DENVER (AP) — So you're the most valuable player of that annual Thanksgiving Day backyard flag football game. Or played tackle football on any level. Or ran track. Or dabbled in basketball. Or toyed with any sport, really. Well, this may be just for you: USA Football is holding talent identification camps all over the country to find that next flag football star. It's “America’s Got Talent” meets “American Idol,” with the stage being the field and the grand prize a chance to compete for a spot on a national team. Because it’s never too early to start planning for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, where flag football will make its Summer Games debut. Know this, though — it's not an easy team to make. The men's and women's national team rosters are at “Dream Team” status given the men’s side has captured six of the last seven world championships and the women three in a row. To remain on top, the sport's national governing body is scouring every football field, park, track, basketball court and gym to find hidden talent to cultivate. USA Football has organized camps and tryouts from coast to coast for anyone ages 11 to 23. There are more than a dozen sites set up so far, ranging from Dallas (Sunday) to Chicago (Dec. 14) to Tampa (March 29) to Los Angeles (TBD) and the Boston area (April 27), where it will be held at Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots. The organization has already partnered with the NFL on flag football initiatives and programs. The numbers have been through the roof, with engagement on social media platforms increasing by 86% since flag football was announced as an Olympic invitational sport in October 2023 . The participation of boys and girls ages 6 to 17 in flag football last year peaked at more than 1.6 million, according to USA Football research. “We pride ourselves on elevating the gold standard across the sport,” said Eric Mayes, the managing director of the high performance and national teams for USA Football. “We want to be the best in the world — and stay the best in the world.” Flag football was one of five new sports added to the LA28 program. The already soaring profile of American football only figures to be enhanced by an Olympic appearance. Imagine, say, a few familiar faces take the field, too. Perhaps even NFL stars such as Tyreek Hill or Patrick Mahomes, maybe even past pro football greats donning a flag belt for a country to which they may have ties. Soon after flag football's inclusion, there was chatter of NFL players possibly joining in on the fun. Of course, there are logistical issues to tackle before their inclusion at the LA Olympics, which open July 14, 2028. Among them, training camp, because the Olympics will be right in the middle of it. The big question is this: Will owners permit high-priced players to duck out for a gold-medal pursuit? No decisions have yet been made on the status of NFL players for the Olympics. For now, it's simply about growing the game. There are currently 13 states that sanction girls flag football as a high school varsity sport. Just recently, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles helped pave the way to get it adopted in Pennsylvania. Around the world, it's catching on, too. The women's team from Japan took third at the recent word championships, while one of the best players on the planet is Mexico quarterback Diana Flores . “Could flag football globally become the new soccer? That’s something to aspire to," said Stephanie Kwok , the NFL's vice president of flag football. This type of flag football though, isn't your Thanksgiving Day game with family and friends. There's a learning curve. And given the small roster sizes, versatility is essential. Most national team members need to be a version of Colorado’s two-way standout and Heisman hopeful Travis Hunter. Forget bump-and-run coverage, too, because there's no contact. None. That took some adjusting for Mike Daniels, a defensive back out of West Virginia who earned a rookie minicamp invitation with the Cleveland Browns in 2017. “If a receiver is running around, I’m thinking, ‘OK, I can kind of bump him here and there and nudge him,’” Daniels explained. “They’re like, ‘No, you can’t.’ I’m just like, ‘So I’m supposed to let this guy just run?!’ I really rebelled at the idea at first. But you learn.” The competition for an Olympic roster spot is going to be fierce because only 10 players are expected to make a squad. The best 10 will earn it, too, as credentials such as college All-American or NFL All-Pro take a backseat. “I would actually love" seeing NFL players try out, said Daniels, who's also a personal trainer in Miami. “I’m not going to let you just waltz in here, thinking, ‘I played NFL football for five years. I’m popular. I have a huge name.’ I’m still better than you and I'm going to prove it — until you prove otherwise.” Around the house, Bruce Mapp constantly swivels his hips when turning a hallway corner or if his daughter tries to reach for a hug. It’s his way of working on avoiding a “defender” trying to snare the flag. That approach has earned the receiver out of Coastal Carolina four gold medals with USA Football. The 31-year-old fully plans on going for more gold in Los Angeles. “You grow up watching Usain Bolt (win gold) and the ‘Redeem Team’ led by Kobe Bryant win a gold medal, you're always thinking, ‘That's insane.' Obviously, you couldn't do it in your sport, because I played football," said Mapp, who owns a food truck in the Dallas area. "With the Olympics approaching, that (gold medal) is what my mind is set on." It's a common thought, which is why everything — including talent camps — starts now. “Everybody thinks, ‘Yeah, the U.S. just wins,’” Daniels said. “But we work hard all the time. We don’t just walk in. We don’t just get off the bus thinking, ‘We’re going to beat people.’” AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl and https://twitter.com/AP_NFLNone
Trudeau told Trump Americans would also suffer if tariffs are imposed, a Canadian minister saysTwo Virginia legislators — one Democrat and one Republican — plan legislation to limit what debt collectors and creditors can seize. Del. Phil Hernandez, D-Norfolk, wants to make it easier to limit the amount a creditor or debt collector can take from a family bank account under a court order. Del. Carrie Coyner, R-Chesterfield, wants to rein in Virginia’s unique-in-the-nation law that allows liens to garnish 100% of an erring taxpayer’s wages. Hernandez Virginia House of Delegates Coyner Virginia House of Delegates Under current Virginia law, you can exempt $5,000 of bank accounts or household goods from creditors, but you must file a Homestead Deed and then go to court to claim your exemption. Hernandez wants to make that protection kick in automatically for bank accounts. People are also reading... For many Virginians, the Homestead Deed protection is out of reach, said Jay Speer, chief executive officer of the Virginia Poverty Law Center. “This is virtually impossible for someone without a lawyer. This bill will make it automatic, which we think makes a lot more sense and it makes things easier for a bank that receives a garnishment,” he said. Virginia consumer protection bills meet mixed results in assembly The poverty law center supports the measure. It notes that many Virginians now have their wages deposited directly to their bank accounts. The complicated process of protecting sums in those accounts means state law's limits on how much a creditor can have garnished from wages is rendered moot. And not being able to keep at least some money in a bank account has meant families can’t get at their money for essential bills, for rent, food or medical expenses. Some people have electricity, water or gas cut off because a creditor has effectively frozen their bank accounts, the poverty law center said. “Families shouldn’t have to make the impossible choice of feeding their children or paying off a debt,” Hernandez said. “This necessary bill will create new protections to safeguard funds that are needed for the necessities of life and prevent families from falling into a vicious cycle of poverty," he said. 26 states Twenty-six states have higher household good exemptions, and 11 of these have additional, separate exemptions for at least portions of a debtor’s bank account, according to a Richmond Times-Dispatch analysis of state exemption laws compiled by the National Consumer Law Center, a nonprofit that tracks consumer protection measures nationwide. Delaware bars garnishment of bank accounts but has no exemption for household goods. While Alaska's household goods exemption is less than Virginia's, its separate exemption for some funds in a a bank account exceeds Virginia's exemption. Coyner is focusing on the court orders that let creditors — as well as state and local tax collectors — take Virginians' wages when they owe money. While most creditors or debt collectors are limited to seizing 25% of a debtor's paycheck, tax collectors can seize the whole amount. “Garnishing 100% of someone’s wages is not just impractical — it’s inhumane,” Coyner said. “This bill allows Virginians to pay their debts while maintaining their dignity and basic livelihood.” Her bill would set the same limit on garnishments for back taxes as applies to any other debt: 25% of disposable earnings for a