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esports design jersey PHILADELPHIA — One month ago, few would have expected the Nets and 76ers to be in their current states. The Nets playing above preseason expectations and the 76ers drowning among the league’s worst teams. Few would’ve also expected Cam Johnson to morph into a lethal scorer despite his hot shooting touch. Johnson kept up his torrid pace Friday night but the 76ers’ dual closers of Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain were too much, sending the Nets to a 113-98 loss at Wells Fargo Center in Emirates NBA Cup play. After scoring 34 last game, Johnson scored 37 points, one shy of his career-high. He tied his career-high with nine made three-pointers and extended a stretch where he came into the game shooting 52.1% on field goals and 41.8% on three-pointers over his last nine games. For the first time in his career, Johnson scored at least 20 points in three consecutive games. It went for naught because the Nets (6-10) couldn’t control the ball. Nineteen turnovers gave the 76ers 28 points. Fittingly, the Nets turned the ball over on their second-to-last possession, giving the 76ers their final basket. It was a lackluster finish to a 76ers (3-12) that entered with the NBA’s worst record and was down Joel Embiid (injury management) and Paul George (left knee bone bruise). Maxey’s steal and dunk with 2:27 left gave the 76ers a 11-point lead and all coach Jordi Fernandez could do was call timeout and stare up at the crowd with his hands on his hips. He couldn’t do much because he couldn’t play defense on the court. Maxey and McCain combined for 23 fourth-quarter points to outdoes Johnson’s 18-point quarter. McCain, the 76ers’ first-round pick, finished with 30 points. Maxey added 26 points. The Nets trailed 51-38 in the second quarter before ended the half on a 12-2 run to trail by three at halftime. It foreshadowed an even stronger start after the break. The Nets stormed to the lead with a 14-0 run as part of a larger 26-4 run since their 13-point deficit. Cam Thomas found his rhythm after a quiet first half with 10 points in the third. Yet the Nets couldn’t maintain it. They led 70-62 before giving up a 15-2 run of their own. Maxey gave the 76ers a 74-73 lead with a three-point play then McCain found Reggie Jackson for a three to cap the run. McCain got hot in the fourth to keep up with Johnson. He made a layup to give the 76ers a 91-90 lead then drained a three-pointer to push the advantage to four. It was part of a 9-0 76ers run that left the Nets behind for good. The poor start to this four-game road trip was also their sixth loss in eight games. Thomas had 18 points for the Nets, who shot 49.4% from the field Evan Barnes covers the Nets for Newsday. He previously covered Memphis football and the Memphis Grizzlies and also covered prep sports in Los Angeles.Hegseth meets with moderate Sen. Collins as he lobbies for key votes in the SenateChina is reshaping the global energy landscape, setting its sights on an ambitious transformation driven by renewable energy. In its latest move, on October 30, 2024, the Chinese government unveiled the (hereinafter the “new renewable energy plan”) to accelerate renewable energy consumption. The new renewable energy plan, issued by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and five other agencies, targets to increase annual renewable energy consumption to: 1 billion tons of standard coal equivalent (SCE) by 2025—a 30 percent jump from 2023 levels; and 5 billion tons of SCE by 2030 –another 36 percent jump from the 2025 levels. The new renewable energy plan marks a strategic shift from merely expanding renewable energy capacity to fostering systemic demand. By focusing on upgrading infrastructure, electrifying key industries, and promoting green technologies, China is laying the groundwork for its next phase of economic transformation. For businesses and investors, the implications are profound. Opportunities abound in grid modernization, industrial electrification, green hydrogen production, and the burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) and sustainable aviation sectors. As China doubles down on its renewable energy ambitions, those ready to align with this vision stand to benefit significantly in a rapidly evolving market. This article explores the key policy changes, their economic significance, and the business opportunities they unlock for both domestic and international stakeholders. How China plan to make the renewable energy more consumtable? China is actively working to enhance the consumption of renewable energy through a multifaceted approach, combining supply enhancement, infrastructure development, demand management, and system regulation. This strategy not only aims to increase the share of renewables in the energy mix but also seeks to create a more integrated and efficient energy system overall. First of all, the country plans to significantly increase its renewable energy supply by developing large-scale wind and solar power bases, particularly in desert and arid regions, while also focusing on offshore wind farms and integrating hydropower with wind and solar energy. Additionally, China aims to promote distributed renewable energy development and scale up biomass and solar thermal power generation. To support these initiatives, advanced technologies for resource assessment, power forecasting, and smart control will be implemented. Infrastructure development is another key aspect of China’s strategy. The construction of advanced power infrastructure, including flexible DC transmission and smart grids, is prioritized to facilitate better integration of renewable energy sources. Upgrading