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QB Will Levis may stay benched with the Titans desperate to win down the stretch

NASHVILLE, Ten. (AP) — Brian Callahan goes to take a few days to determine if the Tennessee Titans…

NASHVILLE, Ten. (AP) — Brian Callahan goes to take a few days to determine if the Tennessee Titans must preserve their beginning quarterback on the bench.

Callahan sat Will Levis after his fourth turnover, a pick-6, in a 37-27 loss to Cincinnati. If Callahan and the Titans preserve Levis on the bench and begin veteran backup Mason Rudolph on Sunday at Indianapolis, Callahan stated it’s not a closing choice on the second-year quarterback’s future with the staff.

The important thing? Ensure that the Titans are doing the best factor now with three video games remaining of their season.

“On the finish of the day, it’s you’ve bought to win,” Callahan stated.

The Titans (3-11) need to win out simply to match final season’s win whole, which didn’t preserve coach Mike Vrabel on the job.

With the 17-game schedule, they simply might high the 13 losses of 2015, which helped value Ken Whisenhunt his job in November that season. The 14 video games misplaced in Whisenhunt’s debut season of 2014 are probably the most in a single season since this franchise moved to Tennessee in 1997.

With assist from the Bengals, they had been a part of the primary sport because the NFL-AFL merger in 1970 to mix for 10 or extra turnovers and 25 or extra penalties. Callahan stated no one is extra pissed off than he’s figuring out what he anticipated from this staff solely to see the Titans preserve hurting themselves.

“I’ve loads of confidence that that’s the best means of doing issues and that we’re going to be headed in the best route,” Callahan stated.

What’s working

The protection. Sure, the NFL’s top-ranked passing protection dropped to 3rd after dealing with the league’s greatest passing offense.

The Titans nonetheless compelled three turnovers by Joe Burrow, together with an interception to finish Cincinnati’s opening drive and establishing Tennessee to take a 14-7 lead. Additionally they bought the ball again within the fourth quarter and gave Rudolph an opportunity to attempt to rally them from a 17-point deficit.

What wants assist

The offense. Sure, the Titans opened a sport scoring touchdowns on back-to-back drives for the primary time since Week 4 of the 2022 season. However they turned it over a season-high six instances. Fortunately, Tony Pollard’s fumble changed into a touchback when Cincinnati security Jordan Battle dropped the ball simply outdoors the purpose line.

That left the Titans giving up simply 24 factors and never a potential 31.

Top off

DT T’Vondre Sweat. One of many highlights wasn’t the 6-foot-4, 366-pound rookie recovering Burrow’s fumble compelled by linebacker Harold Landry III on a sack out of the air. It’s what Sweat did as soon as he caught the ball, turning upfield and stiff-arming an offensive lineman as he rumbled for 30 yards.

That was the longest fumble return by any NFL participant weighing not less than 350 kilos since not less than 1991.

Inventory down

Levis. Not solely does he lead the NFL with 4 pick-6s, which is probably the most by a quarterback for this franchise in a season because the then-Oilers relocated to Tennessee in 1997, solely three quarterbacks within the league have greater than his 12 interceptions.

He missed three video games and far of a fourth with a sprained AC joint in his proper, throwing shoulder. He’s additionally misplaced 5 of eight fumbles, a giant motive why the Titans rank final within the NFL with 29 turnovers.

Accidents

LB Luke Gifford is within the concussion protocol. He bought the primary interception that arrange the Titans’ first landing. Callahan stated he’s hopeful of getting a few gamers again.

Key quantity

7 — The variety of losses by 10 or extra factors by means of 14 video games this season. The Titans misplaced eight by 10 or extra over the 34 video games mixed in 2022 and 2023 beneath then-coach Mike Vrabel.

Subsequent steps

Followers are busy rooting for different groups to lose to enhance Tennessee’s possibilities at shifting into the highest 5 of subsequent April’s draft. The Titans final drafted increased than seventh in 2017 after they used the fifth general decide on a large receiver who didn’t get a second contract with the staff.

On the sector, the Titans nonetheless have an opportunity to maneuver up from the underside of the AFC South for 2025 scheduling beginning Sunday with a go to to Indianapolis (6-8) beginning a two-game street swing.

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

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© 2024 The Related Press. All rights reserved. This materials might not be revealed, broadcast, written or redistributed.

Colorado’s Travis Hunter Wins 2024 Heisman Trophy

Full 2024 Heisman Outcomes

Junior cornerback/large receiver Travis Hunter from the College of Colorado was introduced because the ninetieth winner of the Heisman Memorial Trophy throughout ESPN’s 2024 Heisman Trophy Ceremony Offered by Nissan on Saturday (Dec. 14), originating from Jazz at Lincoln Middle in New York, N.Y.

