American International Group’s chairman and chief executive, Peter Zaffino, plans to retire as chief executive midyear and will hand the reins to longtime Aon executive Eric Andersen.
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AIG’s Peter Zaffino to Retire as CEO
Aaron Rodgers on Steelers-Ravens: ‘Pretty emotional’ — plus more Week 18 quotes
The NFL’s regular-season finale brought long-awaited clarity to the playoff picture.
No game captured that reality more than Sunday’s last matchup, as the Pittsburgh Steelers hosted the Baltimore Ravens in a win-or-go-home showdown to decide the AFC North champion and the final postseason berth.
The high stakes provided plenty of fuel for trash talk and sharp sound bites, as some of the game’s best moments often come from what’s said before or after the whistle.
Players and coaches carried the intensity from the field to the podium, delivering standout lines in their postgame sessions.
From bold declarations to perfectly timed one-liners, here are the best quotes from around the NFL in Week 18.
“It’s pretty emotional, honestly. It’s been a great year. I’m thankful for these guys and excited to be going to the playoffs for the first time in a long while.” Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers
The Steelers hung on to defeat the Ravens 26-24 after Baltimore’s Tyler Loop‘s 44-yard field goal attempt to win the game sailed wide right. On the previous drive, Rodgers connected with Calvin Austin III for a 26-yard go-ahead touchdown.
Rodgers is now back in the postseason for the first time since 2021, his penultimate season with the Green Bay Packers. He couldn’t help but be emotional when reflecting on what it meant to return to the playoffs.
“That’ll be the next journey, trying to go out there and get 25.” Cleveland Browns DE Myles Garrett
When Garrett entered Week 16 with 21.5 sacks and 44 pressures, it appeared inevitable he would break the NFL’s single-season sack record of 22.5. That certainty wavered after he failed to record a sack against the Steelers in Week 17. And Week 18’s outing seemed to be following a similar script — until Garrett finally broke through, taking down Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow with 5:16 remaining in the third quarter to register sack No. 23.
After the game, Garrett celebrated the milestone but was already looking ahead, setting his sights on his next goal: breaking the record again, this time with 25 sacks.
“I’m going to go to Cancun like everybody tells me to do.” Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase
The Bengals were officially eliminated from playoff contention on Dec.14 following a 24-0 shutout loss to Baltimore, marking their third consecutive season of missing the postseason.
When asked after the regular-season finale, Chase shared that he already has a vacation destination solidified.
“They suck bro. I don’t care. I have no respect for them. I don’t like nobody on the Broncos.” Los Angeles Chargers S Tony Jefferson
The Denver Broncos secured the AFC’s top playoff seed with a 19-3 win over a Chargers lineup filled largely with backups. Already qualified for the playoffs but with no chance to claim the AFC West crown, Los Angeles coach Jim Harbaugh rested several starters, most notably quarterback Justin Herbert, safety Derwin James Jr. and outside linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu. The result was a lopsided final score, and Jefferson delivered a message in the tunnel after the contest.
“Call me back. This ain’t over.” Carolina Panthers coach Dave Canales
The Panthers clinched the NFC South for the first time since 2015 thanks to the Atlanta Falcons‘ 19-17 win over the New Orleans Saints. Canales said his brother called to celebrate after the Falcons recorded what appeared to be a game-sealing interception. But with more than three minutes still remaining in the fourth quarter, Canales told him to call back once it was official.
“That was fun.” Las Vegas Raiders coach Pete Carroll
The Raiders won their finale against the Kansas City Chiefs 14-12 to finish with a 3-14 record — tied for the most losses in a season in franchise history (2006).
Despite neither team recording a touchdown, Las Vegas’ victory came in dramatic fashion.
Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson drilled a career-long 60-yard field goal with eight seconds remaining to snap Las Vegas’ 10-game losing streak. According to ESPN Research, it was the third-longest made field goal in franchise history, trailing only Sebastian Janikowski‘s 63-yarder in 2011 and 61-yarder in 2009.
