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wow jili777 The Chicago Bears (4-6) look to halt their four-game losing streak when they host the Minnesota Vikings (8-2) on Sunday at Soldier Field. For the Bears, it’s the first of two NFC North games in five days with the Thanksgiving game at the Detroit Lions (9-1) to follow. As kickoff approaches, here’s our snapshot look at the game. Caleb Williams The Bears rookie quarterback saw quick results from his new partnership with offensive coordinator Thomas Brown in Week 11 against the Green Bay Packers. While the Bears offense scored only 19 points, they did manage 391 yards, including 23-for-31 passing for 231 yards from Williams in the loss . The ability of Brown and Williams to quickly get on the same page after Williams spent so long learning former coordinator Shane Waldron’s offense was promising. Brown said his plan is about finding what’s right for the players. “It’s simple. It doesn’t matter what I’m comfortable with. I don’t play,” Brown said. “So I can always adapt or adjust. To me, it’s my job as a coordinator to adapt and adjust to our players, to what our guys are doing. So, whether it’s Caleb, whether it’s the O-line, whether it’s the receivers, tight ends or backs, it’s our job to design a plan to obviously attack a defense but also to play to what we do well.” They Bears don’t have an easy second test against a Vikings defense under coordinator Brian Flores that Brown said doesn’t have many weaknesses. They boast the top run defense in the league and also are first with 16 interceptions. Brown said he has met Flores only a couple of times, but he was highly complimentary of the unit he runs. The Caleb Williams File: How the Chicago Bears QB is preparing for a massive Week 12 test “One of the biggest compliments you can get as a coach is your unit takes on your personality,” Brown said. “They are aggressive, they are attacking, they are opportunistic, and so it’s going to be important for us to go into the game, first and foremost, and play with no fear. We’re never going to coach fear, never play with fear. For me, that starts first with preparation. ... Our guys being able to have confidence in the game plan, to do that based on preparation in the week. Then let it rip, man.” Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold scrambles while pressured by Rams linebacker Byron Young on Oct. 24, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (Mark J. Terrill/AP) Can the Bears get their pass rush going? Defensive end Montez Sweat was forthright Thursday when asked how he is feeling as the Bears prep for the Vikings. “We’re on a three- or four-game losing streak? I’m pretty (expletive) frustrated,” he said. It’s not just the losing streak that has dampened Sweat’s spirits recently. He has been on the injury report more than he has been used to, first with a shin bruise and then with an ankle injury, though he is now off it and good to play Sunday. And he hasn’t recorded a sack since Oct. 27, sitting at 31⁄2 for the season. The Bears pass rush in general has been lacking of late, with just one sack in each of the last two games, and that’s obviously something they’d like to change as they attack Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold. Darnold has experienced a bit of a renaissance this season, throwing for 2,387 yards with a 100 passer rating in 10 starts after rookie J.J. McCarthy had meniscus surgery in the preseason. But Darnold also has thrown 10 interceptions — including five in Weeks 9 and 10 — and been sacked 28 times, the latter tied for sixth most in the NFL. “That’s a weekly aspiration and goal,” Bears defensive coordinator Eric Washington said of getting the pass rush going. “Everything that we like to do starts with our four-man rush, first through third down and including two-minute. Whatever we desire to do in terms of sending an extra player should complement that. We have to have the production with our four-man rush.” Bears offensive coordinator Thomas Brown walks on the field before a game against the Packers on Nov. 17, 2024, at Soldier Field. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) The Bears’ communication Coach Matt Eberflus stressed early in the week that the Bears needed to come up with a manageable and effective plan to combat the defense of Flores, whom Williams called “the king of the Cover-0 blitz.” Brown said the Bears need to use motions to help “undress” what the Vikings are doing presnap, and Williams said he needs to be aware of where his hot routes will be. Eberflus on Friday stressed that the next step is execution of the plan and “elite communication” throughout the game as they try to help Williams conquer the challenge. “High-pressure team. There’s no hiding it. That’s who they are,” left guard Teven Jenkins said. “That’s one thing we have to be very conscious of up front, being able to communicate all the way through the tight ends, just to let you know there’s pressure coming from the front side, back side.” Jenkins returns to the lineup after missing the Packers game with an ankle injury . He said the ankle is good enough to play this week, giving the Bears a healthier line for the first time in weeks. “I’m going to keep pushing through,” he said. “That’s what my team needs from me and that’s what I need from myself as well.” The Bears offensive line has its work cut out against a Vikings unit that is third with 35 sacks. Outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel leads the Vikings with eight sacks. Jonathan Greenard and Patrick Jones II each have seven. “(Van Ginkel) is a really good, all-around football player,” Eberflus said. “The instincts are elite, and he makes a lot of plays for him.” Bears safety Jonathan Owens celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown on a blocked-punt return in the third quarter against the Titans on Sept. 8, 2024, at Soldier Field. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune) The Bears will be without starting safety Elijah Hicks, who was declared out with an ankle injury. Hicks started five games in place of Jaquan Brisker, who is on injured reserve with a concussion . Now the Bears turn to sixth-year safety Jonathan Owens, who has played in 10 games without a start this season. But Owens is experienced, with 30 starts the last three seasons with the Green Bay Packers and Houston Texans. “Jonathan’s doing a really good job in there, and he’s started some games last year, so he’s familiar in terms of being in that role,” Eberflus said. “He’s done a good job communicating with Kevin (Byard) and everybody else in the secondary.” The secondary as a whole, including cornerback Jaylon Johnson, is going to have to buckle down against Vikings star receiver Justin Jefferson . The Bears gave up passes of 60, 48 and 25 yards last week to Packers receiver Christian Watson. Jefferson is averaging 91.2 receiving yards per game. Bears running back D’Andre Swift scores a touchdown against the Packers on Nov. 17, 2024, at Soldier Field. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Bears running back D’Andre Swift said he expects to be good to go Sunday after battling a groin injury during the week. He rested Wednesday but practiced in a limited fashion Thursday and was back in full Friday. The Bears listed him as questionable. Wide receiver Keenan Allen also is questionable after rolling his ankle in practice Friday. Eberflus said the Bears don’t think it is severe and are hopeful he can play Sunday. Along with Hicks, guard/center Ryan Bates also is out with a concussion. Offensive tackle Kiran Amegadjie (calf) is questionable. For the Vikings, tight end Josh Oliver (wrist/ankle) is out. Outside linebacker Gabe Murphy (knee) and tight end Nick Muse (hand) are questionable. There have been plenty of Minnesota teams as good or better than the current one that have had a hard time at Soldier Field against average to mediocre Bears teams. The Bears have won the turnover margin in three consecutive games (all losses) and six of seven. They should be in position to make a play or two against quarterback Sam Darnold, and ball security has been a real positive for Caleb Williams of late. A path to victory for the Bears must include stealing a possession or two. It’s hard to believe the Bears are going to have a lot of success running the ball against Minnesota’s stout front, though, and if the Vikings get Williams in second-and-long and third-and-uncomfortable, that will be problematic. Vikings 23, Bears 13 The Bears could really use this win, considering they have to turn around and travel to Detroit to face the NFC North-leading Lions five days later. And it feels like one they could steal if the defense forces Sam Darnold into some turnovers and Caleb Williams and the offense under Thomas Brown can manage the Vikings defense and continue to show some of the positives that came out of the loss to the Packers. But still, it seems unwise to pick the Bears until I see they can put it all together against a good team. We haven’t seen that recently. Vikings 23, Bears 20 The Bears can definitely win this game. And it starts with creating enough pressure with their front four to make life difficult for Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold. Get that done and create a couple of turnovers and maybe this painful losing streak comes to a close. Still, containing Justin Jefferson will be a struggle. The challenge for Caleb Williams in solving Brian Flores’ defense is real. And it’s almost impossible to pick the Bears to win again until they actually win again. Vikings 19, Bears 13CARSON, Calif. — The LA Galaxy and the New York Red Bulls have been Major League Soccer mainstays since the league's inaugural season in 1996, signing glamorous players and regularly competing for championships through years of success and setbacks in a league that's perpetually improving and expanding. Yet just a year ago, both of these clubs appeared to be a very long way from the stage they'll share Saturday in the MLS Cup Final. The Galaxy were one of MLS' worst teams after a season of internal turmoil and public fan dissent, while the Red Bulls were merely a steady mediocrity seeking yet another coach to chart a new direction. A year later, these MLS founders are meeting in the league's first Cup final between teams from North America's two biggest markets. "Two original clubs being able to put themselves in this situation, I think it's great," Galaxy coach Greg Vanney said. "To see two clubs that have been at it as long as this league has been around be here, I think it's a special moment. Couldn't be two more different and contrasting styles as well, which could make for an interesting game, and I would imagine a high-intensity game." Everything changed in 2024 after a dismal decade for the Galaxy, who are favored to cap their transformation by winning their team's record sixth MLS championship with a roster that's dramatically different from its past few groups — albeit with one massive injury absence in the final. The transformation of the Red Bulls happened only in the postseason, when a team that hadn't won a playoff game since 2017 suddenly turned into world-beaters under rookie coach Sandro Schwarz. New York struggled through the final three months of league play with only two wins before posting road playoff victories over defending champ Columbus, archrival New York City FC and conference finalist Orlando to storm into the Cup final. "We know about the history (of our club), and we know tomorrow will define what that could mean," Schwarz said Friday. "To feel the pressure for tomorrow, it's necessary, because it's a final, and without pressure it's not possible to bring the best quality on the field." The Red Bulls have never won an MLS Cup, only reaching the championship match once before. What's more, they've somehow never won a Cup in any tournament, although they've collected three Supporters' Shields for MLS' best regular-season record. The Galaxy's trophy case is large and loaded, and those five MLS Cups are on the top shelf. But not much of that team success happened in the past decade for the club that famously brought David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Robbie Keane, Steven Gerrard and many other international stars to Hollywood. In fact, this season has ended a grim era for the Galaxy, who haven't lost all year at their frequently renamed home stadium — which was the site of protests and boycotts just a year ago. The club's fans were tired of LA's steady underachievement and ineptitude in the front office run by team president Chris Klein, who was fired in May 2023. One year ago Thursday, the Galaxy hired Will Kuntz, a longtime Los Angeles FC executive who engineered his new club's roster transformation, most dramatically by landing new designated players Gabriel Pec and Joseph Paintsil — two international talents that LAFC also had in its sights. "I give Will and the group up there a ton of credit," Vanney said. "It's one thing to have players you like, and it's a whole other thing to get them here and get them to connect with your group." Pec and Paintsil combined for 32 goals and 27 assists while boosting the incumbent talents of striker Dejan Joveljic and Riqui Puig, the gifted Barcelona product who runs the offense from the midfield. The Galaxy clicked in the postseason, scoring a jaw-dropping 16 goals in four matches. Puig has been the Galaxy's most important player all season, but he won't be in the MLS Cup Final after tearing a knee ligament late in last week's conference final victory over Seattle. The loss of Puig — who somehow kept playing on his injured knee, and even delivered the game-winning pass to Joveljic — makes the Galaxy even more difficult to anticipate. "He played a lot in the regular season, so it was not so easy to analyze all these games now without him," Schwarz said. "But the main focus is to analyze what we need to do, because it's not clear now how they're playing without him." The Galaxy could give some of Puig's responsibilities to Marco Reus, the longtime Dortmund standout who joined LA in August. Reus is nursing a hamstring injury, but Vanney expects him to play. Get local news delivered to your inbox!Databricks nears record $9.5 billion VC raise, eyes extra $4.5 billion debtOscar Health director Elbert Robinson sells $426,250 in stock

