The Minnesota Vikings have a candidate for Most Valuable Player in Sam Darnold . Wait, really? Darnold is an MVP candidate? Yes, yes he is. It feels weird to call Darnold a true MVP candidate because the first six years of his career didn't exactly go well for him. The New York Jets selected Darnold with the third overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft and then traded him to the Carolina Panthers. Those five seasons led to most of the league, media and fanbase believing that he was a bust. He took a chance to rehab his career in San Francisco behind Brock Purdy and it's made a huge impact on him and it's being felt now with the Vikings Making the case that Sam Darnold should be NFL MVP Right now, Darnold sits at sixth in the National Football League in MVP odds per DraftKings Sportsbook . QB Josh Allen: -400 RB Saquon Barkley: +450 QB Lamar Jackson: +1000 QB Jared Goff: +1000 QB Patrick Mahomes: +4000 QB Sam Darnold: +5000 The Goff candidacy is rooted in the overall success of the Lions, something that I wrote about two weeks ago after the Vikings beat the Chicago Bears. Darnold's stats are overall just as good, if not better than Goff's across the board. Since then, Darnold has come alive and played significantly better, including a five-touchdown performance against the Atlanta Falcons that earned Darnold NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors. He also won NFC Offensive Player of the Month in September. How do his numbers stack up? Let's start out with the basic stats. Completion percentage: 68.4% (7th) Passing yards: 3,299 (6th) Touchdown passes: 28 (T-3rd) Interceptions: 10 (T-6th most) Yards/attempt: 8.5 (4th) Quarterback rating: 108.1 (3rd) Game winning drives: 4 (T-2nd) These are the stats that most people associate with quarterback play. He ranks highly in pretty much every metric. The one that might hinder his candidacy is with interceptions. Mahomes does have 11 interceptions on the season, but Jackson (3) and Allen (5) have significantly better numbers in turnover avoidance. The conversation shifts to his underlying metrics in neutral situations. EPA/play: 0.241 (5th) Success rate: 52.9% (4th) CPOE: 8.4% (1st) Air yards/attempt: 9.1 (5th) The reason why we take a look at underlying metrics is to try and find out how they perform when the game is still in doubt. Darnold is excellent in those situations and has consistently made plays to generate explosive plays. Sam Darnold heater pic.twitter.com/x4Xlm30utT Speaking of explosive plays, that is where Darnold's candidacy has the best case. The basis of the Vikings' offense is on generating explosive plays and Darnold has done that better than anyone. Pro Football Focus charts every throw that Darnold and every quarterback has made and it's clear that Darnold has been the best deep ball thrower in the National Football League this season. Darnold has the eighth-most throws that travel 20+ yards this season (51), the second most Big Time Throws (19), the seventh-highest Big Time Throw rate (29.7%) and both completion percentage (52.9%) and adjusted completion percentage (54.9%). He also leads the league in the following categories: Completions: 27 Yards: 969 Yards per attempt: 19.0 Touchdowns: 7 Slinging Sammy Darnold pic.twitter.com/9ZuCYR0g0N When you are trying to create explosives, it takes a long time to hold the ball in the pocket. Darnold has the third-highest time to throw in the NFL at 3.11 seconds, which has Darnold facing a ton of pressure. He's done a relatively good job against pressure, which he's faced on 169 dropbacks (37.5%). Darnold ranks highly in the following categories: Completion percentage: 56.6 (3rd) Yards: 982 (3rd) Yards/attempt: 8.7 (1st) Touchdowns: 12 (1st) Big Time Throws: 12 (T-2nd) No matter how you look at Darnold's passing numbers, he's been great this season and it isn't just with the numbers. Darnold has elevated this offense to new heights with his ability and willingness to attack vertically down the field, create passing lanes with his legs and extend plays to generate explosives. Darnold isn't just running the offense, he's elevating it with consistency This play is even better on the all-22 pic.twitter.com/8f0ufLx50B What will prevent Sam Darnold from winning MVP? This is an easy one to answer and we can do it two parts. Narrative Dual-threat ability Awards like Most Valuable Player are usually handed out to a player on one of the best teams that has cache built up from both the preseason and past years. That is something everyone in front of Darnold in the odds has, especially with former MVPs in Jackson and Mahomes. Allen is in a place where it feels weird to some that he hasn't won an MVP as of yet. The other angle is the running game. Both Jackson and Allen are excellent runners and their offenses use them in the run game often. That is an element that Darnold doesn't have. Plus, Barkley is in contention to challenge Eric Dickerson's all-time rushing record if he plays well over the last four games. Overall, Darnold is in the top-five of most important quarterback statistics along with being in the top 10 in essentially all of them, leads an 11-2 Vikings team and has been in the media lately for his incredible performances. Now, is not having the cache going to be enough to make him the MVP? That depends how the final four weeks of the season play out. As things sits, he's as good of a candidate as anyone. This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.NoneRachel Reeves voted ‘worst politician of 2024’ as shock voice says “I’d be getting rid"wild thing ace frehley 。

Châtillon, France, December 11 th , 2024 DBV Confirms Alignment with U.S. FDA on Accelerated Approval Pathway for the Viaskin® Peanut Patch in Toddlers 1 - 3 Years-Old "DBV is pleased to have received, what we believe to be, a clear and reasonable pathway towards an Accelerated Approval for the Viaskin Peanut patch in toddlers 1 - 3-years-old. This comes on the heels of our October 22 nd press release announcing details in support of our separate Viaskin Peanut programs in 4 - 7 year-olds and in 1 - 7 year-olds in Europe,” said Daniel Tassé, Chief Executive Officer, DBV Technologies. "We believe we have decreased the regulatory pathway risk of our programs. DBV can now fully focus on executing the remaining studies that will support two distinct BLAs across age groups and an MAA in Europe. We are grateful to the Agency for its attentive collaboration as we continue to work towards introducing this novel therapy to caregivers and patients as expeditiously as possible.” Accelerated Approval Pathway The FDA recently issued written communication confirming an Accelerated Approval pathway for the Viaskin Peanut patch in toddlers 1 - 3-years-old. As a reminder, current FDA guidance for Accelerated Approval includes three qualifying criteria: FDA and DBV have been engaged in ongoing dialogue throughout Q4 of this year regarding the intermediate clinical endpoint necessary to meet the third criterion. In the recent written communication, the FDA confirmed the efficacy data from the Company's Phase 3 EPITOPE study can serve as an intermediate clinical endpoint. The FDA has agreed that the endpoint is reasonably likely to predict clinical benefit and will therefore fulfill the requirement for Accelerated Approval. In preparation for commercialization, DBV made slight modifications to the Viaskin Peanut patch used in EPITOPE to increase the simplicity of application for the caregiver and provide product identification on each patch. No changes, including patch shape or size, were made to the device components that are in contact with the patient's skin. Further, to increase the volume of patch production for future commercialization, changes needed to be made to the manufacturing process and location. Although the intended commercial Viaskin Peanut patch is currently being used (N=304) in the ongoing 3-year Open Label Extension to EPITOPE, the collective changes to the commercial Viaskin Peanut patch were viewed by the FDA as constituting a different product relative to the clinical patch used in the EPITOPE study. The Company intends to use the commercial Viaskin Peanut patch in both the COMFORT Toddlers study and the post-marketing