Alarm in France over fate of detained French-Algerian writer
TEHRAN - The Israeli regime makes the most of the instability in Syria to expand its expansionist project. As insecurity and a power vacuum emerged in the Arab state after armed groups took control of state institutions, the Israelis seized on the crisis. Israeli tanks were seen crossing into the outskirts of the southeastern Syrian province of Quneitra on Sunday, with shelling heard in the area. The Israeli occupation forces also dispatched infantry to a buffer zone in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, the regime’s military confirmed on Sunday. The occupation army said it would remain in Syrian territory for “as long as necessary” Hebrew media reported that Unit 5101, more commonly known as Shaldag, has reached the summit of Syria’s Mount Hermon in the Golan Heights. Analysts have said the land grab signals new Israeli ambitions to occupy and annex large parts of Syria after the fall of its government. It is the first time Israeli forces have taken up positions beyond the buffer zone since it was established in 1974. The regime further exploited the crisis in Syria with airstrikes on key sites. Israel’s air raids on the Mazzeh district of the capital, Damascus, with explosions heard in the vicinity. Separately, regional intelligence sources told news agencies that Israeli fighter jets targeted the Syrian air base of Khalkhala in southern Syria. By Sunday evening, Israeli warplanes bombarded more Syrian army sites in Damascus. The lightening developments in Syria have sparked widespread comment across Israeli politics. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the fall of President Assad as a “historic day.” “This of course creates new, very important opportunities for Israel,” he said. Opposition leader Yair Lapid said they showed why “it is more important than ever to create a strong regional coalition, with Saudi Arabia and the countries of the Abraham Accords, to work together”. “The Iranian axis has weakened significantly, and Israel needs to strive for an overall political achievement,” he added. Other Israeli politicians called on the government in Tel Aviv to take control of the entire Golan Heights. Government minister Amichai Chikli wrote in a social media post that there must be a new Israeli “defense zone” at the 1974 ceasefire line. A member of the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, Tzvi Succot, echoed those comments, saying this measure would be “immense” during a time when the political and military cost “is likely lower than ever”. Meanwhile, former Israeli military intelligence officer Lieutenant Colonel, Mordechai Kedar, was interviewed on Sunday by Hebrew media, Kan Reshet Bet, where he claimed: “I am in contact with the rebels in Syria and I have passed a detailed list of equipment they requested from Israel to senior officials in the country. The rebels are willing to sign a peace agreement with Israel, only if they control Syria and Lebanon.” The Israeli spy agency, Mossad, was also thrilled with the fall of Homs, a clear sign highlighting how significant this development was to the security of the regime. In a post on social media, a Mossad-affiliated channel wrote: “Homs, the corridor used by Iran to bring weapons to Hezbollah, is no longer active.” The post added: "Amazing". There is no credible evidence that Iran had used the city of Homs to transfer weapons to the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah. Experts say militants operating in Syria had previously received medical treatment at field hospitals in the occupied Golan as well as in the Israeli city of Safed. Time will tell what the intentions of this latest mixture of armed groups are. Some have lately vowed to have a more moderate outlook with neighbors in the region and are no longer associated with Daesh and al-Qaeda. Whether this outlook serves Israeli interests is a key factor as most countries in West Asia believe the Israeli regime is the source of instability in the region.Luke Fickell isn’t risking another philosophy shift in hiring his next offensive coordinator. It’s meat and potatoes time for the University of Wisconsin football team. Fickell, who’s entering his third year as Wisconsin's coach, finalized a deal to hire Jeff Grimes away from Kansas, a BadgerExtra source said Sunday. The move signals a desire to reestablish Wisconsin’s identity as a run-first unit. Grimes’ tenure at Kansas was just this season, but he did help the Jayhawks rush for 212.1 yards per game (5.5 per carry), a metric that ranked 12th in the FBS. Wisconsin football transfer portal tracker: 15 Badgers announce intentions to enter Grimes’ biggest challenge will be injecting some explosiveness in an offense that was halted against its better opponents. The Badgers ranked 119th out of 134 FBS teams in plays that gained 10 or more yards (134) and 129th in plays that gained 20 or more yards (36). Bringing in a run-centric offense to generate big plays might be counterintuitive to some, but Grimes’ scheme has shown the ability to pop long runs and use deep passes to get behind defenses. Here are five takeaways from Wisconsin’s hiring of Grimes. Jeff Grimes spent three seasons as offensive coordinator at Baylor. There were hotter names in the coaching world that Fickell and Wisconsin could’ve tried to lure to Madison. UNLV offensive coordinator Brennan Marion was a popular name floated for the Badgers, as were those with ties to Fickell like Notre Dame offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock or quarterbacks coach Gino Guidugli. But Grimes’ history as an offensive lineman and coach mesh with what the Badgers recognize as the strength of their roster. Grimes can work with the existing brain trust that improved the Badgers' line significantly from 2023 to 2024, namely line coaches AJ Blazek and Casey Rabach. And Grimes can work closely with tight ends coach Nate Letton about how the Badgers need to block the front in Grimes’ scheme. He’s run an offense heavy on wide-zone concepts and will use jet sweeps and end-arounds to either get to the edge quickly or take advantage of defenses not playing things honest. Another plus for Grimes is he’s proven to not need to bring a handful of assistants with him to install his offense. Wisconsin’s been pleased with the performances of its offensive assistants, and some like Letton and receivers coach Kenny Guiton have deep ties with Fickell. Which Power 4 schools Wisconsin football battled for 2025 recruits What it costs to acquire Grimes is not yet known. Grimes will owe Kansas some liquidated damages, better known as buyout money, and Wisconsin’s likely to be paying Grimes in a similar range it was paying Longo. Longo was making $1.25 million at Wisconsin while Grimes was set to make $1 million at Kansas, plus a $300,000 retention bonus payable in July. Fickell made it known during his signing day news conference that he had eyes on multiple hires for the offense. Wisconsin coach Luke Fickell describes vision for new offense “There's an opportunity for us to put it together the right way and even create some different things,” Fickell said. “There's a possibility of not just hiring an offensive coordinator, but also hiring a quarterback coach as well.” Picking Grimes to lead the offense necessitates hiring a quarterbacks coach. Grimes has coached offensive lines and tight ends as well as being a run-game coordinator, but he hasn’t coached quarterbacks. Wisconsin needs to develop four-star quarterbacks Mabrey Mettauer and Carter Smith so it can get off the bicycle of requiring help from the transfer portal at the sport's most important position. The Badgers may still require a portal addition in the quarterback group this winter as sixth-year senior Tyler Van Dyke is still deciding on his future as he rehabs a torn right ACL, but Mettauer and Smith both fit the mold of mobile quarterbacks with big arms that have been successful under Grimes. Offensive coordinators typically coach quarterbacks because of the time spent together and the connection the QB on the field needs to have with a coordinator to be successful. However, Fickell has led staffs where the OC didn’t lead the quarterbacks. Denbrock’s last four seasons at Cincinnati under Fickell, which included the team’s runs to a New Year’s Six game (2020) and the College Football Playoff (2021), he coached tight ends while Guidugli coached quarterbacks. 