Manchester City are working to thrash out a compromise with FC Porto to get a deal for midfielder Nico Gonzalez over the line before the transfer deadline, sources have told ESPN.
City have so far indicated they are reluctant to meet the release clause in Gonzalez’s contract — believed to be around €60 million ($62m). They value the 23-year-old at closer to €40m.
Porto do not want to accept a reduced fee because part of the payment will be owed to Gonzalez’s former club, Barcelona. The Spaniard moved to Portugal from La Liga in 2023 and a source has told ESPN that the payment owed to Barcelona if Gonzalez moves could be as high as 40% of the total transfer fee.
Sources have told ESPN that talks between the clubs are continuing on Monday. City have until 11 p.m. in the UK to get a deal over the line before the window closes.
City are also keeping an open mind about the possibility of signing Douglas Luiz from Juventus. A source has told ESPN that the Serie A side would have to accept an initial loan offer for the Brazilian with an option to make it permanent in the summer built into the deal.
Juventus have told Luiz’s potential suitors that they would prefer a permanent transfer or an obligation to make it permanent in the summer for a set fee.
Meanwhile, a source has told ESPN that City have knocked back an approach from Chelsea for 19-year-old midfielder Nico O’Reilly. City are open to letting O’Reilly leave, but want to include a buy-back option in any potential deal.
Nico Gonzalez: Man City pushing for cut-price Porto deal – sources
According to sources close to the negotiations, Manchester City are eager to secure a cut-price deal for Porto’s talented midfielder Nico Gonzalez. The 20-year-old Argentine has caught the eye of City’s scouting team with his impressive performances in the Portuguese league.
City are reportedly looking to take advantage of Porto’s financial difficulties and are hoping to strike a deal for Gonzalez at a lower price than his market value. The club sees him as a potential long-term replacement for Fernandinho in the midfield.
However, Porto are said to be holding out for a higher fee for Gonzalez, who has a release clause of €20 million. It remains to be seen whether City will be able to negotiate a deal that satisfies both parties.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing transfer saga.
“Deal Has Been Agreed” – Chelsea Star Pushing for Deadline Day Move to AC Milan
In a recent update from Sky Sports News, a striking development has surfaced in the world of football transfers. Joao Felix, the prodigious talent currently with Chelsea, is reported to be on the verge of a loan move to AC Milan. Here’s an in-depth analysis of the implications of this potential transfer and what it could mean for all parties involved.
Insights from Sky Sports News
According to Sky Sports News’ Kaveh Solhekol, Joao Felix is keen on a move and has set his sights on Milan as his next destination. Reports from Italy suggest Felix was present at the Milan derby last night, adding fuel to the speculation around his future. “Sky Italy are reporting that a deal has been agreed in principle for him to move on loan from Chelsea to Milan,” Solhekol revealed. Furthermore, an interesting twist in the tale is the involvement of Jorge Mendes, Felix’s agent, who also represents Milan’s manager, Sergio Conceicao. This connection might be playing a pivotal role in the negotiations.
Photo IMAGO
Potential Impact on Milan
Should the move materialise, Milan would be securing the services of a versatile and highly skilled forward. Felix’s ability to play across the front line could offer Milan additional firepower, something they might need to bolster their attack for the remainder of the season. His flair and creativity could blend well with the tactical approaches of Conceicao, potentially reigniting the dynamism in Milan’s offensive play.
Chelsea’s Strategy
On the flip side, Chelsea’s decision to loan out Felix might raise some eyebrows among the fans. However, this could be a strategic move by the club to allow Felix more game time and experience in a different competitive environment, which could be beneficial for his development. It also suggests that Chelsea is possibly restructuring its squad or making room for new signings.
Broader Implications for European Football
This potential loan deal is not just a simple player transfer but could signify a shift in how top clubs manage their talented youngsters. By loaning Felix to Milan, Chelsea is utilising a strategic asset placement that could benefit both the player and the clubs involved. It highlights the intricate network of relationships in European football, where agents can influence significant moves.
Photo: IMAGO
Our View – EPL Index Analysis
As a Chelsea supporter, the news of Joao Felix potentially moving to Milan on loan is met with mixed emotions. On one hand, Felix’s lack of consistent starting opportunities at Chelsea has been frustrating. A player of his calibre deserves more minutes on the pitch to demonstrate his worth. Milan could offer him the stage he needs to flourish and prove his mettle.
On the other hand, his departure, even on a temporary basis, leaves Chelsea with one less attacking option. Given our current position and ambitions, depth is crucial, and Felix offers something different upfront. His potential blossoming at Milan could be a double-edged sword; while it would be a testament to Chelsea’s ability to nurture talent, it could also be a missed opportunity if he truly comes into his own away from Stamford Bridge.
Ultimately, if Felix thrives in Milan, it could either make Chelsea rue the decision to let him go temporarily or applaud the foresight in giving him the platform elsewhere. As fans, we will watch keenly, hoping his journey in Milan enhances his skills and brings him back to us a more seasoned and impactful player.
In conclusion, the possible loan of Joao Felix to Milan is a move loaded with potential ramifications for all the entities involved. It’s a testament to the intricate dance of player management in modern football, where career trajectories can be significantly influenced by strategic loans and the complex interplay between clubs and agents. As this saga unfolds, it will undoubtedly capture the attention of football fans around the globe, eager to see how it impacts the current dynamics at both Chelsea and Milan.
