Stojakovic, Wilkinson lead short-handed Cal past Sacramento State, 83-77 in Cal ClassicConnor Gaydos, a man connected to an apparent parody project to relaunch the energy company Enron and become its new CEO , was hit in the face with a pie this week as he was entering a building in New York City. The incident was caught on video and went viral on social media Thursday. The clip shows Gaydos exiting an SUV shortly before an older man slams the pie into his face as two bodyguards intervene. The bizarre incident mirrored one from more than two decades earlier, when a California woman tossed a pie into the face of Enron’s then-CEO Jeffrey Schilling . Earlier this month, a group announced the scandal-plagued Texas company was returning exactly 23 years after filing for bankruptcy amid massive fraud. “With a bold new vision, Enron will leverage cutting-edge technology, human ingenuity, and the spirit of adaptation to address the critical challenges of energy, sustainability, accessibility and affordability,” the company said in a press release that raised questions about its legitimacy. The announcement was reportedly joined by billboards in the Houston area, a full-page ad in the Houston Chronicle and a video promoting the company’s comeback. An investigation conducted by Houston station KHOU turned up a disclaimer on the company’s website that read, “The information on the website is First Amendment-protected parody , represents performance art and is for entertainment purposes only.” Many have speculated the company’s reemergence is merely a publicity stunt promoting cryptocurrency .
Behind Donald Trump's Win, The Misplaced Optimism Of The White LiberalLEXINGTON, Va. (AP) — Leo Colimerio had 15 points in Queens' 81-78 win against VMI on Saturday. Colimerio had seven rebounds and five assists for the Royals (4-5). Jaxon Pollard scored 13 points while finishing 6 of 8 from the floor and added eight rebounds. Yoav Berman had 12 points and shot 4 of 7 from the field, including 3 for 6 from 3-point range, and went 1 for 4 from the line. A 3-pointer by TJ Johnson got VMI within 77-76 with 8 seconds remaining, but Nasir Mann's layup gave Queens an important three-point lead with 6 seconds left. Rickey Bradley, Jr. led the way for the Keydets (5-6) with 19 points and four steals. TJ Johnson added 17 points, six rebounds and three steals for VMI. Augustinas Kiudulas also put up 15 points. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar . The Associated Press
Embiid scores 31 points in return from knee injuryHyderabad: Visitors to Khajaguda rocks barred from entry again
OnePlus announces lifetime warranty against 'green line' with its 'worry-free' programNEWARK, N.J. (AP) — The Chicago Blackhawks recalled top prospect Frank Nazar from the minor leagues on Friday. Chicago also placed defenseman Alec Martinez on injured reserve, retroactive to Dec. 7. Martinez, who signed a $4 million, one-year contract with the Blackhawks in free agency, has a neck injury. The 20-year-old Nazar had 11 goals and 13 assists in 21 games with Rockford of the American Hockey League. He said he tried not to think about a possible promotion while he was playing with the IceHogs. “Just play my game, focus on myself and obviously help the team win, best I could do, and let the rest come,” he said. The move reunites Nazar with Anders Sorensen, who was coaching Rockford before he got the interim job with Chicago when Luke Richardson was fired on Dec 5. “It's definitely really nice just to have someone that I know and trust and have a good relationship with,” Nazar said. “I know that he's going to give good feedback and everything like that, and just help out in areas where I need it.” Nazar was selected by Chicago with the No. 13 pick in the 2022 draft. After starring for the University of Michigan, the forward agreed to a three-year contract with the Blackhawks in April. Nazar skated in three games with Chicago at the end of last season, scoring on his first shot on goal in his NHL debut on April 14 against Carolina. The Blackhawks were active in free agency, so they had Nazar begin the season with Rockford to continue with his