Category Archives: general

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Heat’s Erik Spoelstra ‘encouraged’ by Tyler Herro’s injury recovery

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**Miami Heat Face Injury Challenges as Tyler Herro Sidelined Amid Slump**

*MIAMI* — The Miami Heat have been struggling lately, losing seven of their last eight games leading up to Tuesday’s contest against the Toronto Raptors. Compounding their difficulties is the absence of several key players, including star guard Tyler Herro. As the team seeks to regain its early-season form, all eyes are on Herro’s recovery progress.

### Tyler Herro’s Injury Update

Herro, along with teammates Nikola Jovic and Pelle Larsson, was ruled out for Tuesday’s home game against Toronto. This will mark Herro’s seventh absence in the last eight games as he manages a toe contusion.

It’s been a frustrating year for the All-Star guard, who also missed the first 17 games of the season recovering from ankle surgery sustained in the offseason. Herro’s absence has left a noticeable void in Miami’s lineup during a challenging stretch.

### Other Key Absences

Pelle Larsson is also sidelined, expected to miss six of Miami’s final seven games, including Tuesday’s matchup, due to an ankle sprain. Nikola Jovic remains out as well, recovering from a right elbow contusion and laceration sustained in a game against the Raptors on December 15.

### Coach Spoelstra’s Optimism

Despite the setbacks, Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra expressed encouragement regarding the trio’s progress ahead of Tuesday’s game. Speaking to ClutchPoints, Spoelstra said, “I’m very encouraged by the progress. They’re not ready to go tonight, and we don’t have a timeline, but I’m seeing what they’re doing. I came in yesterday, and I was encouraged.”

### “Not Enough” Mindset Amid Slump

With the team struggling through injuries, Herro’s presence is sorely missed, especially as Miami battles to reverse its slump. Spoelstra remains patient and understanding, emphasizing, “No, it’s part of the process. He’s working diligently as well. And as soon as he can get back to feeling like he can move the way he wants to move, he’ll be back out there.”

The Heat started the season strong with a 14-7 record, but opponents have adapted to Miami’s faster offensive style, challenging the team to adjust in turn. After a recent 135-127 loss to the New York Knicks, Spoelstra delivered a blunt assessment of the team’s effort.

> “We’re not trying to just play well and lose at the end. We’re developing a competitive, collective will. Our guys care in the locker room, but it’s got to be another level. It’s not enough. It’s got to be more. This league is a savage league. It’s survival of the competitive toughest, and that’s where we’re going to get.”

### Looking Ahead

As the Heat aim to avoid slipping below a .500 record—they entered Tuesday’s game at 15-14—the timeline for Herro, Jovic, and Larsson’s return remains uncertain. Fans and teammates alike hope the trio can come back healthy and help Miami find its winning rhythm once again.
https://clutchpoints.com/nba/miami-heat/heat-news-erik-spoelstra-encouraged-by-tyler-herros-injury-recovery

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Courier Legal Notices 12-24-25

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Summons, Notice of Filing of Complaint, and Notice of Order Appointing Guardian Ad Litem

State of South Carolina, County of Pickens, Court of Common Pleas

CWC Group, LLC v. Geraldine J. Krenek, Peter Krenek, Elizabeth Jarrard, and any other heirs or devisees of Eugene Krenek, deceased, including any personal representatives, successors, assigns, spouses, creditors, and all others claiming any right, title, or interest in the property known as 106 Buckingham Court, Easley SC 29640, TMS 5110-20-92-2061;

Any adults or persons in the military service of the U.S.A. being a class designated as John Doe; any minors or persons under a legal disability being a class designated as Richard Roe; and Midland Credit Management, Inc., Civil Action No. 2025CP3901536.

To the Defendants Named Above

Re: The Property Known as 106 Buckingham Court, Easley, SC 29640

You are hereby summoned and required to answer the Complaint in this action, a copy of which is hereby served on you, and to serve a copy of your Answer to the Complaint on counsel for Plaintiff at 100 Whitsett St., Greenville SC 29601, within 30 days after service of this Complaint, exclusive of the day of service.

