7xm in inches US stocks experience mixed fortunes on quiet day of tradingA new private institution for children will open its doors to Katy residents in early 2025. The overview Montessori Reggio Academy of Katy, a private institution, offers specialized curriculum aimed at inspiring creativity, independence and fostering a lifelong love of learning for children age three months to 6 years old, Principal Alma Matthews said. The institution blends the Montessori Method, which is based on self-directed activities including hands-on learning and collaborative play, the Reggio Emilia Approach, which isa philosophy focused on preschool and primary education, and Science, Technology, Engineering, Math and the Arts, or STEAM, curriculum, she said. Matthews said programs include: Infant and toddler care Preschool and kindergarten Spanish language immersion curriculum Additionally, the academy offers enrichment activities such as music, art, movement and outdoor exploration, Matthews said. What they’re saying Matthews said the decision to open a location in the Katy area was inspired by the vibrant and growing community with families seeking innovative and child-centered education. “Katy's commitment to family values and its reputation as a thriving suburb made it the perfect location to offer a program that focuses on holistic child development and academic excellence,” she said. Zooming out The academy also has two Sugar Land locations at 2600 Cordes Drive and 2555 Cordes Drive, according to its website. Opening in January 20318 Franz Road, Katy www.montessorireggioacademy.com/montessori-mra-katy-campus

Ice Spice has undergone a pretty dramatic fitness journey as of late, and has taken to social media quite often to show off her weight loss in recent months. Of course, a lot of fans expressed their support for her mission to work on herself, whereas others shared more critical perspectives of her transformation. Folks accused the Bronx femcee of using Ozempic or just hated on her new physique. However, it's clear that she doesn't put much stock into these troll takes, or at least, she has a lot of energy to respond in kind. The "Think U The S**t" hitmaker seemed to clap back via a recent Instagram post. Specifically, it's a meme of a grossed-out Spongebob saying "she mid bro," seemingly commenting on the types of people who criticize Ice Spice's looks . There's nothing like a good meme to rally fans over to your side and engage in some Internet banter in the process. Still, some fan concern could come from more earnest corners, not the blind negativity that she seems to have a particular issue with. But if that were the case, then Spice isn't responding to that genuine worry just yet. Read More: Ice Spice Transforms Into A Playboy Bunny For Halloween Performance Maybe she will one day, but given just how much hate she has to deal with online for much more important reasons, she probably has other priorities in mind. Ice Spice has a big career to sustain and nurture, whether that's through new music or through extracurricular ventures such as her Fortnite collab . While she did receive a lot of negative criticism this year for her musical output, it was also still a massive year for her, and certainly not one that she can't follow up more explosively in 2025. Nevertheless, only time will tell if Ice Spice's star is starting to fade or if it's just now catching its spark. In either case, she will probably continue to ward the haters off and use all the negative attention towards her to her advantage. Sadly, a lot of female rappers have to adopt this strategy to get to the real meat of criticism towards them, not the misogynistic and close-minded perspective that usually overwhelms their online presences. Read More: Ice Spice Shocks Fans With Dramatic New Hair Color

US stocks experience mixed fortunes on quiet day of tradingPoll: Most Americans want US leadership on global affairs, increased defense spending

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson is heading to the NFL draft after leading the Southeastern Conference in rushing and setting a handful of school records. The SEC Offensive Player of the Year announced on social media his intention Friday to leave after his junior season. He helped the seventh-ranked Vols go 10-3 with a first-round loss in the College Football Playoff where Sampson was limited by an injured hamstring. Sampson thanked his family, Tennessee coaches and fans, saying he learned so much and had the chance to be part of something special. Tennessee went 3-7 in 2020, and he leaves with the Vols having won 30 games over his three seasons. “I poured my heart and soul into this program and this community,” Sampson wrote. “With that being said, I will be declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft.” Sampson set a school record running for 1,491 yards. He also set a program record with a league-best 22 rushing touchdowns, breaking a mark that had stood for 95 years. He was part of coach Josh Heupel's first full signing class in December 2021 out of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He also set school records for total touchdowns scored (22), points scored (132) and consecutive games with a rushing touchdown (11). He led the SEC in nine different categories, including rushing attempts (258), rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, 100-yard rushing games with 10, averaging 114.7 yards rushing per game, points scored, points per game (10.2), all-purpose yards (1,638) and all-purpose yards per game (126.0). He finished this season tied for fifth all-time in the SEC ranks for rushing TDs in a single season with Leonard Fournette of LSU. 