Announcement

DC5m United States sport in english 75 articles, created at 2016-12-18 18:08 articles set mostly positive rate 3.7

1 7.1 Ronaldo nets hat-trick as Real Madrid win Club World Cup (5.82/6) The Spanish giants needed extra-time to beat Kashima Antlers 4-2 in Yokohama. 2016-12-18 10:10 1KB www.dailymail.co.uk

2 1.9 Trump: Michelle Obama must not have meant loss of 'hope' comment

(3.12/6) While many of his supporters are not necessarily fans of the current first lady, Donald Trump defended her controversial words over the weekend. 2016-12-18 09:21 2KB www.aol.com

3 5.6 Hirscher positioned to match Tomba with 4th GS win in Badia

(1.28/6) Marcel Hirscher is positioned to match Alberto Tomba with a record fourth giant slalom win in Alta Badia. 2016-12-18 06:35 1KB www.charlotteobserver.com

4 4.0 Belgian championship results and standings Dec 18 (Gracenote) - Results and standings from the Belgian championship matches

(1.08/6) on Sunday Sunday, December 18 Racing Genk 2 Standard Liege 2 Saturday, Decem... 2016-12-18 11:25 1KB www.dailymail.co.uk

5 3.6 Michael Phelps to receive BBC Sports Personality lifetime achievement award (1.06/6) Michael Phelps will receive the BBC Sports Personality lifetime achievement award on Sunday after capping his career with five Olympic golds in Rio. 2016-12-18 11:22 1KB www.dailymail.co.uk

6 5.9 Mourinho praises fans for reaction to Fellaini Some Man Utd supporters had booed the midfielder but reacted well against West

(1.06/6) Brom. 2016-12-18 09:21 2KB www.dailymail.co.uk

7 3.8 Ligue 1 top scorers Dec 18 (Gracenote) - Top scorers of the Ligue 1 match on Sunday 17 Edinson Cavani (Paris St Germain) 11 Alexandre Lacazette (Olympique Lyon) 10 Radamel Falca... (1.03/6) 2016-12-18 11:22 1KB www.dailymail.co.uk 8 3.0 Girl offers to replace Big Ben's bongs during upcoming renovation Girl offers to replace Big Ben's bongs (1.02/6) during upcoming renovation Eight-year-old listener writes to BBC radio volunteering her own recordings as substitute for the clock’s chimes 2016-12-18 11:16 3KB www.theguardian.com

9 1.4 Sport picture of the day: Joe Smith Jr knocks Bernard Hopkins out of the ring (1.02/6) Bernard Hopkins’ 28-year boxing career ended in defeat as Joe Smith Jr knocked the 51-year-old veteran to the floor and out of the ring 2016-12-18 09:20 1KB www.theguardian.com

10 0.0 Mane keeps focus on Merseyside derby rather than title race (1.02/6) The Liverpool forward knows his side must target three points against Everton above all else. 2016-12-18 08:35 3KB www.dailymail.co.uk

11 3.7 Ligue 1 summaries Dec 18 (Gracenote) - Summaries from the Ligue 1 matches on Sunday Sunday, December 18 Caen 3 Yann Karamoh 20, Ivan Santini 61, Pape Sane 90+3 Metz 0 Red (1.01/6) Card... 2016-12-18 11:23 1KB www.dailymail.co.uk

12 4.8 SHOWCASE-Soccer-Southampton win south coast derby

(1.00/6) BOURNEMOUTH 1 SOUTHAMPTON 3 Dec 18 (Reuters)- Jay Rodriguez scored twice as Southampton recovered strongly from conceding an early goal to win the south coas... 2016-12-18 11:22 1KB www.dailymail.co.uk

13 2.2 Inter scrape past injury-plagued Sassuolo MILAN, Dec 18 (Reuters) - A second-half goal from Antonio Candreva gave an unconvincing Inter Milan a 1-0 away win over an injury-plagued Sassuolo on Sunday.... (1.00/6) 2016-12-18 10:02 1KB www.dailymail.co.uk

14 3.0 Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish admires Jurgen Klopp's relationship with the fans (0.01/6) Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish has expressed his admiration for Jurgen Klopp and the way the German has managed to quickly build a rapport with the club's demanding supporters. 2016-12-18 09:01 1KB www.dailymail.co.uk

15 1.4 Klopp won't rush back improving Coutinho Dec 18 (Reuters) - Influential midfielder Philippe Coutinho was making encouraging progress from an ankle injury but will not be rushed back to boost Liverpo... (0.01/6) 2016-12-18 06:11 2KB www.dailymail.co.uk 16 0.8 'Pull over! Oh my god': Helpless biker captures footage of driver 'suffering stroke at the wheel' on a Florida motorway, smashing into street lights and careering off-road The unnamed man is seen in footage captured on the dash cam of a biker who tries desperately to get the driver to pull over. The car smashes through a street light and keeps going as if nothing happened. 2016-12-18 11:27 1KB www.dailymail.co.uk

17 1.2 Canes’ new version of ‘TSA Line’ finding some mojo Lee Stempniak and Sebastian Aho delivered shootout goals Saturday as the Carolina Hurricanes topped the Buffalo Sabres 2-1 in a hockey game Dec. 17, 2016. 2016-12-18 11:14 4KB www.charlotteobserver.com

18 1.1 Call The Midwife star Judy Parfitt lets rip at co-stars for using their phones on set Actress Judy Parfitt – best known as softly spoken Sister Monica Joan on the hit show – admits she frequently admonishes her younger cast-members for using their mobile phones between takes. 2016-12-18 10:59 2KB www.dailymail.co.uk

19 0.6 Jack Wilshere provides his first assist since 2014 as Bournemouth get off the mark against local rivals Southampton Jack Wilshere has finally rediscovered the knack of the assist, after going two years without picking out a team-mate to go on and score. Not since late 2014 has the England man set up a goal for his team. 2016-12-18 10:52 2KB www.dailymail.co.uk

20 4.3 Minivan crashes into police cruisers on I-295 in Yarmouth A driver of a minivan is in custody after hitting two police cruisers and injuring an officer. 2016-12-18 10:44 1KB www.pressherald.com

21 2.0 'Homeless' Danniella Westbrook fights back tears after 'losing her home' as she drags her possessions around Liverpool The 43-year-old struggled to hold back her tears as she wandered around London with a bulging white suitcase full of her essential items, after reportedly losing her home due to insufficient funds. 2016-12-18 10:29 5KB www.dailymail.co.uk

22 1.1 Gary, Hammond, East Chicago getting $5.6M for blight The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority says the Lake County cities of Gary, Hammond and East Chicago will receive a combined $5.6 million to eliminate blighted homes. 2016-12-18 10:26 1KB www.washingtontimes.com 23 0.7 Diane Abbott defends series of strikes planned in run-up to Christmas Shadow home secretary says she will not ‘second-guess decisions of trade unions’ as industrial action is threatened on railways, airports and at Post Office 2016-12-18 10:22 6KB www.theguardian.com

24 0.0 No increase in housing rates at Purdue for 5th year in a row Students at Purdue University’s West Lafayette campus won’t have to pay increased room and board rates for a fifth year in a row. 2016-12-18 10:21 1KB www.washingtontimes.com

25 2.3 Alex McKinnon to sue NRL and Melbourne player over tackle that left him paralysed Alex McKinnon (pictured), the rugby league player paralysed during an NRL game in 2014, is suing the league and the Melbourne Storm player who left him in a wheelchair for millions. 2016-12-18 10:15 2KB www.dailymail.co.uk

26 1.3 Parking garage feud holds up work on Baltimore theater site Crews started to rip up the Morris A. Mechanic Theatre more than two years ago, taking down the hulking concrete building in anticipation of two soaring apartment towers supporters said would strengthen downtown’s renaissance. 2016-12-18 10:01 7KB www.washingtontimes.com

27 0.0 Ex-A's slugger Eric Chavez sells desert home and baseball diamond for $4.75 million Former ballplayer Eric Chavez , who played for the A’s, Yankees and Diamondbacks across 17 seasons in the majors, has sold his home in Paradise Valley, Ariz., for $4.75 million 2016-12-18 10:00 2KB www.latimes.com

28 0.0 Bird watching in San Pedro BIRDING 2016-12-18 10:00 1KB www.latimes.com

29 2.7 Pep Guardiola praises Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger for getting the best out of his former star Alexis Sanchez Pep Guardiola has congratulated Arsene Wenger on finding Alexis Sanchez's best position at centre-forward. The Manchester City boss is set to come face-to-face with his former player. 2016-12-18 09:59 2KB www.dailymail.co.uk 30 2.5 Alexander Povetkin knocks out stand-in opponent... hours after revelation Russian boxer fails drug test and loses out on title shot with Bermane Stiverne Alexander Povetkin dominated and knocked out last-minute replacement opponent Johann Duhaupas — just hours after it emerged he had failed a drug test. 2016-12-18 09:58 2KB www.dailymail.co.uk

31 2.1 Bruce Springsteen reveals his battle depression and how it affected his relationship with his 'gruff' father Admitting that he has suffered with depression in his past, the 67-year-old described his battle to be like 'Churchill's black dog' when it jumps up and bites, as he chatted on Radio 4 this week. 2016-12-18 09:55 3KB www.dailymail.co.uk

32 4.7 Girl, 14-months-old, dies after drowning in a backyard swimming pool A toddler has drowned in a backyard swimming pool after family and paramedics were unable to resuscitate the girl on the New South Wales mid north coast. 2016-12-18 09:48 1KB www.dailymail.co.uk

33 3.8 Powerball results for 12/17/16 drawing; 1 winner of $121M jackpot The drawing on Wednesday, Dec. 21 will be worth $40 million with a cash option of $23.7 million. 2016-12-18 09:46 1KB www.mlive.com

34 1.3 Minnesota Football Gives Up Boycott, Will Play In Bowl Football players at the University of Minnesota have given up on their boycott of football activities after just a single day, ending their plans to skip an upcoming bowl game in solidarity with sever 2016-12-18 09:41 3KB dailycaller.com

35 0.2 'She wore a mourning dress to the wedding': Brides reveal the WORST things their nightmare mother-in-laws have done Brides have taken to the secret sharing app Whisper these brides have taken advantage of the site's anonymity in order to reveal shocking stories about their mother-in-laws. 2016-12-18 09:40 1KB www.dailymail.co.uk

36 0.0 Gabi Grecko looks to start DJ-ing again as she shares a busty selfie of herself posing with a DJ deck... and a fake bleeding lip Reinventing yourself? As 2016 draws to a close, Gabi Grecko seems to be considering previous interests as she posed with a DJ deck in a busty selfie 2016-12-18 09:37 2KB www.dailymail.co.uk 37 3.4 Jacksonville bringing college life back to downtown In Savannah, the sight of art-loving college students drawing in their sketchpads is as much a part of downtown as the city’s picturesque squares. 2016-12-18 09:27 5KB www.washingtontimes.com

38 0.6 More Dolls With Disabilities By Mainstream Toymakers Hitting Store Shelves : Shots Longtime toymakers are broadening their horizons — offering dolls and other figures with hearing aids, wheelchairs and insulin pumps in city scenes, not just hospitals. That's a start, activists say. 2016-12-18 09:21 7KB www.npr.org

39 0.9 TOP SPIN AT THE TEST: Virat Kohli dismissal stuns crowd as KL Rahul falls agonisingly short of double century England were made to toil on day three of the fifth and final Test in Chennai as KL Rahul hit a superb 199. LAWRENCE BOOTH casts his eye over the day's action at the Chidambaram Stadium. 2016-12-18 09:15 4KB www.dailymail.co.uk

40 2.3 Little Rock boy shot dead in road-rage attack 'because his grandma was driving too slow' A three-year-old boy in Little Rock was shot dead Saturday when a man fired at his grandmother's car because she 'wasn't moving fast enough,' police said. She called cops from a JC Penney. 2016-12-18 09:15 1KB www.dailymail.co.uk

41 3.2 NFL injury report Week 15: Fantasy update Sunday games NFL injury report for Week 15 games including Bengals-Steelers, Vikings-Colts, Packers-Bears, Chiefs-Titans, Lions-Giants, Cardinals-Saints, and Bucs-Cowboys. 2016-12-18 09:14 8KB www.upi.com

42 4.3 Watch fans toss hundreds of teddy bears on the ice at hockey game

It was the annual Teddy Bear Toss game Saturday in Muskegon. 2016-12-18 09:01 1KB www.mlive.com

43 2.9 Reuters Health News Summary Following is a summary of current health news briefs. Optimistic people may live longer after a heart attack People who expect good things to happen in the f... 2016-12-18 09:01 4KB www.dailymail.co.uk

44 0.6 Twin who finished Half Marathon with brother loses cancer battle After Shawn Green was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2009, brother Shane Green, who lives in Homer Glen, was at his side through all of it. 2016-12-18 09:00 2KB chicago.suntimes.com 45 3.6 Allenzae Staggers, Ito Smith too much to handle in Southern Miss 28-21 win over Louisiana-Lafayette Allenzae Staggers and Ito Smith combined to gain 374 yards from scrimmage in Saturday's 28-21 win over Louisiana-Lafayette in the New Orleans Bowl. 2016-12-18 09:00 4KB www.nola.com

46 1.9 Ask Farmer: Why is the center allowed to move the ball forward before the snap? Have a question about the NFL? Ask Times NFL writer Sam Farmer, and he will answer as many as he can online and in the Sunday editions of the newspaper throughout the season. Email questions to: [email protected] 2016-12-18 09:00 1KB www.latimes.com

47 1.4 New Orleans Pelicans at San Antonio Spurs game preview, breakdown The Pelicans are 4-23 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio since the 2002-03 season. 2016-12-18 09:00 1KB www.nola.com

48 0.7 Sampaoli outshines Emery as Sevilla join title race Dec 18 (Reuters) - Sevilla's devastating display to dispatch Malaga 4-1 on Saturday put them in their highest league position after 16 games for a decade and... 2016-12-18 08:40 2KB www.dailymail.co.uk

49 3.6 Dow nears 20,000; Another U. S. economy reading; FedEx previews the holiday season This week in stocks: Dow nears 20,000; GDP 3Q revision; FedEx earnings; Apple AirPods start shipping. 2016-12-18 08:31 3KB rss.cnn.com

50 2.3 Regional Morning Briefing: Delivering gifts in the ice and Eagles hope to spoil Ravens playoff hopes Good Morning. Here are some of the top stories from around the region today. 2016-12-18 08:29 3KB www.delcotimes.com

51 2.0 NBA roundup: recap, scores, notes for every game played on December 17 CLEVELAND -- LeBron James scored 26 points, including 16 in the fourth quarter, and Kyrie Irving had 21 points and matched his career high with 12 assists in the Cleveland Cavaliers' 119-108 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night. 2016-12-18 08:27 6KB www.upi.com 52 0.8 Lee gets last laugh in amusing first game vs ROS, ex-teammates As a vital part of Rain or Shine for five years, Paul Lee knew what was coming when he faced his former team for the first time. Known for their physical brand of basketball, the Elasto Painters, 2016-12-18 00:00 2KB sports.inquirer.net

53 2.2 Gary Neville slams FA again for handling of Wayne Rooney's late night drinking as he accuses them of 'throwing captain overboard' Gary Neville has once again criticised the Football Association over their handling of Wayne Rooney's drinking binge while on England duty last month. 2016-12-18 08:08 3KB www.dailymail.co.uk

54 1.0 Emma Roberts keeps it simple in casual black sweater and festive beanie as she steps out in Los Angeles The American actress, 25, sported a casual black top and matching skinny jeans while taking a stroll through the city. 2016-12-18 08:06 2KB www.dailymail.co.uk

55 1.8 Michelle Keegan insists she's happy with husband Mark Wright but admits they won't be trying for a baby just yet Michelle Keegan, 29, has dismissed claims her marriage is in trouble and admits she's fed up of having to defend her and Mark Wright's relationship. 2016-12-18 08:01 3KB www.dailymail.co.uk

56 2.6 Math a concern for US teens; science, reading flat on test WASHINGTON (AP) -- American students have a math problem. The latest global snapshot of student performance for 15-year-olds shows declining math scores in 2016-12-18 08:01 6KB mynorthwest.com

57 1.9 How Is The World Treating People With Disabilities? A new report from the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health looks at how far countries have come — and have far they still have to go. 2016-12-18 08:00 7KB www.npr.org

58 5.6 Saints vs. Cardinals: What TV channel, time is today's game on?

The game can be seen locally on WVUE-FOX 8. 2016-12-18 08:00 1KB www.nola.com 59 1.2 Lions at Giants: How to watch live, online; TV, radio info; stories to follow The Detroit Lions will take on the New York Giants in a battle of 9-4 teams inching toward playoff spots. Here's a quick rundown of what you need to know -- live streams, radio info, betting lines, stories to follow and more. 2016-12-18 08:00 2KB www.mlive.com

60 0.0 AFC notes: LeSean McCoy is the key to the Bills' offense Baltimore Ravens : Kicker Justin Tucker has nine field goals of at least 50 yards, one short of the NFL record. He’s made 31 or 32 field goals after having one blocked last week. 2016-12-18 08:00 3KB www.latimes.com

61 1.9 NFC notes: Buccaneers have 10 interceptions over the last five games Arizona Cardinals : Last week, Chandler Catanzaro missed a 41-yard field-goal try and a point-after try, and had a point-after try blocked and returned by Miami. 2016-12-18 08:00 3KB www.latimes.com

62 2.0 When Jimmy mussed Donny and other instances of TV softballing Trump Along with the comedian Norm Macdonald and the singer Kiiara, Donald J. Trump appeared on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" on Sept. 15, a lifetime ago. That was the night that, in a gesture that for some viewers said more about... 2016-12-18 08:00 6KB www.latimes.com

63 3.3 Prahran man knocks victim, 33, unconscious in 'one- punch attack' A 33-year-old Melbourne man has been left fighting for his life after he was knocked unconscious in an alleged one-punch attack on Chapel Street in Prahran in the early hours of Sunday morning. 2016-12-18 07:58 2KB www.dailymail.co.uk

64 0.5 One for the naughty list! Bianca Gascoigne sets pulses racing in saucy Santa lingerie... after documenting her bum lift procedure on Instagram The 30-year-old put on a titillating display in the racy Christmas-themed bra and suspenders - formed of semi-sheer lace and mesh to draw attention to her womanly curves. 2016-12-18 07:52 3KB www.dailymail.co.uk

65 0.9 She's quite the Catch! Stephanie Pratt flaunts her svelte thighs in a miniskirt and knee-high boots as she enjoys night out at celeb hotspot in LA Stephanie Pratt, 30, looked great as she headed to celeb hotspot Catch, West Hollywood, on Saturday night. 2016-12-18 07:39 2KB www.dailymail.co.uk 66 1.8 Matt Terry gets a rousing reception as he takes to the stage for his first live set since winning The X Factor... after revealing plans to move in with close friend Freddy Parker The former waiter, 23, received a rousing reception as he took to the stage for a performance of his debut single, the Ed Sheeran penned charity track When Christmas Comes Around. 2016-12-18 07:34 3KB www.dailymail.co.uk

67 1.0 LIVE: Real Madrid vs Kashima Antlers Los Blancos have the chance to lift their second Cup World Cup in three years, while their opponents have already made history as the first Japanese club to reach the final... 2016-12-18 07:24 652Bytes article.wn.com

68 1.4 Former Everton boss Roberto Martinez insists the club didn't allow him to finish his long-term project: 'I became the scapegoat' Former Everton manager Roberto Martinez has opened up on his Toffees' dismissal and claims he was made a 'scapegoat' by the club in his fateful final season on Merseyside. 2016-12-18 07:23 3KB www.dailymail.co.uk

69 2.8 Anonymous driver leaves behind expletive-laden note after smashing into car on Sydney street An anonymous driver has left behind an expletive-laden note after smashing into a parked Jeep in front of onlookers on a Sydney street. 2016-12-18 07:03 2KB www.dailymail.co.uk

70 0.0 SVG threatens Pistons lineup changes again: 'That unit is clearly not working' Detroit is averaging 95 points per game since Reggie Jackson returned. 2016-12-18 06:45 4KB www.mlive.com

71 2.0 Bryan Brown says his relationship with his daughter is better when they share the spotlight, as she's nicer to him and 'snaps' less Creative genes run in his family, with both his wife and daughter becoming actresses and directors. And Australian actor Byron Brown has suggested he actually bonds better with his daughter on-screen. 2016-12-18 06:41 1KB www.dailymail.co.uk

72 6.7 Noble hails 'massive' week for Hammers as he insists results are all important Mark Noble insists the confidence is returning to West Ham following back-to-back home wins. 2016-12-18 06:36 2KB www.independent.ie 73 2.2 Australian surfer prodigy reveals love of doughnuts – video Sabre Norris, the 11-year-old Australian surfing prodigy, tells Ellen DeGeneres about her plan to spend $500 of prize money, won in the Sydney International Women’s Pro competition, on doughnuts 2016-12-18 06:21 1KB www.theguardian.com

74 3.1 Why do we spend so most during Christmas? Christmas brings out the generous spirit in most of us but what tactics are retailers coming up with to get us to spend that bit more? Isabelle Szmigin, 2016-12-18 00:00 1013Bytes headlinenewstoday.net

75 0.0 Tomorrow's transportation today: Start thinking bigger and bolder to move people and goods around New York in the 21st century In the 1980s, as New York City's graffiti-covered subway system was on the verge of collapse... 2016-12-18 06:00 13KB feeds.nydailynews.com Articles

DC5m United States sport in english 75 articles, created at 2016-12-18 18:08

1 /75 7.1 Ronaldo nets hat-trick as Real Madrid win Club World Cup (5.82/6) Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick as Real Madrid claimed their second Club World Cup title but the Spanish giants needed extra-time to see off the spirited Kashima Antlers 4-2 in Yokohama. The Portuguese has won the Champions League, European Championship and Ballon d’Or in 2016 and ended the year with yet more glory, scoring his side’s second from the penalty spot before settling matters with a pair of fine finishes in the additional half-hour. On paper it was something of a mismatch but Kashima, the first Asian side to reach the final of the competition, took a second-half lead at 2-1 and could have won it late in normal time. Instead scores were tied at 2-2, Karim Benzema’s opener and Ronaldo’s penalty weighed against a fine brace from Gaku Shibasaki, the Japanese team delighting 68,000 fans with their defiance. That left the stage clear for Ronaldo, who had been poor for the first 45 minutes, to take a familiar place in the spotlight and extend Real’s unbeaten run in all competitions to 37 games.

Fourcade wins mass start Lara Gut back to form with Ronaldo nets hat-trick as Spanish snowboarders win race in biathlon World Cup World Cup super-G win Real Madrid win Club World World Cup cross team event charlotteobserver.com charlotteobserver.com Cup charlotteobserver.com dailymail.co.uk

Real Madrid 4-2 Kashima Cristiano Ronaldo treble Ronaldo treble fires Real to Cristiano Ronaldo reaches Antlers: Cristiano Ronaldo fires Real to Club World Cup Club World Cup another landmark as he hits hat-trick gives Madrid extra- dailymail.co.uk digitaljournal.com 40th hat-trick of his Real time victory and crowns the Madrid career in FIFA Club Galacticos FIFA Club World World Cup victory Cup champions dailymail.co.uk dailymail.co.uk 2016-12-18 10:10 Press Association www.dailymail.co.uk

2 /75 1.9 Trump: Michelle Obama must not have meant loss of 'hope' comment (3.12/6) MOBILE, Alabama — Donald Trump at the final stop of his "Thank You" tour on Saturday again gave a play- by-play of his election night victory, but also said First Lady Michelle Obama must have been talking about the past when she said the nation now feels without hope.

