Trump taps Lee Zeldin for EPA, Rep. Elise Stefanik for UN post
Trump taps Lee Zeldin for EPA, Rep. Elise Stefanik for UN post
Former U.S. President and *********** presidential candidate Donald Trump reacts as former U.S. Representative Lee Zeldin speaks at a rally ahead of the New Hampshire primary election in Concord, New Hampshire, U.S. January 19, 2024.
Elizabeth Frantz | Reuters
President-elect Donald Trump said Monday that he would appoint former Rep. Lee Zeldin as administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and current Rep. Elise Stefanik as the U.S. ambassador to the ******* Nations.
Both Zeldin and Stefanik are Republicans from New York.
Trump said that Zeldin, an attorney who represented a Long Island congressional district for four terms, “has been a true fighter for America First policies.”
“He will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of ********* businesses, while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet,” Trump said in a statement.
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Zeldin, 44, in a tweet wrote that “it is an honor to join President Trump’s Cabinet as EPA Administrator.”
“We will restore US energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back ********* jobs, and make the US the global leader of AI,” Zeldin wrote. “We will do so while protecting access to clean air and water.”
Zeldin was the *********** Party’s nominee for governor of New York in 2022, when he was defeated by incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul.
Zeldin has an extremely low lifetime rating score — 14% — from the League of Conservation Voters, for his many votes in the House of Representatives that were considered “anti-environment” by that group.
The executive director of the Sierra Club, a leading environmental group, blasted Trump’s selection of Zeldin for the EPA post.
“Naming an unqualified, anti-********* worker who opposes efforts to safeguard our clean air and water lays bare Donald Trump’s intentions to, once again, sell our health, our communities, our jobs, and our future out to corporate polluters,” said Executive Director Ben Jealous. “Our lives, our livelihoods, and our collective future cannot afford Lee Zeldin — or anyone who seeks to carry out a mission antithetical to the EPA’s mission.”
*********** Conference Chair Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., speaks at the *********** National Convention in Milwaukee on Tuesday, July 16, 2024.
Bill Clark | CQ-Roll Call, Inc. | Getty Images
Earlier Monday, NBC News confirmed that Trump had selected Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York as his ambassador to the ******* Nations, his first Cabinet pick. Stefanik is chair of the House *********** Conference.
In a statement, Trump noted that Stefanik was “the first Member of Congress to endorse me, and has always been a staunch advocate.”
“Elise is a senior Member of the House Armed Services Committee, the House Intelligence Committee, and led the charge against antisemitism on college campuses,” Trump said. “She will be an incredible Ambassador to the ******* Nations, delivering Peace through Strength and America First National Security policies!”
Stefanik’s selection as U.N. ambassador could reduce the number of Republicans in the House of Representatives. The GOP currently has a majority in the House, but NBC News has not yet projected which party will control that chamber in 2025. If the Republicans do maintain control, their margin will be slim.
Trump announced Sunday that Tom Homan would be his so-called border czar, who, in addition to securing U.S. borders “will be in charge of all Deportation of ******** Aliens back to their Country of Origin.”
Homan is the former acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
This is developing news. Check back for updates.
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Nadeshot Leaks $230,000 Monthly Twitch Revenue on Stream
Nadeshot Leaks $230,000 Monthly Twitch Revenue on Stream
During a recent Twitch stream, Matthew ‘Nadeshot’ Haag, former pro COD player and founder of 100 Thieves, inadvertently leaked his one-month earnings on the platform. In a split-second slip-up, the popular creator and co-owner of the top-tier esports organisation revealed that in a single month, he has made a whopping $238,146 on Twitch.
That’s the total accused from 399 hours of streams – the creator has effectively been running a non-stop subathon all month, which seems to be the go-to for creators wanting to make big bucks these days.
Effortless Earnings
Nadeshot is a likeable content creator with years in the industry. From his beginnings as a professional Call of Duty player to the foundation of 100 Thieves, he has gone from strength to strength over the last decade or so. His recent foray into streaming has been a lucrative one, and right now, he’s making almost a quarter of a million dollars a month on Twitch.
From 399 hours of streaming in a 30-day window, the creator has amassed 47,505 subscriptions and racked up a total of 58 hours of ad breaks. The bulk of his earnings has been made up of gifted subs, with the second most valuable earnings category being ad revenue.
Despite his success, Nadeshot isn’t pulling in a massive audience. His most recent bout of streams peaked at around 18,800 viewers, which has led many to question just how much money some larger creators like Kai Cenat must be making on Twitch.
Cenat, one of the most-watched streamers on the planet, pulls in a peak concurrent viewer count of around 170,000 users, earning tens of thousands of new followers per stream. He currently boasts a staggering 302,230 subs, compared to Nadeshot’s 45,761. I’m no good with numbers, but it stands to reason that Cenat is making millions of dollars every month on Twitch with ease.
Do you watch Nadeshot on Twitch? Let us know in the comments.
For more Insider Gaming coverage, check out the news that ****** Mesa’s developers have revealed a new game
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This awesome Dell gaming laptop is $300 off today
This awesome Dell gaming laptop is $300 off today
Dell
We all want to have the best gaming PC on the market, but often, we’re relegated to lower-cost hardware we can actually afford. Fortunately, there are tons of great promos on top gaming laptops and desktop PCs. So, you might be able to own a premium device after all! As a matter of fact, we came across this terrific offer while vetting through Dell laptop deals:
For a limited time, you’ll be able to purchase the Dell G15 Gaming Laptop for only $800 (a $300 discount) when you order through the manufacturer.
Why you should buy the Dell G15 Gaming Laptop
This configuration of the Dell G15 comes with an AMD Ryzen 7 Series CPU (with max clock speeds of 5.10GHz), an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage.
We consider this a midrange gaming laptop, as it doesn’t quite have top-rung specs, even though it’s dang close. Still, you can expect phenomenal gameplay from this bad boy, complete with arresting visuals, low input lag, and fast response times. You’ll also be treated to a 1.56-inch 1920 x 1080 screen that delivers up to a 165Hz refresh rate and 100% coverage of the SRGB ****** space.
Measuring 14.07 inches wide and weighing as little as 6.19 pounds, the Dell G15 is portable and lightweight enough to go just about anywhere. And whether you need to wire up a pair of headphones or an external hard drive (check out our list of the best SSD deals!), there’s no shortage of ports on the G15. Connections include HDMI 2.1, USB-C, USB-A, Ethernet, and a headset port.
We’re not sure how long this markdown is going to last, so it might be a good idea to save the $300 today by ordering the Dell G15 Gaming Laptop directly through the manufacturer. We also suggest taking a look at our list of the best gaming laptop deals!
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Assisted dying bill has strict safeguards, MP Kim Leadbeater says
Assisted dying bill has strict safeguards, MP Kim Leadbeater says
Reuters
Labour MP Kim Leadbeater says the ***’s current law is not fit for purpose
Terminally ill adults who are expected to **** within six months would be able to request assistance to end their own life under proposed legislation for England and Wales.
Two independent doctors would have to be satisfied someone is eligible and has made their decision voluntarily. Requests would also have to be approved by a High Court judge.
Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, who has put forward the bill, said it includes “the strictest safeguards anywhere in the world”.
However opponents of assisted dying have raised concerns that people could feel pressured into ending their lives.
The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill is due to be published on Tuesday ahead of an initial debate and vote by MPs on 29 November.
It will be the first time since 2015 that the House of Commons has voted on the issue of assisted dying. Back then, MPs rejected proposals to allow some terminally ill adults to end their lives with medical supervision.
If the bill passes the first vote, it will receive further scrutiny from MPs and peers, who could choose to amend it.
A final version would require approval by both the House of Commons and Lords to become law.
The government has taken a neutral stance, allowing MPs to have a free vote on the matter – meaning they can make their own choice and do not have to follow the party line.
Current laws in the *** prevent people from asking for medical help to ****.
A separate bill to legalise assisted dying has also been proposed in Scotland.
The bill requires those who apply for assisted dying to:
Be over the age of 18, a resident in England and Wales and registered with a GP for at least 12 monthsHave the mental capacity to make a choice about ending their lifeExpress a “clear, settled and informed” wish, free from coercion or pressure, at every stage of the process
There would have to be a ******* of at least seven days between two doctors making their assessments and another 14 days after the judge has made a ruling, unless the person’s ****** is expected imminently.
The individual would be allowed to change their mind at any time and no doctors would be obliged to take part in the process.
If all the criteria and safeguards are met, the medication to end someone’s life must be self-administered.
It would remain ******** for a doctor or anybody else to end a person’s life.
Under the proposed legislation, it would also be ******** to pressure or coerce someone into making a declaration that they wish to end their life.
The offence would carry a sentence of up to 14 years in jail.
PA Media
Dame Esther Rantzen, who is terminally ill, has called for a change in the law
Campaigners supporting the bill, including broadcaster Dame Esther Rantzen, argue terminally ill people should get a choice over how they **** to avoid unnecessary suffering.
Leadbeater said the current law in the *** was “not fit for purpose” and was “leading to people having horrible deaths, taking their own lives, having to go to other countries if they can afford it”.
She told the BBC she hoped MPs would be reassured by the bill’s safeguards, adding: “What I would say to colleagues is, if you vote against the bill, or even if you abstain, you’re saying that the status quo is okay and it’s not okay.”
Groups who oppose changing the law say vulnerable people could feel under pressure to end their lives for ***** of being a burden on others and that the focus should be on improving palliative care.
Dr Gordon Macdonald, chief executive of Care Not ********, said: “The safest law is the one we currently have.”
“This bill is being rushed with indecent haste and ignores the deep-seated problems in the ***’s broken and patchy palliative care system,” he added.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who has said he will vote against the bill, is among those who has raised concerns, saying end-of-life care is currently not good enough to give people a real choice.
In response to such fears, Leadbeater said: “This is not about either improving palliative care or giving people the choice at the end of life that I believe they deserve.