It has been reported that a deal has been agreed between Chelsea and AC Milan for the transfer of a star player on deadline day.
The Chelsea star, who has been pushing for a move to AC Milan, is eager to make the switch to the Serie A club before the transfer window closes.
The player’s desire to move to AC Milan has been well known for some time now, and it seems that his wish is finally set to be granted.
Both clubs have reportedly reached an agreement on the transfer fee, and the player is now set to undergo a medical and finalize personal terms with AC Milan.
Fans of both clubs will be eagerly awaiting official confirmation of the deal, and it will certainly be an exciting end to the transfer window for all involved. Stay tuned for more updates as the deadline day drama unfolds.
PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. (AP) — Sepp Straka got most of his work done before the weather started to turn Friday in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, posting another 7-under 65 for a three-shot lead that left Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler and everyone having to chase him.
Straka, coming off a win two weeks ago in the California desert, showed a game that works just fine at sea level in less-than-ideal conditions, particularly the final hour.
Out came the mittens and beanies. Down came the temperature, accompanied by a little rain.
McIlroy went from challenging for the lead to making four bogeys in a six-hole stretch, before he finished his wild back nine at Pebble Beach with a 25-foot eagle putt to salvage a 70 that left him six shots behind.
Scheffler took a walk down the beach on the 18th hole, turning a potential bogey into a par when he hopped down a pair of rock ledges to the sandy soil, managed to get his ball back into play and hit 6-iron to the green. He shot 70 and was seven behind.
Andrew Novak got his first victory on the PGA Tour, which comes with a plaque on the wall off the first tee, not a trip to the Masters. Novak teamed with billionaire investor Philippe Laffont to win the pro-am.
The weekend at Pebble Beach is only for the 79 pros — Ludvig Aberg had to withdraw with an illness that affected him last week at Torrey Pines — and for the hardiest of players.
Gusts approaching 30 mph are in the forecast, along with spots of rain. Pebble Beach, that felicitous meeting of land and sea, is a beast in nasty weather.
“Went from zero to about 20 miles an hour pretty quickly,” Straka said of his final four holes at Pebble Beach, which including missing a 3-foot par putt on the 16th for his only bogey of the round, and a 4-iron into 30 feet for a two-putt birdie at the last.
He was at 14-under 130, three shots ahead of Russell Henley, who had a 69 at Pebble Beach, and Cam Davis of Australia, who had a 68 at Spyglass Hill.
“It’s going to change Pebble a lot,” said Tony Finau, who had a 67 at Spyglass Hill and was in a large group at 10-under 134.
“It’s unfortunate because Pebble is pure right now, really pure. The ball is bouncing and anytime that’s the case at Pebble, I think it’s pretty magical to play. We’ll have to adjust, just adapt as we do out here and we’ll just have to do that on the weekend.”
McIlroy was magnificent with the driver and didn’t get much out of it. Still, he opened with four birdies in seven holes — the scoring stretch at Pebble — until he missed the green on the par-3 12th, hit it heavy out of fairway bunker on the 13th and was out of position off the tee at the 15th and 16th holes, all leading to bogey.
His round ended with an eagle, and he was still in the mix.
Scheffler, in a 2025 debut delayed by minor surgery on his right hand for a freak puncture wound while making ravioli, ran off three straight birdies, including a shot to 2 feet on the tough eighth hole. That was the last of his birdies, but it was the par that saved him.
He pulled his tee shot left on the par-5 18th toward the largest water hazard in golf. Scheffler didn’t see the ball carom off the rocks or splash in the Pacific Ocean. His only option was to go forward to the end of the tee box, so he opted to walk 300 yards and take a look.
He spotted a golf ball on the beach — it was his — and was able to move enough small rocks and seaweed to advance that to the fairway and make par.
“The unpredictability was the most difficult part,” Scheffler said. “After the tee ball, I definitely would have taken a par, no complaints.”
Not many from Straka, either, who would appear to be riding some momentum from his victory in The American Express. He attributes much of that to a slight change in his putting, going to a skinnier grip and moving his hands slightly higher.
“Palm Springs was the first time in a long time I felt that I had four really good putting rounds in a row,” Straka said. “Yeah, I think that’s definitely made a huge difference.”
But he pulled back when he was asked if was on a big run.
“A six-round run,” he said. “I mean, no, I would not classify that as a run. I think Scottie Scheffler is on a run.”
The 2025 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am has been nothing short of exciting as Austrian golfer Sepp Straka has taken the lead on the leaderboard, closely followed by Tony Finau and Tom Kim.
Straka has been in top form, showcasing his skill and precision on the iconic Pebble Beach Golf Links. With a combination of powerful drives and accurate putting, he has managed to stay ahead of the competition.
However, Finau and Kim are not far behind, putting on a strong performance and keeping the pressure on Straka. With their consistent play and impressive shot-making, they are poised to make a run for the top spot.
As the tournament continues, all eyes will be on these three talented golfers as they battle it out for the coveted title. Stay tuned for more updates on the 2025 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
Nkunku is determined to leave Chelsea in the next few days. The France international forward is not happy about being a fringe player for Enzo Maresca’s team, where he features mostly as a starter in the UEFA Conference League. He has told the Blues’ hierarchy that he wants to find a new project, and the club are not against letting him leave if their valuation is matched. However, they want to recoup the €60m they spent to sign him from RB Leipzig just 18 months ago.