3 Florida coaches break down Wisconsin football's 4-star 2025 quarterback Finding the right hire to bring along the young quarterbacks now becomes as important as finding the right offensive coordinator. Michigan fired Kirk Campbell on Dec. 3 and he’d be an intriguing fit at Wisconsin. Campbell was the QB coach for the Wolverines during their CFP national championship in 2023, but had a rough 2024 as the offensive coordinator. He has knowledge of helping quarterbacks against Big Ten defenses and how to thrive in run-first schemes in which their throws’ importance are amplified. Grimes’ passing attack will challenge defenses down the field, so long as he has a quarterback with the aggressiveness to do so. Why the most convenient excuse for Wisconsin football's struggles no longer applies Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels this year threw 23.6% of his passes at least 20 air yards down field, according to PFF. That was tied for fourth most among FBS quarterbacks. Baylor ranked in the top 30 for deep pass attempts in 2023 despite requiring multiple quarterbacks to play significant snaps due to injuries. Zach Wilson became a deadly deep-ball thrower in Grimes’ final year at BYU with the eventual No. 2 NFL draft pick. Wilson had nearly 1,300 yards on those passes alone with 2020. Daniels posted on social media that he’s staying at Kansas despite Grimes’ departure, so Grimes won’t come as a combo package with his standout QB. However, he’ll know what he’s looking for as the Badgers attack the transfer portal, which opens Monday. National signing day 2025: 24 recruits sign with Wisconsin football Recruiting outlets list coaches as key recruiters for particular recruits, and Grimes has reeled in some highly regarded prospects at Auburn, LSU, BYU and Baylor in the last 15 years. Grimes was the primary recruiter for 2023 tight end Matthew Klopfenstein, a four-star recruit by 247Sports and ESPN, according to 247Sports. He was also credited by 247Sports as the primary recruiter of former BYU quarterback Jacob Conover, the No. 109 player in the 2019 class by ESPN. 247Sports’ profile of Grimes attributes a primary or secondary recruiter title for two five-star commits within its composite rankings, offensive linemen Christian Westerman (2011 for Auburn) and Maea Teuhema (2015 for LSU). Then there’s several four-star offensive line recruits such as Jordan Diamond (2012 for Auburn) and Austin Deculus (2017 for LSU). Rivals also credited Grimes as one of the recruiters for 2011 offensive lineman Greg Robinson, a four-star and top-100 recruit. Jumping down the rabbit hole of reactions on social media to Grimes' interest/hire was mixed. There were Wisconsin fans who responded negatively, but some also countered with nuance regarding Grimes’ Broyles Award finalist resume and advanced stats that shined favorably upon the hire. 3 things that stood out from Wisconsin football's 24 recruits who signed this week The reply section to ESPN reporter Pete Thamel’s tweet was filled with Kansas fans not necessarily heartbroken over the news, a similar reaction to some North Carolina faithful when Longo left for Madison. But Grimes and his scheme also were in the first year of taking over the Jayhawks’ offense after replacing Andy Kotelnicki’s unique attack. Kotelnicki — who had followed Kansas coach Lance Leipold to UW-Whitewater, Buffalo and Kansas — moved on to Penn State, where the Nittany Lions offense scored 33.3 points and racked up 442.8 yards per game during the regular season. Kansas averaged 34.8 points and 446.1 yards per game under Kotelnicki in 2023. Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Will Pauling (6) celebrates with Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Braedyn Locke (18) after a touchdown on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Vinny Anthony II (8) celebrates after catching a long pass on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers running back Tawee Walker (3) looks for a hole on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin cornerback Nyzier Fourqurean puts his hands on his head after missing an interception Saturday at Camp Randall. Oregon Ducks defensive back Jabbar Muhammad (7) runs downfield on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Braedyn Locke (18) drops back to pass on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell talks to officials on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Braedyn Locke (18) passes from the pocket on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL Oregon Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) throws a pass on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Nyzier Fourqurean (3) wraps up Oregon Ducks wide receiver Gary Bryant Jr. (2) on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers running back Tawee Walker (3) watches an overthrown pass fall incomplete on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Christian Alliegro (28) flexes after making a stop at the line of scrimmage on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL Oregon Ducks wide receiver Gary Bryant Jr. (2) dives for a pass on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Will Pauling (6) gets in to the end zone for a touchdown on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Vinny Anthony II (8) reaches for a pass in the end zone on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin quarterback Braedyn Locke is hit by Oregon defensive end Matayo Uiagalelei while he throws Saturday at Camp Randall. Wisconsin Badgers cornerback Nyzier Fourqurean (3) runs back an interception on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers linebacker John Pius (0) fights Oregon Ducks’ linemen on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL The Oregon Ducks take the field on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL The Wisconsin Badgers student section cheers on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Braedyn Locke (18) looks to pass on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Vinny Anthony II (8) runs downfield on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers running back Tawee Walker (3) looks to the sideline after converting on a fourth down on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL Oregon Ducks tight end Terrance Ferguson (3) yells after getting a first down on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL Oregon Ducks running back Jordan James (20) trots in to the end zone for a touchdown on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL Oregon Ducks defensive end Matayo Uiagalelei (10) stands over Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver C.J. Williams (4) after making a tackle on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin defensive lineman Ben Barten makes a tackle on Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel on Saturday at Camp Randall. Wisconsin Badgers safety Hunter Wohler (24) and Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Christian Alliegro (28) tackle Oregon Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL Oregon Ducks defensive end Matayo Uiagalelei (10) comes down with an interception during Wisconsin Badgers’ last drive on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL The Oregon Ducks celebrate after an interception in the fourth quarter on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK, STATE JOURNAL Fans dressed as The Grinch wait for the game between Wisconsin and Minnesota on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Tackett Curtis (4) celebrates after a tackleon Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Braedyn Locke (18) looks to pass on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers tight end Riley Nowakowski (37) and Minnesota Golden Gophers linebacker Cody Lindenberg (45) watch as a pass falls incomplete on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Christian Alliegro (28) celebrates after making a stop in the backfield on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver Daniel Jackson (9) catches a ball over his shoulder on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell watches the big screen during a timeout on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Braedyn Locke (18) is sacked on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver Daniel Jackson (9) runs downfield on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Braedyn Locke (18) cocks his arm back to pass on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Minnesota Golden Gophers running back Darius Taylor (1) runs to the sideline on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin and Minnesota scuffle on the sideline