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MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The plan for the Minnesota Vikings was to bring in Sam Darnold as the bridge between Kirk Cousins and J.J. McCarthy, confident his strong arm and starting experience would sufficiently run a high-caliber offense until the rookie was deemed ready to play. Darnold's performance to date has been much closer to superstar than mere stopgap. “He’s a baller," Vikings safety Harrison Smith said. "He can make stuff happen when he needs to. I know with the outside narrative on him and his path and everything, you might not think that, but ever since he got here, it felt like that was going to happen.” Having led the Vikings (10-2) to their fifth consecutive victory with the go-ahead touchdown pass against Arizona last week, one game after a stellar overtime drive to beat Chicago , Darnold has become one of the darlings of this NFL this season with his success in coach Kevin O'Connell's system after the third overall pick in the 2018 draft started his career in rather bleak fashion. His first year in Minnesota sure has been smoother than what Cousins has gone through in his debut with the Atlanta Falcons . Last week in a loss at home to the Los Angeles Chargers, Cousins matched his career high with four interceptions. “I don’t think anybody can put any more pressure on Kirk than he has for himself. He’s carried us through this season when we were figuring out a lot of things on defense,” Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett said. “He’s just having a hard time right now. There’s nothing to say he can’t catch fire and light it up like he’s been doing.” The Falcons (6-6) take their three-game losing streak on the road to face the Vikings, with division races for both teams in full swing. The quarterback contrasts have made this matchup all the more intriguing, with Cousins coming back to the place where he spent the previous six seasons. Cousins has a $25 million salary cap hit this season, the 11th-highest among quarterbacks in the league. Even if the Falcons were to move on in 2026 and swallow the dead money for two more years with eighth overall pick Michael Penix Jr. waiting in the wings, Cousins will carry a $40 million charge in 2025. Darnold’s cap charge is $5 million this season, just 31st on the list. Though he will become a free agent in March, the Vikings structured his contract with void years to spread his cap hit into next season for another $5 million. McCarthy, the 10th overall pick, won't be ready until next year after having surgery to repair the meniscus he tore in his right knee in his first preseason game. Though Darnold has had a couple of clunkers this year, the Vikings still won those games and he's bounced back strong without letting interceptions linger into future decisions. "He’s kind of found a little balance, at least the last few weeks, of ‘When is it too risky?’ and ‘When can I take my shot at something?’” offensive coordinator Wes Phillips said. The Falcons have seen as much on tape. “I think he’s playing free,” Pro Bowl safety Jessie Bates said. “It’s not a lot of complicated throws or anything that he’s doing. I just think that he’s finally able to feel comfortable in himself.” Falcons coach Raheem Morris decided to address the significance of Cousins’ homecoming with the team, bracing for the type of crowd reaction that will only intensify the noise at U.S. Bank Stadium that's already daunting for opponents. Minnesota's defense has thrived this season at home, using the fans to enhance the effectiveness of a disguise-based, aggressive scheme that leads the league with 18 interceptions and has also been adept at rushing the passer and stuffing the run. “The environment they create up in Minnesota is absolutely outstanding,” Morris said. Cousins isn't the only key figure from the Falcons who's well-known to Vikings coaches. Morris was the defensive coordinator in 2021 with the Los Angeles Rams when O'Connell was the offensive coordinator and Phillips was the tight ends coach on that Super Bowl champion team. Vikings running back Aaron Jones has fumbled three times in the last two games, losing two of them, but he hasn't lost the confidence of coaches or teammates as evidenced by the pass called for his go-ahead touchdown catch against the Cardinals. Family is a strong support system for him, too, but sometimes that means tough love. His mother, Vurgess Jones, let him have it after the game when they talked about the turnovers. “I was like, ‘I’ve got to learn from it,'” Jones said. “She was like, ‘You didn’t learn last week?'” He has matched his career high in 2024 with five fumbles and three lost, a fact not lost on a Falcons defense that's aggressive with dislodging techniques despite only four recovered fumbles in 12 games. “You can see it all over the tape: Those guys are coaching it," Phillips said. Vikings outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard, who was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Month after racking up eight tackles for loss in