The return of the USA to the moon with NASA's Artemis program won't be only a walk within the park. Instead, it can be a deadly journey to a lunar site that represents probably the most extreme environments within the solar system.

For the astronauts of the Artemis program, walking on the moon requires recent ways of pondering, the most recent technology and revolutionary approaches to improving boot and spacesuit design.

The Apollo program's trips to the moon 50 years ago They were all within the milder, equatorial regions of the moon's surface, where the good temperatures reached -9 degrees Fahrenheit (-23 degrees Celsius).

In contrast, the Artemis missions are intended to take astronauts to the outermost polar regions of the moon, where Temperatures can reach as little as -369 degrees Fahrenheit (-223 degrees Celsius). Apollo-era equipment designed for short-term stays in a temperate zone won’t be sufficient for longer stays on this recent, more hostile region.

At the University of North Dakota we give attention to Biomechanics, the study of human movement. Our research explores the results of maximum environments on human movement patterns and gaits, and our laboratory is conducting research that we hope will someday help astronauts explore the moon while protecting their bodies.

New boots for the moon

Of all of the equipment astronauts have to explore the moon, probably the most vital pieces is the boots they use extra-board activity – as they leave their spaceship and hop across the lunar landscape. These boots have to face up to it harsh environmental conditions unique to the lunar south pole.

Since the lunar poles are much colder than other lunar regions, the boots must retain heat effectively. The current version of the Lunar Boot uses a rigid thermal platewhich is often integrated into the only of the boot. The plate is stable and doesn’t bend or bend. These plates weren’t used on the previous Apollo missions.

Although it’s crucial to maintain astronauts' feet warm, this addition to the boot prevents the footwear from flexing. The stiff sole restricts the natural movement of the foot, especially in the massive toe joint the metatarsophalangeal areaor MTP joint. The MTP joint flexes and bends to permit normal gait patterns during walking and running.

The windlass mechanism

When walking, the MTP joint allows your big toe to increase forward. Extension of the massive toe triggers a mechanism within the foot that converts the flexible landing foot right into a ridged impact foot just as you're about to push forward to take a step. This mechanism allows the foot to turn out to be rigid and support your body weight as you stride. Kinesiologists call this mechanism the windlass mechanism.

The windlass mechanism shouldn’t be well studied – especially under the lunar gravity. If this mechanism is crucial to walking around on the moon, stopping an astronaut's feet from bending may very well be an issue.

There are one million little details that need to be right for a lunar mission to achieve success – how flexible the only of the boots researchers use is only one that would ultimately affect their health on the moon.

While an astronaut ought to be wonderful within the short term – days or perhaps weeks – in the event that they stay on the moon for months, astronauts could develop a foot injury that would affect other parts of their body.

Kinesiologists like to check the human body as a kinetic chain. This implies that should you injure any a part of your lower body, your upper body takes on the burden of a lot of its functions. An issue that begins within the foot can affect the way in which an individual walks and stands, resulting in further injuries within the kinetic chain through compensatory mechanisms.

So, the kinetic chain describes how an injury within the lower body can result in chronic injuries in several other joints higher up within the body.

As NASA works to send astronauts back to the moon, researchers have to learn more about lunar walk to know how the foot reacts because it moves under the moon's gravity. What they learn will help designers further perfect spacesuit designs.

By planning ahead, you may save as much as $50 per visit in your outdoor adventures this yr.

Here is the information that Every national park within the country Visits will probably be free in 2025. You don't need a pass, but some require advance reservations. (See below)

You must go recreation.gov and seek for the park you wish and “Timed Entry” to seek out reservation information.

Reservations are only required during peak visitor times, which vary by park. For example, Arches National Park in Utah would require a timed entry reservation between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. starting in April this yr. If you don’t receive a reservation or are not looking for to pay reservation fee of $2 recreation.govyou then can simply enter the park before 7 a.m. or after 4 p.m. or enter on foot or by bike. Occasionally, as in Yosemite throughout the holidays, reservation conditions apply 24 hours a day, so do your research.

Remember that today off are highly regarded. Be sure to get there at dawn so you’ve got more time for yourself.

But where to? Well, you could possibly hike there Yosemite, Sequoia or Battlements National Parks if you wish to stay in California.

If you've never been there Pinnacles National ParkI like to recommend checking it out. It's something of a hidden gem.

However, once I benefit from today, I head to Joshua Tree within the desert towards Palm Springs.

I like to recommend going before dawn – I do know that’s just crazy, but hear me out. If you permit your own home in the dead of night, you may watch the sun rise over the desert, which is at all times dramatic.

Then eat the snack you brought with you (you brought a snack and water, right?) and head out to some mountaineering trails. You can get a map of the park from the ranger. If you get there before the rangers get there, you may download them at NPS.gov.

