circus freaks Sharks Made the Right Call: Blackwood Signs Big Contract With AvalancheHOUSTON (AP) — Will Levis threw for 278 yards and his 70-yard touchdown pass to Chig Okonkwo put Tennessee on top in the fourth quarter and the Titans held on for a 32-27 win over the Houston Texans on Sunday. Okonkwo grabbed a short pass and rumbled for the touchdown to put the Titans (3-8) up 30-27 with 91⁄2 minutes remaining. Safety Eric Murray missed a tackle that would have stopped him near midfield. The Texans (7-5) had a chance to tie it with less than two minutes remaining, but Ka’imi Fairbairn’s 28-yard field-goal attempt sailed wide left. He fell to the ground after the miss before getting up and slamming his helmet on the field. Titans coach Brian Callahan held both hands in the air and smiled after watching the miss that allowed his team to win on a day it had three turnovers. The Texans forced a three-and-out, but couldn’t move the ball after that and Harold Landry sacked C.J. Stroud in the end zone for a safety to make it 32-27 and allow Tennessee to snap a two-game skid. Stroud threw for 247 yards and two touchdowns, but also threw two interceptions as the AFC South-leading Texans lost for the third time in four games. Jimmie Ward had a 65-yard interception return for a touchdown in the third quarter and the Texans tied a franchise record with eight sacks. But the offense sputtered for most of the game as Joe Mixon was held to 22 yards on 14 carries. Tennessee extended the lead to 23-17 on a 51-yard field goal by Nick Folk with nine minutes left in the third. Stroud threw his second interception with about 90 seconds left in the third quarter but Ward’s touchdown came three plays later to put the Texans on top 24-23. The Titans fumbled a punt early in the fourth quarter and Houston recovered it. A 54-yard field goal by Fairbairn extended the lead to 27-23 with about 10 minutes to go. Dameon Pierce returned the opening kickoff 80 yards to get the Texans in the red zone. Houston cashed in on the next play when Stroud found rookie Cade Stover on a 19-yard pass for his first touchdown reception. The Titans trailed by four after a field goal by Folk when Nick Westbrook-Ikhine got in front of the defense and was wide open for a 38-yard TD catch that made it 10-7 late in the first quarter. Tennessee extended the lead to 17-7 when Tony Pollard ran 10 yards for a touchdown with about 11 minutes left in the second. Pollard finished with 119 yards and a touchdown. Nico Collins scored on a 5-yard reception with about six minutes left in the second. Levis fumbled on the Houston 32 with 31⁄2 minutes left in the first half and Houston recovered the ball. Stroud connected with Collins on a 56-yard pass on the next play, but the Texans couldn’t move the ball and settled for a 28-yard field goal to tie it at 17-17. Houston forced a punt after that, but rookie Jarvis Brownlee Jr. got his first career interception two plays later to give Tennessee the ball back. Folk’s 56-yard field goal, which tied his career long, put the Titans up 20-17 at halftime. The Titans were without cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, after he was placed on injured reserve with a quadriceps injury, and safety Amani Hooker, who was added to the injury report Sunday morning with an illness. Hooker leads the Titans with three interceptions. ... Houston S Jalen Pitre injured his shoulder in the second quarter and didn’t return. ... CB Ka’dar Hollman left in the fourth quarter with a knee injury. Titans: Visit the Commanders next Sunday. Texans: Visit Jacksonville next Sunday. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl

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Former UFC champ Jamahal Hill is over Magomed Ankalaev’s ongoing online antics as the two light heavyweights close in on a title shot. Jamahal Hill will make his long-awaited return to the Octagon on the UFC’s first pay-per-view card of 2025. He hasn’t fought since suffering a knockout to Alex Pereira at UFC 300 and suffered an injury ahead of his scheduled return at UFC 303 against Khalil Rountree Jr. Hill is looking to get back into the mix at 205lbs and potentially earn himself a future rematch with Pereira. First thing’s first for Hill, as he looks to get back in the win column and cement himself as a top light heavyweight contender. In the meantime, Ankalaev is the most likely next title challenger for Pereira after defeating Aleksandar Rakić at UFC 308. He’s on a 13-fight unbeaten streak and is aiming to right the wrong of a controversial draw he recorded against Jan Blachowicz in their vacant title bout at UFC 282. During his ascent up the light heavyweight ladder, Ankalaev has become more animated in an attempt to better promote himself. He’s traded barbs with some of the top light heavyweights on social media, including Hill , during his rise. Hill is done with Ankalaev’s attempts to get under his skin. READ MORE: Tom Aspinall earns shock ‘greatest heavyweight of all time’ label from revered coach ahead of Jon Jones clash Jamahal Hill goes scorched earth on Magomed Ankalaev after recent online taunts In a recent interview with Inside Fighting , Hill responded to Ankalaev’s recent antics in a fiery rant. “I want to knock out Magomed just because to me, he’s a b****, and he f***ing talks like a b**** and reacts like a b****,” Hill said. “So I don’t really f*** with him much, at all, so f*** him. I’m not even talking to this weirdo, and he’s coming and trying to take shots at me because he’s so f***ing lame, and he sees that the fanbase kind of has a thing for me, so he kind of tries to ride that wave. Couple other