It is that this time of yr again.

The local highschool basketball teams from throughout Bay Area learned their sowing and divisional clips for the state playoffs on Sunday and can start probably the most expected high -basketball tournament after the season from this week.

The ultimate goal: to play on March 14th to fifteenth within the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento for a state championship.

The brackets usually are not at all times perfect and a few teams will do significantly better than others.

The CIF uses a competitive equity model for sowing, which divides teams from the perfect to worst into separate departments, whereby the open brackets are where the strongest teams within the state are placed. From there, the following 16 teams will probably be installed in Division I and after Division V.

The top seed in every division is preserved within the playoffs home games, while number 16 has to take to the streets for 4 games to make it into the Golden 1 center.

Archbishop Riordan (Open), the King's Academy (Division III) and Priory (Division IV) were awarded top seeds after winning their respective CCS titles. California received number 16 in Division I, though it was an NCS Open Division Team.

On the side of the ladies, the one schools who received a top norcal seed from the reporting area of ​​the Bay Area News Group, Archbishop Mitty within the open and small summit Shasta within the Division V. The Daly City School will organize the Skyline No. 16 in its first matchup.

There was plenty of talk during all the season as as to whether the central section and the National Powerhouse St. Joseph-Santa Maria could be accommodated within the Norcal Boys Open Division. Riordan, de La Salle and Salesiane don't must worry that St. Joseph Star and California's leading top scorer Tounds Yessoufou, since the knights received number 2 within the Socal Open.

While the publication of the Playoff Brackets can never make someone comfortable, CIF Associate Executive Director Brian Seymour spoke to the Bay Area News Group on Sunday evening to make among the decisions that CIF made during this process.

Here are the highlights:

Nathan Canilao: CIF went with five young Norcal Open teams. Many thought that St. Joseph-Santa Maria had the prospect to be a Norcal team since they were within the north two years ago. What was the explanation to bring St. Joseph to the south and only have five Norcal teams outdoors?

Brian Seymour: We only had the sensation that the realm from which they arrive makes more sense for them within the south than to play within the north. We have already placed it (you within the north) and it was plenty of time on the road for a lot of these teams. It only makes more sense that we do that with almost each of our section teams in the middle and check out to share them geographically each time possible. … there have been also some discussions on the boy about whether Indderkum must be open to the boy and we also spent plenty of time with it.

Nathan Canilao: On the side of the ladies, Acalanes received the seed no. 4 outdoors and Pinewood received the No. 6. Both teams lost their title games of the department, however it was certain that Pinewood against Mitty, the highest seeds of the division, was more competitive. Was there a consideration of putting pinewood in front of Acalanes?

Brian Seymour: Ultimately, we have now idea long before the games are literally played. It was a surprise of the rating between San Ramon Valley and Acalanes. No surprise in any respect that SRV won, but you normally don't see that. We saw really close games between Pinewood and Mitty. The committee looks in any respect of this they usually attempt to make sure that there aren’t any repetitions of a bit. Much of it has something to do with it, but there they decided with these schools on the ladies' side.

Nathan Canilao: How much inventory is built into the section championship games and if a team has a one -sided loss, how does it have in mind the way it sown?

Brian Seymour: Not as much as everyone thinks. If you might be a team within the Big Ten tournament and lose the nation of the nation and the quarter -finals, you’ll still be a seed No. 1 within the NCAA tournament. So let's take a take a look at all of the work. It's not necessarily a game. You must see how teams play at the moment within the yr. That also has something to do with it.

Nathan Canilao: The Boys team from Dougherty Valley has two teams within the NCS Open Division, a better seed within the Norcal D1 clip as NCS Division I Champion I about California and Liberty. Did you think that that the NCS just misunderstood it and that it needed to be corrected for the state playoffs?

Brian Seymour: The NCS uses the pc rating for the primary time to find out the location of your teams. So if you will have something latest, you will have to undergo it for a number of years to repair the mistakes which might be presented when you only use the pc. We not only use computers for the status, but we use various different computer methods and metrics. But within the case of the NCS, the pc spat the rank and had Dougherty Valley on the skin of his open division with six teams. And when Dougherty Valley played thoroughly in Division I and Cal High and Liberty from the NCS Open from the north coast department were, and said: 'Hey, you realize what, that is a chance to proceed and place a team that plays thoroughly in the intervening time. “

Nathan Canilao: Dougherty Valley got the seed no. 6 in the division I and right behind Dublin is in 7th place. Dublin scored a head-to-head victory against Dougherty Valley and won a game in the NCS Open Division. Why was Dougherty Valley gave the nod?

Brian Seymour: Dougherty only played really good basketball and the committee felt as in the event that they had earned themselves on this place.

Originally published: March 2, 2025 at 7:23 p.m. PST

He all the time asks questions which are far too personal, and I feel uncomfortable in my own residence after I feel uncomfortable.