on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers safety Hunter Wohler (24) and Minnesota Golden Gophers tight end Jameson Geers (86) battle for the ball in the air on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Vinny Anthony II (8) is pounced on by a Minnesota Golden Gophers defender on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver Elijah Spencer (11) comes down with a catch on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Max Brosmer (16) is stuffed at the goal line on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers running back Tawee Walker (3) runs along the line of scrimmage on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers running back Tawee Walker (3) is stopped at the line of scrimmage by Minnesota Golden Gophers defenders on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers running back Darrion Dupree (13) is sent backwards while running with the ball on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Minnesota Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Vinny Anthony II (8) sees the ball in to his arms before dropping a pass on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers running back Darrion Dupree (13) tries to slip a tackle on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Braedyn Locke (18) catches a wide snap with one hand on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Trech Kekahuna (2) takes a hit from Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Kerry Brown (14) on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers running back Tawee Walker (3) runs through a hole on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Minnesota Golden Gophers running back Darius Taylor (1) is mobbed by Wisconsin Badgers defenders on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Minnesota Golden Gophers linebacker Cody Lindenberg (45) celebrates after making a stop on fourth down on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL The Minnesota Golden Gophers celebrate after defeating the Wisconsin Badgers on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Minnesota Golden Gophers place kicker Dragan Kesich (99) chops down the goal post with the Paul Bunyan Axe on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL The Minnesota Golden Gophers celebrate with Paul Bunyan’s Axe on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Minnesota Golden Gophers tight end Jameson Geers (86) catches a touchdown pass on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Vinny Anthony II (8) looks to catch a pass for a touchdown on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Fans dance during a song on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers place kicker Nathanial Vakos (90) and Wisconsin Badgers punter Gavin Meyers (28) react after a missed field goal on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Braedyn Locke (18) throws a pass downfield on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers running back Darrion Dupree (13) tries to slip a tackle on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Minnesota Golden Gophers place kicker Dragan Kesich (99) chops down the goal post with the Paul Bunyan Axe on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Minnesota Golden Gophers linebacker Cody Lindenberg (45) celebrates after making a stop on fourth down on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Fans dance during a song on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL The Minnesota Golden Gophers celebrate with Paul Bunyan’s Axe on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers running back Tawee Walker (3) runs through a hole on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Vinny Anthony II (8) looks to catch a pass for a touchdown on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Braedyn Locke (18) throws a pass downfield on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Minnesota Golden Gophers tight end Jameson Geers (86) catches a touchdown pass on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers place kicker Nathanial Vakos (90) and Wisconsin Badgers punter Gavin Meyers (28) react after a missed field goal on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Minnesota Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Vinny Anthony II (8) sees the ball in to his arms before dropping a pass on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL The Minnesota Golden Gophers celebrate after defeating the Wisconsin Badgers on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Braedyn Locke (18) catches a wide snap with one hand on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Minnesota Golden Gophers running back Darius Taylor (1) is mobbed by Wisconsin Badgers defenders on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Trech Kekahuna (2) takes a hit from Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Kerry Brown (14) on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver Daniel Jackson (9) catches a ball over his shoulder on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Christian Alliegro (28) celebrates after making a stop in the backfield on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers running back Tawee Walker (3) runs along the line of scrimmage on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell watches the big screen during a timeout on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver Daniel Jackson (9) comes down with a touchdown catch on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Braedyn Locke (18) cocks his arm back to pass on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers tight end Riley Nowakowski (37) and Minnesota Golden Gophers linebacker Cody Lindenberg (45) watch as a pass falls incomplete on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers tight end Riley Nowakowski (37) and Minnesota Golden Gophers linebacker Joey Gerlach (19) watch as a ball batted in the air falls on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Fans dressed as The Grinch wait for the game between Wisconsin and Minnesota on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Max Brosmer (16) is stuffed at the goal line on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Minnesota Golden Gophers running back Darius Taylor (1) runs to the sideline on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Braedyn Locke (18) is sacked on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver Daniel Jackson (9) runs downfield on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers running back Tawee Walker (3) is stopped at the line of scrimmage by Minnesota Golden Gophers defenders on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver Elijah Spencer (11) comes down with a catch on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers safety Hunter Wohler (24) and Minnesota Golden Gophers tight end Jameson Geers (86) battle for the ball in the air on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Braedyn Locke (18) looks to pass on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Vinny Anthony II (8) is pounced on by a Minnesota Golden Gophers defender on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin and Minnesota scuffle on the sideline on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Tackett Curtis (4) celebrates after a tackle on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers running back Darrion Dupree (13) is sent backwards while running with the ball on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers running back Darrion Dupree (13) tries to slip a tackle on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Minnesota Golden Gophers place kicker Dragan Kesich (99) chops down the goal post with the Paul Bunyan Axe on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Minnesota Golden Gophers linebacker Cody Lindenberg (45) celebrates after making a stop on fourth down on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Fans dance during a song on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers running back Tawee Walker (3) runs through a hole on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Braedyn Locke (18) throws a pass downfield on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers place kicker Nathanial Vakos (90) and Wisconsin Badgers punter Gavin Meyers (28) react after a missed field goal on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Minnesota Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Vinny Anthony II (8) sees the ball in to his arms before dropping a pass on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Braedyn