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ICRC, KOICA Launch Project To Help Families Of Missing People In ConflictsLOS ANGELES (AP) — Lynne Roberts wasn’t looking to leave the Utah women’s basketball team. Then she got a call from Los Angeles Sparks general manager Reagan Pebley that changed her thinking. Roberts was introduced Thursday as coach of the Sparks, becoming the second coach to make the leap from college to the WNBA this month. Karl Smesko of Florida Gulf Coast got the Atlanta Dream job last week. “I was 100 percent invested at Utah,” Roberts said. “It just kind of felt like this is a golden opportunity. As a competitor, the chance to coach the best in the world, it’s what I want.” She replaces Curt Miller , who was let go in September and now is general manager of the Dallas Wings. Roberts inherits a team that has a strong young nucleus of Rickea Jackson, Cameron Brink and Dearica Hamby. The Sparks have the No. 2 pick in next year’s WNBA draft. “We’ve got kind of a cool combination of some veteran leadership and then we’ve got a really dynamic young group,” Roberts said. “That’s a good roster right there and then we can keep working with it.” Los Angeles finished 8-32 last season for the league’s worst record and has missed the playoffs for four straight years. “I want to compete, I want to win now,” Roberts said. “I know that’s easier said than done, but I’m up for the challenge and I can’t wait to get started.” Roberts is friends with Southern California women’s coach Lindsay Gottlieb and UCLA coach Cori Close. “That was intentional,” Sparks general manager Reagan Pebley said. “That we were bringing somebody into this role that had existing relationships because again this is a community of women’s basketball that is exceptional.” Roberts added, “I want to be the top of that pyramid with the Sparks.” Roberts is returning to her native California. The 49-year-old coach grew up in the Northern California city of Redding. She played college ball at Seattle Pacific and then began coaching at Chico State before moving to Pacific and then Utah. Roberts was 165-116 in nine-plus seasons at Utah and recently signed a six-year extension. She led the team to three straight NCAA Tournament berths and was the Pac-12 Coach of the Year in 2023. The Utes have started this season 3-1 and will be coached by Gavin Petersen, who was promoted from associate head coach. “I poured 10 years of my life into that place and I loved it. I loved every minute of it,” Roberts said. “Where we started wasn’t great, where it is now is great and I’m very proud of that.” Roberts said the current upheaval in college basketball including name, image and likeness, the transfer portal and Utah's move to the Big 12 this season had nothing to do with her leaving. “I'm sitting here because it's a chance to coach the best people in the world and win a championship in LA. That's it,” she said. “As a competitor and as someone that kind of thrives in pressure, being in this market, being in LA, it sounds like heaven to me." AP WNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball

Five ‘perfect’ Christmas essentials from Dollar Tree for just $1.25 – and shoppers boast they ‘dress up’ your giftsWe just got an interesting update about young Montreal Canadiens goalie Jacob Fowler. As Cayden Primeau struggles in the NHL with the Canadiens, all eyes are turning to Fowler. A game with the Canadiens this season for Jacob Fowler? Here's an excerpt from a fascinating discussion on BPM Sports between Martin Lemay and Mathias Brunet regarding the young netminder. "Most likely, it's Laval next year." - Mathias Brunet "He would leave college right away." - Martin Lemay "I imagine the Canadiens will do everything to make that happen. He's already done two years. I think it's time. They might give him a game at the end of the season." - Mathias Brunet "The Canadiens did it with Lindgren in Carolina." - Martin Lemay They also mentioned that, for players aiming at the NHL and the pro ranks, two years of college hockey is typically the benchmark. Given that Fowler has already completed two years, we could realistically see him sign a contract by the end of the season, much like Lane Hutson did last year. It's a situation that also occurred with goalie Devon Levi of the Buffalo Sabres. Jacob himself confirmed earlier this week that he plans to sign with the Canadiens organization , so the wait shouldn't be long! If it were up to you, what would you do with Fowler? This article first appeared on Habs Fanatics and was syndicated with permission.