In his postgame news conference, Carroll offered a positive assessment, despite the difficult season.
“We can really get down to business … and we’ll start first thing in the morning.” Dallas Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones
The Cowboys’ 2025 season officially ended at 4:02 p.m. ET Sunday with a 34-17 loss at the New York Giants.
It didn’t take long for Jones to shift his focus: In his eyes, the 2026 campaign begins Monday.
State releases new Three-Year Statewide Broadband Plan
ORDINANCE, THOUGH, FOR TWO WEEKS. NEW ON SEVEN THE STATE’S BROADBAND OFFICE IS RELEASING A NEW THREE YEAR PLAN AIMED AT CONNECTING EVERY CORNER OF NEW MEXICO STATE. OFFICIALS SAY ABOUT 90% OF NEW MEXICO CURRENTLY HAS HIGH SPEED INTERNET, BUT THE GOAL IS TO REACH FULL CONNECTIVITY STATEWIDE, FOCUSING ON EXPANDING INFRASTRUCTURE, BOOSTING AFFORDABILITY AND CLOSING GAPS IN RURAL AND TRIBAL COMMUNITIES. HUNDREDS O
State releases new Three-Year Statewide Broadband Plan
New Mexico’s broadband office unveils its 2026-2028 statewide plan
The Office of Broadband Access and Expansion has released its Three-Year Statewide Broadband Plan, outlining the agency’s strategies, goals, and priorities for expanding high-speed internet access across New Mexico from 2026 through 2028.The plan was developed with input from the Connect New Mexico Council and broadband stakeholders statewide and serves as a roadmap to achieve universal connectivity. Currently, about 90% of New Mexico has access to high-speed internet. OBAE officials say the new plan will guide efforts to reach 100% coverage.”Our Three-Year Plan demonstrates OBAE’s commitment to build and expand broadband infrastructure across the state,” Director Jeff Lopez said. “We are on the path to universal connectivity, and this plan is the playbook to bring broadband to every home, business, farm, and anchor institution.”The plan focuses on four core goals: universal availability, widespread adoption, next-generation advancement, and program stewardship. It also identifies six strategic priorities, including statewide connectivity, affordability, infrastructure development, and digital opportunity.Since releasing its first plan in 2023, OBAE has finalized the state broadband map, expanded education networks, and awarded hundreds of millions of dollars in broadband funding. The full plan is available on OBAE’s website.
, N.M. —
The Office of Broadband Access and Expansion has released its Three-Year Statewide Broadband Plan, outlining the agency’s strategies, goals, and priorities for expanding high-speed internet access across New Mexico from 2026 through 2028.
The plan was developed with input from the Connect New Mexico Council and broadband stakeholders statewide and serves as a roadmap to achieve universal connectivity.
Currently, about 90% of New Mexico has access to high-speed internet. OBAE officials say the new plan will guide efforts to reach 100% coverage.
“Our Three-Year Plan demonstrates OBAE’s commitment to build and expand broadband infrastructure across the state,” Director Jeff Lopez said. “We are on the path to universal connectivity, and this plan is the playbook to bring broadband to every home, business, farm, and anchor institution.”
The plan focuses on four core goals: universal availability, widespread adoption, next-generation advancement, and program stewardship.
It also identifies six strategic priorities, including statewide connectivity, affordability, infrastructure development, and digital opportunity.
Since releasing its first plan in 2023, OBAE has finalized the state broadband map, expanded education networks, and awarded hundreds of millions of dollars in broadband funding.
The full plan is available on OBAE’s website.
Maduro held in NYC jail as Trump administration plans for Venezuela’s future
Top Trump administration officials briefed leading members of Congress on the Venezuela operation on Monday, and lawmakers’ reactions fell along familiar partisan lines.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer told reporters the classified briefing, which included Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, “posed far more questions than it ever answered.”
“Their plan for the U.S. running Venezuela is vague, based on wishful thinking and unsatisfying,” the New York Democrat said, adding that it’s unclear if similar operations will be tried in other countries.
Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson said the operation was a “decisive and justified action,” adding that Maduro led a “criminal organization masquerading as a government.”
“Now, he has learned what accountability looks like,” the Louisiana Republican added.
Some Democrats have argued the operation wasn’t legal because it lacked congressional approval. Schumer said he will push for a vote to block further military action in Venezuela. And Democratic Rep. Gregory Meeks of New York, ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, told reporters: “It seems at every turn, Donald Trump is trying to figure out how he avoids Congress.”
Republicans have largely defended the president. Johnson argued the administration acted within its authority because “we are not at war” and “we are not occupying that country.”
Republican Rep. Brian Mast of Florida, who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Committee, told reporters he doesn’t believe the operation needed congressional approval, saying it was limited in scope and “done before breakfast.”
Auto & Transport Roundup: Market Talk
Find insight on Hyundai Motor, Alstom , Ryanair and more in the latest Market Talks covering Auto and Transport.
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NFL Power Rankings, wild card edition: Prisco missed big on Seahawks, others
The final batch of power rankings from any season always end up making me look bad.
They are often a reminder that we might think we know how an NFL season will play out, but we really don’t.
So with these last rankings, I always do a look back to my first rankings from the season. This year, like most, they make me look idiotic.
Consider:
- Of the 14 playoff teams, I had five in my top-10 to start the season. The five non-playoff teams to open in my top-10 were the Kansas City Chiefs (No. 3), Baltimore Ravens (No. 5), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (No. 6), Detroit Lions (No. 7) and Washington Commanders (No. 8). Gross.
- The five playoff teams I did have in the top-10 to open were the Eagles (No. 1), Bills (No. 2), Packers, (No. 4), 49ers (No. 9) and the Broncos (No.10).
- The remaining playoff teams opened ranked this way: Rams (13), Texans (15), Chargers (16), Jaguars (17), Steelers (18), Bears (19), Seahawks (22) and Panthers (27).
The Seahawks are by far my biggest miss. They end up as the No. 1 seed in the NFC — and my final No. 1 team in the power rankings — and I had them at 22.
Maybe those Seahawks fans who get nasty with me are on to something. I was wrong.
The biggest fallers were the Chiefs and Commanders. The Chiefs went from No. 3 to open to No. 25, while the Commanders went from No. 8 to No. 27. Ouch.
For the most part, I got the bottom feeders right. The teams that opened near the bottom finished there, although the Jets were a lot worse than expected.
So as this season finishes up, and the Power Rankings come to a close for 2025, just remember that as usual picking the NFL season really is just a crapshoot.
Biggest Movers
|
Rk |
Teams |
Chg |
Rcrd |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
|
With that defense, they can certainly win it all. They physically beat teams up. But is the offense good enough? | — | 14-3-0 |
2 |
|
They head to the playoffs as one of the feel-good stories of the season. Mike Vrabel has done an amazing job in his first year. | — | 14-3-0 |
3 |
|
This team’s turnaround is incredible. Liam Coen has made Trevor Lawrence an MVP candidate. They will be a dangerous team in the playoffs. | — | 13-4-0 |
4 |
|
The defense is suffocating, but do they do enough on offense? As the top seed, it will be tough for visiting teams to win in Denver. | — | 14-3-0 |
5 |
|
They can light it up on offense, but the defense has been a little leaky down the stretch. That could cost them in the playoffs. | 1 | 12-5-0 |
6 |
|
Despite all the injuries, they are a playoff team. The offense came up short in the finale against Seattle, but the defense was better. That’s big for the playoffs. | 1 | 12-5-0 |
7 |
|
They lost two straight to close out the season, but still ended up as the second seed. The defense has been an issue and could be their undoing in the postseason. | — | 11-6-0 |
8 |
|
They have won nine straight games behind the defense. That unit is dominant and can travel, which it will need to do in the playoffs. | — | 12-5-0 |
9 |
|
They haven’t really looked great this season, but we know they can turn it on in the playoffs with Josh Allen playing Superman. The defense has to be better in the postseason. | — | 12-5-0 |