Locke (18) catches a wide snap with one hand on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Minnesota Golden Gophers running back Darius Taylor (1) is mobbed by Wisconsin Badgers defenders on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Trech Kekahuna (2) takes a hit from Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Kerry Brown (14) on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver Daniel Jackson (9) catches a ball over his shoulder on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers linebacker Christian Alliegro (28) celebrates after making a stop in the backfield on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers running back Tawee Walker (3) runs along the line of scrimmage on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers head coach Luke Fickell watches the big screen during a timeout on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver Daniel Jackson (9) comes down with a touchdown catch on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers tight end Riley Nowakowski (37) and Minnesota Golden Gophers linebacker Cody Lindenberg (45) watch as a pass falls incomplete on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers tight end Riley Nowakowski (37) and Minnesota Golden Gophers linebacker Joey Gerlach (19) watch as a ball batted in the air falls on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Fans dressed as The Grinch wait for the game between Wisconsin and Minnesota on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Max Brosmer (16) is stuffed at the goal line on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Minnesota Golden Gophers running back Darius Taylor (1) runs to the sideline on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver Daniel Jackson (9) runs downfield on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers running back Tawee Walker (3) is stopped at the line of scrimmage by Minnesota Golden Gophers defenders on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver Elijah Spencer (11) comes down with a catch on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Wisconsin Badgers safety Hunter Wohler (24) and Minnesota Golden Gophers tight end Jameson Geers (86) battle for the ball in the air on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at Camp Randall in Madison, Wis. OWEN ZILIAK/STATE JOURNAL Get local news delivered to your inbox!A rapidly advancing opposition offensive has shaken Syria to its core, with fighters reaching the outskirts of the capital, Damascus, and key government-held cities falling to insurgents. In a reversal, President Bashar al-Assad has fled the country as his forces abandon territory with little resistance, marking a pivotal shift in the 13-year civil war. For the first time since 2018, opposition groups have breached the defenses of Damascus, signaling the growing strength of rebel factions determined to overthrow the Assad regime . The question now looms: Who are these fighters, and what comes next if they succeed in toppling Assad’s government? The Opposition’s surge The offensive, which began on November 27, is led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), Syria’s most powerful insurgent group, alongside the Syrian National Army (SNA), an umbrella group of Turkish-backed militias. HTS, which originated as a faction of al-Qaeda, has spent recent years distancing itself from terrorist ties, seeking to position itself as a force for civilian governance as well as military action in opposition-controlled territories. HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani spoke to CNN, confirming the group's aim: "We are here to overthrow the Assad government," a clear declaration of intent for the offensive that has already seen the capture of key cities like Aleppo, Syria's largest, and Hama, the fourth largest. 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View Program Marketing Performance Marketing for eCommerce Brands By - Zafer Mukeri, Founder- Inara Marketers View Program Entrepreneurship Building Your Winning Startup Team: Key Strategies for Success By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Entrepreneurship Validating Your Startup Idea: Steps to Ensure Market Fit By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Legal Complete Guide to AI Governance and Compliance By - Prince Patni, Software Developer (BI, Data Science) View Program Entrepreneurship Crafting a Powerful Startup Value Proposition By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Entrepreneurship Boosting Startup Revenue with 6 AI-Powered Sales Automation Techniques By - Dr. Anu Khanchandani, Startup Coach with more than 25 years of experience View Program Web Development Master RESTful APIs with Python and Django REST Framework: Web API Development By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Generative AI for Dynamic Java Web Applications with ChatGPT By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program The offensive represents the latest chapter in the long-running conflict, and while HTS and the Syrian National Army have sometimes worked together, their alliance could be fragile. The SNA has its own regional objectives, including establishing a buffer zone along the Turkish border to counter Kurdish militants—a major concern for Turkey, which has supported the opposition but now advocates for a reconciliation process. "It’s unclear whether these groups will unite in the aftermath of Assad's fall or turn on each other," said an analyst familiar with the region’s dynamics. Although the northern regions have seen the brunt of the fighting, opposition groups have also made significant inroads in southern Syria. The Druze-majority region of Sweida and the flashpoint city of Daraa, a key site of the 2011 uprising, have both fallen into the hands of opposition forces. Daraa, which had been under a fragile ceasefire brokered by Russia, saw renewed clashes after rebels seized control of several districts. Meanwhile, in the east, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), backed by the United States, continue to hold significant territory, adding another layer of complexity to the already fractured battlefield. With Assad’s forces now in control of only three provincial capitals—Damascus, Latakia, and Tartus—his grip on the country is rapidly shrinking. The road to Damascus The insurgents are now in what they call the "final stage" of their offensive, with opposition forces reportedly encircling Damascus. According to a commander with the insurgents, "We are in the final phase of liberating Damascus." On Saturday, Syrian government troops also withdrew from the central city of Homs, a strategic location that has long served as a vital link between Damascus and the coastal region where Assad retains loyal support. If Homs falls to the opposition, it would sever the connection between the capital and the coastal strongholds, potentially signaling the collapse of the Assad regime. Anas Joudeh, a Damascus resident, warned, "If Homs falls and the link to the coast is broken, it will be the end of Syria as we once knew it." As the situation grows more dire for Assad, his international allies, Russia and Iran, are distracted by other regional conflicts. Hezbollah, once a steadfast supporter of Assad, has been weakened by its ongoing involvement in the Israel-Hezbollah war, now under a fragile ceasefire. The international community is bracing for the potential fallout. The United Nations’ special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, has called for urgent talks to ensure an "orderly political transition" as the situation continues to evolve rapidly. Pedersen met with diplomats from eight key nations, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Turkey, and Iran, on the sidelines of the recent Doha Summit. Pedersen stressed that the situation is "changing by the minute," and that swift diplomatic action is necessary to prevent further escalation and ensure stability in the region. (With inputs from the Associated Press) (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )The chance encounter occurred when Zhao Liying, accompanied by her adorable young son, was running errands in one of the bustling districts of Beijing. As fate would have it, Lin Gengxin happened to be in the same area, sparking a brief moment of surprise and joy for all involved. However, in order to avoid attracting unwanted attention from onlookers and paparazzi, the trio made a quick decision to split up and navigate to different zones within the vicinity.
