon these men, amazed that they approached their situation as Job did. Do you remember Job’s words? He said, “Though He slay me, I will hope in Him.” Throughout the Scriptures, we find many instances where people could have easily given up, blamed God for their situation, and abandoned their walk with Jesus. But not Paul and Silas. They followed in the same steps of faith and praised God in the middle of their suffering. How about you? How do you handle the pain of life? How do you deal with unexpected changes in your plans? How do you behave when things go in a completely opposite direction from what you expected? I wish I could say I’ve never grumbled or complained or had a lousy attitude when I was in a bad place, but I’d be lying. Over and over again, I’ve failed the test and had to repent for my perspective. My feelings are real. Your feelings are real. Life hurts—I get it. But here’s the thing: we haven’t been called to live by our feelings; we’ve been called to live by faith and to learn to praise in the middle of our prison seasons. By God’s grace, we learn to adopt a new perspective—one that humbly admits that we don’t have the right to get sour when God has been so good to us. Let me ask you: has God been good to you? I wonder what would happen if you chose to thank Him and praise Him when it’s the last thing you felt like doing. I’m willing to bet you would find the foundation of your situation changing, just as Paul and Silas experienced their prison walls shaking and soon discovered the freedom that comes from breaking the shackles of negativity. As we reflect on our lives, let’s consider the “prisons” we may be facing. What burdens can we break free from through praise? How can we intentionally offer thanks even when it's challenging? The discipline of praise is not just about enduring tough times; it’s about actively choosing gratitude in the face of adversity. By lifting our voices in worship, we honor God, demonstrate our faith, and hopefully inspire those around us to do the same. In every season, let us remember the power of praise—it can transform our struggles into stepping stones toward deeper faith and new opportunities for witnessing God’s goodness.

( ) shareholders have been well-rewarded through over the past three decades. hanks . CBA shares don't exactly offer the biggest around. However, one financial institution reckons CBA's total cash pile, which it distributes to shareholders each year, is one of the largest in the world. According to Janus Henderson, global dividends reached a record of $431.1 billion in the third quarter of 2024, up 3.1% year over year. Its dividend report showed that 88% of companies raised their payouts or held them steady. The typical (median) company raised its dividend by 6%. Janus Henderson reported that banks and media companies (including internet media) contributed the largest share to dividend growth. In terms of the global dividend outlook, Janus Henderson also expects companies to pay $1.73 trillion in dividends in 2024. This is up 4.2% from the previous year. For the third quarter of 2024, CBA's dividend was the sixth-largest dividend payment in the world, according to Janus Henderson. The bank's dividend was gher than those of other huge global payers, such as , , and . The five companies that eclipsed CBA's dividend were , , , and . Incredibly, the world's top 20 dividend payers were responsible for a total payout of $84.9 billion. In this light, CBA shareholders may wonder if the ASX will remain one of the world's biggest dividend payers. The 2024 calendar year has been great for shareholders, with the CBA share price up a surprising 40%. The chart below shows the incredible rise of Australia's biggest company. While profit growth may be challenging for the overall banking sector in the short term due to strong competition and rising arrears, CBA may still be able to deliver decent growth. According to the independent forecast on Commsec, the bank is projected to make of $6.31 in the 2025 financial year and grow its annual dividend per share by 6.4% to $4.95 per share, which would be a fully dividend yield of 3.1%. In the 2026 financial year, the ASX bank share could see EPS rise again to $6.90. This could fund a 9% increase in the payout to $5.40 per share. That would mean the FY26 annual payment could represent a fully franked dividend per share of 3.3%. It appears the growing CBA dividend could keep it among the world's biggest dividend payers, assuming other companies don't implement huge dividend hikes.Colorado continues to work on defense, faces South Dakota State

By Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — The man charged with killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was not a client of the medical insurer and may have targeted it because of its size and influence, a senior police official said Thursday. NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny told NBC New York in an interview Thursday that investigators have uncovered evidence that Luigi Mangione had prior knowledge UnitedHealthcare was holding its annual investor conference in New York City. Mangione also mentioned the company in a note found in his possession when he was detained by police in Pennsylvania. “We have no indication that he was ever a client of United Healthcare, but he does make mention that it is the fifth largest corporation in America, which would make it the largest healthcare organization in America. So that’s possibly why he targeted that that company,” said Kenny. UnitedHealthcare is in the top 20 largest U.S. companies by market capitalization but is not the fifth largest. It is the largest U.S. health insurer. Mangione remains jailed without bail in Pennsylvania , where he was arrested Monday after being spotted at a McDonald’s in the city of Altoona, about 230 miles (about 370 kilometers) west of New York City. His lawyer there, Thomas Dickey, has said Mangione intends to plead not guilty. Dickey also said he has yet to see evidence decisively linking his client to the crime. Mangione’s arrest came five days after the caught-on-camera killing of Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel. Police say the shooter waited outside the hotel, where the health insurer was holding its investor conference, early on the morning of Dec. 4. He approached Thompson from behind and shot him before fleeing on a bicycle through Central Park. Mangione is fighting attempts to extradite him back to New York so that he can face a murder charge in Thompson’s killing. A hearing has been scheduled for Dec. 30. The 26-year-old, who police say was found with a “ ghost gun ” matching shell casings found at the site of the shooting, is charged in Pennsylvania with possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery and providing false identification to police. Mangione is an Ivy League graduate from a prominent Maryland real estate family . In posts on social media, Mangione wrote about experiencing severe chronic back pain before undergoing a spinal fusion surgery in 2023. Afterward, he posted that the operation had been a success and that his pain had improved and mobility returned. He urged others to consider the same type of surgery. On Wednesday, police said investigators are looking at his writings about his health problems and his criticism of corporate America and the U.S. health care system. Kenny said in the NBC interview that Mangione’s family reported him missing to San Francisco authorities in November. Be civil. Be kind.MADISON, Wis. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump’s former Wisconsin attorney lashed out Thursday at the state’s Democratic attorney general for filing felony charges against him and two others related to the 2020 fake electors scheme, saying after their initial court appearance that he was the victim of “lawfare” that wreaked havoc on his life. Jim Troupis, a former Wisconsin judge who represented Trump in 2020, was the only one of the three defendants to appear in person at the hearing. Kenneth Chesebro, an attorney who advised Trump’s 2020 campaign, and Mike Roman, Trump’s director of Election Day operations in 2020, appeared by phone. All three are charged with 11 felony forgery counts. Each charge carries a maximum penalty of six years in prison and a $10,000 fine. A court commissioner set a preliminary hearing for all three for Jan. 28. They will enter their pleas at their arraignment, which is not yet scheduled. Troupis, in comments after the brief hearing, said Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul has “doubled down on a vicious strategy to destroy our very faith in the system of justice by using the courts for his own personal political game.” “My family and I have endured nonstop vicious and unrelenting savage attacks on my reputation, on my livelihood,” Troupis said outside of the courtroom surrounded by supporters, including Republican former Gov. Scott McCallum. “My children have been interrogated. My long-held friendships and professional life have been destroyed.” Kaul said in a written statement in reaction to Troupis that decisions in cases are based on the facts and the law. “In this case, like all other cases, we will litigate the issues in dispute in a court of law,” Kaul said. Troupis defended the strategy of having the GOP electors meet, saying it was necessary in case a court ruled that Trump won Wisconsin. “We had thought that this would end,” Troupis said. “The country asked for it to end in November, but lawfare in all its despicable forms will not end in Wisconsin.” Troupis and the