d2d roulette A judge on Monday rejected a request to block a San Jose State women's volleyball team member from playing in a conference tournament on grounds that she is transgender. The ruling by U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Kato Crews in Denver will allow the player, who has played all season, to compete in the Mountain West Conference women's championship opening this week in Las Vegas. The ruling comes in a lawsuit filed by nine current players against the Mountain West Conference challenging the league's policies for allowing transgender players to participate. The players argued that letting her compete was a safety risk and unfair. While some media have reported those and other details, neither San Jose State nor the forfeiting teams have confirmed the school has a trans woman volleyball player. The Associated Press is withholding the player's name because she has not commented publicly on her gender identity. School officials also have declined an interview request with the player. Crews' ruling referred to the athlete as an "alleged transgender" player and noted that no defendant disputed that the San Jose State roster includes a transgender woman player. San Jose State will "continue to support its student-athletes and reject discrimination in all forms," the university said in a statement, confirming that all its student-athletes are eligible to participate under NCAA and conference rules. "We are gratified that the Court rejected an eleventh-hour attempt to change those rules. Our team looks forward to competing in the Mountain West volleyball tournament this week." The conference did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment. The players filed a notice for emergency appeal with the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Crews said the players who filed the complaint could have sought relief much earlier, noting the individual universities had acknowledged that not playing their games against San Jose State this season would result in a loss in league standings. He also refused a request to re-seed the tournament without the forfeited losses. The judge said injunctions are meant to preserve the status quo. The conference policy regarding forfeiting for refusing to play against a team with a transgender player had been in effect since 2022 and the San Jose State player has been on the roster since 2022 -– making that the status quo. The player competed at the college level three previous seasons, including two for San Jose State, drawing little attention. This season's awareness of her reported identity led to an uproar among some players, pundits, parents and politicians in a major election year. Crews' ruling also said injunctions are meant to prevent harm, but in this case, he argued, the harm has already occurred. The games have been forfeited, the tournament has been seeded, the teams have made travel plans and the participants have confirmed they're playing. The tournament starts Wednesday and continues Friday and Saturday. Colorado State is seeded first and San Jose State, second. The teams split their regular-season matches and both get byes into Friday's semifinals. San Jose State will play the winner of Wednesday's match between Utah State and Boise State — teams that both forfeited matches to SJSU during the regular season. Boise State associate athletic director Chris Kutz declined to comment on whether the Broncos would play SJSU if they won their first-round tournament game. Utah State officials did not immediately respond to emails seeking comment. The conference tournament winner gets an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. San Jose State coach Todd Kress, whose team has not competed in the national tournament since 2001, has said his team has been getting "messages of hate" and that has taken a toll on his players. Several teams refused to play against San Jose State during the season, earning losses in the official conference standings. Boise State and Wyoming each had two forfeits while Utah State and Nevada both had one. Southern Utah, a member of the Western Athletic Conference, was first to cancel against San Jose State this year. Nevada's players stated they "refuse to participate in any match that advances injustice against female athletes," without elaborating. Nevada did not qualify for the conference tournament. The nine current players and others now suing the Mountain West Conference, the California State University Board of Trustees and others include San Jose State senior setter and co-captain Brooke Slusser. The teammate Slusser says is transgender hits the volleyball with more force than others on the team, raising fear during practices of suffering concussions from a head hit, the complaint says. The Independent Council on Women's Sports is funding a separate lawsuit against the NCAA for allowing transgender women to compete in women's sports. Both lawsuits claim the landmark 1972 federal antidiscrimination law known as Title IX prohibits transgender women in women's sports. Title IX prohibits sexual discrimination in federally funded education; Slusser is a plaintiff in both lawsuits. Several circuit courts have used a U.S. Supreme Court ruling to conclude that discriminating against someone based on their transgender status or sexual orientation is sex-based discrimination, Crews wrote. That means case law does not prove the "likelihood of success" needed to grant an injunction. An NCAA policy that subjects transgender participation to the rules of sports governing bodies took effect this academic year. USA Volleyball says a trans woman must suppress testosterone for 12 months before competing. The NCAA has not flagged any issues with San Jose State. The Republican governors of Idaho, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming have made public statements in support of the team cancellations, citing fairness in women's sports. President-elect Donald Trump likewise has spoken out against allowing transgender women to compete in women's sports. Crews was a magistrate judge in Colorado's U.S. District Court for more than five years before President Joe Biden appointed him as a federal judge in January. Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Enzo Maresca has said Mykhailo Mudryk needs to "disconnect" from Chelsea as he awaits the outcome of a Football Association (FA) investigation into a failed drugs test . The 23-year-old winger was provisionally suspended last week after returning a positive "A" sample in October. Editor's Picks Chelsea's Mudryk in positive drug test, faces ban 7d James Olley Sources have told ESPN that the prohibited substance was meldonium and administered while he was out of the country. Mudryk wrote on Instagram that he was "shocked" by the news and sources have suggested he believes his sample was contaminated. The Ukraine international, who is also under investigation by Chelsea with the club insisting he "has never knowingly used any banned substances," could face a multi-year ban if found guilty by the FA. Mudryk was spotted ringside at last Saturday's boxing heavyweight title fight between his countryman Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury. When asked if he had been given time away from Chelsea, Maresca said: "In this moment it's also good he can disconnect a little bit from the situation. The last time I spoke with him, we tried to support him but in this moment we are waiting." Maresca also backed his former club Manchester City to overcome their malaise to fight for the Premier League title this season. City have lost nine of their last 12 games across all competitions and sit in seventh place, 12 points adrift of leaders Liverpool . "I think Man City at the end will be there," Maresca added. "They are in a moment that never happened before. Every time they play a game, they have some injuries. They don't have enough players in this moment. "The ones they have are probably not 100 per cent because they just come back from injury. It's a very bad situation but I think it is for everyone when something like this happens."