confirmatory study. Post-Marketing Confirmatory Study In the recent written communication, FDA confirmed criteria for a post-marketing confirmatory study in toddlers 1 - 3-years-old. DBV and FDA agreed that the confirmatory study will assess the effectiveness of the intended commercial Viaskin Peanut patch and will need to be initiated at the time that the BLA is submitted. To date, the commercial patch has been used in 304 subjects with over 234,695 patient-days of therapy in the placebo crossover and the EPITOPE Open Label Extension, with no clinically relevant differences in efficacy or safety vs. the clinical patch used in the EPITOPE Phase 3 trial. The confirmatory study will include a double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenge (DBPCFC) and will use the same statistical criteria for success (i.e., lower bound of the 95% CI > 15%) as used in the EPITOPE Phase 3 efficacy study. Adhesion data for the post-marketing confirmatory study will be collected in a similar manner relative to the COMFORT Toddlers study. The Company expects these data will further support the importance of average daily wear time in the use of the Viaskin Peanut patch as it relates to efficacy and labeling. "When it comes to food allergy management, what works for one family, might not work for another. That is why having varied treatment options available is so incredibly important to our community,” said Sung Poblete, PhD, RN, CEO of FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education). "I'm pleased to learn that DBV's constructive dialogue with the FDA has resulted in this Accelerated Approval guidance outlining remaining developmental steps for the Viaskin Peanut patch in toddlers with a peanut allergy. At FARE, we look forward to the possibility that one day, if approved, caregivers and families will have this exciting new treatment as an option to consider.” COMFORT Toddlers Supplemental Safety Study COMFORT Toddlers is a Phase 3 double-blind, placebo-controlled (DBPC) study designed to generate additional safety (primary endpoint) and adhesion data of the Viaskin Peanut patch in peanut allergic toddlers 1 - 3-years old. DBV is pleased to announce that Dr. Julie Wang, MD, Professor of Pediatrics, Jaffe Food Allergy Institute, the Icahn school of Medicine at Mount Sinai, will act as the Global Principal Investigator for the COMFORT Toddlers study. "I am thrilled to assume the role of Global Principal Investigator of the COMFORT Toddlers study,” stated Dr. Julie Wang, Professor of Pediatrics, Jaffe Food Allergy Institute, Icahn school of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York. "Viaskin Peanut, if approved, would offer a much-needed alternative treatment option for patients and caregivers. I look forward to working with the DBV team to advance this important clinical trial.” The Company anticipates that COMFORT Toddlers will enroll approximately 480 subjects randomized 3:1 (active: placebo) at approximately 80 - 90 study centers across the U.S., Canada, Australia, and Europe. COMFORT Toddlers will be a six-month study followed by an optional 18-month open-label treatment phase, to provide 24 or 18 months of treatment with the Viaskin Peanut patch for participants randomized to the active or placebo groups, respectively. Thus, the COMFORT Toddlers study will increase the total subjects exposed to the Viaskin Peanut patch for at least six-months in a controlled study to 600, as required by FDA. In total, there will be approximately 240 subjects with the clinical patch in EPITOPE and 360 with the commercial patch in COMFORT Toddlers. As previously disclosed , DBV and FDA have aligned on a patch wear time collection methodology, analysis and study objective hierarchy in the COMFORT Toddlers study. The agreed-upon adhesion data collection methodology provides a practical approach for subjects, families, and investigators. The methodology is intended to generate sufficient data to support a BLA submission under the Accelerated Approval pathway (i.e., collecting patch adhesion data with a focus on daily wear time at relevant time points). We believe there are three positive outcomes coming out of the productive discussions with FDA: Biologic License Application Submission in 1 - 3 Year-Olds There will be two Phase 3 studies in 1 - 3-year-olds using the Viaskin Peanut patch. The data generated from the studies will be used to inform a BLA submission: Investor Conference Call and Webcast DBV management will host an investor conference call and webcast today, Wednesday, December 11 th , at 5:00pm EST, to discuss these regulatory updates. This call is accessible via the below teleconferencing numbers and requesting the DBV Technologies call. About DBV Technologies DBV Technologies is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing treatment options for food allergies and other immunologic conditions with significant unmet medical need. DBV is currently focused on investigating the use of its proprietary Viaskin® patch technology to address food allergies, which are caused by a hypersensitive immune reaction and characterized by a range of symptoms varying in severity from mild to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Millions of people live with food allergies, including young children. Through epicutaneous immunotherapy (EPITTM), the Viaskin® patch is designed to introduce microgram amounts of a biologically active compound to the immune system through intact skin. EPIT is a new class of non-invasive treatment that seeks to modify an individual's underlying allergy by re-educating the immune system to become desensitized to allergen by leveraging the skin's immune tolerizing properties. DBV is committed to transforming the care of food allergic people. The Company's food allergy programs include ongoing clinical trials of Viaskin Peanut in peanut allergic toddlers (1 through 3 years of age) and children (4 through 7 years of age). DBV Technologies is headquartered in Châtillon, France, with North American operations in Warren, NJ. The Company's ordinary shares are traded on segment B of Euronext Paris (Ticker: DBV, ISIN code: FR0010417345) and the Company's ADSs (each representing five ordinary shares) are traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market (Ticker: DBVT; CUSIP: 23306J309). For more information, please visit www.dbv-technologies.com and engage with us on X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn . Forward Looking Statements This press release may contain forward-looking statements and estimates, including statements regarding the therapeutic potential of Viaskin® Peanut patch and EPITTM, designs of DBV's anticipated clinical trials, DBV's planned regulatory and clinical efforts including timing and results of communications with regulatory agencies, plans and expectations regarding initiation of the confirmatory study, plans and expectations with respect to COMFORT Toddlers and COMFORT Children, plans and expectations with respect to the submission of BLAs to FDA, anticipated support for the BLA submission, DBV's expectations with respect to the Accelerated Approval pathway and any other actionable regulatory pathway, and the ability of any of DBV's product candidates, if approved, to improve the lives of patients with food allergies. These forward-looking statements and estimates are not promises or guarantees and involve substantial risks and uncertainties. At this stage, DBV's product candidates have not been authorized for sale in any country. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described or projected herein include uncertainties associated generally with research and development, clinical trials and related regulatory reviews and approvals, and DBV's ability to successfully execute on its budget discipline measures. A further list and description of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements in this press release can be found in DBV's regulatory filings with the French Autorité des Marchés Financiers ("AMF”), DBV's filings and reports with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC”), including in DBV's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on March 7, 2024, and future filings and reports made with the AMF and SEC by DBV. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements and estimates, which speak only as of the date hereof. Other than as required by applicable law, DBV Technologies undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information contained in this Press Release. Viaskin is a registered trademark and EPIT is a trademark of DBV Technologies. Investor Contact Katie Matthews DBV Technologies [email protected] Media Contact Angela Marcucci DBV Technologies [email protected] Attachment PDF VersionLONDON (AP) — Edinburgh Airport was shut down by an unspecified information technology issue Sunday afternoon, causing headaches for passengers at the start of the busy holiday travel season. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * LONDON (AP) — Edinburgh Airport was shut down by an unspecified information technology issue Sunday afternoon, causing headaches for passengers at the start of the busy holiday travel season. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? LONDON (AP) — Edinburgh Airport was shut down by an unspecified information technology issue Sunday afternoon, causing headaches for passengers at the start of the busy holiday travel season. All flights into and out of Scotland’s busiest airport were grounded at 4:15 p.m. local time, with some incoming flights diverted to Glasgow Airport about 50 miles away. Edinburgh airport said engineers were working to resolve the issue. “Passengers are asked to check the status of their flight with the airline they are flying with before traveling to the airport,’’ the airport said in a statement. AdvertisementBy CHRIS MEGERIAN and COLLEEN LONG WASHINGTON (AP) — In the two weeks since Donald Trump won the presidency, he’s tried to demonstrate his dominance by naming loyalists for top administration positions, even though many lack expertise and some face sexual misconduct accusations. It often seems like he’s daring Congress to oppose his decisions. But on Thursday, Trump’s attempt to act with impunity showed a crack as Matt Gaetz , his choice for attorney general, withdrew from consideration. Trump had named Gaetz, a Florida congressman, to be the country’s top law enforcement official even though he was widely disliked by his colleagues, has little legal experience and was accused of having sex with an underage girl, an allegation he denied. After being plagued by investigations during his first presidency, Trump wanted a devoted ally in charge of the Justice Department during his second. However, it was never obvious that Gaetz could win enough support from lawmakers to get confirmed as attorney general. Trump chose for a replacement Pam Bondi, a former Florida attorney general who defended him during his first impeachment trial and supported his false claims of voter fraud. Now the question is whether Gaetz was uniquely unpalatable, or if Trump’s other picks might exceed his party’s willingness to overlook concerns that would have sunk nominees in a prior political era. The next test will likely be Pete Hegseth, who Trump wants to lead the Pentagon despite an allegation of sexual assault that he’s denied. So far, Republicans are rallying around Hegseth , an Army veteran and former Fox News host. Sen. Thom Tillis, a North Carolina Republican who serves on the Senate Judiciary Committee, said the controversy over Gaetz would have little bearing on Trump’s other choices. He said they would be considered “one at a time.” Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a Connecticut Democrat, suggested otherwise, claiming “the dominoes are falling.” “The drip drip of evidence and truth is going to eventually doom some others,” he said. Trump’s election victory was a sign that there may not be many red lines left in American politics. He won the presidential race despite authoritarian, racist and misogynist rhetoric, not to mention years of lies about election fraud and his role in sparking the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. He was also criminally convicted of falsifying business records to pay hush money, and he was found liable for sexual abuse in a civil case. Empowered by voters who looked past his misconduct and saw him as a powerful agent of change, Trump has shown no deference to Washington norms while working to fill his second administration . The transition team hasn’t pursued federal background checks for Trump’s personnel choices. While some of his selections have extensive experience in the areas they’ve been chosen to lead, others are personal friends and Fox News personalities who have impressed and flattered Trump over the years. Several have faced allegations involving sexual misconduct . Hegseth is facing the most scrutiny after Gaetz. Once Trump announced Hegseth as his nominee for Pentagon chief, allegations emerged that he sexually assaulted a woman in California in 2017. The woman said he took her phone, blocked the door to the hotel room and refused to let her leave, according to a police report made public this week. Hegseth told police at the time that the encounter had been consensual and denied any wrongdoing, the report said. However, he paid the woman a confidential settlement in 2023. Hegseth’s lawyer said the payment was made to head off the threat of a baseless lawsuit. Trump’s choice for secretary of health and human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has faced allegations of misconduct too. A woman who babysat for him and his second wife told Vanity Fair magazine that Kennedy groped her in the late 1990s, when she was 23. Kennedy did not deny the allegation and texted an apology to the woman after the article was published. That isn’t the only hurdle for Kennedy; he’s spent years spreading misinformation and conspiracy theories about vaccines, raising fears about making him a top health official in the new administration. Linda McMahon, chosen by Trump to be education secretary, is fighting a lawsuit connected to her former company, World Wrestling Entertainment. She’s accused of knowingly enabling sexual exploitation of children by an employee as early as the 1980s, and she denies the allegations. Tulsi Gabbard is another person who could face a difficult confirmation battle, but for very different reasons. The former Democratic representative from Hawaii has been a vocal Trump ally, and he chose her to be national intelligence director. But there’s grave concern by lawmakers and national security officials over Gabbard’s history of echoing Russian propaganda. Critics said she would endanger relationships with U.S. allies. Gaetz was investigated by federal law enforcement for sex trafficking, but the case was closed without charges and Republicans have blocked the release of a related report from the House Ethics Committee. However, some allegations leaked out, including that Gaetz paid women for sex. One of the women testified to the committee that she saw Gaetz having sex with a 17-year-old girl, according to a lawyer for the woman. As Gaetz met with senators this week, it became clear that he would face stubborn resistance from lawmakers who were concerned about his behavior and believed he was unqualified to run the Justice Department. “While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction,” Gaetz wrote on social media when announcing his withdrawal. Sen. Mike Braun, an Indiana Republican, said he believed there were four to six members of the caucus who would have voted against Gaetz, likely dooming his nomination, and “the math got too hard.” He said some of the issues and allegations around Gaetz were “maybe beyond the pale.” “I think there were just too many things, it was like a leaky dike, and you know, it broke,” Braun said. Trump thanked Gaetz in a post on Truth Social, his social media website, without addressing the substance of the allegations against him. “He was doing very well but, at the same time, did not want to be a distraction for the Administration, for which he has much respect,” Trump wrote. Associated Press writers Mary Clare Jalonick, Stephen Groves and Lisa Macaro contributed from Washington. Jill Colvin in New York and Adriana Gomez Licon in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, also contributed.

