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2025-01-09   

The A.M.E. Zion Church Adopts New Common Measurement for the Health of its Churches and CongregationsTuesday, December 24, 2024 LATAM Airlines Group has achieved a remarkable milestone by being recognized as the most sustainable airline in the Americas and the fifth worldwide, according to the 2024 Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) by S&P Global. This achievement highlights LATAM’s unwavering commitment to sustainability, emphasizing its leadership in social, environmental, and economic performance. With a score of 67, a three-point improvement from the previous year, LATAM surpassed numerous global airlines, trailing only those in Asia. In a significant development, LATAM Airlines Group has returned to the prestigious Dow Jones Sustainability Index after a five-year hiatus due to reorganization under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. The airline has re-entered both the Chilean list and the MILA Pacific Alliance list, which covers prominent companies in Chile, Colombia, and Peru. This reentry underscores LATAM’s commitment to financial and operational resilience. Roberto Alvo, CEO of LATAM Airlines Group, expressed pride in this achievement, emphasizing the airline’s broad and inclusive approach to sustainability. Alvo stated, “LATAM is pleased to see the fruits of its strategic roadmap toward sustainability. The group remains committed to advancing its initiatives, including achieving net-zero emissions, fostering a circular economic model, and creating value for the communities it serves.” LATAM’s sustainability roadmap is grounded in three focal points: Climate Change, Circular Economy, and Shared Value. These pillars define the airline’s ambitious goals and the progress made toward achieving them. LATAM’s “Solidarity Plane” initiative exemplifies its commitment to shared value. Since 2021, the program has: LATAM’s sustainability achievements come amid a period of sustained financial and operational growth. As of the third quarter of 2024, the group has: Looking ahead, LATAM projects an adjusted EBITDAR of $3.25 billion to $3.6 billion for 2025, alongside a 7-9% growth in consolidated passenger operations, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK). LATAM’s strategy for the coming years prioritizes efforts to: To meet its zero landfill waste target by 2027, LATAM is investing in: LATAM plans to broaden its “Solidarity Plane” initiative, reaching more communities and expanding its support for educational and health-related projects. LATAM Airlines continues to set benchmarks in sustainable aviation, becoming a model for the global airline industry. The group’s efforts align with international standards and contribute to a greener, more resilient aviation sector. LATAM has forged alliances with environmental and humanitarian organizations to amplify its impact. By working with conservationists and local communities, the airline supports ecological preservation while enhancing socio-economic development in the regions it serves. LATAM’s focus on operational efficiency extends to reducing fuel consumption and optimizing flight paths to lower emissions. These initiatives, coupled with modern fleet management, ensure that LATAM remains competitive and environmentally responsible. While LATAM has made significant strides, challenges such as fluctuating fuel prices, regulatory changes, and evolving passenger expectations remain. However, the airline’s adaptability and commitment to sustainability position it to navigate these hurdles effectively. LATAM Airlines Group’s recognition as the most sustainable airline in the Americas and its reentry into the Dow Jones Sustainability Index underscore its commitment to environmental, social, and economic progress. Through its ambitious roadmap, the airline not only addresses global challenges but also sets new standards for sustainability in the aviation industry. As LATAM continues to innovate and grow, it solidifies its position as a leader in sustainable aviation, driving value for its passengers, communities, and the planet.cockfighting fly pens 。

LUQUE, Paraguay — Sake is perhaps more Japanese than the world-famous sushi. It's brewed in centuries-old mountaintop warehouses, savored in the country’s pub-like izakayas, poured during weddings and served slightly chilled for special toasts. The smooth rice wine that plays a crucial role in Japan's culinary traditions was enshrined on Wednesday by UNESCO on its list of the “intangible cultural heritage of humanity." At a meeting in Luque, Paraguay, members of UNESCO’s committee for safeguarding humanity's cultural heritage voted to recognize 45 cultural practices and products around the world, including Brazilian white cheese, Caribbean cassava bread and Palestinian olive oil soap. People are also reading... Iredell County deputies charge 7 people in drug trafficking investigation Statesville native Tomlin leads Delaware State to MEAC volleyball title, NCAA berth Top vote-getter Houpe: Why am I not chairman of Iredell board of commissioners? 3 men face arson charges in Statesville house fire that severely burned woman Trump, Musk can learn from North Carolina, Raleigh writer says 4 pounds of marijuana, gun seized by Mooresville police officers Iredell-Statesville Schools closed Tuesday due to snow, ice Letter to the editor: Charging kids to play baseball at Jennings Park is poor idea Tiny, 4 more dogs seeking homes at Iredell County Animal Services New school chairman rules 2 fellow board members out of order in Iredell North Dakota man brings shed-building expertise to Troutman Get to know Mooresville basketball player Cadence Lane 3 Eagle Scouts and 1 grateful Iredell County resident Colombia native brings tastes of his homeland to downtown Statesville Statesville native's book offers clues to 5 hidden treasures Unlike UNESCO’s World Heritage List, which includes sites considered important to humanity like the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, the Intangible Cultural Heritage designation names products and practices of different cultures that are deserving of recognition. Japan's Takehiro Kano, ambassador to UNESCO, reacts after the traditional Japanese brewing of sake was officially named to UNESCO's "intangible cultural heritage of humanity" list during a World Heritage Convention in Asuncion, Paraguay on Wednesday. A Japanese delegation welcomed the announcement in Luque. “Sake is considered a divine gift and is essential for social and cultural events in Japan,” Kano Takehiro, the Japanese ambassador to UNESCO, told The Associated Press. The basic ingredients of sake are few: rice, water, yeast and koji, a rice mold that breaks down the starches into fermentable sugars like malting does in beer production. The whole two-month process of steaming, stirring, fermenting and pressing can be grueling. The rice — which wields tremendous marketing power as part of Japan's broader cultural identity — is key to the alcoholic brew. For a product to be categorized Japanese sake, the rice must be Japanese. Japanese sake, a nominee for UNESCO's "intangible cultural heritage of humanity" list, are displayed on Japan's delegation table, during a UNESCO World Heritage Convention in Asuncion, Paraguay, on Wednesday. The UNESCO recognition, the delegation said, captured more than the craft knowledge of making high-quality sake. It also honored a tradition dating back some 1,000 years — sake makes a cameo in Japan’s famous 11th century novel, “The Tale of Genji,” as the drink of choice in the refined Heian court. Now, officials hope to restore sake's image as Japan's premier alcoholic drink even as the younger drinkers in the country switch to imported wine or domestic beer and whiskey. Japanese breweries also expressed hope the listing could give a lift to the country's export economy as the popularity of sake booms around the world and in the United States amid heightened interest in Japanese cuisine. “I hope that this will also be an opportunity for Japanese people to take another look at sake, shochu and awamori, which are the essence of their culture," Hitoshi Utsunomiya, director of the trade group Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association, said in Tokyo. "I would like them to try it even once and see what it tastes like,” he said. Sake exports, mostly to the U.S. and China, now rake in over $265 million a year, according to the association. Japan's Takehiro Kano, ambassador to UNESCO, reacts as the traditional Japanese brewing of sake was named to UNESCO's "intangible cultural heritage of humanity" list during a World Heritage Convention in Asuncion, Paraguay on Wednesday. Japan's delegation appeared ready to celebrate Wednesday — in classic Japanese style. After the announcement, Takehiro raised a cypress box full of sake to toast the alcoholic brew and cultural rite. “It means a lot to Japan and to the Japanese,” he said of the UNESCO designation. "This will help to renew interest in traditional sake elaboration.” In Tokyo, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said he was “delighted” by UNESCO's recognition of traditional sake-making techniques, and he congratulated those dedicated to preserving and promoting the tradition. How to host the ultimate wine tasting Tip 1: Determine the vibe A tasting party is all about sampling different wines and evaluating and hopefully enjoying them—and there are a variety of ways to do that. Would you like to host a playful gathering where each guest brings a mystery bottle of wine within a certain price range—a BYOB affair? Or would it be better to have more control over which wines are featured by curating and supplying all the wines as a host? This decision sets the tone—a tasting where guests contribute wine can be a bit of a free-for-all, whereas one where you select wines you supply allows guests to sit back and simply enjoy. And you don't have to break the bank to buy excellent wines—there are lots of wine experts ready to share their affordable picks. How much folks know about wine differs—and that's a good thing. Tastings are group learning experiences. Expertise isn't necessary to host or attend a tasting, but it is helpful to think about what will keep guests comfortable and having fun. Decide whether the vibe will be relaxed and laid-back, like friends sipping wine fireside, or more upbeat and formal. Think about elements like the atmosphere and the location, and consider whether folks will be seated or standing. Will you have a spirited playlist (couldn't resist) or live music? Do you want an expert to introduce each wine, or will you be that expert? Consider how guests will share their thoughts on what they are tasting. Do you want to just talk about them or do something more organized, like take notes or give ratings? Then supply notebooks or notecards and pencils, with categories or questions established ahead of time—all of which can reflect your evening's tone as well. Tip 2: Know your numbers How many people to invite is a question largely informed by the answers to tip #1: Are you having a big, formal affair or an intimate catch-up with close friends? Or something in between? Whatever the case, an RSVP is essential because not only do you need to plan the setup of the space, but you must also make sure there's enough wine for everyone to taste, including each of the wines featured. There's nothing worse than a tasting that runs dry! The math to determine how much wine you need considers the size of the tasting pours—a full glass of wine at a restaurant is usually around 5 ounces, which yields around five glasses of wine from a standard bottle. For tastings, you'll want to do less, depending on how many wines you are featuring—say, 2 ounces if you'll be trying a lot of different wines. Experts agree, having more wine than you need is always a good idea—that way you can send guests home with a bottle should there be a prize at the end of the night. Tip 3: Set a theme Picking a theme is essential to curating the selection of wines—it's the organizing principle behind your selections. Otherwise, your tasting might as well be just walking down the wine aisle at the grocery store and taking sips from random bottles. There's too much wine out there not to be strategic about this. Plus, a theme helps you to tell the story of each wine better—it's the plot line of the night, if you will. Common themes are types of wine, regions they are from, or even price points—really, one can get as creative as they wish. For inspiration, check out local wine shops and see what they do for tastings. Often, they will follow seasonality and group wines in novel ways for their own in-house tastings. Tip 5: Small pours = big fun The bottom line is, however you do it, hosting the ultimate wine tasting should be fun. Wine can feel intimidating to many people, but most wine experts are passionate, inspired folks who want to share what they know and help you find wines you like. So visit your local wine store or winemaker and ask questions. There are good guides specifically concerning how to taste wine. Dig a little, taste a lot, and have fun. It's all research for your next ultimate wine tasting. Story editing by Carren Jao. Additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Kristen Wegrzyn. Photo selection by Lacy Kerrick. This story