golden empire jili png When the Nebraska football team gathered for its Thursday practice prior to the Wisconsin game, offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen wanted to see a game-ready unit. Anything other than the best wasn’t good enough, and Holgorsen backed it up. The players who made mistakes, even committing false start penalties during that practice didn’t play on Saturday because of it, Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule said. Those who did their job got their chance, though, with Rhule identifying senior wide receiver Isiaha Garcia-Castaneda as one such beneficiary. So while Holgorsen’s playcalling was part of Nebraska’s 44-point outburst against the Badgers, his general approach is what Rhule appreciates most. “You hear Dana on the headset, the whole time he’s just talking about execution,” Rhule said. “... There’s a real focus on execution and when the guys execute the play calls. I think that was the message to the guys — if you execute and practice at a high level, you’re going to have an opportunity to play in the game.” Changes have been limited in Holgorsen’s short time as NU’s offensive coordinator, but he did make sure the Huskers scaled back the number of plays in their playbook. “We’re still doing a lot,” Rhule said, while crediting assistant coaches Glenn Thomas, Garret McGuire and Marcus Satterfield for their work in helping Holgorsen get accustomed to the team’s offensive setup. A “collaborative” gameplanning process that involves those coaches poring over game film and strategy together has led to results, but Rhule again emphasized that improvements from the players, not the coaches, is what has led to better results. When Nebraska was in rhythm on Saturday and stayed ahead of the chains, the Huskers were nearly impossible to slow down. When penalties, turnovers or miscues like snapping on the wrong count happened, though, the offense’s progress was halted. The clear difference? Execution. “It’s kind of a blend of everything we’ve been trying to say to them all year coming to life,” Rhule said of Nebraska’s 44-point performance. “I think the thing Dana’s done a great job is, he’s cut things down to a degree, but he’s demanding that they execute if they want to get on the field.” Nebraska also couldn’t have cut apart the Wisconsin defense without a reinvigorated showing from quarterback Dylan Raiola. Having thrown at least one interception in his previous five starts, Raiola finished the game turnover-free for the first time since September. The freshman also completed 28-of-38 passes for 293 yards and one touchdown, his biggest passing output other than a 297-yard performance against Illinois. Part of the reason for the turnaround was health-related following the back injury Raiola suffered against UCLA. Held out of practice over the bye, Raiola was “ginger” the whole game against USC according to Rhule but was more comfortable with moving around and sliding up in the pocket last Saturday. Getting the ball out quickly and accurately also helped Raiola’s timing within the offense. “He was just taking completions, taking what was there and not trying to do too much,” Rhule said of Raiola. “Playing as a freshman in the Big Ten is really, really hard; it requires tough people and I think Dylan’s been tough in that he’s gotten better every week.” Nebraska’s progress will be tested in a matchup against the nation’s No. 12 scoring defense, an Iowa unit that is allowing just 17.7 points per game. Another week with Holgorsen at the helm will help Nebraska with that challenge as the Huskers look to build on their recent offensive surge. “Just the rhythm of the way he does things means total sense to me,” Rhule said of Holgorsen. “... If I coach with Dana for one more week or if we coach together for the next 10 years, I’ll be a better coach as a result.” Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Chrissy Teigen took to Instagram to honour her husband, John Legend, on his 46th birthday with a heartfelt tribute. The model and cookbook author gushed about the All of Me singer. She called him the “soul of our home” in a post filled with love and admiration. JOHN LEGEND IN LONDON Teigen shared a photo of Legend sitting at London’s Bubble Planet Experience, according to The Argus. “To our everything, the soul of our home (I’m the heart), we love you so much,” she wrote. “Happy 46th birthday. You spent it taking the kids to the bubble experience in London at 8am. Now we are heading to The Devil Wears Prada musical because you’re up for any kind of date night you can get, ever.” She ended her message with: “I love you so much, we love you so much. Happy birthday.” JOHN LEGEND AND FAMILY TIME The couple marked the occasion with a night out at London’s Dominion Theatre to see The Devil Wears Prada , according to the Bolton News. Teigen shared a glimpse of their evening on Instagram Stories, showing off their excellent view of the stage. Legend and Teigen share four children—Luna (8), Miles (6), Esti (23 months), and Wren (18 months). They have been enjoying a festive family holiday in London. THE FESTIVE SEASON Just days before, they celebrated Christmas in style, with Teigen sharing adorable photos of their brood on Instagram, according to People. “Christmas morning in London! Merry Christmas, guys. We love you so much,” Teigen wrote. She then posted a picture of the family gathered around a beautifully decorated tree. Legend sported a cheerful festive jumper, while the kids donned matching plaid pyjamas. Another photo captured a closer look at the family’s stockings, stuffed with goodies and hanging along a cosy fireplace. BALANCING, WORK, FAMILY, AND FUN Legend shared similar snaps, adding an image of Luna and Miles eagerly kneeling by stacks of wrapped presents. “Have a Merry Merry Christmas!” he captioned. The Teigen-Legend family’s trip to London offers a relatable glimpse into balancing work, family, and fun. JOHN LEGEND AND CHERISHING MOMENTS South Africans, are often known for their love of big family gatherings. They can surely appreciate the warmth and joy Teigen and Legend bring to their holiday moments. Legend, who is beloved worldwide for his music, is no stranger to London’s stages. Teigen’s tribute and the family’s celebrations are reminders of the importance of treasuring moments with loved ones. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FAMILY TRADITION DURING THE HOLIDAYS? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.Content oversight and quality assurance provided by Studio 1847 October 2024 marked the seventh anniversary of the landmark United States Women , Peace and Security (WPS) Act , which was signed into law on October 6, 2017. Since then, the WPS Act has focused on promoting women’s safety and participation in U.S. foreign policy. A legislative milestone The WPS Act is the first legislation of its kind worldwide, setting a precedent for other nations to follow. The Act received bipartisan support, demonstrating the widespread recognition of women’s crucial role in conflict prevention and resolution. U.S.-based civil society also played a massive role in advocating for the Act’s passage, and their efforts guaranteed the inclusion of regular reporting and accountability provisions. The Act mandates government action to integrate WPS principles into U.S. foreign policy. It requires developing a comprehensive, government-wide strategy to increase women’s participation in peace and security. Strategic implementation In 2023, the Biden administration released an updated WPS Strategy and National Action Plan (NAP) as required by the WPS Act. The four implementing departments and agencies are in the process of developing their implementation plans to be responsive to the updated Strategy. Our Secure Future (OSF), a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit organization focused on the implementation of the WPS agenda by building capacity of government officials, has actively monitored and provided input on the Act’s implementation. In particular, OSF, alongside other civil society organizations, has worked with the U.S. government and Congress to integrate WPS principles into policies, programs, and training. This has led to significant operational changes, such as the Department of Defense incorporating WPS into security cooperation activities and USAID prioritizing women’s empowerment in conflict prevention and peacebuilding programs. Yet, while progress has been made in developing WPS National Action Plans and policies, a gap remains in translating these frameworks into meaningful developments at the local level. Furthermore, the persistent issue of gender-based violence, including sexual assault and harassment, in the U.S. military undermines the principles of the WPS Act and the U.S. government’s credibility as a leader in this field. According to the Fiscal Year 2022 Department of Defense (DoD) Annual Report on Sexual Assault in the Military, the DoD received 8,942 sexual assault reports of sexual assault and harassment throughout the department. Key initiatives and funding Although there continue to be setbacks toward comprehensive implementation, the WPS Act has resulted in several gender-specific peace and security initiatives, including the Supporting Her Empowerment (SHE WINS) program through the Secretary’s Office of Global Women’s Issues in the U.S. Department of State. SHE WINS has committed approximately $10 million in funding to build the capacity of women-led civil society organizations in conflict prevention and resolution, with a specific focus at the grassroots level. USAID has also made strides in implementation, allocating over $15 million to promote women’s civic and political engagement in nine focus countries, according to the 2023 WPS Strategy and National Action Plan. In January 2024, the U.S. government established the Global Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence Rapid Response Fund, allocating $2 million to support women politicians and civil society leaders facing online threats and violence. International cooperation At the NATO 75th Anniversary Summit in July 2024, the Biden administration reaffirmed its WPS commitment and announced new actions. Notably, according to a White House release on WPS following the NATO Summit, the U.S. and NATO allies collectively committed to a $7.6 million initiative to provide women’s body armor, boots and uniforms to the Ukrainian armed services, specifically addressing the equipment needs of approximately 6,000 women on the frontlines. Furthermore, according to the same statement, the U.S. has joined over 30 partners to launch the $850 million Women LEAD initiative, committing $150 million to advance women’s leadership in democratic processes globally. Additionally, the U.S. has integrated WPS principles across other policies and programs, including the Global Fragility Act, which measures gender inequality as a key indicator of potential instability and incorporates extensive stakeholder consultations with women leaders and women-led organizations. The U.S. has also shared best practices and lessons learned with international partners for the development of National Action Plans (NAPs) on Women, Peace and Security, which have been adopted in 110 countries. This is supported by initiatives such as Our Secure Future’s Women, Peace and Security NAP Academy. The OSF Women, Peace and Security NAP Academy offers technical assistance, training, and resources to help governments and civil society organizations integrate WPS principles into national policies and programs. Future plans As the WPS Act enters its eighth year, more developments are on the horizon for peace and security. First, the four implementing departments and agencies (Department of State, Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, and USAID) plan to publicly release their updated WPS Implementation Plans in the coming months, outlining new and ongoing efforts to support the Act’s goals, which impact U.S. foreign policy and WPS implementation. Moreover, the upcoming 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 in 2025 presents a significant opportunity to reflect on progress and revitalize the potential of the WPS agenda. Nonprofit organizations like OSF are already preparing for this milestone by working with partners to develop recommendations for strengthening global WPS implementation and addressing emerging challenges, such as the impact of artificial intelligence on conflict and the specific effects of nuclear weapons and autonomous weapons systems on women and girls. While global conflicts