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Former Boise State coach Chris Petersen still gets asked about the Fiesta Bowl victory over Oklahoma on the first day of 2007. That game had everything. Recommended Videos Underdog Boise State took a 28-10 lead over one of college football's blue bloods that was followed by a 25-point Sooners run capped by what could have been a back-breaking interception return for a touchdown with 1:02 left. Then the Broncos used three trick plays that remain sensations to not only force overtime but win 43-42. And then there was the marriage proposal by Boise State running back Ian Johnson — shortly after scoring the winning two-point play — to cheerleader Chrissy Popadics that was accepted on national TV. That game put Broncos football on the national map for most fans, but looking back 18 years later, Petersen sees it differently. “Everybody wants to talk about that Oklahoma Fiesta Bowl game, which is great how it all worked out and all those things,” Petersen said. “But we go back to play TCU (three years later) again on the big stage. It's not as flashy a game, but to me, that was an even better win.” Going back to the Fiesta Bowl and winning, Petersen reasoned, showed the Broncos weren't a splash soon to fade away, that there was something longer lasting and more substantive happening on the famed blue turf. The winning has continued with few interruptions. No. 8 and third-seeded Boise State is preparing for another trip to the Fiesta Bowl, this time in a playoff quarterfinal against No. 5 and sixth-seeded Penn State on New Year's Eve. That success has continued through a series of coaches, though with a lot more of a common thread than readily apparent. Dirk Koetter was hired from Oregon, where Petersen was the wide receivers coach. Not only did Koetter bring Petersen with him to Oregon, Petersen introduced him to Dan Hawkins, who also was hired for the staff. So the transition from Koetter to Hawkins to Petersen ensured at least some level of consistency. Koetter and Hawkins engineered double-digit victory seasons five times over a six-year span that led to power-conference jobs. Koetter went to Arizona State after three seasons and Hawkins to Colorado after five. Then when Petersen became the coach after the 2005 season, he led Boise State to double-digit wins his first seven seasons and made bowls all eight years. He resisted the temptation to leave for a power-conference program until Washington lured him away toward the end of the 2013 season. Then former Boise State quarterback and offensive coordinator Bryan Harsin took over and posted five double-digit victory seasons over his first six years. After going 5-2 during the COVID-shortened 2020 season, he left for Auburn. “They just needed consistency of leadership,” said Koetter, who is back as Boise State's offensive coordinator. “This program had always won at the junior-college level, the Division II level, the I-AA (now FCS) level.” But Koetter referred to “an unfortunate chain of events” that made Boise State a reclamation project when he took over in 1998. Coach Pokey Allen led Boise State to the Division I-AA national championship game in 1994, but was diagnosed with cancer two days later. He died on Dec. 30, 1996, at 53. Allen coached the final two games that season, Boise State's first in Division I-A (now FBS). Houston Nutt became the coach in 1997, went 4-7 and headed to Arkansas. Then Koetter took over. “One coach dies and the other wasn't the right fit for this program,” Koetter said. “Was a really good coach, did a lot of good things, but just wasn't a good fit for here.” But because of Boise State's success at the lower levels, Koetter said the program was set up for success. “As Boise State has risen up the conference food chain, they’ve pretty much always been at the top from a player talent standpoint,” Koetter said. “So it was fairly clear if we got things headed in the right direction and did a good job recruiting, we would be able to win within our conference for sure.” Success didn't take long. He went 6-5 in 1998 and then won 10 games each of the following two seasons. Hawkins built on that winning and Petersen took it to another level. But there is one season, really one game, no really one half that still bugs Petersen. He thought his best team was in 2010, one that entered that late-November game at Nevada ranked No. 3 and had a legitimate chance to play for the national championship. The Colin Kaepernick-led Wolf Pack won 34-31. “I think the best team that I might've been a part of as the head coach was the team that lost one game to Nevada,” Petersen said. "That team, to me, played one poor half of football on offense the entire season. We were winning by a bunch at half (24-7) and we came out and did nothing on offense in the second half and still had a chance to win. “That team would've done some damage.” There aren't any what-ifs with this season's Boise State team. The Broncos are in the field of the first 12-team playoff, representing the Group of Five as its highest-ranked conference champion. That got Boise State a bye into the quarterfinals. Spencer Danielson has restored the championship-level play after taking over as the interim coach late last season during a rare downturn that led to Andy Avalos' dismissal . Danielson received the job full time after leading Boise State to the Mountain West championship . Now the Broncos are 12-1 with their only defeat to top-ranked and No. 1 seed Oregon on a last-second field goal . Running back Ashton Jeanty also was the runner-up to the Heisman Trophy . “Boise State has been built on the backs of years and years of success way before I got here,” Danielson said. "So even this season is not because of me. It’s because the group of young men wanted to leave a legacy, be different. We haven’t been to the Fiesta Bowl in a decade. They said in January, ‘We’re going to get that done.’ They went to work.” As was the case with Danielson, Petersen and Koetter said attracting top talent is the primary reason Boise State has succeeded all these years. Winning, obviously, is the driving force, and with more entry points to the playoffs, the Broncos could make opportunities to keep returning to the postseason a selling point. But there's also something about the blue carpet. Petersen said he didn't get what it was about when he arrived as an assistant coach, and there was some talk about replacing it with more conventional green grass. A poll in the Idaho Statesman was completely against that idea, and Petersen has come to appreciate what that field means to the program. “It's a cumulative period of time where young kids see big-time games when they're in seventh and eighth and ninth and 10th grade and go, ‘Oh, I know that blue turf. I want to go there,’” Petersen said. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-footballNew ministers put on their game faces

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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A Department of Homeland Security agent who the FBI says conspired with another agent to sell an illicit drug known as “bath salts” pleaded not guilty to a drug distribution conspiracy charge Friday in federal court. A grand jury in Salt Lake City brought the criminal charge against Special Agent David Cole of the Homeland Security Investigations unit earlier this week. The indictment alleges that Cole abused his position as a federal law enforcement agent to obtain and sell drugs for profit. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Cole took drugs that had been seized as evidence, telling colleagues he was using them for legitimate investigations, and instead sold them to a confidential informant who resold the drugs for profit on the streets of Utah, according to the indictment. The informant, who has a lengthy criminal history, had been recruited by federal agents to work for them upon his release from prison. But in addition to conducting controlled buys from suspected drug dealers as directed by investigators, the informant said he was compelled by Cole and another agent to also engage in illegal sales. The investigation began after the informant’s defense attorney contacted the U.S. Attorney in Utah in October to report that agents had required him to engage in potentially illegal acts dating from last spring to early December. Details of drug sales offered by the informant were confirmed through surveillance and other sources, the FBI said. Cole and the second agent — identified in court documents only as “Person A” — profited up to $300,000 from the illegal scheme, according to an FBI affidavit filed in the case. FBI spokesperson Sandra Barker said Friday that “Person A” had not been arrested or charged, but the investigation was ongoing. Cole, 50, of South Jordan, Utah, entered the courtroom Friday handcuffed and hunched over, wearing a white and gray, striped jumpsuit. U.S. Magistrate Judge Dustin Pead accepted Cole's not guilty plea and scheduled a trial for the week of Feb. 24. Federal officials say Cole’s indictment sends a message that officers who break the law and undermine the public’s trust in law enforcement will be prosecuted. “A drug dealer who carries a badge is still a drug dealer — and one who has violated an oath to uphold the law and protect the public,” said Nicole Argentieri, head of the U.S. Justice Department’s Criminal Division. "No one is above the law.” Special Agent Shohini Sinha, who leads the FBI's Salt Lake City field office, said Cole’s alleged actions helped fuel an already devastating drug crisis . Ingestion of synthetic bath salts, also known as Alpha-PVP or cathinone, can lead to bizarre behavior such as paranoia and extreme strength, according to authorities who say it’s similar to methamphetamine, cocaine or ecstasy. They are unrelated to actual bathing products. Cole’s attorney, Alexander Ramos, has declined to directly address the criminal allegations but said his client has a strong reputation within the federal law enforcement community. Ramos did not immediately respond Friday to emails seeking comment on the not guilty plea. The Homeland Security Investigations department where Cole worked conducts federal criminal investigations into the illegal movement of people, goods, money, weapons, drugs and sensitive technology into, out of and across the U.S. Cole and the second agent had their credentials suspended but have not been fired, according to court documents.