originally appeared on Peerspace and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio. How to host the ultimate wine tasting The crisp autumn air ushers in more than just pumpkin spice latte season. Consider cozying up inside with friends for a wine tasting and sharing delicious food and drinks with more complex flavors than cinnamon and sugar. Perhaps once thought of as stuffy affairs only for wine connoisseurs, today a tasting can be as casual as pouring a few bottles while doing another activity—say, bar games like darts or art activities like painting. The tasting can also be more traditional, especially if held at a winery or local wine shop, which is a great way to learn about what wines you might like to later serve at home. To host the ultimate wine tasting, it pays to do some R&D. One of the best aspects of hosting a wine tasting at home is that you get to establish the mood, tone, and guest list for the gathering—you can't pick a playlist when you sample wines at a bar or wine shop or make the dress code loungewear. So whether the mood is serious or playful, sophisticated or laid-back, the key to a successful tasting is enjoying and appreciating the wine and having fun with friends and family. Of course, there are a few other things to figure out along the way. Peerspace put together a few tips for hosting your wine-tasting party. Tip 4: Don't forget food Don't let food be an afterthought for the festivities—after all, food can enhance particular qualities of wine and vice versa. There are many rules around what foods to pair with which wines, but consider this simple advice from Alder Yarrow's Vinography : "Stick with eating good food and drinking good wine." Since the focus is on the wines, allow the drinks to determine what food makes sense, but don't overthink it. Food is a supporting character here—at the very least, guests will need something to soak up all the alcohol (unless you are spitting it out). Eating foods that contain a mixture of protein, fats, and carbs when drinking helps increase the rate of alcohol elimination . Whether it's a full meal or heavy hors d'oeuvres, thoughtful noshes are necessary. Get local news delivered to your inbox!Japan's famous sake joins UNESCO's cultural heritage list, a boost to brewers and enthusiastsThe Kogi State Government has ordered the immediate closure of Zango Market in Osara and prohibited trucks from parking on the side of the road in the area. Growing security worries in Osara and the neighboring areas prompted the action. According to intelligence inputs, criminal elements have been using the market as a hideout, frequently in coordination with certain truck drivers who park along the roadside, according to a statement made by Kingsley Fanwo, the Commissioner for Information and Communication. “This situation poses a significant security threat to the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, and the broader Osara community”. He pointed out that the State Government has granted market operators and truck drivers a one-week grace period, beginning on Wednesday, to follow the instructions in order to guarantee rigorous compliance. Following this, enforcement will be fully executed. “His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Governor of Kogi State, has directed the Secretary to the Government of Kogi State to officially communicate this order to all relevant parties, including law enforcement agencies, to ensure seamless compliance. “Additionally, the Governor has tasked the Office of the State Security Adviser to oversee security operations in the affected areas during and after the grace period. “The Kogi State Government reassures residents of its unwavering commitment to safeguarding their lives and property. Proactive measures will continue to be taken to ensure that criminal activities are eradicated, leaving no room for lawlessness in the state. Alaba Ope, the recently elected councilor for the Odo-Ape ward in the Kabba-Bunu Legislative Council, and eight other individuals were abducted overnight from their respective communities, causing the underworld to go on the rampage in Kabba-Bunu local government area ahead of the Yuletide season. According to an eyewitness who wished to remain anonymous, the kidnappers shot intermittently to frighten nearby residents before capturing their victims at around one in the morning. He claimed that the residents of Odo-Ape are now terrified since they don’t know who would be the next victim. He also mentioned that an 18-passenger bus was ambushed in the region yesterday, and everyone inside was taken hostage. He also revealed that five Gwari, two Bassa, and one Silas were abducted overnight in the Agbadu region. He urged the state government and security forces to aid protect the lives and property of local residents and secure the release of those who had been abducted. The local government has recently received reports of kidnappings. The two brothers who were abducted from their family’s land in Aluju, Kakun, and the other two who were abducted in Odo-Ape are still in the kidnappers den after more than nine days. Attempts to obtain the Nigeria Police’s response to the matter, however, were unsuccessful because the Police PRO in the state had not returned calls or WhatsApp messages.Netflix will have one of its biggest days Wednesday since the site launched in 1998 when it airs two NFL games for the first time. “NFL Christmas Gameday on Netflix” begins with a two-hour pregame show at 11 a.m., before Pittsburgh hosts Kansas City. Baltimore faces Houston in the second game. The streaming giant agreed to a three-year contract in May to carry Christmas Day games. Where will the games be available? Netflix’s 282.3 million subscribers in over 190 countries will be able to stream the games, marking the first time one outlet has distributed an NFL game globally. Netflix will have the games available in five languages — English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and German. The games will also air on CBS affiliates in Kansas City, Pittsburgh, Baltimore and Houston. NFL policy dictates that games on cable or being exclusively streamed must also be on an over-the-air station in the competing teams’ markets. It will also be available on mobile devices in the U.S. for those who have NFL+. Why is the NFL putting Christmas Day games on a streaming platform? The biggest reason is money. The league is getting $150 million from Netflix for the two games this season. It also continues the NFL’s moves into streaming — Thursday night games are in their third season on Amazon Prime Video and the “Sunday Ticket” package moved to YouTube TV last year. But Christmas is on a Wednesday