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A shareholder has sued Warner Bros. Discovery , the soon-to-be former home of the NBA , for violating securities law by misleading investors on the impact of losing its long-standing rights deal with the league. Richard Collura filed the suit in New York federal court seeking class action status on behalf of shareholders who purchased WBD stock between February 23 and August 7 of 2024, which is when the media giant took a massive $9.1 billion write-down at its networks segment related in part, it said, to losing the NBA on TNT. With linear television in decline, Paramount also took a large write-down in the same quarter. Under its existing 2014 deal with the NBA, TNT paid an annual average fee of $1.2 billion. 4. In 2024, the NBA entered advanced discussions with its various partners for a new round of media-rights deals that would last approximately a decade. WBD was unable to reach a new deal with the NBA before its exclusive negotiating window expired in April 2024, allowing the NBA to negotiate with other companies for its sports rights content, including, inter alia, NBC, which offered to pay an annual average fee of $2.5 billion, and Amazon, which offered to pay an annual average fee of $1.8 billion. The suit claims defendants, which also include WBD’s CEO David Zaslav and CFO Gunnar Wiedenfels , “made materially false and misleading statements regarding the company’s business, operations, and prospects,” during the period specified and “failed to disclose that WBD’s sports rights negotiations with the NBA were causing, or were likely to cause, the company to significantly reevaluate its business and goodwill.” Basically, it says the WBD defendants routinely “overstated WBD’s overall business and financial prospects” – like Zaslav stating on the first quarter call that WBD was “now on solid footing with a clear pathway to growth” and that the company is confident in its “ability to drive sustained operating momentum and enhanced shareholder value.” WBD’s stock price fell by 69 cents, or about 9.to close at $7.02 per share. It’s gained back ground since, closing Tuesday at $10.11. Bigger picture the shares have fallen precipitously since Discovery acquired Warner Media. “As a result of Defendants’ wrongful acts and omissions, and the precipitous decline in the market value of the Company’s securities, Plaintiff and other Class members have suffered significant losses and damages.” There were warnings about the business and sports rights in the company’s 10k and other filings, but the suit dismisses them as “generic” boilerplate that didn’t acknowledge the actual risk. WBD had also sued the NBA for awarding its package to Amazon and in that lawsuit said the loss of the rights deal would be devastating. (The NBA and WBD subsequently reached a settlement that includes putting NBA games on Max in some international markets and a related deal with ESPN, which also has a package, to keep Inside the NBA on air.) “During the Class Period, Defendants engaged in a plan, scheme, conspiracy and course of conduct, pursuant to which they knowingly or recklessly engaged in acts, transactions, practices and courses of business which operated as a fraud and deceit upon Plaintiff and the other members of the Class; made various untrue statements of material facts and omitted to state material facts ... [to] artificially inflate and maintain the market price of WBD securities,” the said claimed, seeking damages.Astros urged to poach 26-home run slugger on projected $44M deal | Sporting News
Officials of the Chandausi municipality in Sambhal district of Uttar Pradesh said on Saturday that nearby encroachments will be cleared in order to trace out an ancient stepwell . Saturday marked the eighth day of the excavation , Krishna Kumar Sonkar, the executive officer of the Chandausi municipality, told reporters. ET Year-end Special Reads Take That: The gamechanger weapon's India acquired in 2024 10 big-bang policy moves Modi government made in 2024 How governments tried to rein in the social media beast "Till Friday, we kept on digging the stairs and the sides, but a well has been found on the road premises, exactly at the centre. It seems that the structure is all around this well," he said. Sonkar also said the buildings built nearby, which have encroached upon the structure, will be vacated as it is an archaeological relic and no one has been given the right to encroach upon an archaeological relic or carry out construction activities over it. "After finding such a structure that has archaeological importance, it will be cleared from all sides. If the excavation is done using a tractor or JCB machine, it might get damaged. Therefore, by employing manual labour, the debris is being taken out using shovels and spades, which is why it is taking time. The Archaeological Survey of India is constantly studying the area and the excavation is being done under its guidance," he said. Sambhal witnessed violence last month over a court-ordered survey