"She made that statement not meaning it the way it came out," Trump said.

In an interview that aired on CBS Friday , Mrs. Obama told Oprah Winfrey "now we're feeling what not having hope feels like. " She did not mention Trump's name explicitly.

RELATED: See the president and first lady through the years

"I assume she was talking about the past not the future cause I'm telling you, we have tremendous hope and we have tremendous promise and tremendous potential," Trump said Saturday. The crowd booed at the mention of Mrs. Obama.

Trump's comments were a contrast for the president elect, who was known on the campaign trail for swift and biting rebukes of those who spoke ill of him, even in veiled language.

"I met with President Obama and Michelle Obama in the White House. My wife was there. She could not have been nicer," Trump said. "I honestly believe she meant that statement in a different way than it came out. "

Trump's multi-stop, multi-week victory tour came to an end in a familiar stadium Saturday, a place that once housed his biggest rally of the campaign.

RELATED: Trump meets with Kanye West

Trump's first 25,000+ person rally in Mobile took place in August of last year and exemplified the early appeal of the then-GOP presidential hopeful.

And while his quick defense of a former rival marked a departure from old, the rest of the rally was quintessentially Trump — including promises of "the wall," barbs for the press, and congratulations for those who knew he could do it from the start. Trump says Michelle Donald Trump praises Trump Says Michelle Obama's 'no hope' comment Michelle Obama as he Obama's 'No Hope' about the past refutes ‘no hope’ comment Comment About the Past wral.com at Alabama rally abcnews.go.com feeds.nydailynews.com

2016-12-18 09:21 AOL Staff www.aol.com

3 /75 5.6 Hirscher positioned to match Tomba with 4th GS win in Badia (1.28/6) Marcel Hirscher is positioned to match Alberto Tomba with a record fourth giant slalom win in Alta Badia.

The overall World Cup leader from Austria held a 0.21-second lead over Mathieu Faivre of France and was 0.81 ahead of Florian Eisath of Italy after the first run Sunday.

Alexis Pinturault, the Frenchman who won the GS on home snow in Val d'Isere last weekend, stood seventh, 1.12 behind.

Olympic champion Ted Ligety slid off course shortly into his run. The American has been unable to train properly lately due to severe back pain.

Italian great Tomba captured his wins on the Gran Risa course in 1987, '90, '91 and '94.

Hirscher has won this race the last three years, and also took a slalom in Badia in 2011.

Hirscher matches Tomba with 4th GS win in Alta Badia article.wn.com

2016-12-18 06:35 By ANDREW www.charlotteobserver.com

4 /75 4 /75 (1.08/6) 4.0 Belgian championship results and standings Dec 18 (Gracenote) - Results and standings from the Belgian championship matches on Sunday Sunday, December 18 Racing Genk 2 Standard Liege 2 Saturday, December 17 Charleroi 2 Excel Mouscron 0 Mechelen 2 Waasland-Beveren 0 Oostende 1 Zulte Waregem 1 St Truiden 3 Gent 1 Westerlo 1 Lokeren 3 Standings P W D L F A Pts 1 Zulte Waregem 19 10 6 3 31 20 36 2 Club Bruges 18 10 4 29 12 34 3 Charleroi 18 9 7 2 24 16 34 4 Oostende 19 9 6 4 36 22 33 5 Anderlecht 18 9 5 4 36 19 32 6 Gent 19 9 5 29 18 32 ------7 Mechelen 19 9 4 6 27 23 31 8 Standard Liege 18 8 5 33 20 29 9 Racing Genk 18 7 4 7 23 29 25 10 Kortrijk 18 6 27 29 24 11 Lokeren 19 6 4 9 19 24 22 12 St Truiden 19 5 4 10 21 27 19 13 Eupen 18 4 5 9 28 41 17 14 Waasland- Beveren 18 3 6 9 16 30 15 Excel Mouscron 19 3 2 14 17 41 11 ------16 Westerlo 19 2 5 12 20 45 11 1-6: Championship play-off 7-15: Europa League play-off 16: Relegation Next Fixtures (GMT): Sunday, December 18 Club Bruges v Kortrijk (1700) Anderlecht v Eupen (1900)

European Rugby Champions Serie A summaries Dutch championship English premier league Cup group stage results and dailymail.co.uk summaries results and standings standings dailymail.co.uk dailymail.co.uk dailymail.co.uk

Ligue 1 results and Greek championship results Serie A results and Dutch championship results standings and standings standings and standings dailymail.co.uk dailymail.co.uk dailymail.co.uk dailymail.co.uk

2016-12-18 11:25 Reuters www.dailymail.co.uk

5 /75 3.6 Michael Phelps to receive BBC Sports Personality lifetime achievement award (1.06/6) Michael Phelps will receive the BBC Sports Personality lifetime achievement award on Sunday after capping his career with five Olympic golds in Rio. The American took his record Olympic haul to 23 golds and 28 medals in all, claiming individual 200 metres butterfly and medley titles and three relay triumphs. Phelps also took silver in the 100m butterfly, with his performances in Brazil justifying his decision to come out of retirement. He stands 10 medals clear of the next most successful Olympian, gymnast Larisa Latynina who won 18 medals for the Soviet Union from 1956 to 1964. Phelps, 31, said of his BBC honour: 'I'm thrilled to receive the prestigious Sports Personality lifetime achievement award and follow in the footsteps of so many sporting greats. 'It is a fitting way to end what has been an unbelievable year for me and I'm looking forward to what will be a great night.' Previous winners of the award include footballers George Best, Pele, Sir Bobby Charlton and David Beckham, golfer Seve Ballesteros, cyclist Sir Chris Hoy and jockey AP McCoy. Sunday evening's ceremony takes place in Birmingham, with Wimbledon and Olympic tennis champion Andy Murray the bookmakers' favourite for the Sports Personality of the Year award.

Michael Phelps to get BBC Phelps to receive BBC lifetime achievement award Sports Personality lifetime digitaljournal.com achievement award dailymail.co.uk

2016-12-18 11:22 Press Association www.dailymail.co.uk

6 /75 (1.06/6) 5.9 Mourinho praises fans for reaction to Fellaini Jose Mourinho was pleased to see Manchester United fans give much-maligned midfielder Marouane Fellaini a welcome reception against West Brom on Saturday. With the game at The Hawthorns all but won with United 2-0 ahead courtesy of a couple of goals from Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Fellaini was brought on for captain Wayne Rooney after 83 minutes to help protect the lead and his introduction was met with warm applause from the travelling United faithful. It was in stark contrast to last weekend’s home win over Tottenham, when the 29-year-old was jeered by some United supporters for his costly mistake against Everton, where he gave away a late penalty in the 1-1 draw at Goodison Park. Mourinho paid tribute to the fans and thanked them for not booing Fellaini again, telling MUTV: “The fans are fantastic. “They had just an impulsive reaction because of Marouane’s naive reaction against Everton, but they know that Marouane is a guy that gives absolutely everything. Inside the dressing room people love the guy and it’s important for him to get that good feeling of knowing the fans are behind him.” As an additional thank you, after the win at The Hawthorns the Manchester United manager told his players to throw their shirts into the crowd and give them to Reds fans as a Christmas present. “I told them to do that, [it’s] Christmas time. A shirt for a fan, coming direct from the game with sweat, means a lot,” said Mourinho in his post-match press conference. “For them [United players], it is just another shirt that they would give to the kit man, or give to some friend, or they change with some West Bromwich Albion friends. I think to a fan it means a lot. It is a pity that not everyone can get one, but, for the ones who get it, I think it is a great feeling.” West Brom boss Tony Pulis is looking to add “one or two” players to his squad when the transfer window opens and hopes Albion can maintain their position in the Premier League over Christmas in order to improve their chances of making signings. Pulis, whose side are seventh in the table ahead of Sunday’s fixtures, said: “We’ve got three points out of three difficult games against Chelsea, Swansea and Manchester United. “Now what we have to do is make sure we hang in there until the window opens and fingers crossed we can add one or two to the squad. That’s what we need to do, add one or two to the squad and keep things ticking over and going in the right direction.”

Jose Mourinho pleased with Mourinho praises United Manchester United fans' fans for getting behind reaction to Marouane Fellaini Fellaini in win at West Brom independent.ie dailymail.co.uk

2016-12-18 09:21 Press Association www.dailymail.co.uk

7 /75 (1.03/6) 3.8 Ligue 1 top scorers Dec 18 (Gracenote) - Top scorers of the Ligue 1 match on Sunday 17 Edinson Cavani (Paris St Germain) 11 Alexandre Lacazette (Olympique Lyon) 10 Radamel Falcao (Monaco) Alassane Plea (Nice) 8 Bafetimbi Gomis (Olympique Marseille) Ivan Santini (Caen) 7 Guido Carrillo (Monaco) Benjamin Moukandjo (FC Lorient) Ryad Boudebouz (Montpellier HSC) Martin Braithwaite (Toulouse) 6 Famara Diedhiou (Angers SCO) Thomas Lemar (Monaco) Mevluet Erdinc (Metz) Steve Mounie (Montpellier HSC) Mario Balotelli (Nice) Enzo Crivelli (Bastia) 5 Fabinho (Monaco) Valere Germain (Monaco) Lois Diony (Dijon FCO) Rodrigue Ninga (Montpellier HSC) Wylan Cyprien (Nice) Lucas Moura (Paris St Germain) Giovanni Sio (Stade Rennes) Ola Toivonen (Toulouse) European Rugby Champions Ligue 1 results and Serie A top scorers Dutch championship top Cup group stage results and standings dailymail.co.uk scorers standings dailymail.co.uk dailymail.co.uk dailymail.co.uk

2016-12-18 11:22 Reuters www.dailymail.co.uk

8 /75 3.0 Girl offers to replace Big Ben's bongs during upcoming renovation Girl offers to replace Big Ben's bongs during upcoming renovation (1.02/6) Eight-year-old Phoebe Hanson, a devoted listener to BBC Radio 4, was horrified to hear the bongs from Big Ben will stop next year while the clock is repaired , and wrote to the PM programme, volunteering to provide a replacement.

In a letter to Roger Sawyer, the show’s editor, Phoebe offered to hum the chimes and play an instrument for the bongs, recording everything on the microphone she would bring to the studio.

Sawyer responded, admitting that “some of the cleverest and most important people at BBC are scratching their heads wondering what to do,” but gently suggesting that Phoebe wasn’t perhaps aware of what an arduous task hers would be.

He was much taken with her suggestion and would pass it on, but added: “As you know the bongs are live ...and the beginning of the Westminster Chimes is always at a slightly different time. It depends on things like temperature and atmospheric pressure and stuff like that.”

“So it would be quite a task for you, doing the bongs: you’d have to rush in after school each day (and at the weekend), rush home for tea, homework, a bit of chillin’, then a quick sleep.” And then – here’s the hard bit – you’d have to rush back in again at midnight because there are live bongs again before the midnight news. That’s an awful lot of work for someone who is still quite young. I know I wouldn’t like to do all that.”

He signed off : “I’m very impressed that you listen to Radio 4. I wish my two children did. Have a spiffing Christmas and a stupendous and lucky 2017.”

Her father, Jon Hanson, told BBC news: “She was listening to Radio 4 in the car and Eddie Mair was saying that Big Ben would stop chiming next year, and she said, ‘Oh no, we have to do something about it. I want to write a letter’.” He added: “She takes things very literally as she is on the autism spectrum, so I think she still wants to do the bongs.”

The clock which drives the Big Ben chimes is 157 years old, and will have to be stopped next year for several months at least, for £29m worth of repair work. Renovation work is also overdue on the 96-metre Elizabeth Tower which houses it.

When the chimes last fell silent in 2007, Radio 4 substituted them with a birdsong that the listeners loved. “Then the people behind Tweet of the Day stole our idea ... so we can’t do that again,” Sawyer recalled.

Phoebe’s father posted the story and the letter on his Facebook page , which has received over 14,000 likes.

Hanson told the BBC : “I’m very proud of her. I work in IT and we try to increase our internet presence, but then she has stepped in and done it in one fell swoop.”

Mel C says her eight-year- old daughter Scarlet is more of a Spice Girl than she ever was dailymail.co.uk

2016-12-18 11:16 Maev Kennedy www.theguardian.com

9 /75 1.4 Sport picture of the day: Joe Smith Jr knocks Bernard Hopkins out of the ring (1.02/6) Bernard Hopkins’ 28-year boxing career ended in defeat as Joe Smith Jr knocked the 51-year-old veteran to the floor in the eighth round. Fifty-three seconds into the round, Smith landed a six-punch combination which sent Hopkins through the ropes and on to the floor. Referee Jack Reiss called a halt to proceedings via a technical knockout when Hopkins failed to return inside the ring after a period of 20 seconds Bernard Hopkins ends fight career sprawled outside ring dailymail.co.uk

2016-12-18 09:20 Daffydd Bynon www.theguardian.com

10 /75 0.0 Mane keeps focus on Merseyside derby rather than title race (1.02/6) Sadio Mane says Chelsea’s lead in the Premier League title race cannot distract Liverpool from Monday’s Merseyside derby. Trips to Goodison Park are always occasions in their own right for the red half of the city and victory in the storied fixture is a cause for celebration regardless of how either side is faring. But Jurgen Klopp’s side are genuine title challengers this season and know they cannot afford to slip too far short of Chelsea’s mark over the busy festive period. Antonio Conte’s side racked up their 11th win in a row at Crystal Palace on Saturday and three points against the Toffees would still leave Liverpool six points off the pace. Mane is happy to focus on the opponents at hand, though, allowing the bigger picture to take care of itself. “I think we have a bit of distance to Chelsea, but we all know what can happen in football,” the Senegalese told Liverpoolfc.com. “For us, the most important thing is not to think about where they are, it’s to focus on ourselves and go game by game, and try to win the games, until the end of the season. “I think in the Premier League everything is quite the same, it (Everton) is a tough game, but why not? I think with the quality we have we can beat every team in the league, so I don’t know why we can’t go there and win.” Liverpool started a run of five matches in 19 days with a handsome 3-0 win at Middlesbrough and meetings with Stoke, Manchester City and Sunderland follow hot on the heels of the derby. Mane is in his third season of English football and is ready for the rigours of the calendar “It’s not easy but I think everybody’s used to doing it,” he said. “I think it’s no problem for us so everybody’s excited and looking forward to this time, I think we can do it.” Like Mane, Roberto Firmino is slated for a big role on Monday. On face value the slight Brazilian might not seem the kind of player who would flourish in a fixture that can be full-blooded to say the least, but he has no concerns about the physical side of the game. “There is no fear at all,” the 25-year-old told the Liverpool FC magazine. “Sometimes people see you as skinny and then they think, ‘Oh, he is not a strong player’. But what matters is what you feel and what you do inside the pitch. No matter how skinny you are, the important thing is how you think psychologically. “If you think you are strong, you are really strong and I class myself as a strong player. I’m not intimidated by powerful defenders. Maybe when you are younger, playing against huge centre-backs might cause some fear to you, but when you are an older player there is no more fear. You simply play as best you can and go about your work.”

6 classic Merseyside derbies independent.ie

2016-12-18 08:35 Press Association www.dailymail.co.uk

11 /75 (1.01/6) 3.7 Ligue 1 summaries Dec 18 (Gracenote) - Summaries from the Ligue 1 matches on Sunday Sunday, December 18 Caen 3 Yann Karamoh 20, Ivan Santini 61, Pape Sane 90+3 Metz 0 Red Card: Milan Bisevac 57 Halftime: 1-0;Attendance: 17,000 - Saturday, December 17 Stade Rennes 1 Giovanni Sio 71 Bastia 2 Enzo Crivelli 59, Gael Danic 63 Halftime: 0-0;Attendance: 22,637 - Toulouse 1 Christopher Jullien 84 AS Nancy-Lorraine 1 Youssef Ait Bennasser 33 Halftime: 0-1;Attendance: 15,061 - FC Lorient 2 Romain Philippoteaux 39, Jimmy Cabot 90 St Etienne 1 Vincent Pajot 90+2 Red Card: Jessy Moulin 10 Halftime: 1-0;Attendance: 11,581 - Montpellier HSC 4 Paul Lasne 13, Stephane Sessegnon 20, Steve Mounie 84, Yacouba Sylla 90+2 Girondins Bordeaux 0 Red Card: Jeremy Menez 38 Halftime: 2- 0;Attendance: 9,841 - En Avant de Guingamp 2 Yannis Salibur 66, Nill De Pauw 70 Paris St Germain 1 Edinson Cavani 80 Halftime: 0-0;Attendance: 18,033 - Friday, December 16 Angers SCO 0 Nantes 2 Guillaume Gillet 19, Amine Harit 48 Halftime: 0-1;Attendance: 12,859 - Still being played (GMT): Sunday, December 18 Nice v Dijon FCO (1400) Next Fixtures (GMT): Sunday, December 18 Olympique Marseille v Lille (1600) Monaco v Olympique Lyon (1945)

Serie A summaries Dutch championship dailymail.co.uk summaries dailymail.co.uk

2016-12-18 11:23 Reuters www.dailymail.co.uk

12 /75 4.8 SHOWCASE-Soccer-Southampton win south coast derby (1.00/6) BOURNEMOUTH 1 SOUTHAMPTON 3 Dec 18 (Reuters)- Jay Rodriguez scored twice as Southampton recovered strongly from conceding an early goal to win the south coast derby at Bournemouth 3-1 on Sunday. Chelsea loanee Nathan Ake, who recently scored a last-gasp winning goal against Liverpool, headed the home side in front in the sixth minute from an excellent cross by Jack Wilshere. Southampton, who had made six changes amid their busy schedule, equalised eight minutes later with a low drive by England fullback Ryan Bertrand. An inspired halftime change brought on Steven Davis to set up Rodriguez, who then made sure of the win five minutes from the end with his second goal. The result sent Southampton up two places to seventh, three points ahead of Bournemouth, who stayed 10th. (Reporting by Steve Tongue; Editing by Toby Davis)

Bournemouth 1-3 Southampton: Jay Rodriguez returns to form with magnificent brace dailymail.co.uk

2016-12-18 11:22 Reuters www.dailymail.co.uk

13 /75 (1.00/6) 2.2 Inter scrape past injury-plagued Sassuolo MILAN, Dec 18 (Reuters) - A second-half goal from Antonio Candreva gave an unconvincing Inter Milan a 1-0 away win over an injury-plagued Sassuolo on Sunday. Sassuolo, 16th in the table, had 10 players on the injured list but gave as good as they got in an even first half. Candreva scored two minutes after halftime when he fired a rebound into the roof of the net after Sassuolo keeper Andrea Consigli could only parry Joao Mario's drive into his path. Sassuolo substitute Alessandro Matri should have equalised with 10 minutes to go but completely missed his kick and seventh-placed Inter had midfielder Felipe Melo sent off in stoppage time for a second bookable offence. (Writing by Brian Homewood in Berne; Editing by Toby Davis)

Serie A summaries dailymail.co.uk

2016-12-18 10:02 Reuters www.dailymail.co.uk

14 /75 3.0 Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish admires Jurgen Klopp's relationship with the fans (0.01/6) 'Jurgen is somebody the supporters can relate to,' Dalglish told The Daily Telegraph . 'He is not someone who is full of his own importance, but someone who is accepting of the job. 'He won't tell everyone how good he is at his job, he just is good at it.' 'The atmosphere at the club and the way the team is playing has made everyone at the club so happy. It's down to Jurgen,' Dalglish said. 'If Jurgen has the same philosophy as people who have come before him, that's all credit to those who employed him.' 'With every section of the club - whether it's fans, players, all the staff - his respect for people is fantastic,' added Dalglish.

Liverpool ace Philippe Coutinho making good progress but won't be rushed by back by Jurgen Klopp dailymail.co.uk

2016-12-18 09:01 Rory O www.dailymail.co.uk

15 /75 (0.01/6) 1.4 Klopp won't rush back improving Coutinho Dec 18 (Reuters) - Influential midfielder Philippe Coutinho was making encouraging progress from an ankle injury but will not be rushed back to boost Liverpool's Premier League title aspirations, manager Juergen Klopp has said. The 24-year-old Brazilian, who was initially expected to be out for five to six weeks, has been on the sidelines since sustaining the injury during the 2-0 win over Sunderland at Anfield last month. "It would be cool. He is improving a lot," Klopp told British media when asked if Coutinho could be back for the clash against Manchester City at Anfield on New Year's Eve. "He is off his crutches since the West Ham United game (on Dec. 11), when we left the stadium he was walking in front without them. " Coutinho said he has set his sights on making his return against City. Klopp, however, insisted the midfielder will not be rushed back into action. "We will have to see," the German manager added. "No idea at the moment. I never rush a player back. I'm the most patient person in Liverpool. I always wait for someone. I can't rush it. " In Coutinho's absence, Liverpool have had mixed results, having lost at Bournemouth and being held to a home draw by West Ham United before getting back to winning ways at Middlesbrough on Wednesday. Liverpool, who are second in the league, are nine points behind leaders Chelsea but have a game in hand and face Merseyside rivals Everton at Goodison Park on Monday. (Reporting by Shravanth Vijayakumar in Bengaluru; editing by Sudipto Ganguly)

Liverpool ace Philippe Coutinho making good progress but won't be rushed by back by Jurgen Klopp dailymail.co.uk 2016-12-18 06:11 Reuters www.dailymail.co.uk

16 /75 0.8 'Pull over! Oh my god': Helpless biker captures footage of driver 'suffering stroke at the wheel' on a Florida motorway, smashing into street lights and careering off- road This is the moment a Florida driver appears to have a stroke while speeding down a highway. The unnamed man is seen in footage captured on the dash cam of a biker who tries desperately to get the driver to pull over. 'Pull over! Oh my god,' the biker is heard in the video, as the driver speeds through the shoulder of the road, apparently unaware that he's driving on grass. The car smashes through a street light and keeps going as if nothing happened. 'You need to stop,' the biker tells the man. 'Get off the gas!' The driver appears disoriented, as if he was having a stroke. He gives barely audible responses. 'Are you alright? Do you know where you're going?' the biker asks. 'You know your car is totaled right?'

2016-12-18 11:27 Dailymail.com www.dailymail.co.uk

17 /75 1.2 Canes’ new version of ‘TSA Line’ finding some mojo Lee Stempniak faked the forehand, then went backhand to score.

Sebastian Aho faked the backhand, then went forehand to score.

While the Carolina Hurricanes didn’t get a goal from the Teuvo Teravainen line Saturday during regulation or overtime, Stempniak and Aho both delivered in the shootout as the Canes topped the Buffalo Sabres 2-1 at PNC Arena.

That Canes coach Bill Peters picked those two — the veteran and the rookie — to lead off the shootout wasn’t surprising. With Teravainen at center, their line has molded into a scoring threat for the Canes in December.

Remember the “TSA Line” of Teravainen, center Jordan Staal and Aho earlier in the season? This might be “TSA Line 2.0,” with Teravainen, Stempniak and Aho.

In early November, Teravainen was asked if he was better suited on the wing or at center. He laughed and said, “I don’t know. I don’t know if anyone knows. So let’s find out.”

The Canes are finding out. After Staal suffered a concussion on Nov. 27, Teravainen was moved to the middle. He had a pair of goals in the Canes’ 6-5 shootout loss to the Anaheim Ducks, and a goal and assist Friday as the Canes were beaten 4-3 in a shootout by the Washington Capitals.

