The man found guilty of killing two teenage girls in a highly publicized trial in Indiana will spend the rest of his life in prison. On Friday, Dec. 20, a judge sentenced Richard Allen to the maximum punishment of 130 years.
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In November 2024, a jury found Allen guilty in the murders of 13-year-old Abigail Williams and 14-year-old Liberty German in 2017 in Delphi.
Prosecutors say he kidnapped and killed them, leaving their bodies near a trail in the city of Delphi.
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The case went cold for more than five years until Allen was arrested in 2022.
Prosecutors claimed Allen confessed to the murders multiple times while waiting for trial. His lawyers said the so-called confessions were due to a mental health crisis Allen was suffering.
After the sentencing, Libby’s grandfather, Mike Patty spoke at a news conference about the case finally coming to an end.
“I really wanted to take the time to send out my appreciation that justice has been served for the girls,” Patty said.
Carroll County Sheriff Tony Liggett shared the impact the trial has had on the community.
“There will never be any closure in this case,” Liggett said. “The Germans and the Williams family lost their daughters, their granddaughters, their siblings. Justice was served but it does not bring Abby or Libby back.”
Cameras were not allowed in the courtroom, but Allen reportedly rolled his eyes at the judge and showed zero remorse during the trial.
He did not speak during Friday’s hearing.
[Jack]
THE MAN FOUND GUILTY OF KILLING TWO TEENAGE GIRLS IN A HIGHLY PUBLICIZED TRIAL IN INDIANA WILL SPEND THE REST OF HIS LIFE IN PRISON.
RICHARD ALLEN WAS SENTENCED FRIDAY TO THE MAXIMUM PUNISHMENT OF 130 YEARS.
IN NOVEMBER, A JURY FOUND ALLEN GUILTY IN THE MURDERS OF 13-YEAR-OLD ABIGAIL WILLIAMS AND 14-YEAR-OLD LIBERTY GERMAN IN 20-17.
PROSECUTORS SAY HE KIDNAPPED AND KILLED THEM … LEAVING THEIR BODIES NEAR A TRAIL IN THE CITY OF DELPHI.
THE CASE WENT COLD FOR MORE THAN FIVE YEARS UNTIL ALLEN WAS ARRESTED IN 20-22 … PROSECUTORS CLAIMED ALLEN CONFESSED TO THE MURDERS MULTIPLE TIMES WHILE WAITING FOR TRIAL. HIS LAWYERS SAID THE SO-CALLED CONFESSIONS WERE DUE TO A MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS ALLEN WAS SUFFERING.
AFTER THE SENTENCING, INDIANA LAW ENFORCEMENT AND LIBBY’S GRANDFATHER BOTH SPOKE ABOUT THE IMPACT THE CASE HAS HAD ON THE COMMUNITY.
I really wanted to take the time to send out my appreciation that justice has been served for the girls.
there will never be any closure in this case … the Germans and the Williams family lost their daughters, their grandaughters their siblings. Justice was served but it does not bring Abby or Libby back.
CAMERAS WERE NOT ALLOWED IN THE COURTROOM, BUT ALLEN REPORTEDLY ROLLED HIS EYES AT THE JUDGE AND SHOWED ZERO REMORSE DURING THE TRIAL.
HE DID NOT SPEAK DURING FRIDAY’S HEARING.
FOR SAN – I’M JACK AYLMER.
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The Colorado River, a critical water source for approximately 40 million people, faces mounting challenges due to a prolonged drought. In response, officials are considering measures to alleviate the strain, including the possibility of compensating some communities to relinquish their water rights.
The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is currently in discussions with the city of Phoenix, Arizona, to strike such a deal. Under the proposed agreement, Phoenix would give up a portion of its Colorado River water allocation in exchange for up to $300 million in federal funding. These funds would be allocated toward the construction of an advanced water purification plant.
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The planned facility would recycle wastewater, treating it to meet drinking water standards. Once operational, the plant is expected to produce up to 7,500 acre-feet of water annually, equivalent to approximately 3,750 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
The director of Phoenix Water Services, Troy Hayes, described the project as essential for improving drought resilience while reducing costs. Other officials emphasized that the purification plant would help lower Phoenix’s dependence on the Colorado River, a key goal as water shortages persist.
This development follows a recent meeting in Las Vegas, where representatives from states relying on the Colorado River gathered to discuss the ongoing drought and the impending expiration of current water-sharing agreements in August 2026.
Negotiations over a new framework have stalled, with the Upper Basin states, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Wyoming, asserting that Lower Basin states, Arizona, California and Nevada, must further reduce water usage.
In contrast, Lower Basin representatives argue they have already made substantial conservation efforts and believe reductions should be applied system-wide.
As the deadline approaches, talks between Colorado River Basin states continue.
Meanwhile, Phoenix’s advanced water purification plant is expected to move forward if the agreement regarding its water rights is finalized. Officials projected that crews will complete construction by 2030.
Tags: Arizona, California, Colorado, Colorado River, New Mexico, Phoenix, Utah, Water shortages, Wyoming
THE COLORADO RIVER SUPPLIES WATER FOR ABOUT 40 MILLION PEOPLE-
BUT IN THE MIDST OF A PROLONGED DROUGHT, OFFICIALS ARE LOOKING AT WAYS TO ALLEVIATE THE STRAIN ON THIS VITAL RESOURCE.
INCLUDING, POTENTIALLY PAYING SOME COMMUNITIES TO RELINQUISH SOME OF THEIR WATER RIGHTS.
THE U.S. BUREAU OF RECLAMATION IS CURRENTLY IN TALKS WITH THE CITY OF PHOENIX, ARIZONA TO DO JUST THAT.
THE PROPOSED DEAL WOULD SEE PHOENIX RELINQUISHING A PORTION OF ITS COLORADO RIVER WATER ALLOCATION IN EXCHANGE FOR FEDERAL FUNDING OF UP TO $300 MILLION.
MONEY THAT WOULD GO TOWARD CONSTRUCTING AN ADVANCED WATER PURIFICATION PLANT TO RECYCLE WASTEWATER AND MAKE IT SUITABLE FOR DRINKING, PRODUCING UP TO 7,500 ACRE-FEET ANNUALLY-
EQUIVALENT TO 3,750 OLYMPIC SIZED SWIMMING POOLS.