development. But he made a strong case to rejoin the NHL team with his fast start in the minors. “Frank’s played very well,” general manager Kyle Davidson said last week when asked about Nazar being promoted. “He’s been a real bright spot for us and his performance has been really exciting.” Chicago (9-18-2) has dropped six of seven going into Saturday's game at New Jersey. It begins a three-game homestand on Sunday against the New York Islanders. Nazar is expected to skate on a line with Taylor Hall and Tyler Bertuzzi against the Devils. Sorensen said his advice for Nazar is to trust his instincts. “He's been playing real well down there,” Sorensen said. “He can drive a puck and just kind of play his game, right? And then as we go, after the game we'll talk more.” ___ AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl The Associated PressFarmer's 22 lead Youngstown State over Oakland 66-50
Universal Fine Chemicals Company on Sunday celebrated the official groundbreaking of the world’s second-largest polymer manufacturing plant at Sohar Port and Freezone. The project, which will be established at an investment cost of around $300mn, marks a significant milestone in the development of Oman’s industrial sector, reinforcing the country’s position on the global stage for innovation and sustainable development. The groundbreaking ceremony was organised under the patronage of H E Sultan bin Salim al Habsi, Minister of Finance, and in the presence of H H Sayyid Faisal bin Turki al Said, Chairman of Universal Fine Chemicals, along with a distinguished gathering of officials. The project will occupy 240,000 sqm within Sohar Port, demonstrating a strong commitment to technological advancement and industrial growth. Utilising advanced technologies, the facility will produce polyacrylamide and related monomers essential for diverse industries, including energy, agriculture, wastewater management, and paper production. This initiative addresses global challenges in energy production and water management while driving innovation-led growth. The partnership between Universal Fine Chemicals and Sohar Port will also foster the development of downstream industries within the port’s petrochemical cluster. The plant is expected to commence operations by the first quarter of 2026. In a press statement, Emile Hoogsteden, CEO of Sohar Port, said, “This collaboration not only shapes trade dynamics but also propels Oman’s Vision 2040 forward. It positions Sohar Port as a leading global exporter of industrial chemicals and reflects our commitment to innovation-led growth and market expansion. By connecting businesses to the world and attracting substantial foreign direct investment from Singapore and China, we enhance the port’s appeal as a premier investment destination. Ultimately, we are diversifying the economy beyond traditional sectors while fostering sustainable development and creating career opportunities for the people of Oman.” Echo Liu, CEO of Universal Fine Chemicals, said, “By targeting diverse and expansive markets, our partnership will establish a strong foothold in key economic zones and amplify supply chains while attracting relevant industries. This innovative polymer manufacturing plant is poised to leverage Sohar Port and Freezone’s strategic geographic position and logistics capabilities to stimulate economic growth and enhance local trade networks. Furthermore, the project extends its reach beyond regional boundaries, focusing on markets in the GCC, North and South America, and the European Union.” Success of the project will be measured by achieving target production volumes of polyacrylamide and related monomers, implementing innovative manufacturing technologies, and expanding market share in key global regions. The initiative will also prioritise reducing environmental impact through advancements in water treatment, energy efficiency, and sustainable agricultural practices. This mission aligns with Sohar Port and Freezone’s strategic objectives, reinforcing their commitment to advancing global trade and economic development while positioning Oman as a hub for industrial innovation and sustainable progress.
