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North Carolina’s Asheville devastated after Helene’s damage cuts power, floods roads

2024-09-28T18:50:00.001-07:00

Floodwaters pushed by the remnants of Hurricane Helene left North Carolina’s largest mountain city largely cut off Saturday by damaged roads and a lack of power and cellphone service, part of a swath of destruction across southern Appalachia that left an unknown number dead and countless worried relatives unable to reach loved ones.

In North Carolina alone, more than 400 roads remained closed on Saturday as floodwaters began to recede and reveal the extent of damage. North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper said that supplies were being airlifted to that part of the state.

At least seven people have been killed by Helene in North Carolina, CBS News has confirmed, among a total death toll of at least 57 people across multiple states.

Among those rescued from rising waters was nurse Janetta Barfield, whose car was swamped on Friday morning as she left an overnight shift at Asheville’s Mission Hospital. She said she watched a car in front of her drive through standing water and thought it was safe to proceed. But her car stalled, and within minutes water had filled her front seat up to her chest. A nearby police officer who saw her car stall helped her to safety.

“It was unbelievable how fast that creek got just in like five minutes,” Barfield said.

Emergency personnel watch as floodwaters rise, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Asheville, N.C.

Erik Verduzco / AP

Early on Saturday morning, many gas stations were closed because they didn’t have electricity, and the few that were open had hourlong lines wrapped around the block. The hub of tourism and arts, home to about 94,000 people, was unusually still after floodwaters swamped neighborhoods known for drawing visitors including Biltmore Village and the River Arts District, which is home to numerous galleries, shops and breweries.

More than 700,000 power customers were without power across North Carolina, including 160,000 in Buncombe County. Interstate 40 and I-26 were impassible in multiple locations, and a state transportation department map showed that most routes into Asheville and across much of the mountains were snarled. North Carolina’s Department of Transportation posted on social media on Saturday afternoon that “all roads in Western North Carolina should be considered closed.”

In Asheville, there was no cellular service and no timeline for when it would be restored.

“We have had some loss of life,” County Emergency Services Director Van Taylor Jones told reporters. However, he said they were not ready to report any specifics. Officials have been hindered in contacting next of kin by the communications outages. Asheville police instituted a curfew from 7:30 p.m. Friday to 7:30 a.m. Saturday.

“The curfew is to ensure the public’s safety and will be in effect until further notice,” police said.

Asheville transit services were also suspended, police said. The city advised residents to boil “all water used for human consumption,” as there was at least one significant water line break during the storm. Many residents might not be getting water or reduced or no pressure water.

Jones said the area experienced a cascade of emergencies that included heavy rain, high winds and mudslides. Officials said they tried to prepare for the storm but its magnitude was beyond what they could have imagined.

“It’s not that we (were) not prepared, but this is going to another level,” Sheriff Quentin Miller said. “To say this caught us off-guard would be an understatement.”

The banks of the Swannanoa river overflow an effect of Hurricane Helene, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, in Asheville, N.C.

Erik Verduzco / AP

Atlanta resident Francine Cavanaugh said she has been unable to reach her sister, son, or friends in the Asheville area.

“My sister checked in with me yesterday morning to find out how I was in Atlanta,” she said on Saturday. “The storm was just hitting her in Asheville, and she said it sounded really scary outside.”

Cavanaugh said her sister had no idea how bad the storm would be there. She told Cavanaugh she was going to head out to check on guests at a vacation cabin “and that’s the last I heard of her. I’ve been texting everyone that I know with no response. All phone calls go directly to voicemail.”

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3 key battles that could decide Man Utd vs Tottenham

2024-09-28T16:46:00.001-07:00

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur will top the billing in the Premier League this weekend, with the two top four-chasing sides facing off at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Both teams will head into the game in rather topsy-turvy form – as their current mid-table positions in the Premier League standings attest.

With both sides in need of a win, here’s the three key battles you should keep an eye out for which could decide the game at Old Trafford.

New signing / James Gill – Danehouse/GettyImages

Although Man Utd fans were disappointed with the 1-1 draw with FC Twente in midweek, they were impressed with the performance of their new midfield destroyer, Manuel Ugarte.

After said impressive outing, Ugarte is now widely expected to make his first Premier League for the club this weekend against Tottenham, where he’ll be tasked with stopping one of the best attacking midfielders in the division.

James Maddison is a game-changer on his day, and he’ll be hoping he can slither away from the Uruguayan and create chancers for his attacking teammates on Sunday.

Impressed in midweek / Sebastian Frej/MB Media/GettyImages

Everything seemed to finally click for Dominic Solanke at Tottenham this past week.

That’s not to say he’d played badly prior to Thursday night, far from it, but in the win over Qarabag, Solanke looked like the striker we watched bag 19 Premier League goals in 2023/24.

His improved form comes at a pretty perfect time for Tottenham, as they’ll need Solanke at his very best if they’re going to beat Man Utd at Old Trafford – a place they’ve notoriously struggled down the years.

The number nine will come up against a similarly resurgent Matthijs de Ligt on Sunday. The defender looks to be re-finding his best form under Erik ten Hag in recent weeks, and pocketing Solanke this weekend would go a long way to repairing his reputation after a tricky spell at Bayern Munich.

Needs a goal / Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/GettyImages

Having not scored since the first day of the 2024/25 season, it’s fair to say that Joshua Zirkzee is in dire need of a goal. The pressure has been mounting on Zirkzee so much in recent weeks that Erik ten Hag has even had to come out in defence of the forward’s performances.

And while scoring a goal this weekend will ultimately alleviate pressure, the Dutch international’s ability to drop deep and link-up play may be the key to the game.

Up against a defender keen to chase forwards around the park and attempt to nip in and win possession in Cristian Romero, Zirkzee’s clever movement may be enough to pull Tottenham’s defence out of shape and allow the like of Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford to have some joy in the final third.

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Caitlin Clark’s rookie season: record-breaking, marred by anti-white racist attacks

2024-09-28T03:46:00.001-07:00

Caitlin Clark’s rookie season will undoubtedly go down in the WNBA history books. The Iowa standout has made an immediate impact on the league, breaking records and setting new milestones despite experiencing the highest level of racial hate from black players and commentators.

Clark set the single-season assist record, showcasing her incredible vision and playmaking ability. She also shattered the single-season rookie scoring record, proving her versatility as both a facilitator and a dominant scorer.

Continue reading Caitlin Clark’s rookie season: record-breaking, marred by anti-white racist attacks at TalkBasket.net.

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Five takeaways from Trump’s Michigan town hall

2024-09-27T22:50:00.001-07:00

Former President Trump visited the key battleground of Michigan on Friday for a town hall conversation in which he attacked Vice President Harris over policies he says have hurt the state’s auto industry.

Trump sat for a conversation moderated by Tennessee GOP Sen. Marsha Blackburn and took questions from the audience, but the night felt more reflective of the Republican nominee’s signature rallies filled with his most diehard supporters.

In his responses, Trump slammed Harris and Democrats over policies on energy, economics and immigration.

Here’s five takeaways from the event:

Trump homes in on key ‘blue wall’ state

The former president’s visit on Friday night to Warren, a suburb of Detroit, is just the latest he has made in Michigan, a major battleground that helped hand him the presidency in 2016 before flipping back to vote for President Biden in 2020.

Trump has increased his visits to Michigan and the other half dozen key swing states with less than six weeks to Election Day.

The Great Lakes State is one of three of the contested “blue wall” states — along with Wisconsin and Pennsylvania — that could clinch the presidency for Trump or Harris in November. Both candidates have made frequent visits trying to appeal especially to blue-collar workers in suburban areas who are more likely swing voters.

Trump made a stop in the state earlier on Friday, visiting a manufacturing facility in the suburbs of Grand Rapids in the western part of the state.

Harris leads Trump by just over 1 point in Michigan in the polling average from Decision Desk HQ/The Hill.