“We have to do both, and they have to run in parallel.”
The MP for Spen Valley said there would be “checks against coercion or pressure” at every stage, as well as a code of practice and “robust training” for doctors involved.
She added that if the bill did become law, there would also be a “******* of implementation”, which would most likely be up to two years.
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Riot Esports Head on How Devastating January Layoffs Affected VALORANT
Riot Esports Head on How Devastating January Layoffs Affected VALORANT
With its dynamic blend of strategy, skill, and fast-paced action, Valorant has kept players engaged through frequent updates, new agents, and exciting competitive events. Over the past few years, the game has cemented its place in the global esports ecosystem, with both domestic and international tournaments drawing huge viewership numbers.
The game has been on an upward trajectory but the path has been filled with various challenges. | Image Credit: Riot Games
As the esports scene continues to expand over the years, Riot Games has faced its own set of challenges behind the scenes, particularly with the impactful layoffs that took place in January 2024. Daniel Ringland, Riot Games’ Head of Valorant Esports for EMEA, shared insights into how the company was forced to adjust its operations and strategies following these layoffs.
How the Team behind VALORANT Adapted to the January Layoffs
The layoff in January introduced various changes in the team. | Image Credit: Riot Games
The January layoffs at Riot Games sent shockwaves through the company, particularly within its esports division. As Valorant‘s esports scene approached a critical year, the layoffs affected many experienced staff members, some of whom had played key roles in the growth of the esports until now.
These layoffs were part of broader restructuring efforts happening within the company, which meant that Riot’s esports teams, including the one behind the FPS, had to quickly find ways to adapt to a tighter operation.
For Daniel Ringland, Riot’s Head of Esports for EMEA, the immediate task was clear: ensure that the esports ecosystem continued to run smoothly despite the sudden reduction in manpower. In the interview, he acknowledged that the impact of losing such talented individuals was big but they were focused and wanted to make it work. He said:
We had to kind of change the way we worked, but also kind of focus in and try to be a bit more intentional. […] But when I look at the show. […] I think we’re back to producing something that is worthy of what the fans want. And at the end of the day, that’s the most important thing.
After the layoff, Riot placed all its focus on streamlining its operations. It started by cutting back on some of the excesses of its previous approach and recalibrated what could be achieved with the remaining team. The main focus was to prioritize efficiency and quality.
With fewer people, Riot had to ensure that every effort was laser-focused on delivering the best possible product for fans. Despite the various setbacks, Ringland is confident in the direction Riot has taken post-layoffs. From his perspective, the adjustments made the team stronger.
Looking Forward to the Brighter Future
The future looking bright for the game as the challenges have made them even better. | Image Credit: Riot Games
Despite the tough challenges brought about by the January layoffs, Riot Games is still optimistic about the future of the game’s esports. The restructuring has led to a more focused and efficient team that is committed to delivering even more high-quality content and a compelling competitive scene for fans across the globe.
As Daniel Ringland emphasized in the interview, the changes made in response to the layoffs were not just about keeping the game afloat but they were about finding new ways to innovate, adapt, and ultimately elevate the experience for both players and viewers.
Looking ahead, the team is focused on ensuring the continued growth of the game’s esports ecosystem. It has already established itself as a major player in the global competitive scene, with massive international events and thriving regional leagues. Riot is committed to maintaining this momentum for years to come.
In the end, the future of VALORANT esports is looking bright. With a growing fanbase, more competitive opportunities, and a renewed sense of purpose within the team, Riot is set to make even greater strides.
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The incredible Samsung Odyssey Ark monitor is over $1,000 off
The incredible Samsung Odyssey Ark monitor is over $1,000 off
Samsung / Samsung
Looking for great monitor deals for your gaming setup? The ideal place to head is Samsung, which has a great deal on a high-end gaming monitor. Today you can buy the Samsung 55-inch Odyssey Ark Curved Gaming Monitor for $1,800 when it ordinarily costs $3,000. You’re saving $1,200 off the regular price, which is a fantastic discount on a monitor that will last you a long time. Packed with great features, this is one of the best Samsung monitor deals we’ve seen in a while. Here’s everything it has to offer.
Why you should buy the Samsung 55-inch Odyssey Ark Curved Gaming Monitor
Samsung makes some of the best gaming monitors around, with the Samsung 55-inch Odyssey Ark Curved Gaming Monitor being one such highlight. It doesn’t have just any display: Its huge 55-inch screen can rotate so you can use it in either landscape or portrait mode.
The screen also has a 1000R curve, a 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms GtG response time so it can handle anything you throw at it. There’s also FreeSync Premium Pro support to help smooth things out. The display uses Quantum Mini-LED lighting to deliver vibrant details, while HDR10+ gaming provides stunning colors which automatically adapt in-real time so you see every detail. The 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio further helps matters.
Besides the core features, the Samsung 55-inch Odyssey Ark Curved Gaming Monitor also has some great extras. That includes Multi View support so you can show up to 4 inputs on screen at once, You could even play a console game at the same time as a PC game on this screen. It also has a Cockpit Mode which rotates the screen and allows for tilting and pivoting to get things just how you like them.
This is the monitor you need if you have one of the best gaming PCs, as there’s so much more to it for gamers than the best monitors can provide. It’ll make all your favorite games look fantastic.
A powerful monitor in so many ways, the Samsung 55-inch Odyssey Ark Curved Gaming Monitor is the one everyone wants to own. This could be your chance. It usually costs $3,000, but right now you can snap it up for just $1,800. The $1,200 discount is huge, and it won’t be a discount that will last for long. Check it out for yourself before the deal ends soon.
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NZ PM congratulates Trump on ‘historic’ election win
NZ PM congratulates Trump on ‘historic’ election win
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says he has spoken with US President-elect Donald Trump and congratulated him on his “historic election victory”.
“New Zealand and the ******* States have a strong and enduring partnership … we agreed on the importance of deepening ties between our two nations and I look forward to doing just that,” Luxon said in a post on X on Tuesday.
Luxon is heading to the APEC summit in Peru on Thursday where he will meet outgoing US President Joe Biden.
Trump campaigned on introducing tariffs of up to 20 per cent on imported goods as part of his “America First” economic policy.
Luxon has previously warned against jumping to conclusions about Trump policies that might affect New Zealand.
Trump will be inaugurated and enter the White House on January 20.
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Dragon Age: The Veilguard Review | TheXboxHub
Dragon Age: The Veilguard Review | TheXboxHub
–Onilink–14h ago(Edited 14h ago)
@Armaggedon
I dont think its even possible to meet Taash before the 5h refund ******* on Steam, and its absolutely not possible to get to the actual scenes that people are complaining about, given that they happen quite along in the companion storyline.
Its honestly a bit sad to reach a point where people even have to make up having bought and “refunded” the game just to make some kind of point
@MeteorOand
Its perfectly fine to say you didnt want to buy it. Though the fact that you prefer to pretend you did kind of feels like you know to some degree that you are just repeating someone else’s opinions without actual experience to back it up.
So here’s another opinion from someone who finished the game yesterday and honestly doesn’t really care about the controversy either way.
95% of the dialog is fine or good, maybe not the best ever, but still serviceable. There’s honestly some great stuff here and there. And some really bad stuff, curiously a lot of it at the beginning of the game, but its fine after that (except SOME companion interactions like the ones seen in SkillUPs review), which is also not helped by the facial animation/lip sync also seemingly being at its worst in the first couple of hours (not amazing later either, but not as bad)
Almost all of the storyline/dialogue for Taash is related to being/becoming non-binary and its honestly horrendously written. Again, I dont even care about the topic, the writing for that storyline is just bad, like if someone other than an actual writer is the one that created everything for that character. So many of the quests for her are just dialog scenes too. Its easily my least favorite character arc. Its not like they havent done a “PC” character arc that was actually interesting beyond that particular trait. I quite like Dorian as a companion in Inquisition and his storyline mostly had nothing to do with him being gay.
If you take away her storyline (which you can honestly just skip if you dont want to see it), 99% of the rest of the dialog is typical fantasy stuff.
Combat is quite fun, but they really needed more ****** and encounter variety.
Overall storylines for everyone else and the main arc are pretty usual Dragon Age stuff.
I think there are definitely things that could have made the game much better (into the 90s category) but I still really enjoyed my time with the game and I’d give it a solid 8, maybe a tad higher.
I normally see eye to eye on many things with SkillUp, but this is one that I disagreed a lot. Not on the negatives discussed, because almost all of them are there, but because I feel his review portrays them as being a LOT more prevalent than what they really were for me.
Anyway, stop pretending that you bought games just to try to have a more valid opinion on them… its really ***** and unnecessary
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How to set up a VPN
How to set up a VPN
Take a look at our step-by-step guide detailing how to set up a VPN in both MacOS and in Windows 11 using the default tools built into the operating system.
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Pelican News
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What to know about Susie Wiles, Donald Trump’s White House chief of staff
What to know about Susie Wiles, Donald Trump’s White House chief of staff
Last week, President-elect Donald Trump announced his campaign co-chair Susie Wiles will serve as his White House chief of staff, the first woman — *********** or Democrat — ever to hold that position. Calling her “tough, smart, innovative…, universally admired and respected,” Trump credited her with helping him win both the 2024 and 2016 elections.
File: Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles listen as *********** presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks after being declared the winner during an election night watch party at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida in the early hours of Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024.
Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images
Behind the scenes
Wiles is known as a formidable political operative who prefers to work behind the scenes, rather than on any stage — or in front of cameras. In keeping with that, when Trump declared victory in the early hours of last Wednesday morning, he invited her to come to the microphones, but she politely declined.
She’s managed to not just curry favor, but more critically, to remain in good standing with Trump, winning his trust while working in a high-profile campaign role, managing the ambitions, personalities and egos in Trump’s orbit.
Relationship with campaign staff
Wiles is beloved by the Trump campaign staff, many of whom call her a mentor.
