Latest news with #Blank
Fox Sports
2 days ago
- Sport
- Fox Sports
One International Game Every Year for Each NFL Team is on 'The Horizon'
Could an increase in international regular-season games a year be in the near future for the NFL? It's certainly a possibility. In fact, an "international game every year for every team" is "probably on the horizon," according to Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank, per NBC Sports. Blank's comments during an interview at Falcons training camp on Saturday come months after league commissioner Roger Goodell said last fall that the NFL wants to stage 16 international games per year. The league is limited to a maximum of 10 international games per year under the current Collective Bargaining Agreement, but that number is reportedly widely expected to increase to 16 in the next labor deal. With 32 NFL teams, that would be a big lift for the league to schedule that many international games every season. In May, the league announced the full matchups for all but one game in its record seven-game international slate, which includes the Minnesota Vikings playing back-to-back games in different European countries (Ireland and England). The one matchup that hasn't been announced is who the Los Angeles Chargers will play in Week 1 in Brazil. The current schedule is: Week 1 (Friday, Sept. 5): TBD vs. Chargers at Corinthians Arena in São Paulo, Brazil (Time TBD) Week 4 (Sunday, Sept. 28): Vikings vs. Steelers at Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland (9:30 a.m. ET) Week 5 (Sunday, Oct. 5): Vikings vs. Browns at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England (9:30 a.m. ET) Week 6 (Sunday, Oct. 12): Broncos vs. Jets at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England (9:30 a.m. ET) Week 7 (Sunday, Oct. 19): Rams vs. Jaguars at Wembley Stadium in Wembley, England (9:30 a.m. ET) Week 10 (Sunday, Nov. 9): Falcons vs. Colts at Olympic Stadium in Berlin, Germany (9:30 a.m. ET) Week 11 (Sunday, Nov. 16): Commanders vs. Dolphins in Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid, Spain (9:30 a.m. ET) Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily ! FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience National Football League recommended Item 1 of 3 Get more from the National Football League Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more in this topic
New Indian Express
20-07-2025
- New Indian Express
Air Blank Test mandatory before breathalyser use in drunk driving cases: Kerala High Court
KOCHI: Kerala High Court has directed the Director General of Police to issue necessary directions requiring the police officers concerned to ensure that 'Air Blank Test' is conducted and '0.000' reading shown on the instrument before subjecting a person to a breathalyser test for drunken driving. The court said that the primary goal of a blank test is to verify that the breathalyser is functioning correctly and is not influenced by any residual alcohol from previous tests. Therefore, it is mandatory to conduct an Air Blank Test and ensure that the calibration is at 'zero' before taking a breath sample using a breath alcohol testing device. Justice V G Arun issued the order while quashing a case against Saran Kumar S of Thiruvananthapuram. The case was registered on the allegation that the petitioner was found driving his scooter at approximately 8:30 pm on December 30, 2024, on the Medical College-Kumarapuram Road in a rash and negligent manner. The vehicle was intercepted by the police, and on suspicion that the petitioner had consumed alcohol, he was arrested and later released on self-bond after conducting a breathalyser test. The petitioner argued that the printout of the breathalyser test produced along with the final report shows the reading in the blank test conducted, immediately before the petitioner's breath sample was taken, as 412 mg/100 ml. It is submitted that the police were bound to ensure that the calibration of the device showed 'zero' before conducting the breathalyser test. Hence, no sanctity can be attached to the test conducted. The court said that the primary goal of a blank test is to verify that the breathalyser is functioning correctly and is not influenced by any residual alcohol from previous tests. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has made it mandatory to run an Air Blank Test on the instrument and obtain the reading '0.000' before each breathalyser test.