I attempt to be polite and friendly, but he doesn’t appear to see the undeniable fact that some things are only nothing of his business. For example, he recently noticed some medication that I had left on the counter and asked me what it was for. I used to be unprepared because I didn't think I had to clarify to my private medical problems for somebody, let alone my roommates.

I attempted to avoid the query, but continued to press and eventually modified the subject to get it to stop.

This isn’t the primary time that something like this happened. He asked for my funds, my relationships and even my family, often in a way that feels more like curious than real curiosity.

I’m the whole lot to have a friendly relationship with a roommate, but I actually have the sensation that there ought to be limits and he crosses it consistently. How do I set limits with someone like this without doing it in a much bigger problem than it needs to be?

Love the road crossing: As soon as you’ll be able to take off, accomplish that. You shouldn't need to live with someone who doesn’t respect your privacy.

That means you now live with him. Invest in a switching box where you’ll be able to set all of your necessary papers, medication and other personal objects in order that it will possibly not reach them under any circumstances. Place a lock in your bedroom door when you’ll be able to.

Talk to him directly and tell him that you’ve gotten to find out clear house rules. This includes the whole lot from household work to private business.

Let him know that your personal life isn’t limited. Ask him to stop the Inquisition since you will not maintain the discussion. Then just don't answer when he goes to an undesirable area.

If you don't get entangled, he’ll stop talking to you … in some unspecified time in the future.

Dear Harriette: My wife and I prepare for retirement. We are very excited.

We got here to the USA 45 years ago and have been working tirelessly since then. Retirement will feel different for us.

I’m after all excited, but still slightly nervous. We don't have grandchildren yet, so we now have to fill our time with hobbies.

Do you’ve gotten any suggestions for our latest chapter?

Dear anticipation of retirement: Before you retire, make a plan. What do you wish to do individually and as a pair? What did you dream for, but had no time to explore? Place this stuff on a bucket list.

Would you wish to live where you are actually? Many pensioners reduce and move to moderate climate zones. Think your options based in your budget and make this next chapter together at a time of exploration.

It could be a variety of fun in the event you set this intention.

This yr, leaf through the lens of potential. What do you wish for yourself and your family members?

Pause to reflect on all of the experiences that led you to this moment. I consider in writing all of these items down. What were the highlights of last yr? The great things and the challenges? How did you weather the storms and cope with the victories? Who do you wish to engage with in 2025 and who could be a connection to the past?

Give yourself grace as you consider these items. No matter what happened last yr, the undeniable fact that you might be lucky enough to be here now means you might have the chance to write down a brand new chapter in your story.

How would you wish to title this chapter? What big goals do you might have that you desire to to attain? I learned that if you name things specifically, you create space for them to turn out to be reality.

It will be scary to assert your dreams, but I assure you that when you do and keep working at it, amazing things will occur. If you set your mind to something and commit to working on it slightly on daily basis, over time you will notice your ideas come to fruition.

I'll offer you an example that can probably resonate with a lot of us.

Early last yr I suffered a serious injury that required surgery. I used to be incapacitated for about six weeks, followed by six months of physical therapy. I wasn't particularly fit and that set me back even further.

Along the best way, I worked with a therapist and lamented my situation. She told me that I had to vary something. I even have decided to vary my health. This easy change in my mindset began a process that has been useful for me.

As I recovered from surgery, I adopted a brand new attitude toward what I used to be putting into my body. I'm joyful to report that I've lost over 20 kilos up to now yr because of persistence and dedication. For 2025, I even have reaffirmed my intention to proceed the journey towards wellness.

I'm telling you this for instance of something I said I’d do and I did. For comparison, I attempted to drop a few pounds for years, but nothing modified. Changing my mindset was crucial to my success.

This yr I even have a couple of more goals on my list which might be personal and business in nature. I like to recommend you do the identical.

Evaluate your life and choose how you wish to live it. Then take motion. One day at a time. It can work. You are value it!

By the best way, when you make a mistake or lose focus, just pick it up again if you realize you're astray. Life is a journey. Make the alternative to enjoy on daily basis.

Liverpool got here through hard against Real Madrid within the Champions League on Wednesday, leaving Carlos Ancelotti's side – particularly Kylian Mbappe – injured.

At the club, fans and media agreed that Mbappé needed to prove his value to his recent club after a mixed begin to the season, as Vinicius Junior was out because of injury.

But he didn't. On the contrary, he missed the penalty that might have brought his team back into the sport.

His plight was made clear at the ultimate whistle, seconds after he lost the ball for the fifteenth time, and the sequence ended with a surprising save from Thibaut Courtois that prevented Luis Diaz from making it 3-0. The Frenchman stood together with his hands on his hips for a number of moments before becoming the primary player to succeed in the dressing room, dejected and comforted by teammate Jesus Vallejo and assistant coach Davide Ancelotti.

