slot machine demo Smith scores 23 in Furman’s 69-63 win against PrincetonMIAMI GARDENS — This was the third consecutive game the Miami Dolphins “should” have won at home, in addition to New England and Las Vegas. The Dolphins lived up to the hype — barely — with a 32-26 overtime victory over the lowly New York Jets Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium. The Dolphins now are off to Houston next week to face the Texans in what amounts to yet another version of the “Biggest Game of the Year” for Miami . At least the Dolphins (6-7) have some momentum considering they’ve now won four of their past five games, including their first game in December. Here are some more takeaways from Sunday: The Dolphins still have a chance at a third consecutive playoff appearance if they win their final four games. There’s no assurance they’d make the playoffs if they win out, but they have a good chance. Coach Mike McDaniel has successfully kept his team afloat despite a season that started with a police detainment of wide receiver Tyreek Hill before the opener against Jacksonville and then a concussion to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in the second game (against Buffalo). A loss Sunday would have been tough to overcome when it comes to postseason hopes. — Chris Perkins Pro Bowl left tackle Terron Armstead, who has rarely practiced this season due to various bumps, bruises and designated rest days, left the game twice in the first quarter due to a knee ailment . He didn’t play after leaving late in the first quarter. Armstead’s absence meant the Dolphins were without both starting offensive tackles. Right tackle Austin Jackson (knee) went down four games ago. In their places the Dolphins have veteran right tackle Kendall Lamm and rookie left tackle Patrick Paul. Related Articles Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who shadowed Seattle’s DK Metcalf earlier this season, shadowed Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (seven receptions, 114 yards). Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers didn’t shy away from the matchup. Wilson had one reception for eight yards in the first quarter. He was targeted twice. Wilson ended the first half with three receptions for 55 yards including a 35-yarder in the second quarter that came on a beautifully-thrown pass with a nice catch. Early in the third quarter Wilson caught a 42-yard pass when Ramsey slipped and fell. Overall, Wilson got the best of Ramsey. The Dolphins, who are 3-6 in December games under McDaniel are off to a 1-0 December start this season. In 2022, the Dolphins were 0-4 in December, losing at San Francisco (33-17), at the Los Angeles Chargers (23-17), at Buffalo (32-29) and against Green Bay (26-20). In 2023, the Dolphins went 3-2 in December winning at Washington (45-15), losing against Tennessee (28-27), defeating the New York Jets (30-0) and Dallas (22-20) before losing at Baltimore (56-19). Dolphins Wide receivers Hill and Jaylen Waddle had good games Sunday, one of the best combined efforts they’ve had in a long time. OK, the standard has been lowered. And the Jets didn’t have cornerback Sauce Gardner (hamstring), their best defensive back. But Hill’s 10-reception, 115-yard effort along with Waddle’s nine-reception, 99-yard effort was their best combined effort of the season, surpassing their 143-yard showing in the opener against Jacksonville. Hey, a good combined effort from Hill and Waddle doesn’t happen as frequently in 2024 as it did in 2023 or 2022. Running back De’Von Achane, who didn’t have a productive game, left the game in the second quarter after absorbing a big hit by Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. Achane, who had a concussion earlier this season but didn’t miss a game, went into the blue medical tent on the sideline but didn’t miss a snap. Still, it wasn’t a good game for Achane (six reception, 45 yards) on the ground. Achane, who will likely comprise the bulk of the Dolphins’ rushing attack the rest of the season, ended with 24 yards on 14 carries. Achane had 53% of the Dolphins’ carries in the previous four games entering the Jets game. Of course, the poor showing wasn’t Achane’s fault. The Dolphins are without their starting two offensive tackles. And, of course, the run game has struggled recently . The Dolphins rushed for 44 yards on 19 carries, extending the woes of a ground game that’s struggled to contribute to victories all season. Achane ended up being the leading rusher Sunday. The Dolphins have averaged 63.3 rushing yards per game over their past four games. The impact of injuries to Armstead, Jackson and fullback Alec Ingold (calf) are certainly worth watching in the final four games of the regular season. The Dolphins might need a run game for offensive balance against teams such as Houston and San Francisco, and for possible cold weather in Cleveland and New York. There were a smattering of boos in the second and third quarters Sunday, the most vocal after a failed third-and-10 at the Jets’ 27-yard line. The Dolphins were insulated from boos at Hard Rock Stadium the previous two seasons but things have become more difficult this season. Actually, things got more difficult since that ugly 31-12 loss to Tennessee on Sept. 30. The Dolphins, including that game, are 3-2 in their past five home games. Rodgers had good success throwing to wide receiver Wilson and decent success throwing to others. Rodgers (27 of 39, 339 yards, one touchdown, 104.5 passer rating) wasn’t great overall but he was decent. Rodgers wasn’t having a great season entering Sunday’s game (19 touchdowns, 8 interceptions, 87.5 passer rating). Rodgers didn’t have running back Breece Hall (knee), which limited the Jets’ options. All things considered, it was a fairly non-descript game for Rodgers, a certain first ballot Hall of Famer. Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (33 of 47, 331 yards, two touchdowns, 104.1 passer rating) didn’t have a great game, but he had a decent performance, including throwing the game-winner to tight end Jonnu Smith in overtime. Neither quarterback, Tagovailoa nor Rodgers, did anything special on Sunday. Tagovailoa picked his spots to throw deep, and there weren’t many, but he was in control on the short and intermediate passes that have become his calling card this season. Tagovailoa continues playing the best football of his career even though the Dolphins record since his return from a concussion 4-3 doesn’t reflect it. Or, perhaps Tagovailoa’s best isn’t enough to lift the Dolphins’ struggling offense. With 1:02 left, the Jets faced a third-and-21 from the Dolphins’ 38, with the score tied and Miami without any timeouts. You run the ball. Period. If you pass it, it has to be a dump to a back in the field of play. Get 3 or 4 yards, melt the clock to 15 seconds, and kick the ball. Instead, they threw to the sideline, where it was caught by Davante Adams, going out of bounds and stopping the clock with 52 seconds left. Inexcusably dumb by the Jets, and a massive gift to Miami. — Steve Svekis When the Jets made a field goal with 5:19 left in the first quarter, it snapped a 43-0 streak for the Dolphins over a three-game span for Miami at home against New York with Tua Tagovailoa starting. The past two games against the Jets at Hard Rock Stadium, Tua Tagovailoa is 54 for 71 for 555 yards, three touchdown passes and no turnovers (1 112.1 passer rating), with 62 points scored. As the Dolphins, who have the NFL’s worst conversion rate on runs on third- and fourth-and-1 since 2021, seemingly again broke out in hives on third-and-1, passing once and getting stuffed for minus-1 yard in the first half against the Jets, it is interesting to look at the difference in production of some standout quarterbacks with their legs. The past two seasons, here are quarterback non-scramble runs for first downs on 3rd- and 4th-and-1: *Jalen Hurts: 42 runs, 4 TDs, 38 first downs; *Allen: 29 runs, 2 TDs, 27 first downs; *Jackson: Nine runs, 2 TDs, 7 first downs; *Herbert: Six runs, 2 TDs, 4 first downs; *Tua: Zero runs. Rodgers, for the first time in 35 games threw for at least 300 yards, going for 339. The last time he had hit 300 had been on Dec. 12, 2021, when he threw for 341 yards against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field. The rookie from Penn State drew a holding call on Morgan Moses, or he likely would have had a first-quarter strip sack, preventing the Jets’ field goal. Later, he registered a half-sack of Aaron Rodgers with Zach Sieler. All four of his sacks this season have come in the past half-dozen games. He has simply exploded as a pass-rush threat who defensive coordinators must account for. This season, the Cincinnati Bengals have lost an unprecedented three home games where they scored at least 33 points. In the 42 years the Dolphins have played without Dan Marino on their roster (1966-82, 2000-24), they have had one home game where they scored at least 33 points and lost (2009 vs. the Saints). In the 17 years WITH Marino, Miami had six such home losses. A wild stat has popped up regarding Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Heading into this season, Mahomes had been sacked at least four times only six times in the regular season, and never more than once in any season. This year, though? In the past five GAMES, Mahomes has been dragged down while attempting to pass at least four times in four of them. A friend asked me earlier this week, the Jets-Dolphins game will feature four players with a decent to great chance to be inducted into the Hall of Fame (Aaron Rodgers, Tyreek Hill, Calais Campbell, Jalen Ramsey) along with long shots (at this point) Davante Adams and Terron Armstead. He asked, ‘What game down here has featured the most future entrants into Canton?” It was a good question as, long gone are the days when a powerhouse team would be regularly be populated by at least a half-dozen Hall of Famers. For instance, in a playoff game at the Orange Bowl on Dec. 30, 1973, the Oakland Raiders suited up nine while the Dolphins had six. No game in South Florida has come close to that tally of 15. What makes that matchup’s number truly amazing is that only two of those players were on defense: The Dolphins’ Nick Buoniconti and the Raiders’ Willie Brown. There were as many special-teamers who would be headed to the Hall in Raiders kicker (and quarterback earlier in his 27-year career) George Blanda and punter Ray Guy. In the Miami Gardens era (1987 through today), there was a game in 1996 against Dallas where there were eight future honorees (Dan Marino, Zach Thomas and six Cowboys). The Texans have taken a step back this season, and the focus has fallen primarily onto their second-year quarterback, C.J. Stroud. Stroud has only five touchdown passes in his past seven games while spitting up seven turnovers (five interceptions and two lost fumbles). Miami Dolphins O-line line up against the New York Jets Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel) Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) lines up at the goal line for a two point conversion against the New York Jets Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel) Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane (28) runs during the fourth quarter against the New York Jets, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel) A Miami Dolphins fan watches as the Dolphins spoil Christmas for the against the New York Jets, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel) Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane (28) and Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) celebrate the overtime win against New York Jets Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel) Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Calais Campbell (93), Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) and Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Terron Armstead (72) celebrate there overtime win against the New York Jets Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel) New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) and Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) meet after the game, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel) Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) catches a two point conversion over the defense of New York Jets cornerback D.J. Reed (4) Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel) Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10)and Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) celebrate a two point conversion in the fourth quarter against the New York Jets Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel) Miami Dolphins place kicker Jason Sanders (7) kicks a field gaol to send the game against the New York Jets into overtime, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel) Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17), Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith (9) and Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) celebrate the winning touchdown in overtime against New York Jets Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel) Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith (9) makes the game winning catch for a touchdown in overtime against New York Jets Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel) Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel runs onto the field to object to a call Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens during the game against New York Jets. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel) Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) is brought down by New York Jets cornerback Qwan’tez Stiggers (37) Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel) Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) slides at the end of a scramble against the New York Jets, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel) Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane (28) is Brough down by New York Jets safety Chuck Clark (36) Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel) Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) talks with quarterbacks coach Darrell Bevell during the game against New York Jets Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel) Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) dives for a first down against New York Jets linebacker Jamien Sherwood (44) Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel) Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel agrees with an official during the game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel) Miami Dolphins O-line line up against the New York Jets Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea's embattled President Yoon Suk Yeol avoided an opposition-led attempt to impeach him over his short-lived imposition of martial law , as most ruling party lawmakers boycotted a parliamentary vote Saturday to deny a two-thirds majority needed to suspend his presidential powers. The scrapping of the motion is expected to intensify protests calling for Yoon’s ouster and deepen political chaos in South Korea, with a survey suggesting a majority of South Koreans support the president’s impeachment. Yoon’s martial law declaration drew criticism from his own ruling conservative People Power Party, but the party is also determined to oppose Yoon’s impeachment apparently because it fears losing the presidency to liberals. After the motion fell through, members of the main liberal opposition Democratic Party rallied inside the National Assembly, chanting slogans calling for Yoon's impeachment or resignation. The party's floor leader, Park Chan-dae, said it will soon prepare for a new impeachment motion. Opposition parties could submit a new impeachment motion after a new parliamentary session opens next Wednesday. “We'll surely impeach Yoon Suk Yeol, who is the greatest risk to Republic of Korea,” party leader Lee Jae-myung said. “We'll surely bring back this country to normal before Christmas Day or year's end.” Many experts worry Yoon won’t be able to serve out his remaining 2 1⁄2 years in office. They say some PPP lawmakers could eventually join opposition parties’ efforts to impeach Yoon if public demands for it grow further. The ruling party risks "further public outrage and national confusion if they don’t find a formula fast for Yoon’s departure,” said Duyeon Kim, a senior analyst at the Center for a New American Security in Washington. PPP chair Han Dong-hun said his party will seek Yoon’s “orderly” early exit but didn’t say when he can resign. Protests against Yoon are swelling On Saturday, tens of thousands of people packed several blocks of roads leading to the National Assembly, waving banners, shouting slogans and dancing. Protesters also gathered in front of PPP’s headquarters near the Assembly, shouting for its lawmakers to vote to impeach Yoon. A smaller crowd of Yoon’s supporters, which still seemed to be in the thousands, rallied elsewhere in Seoul, calling the impeachment attempt unconstitutional. Impeaching Yoon required support from 200 of the National Assembly's 300 members. The Democratic Party and five other small opposition parties, which filed the motion, have 192 seats combined. But only three lawmakers from PPP participated in the vote. The motion was scrapped without ballot counting because the number of votes didn’t reach 200. National Assembly Speaker Woo Won Shik called the result “very regrettable” and an embarrassing moment for the country’s democracy. If Yoon is impeached, his powers will be suspended until the Constitutional Court decides whether to remove him from office. If he is removed, an election to replace him must take place within 60 days. The president apologizes for turmoil Earlier Saturday, Yoon issued an apology over the martial law decree, saying he won’t shirk legal or political responsibility for the declaration and promising not to make another attempt to impose it. He said would leave it to his party to chart a course through the country’s political turmoil, “including matters related to my term in office.” “The declaration of this martial law was made out of my desperation. But in the course of its implementation, it caused anxiety and inconveniences to the public. I feel very sorry over that and truly apologize to the people who must have been shocked a lot,” Yoon said. Since taking office in 2022, Yoon has struggled to push his agenda through an opposition-controlled parliament and grappled with low approval ratings amid scandals involving himself and his wife. In his martial law announcement on Tuesday night, Yoon called parliament a “den of criminals” bogging down state affairs and vowed to eliminate “shameless North Korea followers and anti-state forces.” The declaration of martial law was the first of its kind in more than 40 years in South Korea. The turmoil has paralyzed South Korean politics and sparked alarm among key diplomatic partners like the U.S. and Japan. “Yoon’s credibility overseas has been undermined by declaring martial law, so he won’t be able to exercise leadership in his foreign policies especially when his days are numbered,” Kim, the analyst, said. “Its government bureaucracy will need to continue business as usual for existing alliance and foreign policy initiatives as best it can because there is a lot of important work to do globally.” Tuesday night saw special forces troops encircling the parliament building and army helicopters hovering over it, but the military withdrew after the National Assembly unanimously voted to overturn the decree, forcing Yoon to lift it before daybreak Wednesday. Eighteen lawmakers from the ruling party voted to reject Yoon’s martial law decree along with opposition lawmakers. PPP later decided to oppose Yoon's impeachment motion. Yoon’s speech fueled speculation that he and his party may push for a constitutional amendment to shorten his term, instead of accepting impeachment, as a way to ease public anger over the marital law and facilitate Yoon’s early exit from office. Lee told reporters that Yoon’s speech was “greatly disappointing” and that the only way forward is his immediate resignation or impeachment. His party called Yoon’s martial law “unconstitutional, illegal rebellion or coup.” Lawmakers on Saturday first voted on a bill appointing a special prosecutor to investigate stock price manipulation allegations surrounding Yoon’s wife. Yoon accused of ordering arrests of politicians On Friday, Han, who criticized Yoon’s martial law declaration, said he had received intelligence that during the brief period of martial law Yoon ordered the country’s defense counterintelligence commander to arrest unspecified key politicians based on accusations of “anti-state activities.” Hong Jang-won, first deputy director of South Korea’s spy agency, told lawmakers Friday that Yoon had ordered him to help the defense counterintelligence unit to detain key politicians including Han, Lee and Woo. The Defense Ministry said Friday it suspended three military commanders including the head of the defense counterintelligence unit over their involvement in enforcing martial law. Vice Defense Minister Kim Seon Ho has told parliament that Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun ordered the deployment of troops to the National Assembly. Opposition parties accused Kim of recommending to Yoon to enforce martial law. Kim Yong Hyun resigned Thursday, and prosecutors imposed an overseas travel ban on him.

Somvati Amavasya is an important day in Hindu tradition, occurring when the Amavasya falls on a Monday. This rare alignment is considered highly auspicious. Devotees observe various rituals and practices on this day to seek blessings, cleanse negative karma, and attain spiritual growth. On the day of Somvati Amavasya, married women observe the fast for the long life of their husbands. The last Somvati Amavasya of 2024 falls on Monday, December 30. The Amavasya tithi will begin at 04:01 AM on December 30 and will end at 03:56 AM on December 31. Hindu Festivals Calendar 2025: Know Dates of Holi, Chaitra Navratri, Durga Puja, Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali and Other Major Festivals in India. Amavasya is new moon day in Hindu calendar and is a significant day as many rituals are performed only on Amavasya Tithi. The Amavasya that falls on weekday Monday is known as Somvati Amavasya and Amavasya falling on weekday Saturday is known as Shani Amavasya. In this article, let’s know more about Somvati Amavasya date in December 2024, puja rituals and more. Purnima 2025 Calendar: Know Full Moon Dates, Poornima Significance and Fasting Rituals for the Auspicious Observance. Somvati Amavasya 2024 Date and Amavasya Tithi Somvati Amavasya in December 2024 falls on Monday, December 30. The Amavasya tithi will begin at 04:01 AM on December 30 and will end at 03:56 AM on December 31. Somvati Amavasya Puja Rituals Somvati Amavasya Significance The day is considered auspicious for meditating and seeking divine blessings for prosperity, peace, and moksha. Offering food, clothes, or money to the poor and Brahmins is an essential part of the day, promoting selflessness and compassion. As per religious beliefs, it is considered auspicious to donate clothes and seven types of grains on Amavasya Tithi for a prosperous life. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 30, 2024 06:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com ).Daniel Penny is staying “staying positive and optimistic” and spending the weekend with his family as he waits for a Manhattan jury to resume deliberations in his high-profile subway chokehold case, his lawyer told The Post. Jurors are expected back in court Monday to consider whether to convict Penny on a criminally negligent homicide charge, after they deadlocked on a top charge of manslaughter. “He’s been spending as much of his free time with his mothers and sisters,” Penny’s attorney Thomas Kenniff told The Post Saturday. “They’ve been his rock throughout this very difficult time.” Criminally negligent homicide carries a sentence of probation up to four years behind bars. “While Danny is relieved by the dismissal of the manslaughter count, he still faces the second homicide charge in the indictment, and a significant state prison sentence,” Kenniff said. “He remains confident that when the jury returns on Monday, they will agree he acted reasonably in the face of the unprecedented terror Jordan Neely manifested aboard the F train. There can be no compromise when it comes to an innocent man’s freedom.” Penny’s lawyers have said the Long Island native and aspiring architect was justified in protecting passengers from a man who witnesses said yelled, “Someone’s going to die today!” and who said he was ready to go to jail after boarding the uptown F train. Deliberations began on Tuesday afternoon and culminated in the dramatic turn of events in court Friday, when prosecutors ultimately tossed the manslaughter charge. The developments garnered praise for Penny from none other than champion golfer Phil Mickelson, who shared a post from political commentator Collin Rugg on X that called Penny a “model citizen...that every mayor of every city should want more of,” a “hero” and a “breed of young men who are becoming less and less common.” Mickelson agreed with Rugg’s words. “Agree. Thank you Daniel for serving your country and for protecting the many passengers whose lives were threatened by this violent and deranged individual,” Mickelson wrote .

