fortebet A late-game rally derailed by a missed field goal and Cowboys stun Commanders 34-26

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — “My Driver and I” was supposed to be made in 2016, but was scuttled amid Saudi Arabia’s decades-long cinema ban. Eight years later, the landscape for film in the kingdom looks much different — and the star of “My Driver and I” now has an award. Roula Dakheelallah was named the winner of the Chopard Emerging Saudi Talent award at the Red Sea International Film Festival on Thursday. The award — and the glitzy festival itself — is a sign of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to shaping a new film industry. “My heart is attached to cinema and art; I have always dreamed of a moment like this,” Dakheelallah, who still works a 9-5 job, told The Associated Press before the awards ceremony. “I used to work in voluntary films and help my friends in the field, but this is my first big role in a film.” The reopening of cinemas in 2018 marked a cultural turning point for Saudi Arabia, an absolute monarchy that had instituted the ban 35 years before, under the influence of ultraconservative religious authorities. It has since invested heavily in a native film industry by building theaters and launching programs to support local filmmakers through grants and training. The Red Sea International Film Festival was launched just a year later, part of an attempt to expand Saudi influence into films, gaming, sports and other cultural fields. Activists have decried the investments as whitewashing the kingdom’s human rights record as it tightly controls speech and remains one of the world’s top executioners. With FIFA awarding the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia this week, Lina al-Hathloul, a Saudi activist with the London-based rights group ALQST, said Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman “has really managed to create this bubble where people only see entertainment and they don’t see the reality on the ground.” RELATED COVERAGE Saudi Arabia’s plans to host the men’s World Cup will harm the climate, experts warn 2034 World Cup visitors will live in ‘a bubble’ and not see real life, Saudi rights activist says Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 World Cup. But when exactly? These efforts are part of Vision 2030, an ambitious reform plan unveiled in 2016 to ease the economy’s dependence on oil. As part of it, Saudi Arabia plans to construct 350 cinemas with over 2,500 movie screens — by this past April, across 22 cities, it already had 66 cinemas showing movies from the local film industry, as well as Hollywood and Bollywood. (The Red Sea International Film Festival attracts a host of talent from the latter industries, with Viola Davis and Priyanka Chopra Jonas also picking up awards Thursday.) The Red Sea International Film Festival (AP Photo/Baraa Anwer) The Red Sea International Film Festival (AP Photo/Baraa Anwer) Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print Read More The country’s General Entertainment Authority last month opened Al Hisn Studios on the outskirts of Riyadh. As one of the largest such production hubs in the Middle East, it not only includes several film studios but also a production village with workshops for carpentry, blacksmithing and fashion tailoring. “These facilities, when they exist, will stimulate filmmakers,” said Saudi actor Mohammed Elshehri. “Today, no writer or director has an excuse to imagine and say, ‘I cannot implement my imagination.’” The facilities are one part of the equation — the content itself is another. One of the major players in transforming Saudi filmmaking has been Telfaz11, a media company founded in 2011 that began as a YouTube channel and quickly became a trailblazer. Producing high-quality digital content such as short films, comedy sketches and series, Telfaz11 offered fresh perspectives on Saudi and regional issues. In 2020, Telfaz11 signed a partnership with Netflix to produce original content for the streaming giant. The result has been movies that demonstrate an evolution on the storytelling level, tackling topics that were once off-limits and sensitive to the public like secret nightlife in “Mandoob” (“Night Courier”) and changing social norms in “Naga.” One of the Middle East’s fastest-growing film festivals opened last Thursday in Saudi Arabia, attracting filmmakers and stars from around the world, to present over 120 films from 81 countries in Jeddah’s historic Al-Balad district. (Dec. 7) “I think we tell our stories in a very simple way, and that’s what reaches the world,” Elshehri says of the changing shift. “When you tell your story in a natural way without any affectation, it will reach every person.” But the films were not without their critics, drawing mixed reaction. Social media discoursed ranged from pleasure that Saudi film were tackling such topics to anger over how the films reflected conservative society. As Hana Al-Omair, a Saudi writer and director, points out, there are still many stories left untold. “We certainly have a long time ahead of us before we can tell the Saudi narrative as it should be,” she