Is AMD Stock a Buy Now?Say cheese: Vancouver cheese shop increasing security over rise in theftFantasy Football is all about the matchups. Even though you drafted your team with certain hopes and intentions, your weekly lineup decisions shouldn't be determined by the order you picked your players in. You need to check who your players play and make sure you've got the right guys in -- and the wrong guys out. It's too early to be absolutely sure which matchups will be easy and which ones will be tough, but we can take some educated guesses based on healthy personnel, defensive schemes, track records, and key details of offenses. The things we know can help us minimize the impact of the things we don't know. This should lead to better decisions being made. We'll go through every game and highlight the players who aren't obvious starts and sits (because you don't need to be told to start Derrick Henry ). You should feel more comfortable starting or sitting players based on the information given, and feeling comfortable with your Fantasy lineup before the games start is the best feeling in the world. More Week 17 content: Heath Cummings' Full Week 17 Projections OBVIOUS STARTS: Travis Kelce STARTS: Patrick Mahomes (low-end starter), George Pickens (No. 2 WR), Chiefs DST FLEX: Xavier Worthy , Jaylen Warren (PPR), Najee Harris SITS: Russell Wilson , Marquise Brown , DeAndre Hopkins , Pat Freiermuth , Isiah Pacheco , Kareem Hunt , Samaje Perine , Calvin Austin, Steelers DST OBVIOUS STARTS: Lamar Jackson , Derrick Henry , Nico Collins STARTS: Joe Mixon (No. 2 RB), Mark Andrews , Ravens DST, Dalton Schultz (low-end starter) FLEX: Zay Flowers , Rashod Bateman SITS: C.J. Stroud , John Metchie, Isaiah Likely , Robert Woods , Dare Ogunbowale , newest Texan Diontae Johnson , Texans DST STARTS: Caleb Williams , Geno Smith (borderline starter), Zach Charbonnet (as long as Ken Walker is out), Jaxon Smith-Njigba (top-15 WR), Keenan Allen , D.J. Moore (No. 2 PPR WR), D'Andre Swift , Seahawks DST FLEX: DK Metcalf SITS: Rome Odunze , Tyler Lockett , Cole Kmet , A.J. Barner, Bears DST STARTS: Justin Herbert (low-end starter), Ladd McConkey (No. 2 WR), Hunter Henry (low-end TE), Chargers DST (low-end starter) FLEX: Rhamondre Stevenson SITS: Drake Maye , Gus Edwards (desperation RB), Quentin Johnston (desperation WR), Stone Smartt , Kayshon Boutte , Austin Hooper , Demario Douglas , Kendrick Bourne , Antonio Gibson , Kimani Vidal , Patriots DST OBVIOUS STARTS: Joe Burrow , Chase Brown , Ja'Marr Chase , Tee Higgins STARTS: Bo Nix , Courtland Sutton (No. 1 WR) SITS: Javonte Williams (desperation RB), Audric Estime , Adam Trautman , Andrei Iosivas , Devaughn Vele , Mike Gesicki , Bengals DST (borderline DST), Broncos DST OBVIOUS STARTS: Kyren Williams , Puka Nacua , Cooper Kupp (No. 2 WR), Trey McBride STARTS: Rams DST SITS: Kyler Murray , Matthew Stafford , Marvin Harrison Jr. , Michael Carter , Demarcus Robinson , Michael Wilson , Tyler Higbee , Cardinals DST OBVIOUS STARTS: Josh Allen , Davante Adams STARTS: James Cook , Breece Hall (No. 2 RB), Garrett Wilson , Bills DST FLEX: Khalil Shakir SITS: Aaron Rodgers , Dalton Kincaid (borderline No. 1/No. 2 TE), Tyler Conklin , Allen Lazard , Ty Johnson (desperation PPR RB), Keon Coleman , Amari Cooper , Braelon Allen , Mack Hollins , Jets DST STARTS: Brian Thomas Jr. , Tony Pollard , Chig Okonkwo FLEX: Calvin Ridley , Travis Etienne , Tyjae Spears (PPR) SITS: Mason Rudolph , Mac Jones , Tank Bigsby , Nick Westbrook-Ikhine , Parker Washington , Brenton Strange , Titans DST, Jaguars DST OBVIOUS STARTS: Justin Jefferson , Josh Jacobs , Jordan Addison STARTS: Sam Darnold , Aaron Jones , Tucker Kraft FLEX: Romeo Doubs (PPR) SITS: Jordan Love , Jayden Reed (low-end flex), Dontayvion Wicks , T.J. Hockenson , Cam Akers , Vikings DST (low-end starter), Packers DST OBVIOUS STARTS: Brock Bowers STARTS: Jakobi Meyers (low-end No. 2 WR), Alexander Mattison (low-end No. 2 RB), Ameer Abdullah (low-end No. 2 PPR RB) SITS: Aidan O'Connell , Spencer Rattler , Kendre Miller , Foster Moreau , Juwan Johnson , Raiders DST (desperation DST), Saints DST OBVIOUS STARTS: Malik Nabers (No. 2 WR) STARTS: Tyrone Tracy Jr . (No. 2 RB) SITS: Drew Lock , Darius Slayton , Wan'Dale Robinson , Devin Singletary , Dan Bellinger, Giants DST OBVIOUS STARTS: Mike Evans , Chuba Hubbard STARTS: Baker Mayfield , Bucky Irving FLEX: Adam Thielen (borderline No. 2 PPR WR), Jalen McMillan , Rachaad White SITS: Bryce Young , Jalen Coker , Payne Durham , Ja'Tavion Sanders , Buccaneers DST, Panthers DST OBVIOUS STARTS: De'Von Achane , Tyreek Hill (No. 2 WR) STARTS: Jerome Ford (No. 2 RB), Jonnu Smith , David Njoku , Dolphins DST SITS: Tua Tagovailoa (borderline starter), Dorian Thompson-Robinson , Jerry Jeudy , Malik Washington , Elijah Moore , Raheem Mostert , D'Onta Foreman , Browns DST OBVIOUS STARTS: Saquon Barkley , CeeDee Lamb , A.J. Brown STARTS: Rico Dowdle (low-end No. 2 RB), Eagles DST FLEX: DeVonta Smith SITS: Kenny Pickett , Cooper Rush , Jake Ferguson (low-end PPR TE), Brandin Cooks , Ezekiel Elliott , Cowboys DST OBVIOUS STARTS: Bijan Robinson STARTS: Jayden Daniels , Terry McLaurin , Drake London , Brian Robinson Jr. , Commanders DST FLEX: Darnell Mooney SITS: Michael Penix Jr. , Olamide Zaccheaus , Zach Ertz , Kyle Pitts , Ray-Ray McCloud , Tyler Allgeier , Jeremy McNichols , Falcons DST OBVIOUS STARTS: Jahmyr Gibbs , Amon-Ra St. Brown , George Kittle STARTS: Jared Goff , Sam LaPorta , Lions DST FLEX: Deebo Samuel , Jauan Jennings SITS: Brock Purdy , Patrick Taylor , Tim Patrick , Craig Reynolds , 49ers DST

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Google on Wednesday unleashed another wave of artificial intelligence designed to tackle more of the work and thinking done by humans as it tries to stay on the technology's cutting edge while also trying to fend off regulatory threats to its empire. The next generation of Google's AI is being packaged under the Gemini umbrella, which was unveiled a year ago . Google is framing its release of Gemini 2.0 as a springboard for AI agents built to interpret images shown through a smartphone, perform a variety of tedious chores, remember the conversations consumers have with people, help video game players plot strategy and even tackle the task of doing online searches. In a blog post , Google CEO Sundar Pichai predicted the technology contained in Gemini 2.0 will “understand more about the world around you, think multiple steps ahead and take action on your behalf, with your supervision.” It's a similar goal being pursued by hard-charging rivals such as OpenAI, with its chatGPT technology, and industry powerhouse such as Microsoft with a variety of similar tools on its Windows software. A lot of Google's latest AI technology will initially be confined to test groups and subscribers who pay $20 per month for Gemini Advanced, but some features will be made available through its search engine and mobile apps. Google is planning wider releases next year that will include the technology popping up in its smorgasbord of free products, including its Chrome browser, digital maps and YouTube. Besides trying to outshine OpenAI and other ambitious startups, Google is also trying to stay a step ahead of Apple as that trendsetting company begins to blend AI into its latest iPhones and other devices. After releasing a software update enabling the first bundle of the iPhone's “Apple Intelligence” features that spruced up the device's Siri assistant, another batch of the AI technology came out with a free software update that was also released Wednesday. Google is pushing forward with its latest AI advances even as the U.S. Justice