THE DIRECTOR OF PHOENIX WATER SERVICES DESCRIBED THE PROJECT AS A VITAL STEP IN ENSURING DROUGHT RESILIENCE WHILE EASING COSTS-
WITH OTHER OFFICIALS ADDING THE NEW PURIFICATION PLANT WILL REDUCE RELIANCE ON THE COLORADO RIVER.
THIS DEVELOPMENT FOLLOWS A MEETING IN LAS VEGAS EARLIER THIS MONTH AMONG OFFICIALS FROM STATES THAT RELY ON THIS RIVER.
IN ADDITION TO THE ONGOING DROUGHT-
THE CURRENT AGREEMENTS GOVERNING COLORADO RIVER USAGE ARE SET TO EXPIRE IN AUGUST 2026.
MEANING THE CLOCK IS TICKING TO GET A NEW DEAL DONE, BUT NEGOTIATIONS REMAIN STALLED.
UPPER BASIN STATES ARGUE THAT THE LOWER BASIN MUST REDUCE USAGE FURTHER-
AS LOWER BASIN REPRESENTATIVES COUNTER THAT THEY’VE ALREADY MADE SIGNIFICANT CONSERVATION EFFORTS AND INSIST CUTS SHOULD BE SHARED SYSTEM-WIDE.
DISCUSSIONS BETWEEN BASIN STATES WILL CONTINUE AS THE DEADLINE FOR NEW WATER-SHARING RULES APPROACHES.
MEANWHILE, CONSTRUCTION OF PHOENIX’S ADVANCED WATER PURIFICATION PLANT IS EXPECTED TO PROCEED IF THE AGREEMENT REGARDING ITS COLORADO RIVER RIGHTS IS FINALIZED-
WITH OPERATIONS PROJECTED TO BEGIN BY 2030.
FOR STRAIGHT ARROW NEWS – I’M JACK AYLMER.
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We made it through another election year where the economy was the top issue for voters. So which business stories grabbed you the most this year?
We know you came to Straight Arrow News for the unbiased, straight facts. Here are the top five business stories you watched and read at SAN.com.
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#5: Progress or poverty? Patience running out for Argentina’s Milei 1 year in
We had enough to worry about here with the U.S. economy, but what really grabbed your attention was an economic experiment happening in South America. Voters in Argentina had just elected a brash, unconventional choice for president in Javier Milei.
He’s the guy who promised to take a chainsaw to the economy and carried a chainsaw at rallies. He has a friendship with President-elect Donald Trump and has been called a “mini Trump” in the past.
A year following his election, SAN checked in with economists to grade Milei’s year. Despite the poverty rate under his policies spiking to include more than half the population, he’s made serious progress on inflation and the economy is starting to grow. There’s real hope he can turn things around there if the people of Argentina don’t run out of patience.
#4: Warren Buffett keeps selling Apple stock to hoard cash. But why?
When Warren Buffett makes money moves, the world pays attention. So when financial disclosures showed he was regularly selling Apple stock and hoarding cash, you wanted to know why — or rather, what he knew.
“We will have Apple as our largest investment,” the Berkshire Hathaway CEO said in May. “But I don’t mind at all, under current conditions, building the cash position. I think when I look at the alternative of what’s available in the equity markets, and I look at the composition of what’s going on in the world, we find it quite attractive.”
There it is from the horse’s mouth. However, an analyst quoted in our story speculated the Apple sale might have more to do with the death of Buffett’s right-hand man, Charlie Munger, who may have always been more comfortable with the company.
So far in 2024, Apple’s share price is up 36%.
#3: Conservatives want to give Dunkin’ Donuts the ‘Bud Light treatment’
The boycott of Bud Light was a huge business story in 2023, and by 2024, the beer still hadn’t recovered. But this year, conservatives found a new target in Dunkin’ Donuts and set out to give it the “Bud Light Treatment.”
The hashtag #BoycottDunkinDonuts splattered across social media after the CEO of Rumble said Dunkin’s parent company refused to advertise on the site because of its “right wing culture.” Rumble is a conservative counterpart to YouTube.
The boycott proved to be no Bud Light. Former Anheuser-Busch executive Anson Frericks correctly predicted in our story that the momentum would fizzle out because Dunkin is a privately-held company. Unlike with Bud Light, there’s no public data and regular industry reports to reinforce the success of the boycott.
#2: The US breached $34 trillion in national debt. Here’s who owns every dime.
Your No. 2 story is a topic I could talk about every day of every year and never run out of things to say. In fact, there are a lot of reasons to talk about it right now. We’re talking about the U.S. national debt, which is at $36 trillion
We started the year by breaching $34 trillion in debt and set out to tell you who holds it all.
We knew you had a serious interest in which foreign countries hold the bag. Japan has the biggest purse, followed by China, then the U.K. But foreign governments account for less than a quarter of the whole pie. Private investors hold the biggest share, followed by foreign countries, U.S. government accounts and the Federal Reserve.
#1: Boeing strike strategy ‘baffles’ top aviation analyst. Where do talks go next?
When Boeing machinists walked off the job for the first time in 16 years, many thought the strike would be a quick one. But weeks in, management completely botched negotiations by releasing details of an offer to the media before the union had responded.
“I thought the arrival of new management with a lot of experience and understanding in the industry would make things different, but that doesn’t appear to be the case at all, I’m afraid,” said Richard Aboulafia, a top aviation analyst and managing director of Aerodynamic Advisory.
The story “Boeing strike strategy ‘baffles’ top aviation analyst” is at the top of our list. It would be nearly another month after this interview before machinists voted to return to work.
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In the end, workers got Boeing up from a 25% raise to 38% over four years. It was new CEO Kelly Ortberg’s first test in a long line of challenges we’ll be talking about for years to come.
Tags: Anson Frericks, apple, Argentina, Berkshire Hathaway, Boeing, Boeing strike, Bud Light, Business, Debt ceiling, Dunkin Donuts, Economy, Javier Milei, National Debt, Stock Market, Strike, U.S. Economy, Warren Buffett
[Simone Del Rosario]
We made it through another election year where the economy was the top issue for voters. So which business stories grabbed you the most this year? We know you came to Straight Arrow News for the unbiased, straight facts. I decided to pull together the business stories you watched the most in 2024. These are your top 5.
