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A star-studded campaign starring Simone Biles, Dak Prescott and other famous athletes transforms retail stores into winter wonderlands. Sports retail giant Dick’s Sporting Goods is raising the bar this holiday season with a Texas-sized campaign featuring Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, NBA star Chris Paul, and Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers. Adding a touch of Hollywood glamor, Matthew McConaughey makes a surprise cameo, ensuring the initiative is as big and bold as the Lone Star State itself. Produced by Bolded, the recently launched branded content division of OBB Media, the campaign follows the four sports stars as they compete to create the most dazzling holiday décor for Dick’s stores in their respective hometowns. While the competition is packed with laughs and over-the-top creativity, it’s not just about bragging rights – each athlete also receives a $100,000 Sports Matter grant to support local youth sports organizations. The festive rivalry is packed with personality. In Houston, Simone Biles brings her golden touch, designing a store decked out with medal-inspired accents that reflect her record-breaking career. Over in Dallas, Dak Prescott channels his quarterback prowess into a gingerbread football locker room that would make any Cowboy fan’s holiday wishlist. San Antonio sees Chris Paul crafting a showstopping 12-foot basketball tree. In Austin, Quinn Ewers leans into Lone Star pride with Texan accents – plus a little help from McConaughey, whose cameo adds a pinch of holiday magic. “We’ve had a blast getting ready for the holidays with Texas’ most inspiring and entertaining sports icons,” said Kari DeGori, vice-president of local marketing and marketing capabilities at Dick’s Sporting Goods. “We hope these displays bring extra joy to our customers and communities while supporting youth sports through the Sports Matter program.” Paul echoed the sentiment: “I love competing, so participating in this Texas holiday contest with some of the best athletes across sports was a lot of fun. No matter who wins the decorating contest, we all win because we get to give back to youth sports.” Advertisement Texans can see the festive creations in person at select stores, including locations in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio and Austin. For those outside the Lone Star State, the campaign will run nationwide across YouTube, Dicks.com, social media and local broadcast channels, alongside traditional 60- and 30-second commercials and extended short-form episodes that dive into the athletes’ design journeys. Are you seeking more creative campaigns? Check out our Ad of the Day section and sign up for our Ads of the Week newsletter so you don’t miss a story.El Salvador Congress votes to end ban on metal miningS&P/TSX composite down Monday, U.S. stocks continue to rise
Seyond Announces Plan to Go Public via De-SPAC Transaction on Hong Kong Stock ExchangeMEMPHIS, Tenn. — Ja Morant had 22 points and 11 assists in his return to the lineup after missing eight games with a hip injury, leading the Memphis Grizzlies to a 123-98 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night. Morant shot 6 fo 12 from the field, including 2 for 3 from 3-point range. Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 21 points, and Santi Aldama finished with 13 points and a career-high 17 rebounds. Deni Avdija led Portland with 17 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Shaedon Sharpe added 15 points for the Trail Blazers, who lost for the third time in four games. Takeaways Trail Blazers: Due to poor shooting, Portland trailed by double digits in the first half. The Trail Blazers closed within six points in he third quarter, but got no closer after a Memphis burst. Portland shot 34 for 102 (33%) overall. Grizzlies: Morant's return increased the pace of the Grizzlies' offense, among the fastest in the league, even though they were limited in fast-break points. Key moment Morant made a 3-pointer near the close of the first half, heaving a shot from three-quarters court that banked in. But the shot was after the second quarter horn, leaving Memphis leading 65-54 at the break. Key stat Portland was 4 of 42 from 3-point range in a Nov. 10 loss to Memphis. Things weren't much better in Monday's loss as Portland made only three of its 20 shots from outside the arc in the first half. And finished the game 8 of 46 from beyond the arc. Portland Trail Blazers guard Shaedon Sharpe, left, and Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) struggle for control of the ball in the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. Credit: AP/Brandon Dill Up next Portland plays the Pacers in Indiana on Wednesday. Memphis hosts Detroit on Wednesday.The University of Maine held a ground-breaking ceremony for its new outdoor track, soccer and basketball facilities on Saturday. The