In a new Daily Dose of Social Media , we review the best moments of the day from ATP and WTA stars. Aryna Sabalenka is just hours away from her debut at the Brisbane International and shared a fun video with her coach Anton Dubrov responding to the ‘we listen and we don’t judge’ trend. On the other hand, Rafael Nadal posted pictures from his family vacation. Ash Barty received a notable ovation from the crowd in Brisbane on her return to the courts alongside remarkable figures. At the same time, Team Canada and Team Poland answered fun interviews at the United Cup . Sabalenka shares hilarious “We listen and we don’t judge” video Aryna Sabalenka recorded a hilarious video titled “We listen and we don’t judge” with her coach Anton Dubrov. Dubrov served as the world No. 1’s hitting partner for several years before becoming her primary coach in 2020. The 3-time Grand Slam champion is set to debut on Monday at the Brisbane International but found time to join the entertaining trend, where both share "truths" the other shouldn’t get upset about. “Ok guys, I’m trying to stay in shape and, you know, like eating healthy, and meanwhile my team is getting bigger and bigger and bigger,” Sabalenka said laughing, while patting her coach’s stomach. “And it really annoys me,” she added. “When you’re on court and screaming at us in the box, we want to tell you something—really good words—back. But we don’t. We listen, but we don’t judge,” Dubrov responded, smiling as Sabalenka laughed. “One week when we were practicing and you were so frustrated on the court, I said I was sick and skipped one practice. We listen and we don’t judge,” Dubrov quipped with a faint smile. You can watch the funny exchange and their full responses below. Una publicación compartida de Women’s Tennis Association (@wta) Nadal enjoys family time in Mallorca Rafael Nadal is enjoying family time a month after his retirement. The 22-time Grand Slam champion spent the holiday season in Mallorca, Spain, taking a dip in the sea, as shared in photos on Instagram. He was accompanied by his wife Maria Francisca Perelló, his son Rafael, his parents, sister, uncles, and cousins. “Time to be with family,” wrote the former world no. 1. The Spaniard recently attended the ATP Finals as a tennis ambassador in Saudi Arabia. “Everywhere you look in Saudi Arabia, you can see growth and progress, and I’m excited to be part of that,” said the 14-time Roland Garros champion. “I continue to play tennis as I love the game. But beyond playing, I want to help the sport grow far and wide across the world, and in Saudi, there is real potential.” Una publicación compartida de Rafa Nadal (@rafaelnadal) Team Canada agrees: Leylah Fernandez brings the spirit Leylah Fernandez and Felix Auger-Aliassime were the stars of Team Canada’s Q&A session at the United Cup. The WTA world No. 31 and ATP world No. 29 are leading their nation in the mixed-team tournament, still awaiting confirmation of their qualification after defeating Croatia [2-1] and losing to the United States [1-2]. The team shared a fun moment the day before their debut, posted on the tournament’s social media. They were asked, “Who is the happiest person on the team?” prompting a unanimous response from the group. “I know my answer,” Felix Auger-Aliassime said quickly, as teammate Benjamin Sigouin pointed to Leylah Fernandez. “I think we all agreed; I think it’s unanimous,” added Auger-Aliassime. “I think we all agree she’s been such a good spirit in any team competition.” “You are making me cry right now, don’t do that,” Fernandez replied. In the video the players had to answer from 'how they ideal party look like' to their “celebrity crush”. Check out the answers that got the Canadian team laughing. Una publicación compartida de United Cup (@unitedcuptennis) Ash Barty delights Australian fans in charity match Ashleigh Barty , undoubtedly one of the most celebrated figures in Australian tennis, continues to captivate fans in her public appearances following her 2022 retirement. This time, she returned to the court at the Brisbane International's fun day, delighting the home crowd. The 3-time Grand Slam champion, who recently announced her second pregnancy, teamed up with Pat Rafter, Frances Tiafoe , and Ons Jabeur for an exhibition match at the Pat Rafter Arena. The event aimed to raise funds for the Ash Barty Foundation. Later, the former world no. 1 shared highlights from the event on social media, where she could also be seen signing autographs and taking photos with fans. “Do what you love with great people Amazing to be back out on PRA with Pat, Ons and Frances. Can’t thank them enough for an awesome morning bringing awareness to the @ashbartyfoundation ,” she posted. “We are so grateful for any and all donations! We can’t wait to have fun and create more opportunities for young Aussies in 2025!” Una publicación compartida de Brisbane International (@brisbaneinternational) Una publicación compartida de Ash Barty (@ashbarty) No shocker that Ash Barty comes out with Tiafoe and takes a hit-and-giggle set v Jabeur and Rafter. I mean she's still got it. Here she is (with a VERY fogged-up camera lens because of the heat) signing afterwards. pic.twitter.com/tJp3JB6CYX Hubert Hurkacz laughs at himself: "I have no skills" Hubert Hurkacz responded to an interview during the United Cup, where he was asked about his skills off the court. However, the Polish player shyly admitted he didn’t excel in any of the suggested categories. “Are you a good singer in the shower? Good dancer?” he was asked during the Q&A session. “Mmm... no, no,” Hurkacz replied to each question. “I have no skills,” he added with a smile. Team Poland is gearing up for its debut this Monday, with world no. 2 Iga Swiatek set to face Norway's Malene Helgo (ranked no. X) in the opening match. Hubert Hurkacz will follow, taking on Casper Ruud (no. 6). This debut is highly anticipated for Hurkacz, who looks to regain form after a drop in the rankings in 2024 and his recent partnership with the coaching duo of Ivan Lendl and Nicolas Massu. Una publicación compartida de ATP Tour (@atptour) Naomi Osaka and Amanda Anisimova train together ahead of ASB Classic Former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka trained today alongside former No. 21 Amanda Anisimova . Both players are in Auckland, preparing for their debut at the ASB Classic after a 2024 season in which they both made comebacks following long breaks. Osaka missed a significant part of 2022 and all of 2023 due to maternity, while Anisimova took a break in 2023 due to mental health issues. In 2024, both players returned with low rankings but have managed to regain ground, with Osaka climbing back to No. 58 and Anisimova reaching No. 36. Brisbane will be a great start to assess the level of two talented players who certainly have more potential to climb much higher in the rankings. In the video shared on social media, the two are seen hitting balls, with Osaka's coach, Patrick Mouratoglou observing. Naomi Osaka and Amanda Anisimova practicing together in Auckland. Two of the cleanest ballstrikers in the game. pic.twitter.com/cKp9HSjyqM This article first appeared on TennisUpToDate.com and was syndicated with permission.South Korea's president avoids an impeachment attempt over short-lived martial law

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota regulators approved permits Thursday for underground storage of carbon dioxide delivered through a massive pipeline proposed for the Midwest, marking another victory for a project that has drawn fierce opposition from landowners. The governor-led Industrial Commission voted unanimously to approve permits for Summit Carbon Solutions’ three proposed storage sites in central North Dakota. Summit says construction of the project would begin in 2026 with operations beginning in 2027, but it’s expected that resistant landowners will file lawsuits seeking to block the storage plans. “With these permits, we’re one step closer to providing vital infrastructure that benefits farmers, ethanol producers, and communities across the Midwest," Summit Executive VP Wade Boeshans said in a statement. Summit’s proposed 2,500-mile (4,023-kilometer), $8 billion pipeline would transport planet-warming CO2 emissions from 57 ethanol plants in North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska for underground storage. Carbon dioxide would move through the pipeline in a pressurized form to be injected deep underground into a rock formation. The company has permits for its route in North Dakota and Iowa but can’t yet begin construction. Also on Thursday, Minnesota regulators approved a permit for a 28-mile (45-kilometer) leg of the project in western Minnesota. Summit also recently applied in South Dakota, where regulators denied the company’s previous application last year. Last month, the company gained approval for its North Dakota route , and Iowa regulators also have given conditional approval. Summit faces several lawsuits related to the project, including a North Dakota Supreme Court appeal over a property rights law related to the underground storage plan. Further court challenges are likely. North Dakota Republican Gov. Doug Burgum, who chairs the Industrial Commission, is President-elect Donald Trump's choice for Interior Secretary and to lead a new National Energy Council. Burgum has frequently touted North Dakota's underground carbon dioxide storage as a “geologic jackpot.” In 2021, he set a goal for the No. 3 oil-producing state to be carbon-neutral by 2030. His term ends Saturday. Summit's storage facilities would hold an estimated maximum of 352 million metric tons of CO2 over 20 years. The pipeline would carry up to 18 million metric tons of CO2 per year to be injected about 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) underground, according to an application fact sheet. Jessie Stolark, who leads a group that supports the project and includes Summit, said the oil industry has long used similar technology. “We know that this can be done safely in a manner that is protective of human health and underground sources of drinking water,” said Stolark, executive director of the Carbon Capture Coalition. Summit's project has drawn the ire of landowners around the region. They oppose the potential taking of their property for the pipeline and fear a pipeline rupture releasing a cloud of heavy, hazardous gas over the land. A North Dakota landowners group is challenging a property rights law related to the underground storage, and attorney Derrick Braaten said they likely would challenge the granting of permits. “The