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Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Saltburn sensation Barry Keoghan has sent his fans into a frenzy by suddenly removing his Instagram presence amid rumours of a break-up with songstress Sabrina Carpenter . The 32-year-old Irish heartthrob and the Espresso singer, aged 25, are thought to have ended their romance recently after a year together. Following the buzz of potential infidelity on Barry's part , the actor, who exclusively followed Sabrina on the social platform, made waves with a series of photos which led some followers to speculate they were meant to attract attention. In a stand-out post, he gave a sneak peek of his workout results wearing a form-fitting green tank top, while another sultry shot featured him gazing deeply into the camera through a motorcycle helmet that highlighted his striking blue eyes. Yet those images vanished along with his entire account, as @keoghan92 turned up missing online just hours later. As of Saturday night (December 7), fans were left with a "Sorry, this page isn't available" message instead of his feed. According to celebrity gossip site DeuxMoi, there was chitchat about an 'A-list singer' left heartbroken by her 'foreign actor beau', leading to their split. But sources claimed to Us Weekly that the ever-charming Barry remained "very faithful and loyal" and "very devoted to her happiness" despite the pair being "at different places in their lives". They've mentioned it's been "challenging for their relationship since Sabrina started going on tour and has been gone a lot," reports the Mirror . Additionally, the sources claimed that "their schedules were not aligning", adding: "All the time spent apart it was hard to maintain a relationship amid her career exploding". Sabrina's career has soared to new heights after she warmed up the crowd for Taylor Swift's Eras Tour in 2023, and then hit it big with her sixth album Short n' Sweet. The album topped the Billboard 200 – a first for her – and gave rise to number one hits on the Billboard Global 200, including Espresso and Please Please Please. Barry's seen his share of the limelight too, showing no signs of slowing down with upcoming roles in projects like Bird, Hurry Up Tomorrow, Amo Saddam, and even a Peaky Blinders film. He rose to fame following his acclaimed role in The Banshees of Inisherin and his much talked about performance in the drama Saltburn, in which he memorably danced naked to Sophie Ellis Bextor's hit Murder on the Dancefloor.Lions CBs Terrion Arnold, Ennis Rakestraw Jr. out vs. Colts

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LUQUE, Paraguay (AP) — Sake is perhaps more Japanese than the world-famous sushi. It’s brewed in centuries-old mountaintop warehouses, savored in the country’s pub-like izakayas, poured during weddings and served slightly chilled for special toasts. The that plays a crucial role in Japan’s culinary traditions was enshrined on Wednesday by on its list of the “intangible cultural heritage of humanity.” At a meeting in Luque, Paraguay, members of UNESCO’s committee for safeguarding humanity’s cultural heritage voted to recognize 45 cultural practices and products around the world, including Brazilian white cheese, Caribbean cassava bread and Palestinian olive oil soap. Unlike UNESCO’s World Heritage List, which includes sites considered important to humanity like the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, the Intangible Cultural Heritage designation names products and practices of different cultures that are deserving of recognition. A Japanese delegation welcomed the announcement in Luque. “Sake is considered a divine gift and is essential for social and cultural events in Japan,” Kano Takehiro, the Japanese ambassador to UNESCO, told The Associated Press. The basic ingredients of sake are few: rice, water, yeast and koji, a rice mold, which breaks down the starches into fermentable sugars like malting does in beer production. The whole two-monthlong process of steaming, stirring, fermenting and pressing can be grueling. The rice — which wields tremendous marketing power as part of Japan’s broader cultural identity — is key to the alcoholic brew. For a product to be categorized Japanese sake, the rice must be Japanese. The UNESCO recognition, the delegation said, captured more than the craft knowledge of making high-quality sake. It also honored a tradition dating back some 1,000 years — sake makes a cameo in Japan’s famous 11th century novel, “The Tale of Genji,” as the drink of choice in the refined Heian court. Now, officials hope to restore sake’s image as Japan’s premier alcoholic drink even as the younger drinkers in the country switch to imported wine or domestic beer and whiskey. “It means a lot to Japan and to the Japanese,” Takehiro said of the UNESCO designation. “This will help to renew interest in traditional sake elaboration.” Also, that the listing could give a little lift to the country’s export economy as the popularity of sake booms around the world and in the United States amid heightened interest in Japanese cuisine. Sake exports, mostly to the U.S. and China, now rake in over $265 million a year, according to the Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association, a trade group. Japan’s delegation appeared ready to celebrate on Wednesday — in classic Japanese style. After the announcement, Takehiro raised a cypress box full of sake to toast the alcoholic brew and cultural rite.As reliance on artificial intelligence grows, so too does importance of re-skilling and upskilling workforce. Companies recognise need to equip their employees with new tech skills Over the past 11 months, we have witnessed significant shifts in workplace practices as companies adopt new strategies and reinforce existing ones. Central to this