Latest news with #Hallett
USA Today
24-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Lions training camp notebook, Day 4: The tempers and the weather remain hot
The Detroit Lions returned to action on a steamy Thursday morning after an off day on Wednesday. The heat index steadily rose into the low 90s by the time practice concluded around 10:30 a.m., and the agitating nature of the heat and humidity raised the tempers of several players once again. Most of my focus from Thursday's practice during positional drills was on the wideouts and tight ends, as the team still hasn't put the pads on. That will happen on Friday now that the NFL-mandated ramp-up period is done for Detroit. It was another strong day for the pass defense, though the offense certainly had its share of wins in team drills, too. Here's what I took away from a sweaty morning in Allen Park: Player of the day: Erick Hallett Hallett is one of several young safeties competing for a spot, and he put his best foot forward on Thursday. The highlight was a pick-six off Goff, who was late to throw a comeback route as he was flushed from the pocket to his right. Hallett knifed in front of the receiver and didn't stop until he was in the end zone some 40 yards away. Hallett also made the notes for two separate outside run fills, where he nicely dodged blocks and got his nose dirty in the C-gap. In the 7-on-7 drill, he erased TE Brock Wright from being a possible target on a play where he looked to be the first read. Goff was off Thursday was not Jared Goff's best. The Pro Bowler missed several throws in drills with the WRs and TEs, notably misfiring twice on deeper throws to Jameson Williams. Early in team drills, Goff overshot Amon-Ra St. Brown up the left sideline. There were wild (for Goff) misses to Sam LaPorta (behind him) and rookie Isaac TeSlaa (too high and hot). Those are very uncharacteristic misses for Goff, who had been almost impeccably on target through the first few practices. For most of the practice session, both reserve QBs were sharp. Hendon Hooker continues to improve at keeping to the designed timing of the pass plays, and he deftly connected on a couple of shrinking-window throws, one to rookie WR Jakobie Keeney-James with DT Brodric Martin bearing down on the quarterback. Kyle Allen was more hit-and-miss but did have a couple of very nice completions, one to Tom Kennedy and another to Keeney-James, who had a very nice day working from the slot. Tempers got hot Tuesday's practice session got halted after the defense was a little too zealous in trying to punch the ball out. This session also featured head coach Dan Campbell calling a full-team huddle to cool the tempers after a notable scuffle between LB Anthony Pittman and pretty much the entire offense when Pittman slammed RB Jabari Small to the ground. That was far from the first hot-headed moment between the units. Defensive lineman Pat O'Connor shoved a wide receiver after OL Kayode Awosika caught No. 95 with a hearty wham block on a swing pass. EDGE Nate Lynn and OL Trystan Colon also had some notable post-play pushing. Unlike Tuesday, when defensive back Morice Norris was sent to the showers early for his pugnacity, cooler heads did prevail for the final team drills. Injuries It wouldn't be a Lons practice without some sort of injury report. Two starting defenders, Derrick Barnes and Terrion Arnold, did not finish practice after suffering injuries. Barnes left with a hand injury, while Arnold left with a leg injury, per the team. I did not notice the root of either malady, nor did several of my media colleagues. Kalif Raymond provided a scare when he went down awkwardly in a drill and got up very gingerly. It was concerning enough that Dan Campbell darted over to talk to the wideout, who appeared to roll his ankle. Raymond missed one rep and then was just fine, streaking past CB Tyson Russell up the right sideline for a deep completion from Allen on a picture-perfect pitch-and-catch. Defensive tackle Brodric Martin was back as a full-go after leaving Tuesday's practice. He had one of his better days in the last couple of camps, too. Cornerback Ennis Rakestraw was working with a trainer throughout the practice, notably making several catches on throws that forced him to extend his arms. Rakestraw suffered a chest contusion in Sunday's practice that has kept him out. Quick hits --The Lions activated CB Stantley Thomas-Oliver from the non-football injury list. --Rookie WR Isaac TeSlaa used a subtle stutter-step at the top of a deep break to set up a nice inside veer and left CB Dicaprio Bootle wondering where he went in 1-on-1 drills. Perfect throw from Hooker resulted in a gorgeous TD. TeSlaa caught everything thrown his way all day. --Linebacker Anthony Pittman got victimized on three separate passing plays, two in 7-on-7s and one in team drills, by not getting enough depth or width to his drop. The first of those ruined what was otherwise outstanding team coverage, and the veteran LB raised his hand and acknowledged it to his mates. --Graham Glasgow played center all day, with second-round rookie Tate Ratledge moving to right guard. That's a change from the first few days of practice, where Ratledge exclusively played center. Ratledge brushed it off in his post-practice press conference as nothing more than getting work in. --DBs who earned multiple plusses in my