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In the fertile fields of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, a quiet technological revolution is transforming agricultural practices. Farmers like Muralidhar Kasala from Daulatabad, Sangareddy have turned to drone technology to overcome challenges like labour shortages, uneven fertilisation and health risks. “I pay Rs 400 per acre for drone services. Earlier, hiring six labourers per acre used to cost Rs 800 daily, and manual spraying often caused respiratory problems. Now, drones have saved me time, money, and health,” he says. The benefits are resonating widely, including in Nalgonda’s Peddavoora mandal. Vamshi Veeriah, a farmer from Gannekunta village, shares how drones have become indispensable on his farm. “Earlier, pest infestations and uneven spraying would lead to crop loss. I could only react after the damage was done. Now, with drones, I can act early because the data tells me exactly where the problem lies. The precision is incredible. Every corner of the field is covered, unlike manual spraying where some areas are missed”, he explains, visibly delighted. In Kadapa district, Siva Reddy Sunkesula finds the service model of drones particularly invaluable. “Owning a drone is not feasible for me but with this service, I only pay when I need it. Tasks like spraying, which used to take days and a lot of labour, are now done in hours. I’ve seen my yield improve by at least 15 per cent, and it’s much less stressful,” he says. He also highlights the health benefits, saying, “With manual spraying, I would end up inhaling chemicals. Drones eliminate that risk entirely.” These stories are part of a larger transformation driven by Hyderabad-based start-ups like Marut Drones, which is pioneering the ‘Drone as a service’ (DaaS) model. Farmers can access precision services such as pesticide spraying, fertiliser broadcasting and crop monitoring without having to purchase, get trained or maintain the equipment. “Our aim is to make drone technology accessible and affordable for all farmers, no matter the size of their fields,” says Prem Kumar Vislawath, CEO and co-founder of Marut Drones. For farmers like Veeriah, the value lies in precision and efficiency. “The drone can do in two hours what used to take days with labourers. And it’s not just about speed—drones ensure accurate spraying, so there’s no wastage of fertilisers or pesticides,” he reasons, Siva Reddy adds that drones have improved his resource management. “I now know exactly how much water or pesticide is needed and where thanks to the data provided by drones. This has helped reduce my costs significantly while increasing my output.” Companies like Marut Drones work with farmer-producer organisations (FPOs), Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and agricultural universities to educate farmers on using drones effectively. Government initiatives like the Kisan drone scheme, which provides financial subsidies for adopting drone technology, further reduce the entry barrier. “Our collaboration with local organisations ensures that farmers understand the long-term benefits of this technology,” says Vislawath, while adding, “It’s not just a tool—it’s a way to make farming sustainable and profitable.” Currently operating in 18 states, Marut Drones aims to extend its reach nationwide by 2025. With over 200 drones already sold and 35 dealers on the ground, they plan to deploy 500 drones and establish 100 dealerships to support farmers more effectively. The company is also exploring applications beyond agriculture, including infrastructure inspections, firefighting, and drone deliveries. For farmers across the Telugu states, drones are more than just machines—they are a symbol of modernisation. “Drones have completely changed how we farm. I can’t imagine going back to the old ways,” says Vamshi Veeriah.