of a Mughal-era mosque in the district, leaving four people dead. Artificial Intelligence(AI) Java Programming with ChatGPT: Learn using Generative AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Basics of Generative AI: Unveiling Tomorrows Innovations By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Generative AI for Dynamic Java Web Applications with ChatGPT By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Mastering C++ Fundamentals with Generative AI: A Hands-On By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) Master in Python Language Quickly Using the ChatGPT Open AI By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Performance Marketing for eCommerce Brands By - Zafer Mukeri, Founder- Inara Marketers View Program Office Productivity Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance A2Z Of Money By - elearnmarkets, Financial Education by StockEdge View Program Marketing Modern Marketing Masterclass by Seth Godin By - Seth Godin, Former dot com Business Executive and Best Selling Author View Program Astrology Vastu Shastra Course By - Sachenkumar Rai, Vastu Shashtri View Program Strategy Succession Planning Masterclass By - Nigel Penny, Global Strategy Advisor: NSP Strategy Facilitation Ltd. View Program Data Science SQL for Data Science along with Data Analytics and Data Visualization By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI and Analytics based Business Strategy By - Tanusree De, Managing Director- Accenture Technology Lead, Trustworthy AI Center of Excellence: ATCI View Program Web Development A Comprehensive ASP.NET Core MVC 6 Project Guide for 2024 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Pam Moore By - Pam Moore, Digital Transformation and Social Media Expert View Program Artificial Intelligence(AI) AI-Powered Python Mastery with Tabnine: Boost Your Coding Skills By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Office Productivity Mastering Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and 365 By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Marketing Digital marketing - Wordpress Website Development By - Shraddha Somani, Digital Marketing Trainer, Consultant, Strategiest and Subject Matter expert View Program Office Productivity Mastering Google Sheets: Unleash the Power of Excel and Advance Analysis By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Web Development Mastering Full Stack Development: From Frontend to Backend Excellence By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Finance Financial Literacy i.e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By - CA Rahul Gupta, CA with 10+ years of experience and Accounting Educator View Program Data Science SQL Server Bootcamp 2024: Transform from Beginner to Pro By - Metla Sudha Sekhar, IT Specialist and Developer View Program Violence broke out after protesters clashed with security personnel during the survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid. The protesters torched vehicles and pelted stones at police, who used tear gas and batons to disperse the mob. Around 20 security personnel were injured in the clash, officials had said. Several people were detained in connection with the violence. Tension was brewing in Sambhal since the mosque was surveyed on the orders of a local court following a petition that claimed that a Harihar temple stood at the site previously. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
Eliot Church fined $300 a day by city for homeless servicesBEMIDJI — The Bemidji Area Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship of America chapter is set to meet at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 4, in the Beltrami Electric Conference Room, 4111 Technology Drive NW. A light breakfast will be served and all are welcome to attend. The keynote speaker will be Jeyshua Bush. His testimony will focus on his ministry work, event coordinating and leadership roles in the Bemidji area. Bush has lived in Bemidji his entire life and his family has been very involved with ministry. Growing up, his parents brought him to church, revival meetings and bible studies. Over the past few years, Bush has lead worship at his church and various college-age ministry groups. He also leads a men's bible study with mostly young adults and helps organize and coordinate church events. Bush works at Cass Lake-Bena Elementary School as a paraeducator in a special education room. Bush has three siblings, a brother-in-law and a niece who is almost two years old. He enjoys spending time with friends and family, exploring the outdoors and playing sports.World Briefs: Apologies, Tensions, and Policy Shifts