November, carried his pass-rushing mojo into December with a couple of clutch plays in the final minute to preserve the victory over Arizona. Greenard has 10 of the team's 39 sacks. “How many times this year has he affected the quarterback, drawn a penalty, sacked the quarterback, strip-sacked like last week in these critical moments where you need your best players to go make those plays?” O'Connell said. “He’s done it time and time again.” Falcons running back Bijan Robinson set a career high last week with 26 carries. He had 102 yards rushing and was again a significant part of the passing attack with six catches against the Chargers. “I just do whatever I can to help us as a team,” said Robinson, who’s fifth in the NFL with 1,277 combined yards from scrimmage. “I just trust whatever they have in the plan.” AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFLTrump has flip-flopped on abortion policy. His appointees may offer clues to what happens next

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Dell'Orso, Love lead the way as No. 24 Arizona beats Davidson 104-71 at Battle 4 AtlantisNEW YORK (AP) — New York guard Sabrina Ionescu underwent a procedure last Friday on her right thumb to stabilize the ulnar collateral ligament, according to a person familiar with the situation. The person spoke to The AP on Monday on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to speak publicly about it. The procedure was conducted by Dr. Steven S. Shin and considered a success. The Liberty's star has begun rehab and is estimated to return to on-court activities in about four weeks. Ionescu turned 27 on Friday and posted a picture on social media on Sunday sitting near flowers with a cast on her right shooting hand. “Getting my thumb fixed was quite the bday present,” part of the caption read. ESPN was the first to report the procedure. She sustained the injury during the WNBA Finals and it wasn't known she was hurt until after the Liberty won the title. She went 1-for-19 in the deciding Game 5 against Minnesota but found other ways to help the team win with eight assists and seven rebounds. It has been a busy year for the former Oregon great. She got married, helped New York win its first WNBA championship and earned an Olympic gold medal. AP WNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball

Global Artificial Intelligence AI Rendering Market Set For 25.4% Growth, Reaching $3.95 Billion By 2028WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump has promised to end birthright citizenship as soon as he gets into office to make good on campaign promises aiming to restrict immigration and redefining what it means to be American. But any efforts to halt the policy would face steep legal hurdles. Birthright citizenship means anyone born in the United States automatically becomes an American citizen. It's been in place for decades and applies to children born to someone in the country illegally or in the U.S. on a tourist or student visa who plans to return to their home country. It's not the practice of every country, and Trump and his supporters have argued that the system is being abused and that there should be tougher standards for becoming an American citizen. But others say this is a right enshrined in the 14th Amendment to the Constitution, it would be extremely difficult to overturn and even if it's possible, it's a bad idea. Here's a look at birthright citizenship, what Trump has said about it and the prospects for ending it: During an interview Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press” Trump said he “absolutely” planned to halt birthright citizenship once in office. “We’re going to end that because it’s ridiculous,” he said. Trump and other opponents of birthright citizenship have argued that it creates an incentive for people to come to the U.S. illegally or take part in “birth tourism,” in which pregnant women enter the U.S. specifically to give birth so their children can have citizenship before returning to their home countries. “Simply crossing the border and having a child should not entitle anyone to citizenship,” said Eric Ruark, director of research for NumbersUSA, which argues for reducing immigration. The organization supports changes that would require at least one parent to be a permanent legal resident or a U.S. citizen for their children to automatically get citizenship. Others have argued that ending birthright citizenship would profoundly damage the country. “One of our big benefits is that people born here are citizens, are not an illegal underclass. There’s better assimilation and integration of immigrants and their children because of birthright citizenship,” said Alex Nowrasteh, vice president for economic and social policy studies at the pro-immigration Cato Institute. In 2019, the Migration Policy Institute estimated that 5.5 million children under age 18 lived with at least one parent in the country illegally in 2019, representing 7% of the U.S. child population. The vast majority of those children were U.S. citizens. The nonpartisan think tank said during