continue to grow and change, the ongoing efforts of the U.S. government and the advocacy of organizations like OSF can help that the WPS Act and agenda remain a priority, making way for peace and security for everyone. The news and editorial staffs of the Chicago Tribune had no role in this post’s preparation.As Tarrant County lawmakers prepare to kick off the Texas legislative session Jan. 14, Fort Worth Report journalists are exploring the policies set to be reshaped in Austin. Click here for more legislative coverage. Steve Montgomery, president and CEO of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, admits it was tempting to step in and take a more active role during the next legislative session. The veteran government affairs consultant knows the terrain well, having spent many years knocking on the doors of state senators and representatives under the watchful eye of the Goddess of Liberty statue. “It was tempting, but we’ve hired a great person , Delayne Hyatt, who has joined us as vice president for government affairs,” said Montgomery. Hyatt will spearhead the chamber’s advocacy efforts. Originally from Tarrant County, Hyatt comes to the chamber after several years in legislative director roles in Washington, D.C., where she worked with Texas congressmen Nathaniel Moran, R-Tyler, and Kevin Brady, R-The Woodlands. Brady, as the former chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, played a pivotal role in shaping U.S. tax policy, which provided Hyatt with valuable experience in business community strategy and engagement, according to the chamber. “It’s an honor to be back in Fort Worth, advocating for the business community that makes this city thrive,” Hyatt said in a statement. “Businesses have pressing priorities, and tracking government action isn’t always at the top of the list. But it’s crucial for our members to have a voice early in the process to address policies that could negatively affect them — and to champion those that create positive change. I’m here to ensure FWC members are part of the conversation from the start.” Get essential daily news for the Fort Worth area. Sign up for insightful, in-depth stories — completely free. Montgomery said the chamber’s primary focus is to deal with any issues that have a direct connection to businesses. “Those are issues where it might typically be appropriate for the Fort Worth Chamber to take a position, though we may not always choose to do so,” Montgomery said. Typically, those issues will be core to businesses’ bottom line, such as taxes and regulations of major significance, he said. Another area of likely engagement for the chamber would be issues that create an environment for businesses to thrive and contribute to regional growth and opportunity. These issues include public and higher education, workforce development and transportation and infrastructure, Montgomery said. The chamber will also keep a watch on social issues with indirect impact on business. “These issues attract considerable public attention, but they seldom have a clearly identifiable connection to business or economic development,” he said. The chamber will also support efforts by the Legislature to increase healthcare coverage, access and quality, Montgomery said. “We support the ability of Texas businesses to determine appropriate healthcare coverage and access for their employees,” he said. At the moment, Montgomery said, he hasn’t seen any legislation or issues that the organization is raising a flag about, but he knows there will be concerns at some point. “We’ll oppose any proposals that we believe would directly harm our members, undermine our economic competitiveness or damage the state’s reputation as business friendly,” Montgomery said. The Fort Worth Report’s Texas legislative coverage is supported by Kelly Hart . At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here . Bob Francis is business editor for the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at bob.francis@fortworthreport.org. Related Fort Worth Report is certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative for adhering to standards for ethical journalism . Republish This Story Republishing is free for noncommercial entities. Commercial entities are prohibited without a licensing agreement. Contact us for details. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License . Look for the "Republish This Story" button underneath each story. To republish online, simply click the button, copy the html code and paste into your Content Management System (CMS). Do not copy stories straight from the front-end of our web-site. You are required to follow the guidelines and use the republication tool when you share our content. The republication tool generates the appropriate html code. You can’t edit our stories, except to reflect relative changes in time, location and editorial style. You can’t sell or syndicate our stories. Any web site our stories appear on must include a contact for your organization. If you use our stories in any other medium — for example, newsletters or other email campaigns — you must make it clear that the stories are from the Fort Worth Report. In all emails, link directly to the story at fortworthreport.org and not to your website. If you share our stories on social media, please tag us in your posts using @FortWorthReport on Facebook and @FortWorthReport on Twitter. You have to credit Fort Worth Report. Please use “Author Name, Fort Worth Report” in the byline. If you’re not able to add the byline, please include a line at the top of the story that reads: “This story was originally published by Fort Worth Report” and include our website, fortworthreport.org . You can’t edit our stories, except to reflect relative changes in time, location and editorial style. Our stories may appear on pages with ads, but not ads specifically sold against our stories. You can’t sell or syndicate our stories. You can only publish select stories individually — not as a collection. Any web site our stories appear on must include a contact for your organization. If you share our stories on social media, please tag us in your posts using @FortWorthReport on Facebook and @FortWorthReport on Twitter. by Bob Francis, Fort Worth Report December 26, 2024

AP News Summary at 2:29 p.m. EST