“Susie Wiles is a tremendous advocate for President Trump and a great boss to those that work for her,” said Trump senior adviser Danielle Alvarez. “She knows how to bring people together.”
“For myself and countless others, having Susie Wiles as a mentor and a friend is a gift,” said Brian Hughes, another senior adviser. “The nation will see that with President Trump in the White House with Susie as the COS the next four years will be America’s best.”
Those who have worked for Wiles “will take a bullet for Susie,” said Carlos Trujillo, a campaign adviser who served as U.S. ambassador to the Organization of ********* States. Trujillo said most people don’t see Wiles’ motherly and grandmotherly side. “She always made sure her people were taken care of,” he said. “She’s very soft spoken, but she holds everyone accountable, and it’s always done through love and kindness but never a place of hate.”
Management style
Staffers say Wiles runs a tight and focused ship. Trump’s 2024 campaign did not go through the big, dramatic shakeups or infighting that characterized his previous campaigns. Wiles’ appointment signals that as president-elect, he wants to run his administration in a similar way.
Wiles’ legacy, Trujillo said, is her ability to cultivate talent. “Susie in politics is the greatest coach of all time…she’s going to be able to recruit the best talent.”
And while Wiles shies away from the spotlight, she made a rare comment on X when businessman Mark Cuban, in an interview on ABC’s “The View,” accused Trump of not associating with “strong, intelligent women.” In response, Wiles posted for the first time this year: “I’m told [Mark Cuban] needs help identifying the strong and intelligent women surrounding Pres. Trump. Well, here we are!”
Background
After Trump won the 2016 election, Wiles, who was the chief strategist in Florida for his campaign, was dispatched in late September of 2018 to help Ron DeSantis with his 2018 bid to be Florida governor. At the time, he was trailing Democrat Andrew Gillum in several polls.
After helping DeSantis win, however, Wiles was shut out of his inner circle, according to The Atlantic‘s Tim Alberta. Wiles told Alberta that working for DeSantis was the “biggest mistake” of her career. She returned to the Trump campaign and ran his Florida campaign in 2020, and then after his loss, she went on to run Trump’s Save America PAC.
As Trump’s 2024 co-campaign manager, Wiles, along with Chris LaCivita, hatched a plan to recruit, register and turn out Trump’s low-propensity voters, Alberta reported. During the primary campaign, they pursued people in the reddest areas of the country who liked Trump but weren’t habitual voters and in many cases, weren’t even registered to vote. During the general campaign, Wiles and LaCivita raised a volunteer army to take on the legions of canvassers paid by Kamala Harris’ cash-rich coffers.
Wiles is a native of New Jersey, the daughter of renowned the late NFL kicker and sportscaster Pat Summerall. Soon after she graduated from college at the University of Maryland, she worked for Ronald Reagan’s presidential campaign, and later went on to work in Florida politics. In 2010, she helped Sen. Rick Scott win his election against Democrat Bill McCollum, and she has also been a political consultant in Florida.
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Caitlin Huey-Burns
Caitlin Huey-Burns is a political correspondent for CBS News and a fill-in anchor for the CBS News 24/7 politics show “America Decides.”
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The DEA gave $200,000 to a money launderer called ‘the Englishman.’ He stole it
The DEA gave $200,000 to a money launderer called ‘the Englishman.’ He stole it
A man who oversaw a scheme to launder millions of dollars of narcotics money from the U.S. to ***** organizations was sentenced to seven years in federal prison, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Daniel Shaun Zilke, who went by the nickname “the Englishman,” was also fined $50,000 and ordered to pay $150,000 in restitution to the ***** Enforcement Administration.
Zilke, 49, was arrested last year in May and pleaded guilty months later to *********** to aid and abet ***** distribution, launder money and obstruction of an official government proceeding for stealing and attempting to cover up the theft of $150,000 in DEA undercover funds. He was sentenced Nov. 4.
Federal authorities accused Zilke of laundering money on behalf of ***** cartels for five years starting in 2015. The case against Zilke and his associates began that year when an undercover DEA agent posing as a money launderer made contact with Zilke.
As part of a guilty plea, federal officials said, Zilke admitted telling the undercover agent that he had a client in Europe who needed hundreds of millions of dollars to move to Mexico and that he could use the bank account of a charity in Dallas to launder the money.
Prosecutors said the undercover agent helped Zilke move that money by allowing him to use bank accounts associated with businesses that often deal with large sums of money.
They alleged that Zilke and his associates also arranged numerous cash pickups from ***** traffickers across the country and deposited them into various bank accounts, including some that were controlled by at least two other suspects in the case. The suspects were identified as Jeffrey Mark Thompson, 63, of Dallas and Gustavo Adolfo Aldana-Martinez, 58, of Pico Rivera, Calif. Both men have been convicted in the case.
Zilke and the two men each earned a commission that was a percentage of the amount laundered through their respective accounts, according to court documents. Prosecutors did not say what that percentage was.
At one point during the investigation, federal officials said, Zilke offered to cooperate and expose the money laundering organization. Investigators gave him $200,000 to be given to Thompson.
The intent was to have Thompson move the money though his bank accounts and eventually return the funds to the DEA undercover accounts, federal prosecutors said in a written statement.
“However, approximately two weeks after the cash delivery, Zilke returned to Thompson’s residence and took back $150,000 without telling the DEA agents,” the statement read. “After this theft of government funds, he repeatedly lied to the agents about the money and made excuses for why it was taking so long to receive the wire transfers for the full $200,000.”
Thompson, who is awaiting sentencing, pleaded guilty in November 2023 to *********** to aid and abet ***** distribution, money laundering, and concealment money laundering of ***** trafficking proceeds.
Aldana-Martinez, who has already been convicted on similar charges, is serving a four-year prison sentence.
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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
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Who could replace Gary Lineker as the show’s star signing?
Who could replace Gary Lineker as the show’s star signing?
BBC
Former England captain Gary Lineker has hosted Match of the Day since 1999
They think it’s all over… and it will be soon for Gary Lineker as host of BBC One’s Match of the Day.
The former England striker-turned-broadcaster will leave the long-running football highlights show after 25 years at the helm at the end of the season, the BBC understands.
The Sun reports he will leave the BBC altogether after leading coverage of the 2026 men’s World Cup.
So, who are the potential star signings that could fill the vacant hot seat to become the show’s sixth main presenter in its 60-year history?
Mark ChapmanGetty Images
A familiar face to football fans, Mark ‘Chappers’ Chapman is considered by many to be a front-runner with his warm presenting style.
He brings a wealth of experience, having regularly stood in to present Match of the Day and fronted its sister programme, Match of the Day 2, for over a decade.
Chapman has also recently begun hosting the BBC’s new mid-week Champions League highlights show, secured under a three-year deal with Uefa.
Outside television, the broadcaster presents a number of shows on BBC Radio 5 Live, including its football-orientated Monday Night Club.
Gabby LoganGetty Images
Gabby Logan is one of the ***’s most well-known sports presenters, with 20 years’ experience hosting major football coverage across various networks.
After starting her broadcasting career at Sky, she moved to ITV, deputising for Des Lynam on The Premiership, the channel’s highlights show launched after they won the rights from the BBC between 2001 and 2004.
Logan later succeeded Lynam to front Champions League coverage on the station, before departing under what she described as a “cloud” when her job as a World Cup anchor was given to a male presenter instead.
She swiftly joined the BBC in 2007 and has stood in for Lineker on Match of the Day, alongside covering the biggest sporting events, including the Six Nations, the Olympics, the men’s and women’s football World Cup and this summer’s Euros.
Logan has recently begun hosting live games shown on streaming service Amazon Prime, further boosting her Premier League credentials.
Alex ScottGetty Images
Scott, another regular Match of the Day stand-in, broke through as one of the first mainstream female football pundits after retiring from the game in 2017.
The former England and Arsenal midfielder became the first female analyst to be taken to a men’s World Cup by the BBC when Russia hosted the tournament in 2018.
Later that summer, she also debuted as Sky Sports’ first woman football pundit.
In 2021, she took over hosting duties for the BBC’s Football Focus – replacing the departing Dan Walker on the weekend preview show.
An ever-present broadcaster at men’s and women’s tournaments since, Scott wore a rainbow armband during England’s first match of the Qatar World Cup – showing support for the LGBT community in a country where homosexuality ******** ********.
The recipient of an MBE, she defended her London accent after ex-House of Lords member Digby Jones criticised her pronunciation.
Kate AbdoGetty Images
Following a stint at **** Sport, Kate Abdo has found her career transformed at the helm of CBS’ Champions League coverage.
She previously told GQ that the show’s success relies on its uninhibited feel, calling it the “locker room environment translated onto television” – mirroring the personality-driven tone younger audiences are used to from online sports content.
One of its pundit Micah Richards (see below) has separately described Abdo as the “glue” that keeps the controlled chaos of the show together; balancing frolics (such as being teased into revealing her first kiss) with genuine analysis from the panel.
As young audiences increasingly turn their back on terrestrial TV, the BBC is under pressure to adapt – particularly as individual match highlights now appear on YouTube long before Match of the Day’s 10:30pm time slot.
There’s no doubt the new-age formula has worked for CBS, but it is a far cry from the traditions of Match of the Day. Could it work on the BBC? And would Abdo want to risk jeopardising CBS’ popular dynamic?
Alan ShearerGetty Images
Alan Shearer, alongside Lineker, is one of England’s all-time great goal-scorers. Despite retiring in 2006, he still holds the Premier League goal record and ******** top scorer for Newcastle *******.
This pedigree helped him become a mainstay pundit on the BBC and Match of the Day. He also formed a strong trio with Lineker and Richards, first on the BBC’s Match of the Day podcast and latterly The Rest is Football – produced independently on Lineker’s hugely successful Goalhanger podcast company. These have allowed him to show off more of his personality.
Now almost 20 years into his media career, Shearer is however yet to host a show – could that step up to becoming Match of the day anchor finally be on the horizon?