President-elect Donald Trump announced Wednesday that he intends to nominate cryptocurrency advocate Paul Atkins to chair the Securities and Exchange Commission. Trump said Atkins, the CEO of Patomak Partners and a former SEC commissioner, was a “proven leader for common sense regulations.” In the years since leaving the SEC, Atkins has made the case against too much market regulation. “He believes in the promise of robust, innovative capital markets that are responsive to the needs of Investors, & that provide capital to make our Economy the best in the World. He also recognizes that digital assets & other innovations are crucial to Making America Greater than Ever Before,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. The commission oversees U.S. securities markets and investments and is currently led by Gary Gensler, who has been leading the U.S. government’s crackdown on the crypto industry. Gensler, who was nominated by President Joe Biden, announced last month that he would be stepping down from his post on the day that Trump is inaugurated — Jan. 20, 2025. Trump, once a crypto skeptic, had pledged to make the U.S. “the crypto capital of the planet” and create a “strategic reserve” of bitcoin. Money has poured into crypto assets since he won . Bitcoin, the largest cryptocurrency, is now above $95,000. And shares in crypto platform Coinbase have surged more than 70% since the election. Paul Grewal, chief legal officer of Coinbase, congratulated Atkins in a post on X. “We appreciate his commitment to balance in regulating U.S. securities markets and look forward to his fresh leadership at (the SEC),” Grewal wrote. “It’s sorely needed and cannot come a day too soon.” Atkins began his career as a lawyer and has a long history working in the financial markets sector, both in government and private practice. In the 1990s, he worked on the staffs of two former SEC chairmen, Richard C. Breeden and Arthur Levitt. His work as an SEC commissioner started in 2002, a time when the fallout from corporate scandals at Enron and WorldCom had turned up the heat on Wall Street and its government regulators. Atkins was widely considered the most conservative member of the SEC during his tenure at the agency and known to have a strong free-market bent. As a commissioner, he called for greater transparency in and analysis of the costs and benefits of new SEC rules. He also emphasized investor education and increased enforcement efforts against those who steal from investors over the internet, manipulate markets, engage in Ponzi schemes and other types of fraud. At the same time, Atkins objected to stiff penalties imposed on companies accused of fraudulent conduct, contending that they did not deter crime. He caused a stir in the summer of 2006 when he said the practice of granting stock options to executives before the disclosure of news that was certain to increase the share price did not constitute insider trading. U.S. Rep. Patrick McHenry, a North Carolina Republican and chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, said Atkins has the experience needed to “restore faith in the SEC.” “I’m confident his leadership will lead to clarity for the digital asset ecosystem and ensure U.S. capital markets remain the envy of the world,” McHenry posted on X. Atkins already has some experience working for Trump. During Trump's first term, Atkins was a member of the President’s Strategic and Policy Forum , an advisory group of more than a dozen CEOs and business leaders who offered input on how to create jobs and speed economic growth. In 2017, Atkins joined the Token Alliance, a cryptocurrency advocacy organization. Crypto industry players welcomed Trump’s victory in the hopes that he would push through legislative and regulatory changes that they’ve long lobbied for. Trump himself has launched World Liberty Financial, a new venture with family members to trade cryptocurrencies.

Dangote Sugar Refinery has unveiled its Series 6 and 7 commercial paper offerings, seeking to raise up to N50 billion from the debt market. This follows the company’s successful issuance of its Series 4 and 5 commercial papers in mid-June, which collectively raised N42.79 billion at competitive rates of 23% and 25%, reflecting strong investor confidence. Series 4, with a tenure of 181 days, raised N12.93 billion, while Series 5, with a longer tenure of 265 days, raised a larger sum of N29.86 billion. Related Stories FMCGs record 133% increase in finance cost in 2024 Dangote Sugar posts N104.6 billion pre-tax loss in second quarter of 2024, amidst 140% rise in raw materials cost Building on this momentum, Dangote Sugar has now returned to the market as part of its N150 billion debt issuance program, aimed at bolstering its working capital. Announced in December 2024, the Series 6 and 7 papers highlight the company’s ongoing commitment to leveraging Nigeria’s capital markets for strategic financing. According to reports, the subscription window for Dangote Sugar’s Series 6 and 7 commercial papers closes on December 12, 2024, offering investors a chance to support its expansion goals. The series 6 and 7 commercial papers form part of Dangote Sugar’s N150 billion debt program. Series 6, with a 180-day tenor, is offered at a 24.9 per cent discount rate, providing an