And be sure that you’ve got gas, food and water because there aren’t any facilities within the park.

When the remaining of the hikers stream into the park, that's your cue to move out, have a pleasant, relaxing lunch, after which head home, perhaps stopping for a swim at Desert Hot Springs.

Enjoy! nps.gov/planyourvisit/fee-free-parks.htm

Originally published: January 16, 2025 at 10:28 am PST

How does short-term PTSD differ from long-term?

Post-traumatic stress disorderPTSD or PTSD is a mental illness that develops after exposure to a life-threatening event corresponding to a forest fire, a automotive accident, a physical attack, or a fight. This results in the event of characteristic symptoms that appear or worsen after the trauma remain in place for no less than a month.

Symptoms range from nightmares about reliving the event to feelings of guilt and hopelessness, or hypervigilance, meaning one must continually be on guard against future threats. Symptoms may additionally include difficulty sleeping and avoiding certain triggers or reminders of the event. Another necessary point is that these symptoms must even be accompanied by significant distress or some disruption in an individual's life, corresponding to disruption to relationships, work, school, or self-care.

What are possible early signs of acute stress or PTSD?

While it's incredibly stressful during this acute phase of fighting fires, first responders are trained to maintain their heads down and get through really difficult events. That doesn't mean it won't affect you, but you might not notice many symptoms within the immediate phase.

But that doesn't mean that symptoms corresponding to sadness, irritability or persistent sleep disorders can't occur. In the long run, some may develop post-traumatic stress disorder. Therefore, it will be important that individuals concentrate to their mental health and that of others around them.

The most vital thing to concentrate to is any notable changes. The ways by which people experience and reply to trauma are diverse and subsequently there isn’t any concrete formula. It is crucial to be alert to notable changes in others. For example, does someone eat roughly? Do you sleep roughly? Are they becoming more moody than before? Are you drinking more alcohol? And are they meeting friends less? Are they participating less in activities they once enjoyed? If you notice someone experiencing these changes, reach out to them and offer support.

One of the explanations PTSD symptoms are so worrisome is since it is certainly one of the few mental illnesses that might be predicted very reliably Suicidal thoughts and behavior. Therefore, it is de facto necessary to acknowledge the signs early to forestall progression.

What about other stress symptoms which are different from PTSD?

It is very important to emphasise that it’s normal for people to feel sad, indignant, and anxious after a disaster or other traumatic event.

That is, there may be a so-called mental illness acute stress disorder This could be very much like PTSD. While PTSD symptoms must persist for no less than a month, acute stress disorder might be diagnosed if symptoms persist for no less than three days and as much as a month after a traumatic event. In these cases, symptoms corresponding to nightmares, persistent low mood, irritability, sleep disorders or similar complaints may occur.

This diagnosis opens up the potential of certain treatments being reimbursed by insurance and certain profit pathways. Many individuals with acute stress disorder experience temporary stress reactions that don’t result in PTSD; nevertheless, about half of individuals with PTSD You initially suffer from an acute stress disorder.

Do early symptoms of PTSD all the time result in long-term symptoms?

This is a very necessary query. When an individual's world as they knew it’s torn apart and turned the wrong way up – as was the case with the Southern California fires – it’s normal to expect changes in the best way people think, feel or act. Sadness is normal. Fear is normal. Most individuals who experience these changes improve inside just a few weeks, and most of the people don’t develop mental illnesses corresponding to PTSD.

There are many alternative courses that individuals take with their symptoms. Many people improve with time. Time is an incredible healer – and The same applies to social support.

However, if symptoms persist, contacting a mental health skilled is crucial.

First responders have a better prevalence of PTSD than the overall population. Up to twenty% of first responders to natural disasters corresponding to wildfires can develop post-traumatic stress disorder.

Importantly, the chance increases if the firefighter works in the neighborhood by which he lives and can be affected in his personal life.

What treatment options are there for PTSD?

There are Very good treatments that workand PTSD doesn't should be a life sentence. Treatment options include: Medication and psychotherapy. Some people may profit from mobile health applications like “PTSD coach“, which is freely accessible.

The National Center for PTSDwhich is an element of the Department of Veterans Affairs, also offers helpful resources for members of the family and family members of somebody who could also be affected by PTSD.

Winter weather This often results in flight delays and cancellations. While airlines cannot control the weather, they’re required within the United States to make refunds to customers whose flights have been canceled. Here's what you need to learn about your rights and what you need to know if cancellations pile up:

Keep an eye fixed on the weather forecasts

Check this before heading to the airport

It's higher to be stuck at home or in a hotel than to be stuck in an airport terminal. So use the airline's app or flight web sites to make certain your flight continues to be running before you head to the airport. Airlines typically cancel flights hours and even days before departure.