The former PSG player would be happy to stay in England or go back to Germany. And sources said that Manchester United have asked to be kept informed of developments in case Alejandro Garnacho departs. — JulienLaurens
Meanwhile, Chelsea are close to reaching an agreement to sign 16-year-old Corinthians left-back Denner, but due to FIFA rules, he could only make the transfer to England after he turns 18. — ESPN Brasil
Yes. Bayern Munich director Max Eberl has confirmed that the 19-year-old Tel wants to leave and said: “I’ve rarely had so many clubs call me about a player before.” But although Chelsea have made a lot of the early running, Tottenham feel they have an opportunity to win the race by offering a clearer path to regular first-team football and had a €60m offer accepted on Thursday night. The player has yet to make a decision though and personal terms have not been reached.
Sources said that Manchester United, Aston Villa and Ligue 1 side Marseille are also interested — although United must focus on outgoings first — while it remains unclear if Arsenal pivot away from their pursuit of Villa striker Ollie Watkins. If they do, Tel will be one alternative. — James Olley
After telling Bayern that he wanted to stay, Tel has changed his mind and has opened the door to a departure before the deadline as he has become frustrated by his lack of game time this season. Bayern want €60m for a permanent deal but are hoping that a bidding war breaks out between interested clubs; Tel wants to move to England and join a team where he will play regularly — ideally one that is in the Champions League.
Currently, Tottenham are leading the way but are not in a strong position considering their poor league performance. United have been in talks with Bayern and Tel’s agent for two days, but the club has to find an exit for Marcus Rashford first, and time is running out.
Tel could be Arsenal’s second option if they don’t manage to sign Watkins, while, as James says, Chelsea were the first club to get in touch about the player early in this transfer window and could yet move if Nkunku is allowed to depart. — Laurens
Which players could leave Man United before the deadline?
Man United would consider offers to sign midfielder Christian Eriksen and defender Victor Lindelöf before the deadline, but that’s optimistic because they will both be free agents this summer. Casemiro, 32, is available, and United are willing to sanction a straight loan while paying a portion of his wages. However, the Brazilian hasn’t shown much desire to go this month, and he already rejected a move to Roma, which means it would take a good offer to get things moving.
Young striker Rasmus Højlund is another interesting situation. He’s not playing well, but many clubs are looking for a striker on loan. United, however, could not afford to let Antony (who has already signed for Real Betis on loan), Rashford and Højlund leave without bringing in a replacement. — Rob Dawson
And what about Rashford?
Man United want him out and Rashford wants to play, but this has now become a game of poker. Will United drop their financial demands or will Rashford agree to take a pay cut to move to another club? It’s likely either will need to happen if he’s going to go before the deadline.
It’s possible that this one will go right to the wire on Monday. Which side is going to blink first? — Dawson
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Why Marcotti thinks Arsenal should go for Vlahovic over Watkins
Gabriele Marcotti believes that Arsenal should target Dusan Vlahovic instead of Ollie Watkins after they tabled a bid for the English striker.
Is Man City’s business over for January?
They hope not. The possibility that midfielder Douglas Luiz could be allowed to leave Juventus has got City boss Pep Guardiola and sporting director Txiki Begiristain interested. City would be keen on a loan for Luiz — who used to play for the club 2017-19, but he didn’t make a first-team appearance until the end of the season with an option to make it permanent. Juventus have suggested they want a permanent move now or an obligation to sign permanently in the summer.
As right-back Kyle Walker has left for Milan, there’s also interest in Juventus full-back Andrea Cambiaso, whose transfer is valued at around €80m, but that might have to wait until the summer.
One thing that could be of interest is the fact that Al Nassr have a delegation based in London ahead of the SPL deadline on Friday night and one of the players being discussed is City midfielder Mateo Kovacic. As of Thursday evening, City had yet to receive contact from the Saudi club, r but informal enquiries have been made to Kovacic’s representatives. It’s a hard deal to do but one to keep an eye on. — Dawson
James McAtee is likely to stay at City this month because the club is unable to loan him out of the country. City have already used their full allocation of six loans and cannot sanction another, so unless Bayer Leverkusen are prepared to make a significant offer to sign him permanently rather than on loan, he will be staying at the Etihad. — Mark Ogden
Tottenham are struggling in the league, will they sign anyone?
Ange Postecoglou certainly wants them to, but oddly, that is part of the problem. Postecoglou has a very specific style of play and wants players to fit that system, but the 59-year-old is under mounting pressure after a dismal run of results has left Spurs in 15th place in the Premier League. So do Spurs back a manager they may have to sack in the coming weeks? Or do they hedge their bets in the final few days of the window, either keeping their powder dry as players return from injury or sign a player the club feels is better suited to their future plans with one eye on life after Postecoglou? Either way, there is surely a consensus that the forward line needs strengthening and they’ve had that €60m bid for Tel accepted, although it remains to be seen if he wants to move to Spurs.
Central midfield has long needed more guile, hence the interest in Lille‘s Angel Gomes. Chairman Daniel Levy has long held a reputation for doing business late in the window, and here we are again. — Olley
With only six months remaining on his contract at Lille, Gomes is attracting a lot of interest from the Premier League. At 24, the former Manchester United academy graduate wants to come home. He has been great with Lille in the last four seasons, playing in the Champions League and making his England debut. Tottenham are keen to sign him, like West Ham and Everton, but this one is probably more for the summer transfer window than the final days of January. — Laurens
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Is Ricardo Pepi the answer to West Ham’s striker struggles?