USA Today
11-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
What NFL teams have donated to Texas flood relief efforts? Updated list
The NFL is coming together to donate to the relief efforts in Texas. Kerr County and the Texas Hill Country saw catastrophic flood waters from the Guadalupe River sweep through their area during the early morning hours of July 4. Heavy rainfall overwhelmed the area, damaging homes and youth camps – including Camp Mystic, an all-girls summer camp that lost at least 27 campers and counselors. At least 120 people have been confirmed dead, with more than 160 still unaccounted for, according to officials. As search and recovery efforts continue, the region is getting a boost from teams on the gridiron, who have pledged their support. The Houston Texans were the first to announce their donations on Saturday, July 5, with more coming throughout the week. The Dallas Cowboys and the NFL Foundation joined the Texans on Sunday, July 6, with each contributing $500,000 in a $1.5 million total donation. Teams from other leagues have gotten involved as well, hoping to help the community in the aftermath of the tragedy. Here's a look at the NFL teams and owners that have pledged their support. NFL donations to Texas flood relief Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, Atlanta Falcons Blank, the owner of the Atlanta Falcons, pledged $500,000 through the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation on July 10. 'We hold the people of Texas, especially those in Texas Hill Country, close in our thoughts as the devastating floods have brought hardship and heartbreak to so many," the foundation said in a statement. "We mourn the losses and stand with those who are suffering, offering our deepest sympathies and unwavering support." Clark Hunt, Kansas City Chiefs Hunt, the owner of the Kansas City Chiefs, lost a relative, 9-year-old Janie Hunt, in the flood that devastated Camp Mystic. On July 9, he was part of a group that donated $500,000 to the recovery. Hunt, who also owns Major League Soccer's FC Dallas, joined Austin FC, Houston Dynamo FC and MLS as part of the group donation. 'Our family is devastated by the tragedy in Central Texas,' Hunt said in a statement. 'Our hearts go out to those grieving – in particular, to the parents who lost children, those who lost family members, and the far-too-many who have lost friends, neighbors, and loved ones. 'This has shaken our community to its core. Today, along with our MLS partners, my brother and I are humbled to support those directly assisting the victims of this unimaginable tragedy. In the wake of such sadness, we are awed by the hearts of our fellow Texans, and we are grateful for the true community leaders – in boats, helicopters, or trucks filled with food – who are showing up for their neighbors in need." Minnesota Vikings The Vikings shared on July 9 that they donated $500,000 to support rescue and recovery efforts. "We are deeply saddened by the continued devastation and loss of life in the Texas Hill Country and can't imagine the pain so many are experiencing," Mark, Zygi and Leonard Wilf, the team's owners, said in a statement. "We are praying for peace for the families who have lost a loved one and strength for those who continue to risk their lives leading the rescue and recovery effort." NFL Foundation Following the donations from the Texans and Cowboys, the NFL announced on July 6 it would join in with the two Texas clubs – putting in $500,000 on behalf of the NFL Foundation. "The National Football League's two Texas-based teams – the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans – are uniting with the NFL Foundation to support the victims' families and survivors of the heartbreaking floods in central Texas," the league said in a statement. "Together they will contribute $1.5 million to provide both immediate assistance and long-term resources to those most impacted by the catastrophic flooding." Dallas Cowboys The Cowboys announced their donation on the morning of Sunday, July 6, contributing $500,000. "Our hearts are heavy as we witness the devastation and loss of life caused by the floods in Kerr County and Texas Hill Country, especially for the young girls and their families, as well as all of those lost and their loved ones," the team said in a statement. "This has been devastating to see and we hold everyone impacted in our thoughts and prayers. Standing side by side with The Salvation Army's critical response, we are also donating $500,000 to provide immediate resources for rescue, relief and long-term recovery efforts." Houston Texans Cal, Hannah and Janice McNair were the first from the NFL to pledge their support for the people of Texas, donating $500,000 on behalf of the Texans. "We are heartbroken by the loss and damage that our neighbors in the Texas Hill Country have endured," the McNair family said in a statement. "We are especially devastated to hear about the children who are still missing and we are praying they are reunited with their families soon. Our hearts will remain with everyone affected and in addition to our donation, we will continue to support the search, rescue and recovery efforts in the coming weeks." The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.