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

Kendrick Lamar surprises with new album 'GNX' LOS ANGELES (AP) — Kendrick Lamar gave music listeners an early holiday present with a new album. The Grammy winner released his sixth studio album “GNX” on Friday. The 12-track project is the rapper’s first release since 2022’s “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.” Lamar’s new album comes just months after his rap battle with Drake. The rap megastar will headline February's Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show in New Orleans. The 37-year-old has experienced massive success since his debut album “good kid, m.A.A.d city” in 2012. Since then, he’s accumulated 17 Grammy wins and became the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to win a Pulitzer Prize. NBA memo to players urges increased vigilance regarding home security following break-ins MIAMI (AP) — The NBA is urging its players to take additional precautions to secure their homes following reports of recent high-profile burglaries of dwellings owned by Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis and Kansas City Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. In a memo sent to team officials, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, the NBA revealed that the FBI has connected some burglaries to “transnational South American Theft Groups” that are “reportedly well-organized, sophisticated rings that incorporate advanced techniques and technologies, including pre-surveillance, drones, and signal jamming devices.” Ancient meets modern as a new subway in Greece showcases archaeological treasures THESSALONIKI, Greece (AP) — Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, is opening a new subway system, blending ancient archaeological treasures with modern transit technology like driverless trains and platform screen doors. The project, which began in 2003, uncovered over 300,000 artifacts, including a Roman-era thoroughfare and Byzantine relics, many of which are now displayed in its 13 stations. Despite delays caused by preserving these findings, the inaugural line has been completed, with a second line set to open next year. Conor McGregor must pay $250K to woman who says he raped her, civil jury rules LONDON (AP) — A civil jury in Ireland has awarded more than $250,000 to a woman who says she was raped by mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor in a Dublin hotel penthouse after a night of heavy partying. The jury on Friday awarded Nikita Hand in her lawsuit that claimed McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her in 2018. The lawsuit says the assault left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor testified that he never forced her to do anything and that Hand fabricated her allegations after the two had consensual sex. McGregor says he will appeal the verdict. At least 19 people are sick in Minnesota from ground beef tied to E. coli recall U.S. health officials say at least 19 people in Minnesota have been sickened by E. coli poisoning tied to a national recall of more than 167,000 pounds of potentially tainted ground beef. Detroit-based Wolverine Packing Co. recalled the meat sent to restaurants nationwide. Minnesota state agriculture officials reported multiple illnesses and found that a sample of the product tested positive for E. coli, which can cause life-threatening infections. No illnesses have been reported outside of Minnesota. Symptoms of E. coli poisoning include fever, vomiting, diarrhea and signs of dehydration. Actor Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend drops assault and defamation lawsuit against once-rising star NEW YORK (AP) — Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend has dropped her assault and defamation lawsuit against the once-rising Hollywood star after reaching a settlement. Lawyers for Majors and Grace Jabbari agreed to dismiss the case with prejudice Thursday. Jabbari is a British dancer who had accused Majors of subjecting her to escalating incidents of physical and verbal abuse during their relationship. Representatives for Majors didn’t respond to emails seeking comment Friday. Jabbari’s lawyer said the suit was “favorably settled” and her client is moving on with “her head held high.” Majors