Department is trying to break up the Mountain View, California, company to prevent further abusive practices by its dominant search engine, which was declared an illegal monopoly by a federal judge earlier this year as part of a landmark antitrust case. Among other things, Gemini 2.0 is supposed to improve the AI overviews that Google began highlighting in its search results over its traditional listing of the most pertinent links to websites earlier this year in response to AI-powered “answer engines” such as Perplexity. After the AI overviews initially produced some goofy suggestions, including putting glue on pizza , Google refined the technology to minimize such missteps. Now, company executives are promising things are going to get even better with Gemini 2.0, which Pichai said will be able to engage in more human-like reasoning while solving more advanced math problems and even churn out some computer code. The improvements to AI Overviews will initially only appear to a test audience before a wider release next year. The technological upgrade is also supposed to infuse a still-experimental universal AI agent dubbed “Project Astra,” with even more smarts and versatility, enabling people to have more meaningful and helpful conversations with the technology. In a show of confidence, Google said it will expand the number of people testing Project Astra without providing any specifics of the group's size. As part of Gemini 2.0, Google is also going to begin testing an extension to Chrome called “Project Mariner,” which can be turned on to do online searches and sift through the results so people don't won't have to bother. If the U.S. Department of Justice gets its way, Google will be forced to sell or spin off Chrome as part of its punishment for deploying its search engine in ways that stifled competition and potential innovation. Google has ridiculed the Justice Department's proposal as “overly broad” and vowed to resist any attempt to break up the company during federal court hearings scheduled to begin in Washington D.C. next spring. Even if those proceedings culminate in a court order mandating a breakup, Google could still appeal in a process that could take years to resolve while it continues its AI expansion. “I can’t wait to see what this next era brings,” Pichai wrote in his blog post, signaling the company doesn't believe it will be deterred by regulators.Home | MPs declare Russian vodka, livestock and more in Parly gift register Wine, spirits, chocolates, tea sets and a massage voucher are some of the gifts Parliamentarians disclosed in the 2024 Register of Member Interests. A few really lucky MPs received freebie tickets to international rugby matches. While another received a framed photo of the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, from the British family. Some MP’s received livestock, while others declared their directorships, partnerships and loans. MP’s across party lines declared their interests as is required by law. In terms of gifts, it was probably the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola who hit the jackpot. He received a top-of-the-range cellphone, Russian vodka, and a 15-year-old whiskey. Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina received a comforter as a gift for Mother Day as well as a massage voucher. The list is included in the 2024 Register of Member Interests released by Parliament. Each year, MPs must register all their financial interests, as well as those of their spouses, dependents and permanent companions. This is to ensure transparency and that they have no conflict of interest in their roles as elected public officials. This register, as well as a code of conduct, outlines the standards of ethical behaviour for MPs. So, work outside of Parliament, gifts and hospitality, as well as land or property ownership, are some of the things MPs have to declare. The register and code of conduct is a standard set out in Parliaments worldwide. The code proposes penalties if breached, depending on the nature of the breach. The register is a public document and is available for members of the public to study. SABC © 2024New York, New York–(Newsfile Corp. – December 24, 2024) – Building Homes for Heroes marked a transformative milestone on December 7 th , 2024, with the gifting of its 400th home to U.S. Army Specialist Joshua Sager and his family in Argyle, Texas, a suburb north of Dallas. This achievement represents nearly two decades of providing veterans and first responders with the foundation they need to build their next chapter. Social media post celebrating the gifting of Building Homes for Heroes 400th home to U.S. Army Specialist Joshua Sager and his family in Argyle, Texas. Building Homes for Heroes emerged from the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, when founder Andy Pujol volunteered in the search-and-rescue efforts at ground zero alongside first responders. The organization has since grown into one of the nation’s fastest-growing veteran-focused organizations, evolving from gifting a single home to now averaging more than one home constructed, gifted or modified every 10 days. The 400 th gifted home milestone, made possible through collaboration with Hillwood Properties and Highland Homes , goes to Army Specialist Joshua Sager, who served with the Scout Surveillance and Reconnaissance platoon for 3/509th Infantry. Despite suffering catastrophic injuries from a parachute training accident that doctors said might prevent him from ever walking again, Specialist Sager demonstrated remarkable resilience through 18 months of rehabilitation. Josh and Melanie Sager beaming with joy as they step into their new home. “Our 400th home marks a milestone that seemed almost unimaginable when we started this journey,” said Andy Pujol, founder and CEO of Building Homes for Heroes. “Each home represents a new beginning for these heroic servicemen and women and their families, and we’re just getting started. We encourage all to join us as we set our sights on our milestone 500 th home. “It seems like such a small thing for us to do, but we know supporting organizations like Building Homes for Heroes has an outsized and real impact for Veterans like Josh and his family,” said Fred Balda, President, Hillwood Communities. “We are thrilled to help Building Homes for Heroes make this dream come true for someone who sacrificed so much to protect the freedom we often take for granted.” The stability of a mortgage-free home creates a vital foundation for veterans and first responders transitioning to civilian life. This secure environment enables physical recovery, strengthens mental health, and provides the bedrock for family stability. Building Homes for Heroes expands on this foundation with emergency funding, financial guidance, wellness programs, and community integration support. Josh and Melanie Sager share an embrace in front of their new residence. Large F500s, investment groups, and other corporate partners have joined forces with Building Homes for Heroes to expand this mission, creating a nationwide network of support for those who have served our nation. In 2024 alone, Building Homes for Heroes is gifting more than 40 homes-nearly one per week-while expanding its support services to help more than 2,500 veterans and first responders. The organization is now setting its sights on an even more ambitious goal: gifting its 500th home by 2026. Army veteran Josh Sager delivers a heartfelt speech from the porch of his new residence, celebrating the significant 400th home milestone with Building Homes for Heroes. The celebration in Argyle featured hundreds of community members, local veterans, first responders, and supporters with a Christmas theme, plus a procession with school marching bands, cheerleaders, motorcycle groups and local officials, honoring both the Sager family and marking a milestone in the organization’s mission to support America’s heroes. Josh and Melanie Sager step over the threshold of their new home, their faces alight with excitement, as they open the door to this new chapter of their lives. ### About Building Homes for Heroes Building Homes for Heroes builds and gifts mortgage-free homes, and completes home modifications, for veterans, emergency first responders and their families, and provides further services along their road to recovery to help them live a promising and fulfilling life ahead. Learn more at buildinghomesforheroes.org . About Hillwood Properties Hillwood Properties, based in Fort Worth, is a premier real estate developer specializing in industrial-logistics, corporate office, and retail mixed-use development, as well as airport and property management. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, Hillwood has established a reputation for quality development that drives economic growth for communities throughout North Texas. Learn more at alliancetexas.com . About Highland Homes Founded in 1985, Highland Homes is an employee-owned company that builds nearly 4,000 homes across Texas each year and is among the largest and most trusted single-family new home builders in the country. A commitment to excellence has earned the company many industry awards, including consistent high rankings by J.D. Power and Associates, nine People’s Choice Builder of the Year and multiple home of the Year awards, as well as the Dallas Morning News People’s Choice winner for Best Builder and Best Luxury Builder. Highland was ranked among the Best Small Workplaces in Texas by Fortune Magazine in 2023 and has ranked sixth by Texas Monthly’s 50 Best Companies to work for in Texas. Learn more at highlandhomes.com . About Brothers Golnick Brothers Golnick is a veteran owned full-service production, marketing and advertising agency. Co-founders Eric Golnick, a former Naval officer and veterans’ behavioral health leader, and BJ Golnick, an award-winning filmmaker, offer a comprehensive suite of services that authentically connect with veterans, first responders, and hardworking Americans, inspiring action and driving meaningful results. Their unwavering commitment to uplifting the American spirit is highlighted by their work for clients such as the US Department of Veterans Affairs and Building Homes for Heroes. Learn more at brothersgolnick.com . To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/234980 #distro

NoneSAN DIEGO, Dec. 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Robbins LLP reminds investors that a class action was filed on behalf of persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired Symbotic Inc. (NASDAQ: SYM) securities between February 8, 2024 and November 26, 2024. Symbotic is an automation technology company that engages in the production of a robotics and automation-based product movement technology platform. For more information, submit a form , email attorney Aaron Dumas, Jr., or give us a call at (800) 350-6003. The Allegations: Robbins LLP is Investigating Allegations that Symbotic Inc. (SYM) Failed to Disclose Material Weaknesses in its Internal Control Over Financial Reporting According to the complaint, on November 27, 2024, the Company filed with the SEC a Form 8-K/A, in which the Company revealed it had "identified errors in its revenue recognition related to cost overruns on certain deployments that will not be billable, which additionally impacted system revenue, income (loss) before income tax, net income (loss) and gross margin recognized in the second, third, and fourth quarters of fiscal year 2024." Further, the Company indicated that its previously issued financial statements for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2024 and the Company’s supplemental presentation, should no longer be relied upon. On this news, the price of Symbotic stock fell over 35%, to close at $24 per share on November 27, 2024. What Now: You may be eligible to participate in the class action against Symbotic Inc. Shareholders who want to serve as lead plaintiff for the class must submit their application to the court by February 3, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. You do not have to participate in the case to be eligible for a recovery. If you choose to take no action, you can remain an absent class member. For more information, click here . All representation is on a contingency fee basis. Shareholders pay no fees or expenses. About Robbins LLP: Some law firms issuing releases about this matter do not actually litigate securities class actions; Robbins LLP does. A recognized leader in shareholder rights litigation, the attorneys and staff of Robbins LLP have been dedicated to helping shareholders recover losses, improve corporate governance structures, and hold company executives accountable for their wrongdoing since 2002. Since our inception, we have obtained over $1 billion for shareholders. To be notified if a class action against Symbotic Inc. settles or to receive free alerts when corporate executives engage in wrongdoing, sign up for Stock Watch today. Attorney Advertising. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3edbf291-c5a4-45f0-a769-259266b2c15bSCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Even when Penn State quarterback Drew Allar gets some praise, it's usually a backhanded compliment. They say he's a good game manager and stays within himself, or that he doesn't try to do too much. They mention he might not be flashy, but he gives the team a chance to win. And here's the thing about Penn State since Allar stepped under center: The Nittany Lions have won games. A lot of them. Sometimes that's hard to remember considering the lukewarm reception he often gets from fans. “I get it — we have a really passionate fan base and they're a huge part of our success,” Allar said Sunday at College Football Playoff quarterfinals media day. “For us, we always want to go out there every drive and end with a touchdown, so when we don't do that, there's nobody more frustrated than us.” The polarizing Allar is having a solid season by just about any standard, completing more than 68% of his passes for 3,021 yards, 21 touchdowns and seven interceptions while leading the sixth-seeded Nittany Lions to a 12-2 record and a spot in the Fiesta Bowl for Tuesday's game against No. 3 seed Boise State. But in a college football world filled with high-scoring, explosive offenses, Allar's no-frills performances often are the object of ire. The Penn State offense is a run-first bunch , led by the talented combo of Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen. “If we had a nickel for every time there was a Monday morning quarterback saying some BS stuff, we'd all be pretty rich,” offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki said. “I think part of being a quarterback, especially at Penn State but really anywhere, is how you respond to and manage criticism.” The 20-year-old Allar has made strides in that department after a trying 2023 season that finished with a 10-3 record. He says that's largely because once fall camp started back in August, he logged off the social media platform X. Allar said negative online experiences wore on him last year, and his phone number was leaked a few times, which added to the stress. He finally realized that controlling outside narratives was impossible, so the best course of action was