Latest news with #TomKennedy
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Top candidates to be the Detroit Lions' training camp and preseason fan favorite in 2025
It happens every summer. No Detroit Lions training camp is complete without it. And it is bound to happen again when Lions camp kicks off later this month in Allen Park. One Lions player will emerge as the training camp darling. The apple of the fans' eyes. The roster hopeful that the masses rally behind and exaggeratedly cheer during practices and preseason games. Make no mistake, it's going to happen in 2025. But who will it be? That's not an easy question in 2025. Some of that is due to the fact the Lions have a pretty well-established roster. There are legitimately only a handful of spots up for grabs, and many of those are being fought out by veterans or recent draftees. For the ghost of Andrew Peacock, Tommy Kraemer, Cole Wick, Kalil Pimpleton, Starling Thomas, Beau Benzschawel, Adrian Martinez, et al to appear in 2025, it's going to take some powerful conjuring from the fan base. There are some candidates, however. And no, Tom Kennedy can't count as a candidate anymore as he enters his seventh season in Detroit... In alphabetical order, these are early choices for the players who will become fan favorites during the upcoming Lions training camp and preseason. DaRon Gilbert Gilbert had some moments last summer as an undrafted rookie linebacker blessed with a lot of speed and upbeat energy. It helps Gilbert's cause that he's a local; Gilbert is from Brother Rice High School and brought with him a vociferous hometown cheering section to practices. A safety in college at Lafayette and then Northern Illinois, Gilbert is remaking himself as a coverage-oriented linebacker. He's got the speed and twitch for it, though his hands are not ready for primetime. Gilbert is capable of making plays in the passing game that other LBs on the Lions cannot, and that sets him up nicely to earn some fans in camp. Ahmed Hassanein I struggle with the idea of putting a drafted rookie on here, but after watching Hassanein through a handful of rookie camp practices and OTAs, it's darn near impossible to not see his incredible fan appeal. Detroit is going to love Hassanein. A former Egyptian CrossFit champ as a youth, Hassanein is relatively new to football. That shows in his game from time to time, no doubt. But the sixth-rounder from Boise State's college tape was littered with hustle plays and a magnetic energy, and that has shown throughout the spring in Detroit. That Detroit has a considerable Middle Eastern population and he proudly represents his father's home country (Hassanein is a native-born American), can definitely get a major group of fans behind Hassanein. More: Dan Campbell likes what he sees from Lions rookie Ahmed Hassanein Ian Kennelly Kennelly checks a couple of boxes right away for a camp darling. He's a local (Utica Eisenhower HS) and a small-school phenom (Grand Valley State). Other than pure straight-line speed, Kennelly is also the most athletically gifted safety on a roster that has some pretty impressive athletes, too. In college, Kennelly was a very active playmaker who also wasn't afraid to go for the killshot from time to time. That's about as Detroit fan-friendly as you can ask for... Colby Sorsdal Sorsdal has a shot to win the fans over with a different sort of angle than the others here. A 2023 fifth-round pick from William & Mary, Sorsdal's first two seasons have been frustratingly underwhelming. He's bounced from tackle to guard and back again, and now appears to be in the mix to replace Frank Ragnow (or backup Ragnow's replacement) at center in his third year. Sorsdal is an eminently likeable guy who still has a chance to morph into a feel-good project, and he's closer in that regard than fellow 2023 draft disappointment (to this point) Brodric Martin. Anthony Tyus Another undrafted rookie with local ties, Tyus is a big running back from Portage Northern HS in the Kalamazoo area (and Ohio University and Northwestern collegiately). Tyus brings size and attitude (though not a lot of speed) as a runner; he's got some Joique Bell to his style, not fun to try and tackle and also blessed with surprisingly soft hands as a receiver. It's easy to see the affable Tyus winning a lot of fans with a 12-carry, 77-yard performance in the Hall of Fame Game, or delivering a boss-like stiff-arm to a Dolphins defender in a joint practice. Raequan Williams Williams brings the "oh yeah, I remember that guy" angle to Lions camp. A former standout defensive lineman at Michigan State, Williams is trying to resurrect his NFL career after not playing in the league since 2021. Williams looked to be in the best shape of his football life over the spring, earning a spot on the 90-man roster and with a threatening chnace to usurp some players ahead of him on the Detroit depth chart. Michigan State Spartan fans haven't had a lot of Lions representation recently, and Williams has the potential to harness that green and white energy in Honolulu Blue. This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Lions training camp fan darling candidates for 2025
The Sun
13-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Our 1,200-year-old market survived Black Death & world wars…but council's ‘Harry Potter plan' may finally kill it