We had enough to worry about here with the U.S. economy, but what really grabbed your attention is an economic experiment happening in South America. See, voters in Argentina had just elected a brash, unconventional choice for president in Javier Milei. He’s the guy who promised to take a chainsaw to the economy. He has a friendship with President-elect Donald Trump and has been called a “mini Trump” in the past.
A year following his election, we checked in with economists to grade Milei’s year. Despite the poverty rate under his policies spiking to include more than half the population, he’s made serious progress on inflation and the economy is starting to grow. There’s real hope he can turn things around there if the people of Argentina don’t run out of patience.
When this man makes money moves, the world pays attention. So when Warren Buffett kept selling Apple stock and hoarding cash, you wanted to know why – or rather, what he knew. The Oracle of Omaha said, Don’t worry, Apple is still Berkshire Hathaway’s largest investment.
Warren Buffett: But I don’t mind at all, under current conditions, building the cash position. I think when I look at the alternative of what’s available in the equity markets, and I look at the composition of what’s going on in the world, we find it quite attractive.
Simone Del Rosario: There it is from the horse’s mouth. But an analyst quoted in our story speculated the Apple sell might have more to do with the death of Buffett’s right-hand man, Charlie Munger, who may have always been more comfortable with the company.
So far in 2024, Apple’s share price is up 36%.
The boycott of Bud Light was a huge business story in 2023, and by 2024 the beer still hadn’t recovered. But this year conservatives found a new target in Dunkin’ Donuts and set out to give it the “Bud Light Treatment.”
The hashtag Boycott Dunkin Donuts splattered across social media after the CEO of Rumble said Dunkin’s parent company refused to advertise on the site because of its “right wing culture.” Rumble is essentially the conservative counterpart to YouTube.
Was the boycott successful? It’s no Bud Light. The momentum fizzled out because Dunkin is a privately-held company and there’s no public data to reinforce the success of the boycott like there was with Bud Light.
Your No. 2 story is a topic I could talk about every day, every week of every year and never run out of things to say. In fact, there are a lot of reasons to talk about it right now. I’m talking about the U.S. national debt, which is at $36 trillion dollars.
We started the year by breaching $34 trillion in debt and set out to tell you who holds it all.
We knew you had a serious interest in which foreign countries hold the bag. Japan has the biggest purse, followed by China, then the U.K. But foreign governments account for less than a quarter of the whole pie. Private investors hold the biggest share, followed by foreign countries, U.S. government accounts, and the Federal Reserve.
Drumroll please – for the top business story of 2024.
When Boeing machinists walked off the job for the first time in 16 years, many thought the strike would be a quick one. But weeks in, management completely botched negotiations by releasing details of an offer to the media before the union had responded.
Richard Aboulafia: I thought the arrival of new management with a lot of experience and understanding in the industry would make things different, but that doesn’t appear to be the case at all, I’m afraid.
Simone Del Rosario: The story “Boeing strike strategy ‘baffles’ top aviation analyst” is the top of our list. It would be nearly another month before machinists would come back to work.
In the end, workers got Boeing up from a 25% raise to 38% over four years. It was new CEO Kelly Ortberg’s first test in a long line of challenges we’ll be talking about for years to come.
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A bipartisan congressional task force released a report containing guiding principles and policy proposals to ensure America is a world leader in responsible AI innovation. The task force hopes the report will be used by future Congress bodies to regulate a developing technology that lawmakers admit they don’t know much about.
“We’re advocating for a light touch regulatory environment where we enact the protections that need to be enacted to protect Americans from the malicious and harmful uses of AI, while it’s still creating a regulatory environment that allows AI innovation to flourish in America. And that’s the balance we’re trying to achieve,” Rep. Jay Obernolte, R-Calif., said.
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Obernolte co-chaired the task force with Rep. Ted Lieu, D-Calif.
The lawmakers want incrementalism. Congress is not going to pass a comprehensive regulatory package that’s meant to last forever. This is going to happen with small bills that are specific to new developments and changes in the industry.
“We don’t think it’s possible to know enough now about artificial intelligence to be able to pass one single bill of thousands of pages and accomplish everything all at once. We think it requires an incremental approach,” Obernolte said.
Lawmakers also know AI will one day be all encompassing. So they made specific suggestions for different sectors and issues.
The various areas include:
- Intellectual property.
- Privacy protections.
- Civil rights.
- Agriculture.
- National security.
- Health care.
If all goes to plan, AI will have a more utopian effect. For agriculture, AI can help increase crop yield by assisting with production, harvest and processing. AI could also help improve diagnostic accuracy in health care.
Private sector leaders in AI innovation applauded Congress’ effort to stay ahead of the game.
“We’ve long advocated for risk-based regulation promoting safe, trustworthy, and innovative AI. The task force’s findings are an important step in advancing a policy framework that fosters open and responsible AI innovation,” IBM Vice President Christina Montgomery said in a statement.
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Chris Lehane, Open AI’s chief global affairs officer, stated, “I also appreciate that the report contains specific calls for increased government support for AI research and development, literacy and workforce training programs, and public-private partnerships designed to maximize America’s current lead in AI.”
There are dozens of AI related bills that have been introduced, most of which are in the earliest stages of the legislative process.
[Ray Bogan]
A bipartisan Congressional task force released a report containing guiding principles and policy proposals to ensure America leads the world in responsible AI innovation. The task force hopes the report will be used by future Congresses to regulate a developing technology that lawmakers admit they don’t know much about.
Jay Obernolte, R-CA: “I think that there’s an awful lot that needs to be done. I think it’d be more accurate to say we’re advocating for a light touch regulatory environment where we enact the protections that need to be enacted to protect Americans from the malicious and harmful uses of AI, while it’s still creating a regulatory environment that allows AI innovation to flourish in America. And that’s the balance we’re trying to achieve.”
Big picture – they want incrementalism. Congress is not going to pass a comprehensive regulatory package that’s meant to last forever. This is going to happen with small bills that are specific to new developments and changes in the industry.
Jay Obernolte, R-CA: “We don’t think it’s possible to know enough now about artificial intelligence to be able to pass one single bill of 1000s of pages and accomplish everything all at once. We think it requires an incremental approach.”
Lawmakers also know AI will one day be all encompassing.
So they made specific suggestions for different sectors and issues, including: intellectual property, privacy protections, civil rights, agriculture, national security, and healthcare.
If all goes to plan, AI will have a more utopian effect.