“I’ve felt good and I think it’s getting easier and easier every game,” Teravainen said. “I like playing there. I get a lot of pucks in the middle and I can pass to my wingers, so it’s been good so far. Hopefully we will keep going.”

There have been some rough patches. In the Dec. 1 game at Boston, Teravainen inadvertently kicked the puck past goalie Cam Ward and into his own net during a scrum, allowing the Bruins to tie the score 1-1 late in regulation and win a shootout. Ward, in his next start, shut out Tampa Bay.

“For two games I was the only guy to score on him,” Teravainen said. “But things happen. The game is quick. Sometimes you’re lucky and sometimes not on those little bounces, but you just need to work hard and hopefully you get the good bounce.”

Aho, a smooth skater and crafty player gaining confidence with each game, has two goals and three assists in the past six games. Stempniak, after a long goal drought, also has two goals and three assists in the past six.

Teravainen and Aho, the two Finns, have good feel for each other’s game. As Teravainen put it, “We think the game the same way.”

As for Stempniak, he said, “He brings experience and knows how to play. He’s always in the right spot and makes our game easier.”

Teravainen and Aho were in position to win Saturday’s game in overtime. Teravainen made a quick move down the slot for a shot that Sabres goalie Anders Nilsson stopped with 46 seconds left, and Aho just missed with a backhanded slap off the rebound.

But Stempniak, then Aho took care of things in the shootout as the Canes elected to shoot first. Ward made two strong stops, against Sam Reinhart and Jack Eichel, and that was that.

“There’s some strategy as to whether you shoot first or second and we’ve tried everything, it seems like,” Stempniak said.

A goal by the Sabres’ Evander Kane late in regulation could have been deflating for the Canes (13-11-7), who host the Detroit Red Wings on Monday. For much of the game, it appeared Joakim Nordstrom’s first-period goal for the Canes might be the difference.

But the Canes picked up the two points. While two points out of eighth place in the Eastern Conference after Saturday’s games, they were eight points out of playoff position because of the loaded Metro Division.

“Our division is tough,” Stempniak said. “Teams keep winning. We need to keep getting points and climb up.”

2016-12-18 11:14 By Chip www.charlotteobserver.com

18 /75 1.1 Call The Midwife star Judy Parfitt lets rip at co-stars for using their phones on set It is traditionally a show about new life, old fashioned values and solidarity amongst hard working nurses shortly after the birth of the National Health Service. But a rather more contemporary issue has affected relations on the set of hugely popular BBC drama Call the Midwife as it prepares to return with an annual Christmas special on December 25. Speaking to the Sunday Express , actress Judy Parfitt – best known as softly spoken Sister Monica Joan on the hit show – admits she frequently admonishes her younger cast-members for using their mobile phones between takes. Scroll down for video ‘I tell them off! They’ve all got their iPhones and it just drives me mad!’ she said. Judy, 86, added that co-star Jenny Agutter is one of the biggest culprits and all too often gets a scolding from the veteran star. ‘Jenny I’ve told off so many times! I say “For God’s sake, put that f***ing thing away!’ she revealed. The actress will return to Call the Midwife for a one-off special on Christmas Day as the cast leave their native east London and travel to South Africa, where they offer much needed assistance at a poverty stricken hospital. The period drama about a group of convent based midwives working in impoverished surroundings in the late fifties and early sixties - little more than a decade after the birth of the NHS - has been a huge hit with viewers following its launch in 2012. The fifth series, set in 1961, ended in March and saw the dramatic conclusion of a Thalidomide storyline in which Doctor Turner discovered that drugs he prescribed are responsible for a spate of birth defects. Jenny, 63, who plays compassionate Sister Julienne, recently explained the quality of the writing is what lures viewers in. She told the Daily Mail: 'It's wrong to assume the only way now to entice a TV audience is by sexualising a show. 'I think the viewers will come if the quality of the writing and the acting is good enough in the first place. 'People look for good programmes and I think sometimes being commercial means ticking boxes, but not always the right boxes.' The show, which also stars Miranda Hart, Jessica Raine and Helen George, is expected to return with a sixth series in 2017.

2016-12-18 10:59 Jason Chester www.dailymail.co.uk

19 /75 19 /75 0.6 Jack Wilshere provides his first assist since 2014 as Bournemouth get off the mark against local rivals Southampton Jack Wilshere has finally rediscovered the knack of the assist, after going two years without picking out a team- mate to go on and score. Wilshere's quick thinking and creative nous enabled Bournemouth to get off the mark against south coast rivals Southampton after Nathan Ake buried a header. Arsenal loanee Wilshere whipped in the ball from the right flank, slicing apart the Southampton back line to find a waiting Ake, who finished his effort across goal with aplomb. The goal was a rust-shedding moment for Wilshere, who has failed to assist a team-mate for the past two seasons. Not since September 2014, when Arsenal faced Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium has the England midfielder played his part in finding a team-mate and creating a goal for his side. The game in question dates back to a time when Wilshere was at his commanding best, scoring one and setting up the other as Arsenal drew 2-2 with a City side who would finish second in the league. Since then Wilshere's ability to pick out his team-mates in the crucial moments appears to have dwindled - albeit heavily marred by repeated spells on the sidelines because of injury. Wilshere has gone about breaking a host of personal records this season, as he attempts to reach his previous heights when experiencing regular first team football with Arsenal. As Bournemouth recently faced reigning champions Leicester, a game which they would go on to win 1-0, Wilshere passed 887 minutes - more time on the pitch than his previous two seasons combined. Earlier, in October, Wilshere registered his first full 90 minutes of football in little over two years in Bournemouth's stalemate with Tottenham at Dean Court.

2016-12-18 10:52 Danny Gallagher www.dailymail.co.uk

20 /75 4.3 Minivan crashes into police cruisers on I-295 in Yarmouth A minivan driver was arrested early Sunday morning after striking two police cruisers and injuring a Yarmouth police officer on Interstate Route 295 in Yarmouth early Sunday morning.

Police cruisers from Yarmouth and Freeport were at the scene of a tractor trailer accident at mile 17 at 2:51 a.m. where the northbound lanes had been shut down to remove the truck, police said. A Honda minivan traveling north, which did not stop for the road closure, struck the cruisers. Falmouth and Cumberland police also responded to the scene.

The operator was arrested by Cumberland police and charged with operating under the influence. He was taken to Cumberland County Jail. An officer at the scene was injured and taken to Maine Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries.

The name of the driver and officer and other details were not immediately available from police.

This story will be updated.

Were you interviewed for this story? If so, please fill out our accuracy form

Send questions/comments to the editors.

2016-12-18 10:44 Staff report www.pressherald.com

21 /75 2.0 'Homeless' Danniella Westbrook fights back tears after 'losing her home' as she drags her possessions around Liverpool And Danniella Westbrook showed signs of strain from the stressful situation on Sunday, when she was spotted walking around Liverpool with a suitcase full of possessions. The 43-year-old struggled to hold back her tears as she wandered the city streets with a bulging white suitcase full of her essential items - and a £1,200 Louis Vuitton handbag on her arm. Scroll down for video Dressed in a simple grey hoody and jeans, the star prioritised comfort as she fought back her tears on the streets of the city. The actress added a large cap to her head to keep a low profile as she embarked on a tense phone call, which only added to her emotional demeanor. Carrying a bulging white suitcase behind her, the star appeared to be clad with her most needed possessions as she travelled to her next point of shelter, after being unable to pay for own home. However, she also carried a luxurious £1,200 Louis Vuitton handbag on her shoulder as she stepped out for her day, despite her casual outfit and evident stress. The tearful EastEnders star was later seen perched atop the suitcase beside the Thames as she looked at her phone in despair, showing signs of stress and exhaustion after an incredibly troublesome week. Danniella was reportedly left homeless on Friday after losing both her house and car due to insufficient funds. The former EastEnders star is said to have failed to keep up payments on her assets and is now staying in an array of abodes. Sources told Daily Star that the she has been viewing new homes yet is currently staying 'here, there and everywhere'. An insider informed the paper: 'She’s been busy viewing but hasn’t found her new home. Obviously timing isn’t great with it being so close to Christmas but she isn’t rushing into anything and is staying with friends and family over the festive period. 'Danniella now has a whole new team around her after spending a lot of 2016 surrounded by toxic people.' Danniella has endured a fraught 2016, after being hit by rumours that she had suffered a relapse with her drug addiction - which famously caused her septum to fall out back in 2000. At the height of her use it was reported she had taken up to five grams of cocaine a day, blowing close to £250,000 on the drug. However the star checked into rehab later that year and appeared to be back on track until this October - when trolls hacked her emails and social media and falsely released information claiming she had relapsed. Talking to the MailOnline after the traumatic occurance, the mother-of-two expressed her hopes that the police would take serious action and put the cruel instigators behind bars. She explained: 'It's not nice to think they are fixated on pretending to be me and getting access to all my private emails. 'To be honest, I'm going to go away and try and rest and relax. This whole thing is very frightening and draining. It's like this stalker won't give up until I'm run into the ground.' Earlier in the day, she was reported to have told Daily Star Online: 'I have relapsed and I'm trying to stop using, but it's a long road ahead. I feel broken and that I'm back to square one and my first form of defence is cocaine.' Making matters worse however was her love life - most notably her relationship and subsequent split from George Arnold, 24 earlier this year. Appearing on This Morning last month, the star revealed that she was left feeling suicidal after the breakup and even attempted to take her own life several times through drug overdose. She admitted on the show: 'I tried to overdose a lot when George walked out.' Discussing the reason for the end of their relationship, she noted: 'I was so depressed with everything... George just got up one morning and left, and I realized I didn’t know you at all then. 'He had his reasons but at the time I couldn’t see it that way because I was so depressed. 'I did relapse [because I] thought my whole world was over when he left.' The star admitted that she did use the drug again, but did not inhale the substance in order not to ruin her reconstructed septum. Discussing the guilt associated with her addiction, she sighed: 'I felt like I’d let everyone done,' adding that her experiments with drugs was 'selfish and twisted'.

2016-12-18 10:29 Julia Pritchard www.dailymail.co.uk

22 /75 1.1 Gary, Hammond, East Chicago getting $5.6M for blight INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority says the Lake County cities of Gary, Hammond and East Chicago will receive a combined $5.6 million to eliminate blighted homes. The agency says Gary will receive $4.4 million; East Chicago , $914,000; and Hammond, $268,000. The Blight Elimination Program funds will be drawn from the $221.7 million in federal funds the state has received.

The agency says the three cities were eligible to receive the funds after meeting certain milestones in an initial round of funding.

The funds are not grants but are structured as forgivable loans.

2016-12-18 10:26 By www.washingtontimes.com

23 /75 0.7 Diane Abbott defends series of strikes planned in run- up to Christmas The shadow home secretary, Diane Abbott , has defended union bosses planning a wave of strikes on the railways, in airports and at the Post Office in the run-up to Christmas.

“Of course these strikes are going to be very disastrous if they all go ahead for the public over Christmas, but people do have a legal right to strike,” Abbott told Sky News presenter Dermot Murnaghan. She added: “It’s not my role to second- guess the decisions of trade union leadership.”

But Meg Hillier, the Labour MP who chairs the public accounts committee, warned on the same programme that unions could be “shooting themselves in the foot” by opting for industrial action over the festive season. “There needs to be a wake-up call about the impact on hard-working people trying to get to work or go on holiday,” she said.

The prime minister, Theresa May, is reportedly facing calls from Conservative colleagues to crack down on industrial action, but Abbott said she would oppose any plans to limit the right to strike.

Industrial action by conductors in the RMT union on the Southern rail franchise are expected to bring a second week of havoc to 300,000 passengers between London and the south coast, with further strikes planned for next month. The move follows industrial action by drivers’ union Aslef last week that entirely shut down the network for three days.

British Airways and Virgin Atlantic are also facing industrial walkouts over Christmas. Talks are due to start on Tuesday in a bid to avoid a 48-hour strike in the days before the Christmas weekend by 1,500 check-in staff, baggage handlers and cargo crew. The Post Office is facing possible shutdowns of branches as members of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) strike in a pay dispute.

Former cabinet ministers Lord Heseltine and Lord Tebbit were among the Tory figures quoted in the Sunday Telegraph who called on May to take a tough line on trade unions. Heseltine said: “You cannot have small groups of people holding society to ransom, regardless of personal inconvenience or cost.”

The paper also reports that about 20 MPs called on the transport secretary, Chris Grayling, to take action against strikes. MPs in seats across Southern’s network have faced angry demands for action from their constituencies, although the Department for Transport has declined to get involved in the long-running dispute between Southern’s operator, Govia Thameslink Railways (GTR), and the drivers’ and conductors’ unions, Aslef and RMT.

The RMT general secretary, Mick Cash, was forced to deny that the union was part of a “Trot conspiracy” after the Sunday Times published a video showing the RMT union president, Sean Hoyle, at a rally saying trade unions were working together to “bring down this bloody working- class-hating Tory government”.

Cash said: “We are a serious trade union dealing with serious issues around safety on the railways. That is our absolute priority. RMT is not party to any Trot conspiracy to bring down government.” RMT has spent months locked in a bitter dispute with GTR over the company’s plans to introduce driver-only trains, which would allow some services to run without a second staff member on board. The company says this would reduce delays and cancellations when a second staff member is not available, but the union says it poses a safety risk.

Aslef has joined the row, striking for three days last week and entirely shutting down the Southern network. On Friday, its general secretary, Mick Whelan, wrote to members that talks at the mediation service Acas had been unsuccessful, and “at no time during the course of discussions did the company make any kind of formal offer” to end the dispute. A GTR spokeswoman said no further talks were planned but “our door remains open”.

The RMT begins two days of strikes on Monday, while Aslef continues to enforce an overtime ban. GTR’s passenger services director, Angie Doll, said: “We know this is a busy time for passengers, and we are truly sorry that this damaging industrial action is making life even harder.”

Speaking on Murnaghan, Abbott said Southern had been a catastrophe, adding: “We need to take that franchise away from Southern and give it to the mayor of London.”

Talks aimed at averting strikes by some British Airways and airport ground staff are planned for next week. A BA spokeswoman said the company will announce plans to minimise disruption to passengers if a 48-hour strike by some cabin crew due to start on Christmas Day goes ahead. The company has approached Acas for mediation talks with the Unite union, the spokeswoman said.

There will also be talks on Tuesday between the airport services company Swissport and Unite , aimed at averting a 48-hour strike due to start on Friday by 1,500 baggage handlers and other airport staff in a dispute over pay.

Unite’s general secretary, Len McCluskey , welcomed Swissport’s decision to seek mediation. “This is a clearly a positive development. We are pleased that the company will sit down with us in an effort to resolve this dispute,” he said. “We are confident that our members’ case is extremely strong and that fairness will prevail.”

On Friday, Virgin Atlantic pilots in the Professional Pilots’ Union voted for action short of a strike starting on 23 December and continuing indefinitely, in a row over union recognition. Pilots will work strictly to their contracts, with the removal of “pilot goodwill” which could lead to some flight disruption.

The Royal Mail has said it does not anticipate trouble for postal services in the run-up to Christmas despite a planned strike on Monday, Tuesday and Saturday by Post Office staff belonging to the Communication Workers’ Union. A spokeswoman for the Post Office said the strike would only affect the 300 branches it directly manages, as the majority of the country’s 11,000 branches are managed through franchise arrangements. A previous strike in early December led to fewer than 100 branch closures, she added.

2016-12-18 10:22 Alice Ross www.theguardian.com

24 /75 24 /75 0.0 No increase in housing rates at Purdue for 5th year in a row WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) - Students at Purdue University’s West Lafayette campus won’t have to pay increased room and board rates for a fifth year in a row.

Purdue’s Board of Trustees approved the student housing rates on Friday. Campus housing costs will range from about $2,500 to $9,500 per academic year depending on what kind of facilities students choose. Dining hall plans range from about $3,000 to about $5,400. The West Lafayette campus has about 12,700 beds available.

Rates for housing at Purdue Northwest’s Hammond campus will remain flat for a second consecutive year. Rates will vary at the Fort Wayne campus with some housing options increasing in price between 2.1 and nearly 2.5 percent and others decreasing about 1 percent. Students who renew their leases before March 31 will see no increases.

2016-12-18 10:21 By www.washingtontimes.com

25 /75 2.3 Alex McKinnon to sue NRL and Melbourne player over tackle that left him paralysed Alex McKinnon, the rugby league player paralysed during an NRL game in 2014, is suing the league and the Melbourne Storm player who left him in a wheelchair for millions. The 24-year-old former Newcastle Knights player has launched a multi- million dollar law suit against the NRL and young Storm player Jordan McLean. It was McLean's sickening tackle - for which he was suspended for seven games - in the round three match in Melbourne that caused McKinnon's life-changing injury. The Daily Telegraph reports McKinnon has sent a legal letter to the NRL and McLean to commence legal proceedings and his bid for compensation. McKinnon reportedly met with NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg in November about the potential for the paralysed player to commence legal action. During the meeting Greenberg reportedly told McKinnon to 'do what you've got to do'. After his incident the young gun was given a position working for his former club in a player recruitment role. While he has received a bevvy of support from the Newcastle Knights, NRL and the Rise for Alex foundation, McKinnon has previously hinted at pursuing legal action. In a controversial interview with 60 Minutes in 2015 he said money was going to be a major issue for him as he require ongoing treatment and aid. 'I just need to know how much it is going to cost me, how much money I have and where I was going to get that money from,' McKinnon said. 'The NRL has been unreal for me and that is one of the things we both, myself and the NRL, are in a very foreign ground really, I don’t know how much it will cost and they don’t know how much they can give me.' McKinnon's coach Wayne Bennett backed his efforts for compensation, pointing out that McLean's tackle wasn't within NRL rules. 'You have to understand, this wasn’t an accident in the sense it was an illegal tackle, that is the difference,' Bennett said.

2016-12-18 10:15 Josh Hanrahan www.dailymail.co.uk

26 /75 1.3 Parking garage feud holds up work on Baltimore theater site BALTIMORE (AP) - Crews started to rip up the Morris A. Mechanic Theatre more than two years ago, taking down the hulking concrete building in anticipation of two soaring apartment towers supporters said would strengthen downtown’s renaissance.

Instead, amid a legal dispute over access to the entrance to an underground parking garage, the site has become an unsightly pit filled with construction rubble and trash.

As demolition started, the owner of the nearby DownUnder Garage sued, saying the project would improperly cause it to lose its Charles Street entrance. The firm lost and appealed.

Maryland’s Special Court of Appeals in Annapolis heard the case in early May. A decision is pending.

“We’ve just been waiting,” said Kirby Fowler , president of the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore , which is charged with spurring revitalization in downtown and backed the developer’s plans. “We hope there’s resolution quickly and the project can move forward.”

Meanwhile, the site of the Mechanic at Charles and Baltimore streets - the heart of downtown - remains a gaping hole in the ground that some call an even bigger eyesore than the blocky theater.

“The building was neglected, but now it’s just really dreadful,” said Karl Aumann, 56, who works for the state in a nearby office building that overlooks the pit. “It’s really a scar on the downtown central business district.”

The property in question has been a focus of Baltimore ’s aspirations for more than 50 years. The theater was part of the city’s Charles Center redevelopment in the 1960s, which aimed to spur revitalization in the declining business district.

The theater became home to touring Broadway shows, but by the 1990s many considered the building both ugly and small. It closed in 2004.

After Owings Mills developer David S. Brown Enterprises and partner Arrow Parking bought the parcel in 2005, they argued the structure had outlived its use and fought preservationists to tear it down, despite its embodiment of a style of architecture known as Brutalist.

The team - known as One West Baltimore Street Associates - proposed two towers with about 450 apartments, more than 150,000 square feet of retail space and a five-story parking garage. (Other projects by David S. Brown include Metro Centre in Owings Mills and the Symphony Apartments in Midtown.)

The Mechanic’s demolition finally began in 2014, but the developer has maintained that the lack of progress since is due to the August 2014 lawsuit filed by Urban Growth Property LP , which owns the adjacent DownUnder Garage.

Representatives for the developer either did not respond or declined to comment earlier this month, but in a May 2015 court filing, One West Baltimore said: “This suit presents the only major impediment before construction of the new development may commence.”

The DownUnder Garage closed its Charles Street entrance last year after it was damaged during the demolition. (It’s still accessible from Lombard Street.)

Efforts to reach a resolution of the question out of court have failed, said attorney Charles O. Monk II, a partner at Saul Ewing who represents the parking garage owner. The garage is an asset of Chicago-based Interpark, which also owns the 300 E. Pratt St. parking lot a few blocks away, where it initially proposed an apartment and hotel tower and still plans to redevelop.

“My client has always been supportive of development, which is why we have attempted to resolve this many times and still stand ready to resolve it in a fair and equitable manner for all concerned,” Monk said.

The delays moved attorneys for the city to file a brief in the case earlier this year.

“The longer the space at the intersection of Baltimore and Charles streets remains empty and unproductive, the more the progress of the city in pursuing its duty to improve the general welfare of its residents is hampered,” they wrote. “The sooner the planned development at the location can be built, the better for the people of Baltimore .”

Arguments over garage access revolve around deeds and leases organized by the city in 1964 as it brought developers on board to create what became Charles Center.

Urban Growth maintains that the deed for its parking garage, which included the easement allowing access to the property from Charles Street through the Mechanic site, is older than the lease granted to the original Mechanic developer, granting it a right that can only be terminated by mutual agreement.

One West Baltimore contends that a purchase clause in the lease outlined that the access, provided via a ramp, would end when the city sold the property or in 1999, 40 years after the start of the urban renewal plan. Use of the Charles Street entrance had been allowed since as a courtesy, it said.

The firm also argues that all the documents in question were created during the Charles Center development, with overlapping dates.

Last year, Baltimore Circuit Judge Audrey Carrion ruled in favor of the developer. Urban Growth appealed.

As the dispute lingered in the courts, the Downtown Partnership fielded complaints about the site. This fall, the organization installed screens depicting picturesque rowhouse streets and positive messages such as “Hey Baltimore , you’re cool” on the chain link fence that runs the perimeter of the property. Similar screens also surround a demolition site at 325 W. Baltimore St., another long-planned David S. Brown apartment tower.

The goal was to “improve the look” for pedestrians and visitors to neighboring properties, Fowler said.

“Everyone recognizes that it’s not ideal to have a hole in the ground,” he said.

Office workers and others near the site were quick to complain about it earlier this month.

“It’s an eyesore. It’s horrible,” said Dominic Ford, 45, who works at the nearby Hotel Monaco, where he said guests frequently ask what’s happening next door. “It’s hurting the city.”

Waiting at a nearby bus stop, Londae Davis, 28, of Essex noted the inconvenience to pedestrians caused by both David S. Brown demolition sites, which have taken up sidewalk space.

“You take down a part of something to leave a mess for several years, it (takes) a toll,” she said. “I just hope they’re making something good out of it.”

Architect Klaus Philipsen, who has been following the project since the early debates over preserving the theater, said the open pit reminds him of wreckage left by Allied bombing that he saw growing up in postwar Germany. He said does not understand why the lawsuit would stall the project for so long and is worried the delay could mean the project misses its market moment.

“The worst outcome, of course, is to have nothing,” he said.

