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Iowa quarterback Cade McNamara released a statement Friday slamming the "100% false" media reports that suggested he had thrown his final pass for the Hawkeyes. McNamara has been sidelined since sustaining a concussion during the Oct. 26 win against Northwestern. Backup quarterback Brendan Sullivan has started the last two games for the Hawkeyes (6-4, 4-3 Big Ten) but is out with an ankle injury for Saturday's game at Maryland (4-6, 1-6). Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said earlier this week that Jackson Stratton will be the likely starter against the Terrapins if McNamara is unavailable. McNamara's cloudy status prompted speculation on a podcast this week that he was "not mentally ready to play." The podcast hosts from the Des Moines Register and The Athletic also suggested that McNamara -- who played three years at Michigan (2020-22) before transferring to Iowa -- is not "fit to play quarterback in the Big Ten right now." "We don't want to bury his career yet, but it does seem like that interception against Northwestern was his last snap as a Hawkeye," Leistikow said. McNamara, who passed for 1,017 yards with six touchdowns and five interceptions in eight games this season, released a statement updating his current status. "My status is the same as it's always been -- a proud member of this football team," he said. McNamara said he has not yet been cleared to play. He said he was cleared to practice on Sunday but suffered an "adverse reaction" and was unable to practice this week and therefore unable to travel with the team to Maryland. "I have been working with the University of Iowa doctors and trainers, a concussion specialist focused on vision training, as well as engaging in hyperbaric treatments as frequently as possible," McNamara said. "I have every intention to play versus Nebraska next Friday night and I am confident that my teammates will return from Maryland with a win." Including his time with the Wolverines, McNamara has completed 60.9 percent of his passes for 4,703 yards with 31 touchdowns and 15 interceptions in 34 games. --Field Level MediaNone

Nico Iamaleava passed for four touchdowns and Dylan Sampson rushed for 77 yards and set a school-record for TDs as No. 11 Tennessee rolled to a 56-0 victory over UTEP on Saturday afternoon in Knoxville, Tenn. Sampson scored on a 14-yard TD run early in the second quarter for the game's first points to deliver his 22nd TD of tje season to break the Tennessee single-season mark set by Gene McEvers in 1929. Iamaleava was 15 of 20 for 173 yards for Tennessee (9-2), while Bru McCoy caught a pair of TD passes and Squirrel White and Ethan Davis each had a TD reception. Tennessee moved its all-time record to 2-0 against the Miners, also having blanked the Conference USA school 24-0 in 2018. Jermod McCoy and John Slaughter had interceptions for the Volunteers, while Dominic Bailey recovered a fumble to set up a score. Skyler Locklear was 10-of-19 passing for 50 yards with an interception for UTEP (2-9), while rushing for 37 yards on eight carries. JP Pickles also had a turn at QB for the Miners and was 10 of 15 for 72 yards. Kenny Odom had eight receptions for 70 yards. Both defenses set the tone in the first quarter. The UTEP defense allowed just one first down to the Southeastern Conference team in three ugly series in the opening quarter and only 22 yards. In the second quarter, Sampson ended a 68-yard drive by dashing up the middle for 14 yards for the record-setting score to take a 7-0 lead with 13:22 remaining before halftime. After Bailey's fumble recovery, Iamaleava flipped a screen pass that White took 9 yards to the end zone nearly six minutes later. Davis put the Volunteers up 21-0 when he grabbed a short pass for a 1-yard TD. Iamaleava then found Bru McCoy from 18 yards with eight seconds left in the second quarter for a 28-0 halftime lead. McCoy caught his second TD and Peyton Lewis rushed for a pair for a 49-0 lead in the third quarter, but the biggest roar from Volunteers fans came when it was announced Florida beat No. 9 Ole Miss 24-17, to enhance the Volunteers' College Football Playoff hopes. Cameron Seldon's 3-yard run capped the scoring as the Volunteers finished the season undefeated at home for the second time in four years. --Field Level MediaNone

