A young boy, aged 8, tragically passed away in Arizona after being struck by a large concrete statue that fell at a historic hotel, according to authorities.

Emergency responders arrived at the Arizona Biltmore resort on November 27 at approximately 9 a.m. following reports of an injured child at the hotel situated northeast of downtown Phoenix.

The boy was quickly taken to a local hospital, where he was declared dead the following day. The Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office identified complications from blunt force trauma to the head as the main cause of death.

Capt. Todd Keller of the Phoenix Fire Department stated that a section of the concrete statue fell on the boy, causing a head injury. The cause of the statue’s fall and whether the child was accompanied by a parent or guardian remain unknown. Authorities indicated that foul play was not suspected.

“We are profoundly saddened by the incident that transpired at the hotel earlier this morning,” the hotel conveyed in a statement to The Arizona Republic, part of the USA TODAY Network. “The safety and security of our guests is our highest priority, and our thoughts are with the family affected by the events of today.”

Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation: ‘We are deeply saddened’ The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, which aims to preserve Wright’s legacy and educate the public on the architect’s influence, expressed sorrow over the child’s death at the Arizona Biltmore, a venue inspired by Wright’s design.

“The news regarding the child’s death at the Biltmore is extremely heartbreaking,” stated Henry Hendrix, chief marketing officer for the foundation, in a statement. “We are truly saddened by this tragic incident, and our deepest sympathies go out to the family during this incredibly challenging time.”

The Arizona Biltmore, constructed in 1929, is often referred to as “The Jewel of the Desert” and boasts a rich and storied history.

“Please understand that we share in the grief of this moment and hold everyone impacted close in our thoughts as they face this unimaginable loss,” the statement added.

The statue that struck the boy was a representation of a “sprite,” symbolizing a mythical creature intended to guard the land. As indicated on the Arizona Biltmore’s website, the property features 19 sprite statues.

Hendrix noted in his statement that the sprites at the Biltmore are replicas of designs from Wright’s Midway Gardens project in Chicago, which was built in 1914 and torn down in 1929. The statues present at the Biltmore were crafted in the mid-1980s and donated to the Biltmore in 1988. They are not classified as historic artifacts and do not fall under the category of historic preservation.

A 7-year-old boy accidentally shot and killed his 2-year-old brother inside a vehicle parked at a shopping center in California, according to officials.

On Monday, shortly before 4 p.m. local time, the boy unintentionally shot his sibling in the parking area of a shopping center located in Rancho Cucamonga, California, about 45 miles east of Los Angeles, as reported by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

“During the investigation, deputies found that the victim and his 7-year-old brother were inside a truck when the 7-year-old discovered a firearm in the glove compartment, leading to the tragic shooting,” the department stated in a written release.

Emergency responders quickly transported the injured toddler to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries, officials indicated.

California school shooting: Two kindergarteners in ‘extremely critical condition.’

Investigation ongoing
Additional details, such as who was supervising the children at the time and the ownership of the firearm, remain unclear as the investigation was still at an early stage on Tuesday morning.

“The Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division arrived and took over the inquiry,” the Sheriff’s Department reported. “A report will be forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office for evaluation.”

Those with information have been encouraged to reach out to the Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division at 909-890-4904. Information can also be submitted anonymously to the We-Tip hotline at 800-892-7463.

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Misdemeanor or felony charges in California
In California, if a gun owner keeps a loaded weapon accessible and a minor under their care gains access to it, the owner may face misdemeanor or felony charges if the child uses it and it results in someone else’s death, or brings it to a public place, according to the California Attorney General’s office.

Legal actions could be pursued against the gun owner “unless the firearm was stored in a locked container or secured with a locking device to prevent it from being fired temporarily.”

How frequently do accidental shootings take place?
In 2023, nearly 4% of all firearm-related deaths were due to accidental injuries and fatalities, according to the Colorado Department of Health and Environment. Approximately 67% of unintentional firearm deaths involved handguns.

“Individuals residing in the U.S. are four times more likely to die from an unintentional firearm injury compared to residents of other high-income nations,” the department stated.