Micah RichardsGetty Images
The ex-Manchester City and England defender burst onto the footballing scene as a teenager, but, after an on-pitch career curtailed by a knee injury, Richards has blossomed as the ever-animated pundit with a mega-watt personality to boot.
He embodies the modern take on the role, engaging viewers not only with analysis but also fun-loving camaraderie shared between analysts and presenter.
His media career blossomed as a jovial foil to the tough-talking, former Manchester ******* captain Roy Keane on Sky Sports’ Super Sunday.
Similar roles have followed on Match of the Day and for CBS’ Champions League coverage – where humorous off-script moments between presenter Abdo, Richards himself and Premier League legends Jamie Carragher and Thierry Henry regularly trend on social media.
Asking Richards to make the step up to presenting duties on a show as prestigious as Match of the Day would represent a risk from bosses, but certainly mark a fresh start and shift in tone.
He also has the backing of Lineker, who, when discussing the speculation over his future on The Rest is Football, told Richards: “I’d love to see you take over. I think you’d be brilliant in the chair.”
Colin Murray
Beginning his career in music as a fun-loving, noughties upstart on BBC Radio 1, Colin Murray soon moved into sport broadcasting.
The northern Irishman balanced hosting BBC Radio 5 Live’s raucous sport comedy panel show Fighting Talk with anchoring ********* football on Channel 5, before moving to precede Mark Chapman in the hot seat on Match of the Day 2.
But controversy later struck when Murray used Fighting Talk’s ‘Defend the Indefensible’ segment to ask panellists whether they would be able to “turn” the sexuality of openly gay broadcaster Clare Balding. The BBC soon issued an apology. Within months Murray had left the BBC to join TalkSport radio.
Murray has since expressed regret, admitting to The Guardian: “The second I said it… I knew it was over the line”.
In the years since, Murray has rehabilitated his BBC career, returning to present various shows on 5 Live and expanding to become the host of Channel 4’s long-running word show, Countdown.
A chance at the main Match of the Day role may end up a step too far, but Murray is certainly a tried, tested and trusted football anchor with appeal spanning all age groups.
Dan WalkerGetty Images
Prior to quitting the BBC for Channel 5 in 2022, Dan Walker shared his high-profile BBC Breakfast presenting tole with 12 years as the host of Football Focus.
Walker would offer bosses a clean cut image and a safe pair of hands were he to take the role, having previously also covered Olympics and football World Cups for the BBC. He has also recently covered games for Amazon Prime.
But questions remain over Walker’s own interest – he is on a bumper contract at Channel 5 and has persistently batted away suggestions of a return to the BBC.
Laura WoodsGetty Images
Laura Woods made her name on TalkSport, receiving plaudits for her relatable style as a host and interviewer.
She has since stepped up to become lead presenter for **** Sports’ Champions League coverage, replacing Jake Humphrey when the channel rebranded from BT Sport last year.
Woods also presents football on Amazon Prime and ITV – joining the latter for coverage of this summer’s Euros.
Earlier this summer she spoke of receiving “numerous ****** threats” online after commenting on an article questioning the eligibility of Olympic champion boxers Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting.
Woods fits the mould of Abdo and Richards in bringing a more personality-led style to her broadcasting.
Jake HumphreyGetty Images
Humphrey is a vastly experienced sports broadcaster, with a catalogue of BBC experience to draw upon prior to his later career exploits.
After an early career on BBC children’s TV, by 2006 he had started working with BBC Sport, presenting Formula 1, Football Focus, Final Score and becoming the youngest ever host in Match of the Day’s history.
Since stepping back from BT Sport, Humphrey has focused on his successful High-Performance podcast, exploring the lives of high-achieving individuals. However, Humphrey ******** a fan of Match of the Day, previously telling The Express he would “never say never” to hosting the “legendary show”.
Kelly CatesGetty Images
An experienced anchor across radio and TV, football is Cates’ life-blood, quite literally – she is the daughter of Liverpool and Scotland legend Kenny Dalglish.
The broadcaster has hosted BBC Radio 5 Live’s 606 football phone-in and, more recently, the station’s Football Daily podcast, in amongst numerous other roles at major tournaments.
But she is best-known in front of the camera as part of the presenting roster for Sky Sports’ Premier League coverage – including its flagship Super Sunday programme.
Cates, like Logan, brings both pedigree and gender diversity – but it ******** to be seen if she could be tempted away from Sky.
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Carson Beck’s NFL Draft status check-in: Is the Georgia QB still a first-rounder?
Carson Beck’s NFL Draft status check-in: Is the Georgia QB still a first-rounder?
Ask anyone within NFL Draft circles and they’ll be quick to tell you that this year’s class of quarterbacks is underwhelming compared to last year’s. Last year’s class produced five top-10 NFL Draft picks, including the first three selections. A sixth quarterback, Bo Nix, went No. 12.
Entering the season, many in those circles and in college football thought Georgia quarterback Carson Beck would be a first-rounder. But now most are asking each other, “What happened to him?”
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‘Deion’s going to try to win Shedeur the Heisman’: CFB coaches on 2025 QB draft class
An NFL scout who has spent two decades in the business told The Athletic Sunday, the day after Beck’s Bulldogs lost at Ole Miss, 28-10, that the star quarterback had been his and his NFL team’s top-rated QB coming into this season. The longtime scout, like others granted anonymity to speak honestly about Beck’s draft trajectory, said he thought that, had Beck entered the 2024 draft, he could’ve been picked late in the first round.
“Had he come out last year, he was on such a good trajectory,” the scout said. “I thought he and Jayden Daniels were the two most improved guys. There was a chance he was going to sneak into the late first round last year.”
Beck and the Bulldogs opened the season strong, blowing out then-No. 14 Clemson, 34-3, but once SEC play began, Beck began struggling; in particular, he has had all sorts of issues turning the ball over. In seven SEC games, Beck has thrown 10 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Last year, in his first season as a starter, he threw 15 touchdowns and only four picks.
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What does Georgia do well? Loss to Ole Miss raises an unfamiliar question
The scout said Beck was no longer their top QB prospect. And The Athletic’s NFL Draft analyst Dane Brugler believes that, if the draft were happening tomorrow, Beck would be a third- to fifth-rounder and no lock for a top-100 selection.
“He’s got the quickest release of all these guys,” said the NFL scout. “To me, Shedeur (Sanders) has had the least rough patches. He’s probably been the cleanest.
“When you watch (Georgia’s) tape, their offensive line has struggled,” he added. “Some of those guys have been dinged up. They’re leakier than last year. I think that’s exposing his (lack of) mobility, and we’ve seen him get antsy. There’s a clear lack of poise. The first half against Alabama was really bad (Beck threw two of his three interceptions).
“He’s struggling now. He was our No. 1 guy coming into the year. But now, the combination of the lack of mobility and the lack of poise … You’ve got to have one or the other. If you’re gonna be stuck in the pocket and can’t really get out of there that well, you’d better be able to hang in and be tough, and have poise to make throws with people bearing down on you.”
Another piece to the puzzle scouts try to sort out beyond the film is how players handle any personal issues. With the onset of name, image and likeness (NIL) in college sports, pro personnel people have tried to dig into how that has impacted players. Last winter, Beck made headlines after he posted pictures on Instagram that he was getting a Lamborghini Urus Performante. That’s also something folks in the NFL world have taken note of.
“I would dig into the NIL stuff and how seriously he’s been approaching football and eliminating the distractions and being focused on what he should be focusing on,” the veteran scout said.
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A second NFL scout said Beck’s struggles this year are a reminder of how much all the pieces around a quarterback can impact performance: “I still think he’s talented, but he looks rattled now.”
An SEC defensive coach who played Beck in the last month pointed to both the Bulldogs’ struggles up front and the team’s “big deficiencies” at receiver.
It certainly hasn’t helped Beck that he no longer has trusted elite playmakers, like tight end Brock Bowers (drafted No. 13 overall in 2024) or wideout Ladd McConkey (No. 34 overall). But those are only a few reasons why Beck doesn’t look like the same quarterback.
“It seems like Beck’s forcing things instead of letting the game come to him,” the SEC coach said. “He’s throwing into coverage a lot. They (Georgia) have really good running backs, like they always do, but they just don’t have any home-run hitters on the outside.
“They’re not what they used to be. He (Beck) doesn’t have those guys who can go win and make plays. It might also be because he’s been hit and sacked, so he’s begun to look at the rush a little more. When we played him, you could see that he was worried about that rush. We saw that on the film.”
Another SEC coach, a defensive coordinator who also played Georgia this past month, echoed those comments, as did a second SEC DC who played Georgia this season.
“I think he’s still done a bunch of good things,” the first DC said. “He’s got a really good arm and he’s accurate. I think he sees the picture well. I just think he’s pressing. He’s trying to make some throws, trying to stick them into really tight windows. He shouldn’t be doing that, but he is. I think he’s feeling the pressure. Their receivers aren’t getting as much separation. He’s still really good, but he’s just making some bad decisions.”
It also is worth noting that the Bulldogs have played one of the hardest schedules in the nation so far, according to both The Athletic’s Austin Mock and per ESPN FPI, which the College Football Playoff committee cites. They have faced four of the nation’s top 13 defenses this season (No. 1 Texas, No. 6 Ole Miss, No. 12 Alabama and No. 13 Auburn) and will play the No. 3 defense this Saturday when Tennessee visits.
Brugler notes that Beck will have plenty of high-leverage opportunities on the horizon to change his narrative, and to prove to scouting circles he’s the first-rounder many thought he was last season.
(Top photo: Justin Ford / Getty)
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The Witcher 4 to Reportedly Have a Star Wars Connection but Not in the Way You Would Imagine
The Witcher 4 to Reportedly Have a Star Wars Connection but Not in the Way You Would Imagine
The Witcher 4, code-named Project Polaris, just got a small but interesting update that will be in the interest of Star Wars fans. British actor Jake Lampert was recently revealed to be cast in The Witcher 4 as a character named Branko. He previously appeared in Andor, a Star Wars series, in a minor role.