other two defendants were ordered not to have contact with the 10 electors or three others not identified by name in the criminal complaint. They did not object to those conditions and were allowed to leave without posting any money for bail. The state charges against the Trump attorneys and aide are the only ones in Wisconsin. None of the electors have been charged. The 10 Wisconsin electors, Chesebro and Troupis all settled a lawsuit that was brought against them in 2023. There are pending charges related to the fake electors scheme in state and federal courts in Arizona , Michigan , Nevada and Georgia. Federal prosecutors investigating Trump’s conduct related to the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot said the fake electors scheme originated in Wisconsin. Electors are people appointed to represent voters in presidential elections. The winner of the popular vote in each state determines which party’s electors are sent to the Electoral College, which meets in December after a presidential election to certify the outcome. The Wisconsin complaint details how Troupis, Chesebro and Roman created a document that falsely said Trump had won the state’s 10 Electoral College votes and attempted to deliver it to then-Vice President Mike Pence for congressional certification. Prosecutors said in the complaint that most of the 10 electors told investigators they needed to sign the elector certificate indicating that Trump had won only to preserve his legal options if a court changed the outcome of the election in Wisconsin. Most of the electors also said that they did not consent to having their signatures presented as if Trump had won without such a court ruling, the complaint said. Troupis and Roman filed four motions to dismiss the charge before Thursday’s hearing. The court commissioner did not consider those. The fake elector efforts were central to a 2023 federal racketeering indictment filed against Trump alleging he tried to overturn the results of the 2020 election. Special counsel Jack Smith moved to abandon that case last month, acknowledging that Trump’s return to the White House in January will preclude attempts to federally prosecute him. Trump was also indicted in Georgia along with 18 others accused of participating in a sprawling scheme to illegally overturn the 2020 presidential election there. Trump is trying to get that case dismissed , arguing that state courts won’t have jurisdiction over him when he returns to the White House next month. Chesebro and Roman were among those indicted with Trump in Georgia. Roman has pleaded not guilty to racketeering and conspiracy charges there, as well as to nine felony charges in Arizona related to the fake electors scheme in that state. Chesebro pleaded guilty to one felony charge of conspiracy to commit filing false documents in a deal with Georgia prosecutors. He is trying to invalidate the plea after the judge in September tossed out the charge against Trump and others. Associated Press writer Todd Richmond contributed to this story.

Zelenskyy says Ukraine has lost 43,000 soldiers during war

For all of George Pickens’.... volatility ... at times in regards to after-whistle incidents or between-games chatter , he has been remarkably durable and reliably available over his three seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. So, even though Pickens suffered a hamstring injury Friday and was officially listed as questionable to play against the Cleveland Browns, Pickens’ replacement in the lineup wasn’t actually expecting Pickens to miss Sunday’s game. “It was like 3 minutes before the inactives were announced, (and) I am just chilling, sitting here (at his locker) in my (street clothes),” Scotty Miller said of when word reached him that Pickens would not play against the Browns. “I didn’t know I was playing, I thought George was going to be out there. “It was crazy, but when you get an opportunity you got to able to take advantage of it – or someone else is gonna get it. That is what we talked about.” Miller and the rest of a Steelers complementary receiving corps that has largely been maligned from the outside since spring? They filled in for Pickens’ absence capably enough to help pace the Steelers’ 27-14 victory Sunday . Since March when the Steelers traded their former leading receiver, Dionate Johnson, it had been long speculated that the organization would acquire another high-level pass-catcher to complement Pickens. That never truly materialized, though the Steelers did trade for Mike Williams on Nov. 5. But the group of Williams, Miller, Van Jefferson, Calvin Austin III and Ben Skowronek had combined for just 44 catches for the Steelers this season – less combined as a five-man group than Pickens had alone (55). But with Pickens’ career-opening “iron man” streak of 46 consecutive games played ending Sunday, the Steelers receiving corps contributed via a Jefferson touchdown and Miller and Williams each having a clutch long (20-plus yard), third-down catch to aid in the win. “You guys (in the media) were asking us about our lack of a ‘No. 2 (receiver)’ in (training camp and the preseason),” coach Mike Tomlin said. “The guys made plays where we throw the ball to make plays. The strength of the pack is the pack. We’ve got a bunch of guys that want to be the reasons why we’re successful, and when given an opportunity, I think they continually prove that, whether Scotty or Mike or Calvin or Van, we believe in our group. I know I’ve said that to you guys repeatedly. Maybe you’ll start believing me.” Miller wasn’t the only skill player on offense who was caught a bit off-guard that their alpha (Pickens led the NFL in yards per catch last season) would not play. Tomlin said the Steelers kept Pickens out because they didn’t think his tender hamstring could handle much of a workload. “We didn’t want a small problem,” Tomlin said, “to become a big problem.” It was late Sunday morning when tight end Pat Freiermuth found out Pickens wasn’t playing. “My dad... texted me, ‘GP is down, hamstring,’” Freiermuth said. “And I was like ‘OK.’ Thanks, Dad.” Freiermuth led the Steelers in receiving yards (48) and had his fifth touchdown to tie for the team lead. “The gameplan didn’t change at all,” Freiermuth said of the adjustments without Pickens. “We have full belief in everybody on the offense.” The receivers combined for eight catches for 88 yards. Though Miller was Pickens’ replacement in the lineup, who ran his routes and lined up at his spot evolved and was malleable throughout the game. “(Receivers coach Zach Azzanni) always has us prepared,” Jefferson said. “He’s always telling us, ‘You never know in the flow of a game what can happen.’ “We all just wanted to step up, and I think we did a great job of doing that.” With Jefferson and Miller here on one-year, low-money contracts, Skowronek a late-preseason acquisition, Williams acquired for a late-round draft pick and Austin having entered the season with 17 career catches, the position group has forged something of a bond – an island of misfit receivers, if you will. Azzanni has worked to create a culture in which each receiver is ready to step up when needed. “That’s why when something like (Pickens’ injury) does happen, it was honestly so painless,” Austin said. “It was one of the big advantages we had today.”

Adams' 25 help CSU Northridge down Utah Tech 89-79Beyond Appliances raises $2 million in round led by Fireside Ventures

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Juan Soto introduced by Mets at Citi Field after striking record $765 million, 15-year deal NEW YORK (AP) — Juan Soto put on a New York Mets jersey and cap for the first time after his record $765 million, 15-year contract was finalized and talked about what made the difference in his decision. He said at his introductory news conference on Thursday that the Mets “showed me a lot of love." Soto was introduced at Citi Field a day after his deal was finalized. Speaking in the Piazza 31 Club, Soto was flanked by Mets owner Steve Cohen, president of baseball operations David Stearns and his agent, Scott Boras. Bill Belichick 'always wanted' to give college coaching a try. Now he will at North Carolina New North Carolina football coach Bill Belichick said he had long been interested in coaching in the college ranks. But it had never worked out until now, as he takes over the Tar Heels program. Belichick led the New England Patriots to six Super Bowl titles during a 24-year run there that ended last year. Belichick's five-year deal pays him $10 million in base and supplemental salary per year. It is guaranteed only for the first three years, including for buyout purposes. There is also up to $3.5 million in annual bonuses. Wander Franco's sex abuse trial has been postponed 5 months PUERTO PLATA, Dominican Republic (AP) — The trial against Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, who has been charged with sexually abusing a minor, sexual and commercial exploitation against a minor, and human trafficking, has been postponed until June 2, 2025. Dominican judge Yacaira Veras postponed the hearing Thursday at the request of prosecutors because of the absence of several key witnesses in the case. Franco’s lawyers asked the court to reconsider the postponement, arguing Franco must report to spring training in mid-February. The judge replied that Franco is obligated to continue with the trial schedule and his conditional release from detainment. Rape investigation that Swedish media say focused on Kylian Mbappé has been closed STOCKHOLM (AP) — Swedish prosecutors