Dallas (7-8) at Philadelphia (12-3) Sunday, 1 p.m. EST, Fox BetMGM NFL Odds: Eagles by 7 1/2 Against the spread: Dallas 6-9; Philadelphia 9-6 Series record: Cowboys lead 74-58. Last meeting: Jalen Hurts threw two touchdowns and ran for two more in the Eagles’ 34-6 rout of the Cowboys at Dallas on Nov. 10. Last week: Cowboys defeated the Buccaneers 26-24; Eagles lost 36-33 at Washington. Cowboys offense: overall (16), rush (28), pass (10), scoring (20) Cowboys defense: overall (27), rush (27), pass (21), scoring (30) Eagles offense: overall (6), rush (1), pass (31), scoring (8) Eagles defense: overall (1), rush (9), pass (2), scoring (5) Turnover differential: Cowboys minus-3; Eagles plus-6 RB Saquon Barkley is 162 yards shy of becoming the ninth player in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards in a season and needs 268 yards to break Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards, set in 1984. In his past five games, QB Cooper Rush has passed for nine touchdowns and one interception, looking more comfortable of late after taking over for Dak Prescott in November. Rush is 9-2 as a starter against teams that are not the Eagles. Dallas’s rushing defense vs. Barkley. Can anyone stop him? The Cowboys will be the latest to try to corral Barkley, who has 1,838 rushing yards and 2,114 scrimmage yards, both of which lead the NFL. Dallas ranks 28th in the NFL in rushing defense, allowing an average of 135.9 yards a game. Philadelphia, behind Barkley’s stellar play, tops the league at 187.9 yards a game on the ground. Cowboys: WR CeeDee Lamb will miss the final two games after getting shut down over the sprained right shoulder he's been dealing with the second half of the season. ... LB Eric Kendricks (calf) warmed up but wasn’t able to play against Tampa Bay last week. Eagles: Hurts is in concussion protocol after leaving the game following a 13-yard scramble with 9:52 left in the first quarter last week. ... DE Josh Sweat (ankle) and Jordan Davis also left the game at Washington early. ... QB Ian Book was signed to the practice squad Thursday. The Cowboys made the playoffs in each of the previous three seasons, but were eliminated prior to their game against Tampa Bay last week when the Commanders came back from a 13-point, fourth-quarter deficit to beat Philadelphia. ... Dallas is 5-2 on the road. ... The Eagles can clinch the NFC East and one of the conference's top two seeds with a victory. ... On Jan. 11, 1981, the Eagles defeated the Cowboys 20-7 at their former home, Veterans Stadium. Wilbert Montgomery rushed for a 42-yard touchdown to give Philadelphia an early lead that propelled the Eagles to their first Super Bowl appearance. LB Micah Parsons needs half a sack to reach double digits in sacks for the fourth straight season to begin his career and would become just the fifth player to accomplish the feat in NFL history. ... K Brandon Aubrey made a 53-yard and two 58-yard field goals against the Buccaneers, upping his league-leading total to 14 made of 50-plus yards. ... Kenny Pickett went 14 of 24 for 143 yards and a TD in relief of Hurts last week. If he can’t go because of the rib injury and Hurts remains unavailable, Philadelphia could turn to third-stringer Tanner McKee, a 2023 sixth-round pick. Pickett, a 2022 first-round pick, is no stranger to starting, going 14-10 as Pittsburgh’s QB earlier in his career. ... Defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson was ejected against Washington for committing two unsportsmanlike penalties. ... The Eagles already set a team record for rushing yards in a season with 2,818, and they are within four rushing touchdowns of tying the club’s best single-season mark of 32, set in 2022. ... Barkley needs just 33 yards from scrimmage to break McCoy’s mark of 2,146 scrimmage yards, set in 2013. ... WR A.J. Brown leads the NFL with 16.3 yards a catch and ranks ninth in the league with 1,043 receiving yards, joining Mike Quick (1983–85) as the only Philadelphia players to have three consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons. Philadelphia’s defense is tied for ninth in the NFL with a plus-6 turnover margin. With Hurts possibly sidelined, Philadelphia giving up an uncharacteristic 36 points last week and the chance to clinch the division, the Eagles defense likely will be extra motivated to have a good performance against a Dallas offense that ranks 21st in the league in points. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFLImage Credits: Freepik Education is going through a massive transformation, offering myriad options for innovative pathways to learning for students today. The emergence of dual diploma programs is one such fabulous opportunity-the opportunity to earn two degrees straddling the domestic school system and a globally accredited institution. It helps them prepare with the academic qualification to enter post-secondary institutions abroad and equips them initially with the tools needed to compete in a globalized environment. Ontario Virtual School (OVS), an authority in online learning, now offers a dual diploma program for students to be able to take the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) while they pursue their local curriculum. Most importantly, this innovative new model allows one to incorporate the local educational achievement into learning that is simultaneously internationally recognized, ultimately paving the way toward future academic success and career paths. The Dual Diploma Advantage Table of Contents Toggle The Dual Diploma Advantage Flexibility and Self-Directed Learning Academic and Personal Growth Bridging Cultures and Broadening Perspectives Preparing for a Competitive Future Conclusion Dual diploma programs always offer both opportunities to pursue local studies and attend classes in an internationally