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The government is exploring ways to encourage young people to return to villages, as Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized in an unconventional interview given on Christmas Eve to Fotini Gallou, a young journalist who decided to move back from Thessaloniki to her hometown, Proti Serres. There, she began publishing the newspaper Ta Choriatika (The Village Times). The newspaper aims to highlight both the needs of rural Greece and the advantages of returning to village life. The Prime Minister himself invited Fotini to the Maximos Mansion after learning about her initiative. Their conversation revolved around topics of particular concern to the Prime Minister: supporting rural residents, enhancing entrepreneurship and the primary sector based on each region’s unique strengths, providing incentives for young people and families to settle outside major cities (as seen recently with a package of measures for Evros), and using technology to address disparities between rural and urban areas, especially in areas like education. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ Interview Fotini Gallou: Thank you very much for the honor and the invitation. This is very significant not only for *Ta Choriatika* and for me personally but also for all the villages and the young people I aspire to represent. For us, these villages are our home, and the fact that you’re choosing to shed light on this issue is genuinely important. Kyriakos Mitsotakis: First of all, congratulations on this initiative. I came across it online and was struck by the idea of doing something so innovative and showcasing what it means to live in a rural Greek village today. Fotini Gallou: A question that concerns me and the people I aim to represent—young people and villages—is one I frequently discuss with friends living abroad, in Athens, or Thessaloniki: whether they’ll ever return to their villages. Responses vary, but everyone agrees that incentives are lacking. Recently, Ms. Zaharakis announced some incentives for villages in Evros. Is decentralization and attracting young people back to the villages part of your plans? Kyriakos Mitsotakis: Indeed, the incentives announced for northern Evros—additional financial support for those deciding to settle in the villages covered by the program—are seen as a pilot initiative. It’s a way to understand if extra financial support is what young people need to live in a village or if the problem is more complex. I imagine the first issue young people you speak with raise is employment: “If I return to the village, what job can I do? Could I innovate in the primary sector—an area many young people are interested in—and build a solid career path? Are there opportunities to work remotely while enjoying the quality of life in rural Greece? Or could I live in the village and work in a nearby urban center with more professional opportunities?” Each case is unique, but we’re keen to understand whether financial incentives could facilitate this transition. Local initiatives, like yours, are also crucial because there are limits to what the state can achieve top-down. For example, in Fourna, Evrytania, the local community organized housing and possibly other opportunities for families choosing to live in the village. We also need to address issues specific to more isolated villages. While schools are generally well-covered—we deploy many teachers to ensure every corner of Greece is served—access to healthcare, like the nearest doctor or health center, remains a challenge. Village life undoubtedly has its charms and challenges, and if the charms outweigh the challenges, the choice becomes easier. Fotini Gallou: As we approach 2025, all of Greek society faces common challenges, especially with the rising cost of living and rent. Given the growing prevalence of remote work—which you also seem to advocate—could villages be a future solution? Could decentralization help combat rising costs? Kyriakos Mitsotakis: Not only could it be a solution, but to some extent, it already is. Life in a village is undoubtedly much cheaper than in a city, let alone the capital. However, many areas in rural Greece are declining because young people are not replacing the older generations who are more connected to these places. If remote work allowed you to earn the same income as in Athens, for instance, you’d obviously save more in a village because of the lower cost of living. Housing is cheaper, especially if someone returns to a village where they have family property or a house. If this economic balance becomes more favorable while offering a higher quality of life, I firmly believe there’s potential for a return to villages. Smaller schools often offer better education quality because teachers can focus more on individual students. Technological gaps are closing—for example, digital interactive whiteboards are now in all schools from the fifth grade onward. This means a child in a remote village can have the same technological tools as one in Athens or Thessaloniki. Technology bridges isolation, which is why I believe more people will consider village life as a viable option in the future. Fotini Gallou: Young people increasingly express the desire to start innovative businesses. Are there plans for incentives or tax breaks for small entrepreneurs in villages? As you understand, a small village