Boise State operating again Ashton Jeanty was the runner-up, adopted by third-place Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel and fourth-place Miami quarterback Cam Ward

Hunter is Colorado’s second Heisman winner and the Buffaloes’ first for the reason that late operating again Rashaan Salaam (1994). He’s the primary full-time, two-way participant to win the Heisman for the reason that early Sixties and the primary to win the award whereas taking part in vital minutes on either side of the ball since Charles Woodson (1997).

Hunter, additionally the fifth participant to win the Heisman as a full-time receiver, acquired 2,231 factors. Jeanty completed with 2,017 factors whereas Gabriel had 516 and Ward 229.

The 6-foot-1, 185-pounder from Suwanee, Ga., is the 2024 Huge 12 Defensive Participant of the 12 months and earned All-Huge 12 first-team honors as each a defensive again and a large receiver. Defensively, he had 31 tackles, 11 cross breakups, 4 interceptions, a conference-best 15 passes defended (tied for fifth nationally), and compelled a game-winning fumble. 

Hunter additionally led the convention with 92 receptions and 14 receiving touchdowns whereas ending with 1,152 receiving yards, second within the Huge 12. Nationally, he’s second in receiving touchdowns, fifth in receptions per recreation (7.7) and sixth in receiving yards per recreation (96.0). Hunter leads the nation with 21 receiving performs for 20 yards or  extra. He twice had three landing receptions in a recreation, had 10 or extra catches in a recreation 3 times and had 100 or extra receiving yards in a recreation seven occasions.

Earlier this week, Hunter gained the Walter Camp, Bednarik and Biletnikoff Awards, changing into the primary participant to win nationwide awards on each offense and protection.

Hunter’s 92 receptions and 1,152 receiving yards are each the second-most by a Heisman recipient behind Alabama’s 2020 winner DeVonta Smith’s 98 receptions for 1,511 yards. Hunter’s 14 TD catches path solely Smith and 1991 winner Desmond Howard (17) in Heisman-winning seasons.

Hunter is the sixth participant within the final eight years to win the award after transferring. He’s the primary Heisman winner to start his profession within the Soccer Championship Sequence (FCS). Born in West Palm Seashore, Fla., he’s the fifth Heisman winner to hail from the Sunshine State and the primary since Lamar Jackson.

He’s the primary junior to win the award since Oklahoma’s Kyler Murray (2018), the Huge 12’s first Heisman winner since Murray and the primary winner from a present Huge 12 faculty since Baylor’s Robert Griffin III (2011).

Hunter can also be the primary defensive again to complete within the prime 5 since LSU CB Tyrann Mathieu (2011, fifth). Hunter’s Colorado head coach, Deion Sanders, completed eighth within the 1988 Heisman balloting as a Florida State cornerback.

Jeanty is Boise State’s highest finisher in Heisman balloting and its second finalist. Fellow Bronco Kellen Moore was a three-time Heisman prime 10 finisher and was fourth as a finalist in 2010.

Gabriel is Oregon’s second straight third-place finisher following Bo Nix (2023). Gabriel and Nix are the very best finishers from Oregon since winner Marcus Mariota (2014). Ward is Miami’s highest finisher since fourth-place finisher Willis McGahee (2002) .

The 2024 Heisman Trophy ballots went out to 928 electors, which incorporates 870 members of the media, our 57 residing Heisman winners and one general fan vote introduced by Nissan, premier companion of the Heisman Trophy. All ballots have been submitted electronically to the unbiased accountants at Deloitte.

Rounding out the highest 10 finishers within the 2024 Heisman voting have been fifth-place senior Arizona State operating again Cam Skattebo, sixth-place senior Military quarterback Bryson Each day, seventh-place senior Penn State tight finish Tyler Warren, eighth-place senior Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, ninth-place senior Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke and Tenth-place Syracuse senior quarterback Kyle McCord.

What Brian Callahan said Monday about Will Levis’ future with Titans

Tennessee Titans coach Brian Callahan stays noncommittal about Will Levis’ future with the workforce, each for the following three weeks and past.

Callahan and the Titans coaches benched Levis within the third quarter of Sunday’s 37-27 loss in opposition to the Cincinnati Bengals. After the sport, Callahan stated he did not wish to decide within the second about whether or not Levis can be reinstalled because the Titans’ beginning quarterback for the ultimate three weeks of the season.

Talking to media Monday, Callahan stated he’ll use the following two days to undergo the method and ensure the choice he makes is what’s greatest for the group. He’ll revisit the choice later within the week.

“I am going to take the time right here that I’ve to undergo all of it and ensure we’re doing the suitable factor,” Callahan stated. “To me, while you begin speaking long-term stuff, these are all postseason questions. We’re in a week-to-week battle proper now. We’re looking for the easiest way we are able to to win a soccer recreation, looking for the very best efficiency we are able to put collectively. We have got three extra weeks to play, in order that’s actually what our focus is on is how can we greatest assault these three video games and end the season on hopefully a excessive be aware.”