The year in money: inflation eased, optimism ticked upwardMajor League Soccer will not play during the 2026 World Cup, league commissioner Don Garber said Friday. Speaking at his annual state of the league address ahead of Saturday’s MLS Cup in Los Angeles, Garber confirmed the league “will not be playing during the 2026 World Cup” and will also take off “for a portion” of the Club World Cup in 2025, clarifying that it would be a “specific break, not a full one.” Advertisement Garber said the league is still finalizing details for its break for the Club World Cup, which will be played in the U.S. next summer from June 15 to July 13. The MLS season typically stretches from late February through the MLS Cup final in early December. Any changes would have to be approved by the MLS board of governors, which is set to meet next week. Two MLS teams, the Seattle Sounders and Lionel Messi ’s Inter Miami , will play in the tournament. The 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico and will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026. The 48-team tournament will be hosted jointly by 16 cities across the three countries, with a record 104 games played over the course of the tournament. MLS paused for the World Cup group stage in 2010, for two weeks in 2014 and for nine days in 2018. Earlier during his state of the league address, Garber confirmed the league is weighing potential schedule changes which could impact what the MLS schedule looks like in 2026. The Athletic previously reported the league was weighing a move to a fall-spring calendar used by many European leagues. “It’s important to point out that the league, in 2004 and 2005, and then again in 2014 and 2015, looked at a schedule change,” Garber said. “I think now we could be the only league, or one of only two leagues in the world that works on our schedule. But it’s complicated. We’re across three time zones, multiple weather factors, we’re traveling across a continent, and making those changes is something we’ve got to be very, very thoughtful about. I do think that we are considering, more than ever before, this opportunity to change, but it’s not something that we’re ready to talk about right now.” Required reading (Photo: Mike Lawrie / Getty Images)

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Good news on the injury front continues for the Vikings with latest roster moveInvestors are always on the lookout for innovative strategies to maximize their returns. A recent analysis highlights a novel approach that may revolutionize the way people think about investing. Investing Reimagined The Motley Fool, known for its insightful financial advice, suggests a unique investment strategy that diverges from traditional methods. This new approach has caught the attention of seasoned investors who are keen to explore fresh opportunities for wealth growth. How It Works The core of this strategy involves a careful selection process that blends market research with expert analysis. Instead of relying solely on established companies, this technique advocates for a diversified portfolio that includes emerging businesses with high potential. Many investors have found themselves intrigued by the possibility of gaining higher yields by investing in younger, dynamic enterprises. This strategy is not just about picking stocks but emphasizes a holistic view of the market conditions, including economic indicators and future growth potential. Expert Insight Financial analysts from The Motley Fool note that while this strategy may involve more risks, the potential rewards could be substantial. It’s important for investors to stay informed and be prepared to adapt their portfolios according to market trends. Ultimately, this strategy represents a shift in thinking for many investors. With thorough research and a bit of risk tolerance, this innovative approach could offer significant advantages in today’s volatile markets. Would you take a chance on this investment strategy? Unlocking Investment Potential: A New Strategy Captures Investor Attention In the ever-evolving landscape of finance, investors are uncovering groundbreaking methods to maximize financial gains. A novel strategy, recently detailed, promises to redefine investment paradigms with its forward-thinking approach. A Fresh Perspective on Investment Renowned for its financial expertise, The Motley Fool introduces a trailblazing investment strategy that steps away from traditions. This concept has piqued the interest of investors eager for diverse pathways to wealth accumulation. Unlike conventional methods focusing on well-established firms, this innovative approach stresses the significance of a diversified portfolio teeming with promising startups and budding businesses. How This Approach Stands Out The strategy pivots on an in-depth process intertwining market research with seasoned analysis. It’s not merely about selecting stocks; it captures a broader comprehension of current market dynamics, factoring in economic indicators and future potential. By encompassing emerging companies with significant growth prospects, investors could secure higher returns, albeit with heightened risks. Insights from Financial Experts Analysts at The Motley Fool highlight that, despite its inherent risks, this strategy harbors the potential for appreciable rewards. This necessitates a well-informed investor willing to adapt based on evolving market trends and metrics. Pros and Cons of Embracing the New Strategy Pros: – Higher Potential Returns: Engaging with upcoming enterprises offers the possibility of substantial gains. – Market Diversification: Increases portfolio diversity by branching into untapped sectors. – Growth Opportunities: Leverage the promising prospects of nascent companies. Cons: – Increased Risk: Emerging businesses can be unpredictable with higher chances of volatility. – Need for Vigilance: Continuous market monitoring and research are imperative. – Longer Payback Periods: May take time before significant returns manifest. Emerging Trends and Future Outlook Observers predict this strategy could usher in a paradigm shift as it aligns with ongoing trends favoring innovation. While rooted in risk, the potential for high-yield returns could entice risk-tolerant investors gear up for the impending changes. This transformative strategy demands a recalibration of traditional perspectives, urging investors to balance risk and reward thoughtfully. Could this be the key to navigating modern financial markets and securing a prosperous future?2024 in pop culture: In a bruising year, we sought out fantasy, escapism — and cute little animals

