Latest news with #Strong
USA Today
5 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Ranking Bills 2025 draft picks additions by potential impact
The Buffalo Bills added some new energy to their roster by selecting eight new players via the 2025 NFL draft. The picks add life and competition to a group that is trying to win its first AFC Championship in over 40 years. The Bills jave started to familiarize itself with their prospects, as the rookies have completed rookie camp and OTAs this summer. Based on their initial performance and college evaluations, we can make some early guesses about which players will have the biggest impact Bills this season. Here is a ranking of the 2025 Bills draft class's potential impact by Bills Wire. 8. WR Kaden Prather The Bills took a flyer on Prather in the seventh round. A large target at 6-foot-3, Prather can use his leverage to outwork cornerbacks. He started 12 games last year, reeling in 56 catches for 624 yards and four touchdowns. However, his best path to earning snaps this year will most likely come on special teams. 8. T Chase Lundt Lundt will be more of a long-term project for Buffalo. He has a dearth of experience, starting 48 games for Connecticut during his college career. Lundt was strong against FBS pass rushers, ranking as one of the best tackles against pressure. Lundt will have to work into a role on the roster as a swing tackle if he hopes to earn snaps this fall. A year on the practice squad might be more realistic for Lundt, as he works on his footwork at each tackle spot. 7. CB Dorian Strong Strong did very well in man coverage last year, allowing a completion percentage of only 22 percent. The Hokie had 20 solo tackles, six pass breakups, and two interceptions last year. A strong camp could see Strong sneak up the depth chart. Strong could challenge Dane Jackson for the CB4 spot if things fall into place. 6. TE Jackson Hawes Hawes is an intriguing prospect for the Bills. He is an excellent blocker for a tight end. The Bills used Alec Anderson as the sixth offensive lineman last year; Hawes may be able to slide into this role, as the team can emphasize his blocking skills. In addition, Hawes could give Buffalo a bit more versatility than Anderson, as the Georgia Tech product did well with limited targets in college. 5. DB Jordan Hancock Hanock played multiple spots in the secondary for Ohio State last year. He projects as a depth slot cornerback, but he also has experience as a safety. This could play well for him in Buffalo's secondary, as the Bills could use Hancock in a variety of schemes. His path to playing time is a little more complicated, with Taron Johnson ahead of him at slot corner. However, with the safety spots largely up in the air right now, Hancock could challenge for time as a reserve in the back end of the defense. 4. DT Deone Walker Walker brings a bit more size to the interior of the defensive line. If things fall correctly for him, Walker could see some substantial time as a one-tech defender for the Bills. Larry Ogunjobi will miss the first third of the season due to a suspension. In addition, DaQuan Jones is reaching the twilight of his career. With a strong training camp, Walker's path to time on the field could expand. 3. DT TJ Sanders Sanders was Buffalo's second-round pick. The Bills traded up 15 spots to select Sanders with the 41st overall pick. Sanders is versatile, having experience at both one-tech and three-tech alignments. Sanders fits more as a three-tech, but with Ed Oliver entrenched in that role, Sanders will need to kick over next to Oliver on the line. Sanders has been impressive as a pass rusher in the interior. The idea of him and Oliver causing problems on the opponent's interior line is an intriguing option for Buffalo. He also has an inside track at early snaps, as free agent signee Larry Ogunjobi will miss Buffalo's first six games due to a suspension. 2. EDGE Landon Jackson Jackson checks off all of the items that Buffalo loves in a player. He is a high-motor, versatile, straight-line tackler. Jackson is athletic and can play in any situation. He might not be a three-down starter early, but expect Jackson to make the most of his reps early in the season. Jackson will be saddled behind Greg Rousseau and Joey Bosa at the onset of the year. However, with Bosa's injury history, snaps may open up for Jackson. He looks to challenge AJ Epenesa to be first in line on the team's defensive rotation. 1. CB Maxwell Hairston Hairston was Buffalo's first-round selection in this April's Draft. All signs point to him earning a major role on the Bills defense this season. Hairston's skill set fits what the Bills need the most in their secondary. He has blazing speed, clocking in at 4.28 seconds in the 40-yard dash. He has great coverage skills, giving Buffalo an option to stay in man coverage when Hairston is lined up against some of the faster players in the NFL. The spot opposite Christian Benford will be an open competition between Hairston and Tre'Davious White. If Hairston settles in quickly, he will be a Week 1 starter for Buffalo.
