TORRANCE, Calif., Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Robinson Helicopter Company (RHC), the world’s leading manufacturer of civil helicopters, secured approval from EASA authority, Argentina, Japan, and India for its improved empennage on all Robinson helicopter models. This follows the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) prior approval of the same configuration for the R66 in 2023 and R44 and R22 in 2024. The new empennage includes a symmetrical horizontal stabilizer and tailcone, is now standard on all newly manufactured Robinson helicopters. Since securing approval from the FAA, the company has delivered nearly 700 retrofit kits, in addition to about 250 new production aircraft with the new empennage. Robinson Helicopter is currently offering a retrofit kit for existing R22, R44, and R66 aircraft at a discounted rate of $3,600 USD through the end of December 2025. Horizontal stabilizers can be purchased through authorized dealers, service centers, or by calling Robinson Helicopter customer service. The symmetrical horizontal stabilizer is a key improvement that enhances the safety and performance of Robinson helicopters. By improving roll stability, particularly during high-speed flights, it contributes to a smoother and safer flight experience. Additionally, the symmetrical stabilizer helps reduce the right-rolling tendency when the aircraft is operated outside of the approved flight envelope. “This is a significant milestone in our commitment to continuous safety, reliability, and customer satisfaction around the world,” said David Smith, president and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company. “This certification is a testament to our team’s tireless pursuit in enhancing the Robinson flying experience and setting new standards for safety and performance in the industry.” About Robinson Helicopter Company For more than 50 years, Robinson Helicopter Company has been at the forefront of the helicopter industry by delivering safety-enhancing technologies, including OEM-designed crash-resistant fuel cells, 4K cockpit video cameras, autopilot systems, and NVG-compatible cockpits. Robinson is committed to developing, manufacturing, and supporting the most reliable and efficient helicopters in the industry. For additional information, visit www.robinsonheli.com . Contact: Robyn E. Eagles Robyn.eagles@robinsonheli.com 323-547-5102 Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/97e6f39f-6622-4025-bce0-525932cca657 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/03fc0ff4-fd26-4c7b-a23d-41f34c25d5a0 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/be56e968-42b5-41df-b62a-a17690dc55f0 This press release was published by a CLEAR® Verified individual.My beautiful daughter died after relentless online bullies told her to kill herself...we need under 16 ban like AustraliaAmazon Goes All In: The Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer is Still at a Record Low Price After Black Friday
NEW YORK — Donald Trump used his image as a successful New York businessman to become a celebrity, a reality television star and eventually the president. Now he will get to revel in one of the most visible symbols of success in the city when he rings the opening bell of the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday as he’s also named Time Magazine’s Person of the Year. Trump is expected to be on Wall Street to mark the ceremonial start of the day’s trading, according to four people with knowledge of his plans. He will also be announced Thursday as Time’s 2024 Person of the Year, according to a person familiar with the selection. The people who confirmed the stock exchange appearance and Time award were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. It will be a notable moment of twin recognitions for Trump, a born-and-bred New Yorker who at times has treated the stock market as a measure of public approval and has long-prized signifiers of his success in New York’s business world and his appearances on the covers of magazines — especially Time. Trump was named the magazine’s Person of the Year in 2016, when he was first elected to the White House. He had already been listed as a finalist for this year’s award alongside Vice President Kamala Harris, X owner Elon Musk, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Kate, the Princess of Wales. Time declined to confirm the selection ahead of Thursday morning’s announcement. “Time does not comment on its annual choice for Person of the Year prior to publication,” a spokesperson for the magazine said Wednesday. The ringing of the bell is a powerful symbol of U.S. capitalism — and a good New York photo opportunity at that. Despite his decades as a New York businessman, Trump has never done it before. It was unclear whether Trump, a Republican, would meet with New York’s embattled mayor, Democrat Eric Adams , who has warmed to Trump and has not ruled out changing his political party. Adams has been charged with federal corruption crimes and accused of selling influence to foreign nationals; he has denied wrongdoing. Trump himself was once