notes during 7-on-7 drills: Hallett, Dan Jackson, D.J. Reed (erasing Jameson Williams with perfect hip-on-hip coverage on a drag route), and Amik Robertson. Linebackers Grant Stuard and Ezekiel Turner also claimed multiple positive notations. --Kicker Jake Bates hit his first few field goal attempts but ended his practice missing two straight from 53 yards. Both were wide left. --While the skill positions were working the 7-on-7 drills, the lines had an unpadded pit drill in the far end zone. I didn't catch a ton of those reps, but I did see DL Keith Cooper absolutely smoke OT Mason Miller in a battle of undrafted rookies. Sixth-round rookie DE Ahmed Hassanein also had a clean win over Miller, who continues to play too tall. Cooper earned some first-team DT reps next to fellow rookie Tyleik Williams and they were a problem for the first-team interior OL in the run game. --Still unpadded, but still way too many complete whiffs on blocks from greenhorn OT Giovanni Manu. Working both left and right tackle, his complete lack of football instincts still rears its ugly head too often to trust him with meaningful work. He lost a rep to Pat O'Connor on the right side where he made the 300-pound O'Connor look like Allen Iverson on a crossover. --Recent signee Dicaprio Bootle got late work (after Arnold's departure) with the first-team defense. He had struggled in coverage throughout earlier drills but looked better with the higher-level talent around him. He did make an excellent post-catch strip on WR Ronnie Bell in 7-on-7s. --Rookie WR Dominic Lovett had a strong day in positional drills and then made a fantastic snag on a high throw from Kyle Allen, though he landed with both feet out of bounds because of the throw and not his own doing. Lovett made several sharp breaks on shorter routes and thrived in a drill where the wideouts were asked to catch short throws on the dead run. --Veteran DT D.J. Reader summed up the day nicely when he politely declined interview requests with a big smile and said, "I'm cooked". It looked like he just came out of the ocean; he was wet--as were all players after two hours in the heat.
Hamilton Spectator
24-07-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Province provides $5.4 million for Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance
In the latest round of funding for agricultural research, the province is providing $5.4 million to support 28 projects at the University of Guelph. The funding announced last week comes via the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance, a government-university collaboration designed to deliver Ontario agri-food solutions with global impact. 'Our government's strategic investments into transformative agri-food research are empowering Ontario's producers and innovators to turn world-class research into real-world solutions,' said Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness in a release. 'By helping our farmers and agribusinesses innovate, create local jobs and compete globally, we're ensuring that our rural communities continue to thrive in the face of economic uncertainty.' The investment funds are supporting projects, including ones led by Dr. Gurjit Randhawa, who is developing an AI-driven robot to manage pests in soybean fields, and Dr. Ernesto Guzman, who is creating healthier beehives. 'They're all about supporting the agriculture and agri-food sector and delivering solutions to producers, farmers and agribusinesses in Ontario,' said Rebecca Hallett, interim associate vice president research for the alliance. Alliance-funded research consistently offers a compelling combination of science innovation and knowledge mobilization, added Hallet. These projects are selected based on various criteria by a panel that includes members from the university, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA) and representatives from the agricultural industry. 'There's always an emphasis put on ensuring that the projects are meeting an industry need, and it's addressing some priority that's been set by OMAFA, and that helps advance Ontario agriculture,' noted Hallett. She told The Observer that past projects have already provided numerous benefits to farmers around the world. Those include the dynasty kidney bean, which was named Innovation of the Year for 2025 and has increased yields by 15 percent over other varieties. There has also been dairy research done in the industry that has led to healthier and more productive animals. 'Those are things that have economic and environmental impact on the industry,' added Hallett. They also explore non-farming projects, such as compostable cutlery and a produce cleaning system that utilizes a hydroxyl radical process to kill food pathogens in seconds, eliminating the need for pesticides or water. This round of investments provides researchers with subsidized access to the numerous research centres throughout Ontario. These programs also provide more than just practical benefits, with numerous educational advantages arising from this recent investment. 'We're also running these research programs, training students, undergraduate and graduate students, to get training through these projects so that they're developed,' said Hallett. 'Their skills are being developed to become leaders in the ag sector in the future, and they're also refining their scientific skills. I think in addition to helping Ontario's agri-food sector to be strong and resilient, we're also helping to ensure safe, healthy and local food for Ontarians.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Plymouth Argyle takeover report bid involves significant revelation