landowners that I'm working with aren't necessarily opposed to carbon sequestration itself,” Braaten said. “They're opposed to the idea that a private company can come in and use their property without having to negotiate with them or pay them just compensation for taking their private property and using it.” Carbon capture projects such as Summit's are eligible for lucrative federal tax credits intended to encourage cleaner-burning ethanol and potentially result in corn-based ethanol being refined into jet fuel. Some opponents argue the amount of greenhouse gases sequestered through the process would make little difference and could lead farmers to grow more corn despite environmental concerns about the crop. In Minnesota, regulators granted a route permit that would connect an ethanol plant in Fergus Falls to Summit’s broader network. They attached several conditions, including requirements that Summit first begin construction in North Dakota. An administrative law judge who conducted hearings concluded in November that the environmental impacts from the Minnesota segment would be minimal and noted that Summit has secured agreements from landowners along most of the recommended route. Environmental groups that oppose the project disputed the judge’s finding that the project would have a net benefit for the environment. Iowa regulators required Summit to obtain approvals for routes in the Dakotas and underground storage in North Dakota before it can begin construction in Iowa. The Iowa Utilities Commission's approval sparked lawsuits related to the project. In Nebraska, where there is no state regulatory process for CO2 pipelines, Summit is working with individual counties to advance its project. At least one county has denied a permit. Karnowski reported from Minneapolis. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Get local news delivered to your inbox!BJP plans poll yatra, Gahlot in key panel

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PLAINS, Ga. (AP) — Newly married and sworn as a Naval officer, left his tiny hometown in 1946 hoping to climb the ranks and see the world. Less than a decade later, the death of his father and namesake, a merchant farmer and local politician who went by “Mr. Earl,” prompted the submariner and his wife, Rosalynn, to return to the rural life of Plains, Georgia, they thought they’d escaped. The lieutenant never would be an admiral. Instead, he became commander in chief. Years after his presidency ended in humbling defeat, he would add a Nobel Peace Prize, awarded not for his White House accomplishments but “for his decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.” The life of James Earl Carter Jr., the 39th and longest-lived U.S. president, ended Sunday at the age of 100 where it began: Plains, the town of 600 that fueled his political rise, welcomed him after his fall and sustained him during 40 years of service that redefined what it means to be a former president. With the stubborn confidence of an engineer and an optimism rooted in his Baptist faith, Carter described his motivations in politics and beyond in the same way: an almost missionary zeal to solve problems and improve lives. Carter was raised amid racism, abject poverty and hard rural living — realities that shaped both his deliberate politics and emphasis on human rights. “He always felt a responsibility to help people,” said Jill Stuckey, a longtime friend of Carter’s in Plains. “And when he couldn’t make change wherever he was, he decided he had to go higher.” Carter’s path, , pitted moral imperatives against political pragmatism; and it defied typical labels of American politics, especially caricatures of one-term presidents as failures. “We shouldn’t judge presidents by how popular they are in their day. That’s a very narrow way of assessing them,” Carter biographer Jonathan Alter told the Associated Press. “We should judge them by how they changed the country and the world for the better. On that score, Jimmy Carter is not in the first rank of American presidents, but he stands up quite well.” Later in life, Carter conceded that many Americans, even those too young to remember his tenure, judged him ineffective for failing to contain inflation or interest rates, end the energy crisis or quickly bring home American hostages in Iran. He gained admirers instead for his work at The Carter Center — advocating globally for public health, human rights and democracy since 1982 — and the decades he and Rosalynn wore hardhats and swung hammers with Habitat for Humanity. Yet the common view that he was better after the Oval Office than in it annoyed Carter, and his allies relished him living long enough to see historians reassess his presidency. “He doesn’t quite fit in today’s terms” of a left-right, red-blue scoreboard, said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who visited the former president multiple times during his own White House bid. At various points in his political career, Carter labeled himself “progressive” or “conservative” — sometimes both at once. His most ambitious health care bill failed — perhaps one of his biggest legislative disappointments — because it didn’t go far enough to suit liberals. Republicans, especially after his 1980 defeat, cast him as a left-wing cartoon. It would be easiest to classify Carter as a centrist, Buttigieg said, “but there’s also something radical about the depth of his commitment to looking after those who are left out of society and out of the economy.” Indeed, Carter’s legacy is stitched with complexities, contradictions and evolutions — personal and political. The self-styled peacemaker was a war-trained Naval Academy graduate who promised Democratic challenger Ted Kennedy that he’d “kick his ass.” But he campaigned with a call to treat everyone with “respect and compassion and with love.” Carter vowed to restore America’s virtue after the shame of Vietnam and Watergate, and his technocratic, good-government approach didn’t suit Republicans who tagged government itself as the problem. It also sometimes put Carter at odds with fellow Democrats. The result still was a notable legislative record, with wins on the environment, education, and mental health care. He dramatically expanded federally protected lands, began deregulating air travel, railroads and trucking, and he put human rights at the center of U.S. foreign policy. As a fiscal hawk, Carter added a relative pittance to the national debt, unlike successors from both parties. Carter nonetheless struggled to make his achievements resonate with the electorate he charmed in 1976. Quoting Bob Dylan and grinning enthusiastically, he had promised voters he would “never tell a lie.” Once in Washington, though, he led like a joyless engineer, insisting his ideas would become reality and he’d be rewarded politically if only he could convince enough people with facts and logic. This served him well at Camp David, where he brokered peace between Israel’s Menachem Begin and Epypt’s Anwar Sadat, an experience that later sparked the idea of The Carter Center in Atlanta. Carter’s tenacity helped the center grow to a global force that monitored elections across five continents, enabled his freelance diplomacy and sent public health experts across the developing world. The center’s wins were personal for Carter, who hoped to outlive the last Guinea worm parasite, and nearly did. As president, though, the approach fell short when he urged consumers beleaguered by energy costs to turn down their thermostats. Or when he tried to be the nation’s cheerleader, beseeching Americans to overcome a collective “crisis of confidence.” Republican Ronald Reagan exploited Carter’s lecturing tone with a belittling quip in their lone 1980 debate. “There you go again,” the former Hollywood actor said in response to a wonky answer from the sitting president. “The Great Communicator” outpaced Carter in all but six states. Carter later suggested he “tried to do too much, too soon” and mused that he was incompatible with Washington culture: media figures, lobbyists and Georgetown social elites who looked down on the as “country come to town.” Carter carefully navigated divides on race and class on his way to the Oval Office. , Carter was raised in the mostly Black community of Archery, just outside Plains, by a progressive mother and white supremacist father. Their home had no running water or electricity but the future president still grew up with the relative advantages of a locally prominent, land-owning family in a system of Jim Crow segregation. He wrote of President Franklin Roosevelt’s towering presence and his family’s Democratic Party roots, but his father soured on FDR, and Jimmy Carter never campaigned or governed as a New Deal liberal. He offered himself as a small-town peanut farmer with an understated style, carrying his own luggage, bunking with supporters during his first presidential campaign and always using his nickname. And he began his political career in a whites-only Democratic Party. As private citizens, he and Rosalynn supported integration as early as the 1950s and believed it inevitable. Carter refused to join the White Citizens Council in Plains and spoke out in his Baptist church against denying Black people access to worship services. “This is not my house; this is not your house,” he said in a churchwide meeting, reminding fellow parishioners their sanctuary belonged to God. Yet as the appointed chairman of Sumter County schools he never pushed to desegregate, thinking it impractical after the Supreme Court’s 1954 Brown v. Board decision. And while presidential candidate Carter would hail the 1965 Voting Rights Act, signed by fellow Democrat Lyndon Johnson when Carter was a state senator, there is no record of Carter publicly supporting it at the time. Carter overcame a ballot-stuffing opponent to win his legislative seat, then lost the 1966 governor’s race to an arch-segregationist. He won four years later by avoiding explicit mentions of race and campaigning to the right of his rival, who he mocked as “Cufflinks Carl” — the insult of an ascendant politician who never saw himself as part the establishment. Carter’s rural and small-town coalition in 1970 would match any victorious Republican electoral map in 2024. Once elected, though, Carter shocked his white conservative supporters — and landed on the cover of Time magazine — by declaring that “the time for racial discrimination is over.” Before making the jump to Washington, Carter befriended the family of slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., whom he’d never sought out as he eyed