a symbol of New York, but he gave up living full-time in his namesake Trump Tower in Manhattan and moved to Florida after leaving the White House. CNN first reported Wednesday Trump’s visit to the stock exchange and Politico reported that Trump was expected to be unveiled as Time’s Person of the Year. The stock exchange regularly invites celebrities and business leaders to participate in the ceremonial opening and closing of trading. During Trump’s first term, his wife, Melania Trump, rang the bell to promote her “Be Best” initiative on children’s well-being. Last year, Time CEO Jess Sibley rang the opening bell to unveil the magazine’s 2023 Person of the Year: Taylor Swift . After the Nov. 5 election, the S&P 500 rallied 2.5% for its best day in nearly two years. The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged 1,508 points, or 3.6%, while the Nasdaq composite jumped 3%. All three indexes topped records they had set in recent weeks. The U.S. stock market has historically tended to rise regardless of which party wins the White House, with Democrats scoring bigger average gains since 1945. But Republican control could mean big shifts in the winning and losing industries underneath the surface, and investors are adding to bets built earlier on what the higher tariffs, lower tax rates and lighter regulation that Trump favors will mean. Trump has long courted the business community based on his own status as a wealthy real estate developer who gained additional fame as the star of the TV show “The Apprentice” in which competitors tried to impress him with their business skills. He won the election in part by tapping into Americans’ deep anxieties about an economy that seemed unable to meet the needs of the middle class. The larger business community has applauded his promises to reduce corporate taxes and cut regulations. But there are also concerns about his stated plans to impose broad tariffs and possibly target companies that he sees as not aligning with his own political interests. Trump spends the bulk of his time at his Florida home but was in New York for weeks this spring during his hush money trial there. He was convicted, but his lawyers are pushing for the case to be thrown out in light of his election. While he spent hours in a Manhattan courthouse every day during his criminal trial, Trump took his presidential campaign to the streets of the heavily Democratic city, holding a rally in the Bronx and popping up at settings for working-class New Yorkers: a bodega, a construction site and a firehouse. Trump returned to the city in September to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at his Manhattan tower and again in the final stretch of the presidential campaign when he held a rally at Madison Square Garden that drew immediate blowback for as speakers made rude and racist insults and incendiary remarks . At the stock exchange, the ringing of the bell has been a tradition since the 1800s. The first guest to do it was a 10-year-old boy named Leonard Ross, in 1956, who won a quiz show answering questions about the stock market. Many times, companies listing on the exchange would ring the bell at 9:30 a.m. to commemorate their initial offerings as trading began. But the appearances have become an important marker of culture and politics — something that Trump hopes to seize as he’s promised historic levels of economic growth. The anti-apartheid advocate and South African President Nelson Mandela rang the bell, as has Hollywood star Sylvester Stallone with his castmates from the film “The Expendables.” So, too, have the actors Robert Downey Jr. and Jeremy Renner for an “Avengers” movie and the Olympians Michael Phelps and Natalie Coughlin. In 1985, Ronald Reagan became the first sitting U.S. president to ring the bell. “With tax reform and budget control, our economy will be free to expand to its full potential, driving the bears back into permanent hibernation,” Reagan said at the time. “We’re going to turn the bull loose.” The crowd of traders on the floor chanted, “Ronnie! Ronnie! Ronnie!” The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed in 1985 and 1986, but it suffered a decline in October 1987 in an event known as “Black Monday.” Long reported from Washington. Associated Press writer Josh Boak in Washington contributed to this report.Matt Gaetz says he won't return to Congress next year after withdrawing name for attorney general WASHINGTON (AP) — Matt Gaetz is not coming back to Congress. The Florida Republican said Friday he has no intention of serving another term in the House now that he is no longer President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for attorney general. Gaetz withdrew as the nominee this week amid growing fallout from the allegations of sexual conduct against him. Gaetz denies the allegations. Gaetz didn't lay out his plans now that he's out of office, saying only, “I’m still going to be in the fight, but it’s going to be from a new perch." After Gaetz's withdrawal on Thursday, Trump named former Florida attorney general Pam Bondi to lead the Justice Department. Vance takes on a more