business isn’t just an economic indicator but also the heart of village life. Kyriakos Mitsotakis: That’s a valid point. For this reason, in our tax reforms for freelancers, we increased the population threshold from 500 to 1,500 residents to recognize the unique challenges of running a business in smaller communities. We also prioritize supporting young farmers. I’ve instructed the Ministry of Agricultural Development to cover as many young farmers as possible because they sustain village life. It’s important to realistically assess the economic activities tied to villages, with the primary sector playing a significant role. Fotini Gallou: If I may take you to my region, specifically the Kasta Tomb in the Municipality of Amphipolis, a monument that makes not just us but all of Greece proud. We know work is ongoing, but as we approach ten years, there’s concern in the local community about progress. Can you share any updates about the Kasta Tomb? Kyriakos Mitsotakis: I was briefed by the Ministry of Culture just before this interview. Significant resources are being invested in this monumental site. It takes considerable time to ensure such discoveries can be fully accessible. However, I estimate that by 2026, or at the latest 2027, the entire Kasta Tomb will be open to visitors. This will undoubtedly provide a vital development boost to the surrounding municipalities. And let us not forget that, when discussing villages as a whole, besides the primary sector, there is also small-scale tourism. This type of tourism can be connected to cultural, religious, hiking, or wine tourism—activities that are predominantly carried out in rural areas. Thus, entrepreneurial activities tied to small-scale tourism are obviously central to us, and we want to support them, particularly in the mountainous regions of mainland Greece. Fotini Gallou: I would also like to raise another concern, which applies to all villages—not just our region—and relates to your recent statement that Greece will become “the battery of Europe.” There is significant anxiety that villages will bear the brunt of this initiative. Should we be worried? Kyriakos Mitsotakis: No, I would say quite the opposite. The model we are aiming for is as follows: if, for instance, a municipality has wind turbines—which are a subject of much debate, unjustly so in my opinion—then the first beneficiaries, who will have access to very cheap or possibly even free energy, should be the residents of that municipality. Thus, if energy is produced near a certain area, the citizens must understand that they are the primary beneficiaries. Overall, renewable energy sources will lead to reduced energy costs, but the first beneficiaries should be the municipalities that host such installations. Fotini Gallou: The concerns are more about the environmental and social impacts of all this. Kyriakos Mitsotakis: Firstly, each such project is subject to an individual environmental approval process. For example, there may be a specific issue with birdlife in a particular area, and as a result, no wind turbines can be installed there. In every case, there is always respect for the environment. But we must understand that renewable energy sources represent wealth for the country as a whole. Ultimately, we will all benefit from producing more energy from the sun and wind instead of importing and paying for expensive natural gas, as we currently do. And, as I said, the first beneficiaries must be the residents of the municipalities hosting these installations. Fotini Gallou: Let’s talk about your personal experiences with villages, whether as Prime Minister or as a citizen with a special fondness for the mountains. What is your connection to villages, and which memories stand out for you? Kyriakos Mitsotakis: I remember once, as a child—I must have been 11 years old in the sixth grade—my parents decided to send me for a week to Pavlos Bakoyannis’ village, Velota in Evrytania. That was my first encounter with life in a village. Back then, it took two hours on a dirt road to get there, and the village had no electricity. I remember a Greek village without electricity. It was an incredible experience, a completely different world for me, and it has left a very vivid impression on my childhood memories. Since then, I always try, during my tours, not to visit only the major urban centers. In fact, my most cherished memories from my political journey are my visits to the small towns and villages of Greece’s regions. Generally, when people hear the Prime Minister is coming—whether they voted for him or not—a large part of the village will show up to meet him. This serves as a constant reminder that Greece is much more than Athens or the big cities. Fotini Gallou: Could a Prime Minister ever live in a village someday? Kyriakos Mitsotakis: Yes, of course! I have a very special connection to the villages of Zagori, which I’ve loved since my first visit as a camper with YMCA. I can easily imagine myself spending time in such a village and perhaps in one of the