A CITY's historic open air market which has survived the Vikings, the Norman Conquest, the Black Death and two world wars is perhaps facing its biggest crisis yet. Angry stallholders claim the 1,200-year-old market in the centre of Cambridge could wither and die if major redevelopment plans drawn up by local councillors get the go ahead. 15 15 They fear the £12.6million scheme would turn the place into 'a playground for tourists' like trendy Borough Market in London, full of fast food stalls and gift shops selling tacky Harry Potter-style souvenirs. The number of permanent pitches would also be chopped by more than half, with dozens of demountable stalls introduced, which are able to be quickly cleared for the space to double for performances and other activities. It could mean local residents are no longer be able to go there seven days a week to buy fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, bread, books and even bicycles. The council is adamant the "ambition" is to ensure a more "flexible" and modern space in much-need to a face lift. It is hoped it will also free up funds in the long-term to be reinvested elsewhere, as well as protect businesses against late-night anti-social behaviour. But many of the traders The Sun spoke to during our visit this week were sceptical about the plans. 'They just want to gentrify it and make it look all pretty,' said fed-up Tom Kennedy, who is already packing in the lease on his stall doing bike repairs. 'They don't want us grease monkeys here! 'It's a shame. This market could be absolutely epic if they didn't put a bunch of pen-pushing bureaucrats in charge – folk who couldn't organise a p***-up in a brewery," he told The Sun. 'When they were drawing up plans for the market they promised they'd listen to our concerns. Well, they did – but then didn't take a blind bit of notice.' Carlos, 38, who was selling coffee from his homeland of Colombia at a nearby stall, agreed. 'This market is the soul of Cambridge,' he explained. 'It's right in the middle of the city and a lovely place both to work and shop. All the traders support each other. 'But all that could be destroyed if these plans go ahead. We need to conserve the market for future generations not destroy it.' Cambridge Council is proposing a massive Civic Quarter project which would spruce up the nearby Guildhall and the Corn Exchange. But as part of the plans, centuries-old cobbles in the market square would be torn up and then replaced, with the current 81 stalls reduced to around 30 along with the 58 temporary gazebos. The square would then be used as a performance area for music concerts or theatrical shows as well as for the market. Ian Mortlock, 55, who does a roaring trade selling sun hats in summer and then warm gloves and scarves during winter, said: 'It's a big worry. 'This won't help the small traders like me. Rents are bound to go up and we will be squeezed out by the big chains.' They just want to gentrify it and make it look all pretty. They don't want us grease monkeys here! It's a shame. This market could be absolutely epic if they didn't put a bunch of pen-pushing bureaucrats in charge – folk who couldn't organise a p***-up in a brewery. Tom Kennedymarket trader Ken Woollard, 66, waved an arm over his stall where they've been selling fresh fruit and vegetables for more than 100 years. 'They're going to take all the cobbles up and then they've got to put them back down again because they're listed,' he said, while selling some delicious-looking cherries for a pound. 'You do wonder why they bother. 'Perhaps they've got to do something. But these flimsy gazebos they're talking about won't do for us. There won't be anywhere near enough room to display our fruit and veg.' Tom Wells, 20, whose stall was displaying a bizarre fossil of a mammoth's jaw among crystal gems and ammonites from around the world, feared the worst if the plans are approved. He said: 'I think the council would like to bulldoze the market and see it disappear completely so they can use the area as a permanent open air events arena. 15 15 15 'Or failing that they'd like to turn it into a trendy Borough Market-type place, full of fancy food stalls, catering for tourists but ignoring the needs of local residents. 'They talk about consultation. And ask us what we want. But then they go and do the exact opposite.' Fishmonger Archie Starrs, 21, who has stall on the market four days a week, said there was no way he could operate in one if the proposed gazebos. He added: 'I don't know whether we would be able to function at all under the new scheme. But knowing this council, at the end of the day I have my doubts that anything will ever happen at all.' Shopper Mandy Davies-Kent, walking her dog Bear through the market, sympathised with the stallholders. 'I've been coming here for 30 years and the market was once so diverse,' she said. 'But a lot of traders have been priced out 'A friend of mine used to have a stall selling lovely old rugs and antiques, and there were all kinds of organic food. You could even get ostrich eggs here. 'But unfortunately the market is losing its character. There is too much tourist tat here these days.' We only found one stallholder who was happy with the plans. Minnie, 36, from Thailand, reckoned it would be good for her stall selling gelato and lemonade drinks flavoured with honey. 15 15 15 'Everybody has a different opinion,' she said. 'And that is good. But I think the council's new plans would benefit my business so I am quite happy.' One of the scheme's biggest opponents is Anne Garvey, who edits the Cambridge Critique magazine and lives just a few minutes walk from the market. She and her architect husband Stephen have been have been doing the bulk of their shopping there for almost 40 years and want to continue doing so. 'You used to be able to buy everything you needed there,' said Anne, who is now supporting a petition to save the market. 'There were greengrocers, butchers, fishmongers, cheese stalls, jewellers, florists, fabric shops – you name it and somebody sold it. Some traders would even deliver to your home. 'But now it is becoming full of ice cream shops and fudge shops. More and more of Cambridge's traditional upmarket businesses are disappearing and being replaced with shops selling Harry Potter souvenirs and other tat. 