implied yield of 28.5% to investors. Similarly, Series 7, with a 270-day tenor, is priced at a 24.55 per cent discount rate, offering an implied yield of 30%. The offer remains open to the investing public until December 12, 2024. In mid-June 2024, Dangote Sugar Refinery successfully issued its Series 4 and 5 commercial papers, raising a total of N42.79 billion. These papers were offered under the company’s N150 billion commercial paper issuance program, with Series 4 and 5 carrying discount rates of 23% and 25%, respectively. Series 4 raised N12.93 billion with a 181-day maturity, while Series 5 raised N29.86 billion for a 265-day tenor. According to a notice from the company, the issuance attracted a diverse range of investors, including pension and non-pension asset managers, as well as institutional and individual participants. The company initiated its N150 billion debt issuance program in early 2024 with the launch of Series 1, which raised N39.39 billion. This issuance had a 266-day maturity and was offered at a 17.08% discount rate. Building on this, the company issued Series 2 notes, raising N6.15 billion with a 184-day maturity at a 19.84% discount rate. Series 3 marked a significant increase, generating N53.47 billion through 254-day notes at a 21.30% discount rate. With Series 1 to 5, Dangote Sugar has successfully raised a cumulative N141.8 billion, underscoring its ability to tap into Nigeria’s debt markets to fuel its growth and operational needs. In January, Dangote Sugar’s stock surged from an opening price of N57 to close at N67.90, driven by a robust trading volume of 95.1 million shares—a promising start to the year. Yet, the optimism was quickly dampened as bearish pressure took hold in February, pulling the stock back to N57.50, accompanied by a slightly lower trading volume of 81 million shares. The company’s stock faced a rocky period from February to October, as investment sentiment weakened in Nigeria’s industrial and consumer goods sectors. While a brief rally in May, with a trading volume of 35.2 million shares, hinted at recovery, the momentum fizzled out. By October, the stock had dipped to N30.80. Nonetheless, a glimmer of optimism appeared as the stock closed November in positive territory, suggesting a potential rebound from the October low. The company’s ongoing commercial paper program, part of its N150 billion debt issuance initiative, is expected to play a crucial role in stabilizing operations. By raising much-needed capital, Dangote Sugar aims to maintain smooth business activities, enhance performance, and bolster investor confidence, setting the stage for improved market sentiment moving forward.None

LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — Austin Seibert choked back tears taking responsibility for missing the extra point that would have tied the score in the final minute. Jeremy Reaves choked back tears blaming himself for a missed assignment that led to a kickoff return touchdown. And John Bates choked back tears talking about moving forward from his costly fumble. All of those late mistakes contributed to the Washington Commanders' third consecutive loss , 34-26 to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday in a game that was wholly unremarkable until fourth quarter chaos. The teams combined to score 31 points in the final four minutes, the most in an NFL game in more than a decade, and the Commanders (7-5) came out on the wrong end of it in a defeat that further endangers their playoff chances. “Any time you lose a game or you lose a game in that type of fashion, it’s very difficult and it’s tough, but it never comes down to one play,” rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels said. “There’s plays throughout the game where little things add up to big things.” There were a lot of little things. After Bates fumbled, the Cowboys (4-7) took an 11-point lead and the Commanders made a 2-point conversion to cut the deficit to three, Dallas' KaVonte Turpin returned the ensuing kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown. “I didn’t make the play when it was there to make, and it cost us,” said Reaves, one of the league’s top special teams players and the All-Pro pick for that two seasons ago. “No excuse, man. I’ve made that play 100 times, and I didn’t make it today and it cost us the game. It’s unacceptable. It’s solely on me. It’s going to sting for a while. It’s going to hurt.” After Seibert made a 51-yard field goal, Daniels connected with Terry McLaurin on an 86-yard TD that made it 27-26 with 21 seconds left. Coach Dan Quinn said no thought was given to going for 2 in that situation. Seibert, who missed the past two games with a right hip injury, was wide left on the point-after attempt. “I just wasn’t striking it well,” said Seibert, who added he felt fine and did not blame a low snap for his miss. "It didn’t make a difference at all. It was on me.” Juanyeh Thomas returned the onside kick immediately after 43 yards for a touchdown to put Dallas up eight with 14 seconds left. The 31 combined points are the second most in a game since at least 2000, behind only Minnesota and Baltimore's 36 in their game Dec. 8, 2013. Cowboys-Commanders was the first game in the Super Bowl era to have two missed extra points, two kickoff return touchdowns