___

Information from: The Baltimore Sun, http://www.baltimoresun.com

2016-12-18 10:01 By NATALIE www.washingtontimes.com

27 /75 0.0 Ex-A's slugger Eric Chavez sells desert home and baseball diamond for $4.75 million Former ballplayer Eric Chavez , who played for the A’s, Yankees and Diamondbacks across 17 seasons in the majors, has sold his home in Paradise Valley, Ariz., for $4.75 million

The Santa Barbara- inspired estate, built in 2004, covers the bases with sports-centric amenities. There’s a baseball diamond, a football field, a fenced batting cage and a ring for horseback riding. A resort-style swimming pool features a raised spa and a blue-tiled waterslide.

Sitting on about three acres in Paradise Valley, Ariz., the Santa Barbara-inspired estate features a baseball diamond, a football field and a horse stable.

Inside, nearly 14,500 square feet of living space includes four stone fireplaces, a two-story great room, a media room with a bar and a center-island kitchen. The master suite sports a marble- lined bath for a total of six bedrooms and 10 bathrooms.

The garage can accommodate as many as six cars, and a large circular motor court sits just inside the front gates.

The property came to market earlier this year for $5.9 million and was listed at $5.4 million prior to the sale.

Rusty Davis of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty handled both ends of the transaction.

Chavez, 39, won six Gold Gloves and a Silver Slugger award as one of baseball’s top third basemen in the early 2000s. He spent last season with the Angels organization as a special assistant to General Manager Billy Eppler.

He bought the house in 2010 for $3.6 million, records show.

2016-12-18 10:00 Neal J www.latimes.com

28 /75 0.0 Bird watching in San Pedro BIRDING

Field class

Learn about birds making their home in restored habitat at the White Point Nature Preserve in San Pedro.

Please email announcements at least three weeks before the event to [email protected].

Botanical wonders abound in the wild Sonoran Desert of Organ Pipe National Monument and Saguaro National Park. Just mind the heat. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

The next president will find a Washington, D. C., that's dramatically different from the city Barack Obama saw at his inauguration in 2009, or even the one in 2013. Museums and hotels, new and renewed. Restaurants left and right. Lower crime and rising neighborhoods, too.

Motif. No. 1 might look like a modest fishing shack on the waterfront of Rockport, Mass., but there's more to it. This two-minute video tells the tale.

A selection of photos submitted by readers from their summer travels. See more Our reporter drove all 469 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway, which runs through Virginia and North Carolina.

Our reporter drove all 469 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway, which runs through Virginia and North Carolina.

2016-12-18 10:00 Anne Harnagel www.latimes.com

29 /75 2.7 Pep Guardiola praises Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger for getting the best out of his former star Alexis Sanchez Pep Guardiola has congratulated Arsene Wenger on finding Alexis Sanchez's best position at centre-forward. Guardiola signed Sanchez at Barcelona in 2011 but was unable to get the best out of the Chilean in a wider position at Nou Camp to accommodate Lionel Messi. The Manchester City manager will be aware of Sanchez's threat when Arsenal arrive at The Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon. 'He played really well in Barcelona but it's normal when you play with Messi that the highlight is always Leo and people think you are not at his level,' said Guardiola. 'I think the position that he is in now, as a striker, is perfect for him. It suits him perfectly. In Barcelona maybe I didn’t help him too much as I like the wingers wide. He can do that but he plays more between the lines closer to the goal.' Barcelona got their £30million back for Sanchez when they sold him to Arsenal in 2014 but Guardiola pinpoints the 2012 Champions League semi-final defeat against Chelsea as particularly damaging to his long-term prospects in La Liga. 'We lost 1-0 in London and he played as a striker in the second leg and we went 2-0 up. But we ended up losing on away goals. It was an unlucky game for us and Chelsea went to the final. 'He is a class player, a fighter with character and spirit, and he is a winner. Now I think he is playing really well and he has won two Copa America titles with Chile. That shows what a good player he is.'

2016-12-18 09:59 Joe Bernstein www.dailymail.co.uk

30 /75 2.5 Alexander Povetkin knocks out stand-in opponent... hours after revelation Russian boxer fails drug test and loses out on title shot with Bermane Stiverne Alexander Povetkin dominated and knocked out last-minute replacement opponent Johann Duhaupas — just hours after it emerged he had failed a drug test. Povetkin had been due to fight Bermane Stiverne for the WBC interim world title on Saturday in Russia. But the Russian boxer tested positive for the banned muscle-building substance ostarine and his Haitian- Canadian opponent pulled out on the morning of the fight. Up stepped 35-year-old Duhaupas, who had been on stand-by, to fight Povetkin at the Ekaterinburg Expo Center in Yekaterinburg, Russia. But the Frenchman was beaten in the sixth round when his opponent landed a powerful left-handed punch which left him motionless on the canvas. World Boxing Council (WBC) president Mauricio Sulaiman had earlier said Povetkin failed a doping test and sanctioning for the heavyweight's title bout against Stiverne had been withdrawn. In a post on Twitter, Sulaiman says Povetkin tested positive for the banned muscle-building substance ostarine. It was Povetkin's second failed doping test this year. He lost another title shot in May when he tested positive for meldonium shortly before a bout with Deontay Wilder. On that occasion, the WBC accepted Povetkin's explanation that he had stopped taking the substance before it was banned for 2016.

2016-12-18 09:58 Matt Maltby www.dailymail.co.uk

31 /75 2.1 Bruce Springsteen reveals his battle depression and how it affected his relationship with his 'gruff' father Bruce Springsteen has given a candid insight into how mental illness struck his family and all of their internal relationships. Admitting that he has suffered with depression in his past, the 67-year-old described his battle to be like 'Churchill's black dog' when it jumps up and bites. The legendary musician was appearing on Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs when he divulged the powerful grip of mental illness on his life. Scroll down for video 'There was just a lot of illness that ran through my family,' he said. 'On the Irish side in particular, but even somewhat on the Italian side also. 'Depression, mental illness, just swept through my family and kind of gets passed down.' 'It's usually OK,' he added. 'Then once in a while Churchill's black dog jumps up and bites you. 'I've developed some skills that help me deal with it but still it's a powerful, powerful thing.' Bruce went on to explain that the condition was worst in his father, not to mention the knock-on effect for other members of the family. The musician spoke of his dad's 'gruff' exterior and how it affected their relationship, which was eventually repaired in later life. His father Douglas was a bus driver of Dutch-Irish descent who resented his son’s ability to express the very feelings he was bottling up, the musician explains. He added: ‘My dad had a sort of gruff exterior but inside he could be quite soft and sensitive. 'The qualities he had inside were the things I wore on the outside. They were just difficult for him to deal with.’ He went on to say: ‘What I was interested in doing was creating some order and a safe environment for myself because my childhood felt very unsafe.' And Bruce did not gloss over his early life during his honest on-air talk with presenter Kirsty Young. The musician talked about his years as an awkward teenager who was embarrassed about his curly hair and would spend ages practising dance moves alone in the hope of attracting a girl. The star, whose hits include Dancing In The Dark and Born In The USA, says: ‘Before I played the guitar I realised that girls loved to dance. 'So I spent quite a bit of time in my own mirror practising the different dance moves of the day [until] I was good enough to get the girl.’ He even told Kirsty that he was less happy with the way he looked, saying he thought he was ‘pretty hideous'. He adds: ‘I would use my mother’s hairclips to pin my hair down and then I would sleep on it exactly right on the pillow because I had Italian curly hair.’

2016-12-18 09:55 Emily Chan www.dailymail.co.uk

32 /75 4.7 Girl, 14-months-old, dies after drowning in a backyard swimming pool A toddler has drowned in a backyard swimming pool after family and paramedics were unable to resuscitate the girl. The 14-month-old girl was found by a relative in the backyard swimming pool of a home in Medowie, Port Stephens, on Sunday at just after 4pm on the New South Wales mid north coast. After she was pulled from the water unconscious, both family and police attempted CPR. Paramedics rushed the toddler to John Hunter Hospital but unfortunately could not revive her. Police are investigating the drowning that happened on Sunday afternoon.

2016-12-18 09:48 Riley Morgan www.dailymail.co.uk

33 /75 3.8 Powerball results for 12/17/16 drawing; 1 winner of $121M jackpot LANSING, MI -- The holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year for a lucky Maryland lottery player as they are the grand-prize winner of the $121 million Powerball drawing held on Saturday, Dec. 17.

The player matched all five white numbers drawn and the Powerball to win the jackpot. That means the drawing on Wednesday, Dec. 21 will be worth $40 million with a cash option of $23.7 million. The Powerball Numbers (white) for Dec. 17: 1-8-16-40-48

The Red Powerball Power Number: 10

The Power Play Number: 2

Powerball winners for Dec. 17:

Powerball is offered in 44 States, Washington D. C., Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Players select five white numbers from (1 to 69) and one red ball (1 to 26) Tickets cost $2 each.

In other Michigan Lottery news:

For the latest on Michigan Lottery, check out the official Michigan Lottery site, which also offers more information on instant tickets, raffles and other lottery games.

2016-12-18 09:46 Matt Durr www.mlive.com

34 /75 1.3 Minnesota Football Gives Up Boycott, Will Play In Bowl Football players at the University of Minnesota have given up on their boycott of football activities after just a single day, ending their plans to skip an upcoming bowl game in solidarity with several suspended teammates.

The entire Golden Gophers team announced their boycott Thursday, saying they wouldn’t play football until they achieved justice for fellow players who are facing discipline from the school for their alleged involvement in a sexual assault.

The protest stems from a Sept. 2 incident during which a woman claims several players on the team participated in a gang-rape against her. The players have maintained the incident was a consensual incident of group sex.

Law enforcement officials have declined to bring any charges in the case, citing video evidence that backs the players’ claims of consensual sex. But the university proceeded with its own separate investigation, and recently suspended ten players from the team for various offenses. Five of the players are facing potential expulsion as well.

The boycotting players claimed their teammates had been deprived of due process and were being railroaded off-campus despite a lack of evidence to justify punishment. They said they wouldn’t play in the Holiday Bowl Dec. 27 unless the suspensions were reversed. (RELATED: Clay Travis Applauds Minnesota Football Boycott)

But less than two days later the boycott collapsed, with players agreeing to return to practice.

The decision to cave on the boycott came after a lengthy Friday night meeting team leaders had with school president Eric Kaler and athletic director Mark Coyle. The players subsequently debated throughout the night about what to do before agreeing to resume football activities.

“After many hours of discussion within our team, and after speaking with President Kaler, it became clear that our original request of having the 10 suspensions overturned was not going to happen,” player spokesman Drew Wolitarsky said in a prepared statement. Wolitarsky said that while the suspensions wouldn’t be reversed, the players had won a promise that their teammates would be given a “fair hearing” with a “diverse review panel” to consider their culpability.

Wolitarsky’s statement also branched beyond due process to emphasize the need to fight sexual assault more broadly.

“We as a team will use our status as public figures to bring more exposure to the issue of sexual harassment and violence against women,” he said.

No team in recent history has ever missed a bowl game due to player activism, though players seem to be increasingly aware of the power they can wield by refusing to play. In 2015, the president of the University of Missouri was fired just a few days after the football team announced a strike against his administration.

Send tips to [email protected] .

Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of our original content, please contact [email protected].

2016-12-18 09:41 Blake Neff dailycaller.com

35 /75 0.2 'She wore a mourning dress to the wedding': Brides reveal the WORST things their nightmare mother-in-laws have done It is not uncommon for women to brand their mother-in-laws a 'nightmare' with over protective mums proving problematic for brides. However, these tales from exasperated wives might just make you think twice before you complain about your partner's parents. Taking to the secret sharing app Whisper these brides have taken advantage of the site's anonymity in order to get their gripes off their chests. The women have shared truly shocking accounts of their mother-in- laws disgraceful behaviour including one who attended her son's wedding dressed in a bridal gown to another who sold her daughter-in-law's engagement ring without her knowing.

2016-12-18 09:40 Martha Cliff www.dailymail.co.uk

36 /75 36 /75 0.0 Gabi Grecko looks to start DJ- ing again as she shares a busty selfie of herself posing with a DJ deck... and a fake bleeding lip The former wife of Geoffrey Edelsten is known for her modelling work and fashion designing. But Gabi Grecko has also dabbled in DJ-ing, and appears to be reevaluating her options as the New Year approaches. In photographs more conservative than would usually be expected of the 27- year-old, she poses with a DJ deck. Scroll down for video In one photo, she points towards the deck, implying she has been working on some tracks. 'Ready for the Dopeness of #2017. #YEAROFTHEDOPENESS,' she captioned the image. Gabi is seen in a red textured blazer with flower patterns in one photo and a sleeveless red turtleneck in another. Possibly to reassure fans she hasn't changed her ways too much, a hint of the former Penthouse model's famous cleavage is on display. In both photographs, a red netted bra is visible, encasing her surgically enhanced chest. The busty blonde wore her locks up in a high ponytail, with one thick strand curled and styled to form a side-fringe. She enhanced her eyebrows, giving them a more dramatic peak, and added a bleeding effect to her painted red lips. Gabi burst into Australian headlines in June 2015 after she married 73-year-old Geoffrey Edelsten just hours before her Australian visa expired. Just five months later the pair announced their split.

2016-12-18 09:37 Hannah Moore www.dailymail.co.uk

37 /75 3.4 Jacksonville bringing college life back to downtown JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) - In Savannah, the sight of art-loving college students drawing in their sketchpads is as much a part of downtown as the city’s picturesque squares.

Jacksonville ’s downtown has nothing that compares with the Savannah College of Arts and Design. But a budding college scene is emerging as Jacksonville University, Florida State College at Jacksonville , and the University of North Florida all look at ways to pump some academia into the heart of the city.

“If you look at downtowns across the country in cities that are thriving, colleges and universities are a huge part of that,” said Jake Gordon, CEO of Downtown Vision, a nonprofit that represents downtown property owners.

The city’s Downtown Investment Authority board this week approved a $274,000 loan to help Jacksonville University convert the 18th floor of the SunTrust Tower into classrooms. The university’s goal is to have students taking classes there in the first quarter of 2017.

It’s a bit of a return to JU’s roots. The school started downtown with classes at various sites, including the Florida Theatre, before the school joined the suburban flight from downtown by moving to a big riverfront campus in Arlington.

In addition to JU’s move to open a downtown satellite, Florida State College of Jacksonville is aiming for August to move 58 students into housing at a six-story building under renovation at 20 W. Bay St. The ground floor will have a restaurant as part of the college ’s culinary arts program, which is housed in FSCJ’s campus on the edge of downtown.

The University of North Florida, which put its stamp on downtown in 2009 by acquiring the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville , started classes this year at the Jessie Ball duPont Center. The courses are for students pursuing masters of public administration degrees.

UNF is exploring the possibility of further expanding its downtown presence with an “entrepreneurial center” and offering graduate-level courses for business majors. UNF is “close to a decision and should know more definitely in early February,” school spokeswoman Joanna Norris said.

Gordon said successful downtowns often are built around what’s known as the “eds and the meds” - education and medical institutions. Jacksonville has the “meds” anchored by Baptist Medical Center’s downtown campus, so the next step is fostering the growth of colleges, Gordon said.

“It’s all incremental progress,” he said. “It’s not going to happen overnight, but all of these things are going to contribute in the future for what will be a tipping point for downtown. Right now, it’s doesn’t take a huge project to make an impact.”

Aundra Wallace, executive director of the Downtown Investment Authority, said the agency has culture, arts and education. He said collectively, those activities “enhance the experience of being and going into downtown.”

Wallace said Philadelphia, Washington D. C., Atlanta, Charlotte, Detroit and Orlando are cities that successfully used that approach, which has a ripple effect on housing and retail.

Jacksonville University expects to employ 30 faculty and staff downtown while enrolling about 100 students in classes at the SunTrust Tower.

The interest in downtown doesn’t reflect a withdrawal from Arlington. A day after JU President Tim Cost appeared before the Downtown Investment Authority, Cost took part Dec. 15 in a ground-breaking ceremony for Dolphin Pointe Landing, an $18 million skilled nursing center next to the Arlington campus. JU students studying healthcare will work in the nursing center as part of their college experience, similar to a teaching hospital.

Healthcare also will be a focus of downtown classes, along with business. The masters degree courses will cater to students between the ages of 25 and 50 who come to Jacksonville “from all over the country.”

While the students going to JU will fit the profile of professionals getting advanced degrees, Florida State College of Jacksonville ’s downtown housing will cater to college students earlier in their academic pursuits.

When the college surveyed students last year, about 1,400 said they would be interested in living downtown, spokeswoman Jill Johnson said.

She said after getting the housing up and running, the college will look at other downtown spots with an eye toward adding more places for its students to live.

“I would say most definitely,” she said. “This is Phase 1.”

___

Information from: The (Jacksonville) Florida Times-Union, http://www.jacksonville.com

2016-12-18 09:27 By DAVID www.washingtontimes.com

38 /75 0.6 More Dolls With Disabilities By Mainstream Toymakers Hitting Store Shelves : Shots Neda Ulaby

Dominika Tamley and her doll "Isebelle" ride the train together near Washington, D. C. Like Dominika, Isebelle has a hearing aid. "She's like a mini-me," Dominika says.

Kevin Irvine

hide caption

Dominika Tamley and her doll "Isebelle" ride the train together near Washington, D. C. Like Dominika, Isebelle has a hearing aid. "She's like a mini-me," Dominika says.

When Dominika Tamley chose "Isebelle," her American Girl doll, she picked a toy whose hair and eye color matched her own. But the 10-year-old is quick to point out that's not the only way the doll resembles the real child who plays with her.

"She's like a mini-me," Tamley explained with pride. "Because she has a hearing aid and I have a hearing aid. "

American Girl has for years offered a wide variety of accessories reflecting a range of disabilities. Arm crutches, leg braces, a sporty red wheelchair and allergy-free lunch sets. You can order a doll without hair — like a child with cancer — or one outfitted with a diabetes kit that includes insulin pumps, pens, glucose tablets and a blood sugar monitor.

"The designer who worked on that had Type 1 diabetes, and it was a really personal item for him to create," said Stephanie Spanos, a public relations manager at American Girl. The designers developed the diabetes kit with the input of doctors, nurses and dietitians at American Family Children's Hospital in Madison, Wis., Spanos added. "We introduced that at the very beginning of 2016 and it's been in and out of stock all year. "

The "Diabetes Care Kit," designed to fit American Girl dolls, comes with insulin pumps, pens, glucose tablets and a blood sugar monitor.

American Girl hide caption

The "Diabetes Care Kit," designed to fit American Girl dolls, comes with insulin pumps, pens, glucose tablets and a blood sugar monitor.

American Girl dolls, which can cost more than $100, often come with a built-in back story, such as Nellie, the Irish immigrant orphan, or Cécile, the Creole girl growing up in 1850s New Orleans. Some activists remain irked that no American Girl comes with a built-in back story related to a disability. (A petition to add one last year, during the 25 th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, was unsuccessful .)

Still, more and more mainstream companies are adding characters with disabilities to their roster of toys. Earlier this year, Lego introduced, for the first time, a figure of a little boy in a wheelchair. Significantly, he's not in the hospital — instead, he's part of a city park set , representing people with disabilities out in the world. And in 2013, Toys R Us added its Journey Girls line of dolls, with accessories including wheelchairs and crutches.

Is this good business? Or just good public relations?

A Lego figure in a wheelchair was introduced at the 67th International Toy Fair in January 2016. He comes in the "City" set, a community of figures shown playing and working in an urban park setting.

Daniel Karmann/AFP/Getty Images hide caption

A Lego figure in a wheelchair was introduced at the 67th International Toy Fair in January 2016. He comes in the "City" set, a community of figures shown playing and working in an urban park setting.

"It's not about PR for us," said the chief merchandising officer of Toys R Us, Richard Barry. "Our job as a company is to make sure we have the best assortment for all kids. " Barry pointed out that Toys R Us catalog has also started including children with disabilities in its photos of kids playing with the company's toys.

Representation of kids with disabilities was harder to find at a big-box store in the suburbs of Washington D. C., where Rebecca Cokley took me shopping. Cokley is executive director of the National Council on Disability, and the first female little person to have worked in the White House. She's 4 feet 2 inches tall and white, with red hair and freckles. "My family is interracial and interspatial," she said. "My husband's average height and African American. And, so, our kids are biracial dwarf kids. "

There were all kinds of toys Cokely liked in the aisles — she's a Lego nerd and a big fan of Batgirl, a character with her own deep connection to the disability community. But it was nearly impossible to find a single toy that represented disability. In the Barbie aisle, we found chef Barbies, vet Barbies and gymnast Barbies.

"Why can't one of these come with a hearing aid? " Cokely wondered. And Mattel has stopped making Becky, Barbie's friend who uses a wheelchair (although you can still find Becky dolls to buy on secondary retail sites online.)

"And look — there's Barbie's inaccessible dream house! " Cokely said. "It's got a working garage, but the elevator is too small for a wheelchair. " It would be tough for Becky to come over for a visit.

We had more luck in the Star Wars aisle. Cokely noticed a Luke Skywalker doll that comes with a prosthetic arm. "That counts! " she exclaimed, with a wry aside: "People do tend to claim Vader, but I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing. "

Aside from Luke, only one other toy (among many hundreds) explicitly represented a disability: Nemo. The friendly orange clownfish from the Pixar movie has one shortened fin, and the store sold a stuffed plush version.

"Both Finding Nemo and Finding Dory have been phenomenal resources for parents with disabilities," she said. "Not only in terms of showing good examples of kids with disabilities, but also the challenges of being that overprotective helicopter parent. " She pointed out that some toys – such as My Little Pony — have been embraced by some disability activists , but that so much of the toy section represented missed opportunities.

"Why don't we have any GI Joes that are disabled vets? " Cokely asked. "Think about that, what that would mean to a young boy whose dad's a vet or whose mom's a vet. To see their parents' experience reflected in the toys — that would be massive. "

Research by social psychologist Sian Jones of Goldsmith University of London, as well as that of others, shows that all children benefit from playing with toys representing disability — it heightens empathy.

And activist Rebecca Atkinson , who runs the Toy Like Me website in the United Kingdom, told me she'd love it if every toybox included a wheelchair and a seeing-eye dog for children to play with. (Atkinson's website points consumers towards toys that represent disability , and also creates playful images meant to inspire manufacturers, such as princesses with eye patches and scars, and superheros with tracheostomies.

This isn't a niche market, Cokely added. One in four people will experience a disability at some point in their lives. "Everyone has a family member with a disability," she said. "Everyone knows someone with a disability. "

And playing with toys in an imagined world where, just like in real life, people walk or use wheelchairs or have hearing aids is a world where kids can imagine other kids — disabled and otherwise — as friends.

