NFL Insider Reveals Who Could Be the Answer to Aaron Rodgers’ 2025 Exit

NoneWhat will Kristaps Porzingis’ workload look like as he takes the court for the first time this season? Joe Mazzulla wouldn’t say. But he expects the 7-foot-2 center to make an immediate impact for the Celtics. “I don’t really know on the minutes,” Mazzulla said before Monday night’s matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers at TD Garden. “He’s worked hard. He’s in good shape. We’ll put him in a position to be healthy and successful and do what’s best for the team, and I think pretty consistent just based on his work ethic and what he’s done to get to this point.” Mazzulla said he knew for “probably a week or so” that Porzingis would make his season debut against the Clippers after undergoing offseason leg surgery and sitting out Boston’s first 17 games. He anticipates an “adjustment period” as opponents determine the best methods of guarding Porzingis, who rejoins a Celtics offense that’s attempted nearly 100 more 3-pointers than any other NBA club. Defensively, Boston will benefit from Porzingis’ versatility and rim protection. “With him, you’re able to play different,” Mazzulla said. “You’re able to switch less, keep your matchups a little bit different. We haven’t had as much versatility with him out, so we’ll look to have a little bit more versatility. I expect him to start impacting that tonight.” No other Celtics player can replicate Porzingis’ skill set on both ends of the floor, but Boston won 14 of its first 17 games without him — after going 31-6 in games the big man missed last season. Mazzulla was asked whether the Celtics considered slow-playing his return, which was not expected to come until December at the earliest. “I just listen to when they tell me he’s ready to play,” Mazzulla replied. Mazzulla would not say whether Porzingis would have a specific minutes limitation against the Clippers. His top two backups, Al Horford (illness) and Luke Kornet (hamstring), both were ruled out for Monday’s game, leaving Xavier Tillman and Neemias Queta as the only other bigs on Boston’s depth chart. “We’re going to do what’s best for him and do what’s best for the team,” Mazzulla said.At the end of his spellbinding week, there was still one more joke for the road for the ever-patient Harry Potter to endure. “You’re a magician, Harry!” laughed a Wallabies teammate, scuttling by while watching the try-scoring debutant being interviewed yet once more outside the Murrayfield dressing rooms. To which Harry, smiling good-naturedly as ever, could only groan to reporters, “Is that on your recorder as well now?...” Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today But, actually, this was the end of novelty-value time in JK Rowling’s Edinburgh manor, and time to toast the unveiling of Harry Potter, real-life international rugby star. He’d had a distinguished, if losing debut, culminating in a spectacular score that answered the caption writers’ prayers near the end of the Wallabies’ 27-13 defeat to Scotland. But the whole storybook experience left Potter, probably the best Wallabies back on view, ever more determined to feature in what he’s convinced will be a golden future for the sport. “It was an unbelievable experience,” said the Western Force utility back. “Second to making your debut in Australia, I’d say Murrayfield’s got to be the best place. “The anthems were both really, really special as was the whole game, in front of an incredible crowd in one of the great rugby grounds in the world to do it.” Potter says he plays to win and could only view his maiden try - Australia’s solitary one of the afternoon - after Scotland had run in four as “very much a consolation”. At the time, though, with five minutes still left on the clock, he didn’t. Hence, the businesslike run back to the halfway line with no celebrations. “I felt like maybe we were still in with a sniff. Back Dono (Ben Donaldson) to get the kick over, and then we’re 14 points behind ... but not to be.” His debut score in the 27-13 loss wasn’t to be sniffed at though. Winning a race against George Horne to latch on to Tate McDermott’s kick-and-chase was impressive enough, but his roll-over and ball-juggling act in touching down a split second before his knee took him out the in-goal was definitely worthy of his name. He’s desperate for another crack at a maiden triumph against Ireland in the tour finale, as are his teammates, all deflated by the end of the ‘grand slam’ dream. “Hundred per cent, a win over Ireland is important. You could look at it and say, ‘well, the grand slam’s lost’ but while our fans at home will be upset we can’t do that now, certainly the feeling is that we we’re going to get better and we’re going to go again next week. “Tonight was a bit of a blip, but we’ve got a chance against one of the best teams in the world next week. Whether it’s for a grand slam or to win 3-1 on this tour in Europe, it doesn’t really matter, we’ll get better.” And so will Potter, the whole experience having energised him. “There’s such an exciting Wallabies calendar over the next few years. “We’ve missed the grand slam boat unfortunately, but we’ve got a game against Ireland next, a Lions tour, more Tests, then a TRC to do much better in, and back up to Europe as well. Then a home World Cup. “I’m really excited about what’s coming, and certainly motivated to play more games for this Wallabies team.” Meanwhile, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii’s hopes of finishing his first Wallabies tour with a flourish against Ireland are still alive after a more positive update on the injury he suffered against Scotland. The code-hopping superstar avoided breaking his right arm in the bone-shuddering hit he put on fellow Aussie Sione Tuipulotu, Scotland’s captain, in the first half of the Wallabies’ defeat at Murrayfield, and the pain of the knock is subsiding. “After making a tackle yesterday, Joseph Suaalii lost function and had severe pain in his right arm and was substituted,” a team statement from Dublin said. “Since full time and after travelling with the team to Ireland, his function is returning, and pain is subsiding. “He was medically reviewed post-game and there is no evidence of a fracture and will be monitored throughout the week.” Of course, there’s no question that coach Joe Schmidt would risk playing Rugby Australia’s $5 million man if there is any possibility of causing any serious long-term damage in the tour finale at Lansdowne Road on Saturday (Sunday AEDT), so his chances may still be slim with such a short turnaround between Tests.

NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks fell broadly on Friday as Wall Street closed out a holiday-shortened week on a down note. The losses were made worse by sharp declines for the Big Tech stocks known as the “Magnificent 7”, which can heavily influence the direction of the market because of their large size. The S&P 500 fell 66.75 points, or 1.1%, to 5,970.84. Roughly 90% of stocks in the benchmark index lost ground, but it managed to hold onto a modest gain of 0.7% for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 333.59 points, or 0.8%, to 42,992.21. The tech-heavy Nasdaq composite fell 298.33 points, or 1.5%, to 19,722.03. Semiconductor giant Nvidia slumped 2.1%. Microsoft declined 1.7%. Each has a market value above $3 trillion, giving the companies outsized sway on the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq. A wide range of retailers also fell. Amazon fell 1.5% and Best Buy slipped 1.5%. The sector is being closely watched for clues on how it performed during the holiday shopping season. Energy stocks held up better than the rest of the market, with a loss of less than 0.1% as crude oil prices rose. “There’s just some uncertainty over this relief rally we’ve witnessed since last week,” said Adam Turnquist, chief technical strategist for LPL Financial. The S&P 500 gained nearly 3% over a 3-day stretch before breaking for the Christmas holiday. On Thursday, the index posted a small decline. Despite Friday's drop, the market is moving closer to another standout annual finish . The S&P 500 is on track for a gain of around 25% in 2024. That would mark a second consecutive yearly gain of more than 20%, the first time that has happened since 1997-1998. The gains have been driven partly by upbeat economic data showing that consumers continued spending and the labor market remained strong. Inflation, while still high, has also been steadily easing. A report on Friday showed that sales and inventory estimates for the wholesales trade industry fell 0.2% in November, following a slight gain in October. That weaker-than-expected report follows an update on the labor market Thursday that showed unemployment benefits held steady last week. The stream of upbeat economic data and easing inflation helped prompt a reversal in the Federal Reserve's interest rate policy this year. Expectations for interest rate cuts also helped drive market gains. The central bank recently delivered its third cut to interest rates in 2024. Even though inflation has come closer to the central bank's target of 2%, it remains stubbornly above that mark and worries about it heating up again have tempered the forecast for more interest rate cuts. Inflation concerns have added to uncertainties heading into 2025, which include the labor market’s path ahead and shifting economic policies under incoming President Donald Trump. Worries have risen that Trump’s preference for tariffs and other policies could lead to higher inflation , a bigger U.S. government debt and difficulties for global trade. Amedisys rose 4.7% after the home health care and hospice services provider agreed to extend the deadline for its sale to UnitedHealth Group. The Justice Department had sued to block the $3.3 billion deal, citing concerns the combination would hinder access to home health and hospice services in the U.S. The move to extend the deadline comes ahead of an expected shift in regulatory policy under Trump. The incoming administration is expected to have a more permissive approach to dealmaking and is less likely to raise antitrust concerns. In Asia, Japan’s benchmark index surged as the yen remained weak against the dollar. Stocks in South Korea fell after the main opposition party voted to impeach the country’s acting leader. Markets in Europe gained ground. Bond yields held relatively steady. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.62% from 4.59% late Thursday. The yield on the two-year Treasury remained at 4.33% from late Thursday. Wall Street will have more economic updates to look forward to next week, including reports on pending home sales and home prices. There will also be reports on U.S. construction spending and snapshots of manufacturing activity.Palantir: The Hype Has Gone Too Far

On paper, Luigi Mangione had it all: wealth, intellect, athleticism, good looks. But the child of a prominent Maryland family may have spurned it all in a spasm of violence, in a killing that has mesmerized Americans. The 26-year-old was arrested Monday and charged with the murder of Brian Thompson, a health insurance chief executive and father of two who was gunned down in Manhattan last week by someone who, evidence suggests, has endured his own debilitating health crises and grew angry with the privatized US medical system. The cold-blooded killing has laid bare the deep frustration many Americans feel toward the country's labyrinthine health care system: while many have condemned the shooting, others have praised Mangione as a hero. It has also prompted considerable interest in how a young engineer with an Ivy League education could have gone off the rails to commit murder. News of his capture at a Pennsylvania McDonald's triggered an explosion of online activity, with Mangione quickly