Michigan State has hired Jonathan Smith, the former football coach for Oregon State, as their new head coach. The decision comes after both teams ended their regular seasons. Smith, who completed the season with an 8-4 record, shared his gratitude for his time at Oregon State and the support he received from the community. During his tenure, Smith led the Beavers to a 34-35 record, but saw significant improvement in recent years with an 18-7 record since the start of the 2022 season. In 2022, Smith was named Pac-12 Coach of the Year as Oregon State finished with a 10-3 record and ranked No. 17 nationally. Michigan State Athletic Director Alan Haller praised Smith's success in building the Oregon State program and his experience coaching in championship games and the College Football Playoff. He also highlighted the physical and innovative style of Smith's teams. Smith's departure from Oregon State leaves a vacancy that the athletic director will immediately begin searching to fill, conducting a national search to find a suitable replacement.
The Oregon high school football playoffs are coming to a close with the final championship games taking place this week. One of the most anticipated matchups is between No. 4 Central Catholic and No. 2 Tualatin in the 6A division.
Central Catholic, the defending state champions, will face Tualatin in a rematch of last year's state final, which Central Catholic won 44-14. Central Catholic boasts a strong offensive lineup led by quarterback Cru Newman and running back Killian Sombe. The team's defense is led by safety Cade Gehlen and defensive end Matix Carpenter.
On the other side, Tualatin is looking to avenge last year's loss and win its first state title since 1994. Led by quarterback Nolan Keeney and wide receiver Jayden Fortier, Tualatin has an explosive offense. The team's defense, anchored by cornerback Timmy Mitchell and linebacker Dexter Foster, will be critical in stopping Central Catholic's potent offense.
Both teams have had impressive seasons, with Central Catholic going undefeated at 12-0 and Tualatin with just one loss at 11-1. The stage is set for an exciting championship game with the title on the line.
Who will come out on top? Can Central Catholic defend their title, or will Tualatin emerge as the new champions? Football fans in Oregon will find out on Friday at Hillsboro Stadium.
Several teams in Texas high school football have advanced to the regional finals after Friday's playoff games. Lake Travis, Liberty Hill, and Wimberley all secured victories in their respective divisions. Lake Travis defeated San Antonio Brennan 34-7 in the 6A Division I Region IV semifinal, while Liberty Hill triumphed over Corpus Christi Flour Bluff 49-28 in the 5A Division II playoffs. Wimberley recorded a dominant 63-14 win against Ingleside in the 4A Division II action. The remaining regional semifinal games will take place on Saturday. The winners of these games will join Lake Travis, Liberty Hill, and Wimberley in the regional finals. Additional scores from regional semifinals across various divisions were also reported. Fans can report their team's scores to the KXAN website for posting. The upcoming games are highly anticipated as teams vie for a chance to move closer to the state championships. Will any of these teams emerge as victors in the regional finals and move one step closer to the title?
Small Business Saturday, which falls on November 25th this year, is a day dedicated to supporting local businesses. Small businesses play a critical role in the economy, and this day aims to highlight their importance and encourage consumers to shop local.
In Alabama, small businesses make up 99.4% of the state and employ 46% of all Alabama employees. Governor Ivey has proclaimed Saturday as Small Business Saturday, recognizing the immense value local businesses bring to the state. When people support small businesses, they invest in their communities, their state, and their people.
To promote Small Business Saturday, cities like Calera are hosting special events. Calera Main Street is offering festive features including a visit from Santa Claus. This annual event encourages people to shop small after Black Friday and bring more holiday shopping and traffic to small and locally owned businesses. Santa's visit is sponsored by local Realtors, who believe in supporting fellow small businesses and the community.
It's important to remember that when you shop at a small business, you're not only supporting the owner, but you're also supporting the businesses that create jobs, sponsor local sports teams, and give back to local charities. So, will you be shopping small this Small Business Saturday?