the main power grid and enhancing cross-regional transmission channels will optimize energy distribution, while improvements to distribution networks will increase flexibility and capacity, supporting the rapid growth of distributed renewable energy. On the demand side, China plans to expand the range of participants in demand response programs, encouraging them to engage in the electricity market. Strategies such as peak pricing and market adjustments will guide consumer behavior towards more efficient energy use, particularly in key sectors like industry, buildings, and transportation. Finally, improving system regulation is crucial for enhancing overall energy stability. This includes upgrading coal power plants for flexibility, optimizing their scheduling, and investing in pumped storage hydropower and new energy storage technologies. Biomass projects will also be encouraged to provide ancillary services, contributing to a more resilient energy system. Through this comprehensive approach, China aims to create a more integrated and efficient renewable energy landscape. Key focus areas of the new renewable energy plan Sectoral integration of renewable energy is a core component of China’s new renewable energy plan, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach across multiple critical industries. In general, China plans to ccelerate the adoption of renewable energy in below aspects: : The new renewable energy plan emphasizes the transformation of industrial energy use by guiding industries such as steel, petrochemicals, and textiles to transition towards regions abundant in renewable resources. This includes promoting technologies like electric boilers and kilns, and developing integrated energy systems in industrial parks to facilitate the direct supply of green electricity. The initiative also encourages the use of low-carbon hydrogen in sectors like ammonia and methanol production, while phasing out coal-fired boilers in favor of cleaner alternatives. : The new renewable energy plan aims to create renewable energy corridors and establish multifunctional charging stations at key transport hubs. It promotes the electrification of public transport and the development of electric heavy-duty vehicles, alongside initiatives for sustainable aviation fuels and electric maritime vessels. : The new renewable energy plan integrates renewable energy into urban planning, mandating that new constructions meet green building standards. It encourages the installation of solar panels on rooftops and the electrification of public buildings, while promoting energy-efficient appliances and heating systems. : Renewable energy solutions like distributed wind and solar power will be deployed to modernize energy infrastructure in rural regions, decreasing dependence on coal and other non-renewable sources. : The new renewable energy plan emphasizes the integration of new infrastructure with renewable energy development. This includes enhancing charging and refueling stations, optimizing the layout of new infrastructure, and leveraging advanced technologies like AI and IoT to deepen the integration of renewable energy systems. In particular, the plan support the construction of data centers in national hub nodes with cold water resources, gradual green technology upgrades for old base stations and small, scattered data centers, and a steady annual increase in the proportion of renewable energy used in newly built data centers. What are the meausures to support the renewable energay consumption? The new renewable energy plan also details China’s strategy and measures to support renewable energy consumption through innovative pilots, enhanced legal and regulatory framwork, and interanational collaborations: : To test and scale renewable energy applications, pilot projects focusing on emerging technologies, such as floating offshore wind farms and green hydrogen production, are encouraged. These efforts will drive innovation and help refine scalable models for clean energy substitution. : The new renewable energy plan outlines the creation of legal frameworks and financial mechanisms to encourage investment in renewable energy. This includes developing green energy certificates and enhancing fiscal policies that support infrastructure upgrades and the adoption of clean energy technologies. : The new renewable energy plan stipulates that China plans to deepen market reforms for renewable energy pricing, establishing trading mechanisms that accommodate the unique characteristics of renewable energy. This includes facilitating direct transactions between renewable energy producers and consumers, as well as developing market mechanisms for renewable heating and biogas. : Expanding renewable energy cooperation with Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries is emphasized, aiming to promote the global spread of Chinese green technologies and strengthen international trade in renewable energy solutions. : Public participation is critical. The guidelines highlight the importance of educating and engaging citizens in adopting renewable energy practices, fostering a broader cultural shift toward sustainability. Economic outlook in China’s renewable energy sector The renewable energy sector emerged as a transformative force in China’s economy, significantly shaping its investment landscape and growth trajectory. In 2023, the clean energy contributed an estimated RMB 11.4 trillion (US$1.6 trillion) to the economy, accounting for approximately 40 percent of GDP expansion. This underscores the sector’s central role in driving China’s economic performance amid challenges in traditional industries like real estate. In 2023, there was a drastic surge in investment, with