more remote ones. It’s challenging now, as we don’t have much free time, but later—why not? Fotini Gallou: You mentioned that change must also come from the grassroots. My concern has always been how we can envision a thriving society on a broader scale if we cannot achieve prosperity in even a small village. Kyriakos Mitsotakis: Societies should be able to thrive, whether on a large or small scale. Sometimes the problems faced by small villages may actually be easier to solve—provided someone takes the time to address them. These are often smaller-scale issues. Our responsibility is to address the problems of all citizens in the country, giving special attention to the more isolated areas of our homeland. It would be easy to fall into the temptation of saying, “Well, there are only a few people there, so why bother?” from the perspective of political weight. “Why focus on a village with 50 residents when you could prioritize an urban municipality with 100,000?” I’ve never taken that approach. I recall during the severe disasters caused by Hurricane Ianos, when the entire mountainous region of Argithea was cut off, we allocated a significant amount of funding to ensure that these people could have safe access as soon as possible. I have a particular interest in small mountain municipalities. I often speak with their mayors because I feel that the more effort one must make to live in an isolated place, the greater the care they expect from the state. Otherwise, they simply won’t choose to live there, and we’ll lose a large part of our soul. I believe that the Greek soul is, to a great extent, tied to life in the village. Fotini Gallou: What would you like to learn from a young person who grew up in a village? Kyriakos Mitsotakis: What is it that would make you stay in the village? I would happily hear the responses from your readers. Explore related questionsSeahawks add some depth, pick up safety
Insurgents reach gates of Syria’s capital, threatening to upend decades of Assad rule BEIRUT (AP) — A Syrian opposition war monitor and a pro-government media outlet say government forces have withdrawn from much of the central city of Homs. The pro-government Sham FM reported that government forces took positions outside Syria’s third-largest city, without elaborating. Rami Abdurrahman who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said Syrian troops and members of different security agencies have withdrawn from the city, adding that rebels have entered parts of it. Losing Homs is a potentially crippling blow for Syria’s embattled leader, Bashar Assad. An archbishop's knock formally restores Notre Dame to life as winds howl and heads of state look on PARIS (AP) — France’s iconic Notre Dame Cathedral has formally reopened its doors for the first time since a devastating fire nearly destroyed the 861-year-old landmark in 2019. The five-year restoration is widely seen as a boost for French President Emmanuel Macron, who championed the ambitious timeline, and brings a welcome respite from his domestic political woes. World leaders, dignitaries, and worshippers gathered on Saturday evening for the celebrations under the cathedral's soaring arches. The celebration was attended by 1,500 dignitaries, including President-elect Donald Trump, Britain’s Prince William, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. For Catholics, Notre Dame’s rector said the cathedral “carries the enveloping presence of the Virgin Mary, a maternal and embracing presence.′′ Trump is welcomed by Macron to Paris with presidential pomp and joined by Zelenskyy for their talks PARIS (AP) — French President Emmanuel Macron has welcomed Donald Trump to Paris with a full dose of presidential pomp. And they held a hastily arranged meeting with Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy on a day that's mixing pageantry with attention to pressing global problems. The president-elect's visit to France is part of a global a celebration of the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral five years after a devastating fire. Macron and other European leaders are trying to win Trump’s favor and persuade him to maintain support for Ukraine in its defense against Russia’s invasion. Trump isn't back in office but he's already pushing his agenda and negotiating with world leaders NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump is making threats, traveling abroad, and negotiating with world leaders. He has more than a month-and-a-half to go before he’s sworn in for a second term. But the president-elect is already moving aggressively to not only fill his Cabinet and outline policy goals, but also to try to achieve his priorities. In recent days, Trump has threatened to impose a 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico, two of the country’s largest trading partners. That led to emergency calls and a visit. And he's warned of “ALL HELL TO PAY” if Hamas doesn't release the hostages still being held captive in Gaza. South Korea's president avoids an impeachment attempt