ATHENS, Ga. — This one’s going to hurt for a while. Ahead by 17 points at the half, by 14 with four minutes left in regulation, Georgia Tech tasted the most bitter of defeats. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.
NoneDespite longstanding divisions, Kurdish political leaders and analysts say Syrian Kurdish groups are seeking a unified delegation to represent their interests in Damascus in negotiations with Syria’s new authorities. Since 2012, northeast Syria’s Kurdish region has been under the control of forces affiliated with the Syrian Democratic Forces, or SDF, a key U.S. partner in the fight against the Islamic State terror group. The region is predominantly governed by the Democratic Union Party, or PYD, whose military arm forms the backbone of the SDF. For its part, Turkey views all these groups as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK, which is designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States and the European Union. Turkey, a major actor in post-Assad Syria, has pledged to eliminate these Kurdish groups if they refuse to disarm. The Kurdish National Council, or ENKS, is another coalition of Kurdish parties in Syria that have opposed the PYD’s de facto rule in the northeast. The ENKS has ties with Turkey and the Kurdistan Democratic Party, the ruling party in Iraqi Kurdistan. This week, ENKS and SDF held a meeting attended by officials from the U.S.-led coalition against IS. The meeting was “to discuss the formation of a unified Kurdish position within the framework of the new Syria,” according to a joint statement. “The sides agreed on the importance of urgently continuing meetings to resolve contentious issues.” Sulaiman Oso, the ENKS president who attended the meeting on Monday, said the discussion between the two sides was transparent. “This was our first meeting with SDF commander Mazloum Abdi in four years,” he told VOA. “We were clear and transparent about our demands, including an end to arrests of our members and the burning of our offices,” he added, referring to recent incidents in which ENKS members have been targeted by local security forces. Oso said that trust between the two sides has significantly eroded in recent years. “We cannot go to Damascus with a unified delegation if these internal matters aren’t resolved first,” he said, adding that the U.S., U.K. and France are pushing both Kurdish sides to reach an agreement soon. None of these countries has publicly commented on their involvement in supporting intra-Kurdish dialogue in Syria. However, since Bashar al-Assad’s fall on Dec. 8, U.S., French and British officials have highlighted the need to safeguard the rights of Syria’s ethnic and religious minorities, including the Kurds. Saleh Muslim, a senior PYD official, emphasized the importance of forming a unified Kurdish delegation that includes Arabs and Christians from northeast Syria to effectively represent the region’s diverse population and their demands. “The current meetings are still in the consultation stage,” he told VOA. “Nothing concrete has emerged yet, but the ENKS has already sent representatives to Damascus for discussions.” The ENKS says its representatives are in the capital to hold meetings with community leaders, not with the new authorities, which are dominated by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, the rebel group that led the 11-day offensive resulting in Assad’s downfall. The HTS is designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S., although initial meetings have taken place between U.S. diplomats and HTS leaders in Damascus. Oso of ENKS said no current presence should replace a unified Kurdish representation in Damascus. Observers warn that the slow progress between the two Kurdish sides could undermine efforts to establish a Kurdish foothold in Damascus. “This is a historic moment for Syria,” said Zara Saleh, a Kurdish political analyst in London. “If the Kurds don’t have a unified and strong representation in Damascus, Kurdish demands could be ignored by the new Islamist authorities, who already view them with suspicion.” HTS officials, including leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, have said that Kurdish rights will be protected in Syria. But in a recent interview with the Saudi news channel al-Hadath, Murhaf Abu Qasra, who was appointed by the HTS as defense minister in Syria’s caretaker government, rejected the concept of federalism, describing it as a means to divide Syria. Syrian Kurdish groups are advocating for federalism as a solution to both their political demands and the broader issues facing the country. But that is something that the SDF, PYD and ENKS have failed to clearly articulate, says analyst Zara Saleh. “Their political rhetoric expired the moment the Syrian regime fell,” Saleh said. “Therefore, there is an urgent need to include Kurdish experts, civil society leaders and influential social figures in any delegation heading to Damascus, and the United States, along with other stakeholders, should advocate for this.”NFL punishes Denver Broncos star defender ahead of Week 12 divisional matchup vs. Las Vegas RaidersThe Dallas Cowboys ruled out right guard Zack Martin and cornerback Trevon Diggs with injuries on Saturday, one day prior to a road game against the Washington Commanders. Martin has been dealing with ankle and