My flight was canceled, what now?

If you're already on the airport, it's time to search out one other flight. Get in line to talk with a customer support representative and call or log on to get in contact with the airline's reservation staff. It also helps to get in contact via X, the web site formerly referred to as Twitter.

Most airlines will rebook you on a later flight at no additional cost. However, this depends upon the provision of free places. The excellent news for winter travelers is that they’ve a greater probability of finding a seat in January than in the course of the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, when passengers can wait days for a seat.

Can I request a booking with one other airline?

This is feasible, however the airline shouldn’t be obliged to place you on one other airline's flight. Some airlines, including the most important except Southwest, say they’ll refer you to a partner airline, but even then it's often a coincidence. Jeff Klee, CEO of CheapAir.com, really useful in search of alternative flights whilst you wait to talk with an agent.

Am I entitled to a refund?

If you not want to travel or have found one other strategy to get to your destination, the airline is legally obliged to refund your money, even in the event you purchased a non-refundable ticket. It doesn't matter why the flight was canceled.

“They can’t give you a coupon, you can get your money back,” Thrifty Traveler editor-in-chief Kyle Potter told The Associated Press last yr. “This means you will have to cancel your entire reservation, but this could be an easy option for some travelers – especially if you end up booking a flight with a different airline.”

You are also entitled to a refund for any baggage fees, seat upgrades or other extras that you simply didn’t reap the benefits of.

Can I get compensation?

U.S. airlines will not be required to pay stranded passengers money compensation and canopy room and board, even when the flight cancellation is on account of the airline's fault – reminiscent of a scarcity of crew, a mechanical problem that grounds the plane , or a pc failure That brings the airline to a standstill.

The Biden administration said last month it was working on it a suggestion to vary that. Such a regulation would make U.S. policy more just like airline consumer protections in Europe and go far beyond current requirements for American airlines Issue ticket refunds.

With just two weeks until President Joe Biden leaves office, the fate of additional airline regulations rests within the hands of President-elect Donald Trump's administration.

What else will the airlines cover?

Each airline has its own policies. The U.S. Department of Transportation has an internet site where consumers can see this Commitments that each airline makes for refunds and to cover other costs if flights are canceled or significantly delayed.

More suggestions

If the weather forecast is worrisome, consider booking a alternative flight, says Thrifty Traveler editor Potter. Some airlines stand out as potential alternative airlines because they provide customers a full refund so long as they cancel inside 24 hours of booking.

If many flights are canceled, airline agents will soon be overwhelmed. If you’re in a gaggle and someone is at the next level within the airline's frequent flyer program, call the airline on the number assigned to that person. You can even try calling your airline's international helpline – often available online – as these agents can even make changes to your itinerary.

Be nice. The agent you're talking to probably deals with plenty of other frustrated travelers too, and yelling on the agent won't make them need to allow you to. The cancellation shouldn’t be her fault.

Originally published: January 6, 2025 at 12:24 pm PST

Bright ideas

Saturday December twenty first is the shortest day of the 12 months, so we thought it might be a very good time to learn the history of sunshine bulbs.

RELATED: Livermore's 123-year-old Centennial light bulb lights up

We go right into a dark room, activate a lightweight switch and think nothing of it. But you're benefiting from considered one of the best inventions of all time. The light bulb led to recent breakthroughs in energy, from power plants and power transmission lines to household appliances and electric motors. Research into light bulbs began greater than 150 years ago and like most great inventions, the sunshine bulb can’t be attributed to a single inventor. It was a series of small improvements over the ideas of previous inventors that led to the sunshine bulbs we use in our homes today. Here is a timeline of key events and the evolution of our lighting. If you possibly can't read the graphic, see the text below.

Learn more about global energy trends Here.

1803 – 1809: First arc lamp manufactured

1835: First constant electric light demonstrated

James Bowman Lindsay demonstrated constant electric light at a public meeting in Scotland. Some consider him to be the inventor of the sunshine bulb.

1850 – 1859: Lightning in a tube

In the nineteenth century, two Germans discovered that they may produce light by removing just about all the air from a protracted glass tube and passing an electrical current through it. They are called Geissler tubes and have change into the premise of many lighting technologies, including fluorescent lamps.

1877 – 1885: Competition for the sunshine bulb intensified

Inventors world wide—including William Sawyer and Albon Man within the United States and Joseph Swan in England—worked to develop an electrical light bulb.

1882: Development of the lighting system

Focusing on the whole lighting network, Thomas Edison demonstrated with the Holborn Viaduct in London that it was possible to distribute electricity from a centrally positioned generator and developed the primary industrial electricity supplier in Lower Manhattan.