Saini slams Cong over farmers’ issuesChef Tommy Banks, a Michelin-starred chef based in northeast England, urged the thieves who stole his work van — along with approximately 2,500 pies worth $32,000 — to embrace the holiday spirit and at least deliver the pies to help feed those in need. According to , Banks' refrigerated van was loaded with pies, bound for a Christmas market and left to charge overnight. When a colleague arrived in the morning to deliver the pies, the van was gone. Commercial real estate has beaten the stock market for 25 years — here's how savvy investors can Car insurance premiums in America are through the roof — and only getting worse. But less than 2 minutes can 5 minutes could — with no medical exam or blood test "I know you're a criminal, but maybe just do something nice because it's Christmas and maybe we could feed a few thousand people with these pies that you stole," Banks said in an Instagram video. CBS News reported that the North Yorkshire Police said the stolen van was later found abandoned more than 30 miles away from where it was taken. Banks had hoped the thieves would deliver the pies to a community center, shelter or somewhere where they could feed people in need rather than going to waste. But he they ended up being a write-off. With this sentiment in mind, here are a few ways to do your part over the holidays. Chef Tommy Banks' plea to the thieves who stole his meat pies serves as a reminder of the spirit of giving during the holiday season. While most of us won’t find ourselves in possession of 2,500 meat pies, we can all find ways to contribute. Here are three meaningful ways to give back this holiday season, some of which can even align with your financial goals. Donating to food banks can directly help people in your community. Food banks often see higher demand during the holidays, and donations of non-perishable items can make a big difference. suggests donating canned soups and stews, peanut butter, rice, pasta and canned beans. Specialty items like olive oil, salad dressings and marinades can also be helpful as long as the items don't require refrigeration. The organization also suggests asking if your local bank accepts personal care products and cleaning supplies, such as shampoo, soap, paper towels and bathroom cleaner, since those items often aren't covered by food assistance programs like . Cost-of-living in America is still out of control — If you can't donate money or purchase items, consider giving the gift of your time. Volunteering at a shelter or a community center is one of the most rewarding ways to give back to your community, and it won't cost you a dime. Many organizations need extra hands during the holidays to sort donations, distribute food or deliver holiday meals. Volunteering is also a great way to model generosity to kids and show the holidays aren't just about material gifts. If you're in a position to give financially, consider funding microloans through platforms like . Microloan platforms support small business owners and entrepreneurs, often in less developed economies. Loaning a small amount can help lift up entire communities by providing jobs and income. When the loan is repaid, you can reinvest those funds to help even more people. During the holidays, some platforms match donations, which can help your loan go even further. Finally, don't underestimate the power of small acts of kindness during the holiday season. Offering a ride to someone in need, sharing baked goods or shoveling a driveway for a neighbor can brighten someone's day while keeping your spending in check. Car insurance in America now costs a stunning $2,329/year on average — — most of which you can complete in just minutes Over 90% of Americans fall short of retiring with at least $1 million — here’s

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Officers from the El Monte police department went Christmas shopping with a group of teens at Target on Dec. 9, 2024 in El Monte CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer) Alexandra Aguilar,13, looks at items with animal control officer Natalie Diaz. Officers from the El Monte police department went Christmas shopping with a group of teens at Target on Dec. 9, 2024 in El Monte CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer) Kids line up with officers from the El Monte police department to go Christmas shopping at Target on Dec. 9, 2024 in El Monte CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer) Alexandra Aguilar,13, shops with animal control officer Natalie Diaz. Officers from the El Monte police department went Christmas shopping with a group of teens at Target on Dec. 9, 2024 in El Monte CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer) Officers from the El Monte police department went Christmas shopping with a group of teens at Target on Dec. 9, 2024 in El Monte CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer) Jake Fisher, Chief of Police (center) and officers from the El Monte police department went Christmas shopping with a group of teens at Target on Dec. 9, 2024 in El Monte CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer) Karma Galvez,14, shops with Police Chief Jake Fisher. Officers from the El Monte police department went Christmas shopping with a group of teens at Target on Dec. 9, 2024 in El Monte CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer) Officers from the El Monte police department went Christmas shopping