If you fail to answer the Complaint within the 30 days, judgment by default will be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

You will also take notice that a Complaint was filed on November 24, 2025, in the Pickens County Clerk of Court’s Office seeking to quiet title to the above-described property.

To: Minors Over 14 Years of Age, and/or Minors Under 14 Years of Age and the Person With Whom the Minors Reside, and/or Persons Under Some Legal Disability:

You are further summoned and notified to apply for the appointment of a guardian ad litem within 30 days after the service of this Summons and Notice upon you. If you fail to do so, application for such appointment may be made by Plaintiff and/or ordered by the Court.

You will also take notice that on December 2, 2025, the Plaintiff filed in the Pickens County Clerk of Court’s Office an Order Appointing Kelley Y. Woody, Esq. as Guardian ad litem, with an address of PO Box 6432, Columbia, SC 29260, 803-787-9678.

This appointment becomes absolute 30 days after the last publication of this notice unless you or someone on your behalf shall, on or before the last mentioned date, procure to be appointed for you a Guardian ad litem to represent your interests in this action.

This action pertains to any interest you may claim in real property located at 106 Buckingham Court, Easley, SC 29640, TMS 5110-20-92-2061.

Rachel G. McConoughey, Esq.
100 Whitsett St., Greenville, SC 29601
Phone: 843-425-3006
Counsel for Plaintiff

Published Dates: 12/10, 12/17, 12/24

Summons and Notices: Action to Quiet Title

Case No: 2025CP3901385
State of South Carolina, County of Pickens, Court of Common Pleas

Catherine Martin vs. Any Heirs-at-Law or Devisees of Louie Martin Junior, Deceased, their heirs, Personal Representatives, Administrators, Successors and assigns, and all persons entitled to claim through them;

Any Heirs-at-Law or Devisees of Caterine Martin, Deceased, their heirs, Personal Representatives, Administrators, Successors and assigns, and all persons entitled to claim through them;

Any Heirs-at-Law or Devisees of Anthony Martin, Deceased, their heirs, Personal Representatives, Administrators, Successors and assigns, and all persons entitled to claim through them;

Any Heirs-at-Law or Devisees of Charles Edward Martin, Deceased, their heirs, Personal Representatives, Administrators, Successors and assigns, and all persons entitled to claim through them;

All unknown persons with any right, title or interest in the real estate described herein, also any persons who may be in the military service of the United States of America, being a class designated as John Doe, and any unknown minors or persons under a disability being a class designated as Richard Roe;

Also all other persons unknown, claiming any right, title, estate, interest in or lien upon the real estate described in the complaint herein.

NOTICE TO DEFENDANTS

You are hereby summoned and required to answer the Complaint in this action, a copy of which is herewith served upon you, and to serve a copy of your Answer to the Complaint upon the subscriber at P.O. Box 1217, Pendleton, SC 29670 within thirty (30) days after service hereof, exclusive of the day of service.

If you fail to answer the Complaint within that time, the Plaintiff(s) will apply to the court for the relief demanded in the Complaint and a judgment by default will be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

Notice of Action

Notice is hereby given that an action has been commenced in the Court of Common Pleas for Pickens County, South Carolina, by the above-named Plaintiff against the above-named Defendants to have a title to real property quieted in the name of the Plaintiff.

Property Description:

All that certain piece, parcel or lot of land situate and being in the Town of Calhoun, County of Pickens, State of South Carolina containing seven-tenths (7/10) acres more or less, and having the following metes and bounds to-wit:

Beginning at an iron pin corner on the South side of Alley and running thence S. 16° 30’ E. 170 feet to an iron pin corner, thence N. 81° W. 174 feet to an iron pin corner, thence N. 21° W. 204 feet to an iron pin corner, thence along Alley S. 74° E. 202 feet to the beginning corner and bounded on the South and East by lands of Frances Towns, on the West by lands of N. N. Newton and on the North by lands of Bill Greenlee and others and more fully described by plat of Survey by S. M. Martin Reg. Land Surveyor No. 967, and dated May 13, 1953.