and a blocked punt. “We got down to the end there and it was a game-situational extravaganza,” Dallas coach Mike McCarthy said. “It was like Yahtzee. Everything was in there." Story continues below video While Washington's skid continued, the Cowboys ended their losing streak at five thanks to strong play from QB Cooper Rush, a defense that forced two turnovers and, of course, special teams success. Rush was 24 of 32 for 247 yards and TD passes to Jalen Tolbert and Luke Schoonmaker. “Lot of games left,” Rush said. “We’re sitting at 4-7. This is why you play them.” The Commanders have some soul-searching to do after losing as a 10 1/2-point favorite in the meeting of NFC East rivals and doing so in a way that left players so emotional. “The crazy games, I know they feel a little bit better whenever you win them,” punter and holder Tress Way said. “But that’s a tough pill to swallow.” Cowboys: LG Tyler Smith was inactive with ankle and knee injuries. ... RG Zack Martin (ankle), CB Trevon Diggs (groin/knee) and TE Jake Ferguson (concussion) were ruled out prior to game day and did not travel for the game. Commanders: RB Austin Ekeler was concussed on a kickoff return in the final seconds and taken to a hospital for further evaluation. ... RB Brian Robinson Jr. left with an ankle injury in the first half, returned and then left again. ... RT Andrew Wylie was concussed in the third quarter and did not return. ... C Tyler Biadasz was evaluated for a concussion in the fourth. ... CB Marshon Lattimore (hamstring) missed a third consecutive game since being acquired at the trade deadline from New Orleans. Cowboys: Host the New York Giants on Thursday in the traditional Thanksgiving Day game in Dallas. Commanders: Host the Tennessee Titans next Sunday in Washington’s final game before its late bye week. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflJudge rejects request to sideline SJSU volleyball player

Jets' Ulbrich says Rodgers 'absolutely' remains the team's starting quarterback

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (AP) — FORT COLLINS, Colo. (AP) — Woodward Inc. (WWD) on Monday reported fiscal fourth-quarter net income of $83.3 million. The Fort Collins, Colorado-based company said it had net income of $1.36 per share. Earnings, adjusted for non-recurring costs, were $1.41 per share. The results exceeded Wall Street expectations. The average estimate of five analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research was for earnings of $1.22 per share. The maker of cockpit controls and other equipment for the defense and aerospace markets posted revenue of $854.5 million in the period, which also topped Street forecasts. Five analysts surveyed by Zacks expected $806.9 million. For the year, the company reported profit of $373 million, or $6.01 per share. Revenue was reported as $3.32 billion. Woodward expects full-year earnings to be $5.75 to $6.25 per share, with revenue in the range of $3.3 billion to $3.5 billion. This story was generated by Automated Insights ( http://automatedinsights.com/ap ) using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on WWD at https://www.zacks.com/ap/WWDFootball has never seen a stadium as audacious and outlandish before. A futuristic cliff-top venue will be built 350m above ground when the $1.5trn NEOM megaproject springs up from the Saudi Arabian desert. There are no limits on ambition or spending to - and no need to win a bidding contest. After flattering and funding , Saudi Arabia will today be confirmed as hosts of the 2034 World Cup by acclamation of football nations rather than a vote. It is the rapid conclusion to a 14-month process engineered to secure their victory but a strategic success for the kingdom in avoiding a protracted contest. And scrutiny of the fast-tracked process - ending at a virtual FIFA Congress - has diminished the spotlight on discriminatory laws, human rights violations and working conditions as 15 stadiums are built for its biggest sporting spectacle. But FIFA endorses the Saudi view that a World Cup can be a catalyst for change by introducing labour reforms and providing more rights for women. Bid leader Hammad Albalawi insists: "We are a young nation seizing this opportunity." An opportunity that has been facilitated by Gianni Infantino; the Saudis knowing the touch-points to pander to the globe-trotting FIFA president who collects photos for Instagram alongside the powerful and wealthy. No country - where FIFA does not have offices - has been visited more by him in recent years. By contrast, he never seemed to visit Australia before it hosted the Women's World Cup in 2023 to check on preparations. Even in the midst of Switzerland's pandemic restrictions, when non-essential travel was advised against from FIFA's base, Mr Infantino went to Saudi in early 2021 to be filmed talking up the oil-rich country in a government PR video, in a ceremonial sword dance around palaces of Diriyah. It was clear where his priorities were as the Saudis proved savvy at winning over the governing body holding the keys to the World Cup hosting. Mr Infantino skipped FIFA's own large video gaming tournament in Liverpool this August to launch Saudi's Esports World Cup in Riyadh alongside Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. That was before