how many emeralds for fortune 3
SAN FRANCISCO -- Willy Adames wasted little time making one thing clear: He wants to play all 162 games for the San Francisco Giants . So when introduced as their new shortstop Thursday, Adames looked to his left and gently put a hand on manager Bob Melvin's right shoulder, smiled and said, "if he lets me." Melvin might not need much convincing, thrilled to suddenly have stability at a position that lacked continuity this year in his first season as skipper. Editor's Picks Giants add ex-GM Evans and Posey's agent Berry 6d MLB winter meetings winners, losers and who needs to make a big move next 9h MLB Insiders Who has the most work to do? Where all 30 MLB teams stand ahead of winter meetings 7d Bradford Doolittle Adames didn't hesitate to also offer a thought to new boss Buster Posey: He plans to win a few championships with the Giants just like the catcher-turned-executive did here. Surrounded by his parents and other family and friends, Adames was formally introduced and welcomed at Oracle Park after signing a $182 million, seven-year contract - the first big, splashy move made by Posey since he became President of Baseball Operations in late September. "There's no words to describe my feeling right now to be here in this beautiful city, I'm just so happy to be here," Adames said. "... This is a dream come true for me. I'm thrilled to be here, I'm so excited. Hopefully we can win a few championships like you did, and that's one of the main reasons I'm here." Everyone who has encountered Adames so far can't wait for him to get to work as an example both on the diamond and in the clubhouse. "He's a unique connector of people," Posey shared from Craig Counsell's description of the 29-year-old infielder from the Dominican Republic. "That really struck me because I think to win championships you have to have personalities like Willy that they're able to identify with everybody in the clubhouse, and that's not just players. I heard from multiple people that Willy treats everybody with the utmost respect. He plays with energy, he plays with joy and I know that our fans are just going to be thrilled to watch him compete on a daily basis." Adames' deal marks the richest contract for San Francisco since Posey reached a $167 million, nine-year pact in 2013. "I didn't know 'til it was done. I was like 'wow,'" Adames said. From afar, Adames watched the legacy left by his hero Derek Jeter that went far beyond the baseball diamond. And that's as important to Adames as playing all 162 after he appeared in 161 games last season for Milwaukee. He considers part of his role to help the young players learn "to be a professional" and lead a club that has missed the playoffs the past three years in winning the right way. "For me that comes first, it comes first to be a great human being. I've got to thank my parents for that, they raised me the right way, to try to treat everybody the same, it doesn't matter what you're doing," Adames said. "I think that's something that I'm really proud of, just to be the same guy every day, to be kind, just to give love back to people because there's a lot of hate out there and I don't really like that." The Giants know Adames' positive influence could go far. Asked about the instability at shortstop, Melvin noted, "Well, it's not a problem now." Adames gives the Giants a power bat and reliable defense at his position. This year for the Brewers, he produced his best offensive season in the big leagues, batting .251 with a career-high 32 home runs and 112 RBI. "Look, every team wants a Willy Adames on their team. I think the thing that strikes me the most is when I'd watch him play a couple times a year on the other side was he never looked like he had a bad day," Melvin said. "It always looked like every day was opening day to him. That enthusiasm when your best players are like that - Matt Chapman is like that, too - it's easy for everybody to have to fall in and play in that type of style. It's easier said than done but really for me that's the thing that struck me most is how much he loved playing baseball." Adames is close friends with former Giants third baseman Matt Duffy , who shared his own experiences being part of the San Francisco franchise. It all became real when Adames pulled on his new cream-colored Giants jersey and buttoned it up, saying, "I'm a little nervous about this." A few moments later, the cap went on his head and he felt right at home. "It looks amazing."Jon Ossoff first ran for office seven years ago with a promise to get under Donald Trump’s skin. As he seeks another U.S. Senate term, and the president-elect prepares a return to office, the Georgia Democrat is stressing his ability to work across party lines. Ossoff told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Wednesday that he is “actively seeking opportunities” to find common ground with Trump and other Republicans. But he said he won’t hesitate to oppose Trump if he flouts Georgia’s interests. “I sincerely hope that for Georgia the incoming administration can deliver and succeed for our state’s benefit,” Ossoff said. “And I’ll actively look for opportunities to continue the bipartisan work that I’ve done for the last four years.” Ossoff is sticking to a playbook he embraced after his 2021 runoff defeat of Republican David Perdue, one of a pair of Democratic runoff victories in Georgia that flipped control of the Senate. He’s voted reliably with President Joe Biden and other Democrats on major policies since taking office, but he’s also emphasized bipartisanship and consensus-building when possible, such as over infrastructure spending and immigration policy debates. His approach echoes that of many other Democrats grappling with how to counter the returning president after he recaptured Georgia and scored a decisive national victory. Many emphasize a willingness to compromise on key issues rather than all-out defiance. But Ossoff is waging a reelection campaign in a remade political landscape. Four years after Biden flipped Georgia for the first time in decades — and voters elected Ossoff and Raphael Warnock to the Senate — the GOP is again ascendant after Trump’s decisive win. Georgia GOP Chair Josh McKoon said Ossoff’s “almost unanimous lockstep voting” with Biden, and recent support for failed measures to block U.S. sales of ammunition to Israel, will come back to haunt Democrats. (Ossoff said he hoped the vote pressures Israel to take more steps to save civilian lives.) “His stated bipartisanship is a costume,” McKoon said. “And the mask has now slipped off for all Georgians to see.” ‘A political problem’ McKoon’s line of attack is a preview of the incoming fire against Ossoff in 2026, when he is certain to be a top GOP target. National Republicans are working already to recruit Gov. Brian Kemp or another formidable contender to join the race. Ossoff said he’s unafraid to punch back, particularly over Trump’s vow to repeal Democratic-backed green energy incentives that helped fuel Georgia’s growing electric-vehicle industry. It passed despite staunch GOP opposition, including complaints from Kemp it created an unequal playing field. “There are risks to Georgia’s economic development,” Ossoff said, framing the debate as a choice “between the president-elect’s promises to repeal manufacturing incentives that have supercharged Georgia’s economic development on the one hand and our state’s interests on the other.” He added, “Congress will have to conduct vigorous oversight and guard against potential overreach, misconduct or abuse.” But he also acknowledged Democratic shortfalls. Even as Ossoff criticized Trump for working to scuttle a bipartisan border security measure this year, he said there was a “substantive policy failure” by the Biden administration to address illegal immigration. “The Biden administration’s administrative failures at the southern border