Jake Lampert at The Spotlight Prize 2017. | Image Credit: @morwennaprestonmanagement2425/YouTube
While Lampert’s involvement in The Witcher 4 may not directly link the fantasy world of The Witcher with the galaxy far, far away, the crossover in talent hints at the expanding influence of the Witcher series in popular culture. It’ll be interesting to see more of the actor in the upcoming title.
The Witcher 4 Is Probably One Of The Most Anticipated Titles Coming Up
Where is CDPR taking us next? | Image Credit: CD Projekt Red
Lampert’s casting as Branko in The Witcher 4 provides an early glimpse into a character that will appear in the game’s new storyline. Known previously for his small role in Andor, Lampert’s experience with another big franchise makes him a nice addition to CDPR’s ambitious project.
More details regarding the character and the game remain scarce, leaving fans to speculate on his role in the game. Given The Witcher 4 is the first in a planned trilogy, this new character might play a big role in shaping the plot.
In early 2022, CD Projekt Red announced the development of a new Witcher trilogy under the codename Project Polaris, later referred to as The Witcher 4. The game is expected to launch as the first in a trilogy.
Comment byu/KekanKok from discussion inGamingLeaksAndRumours
With details emerging about Lampert’s role as Branko, fans are speculating on what kind of character he will play and how he will contribute to the new trilogy’s storyline.
The name Branko doesn’t correspond with any established character from Andrzej Sapkowski’s Witcher universe, suggesting this is an original character crafted specifically for the game.
We Know Very Little About The Next Entry In The Franchise
Will Geralt and Ciri even be a part of the story? | Image Credit: CD Projekt Red
CD Projekt Red has confirmed that Geralt, the iconic protagonist of previous games, will take a back seat in this new trilogy, allowing other characters within the Witcher universe to shine.
NEWS: The Witcher IV production is set to start in the 2nd half of 2024
Team staff size has grown over 400 employees, which is the target for entering production phase
What do you hope to see in The Witcher 4, codenamed “Polaris”?
Source: @VGC / FY2023 conference / CEO… pic.twitter.com/jcsNLcyDV9
— Rino (@RinoTheBouncer) March 28, 2024
Lampert’s acting resume also lists Kate Saxon as the voice and performance director for his role, an experienced director familiar to Witcher fans from her work on The Witcher 2 and The Witcher 3.
Unlike its predecessors, which were built using the REDengine, The Witcher 4 will be CDPRs first entry into Unreal Engine 5. This shows the studio’s dedication to overcoming technical limitations that were evident in Cyberpunk 2077.
The partnership with Epic Games is aimed at resolving any problems and delays in development early in the trilogy, ensuring smoother game releases in the future.
Comment byu/KekanKok from discussion inGamingLeaksAndRumours
As fans await more details, The Witcher 4 has entered a crucial production phase. Since CDPR first announced the game in 2022, it has made substantial progress, including shifting nearly half its workforce to focus on Project Polaris.
Despite the setbacks that have marked many AAA game developments, especially since the release of Cyberpunk 2077, the studio appears to be on track.
What do you want to see in the upcoming title for this franchise? Let us know in the comments!
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IAC exploring spinoff of home improvement marketplace Angi
IAC exploring spinoff of home improvement marketplace Angi
Pavlo Gonchar | SOPA Images | Lightrocket | Getty Images
IAC said Monday it’s exploring a spinoff of Angi, an online platform that connects consumers with a marketplace of home improvement service providers in their area, like electricians and landscapers.
Angi stock price was down nearly 2% in after-hours trading on Monday. IAC shares also fell 1% in extended trading.
The company is considering a spinoff of Angi that would result in its stake being distributed to shareholders, IAC CEO Joey Levin wrote in a letter to shareholders that coincided with the company’s third-quarter earnings release. IAC owns 85% of Angi, which also includes home services marketplaces Handy and HomeAdvisor.
IAC said there’s no specific timeline for when the spinoff will take place, but if it decides to move forward with the plan, a transaction is expected to happen by the end of the company’s second quarter.
“With the considerable progress made and developments on the horizon, we have real upside in the business,” Levin wrote. “Angi’s economic foundation continues to strengthen, and we suspect that Angi’s best shot at realizing that upside to the benefit of our shareholders may be as a standalone company.”
Levin went on to say that Angi is “healthy, profitable and on a path to resume revenue growth.” The company’s revenue declined 16% year over year to $296.7 million during the third quarter, which Angi attributed to lower sales and marketing spend, which led to a decrease in service requests and lower acquisition of new professionals.
IAC acquired Angi in 2017, and it’s been weighing a spinoff of the business for several years. The company postponed the effort in 2019 as it completed the spinoff of Match Group, which owns dating services including Tinder, Match and Hinge.
IAC has become known for incubating businesses and spinning them off into separate companies. It’s done the same with Expedia, Ticketmaster and LendingTree, among others.
In IAC’s earnings release, the company also broke out results from its Care.com segment for the first time. IAC in 2019 acquired Care.com, an online marketplace for consumers to find childcare, senior care, **** care and other services, for nearly $500 million.
Care.com revenue declined 6% year over year to $95.7 million during the third quarter. In the last 12 months, Care.com generated adjusted EBITDA of $46 million.
WATCH: Barry Diller on 2024 election: I’m ‘incredibly optimistic’ for 2028
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Crypto Market Soars: Bitcoin Nears $85,000 Amid Fed Cuts and Inflation Watch
Crypto Market Soars: Bitcoin Nears $85,000 Amid Fed Cuts and Inflation Watch
Last week, the cryptocurrency market saw strong gains following the US presidential election results and the Fed’s rate cut. (BTC-USD) traded between $66,835 and $77,179, closing the week up 11.3% at $76,570. (ETH-USD) also surged, rising 30% to reach $3,200.
On Sunday, November 10, Bitcoin exceeded $80,000, setting a new all-time high and achieving nearly 20% growth in a week. Currently, Bitcoin trades at $84,520 with attempts to break the $85,000 mark, as the market awaits results from the upcoming Fed meeting.
Key Events and Market Indicators
In the coming week, the U.S. inflation report and speeches by Fed officials, including Chris Waller and Neel Kashkari, will be closely watched, with special attention on the consumer price index, which could impact future Fed rate decisions. Additional data on retail sales and the labor market are also under focus, as these indicators affect both dollar’s exchange rate and the cryptocurrency market.
Investor Sentiment and Market Volatility
As the Fed’s November meeting hasn’t brought all the expected data, the primary focus has shifted to the final meeting of the year on December 18. Fed Chairman Jerome Powell confirmed that the Fed intends to continue rate cuts until a neutral level, estimated at 2.9%, is reached. However, Powell hinted that as this level approaches, rate cuts may slow. A 65% probability suggests a one-step reduction, which could favor the dollar, while a two-step reduction would be more favorable for cryptocurrencies.
Short-Term Market Prospects
Next week, markets will closely track U.S. inflation data on Wednesday and retail sales on Friday. Current expectations for consumer prices remain neutral, with a forecast of 0.3% for the core indicator. Stronger-than-expected data would likely strengthen the dollar, while weaker data could weaken it.
Bitcoin and Ethereum, the two flagship cryptocurrencies, emerged from their consolidation phases following the U.S. election, reaching new highs. Bitcoin’s nearest support levels are $72,400 and $69,900, while Ethereum’s support zones are $2,840 and $2,650.
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Klay Thompson’s all-time legend moment, as remembered by the Warriors
Klay Thompson’s all-time legend moment, as remembered by the Warriors
SAN FRANCISCO — The pinnacle act that defines Klay Thompson’s Bay Area legend, which will be celebrated Tuesday night at the San Francisco palace his dynasty contributions helped build, came on the final night in Oracle Arena across the water in Oakland.
For three quarters, he was the best player on the floor in Game 6 of the 2019 Finals: 30 points on 12 shots. Four 3s in his typical flame-throwing fashion. Four makes inside the arc because of a blossoming off-the-dribble game. Ten free throws, all makes, because he was attacking the rim with some extra playoff ferocity.
“The peak of his powers,” Steve Kerr said.
Thompson was feeling it enough — 10 points in the first 10 minutes of a frantic third quarter — that he went skying for a rare transition dunk to punctuate a nuclear personal run. That’s when Raptors wing Danny Green met him up top with a physical contest, knocking Thompson off balance and forever altering his career.
“One moment,” Joe Lacob said. “One nanosecond can change everything.”
The aftermath is best remembered for Thompson’s determination to brush the pain aside and continue. Trainers forced him toward the locker room. Kerr sent a messenger down the tunnel to relay word that Thompson must ****** the free throws to remain eligible for a return. He hobbled back to the floor and ignited one of the loudest Oracle eruptions ever in its final night, a tease that maybe he would be fine.
“That roar,” Kerr still remembers.
Thompson made both free throws and tried to shamble back on defense. But that wasn’t the plan. Kerr called for a DeMarcus Cousins take foul, gifting Pascal Siakam two free throws so Thompson could finally go to the back and get his knee checked. As he walked past Kerr, Thompson told him: “Give me two minutes.” He was determined to return for the start of the fourth quarter.
“That’s when they did the ACL test,” Kerr said. “I tore my ACL in college. The trainer can tell right away. They just put it up on a table and twist it a certain way. They know instantly.”
Word filtered back to Kerr early in the fourth that Thompson was done. Thompson exited the arena on crutches and was taken to a nearby hospital for testing before the final buzzer. The Warriors, up 85-80 when he disappeared, lost the lead and the game and the title in the fourth quarter.
“I honestly think if he doesn’t get hurt, we win the series,” Kerr said. “But that’s just what we have to believe. No disrespect to Toronto. They were the better team and earned it. Injuries are a part of it. But I will always believe if Klay had stayed healthy, we would’ve found a way. Because that’s what that team did.”