The role of a sporting director in a football club is crucial, as it involves overseeing the club's sporting activities, player recruitment, and development strategies. By eliminating this position, Manchester United is signaling a departure from the trend followed by many other top clubs in Europe, who rely on sporting directors to provide strategic direction and vision for the team.Weekly Horoscope Capricorn, December 8 to 14, 2024 good investments
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( MENAFN - GetNews) Birmingham, MI - Timothy Edward Dankha, a prominent figure in the mortgage industry, has continued to raise the bar with his expertise and vision. Leading the charge at Timothy Edward Dankh , Dankha's commitment to excellence has positioned him as one of the most trusted names in mortgage lending. As the driving force behind Prolific Mortgag , Dankha's innovative approach to financing has set a new standard for homebuyers and investors alike. With years of experience in the industry, Timothy Edward Dankha has made it his mission to streamline the mortgage process, offering clients unparalleled service and personalized solutions. His leadership at Tim Dankha's Mortgage Compan has fostered a culture of trust, transparency, and efficiency, making him a standout professional in the highly competitive mortgage market. Dankha's work with Prolific Mortgage, located in the heart of Birmingham, MI, has empowered thousands of families and individuals to achieve their homeownership dreams. His company's approach goes beyond standard industry practices by offering customized mortgage solutions that cater to each client's unique financial needs. Whether it's purchasing a first home, refinancing an existing mortgage, or securing investment properties, Prolific Mortgage is dedicated to delivering results that exceed expectations. "We believe in making homeownership accessible for everyone, regardless of their situation," said Timothy Edward Dankha. "Our goal is to create long-lasting relationships with our clients by providing them with the best options available in the market, ensuring that they have the support they need throughout the entire mortgage process." As a leader in the mortgage industry, Dankha is not only focused on expanding his business but is also committed to giving back to the community. He actively supports various local initiatives and aims to make a positive impact on the region. His dedication to both his clients and the community sets him apart in an industry that often prioritizes profits over people. Prolific Mortgage's continued success under Timothy Edward Dankha's leadership is a testament to his dedication and vision. By fostering a customer-first mentality and integrating cutting-edge technologies into the mortgage process, Dankha and his team at Prolific Mortgage are reshaping the way mortgages are done. Clients are given not only the best rates but also a seamless, stress-free experience, making them feel confident every step of the way. One of the cornerstones of Prolific Mortgage's philosophy is its commitment to financial education. Dankha believes in empowering clients with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their finances. Through workshops, one-on-one consultations, and informative resources, Timothy Edward Dankha ensures that each client is equipped to navigate the mortgage process with confidence. For more information about Timothy Edward Dankha and the services provided by Prolific Mortgage, please visit their website or reach out via email at ... About Timothy Edward Dankha Timothy Edward Dankha is an established leader in the mortgage industry with years of experience helping clients achieve their homeownership goals. As the CEO of Tim Dankha's Mortgage Company, he has earned a reputation for his client-focused approach, professionalism, and commitment to excellence. MENAFN13122024003238003268ID1108991883 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.Enterprise SSDs prioritize data protection and security to safeguard sensitive business information and ensure regulatory compliance. Many enterprise SSDs offer advanced encryption features such as self-encrypting drives (SEDs) and hardware-based encryption to protect data at rest and in transit. This encryption ensures that even if a drive is stolen or compromised, the data remains secure and inaccessible to unauthorized users.