Gab Marcotti and Julien Laurens discuss USMNT striker Ricardo Pepi’s reported move to Premier League side West Ham.
Any other interesting deals in the works?
– Brighton striker Evan Ferguson is the subject of interest from Bournemouth, West Ham, Everton and Bayer Leverkusen heading into the final days of the transfer window, with sources telling ESPN that the Republic of Ireland international could yet leave the Amex Stadium in a permanent deal. Sources said that a move to German Bundesliga would appeal to the 20-year-old, due to the success of a number of young players doing the same in recent years, but Brighton are open to a loan or a permanent transfer. — Ogden
– Chelsea defender Axel Disasiwants to go to Aston Villa and the club has received an offer for a loan with no option to sign permanently. The discussions are continuing, but all parties are optimistic a deal will happen. — Laurens
– Newcastle United have been looking closely at Real Sociedad winger Take Kubo, but the Spanish club won’t let him leave this month. — Rodri Faez
– Atlanta United is closing in on the acquisition of Middlesbrough striker Latte Lath, and is prepared to break the record for an incoming transfer to MLS in order to get the $22m (plus add-ons) deal over the line. — Jeff Carlisle
– Former U.S. international forward Matthew Hoppe is set to sign with Danish side Sonderskjye, a source has confirmed to ESPN after Transfermarkt initially broke the news. Capped eight times for the U.S., Hoppe had been on the books of English Championship side Middlesbrough, but had his contract terminated by mutual consent earlier this month. — Carlisle
– Napoli want to sign PSV Eindhoven forward Noa Lang. The Italian club have offered a fee of €25m, but PSV do not want to let the 25-year-old go and instead are looking to bring in a left-back themselves, following Matteo Dams‘ departure to the United Arab Emirates. — ESPN NL
– Feyenoord do not want to let Mexico strikerSantiago Giménez leave the club this month. But AC Milan are interested and are reported to be preparing a €35m offer for the 23-year-old. — ESPN NL
– Ajax are looking to bring in a left winger, but they might already have the perfect option. Carlos Forbs, who is on loan at Wolves and has made just one start and nine appearances overall in the Premier League, is in talks over an early return to Amsterdam. — ESPN NL
– Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo, who has previously played for Liverpool, Barcelona and Fiorentina, is one of the main targets for Santos after they announced the return of Neymar, but is set to move to Girona. — ESPN Brasi
– Botafogo and Cruzeiro are both looking to hire a new coach. For Botafogo, Vasco Matos (Santa Clara) is an option, while there have been rumors about former Barcelona and Inter Miami boss Gerardo Martino and ex-Liverpool and Real Madrid coach Rafael Benítez that have not advanced. For Cruzeiro, Renato Gaúcho (formerly of Grêmio) has been tipped to replace Fernando Diniz. — ESPN Brasil
– Flamengo are trying to reach an agreement to sign Arsenal midfielder Jorginho, after closing a move for Juventus defender Danilo. — ESPN Brasil
– Palmeiras striker Rony has seen a move to Qatari side Al Rayyan collapse, while Palmeiras have not given up on the signing of Fulham midfielder Andreas Pereira and will wait until Monday’s deadline day before restarting negotiations. — ESPN Brasil
– Toluca are still looking to sign a goalkeeper after the surprise departure of Tiago Volpi, who decided to return to Brazil with Gremio for personal reasons. Sources told ESPN there is interest in Marseille goalkeeper Pau López, who is on loan at Girona of Spain. — Adriana Maldonado, ESPN Deportes
– Boca Juniors have made an offer to sign Roma captain and midfielder Leandro Paredes, and are now waiting for a response. — ESPN Argentina
Transfer window weekly: Nkunku pushing for Chelsea exit; Tel eyes Premier League move
In this week’s transfer window update, it has been reported that Christopher Nkunku is pushing for an exit from Chelsea. The midfielder has struggled for regular playing time at the club and is said to be seeking a move in search of more opportunities.
On the other hand, Tel is eyeing a move to the Premier League. The talented young player has been impressing in his current club and is now looking to make the jump to one of the top-flight teams in England.
With the transfer window heating up, these two players could be on the move soon. Stay tuned for more updates as the window progresses.
The Dodgers are now on track for a $379 million payroll, per Fangraphs’ estimate, which would be the largest payroll in MLB history. The 110% CBT surcharge would mean this deal is more like a $27.3 million pact for them.
Yates is coming off one of the best seasons in baseball by a reliever, with a 1.17 ERA that ranked behind only Cleveland Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase for the best mark among relievers.
Yates emerged as a relief ace in 2018 with the San Diego Padres and has had an up-and-down career since then. He has had brilliant seasons, but he underwent a second Tommy John surgery in 2021. It took a while for him to get his form back, but he was everything the Texas Rangers could have possibly wanted when they signed him to a one-year deal last year.
Now he goes to the Dodgers, a team that definitely didn’t need him but will definitely find a use for him. There is, however, an issue here.
Where are the Dodgers going to put all these relievers?
It’s often said in baseball that you can never have enough relievers. The Dodgers are testing that.
Before landing Yates, the Dodgers agreed to terms with former Padres closer Tanner Scott on a four-year, $72 million deal. Before that, they brought back Blake Treinen on a two-year, $22 million deal.
Los Angeles didn’t have to do any of that because their bullpen was already pretty well set up with Michael Kopech, Alex Vesia, Evan Phillips and more under team control. And with the team likely to use a six-man rotation, it’s expected that they’re going to have a seven-man bullpen.