were both a substantive failure and also, clearly, a political problem,” he said. Ossoff’s approach hardly resembles his stance on Trump in 2017, when he ran unsuccessfully for a GOP-held U.S. House seat with a “ make Trump furious ” mantra that he ultimately abandoned in favor of more robust outreach to swing voters and Republicans. That coalition helped him oust Perdue in a close 2021 runoff. But that tenuous alliance unraveled in November when a resurgent Trump cut into Democratic strongholds across Georgia and turned GOP bastions a brighter shade of red. Now Trump is set to reenter the White House with a firm grip on the GOP and a unified Congress, while Democrats struggle over how to oppose the returning president. Ossoff has said little about the soul-searching over the party’s direction — when asked about ongoing internal debate, he said he’s “looking for opportunities to get things done in Georgia” — while working behind the scenes to assert control of the state Democratic infrastructure. And analysts say Ossoff’s shrewd to follow a strategy of targeted bipartisanship instead of outright opposition ahead of a midterm race in 2026 that could again hinge on swing voters. “He has no choice but to work with who the public has elected if he is going to be an effective senator for the state of Georgia,” University of Georgia political scientist Audrey Haynes said. “I don’t know what other path he has to reelection victory,” said Jeff Auerbach, a political scientist at Oxford College of Emory University. “He’ll have to win the same swing voters that helped elect him four years ago. He’s threading a needle, but that’s the only option he has.” Here are excerpts from the interview: On his strategy of working with the returning president: “I sincerely hope that for Georgia the incoming administration can deliver and succeed for our state’s benefit. And I’ll actively look for opportunities to continue the bipartisan work that I’ve done for the last four years in my constituents’ interest ... “I’ve been one of the most bipartisan members of the Senate. I’ve built deep and productive partnerships with Republican colleagues. I’ve led vigorous bipartisan oversight investigations. ... I’m going to continue that approach with Congress in the new administration.” On lessons learned from the election results: “You’ve reported for years that I’ve criticized the Democratic Party on immigration policy. And you reported I thought it was a craven capitulation to election-year politics for Republicans in Congress not to pass a bipartisan border security measure last year. The outgoing administration’s failures at the border weighed heavily on the outcome of the election, and more importantly, were a substantive policy failure.” On whether he is optimistic about working with Trump: “I am actively seeking opportunities to work together in Georgia’s interest. My obligation is to the state, no matter who is in the White House, no matter who has power in Congress, and I’ll actively seek those opportunities to find common ground and get things done for Georgia.” ©2024 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Visit at ajc.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Australia's proposal to ban under-16s from social media platforms is "rushed", social media companies claimed Tuesday, expressing "serious concerns" about potential unintended consequences. The landmark legislation would force social media firms to prevent young teens from accessing their platforms or face fines of up to Aus$50 million (US$32.5 million). Platforms such as X, Snapchat, TikTok, and Meta have criticised the 24-hour time frame given for stakeholder comments, claiming a lack of consultation and inadequate details about how the legislation would work. X said in its submission that it had "serious concerns" the ban would have "a negative impact" on children, adding it breached their "rights to freedom of expression and access to information". The company added that the proposed law was "vague" and "highly problematic" and that there was "no evidence" that it would work. Australia is among the vanguard of nations trying to clean up social media, and the proposed age limit would be among the world's strictest measures aimed at children. The proposed laws, which were presented to parliament last week, would also include robust privacy provisions that require tech platforms to delete any age-verification information collected. The government is trying to approve the law this week, before parliament breaks for the rest of the year. Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, said in its submission the ban would "fail" in its current form because there was not enough consultation with stakeholders. "More time should be taken to get this bill right," it said. TikTok raised concerns over the privacy provisions -- including that they overlapped and contradicted other legislation -- and the limited time to consult stakeholders. More from this section "Its rushed passage poses a serious risk of further unintended consequences," the company's submission said. Key details about how social media companies are expected to enforce the ban remain unclear. Some companies will be granted exemptions from the ban, such as YouTube, which teenagers may need to use for school work or other reasons. Once celebrated as a means of staying connected and informed, social media platforms have been tarnished by cyberbullying, the spread of illegal content, and election-meddling claims. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese insisted Tuesday that "social media is causing social harm". "It can be a weapon for bullies, a platform for peer pressure, a driver of anxiety, a vehicle for scammers and, worst of all, a tool for online predators," he wrote in an opinion piece. "And because it is young Australians who are most engaged with this technology -- it is young Australians who are most at risk." The laws would give families "peace of mind" that their children's well-being and mental health were being prioritised, he said. If the proposed law passes, tech platforms would be given a one-year grace period to figure out how to implement and enforce the ban. The proposal comes just months before Australians go to the polls in a general election that must be held in the first half of 2025. lec/arb/fox
(The Center Square) – Homeowners in the market for washers and dryers may have better-performing options to choose from in the near future due to a bill limiting the extent of energy efficiency mandates on laundry appliances passing the U.S. House. The Republican-led House Resolution 1612 , or Liberty in Laundry Act, would prohibit the Secretary of Energy from enforcing energy conservation standards for clothes washers or dryers that “are not cost-effective or technologically feasible.” Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., who introduced the legislation, said the move is a response to the “slew of woke, ‘environmental’ nonsense rulemaking attempts” by the Biden administration and U.S. Department of Energy. “I have spent much of my time in Congress fighting back the federal government’s vast overreach into the lives of hardworking Americans,” Ogles announced after the bill’s passage Tuesday. “Americans should be able to do their laundry in peace without the input of Big Brother.” Earlier this year, the DOE finalized new updated standards for residential clothes washers and dryers which aim to cut costs and pollution. It estimates the regulations will reduce nearly 71 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions–equivalent to the combined annual emissions of nearly 9 million homes–and up to $39 billion on Americans’ energy and water bills over the next 30 years. House Democrats opposed the legislation's passage, saying "absolutely no one" stands to benefit from the law and accused Republicans of trying to curry favor with special interest groups. "H.R. 7673 guts popular energy efficiency standards for laundry machines – standards that save Americans money on their utility bills and reduce dangerous greenhouse gas pollution at the same time," said Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr., D-N.J. "These efficiency standards create certainty for manufacturers and they protect consumers from rising costs. And, in the case of these laundry machine standards, they also reduce water use – a benefit that could greatly aid drought-prone regions around the nation." But the less electricity and water laundry appliances use, the less effectively they tend to perform, according to an Oct. 2024 report by the Institute for Energy Research. “Historically, appliances meeting Energy Department standards have often underperformed and have higher costs,” the report stated. “The Biden-Harris administration is imposing a series of regulations that are raising appliance prices and compromising quality for homeowners.” Unless the bill is signed into law, laundry appliance makers have until March 2028 to comply with the new rules.