EVs draw attacks

Trump has often made electric vehicles a target of his speeches when addressing voters in states like Michigan, pointing to a Biden administration policy that he has argued amounts to a mandate.

“They have an electric mandate,” Trump said Friday. “’Every car is going to be electric,’ they say. I will terminate that… on day one.”

The policy from the Environmental Protection Agency technically does not require automakers to produce electric vehicles or any specific technology but imposes pollution limits for their vehicle fleets. But the stringent standards will likely require shifting the market toward electric vehicles or at least lower-carbon options, like hybrid vehicles.

The rule would have 56 percent of new vehicles as electric, 29 percent gas-powered and 13 percent plug-in hybrids by 2032. It is expected to prevent 7.2 billion tons of carbon dioxide emissions by 2055.

Trump often attacked electric vehicles as inefficient but on Friday argued consumers should have a choice of which vehicles to purchase.

He also went after Shawn Fain, the president of United Auto Workers (UAW) who endorsed Harris, accusing him of letting Biden go through with the policy. UAW has said it wants to ensure workers are protected but did not oppose a shift to electric vehicles.

Trump doubles down on tariffs

The Republican candidate repeatedly defended his tariff policy as the way to give U.S. businesses a leg up against those around the world.

Trump’s willingness to raise tariffs on other countries was a key part of his term in office, and he began a trade war with China that has seen both countries issuing tariffs on each other and continues to today.

During the event, Trump called for using a “smart” plan to use tariffs “wisely” to protect American business interests. He argued the country’s adversaries and allies have all taken advantage of the country and that the steel industry “thrived” because of tariffs he placed on China.

Trump also praised former President William McKinley, who was a proponent of tariffs and advocated for a tariff that raised rates to nearly 50 percent for a wide range of products. Republicans throughout much of the party’s early years were proponent of tariffs before adopting free trade policies as the 20th century progressed.

But Trump has marked a return to support for protectionism for the GOP not seen in many decades before him.

“We need a smart series of tariffs and taxes,” he said.

Immigration is central

Trump also took the opportunity to pounce on Harris as the vice president visited the U.S.-Mexico border in Arizona on Friday evening. She called for more resources for Border Patrol and reiterated her support for the bipartisan border legislation that failed in the Senate after Trump called on Republicans to oppose it.

Trump said Harris “always complains and doesn’t do anything.” He acknowledged Harris’s visit to the border, saying “what a day for the border today.”

Immigration has been a hot topic in the 2024 election, with voters often listing it as the second-most important issue facing the country after the economy. Polling has shown it to be a weakness particularly for Biden but a potential vulnerability for Harris and Democrats.

Survey respondents have said they trust Trump to handle immigration more than Harris.

Trump vowed if elected, he would finish construction of the border wall he pledged to have built and “close” the border, accusing those coming across illegally from taking jobs away from Americans.

A town hall that felt more like a rally

The event was set up like a town hall where a candidate would take questions to hear what issues are on voters’ minds, but the night a more choreographed version of one of Trump’s rallies.

He sat with one of his most ardent supporter in Congress, Blackburn, who often praised Trump over various policies he implemented as president and has pledged to enact. He was also surrounded by an enthused crowd of supporters who regularly applauded his responses to the handful of questions he received.

Trump has participated in several of these town halls with top surrogates asking questions, but he has mostly avoided traditional town halls with undecided voters. He has held several press conferences recently in which he has taken various questions from reporters.

Harris has also engaged in limited media appearances outside of her own rallies and occasional answering of a few questions from the press since launching her candidacy.

But she has recently signaled an increase in media engagements, participating in her first solo interview on MSNBC as the Democratic nominee this week and sitting for interviews with local outlets.

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St. Louis City v Sporting Kansas City: This rivalry is important to MLS, says Hackworth

2024-09-27T19:46:00.001-07:00

John Hackworth believes St. Louis City’s derby with Sporting Kansas City is key to MLS as they resume their rivalry on Saturday.

The last two meetings between the sides have finished level, with both ending in dramatic fashion.

St. Louis City come into the latest edition having lost just one of their last six outings, though that was their last home match.

They sit 13th in the Eastern Conference, level on points with Sporting above them, and Hackworth is now keen to build on the momentum from their win over San Jose Earthquakes last Saturday.

“We talked about trying to finish these last five games with a lot of momentum, showing our fans what we were capable of,” Hackworth said.

“We knew we had to go on the road in one of these three games and be successful, and now we just need to build on that.

“This rivalry is really important to our league. It’s two teams who are going to go after it and play by their principles, leaving it all out there to see what happens – two dramatic draws set us up for this contest.”

Prep work #AllForCITY x @BJC_HealthCare pic.twitter.com/lViJaTEety

— St Louis CITY SC (@stlCITYsc) September 26, 2024

Meanwhile, Kansas City have won just one of their last five matches in all competitions and suffered a 3-1 defeat to Los Angeles FC in the US Open Cup final on Wednesday.

Head coach Peter Vermes was left disappointed by the result but believes there are positives to take from the performance.

“I give the guys a lot of credit. I’m very proud of the effort that the guys put into that game,” Vermes said.

“It never feels good to lose. But I also think that the group did themselves proud in the way they performed. We had good responses in that game, but in the end, we fell short.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

St. Louis City – Cedric Teuchert

Cedric Teuchert scored in the fourth minute in each of St. Louis City’s last two matches.

Teuchert is one of six players to score more than one goal in the opening four minutes of matches this season and the second to do so in consecutive matches (Mikael Uhre).

Cedric Teuchert has made an immediate impact with @stlCITYsc since joining the squad this summer.

He’ll look to score more goals in his first rivalry match against Sporting KC this weekend. Watch with #MLSSeasonPass: https://t.co/Ci2rShNTOs pic.twitter.com/2NcOYP7yHk

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 27, 2024

Sporting Kansas City – Tim Melia

Both goals Sporting Kansas City conceded in their loss to Minnesota United on Saturday came in the final 30 minutes.

Sporting have allowed 31 goals in the final 30 minutes of matches this season, only San Jose (33) has allowed more, and Tim Melia will be hoping his concentration levels can improve ahead of Saturday’s match.

MATCH PREDICTION: ST. LOUIS CITY WIN

St. Louis City have lost only two of their last 10 matches in all competitions (W4 D4), including picking up a 2-1 win at San Jose on Saturday. St. Louis have not won two straight matches in all competitions since wins over Minnesota United and Sporting Kansas City last September.

Sporting have lost 10 of their last 12 regular-season away matches, including a 2-0 loss in Seattle in their last league road match. Only league-worst San Jose (11) have lost more away matches this season than Sporting (10).

However, Kansas City are unbeaten in four straight meetings with St. Louis (W2 D2) after St. Louis won two of the first three encounters. This will be the eighth meeting between St. Louis and Kansas City, totaling 10.4 % (8/77) of all of St. Louis’ games in all competitions up to this point.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

St. Louis City – 43.4%

Draw – 26.7%

Sporting Kansas City – 29.9%

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King and prime minister lead tributes to ‘national treasure’

2024-09-27T18:50:00.001-07:00

A look back at Dame Maggie Smith’s career

Dame Maggie Smith, best known for the Harry Potter films and Downton Abbey, has been remembered as “a true legend” of acting following her death at the age of 89.

Tributes have been paid by the King and prime minister, as well as numerous co-stars from her long career.

King Charles described her as “a national treasure”, while Sir Keir Starmer said she was “beloved by so many for her great talent”.

Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe fondly remembered her “fierce intellect” and “gloriously sharp tongue”.

Miriam Margolyes said she was “the best of the best”, who combined “ferocity, a glint of mischief, delight and tenderness”.

“And enormous courage. I’ve been in awe of her, as all her colleagues are,” Margolyes told BBC News.

“I saw what a kind person she could be – as well as absolutely terrifying.”

