Apple’s UK engineering teams have ‘doubled in size in five years’India may consider second spinner for Boxing Day TestStock markets waver as traders weigh Trump tariffs, inflationonline cockfighting 。

Far-right streamer Nick Fuentes, who usually welcomes publicity, received the type he probably didn’t want after Donald Trump’s election victory. The 26-year old white supremacist and antisemite, who has been banned from multiple social media sites for violating hate speech policies, posted on X: “Your body, my choice. Forever.” Although Fuentes has denied being a white supremacist, the U.S. Department of Justice characterized him as such in a brief related to the January 6, 2021 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. And, judging from the snippets of his opinions that I have heard, Including his trolling about women’s bodies, he appears to fit the description of an all-around bigot. The Institute for Strategic Dialogue, which tracks online hate speech, reported this consequence of Fuentes’ tweet: a 4,600 percent increase in the usage of the terms “your body, my choice” and “get back in the kitchen” on X during a 24-hour period, according to the Washington Post. In response, women started trolling the troll, posting messages aimed at Fuentes and “doxxing” him with suggestions to send tampons, sex toys and other appropriate gifts to his home. “His address, my choice,” one clever user wrote. Kids, do not try this at home. Two wrongs don’t make a right, no matter how amusing it may seem. Such is the price of carefully cultivated infamy. A long-time denizen of the internet’s dark fringes, Fuentes’ renown has grown by leaps after his suspended account on Elon Musk’s X was reinstated earlier this year. A known leader among the angry grievance gangs in the online hive of far-right and neo-Nazi trolls widely known as the “manosphere,” among other labels, Fuentes should not be viewed as anything more than a nuisance, in my view. And, in fairness — and under advice offered forcefully by my millennial generation son — I don’t want to give the impression that every fan of Joe Rogan, Andrew Tate or other hairy-chested manly-men streamers is a member of the angry manosphere. Rather, the manosphere conversation is a product of the widespread anger, frustration and disenchantment that has led to the surprisingly large drop-off in support AND votes for the Democratic Party’s candidates. Trump’s winning strategy involved luring and enlisting mostly a male-oriented following that was largely voting for the first time. That formerly apathetic group paid off well for Trump in his previous campaigns. But it worked for him even more in his contest against Democrat Kamala Harris. He pulled out all the stops and it paid off even more. Scott Galloway, a New York University marketing professor who has studied disengaged young men for decades, told CNN that this election should be remembered as the “testosterone podcast election.” For the first time in U.S. history, a 35-year-old man without a college diploma is making less than his parents were, Galloway observed, citing averages. ”Against that, do (such issues as) trans rights or the territorial sovereignty of Palestinians even register on your screen?” In other words, Galloway is saying what many other critics, including me, have said about today’s Democrats and Harris’ campaign: With its late start, unclear agenda and unfocused message, it failed to excite a critical number of otherwise persuadable voters as, day after day, the polls hardly moved from a 50-50 tie. Kamala Harris’s campaign was “predicated on the dominance and continuance” of a presumed “monoculture,” Jon Caramanica wrote in the New York Times. As a member in good standing of the monoculture, Harris could bask in the endorsements of Oprah, Beyonce and Taylor Swift. Meanwhile, Caramanica continued, “Trump, denied access to this monoculture, took an approach that was both fragmentary and more modern — and in many ways more attuned to the rhythm of a young person’s media diet. He leaned into the evanescent, the niche, the lightly scandalous.” Harris did do some fun podcasts like “Call Her Daddy” and “Club Shay Shay,” but as Caramanica pointed out, they did little to change the narrative of her campaign. Ever since Barack Obama made effective use of Twitter and other social media in the 2008 presidential race, we have seen new technology create new media that have played a central campaign role. But, contrary to Marshall McLuhan’s famous line, the medium is not always the message. Sure, give Trump credit for finding a medium through which to reach disaffected young men. In a tossup race, they helped put him on top. But one wonders if the result would have been different if Harris had reached out to this group with even a marginally more effective message, regardless of the media in question. To win over voters, you have to show them that you understand their problems and that, even when you may not have all the answers, you still truly want to solve those problems. As hard as it may be for Democrats to admit, Trump made a more persuasive case to those outside the monoculture. Email Clarence Page at cpage@chicagotribune.com.NEW YORK (AP) — Sean “Diddy” Combs was denied bail on Wednesday as he awaits a May sex trafficking trial by a judge who cited evidence showing him to be a serious risk of witness tampering and proof that he has violated regulations in jail. U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian made the decision in a written ruling following a bail hearing last week, when lawyers for the hip-hop mogul argued that a $50 million bail package they proposed would be sufficient to ensure Combs doesn’t flee and doesn’t try to intimidate prospective trial witnesses. Two other judges previously had been persuaded by prosecutors’ arguments that the Bad Boy Records founder was a danger to the community if he is not behind bars. Lawyers did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment on the decision. Combs, 55, has pleaded not guilty to charges that he coerced and abused women for years, aided by