Series of accidental shootings
The day after the 7-year-old accidentally shot his brother, a 3-year-old accidentally shot and injured their 1-year-old sibling in North Carolina “with a firearm that had been kept in the home,” the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office reported in a release, according to The Star, which is part of the USA TODAY Network.

The toddler involved in this incident is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital and is anticipated to fully recover.

Will Taylor Swift perform every track from her studio albums before the Eras Tour concludes on Sunday in Vancouver, Canada? Will she invite special guests to join her? Will she include “You’re On Your Own, Kid” in her set one more time?

“Welcome to the acoustic part of the show,” Swift smiles, addressing a full house every evening of the tour.

Fans watching the livestream set timers, and dedicated followers receive notifications for when the acoustic segment starts. Each performance is unique, and most of them generate news coverage (I’ve written about 89 of them). Swift plays one song or mashup on the guitar and another on the piano.

Taylor Swift took the stage in Amsterdam on July 4.
Complete acoustic set list: Taylor Swift surprises her audience with additional songs at every Eras Tour show. Here are all the tracks she has performed thus far.

Occasionally, she’ll announce a new rerecorded album like “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)” in Nashville or “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” in Inglewood, California. At times, she features surprise guests such as Sabrina Carpenter in New Orleans or Gracie Abrams in Toronto. Several songs convey a message to the audience, like during her last concert in America in Indianapolis when she fused “Cornelia Street” and “The Bolter” to form the line, “I don’t want to lose you / I hope it never ends / but she was leaving / and it felt like freedom.”

Among Swift’s eleven studio albums, six songs remain unperformed: “That’s When” and “Bye Bye Baby” from “Fearless (Taylor’s Version)”; “Girl At Home,” “Ronan,” and “Forever Winter” from “Red (Taylor’s Version)”; and “Soon You’ll Get Better” from “Lover.”

Considering she averages four songs per performance and has three remaining shows in Canada, the Eras Tour leader might not showcase every track before the confetti comes down on the audience in BC Place on Sunday. This is particularly true since she has mentioned one song she intends to keep off her live setlist.

‘Ronan’
In 2021, on the re-released version of “Red,” Swift included Track 21: “Ronan.” The song conveys a type of heartbreak that no parent should endure: losing a child.

“I never imagined ‘Ronan’ would appear on one of her albums,” Maya Thompson shares, “so receiving that call was just, I feel like I’m still in a moment of disbelief from it all. I think I’ll stay in a state of awe about that for life.”

Maya Thompson (left of center), with her sons Liam and Quinn, daughter Poppy, and husband Woody, takes a photo backstage with Taylor Swift after the Glendale, Arizona concert during her 1989 Tour in August 2015. That evening, Swift performed “Ronan” for only the second time, a song honoring Thompson’s 3-year-old son who passed away from cancer.
Thompson documented the journey of losing her 3-year-old son Ronald to neuroblastoma in May 2011. Swift discovered the grieving mother’s blog and crafted a song, using direct quotes from Thompson’s writings for the 4:26 track. During a Stand Up to Cancer telethon in 2012, Swift delivered a moving rendition of the song.

“I’m deeply honored that she decided to include it on such a significant album,” Thompson expresses, “and the fact that the song holds such value for her while she continually honors his memory and everything he stood for means everything to a mourning mother like me.”

Thompson will be attending one of the last shows in Vancouver and predicts that Swift would want her present if “Ronan” is selected as a surprise song.

“I’m not sure. I trust her judgment,” she says. “I think about it from the angle of concern for Taylor. … How is she doing? Will this be something she can handle? That being said, I would absolutely love it.”

‘Soon You’ll Get Better’
In March 2019, just five months prior to the release of Swift’s seventh album “Lover,” she shared 30 lessons she had learned in Elle magazine. Number 24 mentioned in part, “Both of my parents have faced cancer, and my mom is currently battling it again. It has taught me that there are significant problems and then there’s everything else. My mom’s cancer is a significant issue.”