Former U.S. president Jimmy Carter, once called a 'pretty good Canadian,' dies at 100The Australian government's support for a UN resolution calling for an end to Israel's occupation of Gaza is to blame for a widely condemned arson attack on a Melbourne synagogue, the Jewish state's prime minister says. or signup to continue reading It is impossible to separate the reprehensible arson attack from the federal government's "extreme anti-Israeli position," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted on social media early on Saturday. "Including the scandalous decision to support the UN resolution calling on Israel 'to bring an end to its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, as rapidly as possible', and preventing a former Israeli minister from entering the country," he wrote on X. "The burning of the Adass Israel synagogue in Melbourne is an abhorrent act of antisemitism," he said. The Adass Israel synagogue at Rippon Lea in Melbourne's southeast had two of its three buildings gutted after suspected masked intruders allegedly broke into the building and set it alight in the early hours of Friday. Two congregants preparing for morning prayers, were inside. They were evacuated, with one sustaining minor injuries. Police have not ruled out terrorism as a motive, believing the attack was targeted. The suspects had poured accelerant on the floor inside the synagogue and set it on fire before fleeing when they were disturbed by a congregant, police said. Israel President Isaac Herzog said he firmly condemned the horrific arson amid an intolerable wave of attacks on Jewish communities when he spoke to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Friday night. "I noted to the prime minister that this rise and the increasingly serious antisemitic attacks on the Jewish community required firm and strong action, and that this was a message that must be heard clearly from Australia's leaders," he said. "I thanked him for his ongoing efforts to combat antisemitism, and expressed my trust that the local law enforcement would do everything in their power to bring the perpetrators to justice." Political and religious leaders have widely condemned the attack on the synagogue, built by Holocaust survivors. Mr Albanese said he had no tolerance for antisemitism. "This deliberate, unlawful attack goes against everything we are as Australians and everything we have worked so hard to build as a nation," he said in a statement. Australian Federal Police will provide all requested resources to Victorian authorities, he said. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said police patrols would be increased, and pledged $100,000 to rebuilding the synagogue. Advertisement Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date. We care about the protection of your data. Read our . Advertisement

NetEase Games, in partnership with Marvel Entertainment, has launched Marvel Rivals, a collectible card game (CCG) that has quickly climbed the mobile gaming charts. This free-to-play title, available on both Android and iOS, offers a fresh take on the superhero genre, blending strategic card battles with captivating visuals and an engaging storyline. The game’s success marks a significant win for both NetEase, seeking to expand its global footprint, and Disney, looking to further leverage the Marvel universe in the interactive entertainment space. Marvel Rivals throws players into the heart of the Marvel Universe , where they assemble powerful decks featuring iconic heroes and villains. From Spider-Man and Captain Marvel to Thanos and Loki, fan favorites are brought to life with stunning card art and unique abilities. Players engage in strategic battles, utilizing card synergies and tactical prowess to outmaneuver opponents in PvP arenas and challenging single-player campaigns. The game’s innovative combat system, coupled with its deep roster of characters and rich lore, has resonated with both CCG enthusiasts and Marvel fans alike. A New Contender in the CCG Arena While the mobile gaming market is saturated with CCGs, Marvel Rivals distinguishes itself through several key features: NetEase’s Global Ambitions For NetEase, Marvel Rivals represents a strategic move to expand its presence in the global gaming market . While the company has established dominance in China, it has been actively seeking to penetrate Western markets. Partnering with a globally recognized brand like Marvel provides NetEase with significant leverage and exposure. The game’s early success indicates that NetEase’s strategy is paying off, attracting a diverse player base across different regions. Disney’s Expanding Marvel Empire From blockbuster films to animated series and theme park attractions, Disney has successfully expanded the Marvel universe across various entertainment platforms. Mobile gaming represents a lucrative avenue for further monetization and fan engagement. Marvel Rivals aligns with Disney’s strategy of leveraging its intellectual property to create immersive experiences across different mediums. The game’s popularity reinforces the enduring appeal of the Marvel brand and its ability to resonate with a wide audience. My Experience with Marvel Rivals As an avid gamer and Marvel fan, I was eager to dive into Marvel Rivals. I’ve been playing the game for a few weeks now, and I’m thoroughly impressed. The gameplay is engaging and strategic, requiring careful deck construction and tactical decision-making. I particularly enjoy the single-player campaign, which offers a compelling narrative and challenging battles. The game’s free-to-play model feels fair, allowing me to progress without feeling pressured to spend money. One aspect that truly stands out is the community. The in-game chat is lively, and players are eager to share strategies and deck builds. I’ve joined