Tirelessly year after year, Marta has championed the women's game even when it felt like nobody else did. So when Marta lifted a long-awaited NWSL trophy this weekend, women's football united in the energy-emitting glow of the Brazilian GOAT. Marta has been named FIFA Women's Player of the Year six times and has won three Olympic silver medals. Her genuine love for the game and the freedom with which she plays have wowed and inspired people all over the world. The Brazilian is a special character and a generational talent, and here at Sporting News, with the dust settling on another breathless NWSL season, we are taking the chance to tip our cap to a legend and look back on some of Marta's most wholesome and awe-inspiring moments on and off the pitch. Marta's most heartwarming moments and career highlights NWSL Champions with Marta's mom watching on Marta grew up in an impoverished area of Brazil called Dois Riachos; she was one of four siblings born to a single mother. Now 38 years old, with eight years of playing in the US under her belt, it was only this weekend that Marta played a match on US soil with her mom in the crowd. Tereza travelled all the way to Kansas City from Brazil to watch her daughter play, and would prove to be the soccer legend's good luck charm. Marta finally had her hands on the much sought-after trophy with Orlando Pride . After full-time, Marta and her mother embraced, but the side-to-side shot perhaps illustrates the beauty of the moment best. Just look at what an #NWSL championship means to Marta and her mum, Tereza 🥹🇧🇷 On Tereza's first trip to the USA to watch her daughter play, she claims her first championship after eight years of trying. Football 💜 #NWSLChampionship pic.twitter.com/iEycuF8UT3 Marta and Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw share a moment Touted as Marta's final World Cup, the 2023 Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand took on added significance for Marta and her nation, Brazil. Led by legendary Swedish head coach Pia Sundhage, who had just guided Brazil to victory in the Copa America 2022, expectations were high. Brazil were drawn into what seemed a simple group, and after a comfortable win against Panama, Brazil lost to France, meaning that only victory against Jamaica would take Brazil through to the knockout rounds. Marta's Brazil huffed and puffed, but they were unable to break through a stubborn Jamaican defence, and the match finished 0-0. Brazil were stunningly knocked out at the group stage for the first time since Marta laced up her boots for her country. It was a crushing blow, and Marta was clearly devastated after the final whistle. While Marta exiting the World Cup was the big story, Jamaica had simultaneously become the first Caribbean team to make the Women's World Cup knockout stages after extensive disputes with the Jamaican FA over payment and funding, which at one point saw the team almost completely funded by Bob Marley's daughter Cedella Marley. After the game Marta approached Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw embracing her and congratulating the captain of the Reggae Girlz. When Shaw was asked what Marta had said to her responded "She just said that she's watched our journey ever since we qualified, and she credits us because every time we got knocked down, we still get up and keep pushing." Women's World Cup 2007 - Marta inspired Brazil dump USA out The 2007 World Cup was a seminal moment in women's football — more than anything, it represented the true arrival of one of the true greats onto the world stage. Marta had been featured at the World Cup four years earlier, where she had helped Brazil to the quarterfinals. But now she was a little more mature and was playing with a swagger, a street footballer-like magic that it seems only Brazilians have the ability to conjure up. Marta danced her way through to the semifinals with Brazil, where they would face the mighty USA. To this day, the match is a sore spot for fans of the USWNT who may still lament head coach Greg Ryan's unexpected decision to bench Hope Solo in favour of Briana Scurry --- the famous goalkeeper for the ninety-niners who was perhaps at that stage past her best. Marta put on a show in China that night; her goals helped Brazil to a 4-0 win and a place in the World Cup final. Although defeated by Germany in the final, Marta won the Golden Ball, the Golden Boot and the hearts of millions the world over. Humble Marta and her guitar Former England international Anita Asante recently penned a beautiful article for the BBC about her former roommate from her time playing for FC Rosengard, a certain Brazilian called Marta. Asante fondly remembers her time with Marta after joining her in Sweden in 2013, "Marta is such a humble person. She definitely has an aura --- but she would never make anyone else feel she was higher than them. She didn't act like a superstar." The former Lioness also remembers Marta's penchant for bringing her guitar wherever she went, often whimsically playing and singing a tune to herself in Portuguese. Marta's speech that inspired millions It is impossible to distil the essence of a legend into five moments. There are so many more that could have been included from Marta's UEFA Women's Champions League title for Umea IK to her player of the tournament performances at major tournament after major tournament. But part of her brilliance is her ability to inspire future generations without fail. After exiting the 2019 World Cup to hosts France, Marta gave a spine tingling call to arms for young women's footballers around the world. Staring into the camera Marta issued her rallying cry : "It's wanting more. It's training more. It's taking care of yourself more. It's being ready to play 90 plus 30 minutes. This is what I ask of the girls. The women's game depends on you to survive, so think about that. Value it more. Cry in the beginning so you can smile in the end." We have long known Marta as a champion, but Sunday confirmed her time in the NWSL would be complemented by more than one piece of silverware, so I will leave the final words that will warm the hearts of Marta fans everywhere, to the legend herself : “I’ve asked myself why I still play for Orlando after eight years, I’m the only player on this club since 2017. And I’ve had so many questions, but now I have the answer.”The Dickinson Press Editorial Board: Fridrich recall a wasteful misstep