associates and employees. An indictment alleges that he silenced victims through blackmail and violence, including kidnapping, arson and physical beatings. A federal appeals court judge last month denied Combs’ immediate release while a three-judge panel of the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan considers his bail request. Prosecutors have insisted that no bail conditions would be sufficient to protect the public and prevent the “I'll Be Missing You” singer from fleeing. They say that even in a federal lockup in Brooklyn, Combs has orchestrated social media campaigns designed to influence prospective jurors and tried to publicly leak materials he thinks can help his case. They say he also has contacted potential witnesses through third parties. Lawyers for Combs say any alleged sexual abuse described in the indictment occurred during consensual relations between adults and that new evidence refutes allegations that Combs used his “power and prestige” to induce female victims into drugged-up, elaborately produced sexual performances with male sex workers known as “Freak Offs.”Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas, WA Liberal leader Libby Mettam, Vice President Kamala Harris, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (Image: Private Media/AAP) Walz come tumbling down When Donald Trump romped to victory earlier this month, one of the Democratic campaigners Crikey spoke to explained the lack of protest rallies in the following days thus: “Our side is the one that accepts election results, remember?” This is certainly true of the institutional Democratic Party, but at an online call held yesterday between Kamala Harris, her VP nominee Tim Walz and their supporters, it was obviously not a unanimous position among party supporters. Harris’ address was nearly indistinguishable from the stump and concession speeches Crikey saw while we were in the US (is that a good sign?). Meanwhile, in the chat box, the vast majority of people were begging Harris to ask for a “forensic audit” of the vote, alongside hashtags like #ELONCHEATED and #RECOUNT. Comments in the online call’s chatbox (Image: Private Media) After the event wrapped up, the Democrats demonstrated their new clarity of purpose by sending out an invite to “NextGenE XYZ Virtual UnVoters 4 Women’s Rights Go Online To Vote”. “We are declaring this as the New Way Forward People’s Purple ShElection”, they inform us. Very cool! We think! Happy Junior FriYAY y’all! The relationship between public relations firms and journalists is strained at the best of times. So when PR firm Invigorate started spraying reporters with creepily cheery greetings like “Happy MonYAYYY!” ahead of pitches, newsrooms — famously filled with some of the world’s grumpiest people — around the country heaved a collective groan. As one reporter from the ABC told us, “‘Junior FriYAY’ [aka, Thursday] sent me. Absolutely wild way to try and court a journalist to talk about whatever random shit they’re hawking.” “I can’t tell if it’s a deliberate strategy to get people so irritated that they start a conversation, or if it’s genuinely someone who thinks people want to be told it’s Thursday like this, but it is wild.” Our call-out to try and determine how widespread these pitches are prompted a flood of responses, with 7:30 host Sarah Ferguson also confirming she receives the same emails. Some reporters told Crikey they had wondered whether the pitches were generated by AI. ‘Deeply repulsive’: ABC chair Kim Williams rails against Joe Rogan amid pitch for greater funding Read More It turns out Invigorate has quite the backstory. It’s run by Tess Sanders-Lazarus, wife of NRL legend and former Palmer United Party senator Glenn Lazarus. She was briefly in the political spotlight after PUP accused her of withholding keys to the party’s Canberra office following Lazarus’ defection in 2015. Sanders-Lazarus told Crikey (after shamelessly wishing us a “Happy TOOSYAYYY”), that the greetings were “designed to spread some cheer and to lift people”. She confirmed Invigorate’s use of AI was “limited at this stage”, but that the firm did partner with an agency that provided remote workers for its workforce. She also happily provided a full list of the greetings used by the firm for each day of the week: Happy Groundhog Day / Happy MonYAYYYY Happy TOOSSSYAY Happy HUMP day Happy Junior FriYAYYYY Happy FriYAYYYY Sod our statues During the week, a tipster pointed out that Ray Bramham Park’s “Lebanese Immigrant” statue — a “homage” to the local Lebanese community — in Preston, Victoria, had been stolen, the traditionally attired figure lopped off at the ankles: (IMage: Supplied) “The act of stealing this statue is not merely an offence against a piece of art, but a violation of the identity, history and culture of an entire community and an insult to the sacrifices of thousands of Lebanese who were compelled to emigrate,” the World Lebanese Cultural Union said in a statement . “A thorough investigation is essential to identify the perpetrators, hold them accountable, and restore this important symbol to its rightful place in the community.” And yet, not a word in Australia’s media or from the political class: no ministers saying the vandals were “ trashing our national heritage “, no commenters calling the defacing or removal of statues Stalinist, Maoist and Talibanesque . Which is a notable shift in tone, even if you believe the act has more to do with the raw value of the materials than the conflict in the Middle East. Mettam? I hardly know ’em! The Liberal Party of Western Australia continues to be a kind of Tardis of farce, containing caverns of dysfunction quite unimaginable when one looks at its size. The latest farrago concerns “Liberal polling” commissioned by an “unnamed businessman”, run exclusively in The West Australian this week. It predicted an “election wipeout” unless leader Libby Mettam stood down in favour of Basil Zempilas. There is so very much to unpack here. The polling predicted a wipeout compared to what the Liberals currently have: three lower house MPs (an improvement