people do that s***, but he’s the cheesiest f***ing one that does it. “Even after they announced the Khalil Rountree fight [at UFC 307], I thought it should’ve been Magomed,” Hill continued. “So I said that, and this motherf***er is trying to talk about I was crying? Hold on, I’m just saying what I’m thinking...you want real beef? I can do beef like that, f*** you.” Despite Hill’s disdain for Ankalaev, he acknowledges that outside of himself, the Dagestani stands the best chance in the 205lb division to dethrone Pereira. “Alex is a forward, pressure fighter...leaves himself exposed to counters. Ankalaev counters with combinations, so there will be openings for him there to land,” Hill admitted. “Plus, Ankalaev’s a southpaw, so that’s another factor of the puzzle that he’s going to have to figure out...I give Ankalaev a big chance at winning it, just because of the style he fights...he draws things out.” Ankalaev is one of the few top light heavyweight contenders yet to face Pereira. After defeating Rountree at UFC 307, which made a cageside Hill bored , Pereira will likely face Ankalaev for his next title defense. READ MORE: ‘This is wrong!’... Bellator champs, including Patricio Pitbull, scorch PFL over inactivity Jamahal Hill faces a former light heavyweight champ in UFC 311 return Hill and Jiří Procházka will clash in a high-profile light heavyweight bout at UFC 311 in Los Angeles. The winner could potentially earn themselves another title shot against the Pereira vs. Ankalaev winner, assuming the UFC finalizes the title fight . Hill is looking to reclaim the form that led him to the light heavyweight throne, defeating the likes of Glover Teixeira and Thiago Santos on his way up the ranks. His UFC 283 victory over Teixeira for the then-vacant title stands as his most recent victory. Time will tell if Hill and Ankalaev come face-to-face in the Octagon. In the meantime, tensions are reaching a boiling point, especially from Hill’s perspective. READ MORE: I’m a doctor who hides brutal second career from parents – but they are about to find out after UFC KO of the Year contender

Make sure you carve out some time for yourself amongst all the Christmas chaos. The festive season often involves more social activities, shopping and travel, which can disrupt regular routines and lead to burnout. Advertisement Having a jam-packed diary of work drinks, Christmas dos and dinner parties might seem like a fun idea, but could quickly lead to fatigue if you don’t take some time for yourself. But what is social burnout? And how can we prevent ourselves from becoming physically and mentally drained amongst all the festivities in the run up to Christmas? What is burnout? “Burnout is often used to describe a chronic build-up of stress without break,” explains Dr Sandi Mann, senior psychology lecturer at the University of Central Lancashire. “This can lead us to ‘burnout’, like a wire that has had too much electricity running through it.” Advertisement This can have both mental and physical consequences. “Signs of social burnout can include physical and mental fatigue, a sense of dread or reluctance towards upcoming events, irritability, difficulty focusing, and a desire to withdraw from social activities,” notes Christine Schneider, clinical psychologist and mental wellbeing coach at Cambridge Therapy Centre. “Those experiencing social burnout may feel overwhelmed by even small interactions, the struggle to feel present, and may experience increased anxiety, especially when thinking about further social commitments.” Here are some ways to prevent social burnout in the run up to Christmas... Advertisement Understand what your own personal preferences are “Accept what you like and dislike, what makes you anxious or what makes you feel good and then act on this,” advises Jan P. de Jonge, psychologist at People Business Psychology. “There is no need to be a social butterfly, no obligation to enjoy that next Christmas work do or New Year’s Eve party. Even if others are, or seem excited about them. Just be you.” Be open about your feelings “Speak to bosses, colleagues and family about only being available to attend the engagements that you are expected at,” recommends de Jonge. “Be open and honest about how you are feeling, and explain that you have too many plans and are feeling drained.” Limit back-to-back events “If possible, avoid scheduling multiple social events in a single day or weekend,” advises Schneider. “Spread out engagements to give yourself time to decompress and process each experience, rather than rushing from one gathering to another.” Advertisement Try meditation If you are getting overwhelmed about your busy schedule, then try meditation to slow down. “Meditation can help you feel calm, relaxed, and discover clarity and peace,” says Nicci Roscoe, holistic health and wellbeing practitioner. “There are various techniques, such as focusing on your breath, listening to soothing music, or visualising serene scenes.” Set time limits “Change how and when you socialise by reducing the length and time of day that you meet,” suggests de Jonge. “Don’t feel pressured to stay for a night cap or dessert.” Plan downtime and stick to it Block out some time in your calendar specifically for relaxation, whether it’s a quiet evening at home or a day to yourself. Advertisement “These breaks can help recharge your energy between social events and keep you from feeling overwhelmed,” explains Ms Schneider. “Treat these as non-negotiable appointments with yourself.” Learn when to say no “Practice saying no to that next invitation if you feel you’re not up to it or just don’t feel like it,” recommends de Jonge. “Accept your own valid argument of needing some downtime.” Prioritise people who make you happy “Say goodbye to ‘energy drainers’, or those individuals who consistently make you feel stressed,” recommends Roscoe. “Energy drainers often project their own issues onto others, which can weigh you down. “Instead, surround yourself with individuals who radiate positive energy. These uplifting people will boost your mood and energy, providing a sense of calm when you need it most.”No, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has not announced plans to ban Hershey's chocolate