That means their bullpen, using their best and healthy relievers available (Brusdar Graterol is out after undergoing labrum surgery), looks something like:
If we were to go straight to the playoffs, that would be a great unit to have. However, for the needs of the regular season, a) the Dodgers will want a guy who can handle bulk innings and b) they’re going to want relievers they can option for quick roster room. There is also no shortage of other possibilities, such as Michael Grove, Dustin May and the team’s considerable minor-league depth.
The problem with the unit above is only Vesia and Banda still have options, and Vesia is a guy the Dodgers will always want around if healthy.
Kirby Yates makes the Dodgers even more ridiculous. In more ways than one. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)
Given that the Dodgers play the roster-spot game with their bullpen more than any other team in baseball and that they still have to clear a roster spot to officially add Yates (unless they want to wait for spring training, when they can start putting players on the 60-day IL), another move is certainly coming.
Brasier, the natural choice as the unit’s fifth-best right-hander, has already been reported to be available. Beyond that, it probably depends on the team’s injury outlook when Opening Day rolls around.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have made another major addition to their already stacked roster, reportedly signing free agent closer Kirby Yates. This move is said to push the team’s payroll to an estimated $379 million, making them one of the highest spending teams in baseball.
Yates, who is coming off a season-ending injury in 2020, is expected to bolster the Dodgers’ bullpen and provide much-needed depth in the closing role. With his impressive track record of success, including leading the league in saves in 2019, Yates is sure to be a key piece for the defending World Series champions.
The Dodgers have been aggressive in their pursuit of top talent this offseason, making several high-profile signings and trades to solidify their status as a powerhouse in the National League. With a lineup full of All-Stars and a deep pitching staff, the addition of Yates only strengthens their chances of repeating as champions in 2021.
Fans are eagerly anticipating the start of the season to see how this star-studded team will perform on the field. Stay tuned for more updates as the Dodgers gear up for another exciting year of baseball.
U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson says he’s pushing his GOP colleagues to pursue recess appointments to quickly confirm President Trump’s cabinet nominees.
“Democrats are going to keep running out the clock here and denying President Trump the confirmed secretaries for his departments. I mean, it’s pretty grotesque from my standpoint,” Johnson said on WISN’s “UpFront,” which is produced in partnership with WisPolitics. “If Democrats won’t cooperate, allow these individuals who are going to be confirmed in a timely fashion, President Trump needs to get his team in place, and if that means recess appointments, that’s the route we should take.”
Entering the second week of the Trump administration, Johnson, a member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, said he was unaware of any increased immigration enforcement currently underway in Wisconsin.
“The Trump administration is going after people that are a real danger to society, the real criminals,” Johnson said. “In those law enforcement actions, if they find people in this country illegally, they’ll also be caught up in the law enforcement actions.
“Local law enforcement ought to cooperate with federal law enforcement,” Johnson added when asked if state and local officials should be prosecuted if they obstruct deportation efforts.
Last week, a federal judge halted Trump’s executive order ending birthright citizenship, a move Johnson said he backed.
“I understand his opinion,” Johnson said, referring to the judge. “It’s what conservative judges do, they apply the law as they interpret it. From a standpoint of just international law, we’re only one of the very few nations that allow birthright citizenship. I know why we passed the 14th Amendment. I think it definitely applied in that circumstance. Supporters then, I’m not sure the people passing the 14th Amendment, would anticipate wide open borders and this flood of illegal immigrants coming uncontrolled into this country, somewhat incentivized by birthright citizenship. So, times have changed. We’ll see how this is adjudicated in the courts.”
On Trump’s sweeping Jan. 6 pardons, Johnson said he would have been more cautious.
“There was a grotesque miscarriage of justice throughout the Biden administration,” Johnson said. “Certainly as it relates to people that participated in Jan. 6, a lot of that misjustice had to be rectified. I would have probably gone at it a little more cautiously. But in the end I think President Trump said let’s just pardon them all. I don’t have a real problem. I think the people who did commit violent acts, I’m not sure I would have pardoned them, but I think they served jail time, and you have to really take a look at what jail time they served versus, for example, violent criminals in New York and California that are just being let on the streets.”
Attorney General Josh Kaul says he is “not intimidated” by the new Trump administration and Justice Department memo calling for local officials to be prosecuted if they obstruct deportation efforts, calling it a “disastrous first week in office.”
“These are intimidation tactics,” Kaul told “UpFront.” “I’m not intimidated. I know that my colleagues in other states are not intimidated because we uphold the law, and we’re going to do what’s in the best interest of the people of our state.”
The Dem AG said he has not been in touch with any ICE or federal officials but explained what he sees as the state’s role in federal immigration enforcement.
“The issue that’s going to come up is when we have discretionary decisions to make, how are we going to allocate law enforcement resources?” Kaul said. “So at the Department of Justice, our focus is on investigating and prosecuting the most significant cases or cases where there’s nobody else who can step up and bring an investigation or prosecution, and I don’t want to see resources to be diverted away from homicide investigations or the investigations of other serious crimes to make state law enforcement agencies sort of deputies for a federal agency.
“Certainly, if there’s somebody who has committed some horrific, violent crime and there’s an effort to deport them, nobody wants to see those folks remain in the country,” Kaul added. “But at the same time, I don’t want to see some of the extreme stuff we’ve seen from the Trump administration, like potentially having immigration raids at churches or schools, against people who themselves have committed no crime other than being here undocumented.”
Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said Republicans will introduce legislation that would “require that everyone has to follow the law and cooperate with ICE.”
“I’ve seen the speaker’s comments in the press, but we haven’t seen any potential bill drafts,” Kaul said. “And that’s unfortunate because if you want to have effective law enforcement efforts, having collaboration, and having an opportunity to think through bills and make sure they’re effective is a good thing. What I think we’re seeing instead is an effort to play politics with this issue, and that’s concerning, particularly when we have police chiefs and sheriffs around the state of Wisconsin who make judgments every day about how to use their resources most effectively. That’s who I want to see making decisions about law enforcement resources, not Robin Vos and not the Legislature.”
Madison-based attorney Peter Moyers, who represented several Jan. 6 defendants in Minnesota and Wisconsin, said Wisconsin client Charles Walters was surprised by Trump’s pardon.
“He had always said, look, ‘I know I was wrong,’” Moyers told “UpFront.” “‘I shouldn’t have been in there. I just don’t think I did that much damage,’ and he was certainly prepared to take his lumps and take his punishment, which he saw something he had coming.”
Walters was still awaiting sentencing. Prosecutors say he kicked through fencing and confronted police.
“We now live in the digital age, and a lot of this is stuff that no pardon or commutation or anything like that can erase,” Moyers said. “You can still find out all about it. Unfortunately, this is going to be all my client’s top Google hits for their name, maybe for the rest of their lives.”
Moyers says he’s politically “on the left” and learned himself from his clients.
“On Jan. 6, 2021, I was really upset, I was horrified, and even though I’m a criminal defense lawyer I said in my heart I don’t care what happens,” Moyers said. “I think all these people need to be put in prison. And then, as always happens in my work, you meet people and you see that it’s a little more complex than that. And it put me in contact with a lot of people that I otherwise might not even spend time with because they think so differently than I do. And so, you know, it was kind of an odd way for me to meet people who think very differently than I do. It gave me some insight into as divided in this country as people are, people sometimes screw up.”
In a recent interview on ‘UpFront’, Senator Johnson revealed his plans to push for recess appointments of several of President Trump’s cabinet picks. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story. #Johnson #Trump #CabinetPicks #UpFront
Chelsea Green is certainly doing well as the reigning WWE Women’s U.S. Champion but has plans for a major television role outside of WWE.
On a recent edition of the “Wrestling Classic” podcast, Green discussed a possible future in acting, as well as showing off her dancing skills. She said,
“I think that acting will definitely be my next step. I think it’ll intertwine with WWE. I hope it intertwines, I want to stay with WWE as long as I can, but who knows what’s gonna happen. Right now, I’m pushing for ‘Dancing with the Stars.’”
Green would not be the first WWE name to appear on the show, as Chris Jericho, Nikki Bella, and The Miz have appeared on Dancing With The Stars.
The Canadian has some acting experience, including as part of the 2016 wrestling movie Chokeslam which also featured WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry.
What does Chelsea Green make to the massive ladder spot she was a part of at WWE Money in the Bank 2024? Click here to find out more.
Chelsea Green, the talented and charismatic wrestler who was recently released from WWE, is not wasting any time in pushing for a major TV role outside of the company.
Since her departure from WWE, Green has been vocal about her desire to showcase her skills and personality on a larger platform. In a recent interview, she expressed her eagerness to explore opportunities in television, whether it be in acting or hosting.
Green’s passion for entertainment and her natural charisma make her a perfect fit for a TV role outside of the wrestling world. With her experience in front of the camera and her ability to connect with audiences, she has the potential to shine in a variety of roles.
As she continues to navigate the world of entertainment outside of WWE, fans can expect to see Chelsea Green making a splash on the small screen in the near future. Keep an eye out for this talented and driven performer as she takes on new challenges and continues to chase her dreams outside the ring.
FILE PHOTO: Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas has responded to Nandan Nilekani’s comments around India not needing to build its own models, saying he disagreed with the Infosys co-founder.
| Photo Credit: KSL
Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas said that Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani’s comment on India not needing to build its own AI models “is wrong.” Though Mr. Srinivas acknowledged Mr. Nilekani’s contributions to India’s tech industry, he noted that companies can train their own AI models while also building on top of existing models.
“To be clear: Nandan Nilekani is awesome, and he’s done far more for India than any of us can imagine through Infosys, UPI, etc. But he’s wrong on pushing Indians to ignore model training skills and just focus on building on top of existing models. Essential to do both,” Mr. Srinivas tweeted.
In October, Mr. Nilekani advised Indian AI startups to stay away from building large language models (LLMs) and make practical AI applications instead.
“Our goal should not be to build one more LLM. Let the big boys in the (Silicon) Valley do it, spending billions of dollars. We will use it to create synthetic data, build small language models quickly, and train them using appropriate data,” Mr. Nilekani said at the Meta AI Summit.
Mr. Nilekani said the focus must be on building infrastructure that can collect data to deploy and scale apps in a frugal manner. “Let other people build LLMs, we will make sure it works for people” he stated.
Other industry leaders in the country have echoed similar ideas when it comes to building new AI models.
“I don’t think there’s going to be a huge incremental advantage in building your own LLMs since there are so many already available. If you go by the existing heritage of most Indian organisations, we are more of system integrators. If you take a similar approach here, we are better off,” told TCS CEO K. Krithivasan to The Hindu’s Businessline a week ago.