Levis threw three interceptions and misplaced a fumble in his last 5 drives Sunday. He was benched after throwing an interception that the Bengals returned for a landing and changed by veteran Mason Rudolph. Rudolph led the Titans on two landing drives to finish the sport, however he additionally threw an interception and was on the sphere for a collection the place working again Tony Pollard misplaced a fumble.

ESTES | Titans funding in Levis is an enormous loss

The Titans (3-11) have three video games remaining, all in opposition to AFC South foes. Callahan has stated all year long that the principle goal of this season is figuring out what sort of participant Levis is and his viability because the workforce’s franchise quarterback of the longer term.

“The fellows on the soccer workforce wish to really feel like we’re all held to the identical normal. That is the most important challenge you face is there is a locker room part to all these items and a workforce part to it. You attempt to do greatest by all of the gamers concerned and the fellows on the brink of go play video games on Sundays wish to really feel like we’re placing them in place to win. That is in the end my job as a coach to try this. So far as one singular participant’s growth versus all that different stuff, these issues aren’t what we’re centered on.”

Callahan says he does not really feel as if Levis’ teammates have misplaced confidence in his means to information the workforce to wins. Relatively, he says he needs to indicate the workforce that everybody is accountable to the identical normal. He factors out positions like proper deal with, linebacker and punt returner the place gamers have been benched for efficiency points, and his choice to bench Levis Sunday was rooted in the identical motivation.

That stated, Callahan says he hasn’t misplaced confidence in Levis. He says dangerous video games occur and he does not imagine that getting pulled from one recreation means a season is essentially over for a participant.

“There’s numerous issues that Will’s performed nicely,” Callahan stated. “I believe he is improved. There’s numerous enjoying of the quarterback place that I believe he is performed lots higher job of. He had a extremely poor outing yesterday and that does not essentially imply it is the top for him. That is simply a part of enjoying within the league. There’s loads of guys which have gotten pulled from video games after poor performances they usually get higher for it and are available again higher from it. These are the issues I am taking a look at.”

Levis is underneath contract for 2 extra years with the Titans. Rudolph is signed to a one-year contract and can be a free agent once more within the spring.

Nick Suss is the Titans beat author for The Tennessean. Contact Nick atnsuss@gannett.com. Comply with Nick on X, the platform previously referred to as Twitter, @nicksuss.

Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter wins Heisman Trophy

NEW YORK — Travis Hunter turned each play into prime time — on each side of the ball — and in the end took residence the Heisman Trophy.

Now he’s acquired a leg up on his movie star coach at Colorado.

The 2-way star gained faculty soccer’s most prestigious award Saturday night time, punctuating a tireless efficiency all season by a dynamic participant with a singular mixture of expertise.

“By no means thought I’d be on this place,” a tearful Hunter mentioned as he thanked everybody from his fiancée to members of the family and former and present coaches. “It is loopy. Perception takes you a great distance.”

Whereas posing for numerous photographs with the enduring statue over the previous two days, Hunter made a degree to not put his arms on the Heisman. He mentioned he did not wish to contact it except it was his.

As soon as it lastly was, he grabbed the trophy onerous with two arms and let free a cheerful scream: “Let’s go!”

Subsequent cease, an area spot he reserved to rejoice with teammates.

“I do not wish to be out late, however I will be out late tonight,” Hunter mentioned, smiling.

An enormous-play extensive receiver and lockdown cornerback, Hunter dominated on offence and defence for coach Deion Sanders and the Buffaloes, becoming a member of late working again Rashaan Salaam in 1994 as the one Heisman winners at school historical past.

Hunter obtained 552 first-place votes and a pair of,231 factors in a snug victory. Boise State working again Ashton Jeanty was the runner-up with 309 first-place votes and a pair of,017 factors, the closest margin since 2009.

Hunter garnered 80.14% of doable factors, the Eleventh-highest in Heisman Trophy historical past, and joined Michigan cornerback Charles Woodson (1997) as the one full-time defensive gamers to assert the prize. Woodson additionally made massive performs at wideout, however did not play practically as a lot on offense as Hunter.

Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel got here in third and Miami quarterback Cam Ward completed fourth in balloting for the ninetieth Heisman Trophy, introduced yearly since 1935 to the nation’s most excellent participant. This yr’s ceremony was held at Jazz at Lincoln Middle in Manhattan, the place Sanders was in attendance.

It marked solely the fifth time this century a quarterback didn’t win. The final time no signal-caller positioned within the high two was 2015, when working backs Derrick Henry of Alabama and Christian McCaffrey ran 1-2 in voting.