new soccer facility and outdoor track should be ready sometime next October while the multi-purpose Morse Arena, which will be home to the two basketball programs, has a target date of the 2027-28 season, according to University of Maine Athletic Director Jude Killy. A $170 million gift from the Harold Alfond Foundation for facilities upgrades and other multi-million dollar donations are paying for the construction. New Balance Athletics donated $7 million toward the track and soccer field and Phil and Susan Morse provided a $10 million commitment for the multi-purpose arena. Killy said construction on the track and soccer fields is expected to begin right after Thanksgiving and the entire project will cost “a little bit north of $20 million.” The track will not circle the soccer field. They will be separate venues with the soccer field oriented north and south behind Mahaney Diamond while the track will run east to west behind the field hockey facility, according to Killy. “We hope to have the track operational in some capacity next fall and be ready for the spring of 2026 and we are shooting for the soccer field to be ready in October but I have no idea whether it will be Oct. 1 or Oct. 30,” said Killy. “We’d like to play as many home games as possible.” The reigning two-time America East women’s soccer championship team has been playing on Mahaney Diamond for several years. It will have a press box, scoreboard, lights and seating for 500 which include chairback and bleacher seats. A new field hockey facility and softball complex have already been built in the past three years with money from the Harold Alfond Foundation gift. The Morse Arena should be ready during the 2027-28 season but Killy said he would love to see it be open for the start of the campaign. Both basketball teams currently play in the antiquated Memorial Gym, which was built in 1933. Killy said the new arena will cost in the vicinity of $80 million and will seat approximately 2,500. “We are currently in the schematic design phase for the arena,” said Killy. Killy noted that the $45 million renovation to Alfond Arena has been going along well and he is hoping that will be completed by the end of the 2025 calendar year. Killy said he feels grateful to all the donors who have come forward to improve the facilities at UMaine and to UMaine System Chancellor Dannel Malloy and President Joan Ferrini-Mundy and the UMaine Board of Trustees for their support. “Everybody is aligned about what we want from athletics and how it can help the university,” said Killy. “I feel really fortunate to have them believe in us and support us.”VIDEO: Unions pitch ‘fix’ to Illinois’ pensions without knowing taxpayer cost
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Biden opens final White House holiday season with turkey pardons and first lady gets Christmas tree WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has kicked off his final holiday season at the White House, issuing the traditional reprieve to two turkeys who will bypass the Thanksgiving table to live out their days in Minnesota. The president welcomed 2,500 guests under sunny skies as he cracked jokes about the fates of “Peach” and “Blossom.” He also sounded wistful tones about the last weeks of his presidency. Separately, first lady Jill Biden received the delivery of the official White House Christmas tree. And the Bidens are traveling to New York later Monday for an early holiday celebration with members of the Coast Guard. Couple charged in ring suspected of stealing $1 million in Lululemon clothes MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Connecticut couple has been charged in Minnesota with being part of a shoplifting ring suspected of stealing around $1 million in goods across the country from upscale athletic wear retailer Lululemon.Jadion Anthony Richards and Akwele Nickeisha Lawes-Richards, both of Danbury, Connecticut, were charged this month with one felony count of organized retail theft. Both went free last week after posting bail bonds of $100,000 for him and $30,000 for her. They're also suspected in thefts from Lululemon stores in Colorado, Utah, New York and Connecticut. They're due back in court next month. Formula 1 expands grid to add General Motors' Cadillac brand and new American team for 2026 season LAS VEGAS (AP) — Formula 1 will expand the grid in 2026 to make room for an American team that is partnered with General Motors. The approval ends years of wrangling that launched a federal investigation into why Colorado-based Liberty Media, would not approve the team initially started by Michael Andretti, who has since stepped aside. The 11th team will be called Cadillac F1 and be run by new Andretti Global majority owners Dan Towriss and Mark Walter. The team will use Ferrari engines its first two years until GM has a Cadillac engine built for competition in time for the 2028 season. US goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher is retiring from international soccer U.S. women’s national team goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher is retiring from international soccer. Naeher is on the team’s roster for a pair of upcoming matches in Europe but those will be her last after a full 11 years playing for the United States. Naeher was on the U.S. team that won the Women’s World Cup in 2019 and the gold medal at this year's Olympics in France. She’s the only U.S. goalkeeper to earn a shutout in both a World Cup and an Olympic final. Bah, humbug! Vandal smashes Ebenezer Scrooge's tombstone used in 'A Christmas Carol' movie LONDON (AP) — If life imitates art, a vandal in the English countryside may be haunted by The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. Police in the town of Shrewsbury are investigating how a tombstone at the fictional grave of Ebenezer Scrooge was destroyed. The movie prop used in the 1984 adaption of Charles Dickens' “A Christmas Carol” had become a tourist attraction. The film starred George C. Scott as the cold-hearted curmudgeon who is visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve who show him what will become of his life if he doesn’t become a better person. West Mercia Police say the stone was vandalized in the past week. Megachurch founder T.D. Jakes suffers health incident during sermon at Dallas church DALLAS (AP) — The founder of Dallas-based megachurch The Potter's House, Bishop T.D. Jakes, was hospitalized after suffering what the church called a “slight health incident.” Jakes was speaking to churchgoers after he sat down and began trembling as several people gathered around him Sunday at the church. Jakes' daughter Sarah Jakes Roberts and her husband Touré Roberts said in a statement on social media late Sunday that Jakes was improving. The 67-year-old Jakes founded the non-denominational The Potter's House in 1996 and his website says it now has more than 30,000 members with campuses in Fort Worth and Frisco, Texas; and in Denver. At the crossroads of news and opinion, 'Morning Joe' hosts grapple with aftermath of Trump meeting The reaction of those who defended “Morning Joe” hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski for meeting with President-elect Trump sounds almost quaint in the days of opinionated journalism. Doesn't it makes sense, they said, for hosts of a political news show to meet with such an important figure? But given how “Morning Joe” has attacked Trump, its viewers felt insulted. Many reacted quickly by staying away. It all reflects the broader trend of opinion crowding out traditional journalist in today's marketplace, and the expectations that creates among consumers. By mid-week, the show's audience was less than two-thirds what it has typically been this year. Pilot dies in plane crash in remote woods of New York, puppy found alive WINDHAM, N.Y. (AP) — Authorities say a pilot and at least one dog he was transporting died when a small plane crashed in the snowy woods of the Catskill Mountains, though a puppy on the flight was found alive with two broken legs. The Greene County sheriff’s office says Seuk Kim of Springfield, Virginia, was flying from Maryland to Albany, New York, when the plane crashed at about 6:10 p.m. Sunday in a remote area. Officials believe the pilot died from the impact. The surviving dog was hospitalized, while a third dog was not located. The flight was connected with a not-for-profit group that transports rescue animals. Warren Buffett gives away another $1.1B and plans for distributing his $147B fortune after his death OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Investor Warren Buffett renewed his Thanksgiving tradition of giving by handing out more than $1.1 billion of Berkshire Hathaway stock to four of his family's foundations Monday, and he offered new details about who will be handing out the rest of his fortune after his death. Buffett has said previously that his three kids will distribute his remaining $147.4 billion fortune in the 10 years after his death, but now he has also designated successors for them because it’s possible that Buffett’s children could die before giving it all away. Buffett said he has no regrets about his decision to start giving away his fortune in 2006. Pop star Ed Sheeran apologizes to Man United boss Ruben Amorim for crashing interview MANCHESTER, England (AP) — British pop star Ed Sheeran has apologized to Ruben Amorim after inadvertently interrupting the new Manchester United head coach during a live television interview. Amorim was talking on Sky Sports after United’s 1-1 draw with Ipswich on Sunday when Sheeran walked up to embrace analyst Jamie Redknapp. The interview was paused before Redknapp told the pop star to “come and say hello in a minute.” Sheeran is a lifelong Ipswich fan and holds a minority stake in the club. He was pictured celebrating after Omari Hutchinson’s equalizing goal in the game at Portman Road.