with a group of teens at Target on Dec. 9, 2024 in El Monte CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer) Jake Fisher, Chief of Police, shops with Karime Galvez,14. Officers from the El Monte police department went Christmas shopping with a group of teens at Target on Dec. 9, 2024 in El Monte CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer) Officers from the El Monte police department went Christmas shopping with a group of teens at Target on Dec. 9, 2024 in El Monte CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer) Officers from the El Monte police department went Christmas shopping with a group of teens at Target on Dec. 9, 2024 in El Monte CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer) (L-r) Karime Galvez,14, City council candidate Cindy Galvan and Angelica Gutierrez. Officers from the El Monte police department went Christmas shopping with a group of teens at Target on Dec. 9, 2024 in El Monte CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer) Officers from the El Monte police department went Christmas shopping with a group of teens at Target on Dec. 9, 2024 in El Monte CA. (Photo by John McCoy, Contributing Photographer) El Monte police spread some holiday cheer on Monday, escorting children on a shopping spree. The Shop with a Cop was organized through the El Monte Police Officers Foundation. Foundation organizers designed the event to build stronger bonds between law enforcement and underprivileged children. The day began at the Police Department. A police process followed to the nearby Target story. Children got to choose gifts for themselves from their holiday wish list and for their families. Then, officers and children enjoyed a festive lunch together. The Police Department and the foundation partnered with the school district, local churches, youth organizations, and social service organizations to help identify area families with the greatest need.head coach Arne Slot has demanded more from his team after they battled to a in the Champions League and said he was "far from happy" with the performance. Liverpool looked some way from their best at the Estadi Montilivi, but secured the win thanks to a penalty in the second half after was deemed to have fouled inside the area. The victory means Liverpool continue their perfect record in Europe, having won all six of their Champions League games this term, but Slot insisted performances must improve if his team have ambitions of going all the way in the competition. Speaking to TNT Sports after the game, the Liverpool boss said: "If you ask me about all the six games I am really pleased with all the results and the performances in the five games. "I am far from pleased about the performance tonight. Especially two things. If you play against a team that has such a good idea about football, knows how to bring the ball out like teams we have played recently in and , you need to be so intense. "But if you are waiting to press and are so easily outplayed, this team can cause you problems. This is what they showed throughout Champions League except [against] PSV. "I feel sorry for them because they deserve more than three points. We have an incredible goalkeeper. When we lost the ball we were not aggressive enough. Hardly any control at all of the game. Maybe the second half was a bit better." One major positive for Liverpool was the return of Alisson to the starting lineup, with the goalkeeper having been sidelined since Oct. 5 with a hamstring injury. The Brazilian made a string of saves to preserve Liverpool's fifth clean sheet in Europe this season, and Slot was quick to dub him "the best goalkeeper in the world" after the match. "He definitely didn't look like he'd been away," Slot said. "I said as a bit of a joke the players wanted to test his fitness today [giving up chances]. "He showed today what I said so many times that he's our first goalkeeper. That's nothing to do with Caoimhin [Kelleher], who did well, but [Alisson] showed today he's one of the best, in my opinion, the best goalkeeper in the world. Let's hope he can keep these performances going and stay fit." Slot also defended striker , who spurned a number of chances against and has just three goals in 19 appearances for Liverpool this term. Asked whether the Uruguayan is low on confidence, Slot said: "What I can agree on is that he missed a few chances; then it is a question if he's low on confidence. "I think every striker has a moment when everything goes in and then a period where try so hard and don't score. But the good thing is we have many players who can score. He was a threat but unfortunately he couldn't score." Regardless of the results the rest of the day, Liverpool is guaranteed to finish the sixth of eight league phase rounds in first place on 18 points. The final two rounds will be played at the start of 2025. ESPN's Sam Marsden contributed to this story.