---

Lost the fight with Bradley

Before his move to Real Madrid was announced, there was debate amongst fans and within the media about how Mbappe might slot in. The most important concern is that his preferred position on the left is already occupied by Vinicius Jr., a player considered essentially the most respected player, voted the second best award on this planet by the Ballon d'Or jury.

The Brazilian began the season on the wing, but on Sunday at Leganes Ancelotti switched positions to enhance the Frenchman's situation.

With Vinicius Jr injured on the trip to Anfield, Mbappe's area of ​​best concern was cleared. And opposite him was Conor Bradley, who was playing only his fourth Champions League game and his first as a starter.

Although Bradley received help from his teammates, Mbappe repeatedly failed one-on-one with him and against other opponents.

He suffered the primary two defeats in the primary 4 minutes, which were met with cheers from the house fans, who whistled at him throughout. The first mistake also led to a likelihood for Liverpool when Raul Asencio cleared off the road.

One of essentially the most significant images got here within the thirty second minute when he challenged Bradley in a race that he would have been expected to win easily, but which he lost. Anfield celebrated it like a goal.

Mbappe finished the sport with only one shot on goal (the penalty saved) and one other goal blocked, three successful dribbles (tied with Brahim Diaz for essentially the most) out of six, a pass success rate of 75 percent (the bottom outfield player), zero probabilities created, 15 lost possessions and three recoveries. Its erratic appearance is shown below within the player dashboard.

---

The missed penalty

Mbappe had the chance to vary the script within the second half.

Eight minutes after the 0-1 deficit due to Alexis Mac Allister's goal, a mix of substitutes Dani Ceballos and Lucas Vazquez resulted in a penalty for a foul on Vazquez. Without Vinicius Jr., Mbappe would have been the penalty taker.

Antonio Rüdiger stayed near the ball and his teammate in the course of the VAR check and ensured that nobody disturbed him. But when Mbappe took on Caoimhin Kelleher, the Liverpool academy goalkeeper got here out on top.

Caoimhin saves Kylian Mbappé from the penalty spot!

@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/fr45wUF2Cj

– Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 27, 2024

Mbappe responded by putting his hands to his head, although he was barely less expressive afterwards. Briefly he thought he may need one other likelihood, waiting to see if the penalty can be retaken if the goalkeeper went off his line, but then he was dissatisfied again.

A 3rd of his goals this season – three out of nine – have come on penalties. But this wasn't his night.

---

Is Mbappe's attitude an issue?

Body language can only tell us a lot, but Mbappe's gestures haven't left a great impression for a while.

As he walked into the locker room at half-time, he seemed to be lacking in confidence and dejected. After those minutes inside, before he returned to the sector, the cameras captured him away from a gaggle of teammates, as if at a distance, while Jude Bellingham led the best way, giving instructions and inspiring him.

Mbappe's disappointment was clear when Cody Gakpo's goal made it 2-0 with 14 minutes left and protested to the referee a few possible offside call.

Shortly before, there had been a moment that reflected his helplessness: he lost a ball after a brief corner from Luka Modric and lost a run back to regain possession.

Many fans also criticized him for his attitude after the sport when he didn’t greet the away team. He also didn't show his face in front of the media or within the mixed zone, as a substitute Modric, Ceballos and Bellingham represented.

Ancelotti was asked in regards to the Frenchman's mood.

“It could be that he lacks a bit of self-confidence,” said the Italian. “When there's a moment when things aren't going the way you want, you have to come up with the idea of ​​just playing, and sometimes you make things a little more complicated. But this moment is missing. You can’t judge a player for missing a penalty.”

---

Support to beat a difficult time

Mbappe is fighting and his numbers reflect that. He has scored nine goals and provided two assists in 18 games, which equates to a goal contribution every 136.5 minutes.

How can he improve his situation?

Maybe step one is support from inside, something he felt.

Club officials went out of their strategy to speak highly of him privately to the media and highlighted his high standard in training sessions.

Ancelotti and his teammates have also supported him in public.

“Kylian was criticized excessively, it was very positive how he contributed. I see him in practice and it’s scary,” Bellingham said at a news conference Tuesday.

“The penalty (miss) is not the reason why we lost,” the Englishman said on Wednesday.

“Keep working and fighting and keep going because the moment will pass,” Ancelotti said. “(A situation like this) has happened to me many times in my career, especially with strikers when they struggle to score. There is a cure: be patient. Everyone has to support him.”

Modric, who acted as captain, also had words of support within the mixed zone: “It's his first year and it's never easy – in Madrid the first years are complicated. He has our trust and knows how to get out of this situation: not to lose self-confidence and to work day after day.”

Vazquez assured that his teammates “will always support him, he is a world-class player and he will prove it. The team is always there to help him.”

Ceballos also nodded to him. “He doesn't score the goals he wants, but we know better than anyone how hard he works,” he explained. “It is difficult to settle at a club like Madrid, but Kylian will do it. I’m sure he will.”