spending in clean energy rising by 40 percent year-on-year to reach RMB 6.3 trillion (US$890 billion), according to . This represented the entirety of China’s overall investment growth in 2023, compensating for declines in other areas. Clean energy also accounted for a growing share of China’s GDP, rising from 7.2 percent in 2022 to 9.0 percent in 2023. Without this contribution, China’s GDP growth would have fallen significantly below the government’s target. This resilience positions the renewable energy sector as not only a cornerstone of China’s energy transition but also a safeguard for its broader economic stability during periods of industrial adjustment. These industries were pivotal in driving clean-energy investments, reflecting China’s focus on decarbonizing its economy through innovative policies and substantial infrastructure upgrades. Solar energy stood out as the largest contributor to China’s clean-energy growth in 2023, with its total value increasing by 63 percent year-on-year, from RMB 1.5 trillion (US$207.01 billion) in 2022 to RMB 2.5 trillion (US$345.03) in 2023. This remarkable expansion was fueled by a combination of central government initiatives such as the program and the , which prioritized scaling up installations nationwide. In response to a slowdown in the real estate sector, new policies were introduced in early 2023 to promote solar industry development on unused and existing construction land. By the end of the year, China added an estimated 200 gigawatts (GW) of solar capacity, more than doubling its 2022 record of 87GW. Meanwhile, 15 provinces included solar expansion in their annual government agendas, further bolstering growth. China’s solar manufacturing sector also experienced robust growth, with 340GW of polysilicon production capacity and 300GW of wafer, cell, and module capacity added in 2023, . Solar exports were another key area of growth, particularly to regions like Southeast Asia, Africa, and countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative. While export volumes surged, falling production costs meant export values saw only modest increases. China is rapidly advancing its energy storage capabilities as part of its broader push to decarbonize its energy system and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The country is scaling up electricity storage capacity to enhance grid stability, especially as it integrates increasing amounts of renewable energy sources like wind and solar. Energy storage is seen as a crucial solution for managing fluctuations in electricity supply and demand, enabling a transition from coal and gas-fired power plants to cleaner, more sustainable energy sources. One of the most significant drivers of China’s energy storage expansion is pumped hydro storage, a technology that allows excess electricity to be stored and used later to meet peak demand. In 2023, pumped hydro storage capacity under construction grew substantially, rising to 167 GW, up from 120 GW in 2022. An additional 250 GW is in the pre-construction phase, indicating that this expansion is set to continue in the coming years. The rapid growth in this sector has been driven by the need to store the increasing amounts of intermittent renewable energy being generated, such as solar and wind. For 2023, it is estimated that investment in pumped hydro storage reached RMB 300 billion (US$41.40 billion), with spending assumed to be proportional to the construction of new capacity. This level of investment reflects the large-scale infrastructure required for such storage projects, which are integral to China’s strategy of transitioning to a cleaner and more resilient energy grid. Alongside pumped hydro storage, China is also making significant strides in battery storage technologies, which are increasingly being used to store electricity generated from renewable sources. Battery manufacturing investment reached 300 billion yuan in 2023, driven by the expansion of production capacity to meet the rising demand for energy storage solutions. that additional investments are necessary to build the infrastructure for manufacturing the batteries required for both EVs and grid storage applications. experienced remarkable expansion in 2023, with 9.6 million EVs produced, marking a 36 percent increase from the previous year. This surge reflects the growing share of new energy vehicles (NEVs)—which include battery-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids—accounting for 32 percent of all vehicles produced in the country. The bulk of these vehicles were sold domestically, with 9.5 million EVs sold in China, representing a 38 percent year-on-year growth. Notably, 8.3 million units were purchased by Chinese consumers, making up one-third of total vehicle sales in the country. Meanwhile, 1.2 million EVs were exported, a substantial 78 percent increase from 2022, further highlighting China’s growing influence in the global EV market. Despite the end of government subsidies for EV purchases in 2022 ( )—after over a decade of support—the market has remained resilient, driven by increasing consumer demand and industry competition. The shift from policy-driven incentives to market-driven demand suggests that China’s EV growth is becoming more sustainable, with a stronger focus on long-term market dynamics. China’s EV market remains highly competitive, with at least 94 domestic brands offering over 300 different models. Local manufacturers dominate the market, with BYD, Wuling, Chery, Changan, and GAC leading the way. These companies collectively account for 81 percent of total EV sales in the country, reinforcing the strong domestic production base. To sustain this growth, China has significantly invested