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There’s a phrase in that could, by now, serve as a slogan for government: “Without proper planning.” That was her description, in Tuesday’s annual report, of how the decision to close supervised-consumption drug sites was made. But six years into the life of a government that has always shown an eagerness to fire before it aims, it seems more like an all-purpose description of The Doug Ford Way. The report contains plenty of other language that might seem jolting when applied to government actions, but by now seems overly familiar. The (or MZOs)were “not fair, transparent or accountable.” The assessment process for the was “irregular” and “subjective,” and “rules and guidelines ... were not followed.” Another description of MZOs that may as well be a shorthand summary of this government’s standard operating procedure: “no protocol and no apparent rationale.” Those descriptions could easily describe any number of the Ford government’s other moves: in the middle of an election campaign; the whole hokey-pokey; trying to a year before a global pandemic; the ; the ; the recent move to . The list is not exhaustive. There are a few themes there that are at the forefront of Spence’s report. Decisions seem to be made quickly and on impulse, according to either the political whims and vendettas of the premier or the backroom desires of developers and corporate interests. Traditional accountability checks or analysis of impacts are discarded. Rinse, repeat. Sometimes, Ford and his government reverse course when it becomes clear that what they are doing is phenomenally stupid and massively unpopular. But a willingness to admit a mistake has never caused them to pause and think before steamrolling forward into the next big blunder. If it wasn’t for hindsight, they wouldn’t have any kind of sight at all. Ford may be willing to change his mind, but he has never changed his ways. So where does that leave us? Well, in the case of Ontario Place, we see that some bidders had closed-door meetings with the premier’s staff and other government officials (despite this being explicitly prohibited) and that they “had direct access to an Infrastructure Ontario executive.” Rules for assessing the bids were not clear and were not followed. And the redevelopment costs to be borne by the province have more than quadrupled to $2.237 billion. Additionally, Ford’s decision to close supervised drug consumption sites near schools and daycares was made “without proper planning,” the AG said. Additionally, Ford’s decision to close supervised drug consumption sites near schools and daycares was made “without proper planning,” the AG said. It certainly isn’t reassuring, in this context, to note that Infrastructure Ontario CEO Michael Lindsay, who presided over all that, is to try to push the (and assorted other overdue transit projects) over the finish line. Nor is Spence’s finding that were behind schedule and over budget, including one hospital that was $4 billion over budget. Oh, and the cost of moving the Ontario Science Centre to Ontario Place has ballooned such that it is now more expensive than the estimates for rehabbing the old building. , the auditor notes harm reduction strategies that prevented 1,500 deaths from overdoses are being discontinued without proper planning or impact analysis. Which sounds like a roundabout way to say people are likely to die. If there’s another thing that has defined Ford’s government it’s boastfulness — and . The government tripled its advertising spending in one year (to $103.5 million), setting an Ontario government record. The report concludes that about 62 per cent of these dollars were essentially partisan: their primary objective was “to promote the governing party.” If the ad bonanza continues into what is expected to be an election year next year, the report does offer some fantastic, auditor-approved tag lines. “Ontario: no protocol and no apparent rationale” has a certain ring to it. The ring of truth.PSX gains 1,700 points, surpasses 97,000 markVancouver city council approves 3.9% property tax increaseMumbai: Azad Maidan Prepares For Historic December 5 Swearing-In Ceremony With PM Modi, 16 CMs In Attendance