Spices awaken feelings of security, cultural belonging and vacation. They could make our homes smell wonderful and our food taste delicious. They can satisfy our cravings, expand our culinary horizons, and help us eat things we don't normally like. have spices health-promoting properties And, They have been utilized in medicine to heal people since precedent days.

However, spices have been getting a nasty rap recently.

In September 2024, Consumer Reports, a nonprofit organization founded to tell consumers about products sold within the United States, conducted an investigation greater than three dozen ground cinnamon products and located that one in three had lead levels greater than 1 part per million, enough to trigger a recall in New York, a US state where this was the case published guidelines for heavy metals in spices.

The Food and Drug Administration has issued three warnings during 2024warning consumers about lead in certain brands of cinnamon products. Such notices rightly alarm consumers and cause them to query whether the spice products they’re purchasing are protected – or not.

As Environmental epidemiologist with training in dietary sciencesI examined the connection between dietary status, weight loss plan and heavy metal exposure in children.

There are several things consumers should take into consideration in the case of lead – and other heavy metals – in cinnamon.

Why is there lead in cinnamon?

Most people know cinnamon in two forms – sticks and ground spice. Both come from the dried inner bark of the cinnamon tree, which is harvested after just a few years of cultivation. For the US market is cinnamon mostly imported from Indonesia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, India and China.

One way lead accumulates within the bark of cinnamon trees is by cultivating trees in contaminated soil. Lead may also get into cinnamon products during processing, akin to grinding.

When preparing ground cinnamon, some manufacturers may intentionally add lead compounds to extend the burden or color of the product and thus achieve a better selling price. This known as “food adulteration” and products with known or suspected adulteration shall be refused entry into the United States

However, as of fall 2023, roughly 600 cases of elevated blood lead levels, defined as levels of three.5 micrograms per deciliter or more – mostly in children – have been linked to guide consumption within the United States certain brands of cinnamon apple sauce. The lead content of the cinnamon used to make these products ranged from 2,270 to five,110 parts per million, indicating food adulteration. The production facility was investigated by the FDA.

In a broader sense, Spices purchased from merchants within the United States have lower lead levels than products sold abroad.

There is a few evidence for this Cinnamon sticks have lower lead content as a ground spice. Lead levels in ground cinnamon sold within the United States and analyzed by Consumer Reports was between 0.02 and three.52 parts per million. These values ​​were at the very least 1,500 times lower than in adulterated cinnamon.

There are not any federal guidelines for lead or other heavy metals in spices. New York State has proposed even stricter guidelines than the present level of 1 part per millionwhich might allow the New York Department of Agriculture and Markets to remove products from sale if lead levels exceed 0.21 parts per million.

What does it mean that “the dose makes the poison”?

The current one FDA guidelines for total every day lead intake from food is to limit lead intake for youngsters to 2.2 micrograms per day. In women of childbearing age, this value is 8.8 micrograms.

The dose of lead we’re exposed to through food relies on the lead content of the food and the way much of that food we eat. Higher doses mean more potential harm. The frequency with which we eat food – every day or occasionally – also plays a task.

For spices like cinnamon, the quantity and frequency of consumption relies on cultural traditions and private preferences. For many, cinnamon is a seasonal spice; others use it year-round in savory dishes or sauces.

Cinnamon is popular in baked goods. Take a cinnamon roll recipe that calls for 1.5 tablespoons (somewhat lower than 12 grams) of the spice. If a recipe makes 12 rolls, each will contain about 1 gram of cinnamon. In the Consumer Reports InvestigationSome cinnamon products have been rated as “okay to use” or “best to use.”

The highest lead level in cinnamon products was 0.87 parts per million within the OK Use category and 0.15 parts per million within the Best Use category. To exceed the FDA guideline limiting lead intake from food to 2.2 micrograms per day, a baby would want to eat 2.5 or more rolls containing cinnamon, which is “safe,” assuming no other food incorporates lead. To exceed this guideline with “best to use” cinnamon, a baby would should eat 15 or more rolls.

Can cinnamon contribute to elevated blood lead levels?

Because of lead's effects on formative years development, the best concern about exposure is in young children and pregnant women. Lead is absorbed within the small intestine where it may well attach to cellular receptors which developed to move iron and other metals.

The impact of a contaminated spice on lead levels in an individual's blood relies on the exposure dose and the proportion of lead available for intestinal absorption. For several spices is the Proportion of obtainable lead was 49%This signifies that about half of the lead ingested is absorbed.

Lead absorption is higher after fasting three hours or moreAnd Skip breakfast may contribute to higher blood lead levels in children.

People that suffer from nutrient deficiencies, akin to iron deficiency, also are inclined to absorb more lead have higher lead levels within the blood. This is because our body compensates for the deficiency by producing more receptors to soak up iron from food. Lead uses the extra receptors to enter the body. Young children and pregnant women are at higher risk of developing iron deficiency, and for good reason Be vigilant about lead in food they eat.

