baccarat table

Trump calls meeting with Trudeau 'productive' after tariff threatbaccarat table 。

PARIS (AP) — Howling winds couldn’t stop Notre Dame Cathedral ’s heart from beating again. With three resounding knocks on its doors by Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, wielding a specially designed crosier carved from fire-scorched beams, the monument roared back to life Saturday evening. For the first time since a devastating blaze nearly destroyed it in 2019, the towering Gothic masterpiece reopened for worship, its rebirth marked by song, prayer, and awe beneath its soaring arches. The ceremony, initially planned to begin on the forecourt, was moved entirely inside due to unusually fierce December winds sweeping across the Île de la Cité, flanked by the River Seine. Yet the occasion lost none of its splendor. Inside the luminous nave, choirs sang psalms, and the cathedral’s mighty organ, silent for nearly five years, thundered to life in a triumphant interplay of melodies. The restoration, a spectacular achievement in just five years for a structure that took nearly two centuries to build, is seen as a moment of triumph for French President Emmanuel Macron, who championed the ambitious timeline — and a welcome respite from his domestic political woes . The evening’s celebration, attended by 1,500 dignitaries, including President-elect Donald Trump, Britain’s Prince William, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, underscored Notre Dame’s enduring role as both a spiritual and cultural beacon. Observers see the event as Macron's, and his intention to pivot it into a fully fledged diplomatic gathering, while highlighting France’s ability to unite on the global stage despite internal political crises. Speaking inside the cathedral, Macron expressed “gratitude” Saturday to those who saved, helped, and rebuilt Notre Dame, his voice reverberating through the nave. “I stand before you ... to express the gratitude of the French nation,” he said, before voices raised in song flooded the space, filling it with harmonies not heard in over five years. “Tonight, the bells of Notre Dame are ringing again. And in a moment, the organ will awaken,” sending the “music of hope” cascading through the luminous interior to Parisians, France, and the world beyond, he said. The celebration is expected to give a much-needed boost to the embattled French leader, whose prime minister was ousted this week , plunging the nation’s politics into more turmoil. Macron has called Notre Dame’s reopening “a jolt of hope.” Observers say he hoped the occasion would briefly silence his critics and showcase France’s unity and resilience under his leadership — a rare moment of grace in a presidency now facing a grave crisis. Inside, 42,000 square meters of stonework — an area equal to six soccer pitches — were meticulously cleaned, revealing luminous limestone and intricate carvings. Overhead, 2,000 oak beams, nicknamed “the forest,” were used to rebuild the spire and roof, restoring the cathedral’s iconic silhouette. The thunderous great organ, with 7,952 pipes ranging from pen-sized to torso-wide, is resounding for the first time since the fire. Its newly renovated console, boasting five keyboards, 115 stops, and 30 foot pedals, was a marvel of restoration, reawakening a cornerstone of Notre Dame’s identity. Guests gradually filing into the cathedral for the evening reopening ceremonies were awestruck by the renovated interiors, many whipping out cellphones to capture the moment. “It’s a sense of perfection,” said François Le Page of the Notre Dame Foundation, which raised nearly half of the €900 million ($950 million) in donations for the restoration. He last visited in 2021, when the cathedral was cloaked in scaffolding. “It was somber,” he said. “It’s night and day.” Adding to the ceremony’s visual splendor, Archbishop Ulrich and the clergy donned vibrant liturgical garments designed by renowned French fashion designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac. Known for his eye-popping pop-art aesthetic, Castelbajac crafted 2,000 colorful pieces for 700 celebrants, blending modern elements with medieval touches. The Rev. Andriy Morkvas, a Ukrainian pastor who leads the Volodymyr Le Grand church in Paris, reflected on his first visit to Notre Dame in over a decade. “I didn’t recognize it,” he said. “God is very powerful; He can change things.” He expressed hope that the cathedral’s revival could inspire peace in his homeland, drawing strength from the presence of Ukraine’s president. “I think that will have a big impact,” he said. “I hope Notre Dame and Mary will help us resolve this conflict.” The reopening of Notre Dame comes at a time of profound global unrest, with wars raging in Ukraine and the Middle East. For Catholics, Notre Dame’s rector said the cathedral “carries the enveloping presence of the Virgin Mary, a maternal and embracing presence.