For Agriculture – AI can help increase crop yield by assisting with production, harvest, and processing. AI could help improve diagnostic accuracy in health care.
Private sector leaders in AI innovation applauded Congress’ effort to stay ahead of the game.
IBM VP Christina Montgomery said in a statement, “We’ve long advocated for risk-based regulation promoting safe, trustworthy, and innovative AI. The task force’s findings are an important step in advancing a policy framework that fosters open and responsible AI innovation.”
Open AI’s Chief Global Affairs officer said, “I also appreciate that the report contains specific calls for increased government support for AI research and development, literacy and workforce training programs, and public-private partnerships designed to maximize America’s current lead in AI.”
There are dozens of AI related bills that have been introduced, most of which are in the earliest stages of the legislative process.
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One of the rarest NFL kick rules has returned, with the “fair-catch free kick” rule not successfully used in an NFL game in nearly 50 years until the night of Thursday, Dec. 19. Jim Harbaugh and the LA Chargers broke out the play after a series of events in the waning seconds of the first half of their win over the Denver Broncos.
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The Broncos were leading 21-10 on the final play of the first half when they had to punt. The Chargers punt returner motioned for a fair catch. However, Broncos defender Tremon Smith interfered, moving the ball up 15 yards.
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By rule, the half cannot end on a defensive penalty. The Chargers received one untimed down to run a play.
Harbaugh called time out and met with his special teams coach, Ryan Ficken. They chose a rarely used option to try a free kick following a fair catch, which the opposing team can’t block.
After the win, Harbaugh called it his favorite NFL rule. “Coach Ficken had gone over it this week — doesn’t go over it every week — but they had gone over it. I was trying to work out the math in my head, where’s that flag, it’s gonna be on their side of the 50 so this is, this is our chance, this is our moment,” he joked.
It’s a rare choice because teams are usually nowhere close to field goal range when awarded an extra play, but the penalty added 15 yards. From there, Cameron Dicker had enough leg to boot a 57-yarder to make it 21-13.
The last fair catch kick attempt was by the Carolina Panther’s Joey Slye in 2019 against Tampa Bay. He missed the 60-yard attempt. Each Friday, Dicker said the specialists watch Slye’s kick.
“Yeah, we talked about it the last couple of seasons, so we make sure it’s ready to roll. The offense usually isn’t in there, so they were confused saying ‘what’s going on here’ so that was funny to hear about. So, hey, we just taught a bunch of people what’s going on,” he said.
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The 57-yarder was the longest free kick in NFL history. It’s the first since San Diego Charger Ray Wersching did it in 1976.
The players admitted afterward that the play gave them a spark as they entered the locker room. In the second half, the Chargers outscored the Broncos by 15 points and won 34-27.
[Chris Francis]
THANKS TO JIM HARBAUGH AND THE LA CHARGERS, THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL FEATURED A PLAY SO RARE IT’S BEEN NEARLY 50 YEARS SINCE NFL FANS HAVE SEEN IT. IT’S CALLED THE FAIR-CATCH FREE KICK.
DON’T KNOW WHAT THAT IS? YOU’RE NOT ALONE, A LOT OF THE PLAYERS DIDN’T EVEN KNOW ABOUT IT! HERE’S WHAT HAPPENED.
ON THE FINAL PLAY OF THE FIRST HALF THE DENVER BRONCOS, LEADING 21-10, HAD TO PUNT.
THE CHARGERS RETURNER MOTIONED FOR A FAIR CATCH BUT WAS INTERFERED WITH BY BRONCOS DEFENDER TREMON SMITH SO – THE BALL WAS MOVED UP 15 YARDS.
AND BECAUSE BY RULE, THE HALF CAN’T END ON A DEFENSIVE PENALTY THE CHARGERS GOT ONE UN-TIMED DOWN TO RUN A PLAY.
HARBAUGH CALLED TIME OUT AND MET WITH HIS SPECIAL TEAMS COACH. THEY CHOOSE A RARELY USED OPTION – TO TRY A FREE KICK FOLLOWING A FAIR CATCH, WHICH IS NOT ALLOWED TO BE BLOCKED BY THE OPPOSING TEAM. AFTER THE GAME HARBAUGH CALLED IT HIS FAVORITE NFL RULE
“Coach Ficken had gone over it this week – doesn’t go over it every week – but they had gone over it. I was trying to work out the math in my head, where’s that flag, it’s gonna be on their side of the 50 so. This is, this is our chance, this is our moment.
IT’S A RARE CHOICE BECAUSE TEAMS ARE USUALLY NOWHERE CLOSE TO FIELD GOAL RANGE WHEN THEY’RE AWARDED THE EXTRA PLAY.
WELL, CAMERON DICKER HAS A BIG LEG AND THOUGH THE SET UP LOOKED STRANGE, HE PROMPTLY BOOTED A 57 YARDER TO MAKE IT 21-13.
“yeah we talked about it the last couple of seasons so we make sure it’s ready to roll. The offense usually isn’t in there so they were confused saying ‘what’s going on here’ so that was funny to hear about. So, we just taught a bunch of people what’s going on!”
IT WAS THE LONGEST FREE KICK IN NFL HISTORY AND THE FIRST SINCE *SAN DIEGO CHARGER RAY WERSCHING DID IT IN 1976.
THE CHARGERS SAID THE PLAY GAVE THEM A SPARK GOING INTO THE LOCKER ROOM. IN THE SECOND HALF THEY OUTSCORED THE BRONCOS BY 15 POINTS TO WIN IT 34-27.
FOR STRAIGHT ARROW NEWS, I’M CHRIS FRANCIS
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Starbucks joins the list of companies hitting the picket line just in time for the holidays. Baristas started a five-day strike at stores in Los Angeles, Chicago and Seattle.
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Starbucks Workers United is leading the protest. The union is calling out the company for backtracking on negotiations around better labor practices and wages.
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In a post on X, the union said, “Since February, Starbucks has repeatedly pledged publicly that they intended to reach contracts by the end of the year, but they’ve yet to present workers with a serious economic proposal.”
Since February, Starbucks has repeatedly pledged publicly that they intended to reach contracts by the end of the year – but they’ve yet to present workers with a serious economic proposal.
— Starbucks Workers United (@SBWorkersUnited) December 20, 2024
The conversation surrounding wages began in 2021 between the newly formed union and the coffee giant, with promises to reach an agreement by the end of 2024.