The above described land includes the parcel of land upon which Shell Homes, Inc. of Anderson built a Saluda type Shell home, in or about December, 1959 for Louie Junior Martin. This is the identical property conveyed unto Louie Martin Junior and Caterine Martin by deed of Shell Homes, Inc. of Anderson dated September 27, 1971 and recorded on September 29, 1971 in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Pickens County, South Carolina in Book 12-K at Page 667.

Attorney for Plaintiff:

West Cox Law Firm, LLC
Westley P. Cox (S.C. Bar #101704)
916 S. Mechanic St., Pendleton, SC 29670
Phone: (864) 824-3595

Published Dates: 12/17, 12/24, 12/31

https://www.yourpickenscounty.com/courier-legal-notices-12-24-25/

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Bears, 49ers clinch playoff spots thanks to the Lions’ loss

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It has been a very good weekend for the Bears. Their comeback from 10 points down to beat the Packers on Saturday night ensured they’d head into Week 17 in first place in the NFC North. They now know that they will be in the playoffs regardless of what happens in the final two weeks of the regular season.

Their ticket to the postseason was punched when the Lions lost to the Steelers 29-24 on Sunday. They weren’t the only team celebrating the Lions’ failure to score in the final seconds. The 49ers are also officially in the playoffs regardless of what happens against the Colts on Monday night or in their final two games.

While the 49ers don’t need a win on Monday to make the playoffs, a victory would give them a chance to end the season as the top seed in the NFC. They face the Bears and Seahawks in the final two weeks of the season, and winning out will leave them atop both the NFC West and the entire conference.

The Bears will clinch the NFC North with one more win but will need some help to wind up as the No. 1 seed.

Sunday’s loss was painful for the Lions, but it did not eliminate them from playoff contention. If they win out and the Packers lose out, the Lions will secure a spot in the playoffs as a wild card team.
https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/bears-49ers-clinch-playoff-spots-with-lions-loss

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White House Economic Advisor Kevin Hassett Predicts 2026 as Largest Tax Refund in US History

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As tax season approaches in the United States, American citizens might actually have something to look forward to. According to Kevin Hassett, the White House Director of the National Economic Council, next year’s tax filing will see taxpayers receive the “biggest refunds of all time.”

His bold prediction is based on a recent major legislative change. Due to the way new laws were passed, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) ended up holding onto more of taxpayers’ money than it was supposed to. Now, the agency needs to give it all back.

### The New Law Behind Kevin Hassett’s Record-Breaking Refund Prediction

The main reason for this historic payout is a new bill called the **One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA)**, which was formally signed into law on July 4, 2025. While this legislation took effect immediately, providing substantial tax cuts right away, the timing of its passing—midway through the year—caused an issue with paperwork.

Since the OBBBA law was activated after the 2025 tax year had already started, the IRS did not have enough time to adjust its national withholding tables. As a result, most workers ended up paying their taxes at higher rates based on the old tax collection tables during the latter half of the year.

### Tax Adjustments to Expect in 2026

“There is so much good news in the new year because you are going to see the biggest tax refund season of all time,” Hassett told Fox News anchor Shannon Bream.

“The ‘big, beautiful bill’ was passed in July, and you know, the IRS did not have time to change all the forms, and so now everybody’s going to get huge tax refunds—if they were overtime workers, if they are seniors, if they had tip income.”

### Who Will Benefit Most?

One reason the economic advisor is confident in a historic tax refund in 2026 is the specific nature of the new deductions. The OBBBA law didn’t just reduce general rates; it also targeted particular groups of workers who are now eligible for significant payouts:

– **Service and Hospitality Workers:** Often earning income from tips, they benefit from the “No Tax on Tips” mandate, which gives them a deduction of up to £18,687 ($25,000) from their total earnings.

– **Hourly Employees:** The “No Tax on Overtime” law allows a major deduction on additional shifts, letting taxpayers deduct up to £9,000 ($12,500) of qualified overtime compensation.

– **Seniors:** Americans aged 65 and older can now deduct an additional £4,468 ($6,000) from their taxes. This change aims to provide older adults, many living on fixed incomes, with a quick financial boost.