Taylor Swift (L) accepts the 50th Anniversary Milestone Award from Andrea Swift onstage during the 50th Academy of Country Music Awards on April 19, 2015, in Arlington, Texas.
Taylor Swift and my daughter: How 18 years of music formed the backdrop of our relationship.

During a YouTube live session with fans, Swift spoke about Track 12, “Soon You’ll Get Better,” an emotionally charged song featuring The Chicks that reflects on her mother, Andrea, being frequently hospitalized due to cancer.

“We as a family made the decision to include this on the album,” she stated in the livestream, “and it’s something I hold a lot of pride in, but it’s genuinely challenging. I can’t perform it. It’s difficult for me to cope with that song. You’ll understand what I mean soon.”

The artist emphasized the weight of the song during a SiriusXM Town Hall Q&A with fans.

“That’s a song I’m uncertain I’ll ever perform live,” she said. “It’s just really tough for me. Writing it was challenging. Singing it is hard. Even listening to it is difficult for me, but there are times when music encompasses that. Sometimes it’s not only about pleasant experiences.”

In 2020, Swift delivered a poignant performance of the song during the live broadcast of Global Citizen’s “One World: Together at Home” benefit concert aimed at supporting healthcare workers and the World Health Organization.

‘Forever Winter’ and ‘Girl At Home’
The two remaining songs from “Red (Taylor’s Version)” present markedly different themes. “Forever Winter” tells the story of a friend grappling with a profoundly dark and depressive period and the struggle to provide support as circumstances worsen. Swift expresses, “If I were standing in your apartment / I’d take that bomb in your head and diffuse it / I’d tell you I love you even in your bleakest moments / And please don’t leave.”

In “Girl At Home,” Swift employs dance club synths to narrate the experience of being flirted with by a man who has a girlfriend at home. Swift expressed to Yahoo! News in October 2014, “There’s a song named ‘Girl at Home,’ which discusses a guy with a girlfriend, and I found it revolting that he was hitting on other women.”

‘That’s When’ and ‘Bye Bye Baby’
The two unreleased tracks from “Fearless (Taylor’s Version)” that she hasn’t performed are “That’s When” and “Bye Bye Baby.” “That’s When” features a collaboration with country artist Keith Urban. He recounted to Ellen DeGeneres how he received a text from Swift while he was enjoying some mall food.

“I was at the shopping mall doing my Christmas shopping when I got a message from Taylor saying, ‘I have a couple of songs I’d like you to sing on, do you want to listen to them?’ and I replied, ‘Sure.'” She shared “That’s When” and “We Were Happy” with him.

“Fearless (Taylor’s Version)” is yet another re-recorded album by Taylor Swift released in 2021.
“Bye Bye Baby” could serve as a poignant concluding line for the last acoustic segment of the Eras Tour, although its theme revolves around departing from unreciprocated love and embracing hope for the future amidst uncertainty.

Other songs
“I’m not sure if any of the unreleased tracks are likely to be performed,” remarks Kayla Wong, a devoted fan who meticulously tracks statistics related to the superstar. Her Instagram account, @headfirstfearless, monitors the numbers behind the most frequently played acoustic songs. “The most probable outcome is her returning with major fan favorites.”

Wong highlights that the top five songs Swift has included in her acoustic set are:

11 times: “You’re On You’re Own, Kid”
Nine times: “Maroon”
Seven times: “Out of the Woods”
Six times: “Clean”
Six times: “Death By A Thousand Cuts”
“I wouldn’t be shocked if she performs ‘You’re On Your Own, Kid’ one more time on the final night,” Wong suggests. “I also believe ‘Long Live’ will be part of the lineup.”

Taylor Swift is set to perform in Amsterdam on July 5.
And you thought you were a fan: Check out the Taylor Swift-themed Christmas House in Naperville, Illinois.

When considering the odds, Wong notes that “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)” and “Red (Taylor’s Version)” feature the most surprise songs, each performed at least four times. Additionally, it’s important to keep in mind Swift could invite special guests, make announcements, or surprise the audience with songs like “This Is What You Came For” on June 14 in Liverpool or “Crazier” on June 8 in Edinburgh.