Dame Maggie was known for her sharp tongue on screen and off during a varied and acclaimed career that spanned eight decades.

In the Harry Potter films, she played the acerbic Professor Minerva McGonagall, famous for her pointed witch’s hat and stern manner with the young wizards at Hogwarts.

Paying tribute, Radcliffe said: “She was a fierce intellect, had a gloriously sharp tongue, could intimidate and charm in the same instant and was, as everyone will tell you, extremely funny.

“I will always consider myself amazingly lucky to have been able to work with her, and to spend time around her on set.

“The word legend is overused but if it applies to anyone in our industry then it applies to her. Thank you Maggie.”

Emma Watson said she didn’t quite appreciate that young Hermione was sharing the screen “with a true definition of greatness” until her adult years.

Posting on Instagram, she remembered the star for being “real, honest, funny and self-honouring”.

“Maggie, there are a lot of male professors and by God you held your own.”

PA Media

The National Theatre praised Dame Maggie’s “deep intelligence, sublime craft and sharp wit”

In hit ITV drama Downton Abbey, she played Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, the grand matriarch who excelled at withering one-liners through the show’s six series.

Elsewhere in her career, she won two Oscars – for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie in 1970 and California Suite in 1979.

She had four other nominations, and received seven Bafta awards.

In a statement, the King and Queen said: “As the curtain comes down on a national treasure, we join all those around the world in remembering with the fondest admiration and affection her many great performances, and her warmth and wit that shone through both off and on the stage.”

The prime minister agreed that Dame Maggie was “a true national treasure whose work will be cherished for generations to come”.

She “introduced us to new worlds with the countless stories she acted over her long career”, Sir Keir said.

Hugh Bonneville, who played the Earl of Grantham in Downton Abbey, said: “Anyone who ever shared a scene with Maggie will attest to her sharp eye, sharp wit and formidable talent.

“She was a true legend of her generation and thankfully will live on in so many magnificent screen performances.”

‘No-one quite like Maggie’

Dame Maggie reprised her role for the two Downton Abbey films. In 2022’s Downton Abbey: A New Era, her character died of the illness she revealed at the end of the 2019 film.

Co-star Dame Harriet Walter told BBC Radio 4’s PM programme she excelled at comedy as well as drama.

“She was a true comedian, but also I’ve seen her playing some incredibly heartfelt, deep, sad roles, which is the huge range of an actress like her,” she said.

“If she was merely funny or merely tragic, she wouldn’t quite have made that sort of impression.”

Michelle Dockery, who played Dame Maggie’s on-screen granddaughter Lady Mary Crawley, told the BBC: “There was no-one quite like Maggie.

“I feel tremendously lucky to have known such a maverick. She will be deeply missed and my thoughts are with her family.”

Lesley Nicol, who played Downton Abbey’s cook Mrs Patmore, told BBC Radio Ulster: “It’s a very close group of people so we’re all devastated to think she’s not around any more.”

Downton Abbey creator and writer Julian Fellowes told Variety magazine she was “a joy to write for, subtle, many-layered, intelligent, funny and heart-breaking”.

Downton followed the success of 2002 period drama Gosford Park, which earned Dame Maggie both Oscar and Bafta nominations for playing the Dowager Countess of Trentham.

Dame Maggie Smith and Dame Judi Dench starred together in films including A Room With a View and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

Dame Kristin Scott-Thomas, who starred alongside Dame Maggie in Gosford Park, said she “took acting very seriously but saw through the nonsense and razzmatazz”.

“She really didn’t want to deal with that,” Dame Kristin added.

“She had a sense of humour and wit that could reduce me to a blithering puddle of giggles. And she did not have patience with fools. So you had to be a bit careful. I absolutely adored her.

“The last time I saw her, she was very cross about being old. ‘Maddening’ I think she said. Much loved, much admired and irreplaceable.”

Also paying tribute, a National Theatre spokesperson said her career “spanned the theatrical, film and television world without equal”.

Praising her stage performances, the statement continued: “She will forever be remembered as one of the greatest actors this country has had the inestimable pleasure of witnessing.”

Bafta added that she was a “legend of British stage and screen”.

PA Media

Dame Maggie Smith, Miriam Margolyes, Richard Harris and Alan Rickman starred in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in 2002

Announcing the news of her death “with great sadness” on Friday, her sons Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin said she “passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning”.

They said: “An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.”

They thanked “the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and unstinting kindness during her final days”.

They added: “We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time.”

PA Media

Queen Elizabeth II was presented to Maggie Smith by Sir Laurence Olivier at the 1966 London charity premiere of the film Othello

Dame Maggie began her career in the 1950s and was nominated for her first Oscar for playing Desdemona opposite Laurence Olivier in Shakespeare’s Othello in 1965.

The actress’s other memorable roles included 1985 Merchant Ivory film A Room With a View, which earned her another Oscar nomination and a Bafta.

She appeared as an English woman living in 1930s Italy in the film Tea with Mussolini, which was released in 1999; and was the firm but fair Reverend Mother in the two Sister Act films.

Sister Act co-star Whoopi Goldberg called Dame Maggie “a great woman and a brilliant actress”, adding: “I still can’t believe I was lucky enough to work with the ‘one-of-a-kind’.”

Rob Lowe, who starred with Dame Maggie in 1993’s Suddenly, Last Summer, recalled “the unforgettable experience of working with her”.

“Sharing a two-shot was like being paired with a lion,” he said.

“She could eat anyone alive, and often did. But funny, and great company. And suffered no fools.

“We will never see another. God speed, Ms Smith!”

The veteran actress also played the old woman who spent 15 years living in a van outside Alan Bennett’s house in a film adaptation of the writer’s The Lady in the Van in 2015.

Alex Jennings, who played Bennett, told Radio 4 she was “fearless” and praised her “brilliant technical abilities as an actress”.

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Brittney Griner Remains In Russia; Trevor Reed Is Released

2024-09-26T22:50:00.001-07:00

US Marine veteran Trevor Reed is on his way home after being released from Russia, where officials said he was wrongfully detained since 2019.

“Today, our prayers have been answered and Trevor is safely on his way back to the United States,” his family said in a statement.

Reed’s release came as part of a prisoner swap with Russia, with the US sending back Konstantin Yaroshenko, a Russian pilot sentenced in 2011 to a 20-year prison term for importing more than $100 million of cocaine.

The surprise prisoner exchange was the result of long and difficult negotiations between the US and Russia, according to both countries. The fraught diplomacy was made all the more extraordinary because of the utter collapse of relations between Washington and Moscow over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

President Joe Biden, who met with the Reed family last month, said in a statement on Wednesday that the negotiations to release him “required difficult decisions that I do not take lightly.”

“I heard in the voices of Trevor’s parents how much they’ve worried about his health and missed his presence,” Biden said. “And I was delighted to be able to share with them the good news about Trevor’s freedom.”

Reed, 30, was imprisoned for allegedly assaulting a police officer while he was drunk, but his family and US diplomats said he was innocent, describing the evidence against him at trial as “preposterous” and “absurd.” Instead, they said he was being held as a bargaining chip.

In recent weeks, Reed’s health had deteriorated and he had been hospitalized with signs of tuberculosis and a possible broken rib, according to the State Department, making his release all the more urgent.

Reed’s family said Biden’s decision to go ahead with the prisoner swap may have saved the former Marine’s life. They had previously expressed fears that Reed might suffer the same fate as Otto Warmbier, the American student held for 17 months in North Korea who went into a coma after his 2017 release and died.

The State Department has previously declined to identify exactly how many Americans have been detained in Russia, but there are at least two high-profile prisoners who remain behind bars there: Paul Whelan and WNBA star Brittney Griner.

Whelan, another former Marine, has been detained the longest, having been first arrested at the end of 2018, and accused of being an American spy. His family has denied this, but he was sentenced in 2020 to 16 years in prison.