'It's all very jolly. But it's not very authentic!' In November last year, city councillor Simon Smith said the market would not be "destroyed" after it "survived Vikings, Black Death, wars and recessions". He added that people in the city needed to get a 'sense of perspective', reports CambridgeshireLive. He said at the project is still at an early stage and that they would continue to discuss the designs and proposals with traders and members of the public. It survived Vikings, Norman conquest, several outbreaks of the Black Death, Civil War, multiple harvest failures, innumerable economic recessions, two world wars, can we just get a sense of perspective in this city, this council is not out to destroy the market. Cllr Simon SmithCambridge City Council During a meeting on November 28, Cllr Smith said: "There are people worried that we are about to destroy the market; if there is one thing about the 1,200 year market it is resilience. "It survived Vikings, Norman conquest, several outbreaks of the Black Death, Civil War, multiple harvest failures, innumerable economic recessions, two world wars, can we just get a sense of perspective in this city, this council is not out to destroy the market." He added that the authority hoped the changes proposed would also reduce the city council's operating costs. A majority of councillors agreed to move forward to the next design stage, aiming to submit a planning application over summer 2025. 'Our plans have been adapting in line with feedback' Councillor Rosy Moore, Executive Councillor for Climate Action and Environment, told The Sun in a statement: 'We remain committed to supporting the thriving seven-day market on the market square, with the same square meterage of stalls as there is currently. "Our plans have been adapting in line with traders' feedback, including increasing the number of permanent stalls being proposed to 36, alongside 58 demountable stalls. "Feedback from our recent consultation supports an approach that allows more space to host events throughout the year. 'All traders who have a contract when any construction works begin will be able to return to the new market so, unless they choose not to, the variety of products on offer for local people and tourists is not set to change. "We have also committed to freezing rents for the first year after the works are completed. Our new balance of trade policy also shows our commitment to getting the right balance of stalls, which the current market achieves. 'Anyone who has visited the market will have seen that the floor desperately needs relaying, as well as the need for new underground bins, electrics and lighting. 15 15 15 "So the market itself and the surroundings will see much-needed improvements. The consultation showed support for a new covered seating area with a wide range of seating styles, more pedestrianisation in and around the square to improve accessibility, improved cleanliness, and more greenery. "We are proposing to provide all of this, with new seating areas including a new covered area to offer places with sun shade or rain shelter to support those eating food from the market. "The pavement, road and setts on and around the market currently prevent people from accessing the market if they are wheelchair or pushchair users; we will be resurfacing the whole area to make it much more accessible, while preserving the Victorian granite setts. We will also be planting to make the area more biodiverse and provide natural shade in the square. 'The ambition of the project is also to enable more flexible use of the space so that, on quieter days when there isn't such a demand from traders for stalls, we would have the option of holding events in the square or there just being open space for residents to enjoy. "The demountable stalls will allow flexibility to expand and contract depending on demand from traders. This would be similar to other markets across the UK and Europe, which also use demountable stalls like the ones that have recently been trialled by Cambridge Market traders. 'We hear regularly from traders and the wider community that late night antisocial behaviour in the market square is a concern, and that having stalls standing vacant contributes to this as it enables antisocial behaviour to take place hidden from CCTV cameras and natural observation. "The ability to put away the demountable stalls overnight will help to address this concern for the community too. 'This work is being carried out with the support of a Markets Expert and our Markets Manager who have supported the development of a new Business Plan for the market, which sets out an improved service offer for traders including enhanced cleaning, waste management processes, and a team to construct and deconstruct the demountable stalls. "This improved offer will see a phased increase in rents in the coming years, which will bring rents more in line with those charged in other thriving UK markets, reflecting the enhanced level of support." Do you know more? Email 15 15 15
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
SIXT Named One of Travel + Leisure Readers' Favorite Rental Car Companies for Second Consecutive Year
Premium mobility provider earns #2 spot on prestigious list, continues rise in industry rankings FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., July 10, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SIXT, a global leader in premium mobility services, has once again earned high praise from savvy travelers, ranking #2 on Travel + Leisure's Readers' 5 Favorite Car Rental Companies of 2025. This marks the second consecutive year SIXT has landed among the top five, maintaining its #2 spot with an improved Reader Score of 79.84, up from 79.28 in 2024. Now in its 29th year, Travel + Leisure's "World's Best Awards" celebrates excellence across the travel industry as voted by readers. In this year's survey, SIXT was recognized for its premium fleet, exceptional customer service, and seamless rental experience. One reader called SIXT a "bright spot in the industry," while another called the company their "favorite rental agency. Customer service is the best in the business, their fleet is new, and car selection is far superior." Underscoring the company's reputation as a trusted mobility provider in North America and around the globe, this latest accolade follows SIXT being named #1 Rental Car Company in America as part of the 2025 USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. The annual awards spotlight the best in travel and hospitality, as voted by readers. Tom Kennedy, President, SIXT North America: "This recognition further underscores SIXT's commitment to delivering a modern, customer-first