In her official Eras Tour book, the artist stated, “It takes a significant amount of practice to perfect the mashups, but when the audience goes wild as I shift into a new song, it makes all the preparation truly worthwhile.”

Drew Barrymore is surprising people alongside Ariana Grande.

The talk show presenter invited the “Wicked” star onto her program to chat about the successful movie musical, during which she presented the singer with a heartfelt gift — the original wand of Glinda from the beloved 1939 film “The Wizard of Oz.”

Grande will portray Glinda opposite Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba in “Wicked,” the record-breaking film version of the acclaimed Broadway show.

Barrymore mentioned that the wand had once belonged to the Smithsonian before being passed into private ownership, but was loaned to “The Drew Barrymore Show.”

Are you excited about ‘Wicked’? Here’s the latest on the Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo film.

Need a moment to unwind? Try the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

The thoughtful gesture left the pop star momentarily speechless until she regained her composure. “Are you joking right now?” Grande then humorously walked off carrying the wand: “Thanks, everyone, it’s been great.”

Grande and Erivo have been candid about their emotional experiences during the press tour for “Wicked,” describing the filmmaking journey as “transformative.”

Ariana Grande as Glinda the Good in the “Wicked” movie musical.
“Some folks think we need to be committed. People believe we should be locked away,” Grande shared with Buzzfeed UK last month.

“We have counselors. This is alright. We’re just incredibly happy,” added Erivo. Grande further stated: “We’re okay. We’re simply thankful to people.”

From left, Margaret Hamilton, Judy Garland, and Billie Burke in “The Wizard of Oz,” 1939, Turner Ent. Co.
Last month, “Wicked” opened with $114 million in the U.S. and Canada and $164.2 million worldwide, setting a record for a film adapted from a Broadway musical, and achieving one of the highest-grossing second weekends in history.

It marked the best opening weekend for a movie derived from a Broadway musical, surpassing the global debut of Universal’s 2012 film “Les Miserables,” according to the studio.

With “Gladiator II,” an unofficial double feature affectionately dubbed “Glicked” by fans, the films collectively earned $169.5 million at domestic theaters, contributing to a total weekend box office of $201.9 million. This represents the highest-grossing weekend in North America since the July release of “Deadpool & Wolverine,” based on Comscore data.

Aaron Rodgers believes his accomplishments in football speak volumes.

Therefore, the quarterback for the New York Jets doesn’t feel compelled to utilize the final part of this season to demonstrate his worth to the team and that he should be back next year. In fact, he considers it “ridiculous.”

“If they want me to remain, that’s great,” Rodgers stated on Wednesday. “If it requires these five games to show them what I offer, then perhaps they don’t fully understand my value.

“Nonetheless, I would love to perform exceptionally well in the last five games.”

Rodgers, who celebrated his 41st birthday on Monday, has faced challenges with both his performance and health as the Jets have struggled to a 3-9 record.

He has dealt with injuries to his legs — including a sprained ankle, a painful knee, and a tweaked hamstring — throughout the majority of the season. However, he emerged from the bye week feeling healthier than he had in several weeks. Despite this, he was erratic in a 26-21 defeat against Seattle and failed to guide New York to a winning drive during their final offensive series.

This led to speculation that the Jets might consider replacing Rodgers with Tyrod Taylor to potentially invigorate the offense. Instead, interim coach Jeff Ulbrich stated he would keep Rodgers as the starter as long as he is healthy, and the quarterback mentioned during his regular spot on “The Pat McAfee Show” on Tuesday that his aim is to conclude the season on the field, despite the team’s disappointing record.

“That’s what professionals do, and the most crucial ability is availability, which I lacked last year,” Rodgers said on Wednesday, referring to his torn Achilles tendon occurring just four plays into his debut with the Jets. “So I want to play the games, and I enjoy football. I am extremely competitive, and I love being out there with my teammates.”