Ifedi starts at left tackle for Browns in prime-time matchup against AFC North-leading SteelersNoneAddressing a press conference earlier in the year to announce himself as Acting President of the CCC, Professor Ncube acknowledged Tshabangu as the recognised signatory by the Courts, Parliament and Government institutes. He went on to say that Tshabangu was one of them and they would work with him. Because it was his signature that was recognised by all institutions, the faction did not challenge several appointments to represent the party in Parliament. Now, the CCC faction led by Professor Ncube accepted Tshabangu’s self-appointment to Senate, self-appointment as the Opposition Leader in Parliament, self-appointment as the leader of the CCC in the Senate, self-appointment as a member of the Parliament Standing Rules and Orders Committee, self-appointment as a member of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Delegation, appointment of Honourable Lynnette Karenyi-Kore as leader of the opposition in Parliament, appointment of Honourable Edwin Mushoriwa as Chief Whip in the National Assembly and the many other appointments that he made, why are they worried when Sebenzo Tshabangu re-shuffles what he appointed, and promises to recall those members of Parliament and Senators who do not bend to his whims? Do these colleagues only see bad things when they are done to those of their inner circles? According to the media, Charlton Hwende was the only Member of Parliament who raised a point of order protesting the announcement of Tshabangu’s appointments. Hwende reportedly walked out of the house in protest. Many people have accused Professor Ncube of being a Zanu PF plant within the opposition, but I beg to differ. My assessment of Professor Ncube is that he is not political leadership material. He is politically blind and does not scan the political environment to determine what to do or say when it matters most. In this instance, he accepted the powers bestowed on Tshabangu by Zanu PF. He thought he could tame Tshabangu, but now it’s blowing on his face. I hope Professor Ncube and his colleagues in the CCC faction he leads learn from this experience and must retrace their political steps and correct their past if they genuinely want to be considered as genuine fighters for democracy who want to help liberate the country from Zanu PF oppression and repression as they claim to be. For Professor Ncube as a legal mind, he should know that the MDC Alliance Gweru Congress which elected him as an MDC Deputy President was nullified by the Courts, so he should educate himself first that the claim of acting presidency based on a nullified Gweru MDC Alliance Congress is a nullity. After that, he can educate his colleagues who took positions in the CCC faction that he leads that they legally have no right to claim those positions. There is the leadership arrangement that the CCC faction led by Jameson Timba is using, which acknowledges that following the High Court decision which failed to uphold the claim to MDC Alliance leadership elected at the Gweru Congress, the positions elected at the Gweru Congress were no longer officially acceptable. This sounds like a more appealing argument, given that some of the people who participated at the Gweru Congress had gone with Douglas Mwonzora. It would make sense that those who signed for the CCC’s participation in the 2023 elections were in charge. For those who had played down the notion that Tshabangu is a Zanu PF implant and embraced him and his signing powers as announced at the Press Conference fronted by Professor Ncube, the truth is now there for all to see. Despite the High Court challenge to Tshabangu’s latest reshuffle of representatives to hold various positions in Parliament, the Speaker of Parliament is said to have announced the changes made by Tshabangu. I understand that a similar challenge by the faction led by Jameson Timba to prove that Tshabangu has no authority to claim a position in the CCC does not hold water and is still pending in the courts. I would want to encourage all the people who have been involved in the CCC leadership to seriously reflect on this opinion piece, do some soul-searching, and if they find something useful, reach out to each other to strategize to rescue Zimbabwe from the jaws of dictator Zanu PF. Given the latest developments, those who had blamed Advocate Nelson Chamisa for everything that went wrong may be starting to believe he was right. I believe he saw these things coming. I am told that after the 2023 elections, he rallied his MPs to withdraw from Parliament, but for various reasons, most did not agree with him. In my view, Advocate Chamisa remains the best foot forward for Zimbabwe. Unfortunately, those who have clashed with him may be too proud to admit it, so he must work with those who trust his vision to launch a new offensive to free the oppressed people of Zimbabwe. I hope those who questioned the strategic ambiguity which was meant to ostracise the likes of Tshabangu will now see the young politician’s political acumenship. It was that political acuity that made the CCC secure more seats in 2023 than those amassed by the MDC Alliance in 2018, even though Zanu PF had tripled the level of rigging in 2023, to the extent that for the first time in the history of Zimbabwe, African election observers confirmed that the election was not free and fair. Food for thought Kennedy Kaitano, Mutare