Paris, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Dec, 2024) President Emmanuel Macron is to name a new on Friday, aides said, after days of deadlock over finding a candidate to replace Michel Barnier whose ousting by pushed into a fresh crisis. Barnier was toppled in a historic no-confidence on 4 and there had been expectations Macron would announce his successor in an address to the nation even a day later. But in a sign of the stalemate in French after inconclusive legislative elections this summer, he did not name his successor then and has now missed a 48-hour deadline he gave at a meeting meeting of party leaders on Tuesday. On Thursday, Macron left on a day-long trip to key EU and ally but shortened the in an apparent bid to finalise the appointment. "The statement naming the will be published tomorrow (Friday) morning," said an aide to to the president, asking not to be named, late Thursday just after Macron touched down the trip to . "He is finishing his consultations," the aide added, without giving further details. - 'Stuck' - Whoever is named will be the sixth of Macron's mandate after the toppling of Barnier, who lasted only three months, and faces an immediate challenge in thrashing out a to pass . Each premier under Macron has served successively less time in office and there is no guarantee for the new premier that they will not follow this pattern. Macron remains confronted with the complex political equation that emerged the snap parliamentary polls -- how to secure a against a no-confidence in a bitterly divided lower house where no party or has a majority. the candidates widely floated so far have encountered objections at least one side of the political spectrum. "They are stuck," said a person close to Macron, asking not to be named and lamenting that "each name gets blocked." "No one is in around the president," added the source, expressing hope Macron will surprise everyone with an unexpected choice. Macron's rumoured pick, veteran centrist Francois Bayrou, raises hackles on the left -- wary of continuing the president's policies -- and on the right, where he is disliked by influential former president Nicolas Sarkozy. Beyond Bayrou, prime ministerial contenders include former Socialist Bernard Cazeneuve, current Sebastien Lecornu, a Macron loyalist, and former foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian. Another name being discussed in the is Roland Lescure, a former minister, but the nomination of the former Socialist risks inflaming the right. - 'Fresh wind' - These "are that have been around for years and haven't seduced the French. It's the past. I want us to look to the future," Greens leader Marine Tondelier said. "The French public want a bit of enthusiasm, momentum, fresh wind, something new," she told 2 . Polls indicate the public is fed up with the crisis. Just over two-thirds of respondents to one Elabe poll published on Wednesday said they want politicians to reach a deal not to overthrow a new . But confidence is limited, with around the number saying they did not believe the political class could reach . In a separate IFOP poll, far-right National Rally (RN) figurehead Marine Le Pen was credited with 35 percent support in the first round of a future presidential -- well ahead of any likely opponent. She has said she is "not unhappy" that her far-right party was left out of the horse-trading around the , appearing for now to benefit the chaos rather than suffer blame for bringing last week's no-confidence over the line. In a critical looming moment, Le Pen on 31, 2025 faces the verdict in an embezzlement trial on charges she denies. If convicted, she could lose the chance of standing in the 2027 elections and with it her chance yet of winning the Elysee.When three children must choose between bullying a fellow classmate or getting bullied themselves, will they give in to fear or do the right thing? That question, simple yet relatable for many children, is the subject of a colorful new children’s book written by Joe Kulbacki called “The Think It Through Crew.” “It has some of the steps a kid can take when they’re being bullied or see someone getting bullied, like getting help or telling a teacher,” said Kulbacki, director of instructional technology at the Hermitage School District. The book tells the story of three fourth-grade friends named Max, Stan and Amanda, who are threatened by a fifth-grade bully to help him bully a classmate. To guide the three friends in the right direction, the Conscience Canary arrives and shows the students what could happen if they either give in to the bully’s demands or stand up to the bully. After the crew has a chance to think it through, they’re able to make the right decision — giving children some ideas to deal with real-life cases of bullying. Helping to tell the story are a series of bright, colorful and stylized illustrations by Hermitage graduate and artist Max Schaller, under the pseudonym “M. McGinnis.” “He does illustrations of a lot of different things, and he did a great job with this,” Kulbacki said of Schaller. The idea for the book first came about 10 or 15 years ago, when Kulbacki was teaching fourth and fifth grade in Lebanon, Pa. With plenty of students under his supervision and three daughters of his own, Kulbacki was used to reading plenty of children’s books. Story continues below video However, he was also familiar with many of the hardships and social situations that young children can find themselves in. This inspired him to write a book that would appeal to children while giving easy-to-follow instructions. “I’d been around kids enough that I knew what I wanted to teach them, I just had to figure out writing a book,” Kulbacki said. Work on the story itself started around seven years ago, and friends and family members involved in education helped develop and edit the story. Kulbacki discovered Schaller and asked him to illustrate the story, and the book was ultimately published through Amazon in early 2023. About 500 books have been sold so far, with many of those purchased by the United Way of Mercer County for the students involved in their summer program, Kulbacki said. Although he’s still learning the process behind advertising and promoting his work online, Kulbacki has had opportunities to share his work at local events such as the Hermitage Night Market. He’s also spoken at schools and libraries about the book and the importance of preventing bullying, and he has plans to write future books about similar topics for children, such as online safety. “The first book was about what to do when you see bullying, but there are so many things that children need to be aware of,” Kulbacki said. More information can be found on Amazon and at “The Think It Through Crew” on Facebook.