Lindsey Vonn to enter World Cup ski races next weekend in Switzerland in her comeback at age 40 BEAVER CREEK, Colo. (AP) — Lindsey Vonn will return to World Cup ski racing next weekend for a pair of super-G events in St. Moritz, Switzerland, as she continues her comeback at 40 years old. Vonn teased her return in an Instagram post through her sponsor, Red Bull, on Friday morning. She said “I hear St. Moritz is pretty nice this time of year.” The U.S. Ski Team then confirmed she will race in St. Moritz. She’s won five of her 82 World Cup races on the venue at St. Moritz. Picabo Street, a two-time Olympic medalist and Vonn’s former teammate, says “it’s the coolest thing ever.” De'Vondre Campbell won't be part of the 49ers after his refusal to enter a game, Kyle Shanahan says SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan said linebacker De’Vondre Campbell won’t be part of the 49ers moving forward after he refused to enter a game after losing his starting job. Shanahan said the team is still working through the options of how to deal with Campbell after he walked to the locker room in the middle of a 12-6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Shanahan says the team is weighing its options, which could include a suspension or release, but that Campbell won't be part of the team for the final three weeks of the season. Saudi Arabia's plans to host the men's World Cup 2034 will be harmful for the climate, experts say Saudi Arabia says that to host the 2034 World Cup in men’s soccer, it will build or renovate 15 stadiums, create a futuristic city and expand airports and public transport in a massive buildout to accommodate millions of athletes, coaches and spectators. That will emit tons of planet-warming greenhouse gases as concrete and steel are manufactured and transported, diesel-powered excavators and trucks move material and new buildings are powered and cooled. The buildings and construction sector, taken together, is the largest emitter of greenhouse gases globally. Because of the scale of the building plans and travel needed for the event, experts say the toll on the climate could be enormous. Yankees get closer Devin Williams from Brewers for Nestor Cortes, Caleb Durbin NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Yankees acquired All-Star closer Devin Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers for left-hander Nestor Cortes and infield prospect Caleb Durbin. The Yankees also will send more than $1 million to the Brewers as part of the trade. A 30-year-old right-hander, Williams and his signature “Airbender” changeup are eligible for free agency after the 2025 season. He was diagnosed during spring training with two stress fractures in his back and didn’t make his season debut until July 28. Williams was 14 for 15 in save chances with a 1.25 ERA, striking out 38 and walking 11 in 21 2/3 innings. Cubs acquiring All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker in trade with the Astros, AP source says CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Cubs are acquiring All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker in a trade with the Houston Astros, paying a big price for one of baseball’s best hitters, a person familiar with the situation said. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the move was pending a review of medical reports. The Cubs are sending third baseman Isaac Paredes, right-hander Hayden Wesneski and Cam Smith, one of their top infield prospects, to the Astros for Tucker, who is eligible for free agency after the 2025 season. Tucker was limited to 78 games this year because of a fractured right shin, but he hit .289 with 23 homers and 49 RBIs for the AL West champions. US Olympic and Paralympic officials put coach on leave after AP reports sexual abuse allegations The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee has placed an employee on administrative leave after The Associated Press reported that one of its coaches was accused of sexually abusing a young biathlete, causing her so much distress that she attempted suicide. USOPC officials sent an email to the U.S. Biathlon national team saying it wanted to commend the athletes who came forward with the “concerning allegations of abuse." The email, which did not name the employee, said officials were conducting an internal investigation. USOPC spokesperson Jon Mason said no further information would be released while the inquiry is underway. Woman who falsely accused Duke lacrosse players of rape in 2006 publicly admits she lied RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The woman who in 2006 falsely accused three Duke University lacrosse players of raping her has admitted publicly for the first time that she made up the story. The accusations made national headlines at the time, stirring tensions about race, class and the privilege of college athletes. Crystal Mangum, who is Black, said in an interview with the “Let’s Talk with Kat” podcast that she “made up a story that wasn’t true” about the white players who attended a party where she was hired to perform as a stripper “because I wanted validation from people and not from God.” The former Duke players were declared innocent in 2007 after Mangum’s story fell apart under legal scrutiny. Analysis: Only LeBron James knows what's happening right now, and what's in his future LAS VEGAS (AP) — LeBron James was starring in Las Vegas at this time last year, the headline attraction while he and the Los Angeles Lakers were about to win the inaugural version of the event now known as the NBA Cup. That's not the case this year. “Personal reasons ... he’s taking some time” is what Lakers coach JJ Redick said this week when detailing why James was missing from practice. “Left foot soreness” is the reason why the Lakers have ruled him out of Friday’s game in Minnesota. There’s been trade speculation in recent days. It's all very different than a year ago at Cup time. Does the NBA Cup need star power or does Las Vegas sell itself? LAS VEGAS (AP) — The NBA In-Season Tournament semifinals and final debuted last season in Las Vegas. The championship game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Indiana Pacers sold out. The renamed NBA Cup is back beginning Saturday. The question is whether star power will help sell the event on a neutral site or if Las Vegas is enough of a sell itself. Former two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and this season’s second-best bet in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will be the featured names. Belichick's bid to reshape football at UNC another sign of rising pro influence on college level CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina's hiring of NFL coaching great Bill Belichick marks another sign of the growing influence of the NFL on college football. The challenges of managing the transfer portal and looming revenue sharing for athletes has led teams to take on more NFL-like structures to their programs. Belichick is set to structure North Carolina's program like an NFL front office. That includes hiring former NFL executive Michael Lombardi as general manager. At Florida, coach Billy Napier is interviewing general managers while saying the program is going to “a business model” to deal with a “major math puzzle.”