in EV manufacturing. In 2023, estimated investments in EV production capacity reached RMB 1.2 trillion (US$165.59 billion), a considerable increase from RMB 700 billion yuan (US$96.60 billion) in 2021. This surge in investment is reflective of the country’s strategic shift toward electrification and away from traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. The investment also extends to the expansion of battery manufacturing capacity, which supports the growing demand for EVs. These investments are crucial for meeting the needs of the burgeoning electric vehicle market and are reflected in the broader push toward infrastructure development. Meanwhile, the rapid expansion of EV infrastructure has been essential for maintaining growth in this sector. In 2023, were installed, contributing to a total of . This includes both public and private charging stations, with the largest concentration in China’s first-tier cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, where more than 80 percent of urban areas were equipped with charging stations. This infrastructure expansion has been critical in making EVs more accessible and practical for Chinese consumers. The continued development of charging networks is seen as vital to sustaining the sector’s growth and ensuring that EV adoption remains strong moving forward. Policy agendas shaping China’s energy transition China’s energy transition is deeply rooted in its policy framework, which balances economic growth, energy security, and environmental sustainability. Central to this transformation is the : peaking carbon emissions before 2030 and reaching carbon neutrality by 2060. The “1+N” policy system, a cornerstone of this effort, provides overarching guidance alongside sector-specific action plans to promote decarbonization across energy, industry, and infrastructure. The emphasis lies on reducing fossil fuel dependency, fostering green technology, and enhancing energy efficiency to build a clean, low-carbon, and sustainable energy system. Energy security remains a foundational priority, particularly in the face of rising electricity demand, climate-induced weather extremes, and geopolitical uncertainty. The 14th Five-Year Plan underscores coal as a “backstop of supply security,” reflecting a pragmatic approach to maintaining energy stability while transitioning to cleaner sources. Recent policies include capacity mechanisms for coal-fired power plants and financial incentives for renewable energy technologies like solar photovoltaics and wind. Nuclear energy is also gaining prominence as part of the diversified energy mix to ensure a steady transition without jeopardizing supply reliability. China’s push for self-reliance is another critical driver of its energy agenda. The country has made significant strides in building domestic capabilities in cleantech industries, supported by long-term investments in R&D through initiatives like the 863 and 973 programs. These efforts have propelled China to the forefront of renewable energy technology, particularly in solar, wind, and battery production. However, the government is also addressing vulnerabilities in its supply chains, such as heavy reliance on imported critical minerals like nickel, cobalt, and copper. Policies encouraging domestic exploration and overseas mining investments aim to secure these essential resources for the energy transition. Environmental protection and green development are embedded in China’s national strategy under the concept of “ecological civilization.” This philosophy integrates environmental goals with human and economic activities, emphasizing high-quality growth over sheer expansion. It has led to comprehensive measures, including pollution prevention plans and biodiversity conservation strategies. Recent initiatives, such as the and enhanced carbon market mechanisms, further demonstrate the government’s commitment to aligning economic modernization with sustainability and global climate goals. Together, these policies reflect a multifaceted approach that seeks to harmonize energy security, economic resilience, and environmental stewardship in China’s energy transition journey. Implications for investment The explosive growth of clean energy in China reflects its alignment with both domestic industrial policy and global energy trends. For international investors, this dynamic offers compelling opportunities in areas such as renewable energy infrastructure, EV supply chains, and green technologies. However, potential challenges, including overcapacity in certain industries and geopolitical tensions, necessitate strategic approaches to investment. China’s evolving role as a hub for clean energy production also holds implications for global markets. As Chinese companies continue to dominate supply chains in solar, EVs, and batteries, other economies may need to recalibrate their own industrial strategies to remain competitive in the accelerating global shift toward renewable energy. China Briefing is one of five regional publications, supported by . For a complimentary subscription to China Briefing’s content products, please click . Dezan Shira & Associates assists foreign investors into and has done so since 1992 through offices in , , , , , , , , , , , , , and . We also have offices in , , , , , , , and and partner firms assisting foreign investors in , , , , and . For assistance in China, please contact the firm at or visit our website at . Our free webinars are packed full of useful information for doing business in China. Meet the firm behind our content. Visit their website to see how their services can help your business succeed. Subscribing grants you this, plus free access to our articles and magazines.