amassing new followers on social media as citizen sleuths and US media tried to understand who he is. As Americans have looked for clues about a political ideology or potential motive, a photo on his X account (formerly Twitter) includes an X-ray of an apparently injured spine. Mangione lived in Hawaii in 2022 and, according to his former roommate R.J. Martin, suffered from back pain, and was hoping to strengthen his back. After a surfing lesson, Mangione was "in bed for about a week" because of the pain, Martin told CNN. Earlier this year, Martin said, Mangione confirmed he'd had back surgery and sent him photos of the X-rays. Police said the suspect carried a hand-written manifesto of grievances in which he slammed America's "most expensive health care system in the world." "He was writing a lot about his disdain for corporate America and in particular the health care industry," New York police chief detective Joseph Kenny told ABC. According to CNN, a document recovered when Mangione was arrested included the phrase "these parasites had it coming." Meanwhile, memes and jokes proliferated, many riffing on his first name and comparing him to the "Mario Bros." video game character Luigi. Many expressed at least partial sympathy, having had their own harrowing experiences with the US health care system. "Godspeed. Please know that we all hear you," wrote one user on Facebook. Mangione hails from the Baltimore area. His wealthy Italian-American family owns local businesses, including the Hayfields Country Club, according to local outlet the Baltimore Banner, and cousin Nino Mangione is a Maryland state delegate. A standout student, Luigi graduated at the top of his high school class in 2016. A former student who knew Mangione at the elite Gilman School told AFP the suspect struck him as "a normal guy, nice kid." "There was nothing about him that was off, at least from my perception," the person said. Mangione attended the prestigious University of Pennsylvania, where he completed both a bachelor's and master's degree in computer science by 2020, according to a university spokesperson. While at Penn, Mangione co-led a group of 60 undergraduates who collaborated on video game projects, as noted in a now-deleted university webpage. On Instagram Mangione shared snapshots of his travels, and shirtless images of himself flaunting a six-pack. X users have scoured Mangione's posts for potential motives. His header photo includes an X-ray of a spine with bolts attached. Finding a political ideology that fits neatly onto the right-left divide has proved elusive, though he had written a review of Ted Kaczynski's manifesto on online site Goodreads, calling it "prescient." Kaczynski, known as the Unabomber, carried out multiple bombings in the United States from 1978 to 1995, in a campaign he said was aimed at halting the advance of modern society and technology. Mangione has also linked approvingly to posts criticizing secularism as a harmful consequence of Christianity's decline, and retweeted posts on the impact mobile phones and social media have on mental health. ia/abo-mlm/nroFRENCH lawmakers on Wednesday voted to oust the government of Prime Minister Michel Barnier after just three months in office, a historic move which hurled the country further into political uncertainty. For the first time in over sixty years, the National Assembly lower house toppled the incumbent government, approving a no-confidence motion that had been proposed by the hard left but which crucially was backed by the far-right headed by Marine Le Pen. Barnier’s rapid ejection from office comes after snap parliamentary elections this summer which resulted in a hung parliament with no party having an overall majority and the far-right holding the key to the government’s survival. President Emmanuel Macron now has the difficult task of picking a viable successor with over two years of his presidential term left. He is to address the nation at 1900 GMT on Thursday, the Elysee said. Earlier in the day, Macron is to receive Barnier at 0900 GMT who will submit the resignation of the government. The National Assembly debated a motion brought by the hard left in a standoff over next year’s austerity budget, after the prime minister on Monday forced through a social security financing bill without a vote. With the support of the far-right, a majority of 331 MPs in the 577-member chamber voted to oust the government. ‘Calling on Macron to go’ Macron flew back into Paris just ahead of the vote after wrapping up his three-day state visit to Saudi Arabia, an apparent world away from the domestic crisis. He strolled earlier on Wednesday through the desert sands of the Al-Ula oasis, an iconic tourist project of the kingdom, marvelling at ancient landmarks. After landing, he headed direct to the Elysee Palace. “We are now calling on Macron to go,” Mathilde Panot, the head of the parliamentary faction of the hard-left France Unbowed (LFI) party told reporters, urging “early presidential elections” to solve the deepening political crisis. But taking care not to crow over the fall of the government, Le Pen said in a television interview that her party - once a new premier is appointed - “would let them work” and help create a “budget that