Ryan Fayhee, a former Justice Department official now acting as a pro bono attorney for the Whelan family, said they had “complex feelings” about Wednesday’s news.

“They wish the family the very best, but they also view this as a missed opportunity,” Fayhee said, pointing to the different crimes the two swapped prisoners were convicted of. “It was a pretty high price to pay. If you make a comparison between the two people who’ve gone home today, to not include Paul in that is a missed opportunity.”

Fayhee called on Biden to meet with the Whelans like he did with the Reeds, and consider alternative options than prisoner exchanges in order to free him.

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Jason Whitlock: WNBA’s complaints seek to undermine free speech

2024-09-26T22:46:00.001-07:00

Jason Whitlock expressed his thoughts on X regarding the WNBA’s victimhood, stating that the league’s complaints about social media are part of a coordinated attempt to undermine free speech.

He argued that the league’s actions are politically motivated, pointing to their “Vote” T-shirts as evidence of their agenda.

According to Whitlock, their goal is to suppress free speech and target X, the only mainstream platform that upholds it under Elon Musk’s leadership.

Continue reading Jason Whitlock: WNBA’s complaints seek to undermine free speech at TalkBasket.net.

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BRICS countries recognize group’s importance for multipolarity: Jaishankar

2024-09-26T17:50:00.001-07:00

: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with his BRICS counterparts to affirm its role in a multipolar world. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

“Underlined its significance for multi-polarity and global diversity,” Mr. Jaishankar said on social media site X. The group, originally comprised on Brazil Russia India China South Africa, expanded at the start of this year to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the UAE. Thursday’s meeting was convened by Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira.

Just concluded the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting on the sidelines of #UNGA79.

Underlined its significance for multi-polarity and global diversity.

Focused on reforming multilateralism and strengthening development.

Also discussed achieving SDG targets, addressing debt,… pic.twitter.com/kRdh6pWMVT

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) September 26, 2024

The group focused on reforming multilateralism and strengthening development, the minister said. They also discussed the Sustainable Development Goals, debt, fair trade and poverty alleviation, according to Mr. Jaishankar.

Asked earlier this week at the Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI) about what India was getting out of being a member of the Quad and also BRICS and the SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation), Mr. Jaishankar said each of these groupings represented a different aspect of India’s goals.

“I think each one is a different facet … of our interests and our activities,” he said. The BRICS group was made in the context of non-Western countries feeling they were not getting a fair hearing in the overall scheme of things, Mr. Jaishankar said.

Published – September 27, 2024 03:39 am IST

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Liverpool could move for Rodrygo if Salah leaves

2024-09-26T15:46:00.001-07:00

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Liverpool could make a huge offer for the services of Real Madrid winger Rodrygo Goes, if Mohamed Salah leaves at the end of the season.

Salah is in his last year of contract at Liverpool, and he himself has admitted this could be his last season at Anfield. Though a player of his quality would be difficult to replace, the Merseysiders are apparently considering the possibility of offering close to €100 million for Rodrygo.

As for Real Madrid, they have no immediate plans to get rid of the Brazil international, but they do not consider him untouchable either, and if they’re offered a suitable amount, they would be prepared to listen.

At the age of only 23, Rodrygo already boasts considerable experience at the highest levels of the game. Since his arrival from Santos in 2019, he’s made a total of 225 appearances for Real in all competitions, scoring 57 goals and producing 43 assists.

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Zelensky Warns World Leaders of Continued Russian Threats

2024-09-26T02:50:00.001-07:00

new video loaded: Zelensky Warns World Leaders of Continued Russian Threats

transcript

Zelensky Warns World Leaders of Continued Russian Threats

The president of Ukraine called Russia’s push for more land “insane” in his speech to world leaders at the U.N. General Assembly in New York.

There can be no just peace without Ukraine. And I thank every leader, every country that supports us in this, that understands us, that sees how Russia, a country more than 20 times larger than Ukraine in territory, still wants even more land — more land, which is insane — and is seizing it day by day while wanting to destroy its neighbor. I want peace for my people, real peace and just peace. And I am asking for your support from all nations of the world. We do not divide the world. I ask the same of you. Do not divide the world. Be United Nations, and that will bring us peace. Thank you. Slava Ukraini.

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Mother of Alabama shooting victim describes pain of losing daughter: “She had a life ahead of her”

2024-09-25T22:50:00.001-07:00

Candance Kemp’s 21-year-old daughter, Anitra Holloman, was killed in a shooting in Birmingham, Alabama, on Saturday. The grieving mother shared what she wants the world to remember about her daughter.

Holloman’s 1-year-old daughter, Skilar, also lost her father to gun violence two years ago. Kemp who will now raise Skilar, says gun violence in her community has “gotten out of control.”

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Jamal Crawford: The first layup I ever did was a behind-the-back backwards jelly at 8-years-old

2024-09-25T17:46:00.001-07:00

3x NBA Sixth Man of the Year Jamal Crawford remembers quickly falling in love with basketball when he began playing the sport as a youngster.

(via Run Your Race):

“I started playing on a team when I was 8, and I’ll never forget coach was like, ‘Two line layups.’ And you know kids is 8-years-old, you trying to get it up there. And the first layup I ever did, I took the ball, I went behind my back, and I did a backwards jelly and made it and the kids was looking at me like a spaceship like, ‘Where’d this dude come from?

Continue reading Jamal Crawford: The first layup I ever did was a behind-the-back backwards jelly at 8-years-old at TalkBasket.net.

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How did Titan hull come apart? Safety experts weigh in

2024-09-25T16:50:00.001-07:00

An analysis of the wreckage of OceanGate’s Titan submersible has revealed how its hull came apart.

Images of the craft’s pieces scattered across the sea floor show the carbon fibre hull had separated into multiple layers – a known problem with the material.

The evidence was presented on Wednesday to the US Coast Guard at a public hearing into the catastrophic failure of the sub in June 2023, which killed all five people on board.

It was not confirmed that the hull was the first part of the sub to fail, but the details suggest it is a key focus of the investigation.

Investigators are seeking to uncover the details of what led to the tragedy and find recommendations that could prevent future deadly voyages.

Titan, operated by OceanGate, imploded less than two hours into its descent during a dive to the wreckage of the Titanic.

Titan’s hull was made from numerous layers of carbon fibre mixed with resin.

It’s a highly unusual material for a deep sea sub because it is unreliable under pressure – most crafts are made from metals like titanium.

Don Kramer, an engineer at the National Transportation Safety Board, showed the US Coast Guard a series of images of sections of the hull on the sea floor.

He described how in some fragments, the carbon fibre layers had come apart – a known process called delamination.

In other places, the material was cracked.

It was not confirmed whether the damage to the hull had caused the implosion.

“I’m not offering any analysis at this point as to whether [the damage] occurred before or after the implosion,” he said.

Mr Kramer also described how his team had analysed samples of Titan’s hull left over from its construction. They looked at offcuts from when the sub was made.

He described that the samples showed areas where the carbon fibre layers had separated, as well as wrinkles, voids and gaps.

Any irregularities in the material would have affected how the hull performed under the immense pressures under water.

The US Coast Guard was also told how a loud bang heard during a dive a year before the disaster may have damaged the sub’s structure.

Passengers had reported it while the sub was returning to the surface after a dive to the Titanic in 2022. One passenger described it as an “alarming sonic event” while giving evidence last week.

At the time, OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush said he thought it was the sub shifting in the metal frame that surrounded it.

But a new analysis of sensor data by the National Transportation Safety Board suggested that the noise signalled some kind of change to the fabric of the hull.

This may have altered the way the sub was able to respond to the pressures of the deep.

Mr Kramer pointed to several other issues with the sub’s design including the viewport window was not being rated to dive to the depths of the Titanic and the hull’s unusual shape preventing pressure from being distributed equally.

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China test-fires ICBM for first time in decades

2024-09-25T01:50:00.001-07:00

China has said it successfully launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) carrying a dummy warhead into the Pacific Ocean.