Hunter additionally gained The Related Press Player of the 12 months, amongst a string of different particular person awards this week. He helped spark a formidable turnaround at Colorado, from 4-8 in 2023 when he missed 3 1/2 video games due to accidents to 9-3 this yr in Sanders’ second season. The Twentieth-ranked Buffaloes acquired their first bowl bid in 4 years and can face No. 17 BYU (10-2) within the Alamo Bowl on Dec. 28.

Hunter has pledged to play, moderately than skip the sport to arrange for the NFL draft and stop any doable damage as many high prospects do. The 6-foot-1, 185-pound junior from Suwanee, Georgia, plans to cross up his senior season in Boulder and is anticipated to be a top-five decide by the professionals — maybe even No. 1 total.

“He needs to be nice at all the things,” Sanders mentioned. “He needs to have a dedication to excellence in all the things he does — together with fishing.”

Showcasing his blazing pace and explosive playmaking, Hunter not often got here off the sector this yr — making him an every-down throwback to generations passed by and the primary full-time, true two-way star in a long time.

On offense, he had 92 catches for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns, plus a speeding rating. On protection, he made 4 interceptions, 32 tackles, broke up 11 passes and compelled a essential fumble that secured an time beyond regulation victory towards Baylor.

With the Buffaloes profitable video games and difficult for a Large 12 title, he soared from a long-shot underdog in Heisman futures final summer time to a heavy betting favorite this week.

All of the whereas, putting the Heisman pose with teammates to rejoice massive performs because it grew to become increasingly more clear Hunter was the person to beat.

“I positively can kick, (too). I’ve simply acquired to practise,” he mentioned. “I can’t cease shifting after I’m not on the sector.”

Hunter performed practically 700 snaps every on offence and defence — the one Energy 4 convention participant with 30-plus snaps on each side of the ball, in keeping with Colorado analysis.

It will appear a very exhausting workload for any participant lately, each mentally and bodily, however not Hunter.

“I believe I laid the bottom for extra individuals to come back in and go two methods,” he mentioned Friday. “It begins together with your mindset. Should you consider you are able to do it, then you definitely’ll be capable of do it. And likewise, I do a whole lot of remedy. I sustain with my physique. I get a whole lot of restoration.”

Rated the nation’s high recruit within the 2022 class, Hunter surprised many observers when he dedicated to play for Sanders at Jackson State, an HBCU that competes within the lower-level FCS, with the promise of taking part in each offence and defence.

“Lots of people informed me I could not do it,” mentioned Hunter, sporting white footwear and a lightweight blue swimsuit — his favorite color. “I all the time say I will show them incorrect and I will show myself proper.”

After one season, Hunter adopted Sanders to Colorado and was a consensus All-America choice as an all-purpose participant final yr regardless of sitting out three video games with a lacerated liver attributable to a late hit.

Following his restoration, a wholesome Hunter completed sturdy in 2023 after which actually took off this season, catching passes from Shedeur Sanders, the coach’s son, and changing into Colorado’s first Heisman Trophy finalist in 30 years.

The 21-year-old Hunter, who plans to get married in Could, is the sixth switch to take the award over the previous eight years and the primary winner to start his profession within the FCS.

“Look the place I am at. It paid off,” Hunter mentioned.

“I needed to be completely different,” he added later. “Me being completely different makes me really feel extra snug than doing the norm.”

Deion Sanders, nicknamed Prime Time throughout his taking part in days — seemingly by himself — was a two-time All-America defensive again at Florida State and completed eighth in 1988 Heisman voting.

An electrifying kick returner, who additionally performed main league baseball by the way in which, Neon Deion went on to a Corridor of Fame profession as an NFL cornerback however principally simply dabbled on offense in addition to a 36-catch season with the 1996 Dallas Cowboys.

Nothing fairly like Hunter, who now has Heisman bragging rights on Coach Prime ceaselessly.

Here’s what to know before filing

With January simply weeks away and inflation nonetheless impacting the wallets of Individuals, taxpayers throughout the nation are getting ready to file in 2025.

To ease the transition, the Inner Income Service declares inflation changes annually, noting changes for greater than 60 tax provisions. 

The IRS launched numbers for tax 12 months 2024 final 12 months, nudging most taxpayers to pay shut consideration to the usual deduction for single and married filers.

For single taxpayers and married people submitting individually, the usual deduction rose to $14,600, up $750 from tax 12 months 2023, the IRS reported. For married {couples} submitting collectively for tax 12 months 2024, the deduction elevated to $29,200, up $1,500 from tax 12 months 2023, the IRS stated. The IRS famous that for the pinnacle of family, the usual deduction went up $1,100, totaling to $21,900.

Listed below are different adjustments to remember throughout tax season.