10 |
|
They struggled on offense all season long, but the defense is one of the best. Can that formula get them to another Super Bowl? I doubt it. The offense has to be better. | — | 11-6-0 |
11 |
|
They have a defense that can win in the postseason and a quarterback who can make plays. But the offensive-line injuries might be too much to overcome. | — | 11-6-0 |
12 |
|
The injury bug led to a four-game losing streak to close the season. But with Jordan Love back healthy, they will be a threat in the playoffs. | — | 9-7-1 |
13 |
|
The Steelers are playoff bound with Aaron Rodgers. So, in the end, Mike Tomlin and the front office got it right. | 1 | 10-7-0 |
14 |
|
They won the division, which is a nice accomplishment for this young team. The offense is too limited right now to do much more. | 1 | 8-9-0 |
15 |
|
They were one of the Super Bowl favorites heading into the season, yet they failed to make the playoffs. They have some issues to sort out with Lamar Jackson and John Harbaugh. | 1 | 8-9-0 |
16 |
|
Did their window close? I don’t think so, but they need to be better on defense. The injuries did impact that unit but they need help up front for Aidan Hutchinson. | 1 | 9-8-0 |
17 |
|
If only they had good quarterback play. The defense was suffocating, but letting Sam Darnold go backfired on them. | 1 | 9-8-0 |
18 |
|
The injuries ravaged the roster, but the collapse was really bad. They never looked right after the first six games of the season. | 3 | 8-9-0 |
19 |
|
They were fun to watch on offense, but the defense was the issue for much of the season. I would expect changes there. | — | 7-9-1 |
20 |
|
The team announced that Zac Taylor would be back. That means he’s on notice for 2026 starting right now. | — | 6-11-0 |
21 |
|
Did they do enough to keep Mike McDaniel around as coach? Or will the new general manager make that decision? | — | 7-10-0 |
22 |
|
They have to be encouraged by the play down the stretch. Tyler Shough will be their quarterback next year to see if he’s truly the long-term answer. | — | 6-11-0 |
23 |
|
General manager Terry Fontenot and coach Raheem Morris were let go, which means there will be total change coming. The roster does have some talent, but the quarterback picture is messy. | — | 8-9-0 |
24 |
|
The injury to quarterback Daniel Jones derailed their season, yet they will run it back with the coach and general manager. Jones is a free agent, so they have a decision to make. | — | 8-9-0 |
25 |
|
This season was an abject failure considering the preseason expectations. With Andy Reid coming back, the big question is when Patrick Mahomes (knee) will be healthy enough to play. | — | 6-11-0 |
26 |
|
They have their quarterback in Jaxson Dart and they have players to build around. This is an attractive job for whoever gets it. | 1 | 4-13-0 |
27 |
|
They went from NFC title game to winning five games. That’s a bad look and the roster has age in a lot of spots. | 1 | 5-12-0 |
28 |
|
Kevin Stefanski is out as coach, as if he was the problem. The team just can’t solve the quarterback position. | — | 5-12-0 |
29 |
|
They need a new coach with Jonathan Gannon fired and they will need a new quarterback with Kyler Murray likely out the door. This job has issues for whoever takes over. | — | 3-14-0 |
30 |
|
The roster isn’t great, which will challenge the new coach. But they do have a quarterback in Cam Ward to build around. | — | 3-14-0 |
31 |
|
They were awful in the final seven weeks, but it looks like Aaron Glenn will be back for Year 2. They have a lot of draft capital to try and fix things. | — | 3-14-0 |
32 |
|
Pete Carroll is out and they have the No. 1 pick in the draft. There are big changes coming – and they are needed in a big way. | — | 3-14-0 |
Cooling down ahead with a storm set to hit
NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – Noticeably colder air with calmer conditions are in place this morning, but temperatures are still milder than normal for most. Air temperatures in the north are starting off mostly around the single digits to the lower 20s, while around-freezing temperatures in the 20s to the lower 40s are mostly present in central […]
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Swiss bar where fatal New Year’s fire broke out had last safety inspection in 2019
GENEVA — Fire safety inspections hadn’t been carried out for several years at the bar where a fire that broke out at a New Year’s party left 40 people dead and over 100 injured, local authorities said Tuesday.