was convicted of misdemeanor assault and harassment last December and sentenced to a yearlong counseling program. Hyundai, Kia recall over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix problem that can cause loss of power DETROIT (AP) — Hyundai and Kia are recalling over 208,000 electric vehicles to fix a pesky problem that can cause loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. The recalls cover more than 145,000 Hyundai and Genesis vehicles including the 2022 through 2024 Ioniq 5, the 2023 through 2025 Ioniq 6, GV60 and GV70, and the 2023 and 2024 G80. Also included are nearly 63,000 Kia EV 6 vehicles from 2022 through 2024. The affiliated Korean automakers say in government documents that a transistor in a charging control unit can be damaged and stop charging the 12-volt battery. Dealers will inspect and replace the control unit and a fuse if needed. They also will update software. Christmas TV movies are in their Taylor Swift era, with two Swift-inspired films airing this year Two of the new holiday movies coming to TV this season have a Taylor Swift connection that her fans would have no problem decoding. “Christmas in the Spotlight” debuts Saturday on Lifetime. It stars Jessica Lord as the world’s biggest pop star and Laith Wallschleger, playing a pro football player, who meet and fall in love, not unlike Swift and her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. On Nov. 30, Hallmark will air “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story.” Instead of a nod to Swift, it’s an ode to family traditions and bonding, like rooting for a sports team. Hallmark’s headquarters is also in Kansas City. Top football recruit Bryce Underwood changes commitment to Michigan instead of LSU, AP source says ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Top football recruit Bryce Underwood has flipped to Michigan after pledging to play at LSU. That's according to a person familiar with the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to share the recruit’s plans to join the Wolverines. Underwood pinned a post on his Instagram account, showing a post in which On3.com reported that he has committed to Michigan. The 6-foot-3 quarterback played at Belleville High School about 15 miles east of Michigan's campus, and told LSU nearly a year ago he intended to enroll there. Emperor penguin released at sea 20 days after waddling onto Australian beach MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The only emperor penguin known to have swum from Antarctica to Australia has been released at sea 20 days after he waddled ashore on a popular tourist beach. The adult male was found on Nov. 1 on sand dunes in temperate southwest Australia about 2,200 miles north of the Antarctic coast. He was released Wednesday from a boat that traveled several hours from Western Australia state's most southerly city of Albany. His caregiver Carol Biddulph wasn't sure at first if the penguin would live. She said a mirror was important to his rehabilitation because they provide a sense of company. Biddulph said: “They’re social birds and he stands next to the mirror most of the time.”By MICHELLE L. PRICE WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — An online spat between factions of Donald Trump’s supporters over immigration and the tech industry has thrown internal divisions in his political movement into public display, previewing the fissures and contradictory views his coalition could bring to the White House. The rift laid bare the tensions between the newest flank of Trump’s movement — wealthy members of the tech world including billionaire Elon Musk and fellow entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and their call for more highly skilled workers in their industry — and people in Trump’s Make America Great Again base who championed his hardline immigration policies. The debate touched off this week when Laura Loomer , a right-wing provocateur with a history of racist and conspiratorial comments, criticized Trump’s selection of Sriram Krishnan as an adviser on artificial intelligence policy in his coming administration. Krishnan favors the ability to bring more skilled immigrants into the U.S. Loomer declared the stance to be “not America First policy” and said the tech executives who have aligned themselves with Trump were doing so to enrich themselves. Much of the debate played out on the social media network X, which Musk owns. Loomer’s comments sparked a back-and-forth with venture capitalist and former PayPal executive David Sacks , whom Trump has tapped to be the “White House A.I. & Crypto Czar.” Musk and Ramaswamy, whom Trump has tasked with finding ways to cut the federal government , weighed in, defending the tech industry’s need to bring in foreign workers. It bloomed into a larger debate with more figures from the hard-right weighing in about the need to hire U.S. workers, whether values in American culture can produce the best engineers, free speech on the