NoneNoneNow is the time of year when I try not to brag too much about how great the weather is. Soon enough, my friends back home in the South will start posting on social media about ice, snow and bitter wind. Meanwhile, here in L.A., our fall is Goldilocks weather — not too hot, not too cold, but just right. (In our fairy tale, you should also keep an eye out for bears.) In other words, this is the ideal season to explore, and as the weather cools, go on an epic desert hike. And you don’t need to drive all the way out to Joshua Tree to do it. I love, for example, exploring the high desert of the Antelope Valley, a 3,000-square mile region in northern L.A. County and southern Kern County. There’s lots to love about a fall desert hike: cool crisp air, solitude, fascinating, alien-like plants and an abundance of geological wonders to observe. Personally I find a lot of comfort and connection as a queer person in a desert ecosystem. Take the California juniper. Despite drought and harsh winters, it makes use of its resources, and can survive whether it’s 10 or 110 degrees. Even in the harshest of conditions, it still thrives. The three hikes below are a bit of a drive from L.A. It can take an hour and half from downtown L.A. to reach the farthest hikes on this list. But they’re all still closer than Joshua Tree, and will probably never be as crowded. Make the day of it. If you get up early enough, you might even be able to cross out more than one hike on this list. Just make sure to pack plenty of water, and both sun and wind protection. Prime Desert Woodland Preserve walking trail Distance: 3 miles Elevation gain: Minimal Difficulty: Easy The Prime Desert Woodland Preserve is a 120-acre open space in Lancaster, California, that’s open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., weather permitting. The preserve includes the Elyze Clifford Interpretive Center, named after the environmentalist who championed desert preservation. Its programming is managed by the Lancaster Museum of Art and History and features educational displays on native plants and animals as well as young artist workshops where kids can create art inspired by the desert environment. The center is open weekends from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The museum also regularly hosts night hikes here. Many animals call the preserve home, including the so-called desert wolf, also known as the coyote. Keep an eye out for a black-chinned hummingbird, cactus wren or California thrasher (of the feathered, not rock star, variety). You’ll notice California juniper and Joshua trees as you meander through the preserve. Although creosote brush is usually plentiful in the desert, the preserve has only one. But, preserve staff believe it may be the largest in the Antelope Valley. You can spot it near the appropriately named Creosote Loop Trail. The preserve has three miles of hiking trails, with short loops throughout. After your adventure, consider checking out a restaurant in Lancaster. I’m partial to Ogla’s. PCT and Apwinga Loop Trail at Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Distance: 3.4 miles Elevation gain: 600 feet Difficulty: Moderate The first time I visited Vasquez Rocks Natural Area, I drove up, explored its famous rocks that jut from the ground like massive flying saucers, and then left. But this park has more to offer than spots to reenact Captain Kirk’s fight with the Gorn in the original “Star Trek.” To begin the loop, you can start at the gate after parking near the nature center (which features fun movie memorabilia of films made at Vasquez). Follow the Pacific Crest Trail clockwise, or westerly, and you’ll soon find yourself with your first great view of the park, including its iconic slabs of earth. You’ll follow the trail as it passes next to large rocks — including one that resembles a T. Rex — before entering an open area with a green picnic table beneath a pepper tree. Continue following the PCT. Soon, you’ll notice trail signs noting that you’re on both the PCT and the Apwinga Loop Trail. The PCT will eventually jag southwest. You will continue following the Apwinga Loop. Here you’ll see so much more than those big famous rocks: sweeping vistas, purple red rocks to scramble along, native desert plants, like buckwheat and yucca and — depending on when you visit — plenty of solitude. I enjoyed looking at the numerous rock formations and, like a high desert Rorschach test, deciding what I thought they looked like: a bolt screwed into the ground, stacks of vinyl records and pancakes. (Maybe I was getting hungry at that point.) In terms of difficulty, this trail is firmly moderate. Parts of it are flat or gently sloping, but you will run into a few stretches where you will briefly huff your way up. You will walk near the 14 Freeway for a bit, but unlike the drivers, you’ll have a close-up view of these remarkable rocks, created over thousands of years by wind, rain and moving earth. Vasquez Rocks has different hours depending on the season. From Nov. 1 to Feb. 28, it’s open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Its spring and summer hours, which run from March 1 to Oct. 31, are 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The Devils Chair Trail Distance: 7.4 miles Elevation gain: About 1,500 feet Difficulty: Moderately challenging Arriving at the Devil’s Punchbowl Natural Area, you will soon spot the park’s namesake: massive tilted hunks of sandstone and other geological formations that look like they’d be a rock climber’s dream. I didn’t actually know what the devil’s chair was when I started this hike. I assumed it was going to be another formation. I had an incredible surprise ahead. The first mile of this hike is arguably the hardest part, as you gain 500 feet in a mile. You will see several burned and dead trees. This area was burned