Doubs’ injury came on a third-quarter play in the end zone that resulted in a pass interference penalty against San Francisco’s Renardo Green. Doubs stayed down briefly after the play, then got up slowly before heading to the sideline. He went into the injury tent before walking to the locker room. The Packers then announced Doubs was out for the rest of the game because of a concussion. He had three catches for 54 yards before leaving. San Francisco defensive tackle Jordan Elliott left in the first half of the game to get evaluated for a concussion and was ruled out at halftime. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
OneDigital Investment Advisors LLC Makes New $206,000 Investment in Viking Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:VKTX)
The stock market will end 2025 lower than its current levels, according to Stifel chief investment strategist Barry Bannister. Bannister sees sticky inflation prompting the Federal Reserve to hold interest rates high as economic growth weakens, serving as key catalysts to the eventual pullback in the stock market rally. Bannister sees the S&P 500 ( ^GSPC ) ending 2025 in the mid 5,000s. As of Thursday afternoon, the S&P 500 was hovering just shy of an all-time high at about 6,070. Among the more than 17 strategists tracked by Yahoo Finance who have listed 2025 year-end calls for the S&P 500, Bannister is the lone strategist to call for the benchmark index to fall in 2025. Still, he isn't alone in calling for a pullback in the second half of 2025. On Wednesday, Fundstrat head of research Tom Lee said he believes the S&P 500 will rally to 7,000 midway through the year before falling to 6,600. "The environment does not appear conducive to continued equity mania, and we prefer more defensive sectors," Bannister wrote in a note to clients on Thursday. He added that slower economic growth would benefit "defensive value" sectors, including the Healthcare ( XLV ), Utilities ( XLU ), and Staples ( XLP ) sectors. Bannister believes the Fed will cut interest rates by 25 basis points at each of its next two meetings before enacting a longer pause on rate cuts due to sticky inflation and "zero fiscal visibility." To Bannister's point, recent data has shown inflation isn't falling rapidly to the Fed's 2% target. This has prompted economists to believe the Fed will likely cut interest rates less than initially hoped in 2025. Strategists have argued how much the Fed cuts in 2025 isn't the key determinant of the equity market. Instead, they argue, the key is the US economic growth trajectory. "The growth backdrop has been a key driver [of the stock market rally]," Charles Schwab senior investment strategist Kevin Gordon told Yahoo Finance. "So if you have still relatively sticky inflation, but if the economy's run rate is still relatively strong, which has been the case for most of this year, then I think the market can continue to do well." Continued strong growth from the US economy has been a key driver behind many of the calls for the bull market to keep running in 2025. Wells Fargo's Christopher Harvey has said he believes the S&P 500 ends next year at 7,007 and has highlighted a "cyclical opportunity catalyzed by upward GDP revisions." Bank of America Securities offered a similar take when calling for the S&P 500 to hit 6,600. BofA favors "GDP sensitive companies," with the firm recommending overweights on the Financials ( XLF ), Consumer Discretionary ( XLY ), Materials ( XLB ), Real Estate ( XLRE ), and Utilities ( XLU ) sectors. "We like companies with healthy cash return prospects and a tether to the US economy: large cap Value stocks," Bofa's Savita Subramanian wrote. As of Thursday, consensus expects the US economy to grow at an annualized rate of 2.1%, per Bloomberg data. Bannister is more bearish: He sees GDP falling to about 1.5% in the second half of the year "as lower real wages (slowing wages combined with flat inflation) pressure consumption growth, while fixed investment and net exports also weaken." RBC Capital Markets head of US equity strategy Lori Calvasina recently pointed out in her 2025 outlook why economic growth meeting or exceeding positive expectations could be crucial to the stock market rally. Dating back to 1947, GDP has grown between 1.1% and 2% five times. Stocks were higher just 40% in those years, with an average decline of 3.4%. Meanwhile, in years when GDP tracked between 2.1% and 3%, stocks were higher 70% of the time, with an average return of nearly 11%. Josh Schafer is a reporter for Yahoo Finance. Follow him on X @_joshschafer . Click here for in-depth analysis of the latest stock market news and events moving stock prices Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance
Letters to The Editor — November 25, 2024