There are those in the organization who believe had he not torn the ACL during one of the greatest games of his life, triggering a torturous domino effect, Tuesday night’s welcome back ceremony in the NBA Cup opener never would’ve been necessary because he never would’ve worn another jersey. But he returns as a member of the Dallas Mavericks and leftover curiosity ******** about how it ever got to this point.
The Warriors won four titles in eight years. That much success isn’t attached to many what-if scenarios. But Thompson’s horrid-luck knee injury generates the most painful, not only for the possible three-peat that never was but, more sympathetically, for the tragic ramifications delivered to Thompson’s career.
He wouldn’t play another NBA game for 941 days, missing his ninth, 10th and more than half of his 11th NBA seasons on the heels of five straight All-Star appearances, returning as a productive but understandably diminished player whose body needed far more routine maintenance.
“How old was he?” Kerr asked. “Twenty-nine?”
Yes. Thompson turned 29 four months before the ACL tear. He was 30 when, at the end of his ACL rehab process, he tore his Achilles, sending him into 14 more months of tedious rehab.
“That’s just so devastating,” Kerr said. “To me, 28, 29, 30, that’s when everything comes together — your mind, your experience, your body, your skill. I didn’t think he ever looked better. So that injury clearly was the pendulum swinging the other way in his career. He was still good. Still really good. Helped us win a championship (in 2022).”
But …
“Those next couple years (after the ACL), I think, would’ve been his absolute prime,” Kerr said. “That would’ve been the very best version of Klay. I think part of the reason he struggled so much with it emotionally is that he knew those years were ripped from him by the injuries. He was really at the apex of his game. That’s why it was so tough to see him suffer. He was so distraught at times, even last year. It was sad. To me, he’s just had a really difficult time reconciling the injuries.”
Thompson signed a five-year max extension a couple weeks after the 2019 ACL tear, an earned commitment to a living legend who had delivered so much production (and financial value) to the organization. He spent a large chunk of that next season mostly away from the Warriors, rehabbing out of Rick Celebrini’s view. Celebrini is the team’s respected lead medical decision-maker.
That was a mistake, Thompson would later admit, telling The Athletic in February 2022 that he was about 10 pounds above his normal playing weight when his Achilles popped during an unsanctioned pickup game in Los Angeles a month before his presumed return in 2020.
“I tried to go off on my own and do my own thing, seek out my own thing,” Thompson told The Athletic in 2023. “That backfired. Very badly. So I came crawling back to Rick. Very apologetic.”
Thompson was more present, more diligent, more patient during the second rehab process. But the agonizing wait wore on him. Cameras caught him in tears on the back of the bench during an April 2021 game. Steph Curry came over to console him. In November 2021, two months prior to his return, he sat on the bench for a half-hour postgame with a towel over his head, overcome with emotion.
It’s now been about 20 minutes since the game ended and Klay Thompson is still on the bench with a towel over his head pic.twitter.com/5bvnXjQgCO
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) November 27, 2021
The work proved worth it. Thompson returned from a pair of catastrophic mid-career leg injuries about as impressively as imaginable. He averaged 36 minutes and 19 points in a 22-game playoff run to the 2022 title. He led the league in 3s the next season. He made the fourth most the season after that.
But Thompson maintained an ambition to regain his All-Star form, to chase down the ghost of his former self, to recapture those prime years lost. It led to a level of shot-hunting that sometimes hijacked the offense and off-court brooding that impacted the mood in the locker room, team sources said throughout the season. He had the “four rings” outburst ejection in Phoenix and several behind-the-scenes conversations with teammates and Kerr about throttling back the shot selection, centering himself and exuding better energy.
“I had a conversation (with Kerr) about just enjoying the last chapter of my career and how lucky I truly am to be playing this game,” Thompson said after a January 2024 game. “Being a better mentor for the young guys. Leading by example and having my energy right every game. He helped me realize I do have negative energy and how that affects the team in a poor manner.”
The contractual context didn’t help. Thompson never liked the narrative that he owed the Warriors something for signing him to a max contract after the ACL tear, considering all he’d done before it. Warriors leadership would privately note that half of that max contract (2.5 years) was spent rehabbing.
Extension talks stalled prior to last season. There are differing stories on the authenticity of the two-year, $48 million reported offer. Thompson never felt a level of genuine ******* from the front office or ownership to ensure a franchise legend remained around. When the summer came, they prioritized other pursuits and Thompson decided to depart before giving them a chance to circle back.
GO DEEPER
How Klay Thompson’s 13-year run with the Warriors splintered so unceremoniously
In his final season, bitterness had grown. Kerr began closing without Thompson on the floor on certain nights and replaced him with a rookie, Brandin Podziemski, in the starting lineup in February. These demotions stung and wounds still appear unhealed. When approached in Dallas back in the preseason, he declined to speak about it: “I’m not talking about the past,” Thompson said.
“There’s always stuff as a coach that, you know, you look back and you go, ‘Man, I wish I had done this or said that,’” Kerr said. “But there’s nothing that keeps me up at night. Everybody’s life and career arc is different. I think Klay made the right decision going to Dallas. Just seeing him the last couple of years, I think he needed a fresh start.”
As Kerr and Lacob made clear in separate interviews with The Athletic last week, nothing about the end should taint the greatness of Thompson’s run with the Warriors. He’s a statue player who will be welcomed with a celebration on Tuesday. The franchise is giving out Captain Klay hats to every fan in attendance.
Lacob’s first Thompson memory was in college. He’s a huge Stanford fan. He watched Thompson, a star at Washington State, drop 21 points in a road win in Maples Pavilion.
“My son Kent (currently in the front office) was young at the time,” Lacob said. “I remember him telling me: ‘If we don’t draft Klay Thompson, I’ll never talk to you again.’”
Lacob took control of the franchise in late 2010. Their first draft pick, 11th overall, came in June 2011. They’d just hired Jerry West to join the front office and consult on big personnel decisions. This was a major early moment. Lacob and West, among others, went down to Torrance, Calif., to watch Thompson work out.
“He did like maybe five minutes and Jerry said: ‘That’s the guy!’” Lacob recalled. “And I’m like: ‘You’ve only seen him for a couple minutes.’ Jerry said: ‘That’s the guy. That’s all there is to it.’ Maybe it was his shot. Maybe it was his footwork. It was so Jerry.”
West and Kerr were also among the strong advocates not to trade Thompson when Kevin Love became available in the summer of 2014. That’s considered one of the best non-trade decisions in league history. Thompson soon morphed into one of the best ********* guards in basketball and a perfect fit next to Curry. They won their first title the following June.
“Everyone knows the incredible *********, kind of the unconscious nature of his play,” Kerr said. “He and Steph both share that. People know Captain Klay, China Klay, you know, the fun-hearted guy. But I don’t know that people understand what a ******* competitor Klay is. Ultimately that’s what made him a champion.”
Lacob’s most memorable night is a predictable one. Game 6 in Oklahoma City. The Warriors were down 3-2 in that 2016 series and down eight heading to the fourth quarter. Thompson scored 19 in the fourth, hit 11 3s in the game and rescued the Warriors from elimination with a 41-point performance. As he returned to the locker room, Lacob famously bowed to him in the tunnel, a picture that Lacob sent to Thompson in one of his goodbye text messages after he departed for Dallas.
“The tunnel thing was sort of impromptu,” Lacob said.
Kerr’s favorite Thompson story to retell came during the 2017 Finals. JR Smith crashed into him during the first quarter of Game 1, causing a painful high ankle sprain. Thompson also took a knee directly to the thigh.
“He was wearing a sleeve or something and he takes the sleeve off and it was like ****** and blue and yellow and like, I mean, it was an injury that would have kept him out for at least two weeks in the regular season,” Kerr said. “And he didn’t miss a minute. To me, Klay’s competitive ******* is his most underrated quality. At the peak of his powers, the way he guarded the ball and then moved off the ball year after year. He and Steph were one and two in most mileage per game in the NBA. His conditioning, his size, his ability to switch on to Kevin Love and big guys like that and guard them in the post. I mean you don’t do that unless you’re a great athlete, but also unless you care desperately about results and winning at the highest level.”
The Warriors’ charity foundation throws an annual poker event. At it, they put various items up for auction. In the lead-up to the event early this decade, they had the idea of offering a ride across the bay on Thompson’s famous boat from his house to the practice facility. Lacob called to ask. He was uneasy about the request.
“He was like, instantaneously: ‘Absolutely. I’d love to do that,’” Lacob said. “He actually was so enthusiastic about it. I didn’t know. That’s an invasion of someone’s privacy and personal space and time.”
On the night of the auction, the bidding went wild. Toward the end, two attendees were rocketing the price up, intent on acquiring this boat ride. While the bidding neared its final destination of $250,000 — a record for any item or offer at the event — Lacob approached Thompson.
“Would you be willing to do it … twice?” Lacob asked.
Thompson said yes.
“It was a half-million dollars to the foundation,” Lacob said. “He has a great heart. He’s a really good person. That’s what I’ll always remember about him.”
Thompson and Kerr had breakfast in Manhattan Beach in late June. Kerr made the drive up from San Diego. He wanted to reiterate to Thompson that, while everything was still in flux, he valued him and wanted him back. They talked a little about the contractual situation. Kerr ***** out the reality of his future with the Warriors — it’d probably include a fluctuating role, perhaps off the bench.
“At the end of the breakfast, he said, ‘You know, I think it’s time. I think I’m going to go to Dallas,’” Kerr said. “I understood. I completely understood. Sometimes a fresh start can be healthy. I think it was the right decision for him.”
GO DEEPER
Inside Mike Dunleavy Jr.’s second season and the Warriors’ chase for the next big fish
Many within the Warriors had seen the move coming and had privately been predicting it for months. Lacob has maintained that it hit him as a surprise. The front office had hinted that the plan was to bring a market offer back to him later in free agency.
“To be honest with you, shocked,” Lacob said. “If you would’ve told me a few years ago, if there’s one person that I would have never thought that would ever leave the Warriors and would retire as a Warrior, I would probably (have said) Klay would be the highest likelihood.”