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NEW YORK — I’ll get you, my pretty! And your little pygmy hippo, too! Forgive us the shameless attempt to link the fantasy hit to the delightful . But, hear us out — there’s something the two have in common as the year draws to a close. Escapism. Whether we found it on the yellow brick road, or in videos from a Thailand zoo, or perhaps in , we gravitated toward fantasy and feel-good pop culture moments this year. There were new trends, as always. became a thing, as did And for some inexplicable reason, we became obsessed with celebrity lookalike contests. There were breakups — Bennifer is, again, — and reunions: Oasis, please try to stay together for the tour. Yet some things stayed, remarkably, the same: and kept on breaking records and making history. So, after a year where much changed but some things held steady, here’s our annual, very selective trip down pop culture memory lane: Lily Gladstone poses in the press room Jan. 7 with the award for best performance by an actress in a motion picture, drama for "Killers of the Flower Moon" at the 81st Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif. It starts as from a beloved “Sesame Street” figure: “ is just checking in! How is everybody doing?” The answers hint at something deeper and more worrisome. “Not great, Elmo. Not great,” says one milder reply. Doing much better is the viral phenomenon called which makes its awards season debut at the But perhaps the comes from neither film: , first Indigenous winner of best actress in a drama for “Killers of the Flower Moon,” begins her remarks in the language of her tribe, Blackfeet Nation. Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) kisses Taylor Swift on Feb. 11 after the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers in overtime during the NFL Super Bowl 58 football game in Las Vegas. Valentine’s Day — a perfect time to settle into a sweet love saga via TikTok. Only that’s not quite what we get with “Who TF Did I Marry?,” ’s depressing, fascinating, 50-part account of her disastrous marriage with a man who lied about absolutely everything. Meanwhile, if you're looking for a single week that encapsulates peak , try this: she begins with the Grammys in Los Angeles (becoming the first artist to win album of the year four times AND announcing a new album), then heads to Tokyo for four tour dates, then jets back just in time for the Super Bowl in Las Vegas — where she shares a with boyfriend on the field of victory. Ryan Gosling performs the song "I'm Just Ken" from the movie "Barbie" on March 10 during the Oscars at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. “What was I made for?” sings at channeling . And what was made for? Not entirely clear — but it's clear was made to play him. His singalong version of is one of the most entertaining Oscar musical moments in years. Still, Christopher Nolan's prevails, a rare case of the top prize going to a blockbuster studio film. Will it happen again in 2025? and sure hope so; as presenters, they make a sly reference to their upcoming juggernaut, Speaking of marketing, people are obsessed with that bizarre popcorn bucket. Beyonce And carves her space in country music with “Act II: Cowboy Carter,” which will make her the first Black woman to top the Billboard country chart. Taylor Swift performs June 21 at Wembley Stadium in London as part of her Eras Tour. Tennis, anyone? The game’s been around for centuries, but it’s having a cultural moment right now, helped mightily by the sweaty romance triangle starring and (40-love? More like 40-sex.) Elsewhere, a new era dawns: At midnight, drops then drops another 15 songs two hours later. The fascinating and disturbing the story of a struggling comedian’s extended encounter with a stalker, debuts on Netflix. Ben Affleck, left, and Jennifer Lopez arrive Feb. 13 at the premiere of "This Is Me ... Now: A Love Story" at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. It’s time — or as it's known in 2024, another early marketing moment for and make fashion waves on the carpet and then musical ones at dinner, with a soulful performance of “When You Believe.” If the “Wicked” tour is in full force, another one stops in its tracks: amid reports of both poor ticket sales and trouble in her marriage to . It’s been an eventful year for J.Lo, who's released an album and movie called — both reflections on her renewed love with Affleck. Welcome to ! releases her , with its lime green cover, and launches a thousand memes. Collins Dictionary defines “brat,” as “characterized by a confident, independent, and hedonistic attitude.” At the celeb-heavy shows in London, we see shaking it off, which is either charming or cringe, you decide. Even better: and tux and performs for one night. At another stadium across the pond, infielder with his cheery number “OMG.” Stephen Nedoroscik is introduced June 29 at the United States Gymnastics Olympic Trials in Minneapolis. Bonjour, it’s time! In Paris! An audacious opening ceremony along the Seine is punctuated by perched on the , singing her heart out — in the rain, too. over a scene critics feel mocks Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” (organizers say it does not). Olympic stars are born — including French swimming superstar , rugby player , and bespectacled “Pommel Horse Guy” gymnast who nets two bronze medals and comparisons to Clark Kent. Baby pigmy hippo Moo Deng plays with a zookeeper Sept. 19 in the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi province, Thailand. Also capturing hearts: yep, born this month. Her name means “bouncy pork.” Australia's Rachael Gunn, known as B-Girl Raygun, competes Aug. 9 during the Round Robin Battle at the breaking competition at La Concorde Urban Park at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France. This is them ... now: After two decades, two engagements and two weddings, J.Lo files for divorce. One union dissolves, another returns: a reunion tour. Everyone seems to want to get in on TikToker 's act — even the Back at the Olympics, in the new sport of breaking, we meet arguably neither demure nor mindful with her “kangaroo” move. Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani brings his dog Decoy to the mound Aug. 28 before Decoy delivered the ceremonial first pitch prior to a baseball game between the Dodgers and the Baltimore Orioles in Los Angeles. Cute animal alert: perky pooch does in his Major League Baseball debut. Chappell Roan performs "Good Luck, Babe" on Sept. 11 during the MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena in Elmont, N.Y. One of the year’s biggest breakout artists, withdraws from a music festival after speaking out about frightening fan interactions. And more on the price of fame: In an excruciating moment, the franchise’s first Asian American lead, is forced to sit through a painful viewing of her proposal to her chosen suitor, after tearfully explaining how he’d later dumped her over the phone. Tran is keeping busy though — she’s announced as part of the new “Dancing with the Stars” lineup. Also on the list: rugby player Maher, and Pommel Horse Guy! Also, , Online fandom, meanwhile, is shaken when and celebrity stan accounts post tearful farewells, revealing to many across the globe that their favorite accounts are run by Brazilians. Miles Mitchell, 21, wins of the Timothee Chalamet lookalike contest Oct. 27 near Washington Square Park in New York. “Dune” Chalamets! “Wonka” Chalamets! Thousands gather in Manhattan for a lookalike contest, and things really get interesting when He doesn’t enter the contest, though, and with his mustache, he may not even have won. The trend continues with contests for and — in a very Washington version — Kennedy scion , who's been gathering a following with some interesting social media posts. New York Liberty Kennedy Burke dances with the mascot, Ellie the Elephant, during an Oct. 24 ceremony after a parade in honor of the Liberty's WNBA basketball championship at City Hall in New York. Turning to basketball, who’s that dancing with ? Why it’s , the now-viral mascot. Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, right, appears Nov. 2 with Maya Rudolph on NBC's "Saturday Night Live" in New York. does a pretty good laugh on “Saturday Night Live,” but you know who does it better? herself. The Democratic candidate three days before the U.S. presidential election, following in the footsteps of , and others. Elsewhere in television, Bravo announces that the Emmy-nominated reality show that has lived through countless scandals, is entirely recasting its 12th season — apart from namesake . As for , she doesn't have her own TV series yet, but our favorite pygmy hippo is generating . And THAT brings us back to ... Ariana Grande, left, and Cynthia Erivo pose for photographers Nov. 11 prior to the premiere of "Wicked" at Auditorio Nacional in Mexico City. Director ’s emerald-hued fantasy remains very very popular, to quote one of its buzzy show tunes, dancing through life and defying gravity at the multiplex. Moviegoers and, in a veritable tidal wave, which beckons us back to the seas of Oceania. Once again, 2024 seems to be telling us: Give people some whimsy, a place to escape, maybe some catchy tunes — and no one knows how far they’ll go. The stories and images that defined 2024. Searching for something? From queries about U.S. politics to cricket in India, Wikipedia has become a source of information for millions of people across the globe. From the Paris Olympics to the Super Bowl. From Simone Biles to Shohei Ohtani. And, of course, Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift. These are the sp... AP photographers assembled a visual catalog of our civilization as life in 2024 hurtled directly at us at every speed and in every imaginable ... In 2024, photographers captured glimpses of humanity, ranging from a deeply divisive presidential election, to hurricanes and fires that ravag... Associated Press photographers captured voters with raw emotions of joy, excitement, contemplation or sorrow. See entertainment's biggest moments in 2024, through the lens of Associated Press photographers. It beat five other finalists: demure, slop, dynamic pricing, romantasy and lore. News anchors, politicians and other public figures in the U.S. struggled with these words the most this year. Is it any surprise Merriam-Webster's word of the year is "polarization"? Here are the other words that rounded out the top 10 for 2024. Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly!If you still have holiday shopping to do, Saturday's the day to start. A federal tax "holiday" will kick in this weekend, lasting for two months. It waives the tax on some categories of essential goods, a measure the federal government says is meant to help Canadians battle the high cost of living. The GST/HST holiday begins Saturday As GST break approaches, small businesses prepare for a tax holiday headache Thought it's a federal measure, in Ontario the entire 13 per cent harmonized sales tax will disappear off categories of items including children's clothing, prepared foods, restaurant meals, toys and book and even real Christmas trees, even though the federal portion of the tax is just five per cent. "We'll start marketing first thing tomorrow morning that it's available," Richard Peddie, owner of River Bookshop in Amherstburg, told CBC's Windsor Morning . "So yes, I would hope [we see more business]. I mean 13 per cent is pretty significant." LISTEN: We're just one day away from a litany of goods becoming tax-free Windsor Morning 8:48 We're just one day away from a litany of goods becoming tax-free Nicole Sekela is one of the owners of Rock Bottom Bar and Grill in West Windsor, and Richard Peddie owns River Bookshop in Amherstburg. They speak with CBC Windsor Morning guest host Josiah Sinanan. Nicole Sekela is one of the owners of Rock Bottom Bar and Grill. She says that she's heard customers talking about the tax break, but hasn't seen anyone delay dining out in anticipation. "We've got lots of parties booked already, so I'm hoping more people come out. I hope they take advantage of it," she said. The tax holiday was announced last month. Shoppers don't need to do or claim the exemption; rather, it will not be charged at the point of sale. The break will be in place until Feb.15, 2025. Initially, Sekela says she worried about the tech side of it — having to make changes to each individual menu item to turn off the tax. But instead her software allowed her to do it by menu category — sandwiches, beers, etcetera — so it was easier than anticipated. CBC Kids News The Trudeau government's GST/HST holiday, explained for kids But, she said, there are items like cocktails that are not tax-exempt, so she's had to educate her staff in preparation for customer questions. Both Peddie and Sekela agreed the move was largely political — but Sekela says she's still planning to capitalize on it. "Historically for restaurants, you know, January and February is our slow time. So I guess we'll just take advantage." At River Bookshop, Peddie says staff were combing through titles one by one until nearly the end of the week to make sure the tax was turned off. It's been a bit of added complexity at an already-busy time of year. "I think ... the whole idea was done by a bunch of people who really didn't understand retail," he said. "The bookshop we have 40,000 titles... available and we had to go through everything. "So it was a challenge. It's still going to be worthwhile. We've got high unemployment in this area, the highest in in Canada, inflation still really high. There's going to be a lot of people that take advantage of this. "So, on balance we'll take it for sure." Here's a list of items getting a tax break: Food and groceries Prepared foods such as sandwiches, salads, platters and pre-made meals. Snacks including chips, candy, baked goods, fruit-based snacks and granola bars. Energy bars, but only if they are considered to be food by Health Canada are not enhanced by protein, caffeine, vitamins and/or minerals and meets other qualifications. Gift baskets, as long as at least 90 per cent of the contents are qualifying food or beverage items. Prepared meals and beverages, including delivery, but only when the food establishment delivers the meal. Prepared meals delivered by a third party (the delivery cost is not tax-exempt). Beverages All non-alcoholic drinks, such as coffee, tea, carbonated drinks, juices and smoothies, provided they aren't sold through a vending machine. Alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, cider and sake, so long as the alcohol volume is 22.9 per cent or less. Spirit mixed coolers and premixed alcoholic beverages with an alcohol volume of seven per cent or less. Energy and protein shakes, provided they aren't enhanced with protein, caffeine, vitamins and/or minerals, and provided Health Canada considers them to be a food or beverage. Restaurant meals and drinks Meals purchased at pubs, bars, food trucks or other places serving food and beverages. Mixed drinks served in restaurants and bars if they are qualifying beverages — sparkling wine and orange juice qualify, but a vodka and soda does not. Tips paid on meals and drinks, but only if they are included in the bill. Catering services that provide qualifying food and beverages. Children's clothing and accessories Infant and children's clothes, including accessories such as bibs, blankets, hats, belts, suspenders, gloves and mittens. Footwear with an insole length of 24.25 cm or less. Some sports clothing, such as jerseys, ski jackets, leotards, unitards and bodysuits that can be worn outside of sports or dance activities. Diapers, both cloth and disposable, training pants or rubber pants designed to be used with diapers. Children's car seats, provided they meet Canadian safety standards and are not part of a stroller/carrier travel system. Specialized items of clothing — including wetsuits, soccer cleats, bowling shoes, skates, ski boots and tap shoes — do not qualify. Children's toys and video games Board games and card games, including playing cards and Pokémon cards. Toys that involve building, creating or assembling structures. Dolls, plush toys and soft toys and their accessories. Toys marketed for children below 14 years of age. Jigsaw puzzles for all ages. Video game consoles and video games for consoles qualify, but downloadable or online-only games do not. Collectibles — including hockey cards, dolls or other toys marketed to adults — do not qualify. Books, magazines and newspapers Most published books, including guide books and audio books. Bound or unbound printed versions of scripture associated with any religion. Magazines and periodicals bought with a subscription which have no more than five per cent of their printed space devoted to advertising. Newspapers that contain news stories, editorials, features, or other information of interest to the general public and are published daily, weekly or monthly.Bath & Body Works' Iconic Candle Day: Get 3-Wick Candles for $9.95

Victor Wembanyama and Anthony Edwards will play Christmas Day games for the first time on Wednesday as the NBA delivers its 77th year of contests on the holiday. French centre Wembanyama, last season's NBA Rookie of the Year, will lead the San Antonio Spurs into New York to face the Knicks, who have the league's longest holiday history. The Knicks have played the most Christmas games of any NBA club at 56 entering this year, the first coming in 1947, the year the first NBA Christmas game was played. Wembanyama, a 20-year-old who stands 7-foot-3 (2.21m), averages 24.8 points, 9.9 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 4.0 blocked shots a game for the Spurs, who return to the Christmas lineup for the first time in eight years. "Very excited just about spending Christmas in New York," Wembanyama said. "Going to be like the movies I hope, maybe get a little snow. "I'll approach it just like any other game. We've got to learn about their team, scout them and apply it for sure. I'm sure it's going to be special. I'm sure the league is going to make it something special that we're going to be able to feel." Edwards, a two-time NBA All-Star guard who helped the United States capture gold at the Paris Olympics, will try to spark the Minnesota Timberwolves on a holiday road trip to Dallas in a rematch of last season's Western Conference finals. "Ant-Man" leads the T-Wolves with 25.3 points a game and also has 5.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.4 steals a contest this season. The league's past three champions will also take the court on Wednesday with the defending champion Boston Celtics playing host to Philadelphia, the 2022 trophy-lifting Golden State Warriors playing host to the Los Angeles Lakers and the 2023 winner Denver Nuggets on the road at Phoenix. Lakers star LeBron James, who turns 40 next Monday, is the NBA career leader in points on Christmas with 476 in a record 18 games on December 25. He and former Miami teammate Dwyane Wade share the lead in wins by a player on Christmas with 10. The Lakers and Knicks share the NBA record for Christmas wins by a team with 24 for each. This year marks the 40th anniversary of Bernard King scoring 60 points, the highest NBA total on Christmas Day. Three other players -- Rick Barry, Wilt Chamberlain and Slovenian Luka Doncic -- have scored 50 or more in a game on the holiday. Dallas guard Doncic joined the club with a 50-point effort last year. The Lakers (16-13) and Golden State (15-13) are fighting for seventh in the Western Conference just ahead of San Antonio (15-14) and Minnesota and Phoenix, both 14-14. Dallas is fourth in the West at 19-10, just ahead of Denver 16-11. The Celtics are second in the Eastern Conference at 22-7, ahead of New York (19-10) while Philadelphia has struggled to a 10-17 start, 12th in the East. js/pb