1901: Forerunner of fluorescent lamps

Peter Cooper Hewitt produced a blue-green light by passing electric current through mercury vapor. Because of the colour, the lights had few suitable uses, but were considered one of the precursors to fluorescent lighting.

1904: Out with the carbon filament and in with tungsten

In 1904, incandescent lamps with tungsten filaments got here onto the European market. These lamps lasted longer, were brighter and more efficient than carbon filament lamps.

1908: Edison screws

Part of Edison's contribution to the sunshine bulb was the socket he developed, now called the Edison screw. It was probably the most commonly used light bulb socket until 1908 and is now used for just about all residential lighting applications.

1913: The efficiency of incandescent lamps doubled

Irving Langmuir discovered that filling a lightweight bulb with inert gas-like nitrogen as an alternative of sucking out the air doubled the bulb's efficiency.

1926 – 1934: Neon tubes

In the late Nineteen Twenties and early Nineteen Thirties, European researchers conducted experiments with neon tubes coated with phosphors. News of those experiments helped stimulate research into fluorescent lighting within the United States

1951: Fluorescent lamps overtake incandescent lamps

By 1951, more light within the United States was produced by linear fluorescent lamps than incandescent lamps – a change sparked by the necessity for efficient lighting during World War II.

1962: The first light-emitting diode (LED) is invented

While working for General Electric, Nick Holonyak Jr. invented the primary visible spectrum LED in the shape of red diodes. Next, vibrant yellow and green diodes were invented.

1973: Energy shouldn’t be low-cost

The 1973 oil crisis marked a turning point in U.S. energy consumption as energy was not low-cost. Researchers rose to the challenge and started developing fluorescent lamps for residential use.

1976: Fluorescent lamps tackle a spiral shape

In 1976, Edward Hammer of General Electric discovered methods to bend the fluorescent tube right into a spiral, creating the primary compact fluorescent lamp.

1978: LEDs appear in consumer products

As researchers improved red diodes and their manufacturing, corporations began incorporating them into consumer products akin to calculator displays and indicator lights.

1985: The first compact fluorescent lamp comes onto the market

The first compact fluorescent bulbs got here available on the market within the mid-Eighties and value $25 to $35 per bulb.

1994: First blue, then white LEDs

The invention of the blue diode within the Nineteen Nineties quickly led to the invention of white LEDs. Shortly thereafter, researchers demonstrated white light using red, green and blue LEDs. This results in the event of high definition flat screen televisions.

2000: The Department of Energy works to advance LEDs

In 2000, the Department of Energy partnered with the private sector to advance white LED technology by developing a high-efficiency LED package.

2002 – 2008: The first LED light bulb for personal households comes onto the market

Until 2008, there have been few LED alternative bulbs available on the market, and most were 25-40 watts.

2012: 49 million LED products installed

In 2012 alone, greater than 49 million LED products were installed within the United States, saving roughly $675 million in annual energy costs.

2013: CFLs for just $1.74

Nearly 30 years after CFLs were introduced to the market, their cost has fallen to only $1.74 per bulb. They also use about 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last about ten times longer.

2013: LED costs drop dramatically

Since 2008, the price of LED bulbs has fallen by greater than 85%, and recently several retailers have announced that they’ll sell LEDs for $10 or less.

Originally published: December 22, 2024 at 7:54 am PST

Imagine this: two days before your loved ones gathering, you receive a text message about an internet order you placed per week ago saying that the package is at your door. It comes with a photograph – of another person's door. If you click on the attached link you’ll go to the web shop where you enter your username and password. Somehow this doesn't work regardless that you answered your security questions.

Frustrated, you call customer support. They inform you that you simply don't should worry as your package remains to be on the best way. You receive your package a day later and forget all the trouble. In the tip it was only a mistake.

They are unaware of the terrible things happening within the background.

You fell for a classic parcel delivery scamand a type of “smishingor SMS phishing. And you should not alone. One in three Americans have turn out to be victims of cybercrime, in accordance with a survey from 2023. That's above 1 of 4 in 2018. How Cybersecurity ResearcherWe need to spread the message to assist people protect themselves.

Old-fashioned threats haven't gone away — identity thieves still steal wallets, dive into dumpsters for private information and steal cards from ATMs — however the Internet has made fraud easier than ever.

Digital threats include Phishing attacks who use fake emails and web sites, Data breaches at large corporations, Malware that steals your dataAnd unsecured Wi-Fi networks in public places.

An entire latest world of scams

Generative AI – artificial intelligence that generates text, images and other things – has improved dramatically in recent times. This is great for scammers attempting to earn money throughout the holiday season.

Consider online shopping. In some cases, scammers create deepfake videos with fake testimonials from satisfied “customers” to deceive unsuspecting buyers. Scam victims may encounter these videos on cloned versions of legitimate web sites, social media platforms, messaging apps, and forums.