Studies show that lead poisoning is going on in children within the United States Spices were one among several Sources of lead exposure. Studies estimating blood lead levels from statistical models suggest that consuming 5 micrograms of lead or more every day from spices could significantly contribute to elevated blood lead levels.

For occasional or seasonal consumption or minor contamination, further research is required to grasp how lead in spices affects blood lead levels.

For individuals who produce other sources of lead at home, at work, or of their hobbies, additional lead from foods or spices could also be more significant since it increases the cumulative dose from multiple sources of exposure.

How to check for elevated blood lead levels

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends this Children liable to lead exposure receive a blood lead test at ages 1 and a pair of. Older children can be tested. Fingerprint screening tests are sometimes performed in pediatric practices. However, if screening results are elevated, it might be essential to substantiate the leads to venous blood.

Adults usually are not routinely tested for lead exposure within the United States, but concerned couples planning to have children should speak to their doctor.

What should you concentrate on when using or purchasing cinnamon or other spices?

If the product is on a FDA alert or the Consumer Reports “Do Not Use” List, discard it.

Other questions to contemplate include:

• Does your household use spices incessantly and in large quantities?
• Do young children or pregnant women in your household eat spices?
• Do you normally eat spices in breakfast foods or drinks?

If the reply to any of those questions is yes, then buy high-quality products from large, reputable sellers. Consider using cinnamon sticks if possible.

And keep having fun with spices!

CLEVELAND — As the flakes fell from the night sky and turned Huntington Bank Field right into a snow globe, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson dropped back and let it fly.

The pass, thrown with anticipation, hit receiver Calvin Austin III on time and accurately in the long run zone for the 23-yard touchdown. After failing to attain a touchdown for greater than seven straight quarters since Week 10 against the Washington Commanders, Pittsburgh had scored twice in lower than two minutes to take a one-point lead over the Cleveland Browns with 6:15 left.

.@DangeRussWilson @CalvinAustinIII for six!!!!

Stream on NFL+: https://t.co/COxKRnr6Mc pic.twitter.com/ucLP4kE2cM

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) November 22, 2024

It was a miraculous comeback. Until it wasn't the case anymore.

“The game isn’t won until you get on the bus,” Austin said after the sport. “So it was definitely an emotional moment (after the touchdown). We were all hype and stuff. But we knew we had a motivated team that was going to win the ball back.”

As it turned out, the Browns got the ball back not once, but twice.

The first time, the Steelers defense did its job, forcing backup quarterback Jameis Winston into a nasty pass that cornerback Donte Jackson intercepted with 4:22 left. But after Pittsburgh scored a three-and-out – Justin Fields replaced Wilson at quarterback on second and third downs – and Corliss Waitman punted for the primary time as a Steeler, the defense couldn't get off the sector.

Cleveland got the ball back with 3:22 left and gained 45 yards in nine plays. The Browns capped the sequence with a 2-yard touchdown run by Nick Chubb with 57 seconds left, then knocked down Wilson's Hail Mary as time expired to impress the Steelers 24-19.

A team that had made a press release by defeating the Baltimore Ravens just 4 days earlier fell to 8-3, leaving the door open to the highly competitive AFC North.

“Missed opportunities,” defensive co-captain Cameron Hayward said. “We have to eat it. They ended up making more plays. For some things, we can be clear about what was on display. Just take it, move on. I know everyone is pretty upset about the loss.”

The significant moments at the tip of the sport loom large: coach Mike Tomlin's decision to just accept an illegal contact penalty that gave the Browns a second third-down breakthrough on the ultimate drive after which gave them a timeout they would want later ; the coverage of the next third-and-6 conversion; the choice to tackle Chubb on the 2-yard line with greater than 90 seconds left as an alternative of letting him rating to save lots of time and get the ball back.

But the fact is that this game was lost much earlier, on the opposite side of the ball.

“We made a lot of mistakes,” Austin said. “To do that, all 11 have to look in the mirror and just keep going into the details. They are a good team. I have to give them credit. But at the end of the day we just had to perform better.”

When Wilson erased a 10-point second-half deficit against the Commanders two weeks ago, it gave the impression of the offense had finally figured it out after years of instability and inconsistency. At that time, the veteran signal-caller had led the Steelers to 31.7 points and 382 total yards per game in three starts. If the offense continued in the identical fashion, it was reasonable to think about the Steelers as legitimate Super Bowl contenders who could compete with Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen.

But it didn't go any further.

While these first three games have showcased the explosive advantage of Wilson's moonball, his veteran presence and his ability to make checks at the road of scrimmage, the last two have exposed lots of the Steelers' offensive weaknesses.