visible transition role as he works to boost Trump's most controversial picks WASHINGTON (AP) — After several weeks working behind closed doors, Vice President-elect JD Vance returned to Capitol Hill this week in a new, more visible role. He's been helping Donald Trump’s most contentious Cabinet picks try to win confirmation in the Senate, where he has served for the last two years. Vance spent part of Wednesday at the Capitol with Rep. Matt Gaetz sitting in on meetings with Trump’s controversial choice for attorney general. On Thursday, Vance was back, this time accompanying Pete Hegseth. Vance is expected to accompany other nominees for meetings over the coming weeks as he tries to leverage the two years he has spent in the Senate to help push through Trump’s picks. Beyond evangelicals, Trump and his allies courted smaller faith groups, from the Amish to Chabad Donald Trump’s lock on the white evangelical vote is legendary, but he didn't focus exclusively on large religious voter blocs. He and his allies also wooed smaller religious groups, away from the mainstream. He posted a tribute to Coptic church members on social media and met with members of Assyrians for Trump — two smaller Christian communities with Middle Eastern roots. He visited the grave of the revered late leader of an Orthodox Jewish movement. His allies sought votes from the separatist Amish community. While Trump won decisively, the outreaches reflected aggressive campaigning in what was expected to be a tight race. NATO and Ukraine to hold emergency talks after Russia's attack with new hypersonic missile KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — NATO and Ukraine will hold emergency talks Tuesday after Russia attacked a central city with a hypersonic ballistic missile that escalated the nearly 33-month-old war. Ukraine's parliament canceled a session Friday over the security threat. In a stark warning to the West, President Vladimir Putin said in a nationally televised speech Thursday that the attack with the intermediate-range Oreshnik missile was retaliation for Kyiv’s use of U.S. and British longer-range missiles capable of striking deeper into Russian territory. Putin said Russia is launching production of the Oreshnik, saying it's so powerful that several of them fitted with conventional warheads could be as devastating as a strike with strategic — or nuclear — weapons. Texas education board approves optional Bible-infused curriculum for elementary schools AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas’ education board has voted to allow Bible-infused teachings in elementary schools. The approval Friday follows other Republican-led states that have pushed this year to give religion a larger presence in public classrooms. The curriculum adopted by the Texas State Board of Education is optional for schools to adopt, but they’ll receive additional funding if they do so. Parents and teachers who opposed the curriculum say the lessons will alienate students of other faith backgrounds. Supporters argue the Bible is a core feature of American history and that teaching it will enrich learning. 2 convicted in human smuggling case after Indian family froze to death on US-Canada border FERGUS FALLS, Minn. (AP) — A jury has convicted two men of charges related to human smuggling for their roles in an international operation that led to the deaths of a family of Indian migrants who froze while trying to cross the Canada-U.S. border during a 2022 blizzard. Harshkumar Ramanlal Patel and Steve Shand each faced four charges related to human smuggling before being convicted on Friday. Patel is an Indian national. Shand is an American from Florida. They were arrested after the family froze while trying to cross the desolate border during a 2022 blizzard. Northern California gets record rain and heavy snow. Many have been in the dark for days in Seattle FORESTVILLE, Calif. (AP) — A major storm with heavy snow and record rain that's moving through Northern California has toppled trees, closed roads and prompted evacuations in some areas after knocking out power to hundreds of thousands of people in Washington and Oregon. Forecasters warn that the risk of flash flooding and rockslides will continue through Friday. The National Weather Service has extended a flood watch for areas north of San Francisco as a plume of moisture known as an atmospheric river inundates Northern California and the Pacific Northwest. Up to 16 inches of rain is forecast in Northern California and southwestern Oregon. The storm system unleashed winds earlier this week that left two people dead and hundreds of thousands without power in Washington. Archaeologists discover 4,000-year-old canals used to fish by predecessors of ancient Maya WASHINGTON (AP) — Using drones and Google Earth imagery, archaeologists have discovered a 4,000-year-old network of earthen canals in what’s now Belize. The research published Friday in Science Advances shows that long before the ancient Maya built temples, their predecessors were already altering the landscape of Central America’s Yucatan peninsula. The ancient fish canals were used to channel and catch freshwater species such as catfish. These structures were used for around 1,000 years — including during the “formative” period when the Maya began to settle in permanent farming villages and a distinctive culture started to emerge. California case is the first confirmed bird flu infection in a US child Health officials are confirming bird flu in a California child — the first reported case in a U.S. minor. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced confirmatory test results on Friday. Officials say the child had mild symptoms, was treated with antiviral medication and is recovering. The child’s infection brings the reported number of U.S. bird flu cases this year to 55, including 29 in California. State officials have said the child lives in Alameda County, which includes Oakland, and attends day care, but released no other details. Giants release quarterback Daniel Jones just days after benching him EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — The Daniel Jones era in New York is over. The Giants quarterback was granted his release by the team just days after the franchise said it was benching him in favor of third-stringer Tommy DeVito. New York president John Mara said Jones approached the team about releasing him and the club obliged. Mara added he was “disappointed” at the quick dissolution of a once-promising relationship between Jones and the team. Giants coach Brian Daboll benched Jones in favor of DeVito following a loss to the Panthers in Germany that dropped New York's record to 2-8.
IRVING, Texas (AP) — The NFL will consider expanding replay assist to include facemask penalties and other plays. Officials have missed several obvious facemask penalties this season, including two in a three-week span during Thursday night games. “When we see it, because I see it like yourselves and the fans, I have an opportunity to see it from a different angle and see it from a slow-mo,” NFL executive Troy Vincent said Wednesday at the league’s winter meetings. “When you think about the position of where the officials are, things are happening so fast. Sometimes the facemask can be the same color as the gloves. There’s a lot happening. Concerning? Yes, because that’s a big miss. That’s a big foul. That’s why we would like to consider putting that for the membership to consider putting that foul category that we can see, putting that (penalty flag) on the field to help. There is a frustration, and we believe that is one category we can potentially get right." Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold was grabbed by his facemask and brought down in the end zone to end Minnesota’s comeback attempt against the Rams on Oct. 24. But there was no call. On Oct. 3, officials missed a facemask on Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving while he ran for 7 yards late in the fourth quarter. Tampa Bay instead was called for holding on the play, got forced out of field-goal range and Kirk Cousins rallied the Falcons to an overtime victory. “That is one this year, the facemask seems like it was the obvious one” Vincent said. “That keeps showing up.” Vincent also cited hits on a defenseless player, tripping, the fair catch, an illegal batted ball, an illegal double-team block, illegal formations on kickoffs and taunting as other areas that warrant consideration for replay assist. Current rules only allow replay assist to help officials pick up a flag incorrectly thrown on the field, or in assisting proper enforcement of a foul called on the field. The NFL’s Competition Committee will review potential recommendations for owners to vote on for expanding replay assist. Vincent was emphatic about the league’s desire to eliminate low blocks that could lead to serious injuries. “The low block below the knee needs to be removed from the game,” Vincent said. “You look at high school, you look at college, too. Every block should be above the knee, but below the neck. All the work that we’ve done for the head and neck area, all the things that we’ve taken out of the game, this is the right time for us to remove the low block out of the game. Be consistent with high school. Be consistent with college. Every block should be above the knee and below the neck.” The league will consider changes to the onside kick after dramatically overhauling the kickoff rule on a one-year basis. “We need to look at that. That’s a dead play,” Vincent said of the onside kick’s low success rate. “That is a ceremonial play. Very low recovery rate. When we look at the kickoff and maybe where the touchback area should be during the offseason, we need to revisit the onside kick.” Options include giving the team an opportunity to run one play to gain a certain number of yards to keep possession. The Washington Commanders’ search for a new stadium site includes options in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia, and work has escalated on one in particular. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and controlling owner Josh Harris met with lawmakers on Capitol Hill last week about the RFK Stadium site in Washington, which requires a bill getting through Congress to transfer the land to the District government before anything else can happen. “I think there’s a bipartisan support for this,” Goodell said, adding he’d like to see it get to a vote soon. “We hope that it will be addressed and approved so that it’s at least an alternative for the Commanders if we go forward. I grew up in Washington, and I know would be exciting for a lot of fans.” The NFL continues to discuss a potential 18-game season, but would need approval from the players’ union. “We are doing analysis I would say, but we are not finalizing any plans at this point,” Goodell said. “They’ll share that analysis with the players’ union, which would need to agree to any change.” AP Sports Writer Stephen Whyno contributed. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has taken a significant step in enhancing electricity supply with the commissioning of a 1×60/75 MVA 132/33KV power transformer at the 330/132/33kV Lekki Transmission Substation in Lagos State. Officially completed on December 19, 2024, this upgrade has expanded the substation’s capacity from 120MVA to an impressive 195MVA, enabling greater power distribution efficiency in the region. The announcement was made in a statement shared via the company’s official handle on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday. Related Stories TCN restores electricity in Bayelsa after 4-month blackout Lagos govt shuts businesses across Lekki, Victoria Island, others over noise, environmental infractions The upgraded capacity allows the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) to offtake a larger volume of bulk power, directly benefiting residents and businesses in New Maroko, Cheview Estate, parts of Lekki, and neighboring areas. This development promises more reliable electricity with reduced outages and improved voltage stability for thousands of consumers. Businesses within the Lekki axis, particularly those reliant on stable power supply, have welcomed the upgrade. A local business owner noted, “This initiative will significantly boost our operations, helping us reduce costs associated with alternative power sources.” The commissioning forms a vital part of the World Bank-funded initiative to modernize Nigeria’s electricity infrastructure. The project targets critical challenges in electricity transmission and distribution, aiming to create a more robust system capable of meeting the increasing power demands in urban and peri-urban regions across the country. Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, a TCN representative highlighted the importance of the project. “This achievement reflects our commitment to improving the quality and reliability of power supply while contributing to the socio-economic development of Nigeria,” the representative stated. The new transformer has been met with optimism by residents and businesses in the affected areas. Many believe that the increased power capacity will not only improve living standards but also stimulate economic activities within Lekki and its environs. Local resident Adaobi Chukwu remarked, “Reliable electricity has been a major challenge for us. This development is a much-needed relief, and we hope it is sustained.” The Lekki Transmission Substation project is one of many initiatives under the World Bank partnership with TCN. These efforts include capacity building, technology upgrades, and reinforcement of transmission networks across Nigeria. As the federal government ramps up investments in the energy sector, stakeholders have emphasized the need for sustained funding and strategic policies to overcome persistent challenges. With the completion of this project, TCN reaffirms its role as a key player in Nigeria’s energy sector, steadily advancing toward a stable, efficient, and sustainable electricity grid. This upgrade not only addresses immediate power needs but also lays the groundwork for future expansions to accommodate the rapid growth in Lagos and other parts of the country. TCN Lagos Region Commissions New 1×60/75MVA, 132/33KV Power Transformer at Lekki 330/132/33kV Transmission Substation. The Lagos Region of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has successfully commissioned a new 1×60/75 MVA 132/33KV Power Transformer at its 330/132/33kV Lekki Transmission Substation in Lagos State, effective December 19, 2024. The commissioning of the new transformer has increased the substation’s capacity from 120MVA to 195MVA. This upgrade enables Eko Electricity Distribution Company to offtake more bulk power, which will benefit customers in New Maroko, Cheview Estate, parts of Lekki, and surrounding areas. This project is part of the ongoing World Bank-funded initiatives aimed at improving power supply in Nigeria.From burn marks on her leg to teachers spotting bruises – 15 missed chances to save murdered Sara SharifAfter battling advanced prostate cancer for a decade, Jim Larson said his doctor recommended he try a new treatment. Pluvicto is the brand name for a treatment that kills cancer cells with the radioactive isotope lutetium-177. Pharmaceutical