None
Quebec Liberals want to ban supervised injection sites near schools, daycares
One in eight New Zealand children are obese, a new report says. File photo: Reuters A report released on Monday by the Helen Clark Foundation shows that more than one in three New Zealand adults are obese, the third-highest rate in the OECD, while one in eight children are affected. The numbers are significantly worse for Māori and Pasifika people. Obesity is now the country's leading risk factor for death and disability, ahead of smoking, according to the report. It recommended that the government introduce policies to help improve the accessibility of healthy foods and curb the marketing of unhealthy products targeted at children. "For Kiwis to be healthy, they need to be living in a healthy food environment, but our streets, supermarket shelves and school canteens are packed with food that is convenient, highly processed, and high in fat, salt, and sugar, while our airwaves amplify and target these unhealthy products," Helen Clark Foundation executive director Murray Bruges said. "If politicians fail to accept this, the same failed policies of the past will be repeated." The majority of New Zealanders supported tougher rules on unhealthy food, report co-author Adam Bradshaw said. Obesity was putting immense strain on the health system and costing New Zealand up to $9 billion per year in lost productivity, he said. "While the causes of obesity can be complex, the fact that New Zealand has so far chosen not to implement policies we know work in other countries is making a bad situation worse. "It's time for New Zealand politicians to also take some responsibility to tackle our growing obesity problem." The report recommended: • Introducing a levy on sugar in food, to bring levels down • Removing sugary drinks from schools • Ensuring healthy food is served in hospitals • Adopting new technologies and treatments for the prevention and treatment of obesity Dave Letele, who founded the weight loss gym BBM Motivation, said some of New Zealand's poorest communities had an oversupply of fast food outlets. The report's proposals emphasised the need for immediate government action, he said.
Littler, who won the Grand Slam of Darts last week, hit checkouts of 170, 164 and 136 as he threatened to overturn an early deficit, but Humphries held his nerve to win the last three legs. “I’m really, really proud of that one to be honest,” Humphries told Sky Sports. “I didn’t feel myself this week playing-wise, I felt like I was a dart behind in a lot of the scenarios but there’s something that Luke does to you. He really drives me, makes me want to be a better player and I enjoy playing him. “He let me in really early in that first session to go 4-1 up, I never looked back and I’m proud that I didn’t take my foot off the gas. These big games are what I live for. “Luke is a special talent and he was right – I said to him I’ve got to get these (titles) early before he wins them all. “I’d love to be up here and hitting 105 averages like Luke is all the time but he’s a different calibre, he’s probably the best player in the world right now but there’s something about me that never gives up. “This is a great way to go into the worlds.” Littler, who lost the world championship final to Humphries last year, said: “It was tough, missed a few doubles and if you don’t take chances early on, it’s a lot to come back. “I hit the 170 and the 164 but just didn’t have enough in the end. “It’s been a good past two weeks. I just can’t wait to go home, chill out, obviously practice at home for the worlds. That’s it now, leading up to the big one.”