It's actually not all on Wilson. However, sacks have gotten increasingly problematic because they shackle the offense. This was obviously a priority when the Steelers signed Wilson, considering he led the NFL in sacks in two of the last five seasons. When he took over for Fields in Week 7, the Steelers initially performed well enough to guard Wilson, so it wasn't much of a red flag.

However, in Thursday's first half alone, Wilson was sacked 4 times because the Browns kept the Steelers' offensive line off balance with stunts and plays at the highest. Three of those sacks got here from Myles Garrett, including a strip sack that put the Browns on a brief field.

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) November 22, 2024

Even beyond the negative plays, Pittsburgh's offense has turn out to be boom or bust. Yes, once more Wilson's deep shot was a catalyst. He connected with Austin on a 46-yard bomb down the seam, hit Van Jefferson for a 35-yard gain and located George Pickens for 31 yards. These big plays helped solidify Wilson's solid stats, as he accomplished 21 of 28 passes for 270 yards and one touchdown with no interceptions, for a passer rating of 116.7.

The problem is that the Steelers have a tough time ending drives after they don't rating touchdowns on those deep drives. The problems appeared on the opening trip. On third down, Wilson took an 8-yard sack on third-and-2, turning a possible 50-yard field goal attempt right into a 58-yarder that reliable Chris Boswell missed.

The Steelers, who’ve ranked twenty sixth in success rate (37.2 percent, in keeping with TruMedia) since Wilson took over, tried to make use of all available resources to maintain the offense going. However, one other drive in the primary half was stopped on the 40-yard line. This time they used Fields against a QB keeper on fourth-and-2 but failed and turned the ball over on downs. The offense also failed on the 30 (field goal made), their very own 46 (failed fourth-and-1 run by Jaylen Warren) and the Cleveland 9-yard line (field goal made).

“We had some really good, explosive plays on the field, throwing the ball with Van (Jefferson) — he made some great catches — and Calvin (Austin),” Wilson said. “And then for whatever reason we got stalled. We'll have to watch the film and see what that was. … We needed one or two more plays.”

Complicating matters is the unique quarterback dynamic. After using the Fields package for 3 games against the Ravens on Sunday, the Steelers showcased their mobile QB in seven snaps (plus an eighth that fell short as a consequence of a false start) on Thursday.

The results were mixed. After missing fourth down early in the sport, Fields provided a spark within the second half when he kept the ball within the zone and raced 30 yards down the proper sideline. That play helped get the offense going, and later in the identical drive, the threat that Fields would keep the ball within the zone helped Warren rush into the tip zone to stop the Steelers' touchdown-free skid and to stimulate the rally.

Jaylen Warren is in for the TD! The @Steelers reply straight back.#PITvsCLE on Prime Video
Will proceed to stream #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/aDPce0i8CM

– NFL (@NFL) November 22, 2024

The Steelers also got the ball into Fields' hands in a four-minute lead. It was an appropriate time to play running quarterback because the Steelers were attempting to burn up time. But on third-and-4, Pickens' deep shot sailed incomplete, stopping the clock and giving the Browns enough time to attain the go-ahead touchdown.

When asked if he would have liked to have been in the sport at that critical moment, Wilson was somewhat transparent.

“Listen, I always want to be in there,” he said. “It’s just the competitor in me. But at the same time, we have a lot of confidence in Justin, our team, our coaches and everything we do.”

It's not the best challenge for Fields, either. He said after the sport that he felt “kind of stiff” on his 30-yard run after standing on the sideline for your entire second and third quarters, adding that he felt like he was in the sport could have scored. When asked if it was difficult to leap into the sport mid-stream and with virtually no warning, Fields admitted that it was.

“But at the end of the day, that’s my job,” he said. “So you can’t complain. Whenever I get the chance and opportunity to go on the field and help my team, I like to do that.”

When sitting behind a keyboard and watching the sport from the press box, it's truthfully hard to inform what the proper balance ought to be. Fields has often been the Steelers' best offensive weapon, and his mobility could help them fix their red zone woes. Using each quarterbacks allows the Steelers to regulate on the fly when the offense needs a jolt or the opposing pass rush gets too big. On the opposite hand, it seems that rotating quarterbacks can sometimes disrupt the rhythm and timing of the passer.

Still, it's essential to keep in mind that the Steelers went 8-2 because of contributions from each players. If they need to prove that this two-game offensive slump was only a minor surprise and that this offense can actually provide a bonus within the postseason, they'll likely must proceed to depend on each.

Finding the proper balance and finding the flexibility to complete drives will help determine how far this offense – and the team as an entire – goes.

“We still have a lot of football left,” Wilson said. “We have many opportunities to respond at the highest level and at the highest level. I think everything we want is still ahead of us.”

By Sasha Richie, The Dallas Morning News (TNS)

Spirit Airlines filed for bankruptcy on Monday, but your holiday travel plans shouldn't be affected.