the governor’s office. Carter lamented his foot-dragging on school integration as a “mistake.” But he also met, conspicuously, with Alabama’s segregationist Gov. George Wallace to accept his primary rival’s endorsement ahead of the 1976 Democratic convention. “He very shrewdly took advantage of his own Southerness,” said Amber Roessner, a University of Tennessee professor and expert on Carter’s campaigns. A coalition of Black voters and white moderate Democrats ultimately made Carter the last Democratic presidential nominee to sweep the Deep South. Then, just as he did in Georgia, he used his power in office to appoint more non-whites than all his predecessors had, combined. He once acknowledged “the secret shame” of white Americans who didn’t fight segregation. But he also told Alter that doing more would have sacrificed his political viability – and thus everything he accomplished in office and after. King’s daughter, Bernice King, described Carter as wisely “strategic” in winning higher offices to enact change. “He was a leader of conscience,” she said in an interview. Rosalynn Carter, who at the age of 96, was identified by both husband and wife as the “more political” of the pair; she sat in on Cabinet meetings and urged him to postpone certain priorities, like pressing the Senate to relinquish control of the Panama Canal. “Let that go until the second term,” she would sometimes say. The president, recalled her former aide Kathy Cade, retorted that he was “going to do what’s right” even if “it might cut short the time I have.” Rosalynn held firm, Cade said: “She’d remind him you have to win to govern.” Carter also was the first president to appoint multiple women as Cabinet officers. Yet by his own telling, his career sprouted from chauvinism in the Carters’ early marriage: He did not consult Rosalynn when deciding to move back to Plains in 1953 or before launching his state Senate bid a decade later. Many years later, he called it “inconceivable” that he didn’t confer with the woman he described as his “full partner,” at home, in government and at The Carter Center. “We developed a partnership when we were working in the farm supply business, and it continued when Jimmy got involved in politics,” Rosalynn Carter told AP in 2021. So deep was their trust that when Carter remained tethered to the White House in 1980 as 52 Americans were held hostage in Tehran, it was Rosalynn who campaigned on her husband’s behalf. “I just loved it,” she said, despite the bitterness of defeat. Fair or not, the label of a disastrous presidency had leading Democrats keep their distance, at least publicly, for many years, but Carter managed to remain relevant, writing books and weighing in on societal challenges. He lamented widening wealth gaps and the influence of money in politics. He voted for democratic socialist Bernie Sanders over Hillary Clinton in 2016, and later declared that America had devolved from fully functioning democracy to “oligarchy.” Yet looking ahead to 2020, with Sanders running again, Carter warned Democrats not to lest they help re-elect President Donald Trump. Carter scolded the Republican for his serial lies and threats to democracy, and chided the U.S. establishment for misunderstanding Trump’s populist appeal. He delighted in yearly convocations with Emory University freshmen, often asking them to guess how much he’d raised in his two general election campaigns. “Zero,” he’d gesture with a smile, explaining the public financing system candidates now avoid so they can raise billions. Carter still remained quite practical in partnering with wealthy corporations and foundations to advance Carter Center programs. Carter recognized that economic woes and the Iran crisis doomed his presidency, but offered no apologies for appointing Paul Volcker as the Federal Reserve chairman whose interest rate hikes would not curb inflation until Reagan’s presidency. He was proud of getting all the hostages home without starting a shooting war, even though Tehran would not free them until Reagan’s Inauguration Day. “Carter didn’t look at it” as a failure, Alter emphasized. “He said, ‘They came home safely.’ And that’s what he wanted.” Well into their 90s, the Carters greeted visitors at Plains’ Maranatha Baptist Church, where he taught Sunday School and where he will have his last funeral before being buried on . Carter, who made the congregation’s collection plates in his woodworking shop, still garnered headlines there, calling for women’s rights within religious institutions, many of which, he said, “subjugate” women in church and society. Carter was not one to dwell on regrets. “I am at peace with the accomplishments, regret the unrealized goals and utilize my former political position to enhance everything we do,” he wrote around his 90th birthday. The politician who had supposedly hated Washington politics also enjoyed hosting Democratic presidential contenders as again. Carter sat with Buttigieg for the final time March 1, 2020, hours before the Indiana mayor ended his campaign and endorsed eventual winner Joe Biden. “He asked me how I thought the campaign was going,” Buttigieg said, recalling that Carter flashed his signature grin and nodded along as the young candidate, born a year after Carter left office, “put the best face” on the walloping he endured the day before in South Carolina. Never breaking his smile, the 95-year-old host fired back, “I think you ought to drop out.” “So matter of fact,” Buttigieg said with a laugh. “It was somehow encouraging.” Carter had lived enough, won plenty and lost enough to take the long view. “He talked a lot about coming from nowhere,” Buttigieg said, not just to attain the presidency but to leverage “all of the instruments you have in life” and “make the world more peaceful.” In his farewell address as president, Carter said as much to the country that had embraced and rejected him. “The struggle for human rights overrides all differences of color, nation or language,” he declared. “Those who hunger for freedom, who thirst for human dignity and who suffer for the sake of justice — they are the patriots of this cause.” Carter pledged to remain engaged with and for them as he returned “home to the South where I was born and raised,” home to Plains, where that young lieutenant had indeed become “a fellow citizen of the world.” —-The future of the NRL has never looked brighter with a stack of young talent headlining the list of players rubbing shoulders with the game’s biggest stars over the summer. Watch every ball of Australia v India LIVE & ad-break free during play in 4K on Kayo | New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer > The Broncos have got their very own ‘Latrell’, the Tigers have a 17-year-old cross-code sensation, Many have a towering winger who caught Anthony Seibold’s eye while playing SG Ball and the Bulldogs have gone all-in on their premiership-winning Jersey Flegg side. The Dragons are investing in their youth too and why wouldn’t you when you’ve got a teenage prodigy who has won a SG Ball premiership, played Under 19s Origin and been picked in the Australian Schoolboys side... twice. There’s sons of guns in the mix too with Cooper Bai — son of former Storm flyer Marcus — contracted to the Titans and of course NRL journeyman looking to resurrect their career like former Warriors and Eels hooker Nathaniel Roache. foxsports.com.au breaks down every club’s train-and-trial list ahead of the 2025 season below. BRONCOS Gehamat Shibasaki (Wynnum Manly), Luke Gayle (Wynnum Manly), Latrell Siegwalt (Souths Logan), Callum Eggerling (Souths Logan), Ronald Philitoga (Souths Logan), Glen Vaihu (Souths Logan), Tristan Powell (Burleigh), Ewan Moore (Burleigh), Lachlan West (Burleigh), Matt Koellener (Burleigh) Analysis: Gehamat Shibasaki is the most recognisable name on the Broncos’ train-and-trial list given the 26-year-old has played 30 NRL games — including one for the Rabbitohs last season. But a name Broncos fans should familiarise themselves with is Latrell Siegwalt . The 23-year-old was a revelation for the Dolphins in their run to the Queensland Cup Grand Final. In what was just his first season in reserve grade, Siegwalt scored seven tries and set up 12 in 20 games while averaging over 100 running metres per game. He also proved his versatility by shifting between five-eighth, fullback and even coming off the bench too. After coaching Siegwalt at the Dolphins, new Broncos assistant Ben Te’o has brought him across to Red Hill to experience his first NRL pre-season. Tristan Powell has returned to Burleigh after two years in the Storm system and along with that move has picked up an opportunity with the Broncos. 23-year-old Powell was on a development deal with the Storm for the last two seasons and made his NRL debut this year. He also won the Queensland Cup premiership in 2023 with feeder side Brisbane Tigers. Meanwhile, Matt Koellener is a great story. The 27-year-old was playing local A-grade in 2022 when he approached Burleigh asking for an opportunity. He didn’t make his Queensland Cup debut until mid-2023 but went on to play in the Grand Final that year. He played every game of the season this year and now has been rewarded with an NRL train-and-trial opportunity. RAIDERS Izaac Tu’itupou-Thompson, Regan Carr, Caleb Garvie, Shaun Packer, Jaxon Lavender, Jensen Taumoepeau, Jayze Tuigamala Analysis: The Raiders have bolstered their outside back depth with powerhouse winger Izaac Tu’itupou-Thompson , who arrived to the nation’s capital after three years at the Rabbitohs. The 28-year-old brings with him 13 games of NRL experience and over 50 games in NSW Cup. Canberra fans should also be somewhat familiar with Regan Carr , who claimed the club’s Jersey Flegg Player of the Year honour after proving to be a revelation in the centres. Caleb Garvie is a young prop, who moved to Canberra from Newcastle ahead of last season and impressed in Jersey Flegg. Shaun Packer (a hooker) and Jaxon Lavender (second-rower) are from the Raiders’ Jersey Flegg side and have both had a taste of NSW Cup, while Jayze Tuigamala is a teenage prop, who joined the club from the Sharks last season. Sharks fans might also recognise the name Jensen Taumoepeau . The 24-year-old outside was previously a member Cronulla’s Top 30 squad before making the move to play for Northern Pride in Queensland Cup. BULLDOGS Jack Underhill, Luke Smith, Reuben Moyle, Cassius Tia, Danny Gabreal, AJ Jones Analysis: The Bulldogs have gone all-in on their next generation with all six train-and-trialists being plucked from the club’s premiership-winning Jersey Flegg