One of the Best Value OLED TVs Is at Its Lowest Price Right NowWESTERLY, R.I. , Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. WASH (the "Corporation"), parent company of The Washington Trust Company, of Westerly (the "Bank"), today announced it has commenced an underwritten public offering of $55,000,000 of the Corporation's common stock. The Corporation also expects to grant the underwriter a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 15% of the shares of its common stock sold in the offering. BofA Securities is serving as the sole book-running manager for the offering. The Corporation intends to use the net proceeds of this offering for general corporate purposes to support continued organic growth and capital generation, which are expected to include investments in the Bank and Bank balance sheet optimization strategies involving the sale of lower-yielding loans and available for sale debt securities, the repayment of wholesale funding balances and the purchase of debt securities with current market yields. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE OFFERING The common stock offering is being made pursuant to a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-274430), which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on September 8, 2023 , and declared effective by the SEC on September 29, 2023 . A preliminary prospectus supplement to which this communication relates has been filed with the SEC, and a prospectus supplement will be filed with the SEC prior to the closing of the common stock offering. Before you invest in any securities, you should read the preliminary prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus, including the risk factors set forth therein, the registration statement and the documents incorporated by reference therein, and the other documents that the Corporation has filed with the SEC for more complete information about the Corporation and the offering. Copies of these documents are available at no charge by visiting EDGAR on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. When available, copies of the preliminary prospectus supplement, the prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus related to the offering may also be obtained from BofA Securities, NC1-022-02-25, 201, North Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28255-0001, Attention: Prospectus Department or by email at dg.prospectus_requests@bofa.com . NO OFFER OR SOLICITATION This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. There will be no sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such an offering, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. SPECIAL NOTE CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release contains statements that are "forward-looking statements." Forward looking-statements include all statements that are not historical facts and include any statements regarding the proposed offering and the intended use of net proceeds from the offering. We may also make forward-looking statements in other documents we file with the SEC, in our annual reports to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials, and in oral statements made by our officers, directors, or employees. You can identify forward-looking statements by the use of the words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "assume," "outlook," "will," "should," and other expressions that predict or indicate future events and trends and which do not relate to historical matters. Such forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from such forward-looking statements. A detailed discussion of factors that could affect our results is included in the Corporation's SEC filings, including Item 1A. "Risk Factors" of its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 . You should not rely on forward-looking statements, because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, some of which are beyond our control. These risks, uncertainties, and other factors may cause our actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the anticipated future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. The Corporation undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statement to conform the statement to actual results or changes in our expectations, except as required by law. ABOUT WASHINGTON TRUST BANCORP, INC. Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc., NASDAQ: WASH, is the publicly-owned holding company of The Washington Trust Company ("Washington Trust", "the Bank"), with $7.1 billion in assets as of September 30, 2024 . Founded in 1800, Washington Trust is recognized as the oldest community bank in the nation, the largest state-chartered bank headquartered in Rhode Island and one of the Northeast's premier financial services companies. Washington Trust values its role as a community bank and is committed to helping the people, businesses, and organizations of New England improve their financial lives. The Bank offers a wide range of commercial banking, mortgage banking, personal banking and wealth management services through its offices in Rhode Island , Connecticut and Massachusetts and a full suite of convenient digital tools. Washington Trust is a member of the FDIC and an equal housing lender. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/washington-trust-announces-stock-offering-302330754.html SOURCE Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Mastercard Enhances Threat Intelligence With Recorded Future Acquisition: You Need To KnowFILE – Author Percival Everett attends the 75th National Book Awards ceremony at Cipriani Wall Street on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Andy Kropa/Invision/AP, File) FILE – Taylor Swift performs during “The Eras Tour” on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, in Vancouver, British Columbia. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson, File) FILE – Riley Keough, left, and her mother Lisa Marie Presley arrive at the 24th annual ELLE Women in Hollywood Awards on Oct. 16, 2017, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File) FILE – First lady Melania Trump stands next to the 2020 Official White House Christmas tree as it is presented on the North Portico of the White House, Monday, Nov. 23, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File) FILE – This cover image released by FSG shows “Intermezzo” by Sally Rooney. (FSG via AP, File) FILE – This cover image released by Random House shows “From Here to the Great Unknown” by Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough. (Random House via AP, File) FILE – This cover image released by Simon & Schuster shows “War” by Bob Woodward. (Simon & Schuster via AP, File) FILE – This cover image released by Dey Street Books shows “Cher: The Memoir, Part One,” releasing on Nov. 19. (Dey Street Books via AP, File) FILE – This cover image released by Random House shows “Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder” by Salman Rushdie. The book, about the attempt on his life that left him blind in his right eye, will be published April 16, 2024. Rushdie’s first book since the 2022 stabbing he thought might end his life is both explicit in the violence Rushdie sustains and heroic in the will to live that Rushdie retains. (Random House via AP, File) FILE – Author Percival Everett attends the 75th National Book Awards ceremony at Cipriani Wall Street on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Andy Kropa/Invision/AP, File) By HILLEL ITALIE NEW YORK (AP) — Even through a year of nonstop news about elections, climate change, protests and the price of eggs, there was still time to read books. Related Articles Books | Wonder and joy at the light that breaks the dark: more holiday books for younger readers Books | Kale on Books: Christmas memories are strong in collection of stories Books | Right on time for holiday shopping: big names in new bestselling books Books | In bestsellers for young readers, ways to stay occupied on winter break Books | Percival Everett, 2024 National Book Award winner, rereads one book often U.S. sales held steady according to Circana, which tracks around 85% of the print market, with many choosing the relief of romance, fantasy and romantasy. Some picked up Taylor Swift’s tie-in book to her blockbuster tour, while others sought out literary fiction, celebrity memoirs, political exposes and a close and painful look at a generation hooked on smartphones. Here are 10 notable books published in 2024, in no particular order. Asking about the year’s hottest reads would basically yield a list of the biggest hits in romantasy, the blend of fantasy and romance that has proved so irresistible fans were snapping up expensive “special editions” with decorative covers and sprayed edges. Of the 25 top sellers of 2024, as compiled by Circana, six were by romantasy favorite Sarah J. Maas, including “House of Flame and Shadow,” the third of her “Crescent City” series. Millions read her latest installment about Bryce Quinlan and Hunter Athalar and traced the ever-growing ties of “Maasverse,” the overlapping worlds of “Crescent City” and her other series, “Throne of Glass” and “A Court of Thorns and Roses.” If romantasy is for escape, other books demand we confront. In the bestselling “The Anxious Generation,” social psychologist Jonathan Haidt looks into studies finding that the mental health of young people began to deteriorate in the 2010s, after decades of progress. According to Haidt, the main culprit is right before us: digital screens that have drawn kids away from “play-based” to “phone-based” childhoods. Although some critics challenged his findings, “The Anxious Generation” became a talking point and a catchphrase. Admirers ranged from Oprah Winfrey to Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee, who in a letter to state legislators advocated such “commonsense recommendations” from the book as banning phones in schools and keeping kids off social media until age 16. Bob Woodward books have been an election tradition for decades. “War,” the latest of his highly sourced Washington insider accounts, made news with its allegations that Donald Trump had been in frequent contact with Russian leader Vladimir Putin even while out of office and, while president, had sent Putin sophisticated COVID-19 test machines. Among Woodward’s other scoops: Putin seriously considered using nuclear weapons against Ukraine, and President Joe Biden blamed former President Barack Obama, under whom he served as vice president, for some of the problems with Russia. “Barack never took Putin seriously,” Woodward quoted Biden as saying. Former (and future) first lady Melania Trump, who gives few interviews and rarely discusses her private life, unexpectedly announced she was publishing a memoir: “Melania.” The publisher was unlikely for a former first lady — not one of the major New York houses, but Skyhorse, where authors include such controversial public figures as Woody Allen and Trump cabinet nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr. And its success was at least a minor surprise. Melania Trump did little publicity for the book, and offered few revelations beyond posting a video expressing support for abortion rights — a break from one of the cornerstones