The union said despite Starbucks’ new CEO Brian Niccol having a salary of more than $100 million in the first year, the company hasn’t increased wages based on the value of its unionized employees.
“Union baristas know their value, and they’re not going to accept a proposal that doesn’t treat them as true partners,” Union President Lynne Fox said.
The company is offering an annual pay increase starting at 1.5% with a potential increase in the future. However, Workers United is countering that proposal. Starbucks said the union is asking to bump up the minimum wage for hourly workers by 64%.
Starbucks said it isn’t able to meet the demands of the union and the company’s benefit package is competitive with other businesses.
Workers currently earn about $18 an hour, but the company says benefits raise the total pay package to $30 an hour. Right now, Starbucks offers health care, paid family leave and free college tuition benefits to full-time employees.
Starbucks is asking the union to resume negotiations after talks were cut short when the it walked away from the bargaining table.
Of its 10,000 union workers, 98% voted for the strike, which could impact hundreds of locations right before the Christmas rush.
“We are aware of disruption at a small handful of stores, but the overwhelming majority of our U.S. stores remain open and serving customers as normal.”
Statement by Starbucks
Starbucks has more than 16,000 stores across the U.S. with at least 500 of those unionized.
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The strike comes just days after Niccol’s announcement to triple paid leave for birth parents. Starbucks will now offer up to 18 weeks of paid leave compared to the previous six weeks. The new benefit starts in March of 2025 for employees working at least 20 hours a week.
[Jack Aylmer]
STARBUCKS JOINS THE LIST OF COMPANIES HITTING THE PICKET LINE JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
BARISTAS STARTED A FIVE DAY STRIKE AT STORES IN LOS ANGELES, CHICAGO AND SEATTLE
STARBUCKS WORKERS UNITED IS LEADING THE PROTEST. THE UNION IS CALLING OUT THE COMPANY FOR BACKTRACKING ON NEGOTIATIONS AROUND BETTER LABOR PRACTICES AND WAGES.
IT’S A CONVERSATION THAT BEGAN IN 2021 WITH PROMISES TO REACH AN AGREEMENT BY THE END OF 2024.
THE UNION SAYS DESPITE STARBUCKS NEW CEO HAVING A SALARY OF MORE THAN 100 MILLION DOLLARS, THE COMPANY HASN’T INCREASED WAGES BASED ON THE VALUE OF ITS UNIONIZED EMPLOYEES.
THE COMPANY IS OFFERING AN ANNUAL PAY INCREASE STARTING AT ONE POINT FIVE PERCENT BUT THE UNION IS COUNTERING THAT PROPOSAL
ASKING THAT THE MINIMUM WAGE FOR HOURLY WORKERS BEBUMPED UP 64 PERCENT AND CONTINUE INCREASING OVER THE SPAN OF THREE YEARS.
CURRENTLY WORKERS EARN ABOUT 18 DOLLARS AN HOUR AND THE COMPANY SAYS WHEN YOU FACTOR IN HEALTH CARE, PAID FAMILY LEAVE AND FREE COLLEGE TUITION BENEFITS, THE PAY PACKAGE IS WORTH 30 DOLLARS PER HOUR.
STARBUCKS IS REPORTEDLY ASKING THE UNION TO COME BACK TO THE TABLE.
98 PERCENT OF UNION MEMBERS VOTED FOR THE STRIKE, ONE THAT COULD IMPACT HUNDREDS OF LOCATIONS RIGHT BEFORE THE RUSH OF CHRISTMAS.
SO FAR THE COMPANY IS NOTING ONLY A SMALL DISRUPTION.
“The overwhelming majority of our U.S. stores remain open and serving customers as normal.”
STARBUCKS HAS MORE THAN SIXTEEN THOUSAND STORES ACROSS THE U-S…AT LEAST 500 OF THOSE ARE UNIONIZED.
FOR STRAIGHT ARROW NEWS, I’M JACK AYLMER
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The Biden administration is expected to announce its final Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) package worth $1.2 billion, according to an exclusive report from Reuters on Friday, Dec. 20. The aid will reportedly feature air defense receptors and artillery munitions.
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Reuters reports the equipment will come via the USAI program, which means the weapons will come from U.S. defense contractors, not ready-to-go American stockpiles.
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The equipment is not on a fast track either, as aid using this method can reportedly take months or even years to reach troops on the battlefield.
The package may be one of the last steps the United States takes to support Ukraine with direct military support before President-elect Donald Trump is inaugurated on Jan. 20.
As Straight Arrow News has previously reported, Trump has questioned military aid to Ukraine in the past, and suggested European allies should bear more of the cost in supporting Kyiv militarily.
The incoming president’s stance has sparked concerns about the future of U.S. military funding for Ukraine during his second term.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine nearly three years ago, the United States has committed $175 billion to Kyiv, including a little more than $61 billion in security assistance, with half of that amount coming from the USAI program.
When asked about the latest package by Reuters, the U.S. State Department and Pentagon said they were not disclosing any information about the potential package until an official announcement is made.
Tags: Department of Defense, Donald Trump, Europe, Foreign aid, Joe Biden, Kyiv, Military Defense, Moscow, National Security, National Security Council, NATO, Russia, Russia-Ukraine War, Russian Defense Ministry, State Department, U.S. military, Ukraine, Ukraine aid, Ukraine Defense Ministry, Ukrainian Security Service, United States, Vladimir Putin, Weapons, White House, White House National Security Council
[RYAN ROBERTSON]
THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION IS EXPECTED TO ANNOUNCE ITS FINAL UKRAINE SECURITY ASSISTANCE INITIATIVE PACKAGE VERY SOON…THE BILL ON THE LAST SHIPMENT COMES OUT TO ABOUT ONE-POINT-TWO BILLION DOLLARS.
REUTERS GOT THE INSIDE SCOOP. REPORTERS THERE SAY THE AID WILL FEATURE AIR DEFENSE INTERCEPTORS AND ARTILLERY MUNITIONS.
THE EQUIPMENT IS COMING THROUGH THE U-S-A-I PROGRAM, WHICH MEANS DEFENSE CONTRACTORS WILL BUILD NEW ITEMS INSTEAD OF SENDING THINGS THAT ARE READY-TO-GO IN AMERICAN STOCKPILES.