The ICMB was launched at 08:44 local time (04:44 GMT) on Wednesday and “fell into expected sea areas”, Beijing’s defence ministry said, adding that the test launch was “routine” and part of its “annual training”.

The type of missile and its flight path remained unclear, but Chinese state media said Beijing had “informed the countries concerned in advance”.

Analysts said Beijing’s description of the test as “routine” was surprising because the last such test happened in 1980.

China’s nuclear weapon tests usually take place domestically and it previously test-fired ICBMs west into the Taklamakan Desert in the Xinjiang region.

So this is believed to be the first time since 1980 that it launched an ICBM into international waters.

“Unless I’m missing something, I think this is essentially the first time this has happened – and been announced as such – in a long time,” Ankit Panda, a nuclear weapons specialist at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, wrote on X.

He added that Beijing’s description of the test as “routine” and “annual” was odd, “given that they don’t do this sort of thing either routinely or annually”.

Japan’s defence ministry said there has been no damage to its vessels as of early afternoon on Wednesday.

“We will continue to collect and analyse information on the movements of the Chinese military and will take all possible precautions in our vigilance and monitoring,” the ministry said, according to Japanese broadcaster NHK.

When China last did such a test – in May 1980 – the ICBM flew 9,070km and landed in the Pacific. That test involved 18 Chinese naval ships and is still considered one of China’s biggest naval missions.

“Timing is everything,” Drew Thompson, a visiting research fellow at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy in Singapore, wrote on X.

“[China’s] statement claims the launch does not target any country, but there are high-levels of tension between China and Japan, Philippines, and of course perpetual tension with Taiwan.”

“The launch is a powerful signal intended to intimidate everyone,” he added.

John Ridge, a US-based defence analyst, said China could have conducted the test as a form of “posturing or signalling to the United States”.

While the relationship between Beijing and Washington has improved in the past year, China’s increasing assertiveness in the region remains a sticking point.

Tensions have ramped up between China and the Philippines as their ships have repeatedly collided in disputed waters. Last month, Japan scrambled fighter jets after it accused a Chinese spy plane of breaching its air space, a move that it called “utterly unacceptable”.

Beijing’s claims over self-governed Taiwan have been another source of strain.

Taiwan’s defence ministry said earlier on Wednesday that China had been carrying out “intensive” missile firing and other drills recently. In the same statement, the ministry said it had detected 23 Chinese military aircraft operating around Taiwan on “long-range missions”.

Beijing routinely sends ships and aircraft into Taiwanese waters and airspace in what analysts say is a “greyzone warfare” tactic meant to normalise the incursions.

In July this year, China suspended its nuclear arms control talks with Washington, in retaliation for the US’ continued arms sales to Taiwan.

Last year, China replaced two leaders of the People’s Liberation Army’s Rocket Force unit – the elite unit managing its nuclear arsenal – over corruption allegations.

In a report published last year, the Pentagon estimated that China has more than 500 operational nuclear warheads in its arsenal, of which approximately 350 are ICBMs.

The report also projected that China will reach over 1,000 warheads by 2030. Still, that is a fraction of the more than 5,000 warheads that the US and Russia each say they possess.

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Queen’s Piper Plays Bagpipes At Funeral

2024-09-24T21:50:00.001-07:00

The moving moments were especially symbolic given the Queen started most days with the sound of bagpipes.

As something of an alarm clock, the piper would play at 9 a.m. for 15 minutes for the monarch wherever she was in residence.

Pipe Major Scott Methven, who held the role between 2015 and 2019, told the BBC last week that he got to know the Queen very well during his time in the position.

“It was a pleasure as her Majesty would stand and watch you play,” he told the BBC. “She enjoyed the bagpipes, but she got to know you as a person.”

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Looking Back at the Return of the Iconic Nike KD 4 in Retro Form

2024-09-24T19:46:00.001-07:00

This story appears in SLAM KICKS 27. Get your copy here.

It was everything we could have dreamed of. One by one, the 2024 NBA All-Stars from the East and West made their way from the tunnel to the court. It was February 18, 2024. Everybody was suited in their best. The King debuted a hybrid Nike LeBron 21 fused with Deion Sanders’ monochrome Nike Air DT Max. Stephen Curry was rocking his titular Curry 4 Low FloTro. The digs were clean. And then a metallic finish gleamed under the lights of Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Draped in the game’s half-red, half-blue striped warm-ups, Kevin Durant sent everyone—including us—into a fever pitch. The litany of social media posts that followed echoed the culture-shaking moments from the heyday of NikeTalk. Bright orange Swooshes stamped at the strap and the medial heel. A faint baby blue speckling littering the jet-black midsole that reflected the depths of deep space. A translucent, glow-in-the-dark outsole sitting just below. And under the hood, a picturesque galaxy of stars, big bangs and wormholes extending across the insoles.

For the first time since 2012, Kevin Durant was wearing the KD 4. And this wasn’t like him kicking it in a pair of Travis Scott x Air Jordan 1 OG Lows from his beloved rotation. The two-time NBA champ was dropping buckets in the Zoom-cushioned silhouette just like he did 12 years prior.

For the entirety of the first half, we got to watch KD play in what’s continuously heralded as the best sneaker in his lengthy signature discography. We literally witnessed history repeat itself in real time. Top of the key threes, alley-oop reverse lays and no-look assists on the perimeter. Different jersey, different city and a few more grays in the beard, but the kicks stayed the exact same.

We’re serious, the exact same. Kevin Durant’s retro run is precisely that: a retro. This isn’t the same ethos that surrounds Kobe Bryant’s Protro pairs that have been retooled for the modern game. The 4s have the same smooth TPU strap, full-length Zoom Air bag and monomesh midfoot windows that Leo Chang masterfully cobbled together out in Beaverton.

On a hallowed night in Orlando over a decade ago, the world watched a 23-year-old Durant stamp his unyielding love for the game in his third-ever All-Star appearance. Thirty-six points, 7 boards, 3 dots and 3 steals = MVP. Fast forward 12 years, and the sneaker wasn’t just laced on KD’s feet as he poured in a surgically efficient 18 points; it also lay in a shielded display case at CORPORATE on McCrea St.

Everyone knows about the different hallmark moments in the NBA season. But for the sneaker brands, All-Star Weekend is the epicenter of the year. Budgets are allocated, plans are set in place and venues are booked months and months in advance. In-person activations are the name of the game, marrying newly released products with experiential moments. Customizable gear is like its own currency. Then there are the true sneakerheads, who are are searching through pop-up stores and local boutiques for the holy grail of the weekend.

This past February out in Indianapolis, everyone was hunting for the pair Durant would famously wear a few days later.

The tonal beige and brown “Year of the Dragon 2.0” colorway may have officially kicked off the silhouette’s revival in early February, but the “Galaxy” was the first original colorway from that iconic 2011-12 run that the Swoosh brought back to market. A shock drop on February 15 set the stage for the return of the community’s favorite ensembles.

Just as we spoke it into existence last year in KICKS 26, Nike wasn’t hanging it up like they
did with the 2018 release of the KD 4 “Thunderstruck” after Durant and the Warriors claimed the title. The Swoosh combed through the catalog and hand-selected the best of the best. Nothing but haymakers for months.

In late May, we were blessed with the topographical “Weatherman” joints as images of cargo pants and color-coordinated tees screamed of a bygone era. By the time you have this magazine in your hands, what some consider the most acclaimed colorway of Durant’s 17 signature sneakers will have returned, with the aesthetic of rubber-tipped bullets and plastic magazines. The KD 4 “Nerf” is upon us. And while it won’t be packaged in the same square box that held a cardboard mini hoop and foam basketball, those same pops of deep blue, gray, orange and volt will be transporting everyone back to memories of denting the closet door with All-Star-caliber dunk contests in their childhood bedrooms.