Conor McGregor issues shock 120-word statement vowing to appeal his sex assault courtroom defeat but admitting 'mistakes' and 'regrets': Shamed MMA star addresses cheating on 'the woman I love most in the world'WASHINGTON , Nov. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The United States Postal Service is primed and ready to deliver exceptional service during the 2024 holiday rush thanks in large part to the investments and strategies identified in its 10-year Delivering for America plan. Today, the Postal Service provided updates on its peak holiday season preparations, as well as its readiness to deliver another successful holiday season of extraordinary service. "Thanks to the substantial progress we have made under the Delivery for America plan, we are ready and confident to handle the holiday surge," said USPS Chief Retail and Delivery Officer and Executive Vice President Dr. Joshua Colin . "Our ability to move packages and mail throughout our network has never been stronger. USPS continues to be the most affordable and reliable way to ship packages and mail this holiday season and year-round." Throughout the year, USPS has maintained strong service performance while engaging in numerous transformational initiatives across the organization and the country. Because of the ongoing implementation of the Delivering for America strategic plan, 98 percent of the nation's population currently receives their mail and packages in fewer than three days. The nation's postal network is operating effectively without any major reported disruptions. "The United States Postal Service's portfolio of shipping products make holiday shipping easy," said Steve Montieth , USPS chief customer and marketing officer and executive vice president. "Both USPS Ground Advantage and USPS Priority Mail are priced lower than competitors, meaning customers can save more this holiday season. So, ship early and enjoy your holiday season." Key Investments Ahead of 2024 Peak Season Specifically, key Delivering for America investments in the Postal Service's workforce, package processing, and delivery operations ahead of the 2024 peak holiday season include: Using 83 revitalized sorting & delivering centers: In alignment with the Delivering for America plan, the Postal Service is revamping its network of nearly 19,000 delivery units, which are the final stop for mail and packages before they are delivered by letter carriers. These revitalized sorting and delivery centers have allowed USPS to expand its daily package processing capacity, increase its efficiency and deliver more value to its customers. Implementing 506 new package sorting machines: These new machines are strategic investments in the local community's postal infrastructure, enabling postal workers to sort and process packages of all sizes more quickly and reliably. Since the previous peak season, 158 new sorting machines have been installed across the nation. This is part of the organization's $40 billion investment in new technology and facilities under the Delivering for America plan. Increased daily processing capacity to approximately 60 million: An expanded daily processing capacity, stabilized workforce, improved operating precision, and well-planned transportation practices has allowed for packages to move through the postal network more quickly and helps eliminate the need for short-term annexes. Moving more than 95 percent of volume via more reliable ground transportation: More precise operating and logistical strategies have positioned the Postal Service to handle the high mail and package volumes anticipated during the peak holiday season. USPS continues to transition more volume from expensive air transportation to its redesigned ground transportation network. Currently, nearly 95 percent of First-Class Mail and more than 95 percent of first-class packages are moved through the improved, more reliable ground transportation system. Hiring 7,500 seasonal employees: Because of its experienced and stable workforce, USPS anticipates the need for less seasonal employees this holiday season. The initial release of the new next generation delivery vehicles: This holiday season will also mark the initial release of the brand-new BEV Next Generation Delivery Vehicles, which will be on select roads and routes this winter. Additionally, this holiday season, there will be more than 27,000 new commercial off-the-shelf vehicles on the road with more than 500 being battery-electric. USPS Makes Holiday Shipping Easy for Consumers In addition to key investments, USPS is simplifying the process and reducing customers' cost to ship packages this holiday season. USPS Ground Advantage: This enhanced shipping solution provides a simple, reliable and more affordable way to ship packages this holiday season in just 2-5 business days across the contiguous United States . USPS Ground Advantage provides America's businesses and the public with a compelling ground shipping option, using the Postal Service's unparalleled last-mile delivery route system and