The San Antonio Spurs will face off against the Golden State Warriors in an in-season tournament matchup at Chase Center. Both teams are looking to break their losing streaks and turn their season around. The Spurs have lost their last ten games, while the Warriors have dropped seven of their last eight outings.
Stephen Curry, the star player for the Warriors, returns to the lineup after missing two games with a knee injury. Curry has been averaging 29.4 points per game and has been lethal from beyond the arc, shooting 43.7% on three-point attempts. His performance will be crucial for the Warriors as they try to end their slump.
The Spurs have struggled defensively, allowing an average of 123.1 points per game. Opponents have been shooting 39.2% from three-point range against the Spurs, the second-worst mark in the NBA. Curry's ability to shoot from deep could be a significant advantage for the Warriors in this matchup.
With Curry leading the charge, the Warriors have a good opportunity to secure a victory against the struggling Spurs. However, it remains to be seen if the Spurs can turn their season around and put up a fight against the talented Warriors.
The Oregon Ducks dominated the Oregon State Beavers in a 31-7 victory on Friday night, securing their spot in the Pac-12 Football Championship Game. With this win, the Ducks eliminated Arizona from contention for the title.
Heisman contender Bo Nix was the star of the game, accounting for three touchdowns and leading the Ducks to a record of 11-1 (8-1 Pac-12) for the regular season. Nix's performance solidified his case for the prestigious Heisman Trophy, with betting odds placing him as a close second behind LSU QB Jayden Daniels.
The Ducks will now face off against the No. 4 Washington Huskies in a rematch for the Pac-12 title. The Huskies were responsible for the Ducks' only loss of the regular season in a thrilling 36-33 game. The championship game is scheduled to take place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on December 1st and will be broadcast on ABC.
Arizona, who needed both Oregon State to defeat Oregon and a win over ASU to make it to the conference title game, will no longer be in contention for the Pac-12 championship. They are expected to play in the Alamo Bowl against a Big 12 opponent as the Pac-12's third-best team.
The Territorial Cup between Arizona and ASU will kick off on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. MST on ESPN.
Multiple Pac-12 coaches are making headlines as potential candidates for coaching positions around the country. Chip Kelly, the head coach of UCLA, is rumored to be fired soon, with names like Jonathan Smith, Jedd Fisch, and Ryan Grubb being discussed as possible replacements. Meanwhile, the firing of Jimbo Fisher from Texas A&M has created an opening that has attracted attention from several coaches in the Pac-12.
Dan Lanning, defensive coordinator at Oregon, has been identified as a top candidate for the Texas A&M job, although he has denied any interest in leaving Oregon. Kalen DeBoer, the head coach at Washington, has also been mentioned as a potential candidate, although his response was less convincing. Deion Sanders, the head coach of Colorado, has also been mentioned as a potential candidate for the Texas A&M job.
In addition to these rumors, Jonathan Smith, the head coach of Oregon State, has been linked to coaching positions at both Texas A&M and UCLA. Smith, a former quarterback at Oregon State, has helped turn around the program, and his success has drawn interest from other schools.
As the college football season continues, it remains to be seen which coaches will make moves and where they will end up. But for now, the Pac-12 remains a hotbed of coaching rumors and speculation.
Oregon football will be honoring the late Spencer Webb during their game against Oregon State with special gloves and arm sleeves as part of their uniform. The No. 6 Ducks have been paying tribute to Webb since his passing in 2022, with helmet decals featuring Webb's No. 4 inside a spider's web. The gloves and arm sleeves for the game against Oregon State will also feature this decal, as well as the words "4 SPENCE" and "4 EVER" on the fingers, along with the program's DNA traits. Webb, a member of Oregon's 2018 recruiting class, would have been honored alongside the program's other seniors during the game if he had utilized all of his college eligibility. The university has also honored him by placing yellow 4-yard lines at Autzen Stadium and presenting a posthumous degree to his brother. Webb, who played one game for the Ducks, passed away in 2022 while preparing for his junior season.
The Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, New Jersey, may be extending its season according to recent reports. The renowned theater, known for its Broadway-quality productions, has been a fixture in the community for decades. While details are limited at this time, local residents and theater enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the official announcement.
The Paper Mill Playhouse has a rich history of showcasing both classic and contemporary shows, attracting talent from both New York City and the surrounding area. Known for its exceptional performances and high production value, the theater has earned a loyal following over the years.
With the possibility of an extended season, the theater would have the opportunity to bring in even more plays and musicals, offering a wider variety of shows for the local community. This would not only be exciting news for theatergoers but also for the local economy, as it would attract visitors from outside the area.
While fans eagerly await confirmation of the extended season, it is clear that the Paper Mill Playhouse plays a vital role in the cultural landscape of Millburn and the surrounding area. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.
As Black Friday approaches, small businesses are feeling the pressure to compete with the deals offered by large retailers and online stores. Many small retailers in Northern Ireland have reported struggling sales in November, as consumers wait to see what the big deals will be. Smaller businesses find it difficult to match the deep discounts and cashbacks offered by larger retailers, who have the advantage of bulk purchasing and the option to return unsold stock. Additionally, small businesses often face the challenge of dispelling the perception that buying during Black Friday guarantees cheaper prices, when in reality, some sale prices are not significantly lower than regular prices throughout the year. Despite these challenges, there are ways for small businesses to make the most of the holiday shopping season. Small Business Saturday, a national campaign in the UK, offers marketing benefits and support for small businesses. Utilizing social media, collaborating with peers, and engaging with local media outlets can also help smaller businesses gain visibility during this time. While they may not be able to match the discounts of larger retailers, small businesses can create unique experiences and emphasize the value of supporting local businesses.
Bluefield small businesses are gearing up for Small Business Saturday, which is set for November 25th, the day after "Black Friday." This year, Intuit and area youth will be among the participants in the event. Alorica/Intuit will provide public tours of their facility and local vendors will be selling crafts and goods inside of Intuit. There will also be youth vendors aged 12 and under selling crafts and goods at the Craft Memorial Library. The youth set up at the library will be selling arts and crafts, jewelry, caricatures, and other hand-crafted items. In total, 23 city businesses will participate in Small Business Saturday, along with 30-32 pop-up vendors located at Intuit, Craft Memorial Library, and Clover Club. The event aims to support small businesses and teach entrepreneurship skills to youth, while boosting Bluefield's economy. Small business owners across the country are hoping for increased foot traffic on Small Business Saturday to help boost their holiday sales.
In a time when big-box retailers dominate holiday shopping, local businesses in the Lowcountry are urging shoppers to support their community by shopping local. With Black Friday and Cyber Monday approaching, many consumers have their sights set on finding the best deals at major retailers. However, local businesses are reminding shoppers that their purchases can have a significant impact on the local economy.
Local business owners say that when consumers shop at small, independent stores, more of the money stays within the community. Studies have shown that a higher percentage of each dollar spent at a local business goes back into the local economy, compared to purchasing from a larger chain store. This benefits the community through increased job opportunities, tax revenue, and support for other local businesses.
Small businesses in the Lowcountry are stepping up their marketing efforts to draw attention to the unique products and personalized services they offer. They are highlighting the importance of supporting local artisans, entrepreneurs, and families during the holiday season. In addition, many local businesses are hosting special events and promotions to entice shoppers to visit their stores.
While deals offered by major retailers on Black Friday and Cyber Monday may be tempting, shoppers are being encouraged to consider the impact of their purchases and support the local economy by shopping local. Investing in the community can make a significant difference in preserving the unique character and vitality of the Lowcountry.