The 4 largest investments in my Stocks and Shares ISA are all outperforming the S&P 500 this yearLegit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements. CHECK OUT: Don't let unemployment hold you back. Start your digital marketing journey today. The former governor of Niger state, Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu , has said that to protect the security personnel, Nigeria must formulate a policy that stipulates the death penalty for anyone who kills uniform personnel. He stated this at the National Institute of Security Studies (NISS), in Abuja during a graduation ceremony for members of the Executive Intelligence Management Course (EIMC), 17. According to Aliyu, the death penalty measure would encourage security personnel. As reported by Leadership on Saturday, December 7, the former governor stressed that patriotism must be taken to the highest level. PAY ATTENTION : Standing out in social media world? Easy! "Mastering Storytelling for Social Media" workshop by Legit.ng. Join Us Live! The two-time governor, spoke while reacting to the death of over 30 soldiers in Niger state in 2023. He wondered why anyone would threaten and kill personnel while on duty and still go free. Aliyu said: Read also Tobi Adegboyega: UK judges explain why Nigerian-born pastor's deportation was approved “I am happy that the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa is here. Although, they say the CDS or the military are not involved in issues of policies. But let me say this; I have not seen any country where about 38 soldiers would be killed and there will be deafening silence afterwards. I want to recommend that anybody that kills uniform person must die.” However, to buttress the former governor's assertion, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu , who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the event, stated that all those threatening Nigeria’s peace must be brought to book whether they are in the country or abroad. PAY ATTENTION : Legit.ng Needs Your Opinion! That's your chance to change your favourite news media. Fill in a short questionnaire Source: Legit.ng
South Korean prosecutors question ex-defence minister over botched martial law - Yonhap News
DALLAS and VANCOUVER, British Columbia and ROME, Dec. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AleAnna, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, “AleAnna” or the “Company”), an emerging leader in Italy’s energy landscape, announced the completion of the previously announced business combination (the “Business Combination”) between Swiftmerge Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ: IVCP) (“Swiftmerge”), a special purpose acquisition company, and AleAnna Energy, LLC (“AleAnna Energy”). Concurrent with the completion of the Business Combination, Swiftmerge has changed its name to AleAnna, Inc. Commencing at the open of trading on December 16, 2024, the Class A shares of common stock and warrants of AleAnna are expected to begin trading on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the ticker symbols “ANNA” and “ANNAW”, respectively. The transaction was unanimously approved by the Board of Directors of Swiftmerge and was approved at an extraordinary general meeting (the “Shareholders Meeting”) of Swiftmerge’s shareholders on December 12, 2024. Former equity holders of AleAnna Energy rolled 100% of their equity interests into the combined company. Prior to the execution of the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated June 6, 2024, AleAnna Energy's equity holders contributed over $60 million in cash, bringing the company's total cumulative investment to nearly $175 million. This infusion of capital enabled the completion of the Longanesi Field tie-in and the acquisition of initial renewable natural gas (“RNG”) assets, both finalized in Q3 2024. Additionally, the investment covered expenses related to the business combination and provided funding for general corporate liquidity. As of the transaction close, AleAnna had approximately $28 million in cash and cash equivalents on its balance sheet and no debt. This disciplined approach to financial management has empowered AleAnna to allocate significant capital to innovative exploration and development projects while preserving financial flexibility. Long History In Developing Resources in Italy AleAnna has a distinguished history in Italy, having been a leader in energy exploration and development for over a decade. Since its founding in 2007, the company has been dedicated to unlocking the significant potential of Italy’s natural gas reserves through the application of cutting-edge seismic imaging and environmentally responsible practices. AleAnna holds one of the largest portfolios of exploration permits and production concessions in Italy, spanning over 2.3 million acres. By combining advanced technology with a deep respect for Italy’s cultural and environmental heritage, AleAnna is expected to play a pivotal role in bolstering the nation’s energy independence and economic growth, earning its reputation as a trusted partner in Italy’s energy future. Positioning itself as a leader in both onshore conventional natural gas and renewable natural gas (RNG) production, AleAnna is at the forefront of building a secure and reliable domestic energy supply for Italy and the broader European market. The company stands on the cusp of a major milestone, with the first