squad. Jack Underhill is a prop, Luke Smith is a second-rower, Cassius Tia is a half and Danny Gabreal is an outside back. Meanwhile, Reuben Moyle was named the Bulldogs’ Jersey Flegg Player of the Year after his efforts at hooker and AJ Jones — who was the club’s SG Ball Player of the Year in 2023 — is a second-rower. DOLPHINS Josh Allen (Dolphins), Will Partridge (Dolphins), Ethan Quai-Ward (Dolphins), Ben Stevanovic (Norths Devils), Peter Hola (Norths Devils), Cooper Marshall (CQ Capras), Larson Dale-Doyle (CQ Capras), Tane Kiriona (CQ Capras) Analysis: The Dolphins are leaning on their pathways over the pre-season with eight train-and-trial players coming from their three feeder clubs. Josh Allen and Will Partridge are new recruits, who have joined the Dolphins’ Cup side following impressive seasons with Northern Pride. Allen is a 23-year-old prop who cuts an imposing figure at 195cm tall and weighing 112kg, while Partridge is a 27-year-old centre, who scored 16 tries in 16 games this year. Ethan Quai-Ward is a very handy pick-up with the 25-year-old joining the Dolphins from Broncos feeder club Souths Logan after being named Queensland Cup’s Centre of the Year. Ben Stevanovic and Peter Hola have made the move from Sydney and Canberra respectively to sign with Norths Devils and spend the pre-season with the Dolphins’ NRL squad. Stevanovic, a 23-year-old halfback, has spent the last two years with the North Sydney Bears and finished the 2023 season with the most try assists and linebreak assists in NSW Cup. Despite his consistent performances in NSW Cup, Hola wasn’t re-signed by the Raiders. He was linked to a Super League move but instead will try his luck in the Dolphins’ system. Outside back Cooper Marshall and second-rower Larson Dale-Doyle have spent the last four and three seasons respectively with the Capras, while Tane Kiriona — a former Queensland under 19s representative — has joined the club from the Raiders. SHARKS Kyle Pickering, Kristian Dixon, Blake Hosking, Brad Fearnley, Lachlan Crouch, Riley Pollard, Taj Ford, Sam McCulloch, Alex Challenor Analysis: 23-year-old second-rower Kyle Pickering , 23-year-old prop Brad Fearnley and versatile forward Blake Hosking have all been rewarded for a consistent 2024 season with feeder side Newtown Jets. And the rest of the Sharks’ train-and-trial list is made up of exciting young guns — five of which featured in the team that lost to the Bulldogs in this year’s Jersey Flegg Cup Grand Final. Taj Ford and Riley Pollard partnered each other in the halves, while Sam McCulloch — the Sharks’ Flegg Player of the Year — captained the side at lock. Kristian Dixon is a winger and Lachlan Crouch is an emerging prop. Sharks fans should also keep an eye on Alex Challenor , who is a local junior and was selected in this year’s Australian Schoolboys squad. The De La Salle Caringbah product is a prop and has been in the Sharks’ system since he was 14-years old. TITANS Cooper Bai, Brock Gray, Sean Mullany, Josh Patston (Ipswich), Luke Burton (Tweed Heads), Jayden Wright (Tweed Heads), Kieran Hayman (Tweed Heads), Ethan Clark-Wood (Tweed Heads) Analysis: Cooper Bai headlines the Titans’ list of train and trialists. The 18-year-old lock is the son of former Storm winger Marcus Bai. He is coming off an exciting season in which he represented Queensland in the Under 19s Origin and also played in the Mal Meninga Cup grand final. The Titans have also injected some older heads into their extended squad with 28-year-old Brock Gray — brother of former Rabbitoh and Shark, Aaron. Gray is a versatile forward who brings over 120 games of NSW Cup experience. Sean Mullany is a new face in the Titans system after spending the last four seasons with Mackay Cutters. The 25-year-old adds to the club’s hooking depth. Meanwhile, the rest have signed with the Titans’ Queensland Cup feeder clubs but get the chance to train with the NRL squad. Josh Patston is a 26-year-old second-rower, who has come across from Burleigh, Jayden Wright is an emerging lock that didn’t many opportunities in Queensland Cup this year but is expected to feature more in 2025. You won’t miss Luke Burton — the 25-year-old prop stands at 197cm tall — while Kieran Hayman and Ethan Clark-Wood have made the move from Sydney to the Gold Coast. Hayman was a key member of the North Sydney Bears squad and earned a reputation as their Mr. Fix It having played centre, five-eighth and fullback. He’s also a very handy goal-kicker and was NSW Cup’s top pointscorer for 2024. Clark-Wood is a winger/centre and joins from the Roosters. SEA EAGLES Zane Dunford, Navren Willett, Chris Patolo, Onitoni Large, Jacob Sykes, Tyler Melrose, Kylan Mafoa, Hugo Hart, Devante Mihinui, Max Hayley, Broden Konz Analysis: Chris Patolo is the most recognisable name on this list but a number of others are tipped to break into the NRL in the future. Patolo should have more than 23 NRL games under his belt but has had horror luck on the injury front. After the Bulldogs decided not to re-sign him, the Sea Eagles swooped with an opportunity. Jacob Sykes has spent the last four years with NSW Cup feeder side Blacktown Workers so is no stranger to the NRL squad. The 24-year-old is an old school-style front-rower who works hard and embraces the tough stuff. Manly fans might recognise the name Zane Dunford — he is the son of former Sea Eagles forward Matt Dunford. Zane captained the club’s SG Ball side in 2021, then joined the Raiders on a development deal, but then returned mid-last year. Navren Willett is sure to turn some heads at Narrabeen. The 19-year-old outside back, who stands at a whopping 201cm tall, caught the attention of coach Anthony Seibold while playing for the Magpies in SG Ball earlier this year. Seibold has spoken about his potential, saying “his ceiling is quite high” and “Navren is someone we feel can play first grade.” Seibold can also see similarities between Willett’s body shape and NRL stars Campbell Graham and Xavier Coates. Willett is expected to move into the Top 30 in 2026. Hugo Hart is a young, speedy forward with a rugby union background, while Tyler Melrose and Otoni Large are two teenage playmakers with big raps on them. Melrose, 17, was recruited from one of Queensland’s best rugby league schools, St Brendan’s after a partnership was formed last year. Melrose will complete eight weeks of pre-season, play for Manly’s SG Ball side and then likely graduate to Jersey Flegg by the end of the year. Large, who is also 17-years old, is a speedy five-eight and former captain of the Junior Wallabies. Large is juggling training with his schooling at Scots College and like Melrose, will play SG Ball next season. Kylan Mafoa (prop), Devante Mihinui (prop), Broden Konz (second-rower) and Max Hayley (centre/second-rower) have been rewarded for solid seasons in Manly’s Jersey Flegg side. STORM Mitch Jennings (Storm academy), Coby Williamson (Storm Academy), Josh Billing (Sunshine Coast Falcons), Cooper-Page Wilson (Sunshine Coast Falcons), Vaka Sikahele (Brisbane Tigers), Setu Tu (Brisbane Tigers), Nathaniel Roache (North Sydney Bears), Morgan Harper (North Sydney Bears), Ben Talty (North Sydney Bears) Analysis: All but two of the Storm’s train-and-trialists have been plucked from their three reserve grade feeder clubs. Coby Williamson and Mitch Jennings have been developed in the Storm Academy. 21-year-old Williamson came into this year as part of the Jersey Flegg squad but ended up nailing down a spot in Queensland Cup team Brisbane Tigers — and was crowned their ‘Best Back’ for 2024. 20-year-old Jennings (centre/second-rower) hails from Nambour and entered the Storm’s system via the Sunshine Coast Falcons. The Storm have catpialised off their new partnership with the North Sydney Bears with three experienced players joining the NRL squad over the summer. Nathaniel Roache is hoping to resurrect his NRL career after playing 26 games across stints with the Warriors and Eels. The 28-year-old hooker just needs some luck on the injury front. Morgan Harper can add some valuable depth to Melbourne’s outside backs stocks having played 64 NRL games with the Bulldogs, Sea Eagles and Eels. 25-year-old Ben Talty brings 76 games worth of NSW Cup experience with him and is a rock-solid utility forward. Outside back Setu Tu has made the move from the Warriors to Brisbane Tigers after previously spending time in the Dolphins system. The 25-year-old is a linebreaker, tackle-buster and a strong carrier of the ball. Vaka Sikahele , a hooker, is a new recruit from Tweed, while hardworking prop Cooper Page-Wilson has signed from Wynnum Manly. Josh Billing — the cousin of Broncos star Pat Carrigan — was recruited from the Raiders. MORE NRL NEWS ‘SURREAL’: Inside Cook’s unlikely Dragons comeback and the Red V signing coup ‘REACHED MY POTENTIAL’: May torches Roosters reasons for ‘jaw dropping’ release ‘COPPED SOME STICK’: Madge delays Reynolds’ Broncos captaincy call FREE AGENCY: Eels in five-way race for Knight; Flanno’s $1.5m Shark poaching PREMIERSHIP WINDOW: Broncos prodigies change game; when Tigers hope begins KNIGHTS Kyle McCarthy, Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana, Jack Hillier, Haami Loza, Bailey Carmichael, Liam Sutton, Brock Greacen Analysis: Knights fans will be familiar with Kyle McCarthy after the 20-year-old centre made his NRL debut in Round 24. Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana , also 20-years old, is an exciting second-rower, who played Jersey Flegg for the Knights in 2024. Jack Hillier (prop) is a local junior and has also been progressing through the grades, while Haami Loza is a skilful playmaker who started the year in SG Ball and finished it playing finals in Jersey Flegg. Bailey Carmichael is also a graduate of the Knights’ SG Ball side — he is a prop with impressive speed. Liam Sutton has spent the last couple of seasons in the Knights’ NSW Cup side. He’s an athletic five-eighth with a solid kicking game. Brock Greacen , a versatile forward, has also been plucked from the Cup side. COWBOYS Xavier Kerrisk, Mutua Brown, Mason Barber, Henry Teutau, Jeremiah Mata’utia, Matt Watts, Kai Simon, Morea Morea, Assiriah Lenoy Pre-season block via affiliate clubs: Adrian Treviliyan (Northern Pride), Jarrett Subloo (Northern Pride), Esom Ioka (Northern Pride), Campbell Duffy, Ricco Falaniko (Northern Pride), John Radel (Mackay Cutters), Temple Kalepo (Mackay Cutters) Analysis: The Cowboys have gone for both youth and experience for their train-and-trialists with some of the club’s most exciting prospects getting an opportunity to train with the NRL squad as well as several reserve grade regulars. Headlining the list is exciting fullback Mason Barber , who has recently moved from the Gold Coast. Barber is a product of renowned rugby league nursery Keebra Park State High School and went viral for an incredible run during the National Championships in which he busted eight tackles and ran 60 metres to score. Barber was named on the wing in this year’s Australian Schoolboys team. Xavier Kerrisk is a highly-regarded hooker and former Queensland Schoolboys representative. The 18-year-old started 2024 in Mal Meninga Cup but finished it cementing his spot in Mackay’s Queensland Cup side. There’s also big raps on Mutua Brown , who was an Australian Schoolboys fullback in 2023 and played off the bench for Queensland in the Under 19s Origin clash earlier this year. Jeremiah Mata’utia is another local product who also starred at schoolboy level. The 20-year-old prop is 198cm tall and has tasted Queensland Cup over the last couple of years. Henry Teuatu , a powerful prop, is a product of the Cowboys’ Young Guns program and was recognised at this year’s presentation night with the Cowboys Way award — given to players who embody the values and spirit of the club. Another notable name on the list is PNG international Morea Morea . The 23-year-old fullback was Queensland Cup’s Rookie of the Year in 2023 but struggled with form and injuries this year. He was selected in the Kumuls extended squad for the Pacific Championships and made his debut when he was activated as 18th man against Cook Islands — and scored in the final minute. EELS Ethyn Martin, Jordan Samrani, Ryley Smith, Apa Twidle, Dom Farrugia, Josh Lynn, Will Latu, Jezaiah Funa-Iuta, Brock Parker Analysis: Ethyn Martin emerged as a bit of a surprise packet in the Eels’ NSW Cup side but after scoring eight tries in eight games — and playing fullback, centre and wing — he was rewarded with a train-and-trial opportunity. The 21-year-old is a New Zealand product who switched to rugby union at 15-years old but changed back two years ago. 21-year-old prop Brock Parker has also been plucked from the Cup side. He spent some time last pre-season with the NRL squad and is reliable workhorse who rarely puts a foot wrong. Apa Twiddle (fullback) and Josh Lynn (five-eighth) were members of the Eels’ 2023 SG Ball premiership-winning team — the latter is a highly-touted product of renowned rugby league school Palm Beach Currumbin. Dominic Farrugia is a goalkicking winger and Jezaiah Funa-Iuta is a second-rower, who won Best and Fairest as well as Players’ Player for the club’s Harold Matthews team in 2023. Both played SG Ball and Jersey Flegg for the Eels this year. Jordan Samrani (winger) was picked up from the Bulldogs, while former Australian Schoolboy Ryley Smith (hooker) joined the Eels from the Panthers this year and played Flegg and Cup. PANTHERS Austin Dias, David Fale, Jaxen Edgar Analysis: Reserve grade veteran Austin Dias has been rewarded for his efforts in NSW Cup after making a mid-season switch to the Panthers from Blacktown Workers Sea Eagles. The 26-year-old prop, who stands at 198cm and weighs 107kg, has 92 NSW Cup games under his belt. David Fale is a great story. The Auckland product, who has previously spent time at the Raiders, entered the Panthers system a couple of years ago. He started with St Mary’s in Sydney Shield, moved up to Ron Massey Cup and then this year became the Panthers’ NSW Cup Mr. Fitx It in the outside backs. Meanwhile, Jaxen Edgar is another exciting local junior tipped for a bright future in the NRL. Was joint winner of the Panthers’ Harold Matthews Player of the Year honour last year with Casey McLean. The gun fullback played SG Ball a year young in 2024. RABBITOHS Salesi Ataata, Talanoa Penitani, Maddax Fui, Ryan Gray, Elijah Keung, Lennix Tovo, Ashton Ward, Luke Webley Analysis: 24-year-old hooker Ryan Gray has been rewarded for his outstanding NSW Cup season, while 23-year-old fullback Lennix Tovo has joined the NRL squad over the summer from Queensland Cup affiliate club Townsville Blackhawks. The rest of the Rabbitohs’ train-and-trial squad is made up of new recruits. Salesi Ataata (prop) and Talanoa Penitani (centre) featured in the Sharks’ team that made this year’s Jersey Flegg grand final, while Ashton Ward is a halfback who has come from the Dragons’ Flegg squad. 23-year-old Luke Webley (second-rower) is a Rockhampton product who has played reserve grade for the Mackay Cutters and most recently the Raiders. Elijah Keung (prop) is a Queensland Schoolboys representative who played for the Brisbane Tigers in the Mal Meninga Cup this year and Maddax Fui is a prop with big raps on him, who has inked a long-term deal with the Bunnies. Fui played Harold Matthews for the Western Suburbs Magpies earlier this year. DRAGONS Hayden Buchanan, Jacob Halangahu, Kyan Hjaltason, Jett Liu, Kade Reed, Ben Rumble, Jarrah Treweek, Leeroy Weatherall Analysis: Get familiar with local junior Hayden Buchanan because he has been tipped for a big future in the game. The 18-year-old centre captained the Steeler’s SG Ball side this year and also represented NSW in the under 19s Origin clash. Jacob Halangahu boasts a seriously impressive resume which includes an SG Ball premiership and Man of the Match honours, selection in the Australian Schoolboys squad in back-to-back years and representing NSW in the Under 19s Origin — all achieved at just 17-years old. The Penrith junior, who is now 18, is a second-rower. Kyan Hjaltason (hooker) and Jett Liu (prop) and Ben Rumble (fullback) have been promoted from the Dragons’ Jersey Flegg side with the latter already a fan favourite. Kade Reed is a talented halfback, who joined the Dragons’ system from Kirwan State High School a couple of years ago. He’s a good chance to wear the No.7 in Jersey Flegg next season. It’ll be hard to miss towering second-rower Jarrah Treweek , who played SG Ball this year, while Leeroy Weatherall (lock) is a local junior who has signed a long-term deal with the Dragons. His sister, Maddison, starred for the club’s NRLW team in 2023. ROOSTERS Taylor Losalu, Max McCathie, Lachlan Dooner, Rex Bassingthwaite, Cohen Dittman, Mikey Nassar, Zac Sarfati, Tyreece Tait, Benaiah Ioelu, Jake Elliott, Hugo Savala, Reece Foley Analysis: Majority of the Roosters’ train-and-trialists have been promoted from the NSW Cup side with fans getting well-acquainted with the likes of Taylor Losalu , Max McCathie , Tyreece Tait , Jake Elliott and Hugo Savala this year. Tait is arguably one of the most exciting prospects in the Roosters’ system. The 19-year-old winger boasts serious speed, represented Queensland in the Under 19s Origin clash this year and scored 14 tries in 10 NSW Cup appearances. Elliott started 2024 in SG Ball but his development was fast-tracked and like Tait, he was promoted to NSW Cup. The 19-year-old five-eighth scored five tries and set up 17 in 14 Cup games. He is a mature young man, calm under pressure and spent a lot of time learning from club legend Mitchell Pearce this year. Savala is a local junior, who is most comfortable in the halves but can also cover hooker, while McCathie also lives and breathes the Roosters. The second-rower is a natural leader and is a former school captain of Scots College. He’s Bondi born and bred and is very respected by his peers. Losalu (prop) was the Roosters’ NSW Cup Player of the Year. Reece Foley (five-eighth), Lachlan Dooner (fullback/outside back), Zac Sarfati (fullback) and Mikey Nassar (fullback/outside back) were a part of the Roosters 2024 SG Ball squad. Rex Bassingthwaite is a serious talent, who was the Roosters’ Harold Matthews Player of the Year and was a part of rugby union’s Under 18s Australian team this year. The Dubbo product has committed to rugby league though with reports he’s inked a four-year deal with the Chooks. WARRIORS Jett Cleary, Moala Graham-Taufa, Daeon Amituanai, Kahu Capper, Jaydee Auloa, Makaia Tafua, Rodney Vea, Augustino Filipo, Etuate Fukofuka, Jason Salalilo, Eddie Ieremia-Toeava, Motu Pasikala, Brandon Norris Analysis: The brother of four-time premiership-winning halfback Nathan Cleary headlines this list with Jett Cleary about to embark on his own NRL journey via a train-and-trial opportunity with the Warriors. He’ll progress to a development deal in 2026. Also making the move is Daeon Amituanai , who has spent the last three years in the Panthers system as a winger. Moala Graham-Taufa (centre) was the Warriors’ top tryscorer in NSW Cup for 2024 and was awarded with the club’s NSW Cup Player of the Year and Players’ Player honours. 19-year-old Eddie Ieremia-Toeava proved his worth this year, shifting between prop, second row and centre in NSW Cup. 18-year-old Motu Pasikala (fullback/winger) is another exciting prospect who played SG Ball, Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup in 2024. WESTS TIGERS Tim Johannssen, Jaxson Rahme, Tristan Hope, Lachlan Broederlow, Eiden Ackland, Marc Tannous, Heamasi Makasini Analysis: Tim Johannssen (prop) has been on the rugby league rollercoaster the last year. He won the Jersey Flegg premiership with the Bulldogs in 2023 but wasn’t retained so decided to hang up the boots. However a phone call from Magpies feeder club Ryde-Eastwood saw the 22-year-old sign with the club and go from Sydney Shield to Ron Massey Cup to NSW Cup. Then, in Round 22, he made his NRL debut. 20-year-old second-rower Lachlan Broederlow has also come from the Tigers’ NSW Cup side and will move to a development deal in 2026. Vaka Aho , a 20-year-old prop, has earned a train-and-trial after impressing in Jersey Flegg this year and getting a taste of NSW Cup. Marc Tannous is a crafty halfback, who played SG Ball for Balmain this year. Meanwhile, 20-year-old prop Jaxson Rahme joins the Tigers from the Knights after previously being in the club’s pathways system. Eiden Ackland is a 26-year-old playmaker who has had stints in the Warriors and Sea Eagles systems and Tristan Hope arrives to the Wests Tigers from the Brisbane Tigers in the Queensland Cup. The 27-year-old hooker won the 2023 premiership and did a pre-season with the Storm ahead of the 2024 NRL season. Heamasi Makasini is in a unique situation. The 17-year-old centre is on a train-and-trial contract for now but will move to a development deal once he turns 18 in July. Makasini is in Year 11 at Newington College but there’s belief from some at the Tigers that he could make his NRL debut next year — while preparing for his HSC. Makasini has excelled in both rugby league and rugby union — he represented Australia at under 18s level in rugby union — but has committed to the Tigers on a three-year deal.