According to court documents, the budget airline announced it will file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection to restructure greater than $1 billion in debt. Spirit says the Chapter 11 process is “expected to reduce Spirit's debt, provide greater financial flexibility, position Spirit for long-term success, and accelerate investments to provide better travel experiences and greater value to guests.”

The announcement comes after a series of quarterly losses and failed merger attempts with Frontier and JetBlue. The company's stock has slumped over the yr and is anticipated to be delisted from the New York Stock Exchange.

With Thanksgiving just over per week away and Christmas following shortly after, how will this affect the Flyers? That shouldn't be the case, in response to Spirit, who, to be clear, isn't going out of business. Here's what it’s essential to know:

Can I still fly flights booked with Spirit?

Yes. Guests can expect to fly as normal throughout the Chapter 11 process, and this includes any flights already booked.

Can I book future flights with Spirit?

Although Spirit doesn't expect the method itself to affect its employees' wages or advantages, the corporate announced layoffs back in October and sold a few of its aircraft as a part of cost-cutting measures. It's unclear what impact this might need on delays for Spirit flights, which have an on-time rate of 74%, the third-worst this yr ahead of Frontier and JetBlue. in response to a Department of Transportation report.

also reported this earlier this month Spirit will cut some routesincluding to and from DFW, and all affected passengers are entitled to a full refund or rerouting.

Will my loyalty points be counted?

Existing loyalty points, credits or tickets will probably be applied and Spirit has not announced any changes to its loyalty program as a part of cost-cutting measures.

When does the insolvency proceedings end?

Spirit expects the corporate to emerge from the Chapter 11 process by the primary fiscal quarter of 2025, ending March 31.

Spirit's first hearing in bankruptcy court took place on Monday It submitted applications to proceed operations in the traditional course of business because it goes through the method. These requests are often honored, says Spirit.

How can Spirit overcome a lot debt?

Spirit says it has already received commitments from existing bondholders for a $350 million capital investment and can convert $795 million price of debt into stock within the restructured company through a debt reduction and equity capitalization process. Spirit also says it has secured a $300 million loan from bondholders, which it would use along with Spirit's own money reserves to proceed its debt restructuring process.

Several other airlines have filed for bankruptcy up to now, including industry giants like Delta and United, although Spirit is the primary major U.S. airline to file for bankruptcy in over a decade since American did it in 2011.

Originally published: November 20, 2024 at 11:33 am PST

Local News

After a surprising victory for her push to audit the Massachusetts Legislature, state Auditor Diana DiZoglio is taking steps to “reengage with the leaders on Beacon Hill” who’ve hampered her efforts to this point.

DiZoglio sent a letter to House Speaker Ron Mariano and Senate President Karen Spilka Friday afternoon, telling them her office would soon conduct a “performance audit” of the Legislature. The work would begin with an examination of “high-risk areas” similar to contracting and procurement processes, the usage of taxpayer-funded nondisclosure agreements and other budget and spending data.

Late October, DiZoglio's office released A long report with detailed results of an audit of the legislature's actions in 2021 and 2022. However, the legislature refused to participate and subsequently some vital information couldn’t be included in the ultimate report. That process highlighted the Legislature's “lack of transparency and accountability,” an accompanying news release from her office said.

Now that voters have approved Question 1, DiZoglio desires to fill in those gaps. In the letter, she told Mariano and Spilka that her office needed access to additional records and will check with State House staff. DiZoglio said her office will proceed to speak with lawmakers to prepare an “inbound conference” sometime this month.

DiZoglio ran for state auditor on the promise that she would expose the inner workings of the Legislature, which has been criticized for its opaqueness and opaqueness lack of productivity. Since then, she has clashed with Mariano and Spilka, who refused to cooperate with the audit to the extent DiZoglio requested.

This led to Question 1, a ballot measure that explicitly gives the state auditor the authority to audit the Legislature. Despite fears of over-politicizing the office and disrupting the separation of powers between branches of presidency, voters overwhelmingly sided with DiZoglio earlier this week. More than 71% of voters voted “yes” on Question 1, probably the most lopsided result among the many state’s five ballot measures.

“It was incredibly inspiring to learn that over 70% of voters across Massachusetts support our office’s work to increase transparency and accountability through an audit of the Legislature,” DiZoglio told Boston.com.

She said she was cautiously optimistic heading into election night and was encouraged by the lots of of volunteers who helped give momentum to the Yes on One campaign.

“It’s such a divisive time in this country. It was an incredibly hopeful moment that I will not soon forget,” said the state auditor.

Despite the success on election night, the best way forward is unclear. Lawmakers could still try to alter the law or repeal it entirely. Mariano and Spilka signaled they could consider changes, a process that’s “consistent with the way the Legislature has historically approached every voter-approved ballot question.”

“We will consider next steps on how best to respect the election results on Question 1 in a manner consistent with the fundamental principles of the Massachusetts Constitution, including the separation of powers,” they said in an announcement this week.