is acceptable for everyone”. Laurent Wauquiez, the head of right-wing deputies in parliament, said the far-right and hard-left bore the responsibility for a no-confidence vote that would “plunge the country into instability”. ‘His failure’ Macron on Tuesday had rejected calls to resign, saying such a scenario amounted to “political fiction”. With markets nervous and France bracing for public-sector strikes against the threat of cutbacks, action that will shut schools and hit air and rail traffic, there is a growing sense of crisis. The unions have called for civil servants, including teachers and air traffic controllers, to strike on Thursday over separate cost-cutting measures proposed by their respective ministries this autumn. Meanwhile, Macron is due to host a major international event on Saturday, with the reopening of the Notre-Dame cathedral after the 2019 fire, with guests including Donald Trump on his first foreign trip since he was elected to be the next US president. “His failure,” was left-wing daily Liberation ’s front-page headline, with a picture of Macron, whose term runs until 2027. ‘Shattered strategy’ In an editorial, Le Monde said Le Pen’s move risked upsetting her own supporters, such as retirees and business leaders, by toppling the government. “In the space of a few minutes, she shattered the strategy of normalisation she had consistently pursued,” the daily said. Some observers have suggested that Le Pen, 56, is seeking to bring down Macron before his term ends by ousting Barnier. Le Pen is embroiled in a high-profile embezzlement trial. If found guilty in March, she could be blocked from participating in France’s next presidential election. But if Macron stepped down soon, an election would have to be called within a month, potentially ahead of the verdict in her trial. Candidates for the post of premier are few, but loyalist Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu and Macron’s centrist ally Francois Bayrou are possible contenders. On the left, Macron could turn to former Socialist premier and interior minister Bernard Cazeneuve, a contender in September. Macron is minded to appoint the new premier rapidly, several sources told AFP. It was the first successful no-confidence vote since a defeat for Georges Pompidou’s government in 1962, when Charles de Gaulle was president. The lifespan of Barnier’s government is also the shortest of any administration since the Fifth Republic began in 1958. AFP

Ex-minister cites 'threat to security' for denying emergency passport to Abdelrazik

Senate prospects appeared dim Monday for a controversial bill that recently passed the House that many civil liberties groups and nonprofits said could be used to retaliate against them for their activities. In an email to HuffPost on Monday, a spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said that Schumer “is opposed to the provisions to strip accused nonprofits of their tax-exempt status.” Combined with the dwindling time lawmakers have to pass a bill to keep the government open past Dec. 20 and Schumer’s intent to spend precious Senate floor time on confirming federal judges , the outlook for the bill was already cloudy before the disclosure of Schumer’s position. As majority leader, Schumer decides what bills get consideration by the full Senate. The bill passed the House Thursday on a 219-184 vote , with 30 representatives not voting. Only one Republican, libertarian-leaning Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), voted against it, while only 15 Democrats voted in support. The bill would allow the treasury secretary to more quickly take away the tax-exempt status of groups that have provided support for groups listed by the government as terrorist organizations. The nonprofit groups would have to be notified of their designation as terrorist-supporting organizations at least 90 days beforehand and would have that time to make changes to prevent being stripped of their exempt status. They could also challenge the exemption with the IRS and in federal court. Despite those safeguards, many groups spanning the ideological spectrum, from the American Civil Liberties Union to the libertarian Cato Institute, worried they would not be enough to prevent the new authority from being abused. Critics also found a receptive audience among House Democrats . Fifty-two supported the bill in an initial vote on Nov. 12, many more than the 15 who supported it in the final vote. The prospect of a Donald Trump administration having that new power, after Trump has said publicly he was entitled to take revenge on his political enemies, concerned many Democrats. “The GOP wants to give the new president Orwellian powers to impose a Kafkaesque nightmare on America’s nonprofits,” Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) said in a social media post , adding, ” What could go wrong with the new administration having the power to designate groups as ‘terrorist-supporting’ with no judicial determination and no due process?” Don't let this be the end of the free press. The free press is under attack — and America's future hangs in the balance. As other newsrooms bow to political pressure, HuffPost is not backing down. Would you help us keep our news free for all? We can't do it without you. Can't afford to contribute? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read. You've supported HuffPost before, and we'll be honest — we could use your help again . We view our mission to provide free, fair news as critically important in this crucial moment, and we can't do it without you. Whether you give once or many more times, we appreciate your contribution to keeping our journalism free for all. You've supported HuffPost before, and we'll be honest — we could use your help again . We view our mission to provide free, fair news as critically important in this crucial moment, and we can't do it without you. Whether you give just one more time or sign up again to contribute regularly, we appreciate you playing a part in keeping our journalism free for all. Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages. Republicans said the fears of abuse were unfounded and an overreaction to Trump’s election. They also touted the other part of the bill, language that would ease tax penalties assessed on people unable to file their taxes because they are being held hostage abroad. “Congress must act to stop this abuse of our tax code that is funding terrorism around the world. We must act to end the unfair tax treatment of Americans who have already suffered enough — and whose families have suffered enough — from being held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad,” said Rep. Jason Smith (R-Mo.), chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, said in a statement Thursday . If the bill fails to be passed by both the House and Senate by the time the new Congress is seated in early January, advocates will have to start all over again with a new bill. However, the bill, or only portions of it, could still be tucked into other legislation that is expected to pass before Congress adjourns, such as a temporary spending bill or a huge defense policy bill. Related From Our PartnerAquarius – (20th January to 18th February) Daily Horoscope Prediction says, You handle pressure as no one does New love and better professional chances make your day brighter. Overcome the challenges at work to have a productive day. Be careful about money. You may fall in love today. The office life will be productive and multiple opportunities will come to explore. Financially, you’ll have minor issues while your health will be on track today. Aquarius Love Horoscope Today Minor ego-related issues may create ruckus today but this won’t hurt the relationship. Spend more time with the lover. The single natives can expect a positive response while proposing today. Married females will be happy and may also get conceived today. Some love affairs will need more communication and those who are traveling should connect with the lover over the phone to express their feelings. The second part of the day is also good to call shorts on marriage. Aquarius Career Horoscope Today Your professionalism will work out at tasks with immediate deadlines. You may also be required to send additional hours to the workstation today. Chefs, IT professionals, designers, and academicians will have opportunities to move abroad. In case you have a job interview, be confident as you will crack it. You may also receive a task to negotiate with a client and utilize this as an option to prove your mettle. Entrepreneurs can confidently launch a new venture today. Students waiting for a response from a foreign university can be confident about the result. Aquarius Money Horoscope Today The inflow of money will not be as good as you expected. This may impact the routine life. However, money will come in as the day progresses. You may keep a distance from money-related discussions with friends or siblings as there can be arguments over it, causing mental stress. The first part of the day is good for trying luck in stock, and speculative business. Some females will buy jewelry or a vehicle today. Aquarius Health Horoscope Today Your health may develop minor complications today. Those who have vision-related issues may develop problems in the second part of the day. Avoid having food from outside as you may also develop digestion issues. Children may have minor throat issues or headaches today. Pregnant females need to be highly cautious while taking part in adventurous games. Aquarius Sign Attributes Strength: Tolerant, Ideal, Friendly, Charitable, Independent, Logical Weakness: Disobedient, Liberalistic, Rebel Symbol: Water carrier Element: Air Body Part: Ankles & Legs Sign Ruler: Uranus Lucky Day: Saturday Lucky Color: Navy Blue Lucky Number: 22 Lucky Stone: Blue Sapphire Aquarius Sign Compatibility Chart Natural affinity: Aries, Gemini, Libra, Sagittarius Good compatibility: Leo, Aquarius Fair compatibility: Cancer, Virgo, Capricorn, Pisces Less compatibility: Taurus, Scorpio By: Dr. J. N. Pandey Vedic Astrology & Vastu Expert Website: www.astrologerjnpandey.com E-mail: djnpandey@gmail.com Phone: 91-9811107060 (WhatsApp Only)Seneca and Mount Vernon met in Week 2 of the regular season and the Indians earned a 35-14 victory at home. Now, they'll meet in Mount Vernon (9-3) at 1 p.m. Saturday for a state quarterfinal game. This makes three years of meeting in the playoffs but the first of