He declined to attribute his unsatisfactory performance this season to injuries, asserting that he feels capable of playing when on the field. While Rodgers has accumulated 2,627 passing yards and 19 touchdowns against eight interceptions, his average of 6.3 yards per pass attempt marks the lowest in his starting career.

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A few weeks ago, Rodgers indicated he believed he would like to play next year, but recently adjusted that to express uncertainty. He mentioned that health would be a significant consideration — and if he chose to play in 2025, the Jets would be his preferred team.

There is skepticism regarding whether the Jets would want him back as they look to rebuild under a new general manager and coach next season following the dismissals of Joe Douglas and Robert Saleh. Rodgers noted that some individuals have communicated their hopes for his return, but “not those who are making those choices.”

That elicited some chuckles, but Rodgers mentioned that discussions will definitely take place — eventually — to decide his future.

“I just remodeled my home here in New Jersey,” Rodgers noted. “My intention was to play several more years here, but we’ll see. I want to be healthy, I want to finish on my own terms, I want to perform well, and I want to feel appreciated if I return. If that’s not the case, I won’t take offense. I’ll be grateful regardless of what happens here.

“However, I need to be mentally and physically fit, and there must be interest from both parties. If that doesn’t happen, then I’ll consider other possibilities. But first, I need to contemplate whether I actually want to continue playing; usually, I take about a month to step away from it, which I plan to do, and then we’ll see what unfolds.”

During his time on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Rodgers pointed out the Detroit Lions — who experienced a 3-13-1 season in Dan Campbell’s inaugural year as coach in 2021 and are now sharing the best NFL record at 11-1 with Kansas City — as an example of a team that prospered from patient and encouraging ownership.

After practice on Wednesday, a reporter inquired about those comments and whether he believes the Jets have shown similar support.

“Is that a leading question?” he replied before clarifying he was merely giving an example

Authorities are concerned that a woman who went missing while searching for her cat in western Pennsylvania may have been engulfed by a sinkhole, likely resulting from mine subsidence.

Rescue teams have not detected any signs of 64-year-old Elizabeth Pollard since she vanished on Monday evening, but a sinkhole emerged around the same time approximately 20 feet (6 meters) from her car, prompting fears that she may have fallen in. Her granddaughter was discovered safely inside the vehicle hours later.

Although sinkholes are often linked to mining activities, they can occur independently. In 2013, a man was killed when a sinkhole suddenly appeared beneath his house in central Florida, a region known for its porous limestone that leads to thousands of sinkholes annually.

Florida, Texas, Alabama, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Pennsylvania frequently experience the most significant issues due to sinkholes, although fatalities are uncommon.

What exactly are sinkholes?
A sinkhole is defined as a section of land that lacks natural external surface drainage and can develop when the ground beneath the surface is unable to bear the weight of the land above it, as per the U.S. Geological Survey.

Typically, the ground remains stable for a time until the subterranean spaces enlarge beyond capacity. When support becomes inadequate for the land situated above these voids, a sudden and dramatic surface collapse may occur.

How prevalent are sinkholes?
Sinkholes are predominantly found in areas termed karst terrain, characterized by rocks like limestone that can be eroded by groundwater. They can also result from abandoned underground mines.

Florida is particularly vulnerable to sinkholes due to its positioning over limestone.

What is the size range of sinkholes?
Sinkholes can vary from just a few feet across to those that extend over vast regions, sometimes encompassing hundreds of acres. The hole that may have absorbed Pollard was roughly the size of a manhole cover upon its detection on Tuesday morning.

Their depths can fluctuate from only a few inches to over 100 feet (30 meters). Some sinkholes feature shallow bowl or saucer shapes, while others possess vertical walls. Certain sinkholes can retain water, forming small ponds.

What triggered the sinkhole in Pennsylvania?
The sinkhole that appeared in the Unity Township area of Marguerite, where search and rescue teams are still hopeful of finding Pollard alive, formed above the Marguerite Mine site, which was last

To truly grasp the kicking struggles of Baltimore’s Justin Tucker, it’s insightful to consult another kicker for their perspective. So, I reached out to one of the greatest to ever play the position.