a guild, which has added a social element to the game and provided me with a sense of camaraderie. The Future of Marvel Rivals With its strong launch and positive reception, Marvel Rivals appears poised for continued success. NetEase has already announced plans for regular content updates, including new characters, cards, and storylines. The developers are also actively engaging with the community, gathering feedback and addressing player concerns. This commitment to ongoing support and content creation bodes well for the game’s longevity. Here’s what I believe the future holds for Marvel Rivals: A Winning Combination Marvel Rivals demonstrates the power of collaboration between a leading game developer and a globally recognized entertainment brand. NetEase’s expertise in game development, combined with the appeal of the Marvel universe, has resulted in a compelling and successful mobile game. As the game continues to evolve and expand, it has the potential to become a dominant force in the CCG genre and a flagship title for both NetEase and Disney.COLUMBUS, Ga. , Nov. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Aflac Incorporated (NYSE: AFL) announced today that it will webcast its annual Financial Analysts Briefing on December 3, 2024 at starting 8:00 a.m. (ET) . Aflac's executive management will discuss the Company's operations and strategy for the U.S. and Japan , as well as its medium-term outlook. The presentations will be available via webcast, and you must register here prior to the event. Presentation slides will be posted on investors.aflac.com after the market closes on December 2, 2024 , and an archive of the presentations will also be available on investors.aflac.com for two weeks following the conclusion of the webcast. ABOUT AFLAC INCORPORATED Aflac Incorporated (NYSE: AFL ), a Fortune 500 company, has helped provide financial protection and peace of mind for nearly seven decades to millions of policyholders and customers through its subsidiaries in the U.S. and Japan . In the U.S., Aflac is the No. 1 provider of supplemental health insurance products. 1 In Japan , Aflac Life Insurance Japan is the leading provider of cancer and medical insurance in terms of policies in force. The company takes pride in being there for its policyholders when they need us most, as well as being included in the World's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere for 18 consecutive years (2024), Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies for 23 years (2024) and Bloomberg's Gender-Equality Index for the fourth consecutive year (2023). In addition, the company became a signatory of the Principles for Responsible Investment ( PRI ) in 2021 and has been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index (2023) for 10 years. To find out how to get help with expenses health insurance doesn't cover, get to know us at aflac.com or aflac.com/espanol . Investors may learn more about Aflac Incorporated and its commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainability at investors.aflac.com under " Sustainability ." 1 LIMRA 2023 U.S. Supplemental Health Insurance Total Market Report FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor" to encourage companies to provide prospective information, so long as those informational statements are identified as forward-looking and are accompanied by meaningful cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those included in the forward-looking statements. The company desires to take advantage of these provisions. This document contains cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected herein, and in any other statements made by company officials in communications with the financial community and contained in documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Forward-looking statements are not based on historical information and relate to future operations, strategies, financial results or other developments. Furthermore, forward-looking information is subject to numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties. In particular, statements containing words such as "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "goal," "objective," "may," "should," "estimate," "intends," "projects," "will," "assumes," "potential," "target," "outlook" or similar words as well as specific projections of future results, generally qualify as forward-looking. Aflac undertakes no obligation to update such forward-looking statements. The company cautions readers that the following factors, in addition to other factors mentioned from time to time, could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements: Analyst and investor contact - David A. Young , 706.596.3264 or 800.235.2667 or dyoung@aflac.com Media contact - Ines Gutzmer , 762.207.7601 or igutzmer@aflac.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aflac-incorporated-to-webcast-2024-financial-analysts-briefing-302313462.html SOURCE Aflac Incorporated