said, acknowledging that there are still barriers and rampant censorship. “The Goat Life,” a Malayalam-language movie about an Indian man forced to work without pay in Saudi Arabia, is not available on Netflix’s platform in the country. Movies that explore political topics or LGBTQ+ stories are essentially out of the question. Roula Dakheelallah and Mustafa Shehata, stars of “My Driver and I,” at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Dec. 7, 2024 (AP Photo/Baraa Anwer) Roula Dakheelallah and Mustafa Shehata, stars of “My Driver and I,” at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Dec. 7, 2024 (AP Photo/Baraa Anwer) Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print Read More Even “My Driver and I,” featured at the Red Sea festival alongside 11 other Saudi feature-length films, was initially too controversial. It centers on a Sudanese man in Jeddah, living away from his own daughter, who feels responsible for the girl he drives as her parents are absent. It was initially blocked from being made because of the relationship between the girl and the driver, filmmaker Ahd Kamel has said, even though it’s not a romantic relationship. Now in 2024, the film is a success story — a symbol of the Saudi film industry’s evolution as well as the growing role of women like Kamel behind the camera and Dakheelallah in front of it. “I see the change in Saudi cinema, a very beautiful change and it is moving at a wonderful speed. In my opinion, we do not need to rush,” Dakheelallah said. “We need to guide the truth of the artistic movement that is happening in Saudi Arabia.”

As we look ahead to 2025, Apple is poised to deliver a groundbreaking year filled with innovations that will reshape the technology landscape. From iPhones and Apple Watches to Macs and smart home devices, the company is set to introduce advancements that prioritize performance, design, and seamless connectivity across its entire product ecosystem. These developments will not only enhance the user experience but also solidify Apple’s position as a leader in the tech industry. The video below from ZONEofTECH gives us more has planned for 2025. Apple’s 2025 iPhone lineup is expected to feature five models, each designed to cater to different user needs and preferences. The will undergo a significant transformation, adopting a design inspired by the iPhone 14 and featuring an OLED display, the powerful A18 chip, and Apple’s first in-house 5G modem. This shift towards in-house components will reduce Apple’s reliance on . The iPhone 17 series will introduce the , which is set to become Apple’s thinnest iPhone yet. With a focus on sleekness and simplicity, the iPhone 17 Air will feature a single-camera module, appealing to users who prioritize design over advanced camera capabilities. On the other hand, the iPhone 17 Pro models will cater to power users, boasting a redesigned back, upgraded 48MP cameras, the innovative A19 chip, and an impressive 12GB of RAM. These enhancements will deliver exceptional performance and photography capabilities, further solidifying the iPhone’s position as a top-tier smartphone. In 2025, Apple will continue to prioritize health and wellness with the introduction of the Apple Watch Series 11. This new model will feature groundbreaking blood pressure monitoring capabilities, underscoring Apple’s commitment to developing health-centric technology. Additionally, the Series 11 will incorporate 5G connectivity, allowing faster data transfer and enhanced functionality for users on the go. For adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts, the Apple Watch Ultra will introduce satellite connectivity, ensuring reliable communication even in remote areas. The Ultra model will also feature a thinner design, improving comfort and wearability without compromising on durability. Meanwhile, the Apple Watch SE will target active users with a rugged plastic body, a larger display, and a range of vibrant color options, making it an attractive choice for those seeking a balance between functionality and affordability. Apple Watch Series 11: Blood pressure monitoring and 5G connectivity Apple Watch Ultra: Satellite connectivity and thinner design Apple Watch SE: Rugged plastic body, larger display, and vibrant colors Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 will introduce a fresh design and the advanced H3 chip, offering enhanced noise cancellation and superior audio quality. These improvements will further solidify AirPods’ dominance in the wireless audio market. In line with Apple’s broader wellness initiatives, the AirPods Pro 3 may also integrate health sensors, allowing users to monitor various aspects of their well-being. Apple’s iPad lineup will undergo significant upgrades in 2025, catering to a wide range of users. The base iPad will feature the powerful A18 Pro chip, delivering enhanced performance for everyday tasks and making it an ideal choice for students and casual users. The iPad Air will adopt the M3 chip, providing a balance between performance and affordability for professionals and creative enthusiasts. Later in the year, the will launch with the innovative M5 