over short-lived martial law SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea’s embattled President Yoon Suk Yeol has avoided an opposition-led attempt to impeach him over his short-lived imposition of martial law. Most of Yoon's ruling party lawmakers boycotted a parliamentary vote Saturday to deny a two-thirds majority needed to suspend his presidential powers. The scrapping of the motion is expected to intensify protests calling for Yoon’s ouster and deepen political chaos in South Korea. A survey suggests a majority of South Koreans support the president’s impeachment. Yoon’s martial law declaration drew criticism from his own ruling conservative People Power Party. But the party also apparently fears losing the presidency to liberals. Days after gunman killed UnitedHealthcare's CEO, police push to ID him and FBI offers reward NEW YORK (AP) — Nearly four days after the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, police still do not know the gunman’s name or whereabouts or have a motive for the killing. But they have made some progress in their investigation into Wednesday's killing of the leader of the largest U.S. health insurer, including that the gunman likely left New York City on a bus soon after fleeing the scene. The also found that the gunman left something behind: a backpack that was discovered in Central Park. Police are working with the FBI, which on Friday night announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction. UnitedHealthcare CEO's shooting opens a door for many to vent frustrations over insurance The fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare's CEO has opened the door for many people to vent their frustrations and anger over the insurance industry. The feelings of exasperation, anger, resentment, and helplessness toward insurers aren’t new. But the shooting and the headlines around it have unleashed a new wave of patients sharing such sentiments and personal stories of interactions with insurance companies. Conversations at dinner tables, office water coolers, social gatherings and on social media have pivoted to the topic. Many say they hope the new amplified voices can bring about change for companies often accused of valuing profits over people. 2 Pearl Harbor survivors, ages 104 and 102, return to Hawaii to honor those killed in 1941 attack PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (AP) — The bombing of Pearl Harbor 83 years ago launched the United States into World War II. Two survivors have returned to the Hawaii military base for a remembrance ceremony on the attack's anniversary. Both are over 100 years old. They joined active-duty troops, veterans and members of the public for an observance hosted by the Navy and the National Park Service. A third survivor was planning to join them but had to cancel due to health issues. The bombing killed more than 2,300 U.S. servicemen. An explosion destroys an apartment block in a Dutch city, killing at least 3 and injuring others THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — An explosion and fire has rocked a neighborhood in the Dutch city of The Hague, killing three people and injuring other people and destroying several apartments. The cause of the disaster is unclear. Emergency authorities said four people were rescued from the rubble and taken to the hospital. The mayor said rescuers were no longer looking for survivors but for eventual bodies, but could not specify how many people might still be unaccounted for. Residents of the northeastern neighborhood of Mariahoeve in The Hague heard a huge bang and screams before dawn. Dutch authorities have deployed a specialized urban search and rescue team to find victims. How 'Mufasa' rose with Aaron Pierre and Blue Ivy's voices along with new Lin-Manuel Miranda music SAN DIEGO (AP) — When Aaron Pierre was cast as Mufasa, the weight of following in the late James Earl Jones’ legendary footsteps was enough to rattle any actor. But instead of letting the pressure roar too loudly, he harnessed his nerves to breathe fresh life into his young lion character. Pierre found parallels between himself and his character while filming his leading role in “Mufasa: The Lion King,” which opens in theaters Dec. 20. He took the reigns as the new voice of Mufasa after Jones played the iconic King Mufasa in both the 1994 and 2019 versions of Disney’s “The Lion King.” The prequel offers a fresh exploration into Mufasa’s origin story.Why Is Valens Semiconductor Ltd. 