when games usually aren’t played. That’s true, but the league wasn’t about to give up Christmas after seeing the ratings. Last year’s three games averaged 28.68 million viewers. The early afternoon contest between the Las Vegas Raiders and Chiefs led the way, averaging 29.48 million. The Chiefs, Steelers, Ravens and Texans played on Saturday, giving them the same turnaround they would have if they played on Sunday and then Thursday. What is at stake for the teams playing? All four have clinched playoff spots in the AFC, but seeding remains up for grabs. Kansas City (14-1) can clinch the top seed — which would mean a first-round bye and home field throughout the playoffs — with a win over the Steelers. Pittsburgh and Baltimore are tied atop the AFC North at 10-5, with the Steelers holding the tiebreaker due to a better conference record. Houston (9-6) has wrapped up the AFC South and holds the fourth seed. Has Netflix fixed its streaming problems from the Jake Paul-Mike Tyson fight? Netflix hopes so. Brandon Riegg, Netflix’s vice president of nonfiction series and sports, said the system was stress tested, and then some, during the Nov. 14 bout, along with internet service providers reporting they were also overwhelmed by the surge that occurred before and during the fight. The bout peaked at 65 million concurrent streams, including 38 million concurrent streams in the United States. According to the website Down Detector, nearly 85,000 viewers logged problems with outages or streaming leading up to and during the fight. Could there be the same number streaming the games that there were during the fight? Possible? Yes. Likely? No. The largest audience for a streamed-exclusive NFL game was 23 million on Peacock for last season’s AFC wild-card game between the Miami Dolphins and Chiefs. Nielsen will measure the ratings for the Christmas Day games, with early numbers expected late afternoon on Thursday. When could there be surge in demand on Wednesday? It will probably beat kickoff for both games, but especially around 5:45 p.m. EST. That would be near halftime of the Ravens-Texans game, and when Beyoncé will be performing. What other celebrities will appear? Mariah Carey will kick off the day with a taped performance of “All I Want for Christmas is You.” There is no word if Taylor Swift will make the trip to Pittsburgh to watch her boyfriend, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. Swift has been spending time in Kansas City since she wrapped up her Eras Tour two weeks ago. How many Christmas games will Netflix carry in the next two seasons? The NFL will have at least two games on Dec. 25 in 2025 and ’26, with Netflix slated to have at least one each year. Amazon Prime Video will have a night game with Christmas on a Thursday next year. Does Netflix have an interest in other sports? Netflix’s worldwide partnership with World Wrestling Entertainment will begin on Jan. 6 when “Monday Night Raw” moves to the streaming service. On Friday, Netflix secured the U.S. rights for the 2027 and 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

Shares of Optical Cable Corp. (OCC) soared 147% in midday trading on Monday, marking more than a two-year high, after the company reported a return to profitability in its fiscal fourth quarter. The stock was among the top trending tickers on Stocktwits and among the top five gainers on the platform. The fiber optic and copper data communication cable manufacturer posted net income of $373,000 for the fourth quarter, a significant turnaround from the $1.3 million net loss recorded in the same period a year ago. Gross profit climbed 68.6% to $6.5 million, reflecting improved operational performance. Consolidated net sales rose 12.4% to $19.5 million, compared to $17.3 million in the prior-year quarter. Optical Cable attributed the growth to higher sales in enterprise and specialty markets, which have shown resilience despite broader macroeconomic challenges. This marks the fourth consecutive quarter of sequential net sales growth for Optical Cable, a trend the company anticipates will continue into fiscal 2025. Despite the positive Q4 results, Optical Cable reported a net loss of $4.2 million for the full fiscal year 2024, compared to net income of $2.1 million in fiscal 2023. The company cited industry-wide market weakness that persisted through most of 2024, impacting sales during the first three quarters. Looking ahead, Optical Cable expressed optimism about further sales growth opportunities in fiscal 2025, as market conditions stabilize and demand improves in its core markets but did not issue any specific guidance. According to an ongoing poll on Stocktwits, most retail investors feel that OCC has room to grow further, though around one-third remain uncertain about the recent surge. Several users described the stock as a strong long-term investment opportunity. With Monday’s gains, Optical Cable’s stock is now up over 90% year-to-date. For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.<

"We the People" competitions require student competitors to write and present speeches that address key issues of government, the Constitution and world politics. After their four-minute presentations, students face six minutes of questions from a panel of expert judges. Students are required to answer extemporaneously without referring to notes or materials. The “We the People” Constitution Program is sponsored by the Justice Resource Center (JRC) in partnership with the Law, Youth, and Citizenship Committee of the New York State Bar Association. “I am proud of the performance of Johnstown students in New York City this year and the hard work they did preparing for the competition,” said Sean Russo, a social studies teacher and "We the People" coach. “In their reflections after the event, the students told me that they now have a much better understanding of government. They also feel their public speaking skills and overall confidence has improved through this experience.” In addition to the overall team placing fifth statewide, students Nicholas Valachovic and Austin Harrington won the Unit 2 award at the competition, Russo said. James Madison High School in Brooklyn won top place in this year's "We the People" competition. In 2020, Johnstown High School's team of seniors Calyer Fagan, Brianne Hansen and Kiersten Pelosi was awarded top honors in of the disciplines.Ole Miss Player Takes Shot At Florida Before Saturday's ShowdownLa Serna, Glendora, Rio Hondo Prep, Pasadena, El Rancho, San Gabriel and Pioneer will play later this week in CIF Southern Section football championship games. Subscribe to continue reading this article. Already subscribed? To login in, click here.