given week, or the amount by which a delinquent taxpayer’s disposable earnings for a week exceed 40 times the minimum. Fifteen states exempt more of a debtors’ wages from garnishment, including four states that exempt all wages: North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Texas. “I believe in paying your taxes,” Coyner said. “But people need a minimum to live on." Virginia lags other several other states when it comes to limiting how much property and wages debt collectors can seize, the National Consumer Law Center review shows. Virginia’s law also exempts $50,000 of a debtor’s home from seizure, while 32 states have higher exemptions. Payment plans A 2020 law aimed at helping debtors and creditors work out payment plans saw use of settlement services grow last year. The law required debt settlement agencies be licensed and capped the fees they charge. Del. Rodney Willett, D-Henrico, introduced it and argued for it after hearing from the Office of the Attorney General’s consumer protection unit that it was getting a lot of consumer complaints about some debt settlement companies charging exorbitant fees for these services. Virginians entered into 10,559 new agreements during the year; there were 18,586 such agreements in force at the end of the year, a State Corporation Bureau of Financial Institutions report found. The agreements seek to repay or forgive $303 million of debt. Debtors and creditors have come to terms on $104 million, and since the law took effect have repaid $85 million. “We want people to have confidence in these firms,” Willett said. “There were a lot of good firms here, but we wanted to keep the bad actors out. ... A lot of the good ones were with us on this, he said. “It seems to be working," Joseph Face, commissioner at the State Corporation Commission Bureau of Financial Institutions, said he’s not hearing any complaints about debt settlement agencies anymore. Debts are mainly owed retailers and credit card companies he said. The high-interest rate payday, car title and open-end credit lenders that the General Assembly also cracked down on in 2020 do not seem to be involved, he said. The debt settlement bill says debt settlement firms must now be licensed by the Bureau of Financial Institutions. It sets a cap of 20% of a borrower’s debt as the fee a debt settlement firm can charge. A licensed firm must post a surety bond equal to the average amount it receives from Virginians under its debt management plans, up to a maximum of $350,000. RVA 100: 100 people, places, things that you should know about Richmond RVA 100: The Marlboro sign RVA 100: When did the murals start going up in Richmond? RVA 100: The Markel Building, one of the ugliest buildings in the world RVA 100: When did Maymont become a park? RVA 100: Maggie Walker, Richmond pioneer RVA 100: How Libby Hill Park got its name RVA 100: How the Richmond Kickers got started RVA 100: Justin Verlander's Goochland roots RVA 100: When The Jefferson Hotel had alligators in the lobby RVA 100: The James River, heart of the city RVA 100: Jackson Ward, ground zero for Richmond's complex history RVA 100: How did Hollywood Cemetery get its name? RVA 100: Chimborazo Park named after a volcano? RVA 100: How did Carytown get its name? RVA 100: How The Flying Squirrels got its start in Richmond RVA 100: When the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond moved at midnight RVA 100: Doug Wilder, 'a son of Virginia' RVA 100: How the CSX A-Line train bridge became a Richmond icon RVA 100: What was the last event held at the Richmond Coliseum? RVA 100: How City Stadium got its name RVA 100: Church Hill, a historic neighborhood in transition RVA 100: What does The Carillon stand for? RVA 100: Capital One RVA 100: Byrd Theatre RVA 100: Bill's Barbecue RVA 100: Belle Isle RVA 100: Arthur Ashe Jr. RVA 100: Agecroft Hall RVA 100: Why is the popular river spot called Pony Pasture? RVA 100: Pump House, the 'Castle on the James' RVA 100: Richmond Ballet has been spinning for decades RVA 100: How the Richmond Symphony became the region's biggest performing arts organization RVA 100: Russell Wilson started out as a Collegiate quarterback RVA 100: The story behind how the sailor sandwich started in Richmond RVA 100: Sally Bell’s Kitchen, a Richmond gem RVA 100: When did the last train leave Broad Street Station? RVA 100: How The Diamond replaced Parker Field RVA 100: What ancient building was the Virginia State Capitol designed after? RVA 100: In the 1800s, who owned Scott's Addition? RVA 100: What is Virginia Commonwealth University known for? RVA 100: How long is the Virginia Capital Trail? RVA 100: Willie Lanier of the Kansas City Chiefs RVA 100: Blues Armory awaits new chapter in Richmond history RVA 100: Bojangles statue honors more than dancing RVA 100: Pop open the history of canned beer in Richmond RVA 100: The history of Richmond's unusual Egyptian Building RVA 100: Edgar Allan Poe, record-breaking swimmer? RVA 100: Richmond's cobblestones were originally ballast in sailing ships RVA 100: Fannie Criss Payne made history as a Black designer RVA 100: What is the Triple Crossing? RVA 100: Tredegar Iron Works once stood as the South's largest iron supplier RVA 100: Richmond Dairy Co. Building is a flashback to days of milk deliveries RVA 100: Historic African American church grew from humble beginnings to a pillar in Jackson Ward RVA 100: Richmond's electric street railway, world’s first RVA 100: The 'godmother of rock 'n' roll' called Richmond her home for a decade RVA 100: Henry 'Box' Brown, shipped himself to freedom RVA 100: GWAR. Prepare to be conquered!! RVA 100: Meeting at Miller & Rhoads clock was local tradition RVA 100: Monument Ave was designed to showcase RVA's 'taste and wealth' RVA 100: Petersburg legend Moses Malone RVA 100: The Freedom Monument on Brown's Island RVA 100: Ebenezer Baptist Church, founded by free and enslaved Black people in 1800s RVA 100: The ghost at the governor's mansion RVA 100: A jolly Richmond legend since 1936 RVA 100: Former Richmonder Vince Gilligan working on a new series for Apple+ TV RVA 100: Pipeline Trail still closed RVA 100: Pat Benatar got her start in Richmond RVA 100: Ellen Glasgow influenced future Southern women writers RVA 100: Ray Dandridge, Richmond's baseball hall of famer RVA 100: Pocahontas' ties to Henrico RVA 100: Southern States silos may not be a Richmond icon much longer RVA 100: When the Richmond Raceway was the Atlantic Rural Exposition Fairgrounds RVA 100: Richmond Times-Dispatch, 175 years of covering Virginia news RVA 100: Donnie 'Dirtwoman' Corker RVA 100: Museum District RVA 100: When the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond moved at midnight Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox!Sheehy claims grass fire near campaign sign was politically motivated arson
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Bethlehem marks a second subdued Christmas Eve during the war in Gaza BETHLEHEM, West Bank (AP) — Bethlehem is marking another somber Christmas Eve under the shadow of war in Gaza. Manger Square lacked its usual festive lights and crowds of tourists on Tuesday. Instead, the area outside the Nativity Church was quiet. The church was built atop the spot where Jesus is believed to have been born. The war, the violence in the occupied West Bank it has spurred and the lack of festivities has deeply hurt Bethlehem's economy. The town relies heavily on Christmas tourism. The economy in the West Bank was already reeling because of restrictions placed on laborers preventing them from entering Israel during the war. Pope Francis kicks off a yearlong Jubilee that will test his stamina and Rome's patience VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis has opened the great Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica. The ceremony kicks off the 2025 Holy Year. It's a celebration of the Catholic Church that is expected to draw some 32 million pilgrims to Rome. And it will test the pope’s stamina and the ability of the Eternal City to welcome them. This begins the Christmas Eve Mass. The ceremony inaugurates the once-every-25-year tradition of a Jubilee. Francis has dedicated the 2025 Jubilee to the theme of hope. Trump vows to pursue executions after Biden commutes most of federal death row FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump says he'll “vigorously pursue” capital punishment after President Joe Biden commuted the sentences of most people on federal death row partly to stop Trump from pushing forward their executions. Trump criticized Biden’s decision on Monday to change the sentences of 37 of the 40 condemned people to life in prison without parole. Trump said that he will direct the Department of Justice to pursue the death penalty “as soon as I am inaugurated.” Trump was vague on what specific actions he may take. 21 dead as Mozambique erupts in violence after election court ruling MAPUTO, Mozambique (AP) — Violence that engulfed Mozambique after the country’s highest court confirmed ruling party presidential candidate Daniel Chapo as the winner of disputed Oct. 9 elections has killed at least 21 people, including two police officers. Mozambique Interior Minister Pascoal Ronda told a news conference in Maputo late Tuesday that a wave of violence and looting was sparked by the court’s announcement a day earlier. He said it was led