Bucks, even without stars, look for another win against BullsIt’s new and risky, but Gen Z workers are ‘all in’ on AIAs snow blankets the Colorado mountains, outdoor enthusiasts have a unique opportunity: the winter hut trip. Whether you’re a skier or a snowshoer, a hut trip offers an excellent opportunity to connect with nature while exploring the rugged beauty of the state’s wilderness and enjoying the warmth and camaraderie of a cozy mountain hut. From the towering peaks of the San Juan Mountains to the snow-covered trails in Summit County, Colorado’s winter hut trips provide an unforgettable experience for adventurers of all levels. Huts fill up fast, so check each property’s for pricing and availability. Located between Telluride and Silverton near the top of Ophir Pass in the San Juan Mountains, the Opus Hut was built for backcountry skiers, mountaineers, hikers and mountain bikers. At 11,700 feet, the hut sits at treeline with low-angle glades below and open slopes above. While intermediate powder skiing is available out the back door of the hut, owner Travis Mohrman said the terrain is best suited for experienced backcountry skiers. Mohrman estimates that 15% to 20% of the groups visiting Opus Hut do so with guides. “They’re not personally comfortable with the terrain or they’re not from the area,” Mohrman said. “They guides are knowledgeable about local conditions — what the snow is, what’s safe and what’s not safe.” The cabin accommodates up to 20 people in five rooms. Some visitors book the whole hut and bring friends and family, while others reserve available beds in unbooked rooms. The hut features solar-powered lighting and 110-volt outlets for charging electronic devices. It also has filtered drinking water, hot and cold tap water, and indoor composting toilets. It provides full bedding and clean sleeping bag liners. During winter, the hut has four to six employees who sleep in a separate cabin. They prepare meals with natural, organic, and, when possible, locally grown products. The hut accommodates vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets–just be sure to inform the staff beforehand. It also offers beer, wine, and a limited selection of spirits for purchase. “You can travel much lighter if you don’t have to bring in your food,” said Mohrman, who took over the hut three years ago. “You don’t have to focus on the upkeep of being in the backcountry.” Reservations for Opus Hut open Aug. 1. “The winter fills up quick,” Mohrman said. “Every winter weekend books in the first five minutes.” Nestled at 11,200 feet in the San Juan National Forest, Campfire Ranch Red Mountain Pass is the perfect base for exploring world-class skiing, split boarding, snowshoeing, and ice climbing. Located between Silverton and Ouray, it’s is accessible during the winter via a half-mile backcountry over-snow approach. Campfire Ranch is an ideal choice for novices. While other Colorado hut systems require you to carry your own food, bring sleeping bags, and live off-grid, this one provides food service, solar-powered electricity, Wi-Fi, and bedding. The dog-friendly cabin accommodates eight people. “We took a hospitality approach to remove barriers to entry for people who want to have the experience but don’t have the gear or the knowledge,” said Katrin Meiusi, director of marketing for the properties. Campfire Ranch first opened a campground on the Taylor River in Almont near Crested Butte. RVs are not permitted at the campground, which is open from May to October. Amenities include unlimited firewood, clean bathrooms, and drinkable well water. The 38 backcountry huts managed by the non-profit 10th Mountain Division Hut Association are connected by 350 miles of trails among some of the tallest peaks in the lower 48 states. All huts, some of which accommodate up to 17 people, have kitchens with propane burners for cooking — propane is provided. They provide pots, pans, potholders, dishware, cooking and eating utensils, a percolator or French press for coffee, salt and pepper, paper towels, dish soap, hand sanitizer, cleaning supplies and trash bags. Some huts have ovens and propane grills. All huts provide lighting from on-site solar power, propane or a generator. A few huts also have outlets for charging small devices such as phones. The huts have either an outhouse or an indoor bathroom with toilet paper supplied. All huts include mattresses and pillows, but you must bring your sleeping bag and pillowcase. Summit Hut Association operates five backcountry huts open for winter from November to May. Francie’s and Janet’s cabins are also open for summer use from July to September. All huts have solar-powered lights, fully stocked kitchens, and wood-burning stoves. Francie’s, Janet’s, and Sisters’ cabins have saunas and indoor toilets. The association hosts its annual Backcountry Ball fundraiser in October at The Maggie on Peak to kick off the season. The event includes dinner, drinks, a silent auction and entertainment. Proceeds help maintain the network of backcountry cabins.

