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DC says Empower rideshare is in violation of city law

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:32:42 GMT

D.C.-area residents have another alternative to Uber or Lyft — it’s called Empower.The Virginia-based company claims to be “transforming the gig economy” by providing drivers with 100% of their earnings from riders’ fares.“We provide software and support services to drivers who want to build and run their own businesses,” Empower CEO Joshua Sear told WTOP.Sear’s company is a third-party vendor that lets drivers set their own rates and be paid directly in-app by riders.“In exchange, drivers pay Empower a subscription fee, which is significantly less than Uber/Lyft are withholding from drivers in taking over 40% of the fare on average from each ride,” the company says on its website. “Empower takes ZERO commission from rides.”Riders can access the service through the company’s app.But, according to D.C.’s Department of For-Hire Vehicles, Empower has refused to register with the department to operate in...

Live updates | UN resolution demanding immediate cease-fire in Gaza fails

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:32:42 GMT

The United States vetoed a United Nations resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza, where Israeli troops rounded up Palestinian men in the northern part of the territory for interrogation, seeking Hamas militants. The U.N. vote came after Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for the first time invoked Article 99 of the U.N. Charter, which enables a U.N. chief to raise threats he sees to international peace and security. He warned of a “humanitarian catastrophe” in Gaza.U.S. Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood said halting military action would allow Hamas to continue to rule Gaza and “only plant the seeds for the next war.”Around 1,200 people have died on the Israeli side, mainly civilians killed during Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack that triggered the war. The Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said the death toll in the territory has surpassed 17,400, with more than 46,000 wounded. The ministry does not differentiate between civilian and combatant deaths, but said 70% of the...

Saints QB Derek Carr clears concussion protocol, could play vs. Panthers

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:32:42 GMT

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Saints quarterback Derek Carr cleared the concussion protocol on Friday evening, increasing the liklelihood that he’ll start on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers.Carr, who left New Orleans’ 33-28 loss to Detroit last week with a concussion as well as shoulder and rib injuries, was listed as questionable on Friday’s injury report.However, he participated — at least on a limited basis — in every practice this week.“I have felt better, but I’m doing great,” Carr, who was concussed twice in 22 days, said after clearing the protocol.“I don’t really have any concerns,” Carr added. “Our doctors and the non-affiliated doctor said everything was perfect.”Carr’s injury came after he’d been booed repeatedly by the Superdome crowd when taking the field, starting in pre-game warmups and throughout much of last Sunday’s game.Aided by an interception on Carr’s first pass of the game, the Lions raced to a 21-0 l...

Braves get David Fletcher and Max Stassi from Angels for Evan White and Tyler Thomas

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:32:42 GMT

ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Braves obtained infielder David Fletcher and catcher Max Stassi from the Los Angeles Angels on Friday for infielder Evan White and left-hander Tyler Thomas.Fletcher, 29, hit .247 with two homers and 12 RBIs in 33 games with the Angels this season and batted .331 with four homers and 38 RBIs in 85 games at Triple-A Salt Lake. An Orange County native, he has a .277 batting average with 16 homers and 168 RBIs in parts of six seasons with the Angels.Fletcher is owed $14 million as part of a $26 million, five-year contract, a deal that calls for him to receive $6 million next year and $6.5 million in 2025 and includes a $1.5 million buyout of a 2026 team option.Stassi, 32, did not play this season. He strained his left hip in spring training, and the team said on Sept. 9 that while he was capable of resuming baseball activities, he would miss the rest of the season because of a serious family medical issue.Stassi has a .212 career average with 41 homers and 128...

Doak Walker Award Winners

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:32:42 GMT

Winners of the Doak Walker Award for the outstanding college running back, sponsored by the Southern Methodist Athletic Forum:2023_Ollie Gordon II, Oklahoma State2022_Bijan Robinson, Texas2021_Kenneth Walker III, Michigan State2020_Najee Harris, Alabama2019_Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin2018_Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin2017_Bryce Love, Stanford2016_D’Onte Foreman, Texas2015_Derrick Henry, Alabama2014_Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin2013_Andre Williams, Boston College2012_Montee Ball, Wisconsin2011_Trent Richardson, Alabama2010_LaMichael James, Oregon2009_Toby Gerhart, Stanford2008_Shonn Greene, Iowa2007_Darren McFadden, Arkansas2006_Darren McFadden, Arkansas2005_Reggie Bush, Southern California2004_Cedric Benson, Texas2003_Chris Perry, Michigan2002_Larry Johnson, Penn State2001_Luke Staley, BYU2000_LaDainian Tomlinson, TCU1999_Ron Dayne, Wisconsin1998_Ricky Williams, Texas1997_Ricky Williams, Texas1996_Byron Hanspard, Texas Tech1995_Eddie George, Ohio State1994_Rashaan Salaam, Colorado1993_...