by mostly youthful supporters of losing candidate Venancio Mondlane, who received 24% of the vote, second to Chapo, who got 65%. Prosecutors find workers in 'slavery like' conditions at Chinese car company site in Brazil RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (AP) — A task force led by Brazilian prosecutors says it has rescued 163 Chinese nationals working in “slavery-like” conditions at a construction site in northeastern Brazil, where Chinese electric vehicle company BYD is building a factory. The Labor Prosecutor’s Office released videos of the dorms where the construction workers were staying, which showed beds with no mattresses and rooms without any place for the workers to store their personal belongings. In a statement issued Monday, the prosecutor’s office said the workers had been hired in China by Jinjian Group, one of the contractors on the site, which is located in Camaçari, a city in the Salvador metropolitan region. Haiti gangs fire on journalists covering a planned hospital reopening, leaving casualties PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Suspected gang members have opened fire on journalists in Haiti’s capital as they were covering the attempted reopening of the country’s largest hospital, wounding or killing an unknown number of people. The country's interim president, Leslie Voltaire, said in an address to the nation that journalists and police were among the victims of the vicious Christmas Eve attack. He did not specify how many casualties there were, or give a breakdown for the dead or wounded. Radio Télé Métronome said earlier on Tuesday that seven journalists and two police officers were wounded in the shooting. Street gangs have taken over an estimated 85% of Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince. Hurricane-force winds bear down on California, latest in stretch of extreme weather LOS ANGELES (AP) — California has been hit hard by extreme weather over the past several weeks. Atmospheric rivers, which are long stretches of wet air that can produce heavy rains, brought a record-setting rainfall before Thanksgiving. A series of atmospheric rivers are producing strong waves and storms near Santa Cruz this week. Thousands were left under evacuation warnings and orders because of a fire around Malibu. Climate change means that strong storms will be responsible for a greater share of the state's yearly precipitation and the periods between those events will be drier. Heavy travel day starts with brief grounding of all American Airlines flights WASHINGTON (AP) — American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide due to a technical problem just as the Christmas travel season kicked into overdrive and winter weather threatened more potential problems for those planning to fly or drive. Government regulators cleared American flights to get airborne Tuesday about an hour after the Federal Aviation Administration ordered a national ground stop, which prevented planes from taking off. American said in an email that the problem was caused by vendor technology in its flight operating system. Aviation analytics company Cirium said flights were delayed across American’s major hubs, with only 37% leaving on time. Nineteen flights were cancelled. Biden signs a bill officially making the bald eagle the national bird of the US WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has made it official: The bald eagle is now the national bird of the United States. Biden signed a bill into law on Tuesday to correct what had long gone unnoticed and designate the bald eagle as the national bird. The bald eagle has been a symbol of the United States for more than 240 years, appearing on the nation's Great Seal since the design was finalized in 1782. That year, Congress also designated the bald eagle as the national emblem. But the honor of becoming the national bird had remained elusive until now. NFL players who use platform to share their faith say it's their duty to spread their love of Jesus ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) — Jake Bates was standing on the turf in his hometown of Houston when asked to reflect on an unlikely journey from learning how to sell bricks to making game-winning kicks for the Detroit Lions. Bates used his platform as an NFL player to spread his love of Jesus. A month later, Bates told The Associated Press it is a duty to share his faith. The NFL is filled with players and coaches who feel the same way, such as Houston's C.J. Stroud, Atlanta's Kirk Cousins, and Lamar Jackson and John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens.A 9th telecoms firm has been hit by a massive Chinese espionage campaign, the