Maximize your financial savings: Greatest high-yield financial savings accounts

IRS tax charges for tax 12 months 2024

The IRS introduced tax charges for its seven tax brackets for tax 12 months 2024:

  • 37% – Single revenue over $609,350 and married {couples} submitting collectively with revenue over $731,200
  • 35% – Single revenue over $243,725 and married {couples} submitting collectively with revenue over $487,450
  • 32% – Single revenue over $191,950 and married {couples} submitting collectively with revenue over $383,900
  • 24% – Single revenue over $100,525 and married {couples} submitting collectively with revenue over $201,050
  • 22% – Single revenue over $47,150 and married {couples} submitting collectively with revenue over $94,300
  • 12% – Single revenue over $11,600 and married {couples} submitting collectively with revenue over $23,200
  • 10% – Single revenue of $11,600 or much less and married {couples} submitting collectively with revenue lower than $23,200

Tax exemptions and credit

One change famous by the IRS pertains to the choice minimal tax exemption (AMT). Some tax advantages can considerably shrink a taxpayer’s common tax quantity. The AMT is utilized to high-income taxpayers by limiting these advantages, guaranteeing that these high-income taxpayers pay not less than a minimal quantity of tax, the IRS stated on its web site.

The AMT exemption quantity for tax 12 months 2024 elevated to $85,700 and begins to part out at $609,350, up $4,400 and $31,200 in comparison with tax 12 months 2023, respectively. The exemption quantity for married {couples} submitting collectively elevated to $133,300 and begins to part out at $1,218,700, up $6,800 and $62,400 in comparison with tax 12 months 2023, the IRS stated.

The tax 12 months 2024 most Earned Revenue Tax Credit score quantity for taxpayers with three or extra qualifying kids is $7,830, a rise of $400 from tax 12 months 2023.

A spokesperson from the IRS stated that primarily based on public statistics, out of 153.8 million tax returns, fewer than 180,000 taxpayers paid the choice minimal tax in 2023. Numbers could also be larger, although because the numbers have been solely crunched by means of November.

What about my well being financial savings account contributions?

For tax 12 months 2024, the restrict for worker well being financial savings account contributions is ready to extend to $3,200, the IRS introduced in November final 12 months.

For tax 12 months 2024, these with self-only protection in a medical financial savings account have a most out-of-pocket expense quantity of $5,550, up $250 from 2023. 

Household protection for tax 12 months 2024 consists of an out-of-pocket expense restrict of $10,200 (a rise of $550 from tax 12 months 2023).

Are tax brackets altering for tax 12 months 2025?

In October, the IRS additionally launched data on adjustments impacting taxpayers for tax 12 months 2025, or after they file their taxes starting in January 2026. 

Adjustments taxpayers may be looking out for embody one other enhance for single taxpayers and married people submitting individually. The usual deduction will rise to $15,000, up $400 from this 12 months, the IRS stated.

For married {couples} submitting collectively, the usual deduction will probably be $30,000, up $800, and for heads of households, the usual deduction will rise to $22,500, a rise of $600.

Brackets for singles and married {couples} submitting collectively, in accordance with the IRS, embody:

  • 37% − Single revenue over $626,350 and married {couples} submitting collectively with revenue over $751,600
  • 35% – Single revenue over $250,525 and married {couples} submitting collectively with revenue over $501,050
  • 32% – Single revenue over $197,300 and married {couples} submitting collectively with revenue over $394,600
  • 24% – Single revenue over $103,350 and married {couples} submitting collectively with revenue over $206,700
  • 22% – Single revenue over $48,475 and married {couples} submitting collectively with revenue over $96,950
  • 12% – Single revenue over $11,925 and married {couples} submitting collectively with revenue over $23,850
  • 10% – Single revenue of $11,925 or much less and married {couples} submitting collectively with revenue lower than $23,850

Based on the IRS, for qualifying taxpayers with three or extra qualifying kids, the brand new most Earned Revenue Tax Credit score quantity will probably be $8,046, up $216 from tax 12 months 2024.

Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY’s NOW group. She is from Norfolk, Virginia the 757. Comply with her on Twitter at@SaleenMartin or e mail her atsdmartin@usatoday.com.

Canada Post employees could resume work early next week




DALLAS MAVERICKS NAME SOFTTEK THE OFFICIAL TECHNOLOGY SPONSOR

DEC. 16, 2024 (DALLAS) – Right now, the Dallas Mavericks and Softtek introduced a multi-year settlement, naming Softtek the Official Expertise Sponsor of the Dallas Mavericks. Softtek, a worldwide software program engineering accomplice, is famend for driving digital transformation and delivering innovation and effectivity at scale for companies worldwide. This sponsorship will leverage Softtek’s experience to gasoline the Mavericks’ digital transformation and help key neighborhood initiatives, together with the Ladies Empowered by Mavericks (GEM) program and the to-be-announced MavsTV streaming service.