Three weeks into the postseason, three Decatur-area teams remain alive in the IHSA football semifinals. Mount Zion is in the middle of its deepest run in program history — the Braves have gotten hot at the right time after a 3-3 start — while Maroa-Forsyth has the chance to get back to the state title game for the first time since 2018 after coming up short in last year’s semifinals. The Trojans have reloaded after losing key players from last season with new stars like Ryne Sheppard and Zach Smith leading the way. For Monticello, Illini baseball commit and all-state quarterback Ike Young has Monticello in its first semifinal since 2018 — the last time the Sages won a state title. No. 12 Mount Zion at No. 10 Normal University When: Saturday, 7 p.m. Records: Mount Zion 9-3, Normal University 10-2 Of Note: The Braves are one of the state’s hottest teams with a six-game win streak and wins over Peoria Notre Dame and then-undefeated Breese Central to get into the semifinals. Brayden Trimble, an Illinois recruit, is one of the top playmakers in the state while JC Anderson and Jacob Harvey are future college receivers. Anderson is a four-star tight end who has been recruited by the nation’s top programs including Penn State and Michigan while Harvey has been the offense’s most consistent performer with 1,106 yards and 13 scores this season. Keller Stock's improvement in his first season as a starter makes this offense a tough one to keep off the board. A defense that’s made big play after big play this postseason will have one of its toughest matchups of the year against a Pioneers program that features all-state quarterback Alek Weiland, who has 50 total touchdowns this year. Both teams will be in an exciting shootout to play in the state title in Normal — in the same stadium — a week later. Prediction: Normal University 42, Mount Zion 35 No. 9 Tolono Unity at No. 6 Monticello When: Saturday, 2 p.m. Records: Tolono 9-3, Monticello 10-2 Of Note: The Illini Prairie quickly cemented itself as one of the top conferences in Central Illinois this season with the performance of St. Joseph-Ogden during the regular season, and then with conference rivals Unity and Monticello dominating in the postseason. Unity got revenge on St. Joseph-Ogden with a quarterfinal victory while Monticello brushed aside Sangamo champ Williamsville on its way to the state semifinals. Young is a dynamic playmaker who is making the most of his final high school football season while Unity is on a late-season tear that included a victory over the Sages at the end of the regular season. Prediction: Unity 35, Monticello 21 Class 2A No. 2 Maroa-Forsyth at No. 1 Johnston City When: Saturday, 3:30 p.m. Records: Maroa 11-1, Johnston City 11-1 Of Note: The Trojans showed they can play with any team in the state no matter the size in an upset over Quincy Notre Dame in the quarterfinals last week. Khanton Wilson and Grant Smith have been dominant on both sides of the ball while Ryne Sheppard and Zach Smith have picked up where last year’s stars left off at quarterback and wide receiver. A loss to Class 3A Williamsville is the only blip on what’s been another dominant season that could see Josh Jostes return to the state title game for the first time since 2018. As the top seed, Johnston City nearly let a lead slip against Pana in last week’s quarterfinals but has been comfortable the rest of the postseason. A Johnston City defense that gives up just under 14 points per game and slows the pace of the game will meet its match with a Maroa offense that likes to play fast and light up the scoreboard. Prediction: Maroa 28, Johnson City 22

Qorvo's SVP Chesley Philip sells $283,756 in stock

Former Kentucky wide receiver Dane Key, one of the top offensive players in the transfer portal, announced on social media Tuesday that he will transfer to Nebraska. Key posted a photo of himself in a Nebraska uniform wearing the No. 6 he wore at Kentucky. The simple post contained the letters "GBR," short for "Go Big Red," with an emoji heart. Key led Kentucky this past season with 47 receptions for 715 yards and two touchdowns in 12 games as the Wildcats finished 4-8. In three seasons, the 6-foot-3, 210-pounder has 126 receptions for 1,870 yards and 14 TDs in 38 games (35 starts). Key has one season of eligibility remaining after he was a four-star recruit in the class of 2022. --Field Level Media

Ereauna Hardaway has heard the same message over and over from just about everyone the last few weeks. North Texas’ coaches, her teammates, her parents, they’re all telling the Mean Green’s point guard to be aggressive. “They’ve all helped me” Hardaway said following UNT’s 87-54 win over Southern Illinois on Saturday at the Super Pit. “They keep telling me to shoot the ball.” The message makes a lot of sense considering the way the junior guard is shooting of late. Hardway scored 21 points during the Mean Green’s win over the Salukis and led an offensive onslaught by UNT, which has come on of late. UNT (7-2) has cleared the 80-point mark in each of its last two games. Hardaway has scored a career high in both of those games, a run that began with an 18-point outing in a win over Tennessee State. Hardaway is in her fourth year at UNT, but the Mean Green have several newcomers who appear to be settling in. “Familiarity is helping us,” UNT coach Jason Burton said. “The work matters. Shooting, getting reps and making adjustments offensively have helped us. We are getting more comfortable with ourselves too. People are getting more comfortable with their roles.” The result was an impressive all-around offensive outing. UNT shot 56.1% (32-for-57) from the floor and had four players score in double figures. Kyla Deck scored 19, Tommisha Lampkin 17 and Desiree Wooten 11. Deck is one of UNT’s newcomers who have come on as the season has progressed. The Stephen F. Austin transfer also credited the support of her teammates and coaches, while also pointing to the work UNT is doing in practice. “The more practice we get, the better we get,” Deck said. “We have played some good teams and faced adversity. That brings teams together. It’s coming together. We’re getting better every single day.” UNT showed that improvement with another solid all-around offensive game. “We only turned the ball over 12 times and were plus-10 on rebounds,” Burton said. “Those extra possessions, with the way we are shooting the ball, will lead to us scoring and pulling away. “If we take care of the ball, good things are going to happen for us.” North Texas 87, Southern Illinois 54 SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (2-5) – Palmqvist 4-6 1-2 10, Uchenna 4-9 2-2 10, Cooper 2-9 0-0 5, Curman 0-3 0-0 0, Nelson 3-6 1-2 7, Almond 4-9 1-2 13, Brown 4-8 0-0 9, Gaines 0-0 0-0 0, Ngoyi 0-1 0-0 0, Agba 0-1 0-0 0, Peagler 0-0m 0-0 0. Totals 21-52 5-8 54. NORTH TEXAS (7-2) – Lampkin 8-10 1-3 17, Johnson 3-4 0-0 6, Hardaway 7-14 5-6 21, Wooten 4-7 3-4 11, Deck 6-12 6-8 19, Brackens 0-1 1-2 1, Price 1-3 2-2 4, Moore 1-2 0-0 3, Talley 2-3 1-2 5, McGrew 0-1 0-0 0, Brannon 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 32-57 19-27 87. Three-point goals – Southern Illinois – 7-20 (Palmqvist 1-3, Cooper 1-4, Curman 0-3, Almond 4-5, Brown 1-5) UNT 4-14 (Johnson 0-1, Hardaway 2-3, Wooten 0-2, Deck 1-4, Brackens 0-1, Moore 1-2, McGrew 0-1) Fouled out – none Rebounds – Southern Illinois 25 (Uchenna 6) UNT 36 (Johnson, Wooten 6) Assists – Southern Illinois 12 (Curman 4) UNT 14 (Wooten 4) Total fouls – Southern Illinois 21, UNT 16 A – 1,673. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request.

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In the battle between bulls and bears, these companies are winners time and again: 9 stocks, 4 with an ups - The Economic TimesA judge on Monday rejected a request to block a San Jose State women's volleyball team member from playing in a conference tournament on grounds that she is transgender. The ruling by U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Kato Crews in Denver will allow the player, who has played all season, to compete in the Mountain West Conference women's championship opening this week in Las Vegas. The ruling comes in a lawsuit filed by nine current players against the Mountain West Conference challenging the league's policies for allowing transgender players to participate. The players argued that letting her compete was a safety risk and unfair. While some media have reported those and other details, neither San Jose State nor the forfeiting teams have confirmed the school has a trans woman volleyball player. The Associated Press is withholding the player's name because she has not commented publicly on her gender identity. School officials also have declined an interview request with the player. People are also reading... Crews' ruling referred to the athlete as an "alleged transgender" player and noted that no defendant disputed that the San Jose State roster includes a transgender woman player. San Jose State will "continue to support its student-athletes and reject discrimination in all forms," the university said in a statement, confirming that all its student-athletes are eligible to participate under NCAA and conference rules. "We are gratified that the Court rejected an eleventh-hour attempt to change those rules. Our team looks forward to competing in the Mountain West volleyball tournament this week." The conference did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment. The players filed a notice for emergency appeal with the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Crews said the players who filed the complaint could have sought relief much earlier, noting the individual universities had acknowledged that not playing their games against San Jose State this season would result in a loss in league standings. He also refused a request to re-seed the tournament without the forfeited losses. The judge said injunctions are meant to preserve the status quo. The conference policy regarding forfeiting for refusing to play against a team with a transgender player had been in effect since 2022 and the San Jose State player has been on the roster since 2022 -– making that the status quo. The player competed at the college level three previous seasons, including two for San Jose State, drawing little attention. This season's awareness of her reported identity led to an uproar among some players, pundits, parents and politicians in a major election year. Crews' ruling also said injunctions are meant to prevent harm, but in this case, he argued, the harm has already occurred. The games have been forfeited, the tournament has been seeded, the teams have made travel plans and the participants have confirmed they're playing. The tournament starts Wednesday and continues Friday and Saturday. Colorado State is seeded first and San Jose State, second. The teams split their regular-season matches and both get byes into Friday's semifinals. San Jose State will play the winner of Wednesday's match between Utah State and Boise State — teams that both forfeited matches to SJSU during the regular season. Boise State associate athletic director Chris Kutz declined to comment on whether the Broncos would play SJSU if they won their first-round tournament game. Utah State officials did not immediately respond to emails seeking comment. The conference tournament winner gets an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. San Jose State coach Todd Kress, whose team has not competed in the national tournament since 2001, has said his team has been getting "messages of hate" and that has taken a toll on his players. Several teams refused to play against San Jose State during the season, earning losses in the official conference standings. Boise State and Wyoming each had two forfeits while Utah State and Nevada both had one. Southern Utah, a member of the Western Athletic Conference, was first to cancel against San Jose State this year. Nevada's players stated they "refuse to participate in any match that advances injustice against female athletes," without elaborating. Nevada did not qualify for the conference tournament. The nine current players and others now suing the Mountain West Conference, the California State University Board of Trustees and others include San Jose State senior setter and co-captain Brooke Slusser. The teammate Slusser says is transgender hits the volleyball with more force than others on the team, raising fear during practices of suffering concussions from