chip, offering unparalleled power and performance for demanding creative workflows. To further enhance the iPad’s versatility, Apple will introduce an updated Magic Keyboard, positioning the iPad as a viable alternative to traditional laptops for productivity and content creation. Apple’s Mac lineup will undergo a significant transition in 2025, with the introduction of the M5 chip across various models. This new chip will deliver unmatched performance and energy efficiency, setting a new standard for computing. The MacBook Air, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro will also receive updates to the M4 chip, including dual monitor support and the M4 Ultra chip for high-performance workflows. These advancements will cater to both casual users and professionals seeking innovative computing solutions. : Unmatched performance and energy efficiency M4 updates: Dual monitor support and chip for high-performance workflows In addition to its core product lines, Apple will introduce new offerings in 2025. The company will launch a new HomePod featuring a 6-7 inch display and running on the newly developed “homeOS.” This system will enhance integration with other Apple devices, creating a seamless and intuitive smart home experience. The HomePod mini will also receive updates, while a new Apple TV with an upgraded chip will improve streaming and gaming capabilities. The second-generation Apple Vision Pro will feature the M5 chip, offering improved battery life and potential external display enhancements. This update will strengthen Apple’s position in the augmented reality space, catering to both consumers and professionals seeking innovative ways to interact with digital content. Apple will also introduce the second-generation AirTag, which will include an upgraded ultra-wideband chip, extending its range and accuracy. This improvement will make it even easier to locate lost items, further integrating Apple’s ecosystem into users’ daily lives. Apple’s 2025 product lineup represents a bold leap forward in innovation, performance, and ecosystem integration. With advancements like the in-house 5G modem, A18 and M5 chips, health-focused features, and smart home enhancements, Apple is setting a new benchmark for technology. As the company continues to prioritize user experience and seamless connectivity, 2025 is shaping up to be a transformative year that will redefine the way we interact with technology in our daily lives. Source & Image Credit:

Jimmy Carter, former president and humanitarian, dies at 100Tomislav Ivisic scored a career-high 23 points to lead six players in double figures as No. 24 Illinois raced past visiting Chicago State 117-64 on Sunday in Champaign, Ill. Kylan Boswell also starred for the Fighting Illini (9-3) with an 18-point, 10-rebound, 10-assist triple-double. Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn added 16 points, while Kasparas Jakucionis contributed 14. Will Riley hit for 13 points and Morez Johnson Jr. came off the bench to net 11. Gabe Spinelli scored 20 points for the winless Cougars (0-15) and Noble Crawford added 15, but they just didn't have the scoring punch to stay with their Big Ten Conference opponent. Illinois outshot Chicago State 62.1 percent (41 of 66) to 37.3 percent (25 of 67) from the field and 45.5 percent (15 of 33) to 32.3 percent (10 of 31) from the 3-point line. The Cougars were also outrebounded 47-23. Illinois led for all but 24 seconds of the game, scoring basically at will. The Illini reaped a 28-4 advantage in free-throw attempts, drew 26 assists and earned a 48-16 advantage in points in the paint. In its last game before jumping into the bulk of its Big Ten schedule Thursday night at Oregon, Illinois wasted no time putting its stamp on the game. It carved out a double-figure edge at the 14:59 mark of the first half on Gibbs-Lawhorn's 3-pointer that made it 17-7 and simply kept expanding that lead. The margin reached 20 for the first time with 10:06 left when Ivisic drained a 3-pointer from the right wing for a 32-10 cushion. Johnson's foul shot with 3:43 remaining increased the advantage to 30 at 48-18, and Jake Davis' 3-pointer from the corner with a second on the clock gave the Illini a 60-24 cushion at halftime. Boswell's short jumper with 18:22 left in the game built Illinois' first 40-point advantage at 65-24. Riley splashed a 3-pointer with 9:57 remaining to up the lead to 50 at 93-43. Davis made another 3-pointer at the 7:59 mark to get the Illini to the 100-point threshold. They led by as many as 58 points in the final two minutes. --Field Level Media