MASTERCHEF star Gregg Wallace has told friends he expects to be sacked following an investigation into his alleged sexual harassment and groping. Several women have come forward about his behaviour , prompting the review . Wallace has stopped using his pricey legal team as he resigns himself to the MasterChef sack. The under-fire presenter has also turned down crisis-publicity teams in the weeks after several women complained he groped or harassed them. The BBC1 show’s production firm Banijay UK launched a probe last month and Wallace, 60, has strongly denied any wrongdoing . But those close to him said he understood his position on MasterChef was no longer tenable . READ MORE GREGG WALLACE A source said: “Gregg’s conceded he has lost everything. To put it bluntly, he’s told people, ‘I’m f***ed’. “He came out swinging but he has quietly conceded that he knows his time on MasterChef is over and that he will be stepping aside. “He has contested the sexual allegations and insisted any jokes he made were just jokes. He said he never meant to cause any offence. “Gregg has been under a huge amount of pressure since the allegations came to light and tried his best to fight his corner. Most read in News TV “The BBC and Banijay UK have now spoken to a number of different individuals and they know they must be seen to take action. “Gregg knows the time will come when he has to step aside and as much as that pains him, it seems he has come to terms with it.” The Sun understands co-host John Torode , 59, will keep his role. The Aussie has hosted alongside Wallace since 2005. Insiders say a female star is likely to take Wallace’s place , with the new partnership to be announced in the New Year. Work on the next series of Celebrity MasterChef is under way, with the BBC show’s talent booker already making calls to line up the next run of stars. A second source said: “MasterChef is a juggernaut of a show and the wheels don’t stop turning. “Not long after the probe into Gregg’s conduct, casting started for the celebrity series. “While the probe is ongoing, it has been made clear to production that John is going to be staying and that a female will step into Gregg’s role.” Search for replacements Cooks including Angela Hartnett and Nigella Lawson have been named as possibles. Monica Galetti , 49, who appears on MasterChef: The Professionals, has also been touted. However, those close to Wallace said she would be unlikely to take the position. This week, singer Sir Rod Stewart’s wife Penny Lancaster spoke out about working with Wallace on Celebrity Masterchef in 2021. She claimed on Thursday: “I most definitely was witness — and victim — to some of the bullying and harassment behaviour of Gregg Wallace . “And, unfortunately, a lot of those involved in the production team were also witness to that.” She added: “I really feel that he used his position of power to, I believe, intimidate and cause distress to a lot of people on set. “It’s unfortunate that someone like him is allowed to get away with that, while others sort of stand by and let it happen at the same time.” At the start of this month, The Sun revealed how the BBC received complaints about Wallace’s behaviour from as early as 2014. He was accused of making sexual remarks during his 2014 stint on Strictly Come Dancing when paired with pro Aliona Vilani. The Sun also reported how John Torode repeatedly raised concerns about Wallace’s behaviour on MasterChef but no action was taken. John publicly distanced himself from Gregg in 2017 and said in an interview they were no longer pals. Since the latest allegations came to light, Wallace unfollowed John and his wife Lisa Faulkner on Instagram . At the time, pals told us Gregg was upset John did not publicly back him amid the scandal. Wallace Investigation The Sun was the first publication to report concerns over Wallace’s conduct on MasterChef. This October we revealed a complaint was made about his conduct on BBC gameshow Impossible Celebrities in 2018. They included him “boasting about this sex life” and making “inappropriate sexual comments”. It can be hard to come forward, but we want to assure everyone who does that we will treat anything raised with us with the greatest possible care. Then last month ex-Newsnight host Kirsty Wark and 13 other people came forward to say they had raised concerns. Kirsty, 69, said she spoke to MasterChef after Wallace made “sexualised jokes” when she was on the show in 2011. Other allegations include Wallace talking openly about his sex life , taking off his top in front of a junior staffer and telling another young colleague he was not wearing any pants. One woman told The Sun Wallace was made to apologise after making a “joke” about rape in 2017. Another