Bangkok Post
27-06-2025
- Bangkok Post
Russian journalist held for ransom in Pattaya
One suspect has been arrested, with three more at large, following the abduction of a Russian journalist from his hotel in Pattaya, Chon Buri. During questioning, 26-year-old journalist David Blank told police that four fellow Russians entered his hotel room in Jomtien Soi 14 on Thursday. Holding him at gunpoint, the four proceeded to cover his face with a black bag before assaulting him and handcuffing him. Despite being restrained, Mr Blank said he was able to escape the room after several hours of being left alone and managed to find aid at a nearby café in a gas station. He told police that the four assailants coerced him into phoning his girlfriend, Anna, also a Russian national, who is residing in Bangkok. They then sent a video to her showcasing their abuse of the victim and threatened to murder him if she attempted to contact authorities. The suspects were eventually able to convince the woman into leaving a Rolex brand watch valued at 500,000 to 600,000 baht under a tree on Rama 4 road. According to Mr Blank, Anna was able to film a man in a white shirt retrieving the ransom. Before leaving him handcuffed, the group allegedly forced their victim to transfer 2-million-baht worth of Bitcoin to them. From the information provided, police were able to find an MG sedan identified as used by the kidnappers. It was found left in a pineapple field in Rayong province, with its front window and console smashed. Anton Lokotkov, 26, was later apprehended at a food stall in Jomtien and confirmed by the victim as being the individual who initially knocked on his door. While he has denied any involvement in the allegations as well as knowledge of Mr Blank, police found he had overstayed his visa and was charged in accordance with the violation. Despite most evidence involved in the crime having been destroyed, authorities expressed confidence they will soon find the remaining three individuals tied to the assault.
USA Today
20-06-2025
- Business
- USA Today
This NFL owner has donated $10 million to First Tee for youth programs
Blank Family Foundation has now donated more than $25 million to First Tee Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur M. Blank has made a $10 million grant through his family foundation to First Tee, bringing the total of grants from Blank to more than $25 million to the national program that combines golf instruction with a life skills curriculum for youth 7-18 at golf courses, schools and community centers worldwide. The First Tee impacts more than 3 million children and youth, according to the Ponte Vedra Beach-based organization, which was founded in 1997 by the World Golf Foundation. Blank, who also owns the PGA Tour Superstore, the TGL champions Atlanta Drive and is the founder of Home Depot, became involved with First Tee through a grant to First Tee-Metro Atlanta and has served as a National Trustee since 2011. The new grant will help First Tee reach more youth across the U.S. and strengthen the curriculum for teen members. 'Junior golf is the fastest-growing segment of the sport, and that's no coincidence," Blank said in a statement. "It's a testament to the power of First Tee, which has made the game more accessible and enjoyable for young people, helping them experience golf in new and fun ways. The innovative and engaging experiences that First Tee provides help kids build self-confidence and inner strength, qualities that will serve them throughout their lives." PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan said in a statement that the grant from the Blank Family Foundation was "transformative." "We are grateful to Mr. Blank and his family of businesses for their continued support of First Tee,' said Monahan, who is also the chairman of the First Tee Board of Governors. 'Arthur's vision and commitment reflect a deep understanding that investing in First Tee is truly an investment in the future." The Blank Family Foundation made a $9.5 million grant to First Tee in 2020. Grant will help teens develop life skills The new grant extends programming established by a $9.5 million grant in 2020 and will support First Tee's efforts to keep teens engaged with the organization, where they have access to safe spaces, educational opportunities and positive role models. First Tee chapters in PGA Tour Superstore markets, such as First Tee-North Florida (based at the Brentwood Golf Club within the urban core) will receive grants to support youth in developing life and golf skills. To date, grants have impacted 50 First Tee chapters across the country, a number that will grow as PGA TOUR Superstore's footprint continues to expand. The grant also will go to a five-week in-store leadership series with PGA Tour Superstore general managers to help teens uncover their strengths and personal values and explore potential career opportunities. The program was offered at 44 PGA TOUR Superstore locations in 2024 and plans to expand to 70 by 2029. Blank presented grant in Atlanta The grant also ensures that the First Tee's Leadership Summit, held each summer since 2021 at Blank's ranch in Emigrant, Montana, will continue. Each summer 40 First Tee teens participate in challenges such as whitewater rafting, ropes courses and horseback riding. The grant was formally presented to First Tee this week in Atlanta, where 48 First Tee teens learned best practices in how to lead a successful organization with visits to the PGA Tour Superstore headquarters, the Atlanta United training ground, the Atlanta Falcons practice facility and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation.