Investigators have said they believe festive sparkling candles atop Champagne bottles ignited the fire at Le Constellation in the resort town of Crans-Montana when they came too close to the ceiling. Authorities are looking into whether soundproofing material on the ceiling conformed with regulations and whether the candles were permitted for use in the bar.
Swiss authorities have opened a criminal investigation into the bar managers. The two are suspected of involuntary homicide, involuntary bodily harm and involuntarily causing a fire, according to the Valais region’s chief prosecutor.
Regional authorities have said that safety inspections were the responsibility of the municipality. On Tuesday, the head of Crans-Montana’s municipal government, Nicolas Féraud, said that there had been inspections of Le Constellation up to 2019.
But he told a news conference the local council discovered after consulting documents after the fire that “periodic checks were not carried out between 2020 and 2025.”
“We regret this bitterly,” he said, adding that it will be up to judicial authorities to determine what influence that may have had on the chain of events that led to the fire.
Féraud said he couldn’t immediately explain why safety inspections hadn’t been conducted for such a long time.
He said that, in September last year, an external expert had been asked to carry out a soundproofing analysis and had concluded that the bar complied with anti-noise rules, without making further remarks.
The severity of burns made it difficult to identify some victims of the fire that broke out at about 1:30 a.m. on New Year’s Day, requiring families to supply authorities with DNA samples.
Investigators finished identifying the 40 dead on Sunday and said on Monday that they had identified all 116 people who were injured.
Nestle Recalls Batches of Infant Formula Potentially Containing Toxins
Nestle recalled specific batches of its SMA baby formula, citing the potential presence of cereulide bacteria.
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Transfer rumors, news: Man United eye Éderson; could Rashford return?
It’s a busy morning at Old Trafford. Manchester United have reportedly enquired about Atalanta midfielder Éderson, and does Marcus Rashford have a route back to the club? Plus, their manager search is underway.
Join us for the latest transfer news and rumors from around the globe.
Transfers home page | Men’s winter grades | Women’s grades
TOP STORIES
– Liam Rosenior confirms verbal agreement to join Chelsea
– Endrick: Ancelotti said to leave Madrid for Lyon
– Source: Barcelona in talks over João Cancelo loan
TRENDING RUMORS
– Marcus Rashford has spent this season on loan at Barcelona after being ostracized by Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford, but could the manager’s exit open the door for a return? The Mirror reports that Rashford could have a path back to United. The LaLiga club have a €30 million option clause to sign him permanently, but according to Mundo Deportivo, it isn’t a “formality” that it will be exercised. United have also made an enquiry to Atalanta about midfielder Éderson, according to Nicolo Schira. The Premier League club are reportedly interested in the Brazil midfielder, but could face competition for his signature from Super Lig side Galatasaray.
– Meanwhile, United’s manager search has begun, with a few early candidates making the headlines. The club are considering a move for Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner, according to The Telegraph. Meanwhile, The Sun reports that Fulham are braced to receive an approach for Marco Silva. However, sources have told ESPN that they are leaning towards installing an interim coach until the end of the season before making a permanent appointment in the summer. Other names in the frame include England’s Thomas Tuchel, USMNT’s Mauricio Pochettino and Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola.
– The future of Crystal Palace defender Marc Guéhi will be a constant source of interest this month, and one club has stepped up their interest. Manchester City are desperate for reinforcements at center back following injuries to Josko Gvardiol and Rúben Dias, and the BBC reports that the idea of City signing Guehi in January “should not be discounted.” Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano says Liverpool are “attentive” to the situation, while Bayern Munich are already in talks with Guehi’s representatives to sign him for free in the summer.