say they have dropped a rape investigation that was launched in connection with soccer star Kylian Mbappé’s visit to Stockholm in October. In a statement, lead investigator Marina Chirakova says there is not enough evidence to continue the investigation into the allegation at a hotel. Prosecutors never publicly named the suspect in the investigation but some Swedish media reported it was Mbappé. The Real Madrid striker visited Stockholm in October during a break in the Spanish league. At the time, Mbappé’s legal team dismissed those reports as false. Travis Hunter, the 2-way standout for Colorado, is the AP college football player of the year BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Colorado two-way standout Travis Hunter is The Associated Press college football player of the year. Hunter received 26 of the 43 votes from a panel of AP Top 25 voters. Boise State tailback Ashton Jeanty finished second with 16 votes, and Arizona State running back Cameron Skattebo received one vote. A throwback player who rarely left the field, Hunter had 92 catches for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns as a receiver. He had four interceptions and 11 passes defensed as a shutdown corner. Hunter helped the the 20th-ranked Buffaloes to a 9-3 record and an appearance in the Alamo Bowl against BYU. 2034 World Cup visitors will live in 'a bubble' and not see real life, Saudi rights activist says LONDON (AP) — A Saudi human rights activist says soccer fans visiting Saudi Arabia for the 2034 World Cup will live in a “bubble” that doesn't reflect real life there. Lina al-Hathloul is a London-based activist whose sister was jailed in Saudi Arabia then banned from travel after campaigning to end a ban on women driving. When FIFA confirmed the kingdom as the 2034 tournament host on Wednesday its president Gianni Infantino acknowledged “the world will be watching” for positive social change. Al-Hathloul says western people “will be very safe” at the World Cup but "will see a bubble of what Saudi Arabia is.” Team claims NASCAR rescinded approval to buy new charter unless federal antitrust suit is dropped CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — A new court filing says NASCAR rejected Front Row Motorsports’ agreement to purchase a charter from Stewart-Haas Racing unless the team and 23XI Racing dropped their federal antitrust lawsuit against the stock car series. Front Row and 23XI rejected NASCAR's new revenue sharing agreement and have gone to court. NASCAR now says it will move forward in 2025 with 32 chartered teams and eight open spots, with offers on charters for Front Row and 23XI rescinded and the SHR charters in limbo. Indian teen Gukesh Dommaraju becomes the youngest chess world champion after beating Chinese rival NEW DELHI (AP) — Indian teenager Gukesh Dommaraju has become the youngest chess world champion after beating the defending champion Ding Liren of China. Dommaraju, 18, secured 7.5 points against 6.5 of his Chinese rival in Thursday's game which was played in Singapore. He has surpassed the achievement of Russia’s Garry Kasparov who won the title at the age of 22. Dommaraju is now also the second Indian to win the title after five-time world chess champion Viswanathan Anand. The Indian teen prodigy has long been considered a rising star in the chess world after he became a chess grandmaster at 12. He had entered the match as the youngest-ever challenger to the world crown after winning the Candidates tournament earlier this year. Hojlund scores twice for Manchester United to beat Viktoria Plzen 2-1 in Europa League Rasmus Hojlund scored twice after coming off the bench and Manchester United rallied to beat Viktoria Plzen 2-1 in the Europa League. The Denmark striker netted in the 88th minute after collecting Bruno Fernandes’ pass off a free kick to seal the victory. Ahead of the late games, United moved to fifth place with 12 points from six games. Hojlund came on in the 56th to replace Marcus Rashford and scored an equalizer six minutes later. In the Conference League a youthful Chelsea lineup made the most of a long trip to Kazakhstan by beating Astana 3-1 to stay perfect in the third-tier competition. NFL world reacts with excitement, surprise, questions after Bill Belichick is hired to coach UNC Bill Belichick is already the most decorated coach in NFL history. His next challenge is college football after he agreed to a five-year deal to coach at North Carolina. The reaction around the NFL ranged from excitement at seeing him back on the sideline to disbelief. Some of his former players believe his skill set will work at any level. Others caution that the players he brings into UNC should prepare to have their limits tested.Algae-based method could help treat waste water in India, say researchers