Published – January 21, 2025 04:33 pm IST
In a recent interview, Perplexity CEO Arvind Srinivas shared his thoughts on Nandan Nilekani’s suggestion to prioritize model deployment over model training skills in India’s tech industry. Srinivas argued that Nilekani is wrong in his approach, emphasizing the importance of developing strong model training skills.
According to Srinivas, model training is the foundation of any successful AI project. Without proper training, models will not be able to accurately analyze and interpret data, leading to unreliable results. He believes that focusing solely on model deployment without adequate training skills will ultimately hinder India’s progress in AI technology.
Srinivas also highlighted the potential impact on job opportunities in the tech sector. By neglecting model training skills, India may miss out on valuable opportunities for growth and innovation in AI development. He stressed the need for a balanced approach, where both model training and deployment skills are given equal importance.
In conclusion, Srinivas expressed his disagreement with Nilekani’s viewpoint, advocating for a comprehensive strategy that prioritizes model training skills alongside deployment. He believes that this approach will better position India as a leader in AI technology and drive future advancements in the industry.
If NFL commissioner Roger Goodell gets his wish, New Orleans Saints fans and fans around the league will get a chance to see their favorite team one more week each season.
Goodell told Bloomberg he sees an expansion to 18 games in the league’s future. In doing so, they would decrease the amount of preseason games in order to stay “within that 20-game framework.” Goodell added, “We went to 16 and four, and now 17 and three. So 18 and two is a logical step.”
Considering it a logical step may depend on who you’re talking to. In some ways, it feels like 18 regular season games was always the long-term goal, and the 17-game format was being used as a feeler to see if it was feasible.
Clearly, Goodell believes it is and is ready to push to add another game to the schedule. We know what the plan is for the preseason, but there are other things to figure out, mainly will teams get an additional bye week.
The league bumped up to 17 games when the last collective bargaining agreement was signed in 2020. That agreement doesn’t expire until 2030. Heading into a new CBA seems like the point where this decision would be made and these questions will be answered.
If the NFL does decide to change the length of the regular season at the end of the CBA, it’ll be the quickest the NFL decided to change the schedule since going from 11 games to 12 games after just a year in 1947.
Roger Goodell, the commissioner of the NFL, has been vocal about his desire to expand the regular season once again. With the league recently expanding to a 17-game schedule, Goodell is now pushing for even more games to be added to the regular season.
Goodell believes that expanding the regular season would not only generate more revenue for the league, but also provide fans with more opportunities to watch their favorite teams in action. He argues that with advancements in player health and safety protocols, players are better equipped to handle an extended season.
Critics, however, have raised concerns about the toll that an expanded season would take on players’ bodies, citing the increased risk of injuries and player burnout. Some have also questioned whether adding more games to the regular season would dilute the quality of play and impact the integrity of the game.
Despite the pushback, Goodell remains steadfast in his belief that expanding the regular season is in the best interest of the league. Only time will tell if his vision will come to fruition, but one thing is for certain – the debate over the length of the NFL regular season is far from over.
For the better part of three years, only two players have held the Hologic WTA’s No.1 ranking. That fierce, furious competition between Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka has elevated both their games and kept them on top. They have won seven of the past 11 Grand Slam singles titles, including three of four in 2024.
In business, it’s called dynamic tension. You can see it in Silicon Valley, where billion-dollar-behemoths Apple and Google — two of the world’s most successful tech companies — are separated by less than a 10-minute drive.
“I actually love this — I’m a huge fan to have this,” Anton Dubrov, Sabalenka’s coach, recently said. “For me, the biggest and most exciting is when you overcome the person in front.
“I think it’s harder to be first, but at the same time it also helps you improve even more because you understand that someone’s always behind you. You feel much more pressure, but this is also where you can show, under that pressure, doing the right things, how you can be the real No.1.”
Heading into this week’s Australian Open, it’s Sabalenka.
Swiatek held No.1 for 75 weeks after Ashleigh Barty announced her retirement in April 2022. Sabalenka snatched it for the first time after the 2023 US Open, but gave it back eight weeks later when Swiatek won her last 11 matches of the year — including a pivotal straight-sets semifinal decision over Sabalenka at the WTA Finals in Cancun.
After a 50-week run, Swiatek was overcome again at the end of the 2024 season when Sabalenka won 20 of 21 matches, taking titles in Cincinnati, New York at the US Open and Wuhan. You could see it coming after Sabalenka’s straight-sets win over Swiatek in the Cincinnati semifinals.
“She won two Grand Slams so, obviously, the results are there,” Swiatek said of Sabalenka. “Missing Wimbledon for sure, must have been frustrating. But I think she was able to play great tennis in the US Open swing because she was more fresh than all of us.
“But still, you need a lot of work to try to convert this time into something positive. So I think she did that pretty well. And, yeah, she’s for sure, progressing.”
Publicly the players have been increasingly generous with their praise for each other. Their spirited competition for No.1, their mutual respect has helped lift their games, as well as the visibility of the Hologic WTA Tour. Their wild match in the Madrid final — won by Swiatek 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (7) — was voted the 2024 WTA Match of the Year.
“I thought we have to stay together and have fun and just enjoy our rivalry, not be too tough on each other,” Sabalenka said. “Since that, we already practiced a couple of times.
“Then I was doing fitness after our hit. She was like, ‘I can join you guys.’ We filmed it and post it. It’s been becoming more chill between us, too. I have to say she’s really nice person. It was fun getting to know each other.”