on the two they had after the McGowan Mania of 2021). Second, an eagle-eyed WA politics watcher might note Zempilas is Perth’s lord mayor, not a state member of Parliament. Voters know the benefits of migration and want cuts anyway. And they’ll get what they want Read More And let’s round it off by noting the sheer Perth-posterousness of this cluster of power and influence: mysteriously sourced polling favouring an unelected party leader, run unquestioningly in the state’s only daily newspaper, which in turn is owned by Zempilas’ employers at Seven West Media, a conflict of interest so brazen people have pretty much stopped commenting on it. Adding to the intrigue is the claim from shadow police minister Peter Collier, that a male federal Liberal candidate arranged for the “unnamed businessman” to do the polling in the first place. Mettam stared the saga down yesterday, inviting her colleagues to move a motion of no confidence. No one did, and the sixth change of leadership for the party since 2017 was delayed. Making the LinkedIn Finally, we must offer our respect to LinkedIn. In the midst of a week where talk about social media has drifted into the impractical and the poorly evidenced, it has maintained a steadfast commitment to realism. As noted by Crikey ‘s Cam Wilson , LinkedIn has argued in its submission to the inquiry into a social media ban for under-16s that it should be exempt because it is far too boring to pose any kind of risk to anyone in that demographic, concluding: “LinkedIn simply does not have content interesting and appealing to minors.”

We have a tendency to exalt ourselves and to dwell on the weaknesses and mistakes of others. I have come to realize that in every person there is something fine and pure and noble, along with a desire for self-fulfillment. Political and religious leaders must attempt to provide a society within which these human attributes can be nurtured and enhanced. — from 1975 book “Why Not the Best?” Our government can express the highest common ideals of human beings — if we demand of government true standards of excellence. At this Bicentennial time of introspection and concern, we must demand such standards. — “Why Not the Best?” I am a Southerner and an American, I am a farmer, an engineer, a father and husband, a Christian, a politician and former governor, a planner, a businessman, a nuclear physicist, a naval officer, a canoeist, and among other things a lover of Bob Dylan’s songs and Dylan Thomas’s poetry. — “Why Not the Best?” Christ said, “I tell you that anyone who looks on a woman with lust has in his heart already committed adultery.” I’ve looked on a lot of women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times. This is something that God recognizes I will do — and I have done it — and God forgives me for it. But that doesn’t mean that I condemn someone who not only looks on a woman with lust but who leaves his wife and shacks up with somebody out of wedlock. — Interview, November 1976 Playboy. This inauguration ceremony marks a new beginning, a new dedication within our Government, and a new spirit among us all. A President may sense and proclaim that new spirit, but only a people can provide it. — Inaugural address, January 1977. It’s clear that the true problems of our nation are much deeper — deeper than gasoline lines or energy shortages, deeper even than inflation and recession. ... All the legislation in the world can’t fix what’s wrong with America. ... It is a crisis of confidence. — So-called “malaise” speech, July 1979. But we know that democracy is always an unfinished creation. Each generation must renew its foundations. Each generation must rediscover the meaning of this hallowed vision in the light of its own modern challenges. For this generation, ours, life is nuclear survival; liberty is human rights; the pursuit of happiness is a planet whose resources are devoted to the physical and spiritual nourishment of its inhabitants. — Farewell Address, January 1981. We appreciate the past. We are grateful for the present and we’re looking forward to the future with great anticipation and commitment. — October 1986, at the dedication of the Carter Presidential Library and Museum. War may sometimes be a necessary evil. But no matter how necessary, it is always an evil, never a good. We will not learn to live together in peace by killing each other’s children. — December 2002, Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech. Fundamentalists have become increasingly influential in both religion and government, and have managed to change the nuances and subtleties of historic debate into black-and-white rigidities and the personal derogation of those who dare to disagree. ... The influence of these various trends poses a threat to many of our nation’s historic customs and moral commitments, both in government and in houses of worship. — From 2005 book “Our Endangered Values.” I think that this breakthrough by Barack Obama has been remarkable. When he made his speech (on race) a few months ago in Philadelphia, I wept. I sat in front of the television and cried, because I saw that as the most enlightening and transforming analysis of racism and a potential end of it that I ever saw in my life. — August 2008, commenting on then-Sen. Barack Obama’s candidacy. I think it’s based on racism. There is an inherent feeling among many in this country that an African-American should not be president. ... No matter who he is or how much we disagree with his policies, the president should be treated with respect. — September 2009, reacting to Rep. Joe Wilson’s shout of “You lie!” during a speech to Congress by President Barack Obama. I’m still determined to outlive the last guinea worm. — 2010, on The Carter Center’s work to eradicate guinea worm disease. You know how much I raised to run against Gerald Ford? Zero. You know how much I raised to run against Ronald Reagan? Zero. You know how much will be raised this year by all presidential, Senate and House campaigns? $6 billion. That’s 6,000 millions. — September 2012, reacting to the 2010 “Citizens