### A Potential “Tariff Dividend” Cheque

On top of the regular tax refunds, the government is considering injecting more cash into the economy. Hassett and other White House officials have confirmed they are exploring the possibility of issuing a proposed £1,490 ($2,000) “tariff dividend” cheque.

Funded by extra revenue collected from trade tariffs, these cheques would be a separate payment intended to assist low- and middle-income households across the U.S.

—

With these new laws and potential additional payments, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of substantial financial relief for many Americans. Be sure to review your tax situation carefully and prepare for what could be the most rewarding tax season ever.
https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/white-house-economic-advisor-kevin-hassett-predicts-2026-largest-tax-refund-us-history-1764663

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Broncos’ Pat Bryant carted off after scary hit vs. Jaguars

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In a clash between two AFC-leading teams, the Denver Broncos fell 34-20 to the visiting Jacksonville Jaguars. As the race for the AFC’s top seed heats up, the Broncos’ loss narrows their advantage for that coveted No. 1 spot to just one game, with the Jaguars now holding the tiebreaker.

Adding to Denver’s challenges, the team sustained a significant blow when rookie wide receiver Pat Bryant exited the game. “#Broncos WR Pat Bryant was loaded directly into an ambulance and left the stadium,” reported Palmer.

Bryant has had a solid rookie season so far, recording 22 receptions for 306 yards and one touchdown. The third-round pick made an impact during Sunday’s game as well, catching five passes for 42 yards. Now, the Broncos will have to try and maintain their hold on the AFC’s top seed without him, at least for the time being.

When will Denver know more about Bryant’s condition, and how will his injury impact their preparation for the season’s final two weeks? These questions loom large as the team looks ahead.

**Broncos Look to Rebound from Tough Sunday at Mile High**

Sunday’s loss stings in multiple ways. The Broncos’ grip on the top seed is now more tenuous than ever. “All of the Broncos around Pat Bryant as he’s loaded onto the cart,” reported Stevens shortly after the hit, capturing the somber mood following the injury.

As the Broncos regroup, their focus will be on bouncing back and securing their position at the top of the AFC heading into the final stretch of the season.
https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/denver-broncos/broncos-pat-bryant-carted-off-after-scary-hit-vs-jaguars

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Matt Boldy scores a pair as Wild streak hits seven

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**Wild Extend Winning Streak to Seven with 5-2 Victory Over Oilers**

ST. PAUL — With the band mostly back together, the Minnesota Wild made the goal horn wail enough for their seventh straight win on Saturday. Matt Boldy had a pair of first-period goals for the Wild, who were playing with a healthier lineup after five regulars returned. They put together enough defense over the final two periods to hang on for a 5-2 win over a determined Edmonton Oilers squad.

Ryan Hartman’s opportunistic goal in the dying seconds of the opening period was the difference-maker. Vladimir Tarasenko added a third-period insurance goal — his fourth in the past three games — as the Wild improved to 4-0-0 since last week’s blockbuster trade for Quinn Hughes. Tarasenko also set up Nico Sturm for an empty-net goal with 85 seconds left on the clock.

“It’s exciting for sure,” Hughes said. “I think the team’s won seven in a row. I’ve been here for four. It’s exciting. We got two more before Christmas, hopefully grab those.”

Filip Gustavsson was busy with Edmonton’s talented offense all afternoon, finishing with 28 saves and improving to 12-8-3 as Minnesota’s starter.

“We know who to look out for out there against that team,” Hartman said, after Edmonton stars Connor McDavid had a goal and Leon Draisaitl had two assists. “You know the line that was matched up with them did a great job. We locked down the front of the net for the most part, pucks weren’t getting through, and when they did, Gus made some big saves. So, good team win.”

Boldy, who entered the contest with a three-game scoring streak, quickly made it four when he intercepted a puck from Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm at the defensive blue line. Sprung on a breakaway, Boldy’s crafty backhander slipped past the Edmonton goalie on the glove side less than five minutes into the game.

Near the midway point of the first, Draisaitl was whistled for cross-checking and protested a bit too forcefully on his way to the penalty box, drawing a second minor for unsportsmanlike conduct. There was nothing subtle or crafty about Boldy’s work on the extended power play, as he took a pass from Hughes and used brute force to blast the puck past Calvin Pickard, high on the stick side this time, doubling the Wild’s lead.