The releases have been timely yet staggered, allowing more than enough breathing room between each drop to reignite the deep-rooted passion that exists for that midfoot strap. Nike knows they’ve got us in a vice grip. It’s why they’re reportedly set to close out the 4s retro run with a duo of bangers, the copper and black “Christmas” colorway and the heart-tugging “Aunt Pearl” rendition—the first of a now 13-silhouette-strong series dedicated to KD’s late aunt.

The past seven months have been a bunch of nostalgia-induced trips down memory lane. We’ve been living in the parallel reality that we dreamed about just a few years ago. It’s back on the streets, on the courts and in closets all around the world. Lucky for us, the story of the 4 continues.

Photos via Getty Images and Nike.

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‘End This War’: Biden Calls for Gaza Cease-fire in Final U.N. Speech

2024-09-24T16:50:00.001-07:00

new video loaded: ‘End This War’: Biden Calls for Gaza Cease-fire in Final U.N. Speech

transcript

‘End This War’: Biden Calls for Gaza Cease-fire in Final U.N. Speech

President Biden said the families of hostages in Gaza and innocent civilians in the enclave were “going through hell” and urged Israel and Hamas to sign on to a cease-fire deal.

The world must not flinch from the horrors of Oct. 7. Any country, any country would have the right and responsibility to ensure that such an attack can never happen again. Two hundred and fifty innocents taken hostage. I’ve met with the families of those hostages. I’ve grieved with them. They’re going through hell. Innocent civilians in Gaza are also going through hell. Thousands and thousands killed, including aid workers. Too many families dislocated, crowding into tents, facing a dire humanitarian situation. They didn’t ask for this war that Hamas started. I put forward with Qatar and Egypt a cease-fire and hostage deal. It’s been endorsed by the U.N. Security Council. Now is the time for the parties to finalize its terms. Bring the hostages home and secure security for Israel and Gaza free of Hamas’s grip. Ease the suffering in Gaza and end this war.

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Best goalkeepers in EA FC 25

2024-09-23T22:46:00.001-07:00

The idea of goalkeepers as merely shot-stoppers is a concept that’s drifted out of vogue and football is currently blessed with an array of multi-faceted number ones.

In truth, the majority of those who dabble in the virtual world of EA FC 25 aren’t too fussed with a keeper’s ability to play with the ball at their feet. For gamers, that supposedly antiquated goalkeeper ideal of stopping shots is all-important.

EA Sports take various aspects of goalkeeping, including diving, handling, kicking and reflexes, when determining the overall rating of a goalkeeper and you’re not going to be shy of elite-level options when cultivating your Ultimate Team.

Here are the highest-rated goalkeepers in EA FC 25.

Maignan is France’s new number one following Hugo Lloris’ retirement / Giuseppe Bellini/GettyImages

Liverpool may have recently exposed a fragility from set-pieces, but there’s no denying Mike Maignan’s status as one of the very best in the world at what he does.

Cultured in possession and boasting cat-like reflexes, the Frenchman typically steers clear of errors. Many Milan fans would argue they upgraded on Gianluigi Donnarumma after Maignan’s brilliance became clear and he’s now France’s number one following the retirement of Hugo Lloris.

Martinez’s antics for Argentina turned him into a national hero / Matthew Lewis/GettyImages

Cristiano Ronaldo ‘stans’ have Emiliano Martinez to thank for ruining the tedious GOAT debate. Lionel Messi’s World Cup triumph likely never would have occurred if it wasn’t for the Aston Villa keeper’s heroics.

An Argentine national hero with a bit of a mad streak, Martinez’s rise from Arsenal cast-off to premier shot-stopper has been nothing short of remarkable.

A stellar 2023/24 campaign with Aston Villa means Martinez has earned a +2 upgrade in EA FC 25 and his card is impressively well-balanced.

Kobel had a huge role in Borussia Dortmund’s ascent to the Champions League final last season / ANP/GettyImages

Gregor Kobel was already regarded by EA as one of the very best in the world last year, but the Switzerland international’s role in Borussia Dortmund’s journey to the Champions League final means he’s been rewarded with another upgrade.

Kobel starts EA FC 25 with an 88-rated card which means he’s finally usurped Manuel Neuer as the best goalkeeper in the Bundesliga.

Kobel was responsible for bailing BVB out on numerous occasions last term, with his remarkable ability for pulling off the spectacular seeing him dominate highlight reels.

Endler is the only woman in the top ten / Mike Hewitt/GettyImages

A mini-spoiler here: Christiane Endler is the sole female representative on this list.

The experienced Chilean goalkeeper has fierce competition from Mary Earps, but many would regard Endler as the very best at what she does in the women’s game.

She’s starred for the once-dominant Lyon since joining the club in 2021 and has previously been described by former USWNT shot-stopper Hope Solo as a “one-in-a-million” goalkeeper.

There are few, if any, chinks in Endler’s armour.

Oblak has been among the highest-rated goalkeepers for years / Angel Martinez/GettyImages

A perpetual steady presence, Jan Oblak may not be as dominant as he once was, but the Atletico Madrid stalwart is still hugely respected by EA.

The Slovenian superstar has constantly been regarded among the very best in the world and is typically a pretty easy pick-up for Ultimate Team lovers intent on crafting a mean and nasty La Liga outfit.

Oblak and his steady hands usually avoid infamy and sequences of chaos, with the serenity he provides between the posts instilling an overwhelming sense of calm among the Atleti backline.

The Brazilian is a master distributor / Naomi Baker/GettyImages

Ederson’s rating is aided by his monster 91 kicking which pays homage to his borderline revolutionary ability to boot a football very far with outstanding accuracy.

His distribution remains supreme and the best in the game, but the Manchester City stopper is starting to get caught out a little more often than he once did. Retaining focus and concentration can be difficult given how much his team typically dominates matches and he’s not a keeper who can win games on his own.

Still, Ederson is an excellent goalkeeper and his 64 speed means he’s among the niftiest glovemen in the game.

Barcelona supporters would disagree with Ter Stegen’s lofty rating / LLUIS GENE/GettyImages

The majority of Barcelona supporters would regard an 89 rating for Marc-Andre ter Stegen, a stylish goalkeeper with a similar profile to compatriot Neuer, as incredibly generous.

The German is not the goalkeeper he once was, even if he can produce moments and performances which remind fans of his vintage brilliance. A long-term knee injury means he won’t play much before the release of EA FC 26.

The Liverpool goalkeeper has been a model of consistency since arriving in the Premier League / Marco Luzzani/GettyImages

Liverpool’s transformative shot-stopper isn’t the most refined in some departments, but he’s perhaps the very best in one-on-one situations and an extraordinarily consistent goalkeeper.

His significance to the Reds remains undoubted, even if he’s missed plenty of time in 2024 due to various injury setbacks.

Alisson was a major factor in the club’s success under Jurgen Klopp, with his ability as a sweeper ensuring Liverpool’s often aggressive defensive line isn’t relentlessly caught out.

Is Donnarumma still living off his Euro 2020 legacy? / Claudio Villa/GettyImages

An imposing goalkeeper who was destined for stardom as a teenager, GIanluigi Donnarumma’s apex arrived at Euro 2020 when he was crowned Player of the Tournament following Italy’s triumph.

There are holes in Donnarumma’s game which suggest an 89 rating is a little too lofty, but the Italian is nonetheless a supreme shot-stopper who’s racking up plenty of collective honours in the French capital.

Courtois missed the bulk of 2023/24 / Florencia Tan Jun/GettyImages

An anterior cruciate ligament tear meant Thibaut Courtois missed a large chunk of last season and he has been downgraded to an 89 from a 90. Still, the Belgian is the joint-best goalkeeper in EA FC 25 and the overwhelming majority would argue Courtois is a far superior goalkeeper to Donnarumma.