South Korea’s Acting President Choi Sang-mok announced a national mourning period until January 4, following a devastating plane crash that claimed at least 179 lives. This marks the deadliest aviation disaster in South Korea since 1997, when a Korean Airlines Boeing 747 crashed in the Guam jungle, killing 228 people. The accident occurred at 9:07 am on Sunday, December 29 when a Jeju Air flight veered off the runway during landing and crashed into a fence at Muan International Airport in Muan County, South Jeolla Province, approximately 288 kilometers southwest of Seoul. Out of the 181 people on board, only two survived. The deaths of 179 passengers and crew were confirmed by local authorities, with the two surviving crew members rescued from the wreckage. Choi expressed his heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families and pledged full government support to assist them. Experts told CNN that the plane’s undercarriage, specifically the wheels used for takeoff and landing, appeared to have failed to fully deploy before landing. However, the cause of this malfunction remains unclear. Aviation analysts emphasized that further evidence is needed to determine the exact cause of the crash. Local officials speculated that a bird strike might have occurred before the crash landing, but this theory has not been confirmed. Lee Jeong-hyun, head of the Muan Fire Department, suggested that the cause might involve a bird strike or bad weather, although the footage from the scene showed clear skies. David Soucie, a former Federal Aviation Administration safety inspector, cautioned against speculation, stating, “Speculation is the worst enemy of an investigator.” He added, “That’s why information is protected during an aircraft accident investigation; it’s not supposed to be speculated about.”Houston-area legislators filed 70+ bills ahead of 2025 legislative session

The Misfits of Oz plant hooves, paws and feet in Yale

Keir Starmer: We will launch a golden era of buildingGainers TruGolf Holdings TRUG stock rose 60.6% to $0.83 during Friday's pre-market session. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $11.3 million. Kore Group Holdings KORE shares moved upwards by 18.69% to $1.46. The company's market cap stands at $24.8 million. Brera Holdings BREA stock moved upwards by 13.65% to $0.76. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $10.0 million. Starbox Group Hldgs STBX stock rose 11.78% to $1.6. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $78.9 million. Gaxos.AI GXAI shares moved upwards by 7.83% to $3.99. The company's market cap stands at $11.4 million. LQR House LQR shares rose 7.14% to $1.2. The company's market cap stands at $8.6 million. Losers Fangdd Network Group DUO shares decreased by 12.5% to $0.69 during Friday's pre-market session. The company's market cap stands at $16.0 million. Anghami ANGH stock decreased by 8.58% to $0.8. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $53.4 million. TuanChe TC stock decreased by 6.13% to $0.92. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $1.6 million. Gaia GAIA shares declined by 6.07% to $4.96. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $116.0 million. Gambling.com Gr GAMB stock fell 5.32% to $14.8. The company's market cap stands at $546.4 million. Haoxi Health Technology HAO shares declined by 4.9% to $0.13. The company's market cap stands at $6.6 million. See Also: www.benzinga.com/money/best-communication-services-stocks/ This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.None

“Wicked” doesn’t need a movie adaptation to be relevant — it’s already a cultural phenomenon, even before the behemoth two-part film adaptation hits theaters. The beloved Tony-winning Broadway musical is adapted from Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West,” a revisionist history of Frank L. Baum’s 1900 fantasy novel “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” and that book’s iconic 1939 film adaptation “The Wizard of Oz.” While Dorothy’s tornado-twirl into Technicolor is burned into our collective consciousness, so too is the massive note sung at the end of Act 1 by the witch at the center of “Wicked,” Elphaba, in the show’s signature song, “Defying Gravity.” The battle cry that emerges from Elphaba (played here by Cynthia Erivo) is breathtaking. It’s just the preceding rising action that feels a bit underwhelming. “Wicked” seeks to understand the Wicked Witch of the West, and the movie, which is written by Dana Fox and Winnie Holzman (who wrote the musical book), starts off when a denizen of Munchkinland dares to ask Glinda the Good Witch (Ariana Grande), in her big, pink bubble, “Is it true you were friends with her?” inspiring a flashback to their days at Shiz University, where the pair first encountered each other. Elphaba, rejected by her father since birth due to the color of her green skin, finds herself enrolled at Shiz when she follows her sister Nessarose (Marissa Bode) to school and accidentally unleashes some rough, untrained powers, catching the eye of Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh). She’s forced to bunk up with pretty, popular, pink-obsessed Galinda (the first iteration of the Good Witch’s name), and though they are at first at odds, Galinda can’t resist a makeover, or the intriguing powers of her new pal. It’s essentially a high school musical, with more magic, but not enough movie magic. The script has got to get Elphaba and Galinda to Oz to meet the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum) and hone Elphaba’s motivation for eventually defying the wizard (and gravity), which is wrapped up in a rushed subplot about talking animals being shunted out of a previously integrated society. Elphaba