2016-12-18 09:21 Neda Ulaby www.npr.org

39 /75 0.9 TOP SPIN AT THE TEST: Virat Kohli dismissal stuns crowd as KL Rahul falls agonisingly short of double century England were made to toil on day three of the fifth and final Test in Chennai as KL Rahul hit a superb 199 to take India to within 86 runs of their first innings total. The tourists entered the day keen for quick wickets but were frustrated by Rahul, who shared partnerships with 152 with Parthiv Patel (71) and 161 with Karun Nair, who remains unbeaten on 71. Sportsmail's Lawrence Booth casts his eye over the third day's play at the Chidambaram Stadium. KOHLI'S DISMISSAL FOR 15 LEAVES HOME FANS STUNNED A sense of disbelief briefly settled on the MA Chidambaram Stadium after Virat Kohli drove Stuart Broad straight to Keaton Jennings at short extra cover to depart for 15 shortly before tea. And no wonder: in a stroke, his series average had slipped from 131 to 109. If India bat again, Kohli will need 98 to beat Graham Gooch’s record of 752 runs in series between these countries. BROAD TAKES KOHLI'S WICKET FOR SECOND TIME It was the first time in the series Kohli has fallen for fewer than 40 – and even that dismissal required English good fortune after he trod on his stumps working Adil Rashid to leg during the first Test in Rajkot. It was also the first time Broad has removed India’s captain in this series, having previously taken his wicket only twice – for one and eight in the same Trent Bridge Test of 2014. SO NEAR, YET SO FAR FOR RAHUL And there was more disbelief when KL Rahul chipped a wide delivery from Rashid straight to Jos Buttler in the covers to depart for 199. Rahul dropped his bat, slumped to his haunches, and held his head in his hands, before dragging himself off, having become the ninth Test batsman to fall one short of a double-century. RAHUL SHOWS SHADES OF GAVASKAR MAGIC Rahul, who has now turned four of his Test fifties into hundreds, fell only 22 short of equalling Sunil Gavaskar’s highest score by an Indian opener against England. Gavaskar made 221 at The Oval in 1979 in a remarkable fourth innings which began with India needing an apparently impossible 438. Thanks to Gavaskar, they almost made it, closing on 429 for eight. RASHID IS ENGLAND'S MOST EFFECTIVE SPINNER That wicket was Rashid’s 23rd of the series, the most in any series by an England leg-spinner. Rashid passed Tich Freeman, who twice took 22 – against West Indies in 1928 and South Africa the following summer. In all seven Tests this winter against both Bangladesh and India, Rashid has collected 30 wickets – nine more than England’s next-best, Moeen Ali. HIGH PRICE-PER- WICKET FOR ENGLAND By the end of the third day, England’s bowlers had paid an average of 45.62 runs for each of the 61 Indian wickets they have claimed in this series. Only once before have their wickets come at a greater cost in India: in 1992-93, when Graham Gooch’s side lost 3-0, the England attack took a wicket every 55.67 runs. PLENTY OF EMPTY SEATS DESPITE SELL-OUT CLAIMS Despite claims by officials that the MA Chidambaram Stadium has been a sell-out, the reality has been rather different. Many seats have been left unfilled, possibly because the impact of last month’s demonetisation – when notes worth 500 and 1,000 rupees were taken out of commission – has made it difficult for cash-poor spectators to make the journey. Cyclone Vardah, which struck four days before this Test, has also had an impact on travel plans.

2016-12-18 09:15 Lawrence Booth www.dailymail.co.uk

40 /75 2.3 Little Rock boy shot dead in road-rage attack 'because his grandma was driving too slow' A three-year-old boy in Little Rock, Arkansas, was shot dead on Saturday when a driver opened fire on his grandmother's car because she 'wasn't moving fast enough at a stop sign,' police said. Police said they were looking for an older black Chevrolet Impala that was being driven by a tall black man. They hadn't released any other description of the man and appealed to the public for help finding him. Little Rock - home of former President Bill Clinton - has seen two infants die in road-rage gunfire in the past two months. In November a two-year-old girl was killed while being driven by her mom, Shunta Johnson, 37, when the driver of a passing vehicle fired into it. The shooter in that case hasn't been captured, and the girl has not been identified. Police Chief Kenton Buckner said the road rage killings were frustrating for the police department and the community, especially because the young victims were 'very innocent' and 'can do very little to protect themselves.' 'We cannot have a community to where the least protected among us, being infants, who are dying these senseless crimes in our city,' Buckner said. He said he didn't know if the children's shootings were related. So far, 40 people have died in the city this year. In 2013, it had a population of 197,357.

2016-12-18 09:15 Associated Press www.dailymail.co.uk

41 /75 3.2 NFL injury report Week 15: Fantasy update Sunday games NFL Injury report Week 15: Sunday games CLEVELAND BROWNS at BUFFALO BILLS

CLEVELAND BROWNS

--Questionable: LB Dominique Alexander (abdomen, groin)

BUFFALO BILLS

--Out: LB Lerentee McCray (concussion)

--Doubtful: T Cordy Glenn (back)

--Questionable: LB Zach Brown (ankle), TE Charles Clay (knee), WR Sammy Watkins (foot), DT Kyle Williams (back)

DETROIT LIONS at NEW YORK GIANTS

DETROIT LIONS

--Out: C Travis Swanson (concussion)

--Doubtful: RB Theo Riddick (wrist)

--Questionable: DE Ezekiel Ansah (shoulder), TE Eric Ebron (knee), LB DeAndre Levy (knee), CB Darius Slay (hamstring), RB Zach Zenner (concussion)

NEW YORK GIANTS

--Out: DE Jason Pierre-Paul (core muscle)

--Questionable: S Nat Berhe (concussion), LB Keenan Robinson (shoulder), RB Shane Vereen (concussion)

GREEN BAY PACKERS at CHICAGO BEARS

GREEN BAY PACKERS

--Doubtful: LB Nick Perry (hand), RB James Starks (concussion)

--Questionable: WR Randall Cobb (ankle), LB Kyler Fackrell (hamstring), LB Blake Martinez (knee), RB Christine Michael (illness), CB Damarious Randall (groin), RB Aaron Ripkowski (back), QB Aaron Rodgers (calf), C J. C. Tretter (knee)

CHICAGO BEARS

--Out: WR Eddie Royal (toe), WR Marquess Wilson (groin, foot)

--Questionable: CB Johnthan Banks (ankle), CB Bryce Callahan (knee), DT Eddie Goldman (ankle) INDIANAPOLIS COLTS at MINNESOTA VIKINGS

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

--Out: T Denzelle Good (concussion), DT Arthur Jones (groin), WR Donte Moncrief (hamstring), T Joe Reitz (back)

--Questionable: TE Dwayne Allen (hip), WR Phillip Dorsett (groin), S T. J. Green (ankle), DT Zach Kerr (concussion)

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

--Out: G Brandon Fusco (concussion), S Harrison Smith (ankle), WR Laquon Treadwell (ankle), CB Trae Waynes (concussion)

--Questionable: CB Mackensie Alexander (abdomen), RB Matt Asiata (ankle), C Joe Berger (concussion)

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS at HOUSTON TEXANS

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

--Out: WR Allen Hurns (hamstring), G Chris Reed (toe), RB Denard Robinson (ankle)

--Questionable: WR Shane Wynn (hamstring)

HOUSTON TEXANS

--Out: G Jeff Allen (concussion), TE C. J. Fiedorowicz (concussion), S Don Jones (illness), LB John Simon (chest)

--Questionable: RB Tyler Ervin (ribs), CB Johnathan Joseph (ribs), LB Whitney Mercilus (back)

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS at DENVER BRONCOS

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

--Out: WR Danny Amendola (ankle)

--Questionable: TE Martellus Bennett (ankle, shoulder), CB Malcolm Butler (hip), LB Dont'a Hightower (knee), S Jordan Richards (knee), LB Elandon Roberts (hamstring), CB Eric Rowe (hamstring), WR Matt Slater (foot)

DENVER BRONCOS

--Out: LS Casey Kreiter (calf), LB Brandon Marshall (hamstring)

--Questionable: LB Todd Davis (rib cage)

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS at ARIZONA CARDINALS

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

--Out: LB Stephone Anthony (knee), CB Delvin Breaux (shoulder) --Questionable: S Shiloh Keo (hamstring), RB Daniel Lasco (hamstring, knee), LB Craig Robertson (shoulder), C Max Unger (foot)

ARIZONA CARDINALS

--Out: T D. J. Humphries (concussion)

--Questionable: WR John Brown (illness), CB Marcus Cooper (back), TE Jermaine Gresham (knee)

OAKLAND RAIDERS at SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

OAKLAND RAIDERS

--Out: LB Shilique Calhoun (knee), S Karl Joseph (toe), DT Stacy McGee (ankle)

--Questionable: WR Amari Cooper (shoulder), WR Michael Crabtree (finger), DE Darius Latham (ankle), G Kelechi Osemele (knee), LB Perry Riley (hamstring), LB Malcolm Smith (hamstring)

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

--Out: RB Melvin Gordon (hip, knee)

--Doubtful: CB Craig Mager (shoulder)

--Questionable: WR Jeremy Butler (ankle), G Orlando Franklin (rib)

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES at BALTIMORE RAVENS

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

--Out: RB Darren Sproles (concussion), T Halapoulivaati Vaitai (knee)

--Questionable: G Allen Barbre (hamstring), TE Brent Celek (stinger), WR Dorial Green- Beckham (abdomen), LB Kamu Grugier-Hill (illness), WR Jordan Matthews (ankle)

BALTIMORE RAVENS

--Out: CB Jimmy Smith (ankle)

--Questionable: TE Crockett Gillmore (thigh), LB Anthony Levine (toe), T Alex Lewis (ankle), CB Jerraud Powers (concussion)

PITTSBURGH STEELERS at CINCINNATI BENGALS

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

--Out: WR Darrius Heyward-Bey (foot), S Shamarko Thomas (concussion)

CINCINNATI BENGALS

--Doubtful: DE Wallace Gilberry (calf), WR A. J. Green (hamstring) --Questionable: LS Clark Harris (groin), S Derron Smith (thigh), TE C. J. Uzomah (calf), WR James Wright (knee)

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS at ATLANTA FALCONS

SAN FRANCISCO

--Out: WR Torrey Smith (concussion)

--Doubtful: T Joe Staley (hamstring)

ATLANTA FALCONS

--Out: DE Adrian Clayborn (knee), CB Jalen Collins (knee), WR Julio Jones (toe), S Robenson Therezie (ankle), WR Nick Williams (concussion)

TENNESSEE TITANS at KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

TENNESSEE TITANS

--Out: LB Sean Spence (ankle)

--Questionable: LB David Bass (groin), DT Jurrell Casey (foot), DT Karl Klug (Achilles)

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

--Out: CB Phillip Gaines (knee), LB Derrick Johnson (Achilles)

--Questionable: LB Justin Houston (illness, knee), DE Kendall Reyes (wrist)

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS at DALLAS COWBOYS on Sunday night

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

--Out: T Demar Dotson (concussion)

--Questionable: S Chris Conte (chest), LB Lavonte David (hamstring), DT Gerald McCoy (foot), DT Sealver Siliga (calf), TE Luke Stocker (ankle)

DALLAS COWBOYS

--Out: CB Morris Claiborne (groin), T Chaz Green (back), DE Demarcus Lawrence (back)

--Questionable: WR Dez Bryant (back), S Barry Church (forearm), DE Jack Crawford (foot), LS L. P. Ladouceur (knee), G Ronald Leary (back), LB Sean Lee (knee), CB Orlando Scandrick (foot, not injury related), T Tyron Smith (back, knee), DT Cedric Thornton (ankle), S J. Wilcox (thigh)

2016-12-18 09:14 www.upi.com

42 /75 4.3 Watch fans toss hundreds of teddy bears on the ice at hockey game MUSKEGON, MI - The combination of stuffed animals, a hockey game and a great cause can produce quite an impressive scene.

The annual Teddy Bear Toss game for the Muskegon Lumberjacks, held Saturday night this season, did just that.

Watch the video in this post to see what it looked like. More than 1,100 stuffed animals were donated.

The concept for the special event conducted by professional and amateur hockey teams based in small-, medium- and large-sized markets is for fans to throw new stuffed animals, mainly teddy bears, onto the ice after the home team scores its first goal of the game. The teddy bears and other stuffed animals are collected and donated to needy children in the community through the Muskegon Rescue Mission.

As part of this year's promotion for Teddy Bear Toss night, the Muskegon Lumberjacks set it up for children ages 13 and younger to get in free with donated stuffed animal.

The Lumberjacks also planned to auction off their one-of-a-kind, Christmas "Ugly Sweaters" jerseys after the game with the proceeds going to help the Salvation Army in Muskegon. The Lumberjacks wore the special jerseys during Saturday's game.

Chicago beat Muskegon, 5-1.

Muskegon's next home hockey game is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. Dec. 29 vs. the Waterloo Black Hawks.

Check out the 'ugly sweater' hockey jerseys the lumberjacks wore in 2015

2016-12-18 09:01 Eric Gaertner www.mlive.com

43 /75 2.9 Reuters Health News Summary Following is a summary of current health news briefs. Optimistic people may live longer after a heart attack People who expect good things to happen in the future are more likely than less-optimistic peers to survive the decades following a first heart attack, a study in Israel suggests. The results don't prove that optimism extends life, but doctors should nevertheless consider including optimism training in patients' rehabilitation after heart attacks, the study team writes in Mayo Clinic Proceedings. Mylan launches EpiPen generic at $300 per two-pack Mylan NV, which has come under fire for its drug pricing, said on Friday it would start selling a generic version of its life-saving EpiPen allergy treatment for $300 per two-pack, a more than 50 percent discount. The company has been under investigation by the U. S. government, and its chief executive was called before Congress to testify on raising the price of a pair of EpiPens to more than $600 from $100 in 2008. Malaysia confirms its eighth Zika virus case Malaysia confirmed an eighth Zika virus case on Sunday, involving a 67-year-old man who first showed symptoms in late November. An online statement from the Health Ministry's director general, Noor Hisham Abdullah, did not specify if the man from the state of Selangor contracted the case locally or overseas. Melanoma survivors' friends can help spot new moles Melanoma survivors may want to enlist partners to help search their bodies for suspicious looking moles, according to new research. The researchers previously found that skin cancer survivors and their partners could be trained to spot potentially cancerous moles by doing skin exams. The new report shows that during the two years, those same people had increasing confidence in their skills, with no increase in embarrassment or discomfort. FDA drops black box warning on Pfizer's anti-smoking drug U. S. health regulators on Friday allowed Pfizer Inc to remove a serious warning from the label of its smoking cessation treatment, Chantix, giving a new lease of life to the controversial drug that was approved a decade ago. The U. S. Food and Drug Administration slapped a "black box" warning - the most severe available - on Chantix in 2009 after receiving thousands of reports linking the drug to mental health issues, including suicidal thoughts, hostility and agitation. Heimlich, developer of maneuver to save choking victims, dead at 96 Henry Heimlich, the medical maverick who came up with a maneuver credited with saving thousands of choking victims but who damaged his standing as a proponent of the curative powers of malaria, died on Saturday at the age of 96. Heimlich, a doctor who developed a life-saving technique to dislodge airway blockages, died at Christ Hospital in Cincinnati of complications from a massive heart attack he suffered on Monday, his family said in a statement. Britain confirms bird flu outbreak at turkey farm in eastern England The H5N8 bird flu strain has been found at a turkey farm in Lincolnshire, eastern England, Britain's agriculture department said on Friday. Most birds at the farm have died and any remaining birds there will be humanely culled, it said. U. S. lawmakers press Heritage Pharma on high prices for antibiotic Two U. S. lawmakers are questioning whether Heritage Pharmaceuticals misled them in response to a 2014 congressional inquiry about the rising price a common antibiotic, after 20 U. S. states this week accused the company of price fixing. In a Dec. 16 letter to Heritage seen by Reuters, Maryland Democratic Representative Elijah Cummings and Vermont Independent Senator Bernie Sanders said they feared the company was "disingenuous at best" in October 2014 when it told them it had not seen any significant price increases for its doxycycline hyclate product.

2016-12-18 09:01 Reuters www.dailymail.co.uk

44 /75 0.6 Twin who finished Half Marathon with brother loses cancer battle Almost three months ago — knowing the end might be near — Shane and Shawn Green took part together one last time in the Chicago Half Marathon.

Shawn, who’d lived in Roscoe Village with his wife and 3-year-old daughter, died Thursday morning at his home, surrounded by family, following a battle with inoperable brain cancer.

“He fought a courageous battle and inspired many along the way,” said his twin, Shane. “He never complained once through this, no matter what we asked him to do.”

Shawn died as his wife, Erin, and his brother each held one of his hands.

Twins Shane and Shawn Green were on the basketball team in high school, then chose to attend the college that would accept both of them, so they could keep playing together. | Provided photo

Shane and Shawn — born and raised in Bernie, Mo. — were mostly inseparable. They went to the same college, they were each other’s best man. They both got jobs in Chicago. And when Shawn was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2009, Shane, who lives in Homer Glen, was at his brother’s side through all of it.

In September, doctors remained optimistic that some new medical treatments might slow down the tumor’s growth.

The Chicago Sun-Times featured the twins and followed them as they took part in the half marathon in September — something they’d done together for four of the past five years.

They each had offers to play basketball in college. They chose the University of St. Francis in Joliet, which wanted them both.

When Shawn was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2009, it only made sense that Shane would be at his twin’s side through it all. Shawn had surgery to remove the tumor that same year, but it returned, more aggressively, in 2015.

The twins a motto — “Every day is a good day” — tattooed on their torsos. In August, Shane got another tattoo — two “S’s” side by side in the center of a shield.

“It’s me protecting him,” Shane said in September. “It means something to me. It will forever be with me.”

Twins Shane and Shawn Green grew up in Missouri. | Provided photo

2016-12-18 09:00 Stefano Esposito chicago.suntimes.com

45 /75 3.6 Allenzae Staggers, Ito Smith too much to handle in Southern Miss 28-21 win over Louisiana-Lafayette Southern Mississippi knew exactly how it wanted to start off its game against Louisiana- Lafayette, and it executed that gameplan to perfection.

The Golden Eagles (7-6) wanted to take some deep shots early and they did just that, completing passes of 55 and 66 yards to wide receiver Allenzae Staggers on their first two drives of the game to set the tone for a 28-21 win in the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl on Saturday at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

"It's fair to say we came in wanting to put the ball in the air," said Southern Miss coach Jay Hopson. "I think those plays were big. Anytime you get explosive plays like that right off the jump, it gives you a lot of momentum. "Our guys kept fighting and that's what I'm so proud of. We made some explosive plays and I thought defensively we didn't give up very many explosive plays. I thought that was the big difference. "

Staggers set new New Orleans Bowl records for catches (11) and receiving yards (230) before the end of the night and he gave the Ragin' Cajuns (6-7) secondary problems throughout the game.

The junior dominated the early portion of the game and went into halftime wth seven catches for 202 yards.

Southern Miss moved Staggers all over the field and he found ways to come up with big catches in several crucial moments when his team needed him most.

"We executed," said Staggers. "We executed the plays, we took our time and had great precision. "

Louisiana-Lafayette came out of the half with a shift in its gameplan to prevent Staggers from controlling things in the passing game, so the Golden Eagles turned to running back Ito Smith and allowed him to seal the win with his bruising running style.

Southern Miss used big plays by Staggers on the first two drives of the game to score its first two touchdowns, but the two touchdowns it scored in the second half came on long drives that allowed Smith to leave his mark.

The Golden Eagles scored on an 11-play, 75-yard drive to open the second half and on a 14- play, 83-yard drive that ended on a Smith 1-yard touchdown that gave his team a 28-14 lead with 12:26 left in the game.

Out of the 25 plays from those two drives, Smith ran the ball on 12 times for 81 yards.

Despite going into halftime with only 23 rushing yards, Smith wore the Ragin' Cajuns down in the second half and finished the night with 26 carries for 138 yards and three total touchdowns.

"It's just settling in. It's usually hard running the ball in the first half," said Smith. "In the second half, defenses usually wear down and our guys just turnt up and took it to another level. The offensive line did a great job and the pass game was clicking on all cylinders. "

Staggers wasn't the only record-setting performer for Southern Miss on Saturday night. Defensive end Ja'Boree Poole terrorized the Louisiana-Lafayette offensive line for most of the game and finished with a New Orleans Bowl-record three sacks.

Poole--who also had a team-high eight total tackles--recorded all three of his sacks in the first half, but his pressure at the end of the game disrupted several of the Louisiana-Lafayette plays and forced quarterback Anthony Jennings into a few mistakes on the final drive of the game.

"I just came out hard. I wanted to give a good example for the young guys that are coming up next year," Poole said. "The coaches been preaching it all week to go out and show the young guys how to do it and how to be a good example for them. And I just had a good game. "

2016-12-18 09:00 William Guillory www.nola.com

46 /75 1.9 Ask Farmer: Why is the center allowed to move the ball forward before the snap? Have a question about the NFL? Ask Times NFL writer Sam Farmer, and he will answer as many as he can online and in the Sunday editions of the newspaper throughout the season. Email questions to: [email protected]

What about the tricks of the trade? Birk laughed. There were times he’d scream, “Set-hut!” — something that typically would only come from the quarterback — to try to get the defense to jump.

“You’ve got to make sure you aren’t tensing up when you yell that,” he said. “Any type of muscular contraction could cause the ball to move. You’re just kind of trying to fool the D-line. Just because they’ve repped it a million times, when they hear ‘Set-hut!’ they might just involuntarily come forward.”

Now, the real trick, one that gets to the root of your question.

“If you have third and inches or fourth and inches, and you kind of purposely get a little bit closer to the ball with your feet than you normally would, you can move the ball forward a little bit as you get down in your crouch. Essentially, you already have the first down before the ball is snapped. You just have to not lose yardage and you’ll get it.”

Conceded retired NFL kicker Michael Husted: “If there was a rule that allowed the kicker to move forward before the snap on a field-goal attempt, then there would be some longer kicks.”

2016-12-18 09:00 Sam Farmer www.latimes.com

47 /75 1.4 New Orleans Pelicans at San Antonio Spurs game preview, breakdown Tip off: 6 p.m., Sunday, AT&T Center.

Records: New Orleans Pelicans (9-19); San Antonio Spurs 21-5.

TV: Fox Sports New Orleans. Radio: WRNO-99.5.

Summary: The Pelicans allowed an NBA-record 24 3-pointers in Friday night's 122-100 loss to the Houston Rockets.... The Pelicans are the only remaining winless team against Southwest Division opponents. They are 0-5 while the Spurs are 4- 1.... The Spurs beat the Pelicans 98- 79 on Oct. 29.... The Pelicans all- time record at the AT&T Center since the 2002-03 season is 4-23.

Pelicans probable starters: PG Jrue Holiday 6-4, 205 (15.3 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 6.0 apg, 1.1 spg); SG Buddy Hield 6-4, 191 (8.2 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 1.2 apg, 0.2 spg); SF E'Twaun Moore 6-4, 191 (10.2 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 2.8 apg, 0.8 spg); PF Anthony Davis 6-10, 252 (30.2 ppg, 11.2 rpg, 2.2 apg, 2.8 bpg); C Alexis Ajinca 7-1, 248 (4.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 0.3 apg, 0.7 bpg).

Spurs probable starters: PG Tony Parker 6-2, 185 (9.9 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 4.5 apg, 0.4. spg); SG Danny Green 6-6, 215 (7.1 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 2.0 apg, 0.6 spg); SF Kawhi Leonard 6-7, 230 (24.5. ppg, 6.0 rpg, 3.1 apg, 1.9 spg); PF LaMarcus Aldridge 6-11, 260 (16.3 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 1.7 apg, 1.0 bpg); C Pau Gasol 7-0, 250 (12.1 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 2.7 apg, 1.0 bpg).

Injury report:

Pelicans: SF Quincy Pondexter (left knee) out. PF Dante Cunningham (fracture fibula) out. PF Anthony Davis (lower left leg contusion) questionable. Spurs: None.

Up next: Pelicans at 76ers, Tuesday. Spurs at Rockets, Tuesday.