Small businesses are gearing up for Small Business Saturday, one of the busiest shopping days of the year. While big chains offer major deals, small businesses are taking center stage and relying on local support. Business owners in Philadelphia are emphasizing the personal touch and customer focus that comes with shopping at a small business. They believe that small businesses have their consumers in mind and offer a more personable experience compared to larger companies. Additionally, these businesses help keep larger retailers honest with pricing, ensuring fair competition. Owners are encouraging shoppers to also consider supporting volunteer-run, nonprofit, or women-owned businesses during this holiday season. Small Business Saturday is expected to give towns like New Hope, Pennsylvania an economic boost, as the majority of businesses there are locally owned. Last year, consumers spent nearly $18 billion on Small Business Saturday, making it a vital day for small businesses and their communities.
(Source: KYW Newsradio, CBS Philadelphia)
According to reports, the Israeli Health Ministry has issued guidelines for feeding the 50 hostages who are expected to be released by Hamas as part of the recent cease-fire deal. The guidelines address the condition of "treating refeeding syndrome in returning captives," which can be fatal to those who have not eaten properly for extended periods of time and are suddenly reintroduced to a normal diet. The recommended diets are broken down based on age groups, with children between one and three years old being given water, a sweet biscuit, unsweetened applesauce, and tea sweetened with a teaspoon of sugar. Adolescents and adults are to be given water, a hot drink sweetened with a tablespoon of sugar, three sweet biscuits, and unsweetened applesauce. Refeeding syndrome is caused by a sudden shift in fluid, electrolyte, and metabolic intake, and patients who have not eaten properly for ten days are susceptible. It is unclear what condition the hostages are in after their 54 days of captivity in the tunnels beneath Gaza.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed deep concern for the safety of patients and health workers still at Al Shifa Hospital in northern Gaza. A spokesperson for the WHO stated that they are working on evacuating the remaining individuals as quickly as possible, but fears for their well-being. Meanwhile, the Gaza Health Ministry has suspended cooperation with the WHO following reports that Israel is detaining medical staff for questioning.
In a separate report, it was revealed that the director of Al Shifa Hospital, Dr. Mohammed Abu Salmiya, was detained by Israeli forces for questioning. The military claims that the hospital served as a command center for Hamas, but both Dr. Salmiya and Hamas deny this allegation. Furthermore, heavy fire has been reported around another hospital in the north, with Israeli troops reportedly ordering its full evacuation.
The situation at Al Shifa Hospital is worsened by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The Israeli military launched a campaign in response to a cross-border attack, seeking to destroy Hamas. The Palestinian territory has been heavily affected, with over 14,500 people reported killed and a humanitarian crisis unfolding.
Despite efforts from the WHO and other humanitarian agencies, the safety of those remaining at Al Shifa Hospital is uncertain. The WHO is urging for their prompt evacuation and is closely monitoring the situation.
Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who was convicted of the murder of George Floyd, was reportedly stabbed and seriously injured in a federal prison in Arizona. The incident occurred on Friday at the Federal Correctional Institution in Tucson. Chauvin was treated with "life-saving measures" at the prison before being transported to a local hospital for further treatment and evaluation. No details about the attack or the inmate responsible have been provided.
Chauvin, 47, is currently serving a 21-year federal sentence for violating Floyd's civil rights and a 22 1/2-year state sentence for second-degree murder. Floyd's death in May 2020 ignited widespread protests against police brutality and racial injustice. Chauvin's conduct during the incident, which was captured on video, was deemed criminal. The news of Chauvin's assault has sparked reflection and raised concerns about safety within the prison system.
The Federal Bureau of Prisons notified the FBI of the incident, and visiting at the facility has been suspended. This incident comes just months after the stabbing of disgraced sports doctor Larry Nassar at a federal penitentiary in Florida. It brings further attention to the issue of inmate safety and raises questions about the ability of the Bureau of Prisons to protect high-profile prisoners.
The US president, Joe Biden, and his top justice department official have hailed the arrest of Nestor Isidro Perez Salas, also known as "El Nini," in Mexico. Perez Salas is allegedly the head of security for the Chapitos wing of the Sinaloa cartel and is accused of committing acts of murder, torture, and kidnapping. The US government claims that he and his security forces are responsible for large-scale fentanyl and methamphetamine production and trafficking into the US.