company Novartis offers the treatment at $27,000 per dose — putting the average five-dose treatment at $135,000. "I was all ready to go. We were excited," he said. "But there's no money now to pay for the drug from the government. And without that, it's not going to go anywhere." Earlier this month, the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA) — which negotiates drug prices for provincial, territorial and federal public health plans — ended talks with Novartis, even though the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health recommends provinces cover Pluvicto treatments. Now, hundreds of eligible patients will need to pay thousands of dollars to access the treatment. Larson is calling for pCPA and Novartis to get back to the table and for the federal government to cover Pluvicto for eligible patients. "If this doesn't happen within the next few months, we're going to start to lose people," he said. "People are going to die." According to the B.C. Cancer Agency, about 3,500 British Columbians are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year, and in 2021 alone, 705 people died from the disease. Pluvicto is one of the few lutetium-177 cancer treatments approved in Canada. The compound is injected intravenously and circulates around a patient's body until it encounters a prostate cancer cell. Then, it attaches itself to the cell before it disintegrates, emitting a beta particle which shreds DNA in the nucleus of the cancer cell — usually killing it. Dr. Philip Cohen, a Metro Vancouver-based nuclear medicine researcher, said the treatment sometimes targets salivary glands and tear ducts, leaving patients with a dry mouth. He said patients often show less severe side effects compared to chemotherapy, which can leave patients feeling nauseous and tired. He said Pluvicto is one of about 20 new compounds reaching Canada's drug approval process that aim to treat cancer in a similar way. Mina Bechai, the CEO and Founder of Initio Medical, a private facility in Burnaby, B.C., where patients can access the treatment, said treatments like the lutetium-177 injection are promising. "They have been very effective, but it all depends on the intervention time," he said. "If you get into it too late, then you won't really be able to help those patients." He said the treatment could help hundreds of cancer survivors, but the high cost prevents many patients from accessing Pluvicto. "Patients have to self-fund their own treatment. That's the sad part," he said. "We've got to do whatever we have to do to make options available." Health Canada first approved Pluvicto in 2022. In B.C., cancer treatments are covered through the B.C. Cancer Agency, which has no compassionate supply of Pluvicto. A spokesperson for B.C. Cancer said after negotiations between the pCPA and Novartis collapsed, British Columbians would have to access the drug through third-party insurance or by paying for the treatment at a private facility. Dominic Tan, acting pCPA CEO, said the alliance ended negotiations over the Pluvicto when it decided Novartis's best offer for the cost of the drug was higher than the pCPA assessed it was worth. "Despite a significant shift from the pCPA to compromise on price, during the many months of negotiation, the price gap for the drug remains too wide," Tan said in an emailed statement. "The pCPA has a responsibility to ensure that the price it negotiates for a drug is consistent with the evidence of its clinical benefit to patients and sustainable for the health system as a whole." Tan said the alliance was disappointed by the result of the negotiation and recognizes the decision may also disappoint the patients, families and caregivers who were awaiting its results. He said the pCPA is willing to head back to negotiations. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Novartis, said the company was also disappointed by the decision. "We have heard from physicians, physician associations, and patient groups ... who need options that will allow them not only to live longer but also preserve quality of life so they can continue to celebrate important milestones with loved ones," a spokesperson said in an email. Novartis said the average treatment is 4.54 doses. Each dose of Pluvicto must be made to order and requires a highly specialized manufacturing and distribution process to ensure each patient gets the right dose at the right time, which factors into the cost of the treatment, Novartis said. It said it is prepared to pursue all available options to ensure eligible patients can access the treatment. But that's not enough for Larson. He's calling for both sides to get back to the table and come to an agreement. "Nobody wins when you walk away. Everybody loses. Get back to that table, Negotiate until you have a deal."