of GOP policy. But “Melania” still sold hundreds of thousands of copies, many in the days following her husband’s election. Taylor Swift was more than a music story in 2024. Like “Melania,” the news about Taylor Swift’s self-published tie-in to her global tour isn’t so much the book itself, but that it exists. And how well it sold. As she did with the “Eras” concert film, Swift bypassed the established industry and worked directly with a distributor: Target offered “The Eras Tour Book” exclusively. According to Circana, the “Eras” book sold more than 800,000 copies just in its opening week, an astonishing number for a publication unavailable through Amazon.com and other traditional retailers. No new book in 2024 had a better debut. Midnight book parties are supposed to be for “Harry Potter” and other fantasy series, but this fall, more than 100 stores stayed open late to welcome one of the year’s literary events: Sally Rooney’s “Intermezzo.” The Irish author’s fourth novel centers on two brothers, their grief over the death of their father, their very different career paths and their very unsettled love lives. “Intermezzo” was also a book about chess: “You have to read a lot of opening theory — that’s the beginning of a game, the first moves,” one of the brothers explains. “And you’re learning all this for what? Just to get an okay position in the middle game and try to play some decent chess. Which most of the time I can’t do anyway.” Lisa Marie Presley had been working on a memoir at the time of her death , in 2023, and daughter Riley Keough had agreed to help her complete it. “From Here to the Great Unknown” is Lisa Marie’s account of her father, Elvis Presley, and the sagas of of her adult life, notably her marriage to Michael Jackson and the death of son Benjamin Keough. To the end, she was haunted by the loss of Elvis, just 42 when he collapsed and died at his Graceland home while young Lisa Marie was asleep. “She would listen to his music alone, if she was drunk, and cry,” Keough, during an interview with Winfrey, said of her mother. Meanwhile, Cher released the first of two planned memoirs titled “Cher” — no further introduction required. Covering her life from birth to the end of the 1970s, she focuses on her ill-fated marriage to Sonny Bono, remembering him as a gifted entertainer and businessman who helped her believe in herself while turning out to be unfaithful, erratic, controlling and so greedy that he kept all the couple’s earnings for himself. Unsure of whether to leave or stay, she consulted a very famous divorcee, Lucille Ball, who reportedly encouraged her: “F— him, you’re the one with the talent.” A trend in recent years is to take famous novels from the past, and remove words or passages that might offend modern readers; an edition of “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” cuts the racist language from Mark Twain’s original text. In the most celebrated literary work of 2024, Percival Everett found a different way to take on Twain’s classic — write it from the perspective of the enslaved Jim. “James,” winner of the National Book Award, is a recasting in many ways. Everett suggests to us that the real Jim was nothing like the deferential figure known to millions of readers, but a savvy and learned man who concealed his intelligence from the whites around him, and even from Twain himself. Salman Rushdie’s first National Book Award nomination was for a memoir he wished he had no reason to write. In “Knife,” he recounts in full detail the horrifying attempt on his life in 2022, when an attendee rushed the stage during a literary event in western New York and stabbed him repeatedly, leaving with him a blinded eye and lasting nerve damage, but with a spirit surprisingly intact. “If you had told me that this was going to happen and how would I deal with it, I would not have been very optimistic about my chances,” he told The Associated Press last spring. “I’m still myself, you know, and I don’t feel other than myself. But there’s a little iron in the soul, I think.” Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Click to share on X (Opens in new window) Most Popular Colonial Williamsburg’s Grand Illumination has echoes across the US Colonial Williamsburg's Grand Illumination has echoes across the US Woman dies, driver injured in James City County crash Woman dies, driver injured in James City County crash House approves $895B defense bill with military pay raise, ban on transgender care for minors House approves $895B defense bill with military pay raise, ban on transgender care for minors Bill Belichick agrees to become North Carolina head football coach Bill Belichick agrees to become North Carolina head football coach Former NFL player opens Newport News youth empowerment center Former NFL player opens Newport News youth empowerment center Phoebus’ football seniors want 4th state title, designation as ‘The Dynasty Class’ Phoebus’ football seniors want 4th state title, designation as ‘The Dynasty Class’ Kingsmill residents address James City County officials with concerns about future development Kingsmill residents address James City County officials with concerns about future development Cause of underground fire at Williamsburg Premium Outlets still unknown — and may stay that way, fire chief says Cause of underground fire at Williamsburg Premium