South Korean president's impeachment vote fails after ruling party boycotts it

Adcetera's creative partnership with Roborock sends the S8 MaxV Ultra into space HOUSTON , Dec. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Adcetera, a Houston -based digital marketing agency, announces the launch of a historic video campaign in partnership with Roborock , one of the world's leading robot vacuum brands. The campaign, centered around the theme "Beyond Limits," culminated in the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra being launched 120,000 feet above the Earth, making it the first robot vacuum in space. When Roborock began searching for an agency to develop a video campaign around their hashtag, #BeyondLimits, Adcetera's creatives stepped in to develop a narrative that could bring those two words to life. The resulting social media campaign features three scientists frustrated by outdated cleaning tools. Their solution? Invent the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra. After putting the vacuum through a series of "Beyond Limits" tests, the scientists take it one step further and launch it into space. The collaboration included partnering with Sent into Space, a UK-based company specializing in sending objects into the upper stratosphere. On September 17, 2024 , the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra successfully launched from Sheffield, UK , reaching 120,000 feet above Earth and enduring extreme temperatures, thus proving the product's endurance and innovation. The project involved building a unique laboratory set, sourcing talent and hundreds of props, a post-production that included multiple special effects, and coordinating an international space launch — all executed with precision to ensure the project stayed on schedule, within budget, and within scope. Stella Lin , Marketing Specialist at Roborock, praised the collaboration: "It was a pleasure collaborating with Adcetera on these projects. I believe they not only demonstrate Roborock's exceptional product quality and groundbreaking achievements, but also serve as a strong testament to Adcetera's professional expertise." To date, the video series has collectively garnered tens of millions of views across Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. "We're proud of how our team turned a larger-than-life idea — an idea that felt almost impossible — into reality," said Adcetera's Chief Creative Officer Rowan Gearon . "We're pushing creative boundaries just like Roborock pushes the limits of technology." About Adcetera Adcetera is a full-service, integrated digital marketing agency with an obsession to deliver innovative solutions that drive growth for brands. Headquartered in Houston, TX , with offices in Chicago, IL and The Woodlands, TX , they are a distinctively diverse team of innovators, creators, and leaders from around the world, deeply proud of the award-winning work and the ongoing value provided to brands, businesses, and communities for over 40+ years. Adcetera is a privately held, WBENC-certified, HUB-certified, woman-owned business. For more information visit adcetera.com . Follow on LinkedIn . Adcetera – Strategic. Creative. People. About Roborock Roborock is a leading smart cleaning brand renowned for its intelligent cleaning solutions. With a steadfast dedication to becoming a global leading smart appliance player, Roborock enriches lives with its innovative line of robotic, cordless, wet/dry vacuum cleaners, and washer-dryers. Rooted in a user-centric approach, our R&D-driven solutions cater to diverse cleaning needs in over 15 million homes across 170+ countries. Headquartered in Beijing and with strategic subsidiaries in key markets, including the United States , Japan , the Netherlands , Poland , Germany , and South Korea , Roborock is dedicated to elevating its market presence worldwide. For more information, visit https://global.roborock.com/. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/roborock-makes-history-with-out-of-this-world-video-campaign-302338415.html SOURCE ADCETERA

It’s Thursday, meaning week 12 of the 2024 NFL season is officially underway. Tonight, it’ll be Pittsburgh vs Cleveland on TNF. Then on Sunday (noon), the Minnesota Vikings will play on the road vs the (4-6) Chicago Bears. If the purple can fly out of the Windy City with a victory in hand, they’d stretch their current win-streak to four and it’d be their 5th straight win in Chicago. That’s right, the Vikings are on a four-game winning streak at Soldier Field, dating all the way back to 2020. Want more good news? The team got healthier today. After Sam Darnold (Foot), and Jonathan Bullard (Toe) were listed as “Limited” on the Minnesota Vikings injury report yesterday, both players were “Full” participants on Thursday, relieving any lingering concerns that Darnold could be a surprise scratch vs the Bears. Week 12 Minnesota Vikings injury report looks healthier Thursday The only player who did no practice in full today was TE Josh Oliver (Wrist/Ankle), who was a “DNP” for the 2nd-straight day. In all likelihood, Oliver will not play this weekend, though his injuries are not reported to be season-threatening. Thursday's #Vikings injury report pic.twitter.com/hTJjgPGZfX A win on Sunday afternoon would mean a gawdy 9-2 record, for the Minnesota Vikings, which would put continued pressure on the NFC North leading Detroit Lions, who most see as, far and away, the best team in the NFL this season. But this is the National Football League. If the Vikings can stay healthy, and figure out a few things on both sides of the football, anything can happen, down the stretch. Remember, Minnesota and Detroit play each other in the 2024 season finale. It’s still very possible a division title and No. 1 seed in the NFC are both on the line. Of course, the Minnesota Vikings injury report will have to remain clean, in order for that dream to become reality. So far, so good, in week 12. This article first appeared on Minnesota Sports Fan and was syndicated with permission.Kia, Toyota, Changan Lead Race For 2024 Nigeria’s Car Of The Year Award

