FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — The New England Patriots are focused on the future following their 25-24 loss to the Indianapolis Colts . The Patriots (3-10) were officially eliminated from playoff contention with the loss Sunday, meaning that this week’s bye in many ways will begin the process of the coaching staff and front office evaluating the roster for 2025. The good news is that this group has shown plenty of grit this season, playing seven games that were decided by one score. The bad news is that the Patriots are just 2-5 in those games. Though New England’s bye comes late in the season, coach Jerod Mayo said the timing is perfect for a team that is feeling the effects of its shortcomings . “A much-needed bye week, not only physically for the players but also mentally, just being able to hit the reset button and come back, put some good games together and continue to build for the future,” Mayo said. “That has to be our goal.” Tight end Austin Hooper said the seed that needs to be planted over the final four games is finding a way to limit the mistakes — namely penalties and trouble finishing drives — that have hampered the offense throughout the season. “We’ve got to execute at a higher level. We can’t beat a team before you stop hurting yourself,” Hooper said. “It’s not for lack of effort, just things that happen out there that get you scars in this league.” What’s working This was the most balanced performance by the offense this season, with 222 passing yards and a season-high 200 yards rushing. It shows progress under new coordinator Alex Van Pelt, which is something to build on over the final four games. What needs help Red zone efficiency. It continues to be the most glaring deficiency for the Patriots’ offense. They were 2 of 6 on Sunday and rank 30th in the NFL, scoring a touchdown only 44.7% (17 of 38) of the time inside the 20-yard line. Stock up TE Hunter Henry. He finished with seven catches for 75 yards, which is his seventh game this season with five or more receptions. He leads the team this season with 58 catches for 610 yards and continues to be a dependable option for quarterback Drake May as he navigates his rookie season. Stock down K Joey Slye. He made 3 of his 5 field-goal attempts, including a 54-yarder in the second quarter. Most of the conversation following the game was about his NFL record-long 68-yard attempt that came up short as time expired. But because of the 1-point loss, he was lamenting the 25-yard attempt he missed wide left just before halftime. “I take full responsibility for this,” Slye said. “Every point for this team matters with how we play complementary football with offense, defense and special teams. So, whenever I am out there, I have got to score points.” Injuries Henry left the game in the first quarter after a helmet-to-helmet hit. He was able to return in the second quarter and finished the game. Key number 7 — Number of penalties called on the Patriots, costing them 88 yards. Five penalties (four accepted) were called on the offensive line. That included one for holding on Mike Onwenu that nullified a touchdown run by Rhamondre Stevenson in the first quarter and forced New England to settle for a field goal. Next steps The Patriots have a bye this week. They visit the Arizona Cardinals on Dec. 15. AP NFL coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/NFLChristmas: NSCDC deploys 1550 officers in AbiaOnline auction of confiscated booze features hard-to-find bottles of Kentucky bourbonsBroncos hope to continue playoff push when they meet the banged-up Raiders

Medical Foam Market is Set to Grow at a CAGR of 6.9% During the Forecast Period by 2031 | Key Players- BASF SE, Huntsman International LLC, Recticel NVFRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Looking for hard-to-find bottles of Kentucky bourbon to toast the holidays or add to a collection? Get your bids ready as the Bluegrass State launches its first online auction of confiscated alcohol. Whiskeys up for sale include two bottles of Old Rip Van Winkle, a Blanton’s Single Barrel Gold in box with Japanese markings and a bottle of Four Roses Small Batch Barrel Strength 2011. The sale is the result of a new Kentucky law, which allows alcohol confiscated from closed criminal investigations by the state's alcoholic beverage control agency to be auctioned. Online bidding opens Wednesday and closes at midnight on Dec. 11. Proceeds will support programs promoting responsible alcohol use by adults and awareness programs for youths. “This is a really good auction,” Eric Gregory, president of the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, said by phone Tuesday. “There are some hard-to-find and rare bottles on there.” No estimate has been given on how much the auction might raise. “We look forward to seeing the response to this auction and have started planning additional auctions for 2025,” said Allyson Taylor, commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. The auction features 32 bottles of alcohol and includes a “stock the bar” bundle with bottles of wine, vodka, rum and whiskey, the agency said. But the stars are the hard-to-find and rare bourbons up for sale. “It’s not every day you go to a liquor store and find a bottle of Blanton’s Gold," Gregory said. “You never go to a liquor store and find a bottle of Four Roses 2011.” The lineup includes bottles of E.H. Taylor bourbon, Blanton’s Single Barrel, Eagle Rare 10 yr., Weller Antique 107, Willett Family Estate Single Barrel Rye, Michter’s, an Old Forester gift set and more. A link to the online auction is available at ABC.ky.gov . Auction items cannot be shipped, so winning bidders must pick up items in Frankfort, the state said. The auctions will become a “can't miss opportunity” for bourbon connoisseurs, Gregory said. Previously, confiscated bourbon or other spirits could end up being destroyed, he said. “We don't like to see good bourbon poured down the drain,” Gregory said. Kentucky distillers produce 95% of the global bourbon supply, the Kentucky distillers’ group says.