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The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development said federally required tallies taken across the country in January found more than 770,000 people were counted as homeless — a number that misses some people and does not include those staying with friends or family because they don't have a place of their own. That increase comes on top of a 12% increase in 2023, which HUD blamed on soaring rents and the end of COVID-19 pandemic assistance. The 2023 increase also was driven by people experiencing homelessness for the first time. The numbers overall represent 23 of every 10,000 people in the U.S., with Black people being overrepresented among the homeless population. "No American should face homelessness, and the Biden-Harris Administration is committed to ensuring every family has access to the affordable, safe, and quality housing they deserve," HUD Agency Head Adrianne Todman said in a statement, adding that the focus should remain on "evidence-based efforts to prevent and end homelessness." Among the most concerning trends was a nearly 40% rise in family homelessness — one of the areas that was most affected by the arrival of migrants in big cities. Family homelessness more than doubled in 13 communities impacted by migrants including Denver, Chicago and New York City, according to HUD, while it rose less than 8% in the remaining 373 communities. Almost 150,000 children experienced homelessness on a single night in 2024, reflecting a 33% jump from last year. Disasters also played a part in the rise in the count, especially last year's catastrophic Maui wildfire, the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century. More than 5,200 people were in emergency shelters in Hawaii on the night of the count. "Increased homelessness is the tragic, yet predictable, consequence of underinvesting in the resources and protections that help people find and maintain safe, affordable housing," Renee Willis, incoming interim CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition, said in a statement. "As advocates, researchers, and people with lived experience have warned, the number of people experiencing homelessness continues to increase as more people struggle to afford sky-high housing costs." Robert Marbut Jr., the former executive director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness from 2019 to 2021, called the nearly 33% increase in homelessness over the past four years "disgraceful" and said the federal government needs to abandon efforts to prioritize permanent housing. "We need to focus on treatment of substance use and mental illness, and bring back program requirements, like job training," Marbut said in an email. Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Feed | SoundStack | All Of Our Podcasts The numbers also come as increasing numbers of communities are taking a hard line against homelessness. Angered by often dangerous and dirty tent camps, communities — especially in Western states — have enforced bans on camping. That follows a 6-3 ruling this summer by the Supreme Court that found outdoor sleeping bans don’t violate the Eighth Amendment. Homeless advocates argued that punishing people who need a place to sleep would criminalize homelessness. There was some positive news in the count, as homelessness among veterans continued to trend downward. Homelessness among veterans dropped 8% to 32,882 in 2024. It was an even larger decrease for unsheltered veterans, declining 11% to 13,851 in 2024. "The reduction in veteran homelessness offers us a clear roadmap for addressing homelessness on a larger scale," Ann Oliva, CEO of the National Alliance to End Homelessness, said in a statement. "With bipartisan support, adequate funding, and smart policy solutions, we can replicate this success and reduce homelessness nationwide. Federal investments are critical in tackling the country's housing affordability crisis and ensuring that every American has access to safe, stable housing." Several large cities had success bringing down their homeless numbers. Dallas, which worked to overhaul its homeless system, saw a 16% drop in its numbers between 2022 to 2024. Los Angeles, which increased housing for the homeless, saw a drop of 5% in unsheltered homelessness since 2023. California, the most populous state in the U.S., continued to have the nation's largest homeless population, followed by New York, Washington, Florida and Massachusetts. The sharp increase in the homeless population over the past two years contrasts with success the U.S. had for more than a decade. Going back to the first 2007 survey, the U.S. made steady progress for about a decade in reducing the homeless population as the government focused particularly on increasing investments to get veterans into housing. The number of homeless people dropped from about 637,000 in 2010 to about 554,000 in 2017. The numbers ticked up to about 580,000 in the 2020 count and held relatively steady over the next two years as Congress responded to the COVID-19 pandemic with emergency rental assistance, stimulus payments, aid to states and local governments and a temporary eviction moratorium.Lotte shuts down health care division

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