Caitlin Clark honored as AP Female Athlete of the Year following her impact on women's sports Caitlin Clark has been named the AP Female Athlete of the Year after raising the profile of women’s basketball to unprecedented levels in both college and the WNBA. She led Iowa to the national championship game, was the top pick in the WNBA draft and captured rookie of the year honors in the league. Fans packed sold-out arenas and millions of television viewers followed her journey on and off the court. Clark's exploits also put other women's sports leagues in the spotlight. A group of 74 sports journalists from AP and its members voted on the award. Other athletes who received votes included Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles and boxer Imane Khelif. Clark’s only the fourth women’s basketball player to win the award since it was first given in 1931. Wemby at The Garden. LeBron vs. Steph. The NBA's Christmas Day lineup, as always, has star power LeBron James made his Christmas debut in 2003. Victor Wembanyama was born 10 days later. That’s right: James has been featured on the NBA’s big day for longer than Wembanyama has been alive. And on Wednesday the league’s oldest player and brightest young star will be big parts of the holiday showcase. It’s another Christmas quintupleheader, with Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs visiting the New York Knicks, Minnesota going to Dallas for a Western Conference finals rematch, Philadelphia heading to Boston to renew a storied rivalry, James and the Los Angeles Lakers taking on Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors, and Denver playing at Phoenix. Pro Picks: Chiefs will beat the Steelers and Ravens will edge the Texans on Christmas Day Playoff berths, draft positioning and more are up for grabs in Week 17. There’s going to be plenty of football on television this holiday week with the NFL playing games on five out of six days, starting with a doubleheader on Christmas Day featuring four of the AFC’s top five teams. Patrick Mahomes and the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs visit Russell Wilson and the Pittsburgh Steelers on Wednesday. Then, two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens take on C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans. The Bears host the Seahawks on Thursday night and there are three games on Saturday, making Sunday’s schedule light at nine games. Falcons drafting Penix no longer a head-scratcher with rookie QB shining in place of benched Cousins It was the most surprising first-round pick in a long time when the Atlanta Falcons chose Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall selection in the NFL draft last April. That came just six weeks after the Falcons had signed free agent quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal with $100 million in guarantees. But that move is no longer a head-scratcher after Penix's solid starting debut in place of a benched and turnover-prone Cousins. Several teams have fared well with new quarterbacks this season including the Steelers, Broncos, Vikings and Commanders. Lindsey Vonn thinks her new titanium knee could start a trend in skiing. And pro sports in general ST. MORITZ, Switzerland (AP) — Lindsey Vonn thinks her new titanium knee could be the start of a trend in ski racing. The 40-year-old American standout had replacement surgery in April and returned to the World Cup circuit after nearly six years last weekend. She says her knee feels “amazing" and that "it’s something to seriously consider for athletes that have a lot of knee problems.” Her surgery was the first of its kind in World Cup skiing. Vonn had a robot-assisted surgery in April with part of the bone in her right knee cut off and replaced by two titanium pieces. She was planning her comeback a month later. Boise State's legacy includes winning coaches and championship moments No. 8 and third-seeded Boise State is preparing for its third trip to the Fiesta Bowl. This time it's in a playoff quarterfinal against No. 5 and sixth-seeded Penn State on New Year’s Eve. Boise State's first appearance on the national stage was in a memorable victory over Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 1, 2007. But former coach Chris Petersen said the victory in that bowl three years later over TCU was even more meaningful for the program. Players have mixed feelings about being on the road on Christmas as NFL adds more holiday games OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — Games on Christmas aren’t new to the NFL. The Miami Dolphins famously beat the Kansas City Chiefs in a playoff game on Dec. 25, 1971 — a double-overtime classic that still holds the record for the NFL’s longest game. In 2020, New Orleans running back Alvin Kamara tied an NFL record with six touchdowns in a game when the Saints beat Minnesota on Christmas. Lately the league has been much more aggressive about scheduling games on Christmas. That's been met with mixed feelings among the players. Baltimore tackle Ronnie Stanley says there is an offensive line Christmas party planned for Friday at center Tyler Linderbaum’s house. Quarterback Lamar Jackson’s plan is to celebrate on Thursday. Embiid ejected after drawing 2 technicals in game against Wembanyama and Spurs PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid was ejected in the first half of Monday night’s game against San Antonio after drawing two technical fouls. Referee Jenna Schroeder ejected Embiid with 2 minutes, 59 seconds left in the second quarter. The seven-time All-Star received the first technical for arguing with Schroeder, and received another technical — and ejection — from Schroeder before any more game time elapsed. Embiid was close to Schroeder, but it wasn’t clear from replays whether he made contact with the official. An enraged Embiid charged toward the officials after the ejection and was restrained by teammate Kyle Lowry, head coach Nick Nurse and several assistants. Nikki Glaser uses Prime Video's NFL postgame show appearances to help prepare for Golden Globes INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Nikki Glaser has become a familiar face to football fans this season. Her breakthrough performance at the Tom Brady Roast on May 5 paved the way for five appearances on Amazon Prime Video’s “Thursday Night Football” postgame show. Glaser said before last Thursday’s game between the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers that doing her “Late Hits” segment was a no-brainer following her success at the Brady roast. Leaving Thunder, Bucks off the NBA's Christmas game list has those teams feeling snubbed Oklahoma City leads the Western Conference and has a MVP candidate in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Milwaukee has the NBA’s leading scorer in Giannis Antetokounmpo. They were the teams that made their way to the NBA Cup final. By any measure, they’re both very good teams. And neither will play on Christmas Day this year. Bah, humbug. The NBA faces the same challenge every summer, figuring out which 10 teams will get the honor of playing on Christmas Day. But the Bucks and Thunder are right to feel snubbed.