“The Dallas Mavericks are thrilled to affix forces with Softtek, a sponsor that shares our dedication to innovation and neighborhood affect,” mentioned Brittanie Boyd, SVP of Company Sponsorships for the Dallas Mavericks. “We stay up for working collectively to create unforgettable experiences for followers domestically and broaden our attain on a worldwide scale.”

“This sponsorship is an thrilling alternative to deliver collectively innovation and function,” mentioned Blanca Treviño, President & CEO of Softtek. “At Softtek, we consider know-how has the facility to rework not simply companies but in addition lives. Collaborating with the Dallas Mavericks lets us create significant fan experiences and help significant applications that resonate far past the sport.”

To study extra about Softtek, go to softtek.com.

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ABOUT THE DALLAS MAVERICKS: The Dallas Mavericks are a first-class international sports activities and leisure group offering memorable experiences for followers worldwide. The Mavs compete within the Nationwide Basketball Affiliation as a member of the Western Convention and play at American Airways Middle underneath the route of Coach Jason Kidd, Common Supervisor Nico Harrison, CEO Cynt Marshall and Governor Patrick Dumont. For the reason that inaugural season in 1980-81, the Mavs have gained 5 division titles, three convention championships and one NBA championship in 2011. Along with on-court success, the Mavs are dedicated to creating a distinction in North Texas by means of neighborhood applications and the Mavs Basis. For extra data on Dallas Mavericks gamers, workers, stats and tickets, go to mavs.com.

ABOUT SOFTTEK: Softtek is a worldwide software program engineering accomplice, driving companies ahead. For over 40 years, the corporate has helped shoppers construct, implement and run know-how that improves lives. The originators of nearshore, Softtek brings innovation nearer to enterprise technique. We’re not about “reinventing” and “reimagining” the enterprise; we drive outcomes. Study extra at www.softtek.com and join with @Softtek in social media.

 

Canada Post strike update: CUPW bucks minister’s ‘time out’

This week, Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon introduced a “time-out” within the ongoing Canada Publish strike. In a manner, Canadian Union of Postal Staff (CUPW) negotiator Jim Gallant says he agrees with that phrasing.

“I really feel like he is treating us like youngsters,” Gallant informed CTV Energy Play host Mike Le Couteur in an interview on Friday. “It is time-out, that is for positive.”

In a press convention on Friday, MacKinnon stated he was tapping the Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) to intervene in negotiations which have reached what he calls “an deadlock.”

The minister requested the board to “assess the probability” of a negotiated settlement this yr, and if decision proves unlikely, order the union again to work.

“The Authorities of Canada locations nice significance on collective bargaining as the popular technique of resolving the disagreements between employers and employees,” a press release from the minister’s workplace reads. “Nonetheless, the continuing battle between (CUPW) and Canada Publish has reached a important level.”

Ought to the strike be suspended by way of a CIRB ruling, the prevailing collective settlement between the service and its employees could be prolonged till Could 2025, a transfer Gallant says would have the union “begin over from day one,” probably bringing extra disruptions.

“If we have been to return out on strike, the general public, our members; who’s going to place up with that twice in a yr?” Gallant stated.

The labour dispute, now greater than 4 weeks previous, has seen restricted exchanges between the events because the suspension of formal mediation on the finish of final month. Earlier this week, CUPW scaled again its calls for for a wage hike, however the postal service has stated it is nonetheless asking for an excessive amount of.

“The union’s calls for are unaffordable and unsustainable,” reads a Wednesday assertion from Canada Publish. “Whereas we acknowledge that CUPW has moved on its wage calls for, the union’s proposal stays nicely past what the Company can afford, given its important losses and deteriorating monetary place.”

This is not the primary time the federal authorities have stepped in to finish a CUPW strike.

In 2018, following weeks of rotating postal disruptions, federal Liberals handed back-to-work laws, with the strike’s official finish coming roughly a month after it started.

On Friday, a press release from the union stated this yr’s time-out “continues a deeply troubling sample” of presidency powers standing in the way in which of what CUPW calls “good religion” bargaining with employers.

“It throws a bucket of water on negotiations for all unions within the nation,” Gallant informed CTV Information. “He retains saying he isn’t going to order you again to work, not order you again to work; after which, he orders you again to work.”

For Canada Publish’s half, the service stated Friday that whereas its dedication has been to hunt a negotiated settlement, it was working to make sure it was ready to “absolutely take part within the course of and adjust to the Minister’s directive.”

“Whereas that unfolds, we stay up for welcoming our staff again to work,” a press release reads.

With a CIRB choice now looming, Gallant once more expressed his disappointment.

“You are all the time at an deadlock till you’ve got a deal,” he stated. 