BLUE WHALE GROWTH: Fund's prediction... a fall in share prices of US big tech By JEFF PRESTRIDGE Updated: 16:51 EST, 28 December 2024 e-mail View comments Investment fund Blue Whale Growth has made a lot of money for investors since its launch more than seven years ago – and manager Stephen Yiu is determined to keep the impressive track record going. The £1.2 billion fund, backed by billionaire Peter Hargreaves, has delivered a total return of 162 per cent since launching in September 2017 – equivalent to an annual return of more than 14 per cent, net of fees. Yet Yiu is not resting on his laurels. His aspiration is to deliver annual returns of 15 per cent, although not in a straight line. Though running a tight portfolio, comprising just 26 global stocks and one which remains fully invested at all times, Yiu is not frightened to make big calls. Unlike some global fund managers, Blue Whale Growth is light on the 'magnificent seven' US stocks – big drivers of the US stock market in recent years – and big on 'idiosyncratic' companies which he believes have businesses capable of withstanding any economic slowdown or sharp market corrections. Currently, the fund only holds shares in magnificent seven stocks Nvidia (8 per cent), Meta (3 per cent) and Microsoft (1.5 per cent). 'We do not own Alphabet, Amazon, Apple or Tesla,' says Yiu. 'In effect, we are overweight in Nvidia and short on the other magnificent six.' This time last year, the respective holdings in Nvidia, Meta and Microsoft were 9, 4 and 8 per cent. Yiu's view is that the 'narrative could change' next year for the magnificent seven – chipmaker Nvidia excepted – as revenues are eroded by vast expenditure on artificial intelligence (AI). This, he says, could lead to corrections in their share prices and a 'year of reckoning' for funds that track the Standard & Poor's 500 Index, of which the big technology stocks are a key component. RELATED ARTICLES Previous 1 Next ALLIANCE WITAN: Merger gives investment trust coveted place... Will the UK stock market be the one to back in 2025? Shares... Share this article Share HOW THIS IS MONEY CAN HELP How to choose the best (and cheapest) stocks and shares Isa and the right DIY investing account Unlike active funds such as Blue Whale Growth, such tracker or passive funds cannot reduce their exposure to the big tech giants ahead of any sell-off. 'They must hold the S&P 500,' he says. 'Maybe, next year, we could see a rejuvenation of investor interest in active funds generally.' Blue Whale Growth has exposure to the AI theme beyond the magnificent seven. It has key holdings in US companies Broadcom (its biggest holding) and Vertiv. 'Broadcom,' says Yiu, 'could be the new Nvidia in terms of outperforming the rest of the market.' Yet Yiu also has big stakes in companies that he describes as 'idiosyncratic' – businesses that should grow irrespective of the prevailing economic conditions. Among them is US-listed sports betting and gaming company Flutter which Yiu says is on a 'great journey' as more American states legalise sports gambling. 'American consumers like their sport and their gambling,' he adds. Other idiosyncratic holdings include German company Sartorius and US-listed Danaher, both making waves in bioprocessing. There is also US tobacco stock Philip Morris which has diversified into nicotine pouches and smoke-free alternatives to conventional cigarettes. Blue Whale Growth's success means, provided the fund finishes the year above £1billion, it will rebate one per cent of its annual management charge to investors. Most investors in this fund pay an annual management charge of 0.75 per cent, so the rebate will drop this fee to 0.7425 per cent. It will be cut by another one per cent if – 'when' (Yiu's word) – the fund gets to £2 billion. While three-quarters of the fund's assets are exposed to US-listed shares, only 40 per cent of the revenues generated by all the holdings are from the US. DIY INVESTING PLATFORMS AJ Bell AJ Bell Easy investing and ready-made portfolios Learn More Learn More Hargreaves Lansdown Hargreaves Lansdown Free fund dealing and investment ideas Learn More Learn More interactive investor interactive investor Flat-fee investing from £4.99 per month Learn More Learn More Saxo Saxo Get £200 back in trading fees Learn More Learn More Trading 212 Trading 212 Free dealing and no account fee Learn More Learn More Affiliate links: If you take out a product This is Money may earn a commission. These deals are chosen by our editorial team, as we think they are worth highlighting. 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Providence, Oklahoma hope key players are back in Bahamas