United” U.S. Supreme Court decision permitting unlimited third-party political spending. I have become convinced that the most serious and unaddressed worldwide challenge is the deprivation and abuse of women and girls, largely caused by a false interpretation of carefully selected religious texts and a growing tolerance of violence and warfare, unfortunately following the example set during my lifetime by the United States. — From 2014 book “A Call to Action.” I don’t think there’s any doubt now that the NSA or other agencies monitor or record almost every telephone call made in the United States, including cellphones, and I presume email as well. We’ve gone a long way down the road of violating Americans’ basic civil rights, as far as privacy is concerned. — March 2014, commenting on U.S. intelligence monitoring after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks We accept self-congratulations about the wonderful 50th anniversary - which is wonderful - but we feel like Lyndon Johnson did it and we don’t have to do anything anymore. — April 2014, commenting on racial inequality during a celebration of the Civil Rights Act’s 40th anniversary. I had a very challenging question at Emory (University) the other night: “How would you describe the United States of America today in one word?” And I didn’t know what to say for a few moments, but I finally said, “Searching.” I think the country in which we live is still searching for what it ought to be, and what it can be, and I’m not sure we’re making much progress right at this moment. — October 2014 during a celebration of his 90th birthday. The life we have now is the best of all. We have an expanding and harmonious family, a rich life in our church and the Plains community, and a diversity of projects at The Carter Center that is adventurous and exciting. Rosalynn and I have visited more than 145 countries, and both of us are as active as we have ever been. We are blessed with good health and look to the future with eagerness and confidence, but are prepared for inevitable adversity when it comes. — From 2015 book, “A Full Life.”Why this NJ meme is meant to make you believeBirmingham's mayor has a plan to provide better streets, sidewalks, and support education. According to a news release, Mayor Randall Woodfin presented his budget amendment recommendations to the council's budget and finance committee Nov. 25. Mayor Woodfin's plan prioritizes street resurfacing, sidewalks, traffic calming and blight reduction measures. “The spending plan presented to the council highlights our shared priorities,” Mayor Woodfin said. “I am proud of the more than $20 million dedicated specifically to neighborhood revitalization in this plan.” The plan also proposes a three percent cost of living adjustment for all city workers. The news release also stated $2 million is proposed for Birmingham Promise, which provides assistance to graduates to attend colleges or universities in Alabama, and $1 million for the city's school system. All of the mayor's recommendations now move on to the city council for consideration. The latest: WVTM 13 coverage on Politics

CHARLOTTE AMALIE, Virgin Islands (AP) — Trey Autry scored 16 points off of the bench to help lead George Washington over Illinois State 72-64 on Monday night to claim a fifth-place finish at the Paradise Jam tournament in the Virgin Islands. Autry had five rebounds for the Revolutionaries (6-1). Gerald Drumgoole Jr. scored 16 points while going 4 of 9 from the floor, including 2 for 5 from 3-point range, and 6 for 7 from the line. Darren Buchanan Jr. shot 3 of 11 from the field and 9 for 11 from the line to finish with 15 points, while adding 10 rebounds. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get updates and player profiles ahead of Friday's high school games, plus a recap Saturday with stories, photos, video Frequency: Seasonal Twice a week

Christopher Nolan is following his Oscar-winning "Oppenheimer" with a true epic: Homer's "The Odyssey." It will open in theatres on July 17, 2026, Universal Pictures said Monday. Details remain scarce, but the studio teased that it will be a "mythic action epic shot across the world using brand new IMAX technology." It will also be the first time that an adaptation of Homer's saga will play on IMAX film screens. Nolan has been an IMAX enthusiast for years, going back to "The Dark Knight," and has made his last three films exclusively using large format film and the highest resolution film cameras. For "Oppenheimer," the first black-and-white IMAX film stock was developed. Nolan hasn't said specifically what the new technology for "The Odyssey" will be, but earlier this month he told The Associated Press that they're in an intensive testing phase with IMAX to prepare for the new production. "They have an incredible engineering staff, really brilliant minds doing extraordinary work," Nolan said. "It's wonderful to see innovation in the celluloid film arena still happening and happening at the highest level possible." "The Odyssey" will be Nolan's second collaboration with Universal Pictures following "Oppenheimer," which earned nearly US$1 billion at the box office and won the filmmaker his first Oscars, including for best director and best picture. Rumors about his next project have been swirling ever since, with near-daily speculations about plot -- none of which turned out to be true -- and casting. While there are many reports about actors joining the ensemble, none has been officially confirmed by the studio.Falcons drafting Penix no longer a head-scratcher with rookie QB shining in place of benched Cousins

Social media firms raise 'serious concerns' over Australian U-16 banTrump Says U.S. Will Impose Massive Tariffs On Mexico, Canada And China From Day 1

The standard Lorem Ipsum passage, used since the 1500s "Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum." Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC "Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?" To keep reading, please log in to your account, create a free account, or simply fill out the form below.