approach to car rental. Travelers continue to choose SIXT for its premium vehicle selection, seamless booking experience, and best-in-class customer service. These rankings reflect the feedback of our customers and the dedication of our teams to delivering an unmatched rental experience at every step." In just a little over a decade, the United States has become the most important growth market for SIXT. Today, SIXT operates more than 100 rental branches in 25 states, employs more than 2,000 team members, and now serves 51 of the most important airports across the country. In addition, by launching operations in Canada in 2022, SIXT is tapping into another billion-dollar market that also offers potential for synergies with its U.S. operations. Recent branch openings include Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, FL; Miami Dadeland Mall, New York City Brooklyn, New Orleans Downtown and New Orleans Louis Armstrong International Airport, among others. Our team is committed to customer satisfaction. See how we performed in the J.D. Power 2024 North America Rental Car Satisfaction Study. About SIXT Sixt SE with its headquarters in Pullach near Munich, is a leading international provider of high-quality mobility services. With its products SIXT rent, SIXT share, SIXT ride and SIXT+ on the mobility platform ONE the company offers a uniquely integrated premium mobility service across the fields of vehicle and commercial vehicle rental, car sharing, ride hailing and car subscriptions. The products can be booked through the SIXT App, which also integrates the services of its renowned mobility partners. SIXT has a presence in more than 100 countries around the globe. The company stands for consistent customer orientation, a lived culture of innovation with strong technological competence, a high proportion of premium vehicles in the fleet and an attractive price-performance ratio. In 2023 Sixt Group achieved consolidated pre-tax earnings of EUR 464.3 million and another significant increase in consolidated revenue to EUR 3.62 billion. Sixt SE has been listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange since 1986 (ISIN ordinary share: DE0007231326, ISIN preference share: DE0007231334). View source version on Contacts Zimmerman PR, sixt@ SIXT, us-communications@ Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Business Wire
10-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
SIXT Named One of Travel + Leisure Readers' Favorite Rental Car Companies for Second Consecutive Year
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SIXT, a global leader in premium mobility services, has once again earned high praise from savvy travelers, ranking #2 on Travel + Leisure 's Readers' 5 Favorite Car Rental Companies of 2025. This marks the second consecutive year SIXT has landed among the top five, maintaining its #2 spot with an improved Reader Score of 79.84, up from 79.28 in 2024. Now in its 29th year, Travel + Leisure 's 'World's Best Awards' celebrates excellence across the travel industry as voted by readers. In this year's survey, SIXT was recognized for its premium fleet, exceptional customer service, and seamless rental experience. One reader called SIXT a 'bright spot in the industry,' while another called the company their 'favorite rental agency. Customer service is the best in the business, their fleet is new, and car selection is far superior.' Underscoring the company's reputation as a trusted mobility provider in North America and around the globe, this latest accolade follows SIXT being named #1 Rental Car Company in America as part of the 2025 USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. The annual awards spotlight the best in travel and hospitality, as voted by readers. Tom Kennedy, President, SIXT North America: ' This recognition further underscores SIXT's commitment to delivering a modern, customer-first approach to car rental. Travelers continue to choose SIXT for its premium vehicle selection, seamless booking experience, and best-in-class customer service. These rankings reflect the feedback of our customers and the dedication of our teams to delivering an unmatched rental experience at every step.' In just a little over a decade, the United States has become the most important growth market for SIXT. Today, SIXT operates more than 100 rental branches in 25 states, employs more than 2,000 team members, and now serves 51 of the most important airports across the country. In addition, by launching operations in Canada in 2022, SIXT is tapping into another billion-dollar market that also offers potential for synergies with its U.S. operations. Recent branch openings include Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, FL; Miami Dadeland Mall, New York City Brooklyn, New Orleans Downtown and New Orleans Louis Armstrong International Airport, among others. Our team is committed to customer satisfaction. See how we performed in the J.D. Power 2024 North America Rental Car Satisfaction Study. About SIXT Sixt SE with its headquarters in Pullach near Munich, is a leading international provider of high-quality mobility services. With its products SIXT rent, SIXT share, SIXT ride and SIXT+ on the mobility platform ONE the company offers a uniquely integrated premium mobility service across the fields of vehicle and commercial vehicle rental, car sharing, ride hailing and car subscriptions. The products can be booked through the SIXT App, which also integrates the services of its renowned mobility partners. SIXT has a presence in more than 100 countries around the globe. The company stands for consistent customer orientation, a lived culture of innovation with strong technological competence, a high proportion of premium vehicles in the fleet and an attractive price-performance ratio. In 2023 Sixt Group achieved consolidated pre-tax earnings of EUR 464.3 million and another significant increase in consolidated revenue to EUR 3.62 billion. Sixt SE has been listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange since 1986 (ISIN ordinary share: DE0007231326, ISIN preference share: DE0007231334).