alleged Wallace groped he r when she appeared on MasterChef. And Emma Kenny, the 2012 MasterChef winner, said she witnessed him touching another contestant and raised a complaint. Banijay UK launched its inquiry and on November 28 confirmed to The Sun that Wallace was stepping away pending the review. GREGG Wallace has stepped down from his MasterChef hosting role after a probe into alleged inappropriate behaviour. But what's the situation? Regular MasterChef host Gregg Wallace is currently the subject of a probe after an investigation was launched into his alleged misconduct over a number of years. Gregg has been accused of making sexual remarks to 13 colleagues including Beeb anchor Kirsty Wark - accusations he denies. The 60-year-old has now stepped away from the BBC show while historical misconduct allegations against him are investigated. Yet the former greengrocer spoke out on social media to blast the "women of a certain age" who he claimed were behind the allegations. The cooking show’s production company, Banijay UK, has said law firm Lewis Silkin would lead the investigation into Wallace’s alleged misconduct. A BBC spokesperson later told The Sun: “In recent days there have been concerning allegations made about the alleged conduct of Gregg Wallace, many of which relate to shows made for the BBC. “These media stories are running alongside an independent investigation , which was instigated after formal complaints were made direct to the BBC and referred to Banijay UK for further investigation. “We’d like to thank those who have had the courage to speak out. “It can be hard to come forward, but we want to assure everyone who does that we will treat anything raised with us with the greatest possible care. "Banijay UK launched the review because they have the direct contractual relationship with Gregg Wallace. He is not employed by the BBC. “When issues have been raised with the BBC we have taken action, referring issues to the relevant production company and challenging his behaviour directly as has been widely reported. READ MORE SUN STORIES “We hope Banijay UK’s independent investigation can be concluded rigorously and as swiftly as possible. "We want the review to follow due process and ensure fairness to all involved.”Ottawa addiction recovery organization celebrates 41 yearsDonald Trump wants to scrap daylight saving time across the US, which the president-elect claims will save money. Posting on his social media site, Truth Social, he said he would try to end the practice of changing clocks each spring and autumn. "The Republican Party will use its best efforts to eliminate Daylight Saving Time (DST), which has a small but strong constituency, but shouldn't!" "Daylight Saving Time is inconvenient, and very costly to our Nation," Mr Trump added. Many US states put clocks forward one hour in March and back an hour in November to maximise daylight during the summer months. There has been a long-running debate about the policy, not only in America but elsewhere including the UK. Time to stop messing with the clocks? More on Donald Trump Joe Biden to commute sentences of 1,500 'non-violent' offenders Donald Trump named Time magazine's Person Of The Year Vladimir Putin has not been invited to Donald Trump's inauguration, Moscow says Related Topics: Donald Trump DST was first introduced in Germany as a measure during the First World War due to wartime coal shortages and air-raid blackouts. The UK also adopted the changes soon after and while the US did briefly dabble in DST, it was only for seven months and was not reintroduced until 1942 during the Second World War. Follow our channel and never miss an update. Read more from Sky News: Prince Andrew statement on China 'spy' Syrians celebrate 'Victory Day' US charges N Koreans in ID theft case DST has been in place in nearly all US states since the 1960s but some do not change their clocks at all, such as Arizona and Hawaii. Supporters of remaining on DST argue it leads to brighter afternoons and evenings and more economic activity during the winter months. Critics say it forces children to walk to school in darkness since the measure delays sunrise by an hour, and the bi-annual changing of clocks causes sleep disturbance and health issues. Be the first to get Breaking News Install the Sky News app for free The president-elect has some support for his plans to scrap DST altogether. Since 2015, about 30 states have introduced or passed legislation to end the twice-yearly changing of clocks, with some states proposing to do it only if neighbouring states do the same. In March 2022, the US Senate voted unanimously to make DST permanent but the effort stalled in the House after politicians could not reach an agreement.