FIFA officially launched the 2034 bidding process. And Mr Infantino has not held a single open news conference in the year since being accused of rigging the bidding process to help the Saudis - denying journalists the chance to put the claims to him directly. On the face of it, Mr Infantino can claim to have introduced a more open and transparent bidding process than his predecessors oversaw with published inspection reports and scoring. There was also the ability for any country to enter - as long as you were from the Asia or Oceania regions. And only if you could decide in less than four weeks whether your country could handle and fund a 48-team tournament with 104 matches - beyond nations with an electorate to consider and budgets to balance. It was all assisted by a behind-the-scenes secret deal that knocked Europe, Africa and South America out of contention - combining their six countries bidding for the 2030 World Cup into a single, unprecedented mammoth tournament plan. Those regions then became ineligible to try to host the 2034 tournament. So all paths - like so many in sport - now lead to Riyadh in 2034. For Mark Pieth, who advised Sepp Blatter's FIFA on anti-corruption and governance changes, it is all a "turn for the worse". The Swiss law professor told Sky News: "We tried to reform FIFA. What we're now seeing is quite abominable. "You have FIFA trying to break all the rules that they've given themselves, starting with deciding on two World Cups at the same time, no competition, manipulated reports and finally acclamation instead of a vote." The rigging claim would be disputed by FIFA, which yesterday said auditors BDO "concluded that both evaluation processes were executed with objectivity, integrity and transparency". There has been little dissent across world football - even countries like Germany that took a vocal stand against Qatar while insisting they would not "gloss over" Saudi issues. The English Football Association has been deliberating over whether to provide a public position on Saudi - a delicate balancing act while considering a future Women's World Cup bid and needing FIFA on side. And the FA speaking out on Saudi - if not the FIFA process - would put it at odds with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer who was in Riyadh this week for talks with the crown prince. But one country that has led the charge against FIFA is Norway. Their football association head, Lise Klaveness, first broke ranks to tell Sky News: "When decisions are made in closed rooms, it's the opposite of what the reforms were promising us." And on Tuesday she confirmed Norway would attempt to abstain - although FIFA is set to avoid a vote. She said: "The lack of predictability and open processes challenges trust in FIFA as the global custodian of football." It was Mr Infantino who was swept to power after the discredited Blatter reign ended in a wave of convictions of football officials after raids in 2015. And the former general secretary at European governing body UEFA even sat on the reform committee that attempted to curb the powers of FIFA presidents before he ascended to that position himself and adjusted term limits to remain in post longer. , who was forced out as governance chief by Mr Infantino, told Sky News: "They promised a much higher degree of transparency on how the bidding was going to take place. We saw nothing of that type in this process. "Basically, it is something that was cooked internally, within what I usually call the political cartel that dominates FIFA." The pick cannot be reversed. But there can be moves to protect the conditions of the migrant workforce - already said by Human Rights Watch to exceed 13 million in Saudi - as 15 stadiums and vast wider infrastructure is built up. Despite none of the stadiums being complete yet, FIFA still gave the Saudis the highest scoring since the inspection process was introduced for World Cup bidding by Mr Infantino. FIFA's inspection report did express concerns about "indecent working conditions" and found gaps complying with "international standards" that "contradict Islamic law". There are assurances fans will face no discrimination but anti-LGBTQ+ laws remain - a red line the conservative nation cannot cross and unmentioned in the mandatory human rights risk assessment. But football is far from the first sport to be seduced by the Saudi riches - helping them cleanse the country's image and distract from rights issues. Boxing's biggest bouts are now there, there has been an attempted takeover of golf by launching the rebel LIV series and a $1m golden ball was added to allow the kingdom to put its lavish imprint on snooker. Much is bankrolled by the $900bn Public Investment Fund which has owned Newcastle United for three years. And the sovereign wealth fund has a stake in state oil firm Aramco which became a FIFA sponsor in April. Streaming platform DAZN, which has close ties to Saudi, seems to have bailed out FIFA's new 32-team Club World Cup with a reported $1bn global broadcasting deal announced last week without a clear ability to recoup the cash as games air free. No wonder dissent has been brushed aside by FIFA - even from the US where the Club World Cup will be staged next year followed by the main men's World Cup in 2026. Democrat senators Ron