Gulf Today
21-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
US ambassador visits Liwa Date Festival
Martina Strong, Ambassador of the United States of America to the United Arab Emirates, praised the 21st Liwa Date Festival, currently taking place in Al Dhafra Region. During her visit to the festival, Ambassador Strong expressed her deep admiration for the distinguished event, which offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore dates and the diverse products derived from the palm tree. She noted that the experience provided her with valuable insight into traditional crafts and local cuisine. Strong also commended the rich educational content presented by the organisers and their tremendous efforts in hosting such diverse heritage festivals. These events, she emphasised, offer an authentic window into the UAE's vibrant cultural heritage, blending the past with the present. As part of her tour, the US Ambassador viewed several pavilions in the date and fruit beauty competitions. The 2025 Liwa Date Festival, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, has welcomed 50,225 visitors during its first five days. The 21st edition of the festival, organised by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, continues until 27th July in Liwa City, Al Dhafra Region. The Liwa Date Festival is one of the UAE's most significant platforms celebrating palm heritage and traditional agriculture. It is an annual event eagerly awaited by farmers and the wider community due to its vital support for the agricultural sector and food security. The festival features 24 competitions with a total of 308 prizes valued at Dhs8.735 million, in addition to stage competitions designed for visitors. The event reflects Abu Dhabi's commitment to preserving and transmitting heritage across generations while celebrating the date harvest season and the palm tree, a deeply rooted cultural and social symbol in Emirati heritage. The festival also attracts visitors and tourists from across the UAE and the Gulf Cooperation Council, offering a traditional and interactive atmosphere that supports farmers and provides engaging experiences for families and attendees. WAM
Al Etihad
20-07-2025
- Al Etihad
US Ambassador to UAE visits Liwa Date Festival
20 July 2025 17:09 ABU DHABI (WAM) Ambassador of the United States of America to the United Arab Emirates, Martina Strong, praised the 21st Liwa Date Festival, currently taking place in Al Dhafra her visit to the festival, Ambassador Strong expressed her deep admiration for the distinguished event, which offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore dates and the diverse products derived from the palm noted that the experience provided her with valuable insight into traditional crafts and local also commended the rich educational content presented by the organisers and their tremendous efforts in hosting such diverse heritage festivals. These events, she emphasised, offer an authentic window into the UAE's vibrant cultural heritage, blending the past with the present. As part of her tour, the US Ambassador viewed several pavilions in the date and fruit beauty competitions.
New York Post
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Andy Cohen has sold his NYC penthouse for $10.5M
Not only is Danny Strong an Emmy-winning playwright, screenwriter and actor — he's also a savvy negotiator. Strong and his partner, the actor and producer Catilin Mehner, have just closed on Bravo bigwig Andy Cohen's magnificent Manhattan penthouse duplex for $10.5 million, according to city property records filed on Tuesday. The magical 3,500-square-foot West Village co-op hit the market for $14 million in 2024. It had most recently been listed for $12 million. Advertisement It took Cohen more than two decades to assemble the smashing spread, at 2 Horatio St. — and less than a year to list it and close the deal. 10 Andy Cohen moved into another luxe residence nearby. Charles Sykes/Bravo via Getty Images 10 Caitlin Mehner and Danny Strong now officially have a massive home for their growing family. Getty Images for Prime Video 10 A staircase connecting the levels is capped by a fabulous disco ball. Eytan Stern Weber, Evan Joseph Images Advertisement The stunning four-bedroom, 4.5-bath home was designed by architect Gordon Kahn with interiors by Eric Hughes. It is filled with eclectic color and comes with views of the Empire State Building. Design details of the Elle Decor cover star include a sculptural walnut, steel and glass staircase — as well as marble fireplaces and a gold tiled bar. At a time when some of the Big Apple's wealthiest residents are moving out — or at least thinking about scampering out — of Manhattan for the more tax-friendly and insulated posh 'boroughs' of Miami, Palm Beach and the Hamptons, Strong and Mehner say they are excited to stay in the city, where they are raising their adorable 9-month-old daughter, Maisie. 'We are staying in New York because it is the greatest city in the world,' Strong told Gimme Shelter on Tuesday. 'It's amazing here for all the reasons that everyone who lives here already knows. I don't think a [mayoral] primary would make me leave the most magical place where I've ever lived. It's the greatest city in the country. Everyone loves New York City,' said Strong, who took a break to speak by phone from rehearsals for 'Chess.' Advertisement Broadway's 'Chess' — starring Lea Michele, Aaron Tveit and Nicholas Christopher — will be in previews starting Oct. 15, with opening night on Nov. 16. The cast, Strong said, is a dream. 