Lawrence Tynes successfully kicked game-winning field goals in two NFC Championship games, helping the Giants secure their place in the Super Bowl. Tynes, who played for three NFL franchises from 2001 to 2013, was renowned as one of the most clutch kickers of his time. He is also a two-time Super Bowl champion.

Tynes’ opinions carry weight, and his thoughts on Tucker’s situation are quite intriguing.

“From my view on the couch,” Tynes shared with USA TODAY Sports, “I see a mechanical issue that is leading him to pull all his kicks. It seems he hasn’t been able to address the root of the problem, resulting in continued misses to the left during games.”

To truly grasp the kicking difficulties faced by Baltimore’s Justin Tucker, it’s helpful to consult another kicker for insight. I did just that by speaking with one of the all-time greats.

“I mention in-game situations because I’m sure he’s worked on it during practice. However, games present a different challenge.”

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Bill Belichick shared a similar sentiment on the “Let’s Go!” podcast.

“Clearly, there’s something slightly off regarding his technique,” Belichick described, “but I don’t perceive a deficiency in talent. I believe there’s a mechanical aspect he isn’t executing consistently. If you could pinpoint that issue, then everything might fall into place.”

“Clearly, this issue has been ongoing since last year, as there were some accuracy problems during the ‘23 season along with this current season. Therefore, I believe Coach (John) Harbaugh is making the right decision. I would continue to trust Justin Tucker. He is the most precise kicker in football history. He achieves excellent height on his kicks and has been highly consistent. Although he is currently experiencing a rough period, it doesn’t seem to me that his skill level has diminished. There appears to be something mechanically off at times. I think they simply need to put in the effort to identify and correct it.”

Tucker has missed five attempts over the past three games. For him, this is akin to an average kicker missing 50. Tucker is like The Avengers among kickers. (I’m not sure if he’s Thor, Iron Man, Captain Marvel, or the archer, but you understand the comparison.)

In general, what Tynes is experiencing right now ranks among the most extraordinary tales not only in the NFL but in all of sports.

Let’s shift focus from Belichick to Tynes. As someone who is passionate about kicking, I could engage with Tynes for hours. He’s truly captivating.

“You can easily try to compensate too much for a miss to the left and then end up missing to the right, which happened on Sunday,” Tynes explained.

Tucker had a missed extra point along with two missed field goals in Baltimore’s 24-19 defeat to Philadelphia.

“To put it simply,” he stated, “mentally, he is having a tough time, and that’s the crux of the matter.”

How does Tucker resolve this? No one has the answer. If they did, it would have already been addressed.

What’s evident is that the Ravens face a tough decision. Harbaugh can choose to stay with Tucker and trust that he will overcome his problems. If he does, the team can move forward and potentially make a substantial playoff run.

Alternatively, Harbaugh can continue to back Tucker, and if the kicker fails to rectify his issues, he might miss a kick that costs the team in a playoff matchup.

These choices are not straightforward.

As he frequently does, Tynes captured the situation perfectly.

“He is the greatest kicker of all time who has never experienced even a minor slump in his career,” Tynes remarked. “This is his first one, and if we’re being honest, he isn’t coping with it well. I would hate to be in the Ravens’ position right now because while you believe he can resolve it, what if he doesn’t and it results in a playoff loss for the team?”

Indeed, this is a challenging situation for the Ravens.

Kerry Washington, widely recognized for her portrayal of “Olivia Pope” in the popular television series “Scandal,” was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Peter Navarro is returning to the White House as a senior advisor focused on trade and manufacturing, announced President-elect Donald Trump on Truth Social Wednesday.

Navarro, an economist, held a position in Trump’s initial administration, where he led the newly established National Trade Council and subsequently the Office of Trade and Manufacturing Policy.

A dedicated backer of the president-elect, Navarro received a four-month prison sentence following a federal jury’s conviction for his defiance of a subpoena issued by the congressional committee probing the January 6, 2021 assault on the U.S. Capitol. He addressed the Republican National Convention in August shortly after his release.