shoulder injuries and didn't practice at all this week before initially being listed as doubtful to play on Friday. He also physically struggled during Monday night's loss to the Houston Texans. Martin, who turned 34 on Wednesday, has started all 162 games played in 11 seasons with the Cowboys. He's a nine-time Pro Bowl selection and a seven-time first-team All-Pro. Diggs has been dealing with groin and knee injuries. He was listed as questionable on Friday before being downgraded Saturday. Diggs, 26, has 37 tackles and two interceptions in 10 games this season. The two-time Pro Bowl pick led the NFL with 11 picks in 2021 and has 20 in 57 games. The Cowboys elected not to activate receiver Brandin Cooks (knee) for the game. He returned to practice earlier this week and he was listed as questionable on Friday. Dallas activated offensive tackle Chuma Edoga (toe) and defensive end Marshawn Kneeland (knee) off injured reserve Saturday, placed safety Markquese Bell (shoulder) on IR and released defensive end KJ Henry. Tight end Jake Ferguson (concussion) was previously ruled out. Tight end Princeton Fant was elevated from the practice squad to replace him. Cornerback Kemon Hall also was elevated from the practice squad. --Field Level Media
In a significant boost to the construction sector, Senior Provincial Minister for Information Sharjeel Inam Memon and Provincial Minister for Energy Syed Nasir Hussain Shah attended the Sindh Premium Property Building Material and Home Decor Exhibition as chief guests at Abdullah Mall Qasimabad, Hyderabad. Addressing the event, Senior Provincial Minister for Information Sharjeel Inam Memon emphasized the importance of promoting trade in the country, which will provide employment opportunities and improve the lives of poor families. He assured that the government will provide all possible support to the construction sector, aiming to promote trade and increase investor confidence. Sharjeel Inam Memon highlighted the Sindh government’s ambitious project to build 2.1 million houses, the largest such project, in collaboration with international donors. He noted that every individual desires to own a home, and the Sindh Government is committed to providing the best possible support to the people of the province. The Information Minister also underscored the significance of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) in addressing the problems of the poor and marginalized segments and credited the PPP with numerous achievements, including the establishment of a constitution of Pakistan, nuclear power, and a strong parliament. He praised the contributions of Shaheed Quaid-e-Awam Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who played a pivotal role in making Pakistan a nuclear power. He also acknowledged the achievements of Shaheed Bibi, and Benazir Bhutto, who introduced missile technology, established the First Women’s Bank, and initiated the Lady Health Workers Program. Memon further said that by highlighting the PPP’s commitment to democracy and the abolition of the 58 2B clause, which was transferred to parliament by President Asif Ali Zardari. Provincial Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has praised the visionary leadership of President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari, who played a pivotal role in introducing the 18th Amendment, thereby empowering the provinces of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwan. Minister noted that national leaders like Asif Zardari have always understood the plight of the people and have worked tirelessly to address their deprivations. He also highlighted the instrumental role of President Zardari in launching the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a game-changing project that has transformed the economic landscape of Pakistan. Furthermore, he commended Chairman Peoples Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for his courageous stance on the Kashmir issue, despite facing opposition from the Bharatiya Janata Party BJP. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s unwavering commitment to the rights of Kashmiris has earned him widespread acclaim. In his address, Sharjeel Inam also shed light on the numerous initiatives undertaken by the Sindh government to uplift the lives of its citizens. These include the construction of 2.1 million houses, the introduction of Hari cards for farmers, and labour cards for labourers. Additionally, the Sindh government is providing free medical treatment to people from all over Pakistan. The provincial minister also highlighted the establishment of cadet colleges for women, a significant step towards promoting women’s education and empowerment. Moreover, he emphasized the importance of Thar coal in generating thousands of megawatts of electricity, which will help alleviate the country’s energy crisis. Provincial Minister for Energy Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, who also addressed the ceremony, praised the effectiveness of the program and expressed his happiness at participating in it. He emphasized the need for such programs to promote commercial activities and restore investor confidence. The event was also attended by DIG Hyderabad Tariq Razzaq Dharejo, Deputy Commissioner Hyderabad Zain-ul-Abideen Memon, and representatives from various construction and material companies.
EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings waived cornerback Akayleb Evans on Saturday in another setback for their beleaguered 2022 draft class. Evans started 15 games last season, but he had been relegated to a special teams role this year after the Vikings added veteran cornerbacks Stephon Gilmore and Shaquill Griffin. Evans was a fourth-round pick out of Missouri, one of three defensive backs among Minnesota's first five selections in 2022. Lewis Cine (first round) was waived and Andrew Booth (second round) was traded earlier this year. One of their second-round picks, guard Ed Ingram, lost his starting spot last week. Evans was let go to clear a roster spot for tight end Nick Muse, who was activated from injured reserve to play on Sunday at Chicago. The Vikings ruled tight end Josh Oliver out of the game with a sprained ankle. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFLBrandon Nunez tosses 2 TD passes to help New Mexico State beat Middle Tennessee 36-21
VIDEO: Stolen pickup truck sparks police chase in downtown Victoria(BPT) - Every year, roughly 20-30% of older Americans head to warmer climates for the colder winter months. Snowbirds are often retirees on fixed incomes, though flexible work environments now provide more opportunities for anyone to spend several months escaping the chill. Whether on a fixed income or an empty nester with disposable income, consumers are interested in saving money where they can. With this in mind, snowbirds can look to their AARP membership to take advantage of relevant discounts and offerings as they fluff their feathers and get ready for takeoff. From savory breakfast options while driving to your seasonal destination, to home and auto protection, and even resources to support mental and physical health, AARP member benefits offer deals and savings that will help snowbirds take flight this winter. "Spending winters in warmer places has so many benefits that come with being able to be outside more often. Warmth and sunlight not only increase serotonin levels , which can result in more positive moods and a calm, focused mental outlook, but they also stimulate vitamin D production and may even boost immunity ," said Elvira Christiansen, Director of Retail and Loyalty for AARP Services. "An AARP membership makes it even better by offering savings as you plan your trip, as well as at many dining, entertainment and retail locations you will come across in your winter getaway destination, helping you to enjoy it to the fullest." 1. Order Up Road trips are often the preferred way to travel to a winter home for the flexibility of having a car once there. Whether your drive will have you behind the wheel for hours or days, you'll want to make sure you have your meals planned out. Fill up with a tasty breakfast or lunch with a stop at Denny's, which is easy to spot from most major highways. AARP members can save when heading to Denny's . With over 1,500 locations nationwide, members save 15% on everything from diner classics to breakfast items every day; maximum discount not to exceed $10. Restrictions apply. 2. Primary Care from Almost Anywhere Feeling under the weather can put a damper on your winter travels, so it's a good idea to make sure you can access quality healthcare even when you're at your winter destination. If you are on Medicare, you can check whether there is an Oak Street Health primary care clinic near you. Oak Street Health , the only primary care provider to carry the AARP name, provides primary care for adults on Medicare and focuses on prevention with personalized care to help keep you healthy — physically, mentally and socially. Benefits include same-day/next-day appointments where available, convenient locations, a dedicated care team and a 24/7 patient support line. AARP membership is not required to visit an Oak Street Health clinic. 3. Wellness Checklist Once you check off primary care needs for your winter destination, don't overlook other priorities like maintaining your prescriptions and protecting your vision. Start by making sure your prescriptions are up to date before you head out of town. If you do need a refill while you're away, you have access to a free prescription discount card from AARP ® Prescription Discounts provided by Optum Rx ® that can be used at over 66,000 pharmacies nationwide for savings on FDA-approved medications. You do not need to be an AARP member to take advantage of these benefits, though AARP members receive additional perks, including deeper discounts on medications, home delivery, coverage for your dependents and more. If you're having trouble with your vision, want to update your sunglass prescription, or simply want to maintain your annual visits to an optometrist or ophthalmologist while away, AARP members have access to information on vision insurance options that offer individual and family plans, featuring a large doctor network, savings on frames, lens enhancements, progressives and more. 4. Home (Safety) Away from Home One thing that should always be a priority is keeping your home safe while you're away for the winter. While Neighborhood Watch is always helpful, long periods away from a home require additional security systems. With an AARP membership, homeowners can secure their homes for less. Members save 5% on monthly home security monitoring with ADT Home Security , which covers smart home security systems including intrusion monitoring, connected smoke and CO detection, and smart automation for video doorbells, security cameras and smart locks. 