′′ “It is a magnificent symbol of unity,” Olivier Ribadeau Dumas said. “Notre Dame is not just a French monument — it is a magnificent sign of hope.” The international range of dignitaries coming to Paris underline the cathedral’s significance as a symbol of shared heritage and peace. Canadian visitor Noelle Alexandria, who had traveled to Paris for the reopening, was struck by the cathedral’s ability to inspire. “She’s been nearly ruined before, but she always comes back,” Alexandria said. “Not many of us could say the same after such tragedy, but Notre Dame can.” Guests entered through Notre Dame’s iconic western façade, whose arched portals adorned with biblical carvings were once a visual guide for medieval believers. Above the central Portal of the Last Judgment, the Archangel Michael is depicted weighing souls, as demons attempt to tip the scales. These stone figures, designed to inspire both awe and fear, set the stage for a ceremony steeped in history. Inside, the hum of hundreds of guests awaiting the service filled the cathedral with human sounds once more — a stark contrast to the construction din that echoed there for years. Tuners restoring the great organ often worked through the night to find the silence needed to perfect its 7,952 pipes, ranging from pen-sized to torso-wide. Notre Dame echoed to the sound of a sustained standing ovation after the showing of a short movie that documented the gargantuan rebuilding effort. Outside, the word “MERCI” — thank you — was projected against the cathedral’s iconic western facade. The movie showed the terrible wounds left by the inferno — the gaping holes torn into its vaulted ceilings and the burned roof. But that was followed by images of all types of artisans, many using traditional handicraft techniques, who collectively restored Notre Dame to look better now than ever. "We went from night to light," said one of the workers in the movie. Security will be high through the weekend, echoing measures taken during the Paris Olympics earlier this year. The Île de la Cité — the small island in the River Seine that is home to Notre Dame and the historic heart of Paris— is closed to tourists and non-residents. Police vans and barriers blocked cobblestoned streets in a large perimeter around the island, while soldiers in thick body armor and sniffer dogs patrolled embankments. A special security detail is following Trump. Public viewing areas along the Seine’s southern bank will accommodate 40,000 spectators, who can follow the celebrations on large screens. For many, Notre Dame’s rebirth is not just a French achievement but a global one — after the reopening, the cathedral is set to welcome 15 million visitors annually, up from 12 million before the fire. Sylvie Corbet, Yesica Brumec, Marine Lesprit and Mark Carlson in Paris contributed. Associated Press religion coverage receives support through The AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.When W.F. West coach Dan Hill turned to Gage Brumfield at QB prior to the start of the 2023 season, he had trust in the junior to lead an efficient attack. The 2023 season was successful, as the Bearcats made it to the state tournament. This fall, though, Brumfield took his game to another level, earning the EvCo MVP award and The Chronicle’s All-Area MVP award while leading W.F. West to the state semifinals. “They’re the best coaching staff I could ask for,” Brumfield said. “They have always given me confidence and encouragement ...It was amazing to get to play for them one more time.” With a bevy of talented skill-position teammates to work with, Brumfield consistently diced up opposing defenses. He finished the year with 1,781 passing yards and 26 touchdowns to just three picks, and he also added 945 yards and 16 touchdowns as a runner. He also occasionally made the trip out wide to his old stomping grounds, where he caught six catches for 107 yards and a touchdown. With Brumfield at the helm, the Bearcats made the state semifinals for the second time in three seasons. “It was amazing,” Brumfield said. “The whole year was so much fun for all of us. We had a plan and a goal, and we did everything that we possibly could to achieve that goal. We were just locked in the whole time, just doing everything that we could, and having one last run.” Brumfield made sure to credit his teammates as well, adding that he “couldn’t do it without them.” “They help me more than they know and get credit for,” Brumfield said. Brumfield’s football career isn’t over, as he’s headed to Cheney to suit up for Eastern Washington University next fall. The move east will come with another position change. Brumfield will move to linebacker for the Eagles, a position where EWU Defensive Coordinator and Linebackers coach Eric Sanders believes Brumfield can thrive. “I think that (Sanders) can put me in the right spot to have the best success I possibly can,” Brumfield said. “I’m excited for the challenge ... I’m excited to get faster, stronger, a little bit bigger, and just kind of see how college football really is.” And when Brumfield is at Eastern, he can always think back on the final trip to the semifinals with his teammates. “It’s still my favorite memory that I’ll hold onto forever,” Brumfield said. Quarterback Blaze Underhill, Onalaska One of the C2BL East’s Co-Offensive MVPs, Underhill helped the Loggers win a league title and reach the state quarterfinals by rushing for 1,708 yards and 25 touchdowns, throwing for 100 yards and two more touchdowns, and hauling in a 19-yard TD reception and a two-point conversion to himself. Grady Wilson, Napavine The C2BL West first-team QB tallied 1,731 passing yards, 1,043 rushing yards, and 38 total touchdowns to lead the Tigers back to Husky Stadium for their fourth consecutive state championship game. Running Back Ethan Rodriguez, Rochester Rodrigues ran for 1,568 yards and 22 touchdowns to lead Rochester to a league title and earn 1A Evergreen League MVP honors. Michael Vassar, Tenino Vassar tallied 1,438 yards and 15 touchdowns and the ground, which was enough to be named 1A Evergreen