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Holloway, No. 5 Alabama overwhelm South Dakota State with 19 3-pointers in 105-82 victoryLongest-lived US president was always happy to speak his mind

Article content Prime Minister Justin Trudeau opened his remarks at the NATO summit in Montreal by condemning the rioting that took place Friday. He then proceeded to tell the audience a bunch of utter nonsense about how important NATO is to his government and how much they are spending on defence. Recommended Videos Still sporting his Taylor Swift friendship bracelet to meet leaders from our military allies, Trudeau tried but failed to sound like a leader with moral clarity and conviction. “What we saw in the violence and the riots on Friday night are absolutely unacceptable,” Trudeau said with a concerned tone in his voice. “As a democracy, as a country that will always defend the freedom of speech, it’s important for people to be able to go out and protest and express their anger their disagreements in free and comfortable ways, but there is never any room for antisemitism, for hatred, for discrimination, violence.” The reason that rings hollow is because there has been plenty of room for antisemitism, displayed weekly on the streets of Canada’s major cities. Week after week, mobs have openly shown support for terrorist groups like Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and most recently Hezbollah, for one basic reason – they are fighting with Israel. “We don’t want no two states, take us back to ‘48,” they proclaim. That’s why Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s response to Trudeau on social media the other day rang so true. Poilievre went on a rant Saturday in response to Trudeau’s initial statement about the riots on social media. “You act surprised. We are reaping what you sowed,” Poilievre wrote. “This is what happens when a Prime Minister spends nine years pushing toxic woke identity politics, dividing and subdividing people by race, gender, vaccine status, religion, region, age, wealth, etc.” Poilievre went on to give examples of Trudeau creating problems in Canada and promising that he will stop the division and heal the country, if elected. You get the sense that Poilievre means what he says, while Trudeau is merely an actor playing a part and repeating the lines provided to him. It was the same during his speech on Monday when he tried to act like the military is important to him, that he’s the saviour of the Canadian military by increasing spending after Stephen Harper’s Conservatives cut it. “Canada believes deeply in NATO,” Trudeau said. That can hardly be considered a true statement, given that we haven’t met our NATO spending targets in years. It was just last year that the Washington Post reported on Pentagon documents, where it was revealed that Trudeau had told other world leaders behind closed doors that his government had no intention of meeting that spending target. Recommended video In his speech on Monday, Trudeau even went out of his way, after praising NATO, to say that he doesn’t believe that the spending target of 2% of GDP is the right way to measure things, even though it has always been the target. He even took time at an international conference to say that the previous Harper government cut military spending, while the Trudeau Liberals have been increasing spending. There’s some truth to that, spending is up, but Trudeau let spending decline in the first few years he was in power. According to the public accounts, the official record of government spending, Canada spent less on defence in fiscal year 2016-17 than we had in 2014-15, the last full year of the Harper government. Beyond that, in 2014-15, defence spending accounted for 7.3% of all government program spending, dropping to 6.6% in 2016-17 and just 6.3% of program spending in 2023. Trudeau told the crowd that Canada is well on its way to meeting the 2% of GDP NATO target – by 2032-33. The plan has been called into question by the Parliamentary Budget Officer, claiming the government used some dodgy math to get there. The entire speech that Trudeau delivered was about as serious as the friendship bracelet he was sporting. NATO needs Canada to provide real leadership, we won’t get that from Justin Trudeau.The Atlanta Falcons drafting of Michael Penix Jr. just six weeks after signing Kirk Cousins to a $180 million contract doesn't seem like that much of a head-scratcher anymore. Penix, the eighth overall pick in this year's draft, was supposed to serve as Cousins' understudy for a year or two, a plan that was scuttled when Cousins quickly lost the zip and accuracy on his passes and his grip on the starting job. It was hard to argue with making the change after Cousins had nine picks and one touchdown pass in his last five starts — but it was a daring move nonetheless with the Falcons trailing first-place Tampa Bay by a single game with three weeks left. Penix made the move pay off with a solid first NFL start in the Falcons' 34-7 rout of the New York Giants on Sunday that bolstered Atlanta's playoff hopes , and the Falcons (8-7) moved back into first place in the NFC South with the Buccaneers' loss at Dallas on Sunday night. The left-hander was not at all overwhelmed by the moment, completing 18 of 27 passes for 202 yards — numbers that would’ve been better if not for at least three dropped passes, one of which Kyle Pitts bobbled right into the hands of a New York defender for Penix’s lone interception. “He went out and played almost flawless football,” coach Raheem Morris said. Cousins will almost certainly be looking for his fourth team in 2025. If the Falcons cut ties as expected, they'll have paid Cousins $90 million for 14 games. Cousins' career