2016-12-18 09:00 John Reid www.nola.com

48 /75 0.7 Sampaoli outshines Emery as Sevilla join title race Dec 18 (Reuters) - Sevilla's devastating display to dispatch Malaga 4-1 on Saturday put them in their highest league position after 16 games for a decade and left little doubt that hiring coach Jorge Sampaoli to succeed serial winner Unai Emery was the right choice. Emery left for Paris St Germain last summer, following three successive Europa League triumphs, and his new side's defeat at Guingamp on Saturday contrasted sharply with the whirlwind soccer his successor in Spain was offering up. Sevilla scored four goals in 10 breathtaking first-half minutes against Malaga, with Luciano Vietto firing in the opener in the 25th and Vitolo stabbing home the fourth in the 35th to turn the second half into a procession, even after Adil Rami was sent off. The win over their local rivals moved Sampaoli's side second in the league and there was a euphoric mood at the Sanchez Pizjuan stadium even though Barcelona can leapfrog them in the table by beating Espanyol on Sunday. "We had our opponents at our mercy, we finished the game off in one half and delighted the fans," said Sampaoli. The Argentine has had to deal with the same obstacle that Emery hurdled so well -- the challenge of moulding a new-look squad after a spate of close-season departures. Influential players Grzegorz Krychowiak, Ever Banega, Coke and top scorer Kevin Gameiro all left before Sampaoli began the season, yet the former Chile coach has outshone his predecessor by utterly transforming the team's style of play. Explosive young forward Vietto, on loan from Atletico Madrid and the team's top scorer in the league with six goals, has been one of his most successful recruits along with playmaker Samir Nasri, reborn after stagnating in his final seasons at Manchester City. As well as igniting a three-horse title race, Sampaoli has guided Sevilla into the last 16 of the Champions League for the first time in seven years, with Leicester City standing in between them and a first ever quarter-final berth. "I'm delighted with the performance and that we have earned the respect of everyone for the way we are playing," said Sampaoli. "It's a great boost for us that will spur us on to greater things in the future. " (Reporting by Richard Martin; Editing by Toby Davis)

2016-12-18 08:40 Reuters www.dailymail.co.uk

49 /75 3.6 Dow nears 20,000; Another U. S. economy reading; FedEx previews the holiday season The stock index has been flirting with that nice, round number for a week, as the market has continued is stunning post-election rally. The Dow cleared 19,000 on November 22, and it came within 44 points of hitting 20,000 last Wednesday. But investors soured a bit after the Federal Reserve raised its key interest rate, and the Dow has fallen back from its all-time high.

Hitting 20,000 this year would be an achievement few would have thought possible at the beginning of 2016, when the Dow slumped 2,000 points in the first month, falling below 15,500 points.

Few too predicted that the Dow would rally after a Trump election victory. The Dow futures initially tanked 800 points on election night, but the index actually soared the day after.

2. GDP revision: On Thursday, we'll see how healthy the U. S. economy is when the government revises its GDP for the final time for the third quarter. Last month , the Bureau of Economic Analysis said the economy grew at an annualized rate of 3.2% in the third quarter.

The healthy economy, buoyed by strong consumer spending, led to the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates for the second time in a decade last Wednesday.

3. Earnings on tap: With holiday shopping in full swing, we'll get a look at how two big contributors to the frenzy are doing. First up are FedEx's ( FDX ) earnings on Tuesday. Its stock has been on the climb lately because shipping volumes have been beating expectations. Though its report won't include all of the holiday shopping season, FedEx is expected to provide a prediction for the busiest months of the year.

Also on Tuesday are Nike ( NKE ) 's earnings. The sports apparel giant's turf is being encroached on by Under Armour ( UA ). While Nike crushes Under Armor in revenue, analysts are bigger fans of Under Armour's growth and star leadership.

4. Apple's AirPods are here: Apple's futuristic wireless ear buds are going on sale this week. The $159 gadgets were first announced in September, but mysterious problems forced the company to keep pushing back shipment dates until mid-December.

Apple ( AAPL , Tech30 ) says don't count on your AirPods making it under the Christmas tree. "AirPods will be shipping in limited quantities at launch and customers are encouraged to check online for updates on availability and estimated delivery dates," it said in a press release.

5. Coming this week:

Monday - Oprah Winfrey interviews Michelle Obama on CBS

Tuesday - Nike and FedEx earnings

Wednesday - Apple AirPods shipped

Thursday - Final 3Q revision of GDP

Friday - NYSE closes at 1 p.m.

2016-12-18 08:31 Jordan Valinsky rss.cnn.com

50 /75 2.3 Regional Morning Briefing: Delivering gifts in the ice and Eagles hope to spoil Ravens playoff hopes Posted:

12/18/16, 7:29 AM EST | Updated: 54 secs ago

Good Morning. Here are some of the top stories from around the region today.

Fog, and lots of it, to start the day, then it turns warm with highs in the 50s. Cold returns tomorrow.

CLICK HERE to check your local weather forecast.

The United States holds a presidential election every four years in November, when voters cast their ballots for their preferred presidential candidate, but the president is actually chosen by the Electoral College in December. The freezing rain may have slowed the operations, but it did not deter the 2,232 boxes of food from getting packed at Cardinal O’Hara High School Saturday for those in need.

As part of their ongoing effort to support local community organizations with small financial donations, Chester County officials recently presented a check for $50,000 to representatives from Uptown! Entertainment Alliance, the organizations and owners of a live performance venue located in the county seat — the first of its kind in decades.

Police announced Friday the arrest of an alleged drunk driver who crashed last month into a covered bridge, resulting in its closure indefinitely. West Vincent Police Chief Michael Swininger said officers charged Hanna Rendin, 28, of Pottstown, on Thursday, for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol, reckless driving and criminal mischief relating to a “serious crash” that occurred on Nov. 20 at 12:37 a.m. inside the covered bridge over French Creek on Hollow Road in West Vincent and East Vincent townships.

The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office has identified the suspect in the stabbing death of a 60-year-old woman Friday. The DA released a statement Saturday stating Matthew J. Wertz Jr., 28, of 909 Hallowell St., Conshohocken, has been arrested and charged with first- degree murder in the death of Catherine Wanamaker. Wertz was identified as Wanamaker’s nephew.

A local church leader has a clear message for the community, as talks are underway about the possible sale of that church to North Wales Borough. “The important thing is that the public know that the congregation is not closing,” said Pastor Robert Fogal of St. Luke’s United Church of Christ.

It’s tougher playing out a lost season than pretending there’s a benefit to finishing on a high note. That’s the parallel universe the Eagles are in as they oppose the Baltimore Ravens Sunday at M & T Bank Stadium (1 p.m., Fox29, WIP 94.1-FM).

The tasteless T-shirt — standard Senior Week boardwalk apparel — soon may affect baseball history. Soon, one could cost a qualified candidate a spot in the Hall of Fame. The particular model, foaled in the “I’m With Stupid” stable, includes printed instructions of how to lynch journalists, a one-two-three process involving a rope. Seems Curt Schilling tweeted that one comical. Seems he included a photo. Seems he is about to pay at that baseball ballot-box, which is controlled by — wait for it — journalists.

On the final episode of the year, “Saturday Night Live” again used it’s opening on Donald Trump.

2016-12-18 08:29 www.delcotimes.com

51 /75 2.0 NBA roundup: recap, scores, notes for every game played on December 17 Cleveland Cavaliers 119, Los Angeles Lakers 108

CLEVELAND -- LeBron James scored 26 points, including 16 in the fourth quarter, and Kyrie Irving had 21 points and matched his career high with 12 assists in the Cleveland Cavaliers' 119-108 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night. Kevin Love had 27 points and a season-high 17 rebounds as all three of the Cavs' stars returned with big games after coach Tyronn Lue rested them in Cleveland's previous game on Wednesday. Irving took a week off because he complained to Lue he had tired legs in last Saturday's win over Charlotte.

The Lakers snapped an eight-game losing skid Friday at Philadelphia, but they've been known to give the league's elite fits. They smashed the Golden State Warriors by 20 earlier this season, the second straight season they've beaten their in-state rivals.

Oklahoma City Thunder 114, Phoenix Suns 101

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Russell Westbrook collected his 13th triple-double of the season to lead Oklahoma City to a victory over Phoenix at the Chesapeake Energy Arena.

Just days after saying he was tired of hearing about triple-doubles, Westbrook poured in 26 points, 11 rebounds and 22 assists, which is a career high. It's only the fifth time since 1983 that a player had a triple double and reach at least 20 points and 20 assists.

Thunder center Steven Adams added 19 points and six rebounds while Enes Kanter came off the bench to score 12 points as Oklahoma City broke a two game losing streak and raised its record to 16-11.

Golden State Warriors 135, Portland Trail Blazers 90

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Kevin Durant scored 13 of his game-high 34 points in a first-quarter runaway, propelling Golden State to a victory over Portland.

Backup Ian Clark had 23 points, Stephen Curry contributed 19 points, Klay Thompson scored 16 points and Draymond Green posted a 13-assist, 12-rebound double-double, helping the Warriors improve their best-in-basketball record to 24-4.

The 45-point margin of victory was the Warriors' largest of the season, surpassing a 149-106 crushing of the Los Angeles Lakers on Nov. 23.

Charlotte Hornets 107, Atlanta Hawks 99

ATLANTA -- Marvin Williams matched his season high with 19 points, including the game- clinching 3-pointer with 27.8 seconds left that lifted Charlotte to a win over Atlanta and end its four-game losing streak.

Atlanta twice erased a double-digit lead in the second half and led 95-94 with 3:50 remaining. But the Hornets regained the lead on Marco Belinelli 's third 3-pointer of the fourth quarter and Atlanta could never get closer than two points. Williams, who played with Atlanta from 2005-2012, shot 7-for-10 from the field and added six rebounds. Belinelli shot 8-for-11 to finish with 19.

Indiana Pacers 105, Detroit Pistons 90

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- Paul George had 26 points and the Indiana Pacers took control late in the first half and rolled to a win over Detroit at The Palace.

George also grabbed seven rebounds, while Pacers point guard Jeff Teague supplied 19 points, a career-high-tying nine rebounds and seven assists. Backcourt partner Glenn Robinson III recorded his second double-double of the season with 12 points and 12 rebounds.

Thaddeus Young added 12 points and Miles Turner and C. J. Miles chipped in 10 apiece for Indiana, which salvaged the finale of a three-game road trip.

Houston Rockets 111, Minnesota Timberwolves 109 (OT)

MINNEAPOLIS -- James Harden and Ryan Anderson came together and the two agreed that Houston wasn't going to lose in Minnesota.

The timing just happened to be in the final minutes when Houston was down by double digits.

The confidence among the hot-shooting Rockets is immense.

Harden scored 10 of his 28 points in overtime and Houston won its 10th straight game, defeating Minnesota.

Denver Nuggets 127, New York Knicks 114

DENVER -- Kenneth Faried had a season-high 25 points and three blocked shots, Emmanuel Mudiay scored 22, and Denver beat New York.

Will Barton had 17 points and eight rebounds for the Nuggets, who had seven players score in double figures.

Carmelo Anthony led the Knicks with 29 points in his return to Denver. Anthony, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2003 draft, played his first seven-and-a-half seasons with the Nuggets before being dealt to New York in February 2011.

2016-12-18 08:27 www.upi.com

52 /75 0.8 Lee gets last laugh in amusing first game vs ROS, ex- teammates As a vital part of Rain or Shine for five years, Paul Lee knew what was coming when he faced his former team for the first time.

Known for their physical brand of basketball, the Elasto Painters, specifically their rugged big man Beau Belga showed their ex-teammate what it’s like to be on the other end of a hard foul.

“Hinihintay ko na nung first quarter,” Lee said. Lee braced for the worst but it still caught him off guard when he fell down after hitting Belga late in the second frame, saying, “Mali yung tantya ko kasi second quarter na dumating.”

Still, the guard had the last laugh, taking charge in the clutch to lift Star to a 99-91 win on Sunday for its third straight victory.

“Tiwala lang kami sa sistema ni coach, and then yung trust ko sa teammates ko, nandoon talaga since day one. Dumating ako sa team, parang pinakita ko sa kanila na kailangan talaga magtiwala tayo sa isa’t isa para malayo ang marating natin,” he said. Not even a little trash talk from his ex-teammates like Jericho Cruz could throw Lee off his game, as he finished with 14 points, four assists, and three rebounds against his former team.

“Medyo matagal na ako sa liga na ito kaya di na pwede sa akin yun. Di na ako magpapadala, laro lang tayo. Alam ko kung kailan yung oras para sa ganun,” he said.

And the 2011 Rookie of the Year did, showing maturity as the Hotshots composed themselves in the endgame to pull off the triumph late from this highly emotional affair.

“At the end of the day, kailangan naming manalo. Yun ang pinaka-importante sa amin. Di ko tiningnan yung kailangan ko magpakita o kailangan ko tumira ng marami dahil Rain or Shine ang kalaban,” said Lee.

“Focused lang kami. Kailangan lahat maging masaya sa team. Ginawa ko lang talaga yung part ko. At the end of the day, sa amin pa rin yung huling halakhak.”

2016-12-18 00:00 Randolph B sports.inquirer.net

53 /75 2.2 Gary Neville slams FA again for handling of Wayne Rooney's late night drinking as he accuses them of 'throwing captain overboard' Gary Neville has once again criticised the Football Association over their handling of Wayne Rooney's drinking binge while on England duty last month. The England captain was photographed with wine-stained lips after drinking with a wedding party at the team's hotel, just hours before he was due to report for training. Rooney was one of a number of England players who were out late that night and he later apologised to manager Gareth Southgate. At the time, former England defender Neville tweeted: 'It's embarrassing. Wayne Rooney shouldn't have apologised. Or if he did his fellow team-mates should have been with him!' Expanding on those comments during an appearance on Sunday Supplement on Sky Sports, Neville blasted the FA for not shielding their captain from blame. And at one point, an irritated Neville claimed the FA were briefing to the media against their captain by saying that manager Gareth Southgate had told Rooney to go to bed. Former England assistant coach Neville said: 'My issue was how it was dealt with by the FA and by the team. The way they handled it was disappointing. 'You don't throw the guy overboard. You don't say "get out and apologise. " 'You all come together and say we've all made a mistake, we're all in it together and I was disappointed that Rooney had to come out and apologise when actually there were other players out on the same night doing the same things. 'As a player and as a coach, you don't expose your team-mate, you don't let him ho out there. You pull it together.' Neville, now a pundit on Sky Sports, also criticised the FA's chief executive Martin Glenn for saying there would be an investigation into Rooney's late-night, describing it as 'disastrous.' He said: 'They said there would be an investigation but there isn't an investigation, there can't be. They were given time to go out and have a night out. 'When you talk about fanning the flames, that's exactly what the FA did that week. 'Martin Glenn said he was going to start an investigation. That is not an investigation, it's a phone call to ask what happened.' Neville pointed to the days of Terry Venables leading England, when the squad, including Neville himself, swallowed the blame for damage caused on an aeroplane before Euro 96 rather than pin it on any individual. A similar approach, Neville said, could have eased the pressure on Rooney.

2016-12-18 08:08 Adam Shergold www.dailymail.co.uk

54 /75 1.0 Emma Roberts keeps it simple in casual black sweater and festive beanie as she steps out in Los Angeles With Christmas closing in it was a rather sombre looking Emma Roberts who stepped out in Los Angeles on Saturday afternoon. The American actress, 25, sported a casual black top and matching skinny jeans while taking a stroll through the city. Black leather boots added to her low-key ensemble, while a smart red leather handbag added a welcome splash of colour. Scroll down for video An embellished woollen hat provided some festive flair to an otherwise subdued look as the actress chatted on her mobile phone. The actress, whose aunt is Hollywood veteran Julia Roberts, was stepping out following claims that she has rekindled her relationship with American Horror Story co-star Evan Peters. Multiple sources have confirmed to Us Weekly that their engagement 'is back on' as of November 26, and she has been wearing her ring on the set of Scream Queens. The pair were also spotted together recently during a shopping trip last week as well as exchanging smooches in New York City. And with the wrap of the second season of Scream Queens, it appears Emma has more time for the relationship. The couple's rocky relationship originally came to an end in June 2015, two years after they announced their engagement. They reunited in August but separated for a second time last May. Meanwhile, Emma is set to appear in the upcoming film Billionaire Boys Club, alongside Suki Waterhouse, Ansel Elgort, Kevin Spacey and Judd Nelson. The 2017 film, Four Seasons, will also feature the actress as they are currently in pre-production. Evan - who has starred in American Horror Story since 2011 - will also star in 2017 film Dabka with Al Pacino and Melanie Griffith.

2016-12-18 08:06 Jason Chester www.dailymail.co.uk

55 /75 1.8 Michelle Keegan insists she's happy with husband Mark Wright but admits they won't be trying for a baby just yet They've been 'happily' married for almost 18 months - but Michelle Keegan has hinted that it might not be 'just the two of them' for much longer. In an interview with Fabulous magazine this weekend, the actress - who turns 30 next year - admitted that she was always feeling 'broody' but she and husband Mark Wright 'go through phases' of wanting to start a family. Scroll down for video 'Our marriage is going really well. We’re happy. I don’t want to constantly say: "We’re happy, we’re fine," because why validate it? If we’re happy, we’re happy.' Michelle went on to address romantic links with her male co-stars, saying that the on-screen passion between characters never 'really' bothers Mark. 'Before I got with Mark, he knew what I was doing,' she explained. 'People like to build it up like it’s really embarrassing for him, but he’s seen it so many times, I don’t think it fazes him.' The Tina and Bobby star admitted that while Mark is keen to start a family, there are no immediate plans to try for a baby. 'I’m always broody, but we’re not planning anything,' said Michelle. ' Both of us go through phases.' In the meantime, she said that when her stepbrother's baby is born next year she'll be sure she gets her 'baby fix'. It seems even Mark's close mum Carol is ready to become a grandmother, nonetheless. Speaking to new! magazine in November, Carol enthused: 'I will be [a grandmother] soon, I'm sure. 'And they reckon they come like buses, so I know that's going to happen to me.' Rumours of a split between Mark and Michelle began earlier this year when she was spotted on multiple occasions without her ring, but a representative for the star claimed that she merely left her band at home when filming. However, a source close to the pair reportedly told The Sun that the couple's hectic schedules had led to a turbulent first year of marriage. Michelle had been hard at work filming Our Girl as well as ITV drama Tina and Bobby, while Mark remained home in Essex. Mark's representative said at the time: 'This is a fabricated story from a mysterious unknown "pal". Yawn.' Last month, Michelle appeared on The Jonathan Ross Show and shared her story of how Mark proposed to her in Dubai back in 2013, explaining how it was all a huge, romantic surprise. She said: 'It was all planned, it was when we were in Dubai when we were on holiday and it was four days into the holiday so I had no idea and he did it on the beach and there was a table set out with a waiter and candles.' 'When we first started speaking actually, I did say that one day I’d like to get proposed in white dress and all that, the fairy tale. 'He told me a story that on the beach there was going to be a white party so I got a white dress, didn't think anything of it because it was two years down the line but he had it all planned out so I wore the white dress, I was on the beach it was very romantic.' Earlier this year, Michelle revealed that Mark was planning the perfect Christmas at near his family home this year. ‘We’re having an Essex Christmas and it will be amazing,’ Mark told The Daily Mirror, in November.

2016-12-18 08:01 Dan Cain www.dailymail.co.uk

56 /75 2.6 Math a concern for US teens; science, reading flat on test WASHINGTON (AP) — American students have a math problem.

The latest global snapshot of student performance for 15-year-olds shows declining math scores in the U. S. and stagnant performance in science and reading.

“We’re losing ground — a troubling prospect when, in today’s knowledge-based economy, the best jobs can go anywhere in the world,” said Education Secretary John B. King Jr. “Students in Massachusetts, Maryland, and Minnesota aren’t just vying for great jobs along with their neighbors or across state lines, they must be competitive with peers in Finland, Germany, and Japan.”

Math was a stubborn concern. “This pattern that we’re seeing in mathematics seems to be consistent with what we’ve seen in previous assessments … everything is just going down,” said Peggy Carr, acting commissioner at the National Center for Education Statistics.

The 2015 Program for International Student Assessment, or PISA, study is the latest to document that American students are underperforming their peers in several Asian nations. The U. S. was below the international average in math and about average in science and reading. Singapore was the top performer in all three subjects on the PISA test.

More than half a million 15-year-old students in about 70 nations and educational systems took part in the exam, which is coordinated by the Paris-based Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, or OECD.

Here are the main things to know about PISA:

___

U. S. SCORES AND RANKINGS

Not so encouraging.

The test is based on a 1,000-point scale. Among the findings: -In math, the U. S. average score was 470, below the international average of 490. Average scores ranged from 564 in Singapore to 328 in the Dominican Republic.

-In science, the U. S. average score was 496, about the same as the international average of 493. Average scores ranged from 556 in Singapore to 332 in the Dominican Republic.

-In reading, the U. S. average score was 497, around the same as the international average of 493. Average scores ranged from 535 in Singapore to 347 in Lebanon.

Average scores in math have been on the decline since 2009. Scores in reading and science have been flat during that same time period. Across the globe, American students were outperformed by their counterparts in 36 countries in math; 18 countries in science and 14 countries in reading.

_____

SO, WHAT IS GOING ON WITH MATH?

Andreas Schleicher, director for education and skills at OECD, says high-performing countries do really well in math in three things: rigor, focus, and coherence.

For example, he says, many high-performing countries will teach a lot less but focus at much greater depths, particularly when you look at East Asia, Japan and Singapore.

“Students are often good at answering the first layer of a problem in the United States,” said Schleicher. “But as soon as students have to go deeper and answer the more complex part of a problem, they have difficulties.”

_____

THE BRIGHT SPOT IN THE U. S.

All eyes are on Massachusetts.

The Bay State participated as an international benchmark in PISA and received scores separate from the United States as a whole. Students in the state performed exceptionally well.

Massachusetts’s average scores were higher than the U. S. and the international average scores in science, math and reading. And for reading, Massachusetts was a top-tier performer, just behind Singapore and tied with Hong Kong and Canada.

Mitchell Chester, commissioner of Massachusetts public schools, says the state has spent two decades implementing higher standards, tests of student performance and money to support poorer districts.

“We measure our progress against that standard,” he said in an interview. “We hold people accountable for those results and we support them to reach the results financially.”

____

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

–“What do the PISA high-performing nations do differently than the United States? They invest in their students. They fully fund all of their schools, regardless of the ZIP code or community they are in.” — National Education Association President Lily Eskelsen García

–“It’s a combination of high standards, useful assessments and investing in our educators with high-quality curricula and professional development that can make a really meaningful impact. When you look at countries, and states, and schools that have that blend … you see real improvements.” — Jon Schnur, executive chairman of America Achieves.

____

OTHER FINDINGS

Globally, gender differences in science tended to be smaller than in reading and math. But, on average, in 33 countries and economies, the share of top performers in science is larger among boys than among girls. Finland was the only country where girls were more likely to be top performers than boys.

Across OECD countries, on average, the gender gap in reading in favor of girls narrowed by 12 points between 2009 and 2015.

____

ABOUT THE TEST AND COMPARISONS

The PISA test is conducted every three years. Schools in each country are randomly selected. OECD says student samples are drawn from a broad range of backgrounds and abilities.

Another international test, known as the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study, or TIMSS, had similar international comparisons with Asian countries solidly outperforming American students. That test, though, administered to younger students had eighth graders in the United States improving their scores in math, up nine points. Scores for science, however, were flat. In fourth grade, scores were unchanged in math and science.

Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

2016-12-18 08:01 By Associated mynorthwest.com

57 /75 1.9 How Is The World Treating People With Disabilities? Susan Brink

A man at a hospital in Bombuaka, Togo.