League Offensive MVP. Rodrigo Rodriguez, Onalaska Rodriguez did it all for the Loggers, rushing for 1,657 yards and 27 touchdowns while also adding three receiving touchdowns and five return touchdowns. He was named Co-Offensive MVP along with Underhill. Judah Kelly, Morton-White Pass The MWP senior eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark and scored 20 total touchdowns (16 rush, 4 pass) to lead the Timberwolves to a crossover. Beau Miller, Adna Miller made a consistent and prominent impact for the Pirates, rushing for 1,786 yards and 20 touchdowns to help Adna reach the state quarterfinals for the first time since 2019. Jaylin Nixon, Tumwater The EvCo’s Offensive MVP headlined Tumwater’s rushing attack, leading the team with 700 rushing yards while also hitting paydirt 10 times. Wide Receiver Daniel Rodas, Oakville Rodas was named the Southwest 1B Offensive Player of the Year after hauling in 1,454 yards and scoring 21 touchdowns, leading the Acorns to a crossover. Tucker Land, W.F. West An EvCo first-team receiver and linebacker, Land earns a spot as a wideout here, as he hauled in 34 catches for 572 yards and nine touchdowns to help W.F. West reach the state semis. Karsen Denault, Napavine Denault was named the C2BL West MVP for his play on both sides of the ball, but his 44 catches, 909 receiving yards, 14 receiving touchdowns, and eight return touchdowns (five punts, three kicks) earn him a place on offense here. Tristan DeVille, Black Hills DeVille was Black Hills’ No. 1 receiver all season, and he finished with 34 receptions, 667 yards, and seven receiving touchdowns to earn a first-team all-league spot. Adam Kruger, Toledo The junior wideout was a big reason the Riverhawks returned to the state tournament, as he hauled in 613 yards and six touchdowns on 31 catches, which landed him a place on the C2BL East First-Team. Hunter Howell, Rainier Howell tallied nearly 1,600 yards for the Mountaineers, hauling in 37 catches for 821 yards and six touchdowns, rushing for 537 yards and five touchdowns, and throwing for 236 yards and a pair of TDs. Tight End Jake Dillon, Tumwater The Tumwater tight end took advantage of the chances he got in Tumwater’s run-heavy offense, averaging nearly 20 yards a catch and scoring five touchdowns. Offensive Line Wyatt Dahl, Rochester The 1A Evergreen Lineman of the Year, Dahl led an O-Line that blocked for the 1A Evergreen MVP in Ethan Rodriguez, who ran for over 1,500 yards. Jackson Knittle, Adna A first-team lineman on both sides of the ball, Knittle led a Pirate O-Line that had its way running the football all season long. Kieler Jackson, Rainier Jackson played well enough to be named to the C2BL East First-Team on the O-Line, and he also showed off his arm on a 70-yard touchdown pass in Rainier’s regular-season finale. Justin Jacoby, Onalaska The Onalaska senior was named to the C2BL East First-Team on both sides of the line, and he helped pave the way for Underhill and Rodrigo Rodrgiuez to have monster seasons on the ground. Christian Martin, Toledo The Toledo senior ended his high school career with an excellent campaign blocking for Eli Weeks, as he was named to the C2BL East First-Team. Carlos Vallejo, W.F. West A first-team EvCo O-Lineman, Vallejo led a Bearcat O-Line that protected All-Area and EvCo MVP Gage Brumfield. Defensive Line Malijah Tucker, Tumwater The Washington State commit ended his high school career with a bang, recording 57 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, six sacks, two fumble recoveries, and two blocked kicks to earn EvCo Co-Defensive MVP honors. David Daarud, Centralia Centralia’s lone EvCo first-teamer, Daarud wreaked havoc all year long by logging 39 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and five sacks to headline the Tiger defensive line. Jack Nelson, Napavine One of the best 2B linemen in the state, Nelson earns a place on the D-Line after a 2024 season with 59 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and a sack. Mehki Richardson, Tumwater Another staunch piece on the Tumwater D-Line, Richardson tallied 67 tackles, 13 sacks, and 12 tackles for loss while also forcing two fumbles, recovering three, and returning one for a touchdown. Grady Westlund, W.F. West Westlund was a regular in opposing teams backfield this season, as he finished with 61 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, and six sacks while also forcing three fumbles, recovering one, and coming down with an interception. Cameron Kuberth, Mossyrock Kuberth was a staple on the Mossyrock defensive line, earning a place on the C2BL second-team with his production. Linebacker Beau Guyette, W.F. West Another key piece on the W.F. West defense, Guyette ended the year with 76 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks, which was good enough to end up on the All-EvCo First-Team. Beckett Wall, Tumwater The other EvCo Co-Defensive MVP, Wall had 95 tackles, a whopping 25 tackles for loss, and six sacks while also blocking three kicks and recovering a fumble to help lead the T-Birds back to the state championship game. Cash Short, Tumwater Short was all over the field on both sides of the ball, but his 64 tackles, nine tackles for loss, four sacks, two fumble recoveries, two interceptions, and two defensive touchdowns gets him on as a linebacker here. Colin Shields, Napavine Another first-teamer on both sides of the ball, Shields was named the C2BL East Defensive MVP after tallying 134 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, three