earnings are about $321 million and his record is 84-77-2, including a 1-3 mark in the playoffs and 7-7 this season. In the spirit of expedited judgments, let's take a gander at how other quarterbacks have fared with their new teams in 2024. Russell Wilson The Pittsburgh Steelers landed the biggest bargain of the season in Wilson, whom they signed for the veteran's minimum of $1.21 million, leaving his former team, the Denver Broncos, on the hook for the remaining $37.79 million of his 2024 salary. Wilson's calf injury in camp forced the Steelers to start Justin Fields, who went 4-2 before Mike Tomlin made the risky switch to Wilson, who's gone 6-3 with 15 TD throws and four interceptions. With the Steelers (10-5) playoff-bound, Wilson will make his first postseason appearance since 2020. The only question is whether it'll be at home as AFC North champ or on the road as a wild-card. They're tied with the Ravens atop the division but currently own the tiebreaker. Sam Darnold This was expected to be a rebuilding year in Minnesota after the Vikings lost Cousins in free agency. They signed Darnold, the third overall pick in 2018, to a $10 million, one-year contract and drafted national champion J.J. McCarthy with the 10th overall pick. McCarthy tore the meniscus in his right knee during the preseason opener and has undergone two surgeries, opening the way for Darnold's breakthrough season. Darnold brought a 21-35 career record with him to Minneapolis and all he's done is go 13-2 while setting career highs with 32 touchdown passes, 3,776 passing yards and a 67.2% completion percentage. The Vikings are tied with the Lions atop the packed NFC North and the division crown could come down to Minnesota's season finale at Detroit on Jan. 5. Gardner Minshew The Las Vegas Raiders signed Minshew to a two-year, $25 million contract and he beat out incumbent Aidan O'Connell for the starting gig. But he only went 2-7 and sustained a season-ending broken collarbone in a Week 12 loss to the Broncos, opening the door for O'Connell (1-4) to return. The Raiders' 19-14 win over Jacksonville on Sunday snapped a 10-game skid but might have taken them out of the Shedeur Sanders sweepstakes. They are 3-12, a game behind the Giants (2-13), who jettisoned QB Daniel Jones less than two years after signing him to a four-year, $160 million contract and have gone with Drew Lock and Tommy DeVito instead. Caleb Williams The Chicago Bears had high hopes after drafting Williams with the No. 1 overall pick, but it might turn out that the second QB taken — Washington's Jayden Daniels — is better than the first as was the case last year when C.J. Stroud outperformed Carolina's Bryce Young. Williams has a terrific TD-to-INT ratio of 19-5, but the Bears are 4-11 and have lost nine in a row. Their last win came way back on Oct. 13 against Jacksonville. Jayden Daniels The 2023 Heisman Trophy winner out of LSU has led the Washington Commanders (10-5) to the cusp of their first playoff appearance since 2020. His bolstered his Rookie of the Year credentials with a five-TD performance Sunday in leading the Commanders to a 36-33 win over the Philadelphia Eagles. For the year, Daniels has 22 TD throws and eight interceptions. Bo Nix The former Auburn and Oregon star hasn't looked much like a rookie after starting an NCAA QB record 61 times in college. The Broncos (9-6) could snap an eight-year playoff drought with a win Sunday at Cincinnati thanks to Nix's steady play , Sean Payton's exhaustive guidance and Denver's traditionally stingy defense. Nix was drafted 12th overall after the Broncos released Wilson despite a a whopping $85 million dead money charge on top of the $37.79 million they're paying Wilson to play for Pittsburgh this year. With 22 TDs and 11 interceptions, Nix has almost matched Russell's win total (11-19) in his two seasons in Denver. AP Sports Writer Paul Newberry in Atlanta contributed to this report. Behind the Call analyzes the biggest topics in the NFL during the season. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — Israel carried out a wave of heavy airstrikes across Syria as its troops advanced deeper into the country, a Syrian opposition war monitor said Tuesday, and the Israeli defense minister announced that his forces had destroyed Syria’s navy. Israel acknowledged pushing into a buffer zone inside Syria following the overthrow of President Bashar Assad. But it remained unclear if its soldiers had gone beyond that area, which was established more than 50 years ago. Israel denied that it was advancing on the Syrian capital of Damascus. The Israeli military said Tuesday that it carried out more than 350 strikes in Syria over the last 48 hours, hitting “most of the strategic weapons stockpiles” in the country to stop them from falling into the hands of extremists. The targets included air defense systems, military airfields, missile depots and dozens of weapons production sites in Damascus and other cities. Associated Press reporters in the capital heard heavy airstrikes overnight and into Tuesday morning. Israeli missile ships also simultaneously struck two Syrian navy facilities, where the military said 15 Syrian naval vessels were docked. Israel did not specify how many Syrian naval vessels it struck, but the private security firm Ambrey said it had seen evidence that at least six Soviet-era Syrian navy missile ships had been hit. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israel intended to establish a demilitarized zone in southern Syria. Speaking at a navy base in Haifa, Katz said the army will create “defense zone free of weapons and terrorist threats in southern Syria, without a permanent Israeli presence, in order to prevent terrorism in Syria from taking root.” He gave few details on what that entailed, but warned Syria’s rebels that “whoever follows Assad’s path will end up like Assad. We will not allow an extremist Islamic terrorist entity to act against Israel.” In an area where so many geopolitical lines are packed closely together, any military movement can spark regional fears. It is barely 25 miles (60 kilometers) from Damascus to the buffer zone, and only a few more miles to Israeli territory. There was no immediate comment from the insurgent groups — led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS – that have taken control of much of the country. Their lightning advance brought an end to the Assad family’s half-century rule after nearly 14 years of civil war, leaving many questions about what comes next . Members of the ousted Syrian government will gradually transfer power to a new transitional cabinet headed by Mohammed al-Bashir, who reportedly headed the rebel alliance's “salvation government” in its southwest Syrian stronghold. Outgoing officials met for the first time Tuesday with al-Bashir, who told reporters that the transitional period would last until the beginning of March. Life in the capital is slowly returning to normal after the overthrow of Assad, who fled the country over the weekend and has been granted political asylum in Russia . Private banks reopened on instructions from the central bank, said Sadi Ahmad, who runs a branch in the upscale Abu Rummaneh neighborhood. He said all his employees returned to work. Shops also reopened in the city's ancient Hamidiyeh market, where armed men and civilians could be seen buying perfume and ice cream. A clothing shop owner, who asked not to be named for fear of retribution, said he hoped vendors would no longer have to pay bribes to security officials. At Bakdash, a famous ice cream shop, a poster outside read: “Welcome to the rebels of free Syria. Long live free Syria.” “Damascus is more beautiful now," said Maysoun Qurabi, who was shopping in the market. “It has a soul, and people feel at ease and secure.” Under Assad, she said, “people were hungry and scared. The regime was strong." Syrians across the city celebrated the fall of Assad, and hoped for an end to the relentless bribery demands that governed much of life. “We are happy to get rid of the corrupt regime," said Abdul-Jalil Diab, who was strolling through a square in western Damascus with his brothers. Diab said he was living in Jordan until the city fell, studying German in hopes of moving to Germany. Now he is reconsidering those plans. “The whole country feels better,” he said. In the immediate aftermath of Assad's fall, Israeli forces moved into a roughly 400-square-kilometer (155-square-mile) buffer zone inside Syria that was established after the 1973 Mideast war, a move it said was taken to prevent attacks on its citizens. Israel has a long history of seizing territory during wars with its neighbors and occupying it indefinitely , citing security concerns. Israel captured the Golan Heights from Syria in the 1967 Mideast war and annexed it in a move not recognized internationally, except by the United States. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which has closely tracked the conflict since the civil war erupted in 2011, said Israel has carried out more than 300 airstrikes across the country since the rebels overthrew Assad. The Observatory, and Beirut-based Mayadeen TV, which has reporters in Syria, said Israeli troops are advancing up the Syrian side of the border with Lebanon and had come within 25 kilometers (15 miles) of Damascus, which the Israeli military denied. Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani, an Israeli military spokesperson, said “reports circulating in the media about the alleged advancement of Israeli tanks towards Damascus are false.” He said Israeli troops are stationed within the buffer zone in order to protect Israel. Israel's military had previously said troops would enter the buffer zone “and several other places necessary for its defense.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later confirmed the airstrikes, saying they aimed to destroy the toppled government’s leftover “military capabilities,” and said Israel wants relations with the new government in Syria. He spoke in a video statement recorded after his first day of testimony in his corruption trial . Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia have condemned Israel’s incursion, accusing it of exploiting the disarray in Syria and violating international law. Turkey, which has been a main backer of the Syrian opposition to Assad, also condemned Israel’s advance. The Turkish Foreign Ministry accused Israel of“displaying a mentality of an occupier” at a time when the possibility of peace and stability had emerged in Syria. U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric on Monday said Israel's incursion constitutes a violation of the 1974 disengagement agreement and called on both Israel and Syria to uphold it. Mroue reported from Beirut. Associated Press writers Melanie Lidman in Tel Aviv, Israel, Sarah El Deeb in Damascus, Syria, and Suzan Fraser in Ankara, Turkey, contributed to this report. Follow the AP's Syria coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/syriaLil Wayne, GloRilla, Camila Cabello to perform at College Football National Championship