Ben Foster leads Kansas' largest independently owned broadband and communications company. OVERLAND PARK, Kan. , Dec. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association announced the election of board officers for 2025, including Ben Foster as Vice Chair. Foster is the president & CEO of Twin Valley and ISG Technology – together the largest independently owned broadband and communications company in Kansas . Twin Valley is rapidly growing as a rural Kansas fiber and small-to-medium business IT provider, while ISG is a top national competitor in mid-to-enterprise level IT services with locations in Kansas , Missouri and Oklahoma . As the premier association representing nearly 850 independent, community-based broadband companies, NTCA is committed to advancing policies that help close the digital divide and advocating on behalf of its members in the legislative and regulatory arenas. The association also provides educational programming, training and development by publishing comprehensive industry research, conducting in person and virtual events, and offering an array of employee benefit programs. "NTCA is instrumental in setting industry policy and putting important legislation in front of lawmakers," Foster said. "In my role as Vice Chair of the NTCA board, I aim to bring a rural Kansas perspective to national broadband policy discussions, ensuring the voices of local providers and communities are heard." In its Pledge made to rural communities, Twin Valley commits to building the most reliable broadband network and supporting meaningful outreach initiatives, including digital inclusion efforts. Industry policy and federal funding are keys to delivering on those commitments. As a fourth-generation leader of the Twin Valley family of companies, Foster brings a wealth of industry knowledge to the NTCA board, which he has served on from 2011 to 2014 and 2022 to present, acting as secretary/treasurer in the 2024 board year. He also serves as a board member for the Kansas Fiber Network. As NTCA board vice chair, Foster joins officers Roxie Jorgenson , director at MTA ( Palmer, Alaska ), who will serve as chair, and Ross Petrick , general manager/CEO of Alliance Communications Cooperative Inc. ( Garretson, S.D. ), who will serve as secretary/treasurer. Foster was also re-elected to serve as the Central Region Commercial Director. "As we head into a new year, I look forward to working with all of our board members to implement our new strategic plan centered around our efforts to advocate for the continued viability and sustainability of the Universal Service Fund," said NTCA CEO Shirley Bloomfield . About Twin Valley Twin Valley is a fourth-generation family business that has over 80 years' experience providing cutting-edge technology and connectivity throughout the central U.S. Twin Valley helps customers unlock possibilities to realize their full potential by providing a unique combination of broadband, mobile, home security, managed IT services, technology consulting, professional services and cloud/data center solutions for both residential and business customers. Twin Valley made a Pledge to their communities and customers, always striving to provide the most reliable broadband network, the best value for internet, local hometown customer service and meaningful community outreach initiatives. Learn more at twinvalley.com/pledge. About NTCA NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association is the premier association representing about 850 independent, community-based telecommunications companies that are leading innovative change in smart rural communities across America. In an era of transformative technological developments, regulatory challenges and marketplace competition, NTCA members are advancing efforts to close the digital divide by delivering robust and high-quality services over future-proof networks. Their commitment to building sustainable networks makes rural communities fertile ground for innovation in economic development, e-commerce, health care, agriculture and education, and it contributes billions of dollars to the U.S. economy each year. Visit us at www.ntca.org . SOURCE Twin ValleyRavens LB Roquan Smith inactive vs. Chargers
LONDON (AP) — A woman who claimed mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor “brutally raped and battered” her in a Dublin hotel penthouse was awarded nearly 250,000 Euros ($257,000) on Friday by a civil court jury in Ireland. Nikita Hand said the Dec. 9, 2018, assault after a night of partying left her heavily bruised and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. McGregor testified that he never forced the woman to do anything against her will and said she fabricated the allegations after the two had consensual sex. His lawyer had called Hand a gold digger. The fighter, once the face of the Ultimate Fighting Championship but now past his prime, shook his head as the jury of eight women and four men returned the verdict after deliberating for about six hours in the High Court in Dublin. He was mobbed by cameras as he left court but did not comment. He later said on the social platform X that he would appeal the verdict and the “modest award.” Hand's voice cracked and her hands trembled as she read a statement outside the courthouse, saying she would never forget what happened to her but would now be able to move on with her life. She thanked her family, partner, friends, jurors, the judge and all the supporters that had reached out to her online, but particularly her daughter. “She has given me so much strength and courage over the last six years throughout this nightmare to keep on pushing forward for justice,” she said. “I want to show (her) and every other girl and boy that you can stand up for yourself if something happens to you, no matter who the person is, and justice will be served.” The Associated Press generally does not name alleged victims of sexual violence unless they come forward publicly, as Hand has done. Under Irish law, she did not have the anonymity she would have been granted in a criminal proceeding and was named publicly throughout the trial. Her lawyer told jurors that McGregor was angry about a fight he had lost in Las Vegas two months earlier and took it out on his client. “He’s not a man, he’s a coward,” attorney John Gordon said in his closing speech. “A devious coward and you should treat him for what he is.” Gordon said his client never pretended to be a saint and was only looking to have fun when she sent McGregor a message through Instagram after attending a Christmas party. He said Hand knew McGregor socially and that they had grown up in the same area. She said he picked her and a friend up in a car and shared cocaine with them, which McGregor admitted in court, on the way to the Beacon Hotel. Hand said she told McGregor she didn't want to have sex with him and that she was menstruating. She said she told him “no” as he started kissing her but he eventually pinned her to a bed and she couldn't move. McGregor put her in a chokehold and later told her, “now you know how I felt in the octagon where I tapped out three times,” referring to a UFC match when he had to admit defeat, she said. Hand had to take several breaks in emotional testimony over three days. She said McGregor threatened to kill her during the encounter and she feared she would never see her young daughter again. Eventually, he let go of her. “I remember saying I was sorry, as I felt that I did something wrong and I wanted to reassure him that I wouldn’t tell anyone so he wouldn’t