Wyden and Dick Durbin wrote to Mr Infantino in October: "The kingdom continues to torture dissidents, engage in extrajudicial killings, discriminate against the LGBTQ+ community, oppress women and religious minorities, exploit and abuse foreign workers, and restrict almost all political rights and civil liberties." For many in football - particularly domestic leagues - the bigger concern will be the impact on the calendar. There are no commitments to stage the tournament in the typical June-July slot, with January-February 2034 looking more likely to avoid clashing with Ramadan and the Hajj. Qatar 2022's November-December slot showed how football can accommodate a switch without long-term damage to the club game. But the message from within Saudi is they are a very different proposition to the first Middle East hosts - even if this World Cup pick is as controversial. Where Qatar still lacks a vibrant local football culture, Saudi is home to Asia's most successful team - Al Hilal. Esteve Calzada, the CEO of Al Hilal, told Sky News: "Qatar World Cup even with so much criticism, I think there is a general consensus it was ultimately a very successful World Cup. "In our case I'm sure it will be the same. It's a proper-sized country with passionate fans." Now there is a decade to convince the world's football fans to descend on Saudi Arabia. FIFA has delivered the sporting prize the crown prince craved in the easiest of football matches to win - one without any opponent.Aflac Incorporated to Webcast 2024 Financial Analysts Briefing

SACRAMENTO ST. (1-4) Holt 9-18 3-6 25, Brewer 0-2 0-0 0, Neal 5-9 4-4 16, Skytta 2-8 3-7 7, Vaughns 6-10 2-3 18, Williams 3-8 1-2 7, Nunn 0-1 4-4 4, Beatty 0-0 0-0 0, Dioramma 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 25-58 17-26 77. CALIFORNIA (5-1) Ola-Joseph 2-9 4-6 10, Petraitis 5-9 2-5 13, Sissoko 3-3 4-5 10, Stojakovic 4-10 11-15 20, Tucker 2-4 0-0 5, Wilkinson 5-10 5-7 16, Dort 1-2 0-0 2, Mahoney 3-6 0-1 7. Totals 25-53 26-39 83. Halftime_California 40-33. 3-Point Goals_Sacramento St. 10-27 (Vaughns 4-6, Holt 4-10, Neal 2-5, Nunn 0-1, Skytta 0-4), California 7-26 (Ola-Joseph 2-7, Mahoney 1-3, Petraitis 1-3, Tucker 1-3, Stojakovic 1-4, Wilkinson 1-6). Fouled Out_Brewer, Skytta, Vaughns, Nunn, Sissoko. Rebounds_Sacramento St. 30 (Holt 8), California 33 (Ola-Joseph, Dort 6). Assists_Sacramento St. 13 (Skytta 5), California 12 (Petraitis 5). Total Fouls_Sacramento St. 31, California 21.

Delaware state Sen. Sarah McBride described her first week on Capitol Hill after being elected as the first openly transgender member of Congress as a “crash course in the dysfunction" and "performance art” of the federal legislature. McBride, 34, recently returned home from new member orientation on Capitol Hill, where the Democrat was welcomed with attacks from her Republican colleagues who successfully pushed for her to be banned from the women’s bathrooms. Republican lawmakers’ response to McBride’s history-making election morphed attacks on transgender people that played out in GOP campaigns into a personal attack on their colleague. But McBride, who did not campaign on her identity, largely avoided entertaining the attacks. She declined media interviews about the subject and instead issued statements describing the attacks as a manufactured culture war and distraction from issues like the cost of living, saying she’s “not here to fight about bathrooms.” “I will tell you, over the last week I’ve had a crash course in the dysfunction of Congress, and, in some cases, the performance art of Congress,” she said at an awards ceremony during the orientation hosted by Future Coalition, a bipartisan organization for Gen Z and Millennial state and federal lawmakers. “And so it is good for my soul to be in a room full of Democrats and Republicans who understand that our job is to roll up our sleeves, dive into the detail, bring people together to make government work better. That is our job.” In social media posts on Monday, McBride shared highlights from her second and final week of orientation, including the awards ceremony last Wednesday. In the keynote speech , McBride said she believes people across the country “of every ideological background” are facing what she called “their own crisis of hope” that’s rooted in a fear of no longer being able to “meet the scope and the scale of the challenges that we face” both individually and collectively. She said this fear is based on a “fierce competition for pain” between political parties and the toxicity of viewing others as enemies rather than neighbors. She told the young lawmakers that they have a “heightened responsibility” to prove they can work together effectively and practice “radical grace and compassion” to help find solutions for constituents. “And that’s a tall order in Congress right now, and so it particularly falls on your shoulders in state legislatures to live that truth,” McBride said. Other highlights shared Monday included the relationships she made with congress members on both sides of the aisle at orientation and getting lost in the tunnels that run underneath the vast Capitol. McBride also managed to secure her first-choice office after picking “lucky number 13′′ in the Congressional office lottery, she said on social media. McBride shouted out “fellow Swifties ” in the post, since Taylor Swift considers 13 her lucky number and it holds significance for her fan base . She said she spoke to media about her campaign priorities of guaranteeing affordable health care, housing, and child care, and that she met with entrepreneurs about bringing jobs to Delaware and expanding home ownership opportunities. On a more personal note, McBride shared a photo on Instagram with former Delaware Gov. Jack Markell, who is now a U.S. ambassador to Italy, and former Delaware First Lady Carla Markel back in her home state on Sunday. McBride said the couple has mentored and supported her throughout her life, and that “next to my family, no two people have done more for me.” ©2024 The Philadelphia Inquirer. Visit inquirer.