Trump’s campaign for president in 2015 that the number of people in the country illegally would “balloon” if birthright citizenship were repealed, creating “a self-perpetuating class that would be excluded from social membership for generations.” In the aftermath of the Civil War, Congress ratified the 14th Amendment in July 1868. That amendment assured citizenship for all, including Black people. “All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside,” the 14th Amendment says. “No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States.” But the 14th Amendment didn't always translate to everyone being afforded birthright citizenship. For example, it wasn't until 1924 that Congress finally granted citizenship to all Native Americans born in the U.S. A key case in the history of birthright citizenship came in 1898, when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Wong Kim Ark, born in San Francisco to Chinese immigrants, was a U.S. citizen because he was born in the states. The federal government had tried to deny him reentry into the county after a trip abroad on grounds he wasn’t a citizen under the Chinese Exclusion Act. But some have argued that the 1898 case clearly applied to children born of parents who are both legal immigrants to America but that it's less clear whether it applies to children born to parents without legal status or, for example, who come for a short-term like a tourist visa. “That is the leading case on this. In fact, it’s the only case on this,” said Andrew Arthur, a fellow at the Center for Immigration Studies, which supports immigration restrictions. “It’s a lot more of an open legal question than most people think.” Some proponents of immigration restrictions have argued the words “subject to the jurisdiction thereof” in the 14th Amendment allows the U.S. to deny citizenship to babies born to those in the country illegally. Trump himself used that language in his 2023 announcement that he would aim to end birthright citizenship if reelected. Trump wasn't clear in his Sunday interview how he aims to end birthright citizenship. Asked how he could get around the 14th Amendment with an executive action, Trump said: “Well, we’re going to have to get it changed. We’ll maybe have to go back to the people. But we have to end it.” Pressed further on whether he'd use an executive order, Trump said “if we can, through executive action." He gave a lot more details in a 2023 post on his campaign website . In it, he said he would issue an executive order the first day of his presidency, making it clear that federal agencies “require that at least one parent be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident for their future children to become automatic U.S. citizens.” Trump wrote that the executive order would make clear that children of people in the U.S. illegally “should not be issued passports, Social Security numbers, or be eligible for certain taxpayer funded welfare benefits.” This would almost certainly end up in litigation. Nowrasteh from the Cato Institute said the law is clear that birthright citizenship can’t be ended by executive order but that Trump may be inclined to take a shot anyway through the courts. “I don’t take his statements very seriously. He has been saying things like this for almost a decade," Nowrasteh said. "He didn’t do anything to further this agenda when he was president before. The law and judges are near uniformly opposed to his legal theory that the children of illegal immigrants born in the United States are not citizens." Trump could steer Congress to pass a law to end birthright citizenship but would still face a legal challenge that it violates the Constitution. Associated Press reporter Elliot Spagat in San Diego contributed to this report.Blackbaud CFO Anthony Boor sells $848,536 in stockExes Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady are kicking off their son Benjamin Brady 's birthday celebration with heartwarming messages. The former couple relayed their well-wishes alongside throwback photos of the teen on social media Dec. 8, the day he turned 15. "Happy birthday to the sweetest and funniest boy on earth," Gisele wrote on her Instagram Stories. "You have the biggest heart and it's amazing to see you grow into an incredible young man." The supermodel, who is pregnant with her third child and first with boyfriend Joaquim Valente , shared pics of herself hugging Benjamin alongside a lake and a pic of the boy fishing. Alongside an image of the two holding a chicken together, the 44-year-old added in Portuguese, "I love you lots." On his Instagram , Tom led a birthday tribute carousel to Benjamin with a pic of the two with the retired NFL icon's eldest son John "Jack" Edward Thomas Moynahan , 17—who he shares with ex Bridget Moynahan —at one of Taylor Swift ’s Eras Tour concerts in October. "Happy Birthday Benny!" the seven-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback wrote. "I'm so proud of the young man you are... You’re a student, artist, athlete, musician, and teammate... but most of all you’re the best brother and son anyone could ask for. You pour so much into everything you do, and it shows in the way you inspire others around you." Tom thanked Benjamin "for always making us laugh.... Even when you’re not supposed to!" He added, "I can’t wait to see all the great things you’ll continue to achieve. Dad loves you sooooooooo much!" The 47-year-old also included in his post a photo of Benjamin with his and Gisele's daughter Vivian Brady , who turned 12 three days earlier. The former couple, who divorced in 2022 , had also shared tributes to their daughter on social media . Several days before Vivian's birthday, Gisele had shared pics from her babymoon with Joaquim in Costa Rica . While neither has publicly addressed her pregnancy, she been open about her motherhood and coparenting journeys. Her and Tom's children, Gisele said, get to enjoy " two different worlds ." "Tom has to have time with them, and I have time with them," she explained to Robin Roberts during an Impact x Nightline special in March, "which I think is amazing because they get to really experience more enrichment for their lives." Look back at Tom and his kids' cutest family moments... Gisele Bündchen shared this family photo on Instagram on Tom Brady 's son Jack 's 14th birthday, writing, "Happy birthday Jack! We are all so lucky to have you in our lives. Thank you for being the best big brother in the world. We love you soooo much!" While wearing his Christopher Cloos x Brady sunglasses, Tom celebrates his Super Bowl win with daughter Vivian during the Tampa Bay Buccaneers boat parade. After winning his seventh Super Bowl, the Tampa Bay quarterback celebrated with his daughter Vivian. Tom snuggled with his kids John "Jack" Moynahan (with ex Bridget Moynahan ), Vivian and Benjamin in this adorable photo snapped by Gisele on Father's Day. Brady went from quarterback to coach with his son on the beach, writing on Instagram that he's "#dadsfavoriteworkoutpartner." Gisele shared this adorable photo on Instagram of Tom giving his son a kiss on the forehead. The whole Brady-bünch posed together at the Mercedes-Benz in Atlanta ahead of the Super Bowl LIII, which the Patriots later won . Tom lurked as Pennywise the Dancing Clown in a window behind his family as they celebrate Halloween in 2018. As Tom geared up for another football season, he stopped to give his daughter a little love and clearly this one has her dad's full attention. In July 2018, the Brady bunch headed out of town for a family vacation and they couldn't look any happier on their horseback riding adventure. Tom celebrated Father's Day with a family dinner and lots of silly photos with his younger son, Ben. There's nothing sweeter than seeing the greatest quarterback of all time (he has seven Super Bowl rings) get smothered in love by his three kids. Even though it was springtime, Tom bundled up with Ben for a fun day outside...complete with a little training. Tom Brady as the Easter bunny? Who would've guessed?! The super sweet family was all smiles during one of Brady's episodes of Tom vs. Time . After playing in another Super Bowl, Tom took a little break with his family, complete with burger time and selfies. Even though the Patriots lost the 2018 Super Bowl, Tom had his support squad ready and waiting to cheer him up. Ahead of Super Bowl LII, the Patriots QB posed for pictures with his whole family including Gisele and oldest son Jack, second-born Ben, and daughter Vivian. The New England Patriots quarterback showed his second oldest son a little love on his birthday in December of 2017, writing , "Happy Birthday to the sweetest 8 year old boy a mom and dad could ever ask for! So filled with love and joy! We are so proud of you Benny! And you shine a light that brightens our lives every day! We love you." Vivian was the ultimate sous chef as her dad made her biscuits before Thanksgiving and really, what can't Brady do? The dynamic duo of Tom and Ben spent a November day swinging in a hammock together and we really wish we had some R&R like this in our near future. Leave it to Tom to teach his son more than just football. The Brady crew rolled around in the grass and enjoyed spending time together in June 2017 and it really does look like they are having a blast. Who says you're too old to make funny faces? When the Patriots headed back to Boston for their parade celebration after their 2017 Super Bowl win, Tom brought Ben along for the ride making him the coolest dad around. Winning the Super Bowl in 2017 was great, but getting to celebrate with your daughter on the field is priceless. In 2017, Vivian gave her dad a big good luck kiss before he headed out for a game. Seriously, these two are so stinking cute. Tom's fans span near and far, but his biggest fans are his three kids and their "Brady" jerseys continually make us love them even more as a unit. Decorating the Christmas tree is twice as fun when you have your precious daughter helping you out...especially when she's dressed as a fairy! The football player loves to spend his off time with his adorable kiddos at the beach and we totally approve.