'All three are very special talents — amazing singers and fantastic actors. They are unicorns. I think people will be blown away,' Strong said. 10 The residence fills with light. Eytan Stern Weber, Evan Joseph Images Advertisement 10 Beamed ceilings complement a mod fireplace. Eytan Stern Weber, Evan Joseph Images 10 The gracious home has room for a bar. Eytan Stern Weber, Evan Joseph Images In an 'only-in-New York' situation, Cohen sold his penthouse to Strong and Mehner because he bought the penthouse at 299 W. 12th St., the building where Strong and Mehner most recently lived. 'We loved where we were [299 W. 12th St.], but once we had Maisie, we quickly realized we'd need something bigger,' said Strong. While Strong had never met Cohen before, he did spot the Bravo exec in 299's lobby, and surmised that he was buying the penthouse, which gave him hope that Cohen's 2 Horatio residence would be coming to market. 10 The kitchen dazzles with jewel tones. Eytan Stern Weber, Evan Joseph Images 10 A view of the layout leading into the kitchen, seen on the far right. Eytan Stern Weber, Evan Joseph Images 10 Cohen's stylish, and former, bedroom. Eytan Stern Weber, Evan Joseph Images Advertisement 10 Cohen didn't shy from a bold use of color. Eytan Stern Weber, Evan Joseph Images 'While we had never met before, he was so lovely' during the real estate talks, Strong said. Strong is also recognizable for his acting roles in hit shows, like 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer,' 'Gilmore Girls' and 'Mad Men.' The Horatio Street residence is also an ideal spot for Strong to find inspiration for new projects. Past work also includes the writing of two 'Hunger Games' movies, 'The Butler,' 'Recount,' and the series 'Empire' and 'Dopesick.' Advertisement The 2 Horatio St. listing brokers were Ryan Serhant and Donna Strugatz, of Serhant. Strong was represented by Douglas Elliman's Jonathan Stein, who also listed Strong and Mehner's 299 W. 12th St. residence, along with Marcy J. Bloomstein, of Sotheby's International Realty. 'Danny and Caitlin's decision to invest in the West Village speaks volumes, reflecting a deeper belief not just in the resilience of a neighborhood, but in the enduring spirit of New York City itself,' Stein told Gimme.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Human-caused wildfires are down over the past 'several decades': B.C. Wildfire Service
Wildfires caused by human activity have decreased in recent years, according to the B.C. Wildfire Service. Human-caused wildfires are those started by anything other than lightning — power lines, vehicles, trains, smoking, campfires, industrial activity, light reflecting through glass, you name it; if a human directly caused the fire or something made by humans did, it counts. In an interview on CBC's Daybreak Kamloops, fire information officer Jean Strong said decades of public education campaigns around fire safety — particularly around flicking cigarette butts out the window and safely putting out campfires — have helped bring those numbers down significantly. Fires caused by cigarettes and other smoking materials are down 94 per cent, Strong said, while those started by campfires are down 60 per cent. "Human-caused fires have gone down overall over the past several decades of data that we have, which is great news," she said. "We're really grateful for the people who have taken those public education campaigns to heart." And while intentionally set fires, or arson, are rare, they do happen, but they're down too, Strong added. Of the 83 fires burning across B.C. on Monday morning, 62 were caused by lightning, while 17 were caused by humans, and four are undetermined. The one 'wildfire of note,' meaning it's created an increased level of interest, is the Izman Creek fire near Lytton, B.C. That fire was caused by sparks from an RCMP trailer, according to police. Strong said human-caused fires are more common during the spring and the fall because people are doing open burning, either for industry purposes or cleaning up their yards. "And then we tend to get more of those lightning-caused fires through those core summer months. But we certainly do still see human-caused fires throughout those summer months, especially as the fuels dry out more and more and become more likely to be receptive to ignition." The B.C. Wildfire Service tracks human-caused fires in about 10 categories, which are reported internally, Strong said. But on its website, it reports only whether fires are caused by humans or lightning. Sometimes the cause of fires is obvious and straightforward, in which case, Strong said the wildfire service incident commander on scene will look for the fire's origin. If it's a little more difficult to discern or the fire is larger in size, a provincial fire origin and cause expert will identify the cause. Just because human-caused fires are trending downward doesn't mean the wildfire service has stopped educating the public about fire prevention. Its website says increased human activity and development are happening near forests, creating more possibilities for wildfires to start and cause substantial damage. And if you accidentally caused a wildfire? "Please report it," Strong said. "I understand that it can be scary, and it could be hard or feel hard to admit that you've contributed to this, but the sooner that we can respond or the structural fire department can get there, whoever gets there first, the better the outcome is going to be." According to the B.C. Wildfire Service, you could face a fine of up to $1 million, and/or be given up to three years in jail, if a fire you started causes a wildfire. The Wildfire Act has laid out different fines depending on how the fire starts and spreads. Strong said while people can be fined for starting wildfires, they can also be fined for not reporting them.