Southampton 0-5 Tottenham Hotspur: Player ratings to the theme of Midwestern ice cream flavors

After I was however a wee future Tottenham blogger rising up in northern Indiana, on particular days when the climate acquired sizzling my dad and mom would take my brother and I a few blocks down the highway to Ray’s Ice Cream Parlor for a cone or a dish. It was at all times an important day, and whereas I didn’t recognize it on the time, the chance to frequent a very native ice cream institution so near my home was actually particular.

I additionally didn’t recognize on the time the truth that there are such a lot of regional variations in ice cream flavors relying on the place you’re within the nation. You have a tendency not to try this while you’re seven. That didn’t actually hit dwelling for me till I used to be relationship my now-spouse, who’s from California, and each of us had been like “You imply you’ve by no means tried [flavor]? What’s flawed with you?”

So this week I did a dive into ice cream flavors which can be distinctive to the Midwestern area of america. There are some actually attention-grabbing ones! This can be a theme that, as soon as once more, will nearly actually alienate our European readership, however that’s okay, they will all touch upon the precise scores this time and depart the ice cream dialogue to the remainder of us.

Listed below are your Tottenham Hotspur participant scores to the theme of uniquely Midwestern ice cream flavors.

5 stars: Blue Moon


This was considered one of my favourite flavors at good ol’ Ray’s Ice Cream. It began in Wisconsin, however will be discovered everywhere in the Midwest. What does it style like? Uhhhhhhh that’s the query. No person can fairly determine it out, and the makers aren’t telling. Some say it tastes like a mix of mint, almond, and marshmallow. Others say it tastes like Froot Loops cereal. What I can say is: it’s very blue. And it’s scrumptious. I nonetheless purchase it, and my California spouse nonetheless offers me a side-eye.

Pape Sarr (Neighborhood — 4.5): This was a match tailor made for Sarr’s skills — plenty of area behind, and a bunch of largely crap midfield gamers to dribble round. Took his purpose properly and labored properly with Bergvall in what felt like a real double pivot midfield.

James Maddison (Neighborhood — 4.5): Say this for Madders — he’s not at all times on, however when he’s on he’s ON. Each of his objectives had been fantastically taken, particularly his second, and he seemed creatively concerned with nearly each good factor Spurs did within the first half.

Son Heung-Min (Neighborhood — 4.5): Two assists and a purpose, plus he might’ve had a pair extra had he been somewhat extra medical together with his taking pictures. Appeared electrical, just like the Son of outdated. And he did it multi function half!

Pedro Porro (Neighborhood — 3.5): All of us wished Porro to get extra of a relaxation on Sunday, however credit score to him — as quickly as he acquired on the pitch he seemed dedicated to enjoying his complete shift with out ever getting his tempo up past a average jog. That is precisely what I wished out of him on this match — why dash while you’re already exhausted and Deki can cowl behind you? It was excellent, and I like his full dedication to the bit. Good job, Pedro. 5 stars.

Ange Postecoglou (Neighborhood — 4.5): We smooshed ‘em with two youngsters within the beginning lineup, and Ange really allow them to flip the depth dial down a pair notches within the second half. Received Spence his first begin, and Dorrington his membership debut. Good managin’.

4.5 stars: Superman


Superman ice cream is a Michigan staple, and since I grew up near the border, it was available in my space as properly. Whereas the ice cream is a swirl of pink, yellow and blue — the identical as Superman’s costume — it notably (and mockingly) predates the superhero, rising throughout prohibition. (The comedian debuted in 1938.) The flavors can fluctuate, however typically is lemon/banana, pink pop, and blue moon/raspberry. It’s tremendous colourful, and for a younger child obsessive about comics, it was the right taste.

Dejan Kulusevski (Neighborhood — 4.0): Took his purpose properly, was very concerned in and round Southampton’s field, and did a superb job overlaying for Pedro when he’d amble ahead now and again. Performed everywhere in the pitch, seemed nice.

Djed Spence (Neighborhood — 4.5): Immediate impression together with his beautiful flip and thru ball to Maddison inside 40 seconds, and seemed brilliant each in assault and protection. Capably handled a sudden flank swap after Udogie’s harm. He was good. We must always most likely play him extra.

4 stars: Butter Brickle


Detest as I’m to present Nebraska credit score for a lot, I do credit score them for growing and popularizing butter brickle ice cream — a toffee-flavored ice cream with butter toffee items, generally coated in chocolate. It’s uniquely Midwestern and extremely scrumptious, like a Heath Bar in ice cream type. Yum.

Archie Grey (Neighborhood — 4.0): Whereas I might’ve appreciated to see him some at CM, this was an ideal sport for him to proceed to seek out his sea legs on the Premier League degree. One other strong, composed efficiency in protection.