Outlets still unknown — and may stay that way, fire chief says Head of the Federal Aviation Administration to resign, allowing Trump to pick his successor Head of the Federal Aviation Administration to resign, allowing Trump to pick his successor Review: Peninsula Community Theatre’s ‘Drinking Habits’ is a comedy about nuns and wine. It’s farcical fun. Review: Peninsula Community Theatre’s ‘Drinking Habits’ is a comedy about nuns and wine. It’s farcical fun. Trending Nationally Hannah Kobayashi, missing Hawaii woman who prompted a massive search, is found safe Kimberly Guilfoyle: Latest Trump nominee accused of sexual misconduct Baseball slugger and former Cleveland Indians All-Star Rocky Colavito passes away NYC wanted posters target CEOs in wake of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson slay ALDI has come up with a better way on shopping carts
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HOUSTON (AP) — Will Levis and the Tennessee Titans were far from perfect Sunday. But they did just enough to outlast the mistake-prone Houston Texans and get their first AFC South win of the season. Levis threw for 278 yards and his 70-yard touchdown pass to Chig Okonkwo put Tennessee on top in the fourth quarter and the Titans held on for the 32-27 victory. “The coolest thing about this game was just the way our team fought,” coach Brian Callahan said. “It was a back-and-forth game. Our guys did a good job of not flinching and keeping the blinders on. We’ve been in games like this before, and we haven’t been able to make a play, but this week, we made a play.” Okonkwo grabbed a short pass and rumbled for the touchdown to put the Titans (3-8) up 30-27 with 91⁄2 minutes remaining. Safety Eric Murray missed a tackle that would have stopped him near midfield. The Texans (7-5) had a chance to tie it with less than two minutes remaining, but Ka’imi Fairbairn’s 28-yard field-goal attempt sailed wide left. He fell to the ground after the miss before getting up and slamming his helmet on the field. Callahan held both hands in the air and smiled after watching the miss that allowed his team to win on a day it had three turnovers. The Texans forced a three-and-out, but couldn’t move the ball after that and Harold Landry sacked C.J. Stroud in the end zone for a safety to make it 32-27 and allow Tennessee to snap a two-game skid. Stroud threw for 247 yards and two touchdowns, but also threw two interceptions as the AFC South-leading Texans lost for the third time in four games. Stroud has thrown five interceptions combined in the past three games to give him more interceptions in 12 games this season (nine) than he had in 15 games as a rookie last season (five). “It’s no secret that I haven’t been playing well... I’ve got to be harder on myself,” he said. “I’m not going to hold my head down. I know I can be a great player, but I’ve got to make better plays.” Jimmie Ward had a 65-yard interception return for a touchdown in the third quarter and the Texans tied a franchise record with eight sacks. Danielle Hunter led the group with a season-high three sacks and Will Anderson Jr. added two in his return after missing two games with an ankle injury. But the offense sputtered for most of the game as Joe Mixon was held to 22 yards on 14 carries. “Just a disappointing loss for us,” coach DeMeco Ryans said. “We didn’t do anything well enough to win this game. Out of all the positives that we did have, there were way too many negatives.” It was Tennessee's first win of the season in a game that Levis both started and finished. The second-year player missed three games this year with a sprained AC joint in his throwing shoulder. “I’m really proud of Will,” Callahan said. “He’s done a lot of things to get himself back in the right place, mentally and physically. It was a really good performance.” Levis knows he can be better, but was happy to leave Houston with a victory in this difficult season. “It feels awesome,” he said. “A lot of people have been working really hard to get a win like this. I’m just happy for the organization, top down.” Tennessee extended the lead to 23-17 on a 51-yard field goal by Nick Folk with nine minutes left in the third. Stroud threw his second interception with about 90 seconds left in the third quarter but Ward’s touchdown came three plays later to put the Texans on top 24-23. The Titans fumbled a punt early in the fourth quarter and Houston recovered it. A 54-yard field goal by Fairbairn extended the lead to 27-23 with about 10 minutes to go. Dameon Pierce returned the opening kickoff 80 yards to get the Texans in the red zone. Houston cashed in on the next play when Stroud found rookie Cade Stover on a 19-yard pass for his first touchdown reception. The Titans trailed by four after a field goal by Folk when Nick Westbrook-Ikhine got in front of the defense and was wide open for a 38-yard TD catch that made it 10-7 late in the first quarter. Tennessee extended the lead to 17-7 when Tony Pollard ran 10 yards for a touchdown with about 11 minutes left in the second. Pollard finished with 119 yards and a touchdown. Nico Collins scored on a 5-yard reception with about six minutes left in the second. Levis levis lost a fumble with about 3 1/2 minutes left and the Texans added a 28-yard field goal to tie it at 17-17. Houston forced a punt after that, but rookie Jarvis Brownlee Jr. got his first career interception two plays later to give Tennessee the ball back. Folk’s 56-yard field goal, which tied his career long, put the Titans up 20-17 at halftime. The Titans were without cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, after he was placed on injured reserve with a quadriceps injury, and safety Amani Hooker, who was added to the injury report Sunday morning with an illness. Callahan said Hooker was vomiting “every time he stood up” Sunday. ... Houston S Jalen Pitre injured his shoulder in the second quarter and didn’t return. ... CB Ka’dar Hollman left in the fourth quarter with a knee injury. Titans: Visit the Commanders next Sunday. Texans: Visit Jacksonville next Sunday. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflMysterious Drone Swarms Detected Over UK Airbases Hosting US Stealth Jets
Guess which ASX tech stock is jumping 13% amid 'financial transformation journey'As the holiday season approaches, the desire to create a warm, inviting space where family and friends can gather becomes even more paramount. The living room, often the heart of the home, is the perfect place to infuse festive cheer while maintaining a cozy, intimate atmosphere. Whether you're hosting a holiday party or simply enjoying a quiet evening by the fire, a thoughtfully designed space can help set the tone for unforgettable memories. Here’s how to transform your living room into a cozy holiday retreat that balances seasonal charm with year-round comfort. Textiles are the easiest and most effective way to bring instant warmth and comfort to your living room. Begin by layering soft, plush materials such as velvet, wool, and chenille into your furniture and decor. Nothing says "holiday warmth" like the inclusion of natural elements. They not only evoke a sense of rustic charm but also add organic textures that make the space feel grounded and peaceful. Lighting is key to creating that cozy, festive ambiance that makes the holiday season so special. A mixture of soft, glowing lights can instantly transform a living room into a welcoming retreat. While the holidays often inspire red and green themes, you don’t have to limit your color palette to tradition. A well-curated mix of cozy neutrals, deep jewel tones, and metallic accents can create a sophisticated and timeless holiday setting. Every cozy holiday living room benefits from a focal point that draws the eye and sets the tone for the space. For many, this is often the fireplace, but it can also be something more unique. A truly cozy holiday space engages all the senses. The holidays are all about family, tradition, and connection. Infuse your space with personal touches that make it feel uniquely yours. Designing a cozy holiday living room is about more than just décor—it’s about creating a space that fosters comfort, joy, and connection. By layering in warmth with textiles, embracing natural elements, and thoughtfully curating your color scheme and accessories, you can transform your living room into a seasonal sanctuary that invites everyone to slow down, relax, and savor the magic of the season.
Jaylen Brown shines early, late as Celtics hold off TimberwolvesTexans need win over Dolphins and loss by Colts Sunday to clinch 2nd straight AFC South title
Let’s pretend I’m the Superintendent of the Department of NBL Education (otherwise known as the DNE). My role at the DNE is to assess the clubs as we hit the half-way point of the year (season). Watch every game of every round this NBL Season LIVE on ESPN, via Kayo. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer. In this scenario, I reserve the right to grade and critique the students (players) teachers (coaches), and Principals (management). I grade teams primarily on performance and attitude. I always look for solid teamwork and stellar leadership. If there’s a willingness for any team to adjust, adapt, and overcome I look upon that very favourably. If I hear or see a team use excuses, reasons, and justifications for poor performances or losses, I break out the red pen and frown heavily upon them. You’ll get what you earn with me. CAIRNS (3-9) – 10th The Taipans are like the student you see huge potential in, but he keeps missing days of school. They could be anything, but things just don’t go their way. They’re currently on the bottom of the ladder and the season is fast slipping away. Coach Adam Forde and management built the team around NBA hopeful, Taran Armstrong, but because of injuries he’s only played four games. Yeah, health issues have hit hard with imports Pedro Bradshaw only available for eight games and Tanner Groves five and put simply, they can’t take a trick. Rob Edwards is their leading scorer averaging a very respectable 20, and Forde has coached extremely well, considering all the challenges. What I love about Fordey, is that he’s made ZERO excuses, and that is commendable. They continue to unearth young and raw talent in Jackson Makoi and Alex Higgins-Titsha. The Taipans will always scrap and fight and while I respect that, I can’t grade them go too highly when they’re dead last. GRADE: Coach: B- Players: D Management: B+ MELBOURNE (10-4) - 1st Here we have the student who always shows up early to class, sits in the front row and leaves an apple on the teacher’s desk at the bell. You always wanna sit next to him and cheat off his