those that's for a state quarterfinal game instead of a district championship. Seneca (11-0) was in Class 3 District 6 this year and Mount Vernon in District 5. They're playing for a spot in the semifinals now. Both coaches talked about that first meeting of the year. "I think both teams have changed a bunch. You can't really look at that first game," Seneca head coach Cody Hilburn said. "I think you'll see two totally different football teams this Saturday." "The good thing is we played them closer than anyone else this year. The bad thing is they beat us by 21 points," Mount Vernon head coach Tom Cox said. Not only did the Mountaineers play the Indians closer than any other team this year, they held Seneca to its lowest offensive output of the year. They were the only team to keep the Indians below 41 points and the only one to keep the final margin lower than 28 points. Seneca has outscored opponents by an average of 41 points per game. It averages 53 ppg offensively and its stingy defense only allows 11.5. Mount Vernon has been able to score 37.7 ppg and allows 25.4. No opponent has been able to score more than 21 on the Indians in 2024. The offense trying to do that on Saturday is led by two career leaders in Mount Vernon history. Quarterback Gavin Johnston is the program's best passer with a career best 65 passing touchdowns and 7,197 yards. He stepped into his starting role during a playoff game his freshman year of 2021 against Stockton and went on to become the Mountaineers' statistically best passer. Johnston has 2,608 yards and 25 touchdowns this year. Running back Braden Dodson is also a career leader for Mount Vernon with 5,435 yards and 77 touchdowns. He's run the ball for 1,485 yards this year and 25 more touchdowns. This shows the dual threat ability of the Mountaineers. "That makes them tough to defend," Hilburn said. Seneca is led offensively by the rushing attack of quarterbacks Kaden Clouse and Brodie Probert and running back Roman Miller. The trio has more than 3,400 yards and Clouse and Miller are both over 1,200. Clouse has also thrown for over 1,000 yards this year. Cox said he knows his team will have to win the line of scrimmage battle to slow down that run game. "They are big and physical up front on both sides. We will have to win that battle and get off their blocks. They block really well so we have to get off those blocks to slow them down. "They also get through blocks really well so we'll have to hold our blocks a little better this time."

Navy gets 95-yard TD run from Horvath and stops 2-point try to beat Oklahoma in Armed Forces Bowl

Abandoned mines in the US pose dangers to people and property when land gives way

Former President Jimmy Carter has died at the age of 100. The 39th president of the United States was a Georgia peanut farmer who sought to restore trust in government when he assumed the presidency in 1977 and then built a reputation for tireless work as a humanitarian. He earned a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. Carter died Sunday, more than a year after entering hospice care, at his home in Plains, Georgia. At age 52, Carter was sworn in as president on Jan. 20, 1977, after defeating President Gerald R. Ford in the 1976 general election. Carter left office on Jan. 20, 1981, following his 1980 general election loss to Ronald Reagan. Here's the latest: Grandson Jason Carter says Plains kept his grandparents humble Jason Carter is now the chairman of The Carter Center’s board of governors. He said his grandparents “never changed who they were” even after reaching the White House and becoming global humanitarians. He says their four years in Washington were just one period of putting their values into action and that the center his grandparents founded in Atlanta is a lasting “extension of their belief in human rights as a fundamental global force.” Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter traveled the world advocating for democracy and fighting disease, but Jason Carter said they weren’t motivated by pity, or arrogance that a former American president had all the answers — they ventured to remote places because they could “recognize these people.” They too were from “a 600-person village” and understood that even the poorest people “have the power ... the ability ... the knowledge and the expertise to change their own community.” President Biden mourns his predecessor As reaction poured in from around the world, President Joe Biden mourned Carter’s death, saying the world lost an “extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian” and he lost a dear friend. Biden cited Carter’s compassion and moral clarity, his work to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless and advocacy for the disadvantaged as an example for others. Biden said he is ordering a state funeral for Carter in Washington. Pelosi says Carter’s life ‘was saintly’ in devotion to peace Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is remembering Carter as a man steeped “in devotion to public service and peace.” The California Democrat said in a statement Sunday that Carter was committed to “honoring the spark of divinity within every person,” something she said manifested in “teaching Sunday school in his