Brains have been buzzing at BX to build businesses. The Vernon elementary school's Grade 5 to 7 students have been learning about creating products, research, marketing, budgets, pricing and the likes of entrepreneurship. The results will be in full display at the first Young Entrepreneur Fair Friday, Dec. 13 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Silver Star Road school. "If anyone is curious about what's going to be available, each student has created a poster that's on display at the entrance of the school," said Rebecca Hall, mom of a Grade 5 creator of Gnome Wreaths. One such item are Worry Pets, created by Grade 6 student Julianne Holliday. The soft and fuzzy, handmade creatures with big, sparkly eyes, are designed to provide comfort and ease anxiety. The thoughtful presentation adds a special touch: every Worry Pet comes in a charming box with a heartfelt note inside: "I’m your little worry pet, I’ll be right here for you, Tell me all your worries, So, you don’t feel so blue. Pet my long soft fur, And give me a little squeeze. I’ll help to comfort you, And put your mind at ease." This is BX Elementary’s second annual entrepreneur fair, after Mrs. Van Dun started it last year. "The fair allows them to put the curriculum into action to come up with an idea, test it, make it, market their product and finally be able to sell their product seeing the whole process through from idea to selling," said Grade 5-6 teacher Owen Stemler, who is running the fair this year. All profits generated from the Entrepreneur Fair will go toward funding future BX Blocks programs, events for the remainder of the school year and to charity. Families will be reimbursed for manufacturing costs, allowing students to focus on their creativity and business planning while contributing to their school community. "The resource we use is the Power Play Young Entrepreneurs program which also provided Business Planning Kits for all the students and access to online teaching resources," said Stemler, inviting everyone to come check out the fair. "Be amazed by the creativity of our young entrepreneurs. With a huge variety of handmade crafts, games and toys, there's something for everyone, and most items are priced at a budget-friendly $10 or less."

LADY'S ISLAND — A quarter century ago, a Beech E-90 airplane registered to the University of South Carolina Athletic Department took off from Hilton Head airport. Dewey "Sonny" Foster piloted the plane, and he was a veteran of the skies, logging almost two-and-a-half years in the air. He flew commercial airlines, and served in the Air National Guard, according to the National Air and Space Museum . Foster broke out of the clouds at 900 feet, his co-pilot Joe Baier with him. They were headed to the Beaufort County Airport, traveling to pick up their esteemed passenger on the ground, Gamecocks football coach Lou Holtz. He was waiting for their arrival in the early evening hours of Dec. 19, 1999. Holtz was approaching the end of a difficult year, having led the team to a winless campaign while also dealing with health issues afflicting his wife and son, and the death of his mother. Pilot error caused missing F-35 jet and ejection over North Charleston, investigation finds The plane descended about 480 feet-per-minute, according to a National Transportation Safety Board report. It was a dark night, with no visible horizon. Baier said he could see lights, but no airport. Then he heard a thump. He thought the landing gear collided with the ground. The seven-passenger propeller plane cartwheeled into a wooded area on Oak Island by the edge of a marsh, almost two nautical miles northeast of the airport. "Get me out of here!" Foster yelled. Baier said he struggled to unbuckled his seatbelt, but he eventually freed himself and told people approaching the downed plane that the pilot was still inside. A fire started after the crash, the county's emergency management director told The Post and Courier at the time . Beaufort County Sheriff P.J. Tanner remembered responding to the scene. It was his first year holding the office, and this was his first crash as sheriff. Law enforcement's role was to secure the scene while waiting for federal investigators to conduct their inspection, he said. Even though this was his first plane crash leading the office, he said the incident didn't phase him. "I've been around everything you could go to. It's a terrible thing to see," he said. "Crime scenes are crime scenes. Doesn't matter what type of scene it is. They're all bad. I've never been to a good crime scene." Boeing notches 13 jet deliveries, with 2 SC-made 787s, in strike-shortened November Baier was transported to Beaufort Memorial Hospital. His body was gashed along his forehead, shoulder and right hand, but he was released three days later. Foster died after vertebrae in his neck were partially dislocated. Holtz previously told the newspaper he had flown with Foster about 30 times prior to the crash. The two developed trust and camaraderie, qualities that a football coach like Holtz lives and breathes. Holtz was visiting the Lowcountry for a recruiting trip. After the crash, he grappled with his own mortality and mourned his friend's death. "This is not about me. It's about losing a friend, but at the same time I feel very blessed. I feel very lucky. At Christmas, I have a lot to be thankful for. Right now, my heart goes out to Mrs. Foster and the family," he told the newspaper. "The only thing you can do is go on." On Holtz went. Turning around the University of South Carolina football program, which won back-to-back Outback Bowls in the next two years. His Gamecocks coaching career ended in 2004. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008 . Holtz guided six different programs to bowl games across 33 years. He led the Notre Dame Fighting Irish to 100 wins and the 1988 national title. After he retired from the sidelines, he became a college football analyst. Even though the 87-year-old no longer delivers takes for ESPN, he still released his picks for the college football playoff on social media .