“Breakaway was just kind of a reaction and then kind of a slower pass on the power play, so tried to go to the far side,” said Boldy, after his third multi-goal game of the season.

The tie was short-lived, as Hartman cashed in a pretty give-and-go pass from Jake Middleton with 7.2 seconds on the clock.

Edmonton did everything except score on a power play early in the middle frame, and the Wild got some important puck luck when a shot by Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard clanked the inside of the goal post behind Gustavsson, then sailed out of harm’s way. The Wild blocked 20 shots in the game.

“Yeah. You know, it’s so fun to see. The goalies always appreciate it so much,” said Gustavsson of the entire team’s defensive effort. “You can’t cover all your body with pads as a player, and they still go out there and block those one-timer shots. And it doesn’t matter if it’s a skill guy or not, and you love to see that.”

Tarasenko, acquired in a trade with Detroit in July, had been relatively quiet early in his time with the Wild but now has five goals since returning from an injury in late November. He popped in a loose puck in the crease behind Pickard after an initial shot by Yakov Trenin.

“Vladdy is skating really well, he’s ultra-competitive, he’s getting shots off,” Wild coach John Hynes said. “I felt like, since he’s gotten here, his responsibility in his play without the puck, from a defensive standpoint, has always been strong. Now he’s just getting rewarded for his hard work.”

Pickard finished with 32 saves for the Oilers, who had won four of their previous five games but are now 0-2-0 versus the Wild this season.

The Wild’s three-game, pre-Christmas homestand continues on Sunday evening, with the Central Division-leading Colorado Avalanche making their second visit of the season to St. Paul. The Wild won their first meeting of the season, 3-2 in a shootout on the day after Thanksgiving.
https://www.dl-online.com/sports/pro/matt-boldy-scores-a-pair-as-wild-streak-hits-seven

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Iowa women’s basketball: New team, same national appeal for fans

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**A Four-Hour Drive to Watch Iowa Women’s Basketball: Fans Share Their Passion Despite Tough Loss**

NEW YORK — The four-hour drive was nothing for Laura Grimm, even though she doubted she’d witness a happy ending at her destination. Traveling from Washington, D.C., to Brooklyn gave Grimm a chance to watch Iowa women’s basketball—a team now two years removed from the Caitlin Clark era. Judging by its blowout loss to No. 1 UConn on Saturday, the Hawkeyes don’t seem poised for a Final Four run anytime soon.

While the program may not have championship expectations at the moment, its dedicated fandom hasn’t diminished. Grimm, who loved watching Clark, sat at the Barclays Center eager to see Iowa senior power forward Hannah Stuelke, who plays the same position Grimm did back at Marquette.

Grimm also noted that “both Taylors,” McCabe and Stremlow, are developing as players but voiced a common fan complaint: the team needs to improve its free-throw shooting, which hovered around 65 percent heading into Saturday’s contest.

Balancing compliments and critiques, as any passionate fan would, Grimm said, “They are clearly a team. They play for each other, they play to have fun, and they’re dialed in on every game. I just wish they made more of their free throws.”

Grimm first became a Hawkeye fan after marrying her husband, an Iowa native.

Meanwhile, Bruce Werning’s connection to Iowa basketball runs deeper. Growing up in Davenport—just an hour’s drive east of Iowa City—Werning has rooted for the Hawkeyes his whole life. Having worked in construction, he flew in from Chicago to witness the game.

Werning remembers the days before Clark’s rise, including when former Hawkeye Megan Gustafson was named Associated Press Player of the Year in 2019. He’s attended the Big Ten Tournament for the past four years and traveled to Charlotte last year for Iowa’s game against Tennessee.

With season tickets at Carver-Hawkeye Arena sold out for the third consecutive season, Werning said attending road games like this one is his next best option to support the team.

Kayla Prosinski’s story of becoming a Hawkeye fan differs from both Grimm and Werning. Hailing from Endwell, New York, Prosinski played basketball at SUNY Polytechnic Institute and attended the NCAA Tournament in 2023 when Clark led Iowa to its first of two consecutive Final Fours.