5. Pack Auto Coverage in Your Luggage Driving south for the winter? Utilize AARP member benefits to save on auto care so you can road trip worry free. AARP members save up to 20% on annual membership fees for Allstate Roadside Assistance plans, which provides access to assistance for towing, jump-starts, tire changes, lockout assistance, fuel delivery and more. Allstate Roadside plan benefits can be used 24/7 in any car you drive, including rented and borrowed ones. And, if you want to bring any personal items with you but don't have room to squeeze them in your car, Budget Truck Rental has a variety of trucks for you to choose from. AARP members can save 20% on local or one-way truck rentals on Sunday through Thursday and 10% on Friday and Saturday, plus receive a $10-per-day Physical Damage Waiver. Regardless of how you're traveling or spending your winter months, AARP member benefits can help you maximize your budget while you prioritize the things that matter. To learn more about the benefits and discounts for AARP members to help you prepare for your relaunch, please visit aarp.org/save . AARP member benefits are provided by third parties. AARP receives a royalty fee for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions.
A generation ago parents used to warn their children that their eyes would go square if they spent too much time watching TV. Now those children have become parents themselves, they accuse their offspring of becoming “screen zombies” for spending too much time staring at their devices. However, new research suggests that they need not worry so much about their children playing computer games — provided they are playing sports-based games — because they can be a gateway to participation in real life. The report found that 89 per cent of sports gamers play at least one of the corresponding sports in real life and in almost 25 per cent of cases, it’s gaming that has led them to participate off-screen. The study, which surveyedWhen the clock strikes midnight and the year 2025 begins its undoubtedly eventful 365-day journey, the City of Somerset will be there to greet it in style once more. The See Somerset Light Up 2025 Bash is bringing holiday fun back to the streets of Somerset this Tuesday, December 31, beginning at 7 p.m. and partying straight into January 1 of the new year. The Light Up Bash began in 2019 as a local version of the traditional “ball drop” ceremony to ring in a new year — in Somerset’s case, a “prop,” or the city’s propeller-shaped logo, was dropped instead. The event became a popular New Year’s Eve destination for many locals in a short amount of time, but in 2023, a budget crunch forced the city to make hard decisions about which of its community festivals it would keep and which one had to go — and the decision was made to turn out the lights on the Light Up Bash, based on weighing the economic factors involved. Instead, in 2023, people could pay to go to the Virginia Theater and see the Next Level Band out of Charlotte, North Carolina play their lively brand of party music, or other nightspots around town. But public demand was heard by city officials to say they liked New Year’s in Somerset the way it had been — and those officials listened. “We’re bringing back the downtown (event) after popular demand,” said Leslie Ikerd, See Somerset Tourism executive director and event coordinator. “We seemed to have a lot of people reach out after last year, really saying that they enjoyed that event and for us to please consider bringing it back. “We had a wonderful event inside The Virginia last year. But there is something unique and special about counting down to the new year outside around the community Christmas tree, watching the ‘prop drop,’ and dancing the night away,” added Ikerd. “We built a Somerset tradition with this festival, and we’re excited to bring it back for our community.” Ikerd noted that holding the event as it’s typically been done makes for a long day for city employees on a holiday — “It’s usually a 22- to 24-hour shift, so that’s hard on us,” she said. “... The day of, for this one, we’ll maybe have 18 people working, so there are just things we have to not do that we’ve done before in the past (for budget reasons).” Holding the event while still being cost efficient is important since Ikerd has to do her own fundraising for her budget. One change will be in the gates where people enter the reserved area around the square. Where one would typically enter through one of four gates, there will be signage