Also generate scammers AI cloned voices of social media influencers They appear to support counterfeit products and create convincing but fraudulent shopping web sites full of AI-generated product photos and reviews. Some scammers use AI to impersonate legitimate brands through personalized phishing emails and pretend customer support interactions. Because AI-generated content can appear surprisingly authentic, it has turn out to be harder for consumers to differentiate legitimate online shops from sophisticated scams.

But that's not all. “Family emergency scam“Exploiting people’s emotional vulnerability through deepfake technology.” Scammers use AI to clone the voices of relations, especially children, after which place panic-inducing calls to relatives they claim are in deep trouble and wish immediate financial help.

Some scammers join forces Voice deepfakes with AI generated video clips show the “loved one” in obvious distress. These manufactured emergency scenarios often involve hospital bills, bail bonds, or ransom demands that have to be paid immediately. The fraudster also can use AI to impersonate authority figures corresponding to doctors, law enforcement officials and lawyers so as to add credibility to the scheme.

Because the voice sounds authentic and the emotional manipulation is intense, even cautious people may be caught off guard and make rash decisions.

How to guard yourself

Protecting yourself from scams requires a layered defense strategy.

When shopping from official web sites, confirm merchants by fastidiously checking the URL – it should start with the letters “HTTPS” – and closely examining the location's design and content. Since fake web sites often provide fake contact information, it might be idea to envision the “Contact Us” section. Before making purchases on unknown web sites, confer with the corporate on legitimate review platforms and check its physical address.

It's necessary to maintain all software up so far, including your operating system, browser, apps and antivirus software. Updates often contain security patches that close vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit.

For more information in regards to the importance of software updates and learn how to manage them, see resources corresponding to StaySafeOnline or on the official website of your device manufacturer. Regular updates are an important step in maintaining a protected online shopping experience.

Make sure you simply provide the crucial information when purchasing – keep in mind that nobody needs your Social Security number to sell you a sweater. And keeping track of your bank statements can assist you to spot unauthorized activity early. It may look like one other chore, and it probably is, but that's the fact of our digital world.

To protect yourself from scams during family emergencies, arrange family verification codes or a protected word or security questions that only real relations know. If you receive a distressed call from family members, remain calm and take time to evaluate the situation by contacting relations directly using known and trusted phone numbers. Inform your family members about these scams and encourage them to never send money without first confirming the emergency with other relations or authorities through verified channels.

If you discover your identity has been stolen, time is of the essence. Your first steps ought to be to contact your banks and bank card corporations immediately, file a fraud alert with the credit bureaus, and… file a report with the Federal Trade Commission and your local police.

In the next days, you will have to alter all passwords, check your credit reports, and consider the next Credit freezeand document every part. Although this process may be overwhelming and very cumbersome, acting quickly can significantly limit the damage.

It's necessary to not sleep so far on AI fraud tactics through reputable cybersecurity resources. Reporting suspected fraud to the suitable authorities not only protects you, but in addition helps protect others. A key takeaway is that vigilance is critical to countering these threats.

Education helps communities defend themselves against digital threats. More importantly, it can be crucial to know that today's scams can’t be in comparison with yesterday's scams.

Recognizing the signs of fraud can result in a stronger defense this holiday season. As you develop your threat detection techniques, don't forget to share them together with your family and friends.

Who knows? You could save someone from becoming a victim.

Patriots

The Patriots appear to have found each a franchise QB in Drake Maye and a proven No. 1 cornerback in Christian Gonzalez.

But New England still lacks multiple playmakers on each side because the Patriots look to place together a competitive roster in the approaching years.

The Patriots can have the chance so as to add one other blue-chip prospect to their profile list in the approaching months via the 2025 NFL Draft.

While this current draft class is probably not as deep as last 12 months's, New England must be well-positioned so as to add probably the greatest players to this current group of prospects – especially for the reason that Patriots aren't on the lookout for one QB like Cam are Ward or Shedeur Sanders.

But with the Patriots – is currently ranked third overall – Who should the team prioritize coming into play at the tip of April on condition that there are several holes of their roster?

Here's the newest NFL mock draft recap and who experts have tipped to be New England's first-round pick.

Field Yates, ESPN: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado

Given that New England could each use one other corner to pair with Gonzalez, an explosive playmaker on offense, Yates believes New England should goal the reigning Heisman Trophy winner in Hunter.

“Hunter is the most electrifying player in his class and the highest-ranked young player on my list. “He has the ability to make a difference on both sides of the ball,” Yates wrote. “He has rare acceleration and elite playmaking qualities as a receiver, but I also see lockdown coverage skills – including elite ball skills and instincts – as a cornerback.” Keep in mind that on offense, he doesn't just rank sixth in receiving yards ( 1,152) and second in TD catches (14), but additionally has 4 interceptions and 10 pass breakups on defense.”