His heroics helped Real Madrid to a 14th Champions League crown in Paris and Carlo Ancelotti didn’t hesitate in bringing him back into his starting XI down the stretch last term despite the impression Andriy Lunin made in his absence.

The imposing shot-stopper is as close to complete as any goalkeeper is, especially in a traditional sense. There are better ball players, but nobody has been more effective at stopping the other team from scoring than Courtois has in recent years.

He produces when it matters most, with something quite special often being required to breach his defence.

Thousands of Lebanese Are Displaced Amid Israeli Strikes

2024-09-23T21:50:00.001-07:00

Amal Mohamed Zayyat, a resident of southern Lebanon, sought shelter in Beirut after Israel stepped up its attacks against what it said were Hezbollah targets.

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In Congress – like baseball – there’s always next year

2024-09-23T15:51:00.001-07:00

It is sometimes said that “politics and sports don’t mix.”

But frankly, politics is dotted with sports. And sports is utterly loaded with politics.

Which brings me to the intersection of politics and sports. The end of the regular baseball season is near. The Cincinnati Reds (my team, by the way), just fired their manager, David Bell, after a disappointing season. There are still a handful of games left in the season. Other teams will likely show their skippers the door soon. Look for possible vacancies in Colorado, Miami, Toronto and perhaps the Los Angeles Dodgers – depending on how they fare in the postseason.

But the Reds are a special case. There were high expectations with star players Hunter Greene and Elly De La Cruz. Lots of speed. Fresh talent. With one of the best starting rotations in the game, some believed the Reds could win the division and maybe even compete for the National League pennant after years as also-rans.

SHOW VOTE: REPUBLICANS MAKE POLITICAL STATEMENT IN GOING AGAINST SPEAKER JOHNSON

But next to the Toronto Blue Jays, the Reds are the most disappointing team in Major League Baseball. The Reds have been churning in a continual “rebuilding” cycle since 2013. They haven’t won a postseason playoff series since 1995. The Reds haven’t appeared in the World Series since 1990.

Wait till next year, they say.

Which brings us to Congress and its appropriations bills.

It’s hard not to see the parallels between politics and sports – particularly when congressional leadership’s annual struggle to fund the government coincides with a time of reckoning for many a struggling MLB team. (Left: Bonnie Cash/Getty Images; Right: Jason Mowry/Getty Images)

The end of the government’s fiscal year aligns nearly perfectly with the baseball season. The final day of the government’s fiscal year is September 30. The last day of the regular season in baseball falls on September 29. A few teams will march into the playoffs. But most, like the Reds, will saunter home for the winter.

Such is the case with Congress.

Since the 1990s, Congress has struggled to approve its 12 spending bills to run the government on time. That’s led to various political standoffs between the parties, a few protracted and ugly government shutdowns and little success. There’s been almost zero reform by Congress toward passing the bills in a timely fashion for decades – despite constant promises from bipartisan lawmakers to do better next time.

Sound familiar, Reds fans?

A DECISION TO MAKE: HOUSE SPEAKER MIKE JOHNSON’S GOVERNMENT FUNDING BILL DIVIDES REPUBLICANS

The House of Representatives edged right up to the deadline of a possible government shutdown around this time last fall. After the House stumbled, former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., finally put forth a straightforward bill to just fund the government at current spending levels with no ad-ons until early November. The government remained open. And even though McCarthy excoriated Democrats for failing to pass individual spending bills by the book when they were in the majority, Republicans didn’t do much better. In Fiscal Year 2023 (when Democrats controlled Congress), the House approved six individual spending measures. The Senate: zero. In Fiscal Year 2024 (after Republicans claimed control of the House), the GOP-led House passed seven bills. The Senate: three. For Fiscal Year 2025 (what Congress has been working on now), the House approved five bills. The Senate: nada.

When House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., assumed the Speakership last October, he wanted the House to continue to work on individual spending bills to do things “by the book.” All the while, Congress – with Johnson’s blessing – kept adopting stopgap bills to fund the government. That ran all the way until this past April. Johnson told members he’d continue to push for passage of individual spending measures for Fiscal Year 2025 (which begins October 1).

Despite routine adoption of stopgap bills throughout the Johnson speakership, the House quickly found itself in an all-too-familiar position –and in July, even failed to secure enough votes to fund itself. (Aaron Schwartz/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images)

Again, the House had moderate success – but nothing special. It approved five appropriations bills: Defense, Energy & Water, Interior, Military Construction-Veterans Affairs and State/Foreign Operations.

In an embarrassing vote on July 11, the House failed to approve the “Legislative Branch” appropriations bill. In other words, the House failed to even fund itself. Jokes abounded around the Capitol that Congress was teaching itself a lesson. Perhaps Congress didn’t deserve to receive its annual allocation.

So Congress finds itself in a similar position this year. In the fall of 2023, conservatives heckled McCarthy for not keeping Congress in session during the August recess to tackle appropriations bills. There is similar hectoring from Republicans this time.

REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK: WHAT THE END OF THE YEAR LOOKS LIKE IN CONGRESS

“I think this is a complete failure of the Speaker’s strategy,” complained Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga. “We weren’t here in the entire month of August. We could have finished our 12 separate appropriations bills.”

So now Johnson is forced into the same corner that McCarthy found himself this time last year. The House will vote on an interim spending bill just to keep the lights on. It’s notable that Johnson even wanted a bill to run through next spring. But the best he could manage was a measure which runs through December 20. Among other reasons, Johnson pushed for the longer spending bill because he didn’t want a “Christmastime omnibus” spending bill.

That may still happen if lawmakers can’t advance some of the bills between now and mid-December.

Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia castigated the “complete failure of the Speaker’s strategy” amid recent government funding woes. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen)

But this is similar to what we saw last year. And when it comes to appropriations, the same movie repeats itself. Like McCarthy, there could be calls from some conservative quarters to remove Johnson. Especially if Republicans maintain control of the House. The mid-December funding date really puts Johnson in a bind – if he’s to stand for re-election as Speaker on January 3.

This is where we find a nexus of politics and sports.

Cincinnati Reds fans have endured promise in season after season. The potential of catcher Devon Mesoraco was dashed after he made the All-Star game in 2014 – and then suffered a debilitating hip injury.

CONTINGENT ELECTIONS: WHAT THEY ARE, AND WHAT TO EXPECT IF 2024 TRIGGERS ONE

The Reds dealt ace starting pitcher Johnny Cueto to Kansas City during one rebuild. Two of the pitchers the Reds received as “compensation” went a collective 4-24 for the Reds with ERA’s of 5.44 and 6.25, respectively.

Cincinnati traded flamethrower Aroldis Chapman to the New York Yankees in 2015. For Chapman, the Yankees coughed up Caleb Cotham, who is now pitching coach for the Philadelphia Phillies. A knee injury forced Cotham to retire. In exchange for Chapman, the Reds also received Rookie Davis. Rookie Davis promptly demonstrated he was best suited for rookie league ball and not the bigs. Davis compiled a 1-3 record and an 8.63 ERA for Cincinnati.

You get the idea.

A “management” change in the House – be it Republicans ousting Speaker Johnson or Democrats seizing control of the chamber – may take place in the next Congress. (Getty Images)

We don’t know who the Reds might hire as their new manager. But as they often say, the best predictor of future performance is past performance. So, despite a few promising players, cynical Cincinnati fans aren’t optimistic that things will be any different under new leadership next season.

Which brings us back to where we stand in the House and spending bills.

There will be a promise to do better next year and get the bills done on time. However, the political realities of that dynamic might prevent that. There may even be a change in the “management” – be it efforts to oust Johnson or Democrats winning control of the House.

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Either way, people who study Congress know there’s not a lot of promise that the fall and winter of 2025 will be any different than this year – or the past several years – when it comes to finishing the spending measures on time and averting a government shutdown.

But you never know. As they say in baseball, there’s always next year.