The onset of snowfall in Beijing is often accompanied by the biting cold of the north wind. Known for its sharpness and intensity, the north wind can make even the bravest of souls shiver and seek shelter indoors. Despite its harshness, the north wind is also a reminder of the changing seasons and the passage of time. It sweeps through the streets, carrying with it the scent of winter and the promise of a new beginning.HKC Shines in the Industry by Introducing the First Glass-Based HMO Backplane 6.67-Inch Micro LED Direct Display Screen
San Francisco City Hall’s annual Board of Supervisors Holiday Bake Off was a layered cake of colorful treats, rich flavors, politicos dressed in festive sweaters, and as always, a heaping of extremely inside political gags. After a rigorous and contentious election season, city leaders momentarily put their differences aside to observe the time-honored tasty tradition and unite for the good of sugar-filled fun. The event — held each year the week before the board goes on winter break — was started in 2007 by Cammy Blackstone, an aide for former San Francisco Supervisor Carmen Chu, according to organizers. It was originally dubbed “Board of Supervisors Holiday Treat Throwdown.” But what began as an excuse for politicians to share desserts with City Hall colleagues has over the years evolved into not only a cooking contest, but a mechanism for political and social commentary. “It is a fun and sweet way to close out the year and bring the supervisors’ offices — friends and frenemies — together for this annual tradition,” said Jen Low, one of the event organizers and aide to San Francisco Supervisor Myrna Melgar. “Despite political differences and cutthroat competitiveness, we can all share a good laugh at the cheeky entries and admire the culinary talents of our colleagues.” And for the first time in four years, the competition was wide open. Melgar, the three-time defending “Best in Show” champion, whose cooking exploits have become the stuff of legend around City Hall, chose not to participate this year following her stiff fight to win reelection. “I take the bakeoff very seriously — I am competitive,” she said. “It takes weeks of preparation and prototypes. This year, with the election, I just did not have the bandwidth.” Any San Francisco elected official — or member of their staff —- is eligible to participate. This year’s judges were Chef Dontaye Ball, founder of Gumbo Social in the Bayview, Katy Tang, the former San Francisco Supervisor and current executive director of The City’s office of small business, and, for inexplicable reasons, this reporter, whose biggest claim to food fame is that he has never met a carb he didn’t like. There were 11 entrants this year judged on blind taste tests. We evaluated each entry mainly based on taste, creativity and look. This year’s group of entrants and award-winners also doubled as an appetizing recap of the year that was in San Francisco politics. Desserts that didn’t win but are worth mentioning for creativity include a pair of homages to Proposition K — the controversial ballot measure which a majority of voters approved, permanently closing the Great Highway to car traffic — and a chocolate graveyard symbolizing the “death” of various progressive causes in The City. Now, onto the winners. Honorable Mention: The Pie-lice Budget Dish: Cannoli pie Chef: Jackie Prager, legislative aide for District 9 Supervisor Hillary Ronen It’s no surprise that Ronen’s office, which hosted the competition, dished out plenty of digs against police spending. The outgoing District 9 supervisor has been one of The City’s most vocal opponents of measures and policies which would bolster police power or give raises to officers. Prager’s pie — which exaggerated the amount of money in The City’s budget earmarked for law enforcement — oozed with creamy and tasty cannoli filling. But the kicker were the two pistachios on a small plate right next to the pie, which, according to Prager, represented The City’s budget for “everything else” besides cops. Most Creative: Muni Fiscal Cliff Dish: Mexican chocolate and gingerbread Muni cake Chef: Kalpana Narlikar, legislative intern for District 7 Supervisor Myrna Melgar Narlikar’s fiscal-cliff cake scored major points for sheer degree of difficulty, with its beautifully crafted and detailed zero-emission and edible Muni bus attempting to drive out of the ditch that is the “SFMTA Deficit.” The cake depicts the so-called “fiscal cliff” facing San Francisco’s biggest transportation agencies, including the one running Muni. The transit lines have all collectively struggled to rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic, amounting to what has spiraled into a combined $700 million deficit. Narlikar called herself a “transit nerd” who wanted to create a cake that “reflected the issue, but with an optimistic twist.” “I wanted to convey that even though SFMTA is facing a financial crisis, if we work hard, we’ll be able to push through,” she said. Narlikar also made sure to note she’s proud to carry on Melgar’s legacy by keeping her office’s streak of appearances on the bake-off podium alive for another year. Most Delicious: Peanut Butter Dream Dish: Peanut butter mousse cake with chocolate coffee ganache Chef: Robyn Burke, legislative aide for District 1 Supervisor Connie Chan The only thing that Burke wanted to convey with her dessert was a message of “deliciousness.” The peanut butter mousse, one of the few nonpartisan desserts at the bake off, was packed with rich peanut-buttery flavor while maintaining a soft, light and creamy texture. “I knew it was delicious, but I know that there was some stiff competition,” Burke said. “I was honored and surprised.” Most Visually Stunning: Flight of Black San Franciscans Dish: Layered cake Chef: Natalie Gee, Chief of Staff for District 10 Supervisor Shamann Walton In addition to being aesthetically gorgeous, the Flight of Black San Franciscans was cooked by Gee, a staffer for Walton. He is the only Black person on the board of supervisors and one of the leaders advocating that reparations be paid out to all Black San Franciscans . Gee said the cake aims to “tell the story of the Black community’s displacement from San Francisco while honoring the resilience of those who remain.” Each layer represents a different part of that larger theme. “We wanted to highlight the tragic reality of Black San Franciscans being displaced from this beautiful city due to its policies, unaffordable housing, and rising costs of living,” Gee said. The top and bottom coconut layers represent perseverance. The blueberries in the second layer symbolize the Black community’s “contributions and presence,” which “are often overlooked despite their deep-rooted impact,” Gee said. The third layer of luscious blackberry compote depicts the “cultural and historical richness Black San Franciscans have brought to The City.” The edible Black butterflies, Gee said, represent the “exodus of Black San Franciscans from The City. The five non-edible flowers on the side total the 5% of San Franciscans who are Black. Gee instructed those who found a blackberry in their slice to open one of two white boxes for a prize. Inside the first box were a few peanut M&Ms and statistics on San Francisco’s dwindling Black population. The other box was empty except for a note that read, “Empty Promises.” Best in Show: Lemon DROP Tart Dish: Lemon drop tart Chef: Sheila Chung Hagen, legislative aide for District 9 Supervisor Hillary Ronen The tart is all about Proposition F, last month’s failed police-retirement measure which Ronen led the charge against. The ballot proposition is colloquially known as the DROP — Deferred Retirement Option Program — measure . Had it been approved, the legislation, introduced by Supervisors Matt Dorsey and Aaron Peskin, would have allowed tenured police officers to delay their retirement in exchange for raises paid out over the next five years. Its proponents championed it as a way to alleviate The City’s critical police staff shortage . But Ronen, who resigned from the board’s Rules Committee in protest over how the charter amendment was placed on the ballot, staunchly opposed the DROP measure. She argued the measure would add more government costs amid a budget shortfall and boost police officers’ pay even though they are already among the highest paid city employees. The measure was voted down , with 54.7% of San Franciscans who weighed in on the measure coming out against it. “Both the voters and I dropped the DROP this holiday season,” Chung-Hagen said. Gumbo Social’s Brown, a self-described lemon lover, gushed about the pie’s flavor and said it was cooked perfectly. Chung-Hagen called the award “the highlight of my professional career.” “I’d like to thank Supervisors Ronen and [Matt] Dorsey for the inspiration and Supervisor Melgar for not entering the baking competition this year,” Chung-Hagen said.Trump says he can't guarantee tariffs won't raise US prices and won't rule out revenge prosecutions
After finishing their beverages, Zhao Liying and her son bid farewell to the café and made their way towards the bookstore where Lin Gengxin was still immersed in his reading. With a playful twinkle in her eye, Zhao Liying approached him, her son in tow, and extended a hand in greeting. Lin Gengxin reciprocated with a warm smile, expressing his delight at the unexpected reunion.