beloved Marantha Baptist Church, brokering the landmark Camp David Accords to pave the way to peace or building homes with Habitat for Humanity.” Pelosi also said Carter led “perhaps the most impactful post-presidency in history.” Historical praise from the United Kingdom British Prime Minister Keir Starmer noted in a post on X the special contribution Carter made by brokering the Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt and through his work with the Carter Center. “Motivated by his strong faith and values, President Carter redefined the post-presidency with a remarkable commitment to social justice and human rights at home and abroad,” Starmer said. Commemoration in New York City To commemorate Carter’s death, officials with the Empire State Building said in a post on social media that the iconic New York City landmark would be lit in red, white and blue on Sunday night, “to honor the life and legacy” of the late former president. The Obamas recall Carter's Sunday services In a statement issued Sunday, former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama said Carter’s beloved Maranatha Baptist Church “will be a little quieter on Sunday,s” but added that the late former president “will never be far away -- buried alongside Rosalynn next to a willow tree down the road, his memory calling all of us to heed our better angels.” Noting the “hundreds of tourists from around the world crammed into the pews” to see the former president teach Sunday school, as he did “for most of his adult life,” the Obamas listed Carter’s accomplishments as president. But they made special note of the Sunday school lessons, saying they were catalysts for people making a pilgrimage to the church. “Many people in that church on Sunday morning were there, at least in part, because of something more fundamental: President Carter’s decency.” A somber announcement The longest-lived American president died Sunday, more than a year after entering hospice care , at his home in the small town of Plains, Georgia, where he and his wife, Rosalynn, who died at 96 in November 2023 , spent most of their lives. “Our founder, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, passed away this afternoon in Plains, Georgia,” The Carter Center said in posting about his death on the social media platform X. It added in a statement that he died peacefully, surrounded by his family. A Southerner and a man of faith In his 1975 book “Why Not The Best,” Carter said of himself: “I am a Southerner and an American, I am a farmer, an engineer, a father and husband, a Christian, a politician and former governor, a planner, a businessman, a nuclear physicist, a naval officer, a canoeist, and among other things a lover of Bob Dylan’s songs and Dylan Thomas’s poetry.” A moderate Democrat, Carter entered the 1976 presidential race as a little-known Georgia governor with a broad smile, outspoken Baptist mores and technocratic plans reflecting his education as an engineer. After he left office and returned home to his tiny hometown of Plains in southwest Georgia, Carter regularly taught Sunday School lessons at Maranatha Baptist Church until his mobility declined. Those sessions drew visitors from around the world. Former Vice President Gore remembers Carter for life "of purpose” Former Vice President Al Gore praised Jimmy Carter for living “a life full of purpose, commitment and kindness” and for being a “lifelong role model for the entire environmental movement.” Carter, who left the White House in 1981 after a landslide defeat to Ronald Reagan. concentrated on conflict resolution, defending democracy and fighting disease in the developing world. Gore, who lost the 2000 presidential election to George W. Bush, remains a leading advocate for action to fight climate change. Both won Nobel Peace Prizes. Gore said that “it is a testament to his unyielding determination to help build a more just and peaceful world” that Carter is often “remembered equally for the work he did as President as he is for his leadership over the 42 years after he left office.” During Gore’s time in the White House, President Bill Clinton had an uneasy relationship with Carter. But Gore said he is “grateful” for “many years of friendship and collaboration” with Carter. The Clintons react to Jimmy Carter's death Former President Bill Clinton and his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, remember Carter as a man who lived to serve others. “Hillary and I mourn the passing of President Jimmy Carter and give thanks for his long, good life. Guided by his faith, President Carter lived to serve others — until the very end." The statement recalled Carter's many achievements and priorities, including efforts “to protect our natural resources in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, make energy conservation a national priority, return the Panama Canal to Panama, and secure peace between Egypt and Israel at Camp David." After he left office, the Clinton statement said, Carter continued efforts in "supporting honest elections, advancing peace, combating disease, and promoting democracy; to his and Rosalynn’s devotion and hard work at Habitat for Humanity — he worked tirelessly for a better, fairer world,” the statement said.