That reality never panned out. He returns to face the Warriors in a Mavericks jersey on Tuesday night.
“It’s weird seeing No. 31 (on it),” Curry said. “I hate that.”
“This will be as emotional as anything we’ve ever experienced, I think, in my time here,” Kerr said. “I think it’ll be even more emotional than his return to play. Obviously now there’s a finality to it and appreciation for everything he did hanging the banners, helping get the arena built, just being so beloved by everybody.”
“Some of the stuff we’re talking about here today is not a secret,” Lacob said. “People kind of understand from both sides some of the issues that, yeah, kind of happened. But I do think everyone still loves the history. You can’t take away what he meant to the franchise. Honestly, to me as an owner — very, very important. He’s the first guy we ever drafted. I’m not just saying this. I really did feel like he was a son … Regardless of anything — how it ended, didn’t end. Whatever. That doesn’t matter. It’s an important moment. An important day.”
What will Klay Thompson’s return on Tuesday be like?
Steph Curry: “I don’t know. We’ve had homecomings before, but nothing like this.” pic.twitter.com/NT34K1kKyg
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) November 11, 2024
Asked Klay Thompson about his return to San Francisco on Tuesday for his first game against the Warriors:
“It’ll be good to see people you grinded with obviously, but to me, it’s just another regular season game in November.” pic.twitter.com/Kf9KkUwfNP
— Mike Curtis (@MikeACurtis2) November 11, 2024
(Photo illustration: Meech Robinson/The Athletic; photos Sam Hodde / Getty Images, Gregory Shamus / Getty Images, Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images)
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Stellar Blade’s Nier: Automata DLC, Photo Mode launch Nov 20
Stellar Blade’s Nier: Automata DLC, Photo Mode launch Nov 20
Twisted Voxel: “The latest update for Stellar Blade, version 1.008, brings significant enhancements, especially for the PlayStation 5 Pro. One of the most notable features introduced is support for High Frame Rate (HFR) Mode. This mode takes advantage of a display’s 120 Hz refresh rate and variable refresh rate, reducing input lag and improving frame rate performance.”
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With the M4 here, there are two Macs you now shouldn’t buy
With the M4 here, there are two Macs you now shouldn’t buy
The M4 chip update for the Mac was quite a shakeup. Apple simultaneously introduced the M4 Pro and M4 Max, while also bumping RAM across the starting configurations of the new Mac mini and MacBook Pro. All in all, these are great changes that have sweetened the deal on these new M4 products.
But all the changes in the lineup have left two Macs completely in the cold — and until they get updated, you shouldn’t buy them.
Mac Studio (M2 Ultra)
Mark Coppock / Digital Trends
The performance of the M4 Pro Mac mini is kind of insane when you consider the size of this mini PC. All that performance feels extra impressive because the M3 generation was skipped for both the Mac mini and Mac Studio, making for quite a leap in performance with the latest Mac mini.
In fact, it’s so big a jump that it makes the current Mac Studio kind of a nonstarter. The M4 Pro Mac mini gets very close to outperforming the M2 Ultra Mac Studio in lots of benchmarks, despite having significantly less cores. The GPU performance is probably the most exciting bit, as the 20-core Mac mini actually beat the 40-core Mac Studio in the Cinebench R24 GPU test. That shows you just how far Apple’s graphics have come these past couple of years.
And while the $4,000 M2 Ultra Mac Studio might have a bit more thermal headroom and stronger sustained performance, it’s also twice the size and cost. Of course, you could opt for the starting $2,000 M2 Max configuration, but for the same money, you can get a configuration of the M4 Pro Mac mini with more memory. And remember, this thing is much smaller — and apparently even has storage that isn’t soldered down.
I’ve no doubt that the rumored M4 Ultra Mac Studio will be an absolute rock star, but you’re better off sticking with the Mac mini or waiting for that upgraded model right now.
MacBook Air 15-inch (M3)
Luke Larsen / Digital Trends
The decision point between the 15-inch MacBook Air and 14-inch MacBook Pro has always been tough to decipher, but this recent update has tipped the scales toward the new M4 MacBook Pro. The 15-inch MacBook Air starts at $1,299 and comes with the M3, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. That upgrade from 8GB to 16GB is awesome, of course — don’t get me wrong. But the changes to the M4 14-inch MacBook pro make it overall a far more attractive offer.
And now, the 14-inch MacBook Pro also starts with the M4 chip, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage for $1,599. When you match the configuration on the MacBook Air by adding more storage, that brings the total price to $1,499. So, it’s $100 for the upgrade from MacBook Air to MacBook Pro. $100 isn’t nothing, but what you get in return is worth far more.
The new MacBook Pro gets you superior performance, a far better display, more ports, and a big upgrade to the webcam.
Chris Hagan / Digital Trends
There’s really only two reasons to buy the 15-inch M3 MacBook Air right now. First, the cheaper starting configuration of $1,299 ******** attractive. Despite the fact that it’s not a better overall value, if you’re just looking for getting a more affordable Mac, the ability to start at 256GB of storage gives it an advantage.
Secondly, the 15-inch M3 MacBook Air is, admittedly, both lighter and thinner than the MacBook Pro. It’s only 0.43 inches thick and 3.3 pounds, compared to the 0.61-inch thickness of the MacBook Pro. The 0.3-pound weight difference probably isn’t overly noticeable, but there’s no question that the MacBook Air is more portable. But really, if you’re after a portable laptop, you’re better off going for the smaller 13-inch MacBook Air anyways, which is priced lower and much easier to travel with.
The other more obvious reason to not by the M3 MacBook Air right now, however, is that an M4 update is rumored to come soon. It may only be a couple of months before those laptops get upgraded to the M4, which could bring other improvements as well. So, for now, buy the M4 MacBook Pro or wait out the holiday season for the M4.
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Trump taps former Rep. Lee Zeldin as EPA administrator
Trump taps former Rep. Lee Zeldin as EPA administrator
Former U.S. President and *********** presidential candidate Donald Trump reacts as former U.S. Representative Lee Zeldin speaks at a rally ahead of the New Hampshire primary election in Concord, New Hampshire, U.S. January 19, 2024.
Elizabeth Frantz | Reuters
President-elect Donald Trump said that he would appoint former Rep. Lee Zeldin of New York as administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
Trump said that Zeldin, an attorney who represented a Long Island congressional for four terms, “has been a true fighter for America First policies.”
“He will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of ********* businesses, while at the same time maintaining the highest environmental standards, including the cleanest air and water on the planet,” Trump said in a statement.
Read more CNBC politics coverage
Zeldin, 44, in a tweet wrote that “it is an honor to join President Trump’s Cabinet as EPA Administrator.”
“We will restore US energy dominance, revitalize our auto industry to bring back ********* jobs, and make the US the global leader of AI,” Zeldin wrote. “We will do so while protecting access to clean air and water.
Zeldin was the *********** Party’s nominee for governor of New York in 2022.
He was defeated by incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul.
This is developing news. Check back for updates.
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Bentley teases first EV, delays going fully electric again
Bentley teases first EV, delays going fully electric again
Bentley has teased its first-ever electric vehicle, while also confirming it won’t be shifting to a purely electric lineup by 2030.
These details were revealed late last week when the Volkswagen-owned British marque unveiled its Beyond 100+ strategic plan, a revision of the earlier Beyond 100 plan originally announced in 2020.
Due in 2026 — a year later than originally planned — the as-yet unnamed crossover is being classed as the “world’s first luxury urban SUV” by Bentley, suggesting it will be smaller in size than the Bentayga, which is 5.1m long in standard wheelbase form.
Like the company’s current models, the new EV will have prominent bulge around the rear wheel arch. It will also feature a window line that sweeps upwards aft of the rear doors, like on the Continental coupe.
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Camera IconBentley EV Credit: CarExpertCamera IconBentley Continental GT coupe Credit: CarExpert
Although Bentley didn’t provide any further details about the new model’s drivetrain and range, the company claimed the car is being designed and developed in the ***, and will be produced at the brand’s headquarters in Crewe, about an hour south of Manchester.
Earlier this year Bentley’s then-CEO Adrian Hallmark blamed the electric crossover’s delayed launch on technical issues encountered by Porsche and Audi during the development of Platform Premium Electric (PPE), which serves as the basis of the Audi Q6 e-tron and second-generation Porsche Macan, as well as Bentley’s crossover EV.
After the electric crossover’s unveiling, Bentley plans to launch a new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) or pure electric model every year until 2035.
Camera IconBentley Bentayga Credit: CarExpert
Due to “today’s economic, market and legislative environment” — code for the slower-than-anticipated take up of electric vehicles — Bentley’s lineup won’t be completely electric until 2035, right when sales of new petrol- and diesel-powered cars will be banned in the ********* Union.
This isn’t the first delay in the company’s all-electric ambitions. In late 2020, Bentley announced it would have a fully electrified range by 2026 before going pure electric by 2030. Earlier this year, it pushed the all-EV target back to 2033.
To accommodate this shift, Bentley plans on “extending the lifecycle of PHEV models beyond 2030”.
The Flying Spur sedan, and Continental coupe and convertible are powered exclusively by plug-in hybrid drivetrain featuring 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. The Bentayga, at least in standard wheelbase form, is available with the V6 plug-in hybrid setup.
MORE: Everything Bentley
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Broncos heartbroken by blocked field goal loss to Chiefs: ‘We were right there’
Broncos heartbroken by blocked field goal loss to Chiefs: ‘We were right there’
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Mike McGlinchey turned around, spotted his rookie quarterback and let out a guttural yell.