hurt me again,” she testified. She said she then let him do what he wanted and he had sex with her. A paramedic who examined Hand the next day testified that she had never before seen someone with that intensity of bruising. A doctor told jurors Hand had multiple injuries. Hand said the trauma of the attack had left her unable to work as a hairdresser, she fell behind on her mortgage and had to move out of her house. Police investigated the woman’s complaint but prosecutors declined to bring charges, saying there was insufficient evidence and a conviction was unlikely. McGregor, in his post on X, said he was disappointed jurors didn't see all the evidence prosecutors had reviewed. He testified that the two had athletic and vigorous sex, but that it was not rough. He said “she never said ‘no’ or stopped” and testified that everything she said was a lie. “It is a full blown lie among many lies,” he said when asked about the chokehold allegation. “How anyone could believe that me, as a prideful person, would highlight my shortcomings.” McGregor’s lawyer told jurors they had to set aside their animus toward the fighter. “You may have an active dislike of him, some of you may even loathe him – there is no point pretending that the situation might be otherwise,” attorney Remy Farrell said. “I’m not asking you to invite him to Sunday brunch.” The defense said the woman never told investigators McGregor threatened her life. They also showed surveillance video in court that they said appeared to show the woman kiss McGregor’s arm and hug him after they left the hotel room. Farrell said she looked “happy, happy, happy.” McGregor said he was “beyond petrified” when first questioned by police and read them a prepared statement. On the advice of his lawyer, he refused to answer more than 100 follow-up questions. The jury ruled against Hand in a case she brought against one of McGregor’s friends, James Lawrence, whom she accused of having sex with her in the hotel without consent.Garry scores 20, South Dakota State takes down Duquesne 71-60 at Cayman Islands Classic
She recently told new! magazine: "It's my favourite tradition, we do weird stockings, stockings in tights. "We cut tights in half and fill them. We've always done it since I was a child - no idea why, but we love it." Although Arabella will be too young to enjoy the Christmas celebrations, Emily plans to make sure the tot is still part of the festive fun. She said: "It'll be a Christmas at home for us, a very chilled one. "It's the first Christmas for the little one and she won't understand it, but I will so I'm going to enjoy it. "I'm going to dress her up as a little Christmas pudding. I've got it all planned." Peter previously praised Emily for establishing Christmas traditions in their home because the 'Mysterious Girl' hitmaker grew up without celebrating the holiday as he was raised as a Jehovah's Witness, and the faith doesn't usually mark other Christian festivals. The 51-year-old singer still feels "kind of new" when it comes to festive celebrations as a result of his upbringing. He said: "We have lots of traditions - like Elf on the Shelf - but I've got to admit, Emily introduced them. "I'm still kind of new at this because I grew up in a very religious household and we didn't celebrate Christmas. "So the festive spirit is down to Emily. Oh, and Santa of course."The Herzfeld Caribbean Basin Fund, Inc. Announces Retirement of Thomas J. Herzfeld from the Board of Directors and Named Chairman Emeritus; Names Cecilia Gondor Chairperson; Brigitta Herzfeld Named to the BoardSUNNYVALE, Calif., Nov. 21, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- eGain (Nasdaq: EGAN), the AI Knowledge Management platform for business, announced today that its Board of Directors approved an extension to the stock repurchase program from November 14, 2024, until the earlier of (i) the date the aggregate amount of shares that can be repurchased under the stock repurchase program have been repurchased and (ii) November 14, 2025. "This extension underscores our belief that our shares are undervalued and reinforces our confidence in the significant growth potential of the AI knowledge market. With our strong balance sheet, we believe we are well-positioned to expand our market presence in knowledge management while delivering value to shareholders through our ongoing buyback program," said Ashu Roy, eGain’s CEO. As of November 15, 2024, eGain has repurchased approximately $27.6 million of shares of its common stock under its stock repurchase program, leaving approximately $12.4 million of shares of its common stock available for repurchase after the increase. Under the stock repurchase program, eGain may purchase shares of common stock on a discretionary basis from time to time through open market transactions or privately negotiated transactions at prices deemed appropriate by eGain. In addition, at the discretion of eGain, open market repurchase of common stock may also be made under a Rule 10b5-1 plan, which would permit common stock to be repurchased when eGain might otherwise be precluded from doing so under insider trading laws or self-imposed trading restrictions. The timing and number of shares repurchased will be determined based on an evaluation of market conditions and other factors, including stock price, trading volume, general business and market conditions, and capital availability. The stock repurchase program does not obligate eGain to acquire a specified number of shares and may be modified, suspended, or discontinued at any time at eGain’s discretion without notice. The stock repurchase program will be funded using existing cash or future cash flows. About eGain eGain AI Knowledge Hub helps businesses improve experience and reduce cost by delivering trusted, consumable answers. Visit www.egain.com for more info. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including without limitation: statements regarding the timing, scope, and funding of our stock repurchase program; our belief that our shares are undervalued; our belief that we are well-positioned to expand our market presence; our focus, growth potential and market opportunity; and the expected benefits of our products. The achievement or success of the matters covered by such forward-looking statements involves risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, many of which involve factors or circumstances that are beyond our control. If any such risks or uncertainties materialize or if any of the assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results could differ materially from the results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements we make. The risks and uncertainties referred to above include, but are not limited to: risks to our business, operating results, and financial condition; the pace of technological advancements in generative AI and the adaptability of our services to incorporate these advancements; market demand for AI-enabled solutions; risks associated with new product releases and new services and products features; risks that customer demand may fluctuate or decrease; risks that we are unable to collect unbilled contractual commitments, particularly in the current economic environment; risks that our lengthy sales cycles may negatively affect our operating results; currency risks; our ability to capitalize on customer engagement; risks related to our reliance on a relatively small number of customers for a substantial portion of our revenue; our ability to compete successfully and manage growth; our