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — As spontaneous celebrations rippled throughout the Los Angeles Chargers' after their resounding 40-7 win over the New England Patriots, coach Jim Harbaugh grabbed general manager Joe Hortiz and wrapped him up in a bear hug. “Love you!” Harbaugh said. “Love you!” Hortiz responded. “Great job! Let's keep it going,” Harbaugh replied, finally loosening his grasp. The Chargers (10-6) are back in the playoffs. But the message is clear: They have their eyes on achieving much more. Justin Herbert threw three touchdown passes and Los Angeles locked up its second playoff appearance in three seasons with Saturday's victory. “We had a good opportunity tonight and we went out and took it," Herbert said. “We had a good plan. All week we knew how big of a game this was for us. Guys were dialed in, focused and we executed today.” It also secured the fourth postseason appearance in Harbaugh’s five seasons as an NFL coach, adding to the three he made during his stint with the San Francisco 49ers. “You talk to them and there's more to do,” Harbaugh said. “There's no coach who could have it better than to be coaching these players. Nobody. Maybe the only person would be future us, could have it better than us.” Herbert finished 26 of 38 for 281 yards to become the third player in NFL history with at least 3,000 passing yards and 20 touchdown passes in each of his first five seasons. He joins Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning and Russell Wilson. Ladd McConkey had eight catches for 94 yards and pulled in TD throws of 6 and 40 yards. With a 10-yard reception in the second quarter, he passed 1,000 yards receiving for the season, making him the third Chargers rookie receiver to reach that milestone. JK Dobbins rushed 19 times for 76 yards and a TD. The Patriots (3-13) have lost six straight games, their second such losing streak of the season. They are now 2-14 the last two seasons at home. “We just didn’t play well enough in any phase of the game,” coach Jerod Mayo said. “No complementary football, and that’s what you get.” Asked if he thinks he is coaching for his job, Mayo said it comes with the territory. “I’m always under pressure and it’s been that way for a very long time, not just when I became the head coach of the Patriots," he said. New England quarterback Drake Maye finished 12 of 22 for 117 yards and a touchdown. He became the first rookie quarterback in franchise history with a TD pass in eight straight games. But he was sacked four times, and a second-quarter fumble marked his eighth straight game with at least one turnover. Los Angeles outgained New England 428-181 for the game. Maye following a blow to his helmet in the first quarter. He was scrambling near the sideline on third down of the Patriots’ first possession when he was hit by Chargers cornerback Cam Hart, jarring the ball loose as Maye spun out of bounds. No flag was thrown on the play and Maye stayed down on the turf for several seconds before eventually getting up and jogging off the field. He initially sat on the bench before going to the medical tent for evaluation. He was replaced by backup Jacoby Brissett in the next series, which ended in a punt. But after further evaluation in the locker room and a Cameron Dicker 27-yard field goal put the Chargers in front 10-0, Maye returned to the game for the Patriots’ third series, at the 10:15 mark of the second quarter. Maye scrambled for 9 yards on his first play back, ending with him being hit by linebacker Junior Colson as he slid to the ground. Colson was flagged for unnecessary roughness. Five plays later, Maye mistimed a toss to Demario Douglas, causing a fumble that was recovered by Derwin James. The Chargers took over on the New England 24 and nine plays later, Herbert connected with McConkey for a 6-yard touchdown pass to put Los Angeles in front 17-0. Injuries Chargers: WR Joshua Palmer left the game in the third quarter with a heel injury. DB Elijah Molden limped off the field after a collision in the third quarter. He returned but