to eliminate a needless distraction. “I’ve been more mentally free, as much as that sounds crazy,” Allar said. “I think that’s been a huge difference for me this year.” The biggest criticism of Allar — and really Penn State as a whole during the 11-year James Franklin era — is that he isn't capable of winning the big games. He's 0-2 against rival Ohio State and threw a late interception against Oregon in the Big Ten title game earlier this month, which sealed the Ducks' 45-37 victory . He wasn't great in the CFP's first round, either, completing just 13 of 22 passes for 127 yards as Penn State muscled past SMU 38-10 on a cold, blustery day to advance to the Fiesta Bowl. But the quarterback is confident a better performance — aided by a game that will be played in comfortable temperatures in a domed stadium — is coming. “For me, I just have to execute those (easy) throws early in the game and get our guys into rhythm,” Allar said. “Get them involved early as much as I can and that allows us to stay on the field longer, call more plays and open up our offense more. That will help us a ton, building the momentum throughout the game.” Allar might be a favorite punching bag for a section of the Penn State fan base, but that's not the case in his own locker room. Star tight end Tyler Warren praised his quarterback's ability to avoid sacks, saying that the 6-foot-5, 238-pounder brings a toughness that resonates with teammates. “He’s a football player,” Warren said. “He plays quarterback, but when you watch him play and the energy he brings and the way he runs the ball, he’s just a football player and that fires up our offense.” Now Allar and Penn State have a chance to silence critics who say that the Nittany Lions don't show up in big games. Not that he's worried about what other people think. “I think it's a skill at the end of the day — blocking out the outside noise," Allar said. "Focusing on you and the process and being honest with yourself, both good and bad.” Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football

Democracies Around the Globe

Jaishankar emphasised the need for a "foreign policy for Viksit Bharat," and highlighted the changes in global dynamics and India's ambitions. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday said there must be "a foreign policy for Viksit Bharat" as he underlined that changes in foreign policy are needed amid a changing landscape. In his address at the launch of 'India's World' magazine here, he also said "when we speak about changing foreign policy, if there is talk of a post-Nehruvian construct, it should not be treated as a political attack". Foreign policy expert C Raja Mohan chairs the editorial board of the magazine. The external affairs minister said there are "four big factors" which should cause people in India to actually ask themselves as to "what are the changes which are necessary in a foreign policy". "One, and I happened, by coincidence, to speak about it yesterday, for many, many years, we had what someone else very pithily summed up as the 'Nehru development model'. That was book released yesterday by Dr Arvind Panagariya," he said. A 'Nehru development model', inevitably produced a 'Nehru foreign policy' and "we seek to correct that abroad", just as efforts being made to "reform" the consequences of the model at home, Jaishankar said on Saturday, in his virtual address at the launch of the book 'The Nehru Development Model'. In his address at the Sunday's event, he reiterated that a 'Nehru development model' produced a 'Nehru foreign policy'. "I mean, it was obvious. And, it wasn't just what was happening in our country, there was an international landscape in the 1940s, 1950s, 1960s and the 1970s which was bipolar. Then there was a unipolar landscape. And, both those landscapes have also changed," the EAM said. On top of it, in the last two decades or so, there has been a "very intense globalisation", a strong interdependence with countries. "In a way the relationship, the behaviour of states towards each other have changed," he said. Finally, if one looks at technology, technology on foreign policy, technology on state capability, "technology on our daily existence, that too has changed", he added. "So, if the domestic model has changed, if the landscape has changed, if the behavioural patterns of states have changed, and if the tools of foreign policies have changed, how can foreign policy remain the same," he argued. "So, my point to you today is when we speak about changing foreign policy, if there is talk of a post-Nehruvian construct, it should not be treated as a political attack. I mean, it didn't require Narendra Modi to do it, Narasimha Rao started it," Jaishankar said. "So, I think, we need to be grounded, we need to be realistic, we need to be practical in this country, and the foreign policy discourse within track 2, and between track 2 and track 1 will certainly improve, if we move in that direction," the EAM said. In his address, he also asserted that a vision for a developed India needs a foreign policy for 'Viksit Bharat'. "If today our aspiration at home is to become a Viksit Bharat, surely there must be a foreign policy for Viksit Bharat. And, that foreign policy in a way, I would say, we had about a decade ago suggested the need for India to start thinking about moving towards a leading power. How to be more ambitious, how to plan ahead," the EAM said. Now, some of it is also about positioning, a country will have in a sense, if it had the most friends, the least problems. The best relationships, the "minimal baggage", and in that positioning the concept of 'Vishwa Bandhu' came up, he added. The vision of 'Viksit Bharat' laid down by Prime Minister Narendra Modi aims to build India as a developed nation by 2047 when it will complete 100 years as an independent nation. In his address, the external affairs minister also touched upon the aspects of various tracks of diplomacy and the importance of their inter-dynamics. "If we look back the last 25 years, and I grant you, I have a vested interest in that statement, but if you look back the last 25 years in this country, track 1 has been consistently ahead of track 2, when it comes to diplomacy, foreign policy and keeping up with the world," he said. "In fact, if you look at many of the big ideas, much of the advocacy of change, I would say, really it is interesting that track 1 has outpaced track 2. Because, I do think that this dynamic of track 1, track 2, government, think-tank, official, academic, need changes in our country," the EAM added. Track 1 diplomacy refers to official, government to government diplomacy while track 2 refers to unofficial contact and interaction in a diplomacy. Jaishankar said "our public space discourse should not be theological, it should not be polemical, it should not come as a defence of the past versus a compulsion to move beyond the past". "So, to me a platform that signifies realism, which is contemporary, ambitious, I think it makes such a platform relevant," he added. The EAM said if things are going to change then that begs a different question, "do we defend, manage, advance, or do we do all of the same". "How ambitious we should be, what is it that we are aiming for. And, what should be the timing for what we should do," he asked. And, if "we do raise our hedge to what degree and on what issues. I think that's also a very important concern," the minister added. "Just like the economic debates and the economic model of this country became more open, I think foreign policy, foreign policy thinking of this country has to keep pace with what is happening in this country, and needs to be more open. And, for that it's important to have an integrated outlook," the EAM asserted. Stay informed on all the latest news , real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in india news and world News on Zee News.Currency Exchange International, Corp. Announces Exchange Bank of Canada Appeal of FINTRAC's Penalty