Cavs guard Max Strus returns to Miami and picks up an Emmy award

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:32:42 GMT

MIAMI (AP) — Max Strus didn’t win a Larry O’Brien Trophy during his time in Miami.He won an Emmy instead.Strus, who left the Heat for the Cleveland Cavaliers last summer as a free agent, received his Emmy statuette for being part of a show detailing his path to the NBA and Miami.The program called “Inside the Heat — Max Strus” was one of two in the “Sports Program — Post-Produced or Edited Series” division that earned Emmy wins for the Heat at the Suncoast Regional Emmy Awards show last weekend; a show centered on Heat executive vice president and general manager Andy Elisburg also won.“We really enjoyed our time with Max and his family,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. “We got to know his family really well.”Strus joked this week that he didn’t know if Miami would do a red-carpet welcome as part of his Emmy prize. He settled for a small ceremony about an hour before Friday’s game — and yes, he made a speech.“Never thought I would have gotten one of these,” Strus told the Bally Spor...

John Mackey Award Winners

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:32:42 GMT

(Outstanding Tight End)2000 — Tim Stratton, Purdue2001 — Daniel Graham, Colorado2002 — Dallas Clark, Iowa2003 — Kellen Winslow II, Miami2004 — Heath Miller, Virginia2005 — Marcedes Lewis, UCLA2006 — Matt Spaeth , Minnesota2007 — Fred Davis, Southern Cal2008 — Chase Coffman, Missouri2009 — Aaron Hernandez, Florida2010 — D. J. Williams, Arkansas2011 — Dwayne Allen, Clemson2012 — Tyler Eifert, Notre Dame2013 — Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Washington2014 — Nick O’Leary, Florida State2015 — Hunter Henry, Arkansas2016 — Jake Butt, Michigan2017 — Mark Andrews, Oklahoma2018 — T.J. Hockenson, Iowa2019 — Harrison Bryant, Florida Atlantic2020 — Kyle Pitts, Florida2021 — Trey McBride, Colorado State2022 — Brock Bowers, Georgia2023 — Brock Bowers, GeorgiaSource

Butkus Award Winners

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:32:42 GMT

2023_Payton Wilson, NC State2022_Jack Campbell, Iowa2021_Nakobe Dean, Georgia2020_Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Notre Dame2019_Isaiah Simmons, Clemson2018_Devin White, LSU2017_Roquan Smith, Georgia2016_Reuben Foster, Alabama2015_Jaylon Smith, Notre Dame2014_Eric Kendricks, UCLA2013_C.J. Mosley, Alabama2012_Manti Te’o, Notre Dame2011_Luke Kuechly, Boston College2010_Von Miller, Texas A&M2009_Rolando McClain, Alabama2008_Aaron Curry, Wake Forest2007_James Laurinaitis, Ohio State2006_Patrick Willis, Mississippi2005_Paul Posluszny, Penn State2004_Derrick Johnson, Texas2003_Teddy Lehman, Oklahoma2002_E.J. Henderson, Maryland2001_Rocky Calmus, Oklahoma2000_Dan Morgan, Miami1999_LaVar Arrington, Penn State1998_Chris Claiborne, Southern Cal1997_Andy Katzenmoyer, Ohio State1996_Matt Russell, Colorado1995_Kevin Hardy, Illinois1994_Dana Howard, Illinois1993_Trev Alberts, Nebraska1992_Marvin Jones, Florida State1991_Erick Anderson, Michigan1990_Alfred Williams, Colorado1989_Percy Snow, Mic...

Christmas-themed concerts coming to South Florida before Santa include Il Divo, LeAnn Rimes and Pentatonix

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:32:42 GMT

The Christmas countdown is on, and for anyone keeping track, we’re just 17 days away. If you wanna get into the holiday spirit right now, Deco’s checking out some festive concerts that’ll have you rock’n around the Christmas tree before Santa makes it to town.Sarah Brightman: “I wish you a hopeful Christmas. I wish you a brave new year.”‘Tis the season to sing along with Sarah Brightman. The British singer is bringing her critically acclaimed holiday tour to SoFlo.Sarah’s “A Christmas Symphony” will light up the Hard Rock Live in Hollywood on Dec. 9th. Better hurry if you want tickets, ’cause this show’s almost sold out.Pentatonix (singing): “Make my dreams underneath the tree come true. Make all of my dreams come true.”If your Christmas wish is to see Pentatonix in concert this year, you’re in luck. The a cappella group is bringing their “Most Wonderful Tour of the Year” to Hollywo...

Rep. Kam Buckner: Soldier Field shuffle offers an opportunity to Chicago and the Bears

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:32:42 GMT

When news broke of the Bears considering a new stadium on the land currently housing the south parking deck, it gave many Chicagoans hope that the team would remain nestled on the lakefront and that we would maintain our distinction of being the largest city in the country where every professional sports team plays its home games within the city limits.The possibility of the Bears building a stadium and remaining in Chicago signals that a reset between the Bears organization, by way of new President Kevin Warren, and Mayor Brandon Johnson is not empty rhetoric, but it is the true desire of both parties, which is good for Chicago.In Warren, the Bears have a proven transformational leader. He is the architect of one of the most monumental professional stadium deals in U.S. history, which allowed the state of Minnesota to pay off bonds 23 years before the final payment was due. Johnson has been clear-eyed and optimistic about the Bears’ situation, which has allowed the conversati...