internet, the newfound influence tech figures have in Trump’s world and what his political movement stands for. Trump has not yet weighed in on the rift, and his presidential transition team did not respond to a message seeking comment. Musk, the world’s richest man who has grown remarkably close to the president-elect , was a central figure in the debate, not only for his stature in Trump’s movement but his stance on the tech industry’s hiring of foreign workers. Technology companies say H-1B visas for skilled workers, used by software engineers and others in the tech industry, are critical for hard-to-fill positions. But critics have said they undercut U.S. citizens who could take those jobs. Some on the right have called for the program to be eliminated, not expanded. Born in South Africa, Musk was once on an a H-1B visa himself and defended the industry’s need to bring in foreign workers. “There is a permanent shortage of excellent engineering talent,” he said in a post. “It is the fundamental limiting factor in Silicon Valley.” Related Articles National Politics | Should the U.S. increase immigration levels for highly skilled workers? National Politics | Trump threat to immigrant health care tempered by economic hopes National Politics | In states that ban abortion, social safety net programs often fail families National Politics | Court rules Georgia lawmakers can subpoena Fani Willis for information related to her Trump case National Politics | New 2025 laws hit hot topics from AI in movies to rapid-fire guns Trump’s own positions over the years have reflected the divide in his movement. His tough immigration policies, including his pledge for a mass deportation, were central to his winning presidential campaign. He has focused on immigrants who come into the U.S. illegally but he has also sought curbs on legal immigration , including family-based visas. As a presidential candidate in 2016, Trump called the H-1B visa program “very bad” and “unfair” for U.S. workers. After he became president, Trump in 2017 issued a “Buy American and Hire American” executive order , which directed Cabinet members to suggest changes to ensure H-1B visas were awarded to the highest-paid or most-skilled applicants to protect American workers. Trump’s businesses, however, have hired foreign workers, including waiters and cooks at his Mar-a-Lago club , and his social media company behind his Truth Social app has used the the H-1B program for highly skilled workers. During his 2024 campaign for president, as he made immigration his signature issue, Trump said immigrants in the country illegally are “poisoning the blood of our country” and promised to carry out the largest deportation operation in U.S. history. But in a sharp departure from his usual alarmist message around immigration generally, Trump told a podcast this year that he wants to give automatic green cards to foreign students who graduate from U.S. colleges. “I think you should get automatically, as part of your diploma, a green card to be able to stay in this country,” he told the “All-In” podcast with people from the venture capital and technology world. Those comments came on the cusp of Trump’s budding alliance with tech industry figures, but he did not make the idea a regular part of his campaign message or detail any plans to pursue such changes.

Saskatchewan legislature member says premier targeted his transgender childrenCowboys WR CeeDee Lamb (shoulder) done for year

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Philadelphia Eagles coach Nick Sirianni apologized to Washington tight end Zach Ertz for his comments during a heated exchange following the Commanders' victory on Sunday, according to multiple reports. The player and coach were seen meeting for the routine postgame handshake, with Ertz instead offering a high-five to Sirianni, who was his head coach during the start of the 2021 season in Philadelphia. Instead, the two had to be separated by Eagles chief security officer Dom DiSandro, who then escorted Sirianni to a tunnel at Northwest Stadium, according to reports. Sirianni didn't like the intensity of Ertz's high-five and criticized his performance in the game, to which Ertz took exception, according to a report released Thursday morning on the "Uncovering the Birds" podcast with Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Ertz, who was listed as questionable for the game after sustaining a concussion a week earlier in Washington's 20-19 victory at New Orleans, started on Sunday and had one catch on two targets for 12 yards as the Commanders won 36-33. Asked afterward about the incident, Sirianni told reporters: "Both of us said ‘congrats' to each other." Ertz, likewise, downplayed the meeting, telling an Inquirer reporter: "We just exchanged holiday pleasantries and kept it moving." Sirianni, who according to reports later apologized to Ertz over a Zoom call, met with media members on Thursday. He said that he keeps conversations with players