Prosinski described herself as a “neutral” spectator before meeting Iowa fans seated next to her. “They were so nice and so welcoming to any sports fan,” she recalled. “No matter if you’ve been watching basketball for a few months or your whole life.”

Sitting midcourt at the Barclays Center two years later, Prosinski—donning a gold Hawkeyes shirt—watched Stremlow, her favorite player on the squad and an embodiment of Iowa’s style of play.

“I [head coach Jan Jensen], I love the whole team, their hustle,” she said.

Despite the loss to UConn, at least Grimm saw improvement in free-throw shooting as the Hawkeyes went 6-of-8 from the line on Saturday.

She knew the Huskies were a tough team to beat but said she wouldn’t miss a chance to watch her newfound favorite team, even if it was likely to be a rout.

For Grimm, the four-hour drive was worth it—two ranked teams playing with joy under the bright lights in the Big Apple.

“There’s so much more pressure than when I played,” she said. “It’s so wonderful to see women play this sport with such enthusiasm.”
https://dailyiowan.com/2025/12/20/iowa-womens-basketball-new-team-same-national-appeal-for-fans/

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Broomfield girls, Mead’s Carter Woods shine At NCCT wrestling tournament

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GREELEY — Competing against many of Colorado’s top wrestlers and a few out-of-state visitors, several local standouts impressed throughout the annual Northern Colorado Christmas Tournament.

Saturday’s finals matches at Island Grove Regional Park in Greeley saw Broomfield junior Shayla Martinez win the girls’ 190-pound division, Mead senior Carter Woods take second in the boys’ 190s, and a few other local talents earn a podium finish.

“It’s really good mat time, a lot of good reps and work that’s going to help prepare me and make me better,” Woods said.

### BHS’ Martinez Repeats as 190-Pound Champion

For the second straight year, Martinez claimed the 190-pound crown, this time pinning Thornton’s Kaida Hull in the first-place match.

“I’m proud of myself,” Martinez said. “I won it last year, but this time I had more confidence in myself and knew that I really had another chance to get at the top of the podium.”

Martinez, who last season became the first girls wrestler from the Boulder Valley School District to win a state championship, credited consistency and confidence for helping her repeat at the NCCT.

“Honestly, I had to go in with confidence in myself and thinking, if I want to be the best, I have to beat the best and do everything I can, no matter what,” Martinez said. “While I was wrestling, I stayed calm and knew that if I worked my stuff, I would get what I wanted.”

Currently, Martinez is the top-ranked 190-pound wrestler in the girls’ Class 5A division, according to On The Mat.

Four other Broomfield wrestlers placed in the top eight:
– Abigail Borden (eighth, girls’ 105)
– Nicholas Penfold (fifth, boys’ 157)
– Kaliyah Schimpf (fifth, girls’ 155)
– Bella Barajas (fourth, girls’ 170)

### Legacy’s Clifton Bounces Back from Quarterfinal Loss

Legacy senior Matthew Clifton aimed to stay alive longer in the 132-pound championship bracket but remained proud of his resilience following a quarterfinal defeat.

Instead of giving up in the consolation bracket, Clifton regrouped and earned an 8-1 victory over Littleton’s Christian May in the third-place match.

“I had to fight back, a long day, lots of matches,” said Clifton, who placed third at state last season. “I wanted to finish out hard, I wanted to be dominant, I didn’t want to give up any points. I worked hard. I could have had a better tournament, but I think that’s a strong way to end it.”

Clifton entered the week ranked No. 2 in his 132-pound Class 5A weight class, per On The Mat. Cherokee Trail’s Cooper Matthews, the top-ranked wrestler in Clifton’s division, took first place on Saturday.

Fellow Legacy wrestler Isaac Woolman took third in the 138-pound division, while 285-pound Lightning Leo Medina reached the fifth consolation round.

“We got that dawg energy in some of my guys,” Clifton said. “Last year we had a tough year, but these guys have come back meaner and hungrier.”

### Carter Woods Comes Up Just Short

One year removed from finishing third in the Class 4A 190-pound state tournament, Woods is enjoying another strong start to his senior season.