How Trump’s bet on voters electing him managed to silence some of his legal woes

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Malik Nabers said calling the New York Giants “soft” after Sunday’s embarrassing loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was a mistake, although the star rookie receiver still plans to speak out when he thinks it’s necessary. After talking with coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen and watching video of , Nabers said Tuesday that “soft” was a poor choice of words. “I don’t think it was really soft. I think it was just a lack of technique,” Nabers said. “We were playing our butts off, we just lacked technique.” The Giants (2-9) trailed 23-0 at halftime and had run only 19 plays on offense. Nabers was not targeted in first the half but still finished with a team-high six catches for 64 yards. The No. 6 overall pick in the draft, Nabers said his rant after the game — in which he said the Giants’ quarterbacks weren’t to blame for the team’s poor performance — was just the competitor in him talking. “That’s just how I’m wired. That’s just who I am,” he said. “I just don’t like losing. If I feel like if I had an opportunity to help the team win, I’m going to express that.” Nabers said not being targeted in the opening half was tough because his body is prepared to play and not doing anything throws him off his game. “You’re not getting involved early, then you’re not getting the feel of the ball, you’re not getting hit,” Nabers said. “After football plays as an offense, after you get hit, you’re like, ‘All right, I’m ready to go.’” Nabers has a team-high 67 catches, the most by a player in his first nine NFL games. He said he sees himself as a resource, someone who can change the game for the Giants. “I’m not going to just sit back just because I’m a younger guy and not speak on how I feel,” Nabers said. “They want me to speak up. They feel like my energy helps the offense, in a way, to be explosive. So, of course, I’m going to speak up if something doesn’t go my way. That’s just how I am.” ___ AP NFL:NBA Christmas Day Games on ESPN to Bring Animated Disney Characters in Real-Time Broadcast

Strictly Come Dancing fans received a major shock as the results were leaked on Saturday night. Viewers have been surprised by the results in the last few weeks of the competition, with those at the bottom of the leaderboard saved by the public vote. As he results were once again leaked ahead of the results show on Sunday, viewers took to social media to express their astonishment at the bottom two that end up in the dance off. Some have even threatened to stop watching the BBC dancing competition just weeks before the final. One fan fumed on X: "Not watching this s*** show anymore. [redacted] in the dance off over [redacted] ?? f*** this." A second echoed: "What an absolute travesty," while a third added: "Sorry but this is a joke...This should be a dancing competition. Joke." Read more Strictly Come Dancing's Dianne Buswell fights back tears over Chris McCausland Another viewer commented: "[Redacted] getting more votes than [Redacted] and [Redacted] is insane and so wrong." Another despairing fan said: "It just doesn’t make sense." BirminghamLive has chosen not to reveal the names of those in the dance-off or the celebrity sent home from the BBC competition to allow fans to watch the live results show on Sunday night. The results are leaked each week by someone at the show, which is filmed straight after the couple's perform their routines on the live programme. At the top of the Strictly Come Dancing leaderboard this week were JB Gill and partner Lauren Oakley, who performed a Viennese Waltz. They received a near perfect score, with 39 points from the judges. Just behind them on 38 points was Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola with their Charleston, and Tasha Ghouri and Aljaz Skorjanec who performed an Argentine Tango. On the other half of the leaderboard are Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell and Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe, with both couples receiving 32 points. Pete Wicks was once again at the bottom of the leaderboard with partner Jowita Przystal after their Waltz. They were awarded just 26 points. Strictly Come Dancing's results show airs on BBC One on Sunday, December 1 at 7.20pm.Scottish international Adams scores long-range stunner in Serie A win for Torino223% revenue growth attributed to high demand for workforce intelligence and optimization AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ActivTrak today announced it is No. 468 on the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 TM, a ranking of the 500 fastest-growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences, fintech and energy tech companies in North America, now in its 30th year. This is ActivTrak's fifth consecutive year on the Deloitte Technology Fast 500, with a growth rate of 223%. ActivTrak CEO Heidi Farris credits the company's growth to rising demand for workforce