sacks, and two interceptions to lead the Napavine defense. Kenny Bell, Black Hills Bell led the Black Hills’ defense with 92 tackles, seven for loss, two forced fumbles, and six total blocks (four punts, two field goals), which landed him alongside Short and Guyette as first-team linebackers. Cody Strozyk, PWV Strozyk was another C2BL stud to earn first-team honors on both sides of the ball, and he earns a spot at LB here for his work leading a defense that allowed just 12.4 points per game in its wins this season. Defensive Back Cooper Lawrence, Onalaska Lawrence was one of two shutdown corners for the Loggers this year, as he hauled in five interceptions to shut down one side of the field. Sam Pannkuk, Onalaska The second of Onalaska’s shutdown corners, Pannkuk also hauled in five interceptions and made it difficult for any offense to attack vertically against the Loggers. Eli Weeks, Toledo Also a first-team QB, Weeks added 47 tackles, three interceptions, and a fumble recovery to land on the C2BL East First-Team as a DB. Austin Gonia, Tenino The Tenino senior put together an incredible season for a DB, tallying 29 tackles, grabbing three picks, and only allowing one completed pass to his receiver all year. Carson Rotter, Rochester Rotter was one of the best ball tracking DBs in the area, as he hauled in six interceptions while also adding 14 tackles for loss to earn a First-Team Evergreen League spot.NC Central 131, Va.-Lynchburg 51

What to know about a Wisconsin man who faked his own death and fled to Eastern Europe

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Jarvis Walker's 20 points helped IU Indianapolis defeat Trinity Christian 106-49 on Saturday. Walker shot 7 for 12, including 6 for 10 from beyond the arc for the Jaguars (4-5). Paul Zilinskas shot 5 for 9, including 4 for 7 from beyond the arc to add 15 points. DeSean Goode had 14 points and shot 4 of 5 from the field and 5 for 5 from the line. The Trolls were led in scoring by Tylan Harris, who finished with 11 points. Kaden Eirhart added nine points for Trinity Christian. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .China combines 3D printing and drones to support troops in combat zones

NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump was on the verge of backing a 16-week federal abortion ban earlier this year when aides staged an intervention. According to Time magazine's cover story on his selection as its 2024 Person of the Year, Trump's aides first raised concerns in mid-March that the abortion cutoff being pushed by some allies would be stricter than existing law in numerous states. It was seen as a potential political liability amid ongoing fallout over the overturning of Roe v. Wade by a conservative majority on the Supreme Court that includes three justices nominated by Trump in his first term. Trump political director James Blair went to work assembling a slide deck — eventually titled “How a national abortion ban will cost Trump the election" — that argued a 16-week ban would hurt the Republican candidate in the battleground states of Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, the magazine reported. “After flipping through Blair’s presentation" on a flight to a rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in April, Trump dropped the idea, according to the report. "So we leave it to the states, right?" Trump was quoted as saying. He soon released a video articulating that position. At the time, Trump’s campaign denied that he was considering supporting the 16-week ban, calling it “fake news” and saying Trump planned to “negotiate a deal” on abortion if elected to the White House. Here are other highlights from the story and the president-elect's 65-minute interview with the magazine: Trump reaffirmed his plans to pardon most of those convicted for their actions during the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol. “It’s going to start in the first hour,” he said of the pardons. “Maybe the first nine minutes.” Trump said he would look at individuals on a “case-by-case" basis, but that “a vast majority of them should not be in jail.” More than 1,500 people have been charged with federal crimes stemming from the riot that left more than 100 police officers injured and sent lawmakers running into hiding as they met to certify Democrat Joe Biden’s 2020 victory . More than 1,000 defendants have pleaded guilty or been convicted at trial of charges, including misdemeanor trespassing offenses, assaulting police officers and seditious conspiracy. Trump insisted he has the authority to use the military to assist with his promised mass deportations , even though, as his interviewers noted, the Posse Comitatus Act prohibits the use of the military in domestic law enforcement. “It doesn’t stop the military if it’s an invasion of our country, and I consider it an invasion of our country," he said. “I’ll only do what the law allows, but I will go up to the maximum level of what the law allows. And I think in many cases, the sheriffs and law enforcement is going to need help." Trump did not deny that camps would be needed to hold detained migrants as they are processed for deportation. “Whatever it takes to get them out. I don’t care," he said. “I hope we’re not going to need too many because I want to get them out and I don’t want them sitting in camp for the next 20 years.” Trump told Time he does not plan to restore the policy of separating children from their families to deter border crossings, but