Celestino Arce/NurPhoto/Getty Images hide caption

In the ten years since the United Nations adopted the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities , ratified by 168 countries, there has been both progress and stubborn obstacles.

Case in point: When a new transit system in Guatemala City was built in 2010 with raised platforms accessible only by stairs, disability rights activists brought a lawsuit against the system — and won. Now, some of those stations have to provide ramps, says Silvia Yee, senior staff attorney with the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund.

But there are still problems. People with disabilities still must get to those ramps on broken and crumbling sidewalks with no curb cuts.

A new analysis of the landmark international human rights treaty seeks to document how far countries have come in the past decade and how far they have yet to go. The World Policy Analysis Center at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, mapped the global response to disability.

"Persons with disabilities are one of the last groups whose equal rights have been recognized," says Dr. Jody Heymann , dean of the school of public health and lead author of the analysis. "We wanted to see how far we've come in ten years. "

Goal: Countries should guarantee the right to quality education at all levels for people with disabilities.

Reality Check: That right is constitutionally guaranteed in only 28 percent of the 193 countries surveyed.

Other Protections: Children with disabilities are integrated into the same classrooms in 43 percent of countries; they are in the same schools but not the same classrooms in an additional 40 percent of countries. The analysis says that mainstreaming improves learning outcomes for children with disabilities.

"There are schools that exclude children because they see them as different," says Heymann. But other times, kids can't get to school because of gaps in transportation systems or a lack of medical supplies. "So, for example, a very bright little girl I met in Mexico lived in a one-room hut," Heymann says. "She had spina bifida and didn't have a wheelchair, so she couldn't get to school. " Spina bifida is a birth defect that can cause paralysis, as it did in this child's case.

Heymann doesn't know what happened to this particular child but is encouraged by the country's overall efforts for disabled children. Mexico has been strengthening its laws to ensure education for disabled children and is among the countries that allow disabled children to attend the same schools as other children, though not necessarily the same classrooms.

Peru is moving away from schools specifically for disabled children and toward mainstreaming disabled children in public schools. "The problem now is training teachers, and there is some backlash from parents," says Debbie Sharp, project specialist at Mobility International USA. Some parents of able-bodied children object to having their children in classrooms with students with disabilities because they believe it will harm their own child's education. To help put to rest concerns of some parents of non-disabled students, some countries, like Mexico are increasing training of teachers who will work in classrooms with both disabled and non-disabled students, says Yee.

In some areas, teachers start the ball rolling on their own. "I was in a rural area of Sri Lanka," says Wodatch. "I went to a couple of schools where they didn't have any program to educate kids with disabilities. So the teachers developed an after-school program on their own. They weren't paid for it. "

Goal: Countries should guarantee the right of persons with disabilities to work in an environment that is open, inclusive and accessible.

Reality Check: Only 18 percent of 193 constitutions guarantee the right of people with disabilities to work.

Other Protections: Of the 25 most populous countries at all income levels, 14 have broad protections for people with disabilities against discrimination in the work place.

Around the world, there are nearly half a billion working age people with disabilities, according to the analysis. "The need is huge," says Heymann.

Brazil passed a law in 2015, according to the UCLA analysis, protecting workers against discrimination in hiring, promotions and training as well as guaranteeing equal pay for equal work.

Some countries, like Japan and Montenegro, have set a quota, requiring that companies employ a specified percentage of disabled workers or pay a fine, says Wodatch. But it's no guarantee. The fines are usually low enough that some companies pay the fine rather than hire disabled workers, he says.

Peru also has a quota system with employers asked to hire 5 percent of workers with disabilities in the public sector and 3 percent in the private sector, says Silvia But employers can stretch the definition of disability. "You can get deliberate resistance," says Yee. "Employers will count people [as disabled] who wear glasses, or who get headaches frequently. "

Goal: Countries should guarantee people with disabilities the right to the highest possible standard of health without discrimination.

Reality Check: Only 26 percent of 193 constitutions explicitly guarantee the right to health to people with disabilities.

Other Protections: Some countries have passed work laws to help parents and caretakers. Peru, which offers 90 days of paid leave to new mothers, extends that benefit by 30 days if the baby is born with a disability. In Armenia, working parents are guaranteed paid leave to accompany disabled children to health care and treatment appointments.

The U. N. treaty has had an impact on countries, rich and poor alike. Even in a highly developed country like Canada, ratification of the U. N. treaty led to its health care system ensuring that interpretive services are provided for deaf patients, says Heymann.

And whether inspired by the U. N. treaty, or springing up organically, less developed countries are also making changes. "We're seeing a lot of disabled women and girls working on health care," says Susan Sygall, CEO of Mobility International USA. "They're interested in making sure disabled women have access to health care, access to information on disease like HIV/AIDS and information about violence against women services. "

But in some poor areas of the world, health care access and quality is poor for everyone, and the fight for improved services for people with disabilities is an uphill battle. "In some countries I've been in, Mongolia, Armenia, Georgia, health care has not been very good to begin with," says Wodatch. "The system is not there even to deliver babies. Having a doctor's office be accessible is only amusing to them. "

2016-12-18 08:00 Susan Brink www.npr.org

58 /75 5.6 Saints vs. Cardinals: What TV channel, time is today's game on? The New Orleans Saints (5-8) dropped their second straight game this past weekend and now they go on the road to face the Arizona Cardinals (5-7-1) at 3:05 p.m. CT Sunday at University of Phoenix Stadium.

The game can be seen locally on WVUE-FOX 8.

New Orleans and Arizona have played 28 times, with the Cardinals leading the series, 15- 13.

Saints vs. Cardinals game info :

What : New Orleans Saints at Arizona Cardinals

When : Sunday at 3:05 p.m. CT

Where : University of Phoenix Stadium

TV : WVUE-FOX 8

Radio : WWL Radio 870 AM/105.3 FM with Jim Henderson, Deuce McAllister and Kristian Garic

Watch online : NFL.com/gamepass

Here are some of our stories to check out prior to the game:

2016-12-18 08:00 Julie Boudwin www.nola.com

59 /75 59 /75 1.2 Lions at Giants: How to watch live, online; TV, radio info; stories to follow The Detroit Lions will be in search of their sixth straight win when they take the field against the New York Giants on Sunday. Playoff berths could be on the line for both teams. Detroit is two games up on Green Bay and Minnesota in the NFC North and needs a win and a Packers loss to secure its first division title in 23 years. New York, meanwhile, is two games back of Dallas in the NFC East but currently holds the top wildcard spot in the NFC.

GAME INFORMATION * Who: Detroit Lions (9-4) at New York Giants (9-4) * When: 1 p.m. * Where: MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey * TV: FOX * Announcers: Joe Buck and Troy Aikman * Radio: 760-AM WJR, Lions radio network and SiriusXM Ch. 81 * Twitter: Follow Kyle Meinke * Social media: Follow MLive Sports on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram * Live updates: Join MLive at 11 a.m. * Latest line: Giants -4

HOW TO WATCH A LIVE STREAM

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Five must reads before kickoff:

* Matthew Stafford's finger injury will test his grip of Jim Bob Cooter's offense

* Detroit Lions list Travis Swanson out, Theo Riddick doubtful vs. Giants

* Detroit Lions turn to Dwayne Washington in homestretch

* Lions' Eric Ebron: I don't plan on leaving my hometown without that 'W'

* Detroit Lions set to face similarly rising defense in New York Giants

NFL SCHEDULE

Sunday

Green Bay at Chicago, 1 p.m.

Jacksonville at Houston, 1 p.m.

Cleveland at Buffalo, 1 p.m.

Philadelphia at Baltimore, 1 p.m.

Tennessee at Kansas City, 1 p.m. Indianapolis at Minnesota, 1 p.m.

Pittsburgh at Cincinnati, 1 p.m.

New Orleans at Arizona, 4:05 p.m.

San Francisco at Atlanta, 4:05 p.m.

New England at Denver, 4:25 p.m.

Oakland at San Diego, 4:25 p.m.

Tampa Bay at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.

Monday

Carolina at Washington, 8:30 p.m.

2016-12-18 08:00 Nate Atkins www.mlive.com

60 /75 0.0 AFC notes: LeSean McCoy is the key to the Bills' offense Baltimore Ravens : Kicker Justin Tucker has nine field goals of at least 50 yards, one short of the NFL record. He’s made 31 or 32 field goals after having one blocked last week.

Buffalo Bills : LeSean McCoy is 24 rushing yards short of his fifth season with 1,000. McCoy accounts for almost 30% of the Bills’ total offense with 1,293 total yards.

Cincinnati Bengals : The Bengals switched kickers this week, releasing Mike Nugent and claiming Randy Bullock off waivers from the Steelers .

Cleveland Browns : Running back Isaiah Crowell has had four 100-yard rushing games, the most by a Brown since Peyton Hillis had five such games in 2010.

Denver Broncos : Demaryius Thomas has 100-plus receiving yards in three of his last five games against the Patriots. He has 925 receiving yards this season.

Houston Texans : Benardrick McKinney is only NFL player with at least 100 tackles (114) and four sacks. Jadeveon Clowney leads AFC ends with 12 tackles for losses. Indianapolis Colts : Quarterback Andrew Luck is second on the team in rushing with 304 yards, just 84 fewer than Vikings leading rusher Jerick McKinnon.

Jacksonville Jaguars : Defensive end Yannick Ngakoue is third among rookies with six sacks and also has four forced fumbles and an interception. Jaguars have lost eight in a row.

Kansas City Chiefs : Tight end Travis Kelce has four straight 100-yard receiving games, tied with Tony Gonzalez for the longest streak in franchise history.

Miami Dolphins : The last time Matt Moore made a start for the Dolphins was in 2011 and current Jets Coach Todd Bowles was the interim coach in Miami.

New England Patriots: Rookie receiver Malcolm Mitchell has four touch- down catches in his last four games. He has 358 yards receiving in nine games this season.

N. Y. Jets: The Jets put safety Marcus Gilchrist (knee), who is tied for the team lead in intercep- tions (two), and right tackle Breno Giacomini on injured reserve.

Oakland Raiders : The Raiders need a win to clinch their first playoff berth since 2002, when they advanced to the Super Bowl and were routed, 48-21, by Tampa Bay.

Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers have given up 16 sacks, the second-fewest to Oakland’s 13. Antonio Brown needs seven catches for his fourth straight season with 100.

San Diego Chargers : Chargers running back Melvin Gordon, who is three rushing yards shy of his first 1,000-yard season, is unlikely to play because of a hip injury.

Tennessee Titans : The Titans are seeking their first three-game win streak since 2011. Tennessee hasn’t turned the ball over in four consecutive games.

2016-12-18 08:00 Matt Wilhalme www.latimes.com

61 /75 1.9 NFC notes: Buccaneers have 10 interceptions over the last five games Arizona Cardinals : Last week, Chandler Catanzaro missed a 41-yard field-goal try and a point-after try, and had a point-after try blocked and returned by Miami.

Atlanta Falcons : Vic Beasley is tied for NFL lead with 131/2 sacks and leads with six forced fumbles. Last week, he had three sacks, including a strip that he returned for a score. Carolina Panthers : Ted Ginn Jr. has a touchdown catch in three of the last four games. Greg Olsen leads tight ends with 299 receptions and 3,835 yards receiving.

Chicago Bears: Linebacker Leonard Floyd leads all rookies with seven sacks. Linebacker Jerrell Freeman is serving the final game of his four- game PED suspension.

Dallas Cowboys : Linebacker Sean Lee had a franchise-record 22 tackles last week, and with three games remaining has tied his career best of 156 tackles from last season.

Detroit Lions : The Lions can clinch the NFC North title with a victory and a Green Bay loss or tie; or a tie, a Green Bay loss and a Minnesota loss or tie.

Green Bay Packers: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers is expected to play this week despite sitting out practice because of a calf injury and an ongoing hamstring issue.

Minnesota Vikings : Running back Adrian Peterson is set to return from a knee injury Sunday against Indianapolis. Peterson hasn’t played since Week 2.

New Orleans Saints : Drew Brees has not thrown a touchdown pass in his last two games and had three passes intercepted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers .

New York Giants : Cornerback Janoris Jenkins had an interception and a forced fumble last week. Landon Collins leads all safeties with 100 tackles.

Philadelphia Eagles: Right guard Brandon Brooks sat out two of the last three games because of an anxiety condition that caused a sudden illness on game day.

RAMS: Rookie Jared Goff ranks 60th among quarterbacks with a passer rating of 65.7 in his five starts. He has completed 54.7% of his passes for four scores.

San Francisco 49ers : Running back Carlos Hyde has 436 yards rushing in the last four games and needs 121 more to achieve his first 1,000-yard season.

Seattle Seahawks : The Seahawks claimed their third NFC West championship in four seasons with a victory over the Rams, 24-3, on Thursday Night Football.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Buccaneers have an NFL-high 10 interceptions in the last five games and are in a four-way tie for the league lead in takeaways with 25.

Washington Redskins : Kirk Cousins needs 122 yards passing to break the single-season franchise record of 4,166 yards that he established last season. [email protected]

Follow Matt Wilhalme on Twitter @mattwilhalme

2016-12-18 08:00 Matt Wilhalme www.latimes.com

62 /75 2.0 When Jimmy mussed Donny and other instances of TV softballing Trump Along with the comedian Norm Macdonald and the singer Kiiara, Donald J. Trump appeared on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" on Sept. 15, a lifetime ago. That was the night that, in a gesture that for some viewers said more about the host than the guest, Fallon rumpled Trump's hair.

It was the obviously arranged climax of a softball interview in which then- presidential candidate Trump, facing an audience that had not come to chant his name or "Build the wall" or "Lock her up," was able to paint himself as a simple New York billionaire who had sacrificed his own comfort for the good of the country; his positivity was met with cheers, and the tousling seemed made to say, "If the hair is genuine, the rest of him might be too. " What might have been serious questions — How will you create jobs? How will you build the wall? — were burned off in a comedy routine with Fallon as Trump addressing his reflection (played by Trump himself) in the mirror.

It made Fallon seem insubstantial and out of touch, but it’s useful to remember that in September the money was on a different electoral outcome.

It’s not hard to argue that Trump is president because of television, which turned him from a self- promoting real estate developer on the edges of pop culture into a much more valuable commodity, a TV star. Unlike that other screen president, Ronald Reagan — who had been a union president, governor of California and a figure in Republican politics for 15 years before reaching the White House — Trump is all brand, a name to slap on a building, a school, a steak, a country. Even if you didn’t like Reagan’s policies, there was nothing existentially bizarre about his occupying the Oval Office. Trump is historically unaccountable.

While Trump is a big character, he’s also unusually open to interpretation. Depending on where you stand, he's a simpleton or deceptively clever; crazy or crazy like a fox. Highly sensitive to criticism yet impervious to counsel, changeable yet ever himself, with an incapacity for self- reflection that some simply see as self-assurance, he's a mogul who played a more successful one on television. At times too, he comes across like a real-world — or real-ish world — cousin of fictional television reactionary blowhards like Archie Bunker and Al Bundy, cherished by some for the very qualities for which they're meant to be mocked.

Now comes the work of reconciling or refusing to reconcile that TV character with the person who will be the actual president of the United States. Some will find this no trouble; others will reckon the distance between "reality" and reality difficult, if not impossible to bridge. And some will just be treading water in the middle, looking for something solid to grasp.

If you feel that none of this is quite real, it may because it isn’t, quite. You can blame television for some of that.

If reality TV, which gave us Trump, is a highly manipulated form we are supposed to regard as authentic, even as we know better, much the same can be said of television news, especially around-the-clock cable news, whose worth the election, not for the first time, called into question. To fill time and draw viewers, CNN, Fox News and MSNBC — each in its own, not perfectly equivalent way — engineer situations of maximum conflict and controversy, molehills are made into mountains and idle speculation fanned into a three-alarm dumpster fire. It doesn't help that many of us seem unable to distinguish "fake news" from the verified sort; but even the most media-literate among us is not immune to a clickbait headline or a whiff of scandal. At the same time, whether out of “balance” or delicacy or fear of criticism — or reporters simply not knowing the material well enough — some serious questions were barely raised or quickly tabled.

Decisions about what to cover and how to cover it are not merely journalistic — sometimes they are not journalistic at all. Recall CBS Chief Executive Les Moonves' much reported remark, back when the media were taking Trump neither seriously nor literally, that the electoral circus of the Republican primaries "may not be good for America, but it's damn good for CBS. … It's a terrible thing to say. But, bring it on, Donald. Keep going. "

Trump letting Fallon muss his hair is not what got him elected. (That was the peculiarities of the electoral college, to be precise.) Still, it was steeped in that spirit of "normalization" against which his opponents warn, the mass hypnotism, or self-hypnotism, or attrition of attention that has already begun to cloud the memory of an often ugly campaign, the barely coded racist appeals, the casual encouragements to violence, the sexual impropriety, the conspiracy theories, the unreleased tax returns, the payouts to settle lawsuits, the conflicts of interest, the demonstrably baseless claims and ad hominem attacks.

And so the fog rolls in, behind and before us. That’s the signpost up ahead — your next stop, the Trump Zone.

Jusin Chang reviews 'La La Land,' directed by Damien Chazelle and starring Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling. Video by Jason H. Neubert.

Justin Chang reviews "The Founder," directed by John Lee Hancock and starring Michael Keaton. Video by Jason H. Neubert.

Kenneth Turan reviews "Land of Mine," a Danish-German historical drama film directed by Martin Zandvliet. Video by Jason H. Neubert.

"Manchester By the Sea" director Kenneth Lonergan discusses writing a quiet character and working with actor Casey Affleck to bring him to life.

Director Kenneth Lonergan discusses the setting of "Manchester By the Sea," and how the location helped beef up the film's story.

Director Kenneth Lonergan discusses the setting of "Manchester By the Sea," and how the location helped beef up the film's story.

2016-12-18 08:00 Robert Lloyd www.latimes.com

63 /75 3.3 Prahran man knocks victim, 33, unconscious in 'one- punch attack' A 33-year-old man has been left fighting for his life after he was knocked unconscious in an alleged one-punch attack. The man, known only as Ryan, was walking with a friend on Chapel Street in Prahran in Melbourne after a work Christmas party in the early hours of Sunday morning. The pair were allegedly confronted by a group of men who had been evicted from a nearby bar moments before a brawl broke out on the street. Scroll down for video Police said the men exchanged words after crossing paths around 3.10am before some pushing and shoving took place. The St Kilda victim who was struck in the head from behind had lost consciousness before he fell to the ground in an alleged unprovoked attack. The man suspected of throwing the punch then hailed a taxi and left the scene. The victim was rushed to hospital with serious head injuries. Ryan's friend Edwin Fox, who watched as the incident unfolded, has called on the alleged attacker to come forward. 'I seriously couldn't believe it - it just happened,' he told reporters on Sunday. 'We were minding our own business, having a really lovely night and then he was unconscious on the floor. 'Own up, and realise that the effects of a one mere punch can be quite detrimental.' Police have released CCTV footage of a man who they wish to speak to in relation to the horrific assault. The suspect, believed to be aged in his early 20s, was wearing a short-sleeved, blue collar button-up top with black trousers and glasses. Anyone who may have witnessed the incident are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

2016-12-18 07:58 Cindy Tran www.dailymail.co.uk

64 /75 0.5 One for the naughty list! Bianca Gascoigne sets pulses racing in saucy Santa lingerie... after documenting her bum lift procedure on Instagram The reality star set pulses racing as she posed seductively in the festive red lingerie - which was lined with white fur to mirror the style Santa's coat. Plunging deep at her chest, the sheer top gave a glimpse of her famously ample bust - which she proceeded to push together with her arms to up the sex appeal further. The blonde bombshell left her enviably slender waist and flat tum on full display as she matched the bra, adorned with a cheeky fur pom at her cleavage, with just a racy red thong and risqué suspenders. The straps then secured onto a set of red and white stockings, which tightly hugged and flattered her toned legs. She completed her eye-popping ensemble by styling her tresses into her trademark voluminous curls, and adding a Santa hat on top for extra Christmas effect. Bianca was unafraid to show off her sensational figure in the festive photo - but failed to display her new derriere, which she recently had enhanced. Taking to Instagram, the former stepdaughter of Paul Gascoigne uploaded a video which sees her lying on a massage table while beautician Shane Cooper explains the firming procedure. Shane, who has worked on Katie Price's derriere in the past, tells viewers he is using a Lipo Firm device which enables fat reduction to 'make her bum look amazing'. She later shared a cheeky snap of the results with her fans - posing in a barely-there thong away from the camera to display an incredibly rounded and perky derriere. The former Love Island champion appears to be embarking on her full-body pampering session amid rumours she is set to make a return to TV next year. It was reported last week that Bianca has signed up for a new edition of Celebrity Big Brother, entitled Gold Stars vs All Stars. The new entrants, who are rumoured to include Bianca and TOWIE star Danielle Armstrong, will be joined by a string of past CBB contestants - brought back because of their antics from previous seasons. Bianca is of particular interest to the Channel 5 producers thanks to her position as the former step-child of footballer Paul Gascoigne. A source said: 'Not only is Bianca great value on her own she's also related to one of Britain's most famous and talked- about football stars. 'Producers think Bianca will be a big hit with viewers. She's a gorgeous girl who isn't afraid of flashing the flesh. 'She's also feisty and willing to speak her mind and stick up for herself. Bianca can be sweet, but she's not a walkover.' According to the Daily Star , Bianca will be joined in the house by Katie Price and Katie Hopkins, as well as the likes of Lee Ryan, Perez Hilton, Stephen Bear and TOWIE star Danielle Armstrong.

2016-12-18 07:52 Julia Pritchard www.dailymail.co.uk

65 /75 0.9 She's quite the Catch! Stephanie Pratt flaunts her svelte thighs in a miniskirt and knee-high boots as she enjoys night out at celeb hotspot in LA She's back visiting her native Los Angeles. And Stephanie Pratt, 30, looked great as she headed to celeb hotspot Catch, West Hollywood, on Saturday night. The Made In Chelsea star showed off her slender thighs in a pair of knee-high leather boots with chunky heels. Scroll down for video The blonde beauty rocked a baggy black Yves Saint Laurent blouse and a plain black miniskirt for a coordinated ensemble. Her luscious golden mane fell over her shoulders in loose curls and she emanated a radiant glow as she smiled for the cameras. Her piercing blue eyes were decorated with lashings of mascara and a slick of pink lipstick framed her pearly whites. The reality star is single again after ending her whirlwind romance with Joey Essex back in October. The pair became close while filming Channel 4's Celebs Go Dating and began an unlikely relationship, with Stephanie even claiming they'd be together forever. However, clashing schedules and the realisation they were from 'two different worlds' led Stephanie to call it a day. The couple were the subject of endless scrutiny from the moment they hooked up on the show. But Stephanie was quick to confirm that her budding relationship with Joey was the real deal during her appearance on Celebrity Juice. The blonde took to the ITV2 show to confirm that the pair had exchanged 'I love yous'. Joining panelist Gino D'Campo's team for the episode, Stephanie was immediately quizzed on her relationship with the Educating Joey Essex star, 26, by host Keith Lemon. When asked what it is like to date Joey, Stephanie smiled: 'It's the most fun ever. All we do is laugh, he's so sweet and thoughtful.'