a head hit, the complaint says. The Independent Council on Women's Sports is funding a separate lawsuit against the NCAA for allowing transgender women to compete in women's sports. Both lawsuits claim the landmark 1972 federal antidiscrimination law known as Title IX prohibits transgender women in women's sports. Title IX prohibits sexual discrimination in federally funded education; Slusser is a plaintiff in both lawsuits. Several circuit courts have used a U.S. Supreme Court ruling to conclude that discriminating against someone based on their transgender status or sexual orientation is sex-based discrimination, Crews wrote. That means case law does not prove the "likelihood of success" needed to grant an injunction. An NCAA policy that subjects transgender participation to the rules of sports governing bodies took effect this academic year. USA Volleyball says a trans woman must suppress testosterone for 12 months before competing. The NCAA has not flagged any issues with San Jose State. The Republican governors of Idaho, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming have made public statements in support of the team cancellations, citing fairness in women's sports. President-elect Donald Trump likewise has spoken out against allowing transgender women to compete in women's sports. Crews was a magistrate judge in Colorado's U.S. District Court for more than five years before President Joe Biden appointed him as a federal judge in January. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Australia’s biggest shopping centre chain is deploying more security guards and introduced vests for staff amid “heightened levels of security” across the country after the October 7 Hamas attack and Westfield Bondi Junction stabbing. Cheng Yixuan, 27, Pikria Darchia, 55, Dawn Singleton, 25, Jade Young, 47, Faraz Ahmed Tahir, 30, and Ashlee Good, 38, were killed during Joel Cauchi’s shocking two-minute frenzied attack at Westfield Bondi Junction on the afternoon of April 13. A coronial inquest into the attack will next year examine the tragic events and whether it could have been avoided after the 40-year-old pulled a hunting knife from his backpack and indiscriminately stabbed 16 people. Westfield is assisting the NSW coroner with the inquiry and a spokesperson said it would explore “potential learnings to improve security arrangements in places of mass gathering” as it grappled with a changing security landscape. In a statement, a spokesperson for the Scentre Group, which operates Westfield Australia, said the company took its duty of care to staff and customers seriously and “continuously aim to improve our security practices”. “This includes our capability, processes, and people to prepare for and respond to critical incidents. This is done in partnership with law enforcement, including police and government agencies,” the spokesperson said. “Following the horrific attack at Westfield Bondi, we further heightened our security presence across all our Westfield destinations. We have introduced additional personal protective equipment including vests for all security team members, which has enhanced the prominence and visibility of our security team.” Westfield’s security team is led by a former head of the London Metropolitan Police, or Scotland Yard, and the country’s counter-terrorism police and also includes former members of government security agencies. Westfield deployed more guards on shift following the October 7 attacks in Israel and subsequent protests, with a dedicated security team in place at each of the centres which regularly conduct safety and security drills. “Our security relies upon the engagement, collaboration, and co-operation of government law-enforcement agencies to provide safety to our customers, particularly in incidents that necessitate the use of physical force,” the spokesperson said. “We constantly assess risk ... We also continue to examine, globally, potential enhancements, including the use of emerging technologies, to further enhance and improve our security and safety procedures. “Recent examples of armed offender drills at our Westfield destinations include with NSW Police, Queensland Police, the Australian Defence Force, South Australia Police and the Australian Federal Police.” While security teams at Westfield and shopping centres across the state are often the first to respond to armed offender incidents, they are not law enforcement and report alleged offenders to police. Over the past few months, NSW Police responded to multiple alleged offences at shopping centres, including a teen charged with stealing a knife and threatening staff at an Armidale shopping centre on November 6. In September, a man was charged after allegedly pulling out a hammer during a fight at a shopping centre on the NSW Central Coast; in July, a man was arrested after allegedly wielding a sword at a Parramatta shopping centre. More than 1150 knife-related incidents were reported in public places across NSW, including retail premises and outdoor spaces, between July 2023 and June 2024, according to data from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research. That figure includes 577 knife-related non-domestic violence-related assaults and 581 robberies – which includes knives, scissors, swords, and screwdrivers – with police reporting a further 140 firearm-related incidents during the same time period. The data reveals a gradual decline in knife and firearm-related incidents in public spaces over the decade. Between July 2014 and June 2015, NSW Police reported a staggering 1511 knife-related robberies and non-DV assaults in public spaces and 389 firearm-related incidents. Between July 2018 and June 2019, those figures were 1352 and 235 respectively. In the year until June 2024, the worst-affected spaces for knife-related incidents