WHICH IS TO SAY IT’S NOT ON A FAST TRACK…AID USING THIS METHOD OF DELIVERY CAN TAKE MONTHS OR EVEN YEARS TO REACH TROOPS ON THE BATTLEFIELD.
THE PACKAGE MAY BE ONE OF THE LAST STEPS THE U-S TAKES TO GIVE DIRECT MILITARY SUPPORT TO KYIV BEFORE PRESIDENT-ELECT TRUMP RETURNS TO THE WHITE HOUSE.
AS WE’VE NOTED BEFORE, TRUMP’S PAST RHETORIC WASN’T PARTICULARLY KEEN ON MILITARY AID TO UKRAINE.
THE PRESIDENT-ELECT PREVIOUSLY, QUESTIONED U-S MILITARY HELP TO THE STRUGGLING DEMOCRACY AND SUGGESTED EUROPEAN ALLIES SHOULD STEP UP TO THE PLATE MORE.
ALL OF THIS IS SPARKING CONCERNS ABOUT THE FUTURE OF U-S MILITARY ASSISTANCE UNDER THE FORTHCOMING SECOND TRUMP ADMINISTRATION.
SINCE RUSSIA’S INVASION OF UKRAINE NEARLY THREE YEARS AGO, THE U-S COMMITTED 175 BILLION DOLLARS TO KYIV.
INCLUDING A LITTLE MORE THAN 61 BILLION DOLLARS IN SECURITY ASSISTANCE.
HALF OF WHICH CAME THROUGH THE U-S-A-I PROGRAM.
WHEN ASKED ABOUT THE LATEST PACKAGE, THE STATE DEPARTMENT AND PENTAGON SAID THEY’RE NOT REVEALING ANYTHING UNTIL AN OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT IS MADE.
FOR MORE ON THIS STORY DOWNLOAD THE STRAIGHT ARROW NEWS APP OR VISIT SAN DOT COM.
FOR STRAIGHT ARROW NEWS– I’M RYAN ROBERTSON.
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A string of high-profile burglaries is crossing over from the turf to the hardwood. While Celtics shooting guard Jaylen Brown dribbled down the court in Washington D.C., police were responding to his mom’s house for a reported break-in.
Massachusetts police found a broken window at the residence on Sunday, Dec. 15, but nothing was reported to be stolen. The inside of the house appeared to be mostly undisturbed according to Wellesley police.
Brown spoke out at a press conference on Thursday, Dec. 19, where he told reporters it’s been a tough week. He said he’s thankful his mom and nephew are safe, but was shook up about their security being compromised.
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“Thank God nothing serious or physical or threatening happened, but the fact that it could have just kind of lingers in your mind,” he said.
Less than 20 minutes away, Brown’s assistant coach also experienced a burglary that same day. Law enforcement said a lot of jewelry was stolen from the home while no one was inside.
Local police are investigating and looking for possible suspects. They urged the community to use security systems if possible. It’s a message echoed by both the NBA and NFL as professional athletes have been the target of burglaries.
Most recently, thieves broke into the homes of football stars Joe Burrow, Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.
While it’s unclear right now if the break-ins are connected, the NBA isn’t taking any chances with its athletes. They warned players that the FBI believes a South American group may be behind the crimes.
The Celtics released a statement following the incidents. They said they are working with authorities in their investigation and said the safety of players and staff is number one for the team.
[Jack Aylmer]
A STRING OF HIGH PROFILE BURGLARIES IS CROSSING OVER FROM THE TURF TO THE HARDWOOD.
WHILE CELTICS BASKETBALL PLAYER JAYLEN BROWN WAS DRIBBLING DOWN THE COURT IN WASHINGTON D.C., POLICE WERE RESPONDING TO HIS MOM’S HOUSE FOR A REPORTED BREAK-IN.
ON SUNDAY, MASSACHUSETTS POLICE FOUND A BROKEN WINDOW AT THE RESIDENCE BUT NOTHING INSIDE WAS TAKEN.
BROWN SPOKE OUT AT A PRESS CONFERENCE ON THURSDAY THANKFUL HIS MOM AND NEPHEW ARE SAFE, BUT WAS SHOOK UP ABOUT THEIR SECURITY BEING COMPROMISED.
(JAYLEN BROWN: “Thank God nothing serious or physical or threatening happened, but the fact that it could have just kind of lingers in your mind.”)
LESS THAN TWENTY MINUTES AWAY, BROWN’S ASSISTANT COACH ALSO EXPERIENCED A BURGLARY THAT SAME DAY. LAW ENFORCEMENT SAY JEWLERY WAS STOLEN FROM THE HOME.
LOCAL POLICE ARE INVESTIGATING AND LOOKING FOR A SUSPECT…THEY URGED THE COMMUNITY TO USE HOME SECURITY SYSTEMS IF POSSIBLE.
ITS A MESSAGE ECHOED BY THE NFL AS PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES HAVE BEEN THE TARGET OF BURGLARIES.
MOST RECENTLY THE HOMES OF FOOTBALL STARS JOE BURROW, PATRICK MAHOMES AND TRAVIS KELCE WERE HIT.
WHILE IT’S UNCLEAR IF THE SERIES OF BREAK-INS ARE CONNECTED.
THE NBA ISN’T TAKING CHANCES, WARNING OTHER PLAYERS, SAYING THE FBI BELIEVES A SOUTH AMERICAN GROUP MAY BE BEING BEHIND THE CRIMES.
THE CELTICS ARE WORKING WITH AUTHORITIES IN THEIR INVESTIGATION AND SAY THE SAFETY OF PLAYERS AND STAFF IS NUMBER ONE FOR THE TEAM.
FOR STRAIGHT ARROW NEWS, I’M JACK AYLMER
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Palestinian rights advocates in northern California are suing two members of Congress over billions of dollars in military aid sent to Israel amid the ongoing Gaza war. A complaint filed Thursday, Dec. 19 in a U.S. District Court alleges Democratic Reps. Mike Thompson and Jared Huffman caused moral injury to a group of over 500 taxpayers in their California districts by voting for a $26 billion aid package to Israel in April.
The plaintiffs claim the aid violates what they call their constitutional right to have taxes collected for only lawful purposes. The attorney for the plaintiffs said sending military aid to Israel violates multiple U.S. laws, including a ban on supporting genocide.
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The residents from 10 counties said U.S. support for Israel has caused them to suffer from symptoms including “uncontrollable weeping” and the “inability to experience joy.”