Minecraft’s NeoForge Revolution! What Gamers Need to KnowLisa Simpson once said during an episode of “The Simpsons:” What could be more exciting than the savage ballet that is pro football? On Monday night, the entire Simpsons universe gets to experience it in a way not many could have imagined. The prime-time matchup between the Cincinnati Bengals and Dallas Cowboys will also take place at Springfield’s Atoms Stadium as part of “The Simpsons Funday Football” alternate broadcast. The altcast will be streamed on ESPN+, Disney+, and NFL+ (on mobile devices). ESPN and ABC have the main broadcast, while ESPN2 will carry the final “ManningCast” of the regular season. The replay will be available on Disney+ for 30 days. Globally, more than 145 countries will have access to either live or on replay. “We’re such huge football fans, and the Simpsons audience and the football audience, I feel, are like the same audience of just American families and football. And the Simpsons are so much a part of the DNA of the American family and culture that for us to, like, mush them together in this crazy video game, it’s so fun,” said Matt Selman, executive producer of “The Simpsons.” While the game is the focal point, the alternate broadcast, in some ways, will resemble a three-hour episode of “The Simpsons.” It starts with Homer eating too many hot dogs and having a dream while watching football. Homer joins the Cowboys in the dream while Bart teams up with the Bengals. Lisa and Marge will be sideline reporters. “That’s the beginning of the story, and the story continues through the entire game until Homer wakes up from his dream at the end of the game. It is like a complete story, and the NFL game will happen in between. It’s just going to be an amazing presentation with tons of surprises,” said Michael “Spike” Szykowny, ESPN’s VP of edit and animation. This is the second year ESPN has done an alternate broadcast for an NFL game. It used the characters from “Toy Story” for last year’s Sunday morning game from London between the Atlanta Falcons and Jacksonville Jaguars. “The Simpsons” has featured many sports-themed episodes during its 35 seasons. Even though “Homer at the Bat” remains the consensus favorite sports episode for many Simpsons fans, there have been football ones such as “Bart Star” and “Lisa The Greek.” There also was a Super Bowl-themed one after Fox’s broadcast of Super Bowl 33 between Denver and Atlanta in 1999. Even though “The Simpsons” remains a staple on Fox’s prime-time schedule, it is part of the Disney family after their acquisition of 20th Century Fox in 2019. All 35 seasons are on Disney+. The show’s creators have worked with ESPN and the NFL to make sure the look and sound is definitely Simpsonsesque. The theme song is a mash-up of “The Simpsons” opening and “Monday Night Football’s” iconic “Heavy Action.” There have also been pre-recorded skits and bits to use during the broadcast featuring Simpson’s legendary voices Hank Azaria, Nancy Cartwright, Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, and Yeardley Smith. The telecast will be entirely animated, with the players’ movements in sync with what is happening in real-time on the field. That is done through player-tracking data enabled by the NFL’s Next Gen Stats system and Sony’s Beyond Sports Technology. While Next Gen Stats tracks where players are on the field with a tracking chip in the shoulder pads, there is skeletal data tracking and limb tracking data — which uses 29 points per player — to get closer to the player’s movements. The other data tracking will allow Beyond Sports and Disney to add special characters to the game. For example, there might be a play where Lisa catches the ball and goes 30 yards instead of Cincinnati’s Tee Higgins. “Lisa is much smaller than the rest of the players. So, in real life, the ball would go over her head, but now, with data processing, we can take the ball and make it go exactly into her hands. So for the viewer, it still looks believable, and it all makes sense,” said Beyond Sports co-founder Nicolaas Westerhof. The other major challenge is making “The Simpsons” two-dimensional cartoon characters into 3-D simulations. Szykowny and his team worked to make that a reality over the past couple of months. “That’s a big leap of faith for them to say, hey, we trust you to make our characters 3-D and work with it. Our ESPN creative studio team has done a wonderful job,” Szykowny said. Lisa, Krusty, Nelson, Milhouse and Ralph will be with Bart and the Bengals; while Carl, Barney, Lenny and Moe join up with with Homer and the Cowboys. The broadcast will also feature ESPN personalities Stephen A. Smith, Peyton Manning and Eli Manning. ESPN’s Drew Carter, Mina Kimes and Dan Orlovsky will call the game from Bristol, Connecticut, and also be animated. They will wear Meta Quest Pro headsets to experience the game from Springfield using VR technology. For Kimes, being part of the broadcast and being an animated Simpsons character is a dream come true. She is a massive fan of the show and has a framed photo of Lisa Simpson — who she said is a personal hero and icon — as part of her backdrop when she makes appearances on ESPN NFL shows from her home in Los Angeles. “I didn’t have any input, and I didn’t see anything beforehand, so I wasn’t sure if it would look like me, but it kind of does, which is very funny,” said Kimes, who drew Simpsons characters when she was a kid. “To see the actual staff turn me into one was a dream.” Even though the Bengals (4-8) and Cowboys (5-7) have struggled this season, Selman thinks both teams have personalities that appeal to “The Simpsons” universe. “We were just so lucky also that the Cowboys are sort of like a Homer Simpson-type team, American team, and Mike McCarthy might be a Homer-type guy, one might imagine,” he said. ”And then you have Joe Burrow on the other side who is a cool young, spiky-haired, blonde bad boy -- he’s like Bart. And that fits our character archetypes so perfectly. “If Homer is mad at Bart and has a hot dog dream while watching ’Monday Night Football’, and then it’s basically McCarthy versus Burrow, Homer versus Bart, and that’s the simple father versus son strangling — Homer strangling Bart dynamic that has been part of the show for 35 years. I don’t know if that would have worked as well if it was like Titans versus Jacksonville. We would have found something. We would have made it work.” AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflThe New Orleans Saints look like bandits in a way after some recent injury news came to the surface in the NFC. Marshon Lattimore 's injury Since being traded to the Washington Commanders , Lattimore has not played a single down for the NFC East foe. Washington has continued to see some success, but their defense would undoubtedly improve with him on the field. The Commanders just ruled out Lattimore for Week 12 as well. Dan Quinn says Marshon Lattimore won't play Sunday. Quinn says he's optimistic Lattimore could play against the #Titans in a week. He says the bye in 2 weeks won't determine when Lattimore plays. If he's ready before the bye, he'll play. Here's Lattimore at practice today @wusa9 pic.twitter.com/HDsRESOOui Lattimore has been dealing with a hamstring injury for a bulk of this season. It caused him to miss time in New Orleans, and now, it is affecting his availability for Dan Quinn's defense. The Saints got some backlash at the deadline for not garnering a second round pick for the top-flight CB. In reality, garnering a third round pick and day three draft stock was a win for the Saints in the long run. Lattimore had a great career in New Orleans, but injuries have mounted for him in recent seasons, including 2024. Without him, their secondary has still played fairly well since he was dealt away. Lattimore played in just seventeen games combined between the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 season. Before 2022, the CB was had played in at least thirteen games in every season of his NFL career. For the Saints, we will see how they choose to address the CB position during this offseason. They have a lot of faith in young CB Alontae Taylor, but his time playing outside has not been consistent. He was playing in the slot until Lattimore was traded away. Rookie Kool-Aid McKinstry also has plenty of fans in the organization. Drafting a cornerback early in the 2025 NFL Draft could make sense, too, though. Regardless, the value that the Saints got in return for Lattimore looks pretty impressive, considering his lack of availability that continues to grow in Washington. This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

Drones for commercial and recreational use have grown rapidly in popularity, despite restrictions on who can operate them and where they can be flown. No-fly zones are enforced around airports, military installations, nuclear plants, certain landmarks including the Statue of Liberty, and sports stadiums during games. Not everybody follows the rules. Sightings at airports have shut down flights in a few instances. Reported sightings of what appear to be drones flying over New Jersey at night in recent weeks have created anxiety among some residents, in part because it is not clear who is operating them or why. Some state and local officials have called for stricter rules to govern drones. After receiving reports of drone activity last month near Morris County, New Jersey, the Federal Aviation Administration issued temporary bans on drone flights over a golf course in Bedminster, New Jersey, that is owned by President-elect Donald Trump, and over Picatinny Arsenal Military Base. The FAA says the bans are in response to requests from “federal security partners.” Who regulates drones? The FAA is responsible for the regulations governing their use, and Congress has written some requirements into law. Who enforces the rules? With a 2018 law, the Preventing Emerging Threats Act, Congress gave certain agencies in the Homeland Security and Justice departments authority to counter threats from unmanned aircraft to protect the safety of certain facilities. New drones must be outfitted with equipment allowing law enforcement to identify the operator, and Congress gave the agencies the power to detect and take down unmanned aircraft that they consider dangerous. The law spells out where the counter-drone measures can be used, including “national special security events” such as presidential inaugurations and other large gatherings of people. What does it take to become a drone pilot? To get a “remote pilot certificate,” you must be at least 16 years old, be proficient in English, pass an aeronautics exam, and not suffer from a “mental condition that would interfere with the safe operation of a small unmanned aircraft system.” Are drones allowed to fly at night? Yes, but the FAA imposes restrictions on nighttime operations. Most drones are not allowed to fly at night unless they are equipped with anti-collision lights that are visible for at least 3 miles (4.8 kilometers). Are drones a hazard? Over the past decade, pilots have reported hundreds of close calls between drones and airplanes including airline jets. In some cases, airplane pilots have had to take evasive action to avoid collisions. Drones buzzing over a runway caused flights to be stopped at London’s Gatwick Airport during the Christmas travel rush in 2018 and again in May 2023. Police dismissed the idea of shooting down the drones, fearing that stray bullets could kill someone. Advances in drone technology have made it harder for law enforcement to find rogue drone operators — bigger drones in particular have more range and power. Will drone rules get tougher? Some state and local officials in New Jersey are calling for stronger restrictions because of the recent sightings, and that has the drone industry worried. Scott Shtofman, director of government affairs at the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International, said putting more limits on drones could have a “chilling effect” on “a growing economic engine for the United States.” “We would definitely oppose anything that is blindly pushing for new regulation of what are right now legal drone operations,” he said. AirSight, a company that sells software against “drone threats,” says more than 20 states have enacted laws against privacy invasion by drones, including Peeping Toms. Will Austin, president of Warren County Community College in New Jersey, and founder of its drone program, says it’s up to users to reduce public concern about the machines. He said operators must explain why they are flying when confronted by people worried about privacy or safety. “It’s a brand new technology that’s not really understood real well, so it will raise fear and anxiety in a lot of people,” Austin said. “We want to be good professional aviators and alleviate that.” ___ Associated Press reporter Rebecca Santana in Washington, D.C., contributed.ESSENTIAL LINKS Top 20 | Important dates To watch: Teams | Players TOP 20 SCOREBOARD Saturday, Dec. 7 BIG NORTH Paramus Catholic (1-0) at High Point, 8pm MCSSIHL Parsippany Hills at Vernon (0-1), 4pm Montville at West Morris (1-0), 4:15pm Gill St. Bernard's vs. Roxbury at Sport Care Arena, 5:15pm Morristown vs. Randolph at Mennen Arena, 6:15pm Paramus Catholic (1-0) at High Point, 8pm Mountain Lakes (0-1) at Morris Catholic, 8:15pm NJIIHL Johnson vs. West Orange (1-0) at Codey Arena, 5:45pm Nutley (1-1) at Millburn, 7:45pm Oratory (0-1) at Frisch (1-0), 8:15pm SKYLAND Ridge (1-0) at Watchung Hills (0-1), 8:10pm