on most those gates directing people to the Judicial Center Plaza gate, which is the only one where people will be able to purchase a spirit band for $5 so they can buy alcoholic beverages if they so desire. “Not everybody purchases a spirit band, so that’s fine; it’s just that if you want to, you’d go to the plaza gate to purchase that,” said Ikerd. “... Hopefully people take all that in pretty smoothly.” Parking for the physically disabled that’s normally at the East Mt. Vernon Street gate will also be at the plaza gate this year. Also, since it’s only a five-hour event, there will only be about 12 vendors — including an anticipated seven food trucks and five spirit vendors — instead of the 30 to 40 at most all-day city festivals, said Ikerd. “We don’t typically do general vendors (for the Light Up Bash) because it’s so late at night, it’s already dark,” said Ikerd. “We’ve never really done a kids area as well. It’s more about being there, enjoying music. We encourage people to bring a lawnchair and blanket. We’ll have a couple tents put up with some heaters nearby so we can try to stay warm.” As for that musical entertainment, the Somerset Big Band will open things up at 7 p.m., performing for the first hour and playing classics and standards designed to evoke a sense of sophistication and timelessness. They’ll be followed by the electronic sounds of DJ Travesty, a.k.a. Travis Merrick, to get the crowd going; coming from the Cincinnati club scene of the 1990s and 2000s to become a Somerset dance music fixture, Merrick has decades of experience, and will begin his set at 8 p.m. The Next Level Band, who have become popular visitors to Somerset for the New Year’s festivities, will be back to play a selection of crowd favorites, starting around 9:30 p.m. or shortly thereafter The prop will be dropped right at 12 a.m., and things will wrap up by 12:30 a.m. Safe rides home are once again sponsored by The Law Office of Jeremy A. Bartley and provided by Premier Transportation of Lake Cumberland. Those who drive to the festival but feel they need a ride home should call (606) 219-1727 and make their way to the judicial center plaza gate to claim their ride. There is a 15-mile limit on rides, so if the drop-off location is farther than that, attendees should find a location to be dropped off at that is within this range. “Safety is our No. 1 priority,” said Ikerd. “We are dedicated to ensuring everyone who consumes alcoholic beverages at our festival does so safely and legally. Please drink responsibly, make sure you have a safe ride home, and don’t forget your ID.” Those interested in booking a ride to the festival should book early to receive the time they want by calling (606) 219-1727. Special group rates are available. Roads within the festival area will close at 6 p.m. Monday, December 30 to allow the city to prepare for the event. Anyone doing business on or near the square on New Year’s Eve is advised to be aware and locate another route to access the area. All roads leading into Fountain Square (East and West Mount Vernon, North and South Main) will be closed around the square, as well as North and South Maple from the intersection at Columbia Street to the Judicial Center parking lot. These roads will remain closed until the festival is over, all barricades are removed, and festival area streets swept. North and South Central Avenue will remain open for through traffic. The following roadways may be useful for detouring the festival area: Central Avenue, Limestone Avenue, Oak Street, Vine Street, Crawford Avenue, South Richardson Drive, Murphy Avenue, Jarvis Avenue, College Street and Barnett Street. Ikerd said that businesses within the festival boundaries, which includes Fountain Square, are notified by email and social media about the road closures so they can prepare accordingly. The event, which is free to attend, will be held rain or shine, barring a major severe weather event, and Ikerd noted that it is often attended by people of all ages, with families coming to enjoy New Year’s Eve together being a common sight. For more information about the Light Up 2025 Bash, including a full list of vendors and the event schedule, visit https://seesomerset.com/light-up-bash-2025/ , or follow @SeeSomersetKy on Facebook or @seemyset on Instagram. “When we decided to move the New Year’s event to The Virginia, we were surprised at the public outcry to return to Fountain Square. But pleasantly so,” said Somerset Mayor Alan Keck in a statement issued by the city. “It meant that being at the square together as a community on New Year’s Eve to celebrate the past and look to the future with hope has become the tradition we hoped it would. It is what this dream of lighting up Somerset was all about. “It’s a cold night and a late night, but a fun one, and there’s no place I’d rather be,” he added. “I am so excited to bring back this festival and hope to see our community out in full force.”None
Ken Sugiura: Georgia Tech’s 8-overtime defeat reveals a new reality in rivalry with Georgia