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens was a full participant in practice on Monday, opening the door for him to return from a three-game absence on Wednesday when Pittsburgh hosts the Kansas City Chiefs. Pickens hasn't played since tweaking his hamstring earlier this month. The Steelers (10-5) have struggled to generate much in their passing game with their leading receiver watching from the sideline in sweatpants. Though Monday's practice was a walkthrough, Pickens said he felt good and hopes he'll be able to face the two-time defending Super Bowl champions. The 23-year-old was going through post-practice drills on Dec. 6 when he felt his hamstring tighten up, forcing him to miss the first games of his three-year career. Pittsburgh has gone 1-2 in his absence, including back-to-back losses to Philadelphia and Baltimore in which Russell Wilson passed for just 345 yards while missing one of the NFL's top downfield threats. Wilson is encouraged by the way the sometimes mercurial Pickens — who has been flagged and fined multiple times this season for infractions ranging from facemasks to unsportsmanlike conduct — has remained engaged. “He’s been great in the midst of his little trial here over the past few weeks,” Wilson said. “And so we’re excited to have him back if that’s the case fully and let him do his thing.” Safety DeShon Elliott (hamstring) and defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (groin) were also listed as full participants on Tuesday. Neither veteran has played since getting hurt against Cleveland on Dec. 8. While Pickens, Elliott and Ogunjobi could be available as Pittsburgh tries to hold off Baltimore for the AFC North lead, cornerback Joey Porter (knee) and WR Ben Skowronek (hip) are likely out after missing practice for a second straight day. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

American Airlines resume flights after technical glitchPro Picks is a weekly column where AP Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi shares his picks for upcoming games. For all previous Pro Picks, head here . Playoff berths, draft positioning and more are up for grabs in Week 17. There’s going to be plenty of football on television this holiday week with the NFL playing games on five out of six days, starting with a doubleheader on Christmas Day featuring four of the AFC’s top five teams. Patrick Mahomes and the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs visit Russell Wilson and the Pittsburgh Steelers on Wednesday. Then, two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens take on C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans. The Bears host the Seahawks on Thursday night and there are three games on Saturday, making Sunday’s schedule light at nine games. The Lions-49ers wrap up the weekend on Monday night. Pro Picks goes for another winning week. Line: Chargers minus 4 The Chargers would clinch a wild-card spot with a victory over the Patriots, who battled hard against the Bills. Los Angeles is 9-2 against the spread as favorites. Justin Herbert is 9-0 ATS in the Eastern time zone in his career. The Patriots have lost eight straight home games in December. BEST BET: CHARGERS: 23-16 Line: Bengals minus 3 Joe Burrow and the Bengals have to win to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. They’re favorites for the 12th time this season despite a losing record. The Broncos would clinch a wild-card berth with a win. They’re 11-4 ATS. UPSET SPECIAL: BRONCOS: 23-22 Line: Chiefs minus 3 The Chiefs can set a franchise record for wins in the regular season and wrap up the No. 1 seed along with home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs as they continue their quest for a third straight Super Bowl title. Kansas City got another playmaker when wide receiver Marquise Brown made his season debut. Mahomes is 3-0 with 14 touchdowns and no interceptions in his career vs. Pittsburgh. The scuffling Steelers are trying to snap a two-game losing streak after missing an opportunity to clinch the AFC North. Wide receiver George Pickens should return from a hamstring injury and he’ll open up the passing game for Wilson and the offense. CHIEFS: 24-20 Line: Ravens minus 5 1/2 The Ravens have won five in a row over the Texans, including 34-10 in a divisional playoff game last season. Baltimore can move into first place in the AFC North with a win and loss by Pittsburgh. But Jackson and Derrick Henry face a tough challenge against Houston’s defense. Stroud and the Texans are reeling after losing receiver Tank Dell to a devastating knee injury. RAVENS: 23-19 Line: Seahawks minus 3 1/2 The Seahawks have to win to maintain slim playoff hopes. The Bears have lost nine straight. Geno Smith and Jaxon Smith-Njigba should have a big day against Chicago’s pass defense. SEAHAWKS: 26-20 Line: Rams minus 6 A four-game winning streak has the Rams on the verge of securing the NFC West. Los Angeles aims to avenge a lopsided loss to Arizona in Week 2. The Cardinals were eliminated from the playoffs and are reduced to playing spoiler. With Kyren Williams leading the rushing attack, the Rams don’t have to rely on Matthew Stafford’s passing as much. RAMS: 26-16 Line: Bills minus 10 The Bills will know going in if they have a shot at the AFC’s No. 1 seed. If the Chiefs beat the Steelers and lock it up, Buffalo’s main priority will be keeping Josh Allen and everyone healthy. Still, they can rest in Week 18. After a subpar effort against