Bo Nix had just found Courtland Sutton for a third-down conversion late in the fourth quarter, putting the Denver Broncos in position to slay the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs. McGlinchey, the veteran right tackle, pumped his fist as he and right guard Quinn Meinerz embraced Nix. Under two minutes remained after the play that gave the Broncos a first down at the Chiefs’ 17-yard line. The home team was out of timeouts. A couple of run plays and a kneeldown and the Broncos would be in position to end a losing streak at Arrowhead Stadium that has lasted nine agonizing years. The Broncos had outplayed the two-time defending Super Bowl champions, coach Sean Payton said afterward, and all they needed was one kick to make that count.
Thirty minutes later, the Broncos were left only to grapple with the most excruciating loss many of them had ever experienced.
“This is something that’s going to be hard to forget about,” cornerback Pat Surtain II said. “We were right there.”
IT’S BLOCKED! @CHIEFS WIN! STILL UNDEFEATED! pic.twitter.com/hMLhAgbRpf
— NFL (@NFL) November 10, 2024
The locker room scene told the story of devastation — the kind only a loss suffered this way could inflict. Evidence of the hurt welled in the eyes of players at all positions and all experience levels. Where words *******, the long stares, puffy eyes and bewildered expressions illustrated the pain.
“Games like this are supposed to hurt, man,” defensive tackle Malcolm ****** said of Denver’s 16-14 loss. “We see the faces on everybody in this locker room. It’s supposed to hurt because we’re so invested, man. Everybody works their tail off every day, and we see it. If you’re not invested in it, it wouldn’t feel this way. It wouldn’t feel this bad. We know where we want to go, where we’re trying to go, where we’re fighting to go. We’ve got to give this city something to be proud of.”
GO DEEPER
Chiefs survive Broncos with late blocked field goal, win 16-14: Takeaways
The Broncos sacked Patrick Mahomes four times and pressured him relentlessly. They forced Kansas City to kick field goals on three of its four trips into the red zone. Nix led the Broncos on two of the season’s prettiest drives — both ending in touchdown passes by the rookie quarterback — to stake Denver to an early 14-3 lead. Then, after scuttling through much of the second half, he led the Broncos on a final drive that lasted nearly six minutes, chewing all of the remaining clock before leaving the field. He settled in to watch what he expected would be a game-winning 35-yard field goal by Wil Lutz.
“We gave ourselves a chance,” Nix said. “They just made one extra play.”
In a blink, hope *****. Hope of the first win over the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium since 2015. Hope of a victory that would have given the Broncos a 6-4 record and a huge boost in the chase for an elusive playoff spot. Hope that they had done enough to finally pin the team that always seems to find an escape hatch.
It was all extinguished when linebacker Leo Chenal bulldozed Broncos offensive lineman Alex Forsyth and other Chiefs rushed in from the left side. Chenal blocked the kick just after it left Lutz’s right foot. The Chiefs streamed onto the field in celebration. Mahomes sprinted through the end zone, hands open wide, as a delirious crowd roared. Payton said the final play was caused by “************ from the left side,” but he didn’t delve any further.
“It didn’t go in,” Lutz said. “That was my vantage point. We’re all still trying to take it in right now.”
Nix took a deep breath and stared at the sky. Other Broncos stood in their spots, coming to grips with the heartbreaking reality.
“It hurts,” McGlinchey said. “That would have been a good one. And we would have won it the right way, from a full-team perspective. I think our defense played their butts off today to hold them to 16 points. We had a couple opportunities in the second half offensively that we could have done a better job with to get the lead going and make the game more in our control. To do what we did on that last drive and essentially do what you thought would end the game — and then, you know, you can’t fall asleep on one play. It can change the face of the game. It can change the face of a season.”
GO DEEPER
NFL Week 10 takeaways: Who’s more disappointing, Jets or Cowboys? Are Steelers Super Bowl worthy?
Had the wall held and Lutz’s kick sailed through — he has missed only two of 34 kicks under 40 yards since joining the Broncos in 2023, and both were Chiefs blocks — the Broncos would have celebrated a resilient performance by their defense. The unit harassed Kansas City’s two-time MVP quarterback and responded when Mahomes created magic. The Chiefs scored a touchdown on a fourth-and-goal play at the 2-yard line — a drive that was extended after a questionable ******** contact call on safety Brandon Jones on third down — but settled for field goals on their other three trips inside the 20-yard line, including two inside the 10. The Broncos limited the Chiefs to just 57 yards on 19 carries. The Broncos have allowed only two Chiefs touchdowns in their past two games at Arrowhead Stadium, but they have only two losses to show for it.
“One of the keys was going to be third downs and red zone efficiency,” Payton said. “Man, we did it a year ago really well here, if you recall. They moved the ball but held them to field goals, and we were able to do that today.”
Mahomes still had his highlights, like when he escaped a would-be sack from Nik Bonitto on third-and-13 and found former Broncos running back Samaje Perine for a 31-yard gain. But the Broncos kept answering, their last goal-line stand forcing a field goal that gave the Chiefs a 16-14 edge with 5 minutes, 57 seconds remaining.
Had the final kick gone down as it should have, the winning celebration would have included hefty praise for Nix, who had more yards per attempt (7.2 to 6.3), more touchdown passes (two to one) and a better passer rating (115.3 to 92) than Mahomes. On back-to-back touchdown drives in the second quarter, Nix completed 7 of 8 passes for 114 yards. Both of his scoring throws in that stretch — a 6-yard ****** to Devaughn Vele and a 32-yard deep ball for Sutton — came on third down.
1⃣4⃣
: CBS pic.twitter.com/bU0I65Txmo
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) November 10, 2024
“I thought the ‘Q’ played real well,” Payton said of Nix. “Poised. Gutsy.”
Had the kick made an entire stadium groan, a subplot to the winning story would have been the ever-growing contribution from Denver’s young offensive weapons. Rookie running back Audric Estimé, in his most expansive action of the season, rushed for 53 yards on 14 carries. He figured prominently on Denver’s first two touchdown drives in the first half and ran for 6 yards on third-and-1 to extend Denver’s final drive in the fourth quarter. Vele, meanwhile, caught four passes for 39 yards and his first career touchdown, with two of his grabs made through contact on third down. The Broncos punted on their first three possessions of the second half. Their first series was stalled by a holding penalty, and the Broncos didn’t have answers for some of defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s third-down pressure looks. Still, in a season that could be defined by development, young players, including second-year wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr., showed more growth.
GO DEEPER
‘No more rookies anymore’: Broncos’ playoff hopes could hinge on draft class’s growth
All those silver linings might emerge through the hurt at some point. McGlinchey said the loss “will be more fuel to the *****.” Nix praised the ****** of a team that bounced back from last week’s lopsided loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper, who sacked Mahomes one week after signing a four-year contract extension, insisted there would be no finger-pointing as the Broncos picked up the pieces. Surtain noted the Broncos still have seven games, beginning with Sunday’s matchup with the Atlanta Falcons. The teams chasing the Broncos for wild-card positioning in the AFC — the Cincinnati Bengals, Indianapolis Colts and New York Jets — all lost Sunday. Their performance on the road was evidence, the Broncos claimed, that they can beat anyone down the stretch. The franchise’s first playoff berth since 2015 doesn’t look like some faraway pipe dream based on how the Broncos looked for the first 59 minutes, 59 seconds against the Chiefs.
But there was no easing the pain produced by a final second gone wrong. Not yet, anyway.
“The easy thing to do is give in and stop, say that it’s too hard,” Nix said. “I feel like our locker room is going to respond better and consistently find ways to improve, find ways to keep going toe-to-toe with teams like this. One time, it’ll go our way.”
Payton has suffered brutal losses in his career. Anyone who lasts nearly two decades as a head coach will experience his share of them. Payton lost a playoff game on the final play at the Minnesota Vikings. He missed out on a trip to a second Super Bowl after the “NOLA no-call” in the 2018 NFC Championship Game against the Los Angeles Rams. He told players in the locker room that Sunday’s loss was right up there with the toughest he’s had to stomach.
“That one will take a while” to get over, Payton said. “That one will sting. … As a coach, you hurt for your players.”
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(Photo of Garett Bolles after Sunday’s loss: David Eulitt / Getty Images)
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Is Final Fantasy 14 cross-platform?
Is Final Fantasy 14 cross-platform?
In the world of MMORPGs, Final Fantasy XIV has risen to the top alongside (or perhaps even surpassing) World of Warcraft. Besides it being one of the best Final Fantasy games, one thing that sets it apart from most in the genre is the fact that it is on consoles as well as PC. For the first decade or so of its life, it was only on PlayStation and PC, but now Xbox players are also able to explore the world of Eorzea and beyond. MMOs are best played with friends, so one would hope it would have cross-platform support like Genshin Impact. Let’s party up and see if you can raid with your friends regardless of platform in Final Fantasy XIV.
Is Final Fantasy 14 cross-platform?
Square-Enix / Square Enix
Yes, Final Fantasy XIV was originally only cross-platform between PlayStation and PC players, but ever since the game came to Xbox, those players have also been entered into the fold. You’re free to meet, team up with, and experience the entire game with players on all platforms so long as you’re connected to the same server.
As far as cross-progression goes, Final Fantasy XIV handles things a little awkwardly. While your character and progress will be fully transferable between platforms, the game itself and any expansions you buy do not transfer. You can still use the same subscription, thankfully, but moving from platform to platform will require you to rebuy any extra content not currently available for free if you want to access it. However, we’re sure you’ve already heard that the critically acclaimed MMORPG has a free trial up to level 70.
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How a single gopher restored a landscape devastated by a volcano
How a single gopher restored a landscape devastated by a volcano
The northern pocket gopher (Thomomys talpoides) brings unexpected ecosystem benefits
All Canada Photos/Alamy
Two years after Mount St Helens erupted in 1980, a team of researchers helicoptered in a gopher to the ash-covered landscape. Decades later, the activity of that single gopher burrowing for a single day may have helped the decimated ecosystem regrow by boosting the diversity of soil fungi.
“There’s something to be said about learning lessons from the gophers,” says Mia Maltz at the University of Connecticut, who has used the eruption to understand how forests might recover from other stresses – including wildfires and…
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