Saka second only to Salah: 8 things you might have missed from Champions League GW6New Delhi: In a major booster for India’s efforts to localise Chinese investments in India, smartphone giant Vivo has decided to form a joint venture with domestic Dixon Technologies for contract manufacturing its devices and other electronics products. Dixon will hold 51% stake in the JV, while the remaining will be with Vivo India. Dixon and Vivo India said entered into a Binding Term Sheet for the proposed JV to undertake OEM business of electronic devices, including smartphones. However, neither Dixon nor Vivo India will have any stake in each other. “The facility will undertake part of Vivo’s OEM orders of smartphones in India, and can also engage in OEM business of various electronic products of other brands,” Dixon said, emphasising that the deal will not have any impact on its contract manufacturing business for other brands such as Motorola and Nokia. “The parties will agree on an optimum structure and the relevant terms and conditions to be set out in the definitive agreements. The transaction will be subject to execution of such definitive agreements, completion of customary conditions precedent and receipt of applicable regulatory approvals including as required under the foreign exchange control laws of India,” the company said. Tata group was also believed to be looking at a deal with Vivo India, but it could not materialise. Dixon Vice Chairman and MD Atul B Lall said the company sees Vivo India as an “ideal strategic partner” that shares its core values of quality, engineering prowess and customer satisfaction. “We believe that this association will bolster our manufacturing excellence and superior execution abilities and Vivo’s leadership in the Indian business ecosystem. We are excited to work together to create a stronger, more diversified, and future-proof organization. “ Jerome Chen, CEO of Vivo India said the deal with Dixon gets “rich localized management experience and outstanding professional manufacturing” prowess. “The proposed JV will undertake part of Vivo's OEM orders of smartphones in India, and can also engage in OEM business of various electronic products of other brands. This partnership will effectively complement the current manufacturing operations of Vivo India,” Chen said. Ready to Master Stock Valuation? ET’s Workshop is just around the corner!North Carolina hires Bill Belichick: Ranking 15 NFL head-coaching candidates for 2025 cycle

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The favorite to win the NFL’s Coach of the Year award is a big fan of the favorite to win the NFL’s Most Valuable Player award. Lions coach Dan Campbell said today that he considers Bills quarterback Josh Allen one of the most physically impressive quarterbacks in football, but perhaps even more impressive in his competitive approach to the game. “He’s big, he’s strong, he’s fast, he’s explosive, and he’s competitive,” Campbell said. “He’s got all these attributes, physical attributes, but it’s what’s inside of him. He’s the ultimate competitor. That’s what separates him from a lot of guys. He’s fearless and it’s why those guys play the way they do for him, because he just won’t give it up, he’s not gonna give it up and he’s gonna do whatever it takes to get the next first down, or get the touchdown, and when they need him in crunch time he’s gonna show up, and he just won’t give up. I think that’s what makes him who he is, his competitiveness.” Campbell is a -175 favorite to win Coach of the Year, and Allen is a -400 favorite to win MVP. Their teams face off on Sunday as they each march toward the playoffs. And perhaps a rematch in the Super Bowl.

Oil-Dri's Board of Directors Declares Quarterly DividendsListen up, boys and girls. Once upon a time, there were a lot of Jews living in the Land of Israel. Some of them were up to date with world culture, which is to say they read Greek literature, went to the gym and weren’t all that religious. Others were, well, fundamentalists. The two groups were pretty polarized. After a while, their harsh culture war became a civil war. As it happened, the Land of Israel in those days was controlled by the king of Syria, a none-too-stable Greek culture guy known as Antiochus Da God. After beating up on the Egyptians, he decided to settle the Jews’ hash, siding (of course) with the liberals. Seizing Jerusalem, Antiochus decided to outlaw the practice of Judaism altogether, burning copies of the Torah, prohibiting observance of the Sabbath and holidays and forbidding circumcision. He turned the temple into a Greek religious shrine, complete with a statue of Zeus. As a result, a country priest named Mattathias and his five sons instigated a revolt. These Maccabees, as they came to be called, used guerrilla tactics to defeat the Syrian army, recaptured Jerusalem and rededicated the temple. Many of you have heard that their victory was accompanied by a miracle, in which a one-day supply of undefiled oil kept the temple menorah burning for eight days. I’m sorry to have to tell you it never happened. The real deal was that, because of the temple takeover, the Jews hadn’t been able to observe the weeklong fall pilgrimage festival called Sukkot. The first Hanukkah was designed to make up for that, and it continued annually as the Feast of Dedication. Jesus himself visited the temple during this feast. As for the miracle of the oil, that was an old rabbis’ tale, told in the Talmud centuries after the fact to demonstrate that God had a hand in the story. In fact, the rabbis didn’t really like Hanukkah. How come? For starters, it was the Maccabean revolt that inspired the revolt against the Romans some 170 years later, which led to the destruction of the temple and the exile of Jews from Judea. Plus, the descendants of the Maccabees who ruled as the Hasmonean dynasty were deeply flawed characters. They combined the office of king and high priest in their own persons, violating the separation of religious and political authority established under Moses and Aaron after the Israelites left Egypt. (Talk about Jewish theocracy!) The Hasmonean priest-kings were also intolerant, slaughtering thousands of Jews who didn’t agree with them. And they got into fights with the religious precursors of the rabbis. At the same time, the Hasmoneans conquered a bunch of territory, leading scholars to debate whether they wanted to restore the Greater Israel of King David and King Solomon. Whether their territorial ambitions were primarily religious or secular is also a matter of debate. They did force people in their territory to have their sons circumcised. Truth to tell, this period of history has long served as a touchstone for reckoning with control of the Land of Israel. Where the rabbis of the Talmud kept the Maccabees at arm’s length, the Zionists happily rehabilitated them as heroes of their new state. These days, we may wonder whether the deeply flawed Israeli leader, Benjamin Netanyahu, is seeking to restore the Greater Israel of David and Solomon, and whether his government, well supplied with zealots, is motivated by secular or religious goals. As always in the Jewish world, the debates continue. Happy Hanukkah! (The views expressed in this opinion piece do not necessarily reflect those of Religion News Service.)