One of the plaintiffs, Robie Tenorio, said they want the U.S. to stop funding the Israel-Hamas war.
“As federal taxpayers we are complicit in funding this genocide and we want our Congress people to stop our involvement,” Tenorio told Humboldt Freelance Reporting.
A spokesperson for Rep. Thompson said in a statement to Jefferson Public Radio, “Securing the safety of civilians won’t be accomplished by filing a lawsuit.”
Rep. Huffman has so far not commented on the matter in public.
[Jack Aylmer]
PALESTINIAN RIGHTS ADVOCATES IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA ARE SUING TWO MEMBERS CONGRESS OVER BILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN MILITARY AID SENT TO ISRAEL AMID THE ON-GOING GAZA WAR.
A COMPLAINT FILED THURSDAY IN U-S DISTRICT COURT ALLEGES DEMOCRATIC REPRESENTATIVES MIKE THOMPSON AND JARED HUFFMAN CAUSED MORAL INJURY TO A GROUP OF OVER 500 TAXPAYERS IN THEIR CALIFORNIA DISTRICTS BY VOTING FOR A 26 BILLION DOLLAR ISRAEL AID PACKAGE IN APRIL.
THE PLAINTIFFS CLAIM THE AID VIOLATES WHAT THEY CALL THEIR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO HAVE TAXES COLLECTED FOR ONLY LAWFUL PURPOSES.
THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFFS SAYS SENDING MILITARY AID TO ISRAEL VIOLATES MULTIPLE U-S LAWS INCLUDING A BAN ON SUPPORTING GENOCIDE.
THE RESIDENTS FROM 10 COUNTIES … SAY U-S SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL HAS CAUSED THEM TO SUFFER FROM SYMPTOMS INCLUDING “UNCONTROLLABLE WEEPING” AND THE “INABILITY TO EXPERIENCE JOY.”
ONE OF THE PLAINTIFF’S ROBIE (row-bee) TENORIO SAYS THEY WANT THE U-S TO STOP FUNDING THE ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR.
as federal taxpayers we are complicit in funding this genocide and we want our congress people to stop our involvement.
A SPOKESPERSON FOR REPRESENTATIVE THOMPSON SAID IN A STATEMENT TO JEFFERSON PUBLIC RADIO … “SECURING THE SAFETY OF CIVILIANS WON’T BE ACCOMPLISHED BY FILING A LAWSUIT.
REPRESENTATIVE HUFFMAN HAS NOT COMMENTED.
FOR SAN – I’M JACK AYLMER.
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It’s a fantastic weekend to be a college football fan. A new era of the post-season kicks off Friday, Dec. 20, with the first ever 12-team College Football Playoff.
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In one month, football fans will have a new national champion and no matter which of the 12 teams comes out victorious, they will have earned it. Here’s a quick break down of the first-round games.
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No. 7 Indiana vs. No. 10 Notre Dame
The first matchup comes Friday night between the No. 7 seed Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the No. 10 seed Indiana Hoosiers.
Good morning from Notre Dame Stadium.#GoIrish pic.twitter.com/AdPyaXPuuE
— The Fighting Irish (@FightingIrish) December 20, 2024
There’s a possibility of snow in the forecast in South Bend, Indiana, so the ground game might be key. Notre Dame ranks 10th in the nation running the football. Meanwhile, Indiana’s defense under first-year coach Curt Cignetti is the best in the country at stopping the run. The team only allowing just 70 yards per game.
Irish quarterback said Reilly Leonard feels like his team is ready for whatever comes their way.
“Definitely the biggest game of my career. had a lot of time to prepare and I won’t take it for granted. really cool experience, to get to where we are now is kinda why I came to Notre Dame,” Leonard said.
No. 11 SMU vs. No. 6 Penn State
A Saturday, Dec. 21, triple-header begins with underdog SMU, the No. 11 seed, taking on the Big Ten Conference runner-up Penn State, the No. 6 seed, in frigid State College, Pennsylvania. Temperatures are expected to be in the 20s. Both teams have high powered offenses that can score with any player.
The Mustangs made it into the playoff even though their comeback against Clemson in the ACC championship game fell just short. They may need to put up at least 30 points to hang with Penn State. The Nittany Lions, on the other hand, have just two losses. Both of them to were playoff teams, but head coach James Franklin’s record against top-10 opponents stands at three wins and 19 losses.
His counterpart on the Mustangs, Rhett Lashlee isn’t buying that, he just wants a fast start.
“The first quarter is big because starting fast is important in football anyways, but we’re on the road 106,000 plus, the atmosphere will be electric, they will have all the momentum and adrenaline on their side. It’s going to be important, yes to start fast but also just to hang in there,” Lashlee said.
With a win over the Nittany Lions, Lashlee and the Mustangs can silence a lot of the critics that said they shouldn’t be in the playoff. Some believe that three-loss Alabama from the powerful SEC conference had a better resume. Pollers put SMU just one spot ahead of Bama in the College Football Playoff final poll.
No. 12 Clemson vs. No. 5 Texas
On the other side of the bracket, the second game on Saturday, Dec. 21 is a big-time matchup in Austin, Texas, between the ACC champions, No. 12 Clemson, and the No. 5 Texas, who finished second in the SEC.
The Tigers would likely not be in the dance had they not hung on to beat SMU in the final seconds of the ACC title game. Quarterback Cade Klubnik will need to be play a great game against the Longhorns defense. The unit is currently ranked second in the nation allowing just 12 points per game.
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney is well aware that Texas is a 10-point betting favorite over his Tigers.
“I mean we’re the 12 seed, happy to have a chance, I mean, we’re in there, anything can happen,” Swinney said. “The players know not a lot of people don’t give us an opportunity to win. That’s their mentality, they believe in themselves and that’s all that matters.”
No. 9 Tennessee vs. No. 8 Ohio State
The nightcap Saturday features the two closest seeds in the first round, The No. 9 seed Tennessee Volunteers travel to Columbus, Ohio, to take on the No. 8 seed, Ohio State.
The Vols have had a balanced attack all season. However, the question of whether their freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava will be able to handle the pressure the top ranked defense in the nation will bring remains.
The Buckeyes allow just 11 points per game and are second in the Big Ten in sacks, with 35.