2016-12-18 07:39 Dan Cain www.dailymail.co.uk

66 /75 1.8 Matt Terry gets a rousing reception as he takes to the stage for his first live set since winning The X Factor... after revealing plans to move in with close friend Freddy Parker He’s enjoying the first flourishes of a burgeoning pop career after winning the latest series of long-running talent show The X Factor. And Matt Terry was given a taste of what to expect over the coming months as fans crammed into London nightspot G-A-Y to catch his first live set since beating Saara Aalto to the winner’s crown last weekend. The former waiter, 23, received a rousing reception as he took to the stage for a performance of his debut single, the Ed Sheeran penned charity track When Christmas Comes Around, on Saturday evening. Scroll down for video Sporting a smart striped jacket over a white shirt and skinny jeans, Matt was in high spirits as he worked his way through a lively set – during which he was presented with a congratulatory X Factor cake. The singer's performance comes shortly after he revealed plans to move in with former contestant Freddy Parker. The pair developed a close friendship during their time in the X Factor house, and Kent based Freddy recently admitted he was searching for a new home in the capital. Tweeting on Saturday, he wrote: 'Home hunting in LONDON!!!!' A further tweet from Matt confirmed that the pair will be moving into a property together. 'So me and the little bro @FreddyParker98 just found an awesome apartment! Bring on the man caveeeeeeee (sic),' he reported to his increasingly expanding following. In reply Freddy wrote 'BRING IT ON' before uploaded a shot of him looking coyly at the camera and captioning it 'Happy'. The exchange came less than a week after Matt was crowned the winner of the ITV singing show last Sunday evening. Matt beat co- finalist Saara Aalto to the accolade of 2016 champion and fell to the floor on the Wembley stage in shock at the announcement. However, his win was somewhat overshadowed when several viewers thought they spotted Matt kiss Freddy as the former contestants huddled around Matt on the stage as he was announced as the winner. While Freddy has remained tight-lipped since the incident, Matt has been sure to ram home that there was no such kiss. He told the Daily Mirror: 'I', a heterosexual guy. I'm going to have fun and meet people.' In a separate interview with The Sun he insisted his connection to Freddy is purely based on friendship. 'Since day one, [Freddy and I are] just bros man,' he said. 'We have such a bromance going – no relationship I’m afraid guys, I’m sorry to say. Sorry man.’

2016-12-18 07:34 Jason Chester www.dailymail.co.uk

67 /75 1.0 LIVE: Real Madrid vs Kashima Antlers Los Blancos have the chance to lift their second Cup World Cup in three years, while their opponents have already made history as the first Japanese club to reach the final...

2016-12-18 07:24 system article.wn.com

68 /75 1.4 Former Everton boss Roberto Martinez insists the club didn't allow him to finish his long-term project: 'I became the scapegoat' Former Everton manager Roberto Martinez has opened up on his dismissal, claiming he was made a 'scapegoat' by the club in his fateful final season on Merseyside. Martinez was sacked from his position as Toffees boss in May 2016 following nearly three years in charge of the Goodison Park club. The Spaniard's tenure was brought to an end after the form slipped drastically, with Everton lying in 11th when Martinez was relieved of his duties. But Martinez, now national team manager of Belgium, insists the club never allowed him to carry out his long-term project - one he envisioned when he replaced David Moyes as manager - but instead made him a scapegoat for the mounting problems. 'The last seven weeks were very difficult. It was frustrating because I became the scapegoat but I gained a lot of information and was clear what I needed to do that summer,' Martinez said in an interview with the Sunday Times. 'The disappointment was that I didn't get to finish a long-term project,' he added. Everton's demise under Martinez in his final season with the club was a rapid one, and the former Wigan boss admits everything went wrong at once - although the belief was always there that he could turn things around. 'Everything that could go wrong, did go wrong,' said Martinez. 'You always feel you can turn it round and maybe that's why we're this mad breed called managers, but the reason I lost my job wasn't because of a new owner - It was because we didn't win enough games. I cannot blame anyone apart from myself.' Since his departure, criticism was levelled at Martinez for being too attack-minded and playing in a certain way, with higher focus on ball possession and going forward than defensive play. But the former boss rebutted this claim, citing his Premier League record as proof that his methods work in the top-flight of English football. 'You don't survive seven years in the Premier League if you don't know how to coach defensive play,' said Martinez. 'Do I enjoy defending? Of course, because it gives you the platform to attack. My style is to have the ball and control games and use that talent to good effect. But that doesn't mean you should be soft or easy in your defensive duties,' he added.

2016-12-18 07:23 Danny Gallagher www.dailymail.co.uk

69 /75 2.8 Anonymous driver leaves behind expletive-laden note after smashing into car on Sydney street An anonymous driver has left behind an expletive-laden note after smashing into a parked Jeep in front of onlookers on a Sydney street. The driver said there were 'no scratches' on the black SUV but had felt compelled to leave behind a fake note to trick onlookers from reporting the collision. 'Sorry I hit your car, there's no scratches but someone was watching me,' the handwritten note began. 'Your car's sh** anyway. Shouldn't of blocked me in. Learn how to park c*** xx.' An image of the note tucked into the windscreen wipers of the Jeep Sport Wrangler, which costs from $41,000, was uploaded by Nayte Howarth. 'OMG SYDNEY!!! Just saw this - I took this pic,' Mr Howarth wrote on Facebook alongside a photo of the note. One man commented that he had witnessed the crash, which was said to have taken place in Sydney's inner east. Mr Howarth said he spotted the note at 5.15 pm on Sunday afternoon as he was walking to Mascot train station. The vulgar note is the latest example in an increasing social media trend where people pretend to leave their details to avoid confrontation after hitting a car. In October a New Zealand woman received a similar-styled note after finishing a long and tiring night shift as a paramedic. Hannah Sheath, from Christchurch, was on her way to her 1995 Honda CR-V when she spotted a note on her car - which was parked along Wilsons Road in St Martins. 'Sorry I pulled into your St John driveway to complete a U-turn when I hit your car,' the note read. 'I have only left a message because someone witnessed me bumping into your car. 'It's a piece of s*** anyway so you won't notice the dent. 'Also you need to clean out your car. Maybe if you parked not on yellow lines I would [have] missed your car,' the driver wrote and signed off with a 'sorry' and a smiley face.' Ms Sheath found a small dent right back side of her car. She told Daily Mail Australia she was more disappointed and insulted by the rudeness of the driver in the letter left behind. 'What was the point? They could have said sorry, I hope you have a good day,' Ms Sheath said.

2016-12-18 07:03 Daniel Peters www.dailymail.co.uk

70 /75 0.0 SVG threatens Pistons lineup changes again: 'That unit is clearly not working' AUBURN HILLS -- A change to the Detroit Pistons' starting lineup could happen as soon as Monday, but the who or what remains unclear.

Pistons president-coach Stan Van Gundy said Saturday after his team's 105-90 loss to the Indiana Pacers the current five isn't getting the job done.

Since Reggie Jackson's return Dec. 4 vs. Orlando, the Pistons are 3-5 and averaging just 95 points per game. Twice during that stretch, they scored fewer than 80 points.

"We've definitely got to look at some things, lineup and rotation-wise," Van Gundy said. "That unit is clearly not working. At least not right now. So the question is, how long do you stick with it? "

The Jackson-led unit, with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Marcus Morris, Tobias Harris and Andre Drummond, is averaging 67.3 points per game, about seven points per game fewer than last season.

Small sample size sure, but it's affecting Detroit's offense, which averaged about 99 points per game before Jackson's return.

"There's no question we're not as good as we were before," Van Gundy said. "That's just a fact. Now, is that all on him? No. No, we have a lot of guys not playing as well. One of those games, Pope missed, Jon (Leuer) missed a game. So there's been some other things. It's not on him.

"But if you're asking me, in eight games, have we gotten better? No. Hell no. We've gotten worse. "

In their three wins during this current eight-game stretch, vs. Chicago, at Minnesota and at Dallas, the one common denominator has been the bench, Van Gundy said.

The Pistons' reserves, led by forward Jon Leuer (10.8 ppg, 6.4 rpg), combined for 30-plus points in all three games. They were particularly poignant in Wednesday's win at Dallas, totaling 39 points and credited with helping spark a 39-point fourth quarter.

"Our starters really haven't been a factor," Van Gundy said. "That lineup has not been good.

"In fairness, that lineup, even before Reggie came back, that starting lineup with Ish (Smith) was outscored by opponents, too. Not by as much, but outscored by opponents. So that has not been as good a lineup. We were surviving basically because our bench was coming in and outplaying people.

"But our starting lineup has not been as good as it should be. It hasn't been as good as it was a year ago, certainly. "

This isn't the first time Van Gundy has threatened a lineup change this season -- he used similar language one month ago, after the Pistons were whipped in a 23-point loss at Cleveland.

While Detroit lost four straight games during that period, nothing ever came of it.

"We have to look at some things, you know?," Van Gundy said. "But you want to make that, make a move for well-thought-out reasons, something you think could help. Not just, 'Well, we've gotta make a change, so we'll just change anybody.'

"So that's where we've gotta give it some thought. But I'm not happy with that unit. "

Working against the Pistons, at least temporarily, is a lack of practice time. Detroit has an off-day Sunday before traveling to Chicago, where it plays the Bulls Monday night. The team then returns to practice Tuesday ahead of a home game against Memphis on Wednesday.

"We have to look at everything, because that lineup has not played well," Van Gundy said. "Even in the games we've won, that lineup has not played well. So how long are you going to call it an adjustment phase and trot them out there? Or do you make a change?

"I mean, that's the question we've gotta answer, before Monday or before Wednesday. "

2016-12-18 06:45 Aaron McMann www.mlive.com

71 /75 2.0 Bryan Brown says his relationship with his daughter is better when they share the spotlight, as she's nicer to him and 'snaps' less Creative genes run in his family, with both his wife and daughter becoming actresses, writers and directors. 'We get on much better working together than we do being father and daughter, because as father and daughter, she snaps at me,' he went on to explain. His small comedic role is only part of their partnership on the Presto series, as he also helps produce the series. 'Because I ask a lot of questions and she was like, “Can you just get on and do it?” No, because I want to know why! To her, I was taking her fun away. She’s the boss, she’s the one making the movie, so I should shut up and just do it,' he explains.

2016-12-18 06:41 Candice Jackson www.dailymail.co.uk

72 /75 6.7 Noble hails 'massive' week for Hammers as he insists results are all important Mark Noble insists the confidence is returning to West Ham following back- to-back home wins.

The Hammers secured successive 1-0 victories after following up their midweek win over Burnley with another narrow success against Hull.

For the second time in four days skipper Noble was the match-winner from the penalty spot - and this time he put his spot-kick straight in rather than netting the rebound.

But it was another unconvincing display, with luckless Hull hitting the woodwork three times - once via Noble's deflection - and seeing an effort cleared off the line.

The man-of-the-match poll on the official West Ham Twitter account summed up events at the London Stadium, with the post winning the vote by a landslide.

And Noble admitted: "I've headed one on to my own post and it came back out, and sometimes those go in against you.

"But seven points in a week is massive for us, as is two clean sheets at home and two 1-0 wins. They weren't the best performances, but these are the games you have to win.

"Hull and Burnley are probably the most honest, hard-working teams in the league, but we competed with them.

"The result was 100 per cent more important than the performance. In the position we were in, winning is all that matters. Results breed confidence and hopefully that's starting to build up. "

While West Ham moved five points clear of the drop zone, Hull will spend Christmas on the foot of the table.

Manager Mike Phelan is looking to the January transfer window for reinforcements, but knows he has to persuade potential new recruits to sign up for a relegation scrap.

"We've found ourselves at the bottom of the league after probably our best game of the season," he said. "We want to bring players in if we can. I'm sure we'll be able to add to the group.

"It's tough for every team, even clubs at the top want that one special player to change their fortunes.

"We're at the other end and we have to advertise ourselves to players with the grit, determination and courage to battle it out and who want to put their reputations on the line. There are players who will do that. "

2016-12-18 06:36 Press Association www.independent.ie

73 /75 2.2 Australian surfer prodigy reveals love of doughnuts – video Sabre Norris, the 11-year- old Australian surfing prodigy, tells Ellen DeGeneres about her plan to spend $500 of prize money, won in the Sydney International Women’s Pro competition, on doughnuts. Appearing on DeGeneres’s show on Thursday, Sabre explains that she shared some of the money with her siblings but then intended to spend the rest on a Hershey’s Chocolate Kiss as big as her head

2016-12-18 06:21 Source: www.theguardian.com

74 /75 3.1 Why do we spend so most during Christmas? Christmas brings out a inexhaustible suggestion in many of us though what strategy are retailers entrance adult with to get us to spend that bit more?

Isabelle Szmigin, highbrow of selling during a University of Birmingham, says they try to “create a fear of blank out”.

They do this with “offers and on a internet you’ll be told there’s usually 5 of these left,” she adds.

Prof Szmigin says for high travel shops “creating a right mood to make us happy” is only as critical since “if we’re happy we’ll spend more”.

2016-12-18 00:00 admin headlinenewstoday.net

75 /75 75 /75 0.0 Tomorrow's transportation today: Start thinking bigger and bolder to move people and goods around New York in the 21st century In the 1980s, as New York City's graffiti-covered subway system was on the verge of collapse, Richard Ravitch and Bob Kiley demonstrated unrelenting perseverance by securing the necessary capital to rebuild our regional transportation network and executing a bold plan to ensure its reliability and safety.

Three and a half decades later, we are neglecting the lessons of their collective vision. Once again, New York City faces an overcrowded, aging and slowing transportation network.

The major problem is that New Yorkers are commuting on a transportation system that was conceived in the early 20th century, when the city's population was a fraction of the 8.5 million who now inhabit it as well as the tens of millions of people who travel here annually from outside the boroughs. These strains will only worsen as the city's population grows over the coming decades.

The irony is that Gotham can trace its greatness to technological transformations in transportation. In the first half of the 19th century, as steamships carried larger loads at faster speeds and lower costs, New York became America's most critical port and ultimately its largest and most important city.

Today, all of the city's major modes of transportation are in decline. The subway system, which began running in 1904 but now services a record 6 million daily rides, is stretched to the limits and running way beyond its capacity levels. Worse, the L train, one of the city's most crowded lines, handling about 400,000 passenger trips each weekday, will temporarily shut down in January 2019 to repair the tunnels damaged by Hurricane Sandy.

Any regular user of surface roads and highways knows they move like molasses, year round, and are often in dire need of better upkeep.

A recent study ranked the area's three airports, essential to maintaining our place as a global leader, as the worst among the nation's 30 busiest airports based on timeliness, accessibility and amenities.

The 650,000 daily train commuters who must navigate Penn Station, the continent's busiest train station, represent three times more travelers than anticipated when it was originally built in 1908. Within the station, to find the Long Island Rail Road, New Jersey Transit, Amtrak or the subways, passengers must maneuver through depressing, dimly lit corridors.

Of greater concern, the existing rail lines and tunnels to connect Newark and New York City, also constructed over 100 years ago, have not only reached full capacity but also suffered major damage during Hurricane Sandy. While the $24 billion project to build new Hudson River rail tunnels has been designated a federal priority, the project's critical tunnel portion has yet to begin construction and awaits final funding, even as local officials worry that the region could be paralyzed should the tunnels need to be closed for interim repairs.

Even with such capacity constraints and antiquated infrastructure, subway fares and bridge and tunnel tolls have outpaced inflation. Take the subway, for example, where single ride and 30- day unlimited passes have risen from $1.50 and $63 respectively in 1998, to $2.75 and $116.50 respectively today ($2.20 and $90 in inflation-adjusted dollars). During this same period, the income of New Yorkers has essentially remained flat, disproportionately hurting those who can least afford it and who likely endure the longest daily commutes.

Such prices exclude looming toll and fare hikes in 2017 that will invariably increase the pricing of both pay-per-ride cards as well as weekly and monthly MetroCards.

But there's hope of reviving our diminishing transportation network. Oversight of and investment in transportation is largely a state issue, and Gov. Cuomo has recently articulated a much- needed vision for our transportation needs, particularly for improving Penn Station and our airports to meet our 21st century demands. And new transportation technologies are creating more choices for consumers.

Some forward-thinking transportation overhauls like the MoveNY Fair Plan, a grassroots campaign created by Sam (Gridlock Sam) Schwartz, contain many compelling ideas, like rationalizing the prices of car trips across the East River bridges.

Still, we must go further in order to maintain New York's place as a global leader. Otherwise, New York City will reach a standstill in this technologically driven urban age.

Upgrade subway infrastructure. Before we invest billions of dollars on additional subway expansions that take decades to build, the MTA must first heavily invest in upgrading the subway system's technology, infrastructure and trains to enable greater efficiency. For example, the Second Ave. line, in the planning stages for decades, is not only years behind schedule but also has cost an estimated $2.7 billion a mile.

To start, a state-of-the-art signal system will increase the number of trains operating on any given track. The MTA must also expedite its plans for wider doors, which have the potential to reduce wait times by about one-third, and for open-gangway trains. For example, Toronto, which has the continent's third largest subway system in terms of ridership after New York City and Mexico City, uses open-gangway trains designed to create about 10% more capacity per car.

With a new signaling system, the MTA can expedite its plans to install real-time countdown clocks for all subway and bus lines — currently in only about a third of the city's 469 subway stations — so riders can manage wait times. The plans to install a tap-card card system and add cameras in all subways and buses must too be expedited. The bottom line: Although the MTA has indicated its interest in moving forward on many of these upgrades, it must commit to a much shorter time frame with a larger capital investment.

We also need to fully assess subway ridership and changing travel patterns. After New York subway ridership soared last year to 1.8 billion rides, its highest levels since 1948, the number of passengers has fallen slightly each month this year since April as compared to the same months in 2015. While premature to draw firm conclusions about this decline, commuters and tourists may be shifting to other modes of transportation. For example, overall bike use has increased in the city among all demographics and both genders. The number of New York City adults who rode a bike at least once a month increased from 12% in 2007 to 16% in 2014, paralleling the 40 miles of bike lane barriers added over the same period. Ride-sharing (Uber, Lyft, Via) is also increasing.

How about buses? Buses, while declining in overall usage, still carry over 2 million riders daily. They may currently be slow-moving, but they cost significantly less to operate than subways. It is time to rethink the bus system in imaginative ways. Pre-boarding payment systems, Wi-Fi accessibility and smartly redesigned routes (including fewer stops) would speed buses up and boost their appeal. Look at the "dollar vans" that operate in a quasi-legal network in the outer boroughs — they offer their 125,000 daily riders the speed, reliability and convenience that commuters seek.

Reduce traffic. Even before increased slowdowns around Trump Tower, midtown New York had become a virtual gridlock zone where drivers forfeit millions of cherished hours each year stalled in traffic.

At the same time, the growing young and college-educated population in New York City — 20% of the city's residents are between the ages of 25 and 34 — are less interested in car ownership and more apt to use new ride-sharing apps. They also have enhanced environmental concerns for such issues as reduced carbon emissions.

We should reconsider variable pricing to reduce traffic in highly congested areas during those hours when traffic tends to peak. Other large cities such as Singapore and London have already adopted such systems and benefit from significant traffic reductions. Barcelona recently announced it would limit vehicles in certain swaths of the city to reduce traffic and air pollution and to use public spaces more efficiently.

Ironically, New York's visionary 1811 city grid, with 50-foot-minimum street widths and a rectilinear map of roads, can actually accommodate cars quite well. Yet the city has built over 50 pedestrian plazas since 2007, with plans for about 20 more, not to mention all the new bike lanes.

Such developments, including bike lanes, are beneficial for our evolving 21st century urban needs and certainly expand mobility choices among residents, even as pedestrians, cyclists, motorists and public transport compete for usage.

To better manage overall flow of cars through the city and quell previously raised concerns that areas adjacent to new pricing zones will face rising traffic and reduced parking, we should place tolls on the bridges and crossings along the East River. Available technology (like cameras or EZ Pass) will curtail traffic slowdowns on these crossings. We could start by charging modest tolls at the same cost of a subway fare on the four no-toll crossings to enter Manhattan or simply test by imposing higher fees on two of those four crossings to maintain some free access.

Increased revenue from new variable pricing and new tolls must be clearly earmarked for infrastructure improvements in New York City as well as a reduction in subway fares for the lowest-income New Yorkers who are burdened with the longest commuting times.

Concurrently, we should aggressively rely on cameras to fine both double parking and vehicles that block intersections.

The city's focus. The de Blasio administration is working with the private sector to build a multi- billion dollar streetcar line along the Brooklyn-Queens waterfront as well as invest $325 million into an expansion of the city's ferry system. The proposed 16-mile BQX connector from Astoria, Queens, to Sunset Park, Brooklyn, would serve a corridor not now served by subways.

While the BQX has merit, to be cost effective and truly beneficial, this connector must integrate seamlessly with buses and subways and accept subway passes for its use. Above all, it must justify its high cost as opposed to new fast-moving buses, even if many transportation thinkers do not believe that buses can provide the same capacity to move people in this corridor.

With respect to ferries, too, without integrating seamlessly into subway and bus networks, the additional costs for ferry use will be out of reach for the lower-income New Yorkers whom the city is targeting, even if the fare is lowered from $4 on weekdays and $6 on weekends to the price of a subway ride. Assuming the city realizes its estimate of serving 4.5 million riders annually, the ferry system will become the third most highly subsidized form of transportation in the city at $6.60 per passenger trip — and higher if ridership fails to meet projections.

Make better use of new technology. Ride-sharing is here to stay. Uber's popularity is unquestioned. Real estate developers nationwide are shrinking or eliminating parking places and instead offering Uber subsidies; major venues such as Yankee Stadium are incorporating curbside pick-up areas typically found at airports.

New York City’s iconic yellow cabs have struggled to keep up with the competition and have seen the value of taxi medallions fall. Surcharges imposed on taxis should also apply to ride- sharing companies.

E-hailing services must also support the travel needs of the elderly or people with disabilities. A pilot program in Boston is currently testing Uber and Lyft for shuttling around passengers with disabilities. Now, the MTA is smartly undergoing a limited test to determine how such services may improve and lower costs for its sub-par service $500 million annualized paratransit program.

Even with these improvements, innovation in transportation will continue to evolve. The current thinking on urban travel does not even begin to address the dramatic effects that the advent of autonomous vehicles will bring. By some estimates, the introduction of such vehicles will slash parking needs in half and enable the space currently devoted to parking to be available for parks and housing.

Just as our transit network is always moving, we cannot rest in re-envisioning it. Earlier New York visionaries had the courage to build a system that far outlasted its architecture. We must now avail ourselves of fast-moving, cost-effective technologies and apply our imagination to the quest for greater mobility options.

Gertler is co-chairman and co-publisher of the Daily News and a former city economic development official.

2016-12-18 06:00 Eric Gertler feeds.nydailynews.com Total 75 articles.

Items detected: 813, scanned: 813, accumulated: 75, inserted: 75, empty media: 21, not matched limits: 93, skipped: {total: 738, by unique value: 137, by limits: 14, by similarity: 31, by unicity: 0, dates: 2, by classifier: 556, by blacklist: 0, by mandatory tag: 738}, bad dates: 0, similar from same domain: 116; tag `description` the same value found 10 times; tag `title` the same value found 197 times; the same images URLs found 35 times; total 15 languages detected: {u'fr': 4, u'en': 765, u'pt': 1, u'no': 2, u'af': 1, u'ca': 2, u'de': 7, u'sv': 2, u'da': 2, u'tl': 1, u'so': 2, u'it': 1, u'et': 2, u'ro': 1, u'es': 3}; {u'text': {u'chars': 397109, u'bytes': 1681620, u'words': 57170, u'sentences': 2057}}

Created at 2016-12-18 18:08