Biden expressed his appreciation to Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and the Mexican Army and special forces for their efforts in apprehending Perez Salas. The US attorney general, Merrick Garland, also thanked Mexican authorities for capturing the 34-year-old enforcer. Perez Salas provided protection for the three sons of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, the notorious convicted trafficker.
The arrest of Perez Salas comes just months after the extradition of another of El Chapo's sons, Ovidio Guzman Lopez, to the US to face trafficking charges. The US government is now seeking the swift extradition of Perez Salas to face justice in the United States. This arrest marks a significant step in the US-Mexico partnership to combat drug trafficking and dismantle dangerous cartels.
The FBI has concluded its investigation into the car explosion at the Rainbow Bridge border crossing in Niagara Falls and has found no evidence of terrorism. The incident occurred when a vehicle raced through an intersection, hit a median, and exploded after crashing into a line of booths. The FBI's search of the scene revealed no explosive materials, and they did not identify any terrorism connection. Local police are now handling the case as a traffic investigation. The two individuals who died in the crash were a husband and wife, but their identities have not been released. While the FBI has handed over the case to the Niagara Falls Police Department, the investigation is expected to take some time to complete due to its complexity. The incident prompted the closure of four bridges connecting western New York and Ontario, causing disruptions in travel between the two countries.
There is still mystery surrounding the cause of the explosion, as investigators are exploring the possibility of a mechanical failure in the car. The New York couple driving the Bentley that crashed into the border crossing may have experienced a sudden acceleration due to a mechanical glitch. However, Bentley Motors has not yet been contacted by investigators regarding the incident. The investigation is ongoing, but it seems reassuring that there is no indication of terrorism.
Twelve Thai nationals have been released by Hamas during a temporary four-day pause in the conflict between Israel and Gaza. The hostages, who were among two dozen Thai nationals held by Hamas, are currently en route to a hospital in central Israel. The release of the Thai hostages is separate from an agreement that will see 50 Israeli hostages freed from Gaza. The Thai government has announced that the released citizens will be put in intensive care for 48 hours after being transferred to an Israeli hospital. Thailand has one of the highest death tolls in the conflict, with 39 of its citizens killed. The release of the Thai hostages brings hope that the rest of the hostages will be freed. Thailand is one of Israel's largest sources of migrant labor, with around 30,000 Thai nationals working in Israel, primarily in the agriculture sector. The Thai government has expressed its hope that the momentum will continue and that the remaining hostages will be released soon.
Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.) surprised many on Friday when he announced that he will not seek reelection in 2024 as he continues to challenge President Biden for the Democratic nomination. Phillips, who was first elected to represent Minnesota's 3rd District in 2018, described his time in Congress as an "honor of a lifetime." His decision to run against Biden has garnered criticism from fellow Democrats, who worry that his primary bid could potentially harm Biden's chances in the general election. Despite the pushback, Phillips has positioned himself as a younger alternative to the 81-year-old commander in chief, emphasizing that the 2024 election is about the future. However, he has yet to gain significant support in early primary polls and Biden's campaign has largely ignored Phillips's challenge. In the meantime, Phillips's suburban Minneapolis district is not considered competitive for Republicans in 2024. With his decision not to seek reelection, Phillips will now focus solely on his presidential bid, hoping to win over voters with his vision for a new generation of leadership.
Former first lady Rosalynn Carter passed away at the age of 96 with her husband, former President Jimmy Carter, by her side. The couple had been married for 77 years and held the record for being the longest-married presidential couple in US history. Rosalynn Carter had been in hospice care at their Georgia home before her death.
Their son, Chip Carter, revealed details about his parents' final moments together. He explained that his father sat beside Rosalynn's bed in his wheelchair and expressed his love and gratitude for all she had done before asking for some privacy. The couple's grandson, Jason Carter, shared a statement on behalf of the family, asking for privacy and expressing gratitude for the support they have received.