However, Ryan Day’s Ohio State gang lost to bitter rival Michigan in their last game. Day said he believes the team has moved on and will focus on the task at hand.
“Once you get into the playoffs it’s a brand-new start,” Day said. “Our guys have recognized that now. They’ve earned the right to play in the playoffs and that’s it. We have two top five wins and 10 wins. A lot of teams in the country are not in the playoffs the bottom line is we’re in the playoffs.”
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They’re in, but how long will each team last? Day added one more thought when asked how he approaches the tournament.
“Look, we all have our issues and deficiencies, the team that can address those the best is going to win this thing,” Day said.
Tags: Alabama, CFP, Football, Indiana, NCAA, Ohio, Ohio State, Penn State University, Pennsylvania, SEC, Sports, Tennessee, Texas
[Chris]
A NEW ERA OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL KICKS OFF FRIDAY NIGHT AS THE FIRST EVER 12 TEAM PLAYOFF GETS UNDERWAY. FOUR WEEKS FROM NOW A NEW CHAMPION WILL BE CROWED AND NO MATTER WHICH OF THE 12 TEAMS IT IS – THEY WILL HAVE EARNED IT. SO, WITHOUT FURTHER ADO, LETS BREAK DOWN THE FIRST ROUND GAMES.
HERE’S A LOOK AT THE BRACKET FOR THIS WEEKEND AND WE’LL START WITH THE FRIDAY NIGHT MATCHUP BETWEEN THE 7 SEED NOTRE DAME AND THE 10 SEED INDIANA IN SOUTH BEND. WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF SNOW IN THE FORECAST THE GROUND GAME MIGHT BE KEY. NOTRE DAME RANKS 10TH IN THE NATION RUNNING THE BALL.
MEANWHILE, INDIANA’S DEFENSE UNDER FIRST YEAR COACH CURT CIGNETTI, IS THE BEST IN THE COUNTRY AT STOPPING THE RUN, ALLOWING JUST 70 YARDS PER GAME. IRISH QUARTERBACK REILLY LEONARD IS READY.
“definitely the biggest game of my career. Had a lot of time to prepare and I won’t take it for granted. Really cool experience, to get to where we are now is kinda why I came to Notre Dame”
A SATURDAY TRIPLE HEADER BEGINS WITH THE UNDERDOG SMU, THE 11 SEED TAKING ON THE BIG TEN RUNNER UP PENN STATE, THE 6 SEED, IN STATE COLLEGE. BOTH TEAMS CAN SCORE WITH ANYONE
THE MUSTANGS MADE IT INTO THE PLAYOFF EVEN THOUGH THEIR COMEBACK AGAINST CLEMSON IN THE ACC CHAMPIONSHIP FELL JUST SHORT. THEY MAY NEED TO PUT UP AT LEAST 30 POINTS TO HANG WITH PENN STATE
THE NITTANY LIONS HAVE JUST 2 LOSSES BOTH TO PLAYOFF TEAMS BUT HEAD COACH JAMES FRANKLIN’S RECORD AGAINST TOP 10 OPPONENTS IS JUST 3 AND 19. HIS COUNTERPART RHETT LASHLEE ISN’T BUYING THAT.. HE WANTS A FAST START
“the first quarter is big because starting fast is important in football anyways, but we’re on the road 106,000 plus, the atmosphere will be electric, they will have all the momentum and adrenaline on their side. It’s gonna be important, yes to start fast but also just to hang in there
WITH A WIN OVER THE NITANNY LIONS COACH LASHLEE AND THE PONIES CAN SILENCE A LOT OF THE CRITICS THAT SAID THEY SHOULDN’T BE IN THE PLAYOFF… THAT 3 LOSS ALABAMA FROM THE POWERFUL SEC HAD A BETTER RESUME. SMU WAS RANKED ONE SPOT AHEAD OF BAMA IN THE FINAL POLL.
ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE BRACKET – THE SECOND GAME ON SATURDAY IS A BIG TIME MATCHUP IN AUSTIN BETWEEN THE ACC CHAMPS, 12 SEED CLEMSON, AND THE 5 SEED TEXAS, WHO FINISHED 2ND IN THE SEC.
THE TIGERS WOULD LIKELY NOT BE IN THE DANCE HAD THEY NOT HUNG ON TO BEAT SMU IN THE ACC TITLE GAME. QUARTERBACK CADE KLUBNIK WILL NEED TO BE GREAT AGAINST A LONGHORNS’ DEFENSE THAT IS RANKED #2 IN THE NATION ALLOWING JUST 12 POINTS PER GAME.
DABO SWEENEY IS WELL AWARE THAT TEXAS IS A 10 POINT BETTING FAVORITE.
“I mean we’re the 12 seed, happy to have a chance, I mean, we’re in there, anything can happen. They know not a lot of people don’t give us an opportunity to win. That’s their mentality, they believe in themselves and that’s all that matters.”
AND THE NIGHTCAP SATURDAY FEATURES THE TWO CLOSEST SEEDS IN THE FIRST ROUND, THE #9 TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS TRAVEL TO #8 OHIO STATE.
THE VOLS HAVE BEEN BALANCED ALL YEAR BUT WILL THEIR FRESHMAN QUARTERBACK NICO IAMALEAVA BE ABLE TO HANDLE THE PRESSURE THE TOP RANKED DEFENSE IN THE NATION WILL BRING? THE BUCKEYES ALLOW JUST 11 POINTS PER GAME AND ARE 2ND IN THE BIG 10 IN SACKS WITH 35.
THAT SAID, RYAN DAY’S TEAM LOST TO BITTER RIVAL MICHIGAN IN THEIR LAST GAME. HE BELIEVES IT’S BEHIND THEM.
“Once you get into the playoffs its a brand new start. Our guys have recognized that now, theyve earned the right to play in the playoffs and that’s it. We have 2 top five wins and 10 wins a lot of teams in the country are not in the playoffs the bottom line is we’re in the playoffs”
YES THEY ARE IN, BUT HOW LONG WILL THEY LAST? RYAN DAY ADDED SOMETHING THAT APPLIES TO EVERY TEAM, “WE ALL HAVE OUR ISSUES AND DEFICIENCIES, THE TEAM THAT CAN ADDRESS THOSE THE BEST IS GOING TO WIN THIS THING” ENJOY THE GAMES EVERYONE!
FOR STRAIGHT ARROW NEWS, I’M CHRIS FRANCIS
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