the Patriots, the Bills can’t take Aaron Rodgers and the Jets lightly. BILLS: 27-16 Line: Raiders minus 1 The Raiders already hurt their draft positioning by beating the Jaguars last week. Another win could further knock them down and negatively impact their quest for a franchise quarterback. But coach Antonio Pierce wants to win and the players don’t care about draft slots. The Saints can’t get to the end of the season fast enough. RAIDERS: 20-16 Line: Buccaneers minus 8 The Panthers have embraced the spoiler role and coach Dave Canales will try to derail his former team’s playoff hopes. Bryce Young keeps improving and Chuba Hubbard is having a career year. The Buccaneers would’ve lost to Carolina last month if Hubbard didn’t fumble in overtime. Baker Mayfield and a turnover-prone offense have to overcome a depleted defense that couldn’t stop Cooper Rush and the Cowboys. BUCCANEERS: 26-20 Line: Jaguars minus 1 The winner of this one really loses because it’ll be costly in the race for draft positioning. TITANS: 19-17 Line: Colts minus 8 The Giants have come too far to lose the No. 1 pick in the draft. The Colts are clinging to slim playoff hopes. Jonathan Taylor and Anthony Richardson combined for 308 yards and four TDs against the Titans. They could have similar results against New York. COLTS: 27-16 Line: Eagles minus 9 1/2 The Cowboys are left to play for a winning record after being eliminated from the playoff race. The Eagles still need a win to secure the NFC East, but are almost locked into the No. 2 seed. If Jalen Hurts can’t play because of a concussion, Dallas has a shot against Kenny Pickett. Saquon Barkley is 268 yards away from breaking Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record. He could have a big day facing the fifth-worst run defense in the NFL. EAGLES: 24-17 Line: Vikings minus 1 The Vikings are two wins away from the NFC’s No. 1 seed with Sam Darnold. Let that sink in. But those won’t be easy victories. Minnesota has to beat Green Bay and then Detroit on the road to win the NFC North and get home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. The Vikings defeated the Packers 31-29 in Green Bay in September. They’re getting the Packers on short rest off a Monday night rout. The Vikings have been overlooked and underrated. This is a statement game. VIKINGS: 27-22 Line: Dolphins minus 6 1/2 Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins still have slim playoff changes and get an opportunity to win a game in cold weather. A loss helps the Browns hold onto a top-five pick in the draft. DOLPHINS: 25-16 Line: Commanders minus 4 The Falcons regained control of their NFC South hopes when the Buccaneers lost. Now, they have a tough test against the Commanders with Michael Penix Jr. making his second start facing off against Jayden Daniels in another matchup between rookie QBs. Daniels beat Caleb Williams and the Bears earlier this season on a Hail Mary. Washington clinches a playoff berth with a win or a loss by Tampa Bay. COMMANDERS: 24-23 Line: Lions minus 4 The Lions aim to avenge their loss in the NFC championship game, though this matchup lost its luster because the 49ers are eliminated from the playoff race. Detroit clinches the NFC’s No. 1 seed with a win if the Packers beat the Vikings. If Minnesota beats Green Bay, the Lions have to beat the Vikings in Week 18 to win the division and secure the top seed so the result against San Francisco won’t matter. In that case, Dan Campbell could choose to rest some of his starters in preparation for a winner-take-all regular-season finale. LIONS: 26-23 Last week: 12-4. Against spread: 8-7-1 Overall: Straight up: 168-72. Against spread: 131-105-4. Prime-time: Straight up: 39-14. Against spread: 29-23-1. Best Bet: Straight up: 9-7. Against spread: 8-8. Upset Special: Straight up: 9-7. Against spread: 9-7. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

The Philadelphia Phillies had a rather disappointing postseason after setting high expectations in the regular season. The team could look to make a splash in free agency in hopes of getting to the World Series in 2025. While making offseason predictions, theScore predicted that the Phillies would sign San Francisco Giants ace Blake Snell in free agency. "The Phillies haven't been afraid to spend in recent years, and they'll do it again this winter by luring two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell to Philadelphia," wrote theScore staff. "Adding Snell allows the reigning NL East champions to run out a top-tier starter every night." Spotrac projects Snell to sign a five-year, $131 million deal in free agency. He was an All-Star in 2018 and is a two-time Cy Young Award Winner. Last season he had a 3.12 ERA after signing late in the offseason and getting off to a shaky start. However, in 12 games after the All-Star Break, he had a 1.45 ERA and 103 strikeouts. He showed that he is still a true ace and one of the best pitchers in Major League Baseball. The Phillies already have Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Cristopher Sánchez and Ranger Suárez in the rotation for next season. Adding Snell would give them the best rotation in baseball. The Phillies have not been shy of handing out big contracts. Snell is the type of player who can get the Phillies over the top and back in the Fall Classic. More MLB: Phillies could dump Alec Bohm and sign $119 million All-Star to replace him

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