Rosalynn Carter was known for her advocacy work in mental health. She championed the cause for over four decades, bringing attention to psychiatric disorders and fighting for equal treatment for those affected. She was a passionate advocate for those with mental illnesses and played a significant role in improving mental health care.
Memorial services for Rosalynn Carter will be held next week in Atlanta and Plains, Georgia. The public will have opportunities to pay their respects along the motorcade routes. President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden are scheduled to attend Carter's memorial service at Emory University.
Former President Donald Trump's Thanksgiving social media tirade against New York Attorney General Letitia James, Judge Arthur Engoron, and his law clerk may have triggered a deluge of threats against the judge and his clerk, according to a court filing. The judge, who has clashed with Trump during the civil fraud trial, has reportedly been the target of credible threats for months. The law clerk has received hundreds of threatening and harassing voicemail messages and has been subjected to daily doxing, along with harassing and antisemitic comments. The threats have been transcribed into over 275 single-spaced pages. The court filing seeks to reinstate the limited gag order against Trump. It is unclear if the threats will have any impact on the ongoing trial, but they highlight the potential consequences of the former president's inflammatory rhetoric.
Several pro-Palestinian protesters disrupted the 97th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City on Thursday. As the parade made its way down Sixth Avenue, a group of protesters jumped the barricades and glued themselves to the street. Clad in white jumpsuits covered in fake blood and slogans like "colonialism" and "consumerism," the protesters held up Palestinian flags and banners criticizing the violence in Gaza. The interruption forced the parade to continue around them.
In addition to the disruption at the parade, a pro-Palestinian group spray-painted "Free Palestine" and bloody handprints on the pillars of the New York Public Library's main branch near Bryant Park. The library released a statement expressing support for the right to protest but noting the cost of repairing the vandalism in the midst of budget cuts.
While the exact number of arrests remains unclear, the New York Police Department reported that 34 people were taken into custody for various offenses, including trespassing and disorderly conduct. Four individuals were criminally charged for the vandalism at the library. The identities of the four arrested were revealed as Jay Waxse, Natalia Scollo, Sarah Al Azzawi, and Alvin Dan.
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is known for its joy and celebration, but this year's event was marred by the pro-Palestinian protest and vandalism. The disruption highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
Sources:
- The Washington Post: https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2023/11/23/macy-thanksgiving-parade-protest/
- PIX11: https://www.pix11.com/news/local-news/manhattan/pro-palestinian-protesters-deface-front-of-the-new-york-city-public-library
Dutch Muslims expressed shock at the recent election victory of far-right populist Geert Wilders. His party, the Freedom Party (PVV), won 37 seats in the Dutch parliament, ahead of the Labour/Green combination and Mark Rutte's conservatives. Wilders has previously called for the banning of mosques and the Koran in the Netherlands. Muslims, who make up around 5% of the Dutch population, were surprised and disappointed by the election results. They consider the PVV's program to be against the rule of law and the basic principles of society. Concerns among Muslims relate to Wilders' stance on banning headscarves and closing mosques. They fear that saying yes to him now will have consequences later, as he may implement his radical views. However, some believe that due to the Dutch system of coalition government, Wilders will have to compromise on his most extreme policies. Overall, the election result has caused worry and apprehension among Dutch Muslims and raises concerns for minorities and immigrants in Europe.
Prime Minister Leo Varadkar of Ireland has spoken out against the anti-immigrant protesters who caused chaos in Dublin following a knife attack that left three young children injured. Varadkar condemned the rioters, saying they were motivated by hate and a love for violence and chaos, rather than a desire to protect Irish society. He emphasized that their actions were not patriotic but instead aimed at causing pain to others. The violence erupted after rumors spread that a foreign national was responsible for the attack outside a Dublin school. The prime minister stressed that the attacks were not only on innocent children but also on the rule of law and Irish society as a whole. In response to the riots, police made additional arrests and implemented increased security measures to prevent further disorder. The injured children, a 5-year-old girl and a 6-year-old girl, are receiving medical treatment, and the alleged assailant remains hospitalized.