While Hunter offers essentially the most potential, Yates was candid in acknowledging that New England is likely to be tempted to focus on its offensive line with the No. 3 pick.

“The Patriots have a significant need at left tackle, so targeting someone like Kelvin Banks Jr. out of Texas is at least a talking point,” Yates added. “But when you consider the gaps at receiver and cornerback opposite Christian Gonzalez, Hunter is too good to pass up.”

Rob Rang, FOX Sports: Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State

While many of the discussion about New England's draft needs has centered around tackles and pass catchers, Rang believes a disruptive pass rusher like Carter is likely to be too good to pass up for the Patriots at No. 3 overall.

“No one needs to tell Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo the impact quality defensive backs can have on a franchise,” Rang wrote. “Carter has the most explosive first step of anyone in this class. Combine him with rising star Keion White, and the Patriots could have the makings of a dominant defensive line.”

Joseph Acosta, SB Nation: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado

“I think New England would make a run for the podium if the board fell like that,” Acosta wrote. “Hunter is an electric talent who would be a good receiver but could be an incredible cornerback with his instincts and ball skills. A duo of Hunter and Christian Gonzalez would be one of the best young duos in the NFL.”

Daniel Flick, Sports Illustrated: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado

“The Patriots need to surround rookie quarterback Drake Maye with better players,” Flick wrote. “New England is last in the league in passing offense, averaging just 170 yards per game, and needs help on its offensive line and positional talent.

“How special is Hunter? He ranks in the top six in the country in receptions (92), receiving yards (1,152) and receiving touchdowns (14), and no one is sure whether he's better suited as a receiver or cornerback at the next level. He has intercepted four passes this fall, two of them in his last three games. No matter where the Patriots take him, he will be a star.”

Josh Edwards, CBS Sports: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

Edwards has the Patriots sign one other impact receiver within the 6-foot-2 McMillan, who has drawn comparisons to Mike Evans.

“The offensive line must be a priority for the Patriots, but Tetairoa McMillan could rank higher on their board,” Edwards wrote. “Most draft decision makers would tell you that the best player available outweighs the need, but this would be an interesting case study with the Patriots to this point.”

Brad Crawford, 24/7 Sports: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado

“College football’s best player, Travis Hunter, plays on both sides of the Buffaloes’ football and averages more than 130 snaps per game,” Crawford wrote. “However, that won’t happen in the NFL.

“The New England Patriots would have to decide whether Hunter is better suited as a top wide receiver prospect or as someone who has a decades-long career as a shutdown cornerback. With the franchise's future at quarterback solidified with Drake Maye, it makes sense here to recruit the best overall player when he is available.”

Count Jones as another NFL Draft expert who believes Carter would be the biggest asset for New England.

Even with a strong season from Keion White, the Patriots currently have the fourth-fewest sacks in the NFL with 27. Carter has accumulated 10 sacks, 37 solo tackles and two forced fumbles with the Nittany Lions so far this year.

“Abdul Carter has significant potential in the 2025 edge rusher class and is just beginning to capitalize on his skills,” Jones wrote. With a height of 1.80 meters and a weight of 110 kilograms, he demonstrates top athleticism and an aggressive approach to pass rushing. His physicality, flexibility and explosive movements allow him to win battles on the road almost immediately.

“Although he continues to be developing his repertoire of pass-rush techniques, Carter has the potential to grow to be one in all the highest edge rushers within the NFL as Carter continues to learn the position and hone his skills.”

Red Sox

Kyle Teel switched his Sox this week, switching from red to white in a trade that sent him and three other prospects to Chicago in exchange for starter Garrett Crochet going to Boston.

However, the 22-year-old minor league prospect didn’t expect to be substituted this offseason.

Alongside the Red Sox' other three top prospects, Roman Anthony, Kristian Campbell and Marcelo Mayer, Teel potentially established himself as a crucial a part of the club's future. Teel was even promoted to Boston's Triple-A affiliate Worcester Red Sox together with Anthony and Mayer on the identical day earlier this yr, which appeared to symbolize the organization's blueprint.

After their promotion, the trio held a bunch press conference together in Polar Park.

It's secure to say that Teel, who was rated the No. 25 prospect in baseball by MLB.com, didn't expect to be dealt.

“So I’m actually driving to the train and it’s about 2, 3 p.m. For me it’s like a normal day and I get a call and I don’t know what it’s about.” Teel said on 670 The Score's “Bernstein & Harris Show”: He described intimately how he came upon he was being trafficked. “And they basically let me know that I was traded. And at first it was a complete shock just because I didn't see it coming.