were “all other premise type” with 582, according to the BOSCAR data. Outdoor and public spaces reported 426 and retail spaces reported 150 . NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley has been contacted for comment but did not respond before publication. A preliminary hearing into the horrific Westfield Bondi Junction incident was told last week that Cauchi had stopped taking antipsychotic medication just less than five years before the attack, having been diagnosed with schizophrenia in his teenage years. Cauchi previously lived in Toowoomba in South East Queensland where he was being managed in the public health system up until 2012; then, until 2020, he was being seen by a private psychiatrist while still in Queensland. The hearing was told Cauchi was medicated from late-2011, but his medication was gradually reduced over time until it was stopped entirely in 2019. From 2020 until the Westfield Bondi Junction attack, “there was no particular treatment”. A ”be on the lookout” flag was entered into the Queensland Police system in 2023 after Cauchi twice complained that his knives had been taken away by his father, who told officers his son was a schizophrenic who was no longer medicated. In the time leading up to the attack, Cauchi was homeless in Sydney, including living under the Maroubra Beach pavilion, with the inquest to examine his exact movements on the day of his rampage, including access to a Waterloo storage locker. The incident made a hero out of NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott, who ran towards Cauchi before ordering him to lay down the knife. When he failed to do so and advanced towards her, Inspector Scott shot Cauchi in the chest. In the wake of the attack, Inspector Scott was awarded the Commissioner’s Valour Award by NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb and was named in November as a nominee for Australian of the Year NSW in 2025. The forthcoming inquest also provides the families of victims and survivors an opportunity to share their trauma at an incident that shattered the lives of many and sent shockwaves through a country not used to mass killings. Before she died, Ms Good fought off Cauchi as he began to attack her nine-month-old daughter who was sitting in her pram. Miraculously, the infant was stabbed but survived the horrific attack. Another victim, Mr Tahir, was a security guard. His brother, Sheraz Tahir, told media outside the Lidcombe Coroners Court last week that his brother was a “brave man” who was “on duty at the time and he was just trying to stop the attacker and gave his life.” He added he “just wanted to know what happened that day” and hoped the inquest would lead to change, including “better protections for security guards”. The inquest will examine Cauchi’s contact with police in Queensland and NSW and whether there could have been early intervention. The court was told an alarm was not sounded inside the centre until a minute after Cauchi had been shot. The matter will return to court for a five-week hearing in April.

English Access Scholarship Program marks 20th anniversarySimple Hacks to Make the Holidays Merrier (and Cheaper)Stop your dancing, lip-syncing, how-tos, restorations, commiserations, and online shops; TikTok just took another big step closer to the sharp blade of a US ban's guillotine. The massively popular app could disappear from US phones as early as next month, and while it's an outcome few want, it's the one we're most likely to get. On Friday, a US federal court dismissed TikTok's counterclaim that the US government-ordered ban was unconstitutional in that it infringed on the platform's First Amendment free speech rights. The US Court of Appeals wasn't buying that argument and denied TikTok's petition. TikTok's owner, ByteDance, is fully expected to appeal at its last stop: the US Supreme Court. No one, including me, expects them to win. The last best hope for TikTok is that exiting President Joe Biden decides to grant a last-minute extension. It's an option actually outlined in the ban and also unlikely, considering Biden fully backs this action. Now, I know most of you know what TikTok is, and if the numbers are right and roughly more than half the country is using it, you understand how the social media platform works and why you're probably addicted to it. What you might not know is the source of the US government's near universal discomfort with TikTok: company owner ByteDance, a Chinese operation. All Chinese companies operate under the ever-watchful eye of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and, if asked, have to let them closely examine everything they do; this includes algorithms, programming, and data. Right, you get where this is going. An existential threat When US lawmakers raised these concerns and started questioning TikTok directly, including CEO Shou Chew, the company responded with a detailed plan , Project Texas, to create a separate US arm that included all US-based executives and employees and the relocation of any US data that had been China to Oracle servers in California. TikTok in the US operated for all intents and purposes as a separate company from ByteDance's Chinese operations (the TikTok app doesn't even have the same name in China). This was never enough for lawmakers or President Joe Biden, who signed the law that included the ban. These efforts, however, do not have widespread support outside of Washington, D.C. TikTok users are almost apoplectic over the possible ban and have posted news reports and sometimes pleas to keep it alive in the US. In the past, TikTok enlisted major platform influencers to post on its behalf. None of it matters. The issue here is the existential threat posed by China and its potential access to data regarding millions of Americans. Yes, the data is shielded from