BENSON — There is a sense of optimism for the Benson boys basketball team. The Braves, who were 0-14 in the West Central Conference and 11-17 overall last year, nearly retain the entirety of their roster. Two key contributors, Blake Brehmer and Joey Pagel, graduated. “We will look to improve as a team and build on last year’s success,” Benson head coach Mike Felt said. “Our guys put a lot of time in during the offseason, both individually and as a team. I can’t wait to get back in the gym with them and get our season underway.” Harold Habben and Lanadreon Goodwin return and are looking to lead it. Both averaged double-doubles as underclassmen. Habben, a 6-foot-6 junior center who averaged 14.5 points and 10.9 rebounds per game, set the Benson record for most rebounds in a season with 295. He was a WCC Honorable Mention. Goodwin, a 6-6 sophomore power forward, posted 13.5 points and 10.4 rebounds per game. Two experienced juniors, who are both three-year starters, are back. Looking to help guide the Braves are Tayte Antolick and Landon Skarsten. Antolick, a 6-4 power forward, averaged 6.5 points and 4.0 rebounds per game. Skarsten, a 5-10 shooting guard, led Benson in three-pointers and three-point percentage at 9.3 points per game. Jaden McCarter, a 5-7 senior, is a defensive stopper and will steer Benson as its point guard. “All of these players were key contributors to our team last year,” said Felt, who will have three assistant coaches: Adam Jensen, Brady Dokkebakken and Alex Fountain. “They return hoping to make a bigger impact this year.”Global monitor says famine is weeks away in north Gaza. A US diplomat calls warning 'irresponsible'Worli MLA Aaditya Thackeray wrote to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to bring initiative to remove all political hoardings, on Tuesday. He further alleged that the hoardings of ruling parties were still put up while those of the Opposition parties were removed. “In the last two years, the BMC has removed select posters, but the posters of the ruling party are still visible. If we put aside this childish political competition and all political parties decide not to put up illegal posters, banners and hoardings, we can give a big relief to the citizens,” Mr. Thackeray wrote in the letter, which he shared as a screenshot in his post on social media platform X. He further said that he had urged Mr. Fadnavis to issue a statement to all political parties and social organisations to remove their hoardings and expressed Shiv Sena(UBT)’s interest in working with the government to implement the initiative by strictly adhering to them. “We as a party have also assured that if Fadnavis ji takes steps for the ‘No Banner’ initiative, we will also support him and strictly follow it,” he said in the post. Mr. Thackeray highlighted the political turmoil in Maharashtra as the source of increased posters and banners in the State. “Due to the political turmoil that has taken place in the last two years, thousands of political posters [legal and illegal] are being seen in every nook and corner of the city. As a citizen, it is sad to see this and as an individual, we are troubled by such posters that are disfiguring the city,” he said. Mr. Thackeray’s comments on twitter assume significance as the Bombay High Court came down heavily on hoardings that threaten safety and impact the aesthetics of the city on December 19. The high court’s hearings regarding unauthorised and illegal hoardings across Maharashtra will be held on January 27, 2025. Published - December 24, 2024 09:18 pm IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Maharashtra / Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray / state politics

The Chicago Bears (4-6) look to halt their four-game losing streak when they host the Minnesota Vikings (8-2) on Sunday at Soldier Field. For the Bears, it’s the first of two NFC North games in five days with the Thanksgiving game at the Detroit Lions (9-1) to follow. As kickoff approaches, here’s our snapshot look at the game. Caleb Williams The Bears rookie quarterback saw quick results from his new partnership with offensive coordinator Thomas Brown in Week 11 against the Green Bay Packers. While the Bears offense scored only 19 points, they did manage 391 yards, including 23-for-31 passing for 231 yards from Williams in the loss . The ability of Brown and Williams to quickly get on the same page after Williams spent so long learning former coordinator Shane Waldron’s offense was promising. Brown said his plan is about finding what’s right for the players. “It’s simple. It doesn’t matter what I’m comfortable with. I don’t play,” Brown said. “So I can always adapt or adjust. To me, it’s my job as a coordinator to adapt and adjust to our players, to what our guys are doing. So, whether it’s Caleb, whether it’s the O-line, whether it’s the receivers, tight ends or backs, it’s our job to design a plan to obviously attack a defense but also to play to what we do well.” They Bears don’t have an easy second test against a Vikings defense under coordinator Brian Flores that Brown said doesn’t have many weaknesses. They boast the top run defense in the league and also are first with 16 interceptions. Brown said he has met Flores only a couple of times, but he was highly complimentary of the unit he runs. The Caleb Williams File: How the Chicago Bears QB is preparing for a massive Week 12 test “One of the biggest compliments you can get as a coach is your unit takes on your personality,” Brown said. “They are aggressive, they are attacking, they are opportunistic, and so it’s going to be important for us to go into the game, first and foremost, and play with no fear. We’re never going to coach fear, never play with fear. For me, that starts first with preparation. ... Our guys being able to have confidence in the game plan, to do that based on preparation in the week. Then let it rip, man.” Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold scrambles while pressured by Rams linebacker Byron Young on Oct. 24, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (Mark J. Terrill/AP) Can the Bears get their pass rush going? Defensive end Montez Sweat was forthright Thursday when asked how he is feeling as the Bears prep for the Vikings. “We’re on a three- or four-game losing streak? I’m pretty (expletive) frustrated,” he said. It’s not just the losing streak that has dampened Sweat’s spirits recently. He has been on the injury report more than he has been used to, first with a shin bruise and then with an ankle injury, though he is now off it and good to play Sunday. And he hasn’t recorded a sack since Oct. 27, sitting at 31⁄2 for the season. The Bears pass rush in general has been lacking of late, with just one sack in each of the last two games, and that’s obviously something they’d like to change as they attack Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold. Darnold has experienced a bit of a renaissance this season, throwing for 2,387 yards with a 100 passer rating in 10 starts after rookie J.J. McCarthy had meniscus surgery in the preseason. But Darnold also has thrown 10 interceptions — including five in Weeks 9 and 10 — and been sacked 28 times, the latter tied for sixth most in the NFL. “That’s a weekly aspiration and goal,” Bears defensive coordinator Eric Washington said of getting the pass rush going. “Everything that we like to do starts with our four-man rush, first through third down and including two-minute. Whatever we desire to do in terms of sending an extra player should complement that. We have to have the production with our four-man rush.” Bears offensive coordinator Thomas Brown walks on the field before a game against the Packers on Nov. 17, 2024, at Soldier Field. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) The Bears’ communication Coach Matt Eberflus stressed early in the week that the Bears needed to come up with a manageable and effective plan to combat the defense of Flores, whom Williams called “the king of the Cover-0 blitz.” Brown said the Bears need to use motions to help “undress” what the Vikings are doing presnap, and Williams said he needs to be aware of where his hot routes will be. Eberflus on Friday stressed that the next step is execution of the plan and “elite communication” throughout the game as they try to help Williams conquer the challenge. “High-pressure team. There’s no hiding it. That’s who they are,” left guard Teven Jenkins said. “That’s one thing we have to be very conscious of up front, being able to communicate all the way through the tight ends, just to let you know there’s pressure coming from the front side, back side.” Jenkins returns to the lineup after missing the Packers game with an ankle injury . He said the ankle is good enough to play this week, giving the Bears a healthier line for the first time in weeks. “I’m going to keep pushing through,” he said. “That’s what my team needs from me and that’s what I need from myself as well.” The Bears offensive line has its work cut out against a Vikings unit that is third with 35 sacks. Outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel leads the Vikings with eight sacks. Jonathan Greenard and Patrick Jones II each have seven. “(Van Ginkel) is a really good, all-around football player,” Eberflus said. “The instincts are elite, and he makes a lot of plays for him.” Bears safety Jonathan Owens celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown on a blocked-punt return in the third quarter against the Titans on Sept. 8, 2024, at Soldier Field. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune) The Bears will be without starting safety Elijah Hicks, who was declared out with an ankle injury. Hicks started five games in place of Jaquan Brisker, who is on injured reserve with a concussion . Now the Bears turn to sixth-year safety Jonathan Owens, who has played in 10 games without a start this season. But Owens is experienced, with 30 starts the last three seasons with the Green Bay Packers and Houston Texans. “Jonathan’s doing a really good job in there, and he’s started some games last year, so he’s familiar in terms of being in that role,” Eberflus said. “He’s done a good job communicating with Kevin (Byard) and everybody else in the secondary.” The secondary as a whole, including cornerback Jaylon Johnson, is going to have to buckle down against Vikings star receiver Justin Jefferson . The Bears gave up passes of 60, 48 and 25 yards last week to Packers receiver Christian Watson. Jefferson is averaging 91.2 receiving yards per game. Bears running back D’Andre Swift scores a touchdown against the Packers on Nov. 17, 2024, at Soldier Field. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Bears running back D’Andre Swift said he expects to be good to go Sunday after battling a groin injury during the week. He rested Wednesday but practiced in a limited fashion Thursday and was back in full Friday. The Bears listed him as questionable. Wide receiver Keenan Allen also is questionable after rolling his ankle in practice Friday. Eberflus said the Bears don’t think it is severe and are hopeful he can play Sunday. Along with Hicks, guard/center Ryan Bates also is out with a concussion. Offensive tackle Kiran Amegadjie (calf) is questionable. For the Vikings, tight end Josh Oliver (wrist/ankle) is out. Outside linebacker Gabe Murphy (knee) and tight end Nick Muse (hand) are questionable. There have been plenty of Minnesota teams as good or better than the current one that have had a hard time at Soldier Field against average to mediocre Bears teams. The Bears have won the turnover margin in three consecutive games (all losses) and six of seven. They should be in position to make a play or two against quarterback Sam Darnold, and ball security has been a real positive for Caleb Williams of late. A path to victory for the Bears must include stealing a possession or two. It’s hard to believe the Bears are going to have a lot of success running the ball against Minnesota’s stout front, though, and if the Vikings get Williams in second-and-long and third-and-uncomfortable, that will be problematic. Vikings 23, Bears 13 The Bears could really use this win, considering they have to turn around and travel to Detroit to face the NFC North-leading Lions five days later. And it feels like one they could steal if the defense forces Sam Darnold into some turnovers and Caleb Williams and the offense under Thomas Brown can manage the Vikings defense and continue to show some of the positives that came out of the loss to the Packers. But still, it seems unwise to pick the Bears until I see they can put it all together against a good team. We haven’t seen that recently. Vikings 23, Bears 20 The Bears can definitely win this game. And it starts with creating enough pressure with their front four to make life difficult for Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold. Get that done and create a couple of turnovers and maybe this painful losing streak comes to a close. Still, containing Justin Jefferson will be a struggle. The challenge for Caleb Williams in solving Brian Flores’ defense is real. And it’s almost impossible to pick the Bears to win again until they actually win again. Vikings 19, Bears 13

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