ability to develop and expand strategic and third party distribution channels; risks related to our international operations; our ability to continue to innovate; our strategy of making investments in sales to drive growth; general political or destabilizing events, including war, intensified international hostilities, conflict or acts of terrorism; the effect of legislative initiatives or proposals, statutory changes, governmental or other applicable regulations and/or changes in industry requirements, including those addressing data privacy, cyber-security and cross-border data transfers; and other risks detailed from time to time in eGain’s public filings, including eGain’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2024, and subsequent reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which are available on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and speak only as of the date hereof. We assume no obligation and do not intend to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law. eGain, the eGain logo, and all other eGain product names and slogans are trademarks or registered trademarks of eGain Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other company names and products mentioned in this release may be trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective companies. MKR Investor Relations Todd Kehrli or Jim Byers Phone: 323-468-2300 Email: egan@mkr-group.comOn International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women , President Claudia Sheinbaum highlighted that her government is implementing a range of “actions” and making various law changes in favor of gender equality and the protection and strengthening of women’s rights. Speaking at her Monday morning press conference, Sheinbaum also said that her administration is committed to “eradicating” violence against women. The two main tenets of the government’s strategy are “prevention” of violence against women and “zero impunity” for crimes committed, she said. “In the face of any femicide: zero impunity. In the face of sexual violence against women: zero impunity,” Sheinbaum said. Sheinbaum told her morning presser that the government’s women’s rights pamphlet is currently being drawn up and will be unveiled soon. “The pamphlet has to do with the rights enshrined in the constitution, in laws,” she said, adding that it will explain “what equality means” and expose societal prejudices that have an adverse impact on equality. Sheinbaum spoke about some prejudices that remain prevalent in Mexico, such as that women and girls should clear the table at meal times and do the dishes. “Contributing to household chores is a task for everyone,” she said. Sheinbaum also said there is no reason why girls can’t play with cars and marbles and boys can’t play with dolls. “Something as simple” as telling a girl she can’t play with cars can have an impact on her future life, the president said. “Saying ‘you can’t play with this’ or ‘you can’t play with marbles’ ... limits the dreams a girl can have,” she said. Sheinbaum said last month that the government’s women’s rights pamphlet should be distributed to men as well as women because everyone needs to know about women’s rights. One reporter asked Sheinbaum about the impact her ascension to Mexico’s top political position has had on the country. At the conclusion of her question, the journalist noted that a young girl in Chiapas impersonated Mexico’s first female president, or presidenta , at a Revolution Day parade last week. (A video of the girl’s performance went viral on social media.) “Las niñas incorporan a su discurso la nueva visión de la importancia de las mujeres en la vida pública”, resaltó la presidenta @Claudiashein sobre video grabado durante un desfile de la Revolución mexicana en Chiapas. pic.twitter.com/eVe1FMxzyO — Gobierno de México (@GobiernoMX) November 22, 2024 A female president “is a symbol that transforms mindsets,” Sheinbaum said. “It’s not enough [just] with the symbol, we have to develop policy, change the constitution , change legislation and develop actions for the protection and promotion of women’s rights,” she said. “But ... [a female president] is a symbol, when a girl sees a presidenta obviously she can imagine that she too can be a presidenta ,” Sheinbaum said. “... And that represents a change in mindset, and not just in girls, in boys as well, in men as well, it’s a cultural transformation,” she said. Sheinbaum noted that she will attend Rocío Nahle’s inauguration as governor of Veracruz this Sunday. Nahle, federal energy minister during most of former president Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s six-year term, is “a woman of character with many convictions, who loves Veracruz, who loves its people,” the president said. “And I know that she will do a great job. And we’ll be there supporting her with everything she needs,” Sheinbaum said. She also highlighted that the incoming governor, while energy minister “was able to build a refinery” — the new Pemex facility on the Gulf coast of Tabasco . Nahle, a native of the state of Zacatecas, was the ruling Morena party’s candidate in the June 2 gubernatorial election in Veracruz, and won the contest easily with close to 60% of the vote . By Mexico News Daily chief staff writer Peter Davies ( [email protected] )
RICHMOND — With speeding and sideshows occupying intersections still a persistent issue in Richmond, councilmembers are set to consider directing staff to urgently identify measures to bring safety to city streets. An item on Tuesday night’s Richmond City Council agenda calls for staff to identify traffic calming measures that would abate speeding and donuts in at least six areas throughout the city in an effort to address a serious public safety risk that’s resulted in property damage, injuries and death in the last year alone. “I’d venture to say that no city street is safe,” said Richmond Police Capt. Matt Stonebraker during a monthly crime prevention meeting focused on sideshows held on Oct. 23. The staff report for the item, brought forward by Councilmember Cesar Zepeda, did not specify which six locations should be studied but Canal Boulevard was called out as a specific area of concern. In mid-October, a 16-year-old was killed and her 11-year-old sister injured in a speeding accident on the 600 block of Canal Boulevard. Richmond officers arrested nine people and impounded four cars just weeks ago in response to a sideshow with more than 50 vehicles and 200 participants on the same street. Sideshows have also occurred near Hilltop Mall. Participants of a large sideshow in late September damaged multiple cars at nearby auto dealerships and a Richmond Police Department vehicle, the department shared on its social media platforms. The “well organized” unauthorized events, which have grown in size, are occurring nearly every weekend and pull in crowds from outside the region, Stonebraker said. “It’s dangerous not only for the participants, not only for the spectators, but for the community at large and everyone around them or anybody that’s there,” Stonebraker said. “It’s dangerous. We want them to stop and we’re doing everything we can at this point to curb that.” Mayor Eduardo Martinez made his stance on the issue clear in an Oct. 1 Facebook post. Martinez, who has advocated for creating a space where sideshows can occur legally, said he is not in support of and has never encouraged breaking the law. The mayor noted in his post that sideshows — a term he’s wary of using because it does not fully encompass all types of