Chad Pergram currently serves as a senior congressional correspondent for FOX News Channel (FNC). He joined the network in September 2007 and is based out of Washington, D.C.

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2024 Dream Classic HBCU All-Star Game at Rucker Park

2024-09-23T14:47:00.001-07:00

A week and a half before the SLAM Summer Classic Vol. 6 shut down Rucker Park, the legendary Harlem playground hosted another special event that’s become a New York basketball summer staple: the HBCU All-Star Dream Classic. After a successful inaugural event in 2023, it returned this year bigger and better.

Harlem native Darryl Roberts is the founder of Bridging Structural Holes, a nonprofit that spearheads the HBCU All-Star Dream Classic. Like many young hoopers, he dreamed of playing at a high major. Instead, his opportunity came at Lincoln University, the nation’s first degree-granting HBCU. “I fell in love with HBCU culture. My HBCU foundation is pure and authentic,” Darryl says. “And so are my Harlem roots.

“Anybody who hasn’t lived underneath a manhole cover understands that Harlem is the epicenter of Black excellence, Black culture and Black creativity,” he adds. “So when we were looking for a location [for the HBCU All-Star Dream Classic], there was no second choice because we wanted to do things outside of sports to inspire kids as well.”

This year’s Classic had it all: an HBCU resource center; food from Charles Pan-Fried Chicken on the adjacent handball courts; AKAs strolling by, and a youth marching band playing during game breaks. There were boosters chanting from the baseline; classic Marvin Gaye blasting from the speakers. And even Harlem’s own Pee Wee Kirkland. If you didn’t know any better, you’d think you were at the Greatest Homecoming on Earth.

Still, the main reason that hundreds of people gathered on this day was to watch 40 of the best HBCU hoopers in the country put on a show. After a tightly contested and action-packed girls’ game that set the tone, the boys’ game that followed was just as exciting. Both games were filled with highlights galore, prime examples of the overshadowed yet high-level talent that floods the HBCU basketball community and how they can compete with the best of ’em.

HBCU basketball has historically lacked marketing and promotion compared to its PWI counterparts, but that tide is turning slowly but surely. They may never be able to contend with high- majors when it comes to resources, but the HBCU hoops experience is second to none, and the HBCU All-Star Dream Classic shows it on full display, creating a loud and robust narrative about HBCUs, HBCU conferences and the HBCU lifestyle.

“For us, the scoreboard is not important,” says Darryl. “Our mission statement is to provide opportunity, access and resources to help people make better life choices.”

Sometimes, that “better life choice” means sticking to your roots and etching your name in the beautiful fabric of HBCU culture.

Photos by Curtis Rowser III.

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Atletico Madrid 1-1 Rayo Vallecano: Gallagher on target in disappointing draw

2024-09-23T00:46:00.001-07:00

Atletico Madrid lost early ground to Barcelona in their quest for the LaLiga title as they were held to a 1-1 draw with city rivals Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.

The visitors withstood an early spell of pressure and almost took the lead in stunning fashion when Julian Alvarez’s strike from distance cannoned off the crossbar.

But Diego Simeone’s side found themselves a goal down in the 35th minute when Isi Palazon turned home Raul de Tomas’ cross after good work from Jorge de Frutos.

However, parity was restored four minutes after the break when Conor Gallagher struck beyond Augusto Batalla from the edge of the area to net his second goal in as many games for his new club.

Atletico continued to push for a winner, with Alvarez and Angel Correa going close, but Rayo Vallecano were able to hold firm for the closing exchanges.

The result leaves Simeone’s side in fourth place, six points behind league leaders Barcelona who thumped Villarreal 5-1 earlier in the day.

Empate en Vallecas. pic.twitter.com/0jB33tixR4

— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) September 22, 2024

Data Debrief: Gallagher embracing advanced role

Having only scored 10 goals in 90 appearances for Chelsea, Gallagher is flourishing under Simeone’s stewardship in Spain.

During the contest, only Koke and Alvarez (both 14) made more passes into the final third than Gallagher (11), with his strike coming from an expected goals (xG) total of just 0.06.

But the England international did not neglect his defensive responsibilities. Gallagher won more tackles (four) than anyone on the pitch, while also winning three fouls.

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Russia’s Committed War Crimes In Ukraine: UN Report

2024-09-22T20:50:00.001-07:00

A 14-year-old boy killed in a summary execution.

Girls as young as 4 and women as old as 82 subjected to sexual violence.

A priest brutally beaten, then stripped naked and forced to parade naked through the streets of his village for an hour.

These were among the nightmarish findings of a new UN-backed report released Thursday that found Russia has committed war crimes and likely crimes against humanity during its yearlong invasion of Ukraine.

The three international experts appointed to serve as investigators with the Human Rights Council’s Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine concluded that Russia was guilty of grave violations of international humanitarian and human rights laws.

These included indiscriminate bombings of areas with civilian populations and targeted attacks against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, as well as torture, unlawful confinement, summary executions, and rape.

“The Commission is concerned with the number, the geographic spread, and the gravity of human rights violations and corresponding international crimes which it has documented during its mandate,” the investigators wrote in their report. “These have affected men, women, boys and girls of all backgrounds and ages.”

The report is likely to have little practical effect on Russia, but it will increase pressure for the country to be held accountable by the International Criminal Court.

At the very least, the report also functions as a historical record of the abuses committed by Russia, which did not cooperate with the investigation.

As one man whose father was executed by members of the Russian military in a village in the Kharkiv region told the investigators, “They punished innocent people; now those who are guilty, if they are still alive, need to be punished to the fullest extent.”

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2 winners and 1 loser from Arsenal’s tense 2-2 draw with Man City

2024-09-22T17:47:00.001-07:00

Arsenal battled with 10-men to hold on to a 2-2 draw against Manchester City at the Etihad on Sunday.

The north London side looked set to achieve a victory over the reigning Premier League champions, choosing to deploy defensive tactics to cling on to their 2-1 lead, before John Stones threw his side a lifeline in the 98th minute to gift City a late point.

The Gunners were forced to settle for a draw, but could take pride in their ability to defend well for most of the second half.

Here’s two winners and one loser from Arsenal’s draw with City, according to 90min’s esteemed player ratings.

David Raya: 9/10

Raya stole the show against City / Carl Recine/GettyImages

Arsenal shot-stopper David Raya deserves his flowers for his performance against City. His side spend the majority of the final 45 minutes camped in front of his goal, yet he never let this phase him and instead stepped up for his team again, and again.

Raya made several crucial saves to prevent City from taking a lead, making the right decisions inside the box to become a rock amongst Arsenal’s backline.

He took immense pressure off of his defenders by coming out for crosses and involving himself when the ball reached dangerous positions. Raya acted in a safe, composed manner, conducting the backline to demonstrate a defensive masterclass for a large portion of the clash.

If he wasn’t between the sticks, City could’ve ran away with a lead.

Honourable mention

Jurrien Timber: 8/10

Timber was an aggressive force on the pitch / Francesco Scaccianoce/GettyImages

Jurrien Timber had an exceptional game against City – becoming an aggressive, proactive member of the Gunners’ squad.

He was on the front foot at every possible opportunity and kept players like Jeremy Doku quiet with his ability to dominate tackles.

If Mikel Arteta could’ve carved his ideal defender, it would’ve been Timber in this game. The versatile star thrived in both attack and defence while the Gunners fought to earn a well-deserved win.

Leandro Trossard: 3/10

Trossard let his side down / Image Photo Agency/GettyImages

Leandro Trossard let his side down when he decided to unnecessarily kick the ball away – a hot topic amongst the Arsenal camp anyway – after a foul on Bernardo Silva.

Whether you thought his sending off was fair or not, his decision to act carelessly in a vital fixture impacted his teammates – who were forced to spend the rest of the game with their backs to the wall to defend their lead.

With Arteta’s injury crisis mounting, acts like this from his players will not go down well.

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Honourable mention

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