intelligence as companies seek more ways to optimize workforce productivity and associated business outcomes. "The pressure on business leaders has never been greater to ensure people, processes and technology are aligned to streamline workflows and maximize performance. We're proud to be the workforce analytics platform of choice, helping more than 9,500 customers around the world achieve those goals." Overall, 2024 Technology Fast 500 companies achieved revenue growth ranging from 201% to 153,625% over the three-year time frame, with an average growth rate of 1,981% and median growth rate of 460%. "For 30 years we've been celebrating companies that are actively driving innovation. The software industry continues to be a beacon of growth, and the fintech industry made a strong showing on this year's list, surpassing life sciences for the first time," said Steve Fineberg , vice chair, U.S. technology sector leader, Deloitte. "Significantly, we also saw a breakthrough in performance of private companies, with the highest number of private companies named to the list in our program's history. This year's winners have shown they have the vision and expertise to continue to perform at a high level, and that deserves to be celebrated." "Innovation, transformation and disruption of the status quo are at the forefront for this year's Technology Fast 500 list, and there's no better way to celebrate 30 years of program history," said Christie Simons , partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP and industry leader for technology, media and telecommunications within Deloitte's Audit & Assurance practice. "This year's winning companies have demonstrated a continuous commitment to growth and remarkable consistency in driving forward progress. We extend our congratulations to all of this year's winners — it's an incredible time for innovation." About the 2024 Deloitte Technology Fast 500 Now in its 30th year, the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 provides a ranking of the fastest-growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences, fintech, and energy tech companies — both public and private — in North America. Technology Fast 500 award winners are selected based on percentage fiscal year revenue growth from 2020 to 2023. In order to be eligible for Technology Fast 500 recognition, companies must own proprietary intellectual property or technology that is sold to customers in products that contribute to a majority of the company's operating revenues. Companies must have base-year operating revenues of at least US$50,000, and current-year operating revenues of at least US$5 million. Additionally, companies must be in business for a minimum of four years and be headquartered within North America. About ActivTrak ActivTrak helps organizations improve performance and optimize productivity. Our workforce intelligence platform transforms work activity data into actionable insights, providing the only complete solution with employee monitoring, productivity and performance management, and workforce planning capabilities that deliver measurable ROI. More than 9,500 customers trust ActivTrak's award-winning technology which has been recognized by the Deloitte Technology Fast 500, Inc. 5000, TrustRadius and G2. ActivTrak is backed by Sapphire Ventures and Elsewhere Partners. To learn more visit: https://www.activtrak.com/ . About Deloitte Deloitte provides industry-leading audit, consulting, tax and advisory services to many of the world's most admired brands, including nearly 90% of the Fortune 500® and more than 8,500 U.S.-based private companies. At Deloitte, we strive to live our purpose of making an impact that matters by creating trust and confidence in a more equitable society. We leverage our unique blend of business acumen, command of technology, and strategic technology alliances to advise our clients across industries as they build their future . Deloitte is proud to be part of the largest global professional services network serving our clients in the markets that are most important to them. Bringing more than 175 years of service, our network of member firms spans more than 150 countries and territories. Learn how Deloitte's approximately 460,000 people worldwide connect for impact at www.deloitte.com . Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee ("DTTL"), its network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL (also referred to as "Deloitte Global") does not provide services to clients. In the United States, Deloitte refers to one or more of the US member firms of DTTL, their related entities that operate using the "Deloitte" name in the United States and their respective affiliates. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more about our global network of member firms. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/activtrak-ranked-no-468-fastest-growing-company-in-north-america-on-the-2024-deloitte-technology-fast-500-302313184.html SOURCE ActivTrak Copyright © 2024 PR Newswire Association LLC. All Rights Reserved.