phase of natural gas production from the Longanesi Field projected to commence in Q1 2025. Alongside this, additional gas discoveries at Gradizza and Trava, 13 development prospects in various permitting stages, and leases covering approximately 2.3 million net acres underscore AleAnna’s commitment to future exploration and development. AleAnna is also helping drive the European Union's clean energy transition through its innovative approach to RNG. Leveraging the strategic overlap between its conventional and renewable assets in the Po Valley, AleAnna is transforming agricultural waste into renewable energy. With three RNG facilities operational and over 100 additional opportunities identified, AleAnna is poised for significant expansion in this sector. Guided by a commitment to corporate responsibility and a vision for a sustainable future, AleAnna integrates conventional and renewable energy solutions to reduce Europe’s carbon footprint and advance its clean energy objectives. By delivering innovative energy solutions, AleAnna continues to shape Italy’s energy landscape and support the EU’s transition toward a greener future. Experienced Management And Board Of Directors The combined company will be led by William Dirks as Executive Director and Marco Brun as Chief Executive Officer, supported by a seasoned and highly skilled executive team. AleAnna’s leadership team brings extensive expertise gained from top-tier energy companies, including Shell, Eni, and Exxon. This seasoned group combines in-depth knowledge of energy technology, operations, and business development with well-established regulatory and industry networks in Italy. Their collective experience equips AleAnna to effectively navigate the dynamic and rapidly evolving energy landscape. The Board of Directors, which will include Graham van’t Hoff, William Dirks, Marco Brun, Duncan Palmer, and Curtis Hébert, collectively brings a wealth of experience spanning global energy markets, technical and operational expertise, European energy development, financial management, governance, and regulatory policy. This diverse set of skills and perspectives ensures comprehensive strategic oversight and positions AleAnna for sustained growth and success. With over 15 years of investment and operational experience in Italy, AleAnna has a competitive advantage in securing critical permits and approvals, positioning it ahead of its peers. The company’s approach integrates cutting-edge technologies and industry-leading practices with strategic capital allocation to maximize the value of its conventional and renewable natural gas (RNG) assets. AleAnna is dedicated to sustainable, low-cost growth while maintaining strict capital discipline. By prioritizing innovation, efficiency, and long-term shareholder value, AleAnna is well-positioned to lead the next phase of Italy’s energy transformation. Management Commentary Bill Dirks, Executive Director of AleAnna, commented, “Our investment in state-of-the-art subsurface technology has been a game-changer for AleAnna. By leveraging advanced seismic imaging and cutting-edge data analysis, we have achieved unparalleled accuracy in identifying and developing Italy’s natural gas resources. This technology not only enhances our operational efficiency but also ensures that our exploration and development activities are conducted in an environmentally responsible manner, aligning with our commitment to sustainability and innovation in the energy sector.” Marco Brun, AleAnna’s Chief Executive Officer, added, “We stand at a pivotal moment in AleAnna's journey. As we gear up for production at Longanesi and scale our renewable natural gas (RNG) operations, we are proud to be at the forefront of driving a sustainable energy future. This strategy not only delivers value to AleAnna shareholders but also plays a key role in reshaping the energy landscape for generations to come.” About AleAnna, Inc. AleAnna is an innovative energy company dedicated to unlocking Italy's extensive natural gas reserves and advancing renewable energy solutions to address the country's energy needs and support Europe's sustainability and energy security goals. With a vast portfolio encompassing over 2.3 million acres of potential resources and state-of-the-art technologies, AleAnna is poised to lead Italy's energy transition. Guided by a commitment to environmental responsibility and operational excellence, AleAnna is shaping a sustainable and secure energy future. The company operates regional headquarters in Dallas, TX, and Rome, Italy, serving as strategic hubs for its global and local initiatives. Forward-Looking Statements The information included herein contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Certain statements, other than statements of present or historical fact included herein, regarding the Business Combination, the anticipated benefits of the Business Combination, AleAnna’s future financial performance following the Business Combination, as well as AleAnna’s strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. When used herein, including any statements made in connection herewith, the words “could,” “should,” “will,” “may,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” the negative of such terms and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. However, not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. These forward-looking statements are based on AleAnna management’s current expectations and assumptions about future events. They are based on current information about the outcome and timing of future events. You should not place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Except as otherwise required by applicable law, AleAnna disclaims any duty to update any forward-looking