papers. No team lost more high-octane firepower in the off-season, yet coach Dean Vickerman has found a way to retool and flex on the rest of the competition. The two-headed monster of Marcus Lee and Rob Loe are consistent, the four-headed monster in the backcourt, Matthew Dellavedova, Shea Ili, Ian Clark, and Flynn Cameron are playing outstanding, and the most lethal sniper, Chris Goulding, is as hot as any player in the League. Melbourne United is an institution. GRADE: Coach: A Players: B+ Management: A TASMANIA (5-8) - 9th This is the student who was voted class president the year before, and showed up the next year only to find that the teacher rearranged all the desks, and now he doesn’t know where to sit or how to participate in class. Losing Jack McVeigh so close to the season threw a big spanner into the works and the replacements haven’t quite found their groove. New import Craig Sword and his skill set looks a little out of place, while imports Milton Doyle and Jordon Crawford can’t get going on the same night. Scoring has been like watching grass grow. Coach Scott Roth has been more testy than usual and has used a range of excuses along the way which doesn’t sit well with me. He went into way too much detail about their travel schedule and injuries and even disrespected a fellow commentator. Did I mention that I hate excuses? GRADE: Coach: D Players: D+ Management: A NEW ZEALAND (7-3) - 2nd Here is the student you forgot was even in your class because he went overseas on a family holiday just as school started. When he got back, he slipped back in, sat quietly and just got his work done. A rookie coach in Petteri Koponen, a 70% roster change in the off-season, yet the Breakers are right up there. The MVP front-runner and Vice President of the “Lil Big Man Society” in Parker Jackson-Cartwright is balling! New import Matt Mooney is riding shotgun beautifully and they’re getting contributions from just about everyone. Coach ‘Kop’ has implemented a Euro ball flavour and it’s been a joy to watch. But ... for some yet to be explained reason, Breakers’ management decided to ‘allow’ import and League leader in blocked shots, Freddie Gillespie, to find another team to play for, and they just happened to have a replacement handy in Tacko Fall. Tacko has been rehabbing with the team, attending training sessions, and even sitting on the bench on game days. I don’t like how all this has shaken out and of all the teams that should be making such big changes, the Breakers ain’t one of them. GRADE: Coach: A Players: B Management: D- ILLAWARRA (7-4) - 3rd Now we have the once battling student who was ridiculed by the cool kids. He used to come to school with his lunch in a brown paper bag wearing his big brother’s clothes, but now he’s fully respected and wears fresh new gear, and is popular in the hallways. With 90 per cent of last season’s playoff team returning, the Hawks have arguably the best club harmony in the League. Coach Justin Tatum is in his first full season and has a team full of belief, and they believe in him. The only chink in Justin’s armour has been the recent run-ins with the officials, which resulted in a public apology. If they can move past the distraction, the Hawks are primed for a serious run at the title. GRADE: Coach: B Players B- Management A SOUTH EAST MELBOURNE (5-8) - 8th You know that student who is a bit of a loner? He just appeared out of nowhere and nobody quite knows where he came from. He tries to fit in but has had four new home-room teachers in the last two years and is still trying to find a way to belong. Their third coach of the season, Josh King, is passionate and enthusiastic. He has weapons at his disposal, none more potent than import Matt Hurt who is a certified bucket getter averaging 20. Four NBL champions from Sydney made their way to the ‘Heartland’ in Tom Vodanovich, Angus ‘Danny’ Glover, Derrick Walton Jr, and Jordi Hunter. Former coach Simon Mitchell is now the Basketball GM, who sacked the coach that replaced him, Mike Kelly. Oh, and CEO Tommy Greer resigned and an interim boss has stepped in. Management also brought in proven scorer and Olympian Nathan Sobey, who’s had an up and down season so far. Look, it’s been a mess and coach King has a lot of cleaning up to do. GRADE: Coach: C+ Players: D Management: E BRISBANE (4-6) - 7th You can tell this student comes from humble beginnings; he lives far away and doesn’t always get the bus to school. He has to walk a lot, but he’s never late. He’s well behaved and you can see he really wants to learn. Moving back to the Brisbane Entertainment Centre is a tick. They’re coming off a great home win where import James Batemon made history with 51 - the highest scoring game in the modern 40-minute era. Next Star Rocco Zikarsky showed some real aggression in his last outing with a career-high 13 points, seven rebounds and one of the biggest blocks you’ll see. Second year coach Justin Schueller cleared out some big names in the off season and is rebuilding the culture. We have to be patient here with plans afoot to improve. GRADE: Coach: C+ Players: D+ Management C ADELAIDE (6-5) - 4th Here we find that student that’s a little rough around the edges, but is a cheeky loveable larrikin who can be volatile from time-to-time. You can tell he’s had a rough upbringing which is why he has that ‘edge’. The 