“And when it set in, I would say the main sensations I felt were just the surprise and anticipation of this opportunity.”

Teel was drafted 14th overall by the Red Sox in 2023. He reached Double-A that very same yr and spent most of 2024 at that level before being promoted to AAA in August.

Had Teel remained within the Boston farm system, he may need gotten a likelihood to play in the massive leagues sometime in 2025. After Reese McGuire finished the season in Worcester and elected to free agency, Danny Jansen signed with the Tampa Bay Rays, the Red Sox needed a backup catcher behind Connor Wong.

However, after Teel landed in Chicago, Boston accomplished a trade with the New York Yankees for Carlos Narvaez.

White Sox manager Chris Getz explained the importance of the catching position in baseball and said Teel will play a giant role in rebuilding his team.

“If the goal is to accelerate a rebuild, this was a deal that we believe can do that.” Getz said Wednesday. “… have strength [at catcher] is really important to us. … Catching is worth its weight in gold in this game at the moment, as can be seen from discussions we have had with other clubs.”

Want to make Thanksgiving dinner after which take it with you in your flight to your grandmother's house?

“Before you agree to bring a family favorite meal to put on the Thanksgiving table, it is important to think about how you will transport it when you fly to spend the holiday with family or friends,” said the TSA. “Most food items can be transported through a Transportation Security Administration checkpoint, but there are some items that must be transported in checked baggage.”

A basic rule is: If it’s a solid object, it could possibly go through a checkpoint. But when you can spill, spread, spray, pump, or pour it — and it's larger than 3.4 ounces — then it should slot in a checked bag. Ice packs could be used to preserve items, but they have to be frozen.

Any food will likely need additional testing, so an easily accessible carrier ought to be used.

Here is a listing of Thanksgiving foods that could be transported through a TSA checkpoint:

• Baked goods. Homemade or store-bought cakes, cookies, brownies and other sweet treats.
• Meat. Turkey, chicken, ham, steak. Frozen, cooked or uncooked.
• Filling. Cooked, uncooked, in a box or in a bag.
• Casseroles. Traditional green beans and onion straws or something more exotic.
• Macaroni and cheese. Cooked in a pan or traveling with the ingredients to cook it at your destination.
• Fresh vegetables. Potatoes, yams, broccoli, green beans, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, turnips, radishes, carrots, pumpkin, vegetables.
• Fresh fruit. Apples, pears, pineapples, lemons, limes, cranberries, blueberries, strawberries, bananas, kiwi.
• Sweets.
• Spices.

Thanksgiving Foods to Pack Carefully in Your Checked Luggage:

• Cranberry sauce. Homemade or canned are spreadable, so check them out.
• Sauce. Homemade or in a jar/can.
• Wine, champagne, sparkling cider.
• Canned fruit or vegetables. There is liquid within the can, so check it.
• Jams, jams and jellies. They are spreadable so it's best to examine them.
• maple syrup.

For more information, download the free myTSA app, which incorporates the “What can I bring?” Feature that lets you enter the item to search out out if it could possibly fly. Or ask on Twitter or Facebook Messenger at @AskTSA. Travelers can submit an issue by texting “Travel” to AskTSA (275-872).

Originally published: November 26, 2024 at 10:25 am PST

Local News

In the weeks before President-elect Donald Trump takes office, immigration advocates and lawyers in Massachusetts are preparing for the challenges ahead.

On his first day in office, Trump vowed to launch the “largest deportation program in American history.”

“I will save every city and town that has been invaded and conquered, and we will put these evil and bloodthirsty criminals in prison and then drive them out of our land as quickly as possible.” said the previous president at his rally at Madison Square Garden in New York last month.

To achieve its goals, Sarah Sherman-Stokes, deputy director of the Immigrants' Rights and Human Trafficking Clinic at Boston University, predicts that the Trump administration will invoke the law Alien Enemies Act of 1798which was used primarily in wartime to enable the military to perform large-scale deportation efforts.

If passed, immigration lawyers expect Trump's policies can be felt across the country – with some pondering Massachusetts is on the forefront.

Massachusetts has long been a hotspot for the refugee crisis as a result of overcrowded shelters and the flow of migrants into the state. It can also be home to several sanctuary cities, including Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, Springfield, Holyoke and Amherst.

“We anticipate that immigration enforcement efforts could be focused on states or localities that are considered immigration-friendly, which could make Massachusetts a likely target,” Iván Espinoza-Madrigal, executive director of Lawyers for Civil Rights, said recently told Boston.com.

“Great fear on site”

Espinoza-Madrigal says there was already “tremendous fear on the ground” within the immigrant community within the weeks following the election.

“Part of their job is to create a sense of terror in these communities to drive people further underground,” Sarang Sekhavat, chief of staff for the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Coalition, told Boston.com.