was later driven off the field on a golf cart because of a shin injury. Patriots: In addition to Maye, CB Christian Gonzalez left the game in the second quarter to be evaluated for a head injury and was later ruled out with a concussion. Rookie record McConkey, a second-round draft selection, also set a Chargers rookie record for catches, surpassing Keenan Allen, who had 71 in 2013. Up next Chargers: Visit Las Vegas in their regular-season finale. Patriots: Host Buffalo next Sunday in their season finale. ___ AP NFL: Kyle Hightower, The Associated PressOnline auction of confiscated booze features hard-to-find bottles of Kentucky bourbonsBy Mark Pszonak There are many great things about college football, with rivalries being near the top of the list. And just as fans from both sides enjoy them, the players sometimes also get involved. That is what has happened this week between Auburn and Alabama, with the Tide’s quarterback, Jalen Milroe , responding on Tuesday. It all started yesterday when Auburn freshman linebacker Demarcus Riddick was asked about facing off against Milroe and Alabama star freshman wide receiver Ryan Williams . His response was not lacking confidence: Demarcus Riddick: Never lacking in confidence pic.twitter.com/B6zfZi7dfy His comments about Milroe, “He’s fast but he isn’t faster than me” and Williams, “Ryan Williams ain’t no big-time player to me” quickly got social media talking. And it only took a day for every reporter in Alabama to ask Milroe to share his thoughts: Jalen Milroe responds to the comments made by Auburn’s Freshman LB, Demarcus Riddick, yesterday: “I don’t even know who that is...let him talk.” pic.twitter.com/KdLVCLdJqX Milroe’s response is a classic that has been heard many times through the years. And as usual, the response likely isn’t true. Riddick was a four-star recruit from Alabama who took an official visit to Tuscaloosa a week after he took one to Auburn back in the spring of 2023. I'm sure Milroe isn’t best friends with Riddick, but it is safe to assume he knows about him. And if he forgot who he was, then he certainly knows who Riddick is today and will definitely know his name on Saturday. To his credit, Riddick has enjoyed a very good true freshman season with 25 tackles, five tackles for loss and three sacks. He will be on the field often and will surely run into Milroe more than a few times. And when they do meet on the field, everyone will be watching to see how the two react.

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec 5, 2024-- Halliburton Company (NYSE: HAL) will host a conference call on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, to discuss its fourth quarter 2024 financial results. The call will begin at 8:00 a.m. CT (9:00 a.m. ET). The Company will issue a press release regarding the fourth quarter 2024 earnings prior to the conference call. The press release will be posted on the Halliburton website at www.halliburton.com . Please visit the Halliburton website to listen to the call via live webcast. A recorded version will be available for seven days under the same link immediately following the conclusion of the conference call. You can also pre-register for the conference call and obtain your dial in number and passcode by clicking here. About Halliburton Halliburton is one of the world’s leading providers of products and services to the energy industry. Founded in 1919, we create innovative technologies, products, and services that help our customers maximize their value throughout the life cycle of an asset and advance a sustainable energy future. Visit us at www.halliburton.com ; connect with us on LinkedIn , YouTube , Instagram and Facebook . View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241205903155/en/ CONTACT: Investors Relations Contact David Coleman Investors@Halliburton.com 281-871-2688Media Relations Michael Waldron PR@Halliburton.com 281-871-2601 KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA TEXAS INDUSTRY KEYWORD: ENERGY OTHER ENERGY OIL/GAS SOURCE: Halliburton Company Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 12/05/2024 05:15 PM/DISC: 12/05/2024 05:13 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241205903155/enTriliv Holdings Ltd Joins Verchool Holdings as Strategic Investor on a $50 Million Valuation Round

Startup with a Lincoln connection is automating cattle feeding