Navarro advocated for numerous debunked allegations of voter fraud concerning the 2020 election.

In his announcement on Wednesday, Trump claimed that Navarro was “mistreated terribly by the Deep State, or however you wish to refer to it.” He praised Navarro for having “done an outstanding job” during his first term, particularly for advocating trade policies that support buying American and employing American workers.

Who else will be part of the Trump administration?
On Wednesday, Trump introduced Navarro as the first of many appointments for his administration. The selections include:

Daniel Driscoll, who served as a senior advisor to Vice President-elect JD Vance, is Trump’s nominee for Secretary of the Army. An Iraq War veteran with a background in venture capital, Trump remarked, “Dan brings a powerful combination of experiences to serve as a disruptor and change agent.”
Jared Isaacman, a billionaire astronaut and CEO of Shift4 Payments, has been appointed as the head of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Isaacman is connected to Trump adviser and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, serving as the leader of the Polaris program, which utilizes SpaceX vehicles for private astronaut missions in orbit. Additionally, Isaacman is a co-founder and former CEO of Draken International, a defense aerospace contractor. Trump stated, “Jared’s passion for Space, astronaut experience, and dedication to pushing the boundaries of exploration, unlocking the mysteries of the universe, and advancing the new Space economy, make him ideally suited to lead NASA into a bold new Era.”
Trump announced that Adam Boehler, the former CEO of the United States Development Finance Corporation, will take on the role of special presidential envoy for hostage affairs with ambassadorial rank. Trump noted that Boehler played a key role in negotiating the Abraham Accords, an agreement reached during Trump’s first term between Arab nations and Israel. “He has negotiated with some of the toughest people in the World, including the Taliban, but Adam knows that NO ONE is tougher than the United States of America, at least when President Trump is its Leader,” Trump said. “Adam will work tirelessly to bring our Great American Citizens HOME.”
In another announcement, Trump revealed that he has invited Michael Whatley, co-chairman of the Republican National Committee, to resume the same position. Whatley previously led the RNC alongside Trump’s daughter-in-law, Lara Trump. “Michael and Lara transformed the RNC into a lean, focused, and powerful machine that will empower the America First Agenda for many years to come,” Trump affirmed.

Deion Sanders began to lay the groundwork for the upcoming era of Colorado football on Wednesday by signing 14 new high school recruits for his program for 2025, including what could be the starting quarterback for the next season − Julian “JuJu” Lewis from Carrollton High in Georgia.

This marks his third major roster overhaul at Colorado, this time without two of the top players in the school’s history – two-way standout Travis Hunter and quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who is also the head coach’s son.

The current recruiting class holds the No. 37 spot nationally according to 247Sports’ composite rankings, placing it fourth in the Big 12 Conference, behind TCU, Baylor, and Kansas State. Texas holds the top overall ranking as of Wednesday afternoon.

High school recruiting is just one aspect of Sanders’ overall approach. The transfer portal for recruits will open on Monday, and Sanders is determined to “attack that portal like it’s never been attacked before.” “My overall takeaway is that high school recruiting was prioritized much more this year after he focused on two portal classes (since 2023) and successfully brought in some top talent for this class,” noted Adam Gorney, national recruiting director for Rivals.com. “It wasn’t merely about rounding out the roster with portal players… Clearly, JuJu Lewis is the main attraction here.”

The recruitment of JuJu Lewis indicates that Sanders is establishing a foundation at CU. Lewis has guided his high school team to an impressive 13-0 record this season and intends to enroll in January. His signing on Wednesday appears to clarify a widely discussed topic in college football over the last 15 months: Is Deion Sanders considering departing from Colorado in the near future, particularly after his two sons leave the team at the end of this season?

It’s uncertain whether Lewis would have chosen Colorado if he had other options. Last year, Lewis pledged to Southern California but explored other campuses before revealing his choice to join Colorado last month, where the Buffaloes (9-3) will start preparing for a bowl game later this month, likely the Alamo Bowl on December 28.