Legislative leaders differ on causes of and solutions to Washington budget holeNEW YORK (AP) — Same iconic statue, very different race. With two-way star Travis Hunter of Colorado and Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty leading the field, these certainly aren't your typical Heisman Trophy contenders. Sure, veteran quarterbacks Dillon Gabriel from top-ranked Oregon and Cam Ward of No. 15 Miami are finalists for college football's most prestigious award as well, but the 90th annual ceremony coming up Saturday night at Lincoln Center in New York City offers a fresh flavor this year. To start with, none of the four are from the powerhouse Southeastern Conference, which has produced four of the past five Heisman winners — two each from Alabama and LSU. Jeanty, who played his home games for a Group of Five team on that peculiar blue turf in Idaho more than 2,100 miles from Manhattan, is the first running back even invited to the Heisman party since 2017. After leading the country with 2,497 yards rushing and 29 touchdowns, he joined quarterback Kellen Moore (2010) as the only Boise State players to be named a finalist. “The running back position has been overlooked for a while now," said Jeanty, who plans to enter the 2025 NFL draft. "There's been a lot of great running backs before me that should have been here in New York, so to kind of carry on the legacy of the running back position I think is great. ... I feel as if I'm representing the whole position.” With the votes already in, all four finalists spent Friday conducting interviews and sightseeing in the Big Apple. They were given custom, commemorative watches to mark their achievement. “I'm not a watch guy, but I like it,” said Hunter, flashing a smile. The players also took photos beneath the massive billboards in Times Square and later posed with the famous Heisman Trophy, handed out since 1935 to the nation's most outstanding performer. Hunter, the heavy favorite, made sure not to touch it yet. A dominant player on both offense and defense who rarely comes off the field, the wide receiver/cornerback is a throwback to generations gone by and the first full-time, true two-way star in decades. On offense, he had 92 catches for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns this season to help the 20th-ranked Buffaloes (9-3) earn their first bowl bid in four years. On defense, he made four interceptions, broke up 11 passes and forced a critical fumble that secured an overtime victory against Baylor. Hunter played 688 defensive snaps and 672 more on offense — the only Power Four conference player with 30-plus snaps on both sides of the ball, according to Colorado research. Call him college football’s answer to baseball unicorn Shohei Ohtani. “I think I laid the ground for more people to come in and go two ways,” Hunter said. “It starts with your mindset. If you believe you can do it, then you'll be able to do it. And also, I do a lot of treatment. I keep up with my body. I get a lot of recovery.” Hunter is Colorado's first Heisman finalist in 30 years. The junior from Suwanee, Georgia, followed flashy coach Deion Sanders from Jackson State, an HBCU that plays in the lower level FCS, to the Rocky Mountains and has already racked up a staggering combination of accolades this week, including The Associated Press player of the year. Hunter also won the Walter Camp Award as national player of the year, along with the Chuck Bednarik Award as the top defensive player and the Biletnikoff Award for best wide receiver. “It just goes to show that I did what I had to do,” Hunter said. Next, he'd like to polish off his impressive hardware collection by becoming the second Heisman Trophy recipient in Buffaloes history, after late running back Rashaan Salaam in 1994. “I worked so hard for this moment, so securing the Heisman definitely would set my legacy in college football,” Hunter said. “Being here now is like a dream come true.” Jeanty carried No. 8 Boise State (12-1) to a Mountain West Conference championship that landed the Broncos the third seed in this year's College Football Playoff. They have a first-round bye before facing the SMU-Penn State winner in the Fiesta Bowl quarterfinal on New Year’s Eve. The 5-foot-9, 215-pound junior from Jacksonville, Florida, won the Maxwell Award as college football’s top player and the Doak Walker Award for best running back. Jeanty has five touchdown runs of at least 70 yards and has rushed for the fourth-most yards in a season in FBS history — topping the total of 115 teams this year. He needs 132 yards to break the FBS record set by Heisman Trophy winner Barry Sanders at Oklahoma State in 1988. In a pass-happy era, however, Jeanty is trying to become the first running back to win the Heisman Trophy since Derrick Henry for Alabama nine years ago. In fact, quarterbacks have snagged the prize all but four times this century. Gabriel, an Oklahoma transfer, led Oregon (13-0) to a Big Ten title in its first season in the league and the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff. The steady senior from Hawaii passed for 3,558 yards and 28 touchdowns with six interceptions. His 73.2% completion rate ranks second in the nation, and he's attempting to join quarterback Marcus Mariota (2014) as Ducks players to win the Heisman Trophy. “I think all the memories start to roll back in your mind,” Gabriel said. Ward threw for 4,123 yards and led the nation with a school-record 36 touchdown passes for the high-scoring Hurricanes (10-2) after transferring from Washington State. The senior from West Columbia, Texas, won the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback of the Year award and is looking to join QBs Vinny Testaverde (1986) and Gino Torretta (1992) as Miami players to go home with the Heisman. “I just think there's a recklessness that you have to play with at the quarterback position,” Ward said. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football
The confrontation unfolded when the city management officer, identified as Mr. Zhang, was performing routine duties in a busy commercial district. As he approached a street vendor who was allegedly violating regulations, a bystander suddenly intervened and began verbally taunting Mr. Zhang, accusing him of abusing his power and harassing the vendor. Despite Mr. Zhang's efforts to defuse the situation and explain the purpose of his inspection, the man continued to escalate the conflict with inflammatory remarks and gestures.
The Minnesota Vikings entered week 14 of the NFL season with a lot to lose and everything to prove. Yes, the Vikings are one of the hottest teams in the league and facing the Atlanta Falcons, who have been falling apart in recent weeks, and came in on a three-game losing streak. But still, it was Kirk Cousins’ first appearance in U.S. Bank Stadium since leaving for a multi-year payday in Atlanta. Playoff implications? This game had them. The Falcons are trying to stay afloat atop the NFC South, arguably the worst division in football. For Minnesota, a loss would mostly eliminate them from contention in the NFC North, after the Detroit Lions moved to 12-1 on the season, Thursday night. A gaudy win/loss record is great, but if you finish second in your division, the best seed you can get for the playoffs is No. 5. What we learned about the Minnesota Vikings in 42-21 route vs Atlanta Falcons We don’t have to worry about any of that, though. Because Sunday, the Minnesota Vikings did things against the Atlanta Falcons that their doubters have been calling for all season. It started with a fully rehabilitated Sam Darnold throwing for five touchdown passes (all to Jordan Addison and Justin Jefferson), as Kirk Cousins watched from the opposing sideline and simultaneously crumbled down the stretch. And in the 4th quarter, the Vikings finally showed their finishing skills, something they’ve failed to do for much of the season. You want to talk about one-score games? Too bad, because the Falcons couldn’t even keep this one within two scores, thanks to a last minute defensive stop that held the final score at 42-21, their third-largest margin of victory in 2024 and their first three-score win since week three (34-7 vs HOU). Sam Darnold’s best NFL game ever Look, this isn’t really an argument. All it takes is a quick look at the stats to tell you this was Sam Darnold’s best ever performance as an NFL quarterback. His statline is enormous... 22-of-28 (78.6%) | 347 Yards | 12.4 YPC | 5 Touchdowns | 0 Interceptions. Sam Darnold finished 22-of-28 for 347 yards & 5 TDs against the Falcons, including 292 yards & 4 TDs on dropbacks over 2.5 seconds. Darnold currently leads the NFL in completions (180), yards (2,635), and TDs (23) on dropbacks over 2.5 seconds this season. Powered by @awscloud pic.twitter.com/vMqBlxtTtG It’s the first time Darnold has ever thrown for five touchdowns, during his professional career. Only two other times in his career has Sam ever thrown for four touchdowns in one game. It was also a career high in passing yards. His previous was 341, which he did once as a rookie, and once in relief last season for the San Francisco 49ers. Oh, and his 157.9 QB Rating is his highest ever... by nearly 30 points. His previous high also came with the Vikings, a week 8 Thursday night loss vs the LA Rams, where Sam posted a 128.7. Yes, he got a little help from his friends, who apparently range from Justin Jefferson to Jordan Addison ... and maybe even the football gods. But for the most part, this was Darnold taking yet another step in his development under Kevin O’Connell & Co’s multi-step recovery plan for struggling quarterbacks who have been ruined by previous stops in the league. Calm, cool and collected. Sam Darnold hits @JJettas2 DEEEEEP for 6. : @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/FsQMTn2d4z Sam Darnold for MVP I don’t usually do this, but today, it feels right. Not only was week 14 of the 2024 NFL season vs the Atlanta Falcons Sam Darnold’s best game ever, it probably gets him back into the top-five for NFL MVP odds. But most importantly for the former USC star and his family, he put more hypothetical cash into his future bank account. If you think Sam Darnold would make Baker Mayfield or Geno Smith money ($25-$35 million per season for three or more years), as has been suggested multiple times this week, then what do you think he will make as a finalist for NFL MVP, up next to Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow? Seem crazy? Well, it will be difficult to climb over those two frontrunners, who both have over 29 touchdowns and 5 or less interceptions, to go with ~3,000 yards or more passing. Jackson also has 678 yards and 3 TDs on the ground. But after today’s game, Sam Darnold is up to 3,299 passing yards, 25 touchdowns and just 10 interceptions, which should place him top five in yards, touchdowns and air yards per attempt, at around 8.5 yards, when the dust settles on week 14. By the QB numbers, Sam should be top four in MVP odds this week, in a second tier with Jared Goff, behind Burrow and Jackson. So he may not be an NFL MVP favorite quite yet, but he has absolutely pushed himself into the conversation, after today’s performance. 3!!! : @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/mRjaEZ1iS3 Minnesota Vikings learning how to close This takeaway is right up there with Sam Darnold’s performance, when it comes to expectations that NFL pundits, and even Minnesota Vikings fans, have for this 2024 squad. Yes, they were already 10-2, prior to Sunday’s victory. But it was an inability to close and a propensity to let lesser teams hang around, that has cost the Vikings, when it comes to everyone’s 2025 Super Bowl prediction. As the division rival Lions rip teams apart, week-after-week, Minnesota has mostly skirted by most of their opponents. Not this afternoon. Not vs the Atlanta Falcons. After being outgained 257 to 119 in total yards during the first half, the Vikings offense found its rhythm in the second half, going off for 314 yards and 4 touchdowns (three by air, one by ground). On defense, the numbers don’t look great. Brian Flores’ group gave up 496 total yards to the Falcons, who actually outgained the Vikings’ total of 433. But when it counted, Minnesota’s defense made plays, intercepting Kirk Cousins twice in big moments. Our former QB has now thrown 8 interceptions and 0 touchdowns in his last four games. Kirk Cousins has 0 touchdowns and 8 interceptions over the last 4 games. You drafted Michael Penix Jr. for this moment, make the switch Falcons. pic.twitter.com/tUWI6lTgOY The Vikings won the turnover battle 3-0, held the Falcons on two of their three 4th down attempts and outscored the Atlanta Falcons 28-11 in the second half. Sure, they didn’t start as fast as they wanted, but they held a 14-10 lead at half, and put together one of the better 60-minute performances of the 2024 season, so far. This article first appeared on Minnesota Sports Fan and was syndicated with permission.
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