Mumbai: The iconic Azad Maidan in south Mumbai known for political rallies right from the independence movement, protests meetings and later for sports pitches, will mark another historic event on Thursday, December 5 when the next Maharashtra chief minister will take his oath. The event will be attended by PM Narendra Modi, chief ministers of around 16 states and several top BJP-led NDA leaders. This will be the second swearing-in ceremony at the historic Azad Maidan after late Vilasrao Deshmukh was sworn in as the CM in November 2004 in the then Congress-NCP government. However, Azad (Independence) Maidan which holds India’s rich history, located a stone-throw away from iconic buildings including BMC headquarters, CSMT and Killa Court among others, has lost its charm over the years. The approximately 1,45,041 sq mt big ground (including the Bombay Gymkhana area) has now in practicality divided into parts, with a major portion going for Metro 3 construction work. The ground, which earlier had 22 plots has produced cricketers starting from Sachin Tendulkar and Vinod Kambli to Shardul Thakur and Yashasvi Jaiswal, and now has a mere seven plots functional. While a small section is reserved for the public to hold protest meetings and another for vehicular parking. Of the approximately 1,45,041 sq mt total ground, approximately 2,858 sq mt is presently used for MMRCL's underground Metro 3 construction work, and the remaining area is for public use, including protest meetings and sports activities. The December 5 swearing-in ceremony will take place on 5,6,020 sq mt land of the Azad Maidan, which is presently used for sports activities. The area can accommodate 35,000 people. Owing to scheduled matches at the Wankhede stadium and preparations for Mahaparinirman Divas (December 6) in Shivaji Park ground the swearing-in being held at Azad Maidan. BJP leaders Pravin Darekar and Mohit Kamboj who visited the Azad Maidan on Tuesday to review the swearing-in ceremony preparations said, “Around 40,000 people will attend the ceremony. The event is open to the public. Big screens will be installed outside the ground so people can watch the swearing-in ceremony. “It will be the CM and two Dy CMs taking the oath. We will set up 43 chairs and we hope 43 ministers take oath to form the new government,” Kamboj said maintaining the suspense of new CM's face and division of ministry within the Mahayuti.

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Actress Laura Benanti put her hatred for her former co-star Zachary Levi on full display, attacking the Shazam! star in a recent podcast appearance saying “Fuck you forever.” Benanti and Levi co-starred on Broadway in the Tony Award-winning 2016 musical revival, She Loves Me , but the great success of the stage show apparently did not translate to a friendship between the two stars as during a recent appearance on the That’s a Gay Ass Podcast , Benanti gave Levi both barrels. The Gossip Girl star said everyone loved Levi except her. “He’s so great!’ And I was like, ‘No, he’s not. He’s sucking up all the fucking energy in this room. He wants to mansplain everybody’s part to them,” Benanti insisted, according to The Hollywood Reporter . She continued to describe how she felt about his presence during the Broadway show, saying Levi “really sucked everybody in with his, like, dance party energy. Like, ‘We’re doing a dance party at half-hour.’ I was like, ‘Good luck. Have fun.'” Benanti went on to say that she was especially enraged when Levi ascribed the death of Broadway actor Gavin Creel to a cancer “turbo charged” by the COVID-19 vaccine. After the 48-year-old actor’s death from metastatic melanotic peripheral nerve sheath sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer, the Shazam star said he thinks that Creel’s death is tied to the COVID vaccine and during an Instagram Live event Levi insisted, “You better believe that, with everything in me, I believe that if these COVID vaccinations were not forced on the American public, that the theaters weren’t being pushed and leveraged.” Levi, an open supporter of Donald Trump and a COVID skeptic, has faced much criticism from Hollywood for his political stance, and Benanti in particular said she was furious that Levi used Creel’s death to expound on politics. “To use his memory for his political agenda and to watch him try to make himself cry until he had one single tear, which he did not wipe away, I was like, ‘Fuck you forever,” Benanti said on the podcast. Levi fully came out of the Hollywood closet during the 2024 and identified openly as a Trump supporter, endorsing the former president in September. In October, for instance, he urged conservatives in Hollywood to stop hiding and speak out. And this weekend, he defended his endorsement of Donald Trump in a visit to Bill Maher’s Club Random podcast. Follow Warner Todd Huston on Facebook at: facebook.com/Warner.Todd.Huston , or Truth Social @WarnerToddHustonNone