them, but there is not much clarity on whether Chinese officials can see or influence the algorithm that decides what you see next in your TikTok feed. For TikTok fans, though, none of that matters. I recall seeing a TikTok where one young user told China to have her data. She did not care and was only interested in keeping TikTok. That's a widely shared attitude among users. They're unsure what valuable secrets China gets from seeing their TikTok data. If the US Govt' says it's their personal details like name, home address, birth date, email, and phone number, the reality is that data is already out there and likely on the dark web. We've already been through the biggest data breaches , and often not at the hands of foreign adversaries. At the same time, TikTokers understand that perhaps government officials shouldn't be on the platform because they're dealing with sensitive information relating to things like our infrastructure, water supply, and the grid. Nothing better to do? It's a bit galling that the US Government can somehow figure out how to ban an almost universally loved platform but cannot seem to agree on how to address any of our other larger problems. There's always a chance that ByteDance will cave and sell because there is no other option. Still, I have trouble seeing China give up a crown jewel like TikTok to its greatest global rival (I contend it will be China and not ByrteDance, who decides if a sale happens). The x factor here may be a change at the top. Incoming President Trump, who initially used an executive order in 2020 to address "the threat posed by one mobile app in particular, TikTok," joined Tiktok during the campaign but has offered little clarity on his ban stance. At one point, he claimed that banning Tiktok would strengthen Meta , an American company that Trump doesn't particularly like. Trump's decision will hinge not just on his personal feelings but also on those around him. As one commentator noted, sitting right next to Trump will be Elon Musk, a key advisor and owner of X (formerly Twitter). TikTok is doomed, isn't it? I gave up my TikTok addiction for a month, and my life is so much ... My TikTok For You page is the best art teacher I've ever had ... Should I delete TikTok? Well, yes, if you care about your privacy ... TikTok could be banned – What a US ban would mean and how ... TikTok owner is quietly doing an 'Apple' — ByteDance invests in ... The only thing you want less than a TikTok ban is China spying on you and manipulating everything you see

(NAPSI)—The holidays are the most wonderful time of the year, but when the average American is spending nearly $1,000 on gifts, food, and decorations, they can also be the most stressful. For many, the pressure to create a picture-perfect holiday can stretch budgets a bit too far. Many of today’s shoppers seek advice from their favorite online influencers, sourcing creative hacks, recipes, DIY projects, and tips to keep the holidays magical without overspending. In fact, 69% of consumers say they value and actively seek out influencer recommendations. Now, questions don’t need to get buried in the comments. This December, TextNow is flipping the script on holiday stress by introducing the Holiday Hotline , a free resource to help you navigate the season, with advice a mere text away. Whether it’s finding affordable gifts, creating a festive dinner on a budget, or even learning how to save on your monthly bills, the Holiday Hotline can make things simpler, cheaper, and—perhaps most importantly—more joyful. TextNow Holiday Hotline: Expert Advice at Your Fingertips From December 5–10, TextNow’s Holiday Hotline connects you with relatable experts (aka some of your favorite influencers including social media creator and podcast host Remi Cruz, Kayla Savings, and Melissa Weiss) who will share their go-to tips for a budget-friendly holiday. Here’s what you can expect: • Holiday Budgeting 101: Learn simple ways to stretch every dollar and avoid those dreaded post-holiday bills. • Affordable Gift-Giving Ideas: Thoughtful, creative gifts that won’t break the bank. • Festive Decorating on a Dime: Transform your home into a holiday wonderland with budget-friendly hacks. • Stress-Free Holiday Cooking: Recipes and meal-planning tips to impress your guests. Need more advice? Just text the hotline at 310-299-3584, and you’ll get personalized, practical tips sent straight to your phone. Win $1,000 for Your Holiday Dinner As if free expert advice wasn’t enough, TextNow is also giving you the chance to win big this holiday season. Enter the $1,000 Dinner Giveaway for a shot at a $1,000 gift card to cover your holiday expenses—whether it’s for food, gifts, travel, or whatever else makes your season special. Entering is simple: 1.Head to TextNow’s Instagram . 2.Like the giveaway post. 3.Share your best holiday tip in the comments (bonus: share the post to your story for an extra entry). 4.The giveaway runs from December 5-12, with winners announced from December 13-16. Save More This Holiday Season TextNow is more than just a phone service—it’s a way to take control of your budget, not just during the holidays but year-round. • Free Phone Service: Unlimited calling and texting on the nation’s largest 5G network free. No gimmicks, no contracts. • Free Essential Data: Get free data for such essential apps as maps, rideshare, and email when you activate your SIM card. • Additional Flexible Data Plans: Add extra data only when you need it, with hourly, daily, or monthly passes. Getting started with TextNow is easy. Download the app to call and text for free over Wi-Fi or unlock free cellular service with a $4.99 SIM card. Learn More For more details, visit www.TextNow.com . Word Count: 491 Stay Informed: Subscribe to Our Newsletter Today

Judge rejects request to sideline SJSU volleyball player