improving the integrated mail and package postal logistics network. The most affordable rates: Priority Mail is an offering included in USPS Ground Advantage that provides a fast and affordable way to deliver mail to every address in the United States . During peak season, priority mail offers a price that is on average 35 percent lower than similar competitor services. For tips on preparing shipments, including recommended mailing and shipping dates, packaging guidelines, ordering free shipping supplies and information on local Post Office location hours, visit usps.com . Please Note: The United States Postal Service is an independent federal establishment, mandated to be self-financing and to serve every American community through the affordable, reliable and secure delivery of mail and packages to 169 million addresses six and often seven days a week. Overseen by a bipartisan Board of Governors, the Postal Service is implementing a 10-year transformation plan, Delivering for America , to modernize the postal network, restore long-term financial sustainability, dramatically improve service across all mail and shipping categories, and maintain the organization as one of America's most valued and trusted brands. The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations. For USPS media resources, including broadcast-quality video and audio and photo stills, visit the USPS Newsroom . Follow us on X , formerly known as Twitter, Instagram , Pinterest , Threads and LinkedIn . Subscribe to the USPS YouTube Channel and like us on Facebook . For more information about the Postal Service, visit usps.com and facts.usps.com . Contact: Jonathan Castillo [email protected] usps.com/news SOURCE U.S. Postal ServiceThe China Fund, Inc. Declares Distributions
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MUNICH, Germany :Bayern Munich's Harry Kane scored a hat-trick with two of the goals in second half stoppage time, to give the league leaders a 3-0 win over visitors Augsburg on Friday and open up an eight-point gap at the top with their sixth straight clean sheet across all competitions. The Bavarians, who take on Paris St Germain in the Champions League on Tuesday, are undefeated in the Bundesliga and on 29 points following their fifth consecutive league game without conceding a goal. Second-placed RB Leipzig, who travel to Hoffenheim on Saturday, are on 21 points. "We said at half time we should just keep going and create chances," Kane, who has scored 14 league goals this season, told reporters. "Thankfully we got the penalty and from there the game opened up." Kane has scored 50 league goals since joining Bayern last year, needing just 43 Bundesliga games to reach that mark, faster than any player in the league's history. Bayern have a busy schedule coming up with PSG on Tuesday before the trip to Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga in a week. They cap off their 11-day four-match run with the German Cup last-16 clash at home to holders Bayer Leverkusen on Dec. 3. "We have a big week ahead with PSG in the Champions League then Dortmund then Leverkusen in the Cup. We're in a good moment, we're feeling good and should just keep the momentum up," Kane said. As expected Bayern had more than 70 per cent possession for much of the first half but Augsburg had keeper Nediljko Labrovic to thank for a goalless first half after the Croatia international stopped efforts from Harry Kane, Jamal Musiala and Leon Goretzka, who also hit the crossbar four minutes after the restart. Labrovic then denied Michael Olise in the 51st but could do nothing to prevent Kane from scoring with a well-taken 63rd minute penally. The England captain was then awarded another penalty following a lengthy VAR review in stoppage time with Augsburg's Keven Schlotterbeck sent off for tripping him in front of goal. Labrovic was beaten by Kane once more after picking the wrong side again before the forward completed his hat-trick only seconds later after controlling a Goretzka cross with a superb first touch and then heading in.
NEW YORK (AP) — Minnesota pitchers Justin Topa and Brock Stewart agreed to one-year contracts ahead of Friday’s tender deadline along with fellow right-hander Triston McKenzie of Cleveland and Cole Sulser of Tampa Bay. Agreements and non-tenders reduced players eligible for arbitration to 169 from 238 at the start of last week. Teams and players are to exchange proposed arbitration salaries on Jan. 9, 2025, and those who don’t reach agreements will be scheduled for hearings from Jan. 27 through Feb. 14, 2025, in St. Petersburg, Florida. Topa was guaranteed $1,225,000 as part of a deal that included a $1 million salary for 2025 and a $2 million team option for 2026 with a $225,000 buyout. Stewart agreed to an $870,000 salary and can earn $30,000 in bonuses for days on the active roster: $10,000 for 112 and $20,000 for 142. McKenzie agreed to a $1.95 million, one-year contract and Sulser to a one-year deal that pays $900,000 in the major leagues and $450,000 while in the minors. ___ AP MLB:
