live casino news Boxing Day for many means bargain shopping, a surprising impulse after just one day’s respite from Christmas shopping. For others it means locking up the house and getting away to a beach for much-needed break. And for some it means cricket. It’s the perfect day, with a week or two of leisure ahead, to put aside the important cares of life and give the mind to the peculiar, absorbing, leisurely form of cricket that can last five days. In Australia the “Boxing Day Test” has become an institution. Melbourne’s big “G” will probably be filled today for the beginning of a test against India. Sadly, New Zealand’s threadbare test schedule does not offer something similar here but it’s a good day to contemplate cricket nevertheless. Last week the Black Caps finished their only test series at home this summer, losing to an English team led by New Zealand-born Ben Stokes and coached by New Zealand’s Brendon McCullum. They gave us a stunning exhibition of the relentlessly — some would say recklessly — positive batting McCullum exemplified when he captained the Black Caps. Now, in league with the similarly minded Stokes, McCullum’s approach has transformed the way England plays. Their batters scored so fast that none of the three tests went to a fifth day.Rico Carty, who won the 1970 NL batting title with the Atlanta Braves, dies at 85

HOUSTON (AP) — Will Levis and the Tennessee Titans were far from perfect Sunday. But they did just enough to outlast the mistake-prone Houston Texans and get their first AFC South win of the season. Levis threw for 278 yards and his 70-yard touchdown pass to Chig Okonkwo put Tennessee on top in the fourth quarter and the Titans held on for the 32-27 victory. “The coolest thing about this game was just the way our team fought,” coach Brian Callahan said. “It was a back-and-forth game. Our guys did a good job of not flinching and keeping the blinders on. We’ve been in games like this before, and we haven’t been able to make a play, but this week, we made a play.” Okonkwo grabbed a short pass and rumbled for the touchdown to put the Titans (3-8) up 30-27 with 91⁄2 minutes remaining. Safety Eric Murray missed a tackle that would have stopped him near midfield. The Texans (7-5) had a chance to tie it with less than two minutes remaining, but Ka’imi Fairbairn’s 28-yard field-goal attempt sailed wide left. He fell to the ground after the miss before getting up and slamming his helmet on the field. Callahan held both hands in the air and smiled after watching the miss that allowed his team to win on a day it had three turnovers. The Texans forced a three-and-out, but couldn’t move the ball after that and Harold Landry sacked C.J. Stroud in the end zone for a safety to make it 32-27 and allow Tennessee to snap a two-game skid. Stroud threw for 247 yards and two touchdowns, but also threw two interceptions as the AFC South-leading Texans lost for the third time in four games. Stroud has thrown five interceptions combined in the past three games to give him more interceptions in 12 games this season (nine) than he had in 15 games as a rookie last season (five). “It’s no secret that I haven’t been playing well... I’ve got to be harder on myself,” he said. “I’m not going to hold my head down. I know I can be a great player, but I’ve got to make better plays.” Jimmie Ward had a 65-yard interception return for a touchdown in the third quarter and the Texans tied a franchise record with eight sacks. Danielle Hunter led the group with a season-high three sacks and Will Anderson Jr. added two in his return after missing two games with an ankle injury. But the offense sputtered for most of the game as Joe Mixon was held to 22 yards on 14 carries. “Just a disappointing loss for us,” coach DeMeco Ryans said. “We didn’t do anything well enough to win this game. Out of all the positives that we did have, there were way too many negatives.” It was Tennessee’s first win of the season in a game that Levis both started and finished. The second-year player missed three games this year with a sprained AC joint in his throwing shoulder. “I’m really proud of Will,” Callahan said. “He’s done a lot of things to get himself back in the right place, mentally and physically. It was a really good performance.” Levis knows he can be better, but was happy to leave Houston with a victory in this difficult season. “It feels awesome,” he said. “A lot of people have been working really hard to get a win like this. I’m just happy for the organization, top down.” Tennessee extended the lead to 23-17 on a 51-yard field goal by Nick Folk with nine minutes left in the third. Stroud threw his second interception with about 90 seconds left in the third quarter but Ward’s touchdown came three plays later to put the Texans on top 24-23. The Titans fumbled a punt early in the fourth quarter and Houston recovered it. A 54-yard field goal by Fairbairn extended the lead to 27-23 with about 10 minutes to go. Dameon Pierce returned the opening kickoff 80 yards to get the Texans in the red zone. Houston cashed in on the next play when Stroud found rookie Cade Stover on a 19-yard pass for his first touchdown reception. The Titans trailed by four after a field goal by Folk when Nick Westbrook-Ikhine got in front of the defense and was wide open for a 38-yard TD catch that made it 10-7 late in the first quarter. Tennessee extended the lead to 17-7 when Tony Pollard ran 10 yards for a touchdown with about 11 minutes left in the second. Pollard finished with 119 yards and a touchdown. Nico Collins scored on a 5-yard reception with about six minutes left in the second. Levis levis lost a fumble with about 3 1/2 minutes left and the Texans added a 28-yard field goal to tie it at 17-17. Houston forced a punt after that, but rookie Jarvis Brownlee Jr. got his first career interception two plays later to give Tennessee the ball back. Folk’s 56-yard field goal, which tied his career long, put the Titans up 20-17 at halftime. Injuries The Titans were without cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, after he was placed on injured reserve with a quadriceps injury, and safety Amani Hooker, who was added to the injury report Sunday morning with an illness. Callahan said Hooker was vomiting “every time he stood up” Sunday. ... Houston S Jalen Pitre injured his shoulder in the second quarter and didn’t return. ... CB Ka’dar Hollman left in the fourth quarter with a knee injury. Up next Titans: Visit the Commanders next Sunday. Texans: Visit Jacksonville next Sunday. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflCork U21A HC: Newcestown 2-11 Valley Rovers 2-10 Newcestown are into the last four of the Co-Op Superstores Cork U21A HC, this hard-fought single point victory saw them edge past Valley Rovers at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh 4G on Tuesday night. The impressive free-taking of Richard O’Sullivan was a factor, including a magnificent 58th minute strike from a difficult angle way out in his own half-back line that proved to be the winning score. There was still time for more drama as the contest ended in huge excitement. The tension was palpable as Valley Rovers ‘keeper Aaron White bravely saved a penalty, not once but twice, in the 60th minute from O'Sullivan - referee Mark Maher made it be retaken after an infringement - however despite the let off, the Innishannon side couldn’t find an equaliser in this derby tie where many of the players know each other so well as they go to school in Bandon. In the end, Valley Rovers were left heartbroken, disappointed they didn’t force extra time after they won a free deep in stoppage but Evan O’Shea opted to go short and it didn’t work out. O’Shea had already nailed four from placed balls. Valley Rovers were involved in an epic Carrigdhoun final on Sunday but there was no sign of tiredness following their penalty shoot-out win over Ballymartle. They went straight into the action and had 1-4 on the board by the 12th minute - the goal from Joe Twohig in the first minute after Ronan McSweeney had stopped the initial effort from Harry O’Sullivan. Twohig had the sliotar in the net again five minutes later but the goal was disallowed for a foul on McSweeney. Valleys added four points before Newcestown, who hadn’t been competitive since winning the Carbery final on October 27, opened their scoring through a Ciarán O’Donovan goal. By half-time, they had worked their way back and drew level 1-5 apiece. Newcestown then took the game to their opponents when O’Sullivan netted four minutes after the restart. A second Twohig green flag in the 47th minute swung the momentum back Valley Rovers’ way, 2-10 to 2-8. Newcestown closed with the final three points - O’Sullivan’s sixth point proved to be the decider. Newcestown return to the SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh 4G on Sunday when they play the Imokilly representatives - their opponents are not yet known as Bride Rovers and Erin’s Own replay their semi-final on Thursday night with Midleton in the final. Scorers for Newcestown : R O’Sullivan (1-6, 0-5 frees, 0-1 65), C O’Donovan (1-1), D McSweeney, J Kenneally, N Kelly and C Hurley (0-1 each). Scorers for Valley Rovers : J Twohig (2-1), E O’Shea (0-4, 0-3 frees, 0-1 65), H O’Sullivan and S McEntee (0-2 each), S Kiely (0-1). NEWCESTOWN : R McSweeney; P Kelly, C O’Sullivan, J Burrows; E McSweeney, J Kenneally, E Calnan; H Canty, N Kelly; D McSweeney, R O’Sullivan, O O’Sullivan; F Ó Donnchadha, C O’Donovan, C Hurley. Subs : F Kenneally for E Calnan (45), E Calnan for E McSweeney (62). VALLEY ROVERS : A White; T McGrath, C O’Sullivan, N Daly; A Slattery, C Johnson, K Dart O’Flynn; S Ryan, E Guinane; D Carthew, H O’Sullivan, C McCarthy; E O’Shea, J Twohig, S McEntee. Subs : S Kiely for D Carthew (41), L Casey for C McCarthy, A Casey for S Kiely (both 63). Referee : Mark Maher (St Finbarr’s).ISLAMABAD: Spokesman for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and Adviser to Chief Minister on Information Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif has asked the authorities to provide some better facilities to PTI founder Imran Khan, in case the immediate release not possible. Speaking on ARY News’ programme Off the Record, Barrister Saif emphasised ongoing efforts to resolve the current political crisis. He clarified that while he does not act as a messenger for Imran Khan, he conveys proposals and gathers his input on key matters. Answering a question regarding his meeting with the founder of PTI in the Adiala Jail, Saif said that he informed the Imran Khan about different suggestions and got his point of view, he said, during the consultations, the government offer to allow a sit-in at Sangjani area was also discussed. He revealed that Imran Khan had given nod to relocate the protest from D-Chowk to Sangjani, suburbs of Islamabad, but unfortunately his decision was not implemented. Saif stopped short telling the name of the person who obstructed the implementation of this decision. Saif said that our basic demand is the release of Imran Khan but if the immediate fulfillment of this demand is not possible then at least some better facilities should be provided to the founder PTI, as right now he is being held in a small cell for more than 36 hours. On NNovember26, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi accused Pakistan PTI founder’s wife Bushra Bibi of orchestrating all the chaos that led to loss of life and property in Islamabad, saying that ‘One woman’ behind all the loss of life and material. Read More: PTI suggested to stage protest at Sangjani: Mohsin Naqvi Earlier, in the morning, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said that the PTI was suggested to stage their protest at Sangjani in Islamabad. “Barrister Gohar had also twice visited Adiala Jail and held meetings,” federal minister talking to media here said. “There are reports that the PTI has got approval from jail, but the government has yet to receive any reply from the Tehreek-e-Insaf,” interior minister said. Naqvi said that the PTI has to take decision whether they want to go to Sangjani or not. “We have also informed the PTI about the red line, if it will be crossed, extreme measures will be taken by authorities,” minister warned.Man City stunned again as Feyenoord fight back to draw 3-3 in the Champions League

Romania's PM tied with pro-Russia candidate in presidential vote

AP Sports SummaryBrief at 6:49 p.m. ESTLondon honored for supporting student mental health and eliminating barriers to care NATICK, Mass. , Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Boston Business Journal honored Uwill founder and CEO Michael London as part of its 2025 Innovators in Healthcare list . Honorees represent a cross-section of Boston -based innovators addressing some of the most urgent and pressing challenges in the health care industry. London is the founding CEO of Uwill , the leading mental health and wellness solution proudly supporting more than 3 million students at 400 institutions globally. Utilizing its proprietary technology and counselor team, Uwill pioneered the first student and therapist matching platform. The solution offers an immediate appointment with a licensed counselor based on student preferences, all modalities of teletherapy, a direct crisis connection, wellness programming, realtime data, and support. "It's truly an honor to be recognized among this incredible group of innovators," said Michael London , Uwill founder and CEO. "At Uwill, our mission is to break down barriers to mental health care, delivering immediate and accessible support to students worldwide. This recognition reflects more than innovation—it underscores our unwavering commitment to addressing a vital need for students everywhere." London is a recognized thought-leader and pioneer within social impact entrepreneurship, having created more than one billion dollars in company value throughout his career. In 2013, he founded Examity, a leader in learning validation and online proctoring. Prior, London led Bloomberg Institute, an EdTech start-up funded by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg . Earlier in his career, he founded College Coach and co-founded EdAssist, both acquired by Bright Horizons Family Solutions. In 2019, he was a finalist for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award and held a position on the Massachusetts Governor's Commission for Digital Education and Lifelong Learning. Michael is a current Trustee at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. He is a Member of the Advisory Board at Babson College where he graduated with honors. He also received his MBA from Boston University . About Uwill: Uwill is the leading mental health and wellness solution for colleges and students. As the most cost-effective way to enhance a college's mental health offering, Uwill partners with more than 400 institutions, including Princeton University , the Ohio State University , Santa Fe Community College , and University of Alabama - Online. Uwill is also the exclusive teletherapy education partner for the Online Learning Consortium and teletherapy education partner of NASPA. For more information, visit uwill.com . Contact: Brett Silk bsilk@uwill.com View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/uwill-founder--ceo-michael-london-named-innovator-in-healthcare-302338655.html SOURCE Uwill, Inc

Cork U21A HC: Newcestown 2-11 Valley Rovers 2-10 Newcestown are into the last four of the Co-Op Superstores Cork U21A HC, this hard-fought single point victory saw them edge past Valley Rovers at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh 4G on Tuesday night. The impressive free-taking of Richard O’Sullivan was a factor, including a magnificent 58th minute strike from a difficult angle way out in his own half-back line that proved to be the winning score. There was still time for more drama as the contest ended in huge excitement. The tension was palpable as Valley Rovers ‘keeper Aaron White bravely saved a penalty, not once but twice, in the 60th minute from O'Sullivan - referee Mark Maher made it be retaken after an infringement - however despite the let off, the Innishannon side couldn’t find an equaliser in this derby tie where many of the players know each other so well as they go to school in Bandon. In the end, Valley Rovers were left heartbroken, disappointed they didn’t force extra time after they won a free deep in stoppage but Evan O’Shea opted to go short and it didn’t work out. O’Shea had already nailed four from placed balls. Valley Rovers were involved in an epic Carrigdhoun final on Sunday but there was no sign of tiredness following their penalty shoot-out win over Ballymartle. They went straight into the action and had 1-4 on the board by the 12th minute - the goal from Joe Twohig in the first minute after Ronan McSweeney had stopped the initial effort from Harry O’Sullivan. Twohig had the sliotar in the net again five minutes later but the goal was disallowed for a foul on McSweeney. Valleys added four points before Newcestown, who hadn’t been competitive since winning the Carbery final on October 27, opened their scoring through a Ciarán O’Donovan goal. By half-time, they had worked their way back and drew level 1-5 apiece. Newcestown then took the game to their opponents when O’Sullivan netted four minutes after the restart. A second Twohig green flag in the 47th minute swung the momentum back Valley Rovers’ way, 2-10 to 2-8. Newcestown closed with the final three points - O’Sullivan’s sixth point proved to be the decider. Newcestown return to the SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh 4G on Sunday when they play the Imokilly representatives - their opponents are not yet known as Bride Rovers and Erin’s Own replay their semi-final on Thursday night with Midleton in the final. Scorers for Newcestown : R O’Sullivan (1-6, 0-5 frees, 0-1 65), C O’Donovan (1-1), D McSweeney, J Kenneally, N Kelly and C Hurley (0-1 each). Scorers for Valley Rovers : J Twohig (2-1), E O’Shea (0-4, 0-3 frees, 0-1 65), H O’Sullivan and S McEntee (0-2 each), S Kiely (0-1). NEWCESTOWN : R McSweeney; P Kelly, C O’Sullivan, J Burrows; E McSweeney, J Kenneally, E Calnan; H Canty, N Kelly; D McSweeney, R O’Sullivan, O O’Sullivan; F Ó Donnchadha, C O’Donovan, C Hurley. Subs : F Kenneally for E Calnan (45), E Calnan for E McSweeney (62). VALLEY ROVERS : A White; T McGrath, C O’Sullivan, N Daly; A Slattery, C Johnson, K Dart O’Flynn; S Ryan, E Guinane; D Carthew, H O’Sullivan, C McCarthy; E O’Shea, J Twohig, S McEntee. Subs : S Kiely for D Carthew (41), L Casey for C McCarthy, A Casey for S Kiely (both 63). Referee : Mark Maher (St Finbarr’s).

Sinclair Broadcast stock hits 52-week high at $18.21Rico Carty, who won the 1970 NL batting title with the Atlanta Braves, dies at 85A bipartisan bill that volunteer fire companies and similar groups say is critical to their financial survival was not brought up for a final vote before lawmakers left Harrisburg for the year. The legislation would allow nonprofits to accept credit, debit, and mobile payments for raffle ticket sales. These small games of chance serve as popular fundraisers for nonprofits such as veterans’ groups. However, current law lets nonprofits only accept cash and checks. Advocates have called for modernization, arguing existing policy is outdated given that using cash is now less common. The bill passed the GOP-controlled state Senate and the state House Commerce Committee earlier this year. However, Democrats who narrowly control the state House did not bring it up for consideration, so the bill will need to begin the legislative process over again in 2025. “We have not heard from nonprofits that this is an issue, but we would be happy to revisit this issue next session,” state House Democratic spokesperson Elizabeth Rementer told Spotlight PA in an email. State Sen. Devlin Robinson (R., Allegheny), a co-sponsor of the legislation, told Spotlight PA that he was disappointed by the inaction from the state House. He added that he would’ve connected lawmakers with nonprofits that reached out to his office about the issue. He plans to reintroduce the legislation next year. “Everybody knows that we have a major problem with volunteer firefighters and the numbers dwindling across the state,” he said. The legislation , introduced by Robinson and Wayne Fontana (D., Allegheny), would allow cashless payments for raffles — not online play or live drawings — and still enforce the existing permitting process. The bill also would require nonprofits to verify that people buying tickets are at least 18. When the COVID-19 pandemic halted in-person events, many fire companies shifted their fundraisers online. But some received warnings from their county treasurers that they were potentially violating their licenses and risking fines or losing their permits altogether. Lawmakers in the state House passed temporary measures in 2021 so nonprofits could accept payments via Venmo, PayPal, and Cash App during the health emergency. The state Senate never approved the proposal. Some fire companies still host online events and accept electronic payments. Others are too afraid of the risks. Meanwhile, lobbying to update the law has continued, with advocates saying the provision is obsolete and prevents nonprofits from bringing in more money to keep the lights on. The Howard Volunteer Fire Company in Centre County has a roughly $140,000 annual budget. The annual Punkin‘ Chunkin‘ Fall Festival raises a portion of those dollars. The most recent event, which occurred in October, brought in an estimated $30,000. The company also relies on chicken barbecue and direct requests for donations to raise money. In recent years, the company has made building upgrades and switched to energy-efficient fixtures to reduce costs, said Mark Ott, fire police captain. Still, the company — like volunteer fire units across the state — faces rising utility bills, expensive fuel, and high costs for equipment and training. “There’s always expenses coming in,” Ott told Spotlight PA. “It’s amazing to me that we’re still alive.” Approving cashless payments won’t solve every challenge these groups face, but it’s one way lawmakers could help, Ott added. “To me, it’s a no-brainer,” he said. “Just pass it.” 90.5 WESA partners with Spotlight PA, a collaborative, reader-funded newsroom producing accountability journalism for all of Pennsylvania. More at spotlightpa.org .