by the 2020 Bobcat fire and is still recovering. Meaning you should avoid it on especially windy days to so as not to be hit over the head, or worse, by a crispy trunk. After the first mile, you’ll find a creek that, as of early November, was still flowing. As you hike along the trail, you’ll probably spot chipmunks and gray squirrels. I also heard and saw a variety of birds, including hawks, ravens, white-crowned sparrows and dark-eyed juncos (which are very cute). There are patches of the trail where you will see what the region looked like before the fire. Occasionally, you might see the scant remains of pinyon pine. But despite the burn areas, this trail is still so worth it. There are so many different rock formations, orange, purple, green and gray, to see. And you get incredible views of the desert below and mountains in the distance, including nearby Table Mountain in Angeles National Forest and Tehachapi Mountain in Kern County. The end of the hike reminded me of a safer version of Angels Landing in Zion National Park. You will walk a narrow fenced path to a small boulder, surrounded by a short fence, that overlooks the valley below. From your perch, you can listen to the whistling wind as you take in a panoramic view of massive rock formations below. If lucky, you might spot a bighorn sheep, which a staff member told me like to hang out in the cavern below. Watch where you step along this last part of the trail, as there are some holes in the bottom of the fence. Drop your cellphone here and it’s gone. From here, you’ll gain about 300 feet as you return back from the devil’s chair. I was an in immense state of wonder at that point and didn’t mind the steep ascent after eating my lunch on one of the coolest lookout points in L.A. County. While at the Devil’s Punchbowl Natural Area, make sure to check out the nature center. There are two female ravens who enjoy holding each other’s beaks — which I witnessed, and it was very sweet — and friendly staff who can answer your questions about the region. And there is a diabolical ironclad beetle, who staff say is not actually very diabolical, and various snakes, including a chonky senior rattlesnake. Speaking of, make sure to keep an eye out for rattlesnakes, although they’re far less active in the winter. A park staffer also told me that at least one mountain lion calls Devil’s Punchbowl his home, but suggested I wouldn’t see him because he’s shy. I wasn’t upset by that! After you leave the Devil’s Punchbowl, consider a stop at Charlie Brown Farms, where you can enjoy a date shake or malt, burger and more. The store also advertises every type of jerky you could think of and dozens of fudge flavors. It also has a room stocked with craft sodas. You will be overwhelmed by their options in the best way possible! __________ ©2024 Los Angeles Times. Visit at latimes.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Juventus 2 (Vlahovic 53, McKennie 75) Manchester City 0 The Pep Guardiola crisis lurched on in Turin last night with an emphatic defeat that severely dents Manchester City’s hopes of finishing in the top eight of the Champions League group stage. Goals from Dusan Vlahovic and Weston McKennie left the fallen - and still falling - English champions on a run of just one win in their last 10 league and cup games, having conceded 23 goals in the process. Remaining games in Europe, against PSG and Club Brugge, await Guardiola and City in the new year but the prospect of an additional qualifying round - something they will face if they miss out on the top eight - is not what they need. Nor is the potential banana skin of Sunday’s Manchester derby where the two struggling giants face off at the Etihad. Not that Juve are in perfect form and, if evidence was needed as to how these two giants of the modern European game are currently going through a crisis of confidence, then the first half was exhibit A. The pair started the night on a disappointing eight points and the prospect of losing a further three was obviously something that Guardiola and opposite number Thiago Motta did not want to risk. The “action” that followed in the opening 45 minutes amounted to one shot apiece, the young Turkish star Kenan Yildiz cutting in from his left wing on 19 minutes and sending a pacy shot flying just wide. Not until the 39th minute, did City seriously threaten when Kevin De Bruyne finally found the space to play through one of his trademark, defence-splitting passes for Erling Haaland to chase. Unfortunately, for City and any neutrals, keeper Michele Di Gregorio stuck up an arm as he advanced to make an impressive save. And that was it, for the first half at least, as a Juventus team that has struggled for goals and wins - although draws have been easy to come by - resorted to type. Such struggles, of course, pale in comparison to those currently being endured by Guardiola who has only beaten Nottingham Forest since the end of October and there seemed more urgency about City’s play after the restart, with a concerted effort to get De Bruyne on the ball more. Instead, disaster struck for the Premier League side on 53 minutes. Ederson, recalled in favour of Stefan Ortega by Guardiola for the night, actually did well to block a superb volleyed strike by Federico Gatti. But as City failed to deal with the loose ball Yildiz delivered a far-post cross and Vlahovic rose, somehow beating both Josko Gvardiol and Rico Lewis to the ball and headed goalwards from close-range. The ball actually struck Ederson in the chest, although the Juventus striker was so close to the City keeper that he could not have been expected to make anything like a save. And although Ederson tried to scramble the ball away, it looked as though it had clearly crossed the line, with the technology quickly confirming that was the case. There was a decent response from