private and that he has respect for Ertz. During the week leading up to the NFC Division contest, Sirianni said of Ertz: "I think, first and foremost, Zach is an all-time Eagle and was really honored to be around him, and he's still playing at a high level in this part of his career. "So, going through that and him moving on, us moving on in the organization, him getting another fresh start, that was always a tough one because I did really come to really value Zach Ertz the person, Zach Ertz the player. Enjoyed the time I had around him." The Eagles traded Ertz to the Arizona Cardinals on Oct. 15, 2021, during Sirianni's first season as head coach and with the Philadelphia organization. Philadelphia selected Ertz in the second round (35th overall) of the 2013 NFL Draft out of Stanford. He has 764 career receptions for 7,972 yards and 50 touchdowns in 166 regular-season games (128 starts) for the Eagles (2013-21), Cardinals (2021-23) and Commanders. Washington signed Ertz, 34, as a free agent in March. The three-time Pro Bowl selection (2017-19) has started all 15 games for the Commanders and has 55 receptions for 538 yards and four touchdowns. --Field Level Media

The New York Times, citing American officials, has reported that Ukraine is reducing its use of long-range ATACMS missiles, primarily due to dwindling stockpiles. Kyiv reportedly has fewer than 50 of the missiles provided by the US. This challenge is compounded by political shifts in Washington that could affect future military support for Ukraine. Source: The New York Times Details: The report notes that when the US decided to provide ATACMS missiles in spring, about 500 units were transferred from Pentagon stockpiles. Initially, Ukraine was restricted from using these missiles to strike Russian territory, instead targeting temporarily occupied territories, including Crimea. However, in mid-November, US President Joe Biden justified granting permission for Kyiv to use these missiles for strikes deep within Russian territory. By then, Ukraine reportedly had only "tens of the missiles" left, approximately 50. The New York Times cited two US officials as saying that possibilities for securing additional missiles are nearly exhausted. Existing stockpiles were already allocated to regions such as the Middle East and Asia. Meanwhile, the UK, which also allowed Ukraine to use its Storm Shadow missiles on Russian territory following Biden’s decision, recently admitted its own supplies of these missiles are critically low. The situation is unlikely to change under Donald Trump, who in a recent Time interview disagreed "very vehemently" with Ukraine’s use of ATACMS on Russian territory. Trump criticised the Biden administration’s decision to provide the missiles, calling it "foolish". The Kremlin later commented that Trump’s stance "fully aligns" with Moscow’s views. The New York Times, referencing data from Russia's Ministry of Defence and military bloggers, reported that after receiving permission from the US and UK, Ukraine conducted at least six missile strikes, using no fewer than 31 ATACMS and 14 Storm Shadow missiles. While the Ukrainian military has not commented on their use, neither the US nor Ukraine officials have disputed the given numbers. The article also highlights remarks from officials and analysts describing Ukrainian Storm Shadow strike on 20 November against a Russian command bunker near the district of Maryino in Kursk Oblast as one of the most effective attacks. The following day, Russia launched its new hypersonic ballistic Oreshnik missile, targeting the city of Dnipro in Ukraine. General Valery Gerasimov, Russia’s Chief of the General Staff, held a phone call with General Charles Brown, US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, on 27 November, to discuss concerns about escalation. Quote: "After that 27 November call, Ukraine didn’t fire ATACMS or Storm Shadows for two weeks. Russia also launched few missile or drone attacks into Ukraine, although Russia’s president [sic], Vladimir V. Putin, threatened to launch the Оreshnik at the centre of Кyiv if Ukraine didn’t stop using ATACMS in Russia." More details: Despite public threats, Putin has been cautious in responding to Ukrainian operations, the US officials said. They believe Moscow is unlikely to retaliate directly against the US for long-range missile strikes to avoid dragging Washington into the conflict. Analysts suggest Ukraine has slowed its use of the missiles due to their limited stock and the priority targeting of high-value objectives. Mykola Bielieskov, a military analyst at Ukraine’s government-run National Institute for Strategic Studies, explained: "We decided to wait and find high-value capability, and that’s natural. Don’t expect quick returns, because we need to preserve this capability and spend it judiciously and very wisely". Background: Support UP or become our patron !Emmerdale's Tom King 'doesn't go to prison' in devastating twist - and fans are livid