The headline-grabbing involvement of former Real Madrid star Gareth Bale as part of a takeover bid for Plymouth Argyle was always going to ensure the story attracted maximum attention far and wide. A quiet Monday afternoon in the middle of June, certainly when it came to all things Argyle, suddenly exploded into a social media frenzy after The Telegraph's Tom Morgan and John Percy first reported the details. Advertisement They stated Bale had been 'lined up to front a US-based private equity group's potential takeover', and that talks were taking place behind the scenes 'over a bid for full control at Home Park'. READ MORE: Plymouth Argyle captain Joe Edwards takes big step in coaching ambitions READ MORE: Ryan Hardie says Plymouth Argyle farewell after Wrexham transfer Subsequent reporting by other national media outlets suggested those discussions were at an early stage, while Argyle declined to comment on the story when contacted by Plymouth Live. Given even the possibility of 35-year-old Bale, one of the world's best players of his generation, becoming a co-owner of the Pilgrims it was no surprise that it prompted intense debate and speculation among the Green Army on social media. Advertisement Bale would certainly bring 'star' appeal if the takeover bid ever came to fruition, in the same way as it did for Swansea City in April when their new ownership group included Luka Modric, another Real Madrid icon. However, if you take Bale out of the equation for a moment, the wider point is the news could be of huge significance to the future of Argyle for years to come. What The Telegraph report made clear is that this takeover bid was for 'full control' not a minority ownership. Argyle chairman Simon Hallett has made it clear over recent years he was seeking extra investment into the club from other sources to help push the Pilgrims forward. Back in 2022, a US group of investors under the title Argyle Green bought a 20 per cent stake of the club for £4 million, but by the following July some of the leading figures, including director Michael Mincberg, had their shares bought back by Hallett. Advertisement Last December, at a Plymouth Argyle Cornish Supporters' Association event, Hallett revealed talks with a prospective new investor had been taking place since the end of the 2023/234 season and added he was 'on the verge of being able to come public with something'. That did not happen, though, and Hallett confirmed in a recent Chairman's Chat column on the official club website that it had fallen through. "Unfortunately, negotiations have taken too long and the key information that both we and the EFL required to complete the deal has not been forthcoming. I no longer believe that news of the new investor is imminent," he said. Now, less than three weeks later, takeover talk is on the agenda and it will be fascinating to see where it leads, if anywhere. It has certainly excited a lot of the fanbase based on their social media reactions. Hallett has been looking to find new investors while also wanting to retain a majority control of Argyle with the aim of making sure he is confident whoever comes after him will be fit and responsible custodians of the club. Advertisement It also perhaps explains why it has not been easy to reach a deal which would involve a substantial amount of money being put into Argyle by investors who would ultimately not have the final say on club issues. This latest 'Bale-fronted' bid is different in that respect. It is out in the public that it is for 'full control' which could if it was eventually agreed to end the Argyle stewardship of Hallett, which first began in 2018 when he became the majority shareholder and chairman. Argyle have seen from their recent experience of struggle in the Championship over the last two seasons, which culminated in their relegation last term, that it will take considerable additional investment for them to try to be properly competitive at that level in the future. However, there are plenty of clubs who have been bought by new owners full of promises which have not been delivered and then been left in dire straits. Many Argyle supporters will still remember the club's time in administration in 2011 when it almost went out of existence, and also the long-lasting damage it caused. Advertisement So while excitement and intrigue about the latest takeover talk among the Green Army is entirely understandable, it is crucial that the best interests of Argyle are served by any deal which is struck, whether it involves star names or not. You can read more of our Argyle stories from Plymouth Live by clicking HERE
Arab Times
19-06-2025
- Science
- Arab Times
Early humans survived in a range of extreme environments before global migration: study