Axios
20-05-2025
- Business
- Axios
Government contractors are lining up to work with DOGE
Security contractors are adapting to the Department of Government Efficiency's brutal cost-cutting regime — by pitching their tech as essential to its mission. Why it matters: As federal workforce cuts deepen, DOGE is expected to lean more heavily on third-party security vendors to help dismantle longstanding information silos — despite the national security risks that could come from its quest. Driving the news: In recent weeks, DOGE has quietly begun laying the groundwork for what privacy advocates long feared was its endgame: building a centralized database containing the personal information of millions of U.S. citizens and residents. Some reports also suggest DOGE is exploring ways to deploy AI agents to replace federal workers across agencies, fueling further alarm about the national security and privacy implications. Between the lines: Several companies are now marketing their tools directly to agencies as a way to survive DOGE's cost-cutting demands. ServiceNow CEO Bill McDermott said in an earnings call last month that his company is benefiting from the shift. "In this moment, we're one of the rare companies that will grow 30% year over year in the public sector," he said. Wired reported this month that OpenAI has met with the Food and Drug Administration about a tool to evaluate new drugs. Two DOGE associates were also in attendance, according to the report. A source familiar with the matter confirmed the meetings to Axios, noting that OpenAI has shown clear interest in working specifically with the FDA in some capacity. However, no contracts have been signed yet. The intrigue: Many of these vendors have ramped up their lobbying power in recent months — particularly with Trump-aligned lobbying firms. So far in 2025, at least nine security and consulting firms, including Zscaler, Accenture, and Booz Allen Hamilton, have registered with Ballard Partners, according to congressional lobbying disclosures. Zoom in: Axonius, an Israeli cybersecurity startup with growing federal ambitions, told Axios it's started pitching itself to agencies as a tool that can help them dodge the most severe DOGE audits. The company's platform gives administrators full visibility into devices, software and users, aligning closely with DOGE's stated mission to streamline IT environments. Tom Kennedy, vice president of Axonius Federal Systems, told Axios that the company's tools can be "part of a great efficiency story" and that its technology usually gets through relevant DOGE audits. But Brian Meyer, field CTO at Axonius Federal Systems, added that the company's pitch doesn't endorse job cuts. "Even before the DOGE, there was a problem in the cybersecurity industry for full-time employees — they're already trying to do more with less," he said. "We've been telling that story for years: Based on what we have, you can do more with the resources that you have." The big picture: The federal cybersecurity ecosystem has been on edge during the early months of the second Trump administration, amid staff cuts in the federal cyber workforce and a pending Department of Justice investigation into former CISA director Chris Krebs. Several administration officials met with companies on the sidelines of the RSA Conference last month in the hopes of mending some of these relationships. Still, some executives say federal work has remained consistent. "We have been really privileged to have a strong relationship with every White House administration," Cloudflare CEO Matthew Prince told Axios in an interview. "It feels like everything today is a partisan issue — but cybersecurity is on the less partisan side of that equation," he added. Yes, but: That hasn't spared vendors from fallout. Security research government contractor Mitre is laying off 442 employees, or nearly 5% of its workforce, in June due in part to contract cancellations. Deloitte has also shared plans to lay off staff, and other consulting firms have warned of declining U.S. federal revenues this year. "It's disruptive, there's no other way to put it," Kennedy said of DOGE's cuts to the federal cybersecurity workforce. "We were hoping that cybersecurity would be sheltered, and it has not been from a human side."