recognized curriculum. The real benefit of this dual diploma option is that it will serve most effectively those students who are aspiring to apply for higher education in top universities much abroad such as Canada, the United States, or the United Kingdom. An international qualification, recognized world over, such as the (OSSD) could make a significant difference in applications. Two academic systems help develop adaptability-the most prized skill in today’s rapid changes of life-and thereby train students to negotiate around various learning environments, satisfy the requirements of two curricula, and succeed in multiple subjects. Adjustability is not just limited to academics; it is a quality everyone should have in life regarding careers. Flexibility and Self-Directed Learning These programs offer students the opportunity to create their schedules according to their needs, which is very useful for students with extracurricular commitments, part-time jobs, or other responsibilities. Most dual diploma programs are self-paced, and that is a great encouragement for students to develop time management and organizational skills. Through these programs, students can access a wide range of online learning resources, have virtual classrooms, and be assigned certified teachers by which they can complete a course at their own pace without losing its quality. Flexibility would allow students to keep their local curriculum with the balance of dual diploma studies. Academic and Personal Growth Dual diploma programs develop students in more than the academic sense; they also improve important soft skills like independence, resilience , and problem-solving. These students are challenged by succeeding in two education systems. Students are encouraged to take responsibility for their own education in these programs, developing the ability to self-direct their learning as will be necessary while pursuing university studies. Additionally, dual diploma programs often include access to specialized courses that might not be available locally. For example, a student can opt to study computer science, health technology, international business, or even any media studies. However, these options would deepen the knowledge of students in personal or career-related areas, broaden their academic experiences, as well as open new avenues in the future. Bridging Cultures and Broadening Perspectives It is really likely that participation in two different curricula and cultures will give students appreciation or insight into different educational philosophies, cultural approaches, and ways to solve problems. The student will then become developed in one’s cross-cultural being for preparation for success in a connected world. Preparing for a Competitive Future The education and skills acquired through such dual diploma programs add value to a student because jobs are cut-throat all around the world. Hence, universities perceive students with dual diplomas as complete and very self-motivated ones who have transcended the normal education process. This can lead to recognition through scholarships and internships with different networking to bring about distinction from other students. Not only this, the adaptability and self-motivation developing from students through the dual diploma programs are the very requirements sought after by the desire of employers. Graduates from such a program become very marketable resources in any industry because they have trained well to succeed in flexible job settings. Conclusion It may be difficult for a local curriculum to balance the demands of one dual diploma program, but the effort so far makes its benefits much more worthwhile. These programs develop not only an academic experience but also life skills with a global perspective. For students who want to ensure that they take maximum advantage of their educational and career opportunities, dual diploma programs offer a new creative and rewarding path to success.The misleading and misguided op-ed details a recent report from Sacramento that paints UC Merced as the black sheep of the UC system, lacking in economic impact and demanding too much aid. But what Sacramento bureaucrats and a CalMatters columnist presented as a tale of disappointment is actually a remarkable story of resilience, strategic innovation, and transformative potential for California’s often-overlooked San Joaquin Valley. Start with actual educational impact. Nowhere is it more evident or profound than in UC Merced’s groundbreaking approach to enrollment. The campus isn’t some “statistical outlier,” it’s a demographic revolution. UC Merced stands as the most diverse campus in the UC system, with more than 60% of its students the first in their families to attend college. Despite serving students from predominantly disadvantaged backgrounds, the found there is no better school in the entire country for improving social mobility. The American Dream is alive and well at UC Merced. UC Merced Is a Bargain for Taxpayers Before decrying the campus’s cost, let’s put the state’s investment into perspective. UC Merced opened just before the 2008 financial crisis, which led to slower growth and years of underinvestment by the state — thanks in part to legislative budget cuts. Then, when the campus was just about to reach its enrollment targets, COVID-19 hit, eroding college admissions across the nation. Some say that to even approach its enrollment targets under those conditions is a testament to the grit and determination that is a hallmark of our Valley. The entire annual budget for UC Merced is less than what California spends on a single interchange on Highway 99. For a premium of just $85 million annually, we’ve created an engine of social mobility that generates exponentially more value. The campus is an unparalleled catalyst for