36ers made a late coaching change that caught the locals off guard, with club legend Scott Ninnis shown the door. Ninnis was replaced by his new assistant, Mike Wells. The 36ers have one of the most electrifying backcourts with import guard Kendric Davis the League’s leading scorer and a serious MVP candidate. DJ Vasiljevic aka ‘The Human Torch’, is averaging 19 points. General Manager of Basketball, Matt Weston, pulled off one of the biggest coups in recent history securing former NBA 6th Man of the Year Montrezl Harrell who has 350 games of NBA experience. Harrell has brought a level of intensity and enthusiasm rarely seen but ... things got out of hand in their last game and suspensions are on the cards. While I can’t stand excuses, I also can’t handle a lack of discipline. GRADE: Coach: C+ Players: B+ Management: B PERTH (6-7) - 6th This student loves the finer things in life. He’s got the nicest car out of all his mates, the staff fawns over him, he gets extra sausage rolls from the canteen staff, and the gym coach lets him shoot around whenever he wants. If anyone criticises him, his parents, friends, and the whole neighbourhood comes running to his defence. Is he entitled? Maybe, but he’s worked hard and has set high standards to have what he has. The Wildcats still have the best player in the League in reigning MVP Bryce Cotton. Keanu Pinder has showed flashes of his best, but has been strangely inconsistent. Sometimes he’s in the starting five and other times he’s off the bench - STRANGE. Coach John Rillie signed a contract extension and has some exciting young talent in Elijah Pepper and Ben Henshall. They’ve been far too up and down, and have had some players open cans of whoop-ass on them (Goulding 46 and Batemon 51). The second half of the year needs some consistency across the board. GRADE: Coach: C- Players: C- Management A SYDNEY (7-6) - 5th His older siblings were high achievers, his parents went to the best school and now they’re donors. This student goes to the most prestigious school, has surfing classes and the school uniform comprises a shirt, tie, and blazer. This student always has his shirt tucked in and his expectations are high due to all the past family successes. The Kings were the raging-hot title favourite before the season began when they brought back league MVP Xavier Cooks on what’s been reported as the biggest deal in NBL history. Previous MVP Jaylen Adams also returned but the Kings have been like Forrest Gumps’ box of chocolates. Coach Brian Goorjian is the GOAT, and his team depth is extremely deep. Goorj is still tinkering with his rotations, but he’s struggling to get these dudes to play at a consistently high level. He even labelled them ‘entitled’ which doesn’t go down well with me. The talent is evident, but is the collective heart there? GRADE: Coach: C Players: C Management: B THE NBL Here’s a student who was ready to drop out of school a while ago, but has found a new mentor and has now gone on to higher learning and is considered a top student not only nationally, but internationally. HoopsFest was a great initiative to kick off the season in Perth but there are a couple of minor glitches to sort out including the timing. I think it could be a better event in January, but for the first try - it was a success. Larry Kestelman bought a big slice of the WNBL which is massive for the sport, and will provide those amazing women a chance to thrive. The commentary team added more firepower with Andrew Bogut, Bec Allen, Tom Abercrombie and Ariana Prather. But, there’s always room for improvement. The referees have gotta come down harder on all this sooking and whingin’ from the players and coaches. It was out of hand. Security near players’ benches needs to be looked at, and the Tribunal System (Good Grief) needs a complete overhaul. Lastly, that Damon Lowery guy needs to call more games and feature more in content. Grade: BUnpacking the Latest Options Trading Trends in Apple
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Wesley Bell drops nepotism case against St. Louis County councilman — for nowNEW YORK (AP) — Matt Zona's 15 points off the bench led Fordham to an 87-83 victory over Albany (NY) on Saturday. Zona shot 5 for 7, including 3 for 4 from beyond the arc for the Rams (8-5). Jahmere Tripp added 14 points while shooting 5 of 7 from the field and 3 for 3 from the line while they also had six rebounds and three steals. Jackie Johnson III shot 4 for 14 (1 for 5 from 3-point range) and 4 of 6 from the free-throw line to finish with 13 points. The Great Danes (7-7) were led by Amar'e Marshall, who recorded 24 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals. Albany (NY) also got 19 points, eight rebounds and two steals from Justin Neely. Byron Joshua finished with 16 points and five assists. Josh Rivera scored 11 points in the first half for Fordham, who led 46-35 at halftime. Fordham took the lead for good with 12:53 left in the second half on a 3-pointer from Zona to make it a 57-54 game. Fordham's next game is Tuesday against Saint Louis at home. Albany (NY) hosts Stony Brook on Sunday. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
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Why Luigi Mangione May Not Get $45,000 Donated to His Legal DefenseGeorgia's Dasha Vidmanova, Columbia's Michael Zheng win NCAA singles titles