wants to help the animals because she feels connected with their plight as someone who is also physically different, but that desire doesn’t go beyond surface motivations. What makes Elphaba tick is clear — it’s just not always convincing. Grande is delightful as Galinda, but her character turns are also quite flat, and the world-building of this school could have been so much sharper and funnier. Bowen Yang does heroic work with a few ad libs and reactions as Galinda’s pal Pfannee, and Jonathan Bailey is terrific as the dashing prince Fiyero, but the setting doesn’t feel well-rounded on the screen. The camera is liberated (via CGI) in the song and dance numbers, but everything else is filmed in a boring fashion, the background melting into a dim, unfocused blur behind the actors. “Wicked” will delight fans of the stage production as a faithful adaptation that is at once playful but reverent to the iconic “Defying Gravity” and the story of understanding and togetherness despite social power structures that depend on fear and divisiveness. The weight of expectations is heavy to bear, and they bog down this movie. The film may struggle to take flight, but when it does, it is undeniably moving, with a message of freedom and defiance that resonates now more than ever. Get local news delivered to your inbox!

FOX Sports' Joel Klatt joins Colin Cowherd to discuss USC losing 19 players to the transfer portal and why it is troubling. The possibility of college football completely breaking away from the NCAA has been debated and opined about in the era of name, image and likeness and conference realignment. Should it ever get to that point, Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin knows who he would want to serve as commissioner: Nick Saban. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Penn State head coach James Franklin talks with an official during the second half against SMU in the first round of the College Football Playoff, Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger) "I think one of the most important things we can do is, let's get a commissioner of college football that is waking up every single morning and going to bed every single night making decisions that's in the best interest of college football," Franklin said Sunday ahead of the Fiesta Bowl, via ESPN . "I think Nick Saban would be the obvious choice if we made that decision. Now, Nick will probably call me tonight and say, 'Don't do this,' but I think he's the obvious choice, right?" Franklin said having a commissioner would be the first and important step to start solving some of the problems that coaches and athletic directors have been talking about for the last five years. He even floated nixing conference title games and shortening the season with a focus on the academic calendar. MIAMI'S CAM WARD OPTS OUT OF BOWL GAME IN 2ND HALF AFTER SETTING TD RECORD, IGNITES SOCIAL MEDIA DEBATE Feb. 17, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama: Alabama Crimson Tide former head football coach Nick Saban looks on during a basketball game between Alabama and the Texas A&M Aggies at Coleman Coliseum. (Gary Cosby Jr.-USA Today Sports) "God forbid we talk about academics, right?" he added. "That used to be every conversation started with academics and that's becoming less and less. Maybe I'm old school and maybe I'm a traditionalist, but I still believe in the model. Rather than just say this is a problem, I thought I would throw out a few recommendations, but I think one of the most important things we can do is let's get a commissioner of college football." College football coaches have been especially concerned with the transfer portal and having the window open during bowl season. "I feel so awful for our kids and kids around the country," SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee said on Tuesday, via ESPN . "There's no other sport at all that has free agency in the season. It's sad. It's terrible. You hear the story about their backup quarterback saying, 'I don't have a choice.' That's wrong. That's unacceptable. That's not OK. He shouldn't have to make that decision.' "The real easy thing is you don't have a transfer portal in December. That's the real easy answer, and it solves all the problems. Why in the world would we put kids in a position where they've got to decide, ‘Do I transfer or play in the playoff? Do I transfer or play my bowl game?...' People are bombarding our roster, trying to pick people off our roster, and we're trying to focus on the playoff. So, yeah, it's real easy – don't have a transfer portal in December. Go to the spring." Penn State linebacker Dominic DeLuca celebrates an interception for a touchdown with head coach James Franklin against SMU during the first half in the first round of the NCAA College Football Playoff, on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger) CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP For now, college football is still under the NCAA. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X , and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter . Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.