WASHINGTON, June 19, (AP): Humans are the only animal that lives in virtually every possible environment, from rainforests to deserts to tundra. This adaptability is a skill that long predates the modern age. According to a new study published Wednesday in Nature, ancient Homo sapiens developed the flexibility to survive by finding food and other resources in a wide variety of difficult habitats before they dispersed from Africa about 50,000 years ago. "Our superpower is that we are ecosystem generalists,' said Eleanor Scerri, an evolutionary archaeologist at the Max Planck Institute of Geoanthropology in Jena, Germany. Our species first evolved in Africa around 300,000 years ago. While prior fossil finds show some groups made early forays outside the continent, lasting human settlements in other parts of the world didn't happen until a series of migrations around 50,000 years ago. "What was different about the circumstance of the migrations that succeeded - why were humans ready this time?' said study co-author Emily Hallett, an archaeologist at Loyola University Chicago. Earlier theories held that Stone Age humans might have made a single important technological advance or developed a new way of sharing information, but researchers haven't found evidence to back that up. This study took a different approach by looking at the trait of flexibility itself. The scientists assembled a database of archaeological sites showing human presence across Africa from 120,000 to 14,000 years ago. For each site, researchers modeled what the local climate would have been like during the time periods that ancient humans lived there. "There was a really sharp change in the range of habitats that humans were using starting around 70,000 years ago,' Hallett said. "We saw a really clear signal that humans were living in more challenging and more extreme environments.' While humans had long survived in savanna and forests, they shifted into everything from dense rainforests to arid deserts in the period leading up to 50,000 years ago, developing what Hallett called an "ecological flexibility that let them succeed.' While this leap in abilities is impressive, it's important not to assume that only Homo sapiens did it, said University of Bordeaux archaeologist William Banks, who was not involved in the research. Other groups of early human ancestors also left Africa and established long-term settlements elsewhere, including those that evolved into Europe's Neanderthals, he said. The new research helps explain why humans were ready to expand across the world way back when, he said, but it doesn't answer the lasting question of why only our species remains today.
Daily Mirror
16-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Gareth Bale in talks to become surprise co-owner of English football club
US investment groups have increasingly used celebrity faces to front their takeovers of English football clubs, with Gareth Bale the latest to be tapped up to full that role Gareth Bale is in talks to front an American takeover of League One side Plymouth Argyle. The Pilgrims were relegated to the third tier this season following a disastrous reign of Wayne Rooney as manager. Rooney was sacked in January after winning just four games to be replaced by Miron Muslic. But the Bosnian decided to take over the head coach role at side Schalke after Plymouth's relegation was confirmed. Former Watford manager Tom Cleverley is their third boss of the past 12 months and has been tasked with leading them back to the Championship. But Cleverley himself could have a new boss. Cleverley was appointed by current Argyle chairman Simon Hallett. But Hallett has been looking for fresh investment in the club for the past year, having become the majority shareholder in 2018. A deal for further investment fell through last month, but the interest of a US-based private equity group is growing. They are now looking to bring in a celebrity face in the form of former Tottenham and Real Madrid star Bale. According to the Daily Telegraph, Bale is being lined up by the group eyeing a takeover of Plymouth. Talks between the club and the group are ongoing, with Bale's involvement an unexpected addition to the story. The Welshman has no historic connection to the Home Park side. But US groups have increasingly looked to partner with famous faces in any deals to buy clubs operating below the Premier League. Bale's former team-mate at Spurs and Madrid, Luka Modric, is involved with Swansea City. NFL legend Tom Brady has invested in Birmingham City, while golfers Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas have bought shares in Leeds United. It is unclear how Bale has become involved in the project. He won three La Liga titles and five Champions Leagues during his time at Madrid, before retiring in 2023 after a short spell with Los Angeles FC. Relegation came as a bitter blow for Argyle, with the club finishing three points from safety. Hallett has led significant off-field investment, with the South Coast side redeveloping their Mayflower Grandstander and funding new academy facilities. Amid the talk over fresh investment, Hallett has pledged to match the level of funding a new group brings in this season. Though he admitted last month that he felt new investment was not forthcoming. 'We have been in talks with a prospective new investor in our club for over a year – those talks led to an application for approval of that investment being lodged with the EFL in February,' he said at the time. 'Unfortunately, negotiations have taken too long and the key information that both we and the EFL required to complete the deal has not been forthcoming. I no longer believe that news of the new investor is imminent.'