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CARSON, Calif. — The LA Galaxy finished 26th in the 29-team Major League Soccer standings just one season ago, and their biggest supporters boycotted certain matches to protest a decade of poor performance. The most successful club in league history seemed light years away from its luminous prime. When the Galaxy raised the MLS Cup again Saturday amid confetti and fireworks, their spectacular transformation was complete. In only one year, a team that was profoundly lost had rediscovered its peerless championship pedigree. "We won this trophy, and it's finally back where it belongs," striker Dejan Joveljic said. Joseph Paintsil and Joveljic scored in the first half, and the Galaxy won their record sixth MLS Cup championship with a 2-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls. After striking twice in the first 13 minutes of the final, the Galaxy nursed their lead through a scoreless second half to raise their league's biggest trophy for the first time since 2014. MLS' most successful franchise struggled through most of the ensuing years, but everything changed after LA spent smartly in the offseason to build a high-scoring new lineup topped by Paintsil, Joveljic and Gabriel Pec. The Galaxy finished second in the Western Conference and streaked through the postseason with an MLS playoff-record 18 goals in five games to win another crown. "I'm just so proud of this group after the challenges that we (had) and the way they bounced back and competed as a group," Galaxy coach Greg Vanney said. "We spent a lot of energy at the start, but I'm just so proud of these guys. They've cemented themselves as legends in this club." The Galaxy even won this title without perhaps their most important player. Riqui Puig, the playmaking midfielder from Barcelona who ran their offense impressively all season long, tore a ligament in his knee last week in the conference final. Puig watched this game in a suit, but the Catalan catalyst's teammates hadn't forgotten him: After his replacement, Gastón Brugman, set up LA's opening goal with a superb pass in the ninth minute, Paintsil held up Puig's jersey to their roaring fans during the celebration. "I was really waiting for this moment," said Paintsil, who scored his 14th goal of an impressive season. "I'm much more, 10 times faster than them, and Gaston saw the space. ... It was really a good thing. We did it for Riqui, and we did it for our family that came, and our supporters." Just four minutes later, Joveljic sprinted past four New York defenders and chipped home his 21st goal. Brugman was named the MLS Cup MVP after a commanding performance in midfield. The Uruguayan hadn't started a match for the Galaxy since Oct. 5 after an injury-slowed season, playing only as a postseason substitute before the final. "I dreamed of that yesterday, of something I could give to the team," Brugman said of his pass to Paintsil. "Today, it happened." Sean Nealis scored for the seventh-seeded Red Bulls, whose improbable postseason charge ended one win shy of their first Cup championship. With the league's youngest roster, New York fell just short of becoming the lowest-seeded team to win the tournament under first-year German coach Sandro Schwarz. "I love these guys," Schwarz said. "Some guys, they are crying. In the big picture, that's a start. Sometimes when you lose the final, it's tough, but you use this experience to create the next energy, the next intensity." Galaxy goalkeeper John McCarthy made four saves to win his second MLS title in three seasons, but Nealis beat the 2022 MLS Cup MVP in the 28th minute when he volleyed from the penalty area. The second half was lively: Red Bulls captain Emil Forsberg hit the outside of the post in the 72nd minute, while Pec and Galaxy substitute Marco Reus nearly converted chances a few moments later. The ball got loose in the Galaxy's penalty area in the third minute of extra time, but two Red Bulls couldn't finish. After Galaxy owner Phil Anschutz received the MLS Cup that bears his name because of his steady financial support of the league during its shaky years, Galaxy captain Maya Yoshida carried the trophy to his teammates for the celebration. The Galaxy extended their lead over DC United (4) for the most MLS Cup championships in league history. The Red Bulls remain one of three original MLS franchises never to win the title, along with FC Dallas and the New England Revolution. The Galaxy finished 17-0-3 this season at their frequently renamed suburban stadium, where the sellout crowd of 26,812 for the final included several robust cheering sections of Red Bulls supporters hoping to see their New Jersey-based club's breakthrough. But this season was about the Galaxy's rebirth. The club famous for employing global stars from David Beckham and Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Robbie Keane and Javier "Chicharito" Hernández swiftly turned itself into a contender again by acquiring young talents without international fame. The Galaxy signed Pec from Brazil and grabbed Paintsil, a Ghanaian playing in Belgium. The duo combined with Joveljic to form a potent attack with orchestration from Puig, one of MLS' best players. "Losing a guy like Riqui after the performance he put in all season was devastating," McCarthy said. "Even if he wasn't on the field, we did it for him." 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LA Galaxy win record 6th MLS CupVeteran media academician and Mentor many, Kiran Thakur, passes away at 77
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