statements, all expressly qualified by the statements in this section, to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. AleAnna cautions you that these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the control of AleAnna. These risks include, but are not limited to, general economic, financial, legal, political and business conditions and changes in domestic and foreign markets; the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the Business Combination and any transactions contemplated thereby, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of AleAnna to grow and manage growth profitably and retain its management and key employees; AleAnna’s need for additional capital to execute its business plan and support its anticipated growth; costs related to the Business Combination; the risks associated with the growth of AleAnna’s business and the timing of expected business milestones; AleAnna’s ability to identify, develop and operate new projects; the reduction or elimination of government economic incentives to the natural gas market; delays in acquisition, financing, construction and development of new projects; decline in public acceptance and support of renewable energy development and projects; the ability to obtain necessary regulatory and governmental permits and approvals; uncertainty regarding the EU’s clean energy transition, including existing regulations and changes to regulations and policies that affect AleAnna’s operations; the ability to maintain the listing of AleAnna’s securities on a national securities exchange; and the effects of competition on AleAnna’s future business. These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, and should one or more of the risks or uncertainties described herein and in any statements made in connection in addition to these occur, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results and plans could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that AleAnna does not know or that AleAnna currently believes are immaterial that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Additional information concerning these and other factors that may impact AleAnna’s expectations and projections can be found in filings it makes with the SEC, including the definitive proxy statement/prospectus filed by Swiftmerge and AleAnna Energy with the SEC on November 21, 2024, including those under “Risk Factors” therein, and other documents filed or to be filed with the SEC by AleAnna. SEC filings are available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov . Investor Relations Contact For AleAnna, Inc.: Bill Dirks wkdirks@aleannagroup.com
Liverpool boss Arne Slot hailed “special” Mohamed Salah after seeing him fire the Premier League leaders to the brink of victory at Newcastle. The Reds ultimately left St James’ Park with only a point after Fabian Schar snatched a 3-3 draw at the end of a pulsating encounter, but Salah’s double – his 14th and 15th goals of the season – transformed a 2-1 deficit into a 3-2 lead before the Switzerland defender’s late intervention. The 32-year-old Egypt international’s future at Anfield remains a topic of debate with his current contract running down. Asked about Salah’s future, Slot said: “It’s difficult for me to predict the long-term future, but the only thing I can expect or predict is that he is in a very good place at the moment. Two goals and an assist for Mo tonight 👏 pic.twitter.com/tMXidgeA0P — Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 4, 2024 “He plays in a very good team that provides him with good opportunities and then he is able to do special things. “And what makes him for me even more special is that in the first hour or before we scored to make it 1-1, you thought, ‘He’s not playing his best game today’, and to then come up with a half-hour or 45 minutes – I don’t know how long it was – afterwards with an assist, two goals, having a shot on the bar, being a constant threat, that is something not many players can do if they’ve played the first hour like he did. “That is also what makes him special. If you just look at the goals, his finish is so clinical. He’s a special player, but that’s what we all know.” Salah did indeed endure a quiet opening 45 minutes by his standards and it was the Magpies who went in at the break a goal to the good after Alexander Isak’s stunning 35th-minute finish. Slot said: “The shot from Isak, I don’t even know if Caoimh (keeper Caoimhin Kelleher) saw that ball, as hard as it was.” Salah set up Curtis Jones to level five minutes into the second half and after Anthony Gordon has restored the hosts’ lead, levelled himself from substitute Trent Alexander-Arnold’s 68th-minute cross. He looked to have won it with a fine turn and finish – his ninth goal in seven league games – seven minutes from time, only for Schar to pounce from a tight angle in the 90th minute. Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe was delighted with the way his team took the game to the Reds four days after their disappointing 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace. Howe, who admitted his surprise that VAR official Stuart Attwell had not taken a dimmer view of a Virgil van Dijk shoulder barge on Gordon, said: “It’s mixed emotions. “Part of me feels we should have won it – a big part of me – but part of me is pleased we didn’t lose either because it was such a late goal for us. “Generally, I’m just pleased with the performance. There was much more attacking output, a much better feel about the team. “There was much better energy, and it was a really good performance against, for me, the best team we’ve played so far this season in the Premier League, so it was a big jump forward for us.”
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