transformation has been the increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into day-to-day operations. AI is not just a buzzword but has become a powerful tool that is reshaping how businesses function, enhancing efficiency, and driving productivity. Many organisations have begun leveraging AI to automate repetitive and time-consuming tasks, freeing up employees to focus on more valuable and strategic work. By doing so, businesses can streamline operations and address system inefficiencies without human intervention. Beyond task automation, some companies have pushed the boundaries by using AI to enhance decision-making processes. With the ability to analyse vast amounts of data in real time, AI provides actionable insights that help decision-makers make informed choices. This data-driven approach has become essential for organisations looking to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market. AI also plays a crucial role in improving customer experience. By analysing customer data and behaviour patterns, AI can offer personalised recommendations and solutions that elevate user engagement and satisfaction. As the reliance on AI grows, so too does the importance of re-skilling and upskilling the workforce. Companies recognise the need to equip their employees with the skills required to work alongside AI and other digital tools. Research shows that digital skill training has a significant impact on boosting productivity, particularly among workers who initially have lower levels of expertise. This investment in employee development fosters a culture of innovation and creative problem-solving, as employees leverage their experience in combination with new technological capabilities to tackle complex challenges. Another prominent trend that has gained momentum, particularly since the coronavirus pandemic, is the shift from traditional office work models to more flexible work arrangements. The pandemic forced organisations to adopt remote work on a large scale, and even as the world adjusted to post-pandemic realities, hybrid work models—where employees alternate between working from home and the office—have become the preferred choice for many. A 2024 report by the Project Management Institute highlights a 57% increase in hybrid work arrangements from 2020 to 2023, with the trend expected to grow in the coming months. However, these hybrid employees reported greater job satisfaction and had lower turnover rates, particularly among women and those with long commutes. These findings suggest that flexible work arrangements have positive effects on employee retention, engagement, and overall well-being. Work-life balance has become an even more prominent priority in the modern workplace, especially in the wake of the pandemic. A growing number of companies are paying closer attention to the mental health and well-being of their employees, recognising that a healthy, supported workforce is essential for long-term productivity. Many organisations are working to de-stigmatise mental health issues and raise awareness through various initiatives, such as employee assistance programmes and mental health resources. This emphasis on mental health is particularly important for younger generations entering the workforce. Gen Z, those born between 1997 and 2012, places a high value on mental health and well-being. These employees are also increasingly unwilling to tolerate toxic work cultures. A stark example of this shift is the backlash received by Narayana Murthy for endorsing a 70-hour workweek, which many saw as out of touch with the evolving expectations of today’s workforce. Alongside these trends, there has been a noticeable shift towards sustainability, with a greater emphasis on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. Companies are increasingly aware of the need to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable business practices, driven in part by government mandates and evolving consumer expectations. The Securities and Exchange Board of India has played a pivotal role in encouraging transparency, mandating that the top 1,000 listed companies disclose their business responsibility and sustainability reports. As companies face mounting pressure from both regulators and consumers, many have voluntarily started to disclose their carbon emissions data, even when not legally required. As regulatory frameworks around sustainability continue to evolve, organisations will increasingly be held accountable for their environmental and social impacts, further pushing ESG to the forefront of corporate strategies. The rise of these workplace trends—AI integration, upskilling initiatives, flexible work arrangements, mental health prioritisation, and ESG commitment—reflects a broader shift in how organisations are evolving to meet the changing needs of their workforce and society at large. Companies that successfully adapt to these changes will not only improve their operational efficiency but also cultivate a workplace culture that values innovation, inclusivity, and well-being. These organisations will be better positioned to attract and retain top talent, respond to market dynamics, and lead in an increasingly complex global landscape. Ultimately, the future of work will hinge on balancing the integration of advanced technologies, such as AI, with a strong emphasis on human well-being and purposeful business strategies. As companies continue to evolve and innovate, the focus will be on creating work environments that empower employees, drive business growth, and contribute positively to society and the planet. This comprehensive, forward-thinking approach will define the success of organizations in the years to come. (Shivanand Pandit is a tax specialist, financial adviser and author based in Goa.)

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