According to Rachel Benedict, an attorney on the Rian Immigration Center, the fear stems largely from the rhetoric Trump uses toward immigrants.

“The very words that Trump uses have a real impact and influence on the people of Massachusetts,” she told Boston.com. “His words matter.”

Sekhavat said he expects employers will lose their staff and a few children could also be without parents.

“How can you concentrate on school and building a life here if you don’t know what will happen to your parents?” said Benedikt.

Without a transparent plan from the Trump administration, there’s great “uncertainty” amongst each those that serve the immigrant community and the immigrants themselves, Sekhavat said.

“Everyone is really worried right now,” he said. “People don’t know what their lives will be like.”

Preparations

In the lead-up to Inauguration Day, Massachusetts immigration legal service providers are working across the clock to handle clients' concerns and work with local policymakers to strengthen protections for immigrants within the state.

Espinoza-Madrigal said his organization is currently examining how local and state policies may very well be “tightened” to make it harder to acquire resources for immigration enforcement.

To achieve this, Espinoza-Madrigal said he’s working with policymakers to “strengthen protections and close loopholes.”

“Federal immigration enforcement is not the responsibility of local and state officials,” he said. “We need Boston and other cities to make a strong commitment to supporting migrants.”

This support from local governments, Espinoza-Madrigal said, is palpable in monitoring and training law enforcement officers and faculty districts to make sure “our communities remain immigrant-friendly.”

“Lawyers for Civil Rights urges state and local governments to regularly train and supervise law enforcement and school officials to prevent collusion or entanglement with immigration authorities,” he said.

Sekhavat said he helps parents make plans for the care of their children within the event they’re picked up by ICE.

“We're trying to get materials like this out into the community so that these families can create the legal infrastructure in case the worst happens to them,” he said.

Sekhavat said his goal can also be to coach “as many people as possible” about their rights.

“We don’t want people to be afraid of simple things, like taking their kids to school or going grocery shopping,” he said. “At the same time, we need to ensure that they are informed about what the policy could potentially mean for them and how they can protect themselves.”

Daniel Santiago, an attorney and co-founder of the Mabel Center for Immigrant Justice, said he has received many calls from individuals expressing concern about their immigration cases and fears of deportation.

Both Santiago and Benedict said they filed as many lawsuits as they may in the times before Trump took office.

“There is a lot of prep work before the inauguration,” Santiago told Boston.com. “But we also assume that there will still be a lot of work afterwards.”

Many politicians are resisting, but advocates want more

States can resist cooperation with the federal government by refusing to detain immigrants of their communities and by stopping local police from cooperating with federal immigration authorities, Sherman-Stokes told Boston.com.

“We want our law enforcement agencies to focus on their priorities, on their mission, which is law enforcement, and not interfere with civilian law enforcement around immigration,” Sekhavat said.

In many cases in Boston, on existing law Prevents local police from cooperating with ICE enforcement.

“The idea that certain local law enforcement agencies would be required or expected to engage in mass deportations of residents who were not involved in serious criminal activity simply to fulfill this campaign promise is not possible under the laws of Boston.” said Wu on GBH's “Boston Public Radio” last week.

Tom Homan, Trump's appointed “border czar,” responded to Wu's comments on Newsmax on Monday: “Either she helps us or she gets the hell out of the way in which because we are going to.”

“Democrats’ penchant for pandering to their most extreme base puts residents at risk,” MassGOP Chairwoman Amy Carnevale said in a statement about Wu’s recent comments. “This policy is out of control and completely nonsensical.”

Still, Gov. Maura Healey reiterated Wu's plans in a recent interview on MSNBC and said she would ensure that the Massachusetts State Police also do not cooperate with Trump's deportation plans, as Boston.com previously reported. Healey said she supports the use of resistance by the state's regulatory agency, its executive powers and the state Legislature.

However, Sherman-Stokes says Healey's stated opposition is not enough. The state's last remaining ICE contract to detain migrants accused of “inhumane conditions” at the Plymouth County Correctional Facility has yet to be terminated.

“Advocates have repeatedly called on the state to terminate this contract, but it sits around like a loaded gun, ready to be expanded once Trump takes office,” she said.

Sherman-Stokes said she wants the state to introduce more protections for non-citizens to address the potential impact on the immigrant population in Massachusetts.

“I would like to see the state of Massachusetts and the elected officials in Massachusetts ensure that we provide housing to all non-citizens so that they are safe and not sitting on the streets and subject to ICE arrest and enforcement ” she said.

Espinoza-Madrigal said he would really like to see more motion behind politicians' words.

“The public comments we now have seen are helpful, but we clearly need more,” he said. “Monitoring and training are critical, and we haven’t seen enough of that at the local or state level.”