White House says2024’s Electrek EV of the year will again be controversial: The . The svelt car from the Swedish brand that is owned by a Chinese company tops our list because it embodies the future of EVs. The EX30 was originally going to be made in only in China, but is now being built in Europe as well and it could even be built in the US where . The non controversial part is that this is an amazing EV. From the Swedish minimalist interior and exterior styling, to the AWD version’s 3.4 0-60 time (the quickest accelerating Volvo) to its $35,000 starting price, the EX30 screams innovation. But, as they say, that’s not all... In the past Electrek’s vehicle of the year were: Why does the EX30 fit the bill this year? It is a combination of a lot of factors. The EX30 is indicative of the future of EVs. Just like last year’s winner, the Tesla Model Y, it is a world car. The same car will be on sale in China, Europe and now the US. It will be built in China and in Europe. Depending on the math of a Trump administration’s tax incentives – or lack thereof, it might even be built in the US. Volvo hasn’t yet said if it will come to the South Carolina plant where the bigger EX90 is built. If the Biden Administration didn’t raise the tariffs on Chinese-built vehicles to 100%, the US would likely already have Chinese versions of the vehicle on its roads. If the Trump administration drops its the 100% China tariff, the US might again see Chinese-made EX30s. One of the most refreshing aspects of the EX30 is its size. The Chevy Bolt was recently discontinued by GM, leaving a huge hole in the compact EV space. Sure, there are two-door Fiat 500E and EV Mini Coopers floating around, but those are more niche cars. The small size isn’t just for looks, easier parking and more garage space. That also means a smaller battery and less energy can get the car around. With up to 153 kW charging capability, Volvo’s EX30 can go from 10% to 80% in just over 25 minutes at most DC fast chargers. And 150kW will do fine here, no need to seek out the faster 350kW varieties. That also means charging it will save time, energy, and money, especially on the road. In EV-heavy European markets like Norway, the outside of T . Volvo says the rocket-like AWD version is in high demand in the US. “The EX30 has been one of the most popular EVs in Europe and will be coming to the U.S. this year with a very attractive and competitive starting price for the 422 horsepower Twin Motor Performance model with 253 miles of range. A Single Motor variant is scheduled to come to the U.S. later in 2025 with an even more affordable starting price” Hopefully, other car makers are taking note. Make a compelling small car and Americans, yes Americans, will lap them up. It wouldn’t be a Volvo if it weren’t a safe car and it has the 5-star NCAP results to prove it. (NSFW:) Read my to get the excitement about this car. Check out the to hear how drivers are enjoying the vehicle. When I drove the car, I was flabbergasted with how well the RWD version handled, let alone the AWD model. Let’s get those eye-watering specs out: If you are an American wondering about the size of the EX30, it fits exactly between the Chevy Bolt EV and EUV, which is to say a small car, by today’s standards. Also the 7-inch ground clearance makes the micro-SUV moniker a little bit more believable than on the Bolt. Those monster-for-a-compact-SUV horsepower and torque settings aren’t just for speed. You can also tow some small-to medium-sized loads (up to 2500lbs) with the EX30. That makes this a great camping option. The EX30 Vehicle to X (grid/home/load/etc) of but isn’t touted by Volvo. I should note here that the Kia EV9 was a close second for this award but the smaller car is what we need for 2025. I think that’s a big takeaway from me here. We need more smaller car options. Car size has gotten way out of hand in the US and that escalation problem is spreading globally. Large cars are inefficient and dangerous. Another theme that the EX30 follows is global politics, specifically the ongoing trade issues between China and the West. Donald Trump and his sidekick Elon Musk will likely change US EV policy yet again and it will be interesting to see how that changes incentives for US cars, including the EX30. For now though, as US drivers are getting their hands on the speedy little EX30, we have a favorite car going into 2025. and subscribe to the . Publisher and Editorial Director of the 9to5/Electrek sites. Tesla Model 3, X and Chevy Bolt owner...5 ebikes and counting
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A 9th telecoms firm has been hit by a massive Chinese espionage campaign, the White House says