FARGO — The new location for Fargo’s winter warming center is set to open Wednesday, Nov. 27, inside the Fargo Cass Public Health building at 1230 25th St. S., complete with a small kitchen and dining area. There, homeless people will be able to spend the night — safely out of the elements — curled up in one of the many blue lawn chairs packed into the room. Once again this winter, the metro’s shelter bed system is over capacity, said Fargo Cass Public Health Community Liaison Chandler Esslinger, so there are many people without anywhere to go each night. “We know that some of the people who have been sleeping along the river are newly homeless and have not weathered a winter before,” Esslinger said, “So that unsheltered population is really our primary population for the winter warming center.” Now that winter is here, the people stuck outdoors are in danger of injury or death from the freezing snow and winds, so the winter warming center opens its doors to provide safe shelter from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. each night, now through the end of April. Fargo’s winter warming facility is not a solution for the lack of shelter beds, Esslinger said. It will be up to existing service providers to find solutions to that overcrowding problem. The number of homeless people in the metro area has risen in recent years due to a pervasive shortage of affordable and low-entry housing. There is room for 60 people within the winter warming center, said Jenn Faul, director of Fargo Cass Public Health. As for why people are sleeping on chairs instead of in beds or on the floor, it’s twofold. Given the number of people who needed a safe place to escape the elements, Fargo Cass Public Health prioritized packing as many chairs into the room as possible to accommodate as many people as they could, Faul said. The setup is the same as what was at the warming center’s previous location downtown. Also, the winter warming program isn’t a shelter, Esslinger added, and it is not designed to be one. The goal is to keep people safe from dangerous temperatures, connect them with services and find them shelter and then housing. “That’s the primary focus of having this space,” Esslinger said. “It’s not only to provide that winter weather respite, but also to allow us to continue helping people move out of their situation.” Those wishing to stay inside the winter warming center are encouraged to visit the Downtown Engagement Center first, Esslinger said, which is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This allows the harm reduction team to help connect people who are experiencing homelessness with available services and attempt to find an alternative shelter option for the night. At 8 p.m., the Fargo Cass Public Health team will transport everyone from the engagement center to the winter warming center. However, the winter warming center is equipped to accommodate people coming in at any hour, Faul said. People must be over 18 years old to stay there, she said, but her team will find alternative accommodations for homeless people with children. Dogs are not allowed in the building, Faul said, but down the line her team might look into working with an agency to foster the animals so that people who are experiencing homelessness do not have to choose between accessing safe shelter or surrendering their pet to an equally overcrowded animal shelter. Come morning, people leave the winter warming center and can take a Matbus to anywhere they need to be, Faul said, whether that is other social services, their workplace or back to the Downtown Engagement Center. Fargo Cass Public Health is not currently providing bus ticket vouchers to people who use the winter warming facility. Fargo Cass Public Health built this program into their 2025 budget, Faul said, and will staff the overnight space with a combination of experienced existing harm reduction staff and new hires. The program is funded with federal American Rescue Plan Act dollars. “We in public health are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue this compassionate service for our community members,” Esslinger said. “(We) are excited to be able to serve people as best we can in this space.” Those looking to assist with the winter warming program can bring donations of winter weather gear like hats, coats and wool socks, Faul said.

NoneDuring her run on NCIS , actress Pauley Perrette delivered a captivating performance when she portrayed the beloved forensic expert Abby Sciuto. Pauley starred alongside other talented actors, such as fellow NCIS star Mark Harmon , on the program for 15 seasons before she unexpectedly departed. Her leave had many fans speculating if Mark had anything to do with her decision to quit. After she exited NCIS in 2018, her character Abby left the team after character Clay’s death, several claims began coming up about why she was out. NCIS stars Katrina Law and Brian Dietzen give verdict on future of Knight and Palmer’s romance NCIS Tony and Ziva cast: Who will be joining Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo for spin-off? Eventually, Pauley became fed up with all of the rumors, and set the record straight on social media. She explained that all of the media’s “total lies” about her had her clearing the air. Pauley’s first X posts revealed how she initially didn’t delve into her exit in an attempt to protect the NCIS crew, jobs, and other people. However, she then realized that her silence possibly wasn’t helping the situation, and so she shared exactly what prompted her to leave. “There is a ‘machine’ keeping me silent, and feeding FALSE stories about me. A very rich, very powerful publicity ‘machine’. No morals, no obligation to truth, and I’m just left here, reading the lies, trying to protect my crew. Trying to remain calm. He did it,” she wrote. In a follow-up tweet, she further hinted at all of the hardships she had to endure while on the show, noting: “I’ve been supporting ant-bullying programs forever. But now I KNOW because it was ME! If it’s school or work, that you’re required to go to? It’s horrifying. I left. Multiple Physical Assaults. I REALLY get it now. Stay safe. Nothing is worth your safety. Tell someone.” Pauley’s tweets caught the attention of CBS Television Studios, causing them to tell E! News: “Pauley Perrette had a terrific run on NCIS and we are all going to miss her. Over a year ago, Pauley came to us with a workplace concern. We took the matter seriously and worked with her to find a resolution. We are committed to a safe work environment on all our shows.“ Harmon has not commented on the tension. Another X post from 2019 from Pauley that has resurfaced has seemed to confirm their feud was cemented. “NO I AM NOT COMING BACK! EVER! (Please stop asking?) I am terrified of Harmon and him attacking me. I have nightmares about it. I have a new show that is SAFE AND HAPPY! You’ll love it! #HappyPlace Love y’all!,” she penned. The Mirror reached out to Mark's rep for comment.