Lucas Bergvall (Neighborhood — 4.0): Lucas nonetheless seems like he’s adjusting to the pace of the Premier League, however he additionally seems like he’s settling in. Performs with a touch of a swagger. Not each sport might be this simple however once more you possibly can see his potential.

3.5 stars: Bunny Trax


You’ve most likely heard of Moose Trax, which has escaped the Midwest and might now be discovered all over the place, however Bunny Trax? That’s an Iowa factor and so they take it significantly. Vanilla ice cream with caramel sauce, fudge sauce, chocolate coated peanuts, and peanut butter bunnies. What’s to not love?

Fraser Forster (Neighborhood — 4.0): Didn’t actually have all that a lot to do, to be sincere. A few routine saves and let one previous that was known as again for offside.

Radu Dragusin (Neighborhood — 4.0): Strong sufficient defensive efficiency in opposition to an offense that didn’t generate a lot. Actually having fun with seeing the lengthy move from deep in his locker currently, we haven’t had a participant like that since Vertonghen.

Future Udogie (Neighborhood — 3.5): Somewhat exhausting to judge him after his harm substitution, however whereas he nonetheless seemed gassed he had a reasonably good match.

3 stars: Bourbon Vanilla


Ahh, Kentucky. What’s their go-to transfer for any meals merchandise that’s fairly good? Add bourbon to it! Fortunately, bourbon goes nice with vanilla and milk, so it’s a pure mixture that provides complexity and depth to an in any other case bog-standard taste. That mentioned… it’s nonetheless simply fancy vanilla, proper?

Dominic Solanke (Neighborhood — 3.5): Bizarre sport. You’d suppose in a match the place Spurs scored 5 objectives he’d have no less than one, but it surely felt like he barely had a sniff. No photographs in any respect. Unusually complacent match, however possibly it’s simply that he didn’t NEED to be as concerned.

Alfie Dorrington (Neighborhood — 3.0): Made his first group debut and was, on steadiness, fairly competent in opposition to a horrible offense. Had one misplaced move that led to a Soton purpose known as again from offside, and seemed distraught within the speedy wake of that, however this was the right sport for him to make his first look. Wish to see extra.

2.5 stars: Grape Nuts


Okay, I’m dishonest a bit right here as a result of Grape Nuts ice cream may be very a lot a northeastern factor, but it surely HAS made its solution to the Midwest and I can particularly recall having it on journeys to japanese Pennsylvania. The cereal offers a slight maltiness within the taste profile and also you do get that enjoyable textural factor, however I can’t say it’s the perfect factor I’ve ever put in my mouth. It’s not that it’s BAD, it’s simply inferior to every part on this record above it.

Brennan Johnson (Neighborhood — 3.0): Undecided what all he really did on the market, however I assume in his protection while you’re up 5 objectives while you come on you don’t precisely need to tear up bushes.

Timo Werner (Neighborhood — 3.0): Principally nameless as a sub, however had one pretty cross into the field that Johnson put over the bar.

2 stars: Teaberry


The teaberry is the intense pink berry of the wintergreen plant, and this bubblegum pink ice cream is among the hottest flavors in Pennsylvania. Sure, it’s minty. Aggressively so. I’ve had it as soon as, I like the flavour of wintergreen, and I discovered it mainly like consuming frozen Pepto-Bismol. If that’s your factor, that’s cool however I’ll give it a move subsequent time I’m within the Lancaster County space.

No Tottenham gamers on this class.

1 star: Black walnut


I hate walnuts so that is a simple alternative for me, and the black walnut takes the flavour profile of standard English walnuts and considerably dials up the earthiness and bitterness of the nuts in a method that isn’t offset by the sweetness of the cream. There are few ice lotions that I might actively flip down if provided, however black walnut is considered one of them. Gross.

No Tottenham gamers had been as dangerous as black walnut ice cream.

Tom Carroll Memorial Non-Score


William “BIG WILLY LANKS” Lankshear

UFC Tampa social media reactions: Fighters rip Colby Covington after bloody loss to Joaquin Buckley

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The ultimate UFC combat of 2024 is a wrap, and Joaquin Buckley was the final man to get his hand raised contained in the octagon with a UFC on ESPN 63 victory over Colby Covington.

Buckley (22-6 MMA, 11-4 UFC) improved to a stellar 6-0 since dropping to welterweight in Might 2023 when he scored the third-round physician’s stoppage TKO win over former interim divisional champion Covington (17-5 MMA, 12-5 UFC) at Amalie Area in Tampa, Fla., and in consequence raised his inventory greater than it has ever been in his octagon tenure.

Verify beneath for the highest X (previously Twitter) reactions to NAME’s victory over NAME at UFC on ESPN 63.

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This text initially appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC Tampa social media reactions: Fighters rip Colby Covington after bloody loss to Joaquin Buckley