“I thought I did well,” Woods said. “I thought I got to my shots and offense well, but I’ve got a long way to go. There’s tons of stuff I can work on heading into state.”

Fellow Maverick Breckan Palko took eighth in the 132-pound class.

### Other Local Placers

Erie produced a pair of sixth-place finishers in Tyler Muir (190s) and Wyatt Walston (215s). Holy Family’s Veronika Hafer also took sixth in the girls’ 110s, while teammate Adam Moore placed eighth in the boys’ 157s.
https://www.broomfieldenterprise.com/2025/12/20/broomfield-girls-meads-carter-woods-shine-at-ncct-wrestling-tournament/

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Johnson tri-op defeats East Brunswick tri-op – Boys ice hockey recap

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Sammy Zapotoka scored four goals and added an assist to lead Johnson-Dayton-Roselle Park to a 6-3 victory over East Brunswick-Spotswood-South River at ProSkate Arena in Monmouth Junction.

East Brunswick (1-6) jumped out to an early 2-1 lead in the first period with goals from James Garfinkle and Marcello Ferrari, both assisted by Joseph Hayes. However, Zapotoka scored twice in the second period, including the go-ahead goal, to put Johnson up 3-2 heading into the third.

Early in the third period, Logan Paskewich added a goal to extend Johnson’s lead to 4-2. Joseph Hayes responded with a power play goal for East Brunswick, cutting the deficit to 4-3. But Zapotoka answered back with two more goals, sealing the 6-3 win for Johnson (3-2-1).

In addition to Zapotoka’s impressive five-point performance, Paskewich finished with a goal and an assist, while Jack Kalikas contributed two assists for Johnson. Michael Neshimka also scored on the power play.

Hayes led the way for East Brunswick with a goal and two assists. Garfinkle and Ferrari each added a goal.

Riley Cwikla made 19 saves on 22 shots to earn the win in net for Johnson.

*Generative AI was used to write an early draft of this article, using data from NJ.com sports. It was reviewed and edited by NJ.com staff.*
https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/12/johnson-tri-op-defeats-east-brunswick-tri-op-boys-ice-hockey-recap.html

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Michael Jackson, Diana Ross and Mick Jagger featured in Epstein photo dump

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“King of Pop” Michael Jackson was among the rich and famous figures whose relationship with Jeffrey Epstein came to light on Friday, when the Justice Department finally began releasing records related to its investigation into the late sex offender.

One photo featuring Jackson shows the “Beat It” singer standing alongside Epstein in front of a painting of a woman lying topless on a beach. Another image shows Jackson with singer Diana Ross and former President Bill Clinton on what appears to be a private plane.

Jeffrey Epstein, 66, died behind bars at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal charges of sex trafficking minors. His death was ruled a suicide by hanging.

Michael Jackson died from an overdose-induced cardiac arrest in 2009 at the age of 50. The pop music superstar was investigated for possible child molestation between 1993 and 1994, and again between 2004 and 2005, according to the FBI. However, he was never charged with any crimes.

Little has been reported about Epstein’s relationship with Jackson until now. The disgraced financier was known to associate with many highly influential figures, including President Donald Trump, filmmaker Woody Allen, and billionaire businessman Leon Black. None of these individuals have been accused of involvement in Epstein’s wrongdoing.

Also included in the Justice Department’s file release is a photo of Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger. The 82-year-old rock star is pictured dining with Clinton, Epstein, and Ghislaine Maxwell. Jagger’s name appeared among the celebrities listed in a contact book previously released by the DOJ, but like others, he has not been accused of any nefarious involvement with Epstein.

Prior to taking office in January, President Trump had said he would promptly order the release of the federal files pertaining to the Epstein investigation. However, the process has faced numerous delays.

In November, Congress compelled the Department of Justice to make the trove of documents available by Friday. While the DOJ promised that a batch of files was coming, they indicated it would take several more weeks to release the full array of documents.

Democrats have threatened to take legal action, calling the delay a “violation of federal law.”
https://www.capitalgazette.com/2025/12/19/epstein-library-photo-dump-michael-jackson-mick-jagger-diana-ross/