he did not rule it out. The practice led to thousands of children being separated from their parents and was condemned around the globe as inhumane. “I don’t believe we’ll have to because we will send the whole family back,” he said. “I would much rather deport them together, yes, than separate.” Trump dismissed the idea that Elon Musk will face conflicts of interest as he takes the helm of the Department of Government Efficiency , an advisory group that Trump has selected him to lead. The panel is supposed to find waste and cut regulations, including many that could affect Musk's wide-ranging interests , which include electric cars, rockets and telecommunications. “I don’t think so," Trump said. “I think that Elon puts the country long before his company. ... He considers this to be his most important project." Trump lowered expectations about his ability to drive down grocery prices. “I’d like to bring them down. It’s hard to bring things down once they’re up. You know, it’s very hard. But I think that they will,” he said. Trump said he is planning “a virtual closure" of the "Department of Education in Washington.” “You’re going to need some people just to make sure they’re teaching English in the schools," he said. “But we want to move education back to the states.” Yet Trump has proposed exerting enormous influence over schools. He has threatened to cut funding for schools with vaccine mandates while forcing them to “teach students to love their country" and promote “the nuclear family,” including “the roles of mothers and fathers” and the “things that make men and women different and unique.” Asked to clarify whether he was committed to preventing the Food and Drug Administration from stripping access to abortion pills , Trump replied, “It’s always been my commitment.” But Trump has offered numerous conflicting stances on the issue, including to Time. Earlier in the interview, he was asked whether he would promise that his FDA would not do anything to limit access to medication abortion or abortion pills. "We’re going to take a look at all of that,” he said, before calling the prospect “very unlikely.” “Look, I’ve stated it very clearly and I just stated it again very clearly. I think it would be highly unlikely. I can’t imagine, but with, you know, we’re looking at everything, but highly unlikely. I guess I could say probably as close to ruling it out as possible, but I don’t want to. I don’t want to do anything now.” Pressed on whether he would abandon Ukraine in its efforts to stave off Russia's invasion , Trump said he would use U.S. support for Kyiv as leverage against Moscow in negotiating an end to the war. “I want to reach an agreement,” he said, “and the only way you’re going to reach an agreement is not to abandon.” Trump would not commit to supporting a two-state solution, with a Palestinian state alongside Israel, as he had previously. “I support whatever solution we can do to get peace," he said. "There are other ideas other than two state, but I support whatever, whatever is necessary to get not just peace, a lasting peace. It can’t go on where every five years you end up in tragedy. There are other alternatives.” Asked whether he trusted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu , he told Time: “I don’t trust anybody.” Trump would not rule out the possibility of war with Iran during his second term. “Anything can happen. It’s a very volatile situation," he said. Asked if he has spoken to Russian President Vladimir Putin since the Nov. 5 election, Trump continued to play coy: "I can’t tell you. It’s just inappropriate.” Trump insisted that his bid to install Matt Gaetz as attorney general ”wasn’t blocked. I had the votes (in the Senate) if I needed them, but I had to work very hard.” When the scope of resistance to the former Republican congressman from Florida became clear, Trump said, “I talked to him, and I said, ‘You know, Matt, I don’t think this is worth the fight.'" Gaetz pulled out amid scrutiny over sex trafficking allegations, and Trump tapped former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi for the Cabinet post. Trump, who has named anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, did not rule out the possibility of eliminating some childhood vaccinations even though they have been proved safe in extensive studies and real world use in hundreds of millions of people over decades and are considered among the most effective public health measures in modern history. Pressed on whether “getting rid of some vaccinations” — neither Trump nor the interviewers specified which ones — might be part of the plan to improve the health of the country, Trump responded: “It could if I think it’s dangerous, if I think they are not beneficial, but I don’t think it’s going to be very controversial in the end.” “I think there could be, yeah," Trump said of the prospect of others in his family continuing in his footsteps. He pointed to daughter-in-law Lara Trump , who served as co-chair of the Republican National Committee and is now being talked about as a potential replacement for Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, whom Trump has chosen for secretary of state. Trump said the former and soon-to-be first lady Melania Trump will be joining him at the White House during second term and will "be active, when she needs to be.” “Oh yes,” he said. “She’s very beloved by the people, Melania. And they like the fact that she’s not out there in your face all the time for many reasons.”

Gary Lineker jokes about his Match Of The Day exit as he returns to show

The Las Vegas Raiders made no mistake in drafting Brock Bowers last offseason. Did they need a quarterback? Yes. But, instead, they got a guy who is easily the best tight end in the league right now and a guy who looks like he could be for quite some time if all goes well. Bowers was a steal at pick No., 13, as the Raiders said. And, general manager Tom Telesco nailed it. Now, when the Raiders get their quarterback, they will be paired with Bowers, a tight end who just cannot stop showing the world what he is. And, he did that on Black Friday against the Kansas City Chiefs. Brock Bowers continues to break, set, and tie records for rookies and tight ends. He did that during his stellar game on Friday. Here is everything the Raiders PR team tweeted out about Bowers' huge day vs. Kansas City. TE Brock Bowers ( @brockbowers17 ) now has two receiving touchdowns of at least 30 yards this season. He is just the second rookie tight end in #Raiders history with two receiving touchdowns of at least 30 yards, joining Raymond Chester in 1970 (also two). https://t.co/TmNp98ZaJx TE Brock Bowers has now surpassed 800 receiving yards, one of two tight ends in NFL history to reach 800+ receiving yards in the first 12 games of his rookie season - joining Hall of Fame tight end Mike Ditka (974). Bowers is also one of two players of any position in Raiders history to reach 800+ receiving yards in the first 12 games of his rookie season. TE Brock Bowers now has two receiving touchdowns of at least 30 yards this season. He is just the second rookie tight end in Raiders history with two receiving touchdowns of at least 30 yards, joining Raymond Chester in 1970 (also two). Bowers' four receiving touchdowns are tied for the third most in Raiders history by a tight end in their rookie season. TE Brock Bowers has now eclipsed 80 receptions this season. He is the only player of any position or experience level in Raiders history to reach 80 receptions through the first 12 games of a single season. The Raiders really struck gold. Bowers is on pace to break any and every rookie tight end and pass catcher record you can think of. And, imagine he was on a good team, in a good offense, with a good quarterback. He would be even better. The fact that this is probably his floor, and maybe the worst he will ever be during his NFL career, is crazy. And he's wearing silver and black. The Raiders will take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons next. This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.Travis Hunter named AP player of the year

None

Savion Williams rushed for two touchdowns and Josh Hoover threw for 252 yards as TCU pulled away from Arizona in the second half, winning 49-28 on Saturday in Fort Worth, Texas. The Horned Frogs (7-4, 5-3 Big 12) scored touchdowns on five consecutive possessions, starting late in the first half after the Wildcats (4-7, 2-6) pulled within 14-13. Williams carried nine times for 80 yards, scoring on runs of 1 and 20 yards in the first half. Hoover completed 19 of 26 passes, with one touchdown and one interception, before being pulled midway through the fourth quarter when the Frogs were up by 21. TCU took control after leading 21-13 at halftime, going up 35-13 on a 38-yard reception to JP Richardson midway through the third. Arizona kept its hopes alive, ending a 15-play, 75-yard drive with a 3-yard touchdown pass to Chris Hunter on fourth down on the first play of the fourth quarter. The two-point conversion made it 35-21. But the Horned Frogs responded with another TD drive, capped by a 6-yard run by Cam Cook for a 42-21 advantage. Arizona added a 70-yard fumble return touchdown with one minute to go for the game's final score. Tetairoa McMillan caught nine passes for 115 yards to become the Arizona career leader in receiving yardage with 3,355. He surpassed his receivers coach, Bobby Wade (3,351), at the top spot. The Wildcats' Noah Fifita completed 29 of 44 passes for 284 yards with two touchdowns and an interception, which happened on the game's first snap. TCU promptly scored on a 4-yard run by Trent Battle, and Williams added a 1-yard TD run late in the first quarter for a 14-0 lead. But the Wildcats fought back, getting a 17-yard touchdown reception by Hunter and field goals of 53 and 43 yards from Tyler Loop to climb within 14-13 with 1:55 go before halftime. That's almost how the half ended, but the Horned Frogs converted third-and-18 on the ensuing drive and then gained 24 yards on third-and-25 to the Arizona 20. That set up a 20-yard run by Williams on fourth-and-1 with 13 seconds left for a 21-13 lead. --Field Level Media

NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump was on the verge of backing a 16-week federal abortion ban earlier this year when aides staged an intervention. According to Time magazine's cover story on his selection as its 2024 Person of the Year, Trump's aides first raised concerns in mid-March that the abortion cutoff being pushed by some allies would be stricter than existing law in numerous states. It was seen as a potential political liability amid ongoing fallout over the overturning of Roe v. Wade by a conservative majority on the Supreme Court that includes three justices nominated by Trump in his first term. Trump political director James Blair went to work assembling a slide deck — eventually titled “How a national abortion ban will cost Trump the election" — that argued a 16-week ban would hurt the Republican candidate in the battleground states of Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, the magazine reported. “After flipping through Blair’s presentation" on a flight to a rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in April, Trump dropped the idea, according to the report. "So we leave it to the states, right?" Trump was quoted as saying. He soon released a video articulating that position. At the time, Trump’s campaign denied that he was considering supporting the 16-week ban, calling it “fake news” and saying Trump planned to “negotiate a deal” on abortion if elected to the White House. Here are other highlights from the story and the president-elect's 65-minute interview with the magazine: Trump reaffirmed his plans to pardon most of those convicted for their actions during the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol. “It’s going to start in the first hour,” he said of the pardons. “Maybe the first nine minutes.” Trump said he would look at individuals on a “case-by-case" basis, but that “a vast majority of them should not be in jail.” More than 1,500 people have been charged with federal crimes stemming from the riot that left more than 100 police officers injured and sent lawmakers running into hiding as they met to certify Democrat Joe Biden’s 2020 victory . More than 1,000 defendants have pleaded guilty or been convicted at trial of charges, including misdemeanor trespassing offenses, assaulting police officers and seditious conspiracy. Trump insisted he has the authority to use the military to assist with his promised mass deportations , even though, as his interviewers noted, the Posse Comitatus Act prohibits the use of the military in domestic law enforcement. “It doesn’t stop the military if it’s an invasion of our country, and I consider it an invasion of our country," he said. “I’ll only do what the law allows, but I will go up to the maximum level of what the law allows. And I think in many cases, the sheriffs and law enforcement is going to need help." Trump did not deny that camps would be needed to hold detained migrants as they are processed for deportation. “Whatever it takes to get them out. I don’t care," he said. “I hope we’re not going to need too many because I want to get them out and I don’t want them sitting in camp for the next 20 years.” Trump told Time he does not plan to restore the policy of separating children from their families to deter border crossings, but he did not rule it out. The practice led to thousands of children being separated from their parents and was condemned around the globe as inhumane. “I don’t believe we’ll have to because we will send the whole family back,” he said. “I would much rather deport them together, yes, than separate.” Trump dismissed the idea that Elon Musk will face conflicts of interest as he takes the helm of the Department of Government Efficiency , an advisory group that Trump has selected him to lead. The panel is supposed to find waste and cut regulations, including many that could affect Musk's wide-ranging interests , which include electric cars, rockets and telecommunications. “I don’t think so," Trump said. “I think that Elon puts the country long before his company. ... He considers this to be his most important project." Trump lowered expectations about his ability to drive down grocery prices. “I’d like to bring them down. It’s hard to bring things down once they’re up. You know, it’s very hard. But I think that they will,” he said. Trump said he is planning “a virtual closure" of the "Department of Education in Washington.” “You’re going to need some people just to make sure they’re teaching English in the schools," he said. “But we want to move education back to the states.” Yet Trump has proposed exerting enormous influence over schools. He has threatened to cut funding for schools with vaccine mandates while forcing them to “teach students to love their country" and promote “the nuclear family,” including “the roles of mothers and fathers” and the “things that make men and women different and unique.” Asked to clarify whether he was committed to preventing the Food and Drug Administration from stripping access to abortion pills , Trump replied, “It’s always been my commitment.” But Trump has offered numerous conflicting stances on the issue, including to Time. Earlier in the interview, he was asked whether he would promise that his FDA would not do anything to limit access to medication abortion or abortion pills. "We’re going to take a look at all of that,” he said, before calling the prospect “very unlikely.” “Look, I’ve stated it very clearly and I just stated it again very clearly. I think it would be highly unlikely. I can’t imagine, but with, you know, we’re looking at everything, but highly unlikely. I guess I could say probably as close to ruling it out as possible, but I don’t want to. I don’t want to do anything now.” Pressed on whether he would abandon Ukraine in its efforts to stave off Russia's invasion , Trump said he would use U.S. support for Kyiv as leverage against Moscow in negotiating an end to the war. “I want to reach an agreement,” he said, “and the only way you’re going to reach an agreement is not to abandon.” Trump would not commit to supporting a two-state solution, with a Palestinian state alongside Israel, as he had previously. “I support whatever solution we can do to get peace," he said. "There are other ideas other than two state, but I support whatever, whatever is necessary to get not just peace, a lasting peace. It can’t go on where every five years you end up in tragedy. There are other alternatives.” Asked whether he trusted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu , he told Time: “I don’t trust anybody.” Trump would not rule out the possibility of war with Iran during his second term. “Anything can happen. It’s a very volatile situation," he said. Asked if he has spoken to Russian President Vladimir Putin since the Nov. 5 election, Trump continued to play coy: "I can’t tell you. It’s just inappropriate.” Trump insisted that his bid to install Matt Gaetz as attorney general ”wasn’t blocked. I had the votes (in the Senate) if I needed them, but I had to work very hard.” When the scope of resistance to the former Republican congressman from Florida became clear, Trump said, “I talked to him, and I said, ‘You know, Matt, I don’t think this is worth the fight.'" Gaetz pulled out amid scrutiny over sex trafficking allegations, and Trump tapped former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi for the Cabinet post. Trump, who has named anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, did not rule out the possibility of eliminating some childhood vaccinations even though they have been proved safe in extensive studies and real world use in hundreds of millions of people over decades and are considered among the most effective public health measures in modern history. Pressed on whether “getting rid of some vaccinations” — neither Trump nor the interviewers specified which ones — might be part of the plan to improve the health of the country, Trump responded: “It could if I think it’s dangerous, if I think they are not beneficial, but I don’t think it’s going to be very controversial in the end.” “I think there could be, yeah," Trump said of the prospect of others in his family continuing in his footsteps. He pointed to daughter-in-law Lara Trump , who served as co-chair of the Republican National Committee and is now being talked about as a potential replacement for Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, whom Trump has chosen for secretary of state. Trump said the former and soon-to-be first lady Melania Trump will be joining him at the White House during second term and will "be active, when she needs to be.” “Oh yes,” he said. “She’s very beloved by the people, Melania. And they like the fact that she’s not out there in your face all the time for many reasons.”Building on unparalleled nuclear experience, James Owen to lead Fuse's strategy to build technology solutions for sustainable, clean, reliable energy SAN LEANDRO, Calif. , Nov. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Fuse , a leading nuclear fusion company dedicated to accelerating the world's transition to fusion energy while safeguarding humankind, today announced the appointment of Los Alamos National Laboratory's (LANL) Chief Engineer for Nuclear Weapons, James Owen , as President of Fuse Federal, the company's wholly-owned subsidiary focused on U.S. government business. " James Owen's unparalleled background in nuclear engineering and his leadership at Los Alamos National Lab make him the ideal person to spearhead our federal business," said JC Btaiche, Founder and CEO of Fuse. "His experience and unique background at LANL will be invaluable as we strive to solve one of humanity's grandest challenges: fusion energy." At Los Alamos , Owen was responsible for the oversight of all weapons engineering activities in support of the Lab's national security mission to ensure America's nuclear deterrent remains effective and secure. Notably, Owen led and delivered four stockpile modernization programs while sustaining the United States' legacy deterrent through surveillance, weapons response, and more. Owen oversaw six divisions at Los Alamos with over 1,300 staff members and an annual budget of $1 billion dollars . LANL's heritage stretches back to the Manhattan Project, and now Owen will be working on what many consider humanity's next Manhattan Project: unlocking clean and abundant fusion energy. As President of Fuse Federal, Owen will leverage his extensive experience in nuclear technologies to lead the company's efforts in providing critical products and testing services for components of the nuclear stockpile and other defense infrastructure. He will focus on expanding the company's radiation services, a critical component of nuclear fusion energy, for government customers while also contributing to Fuse's overall strategy for commercializing fusion energy technology as a source of clean energy. Owen will join Fuse's executive team to drive the expansion of fusion and pulsed power products and services for the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, and other customers. Owen expressed enthusiasm about joining Fuse: "Since beginning as a summer student in 1988, I have been privileged to work with the most amazing people on the most important mission for the nation," Owen said. "And I am looking forward to working on one of the most difficult yet important technological challenges facing humanity and our planet – fusion energy." The Honorable Lisa Gordon-Hagerty, Fuse board member and former Under Secretary of Energy for Nuclear Security, added: "Fuse will provide critically needed and groundbreaking technologies to the national security ecosystem and will support a clean energy future. I am thrilled that James Owen , a pioneer in the nuclear security community has joined the Fuse team, bringing invaluable experience and expertise which will enable the nuclear enterprise to accelerate and execute important missions." About Fuse Fuse is a California -based nuclear fusion company dedicated to accelerating the world's transition to fusion energy while safeguarding humankind. Through its subsidiary, Fuse Federal, the company provides essential radiation services to U.S. government agencies, supporting critical defense and energy initiatives. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/los-alamos-chief-engineer-joins-nuclear-fusion-startup-fuse-to-lead-federal-business-302313709.html SOURCE Fuse Energy Technologies Corporation

LONG BEACH, Calif. (AP) — Devin Askew had 28 points in Long Beach State's 76-68 victory over Hawaii on Saturday night. Askew also had six rebounds, seven assists, and seven steals for the Beach (3-8, 2-0 Big West Conference). Austin Johnson scored 14 points and added 10 rebounds. TJ Wainwright went 5 of 9 from the field (2 for 3 from 3-point range) to finish with 14 points. The Rainbow Warriors (5-3, 0-1) were led in scoring by Marcus Greene, who finished with 17 points. Gytis Nemeiksa added 14 points, seven rebounds and two steals for Hawaii. Akira Jacobs also had 11 points. Long Beach State takes on San Diego on the road on Tuesday, and Hawaii hosts Texas A&M-CC on Sunday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .

Highlights from Trump's interview with Time magazine