– Barcelona have received an enquiry for striker Robert Lewandowski from Al Hilal, according to Sport Italia. The Saudi Pro League side are believed to be planning to reinforce their attack this month, with manager Simone Inzaghi keen on adding the 37-year-old to his squad. Lewandowski has been in typically prolific form this season with nine goals in 14 LaLiga matches this season, although he is yet to sign a new contract at Camp Nou, while he has also been linked with MLS side Chicago Fire.
– Bayern Munich are planning to hand striker Harry Kane a contract extension, reports Florian Plettenberg. It is reported that there have already been initial talks regarding a deal, with belief that the Bundesliga champions could secure the 32-year-old’s future at the Allianz Arena until either 2028 or 2029, but the club’s hierarchy are also scouting potential replacements as a precaution. Sources told ESPN last February that the release clause in Kane’s deal was set to become active again in January 2026, with a reduced fee that allows clubs to sign him for €60 million.
DONE DEALS
– FC Cologne have signed Manchester City defender Jahmai Simpson-Pusey on loan until the end of the season.
Expert take
ESPN’s resident scout Tor-Kristian Karlsen on why Ederson could be a perfect fit at Man United:
Very much the definition of an all-purpose central midfielder, the Brazilian is one of the few at the top level who can hold his own as part of a two-man engine room while making a solid, consistent mark in both phases of the game to the same high standards. Coaches love him for his energy and that his intensity rarely dips; if his attacking actions don’t quite come off, the defensive discipline, work rate and avid pressing are always there. While a diligent defender and ball-winner — consistently recording respectable recovery numbers (7.5 per 90) — Ederson also brings more playmaking than the run of the mill “destroyer”. His ability to slide passes through the lines has improved year on year and he’s become one of Serie A’s more direct, tempo-changing midfield distributers. In a high-energy, vertical side that a traditional Manchester United aspire to be, Ederson looks tailor-made.
OTHER RUMORS
1:18
Why Leboeuf has high hopes for Rosenior at Chelsea
Frank Lebouef explains why he’s optimistic that incoming coach Liam Rosenior will prove a good choice to replace Enzo Maresca at Chelsea.
– AC Milan are keen to sign winger Rafael Leão to a new contract. His current deal is set to expire in the summer of 2028. (Calciomercato)
– Bayern Munich goalkeeper Daniel Peretz is set to join Southampton on loan until the end of the season, with his medical scheduled to take place on Tuesday. (Florian Plettenberg)
– RB Leipzig have no interest in allowing winger Yan Diomande to leave the club this month despite interest from around Europe. (Philipp Hinze)
– Liverpool are unwilling to let winger Federico Chiesa leave on loan this month despite interest from Juventus. (Di Marzio)
– A meeting has been scheduled by AC Milan and the representatives of goalkeeper Mike Maignan as the Serie A club look to sign him to a new contract. (Nicolo Schira)
– West Ham have made an offer to sign Al-Nassr goalkeeper Bento, with hopes of signing him on a loan deal that would include a £10 million permanent option clause. (Daily Mail)
– Fenerbahce are looking at AC Milan striker Christopher Nkunku. (Tuttosport)
– Internazionale midfielder Davide Frattesi remains on the radar of Juventus. (Nicolo Schira)
– Talks are ongoing between Lazio and Fenerbahce regarding a deal for midfielder Matteo Guendouzi, with the Serie A club waiting for the first offer. (Di Marzio)
– Everton and Benfica have joined the race for AS Saint-Etienne midfielder Zuriko Davitashvili. (Foot Mercato)
– Burnley left back Quilindschy Hartman is on the radar of Besiktas. The Premier League side are expecting the first offer to arrive soon. (Fabrizio Romano)
– Arsenal are willing to let defender Maldini Kacurri leave on loan or permanently this month. He was recently on loan at National League side Morecambe. (Football Insider)
– West Ham striker Callum Wilson is in talks with the club regarding the termination of his contract. (Athletic)