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WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration has imposed sanctions on the founder of Georgia’s ruling political party, which has steered the country away from a pro-Western stance and towards Russia, U.S. officials said Friday. The State and Treasury departments said they hit Georgian Dream party founder and honorary chairman Bidzina Ivanishvili with penalties “for undermining the democratic and Euro-Atlantic future of Georgia for the benefit of the Russian Federation," according to a statement. The designation of Ivanishvili is the latest in a series of sanctions the U.S. has slapped on Georgian politicians, lawmakers and others this year. Those sanctions include freezes on assets and properties those targeted may have in U.S. jurisdictions or that might enter U.S. jurisdictions as well as travel bans on the targets and members of their families. “We strongly condemn Georgian Dream’s actions under Ivanishvili’s leadership, including its ongoing and violent repression of Georgian citizens, protestors, members of the media, human rights activists, and opposition figures,” the State Department said in a statement. “The United States is committed to promoting accountability for those undermining democracy and human rights in Georgia." Ivanishvili is a shadowy billionaire who made his fortune in Russia and served briefly as Georgia’s prime minister. In 2012, he founded Georgian Dream, Georgia’s longtime ruling party. Critics have accused Georgian Dream of becoming increasingly authoritarian and tilted toward Moscow. The party recently pushed through laws similar to those used by the Kremlin to crack down on freedom of speech and LGBTQ+ rights, prompting the European Union to suspend Georgia’s membership application process indefinitely. In October, Georgian Dream won another term in a divisive parliamentary election that has led to more mass protests. Last month, the country’s prime minister, Irakli Kobakhidze , announced a four-year suspension of talks on Georgia's bid to join the European Union, fueling further public outrage.NoneVideo games have become an important part of millions of people’s lives, offering unique opportunities for recreation, entertainment and personal development. But what makes us spend hours in front of the screen, immersed in virtual worlds? The answer to this question lies in psychology. Games affect the brain by activating pleasure centers, stimulating creativity and developing skills. 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Ashton Agar has come to the defence of close friend and Western Australian teammate Mitch Marsh, saying the struggling all-rounder is “still in the best six batters in the country”. A dire series with the bat has thrown Marsh’s future in the Test side into significant doubt leading into Friday’s fifth Test at the SCG and the two-match tour of Sri Lanka in a month’s time. Agar said Marsh, who won last year’s Allan Border Medal but only managed 283 runs at 18.86 in his nine Tests this year, could turn his fortunes if given the chance by the selectors. His dismissal to Jasprit Bumrah for a duck amid a collapse of 3-11 on Sunday was his fifth consecutive single-digit score in the Border-Gavaskar Series, prompting calls for form all-rounder Beau Webster to take his place in Sydney. “We want Mitch playing every game for Australia. He’s good enough to do that,” Agar said on Monday. “He’s still in the best six batters in the country. He’s obviously had a bit of a tough time lately, but he’s a resilient guy. He’s been through enough in his career to bounce back. “Selection just takes care of itself – I know that’s how he’ll be thinking about it.” Agar returned for two Sheffield Shield games for WA in November after he was overtaken in the state’s red-ball pecking order by offspinner Corey Rocchiccioli, and with strong Big Bash form for the Perth Scorchers remained a chance to be picked in Australia’s squad for the Champions Trophy in February. “Honestly, not at all,” he said when asked if he was focusing on his prospects of an international return. “I don’t track the selection or the squad. Obviously, there was a lot of noise about (Nathan) McSweeney and (Sam) Konstas coming in ... you can’t escape that. “In terms of my own selection, I don’t track it much, to be honest. I’ve probably made that mistake before, earlier in my career. “I know now that if I’m just focusing on playing as well as I can in the game that’s right in front of me, it all ends up taking care of itself. It’s a lot less stressful that way, to be honest.” Agar showered praise on WA and Perth Scorchers teammate Cooper Connolly, who also bowls handy left-arm finger spin and was poised to enter Test calculations as a potential replacement for injured reserve bat Josh Inglis in squad for Sydney. “Cooper’s a gun. There’s been a lot said about Cooper. I think he’s probably the best young player I’ve seen in my time,” Agar said. “He’s so talented. He’s got a very mature head on young shoulders. He reads the game really nicely. “He’s just a great young man. I’m very good friends with him. I love spending time with him. “He enjoys playing the game and he enjoys big moments, so hopefully big things to come.” Originally published as Ashton Agar says Mitchell Marsh should stay in Australian Test teamIn the latest updates from the sports world, New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll remains unfazed about his team's effort levels despite a heavy defeat, emphasizing positivity ahead of a challenging holiday game. Meanwhile, the New York Jets are moving forward with a search for new leadership, recruiting former general managers to find their next head coach and general manager. In other sports developments, Phoenix Suns stars are set for a return, Houston Rockets guard receives a hefty fine, and GM prepares to make its mark in Formula One racing. (With inputs from agencies.)Alignment Healthcare's COO Sebastian Burzacchi sells $96,273 in stock

The ongoing dispute among Donald Trump supporters over immigration and the tech industry has laid bare internal divisions within his political movement. This rift offers a glimpse into potential conflicts that could emerge as Trump heads to the White House. The controversy involves a split between tech elites, including billionaire Elon Musk and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, who are calling for more skilled workers, and Trump's 'Make America Great Again' base, which supports stringent immigration measures. This week, right-wing commentator Laura Loomer ignited debate when she criticized Trump's choice of Sriram Krishnan as an AI policy adviser, citing his pro-skilled immigration stance. The debate quickly spread across the social media platform X, owned by Musk, with contributions from influential figures like former PayPal executive David Sacks. Musk, who advocates for skilled immigration, underscored the tech industry's reliance on foreign workers to fill critical positions, emphasizing a shortage of local engineering talent. Trump's conflicting statements on immigration reflect the broader tensions within his movement. (With inputs from agencies.)