NASHVILLE, Tenn (AP) — Josh Heupel made clear his No. 7 Tennessee Volunteers couldn't have started their regular season finale any worse giving up 14 points within the first five minutes. The Vols showed they can finish, which has them on the verge of hosting a College Football Playoff game. Nico Iamaleava threw for 257 yards and four touchdowns rallying Tennessee to routing in-state rival Vanderbilt 36-23 Saturday. “Finishing the way that we needed to and that we wanted to always is sweet, and these guys earned the right for this to be a big game," Heupel said. "They went out, they took it.” The Volunteers (10-2, 6-2 Southeastern Conference; No. 8 CFP) needed a big victory to impress the College Football Playoff committee. They beat Vanderbilt (6-6, 3-5) for a sixth straight season leaving the Commodores needing to win their bowl game to post their first winning record since 2013. Better yet, the Vols rebounded from a nightmare start giving up the first 14 points by scoring 29 straight points. They led 24-17 at halftime on Iamaleava's first three TD passes. “Once they took the momentum, we kind of allowed them to have it for the rest of the game," Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea said. "And you got to credit Tennessee. I mean, obviously, they were playing for the playoffs and credit coach Heupel and his team for their winning performance.” Junior Sherrill returned the opening kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown for Vanderbilt to stun a mostly orange crowd. Dylan Sampson fumbled on the Vols’ second play from scrimmage, and Sedrick Alexanader's 4-yard TD run on a 26-yard drive put Vandy up 14-0 quickly. Then Iamaleava got Tennessee going with a 28-yard TD pass to Dont’e Thornton Jr. Tennessee got a break when Max Gilbert's 50-yard field goal bounced off the crossbar and over. Iamaleava found Thornton again on an 86-yard catch-and-run TD, then he tossed an 18-yard TD pass to Miles Kitselman. “Nico I just thought played really well throughout the course of the football game ...,” Heupel said. An early interception remained on Iamaleava's mind postgame. He also scrambled six times for 42 yards and wasn't sacked once. “I still feel like I can do better,” Iamaleava said. Iamaleava capped the opening drive of the third quartewith a 14-yard TD pass to Mike Matthews. The Vols added a safety by Tyre West and another Gilbert field goal. Diego Pavia threw a 31-yard TD pass to Richie Hoskins late with Vandy's 2-point conversion failing for the final margin. Tennessee shook off yet another slow start. The Vols may move up a spot or two . The biggest question is whether the Vols get to host a playoff game at Neyland Stadium where they went undefeated. Tennessee put together TD drives of 91 and 96 yards in the first half. The Vols then beat Vandy at its own game of keepaway after not even managing 10 minutes of possession in the first half. They finished with the edge in that stat outgaining Vandy 538-212. Vanderbilt had some of the best offensive success against Tennessee in the first half of any opponent this season. The Commodores had 114 yards rushing and 17 points by halftime against a defense that came in ranked sixth nationally allowing just 98.8 yards a game. The Vols also held 10 opponents under 20 points this season. Lea said the Commodores ran just 11 plays to Tennessee's 44 after halftime. The Tennessee running back, who set the program record with 22 rushing TDs this season, didn't reach the end zone for the first time this season. Sampson finished with 178 yards rushing to reach 1,485 yards for the season, topping the school mark of 1,464 set by Travis Stephens in 2001. “I don’t know if anybody’s played the position better than he has this year,” Heupel said of a running back who wasn't among the Doak Walker finalists. “He’s special. He's dynamic.” Tennessee waits to hear its spot in the CFP field, while Vanderbilt learns its bowl destination Dec. 8. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football.
Gamefam closes year of growth with 5 of top 15 branded games on RobloxCabinet approval has been granted to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Government of India to facilitate cooperation in sharing successful digital solutions for digital transformation, Cabinet Spokesman and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa announced. Addressing the media during the weekly Cabinet briefing at the Government Information Department, Minister Jayatissa stated that the partnership would enable Sri Lanka to benefit from India’s expertise in e-governance, financial technology strategies, Artificial Intelligence and digital infrastructure. As a global leader in information technology and digital innovation, India’s specialist knowledge is expected to significantly contribute to Sri Lanka’s digital transformation efforts. A preliminary agreement has already been reached to sign the MoU between Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Digital Economy and India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. This collaboration aims to foster institutional cooperation between the two countries, particularly in building the capacity of officers and implementing digital transformation solutions. Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his capacity as the Digital Economy Minister to proceed with signing the proposed MoU.
NFL will consider replay assist for facemask penalties and other plays