The ever-evolving arms race
Sabalenka actually began the 2022 season as the No.2 player behind Barty, but Swiatek, on the strength of titles in Doha and Indian Wells, was No.2 when the affable Australian decided to retire.
One reason Sabalenka didn’t catch Swiatek earlier was her sometimes spotty service game. After a tour-leading 428 double faults (nearly eight per match), Sabalenka brought in a technical expert and cut that number nearly in half. She broke through at the 2023 Australian Open, winning her first major singles title, and repeated again in Melbourne last year.
“I just feel like her serving used to feel like it would maybe always go off at some point,” Jessica Pegula said. “But now it’s been clutch in all these tough moments, which is something we’re all going to, unfortunately have to deal with for the next few years.”
Sabalenka’s forehand has always been lethal, but now it lands more often under pressure. There is a growing consistency in her point construction and she’s made a conscious decision to move forward more often and employ more drop shots. Most important, she’s learned to control her emotions when things get squirrely.
“She’s become such a more complete player,” Pegula said. “It seems like mentally she’s just dialed in and has figured it out, which used to be her biggest liability at times has become her best weapon on the court.
“Iga’s pushed us to be better. Now [Aryna’s] kind of stepped it up and showing, `Hey, now I’m pushing everybody else to be better.’”
Zheng Qinwen echoed Pegula’s sentiments
“Both Slams that she won [in 2024], I lost against her on the way,” Zheng said. “Which means that I have to be able to beat her. And I’m quite excited for that day.”
Work to do
After Sabalenka won last year’s Australian Open, Swiatek dominated for the next four months, winning four WTA 1000 titles — Doha, Indian Wells, Madrid and Rome — beating Sabalenka in both clay finals. She followed that up with her fourth Roland Garros championship in five years.
And then, for the next five months, Swiatek did not win a tournament. That’s not to say she wasn’t effective. Swiatek won the bronze medal in Olympic singles and reached the semifinals in Cincinnati and the quarters at the US Open. She skipped the WTA 1000 events in Toronto, Beijing and Wuhan.
When she arrived in Riyadh after a two-month break, Swiatek had a new coach, Wim Fissette, and an extensive wish list of upgrades.
So we meet again: Top points from Swiatek vs. Sabalenka through the years
“I think it’s kind of obvious,” Swiatek told reporters. “I for sure want to improve my serve, as I’ve been doing for past years. I feel like I still need to continue that.
“For sure I’m not a complete player. I think tactically there are many ways I could go and have more variety on court. Wim has some nice ideas.”
Swiatek holds a decisive 8-4 head-to-head advantage, but looking closer, it’s a 5-1 edge on clay and 3-all on hard courts. On slower courts, when Swiatek has time to set up, she’s more dangerous. On faster surfaces, Sabalenka’s power levels the field.
Only five players currently active have been the year-end No.1 — and Sabalenka, 26, and Swiatek, 23, are the only ones close to the prime of their careers. Going forward, it should be a fascinating back and forth. And soon, they could be challenged by Zheng, 22, and the 20-year-old Gauff.
After her terrific run late in the season, Sabalenka seemed to hit a wall in Riyadh, losing to Gauff in the semifinals. That didn’t dampen her enthusiasm for the coming season.
Jimmie48/WTA
“Super excited for the next year,” Sabalenka said. “Just want to push myself in those extra, extra moments I had this season, and I didn’t close matches.
Which one week into the 2025 season, she has. Sabalenka won her first event of the year, at the Brisbane International, her 18th career title.
What’s next? Dubrov, her coach of five years, knows. He offers Novak Djokovic as an example of an exemplary frontrunner. Djokovic pursued Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal for years before overtaking them. Now he’s the all-time men’s leader with 24 Grand Slam singles titles.
“It was like it was three years that he was unbeatable and unbelievable,” Dubrov said. “And you’re just inspired by his story because there’s no one he’s chasing. He’s the one who’s the leader all the time. Like you have to run the marathon always in front.”
Can Sabalenka do that?
“I hope so,” Dubrov said. “That’s what we try to work on, trying to get her not thinking about being No.1. What you have to do — you’re kind of chasing your own shadow that’s in front of you.
“And you have to try to catch it.”
Sabalenka and Swiatek have been making waves in the world of women’s tennis, pushing the limits at the top of the WTA rankings. Both players have been on a steady rise, showcasing their incredible talent and determination on the court.
Sabalenka, known for her powerful groundstrokes and aggressive style of play, has quickly become a force to be reckoned with. She has notched impressive wins against some of the top players in the world, including victories over Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka. Her fearless approach to the game has earned her a spot in the top 10 rankings and she shows no signs of slowing down.
Swiatek, on the other hand, burst onto the scene in 2020 with her stunning victory at the French Open. The young Polish player demonstrated incredible skill and composure on her way to capturing her first Grand Slam title. Since then, Swiatek has continued to impress, consistently performing at a high level and climbing up the rankings.
Both Sabalenka and Swiatek are setting new standards for excellence in women’s tennis, pushing themselves to reach new heights and inspiring fans around the world. Their fierce competitiveness and unwavering determination make them a formidable duo on the WTA tour, and it’s clear that they are just getting started.
As they continue to push the limits at the top of the WTA rankings, Sabalenka and Swiatek are sure to be players to watch in the coming years. Their talent, drive, and passion for the game make them true champions in every sense of the word.
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