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

South Florida defeats Portland 74-68South Africa flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit and England fullback Ellie Kildunne have been named World Rugby’s players of the year, while Australia’s Maddison Levi won the women’s sevens player of the year award. Levi was named the best women’s sevens player. Previously a two-time nominee, Levi is the third Australian to win the award, beating New Zealand pair Michaela Blyde and Jorja Miller to be crowned the world’s best. The 22-year-old enjoyed a record-breaking 2023/2024 season, crossing for 83 tries, 69 of which came on the HSBC SVNS world series and 14 at the Paris Olympic Games. Levi claimed Player of the Final honours at the Madrid SVNS Grand Final following a hat-trick against France. Antoine Dupont and Maddison Levi pose with their World Rugby sevens player of the year awards for 2024. (Photo by World Rugby) She notched her 150th career try during the Madrid tournament to now be only second behind Charlotte Caslick in the all-time list for the Australians. Levi’s achievement also saw her named in the inaugural HSBC SVNS Women’s Dream Team for 2023/2024. Aussie Men’s Sevens winger Nathan Lawson was named in the HSBC SVNS Men’s Dream Team after a stellar personal season. Lawson crossed for 25 tries during the calendar year, finishing fourth on the list overall. Du Toit, also the 2019 winner, became only the fourth men’s player to win the award at least twice, after New Zealanders Richie McCaw, Dan Carter and Beauden Barrett. Despite the Springboks’ policy of rotation, Du Toit showed his immense value by appearing in 10 of their 13 Tests, and played the full game in eight of them. The double World Cup winner helped the Springboks win their first Rugby Championship since 2019 and achieve a first unbeaten autumn tour of Europe in 11 years. Du Toit was crowned ahead of teammates Eben Etzebeth and Cheslin Kolbe, and Ireland captain Caelan Doris. Kildunne’s award capped an impressive year in which she was also the Women’s Six Nations best player. In an unbeaten year with England, she won a Six Nations Grand Slam, retained the WXV1 title and scored 14 tries in 10 Tests. She also had time to help Britain in the Paris Olympics sevens. Also nominated were teammate and No. 8 Alex Matthews, France scrumhalf Pauline Bourdon Sansus and Canada flyhalf Alex Tessier. Kildunne was the fourth England winner in the last five awards. All Blacks flanker Wallace Sititi was the men’s breakthrough player at the year. Sititi, the son of former Samoa captain Semo Sititi, debuted off the bench against Fiji in July, and made a huge impression in his first Test start against South Africa in Cape Town in September, on his 22nd birthday. He was undroppable from then on; starting all seven remaining Tests. He was the only All Black to start all five on their tour of Japan and Europe. Erin King became the first Irishwoman to win an individual award when she was chosen the women’s breakthrough player of the year. King also went to the Olympics, and made her 15s debut only in September, when the back-rower helped Ireland finish second in the WXV1 after a historic win over world champion New Zealand. Superstar halfback Antoine Dupont was named men’s sevens player of the year after lifting France to the Olympic gold medal and first world series title. The France men had never previously medalled in the Olympics – didn’t even qualify for the 2021 Tokyo Games – and their best previous finish in world series history was fourth. The coach of the year was Jerome Daret, for guiding the France men’s sevens team to their success. FULL HONOUR ROLL International Rugby Players women’s try of the year winner: Marine Menager (France) World Rugby women’s 15s breakthrough player of the year winner: Erin King (Ireland) World Rugby women’s 15s dream team of the year: 15: Ellie Kildunne (England); 14. Abby Dow (England), 13. Slyvia Brunt (New Zealand), 12. Alex Tessier (Canada), 11. Katelyn Vahaakolo (New Zealand); 10. Holly Aitchison (England), 9. Pauline Bourdon Sansus (France); 1. Hope Rogers (USA), 2. Georgia Ponsonby (New Zealand), 3. Maud Muir (England), 4. Zoe Aldcroft (England), 5. Laetitia Royer (Canada), 6. Aoife Wafer (Ireland), 7. Sophie de Goede (Canada), 8. Alex Matthews (England). World Rugby women’s 15s player of the year: Ellie Kildunne (England) Hall of Fame induction: No167 – Emilee Cherry (Australia), No168 – DJ Forbes (New Zealand), No169 – Sergio Parisse (Italy), No170 – Donna Kennedy (Scotland), No171 – Chris Laidlaw (New Zealand) International Rugby Players special merit award winner: Vickii Cornborough (England) World Rugby coach of the year winner: Jerome Daret (France) International Rugby Players men’s try of the year: Nolann Le Garrec (France) World Rugby men’s 15s breakthrough player of the year: Wallace Sititi (New Zealand) World Rugby men’s 15s dream team of the year: 15. Will Jordan (New Zealand); 14. Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa), 13. Jesse Kriel (South Africa), 12. Damian de Allende (South Africa), 11. James Lowe (Ireland); 10. Damian McKenzie (New Zealand), 9. Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland); 1. Ox Nche (South Africa), 2. Malcolm Marx (South Africa), 3. Tyrel Lomax (New Zealand), 4. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa), 5. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland), 6. Pablo Matera (Argentina), 7. Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa), 8. Caelan Doris (Ireland). World Rugby men’s 15s player of the year winner: Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa) World Rugby women’s sevens dream team of the year in partnership with HSBC: Olivia Apps (Canada), Michaela Blyde (New Zealand), Kristi Kirshe (USA), Maddison Levi (Australia), Ilona Maher (USA), Jorja Miller (New Zealand), Seraphine Okemba (France). World Rugby women’s sevens player of the year in partnership with HSBC: Maddison Levi (Australia) World Rugby men’s sevens dream team of the year in partnership with HSBC: Selvyn Davids (South Africa), Antoine Dupont (France), Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang (France), Terry Kennedy (Ireland), Nathan Lawson (Australia), Ponipate Loganimasi (Fiji), Matias Osadczuk (Argentina). World Rugby men’s sevens player of the year in partnership with HSBC: Antoine Dupont (France) © AAP

Kevin Stefanski may be on the proverbial hot seat in the social media world, but it appears the Cleveland Browns' head coach is not in any danger of being dismissed after this season. The Browns have badly underachieved with a 3-8 record but have won two of their past four games, both against AFC North rivals in the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers. And the win over the Steelers came in frigid, snowy conditions in which a bad team might fold. Cleveland even blew a 12-point fourth-quarter lead against Pittsburgh but remained engaged and recovered for a 24-19 victory. That's a team that is still playing extremely hard for its head coach. Stefanski certainly hasn't been as good a coach as last season, when he won 11 games and was named NFL Coach of the Year for the second time in four seasons. The Browns have lost four games by at least 16 points. Getting blown out that many times is never a good thing. But funny, the team seems more cohesive now that Deshaun Watson is out for the season with an Achilles' tendon injury . Watson has been a massive $230 million mistake , and his reputation is even worse, with more than two dozen massage therapists accusing him of sexual misconduct. No matter what players say outwardly, just know that many talk differently in private to each other about Watson and aren't impressed with his off-field behavior. So perhaps the real decision is whether or not to go another direction at quarterback and part ways with Watson. In that case, find your quarterback of the future and go with Jameis Winston as the bridge signal caller until the youngster is ready. I look at those two 11-win seasons the Browns enjoyed under Stefanski and think about how Cleveland didn't even have a single winning season from 2008-19. You may recall they experienced the embarrassing winless season in 2017 while going 1-31 in two seasons under Hue Jackson. At that pace, it would have taken Jackson 22 seasons to get 11 total wins. Or how about that playoff victory over the Steelers under Stefanski in 2020? That marks the lone postseason win in 25 seasons since this version of the franchise began play in 1999. Granted, things didn't go well last January as the Browns were clobbered 45-14 by the Houston Texans in the AFC wild-card round. Stefanski is 40-38 with the Browns, and his previous worst record for Cleveland is 7-10 in 2022. The Browns would have to really rally to reach seven wins this season, but perhaps splitting their final six games and finishing 6-11 is doable. The only real way to consider letting Stefanski go would be if the team totally collapses down the stretch and finishes 3-14 or 4-13. Of course, owner Jimmy Haslam isn't known for his patience, so perhaps this season is disappointing enough for him to make a move. In that case, he needs to take stock of some of the coaches the Browns have had over the past 16 seasons. Freddie Kitchens. The aforementioned Jackson. Mike Pettine. Rob Chudzinski. Pat Shurmur. Eric Mangini. None of those guys had a single winning season. Stefanski will never be the next Paul Brown, but he's certainly a better coach than anyone on that list. Those two 11-win seasons—for THIS franchise—should say it all. Bring back Stefanski and give it one more go. If he underachieves in 2025, then show him the door. But for next season, Stefanski is clearly the best man for the job on the shores of Lake Erie.

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