economic growth in one of the poorest regions in the state. UC Merced represents an unmatched and extraordinary return on investment. The Sacramento-based writer dismissively called Merced “the middle of nowhere.” But that’s precisely the point. UC Merced represents a bold reimagining of higher education — not as an ivory tower, but as a dynamic organization creating opportunity in communities that have been systematically left behind. A Research Powerhouse UC Merced wasn’t just in Merced; it was integrated into the heart of the community. In less than two decades, the campus has become a research powerhouse in climate adaptation, water resources, and agricultural technology — critical fields in which the San Joaquin Valley will provide leadership for our state and nation. The campus didn’t meet every initial projection. But what matters is impact — thousands of students now have access to groundbreaking research, brilliant professors and the opportunity to confront our most pressing challenges while creating a model of sustainable, inclusive higher education. UC Merced isn’t the UC system’s stepchild. It is the UC system’s most audacious experiment — and its most promising offspring. It’s a testament to the idea that educational opportunity isn’t about perfection, but about persistent, transformative potential. Oh, and keep in mind that the government analysts in Sacramento who prompted this story are the same bureaucrats who proposed closing the state’s $30 deficit by removing the $15 that the state spends to support UC Merced’s medical school. If they continue to insist on undermining one of the Valley’s premier economic and educational institutions, then the next time they need a budget to cut, we suggest they start with their own.
Rain lashed Delhi-NCR throughout Friday with the city recording its highest December rainfall in the last 15 years and the mercury dropping sharply to 14.6 degree celsius, the weather department said. The rain began late Thursday around 2.30 am and continued throughout the day, it said. ET Year-end Special Reads Two sectors that rose on India's business horizon in 2024 2025 outlook: Is it time for cautious optimism or rekindling animal spirits? 2024: Govt moves ahead with simultaneous polls plan; India holds largest democratic exercise According to Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) data between in the last 24 hours till 8.30 am on Friday, the city logged 9.1 mm of rainfall. The observatory at Safdarjung -- the national capital's primary weather station -- recorded an additional 30.2 mm of rainfall between from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm on Friday, as per the data. The total rainfall for December stands at 42.8 mm, marking the highest rainfall this month in the last 15 years, based on data from 2009 to 2024 available on the weather department's website. Meanwhile, the all-time highest December rainfall was recorded in 1884, when the city received 134.4 mm of rain. 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For comparison, the city's December rainfall in 2023 was trace, while in 2022 it was 0.0 mm, 2021 saw 9.6 mm, and 2020 recorded just 1.6 mm. In 2019, Delhi recorded 33.9 mm of rainfall in December, which now stands as the second-highest in the last 15 years. Met officials said an active western disturbance and its interaction with easterly winds were causing light to moderate rainfall and thunderstorms over northwest and central India, including the NCR areas of Delhi. The rain caused waterlogging and traffic snarls in many areas across the city, with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi Central Control Room receiving a total of 13 complaints, nine for waterlogging and four for fallen trees. The Public Works Department (PWD) received one call for waterlogging and one for a fallen tree, the officials said. The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) said that by 7 PM they had not received any calls regarding waterlogging or fallen trees. Mercury also dropped to 9.5 degree celsius, because of the rain, marking the lowest maximum temperature in the last five years. On Thursday, the maximum temperature was recorded at 24.1 degree celsius, according to data from the IMD. The IMD data showed that in 2023 the lowest daytime temperature drop in December was 15.9 degree Celsius, 15.6 degree Celsius in December, 2022, 17.8 degree Celsius in 2021, 15.2 degree Celsius 2020 and in 14.3 degree Celsius in 2019. The department said a generally cloudy sky with intermittent rain is likely on Saturday. Additionally, one or two spells of light rain is expected during the early morning to forenoon, followed by a cloudy sky for the rest of the day, it added. The predominant surface wind is expected to be from the southeast direction with a speed of less than 4 kmph during the morning hours. Smog or shallow fog is expected in most areas, with moderate fog in isolated places during the morning, the weather office said. The wind speed is expected to increase, reaching less than 8 kmph from the northeast direction during the afternoon, before decreasing to less than 4 kmph from the northeast during the evening and night. Smog or shallow fog is also likely in the evening and night, it added. The maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to settle at 15 and 12 degree celsius, respectively, it said. The 24-hour Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 353 at 4 pm on Friday and of the 35 monitoring stations, one at Nehru Nagar recorded air quality in the "severe" category, while the rest were in the "very poor" and "poor" categories, the data from the SAMEER app showed. An AQI between zero and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )Nothing's guaranteed, but Bucs need to win out to give themselves best shot to make the playoffs