“It was significant for Deion to accomplish this, as I believe he needed to assure JuJu and his family that he would remain in Boulder,” Gorney shared with USA TODAY Sports.

JuJu Lewis is also receiving support at Colorado. The alarming aspect for opponents of Colorado is that Lewis may surpass Shedeur in skill, based on recruiting ratings. In 2021, Shedeur Sanders was rated as the 26th best quarterback recruit in the country by 247Sports’ composite rankings. He initially committed to Florida Atlantic but chose to play for his father at Jackson State before moving on to Colorado, where he currently leads the nation with a 74.2% completion rate.

Lewis is ranked 6th nationally as a quarterback, according to the same ranking service. Additionally, he’s gaining some significant talent to protect him in Boulder. Colorado added three offensive linemen on Wednesday, including tackle Carde Smith, who is a 6-foot-5, 300-pound blocker from Mobile, Alabama. He changed his commitment from USC to join JuJu at CU and is recognized as the 18th best offensive tackle by Rivals.

“Can’t wait to get up there in Boulder and get to work,” Smith said in a video shared on social media on Wednesday.

Deion Sanders has gained a reputation for being a force in the transfer portal rather than excelling in high school recruiting. His 2024 transfer class earned the top ranking from Rivals. He began the season with 39 new scholarship players who transferred from other four-year institutions, while only adding 11 new high school scholarship recruits. The high school recruiting class from last year was ranked No. 95 nationally, primarily due to its limited size, according to 247Sports’ composite.

“We don’t recruit many high school athletes, and the ones we do bring in are expected to contribute right away,” Sanders stated at a recent news conference. “We want them to make an impact.”

In his inaugural season as head coach, Sanders kicked off the 2023 campaign with 17 new scholarship players from high school, versus 47 scholarship transfer recruits from other four-year schools. Of those 17 high school scholarship players, only nine remained a year later. This reinforces the pro culture within the team, as newcomers are required to perform at a high level to stay with so many experienced transfers joining the squad.

“We achieved our goals,” Sanders remarked last week regarding his latest batch of high school recruits.

He secured commitments from schools in seven different states, including his native Florida, where he picked up edge rusher London Merritt from IMG Academy after he had initially pledged to Ohio State. According to 247Sports’ composite rankings, Merritt is ranked No. 13 at that position. On Wednesday, Sanders also brought in three wide receiver prospects to help address some of the gap left by Hunter, who is set to enter the NFL next season.

Yes, one recruit who had committed to Colorado in April chose not to sign with the Buffaloes on Wednesday: cornerback Alex Graham from Cass Technical High School in Detroit. On Wednesday, Graham declared that he would instead sign with USC.

His choice caused Colorado’s national recruiting ranking to drop a few spots, but that doesn’t worry Sanders, who has the option to explore other prospects in the transfer portal.

High school football recruits set to join Colorado for 2025
The recruits graduating from high school who begin their enrollment at Colorado in January will have the opportunity to practice with the team prior to the Buffs competing in a bowl game. These are the recruits the university announced as signed on Wednesday, coinciding with the first day of the early signing period, which lasts until Friday:

• QB Julian Lewis, Carrollton, Georgia.
• OT Carde Smith, Mobile, Alabama.
• OG Chauncey Gooden, Nashville, Tennessee.
• OT Jay Gardenhire, West Bloomfield, Michigan.
• WR Quentin Gibson, Fort Worth, Texas
• WR Adrian Wilson, Pflugerville, Texas
• WR Quanell Farrakhan Jr., Houston, Texas
• TE Zayne DeSouza, Loveland, Colorado.
• TE Corbin Laisure, Johnson City, Tennessee.
• DE London Merritt, Bradenton, Florida.
• DT Alexander McPherson, Bradenton, Florida.
• DL Christian Hudson, Daytona Beach, Florida.
• LB Mantrez Walker, Buford, Georgia.
• S TJ Branch, Miami, Florida.