reckless driving and can be used to demonize different parts of the community — are a regional issue. Similarly, Stonebraker said it’s typical for sideshows to travel from San Jose, through the East Bay and San Francisco, up to Sacramento. About 15 sideshows occurred in September alone, an average of about three a week, said Sgt. Enrik Melgoza during the October crime prevention meeting. To address the problem locally, Martinez said the city is working on hiring additional personnel, collaborating with neighboring agencies and deploying Flock cameras that collect vehicle information used to track down suspects. “I am fully committed to ensuring that our city remains safe for all residents, businesses, and visitors,” Martinez said. “These lawless actions do not represent the values of our Richmond residents, and we will do everything in our power to protect our community.” Police spokesperson Lynelle Sanchez said the department is also routinely monitoring for speeding in key corridors like Macdonald Avenue and 23rd Street. Officers issued 17 citations to drivers who failed to yield to pedestrians or were speeding near crosswalks during a recent traffic operation, she said. If the council back’s Zepeda’s request, staff would be directed to return before the end of January 2025 with identified traffic calming measures. Tawfic Halaby, deputy Public Works director of operations and maintenance, said during last month’s crime prevention meeting that the department is reaching out to neighboring jurisdictions to determine what types of measures have been successful. In the meantime, Sanchez encouraged the public to do their part in preventing traffic accidents by driving safely. “We really need the community to come together to make sure everyone stays safe,” Sanchez said. “Everybody’s in a rush trying to get home and feed their kids, but as residents we can do our part to help each other, especially around gatherings of people before and after school.” Zepeda did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
UMass 62, Harvard 54Larry is joined by writer and historian Timothy Shenk to discuss his newest book, Left Adrift: What Happened to Liberal Politics . They begin their conversation by talking about why they think the Democrats failed with their messaging in the 2024 election and what the rise of Trumpism means about American culture today. Next, Shenk shares the historic and societal reasons he was inspired to write his book, which tells the story of modern Democratic ideology through the lens of highly influential political thinkers like Stan Greenburg (19:23). They then look at historical figures like George Wallace and Eugene McCarthy to see how their vision of populism led to the rise of politicians like Donald Trump, Bernie Sanders, and Barack Obama (24:50). After the break, Larry and Tim debate what the Democrats can do to reconnect to the working and lower classes and examine which major political party is best positioned for success going forward (52:05). Host: Larry Wilmore Guest: Timothy Shenk Producer: Chris Sutton Subscribe: Spotify / Apple Podcasts / Stitcher / RSSNEW DELHI: Lawyers for Justice & Rajdhani Yuva Sansad organised the second National Lawyers’ Parliament Festival at the India International Centre Lodhi Road on November 24. Over 300 legal professionals from across the country participated, engaging in thought-provoking discussions on the New Criminal Law Codes of 2023. The parliamentary discussion was graced by several dignitaries including Union Minister of Law and Justice, Arjun Ram Meghwal, who was the Chief Guest for the inaugural ceremony. The event was inaugurated by Arjun Meghwal with the lighting of the lamp. While addressing the gathering Meghwal stressed on the reforms in the Indian Legal System. He highlighted the evolution of Indian laws, emphasising their role in society from historic events like the Battle of Plassey and the 1857 Revolt. He noted the shift from punitive old laws to reformative new ones, citing recent changes in criminal laws as steps toward a more inclusive and progressive legal system. Speaking at length about the new criminal laws, Meghwal added that the changes were made in the existing laws after taking scrutinising a large number of suggestions. Clearing the air with regards to the execution of the new laws, Meghwal added that these new laws are being implemented in all parts of the country. He however, added that the Union Home Minister Amit Shah has gone on record to say that we are open to changes, wherever required. Highlighting some of the key points of the new criminal laws, he said that the ‘three Ts’ which include technology, timeliness and trial will play a pivotal role in ensuring that justice prevails. He added that in the past it was difficult to file a first information report. However, now under the new law the concept of ‘Zero FIR’ has been introduced which means that the aggrieved party can file an FIR in online mode from anywhere. He further added that in the past, even if the court pronounced the judgement to release an accused or the convict, it could not be done as the jailor would do so only when he receives the copy. However, now the moment the judge pronounces the verdict, it will be uploaded on the website and the accused will be able to walk free. This will be done on the E-Prison platform. Arjun Meghwal further said that under the new criminal laws we have introduced the concept of community service. He stated that this concept was prevalent in the past and was adopted by other countries and in Bharat it was done away with. However, it has been brought again. Other dignitaries who attended the inaugural event included Justice Chandra Dhari Singh and Justice Vikas Mahajan from the Delhi High Court, Vijay Kumar Singh, Vice Chairperson, DDA. The day began with introductory remarks by Advocate. Piyush Gupta who emphasised upon the significance of youth engagement in legal and policy discourse. The address of Advocate Jai Saini & Advocate Isha Kapoor ignited a discussion on new codes. Earlier Justice Vikas Mahajan from the Delhi High Court, while addressing the gathering said that the objective of the new criminal laws is to ensure that the justice is done at the earliest and we can do away with the old saying that justice delayed is justice denied. Meanwhile, there were three sessions that were held which focused on BNSS, BNS and BSA. The audience were divided into two groups that is the ruling party and the opposition. Questions and counter questions were asked on the new and old criminal laws and suggestions were also put forward. The Valedictory ceremony was presided over by Justice Manoj Kumar Ohri, Judge, Delhi High Court. The award ceremony also saw the presence of MP, Chetan Sharma, Additional Solicitor General of India, Prof Dr. Seema Singh and Prof Dr. Upma Gautam. Prof Dr. Seema Singh, while addressing the gathering stated that under the new law, stringent action will be taken against those who are committing a crime that is against the nation or is detrimental for it. Another dignitary, Amanpreet Pasiji highlighted that the real challenge would be how to implement the new law. Justice Manoj Kumar Ohri, mentioned some of the changes in the new criminal law which includes that the word mental illness has been replaced with unsound mind. He further added that the new law acknowledges the evidence collected through forensic science. Ahead of the conclusion of the event, awards were given to those who had asked questions and and had defended their points well in various sessions.