DiZoglio vows to fight back if they fight to repeal the law.

“I have made it clear that I will call on Governor Healey to veto any effort to repeal the law if they attempt to overturn the will of the people, especially given the enormous margin of victory,” she said.

Even if Healey vetoes changes, a two-thirds majority in each chamber could override the veto.

“In that case, lawmakers would have to disclose whether they are supporting the will of the people or the will of the Senate President and Speaker against the people they represent,” DiZoglio said when asked about that possibility.

Mila Kunis gave the impression to be in a celebratory mood last week as she posed for photos with Michael Keaton on the premiere of her highly anticipated recent film, Goodrich.

But Kunis was apparently capable of attend the family drama's premiere, which begins Friday, without having to reply uncomfortable questions from reporters about her husband Ashton Kutcher and his longtime friendship with embattled music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs.

Since Combs' arrest last month on federal sex trafficking charges, Kutcher has been among the stars who may be concerned that new, unsavory details will emerge in criminal filings or civil lawsuits about the rapper's notorious parties. Federal prosecutors and alleged victims have alleged that at some of Combs' gatherings, women, men and even minors were forced to perform sexual acts for his pleasure during multi-day “freak-off” parties.

Following the music mogul's arrest in New York City on September 16, old photos emerged showing a young Kutcher with Combs, including him co-hosting the record producer's annual White Party in 2009. said the New York Post. Kutcher remained silent about the allegations surrounding his friend, which include sex trafficking, extortion, conspiracy and promotion of prostitution. Combs has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is being held at the notorious Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn while he awaits trial.

Combs and Kutcher's friendship reportedly dates back to the early 2000s, while a resurfaced clip of Kutcher's appearance on “Hot Ones” in 2019 has come under special scrutiny, the New York Post said.

In the clip from the YouTube talk show, Kutcher's friendship with Combs becomes a topic of conversation. “There's a lot I can't say,” Kutcher said, clearly unwilling to discuss the rapper's partying on the show. “So, uh,” he said before pausing.

“I can’t say that either,” Kutcher laughed. “I actually drive through them. … Diddy party stories, man – that was a weird memory story.”

But if Kutcher was a co-host of Combs' 2009 White Party, in keeping with the New York Post, it's vital to notice that there isn’t a evidence that he or another stars who attended any of the White Parties, including Kutcher's first wife Demi Moore, involved criminal activity. It can also be vital to tell apart between Combs' lavish White Parties and the “Freak Off” parties, which were supposedly drug- and alcohol-fueled sex orgies.

Unfortunately for Kunis, she became embroiled in reports about her husband's friendship with Combs that included sources near the couple forced to disclaim Speculation that their nine-year marriage is in trouble. An insider told people last month that any talk of a breakup or separation resulting from the Combs controversy was “absolutely ridiculous and wrong.”

Kunis and Kutcher met while working together on the set of “That '70s Show” in 1998. Kunis was only 14 when she landed the role of Kutcher's character's lover. Kunis, who was born in Ukraine and moved to the United States when she was seven, admitted she lied about her age to get the role, the New York Post said.

Unfortunately for Kunis, the Combs controversy comes on the heels of one other PR nightmare for her and her husband – when each expressed public support for Danny Masterson, her “That '70s Show” co-star and one other good friend who was involved in several sexual assaults. Both Kunis and Kutcher wrote character letters on Masterson's behalf before he was sentenced to 30 years in prison in 2023 after a jury found him guilty of two counts of rape.

Kunis and Kutcher faced intense and sustained backlash over the character letters because they praised their friend as a “role model” and an “extraordinary person” – views that Masterson's accusers called “trivialized” his crimes and directly questioned their testimony.

The Combs scandal has led to a different rumor about Kunis and Kutcher, following the backlash from Masterson. According to In Touch WeeklyThe couple is considering a move to go away Hollywood and as a substitute construct a brand new life in Europe.

“Ashton is so upset about being dragged into the mud again because of his past connections,” an insider told In Touch Weekly. “First it was Danny Masterson and now it's Diddy, and it's convinced him that there are far better places to live than Hollywood. In his opinion, the city is currently just a cesspool.”

The couple spent the summer in Europe with their two children and took them to see Taylor Swift's Eras tour in London in June, In Touch Weekly reported. However, the source also reported that they might remain within the United States resulting from their respective careers. Kutcher can also be a successful technology investor while Kunis' acting profession is taking off. She is ready to star in the newest installment of the “Knives Out” series with Daniel Craig and is currently promoting “Goodrich,” for which she and Keaton also served as executive producers. Vogue reported.

In “Goodrich,” Kunis plays the pregnant daughter of Keaton's title character, an elderly art gallery owner who asks her for help caring for his 9-year-old twins when his younger wife checks herself into rehab.

Pressure from activist investor

Backlash

Industry collapse