City to going behind, with the tempo raised and wingers Bernardo Silva and Jeremy Doku trying to make an impression. On 63 minutes, for example, De Bruyne slipped in the overlapping Doku whose low cross flew through the Juve six-yard area without a City player being on the end of it. At least, it was a huge improvement on the previous hour. And soon after, it was Ilkay Gundohan’s turn to threaten, steering a superb right foot shot towards the top corner where Di Gregorio stretched to turn the ball over his goal. A goal was coming. But, such is City’s bad luck, bad form and bad defence against the counter-attack, that it was inevitably scored by the Italians on 74 minutes. McKennie, unimpressive on his loan spell with Leeds two seasons ago, started the break with a stunning long ball for fellow American, and fellow sub, Tim Weah to chase. His cross was poor but bounced back off Lewis and, given the second chance, he picked out the unmarked McKennie who scored with a brilliant volley from 10 yards. Juventus (4-2-3-1): D i Gregorio 7; Savona 6, Gatti 8, Kalulu 6, Danilo 6; Locatelli 7, Thuram 7 (McKennie 69, 7); Conceicao 7 (Weah 69, 7), Koopmeiners 6, Yildiz 9 (Mbangula 84); Vlahovic 7 (Luiz 85). Substitutes (not used) Adzic, Fagioli, Perin, Pinsoglio, Rouhi. Man City (4-2-3-1): Ederson 5; Walker 6, Dias 6, Gvardiol 5, Lewis 5; Gundogan 6, Grealish 5 (Nunes 87); Silva 6, De Bruyne 7, Doku 7 (Savinho 79, 5); Haaland 5. Substitutes (not used) Foden, Hudson, Wilson-Esbrand, Kovacic, McAtee, O’Reilly, Ortega, Simpson-Pusey, Wright. Referee: C Turpin (France) 7Everything you need to know about California government in two storiesCaitlin Clark honored as AP Female Athlete of the Year following her impact on women's sports Caitlin Clark has been named the AP Female Athlete of the Year after raising the profile of women’s basketball to unprecedented levels in both college and the WNBA. She led Iowa to the national championship game, was the top pick in the WNBA draft and captured rookie of the year honors in the league. Fans packed sold-out arenas and millions of television viewers followed her journey on and off the court. Clark's exploits also put other women's sports leagues in the spotlight. A group of 74 sports journalists from AP and its members voted on the award. Other athletes who received votes included Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles and boxer Imane Khelif. Clark’s only the fourth women’s basketball player to win the award since it was first given in 1931. Soprano Angel Blue sings her first Metropolitan Opera 'Aida' in a new production Angel Blue, one of the most admired singers of her generation, is headlining the Metropolitan Opera’s first new production of Verdi’s “Aida” in 36 years. The 40-year-old takes on the title role of the enslaved Ethiopian princess torn between love for an Egyptian warrior and loyalty to her country. It’s a part that comes weighted with history, especially for a Black soprano at the Met, where Leontyne Price embodied the role from her first performance in 1961 until her retirement in 1985. Blue tells The Associated Press she’s long looked up to Price, and directors who have worked with her say the singer is ready for the challenge. Blue’s Met debut in ‘Aida’ will happen New Year’s Eve. Centuries-old angels uncovered at Boston church made famous by Paul Revere BOSTON (AP) — Conservators have uncovered eight angels in a historic Boston church that counted Paul Revere as a bell ringer and played a pivotal role in the Revolutionary War. The angels were painted in the early 18th century but painted over in 1912 as part of a renovation of the Old North Church. Inspired by research showing the existence of at least 20 angels, conservators for the past four months have been removing the white paint that covered the eight angels located on the balcony's arches in the church sanctuary. The public is now able to view them. Swiss Olympic snowboarder Sophie Hediger dies in avalanche, aged 26 Swiss Olympic snowboarder Sophie Hediger has died following an avalanche at a mountain resort. The country's skiing federation says the incident took place at the Arosa resort in Switzerland. The 26-year-old Hediger competed at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics in the women’s snowboard cross and the mixed team version of the same event. Hediger achieved her first two World Cup podium finishes in the 2023-24 season. Her best result was a second place in St. Moritz in January. NFL on Netflix: Christmas Day games are a 1st for streaming giant Netflix will have one of its biggest days since the site launched in 1998 when it carries two NFL games for the first time on Christmas. “NFL Christmas Gameday on Netflix” kicks off with a two-hour pregame show at 11 a.m., before Pittsburgh hosts Kansas City. Baltimore faces Houston in the second game. The streaming giant agreed to a three-year contract in May to carry Christmas Day games. Magic and lights draw crowds to an alpine village in Washington state for Christmas LEAVENWORTH, Wash. (AP) — Freshly baked pretzels, shining tree lights and sleds in the snow lend a ruddy warmth to an unlikely collection of Bavarian-themed chalets in the mountains of Washington state. Decades ago, the town of Leavenworth was a near ghost town, one of the poorest parts of the Pacific Northwest. The mines and the sawmill had closed, and even the railroad left. That’s when desperate business owners took a serious gamble -- reinventing the community in the vision of an alpine village. More than half a century later, the result brings tourists from near and far -- especially during the holidays, when Leavenworth takes on the flavor of a German Christmas market. Bill Clinton is hospitalized with a fever but in good spirits, spokesperson says WASHINGTON (AP) — Former President Bill Clinton was admitted Monday to MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington after developing a fever. The 78-year-old was admitted in the “afternoon for testing and observation,” Angel Urena, Clinton’s deputy chief of staff, said in a statement. “He remains in good spirits and deeply appreciates the excellent care he is receiving,” Urena said. Packers clinch playoff berth with 1st shutout in NFL this season, 34-0 over Saints GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Josh Jacobs gained 107 yards from scrimmage and scored a touchdown for a sixth straight game as the Green Bay Packers clinched a playoff berth while producing the first shutout of the NFL season, 34-0 over the hapless New Orleans Saints. Green Bay improved to 11-4 and earned its fifth postseason appearance in six years. New Orleans played without injured quarterback Derek Carr and running back Alvin Kamara. Rookie Spencer Rattler started and went 15 of 30 for 153 yards with an interception and a fumble. The Packers have won nine of their last 11 games. Prosecutors withdraw appeal of dismissed case against Alec Baldwin in fatal movie set shooting SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico prosecutors won’t pursue an appeal of a court’s decision to dismiss an involuntary manslaughter charge against Alec Baldwin. The actor had been charged in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during a rehearsal on a movie set outside Santa Fe in October 2021. Special Prosecutor Kari Morrissey withdrew on Monday the appeal of a July decision at trial to dismiss the charge. The decision to drop the appeal solidifies the decision by Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer halfway through trial to dismiss the case on allegations that police and prosecutors withheld evidence from the defense. An all-Filipino crew is set to make history in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race SYDNEY (AP) — There have been plenty of “firsts” in the history of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race which was first held in 1945. An all-Filipino crew of 15 sailors will make it another when the annual ocean classic begins in Sydney Harbor on Thursday. With veteran sailor Ernesto Echauz at the helm, Centennial 7 will embark on the 628-nautical mile race. The boat itself is no stranger to the race. Previously, the TP52 yacht was known as Celestial and claimed the Sydney to Hobart overall handicap victory in 2022 under Sam Haynes after being runner-up the year before.

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IRVING, Texas (AP) — A rape allegation against rapper Jay-Z, whose company Roc Nation has produced some of the NFL's entertainment presentations including the Super Bowl halftime show, won’t impact the league's relationship with the music mogul. “We’re aware of the civil allegations and Jay-Z’s really strong response to that," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said Wednesday after the conclusion of the league's winter meetings. "We know the litigation is happening now. From our standpoint, our relationship is not changing with them, including our preparations for the next Super Bowl.” A woman who previously sued Sean “Diddy” Combs, alleging she was raped at an awards show after-party in 2000 when she was 13 years old, amended the lawsuit Sunday to include a new allegation that Jay-Z was also at the party and participated in the sexual assault. Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, said the rape allegation made against him is part of an extortion attempt . The 24-time Grammy Award winner called the allegations “idiotic” and “heinous in nature” in a statement released by Roc Nation, one of his companies. The NFL teamed up with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation in 2019 for events and social activism. The league and the entertainment company extended their partnership a few months ago. Kendrick Lamar will perform the Super Bowl halftime show at The Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on Feb. 9. Roc Nation and Emmy-winning producer Jesse Collins will serve as co-executive producers of the halftime show. Beyonce, who is married to Jay-Z, will perform at halftime of the Baltimore Ravens-Houston Texans game on Christmas. “I think they’re getting incredibly comfortable with not just with the Super Bowl but other events they’ve advised us on and helped us with,” Goodell said. “They’ve been a big help in the social justice area to us on many occasions. They’ve been great partners.” AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflDEMESNE RESOURCES LTD. ANNOUNCES CLOSING OF A THIRD TRANCHE OF PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED PRIVATE PLACEMENT FINANCINGThe technology-heavy Nasdaq closed above the 20,000 level for the first time on Wednesday after the latest US inflation report made a Federal Reserve interest rate cut almost certain next week, ­despite a rise in the consumer price ­index. Inflation rose to 2.7 per cent in the year to November, up from 2.6 per cent the previous month, according to figures from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, in line with expectations. On a monthly basis, the rate of inflation saw growth of 0.3 per cent, up from 0.2 per cent in October. Annual core ­inflation, which strips out food and energy, was unchanged at 3.3 per cent. On Wall Street, the Nasdaq, which is home to America’s biggest technology and biotech companies, achieved the third fastest 1,000-point milestone since the index was launched in 1971, closing up 347.65 points, or 1.8 per cent, at 20,034.89, its 37th record close of 2024.

Eagles stars Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown say relationship is 'good' after teammate suggests fissureFive-star center Chris Cenac Jr. commits to Houston

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